2
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Fashion
DONNING
FRINGE SHOES
THE Fringe ringe g shoes are gradually becomingg a wardrobe staple p for most d it’s i ’ doing d i that h with ih ladies and a bang and we all know shoes are one of the most coveted accessories. Join the fringe heel fad, get a pair and rock and roll this season. Look around and see how gorgeous ladies rock their fringe shoes. Some ladies would pair a grey fringe sandal heel with a blue jumpsuit with cut out detail and a ray ban sun glasses.
Keeping the look simple. However, others would opt for a light brown fringe sandal h i d with i h turned d up heel,l paired ripped jean and a long black sleeted sleeveless T-shirt and accessorized with a similar colored fringe clutch and a cute costume glass. It comes out perfect with anombre colored hair as it blends in with the fringe shoe and clutch. Also consider a deep brown fringe sandal heel, which could be paired with short crazy jean, deep V neck white T-shirt,
silver and brown handbag and white sheer blazers finished off with metallic retro glasses. Al l f l fringe fi Also, try a colorful box heel shoe which could be paired with skinny ripped jean, a peach sleeveless crop top with cut outs at the side and huge circle brown sun shade. Lastly, most ladies would love a yellow fringe sandal heel, worn with skinny jean and a multiple colored sequin jacket paired with a yellow bag, gold chain bracelet and retro sun shades.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Lens Pick Of The Week
How Not To Celebrate ‘Bath-day’
Photo By
Fidelis Isibor
Bayelsa Pastor Assassinated In Bedroom By OGUNOJEMITE OGUNOJEM AYODELE
UNIDENTIFIED gunmen have killed the Pastor of Land of Peace Ministry, Mr. AlawariOgili, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Ogili was reportedly killed at his residence along DSP Alamieyeseigha Way, Opolo, Yenagoa, the state capital.
It was gathered that the gunmen scaled the fence of their target at about 2:00am on Wednesday, forced their way into his bedroom and killed him. A security source, who spoke in confidence, said the assassins shot Ogili dead and fled the house without stealing any valuable. The source said: “It was a clear case of assassination. It was wellplanned and executed unchallenged.
We don’t know the offence of the pastor. “The gunmen broke into his house, opened fire on him and ensured he was dead before they fled the place. They didn’t steal anything.” The church where Ogili was a pastor before he was killed is located at Ebis Mechanic Road, Yenagoa. But other sources said the gunmen after scaling the fence, switched off
a generator in the compound to lure the victim outside. Igili, who was unknown that danger was lurking around, went out to check the fault of the generator. “When he came out to check the problem with the generator, the gunmen who were hiding in the darkness, opened fire on him and ran away,” another source said.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, AsinimButswat, confirmed the incident. He said the gunmen took nothing from the house. He said the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa where doctors confirmed him dead. He said investigations were ongoing to unmask those behind the murder.
Secondary School Students Attack Corps Members With Guns In Abia By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE
NYSC Corps members serving in Ibeku High School of Umuahia North Abia state were on Thursday attacked by some students of the school suspected to be cult members. The students had attacked the Corps Members in their lodge situated within the school compound armed with cutlass and locally made guns. The students numbering ten scaled the fence of the building to gain entrance into the lodge, stealing and vandalizing properties of the corps members. According to reports, the principal of the school was alerted during the attack but gave the excuse that he
was in a meeting. The scared corps members then called Police officers who were able to apprehend some of the assailants. One of the arrested students during interrogation said that they scaled the fence in an attempt to attack male corps members serving in the school. According to him they wanted to teach the corpers who are considered too strict and wicked a bitter lesson. “We didn’t want to kill them, we only wanted to teach them a lesson. They are too strict and flog us a lot” he said The case has been transferred to the state criminal investigative department for further investigation.
3
4
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Newsreel
FRSC Convicts 38 Offenders In Ogun
Maiduguri Bomb Blast:
Death Toll Rises To 28 AT A T lleast east 2 28 8p pe people eop ople wer were ere re killed in a suicide suiic icide bombing bom bo bomb mb bin ng at a a mosque mos osqu q e in Maiduguri, Maaidu aiduggu ai guri ri,i, northeast nort no r heasst Nigeria, Nige Ni geri ge r a, on Friday, raising fresh security concerns after a wave of similar attacks. The attack happened shortly after 5:00 am (0400 GMT) in the Jidari area of the Borno state capital, which has previously been targeted by Boko Haram militants. Maiduguri has now been hit six times this month, killing a total of 76 people, according to an AFP tally, underscoring an increased risk to civilians after similar strikes in neighbouring states and near the capital, Abuja. Umar Sani, a civilian vigilante assisting the military in the counterinsurgency, and local resident Musa Sheriff both told AFP there were two blasts at the mosque. “People from various mosques nearby rushed to the scene to assist the victims,” said Sani. “I was involved in the evacuation. We counted 28 dead bodies apart from the two bombers, who were identifiable by the mutilation of their bodies. “Over 20 other people were injured.” Sheriff, who said he escaped with his life as he was late for prayers, gave a similar account. Both men also said two other people were arrested and handed over to the military for questioning after they were seen apparently celebrating following the blasts. The two men were “standing from afar, hugging each other like a celebration, chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest)”, said Sani.
“The rrescuers apprehended escuers ap appr p eh pr hended them. Th They used ropes hey ey u sed d ro rope pees to pes t ttie ie them and they eyy cconfirmed onfir on fi me med d th thatt ttwo w of wo their comrades carried out the attacks. They were unrepentant,” he added. “To them it was a mission accomplished,” said Sheriff. Initial reports of the attack from Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said only six people were killed and 17 others injured. Medical sources at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Borno State Specialist Hospital later gave a lower toll of 19 dead. There are frequently conflicting death tolls in the insurgency and official statements often downplay the number of casualties. Nigeria’s military has claimed a series of successes against Boko Haram, recapturing territory seized by the militants last year, as well as the mass surrender of fighters. Senior officers have characterised the increase in suicide bombings against “soft” targets as a sign of the group’s desperation. Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has said the military is on track to meet a year-end deadline to bring the six-year insurgency to an end. At least 17,000 people have been killed and more than 2.5 million made homeless by the violence, which has spread into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. But the latest bombings in Maiduguri will likely raise questions about how militants are able to carry out such attacks on a regular basis.
Timeless!!! Oba Bini Has No Burial Date •Crown Prince Initiation Goes On •Edo Govt Says, No Comment By EDU OHIOZE, Benin City DESPITE wide guesses flying around about the demise of the monarch of the Bini Kingdom or the soon to be his successor, the Crown Prince, Edaiken of Uselu, National Weekender can now authoritatively reveal that the traditional institution in the Benin Kingdom, ever so sure-stepped and ready for
Obi Igboelerin Celebrates New Yam Festival By RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN IT was great fun and pageantry as the Obi of Igboelerin, Prince .E.S. Onuoha, chairman Oman Shipping Company Limited, Ukwumba 1 of Bende and family is joined by friends and well-wishers from different areas of Lagos to celebrate the 2015 New Yam Festival “Iri ji”. The occasion which he said he chose to mark low key this year, still attracted many distinguished personalities including non-Igbos who came in their numbers to felicitate with him and add more colour, vibe to the event that will remain memorable in the hearts of many that were present. The Iri ji is an age long event by the Igbos to thank God for a good farming season and yield while also using the opportunity to make a statement about their tradition and continuing in line with what their fathers taught them for the benefit of their own children and younger generations who are not in tone with tradition. Speaking during the event, Obi Onuoha thanked God for another year in the life of his family and people. He also used the opportunity to appreciate his numerous friends that graced the
THE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ota, Ogun, on Friday said that its Magistrate Mobile Court convicted 38 offenders for various traffic offences. This is contained in a statement by Mr Leye Adegboyega, FRSC Unit Commander, made available to newsmen in Ota. Adegboyega said that 44 offenders were arraigned, but the court presided over by Magistrate Olayinka Idowu, discharged and acquitted six people. He said the offenders were arrested for various traffic offences ranging from drivers’ licencing, seatbelt, and tyre violations as well as driving with shattered windscreen. “The commission has mandated that the traffic offenders should be prosecuted in court to serve as deterrent to other road users, especially this period of ember months. “And one of commission’s strategic goals is the enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations through prosecution of offenders in mobile court.
occasion from far and near. “I thank God for another year and Iri ji occasion. I want to also use this opportunity to thank all my friends that came from different places just to celebrate with me. Engr. Chief Okoro .I. Okoro (Ngalaba) chairman Ohaneze Ndigbo, Iba LCDA chapter praised Obi of Igboelerin as one of his Obi’s who is very rooted traditionally and does not joke with things that has to do with Igbo tradition. High chief Ibekwe Kambiri, Obi Peace estate phase 1 &2, Iba LCDA was also there to rally round the Obi of Igboelerin. Also present was Obi Egbunam Vincent, managing director Obiekunie building & construction limited amongst other notable personalities.
•Obi of Igboelerin
the eventualities of the transition have made all preparations from a smooth transition from father to son. National Weekender checks during the week in the now very modern city, indicate that a lot has gone down in the making of the new king and in the preparations to immortalize the departed lion of the great kingdom of the Bini. At the last count of our checks, palace sources told National Weekender, that the coronation process of the new King, which requires several rites are ongoing and that it would soon crystallize to the birth of a new lion, who is scheduled to restore the great tradition of the Bini People. The idea is that until the traditional rites have been totally performed there cannot be room for the new Oba to step into the shoes of his forebears. On news making the rounds that Omo N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediuwa 11, may have been committed to mother earth long ago, sources in the palace insisted that there must be a long wait for official words from the Edo State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. “We take tradition above everything in Bini Kingdom and we must wait till the last minute to be sure of what the situation is with regards to the passage or otherwise of the great Bini
Monarch”, a source informed our reporter. Top officials of Edo State, who were reached for comments were also being cautious as they told our reporter that there cannot be any statement on the Oba of Benin until the government is told officially and they will then come out to make an official statement. “Let’s not jump the gun, patience here is the key word” a top official of the Adams Oshiomhole government admonished at the weekend.
•Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa
Nigeria To Discourage Importation Of Low Quality Goods PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed government’s readiness to improve Nigeria’s industrial sector by strengthening local investment and discouraging importation of foreign goods. The president stated this in Abuja at the commissioning ceremony of the new ultra-modern steel pipe
manufacturing mill and inaugural rolling out ceremony of completed gas pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Mr. Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, said his administration would regularly review fiscal
policy measures to safeguard local investment and discourage importation of low quality products and services. He assured that government would promote and support all efforts targeted at achieving industrial growth and improving the socio-economic development
of Nigeria by creating the enabling environment for same. The president tasked oil companies operating in the country to develop new specification of pipes that would meet international standard for low pressure and shallow water application in the oil and gas industry.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Crime
Soka Horror Forest:
Ajimobi Where Is The Report? By STEPHEN AYA ON Saturday 22 March, 2015 residents of the town of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state was awoken to the gory news of the discovery of a ritual killing site, located at the nearby Soka forest, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway. According to reports, for years, evil had been perpetrated unabated in the site, originally leased by Habiton Company, who had acquired it in 1988 and later leased it to a construction company, Aprofill. The company (Aprofill) abandoned the site when the contract it was executing then was terminated. Those who got to the ‘evil forest’ where hundreds of people had been killed by kidnappers were stunned on seeing the number of decomposed bodies. Hence, the place was called various names such as“Soka house of horror”, “A
den of killers”, “The place of skull”, “The evil shrine”, “The valley of dry bones”, “Killers’ hideouts”. No adjective or description seemed too gruesome to express the horror that was discovered there. It was alleged that criminals harbored kidnapped victims there, and that those who were still alive were huddled to and hidden in an underground tunnel in the forest. When an alarm was raised on the suspicious activities of the criminals in the forest, security men and early responders, who went to the evil forest had an indescribable feeling. The odour oozing out from decomposing bodies cast an aura of fear and death on some parts of OIuyole local government Area of Oyo State. When Governor AbiolaAjimobi of Oyo State visited the place after it was discovered, he revoked the certificate of occupancy (C of O) of the land and promised that all the victims alleged to have been
hidden in the underground tunnel will be found. He also ordered forensic investigations to be conducted by security agencies and examination experts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killings and that those responsible will be prosecuted no matter how highly placed in government or society. He then appealed to residents to patientlyawaittheoutcomeofpolice and forensic investigationswhen dissenting voice started coming up just weeks into the discovered kidnappers’ den But it has now been 17 months since that place was discovered, and the said report on Soka is yet to be made public making Nigerians especially the people of Oyo State question the sincerity of Governor Ajumobi towards unveiling the evil elements behind the gruesome killings and other forms of criminality that happened there. A concerned Ibadan residents
said “The whole incident seems to have been forgotten. It’s unfortunate” A promise by the governor to demolish the structures in that place is yet to be fulfilled ostensibly because an investigation is still ongoing. This discredits the sincerity of the Oyo state government to bringing her citizens to the know of what actually happened at Soka and bringing to justice those involved. This is not the first time a case like this will be silenced and left to die a natural death. Recall thecase of the widely published CliffordOrji, known as Nigeria’s first cannibal.When the Clifford-cannibal saga broke out, the major issue was that of determining if it was a case of 'human being parts merchandising' or cannibalism cum insanity. Clifford was arrested in February 3, 1999, and charged before an Ebute-
Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on February 19 of the same year. But he was never tried before he died. When the news of his death at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, Lagos, filtered in, sometime in August 2012, nobody cared to know. As expected, only in Nigeria do people just die of unknown causes and for full effects, an investigation committee was set up. According to a social analyst, Mr. Ogundele, it is quite unfortunate that egregious issues like this are not sincerely and properly dealt with. Many times, they are swept under the carpet for political and personal reasons. He advised that Oyo state government and indeed the governor make public the investigative report on Soka, and prosecute those connected in anyway with the killingsthere. “Let us have a change of heart, value our citizens and fight crime. Let the Change start from there.” He insisted.
5
6
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Crime
Man Arraigned Over Alleged N1.890m Fraud Stories By RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN A suspected fraudstar, Azeez Sikiru Aderemi was brought before an Ikeja magisterial district for allegedly defraudingone Obere Omolade of N1.890m. According to the police prosecutor inspector N. Thomas, the accused was arrested on 16th of September 2015, at Onipanu-Ilupeju, Lagos, after the matter was reported to the police and investigations were concluded. Our correspondent gathered that the suspect was said to have collected the sum of one million eight hundred and ninety thousand naira (N1, 890, 000), with the pretence to supplying Digital Printing Photo Machine and Generator to one Obere Omolade which the accused didn’t supply. Inspector N. Thomas told the court that the offence are punishable under sections 313, a section 278 and section 285 of the criminal laws of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011 The defendant was docked on a three -count charge of obtaining under false pretences and stealing. The charges read in part, ‘’That you, Azeez Sikiru Aderemi ‘m’ between 29th of July 2015 to 16th of September 2015 at Onipanu-Ilupeju in Lagos magistrarial district did obtain the sum of one million eight hundred and ninety thousand naira (N1,890,000), with the pretence to supplying Digital Printing Photo Machine and Generation to one Obere Omolade. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to bail by the magistrate in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.The presiding magistrate, Mrs O. J. Awope then adjourned the case till November 20, 2015.
Street Fighting: 18 Year-Old Plucks Rival’s Eye With Stick AN 18 year old man Wasiu Idris, have been brought before an Ikeja magisterial District for street fighting and using dangerous weapons. The accused was arrested on the 10th of February 2015, at about 0750hours at Yaya Abatan junction, Ogba, Lagos. According to our correspondent, the accused was said to have inflicted injuries on one Olorunwa Oladipupo and also plucked his right eye with a stick during a street fight. The police prosecutor, inspector Uche Simeon, told the court that the offence is punishable under sections 409 and 244(A&B) of the criminal law 11 vol 44 laws of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011. The charges read in part, ‘’That you, Wasiu Idris ‘m’ and others at large on the 10th of February, 2015 at about 0750hrs at Yaya Abatan junction, Ogba, Lagos in the Ikeja magisterial district did conspire together to commit felony to wit. That you and others at large on the same time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district with intent to harm did inflict injuries on one Olorunwa Oladipupo and also plucking his right eye with a stick. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to bail by the magistrate in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties that have the evidence of tax payment. The presiding magistrate, Mrs Y.R. Phineiro then adjourned the case till November 20, 2015.
•Ayoola
South AfricanBased Drug Dealer Arrested In Lagos By STEPHEN AYA A South Africa base Nigerian grocer identified as Ayoola Ayodeji Adebayo have been arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos by Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 3.920kg of substances found to be methamphetamine was found on him at the time of the arrest NDLEA in a press release said that the suspect who is married was arrested during the outward screening of passengers on an
Ethiopian airline flight to South Africa.Speaking with Journalist on the arrest, the NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba said “Adebayo was found in possession of 3.920kg of methamphetamine on his way to South Africa. The drug was found in a false bottom of his luggage while he was trying to check-in the luggage. The case is being investigated” Ahmadu stated. Adebayo who holds a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management at Osun State College of Technology said in his confession that he made a
mistake getting involved in drug trafficking. “I am a grocer in Pretoria. I have lived in South Africa for over three years. I am married with two children. My friend in Pretoria asked me to bring two bags to him. He bought my return ticket and gave me one hundred and fifty thousand naira. I thought the drug would not be detected because it was neatly concealed. This is a big mistake on my part because I have sustained my family with the grocery business. It will not happen again if I can get out of this problem” Adebayo stated. Chairman/Chief Executive of
NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that the Agency has taken additional measures to detect hidden drugs at all exit and entry points in the country. “NDLEA has taken additional measures to detect hidden drugs at our exit and entry points in the country. This is in preparation for anticipated increase in drug trafficking at the airports, land borders and seaports towards the end of the year. The arrest of Ayoola whose drug was neatly concealed is an indication that more drugs shall be detected” Giade stated. The suspect will soon be arraigned in court.
Synagogue: Court Rules On Engineers’ Case Nov 2
•Pastor T.B. Joshua
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday fixed November 2, 2015 for rulings on preliminary objections to suits filed by the engineers who built the collapsed Synagogue Church Of All Nations’ building, Mr. Oladele Ogundeji and Mr. Akinbela Fatiregun. Ogundeji and Fatiregun sued the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and the Attorney General of Lagos State. The fourth defendant in the suit is the Lagos coroner, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, who indicted the engineers of criminal negligence over the death of the 116 persons who perished in the collapsed SCOAN building. Ogundeji and Fatiregun are seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State
from arresting, detaining, investigating or prosecuting them based on Komolafe’s verdict and recommendations. They also want an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Lagos State Attorney General or any officer under his authority from initiating or commencing criminal proceedings against them based on the verdict of the coroner. Their lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, told Justice Ibrahim Buba that the engineers considered the coroner’s verdict a nullity and maintained that there was no basis for the police to invite, arrest or investigate them. “The fulcrum of the applicants’ case is that they were not charged with any offence before the coroner; they merely appeared as witnesses and the coroner went on to indict them of criminal negligence and it is
a nullity. “As far as this case is concerned, there is nothing against them; then what are the police acting upon? “The applicants are saying that their indictment by the coroner court is a nullity and being a nullity the 1st to 3rd defendants cannot on the basis of a nullity arrest, detain or charge the applicants to court. “We are here so that they don’t use their powers to oppress us,” Ojo said. But in their preliminary objections, the Lagos AG and the coroner, through their counsel, Mr. A.A. Bakare, said the engineer’s case was not fundamental rights enforcement in nature but one intending to stop government agents from performing their statutory and constitutionally recognized duties.
“Nobody has indicted the builder; all that was recommended by the coroner was police investigation and if found culpable, charge the builder to court. “The police have invited the applicant to ‘come and tell own your side of the story.’ Does that amount to human rights violation? “I would not want to contemplate that there is a law in this country preventing the police from inviting a citizen for questioning. “I urge Your Lordship not to allow this applicant to pervert the course of justice,” Bakare said. On its own part, COREN said the reliefs being sought by the engineers were not provided for under Chapter 4 of the constitution.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Politics
•Senate President, Saraki
•Amaechi
•Sen Akpabio
•Gov Wike
Over-Heating The Polity By CHARLES ENWEREM ACTIVITIES of the Nigerian political landscape has in recent times drawn more attention from observers, experts and Nigerians alike. What simply was viewed as “pre-election” heat and party politicking is gradually creeping its way to stay in the nations’ political atmosphere. Nigeria, over the last year, was known in the news for a few key things which some political analysts summed up to be Africa’s biggest economy and most populous country, plagued by corruption, and facing major security challenges in the Northeast prosecuted by the terrorist group Boko Haram. With theelections, which has been concluded and according to some long forgotten, Nigeria’s new summary headline for the foreseeable future in the eyes of many is “a powerhouse nation that can hold credible elections, leading to the over two million vote difference in favor of President Muhammadu Buhari”. The tough-minded Buhari and his scholarly Vice Presidentelect, Professor YemiOsinbajo, headed the coalition-based, All Progressive Congress (APC), which dethroned the country’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been in power since the 1999 end of military rule. The elections were first scheduled for 14thFebruary and28th2015, then postponed by six weeks (28th March, 11th April 2015) because the PDP had been pressuring the electoral commission to delay the polls, arguing it was not ready to hold
the elections. SamboDasuki the then National Security Adviser (NSA) called for a delay over concerns that not enough biometric I.D. cards necessary for voting would be distributed in time. Some critics of former president Goodluck Jonathan argued that he was more focused on staying in power rather than getting back the over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Chibok and stopping their expansion in the North-Eastern City of Maiduguri. After the violent coup that truncated Nigeria’s first republic, provocative raves, braggadocio and ethnic baiting and tribal stalking were elevated to the maximum level possible. The results were mass killings and the consequent civil war. The Nigerian civil war led to unqualifiable sorrow, misery, starvation and human degradation with the unquantifiable deaths that occurred. Once again, some Nigerian politicians and ethnic activists are talking tough and heating up the Nigerian polity. Once again the Nigerian masses are quietly and gently minding their businesses. Our hope is that Nigeria’s rabble rousing politicians and violence prone and violence preaching activists will not instigate an orgy of violence that will once again make Nigerian territory the theater of war and innocent Nigerian civilians, the victims of war. Across the political divide in Nigeria, strong, fragile and sometimes shifty alliances and dalliances are being fabricated, broken or strengthened, as the case may be, in unequal measures, on a daily basis. These come along with enough
heat being generated. At these times, the politics of relevance determines what you get from the unfathomable pool called the ‘dividends of democracy.’ In playing this game of the survival of the fittest, simple rules of decency, fair play, tact and facts are treated with uncommon levity and brazen insouciance, in most circumstances, in the spirit of “all is fair in war.” In some other instances, conventionally-held Rules of Engagement are turned upside down to oil and “authenticate” deliberate falsehoods to strengthen the “armoury” of the beneficiary. The lies, misconceptions and deliberate misinformation planted by the political class through unguarded and inciting utterances and actions, thrive because of the ingrained rank illiteracy, complacency, political apathy and the poverty level of the electorate. In recent times, the Nigerian polity has witnessed the most forceful and sinister politicking in the nation’s history with frightful potentials for aggravating the already tense and fragile security situation in certain parts of the country, the existence of which many people believe, some of the politicians are culpable. A section of the political class has been fanning the residues of mutual distrust, hatred and a bare-faced regime of lies through inciting statements and activities with pre-determined antiEstablishment focus and impact. Before the 2015 general elections, the polity was perceived to be over heated. Postelection period, Nigerians are faced with another bout political tension rising. The two major political parties, the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been in a war of words in the past weeks, there has been serious trading of words among both parties. The media and publicity secretary if the PDP, Chief OlisaMetuh has stated that the ruling APC is going after its members, those in power and those out of power, harassing them with EFCC and trying to destabilize their constitutional right as a political party meanwhile the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesinahas come out to state that the PDP has lost its ideas. Also, the former rivers state governor, RotimiAmaechi’s controversial ministerial nomination screening exercise is also contributing its slice to the already over heated polity, the APC is of the view that the PDP gang in the senate is working against Amaechi’s screening and confirmation and as a minister of the federal republic. In response, the PDP is aphorism that they are only working based on what the law provides for and that Amaechi has pending legal issues that needs to be addressed in his state following his fallout with the incumbent governor Nyesom Wike before he can be screened as well as confirmed as a ministerial nominee. The recent invitation and interrogation of Senator Akpabio by the EFCC also is another source for overheating the polity in the nation and the PDP is questioning the arrest of not just a serving senator but one of its stock as though he is the only former governor in the senate. Observers say that when suitably viewed from the right straits as the law provides and not being biased in
any form, there are other former governors of his set in the senate. It has also been argued that the APC is using the anti-graft committee to go after Sen. Akpabio with the intention ofmuzzling him till he surrenders to their will, hence the accusation by the PDP that he was approached to cross over to the APC and when he refused, they (APC) came after himin a bid to harass him here and there. Another issue worthy of note is Senate President BukolaSaraki’sdeclaration of asset court case which is also gradually fanning the pending political inferno. According to experts and observers, screening of ministerial nominees shouldn’t be a problem. It should be recorded that this is the first time in Nigeria that ministerial nominees screening is heated like this reasoning being that most politicians are snatching the opening to settle political scores, it has become a matter of horse trading and that is why the ministerial screening process is dragging. Could it be that because Amaechi spear headed the seven rebel governors who left PDP for APC and also worked for the APC to win the elections, those in the senate who are of the PDP stock are seeing him as a target to even the scores with the APC? It is in the light of the foregoing, that we must situate the desperate and hasty actions, activities and utterances of a certain section of the political class that has indulged in wanton disregard for constituted authorities; rebellious activities designed to instigate other sections of the society to do same and other actions with intent to undermine the freely-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his administration by overt and covert means.
7
8
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Politics
EFCC Quiz: Akpabio’s Bag Of Sins Unveilled By CHARLES ENWEREM A chieftain of the Peoples p De Democratic Party (PDP)) has described as misleading reason given by the Economic and Financial Crimes Crime Commission (EFCC)) for the recent invitation and an questioning of former governor of Ibom state and Akwa Ib minority leader in minorit the se senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Godsw According to Acco our source who wants to remain wa anonymous there is more to th Akpabio’s arrest A than meets the t eye. e W h i l e s p e a k i n g with National w Weekender in Abuja, the e x e c u t i v e
•Akpabio
Fayose Attacks Buhari Over Appointment Of New INEC Chairman THE Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, said that the appointment of Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission attested to President Muhammadu Buhari’s sectional posture in the running of the country. The governor, who has remained one of the most vociferous critics of the Buhari administration, said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti that the appointment had vindicated his earlier position that the President sees himself “as leader of the Hausa/ Fulani, and not that of the entire people of Nigeria”. Mr. Fayose said he had expected the new INEC Chairman to be chosen from one of the three Southern geo-political zones, especially the South Western part of the country being the only zone yet to produce chairman of the nation’s electoral umpire. “Nigeria has entered a one chance bus and it remains to be seen who will save the country from its sectional President,” Mr. Fayose said. Mr. Fayose’s statement, signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, noted that even the Yoruba leaders who promoted and made the Buhari Presidency possible had been short-changed. “Shouldn’t he have considered someone from either South-East, South-South or South-West as Chairman of the Electoral Commission now that we have a President from the North?” Mr. Fayose asked. “For reasons of perception, equity and fairness, don’t we have credible people from the Southern part of Nigeria that can conduct credible elections as INEC Chairman? “Or do we assume that the 2019 elections have already been won and lost by the appointment of this Hausa/Fulani professor as INEC chairman? Or isn’t it regrettable that even in 2015, it is only in PDP controlled States that elections are
being upturned?” Mr. Fayose also expressed worries that the three arms of government, namely, the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary were being headed by northerners, leaving the three zones in the Southern part of the country with nothing. “When Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was the President, he never appointed a Yoruba man as INEC chairman. Dr Goodluck Jonathan too did not appoint an Ijaw man as INEC Chairman,” he said. “Former President Shehu Shagari too did not appoint a Hausa man like himself as Chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). Rather, he appointed late Justice Victor Ovie Whisky.” Mr. Fayose also recalled that during the Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha regimes, no Hausa/Fulani man was appointed Chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, just as General Abdulsalami Abubakar also did not appoint his fellow Hausa man as chairman.
•Gov Fayose
“How then can we have a President from the North and at the same time have INEC Chairman from the Hausa/Fulani Northern Nigeria? “Obviously, what is being witnessed is more like a situation where it appears the President is more interested in having someone malleable to him than serving the interest of Nigeria and its people.” Governor Fayose, who described the hurried appointment of the INEC boss as a vindication of his earlier stand that the appointment of Amina Zakari as INEC Acting Chairperson was illegal, said all processes leading to the conduct of the Kogi and Bayelsa States governorship election must start afresh. “It should be recalled that l raised the alarm on the legality of INEC under an Acting Chairman or Chairperson as there was no provision for INEC Acting Chairmanship position in the Constitution of Nigeria,” he explained.
member stated that Senator Akpabio was not the only former governor in the senate and wondered why he should be invited for questioning by the anti-graft committee. According to him, the EFCC said Akpabio’s arrest was in connection with the financial misappropriation in his state during his two term tenure as governor, however, National Weekender was exclusively told that the EFCC story was far from reality. The party council member said, Akpabio was actually quizzed for four reasons and these reasons have nothing to do with his stay in office as governor. He went on to disclose that Akpabio was not only invited and questioned, he was also harassed even though he is a senator. He gave one of the reasons why the EFCC went after Akpabio to be that the last meeting of the PDP and in the said meeting, Sen. Akpabio was the person that muted the idea that in the 2019 election, the PDP should zone the presidential ticket to the north in order to have a candidate that would match the APC whether Buhari comes back or not. “The second reason is that Akpabio has single handedly been sponsoring all the PDP activities since May 29th and of course the APC has been monitoring him as well as all the major players in the PDP and because of his actions the EFCC went after him “He(Akpabio) is the arrow head of the PDP romance with Saraki which led to the latter’s emergence as the senate president. After Jonathan left office and PDP passed a vote of no confidence on its national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Akpabio took over the leadership of the PDP giving that he was a governor and a respected one at that. The deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu who should be seen as the natural leader of the PDP had issues with former Enugu governor Sullivan Chime before the gubernatorial elections”, he said. He also added that some APC senators have been accusing Akpabio of spear heading former governor Amaechi’s screening crisis. It should be recalled that Akpabio in one of the governors’ forum meeting told Amaechi that he was a traitor and a traitor would not be
allowed to succeed. He also noted that knowing that Akpabio is a minority leader in the senate, he has the voice and is the rallying point of the PDP at the moment and as such the opposition would do anything to halt him.
Appeal Court Reinstates Sacked Kogi LG Chairmen AN Appellate Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the immediate reinstatement of sacked council chairmen and councillors in Kogi State. The chairmen and councillors headed to the court after the councils were dissolved through an order of a High Court in Kogi State. Ruling on the case earlier, the Appeal Court ordered the immediate reinstatement of the council officers to complete their legitimate term of three years. Some of the Chairmen who spoke to newsmen expressed joy at the judgement and hailed it as victory for democracy. The case which was instituted against the State Government over the constitution of the State Independent Electoral Commission by the APC led to the sack of the council helmsmen. Kogi State Government had challenged the judgement to ensure the reinstatement of the council chairmen and with the ruling of the appeal court, the APC may decide to appeal the ruling at the supreme court.
Ekiti APC Condemns Fayose’s Attack On Judges
THE Ekiti State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Governor Ayo Fayose for accusing the Nigerian judiciary of corruption without having any concrete evidence to substantiate his claim. The party also expressed its support for the decision of the Nigerian Army to probe the involvement of its officers and men in the alleged rigging and intimidation that characterized the June 21, 2014 governorship poll in the state. The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement on Thursday described Fayose’s accusation of Nigerian judges as “a paradoxical assault
by a man who holds the judiciary in contempt even though he is also the greatest beneficiary of the same purportedly corrupt judiciary in his political career.” The governor had at a church service to mark the commencement of the New Legal Year on Tuesday accused Nigerian judges of corruption, saying some of them were begging to get appointment as election tribunals’ chairmen in order to extort money from politicians. He said: “It is regrettable that Fayose is always having his jokes on the judiciary that decent Nigerian leaders built to serve as a sacred sanctuary of justice, but which Fayose has turned to
a lap dog that he can whip at his pleasure. “He invaded the court with his thugs to beat a judge black and blue, tore his coat and invaded the Chief Judge’s office, broke the door and tore court records there while the Chief Judge’s secretary was mercilessly beaten. “He created various obstacles to slow down his prosecution in the N1.3b poultry project fraud and orchestrated closure of the courts for a long time to prevent hearing on his perjury case to pervert the course of justice. “But we wish to remind Fayose that these various assaults on the judiciary are worse than corruption.”
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Editorial
9
The Rice Crisis
RISING last week from a meeting between the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Chief Executive Officers of frontline rice producing states, the Zamfara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Alhaji Abdulazeez Yari, announced the country will place a ban on the importation of arguably Nigeria’s number one staple food, rice in the year 2017. Citing the need for the country to be self-sufficient in food production in the next two years as primary reasons for the new policy, Gov. Yari shared: “We have discussed the policy with the relevant permanent secretaries and the CBN governor. We have made a commitment, we have the potential, we have the human resources; we have the arable land to grow rice and we are ready to support the government on this
policy.” The news, albeit, cheery to local producers of the farm produce (since placing rice, on the country’s import restriction list will translate into a boost in local production and automatically result in shift in patronage in their favour), have been thumped by commentators, who opine it sends the wrong signal to would-be investors, who are often times ‘shooed’ away by policy summersaults and inconsistencies. Observers arrived at this conclusion based on a seemingly c o n t r a d i c t o r y pronouncement made barely two weeks ago by the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (ret’d.), ordering the immediate removal of rice from import restriction list and the re-introduction of import duty payment at land borders. Corroborating the above position, Senate
national
W
EEKENDER TEAM A Passion For Truth, Objectivity, Decorum
www.nationalweekender.net
NationalWeekender
@NWeekender
PUBLISHER/CHAIRMAN Evang. Solomon Ogba JP Photographer Fidelis Isibor
CEO/Editor-In-Chief Ben Alaiya Editor Desmond Ekwueme
Group Heads Bose Opene (Admin. Manager) Kunle Popoola (Circulation) Adewale Gbadebo (Info Tech) Emelia Sturhann (Internal Audit) Rosemary Ugiomoh (Advert) Benjamin Agbaje (Accounts) Comfort Daniel (Graphics)
Assitant Editor Francis Ogbonna Chief Sub-Editor Emiko Bake Correspondents Stephen Aya Charles Enwerem Ogunojemite Ayodele Adebayo Nurudeen
Graphic Artists Temitope Onakoya Benjamin Ogunleye Ukpong Imo-owo Raji Afeez
ADVERT HOTLINES
+234 8055069168, +234 8134597000, +233 244265856, +234-01-4540877
MISSION STATEMENT “Creating a better society through denizenic truthful reporting that will further cement Nigeria and global unity ”
CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE 19 Gbemisola Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja - Lagos. Tel: 234 1 7364169
President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, stated that as long as policies could suddenly be reversed ‘in this manner’, promoting local production would remain an illusion. This situation is compounded by the fact that after several months in office, the President Muhammadu Buhari led government has still not presented an economic blueprint. Sadly this has put the economy on hold as investors are being cautious until they can ascertain the nation’s economic direction under this administration. Notwithstanding the fact that the likely benefits of the complete ban on importation of rice far outweigh any foreseeable disadvantage, National Weekender laments the inability of the FG to aggregate its position with that of its agencies, so that stakeholders are advised accordingly on steps required of them less there be conflicts of
any kind. Also with the benefit of hindsight, National Weekender also questions the readiness of the government to follow through on the policy. It will be recalled that this is not the first time the FG has contemplated removing the ban on importation of rice. In 2013, the FG had announced the plan to ban rice importation in 2014, in order to develop local production of the commodity. Like in 2014, not until the necessary machinery is put in place, the 2017 target might end up being another rhetorical statement. The government must among other things, first of all equip farmers with the necessary tools, including tractors, organic fertilizers and give adequate training to farmers. The FG must also provide adequate funding by way of grants or loans to farmers, not forgetting to make available improved
LETTER
seedlings, pesticides and subsequently procure high quality paddy from them to feed the rice mills. Before then also, government should consider constructing more dams and providing minipumping machines for farmers to prepare them for irrigation farming as well as introduce modern rice production technology. Lastly, if this policy must work, the Presidency as a matter of urgency should begin to address the issue of smuggling. Research by the Patriotic Rice Association of Nigeria (PRAN), already show that 80,000 metric tons of rice are smuggled into the country through the porous land borders with Benin Republic every month, with the revenue loss hitting N10 billion. Unless this menace is tackled head-on, this policy as usual will end up in the pipes.
Send Your short and simple letters or comment to the editor@nationalweekenderonline.net
Death Traps On Lagos-Badagry Expressway AT times like this when the rains pour in heavy torrents one cannot but ask is the Lagos-Badagry Expressway truly a Federal road? Yes, we know that the road is under construction but we also understand that the completion of the 10-lane dual carriage road is not in sight. Do we then leave the potholes along the road to degenerate into death traps that they are at the moment until the construction is completed? So far the construction has reached Afro Media bus-stop and we have a long way to go. So it is expected that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) should continue
the rehabilitation work on the deadly spots on the road even as work on the construction continues. Countless accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives have become daily occurrences on the road as a result of the death traps caused by the expanding potholes. We have allowed politics to take the better part of our reasoning as a people and nation hence the road which leads to a major border and the gateway to West Africa is left unattended to until the Fashola administration commenced work on it through the World Bank and FG MoU. At this point that we are talking
about economic recovery, I think President Muhammadu Buhari should as a matter of urgency focus on the work on this road to ensure it is competed on time. Recall that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode recently visited Badagry where a Deep Sea Port is being proposed. This project if truly embarked upon and completed will open up the West African business environment as the Port will compliment the efforts of the rest down south. Something urgent needs to be done about this road to help revive our dwindling economy. –Martins Whesu, Aradagun, Badagry
Quote Of The Week
There was nowhere I was indicted (in the judicial panel report). I was born to test my rights and fight for my rights, I was once a student union leader and believe me, if there is one man who does not like corruption, I do not like corruption.
–Hon. Rotimi Amaechi
10
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
On My Own –
From Fr rom Nothing Nothing To To Something, Something, Nowhere To Somewhere, Nobody To Somebody...
‘Dunce’ Who Won
Nigerian Idol
•No one gave her a chance, no one thought she could amount to anything in life. She was even described as being ‘slow’ to learning, because she had issues comprehending whilst a student in WHAT has the reception been JSS. Not deterred by her challenges, Evelyn Zibili edition like since after you the 2014 of Nigerian Idol? I am sure they were like “Is aka ‘Evelle’, the 2014 winner of Nigerian Idol, she going to last? Is she going to stay here for long?” but I would dared to dream and today she is be er off. say, “You know what? You all don’t know what is coming your way.” I Read as she shares her grass to grace story am just enjoying my life right now, the reason being that I enjoy what I with our Assistant Editor, FRANCIS OGBONNA. do.What is your inspiration for
getting on the Nigerian Idol show in the first place? I have always loved singing and had seen it as a core part of my life, it is something I have always done, so I wanted to let people experience firsthand what I could offer. Everybody has his/her own story, what I want was someone to hear my own side of the story.
CONT’D ON PG 31
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Entertainment
e f a c
n O g a T e m Cri
s e t s i t r A A-List
By FRANCIS OGBONNA ''Oga y d self-style he Ayinde Fuji', Wasiu Ayi ul ly pular pop p Anifowose,, wa in referred to as KWAM 1 was w k ey of the storm last wee he eye the to wa was staff his of one r afte b o have shot an Olabisi Onabanj Ago ) ((O.O.U), University, one of Iwoye student duringg on his shows to commemorate the celebration of a popular festival in the town. Though, as should be expected, K1 De Ultimate, as he is fondly called by his teeming fans, promptly denied the accusations, claiming nothing of such happened, preliminary investigations by the police proved otherwise. While the Ogun State Police Command have insisted that the Fuji exponent still has a case to answer, Nigerians have frowned at the incidents, saying cases of A-list artistes being accused of
T
indulging in criminal activities is becoming one too many. They say so against the backdrop that apart from entertainers from the pockets of violence that have greeted concerts and other shows headlined by these artistes, entertainers in general, in the recent past have been accused of some high profiled crimes, which in most cases are avoidable if these accused had observed a little decorum in handling their affairs. A typical example is the case of Alhaji Abass Akande aka Obesere, who was arrested for allegedly raping a lady who had come for help. Dancehall exponent and 'Dem Mama' record label boss, Timaya was also accused July 2015 by a US-based lady simply know as Shella B as having raped her, while he was on tour of the world sure power. While comedian, Babatunde
'Baba Suwe' Omidina's drug cases was not substantiated, actress Yetunde Wunmi, in 2007 excreted about 90 wraps of cocaine (condom-size) and was sentenced to three years imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N1m. She of course opted to pay the fine. Although, most of these entertainers have moved on quickly, shrugging off the allegations and consequences of the offense, in the case of those established guilty by a court of law, one Artiste was badly hit by the accusations and that is the erstwhile kennis music crony, Pasto Goodie Goodie, who was accused of having killed someone. Goodie, who wasn't found guilty by any competent court of law, went on self exile of sort, for about seven years, until his recent return. Nevertheless, some observers have argued that like the recent
K1 Ago Iwoye incident, most of these crimes they were accused of were not really committed by them, but often times by their fans and overzealous backroom staff, including their security details who in a bid to defend the pride of their stars or impress same attack perceived assailants. Others have opined that some of these incidents are actually provoked or sponsored by opposing forces, just like it is done in politics to discredit these stars. It is a trend today, especially where musicians, amongst because of the rivalry between stars, their fans take law into their hands and wreak havoc at shows headlined by perceived competition, for example, that between late Osita Osadebe and late Oliver De Coque; Ebenezer and Sunny Ade; Kollington and late Barrister; Pasuma and Osupa and lately KWAM 1 and Obesere.
Regardless of the fact that the said crimes were committed by cronies of these showbiz personalities and so souls be absorbed of the blames, some these crimes pundits say, unsuspecting s time t mos nst, agai Nigerians, will continue unless these A-list stars call their proxies to order. Beginning from KWAM 1, the Nigeria Police, if based on their investigations so far, have been able to establish that the Limelite Hotel shot was fired by one of his band members, should begin to hold these stars accountable to some extent, for offenses carried out by their proxies, for example providing the person who shot miss Kofoworola Azeez. They should also be made to sign some undertakings at intervals to keep their staff on a tight leash, or be considered accomplices to the crime committed under those kinds of circumstances.
11
12
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Entertainment
Scanfrost Unveils Omotola In Multimillion Naira Ambassadorial Deal AWARD winning actress and philanthropist Omotola Jelade Ekehinde was on Friday officially unveiled as Scanfrost ambassador after signing a multimillion naira contract with the electronics company a few days ago. The actress who also celebrates 20 years of entertainment this year was said to have been paid some heavy figures for the endorsement. Recall that a few days ago, the electronic firm released a statement revealing the beautiful actress as its
ambassador. “Scanfrost is proud to be associated with legendary actress, singer, philanthropist Omotola Jalade Ekeinde as she becomes the new ambassador for the leading home appliance brand. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is a Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist and former model of an Ondo descent from Lagos, Nigeria. Since her Nollywood film debut in 1995, the leading actress has appeared in 300 films, selling millions of video copies.
Davido Finally Meets Hardcore Fan HKN topman, Davido, has finally succeeded in finding his most hardcore fan.Reminiscent of Eminem’s ‘Stan’, a Davido fan tattooed the artiste’s face across his torso, leaving him with a massive tattoo of the star across his torso The O.B.O singer shared a picture on Monday 19th of October of a fan with a massive tattoo of him on his chest. The Davido fan has a tattoo of the pop star’s face on his chest including his famous HKN chain. Fans getting tattoos of Nigerian pop stars is slowly on the rise. In June this year, a fan of pop singer Sean Tizzle tattooed the artistes name on his wrists We can’t help but wonder what plans the Aiye singer has for this fan.
2 Shotz Shares Adorable Photo Of Self And Daughter VETERAN Nigerian rapper, 2 Shotz, who only met his 6-monthold daughter for the first time last month, cannot seem to get enough of his bundle of joy. The rapper who married his wife, Precious Jones, married on Friday, April 12, 2013, share their first child, Ariella together. The father of one shared a photo collage of the two of them, in different poses. Little Ariella was a bundle of sweetness as the proud dad smiled at the camera. The rapper and wife welcome their daughter on March 12.
Toyin Aimakhu
‘Furious’ •Calls Fan Mad
TOYIN Aimakhu-Johnson does not suffer fools gladly. The popular Nollywood actress has called a fan of hers ‘mad’ on Instagram. Why did she do such a thing? Well it all started when the beautiful actress shared a video of her dancing to rapper Olamide’s latest single ‘Lagos Boys’. In the caption she wrote “Happiness is the key to life be happy for ursef,I’m super super happy.. #streetoflagos.” A fan took exception to this and made a comment under the post. “U might be happy but without ur husband ur happiness is incomplete and we ur fans are not happy
with d situation on ground.pls ma don’t leave ur matrimonial home. I love u” the fan wrote. Toyin Aimakhu didn’t waste any time in dishing out her hot reply. “ur happiness won’t be complete without a man..werewa Lori elo mi shakilode (some people are mad, what is it?)..did u pple advise me to marry him..love u more.” The actress is definitely touchy when it comes to the area of her rocky marriage to Adeniyi Johnson. Toyin Aimakhu isn’t always angry though. Last week she shared a video of her trying her hands on a hover board.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
e f ca
Reekado Banks Blasts Fan Over Tattoo Picture FAST rising singer Reekado Banks has blasted a fan for criticizing one of his Instagram pictures. Reekado Banks shared a picture of a fan that got a tattoo of his name on his arm. “She went as far as getting a tattoo of my name. God bless this #REEKADDICT. I realllllly appreciate this” wrote Reekado Banks. A fan of the ‘Katapot’ singer didn’t feel it, and expressed his thoughts. “Madness out of earth really mad that how a folk tattoo Davido on him celebrity trash can I don’t dig any artist especially yes you @reekadobanks” wrote Twitter user official_psalmist. Reekado Banks replied him, “your papa.”
Ali Baba Urges 2Baba To Stop Alcohol VETERAN comedian, Ali Baba in a recent interview has urged legendary musician Innocent Idibia better known as 2baba to change certain chosen lifestyle of his especially now that he has turn 40. The Nigerian king of comedy said that his advice to the music maker includes: Cutting down on alcohol Needs to stop trying to indoctrinate him (Ali Baba) into the club of drinkers He also needs to start living as a legend He also added that 2face needs to start mentoring younger acts just as Usher is credited for Justin Bieber.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Health
13
L iving
Supernatural with
PASTOR EBENEZER BAMISHE 08066440970
Cord Of A Binding Bond
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
An Overview DEEP vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Clots can form in superficial veins and in deep veins. Blood clots with inflammation in superficial veins (called superficial thrombophlebitis or phlebitis) rarely cause serious problems. But clots in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) require immediate medical care. These clots are dangerous because they can break loose, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block blood flow in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Pulmonary embolism is often life-threatening. DVT can also lead to long-lasting problems. DVT may damage the vein and cause the leg to ache, swell, and change color. Blood clots most often form in the calf and thigh veins, and less often in the arm veins or pelvic veins. This topic focuses on blood clots in the deep veins of the legs , but diagnosis and treatment of DVT in other parts of the body are similar. Blood clots can form in veins when you are inactive. For example, clots can form if you are paralyzed or bedridden or must sit while on a long flight or car trip. Surgery or an injury can damage your blood vessels and cause a clot to form. Cancer can also cause DVT. Some people have blood that clots too easily, a problem that may run in families. Symptoms of DVT include swelling of the affected leg. Also, the leg may feel warm and look redder than the other leg. The calf or thigh may ache or feel tender when you touch or squeeze it or when you stand or move. Pain may get worse and last longer or become constant. If a blood clot is small, it may not cause symptoms. In some cases, pulmonary embolism is the first sign that you have DVT. If your doctor suspects that you have DVT, you probably will have an ultrasound test to measure the blood flow through your veins and help find any clots that might be blocking the flow. Other tests, such as a venogram, are sometimes used if ultrasound results are unclear. A venogram is an X-ray test that takes pictures of the blood flow through the veins.
Treatment begins right away to reduce the chance that the blood clot will grow or that a piece of the clot might break loose and flow to your lungs. Treatment for DVT usually involves taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) for at least 3 months to prevent existing clots from growing. Your doctor also may recommend that you prop up or elevate your leg when possible, take walks, and wear compression stockings. These measures may help reduce the pain and swelling that can happen with DVT. There are things you can do to prevent DVT. After surgery, you can take an anticoagulant medicine to prevent blood clots. You might also wear compression stockings. You can try to get up and out of bed as soon as possible after an illness or surgery. If you are sitting for a long time, like during a long flight, you can exercise your legs to help blood flow. WHAT INCREASES YOUR RISK Many things increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These include: • Being older than 40. • Being overweight. • Not taking anticoagulant medicine as prescribed. Other risks include things that cause slowed blood flow, abnormal clotting, and a blood vessel injury. Slowed blood flow Blood does not flow normally if you are not active for long periods of time. Examples include: • Long-term bed rest, such as after a surgery, injury, or serious illness. • Sitting for a long time, especially when traveling long distances. • Leg paralysis. Abnormal clotting Some people have blood that clots too easily or too quickly. Problems that may cause increased clotting include: • Inherited blood-clotting problems. • Family history of close relatives, such as a sibling, who has had deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism. • Cancer and its treatment. • Blood vessel diseases, such as varicose veins, heart attack, heart failure, or a stroke. • Pregnancy. A woman's risk for
developing blood clots increases both during pregnancy and shortly after delivery or after a cesarean section. • Using hormone therapy or birth control pills or patches. • Smoking. Injury to the blood vessel wall Blood is more likely to clot in veins shortly after they are injured. Examples include: • Recent surgery that involved the legs, hips, belly, or brain. • Having a central venous catheter during a hospital stay. • Injury, such as a broken hip. PREVENTION Preventive measures might be used before and after any procedure or event that increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These measures include: • Taking anticoagulants to prevent a blood clot that can form after some types of surgery. • Exercising your lower leg muscles to improve circulation in your legs. Point your toes up toward your head so that the calves of your legs are stretched, then relax. Repeat. This exercise is especially important to do when you are sitting for long periods of time. • Getting up out of bed as soon as possible after an illness or surgery. It is very important to get moving as soon as you are able. If you cannot get out of bed, do the leg exercise described above every hour to keep the blood moving through your legs. • Using compression stockings to help prevent DVT if you are at an increased risk. During travel Sitting still for a long flight or road trip raises your risk of getting blood clots. It's important to take steps to prevent blood clots when you travel, such as getting up and moving around every 30 to 60 minutes on a long flight. In the hospital Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are also used to prevent DVT. These devices inflate and deflate knee-high boots, which reduces pooling of blood in the legs. IPC pumps are often used when people stay in a hospital.
COVENANT is a cord or seal of a binding bond, the world is established on the basis of a contract or agreement between two parties i.e. the Creator and the creature. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith means "to cut," and hence a covenant is a "cutting," with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18,19).The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered "testament" generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith of the Old Testament meaning "covenant." The difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament or covenant is that the first is based on Law and animal was used for the cutting or as the seal of the covenant while the last is based on Grace and Jesus Christ was used as the Lamb of God for the cutting. Law is the right of value obtained at the expense of the spirited but Grace is obtaining the right of value for free at the expense of the mediator. Covenant is a cord of binding bond because it contains element of force that is irresistible in judgment and the bond in it, is an absolute union or fraternity, compromise is an abomination in covenant relationship and in case of any compromise the only way to escape is the intervention of the supreme authority. The world was not created in vacuum; it was created to be inhabited so as to establish a platform for social and physical relationship between the Creator and the creature, this relationship is by covenant and there are conditions attached to it; God gave Adam specific instructions when He was handling over the world to him and because of his disobedience Judgment was executed. Leadership is always a prime target whenever devolution of power is to be enacted, Satan understands this very deeply and the gimmick he used on Adam, he also used the same on Jesus but failed,(Matthew4:4-11). Let this be clear that between two parties it is fundamental that there must be an agreement before a relationship is established. Amos3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Daniel4:32 says … until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The ownership of the earth does not belong to Satan, Psalms24:1 says. The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Everything in life is price tagged, that is why Satan would never give you anything for free, hence entering into covenant with him is the only option and In pretense, he would give you a peanut in order to have your precious soul, he will give you an inch but take away your miles. 2Corinthians4:4 says. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. It is through that Satan took over the leadership of the world from Adam; he is a gold digger and a liar, he will do anything possible to put you in total darkness igorance of the fact that Jesus Christ has paid the price and has taken world back from him, the world belongs to Jesus and not Satan. Matthew 28:18 says. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Today, you can enter into a covenant relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ into your life and He will become the cord of a binding bond that connects you to the Almighty God. Say: ”Father God have mercy on me , today I turn from my wicked ways, please forgive me all my sins: I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord and I believe in my heart that He died and You raise Him from the dead, I thank you, heavenly Father because you are merciful, full of compassion and gracious to save from sins, Father, please, forgive and deliver me from the pit of hell: even now, as I believe in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and I accept Him as my LORD and SAVIOUR, Photos By confessing with my mouth the LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST. I thank you Father because you have saved me in Jesus name. Amen.
Fidelis Isibor
14
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Relationship
LOVE LINKS FOR INSTANT LOVE CONNECTION, SEND YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND REQUEST
• My name IsFolake from for a relationship. My number Lagos, I need a loving and caring is 09099260650. man that is ready to settle down • My name is Austin, I am 40 for marriage. I am 23years old. years old, and I need a sincere My number is 07086183998or sugar mummy. Interested 08094991728. lady should call this number • Becky is my name, 43, 08028467198. based in Abuja, from Plateau • My name is state, I need a guy, should be OlufemiAkindele, 49 years old. a goodChristian. Interested? I need a responsible lady for Please call: 09032515056. a relationship my number is • My name is Funke from 08090521843. Ikorodu I need a loving, caring • I am Jerry by name, 24 years man within the ages of 50 and old light in complexion. I need 55. Any interested person a sugar mummy. My contact is should please callyou 08139175043 08103201704. t looks like have spent the • bulk My of name is Toyin from your childhood and early • Am an Ughelli , Delta state Ikorodu, I need a loving and born lady, fair complexioned adult life abroad? I may have lived the the ages bulk of of50 my life caring man within widow with kids, 42, wish abroad, but me my on heart has always been and 55. Call 08054778543 to meet a matured man , at home-Nigeria. Check out the skit I ifdid youfor areBovi interested. businessman or worker, divorcee and you would be able to • My Kris, 30, Imale, or a widower from 50years and tell that,name it’s inismy heart, am a fullblown Nigerian…More was born in from Imo State, resideso, inILagos. above for marriage. Interested for a partner while andwithin came back.please I I Nigeria, need a left female call: 08050417879. just relocated back to Nigeria November the ages of 18 and 27 for serious • Mozex, 32, lives and work last year, so you could say that I go back relationship that can lead in Lagos needs a divorcee and forth. to What marriage. My number or Widower for a serious actually promptedis you decision to come back home? 08184844015 relationship. Interested? I wanted to take my career from to the next • My name is Daniel Call:08127782433. level. Asaba. I am 23years of your age. acting I • Am a fair complexion Isoko By career you mean need a woman that is within girl, I need a good man that career? myofacting career. the Yes, ages 40 to 55 in Asaba. is ready to settle down for to you came to Nigeria, have MyBefore number is 08139600520 marry. Call : 07031952175 • I am Saviore 34, searching • Jeni is my name, I need a for a lady within 34 and 55 good guy marriageable guy. This years old to love me truly. I is my number: 07031952175. don’t want your money. All I • My name is Solomon Karo need is true love. My number is from Delta, I need a sincere 08051799511 sugar mummy. Interested lady • My name is Clinton Chima, should please call:08187457992. I want a lady that is light • My name is Peter Azubuike in complexion, a bit plump from Rivers state, I need a sugar and intelligent, beautiful and mummy, interested lady should sexy between the within the call: 08093418080 ages of27and 55 for a discreet • My name is Nelson from relationship. My number is Enugu state, I need a loving and 07035657317 caring woman. Call, if you are • My name is Adetunji interested: 08146332767. Johnson; I need a lady within • Kingsley, a graduate of 20 and 33 for a relationship. My Micro-biology, currently lives contact is 08076644612 in Lagos, looking for a girl • My name is Austin from between the ages of 18-25 yrs. Gbagada, I need a lady for a interested lady should please relationship. My number is call:08022241280. 08106380341 • My name is Abike Adele • My name is Robert, I am is my name, 28, I need a rich , based in Lagos. Need a Sugar loving guy, interested ,hit me mummy within the ages of 40 on FB, abikeadele@yahoo.com and 50 preferably a divorcee • My name is Stephen, I who is not willing to remarry for need a big woman that can a relationship. 08092475403 take care of me, while I will be • I am Ben, from Delta State, with her to meet her needs. My age 30. I need a sugar mummy number is 08030644198 and for a serious relationship. My 07039633092. contact address is 08137745410 • My name is A.Yinka, 55, • I am Mike 35years of age, live and work in Lagos. I living in Lagos, working class; need a caring and supportive need a good lady for marriage woman for marriage, interested working class Yoruba. My lady should please call or text: 08038250481. number is 08029116419 • My name is Fred, a • My name is Emeka, I need a from south lady within the ages of 35and 45 businessman
I
–south, I need a plump
News
With Aunty ROSE 08097639574
,endowed lady from 46-60 yrs for a lasting relationship. Interested please call: 07013967806 • Idowu Michael is my name, I need a lady for a good relationship between the ages of 20-26years. These are my numbers:08184865703, 080261022 • Middle aged man needs a lady, good Christian, from any tribe, interested lady should please call: 08109579004. • Johnson is my name, I need a good girl, preferably Christian for a good relationship that may lead to marriage, interested lady should call: 07038397124 • My name is Jerry Tony, I need a caring and supportive lady for marriage, interested lady should please contact : 08121717381 • My name is Excellent Treasure, I need a sweet sugar mummy from either Benin, Delta, Lagos or any part of Nigeria. I am polite and responsible. Interested lady should please call: 08052537984. • Omogbolan is my name, I need a lady for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage. Interested lady should call: 07089632489. • Abiodun is my name, 35, graduate, needs a lady who is caring and interested in a good relationship that may lead to marriage. Interested lady should please call: 08023357867. MISSING LINK 1. Aunty Rose, Kindly link me with a lost friend, Rose Mba, a primary school teacher from Uzoakoli. Her last known address was no. 24, Owosheni street Benin City. Since 80’s, I desire she eats out of my sweat for true love she showed me. My name remains Moses Ero, this is my phone number: 08078172177 MISSING LINK 2. Aunty Rose, Kindly help link me with a lost contact, a good friend, then Ms. Dupe Olufayo from Ire—Ekiti. We last saw in 1996, when she was at College of Education Ikere, at People’s bank; Ado – Ekiti. If contacted? Call me: 08055990195, 07032410707.
HOOK UP WITH YOUR OWN LOVER NOW
Boko Haram Plans To Poison Water Sources In N/East –Army THE Nigerian Army said that it has uncovered plan by the Boko Haram terrorist to poison water sources in the North East (NE) region. Assistant Director Army Public Relations Officer of 33 Artillery Brigade Bauchi, Joseph Adekunle Afolasade, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen. Afolasade who described the fleeing of Boko Haram terrorist as a great sign of desperation called on the people in the North East to always remain vigilant. “The Command wish to inform the General Public that Boko Haram terrorist plan to buy large quantity of rat poison and other poisonous items from markets in Nigeria to enable them poison water sources particularly in the North Eastern states. “The Nigerian Army Theatre Command therefore called on the general public particularly the market men and women vendor and such items to be vigilant. The statement therefore urged citizens of the region to report any person buying large quantities of such commodities to security agencies. He re-iterated the determination of the Nigerian Army along with the support of other security agencies to defeat the Boko Haram terrorist in the country.
Police Arraign Two Benue Suspected Kidnappers THE Benue State Police Command has arraigned Timbee Shija, 24, and Sunday Matthew, 17, in a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court for criminal conspiracy and kidnap of a minor. The Prosecutor, Omaye Ujata, told the court on Friday that the case was transferred from ‘D’ Division Police Station, Makurdi, to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department. Ujata said the case was transferred through a letter No: AR:3100/BNS/MKE/VOL.5/14 She added that one Michael Henkyaa behind St. Augustine Catholic Church, Demekpe, Makurdi, reported the case at the D Division Police Station. The prosecutor said the informant’s son, Philip Saaonde, four, was abducted from his house on August 30 by unknown persons. She explained that the kidnappers later phoned and demanded N2m ransom before they could release their victim. The prosecutor said the accused persons, who were arrested during the police investigation, confessed committing the crime. Ujata stated that investigations into the matter were ongoing and applied for adjournment to enable her to conclude it. She said the offence contravened Sections 97 and 274 of the Penal Code. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Ibrahim Mohammed, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 each with one reasonable surety in the like sum. Mohammed said the surety must be a civil servant in the Benue State Civil Service from Grade Level 15 and above. He adjourned the case till November 18 for further mention.
Ambode Inaugurates Tribunal Of Enquiry Into Killing Of LFTZ Boss GOV. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday inaugurated a five-man Tribunal of Enquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of the Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu . Disu was killed on Oct. 12 while resolving a land dispute between members of Okunraye Community and some private companies embarking on various massive projects within the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ). Ambode, while inaugurating the Tribunal at the Lagos House, Alausa said it had become necessary to investigate the remote cause of the unrest with the view to forestalling future recurrence. He said the unrest, if not properly managed and addressed, could lead to total breakdown of law and order. The governor said that the government was desirous of protecting the lives and property of the citizens. “As a responsible government determined to enforce the rule of law, it is my duty to take firm and purposeful steps to inquire into the origin, factors and circumstances leading to the disturbances at the LFTZ in order to forestall a re-occurrence. “At a time when this government is attracting a lot of foreign direct investments and opening up the economy of our state, we cannot afford to have such disturbances.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
15
Business
•Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State
Alarm Bell!!!
Economic Doom Is Here… By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE AS the h Federal F d l government continues in its economic recovery journey, there seems to be a setback to achieving this mission in the shortest possible time as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, has painted a gloomy picture of the nation’s economy, saying that if something is not done urgently, the nation may go into economic recession. Yari while speaking with journalists in Abuja recently said, both the Federal and state governments had been borrowing to pay workers’ salaries in the past two years, despite the recent bailout fund given to states by the federal government describing it as a temporary measure. The NGF Chairman said the only way out of this cash crunch quagmire is for the nation to diversify its economy. He said, “Governments, not only states, even the Federal Government, in the last one or two years have been borrowing to pay salaries. “Okonjo-Iweala mentioned it times without number that they do borrow to pay salaries and they augment later as part of their own share of the Federation Account.” He said the situation in states was more complex because they lacked the luxury of long-term borrowing
like the Federal Government. He said while the Federal Government could borrow and pay b k in i 20 years, state governments’’ back loans were always repaid within four years. He said the country must look into agriculture and mining among others to survive. Yari said, “The only thing that can save us is to diversify the economy.We have so many ways like agriculture, mining and infrastructural development. “I have said it many times that since we started oil export, government did not do much to develop other sectors of the economy in case of this kind of situation. “Presently, our entire infrastructures are in decay. If you look at India and China, they are earning much from rail transportation alone, their earning is equivalent to our earning in the federation and that is just from rail transportation alone. “So, if we had developed that sector perfectly, today, it would have given so many supports. “We need to diversify and that is the only way we can survive, otherwise oil is no longer going to attain the $120 in the next two years, it may be around $70/85. “But if we diversify the economy, definitely we will get something better but for now and where we are, we only get a temporary solution where we pay salary arrears and then
be looking out to pay another one.” y piercing p g into the Like with eyes future, the Central Bank of Nigeria G G d i E fi l (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele months ago warned that if care is not taking, the nation’ economy will likely experience recession by next year. The CBN Governor who made this proclamation on September 22 in Abuja at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting delivered a warning shot on the economy: Nigeria risks sliding into recession next year. Emefiele hinted on the backdrop of the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) stressing that it might affect the country’s economic growth. He lamented that with “two consecutive quarters of slow growth, the economy could slip into recession in 2016 if proactive steps are not taken to revive growth in key sectors of the economy.” Emefiele added: “The overall economic environment remains fragile. The economy further slowed in the second quarter of the year, making it the second consecutive quarterly less-than-expected performance.” As it seems, Governor Yari’s recent revelation is a form of re-echoing of what the CBN Governor had warned of; Nigeria is near comatose. However, the Managing Director, Economic Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has poured cold water on the situation
saying that the situation was not as p byy Yari. dire as painted Rewane said, “All of us know that h declined d li d and d when h our revenues have your revenues decline what you do is that you borrow and you align your revenue with your expenditure. “But in the meantime you borrow and then you look at your headcount and decide whether you can sustain it. So, alarming headlines are not going to help anybody.” Asked whether the situation was sustainable, he said what was being done by the government at the moment was the right thing. He said, “It is either they default and not pay salaries, or they borrow and pay the salaries; then they can reorganise the finances and then solve the problem as they go along. That can happen everywhere in the world. “America’s national debt is about 120 per cent of their GDP; ours is almost 11 per cent or 12 per cent of our GDP, maybe slightly more than that. So, it is not whether you borrow, but what you use the borrowing to do. But if you continue to borrow to pay salaries for a long time then you have a problem.” The Head, Investment Research, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, explained that the fact that the country depended largely on revenue from oil suggested that the economy was really facing a challenging time. Like Rewane, he, however, said the country’s finances were not in a
mess. This,, he said,, was largely g y as a result of some of the actions already taken by b the h government in i the h face f off the h challenges. Eboexplainedthattheintroduction of policies such as the Treasury Single Account and others aimed at blocking leakages had brought about an increase in revenue from the nonoil sectors, leading to a slight increase in the monthly FAAC allocation. “In terms of the challenges of paying salaries, with the restructuring that has been done, the tenor of the loans have been elongated to also accommodate the cash flow of the states. With this and also the bailout funds, which some of the states have accessed, the situation has improved,” he said. He said the decision to borrow to pay salaries in the face of the challenges was necessary because had the government opted to default on payment, the economy of states, whose economic activities are driven by the workers in the public, would have shut down. He also said it was not wrong for government to borrow as long as the funds were used for capital project. “Borrowing should be channelled more towards capital expenditure; that is what can do in the medium to long-term reflate the economy,” he said,stressing,however,thatunderthe current circumstances borrowing to pay salaries was justified but should be for the short-term.
16
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Business MARKETS/ COMMODITIES
CBN Exchange Rates FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES 23/10/15
DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR
195.98 302.8479 222.5157 204.6575 1.6322 0.3207 276.4944 30.8626 52.2599 29.8218 276.8805
196.98 304.3932 223.6511 205.7018 1.6405 0.3407 277.9052 31.021 52.5266 29.974 278.2933
PRICE MOVEMENT AS AT Fri Oct . 23, 2015
Top Gainers GUARANTY UAC-PROP CCNN NASCON DANGFLOUR
24.50 8.57 7.96 7.41 2.70
0.50 0.40 0.29 0.23 0.10
PRICE MOVEMENT AS AT Fri Oct. 23, 2015
Top Losers NIGSEWING NIWICABLE STOKVIS OKOMUOIL PZ
30.56 25.00
-1.60 -1.10
FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS
Lagos – Abuja (Mon – Fri) 06:05, 09:30, 11:45, 16:00 (Sat) 06:50, 11:45 (Sun) 11:45, 16:00
Abuja – Lagos (Mon – Fri) 09:00, 11:30, 13:40, 18:30 (Sat) 09:00, 13:40 (Sun) 13:40, 18:30 Lagos – Portharcourt (Mon – Fri) 14:45 (Sat) 16:15 (Sun) 14:45 Portharcout – Lagos (Mon – Fri) 14:45 (Sat) 18:20 (Sun) 16:50 AERO CONTRACTORS Lagos - Abuja (Mon – Fri) 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:00 (Sat) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES Lagos – Abuja (Mon – Fri) 07:00, 08:50, 12:00, 15:30 (Sat) 10:00, 15:00 (Sun) 17:30, 18:30 Abuja – Lagos (Mon – Fri) 09:00, 14:00, 15:00, 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN-ABUJA (MON-FRI)08:30 ILORIN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00
Nigeria, UK Partner On Solar Energy
THE Federal Government on Thursday in London boosted its power programme with the signing of an agreement with the United Kingdom on the use of solar energy to provide electricity to rural people. Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the event at the Facebook Headquarters, signed on behalf of the Federal Government while the UK Minister of State for International Development, Mr Grant Shapps, signed on behalf of the UK government The event was performed shortly after the launch of the Africa Energy Campaign initiated by the U.K. Department for International Development. Osinbajo said his presence at the launch was to underscore Nigeria’s commitment to the national and regional effort to improve accessibility to power, especially solar power for our peoples. According to him Nigeria will do its best to ensure that the campaign to boost supply and consumption of solar energy is invigorated and gave an assurance that the Federal Government would work closely with the DFID. He said that the programme was an opportunity for Africa adding that the advantage of the launch was that the partners could bring universal access to energy. “With the cost of solar power 20 years ago that would have been impossible; the combination of innovation in technology, the low cost of solar power has made this all the more possible. “This is an incredible opportunity in Africa, especially Nigeria with over 96 million people who do not have access to power.’’ Osinbajo noted that the use of kerosene had created a lot of safety and environmental issues adding that “a default energy source should be solar and the option was not available for so long, but now it is cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly’’. He observed that the campaign was an opportunity for investment which could get a boom such as was experienced in the telecommunications sector in the country. Osinbajo said that Nigerian market provided the greatest opportunity for the use of small scale solar solutions adding that the country would be the ideal base to push the solar solution in the continent. “But the challenges are probably as clear as the prospects but thankfully enough they are surmountable.’’ The VP urged those who would drive the campaign to also determine the effective cost that would not further impoverish the poor. He noted that there could not be one particular solution to the need for power adding that the alliance being created by the partners was important. According to Osinbajo, Nigeria’s partnership with DFID was successful with the application of solar power technology in over 100 schools, hospitals and many primary healthcare centres in Lagos alone. In his speech Shapps said that the Africa Energy was a campaign to bring justice to more than 600 million people around the continent without access to electricity. According to him many Africans did not have light in their homes and their children unable to do their homework, while others die of household pollution from use of kerosene and charcoal. He said the situation was unacceptable and that the campaign needed a group of coalitions and alliances cutting across the business and political boundaries and people with technological capabilities
•UK Prime Minister, Camron and civil society movements to make it work. “We have a cause and we have a challenge but it is achievable,’’ he said. Also speaking Mr Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the UN, said it was incredible that the global community had taken the challenge of providing cheap and friendly energy for the people. While noting that over 620 million Africans lack access to electricity he added that 300 million would still lack access by 2040, a decade after the UN target of developmental goals for universal energy. “This is intolerable, avoidable and profoundly unfair. It leaves the World’s poorest people to pay the highest prices
•Vice President, Osinbajo for power,’’ the envoy said. The former envoy said that the African Progress panel of the UN, which he chairs, would help to address the issue of easy access to affordable energy. Anan said that African leaders have no choice about tackling the region’s chronic deficit in energy generation and access. “Where the leaders and investment partners do have a choice is in deciding how to tackle the region’s energy crisis. “Africa does not have to follow the carbon-intensive pathway of the energy practices of the rich and emerging countries which has brought the world to the brinks of catastrophe.
“Africa is rich in untapped energy potential including renewable sources such as sun, wind and hydro’’ all of which had advantage of speed and scope to decentralization,’’ he said. He said low carbon development had the potential to enhance economic development of the continent. While noting that over 620 million Africans lack access to electricity he added that 300 million would still lack access by 2040, a decade after the UN target of developmental goals for universal energy. “This is intolerable, avoidable and profoundly unfair. It leaves the World’s poorest people to pay the highest prices for power,’’ the envoy said.
Agric Institute To Equip Students With Agribusiness Skills THE Rector, AkperanOrshi College of Agruculture, Yandev, Dr Samuel Ahemen, said the school has introduced additional courses in management to equip students with agribusiness skills Ahemen told journalists on Friday in Yandev, Gboko, Benue that the school has expanded its curriculum to accommodate managerial courses to equip students to adopt agriculture as a business. He said the new courses were designed to broaden the scope of students by equipping them with necessary skills to produce, organise and market their products for profit. The rector explained that in the past graduates were trained to specialise in their different areas of fields while the business aspect of the training was excluded. According to him, the decision to include managerial courses was to enable the schools’ graduates approach farming as business and not as vocation. ” In line with the vision of the new administration both at the federal and state
levels, which aims at making agriculture a business, the school has introduced additional courses in management to equip students with managerial skills. “It is hoped that these students will be able to manage agriculture as a business when they graduate from here instead of looking for white collar jobs.” Ahemen, also a graduate of the school, regretted declining staff productivity and blamed it on non staff recruitment over 16 years. He, however, commended the incumbent administration for demonstrating tremendous interest in the wellbeing of the institution. “When the governor paid us a visit and saw the condition of the laboratories, he was so disappointed that he refused to go round, but promised to construct laboratories and equip them.” The rector explained that the former administration under Gov. Gabriel Suswam, had awarded contract for the upgrade of the laboratory but had not executed it.
Royalty
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Royalty
17
Prince Harry Meets Veterans At St Paul’s P rince Harry y has met families of bomb disposal p experts p killed in action, at a service marking the 75th anniversary of armed forces' explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units. The prince, who did two tours in Afghanistan with the British Army, also crouched down to chat and share jokes with two sappers who lost their legs in the conflict. The service at St Paul's Cathedral in London paid tribute to those who served as bomb disposal experts over the decades, here and abroad, from those who worked on Luftwaffe bombs in the Blitz to those who served in Northern Ireland and more recent conflicts like Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. It included poignant addresses
from Ian Kirkpatrick, whose son Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick was killed in Afghanistan, and from the musician and television presenter Jools Holland, who is honorary colonel of Cpl Kirkpatrick's unit, 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment, as well as serving personnel. The congregation of 1,500 service personnel and families were also played BBC news headlines about bombings on a speaker, including that of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Queen's cousin and great-uncle of the Prince of Wales, who was assassinated by the IRA in 1979. In a poignant address, Mr Kirkpatrick told the congregation: "It is extremely difficult to put into words what Jamie's loss has meant
to us, his family and his many friends. "We recall many family celebrations and events that would would, under normal circumstances, be a source of happiness, but which are now inevitably a source of sadness too. "We continue to reflect on all the ongoing events that he is now not around to witness and therefore seem somehow incomplete." Cpl Kirkpatrick was born in Edinburgh and lived in Llanelli in South Wales. Harry spoke to his family, including his young daughter Polly, at the end of the service. Wearing a blue civilian suit with three medals pinned to his chest, Harry also spoke to former
servicemen badly injured while serving in the forces. They included Sappers Clive Smith, 30 30, from Walsall in the West Smith Midlands, and Jack Cummings, 27, from Didcot in Oxfordshire. Both men lost their legs on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Mr Smith said he chatted with Harry about the Prince's Invictus Games for injured servicemen, having taken part last year in the handcycling events. "He is always very approachable and interested in what you have to say," Mr Smith said. Discussing the service, he said: "It was quite emotional. It brings rings back memories of events you would rather forget but it was a very good service."
Serving and retired members of the EOD community will deliver accounts of the conflicts and the part played by EOD units units. Officially formed in October 1940, the original Royal Engineers bomb disposal unit played an important role in the Second World War, dealing with tens of thousands of unexploded bombs in the UK and overseas. Since then, bomb disposal has expanded from the Royal Engineers to function across the armed forces. Mr Holland, best known for his long-running BBC Two music programme, has been honorary Colonel of the 101 Engineer Regiment since 2012.
18
GOLIATH RESURFACE IN HOLY LAN NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
A
team of famed archaeologists and biblical scholars have confirmed an enormous skull that was unearthed west of Jerusalem is that of Goliath. They also say the stone embedded in its forehead came from David’s slingshot! Excited scientist, Dr Richard Martin discovered the amazing relic in the foothills of theJudaean Mountains last spring. The German archaeologist says the find proves that the battle between David and Goliath occurred just the way the Bible described it. “I was convinced before that this was the skull of the 10-foot Palestine giant described in the bible.” Dr Martin said in Jerusalem. Dr Martin and his assistants found the huge skull during a routine archaeological survey in the Valley of Elah, where David’s conquest of the towering Goliath reportedly took
place. The bible tells of the battle between the people of Israel and the Philistines at the valley of Elah during the reign of King Saul. It is believed that David, a young man, inexperienced in the strategies of war, through the help of God, killed Goliath with a stone and a sling. The story says that the Philistine army had gathered for war against Israel. The two armies faced each other, camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. A Philistine giant measuring over nine feet tall and wearing full armour came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. His name was Goliath. Saul, the King of Israel, and the whole army were terrified of Goliath. One day David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent to the battle lines by his father to bring back news of his brothers. David was probably just
a young teenager at the time. While there, David heard Goliath shouting his daily defiance and he saw the great fear stirred within the men of Israel. David responded, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of God?” So David volunteered to fight Goliath. It took some persuasion, but King Saul finally agreed to let David fight against the giant. Dressed in his simple tunic, carrying his shepherd’s staff, sling and a pouch full of stones, David approached Goliath. The giant cursed at him, hurling threats and insults. David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied … today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air … and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel … it is not by
sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” As Goliath moved in for the kill, David reached into his bag and slung one of his stones at Goliath’s head. Finding a hole in the armour, the stone sank into the giant’s forehead and he fell face down on the ground. David then took Goliath’s sword, killed him and then cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. So the Israelites pursued, chasing and killing them and plundering their camp. While biblical scholars and other experts consider the ramifications of Dr Martin’s report, the archaeologist himself is planning to return to the site to search for other relics. “Goliath was wearing a helmet and coat of mail when he was slain by David and we would like nothing more than to find them,” he added.
•Giant frame of the skeleton though to be Goliath's found by historians i Jerusalem
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Celebrity Cruize
Saturday, y, October 24 - Friday, y, October 30,, 2015
The Story Of An
Actor, Comedian, Musician Called
Odunlade
Adekola •Actor Odunlade Adekola means several things to several people. His simplicity and uncommon aura keeps revealing his uniqueness and awesome personality. Our roving correspondent, ADEBAYO NURUDEEN trailed this elegant all round entertainer to a location in Abeokuta, as expected the seven-footer took our correspondent from the genesis of his life to its present state. This is more than an interview. It is a compelling piece… Enjoy!
Photo By
Fidelis Isibor
Y
ou have been quite a while,around for you have acted in a lot of movies. and produced delved into m You have even endeavours. Fo usic and other our readers, ca r the benefit of us a little moren you please tell beyond the Oduabout yourself, nlade Adekola we know? My name is Odu I’m from Ekiti nlade Adekola. brought up in State but I was from a family Abeokuta. I am second child,m of four,I’m the pastor while my father is a deaconess, I at y mother is a Primary Schooltended St John’s for my primary
CONT’D ON PG 20
19
20
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Celebrity Cruize CONT’D FROM PG 19 education and St. Peter’s College also in Abeokuta where I obtained the West African School Certificate Examination (WAEC).I am currently a student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where I’m studying Business Administration. Wonderful! Odunlade goes to school. If I may ask, to what end? (Laughs) Well let me tell you, in this life one needs to continue seeking knowledge till he dies. It feels good to be famous and popular but education is the greatest thing. My fame is not as valuable as my education. The more you read, the more you learn about new things. Simply put, I love working with learned people who are a vital source of increasing my knowledge. I won’t say that because I am popular, then I relent in my efforts of acquiring knowledge. I have to rebrand myself and
be better than I am. And again, life is all about moving forward. Was there anyone who convinced you to do this? Let me be honest with you, nothing happened and nobody advised me to go back to school. The truth is that, it is difficult to convince popular artistes to go back to school because of their celebrity status. But for me, it was something I had in mind and I am glad that I am accomplishing it. Education for me is a mission I have made up my mind to pursue to the highest level if you ask me. So, why Business Administration and not Theatre Arts? (Laughs) I like the feeling I get when I coordinate people in business besides its better to have knowledge of other fields. So now you sit with “normal people” in class. How does that make you feel considering your celebrity status?
I feel normal because is what I wish to do and I am really enjoying it my brother. Tell us, how did acting start for you? I started at a very young age. I do not want to say I started from my church (Christ Apostolic Church Lafenwa,Abeokuta) because I have come to realise that church drama is different from what we do. I had a childhood friend, Tunde, who was a part-time actor and he introduced me to a theatre group that rehearsed near my house. One day, he invited me to join the group and I agreed. I went there that day and the man in charge asked me if I could act and I said I could. He then told me to act like a crazy person and when I did it, everybody there began to clap. That was how I started gradually in 1992. Later on, I got to know about Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (now Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria) and I joined fully in 1998.
Were your parents in support of you choice of career? My parents loved the idea right from the onset. When I told my father, he really encouraged me and m y mother was not against it at all. My father, being the head of the house, threw his weight behind me and gave m e h i s full
REBRANDING Takes ODUNLADE To
UNILAG support. He could have told me to drop the idea but he did not. It was only one of my uncles that did not really support my choice of career but now he’s the one that tells me to bring films for him to watch. You interpret crime roles very well. Why is that? (Laugh) ah! Adebayo, Crime is not part of me oh! …As an actor you must be versatile in nature, you must be good at interpreting all roles. I try my best to make my character real, that’s why in many of my films or the one I am invited for, you see me acting with all my strength. I can play a lot of roles, and have produced a lot of filmsthatare not crime related, like the one am on
location for. Describe Odunlade Adekola in just one sentence. Odunlade Adekola is a straight forward person. You are a big boy in the Yoruba film industry, and expectation is very high. For instance, many of your fans expect you to live in a “tush” part of Lagos but you live in Abeokuta. Why? (Laugh)I must confess to you, I am very comfortable in Abeokuta and there are lots of beautiful and serene places there. Besides, my family live here in Abeokuta.I was not brought up in Lagos. We need to get one thing straight, living in Lagos does not mean that are rich or successful. And Lagos is not paradise.
Everybody have different opinion and mentality, I live in Abeokuta and am okay here. I am not saying that I cannot build a house in Lagos but presently, I am in Abeokuta and I have not seen what would make me relocate. This is where I was before everybody in Lagos knew me, so why would I leave Abeokuta when I got my fame here? You are into music and sometimes, you act the role of a comic character, why didn’t you go into mainstream comedy? I believe that, whatever you want to do in life would eventually come your way, don’t force it. When I joined the industry, I didn’t start with comedy. People discovered that talent in me.
People tell me that I am funny but I don’t see myself as being funny. I don’t even see myself as a comic artist but since it came my way, then it is from God. Your movie Alani Pamolekun, where did you get the story? Alani Pamolekun is not a story of anybody and if you have watched the movie you will understand that it’s not that Alani is robbing people.It is a story of an armed robber who wants to be the most powerful person in the underground world. All he wants is power and he does not want anyone to be more powerful than he is. So, he does everything to be more powerful.
CONT’D ON PG 22
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Celebrity
your
G o
Photo By
Fidelis Isibor
221
22
Saturday, rday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Celebrity Cruize
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
The Child Who Made Odunlade A Celebrity CONT’D FROM PG 21 Many producers have told us that you are a hot cake. What is your secret? (Laugh) The only secret is that, I do what I do very well because, this is what I do every day, so calling me to film is like calling me to come and do my job. I see this profession like am a banker,contractor and like you journalist that you will say you are going to work. Most Yoruba film lover see you as a close rival of Femi Adebayo, do you see yourself as his rival? (Laughs) Please, ,if you can put it the way am saying it now I will love it, and don’t edit anything. I want people to see me as a good lover, friend, admirer and brother of Femi. He is a fantastic actor. He is a lawyer, despite he is a born actor he is good at what he does. How can I be a threat to him or any other actor?There is a Yoruba adage that says“oju orun to eye fo lai fara kanra” meaning “the sky is wide enough to accommodate all birds without disturbing each other”. What has acting done for you? Acting has done a lot of things for me and I must confess to you because, this what I do everyday, but to God be the glory, I’m where I am today because of acting. If you are not an actor what would you have been? It’s very simple, God would have led me to where He wants me to be, but I love acting. How do you handle female fans and admirers? (Laughs) Like you handle your female fans as a journalist. Well, my female fans as are my friends and I love them so much. If you are in entertainment industry in this country and you don’t have female fans you are in problem. Who is your best friend in the industry? Everybody in the industry, both crew, actors and actresses are all my friends. Can you tell us your relationship with Globacom? I am happy to tell you that I’m a Glo ambassador and, Glo endorsement is one of
the happiest things in my life. It makes me happy anytime I remember that I am a Glo ambassador, because when you are working, you don’t know the type of people watching you. There are a lot of people in the entertainment industry. So, for a big company like that to say ‘let us call on this man to be an ambassador’ it is a big deal for me. I’m so happy. How did you meet your spouse? It was very simple and easy. We were attending the same church and on one fateful day, I walked up to her and asked if she would like to be in a relationship with me. At first she was sceptical because I am an actor. After much persuasion, she said that she would pray about it. We dated for about three years before we got married. We have been together for about 10 years now. What has changed about Odunlade Adekola as an actor? Lots of things have changed about me. Talking about my personality, standard of living, even my looks, because I believe things have changed for better. But the fact still remains that nothing has changed about my character. Who is your most preferred colleague on set? I don’t have anybody and I can act with anybody on set. How rich is Odunlade Adekola? I am comfortable and I thank God. How many film have you acted in? I have lost count my brother. How many actors and actresses have you acted with? I have acted with almost everybody in the industry. How do you relax, and do you still have time for your family? I relax at home with my family when I am not on location because, I have been with my family even before I became well known and my family really stood by me so I don’t think neglecting them will be the best thing at the moment. That is why I always create time to stay at home and unwind with my wife and children.
Photo By
Fidelis Isibor
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
ES ND ght in
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
•The skull of Goliath perforated by David's stone
23 19
24
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Business
India Removes Trade Barriers
Digital Skills Gap Damaging UK Economy MORE than a million small businesses and 12 million people do not have the necessary skills to succeed in the digital era, according to the latest research from a UK company. The charity has produced what it calls a digital exclusion heatmap, highlighting the areas where people are most likely to miss out on the digital revolution, which shows that men are less likely to be digitally disadvantaged than women. Over a third of the population in Wales do not have the five basic digital skills, while London, Scotland and East Anglia, come top of the league with over 80 per cent of people having those skills. The report from Go.On UK said: “Without basic digital skills, these SMEs are missing out on their share of the UK’s annual website sales of £193 billion. Not only that, but they also risk losing potential business because they can’t be found online, may
be missing an opportunity to deliver a better, more efficient service to their customers, and may not be maximising their competitiveness. “If the UK is to become the competitive, successful global economy and society that we need to be, then we urgently need to work together to give these… organisations the skills they need to participate fully in the digital world.” The research found that 23 per cent of businesses lack the ability to use search engines, send and receive online messages, complete online transactions and tap into digital solutions to solve problems. In addition, one in five people are unable to do simple things like send a Facebook message, apply for a job online, pay bills with an app, or even check what day the bins are collected on their local council website. A survey of over 4,000 people nationwide to assess their skills, coupled with data about education, income, health and internet access, have all helped build the exclusion heatmap.
China’s Central Bank In Desperate Economic Revival Move CHINA'S central bank cut interest rates for the sixth time since November on Friday in another attempt to jumpstart a slowing economy. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) said on its website that it was lowering the one-year benchmark bank lending rate by 25 basis points to 4.35 percent, effective from Oct. 24. Reserve requirements for all banks were cut by 50 basis points, with an extra 50 basis point reduction for some institutions. The PBOC also scrapped a deposit-rate ceiling. The expanded monetary easing underscores the government’s determination to meet its 2015 growth target of about 7 percent. Moderated consumer inflation and a deeper slump in producer prices have given policy makers room for further easing. China has pursued its most aggressive policy easing cycle this year since the 2008/09 global financial crisis, as policymakers seek to invigorate an economy beset by weak demand and excessive industrial capacity.
Bangladesh Must See Through VAT Reform, IMF Says THE International Monetary Fund has said that Bangladesh needs to urgently implement fiscal reforms to boost revenues. The Fund said that the country's already low tax-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio has declined steadily since fiscal year 2012-13. The IMF urged the authorities
to steadfastly implement the new value-added tax (VAT) for launch from July 2016. The VAT regime will feature a single rate of 15 percent, with exemptions for basic goods and services for lower income taxpayers. The IMF said that the new VAT will simplify tax administration and lower taxpayers' compliance costs. The IMF made the comments in a statement following the completion of its fifth and sixth reviews of Bangladesh's economic program under a threeyear arrangement supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The completion of the reviews enables the immediate disbursement of about USD258.3m, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to USD904.2m.
25
•Attracts USITC Applaud
INDIA has made significant changes to some of its policies that discriminate against US trade and investment since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister on May 26, 2014 according to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) report, Trade and Investment Policies in India, 2014–2015. The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, fact finding federal agency, prepared the report at the request of the US House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means and the US Senate Committee on Finance. The USITC report describes significant changes to India's trade and investment policies by Modi government since it took office in May 2014. It also describes changes to policies identified in the USITC report, Trade, Investment, and Industrial Policies in India: Effects on the US Economy, which was published in December 2014. The new USITC report identifies significant policy changes or new
policies by the Modi government during May 2014–July 2015 in four areas: foreign direct investment, tariffs and customs procedures, local-content and localization requirements, and standards and technical regulations. The report highlights that since May 2014 India has raised foreign direct investment (FDI) equity caps in the insurance and defense industries, removed the requirement for pre-investment authorizations in several industries and permitted FDI in certain segments of the railway industry. These changes have helped to improve India's overall investment regime. It says that India has made a small number changes in its tariffs and customs procedures. It has reduced tariffs on some information, communications, and telecommunications (ICT)-related products, but increased tariff on several telecommunicationsrelated products. Some changes have improved US access to the
Indian market. India has made changes to policies and practices regarding local-content requirements and localization measures. The changes expand or propose to expand several local-content and localization requirements affecting certain ICT, electronics, and defense and civil aerospace products. The changes affect measures that require foreign firms to purchase Indian inputs, conduct a share of business in India, conduct certain business activities in India, or submit to India-specific testing or registration. The reports says that despite the Modi government expressing a commitment to harmonize India's standards with international standards and to increase engagement with the US on standards, it has created new India-unique mandatory standards and technical requirements that increase costs, delay time to market, and operate to exclude certain US products from the Indian market.
Alphabet Set To Open At Record High New revenue streams such as mobile and video advertising should continue to propel earnings of Google parent Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), whose shares were set to open at a record high on Friday following better-than-expected results, analysts said. The company's search traffic on mobiles surpassed desktop traffic worldwide for the first time in the latest quarter. Alphabet's shares were up nearly 10 percent at $746.95 in premarket trading, far above the $713.33 record high set by Google - the company's former name - in regular trading in July. A 10 percent rise equates to about $46 billion in market value. This would give Alphabet a market cap of about $519 billion, cementing its position as the second-most valuable stock after Apple Inc (AAPL.O), worth about $660 billion. Shares of Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), which also posted better-than-expected quarterly results on Thursday, also jumped in premarket trading, pushing up U.S. stock index futures. At least 14 brokerages raised price targets on Alphabet's stock on Friday. J.P. Morgan and Jefferies were the most bullish, both raising their targets to $900. "We think it's not long before
mobile clicks surpass desktop, which we expect will provide a nice tailwind to cost-per-clicks, magnified by a tighter gap between mobile and desktop ad pricing," J.P. Morgan analyst Doug Anmuth said. Alphabet said the number of paid clicks, which require advertisers to pay only if a user clicks on the ad, rose 23 percent, compared with 18 percent in the previous quarter. With rivals such as Facebook Inc (FB.O) nipping at its heels, Alphabet had been trying to pump up advertising revenue from its mobile and video businesses, which have been much less profitable than its desktop business.
In a sign the company was becoming more sensitive to shareholders, Alphabet also announced on Thursday a $5.1 billion share buyback, its first ever. Alphabet's new transparent reporting structure, to come into effect in the current quarter, also shows the company is becoming more shareholder-friendly, analysts said. "The market has wanted four things from GOOGL – consistent revenue growth, margin stabilization, greater disclosure and cash back. What the market wants, the market gets," said RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney.
26
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Forex Talk Mike Fowope With
08056905612
wale.fowope@gmail.com om
Trade Fight (5): Identifying And Playing Your Opponent Type YOU can only determine a player’s type after challenging them to a TradeFight. As you play against people, you will start to recognise more player types and build a database, so that you can play against those you are able to beat easily. TradeFight has an option to add another player as a favourite after each match. You may also be able to determine a player type in the game, and adjust your strategy accordingly. In other words, a player may start as a Classic Trader and move to a Balanced Trader, and then even become an Allin-Extremist at the end, if they are losing. You can adjust how you play against such a person accordingly. How quickly your opponent's trades gives you an indication As a general rule, you can use the following to recognise a particular type of player: Classic Trader: Starts trading immediately and does not change position size. All-in-Extremist: Waits to act and opens large positions. Balanced Trader: Starts trading immediately and changes behaviour based on yours. Use what you know to build a database of players When you start having a good idea of what player types you typically come up against, you can build a database of them to help you decide whether you want to play them or not. Prepare to fight Whichever player type you are, you will naturally develop an ability in the game through experience. If you are the Classic Trader type, then your edge comes from simply making use of your trading skills to be able to grow your virtual account in three minutes. Your edge over your opponent, in this sense, is simply being a better trader. However, if you are more of a tactician, and want to go further in outwitting your opponent (such as
over leveraging yourself when you are losing, and you only have a few seconds to go in the game), then there are other techniques that you can use. Scaling in and scaling out No matter what type of trader you are, you can take advantage of scaling in and out of your trades. How much you scale depends on how aggressive you are as a player. As you increase your virtual account, you can increase your position size, and vice versa. It doesn't matter what type of player you are, you can always make use of scaling in and out. For the Classic Trader, you act as you normally would, scaling up as you increase your account, and scaling down when you are not. For the Balanced Trader or All-in-Extremist, you would scale up and down, but much more aggressively to give yourself a much bigger lead over your opponents. For example, when you start a game, you start with $1000 virtual currency. The amount that is added or taken away from your account for each tick movement depends on the amount that you bet. If you choose $500, then each tick movement is equal to $50. By putting on two positions, one tick can add (or take away) 10% of your account. What you can do is start with one position size, and when your account has risen by a certain amount, say $200, then you can start opening two positions, of the highest amount, at the same time. When you are up another $200 – $300 dollars, you may want to start opening three positions at a time. When you start losing money, you simply scale back down. A Balanced Trader may take this approach more aggressively. It can be an effective method in gaining a lead quickly over your opponent, and maintaining that lead over the course of a few trades. Of course, you can lose significant amounts of money quickly, so this
technique must be used correctly. However, it can be effective in winning against your opponent. To learn more about scaling in and out, you can check out the following lesson: SCALING IN AND OUT OF TRADES Lesson: Learn how to actively maximise your potential profit and minimise risks by entering and closing multiple positions at different times. You haven't attempted the quiz yet. Watching their trades and doing nothing Sometimes doing nothing is a good way to maintain your lead. If you are winning, then you can refrain from trading and watch their trading activity instead. If they do nothing, then you can simply wait and keep your lead. You may even be able to do nothing if you are significantly far enough ahead. Whatever player type you are up against at the time, there are certain times when doing nothing serves a purpose. For example, when you are beating your opponent by a significant amount, there isn't much point in risking your lead if your opponent has almost no chance of catching up. In this situation, it may be best to switch to watching their trades, and seeing if they are over-leveraging to try and catch up or not. If they are not, because they are a Classic Trader, then you do not have to take action unless they have caught up significantly. This is the general tactic of the All-in-Extremist. If your opponent is an All-inExtremist, or even a Balanced Trader, you still may have nothing to worry about, if you are significantly far enough ahead of them. Use your judgement to decide if you should be taking action, or doing nothing. As a general rule, the further ahead you are, the less the incentive to take trades.
Biz News
Dangote Refinery Commences Operations In 2018 –Manager THE Management of Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Plant on Thursday assured Nigerians that its 650,000 barrels Per Day (BPD) capacity petroleum refinery would come on stream by 2018. Mr Madhav Kelkar, Senior General Manager, Civil and Structural, Dangote Petrochemicals Ltd, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, made the announcement when he took newsmen on a facility tour of the plant located at Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos. He said that when the refinery comes on stream; it would boost the country’s refining capacity and enhance industrialisation. He said that construction work on the projects was expected to be completed by 2017 while refining operation would commence by 2018, adding that the projects would create job opportunities for Nigerians. Kelkar said: “the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery will meet the 2018 deadline. “As you can see, piling and land reclamation are going on. Sand filling is the most critical part of the project. “ A Belgium-based dredging company called JandeNul is in charge of dredging and soil investigation. “Assembly and coupling of equipment will take only a couple of months. I think we are making progress and I’m happy with what we have done so far. “At the end of the day, every Nigerian will be very proud that we have the longest single train refinery in the world. That’s the vision of Dangote.’’ Kelkar said that if the project is completed, Nigeria would be self-sufficient in refining of crude oil. He said that more than 2,000 Nigerians would be employed when the refinery commence operations He said that the petrochemical plant would produce 750,000 metric tonnes of polypropylene per annum while the fertiliser plant would produce 2.8 metric tonnes of Urea and Ammonia.
Tax Evasion: Six Firms Face Criminal Prosecution In Lagos THE Lagos State Government on Thursday disclosed that it had commenced criminal proceedings against six companies operating within its defined territory without remitting taxes amount to N50 million between 2007 and 2012. The state government named the defaulting firms to include Nicon Town Management Company owing N36,053,652.89, Marketing Mix and Company Limited 10,712,914.15, Hope Valley International Clinic N2,389,885.28, BEC Consultants Nigeria Limited N792,563.47, Goldmine Global Services Limited N505,812.73 and Brown Brommel Limited N368,159.63. It made the disclosure in a statement signed by the Executive Chairman of Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr. OlufolarinOgunsanwo, noting that the defaulting firms had been sealed in pursuant to the provisions of Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 LFN (as amended in 2011). Ogunsanwo said the defaulting companies “will not be reopened for business until all unremitted taxes are paid to the state government,” declaring zero tolerance to tax default and evasion. He said the law “is clear on issues bordering on tax evasion. The LIRS will continue to take full advantage of the provisions of the law to prosecute recalcitrant corporate organisations and individuals without further notice.” He said LIRS: “Is set to begin criminal prosecution of all tax defaulters in Lagos State to ensure that culprits are made to face the full wrath of the law. Under the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), a taxable person is statutorily required to file a return of income for the preceding year at the expiration of 90 days from the commencement of every year of assessment.” The chairman also pointed out that every employer of labour “is required to file all emoluments paid to its employees for the preceding year, not later than January 31 annually. “Aside, employers will also be required to furnish the LIRS with the salary projection of all staff annually. The implication of which is that a taxable person or corporate organisations who have not filed their tax returns with LIRS by the stipulated date is in breach of the provisions of the law, which is a criminal offence that is punishable under the tax laws,” he said. He listed such infractions to include, non-deduction of taxes (PAYE and Withholding tax etc), non-remittance of PAYE taxes, non-deduction/remittance of taxes by casual workers, non-filing of tax returns at the stipulated statutory period, under declaration of income, concealment of relevant information (Income, fringe benefits, etc) with a view to evading tax, failure to process Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (e-TCC) cards for employees. He said the LIRS “has spent the last ten years on advocacy, publicity and enlightenment programmes on the statutory obligations of the citizenry to voluntarily comply by paying their taxes promptly as prescribed in the 1999 constitution and all applicable tax legislations. In spite of the efforts, many corporate organisations and individuals still engage in several infractions.”
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Foreign News
TIT BITS...
Slovenia To Build Border Fence Slovenian PM says his country is still looking for European option to help stem record influx of migrants, refugees. Slovenia says it is considering building a border fence to help stem a record influx of migrants and refugees, as thousands more people arrived from Croatia on Friday. Prime Minister Miro Cerar said he hoped a mini-EU summit with Balkan and central European leaders on Sunday would help bring solutions to the crisis, but he has not ruled out a barrier along the 670-kilometre (415mile) frontier with Croatia. "We are considering that option too but at this moment... we are still looking for a European option," Prime Minister Miro Cerar told state TV late Thursday. Slovenia has become the main entry point into the European Union's passport-free Schengen zone after Hungary sealed its southern borders with razor-wire fences to stop migrants desperately trying to reach northern Europe before winter sets in. Ljubljana has asked Brussels for 140 million euros (£100 million), in addition to police backup and logistical support. "If on Sunday we do not get sufficient (grounds for hope), if we see there is no will for collaboration, then all possibilities will are available, seeing as we will have been left alone," Cerar said. But he stressed that he saw the fence as a last resort. "The border with Croatia is long and building a fence would be rather demanding. Police and army would have to guard it permanently to prevent illegal crossings," Cerar said. More than 47,500 people have entered the small nation of two million people since October 17 when Budapest shut its frontier with Croatia, barely a month after also closing its Serbian border. Most of the migrants, mainly fleeing violence in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, want to get to Germany, the EU's economic powerhouse. Some 14,000 were waiting in Slovenian refugee camps and registration centres on Friday morning, hoping to continue to neighbouring Austria whose Spielfeld border camp was also bursting with new arrivals. Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz on Friday warned the "surge into Europe" had become too big, adding that bloc members had a responsibility to protect their borders. Border fences in Hungary gary and other EU countries had proven effective in tackling the crisis, isis, Kurz said. "The question iss whether you want them m or not," he told public broadcaster Oe1. His comments echo those of Interior Minister Johanna MiklLeitner who on Thursdayy announced it was time for or the EU to "build fortress ess Europe", after she had visited sited the Spielfeld checkpoint. Some 7,000 migrants nts have crossed into Austria from om Slovenia since Thursday, with some 4 4,500 500 still stranded at Spielfeld on Friday morning, police said.
27
Scores Killed In Battle For Western Yemeni City
Russian Airstrike Pushes US Into Ramping Up Attacks On ISIS RUSSIA'S ferocious campaign of airstrikes on Islamic State is forcing United States into ramping up attacks on the terror organisation, it has been revealed. The Pentagon is putting in a plan to reboot its strategy in the Middle East after continuous failures to reclaim the ISIS-controlled cities of Ramadi and Mosul in Iraq. Both Washington and Bagdad are said to have grown frustrated at the lack of progress and pressure is now being put on Iraq's prime minister Haider al-Abadi to ask Moscow to conduct airstrikes in the country. It comes after a Syrian MP revealed Vladimir Putin's relentless campaign of bombing in the country has achieved more against ISIS in 15 days than the US did in a year in the wartorn country. Russia and the US have regularly clashed over Middle Eastern policy in recent weeks, including over airspace. That was heightened yesterday when Moscow released a video of a Russian fighter jet passing just beneath a US Reaper drone in a nearmiss in Syria.
America's new strategy, which is expected to be outlined to Congress next week, is being lead by military commander General Joseph Dunford, who has said he has received assurances from Abadi he will not seek help from Russia, something the Kremlin is said to be keen to offer. The new US plan will include coordinating groups attacking ISIS in Iraq, including Baghdad's security forces, Kurdish fighters known as the Peshmerga and Sunni tribes. It will also involve the US working with Iranian-backed Shia militias for the first time. Dunford, who has just returned from visiting a range of countries in the Middle East, said he he was asking his top advisers to come up with recommendations on how the US-led coalition could motivate the Iraqi forces and pick up the pace of operations. Dunford didn't provide specifics, but said some of it could include additional training, more equipment or improving how the coalition is working together. US airstrikes began in Iraq a year
ago when the Iraqi army collapsed under intense pressure from insurgents. After early successes progress on the ground has stalled but there are signs of improvement. Dunford said: "Three or four weeks ago, there was no movement at all around Ramadi, no movement toward Beiji. "Now we see more movement than we've seen before, movement that I think we can take a look at and say, 'OK, how do we reinforce success now?' "A year ago, ISIL was making progress unchecked. "So, I'm not trying to put lipstick on a pig here. I'm trying to be honest about where we are. The momentum of ISIL was stopped, they have lost ground." Iraqi officials said the US has already begun increasing airstrikes in the country. The Pentagon said there had been 70 raids on ISIS targets over the last two weeks. However, that has paled into comparison to Russia's offensive on terrorists in Syria
Rage Shooting: Mexican Man Shoots Four-Year-Old Girl To Death
A 32-yearold man has admitted murdering a mur four-year-old four girl in a road rage shooting. sh Torrez Tony after was arrested arre Lilly Garcia was w shot in the head in the back seat of her pick-up truck ffather’s h k k in New Mexico on Tuesday. Officials said Lilly was killed after a Toyota saloon car pulled up beside her
father’s pick-up truck and shots were fired into the vehicle. He was charged with murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to commit a violent felony. Torrez is also charged with child abuse, child abuse resulting in death, shooting at or from a motor vehicle and evidence tampering, Albuquerque police said. Officials said in a statement that Torrez "confessed to investigators he was responsible for the murder." Police said earlier that day an anonymous caller had reported knowing
who shot the girl and gave detectives Torrez's name. "With that information and multiple tips from the community, detectives were able to find the suspect," police said. Police said that on Tuesday officers had received a 911 emergency phone call just before 3 p.m. from the girl's father saying his daughter had been shot. "The father stated he had just picked up his daughter and 7-year-old son from school and were attempting to exit the freeway," the police statement said, before a maroon or red Toyota sedan cut across traffic and forced him out of his lane.
Small Group Of Somali Al Shabaab Swear Allegiance To Islamic State A senior al Shabaab commander and about 20 of his followers have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, the first move of its kind to emerge in the Somali militant group. There was no immediate reaction from al Shabaab's overall leadership, which aligned itself in 2012 to al Qaeda, a group that has declared Islamic State's leader illegitimate. Experts have been watching to see if the rise of Islamic State in Syria, Iraq and other battlefields, would draw al
Shabaab's public support, but said the impact of any such alliance would be largely symbolic given geographical distance would hinder an exchange of material supplies. "We, the mujahideen of Somalia, declare allegiance to the caliph as Ibrahim ibn Awad ibn Ibrahim al-Awad al-Qurashi," Abdiqadir Mumin, an al Shabaab commander in the Puntland region of Somalia, said in an audio tape published on YouTube. Nigerian militants Boko Haram also
pledged allegiance to Islamic State this year, a move seen as highlighting a desire by African jihadists to link up with others in the Middle East and elsewhere. Islamic State has accepted pledges of allegiance from groups in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and North Africa. A follower of al Shabaab's Mumin confirmed the veracity of the recording declaring allegiance to al-Qurashi, better known as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Islamic State and self-proclaimed caliph of the Muslim world.
YEMENI security officials say heavy fighting between pro-government forces and the Shiite Houthi rebels besieging the western city of Taiz has killed 71 people in the past two days. The officials said Friday that 11 of those killed were civilians and the rest were fighters from both sides. Another 100 people have been wounded in fighting in the city, where a Saudi-led coalition is carrying out airstrikes against the rebels. Yemen's fighting pits the Houthis and allied army units against the internationally recognized government. The U.N. says at least 2,577 civilians were killed since the Saudi-led air campaign began in March. The officials remain neutral in the conflict that has splintered Yemen's armed forces. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief reporters.
Ex-UN Official Jacqueline Sutton Found Dead BRITON Jacqueline Sutton, 50, was found hanged Saturday in a restroom at the airport's international transit terminal, Turkey's state-sponsored Anadolu news agency reported, citing Istanbul police. Sutton, who once worked for the United Nations flew from London to Istanbul to take a connecting flight to her base in Irbil in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, according to her employer, the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. Turkish media reported Sutton missed her flight to Irbil. Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the death of a British national in Turkey, saying embassy staff was assisting the family of the deceased and that British officials would remain in close contact with Turkish authorities. Anadolu reported that Sutton hanged herself, citing Turkish security officials.
Dozens Dead In France Bus Crash AT least 42 people killed after bus collides with truck and catches fire in country's worst road accident since 1982. At least 42 people have been killed in a collision between a bus and truck near the southwestern town of Libourne, officials said. The bus caught fire in the Friday morning crash that also left the driver of the truck dead. Images shown on French television showed the coach as a charred shell that had been entirely burned. Five surviving passengers were brought to hospital with injuries while three others were unharmed, local authorities said. The interior ministry said the bus was carrying elderly from a nearby village going on excursion. Local politician Florent Boudie, who had visited the accident site, told BFMTV that it was unclear what had caused the accident. He said the authorities were considering high speed and weather conditions as
28
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Foreign News
Serbia, Croatia Partner On Migrant Flow SERBIA and Croatia agreed Friday to ease the flow of migrants over the border between the countries after thousands of people, including children, were forced to spend the night out in the open in near-freezing temperatures along a muddy border passage. The interior ministers of Serbia and Croatia said they will start shipping migrants by train directly from Serbia to Croatia so that they
A U.S. service member dies in combat in Iraq—for the first time in four years. But the military still insist this is a relatively risk-free “training” mission. An American service member was fatally shot during a U.S. Special Forces raid to rescue 70 hostages—some chained to a wall—in an ISIS compound in central Iraq. The death marks the first U.S. combat death since its withdrawal from Iraq in 2011. And it calls into question President Obama’s repeated promises that “American combat troops are not going to be fighting in Iraq again.” Even after the raid, Pentagon officials, who once insisted there were no American boots on the ground, continued to call the U.S. effort a “train, advice and assist” mission, not a combat one. It marked the latest game of military semantics in a war defined as much by its messaging as by its tactical results. At a briefing with reporters, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said the U.S. military was “not in an active combat mission” in Iraq. Cook repeatedly called the raid “unique” but refused to say whether the U.S. military had
conducted similar mission before this one or whether anyone in the Iraqi government had asked for similar help in the past. Rather he said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter approved putting U.S. troops in harm’s way because the Kurdish forces asked for raid and because both Kurdish and U.S. forces believed hostages had recently been killed; more could die within hours, they feared. The U.S. military was not sure who it was rescuing, Cook said. In a statement, Kurdish officials said there were no Kurds among those rescued; they seem surprised and suggested that Iraqis had been rescued, instead. To be sure, Special Forces are deployed in combat missions in areas officially considered non-combat areas. But until Thursday, the Obama administration had never suggested that those elite troops were exempt how the U.S. defines it mission in Iraq. But White House spokesman Eric Schultz did just that Thursday, saying there are several unique missions in Iraq: “We have also delineated several types of operations that would be permitted under the
Two Chinese Diplomats Accused Of Killing Colleagues In The Philippines TWO Chinese diplomats are suspects in the shooting deaths of two of their colleagues at a restaurant in the Philippines, authorities said. Gunshots rang out on Wednesday at a restaurant in Cebu City where a group of Chinese diplomats were having lunch, Col. Romeo Santander, superintendent of Cebu Police City Intelligence Branch said. Two employees of Cebu's Chinese consulate were shot dead -- a woman named Hui Li and a man named Sun Shen. Consul General Song Ronghua was wounded, Santander added. Li Qingliang, 60, and his wife,
they will go directly from camp to camp." Further west, thousands of migrants aiming to reach northern Europe walked out of refugee camps on the border between Slovenia and Austria on their own, frustrated after waiting long hours in overcrowded facilities. Eager to move on, thousands spread around along railway tracks, highways and mountain roads. Confused and unaware which roads
to take to go west, some migrants also later turned back and returned to the refugee camps to wait for bus transport to other locations. Tensions have been building among the migrants after the so-called Balkan route shifted. Migrants still cross first from Greece into Macedonia and then Serbia, but now go via Croatia and Slovenia instead of Hungary, which has erected fences along its borders with Serbia and Croatia.
U.S. Soldier Killed By ISIS, Pentagon Insists Not Combat
Iran’s Supreme Leader Approves Nuclear Deal With Conditions IRAN'S Supreme Leader has conditionally approved the nuclear deal signed between his country and six world powers in July. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's official website carries a letter from the Supreme Leader to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani endorsing the deal, subject to certain conditions. The nuclear deal will be rendered void if any future sanctions are imposed on Iran by any country, or under any pretext -- including "human rights" and "alleged support of terrorism," according to the letter. The letter lists a series of nine key conditions before saying, "The motion passed by the National Security Council ... adhering to the points mentioned, is approved." "In his letter Ayatollah Khamenei warned against any breach of the deal by the other side. The Supreme Leader noted that any remarks by the other side that says the structure of the sanctions will remain unchanged or imposition of any sanctions on Iran at any level under any pretext would translate into the violation of the JCPOA," referring to the formal name of the deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Iranian lawmakers passed a bill last week allowing the Iranian government to implement the agreement, the staterun news agency IRNA reported. Under the agreement, international sanctions on Iran will be lifted in return for restrictions on its nuclear activities, which will be inspected by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The deal is aimed at preventing Iran from being able to develop nuclear weapons, but Iran insists its intentions are peaceful.
won't have to cross on foot, often treading kilometers in rain and cold weather, as has been the case so far. Migrants will register when they enter Serbia and will be able to cross into Croatia without any delays, which should speed up the process significantly, the ministers said. "We have agreed to stop this torture," said Croatian Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic. "There will be no more rain and snow,
Guo Jing, 57, were identified as the suspects in the shooting. The Philippine Foreign Ministry said Thursday that they are both accredited Chinese diplomats who have diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention. They will be handed over to China and will face the legal process there, said Charles Jose, a spokesman for the ministry. He didn't say what diplomatic positions Li and Guo held. Authorities found a .45caliber pistol at the scene and are investigating the motive for the attack.
Santander said that closed-circuit TV video shows what appears to be an argument breaking out among the nine Chinese guests while hired singers were singing "Happy Birthday" in a private room at the restaurant. The footage shows Li firing a gun and shooting Hui in the head, and his wife Guo taking the weapon from the table, he said. Li and Guo fled the scene in a vehicle but were later arrested, three kilometers away at the consular office. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the case will be handled in accordance with "relevant international treaties and bilateral consular agreements.
President’s directive. That includes the train and advise and assist program. That includes Special Operations forces. That includes humanitarian rescues. And that includes counterterrorism missions.” The death of a U.S. service member reinforced critics’ fears that the redeployment of American troops to Iraq could lead to an expanded mission—one that involved combat. Special Forces are not the first to come under increasing threat. U.S. trainees stationed at a base in western Iraq’s Anbar province, for example, endure a handful of mortar rounds a day, a defense official told The Daily Beast. There are concerns in the Pentagon that an American service member could be killed by one of those attacks. According to the Kurds and a senior defense official, the raid occurred at 4
a.m. local time when dozens of troops from the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force left their base in Irbil, Iraq and flew in five helicopters roughly 87 miles to the town of Hawijah. The U.S. military planned the raid after it had intelligence of an “imminent mass execution,” Cook said. Kurdish officials asked for the U.S. military to provide intelligence, airstrikes, and advice for the dozens of Kurdish forces on the raid, said a defense official who briefed reporters on the raid on the condition of anonymity. Before and during the raid, the U.S. conducted airstrikes. But the official insisted that the U.S. forces were there to enable their Kurdish counterparts, not lead the effort. The U.S. forces marched into the compound with the Kurds, helped defend them, move hostages out and detained and killed ISIS fighters,
Two Killed In Sweden School Stabbing Attack MASKED man armed with sword in western town of Trollhattan kills teacher and student, before being shot dead. A teacher and a student have been killed and several others injured in a stabbing attack at a school in Sweden, according to police. A masked man armed with a sword entered the school in the western town of Trollhattan on Thursday morning, slashing several people. The student died in hospital, while the teacher, a male, was pronounced dead on scene. Two other students and a teacher underwent surgery after the attack, medical officials said. The attacker had a gunshot wound to his lower chest and died later Thursday at the hospital, officials said. Police spokeswoman Maria Randsalu said the second victim was a student, but did not say which one. One witness, a student at the school, told newsmen that the attack was initially
believed to be a joke. "He wore a mask and black clothes. There were students asking to take pictures with him and touch the sword," the student said. 'A tragedy' Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven called the deadly stabbing attack "a tragedy that hits the entire country." He spoke outside the school in Trollhattan after viewing the lobby where the attack began. Lofven declined to comment on Swedish press reports that the attacker had rightwing sympathies, saying police were still trying to establish a profile of him. "My thoughts go out to the victims and their families, the students and staff, and the whole community," Lofven said earlier. "No words can describe what they are going through right now." King Carl XVI Gustaf said Sweden was "in shock" following the attack and that the royal family received the news "with great dismay and sadness." In August, a knife attack in an IKEA store in the central city of Vasteras left a mother and a son dead.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
CooperVows Never To Sleep With J.Lawrence BRADLEY Cooper is very much contented with girlfriend, Irina Shayk. In a new interview, the famous hunk said, he will "never" sleep with his frequent costar Jennifer Lawrence… regardless of how young he dates. The 40-year-old 'Burnt' actor, who's famously starred alongside the gorgeous Oscar-winning actress, 25, in numerous, critically acclaimed, award-winning films including Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, Serena, and Joy, explained why their relationship is purely platonic. "Bradley, what is going on there? Jennifer Lawrence. You're doing another movie with her," Stern asked the American Sniper hunk. "Is she becoming the woman you have the most chemistry with? What is going on?" "It's due to David O. Russell, that's what's happening," Cooper said of the director and screenwriter. "We did Silver Linings Playbook together. We got along great." "It just didn't happen," Cooper continued of any romantic connection with Lawrence, whom he would "never" have sex with. "It's not the way we are together." And age difference isn't the problem. "I said that once on a red carpet just as a diffuse thing," Cooper recalled. "And then it became a thing because the girl I was seeing [Suki Waterhouse, 23] was as young as she was." Well, Jennifer confirmed this in an interview with Us Weekly when she said: "No sex!" she assured of her relationship with Cooper.
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
29
e f Entertainment ca Cee Lo Bollywood Notes Green To
Marry Fiancé One Year After Engagement
CEE Lo Green is finally set to say "I do" at the altar with his fiancé, Shani James. The 41-year-old singer who proposed to his girlfriend over a year ago, has revealed to People magazine that he popped the question one year ago in the studio "I went and purchased a ring that we had seen together, maybe four or five months or so prior," the 'Forget You' singer told the magazine. Cee Lo, who was previously married to Christina Johnson for five years and divorced in 2005, is currently working on his new album 'Heart Blanche', which is released November 13. The singer also revealed to the Association Press on Wednesday, October 21, that he wants to return to the NBC singing competition, after quitting amid drugs and rape allegations last year. "I've talked very possibly about doing 'The Voice' again," Green said in an AP interview. "So I just kind of put that out there, wishful thinking, kind of willing it. Because I would love to do it again." He later pleaded no contest to slipping
a woman ecstasy in her drink without her knowledge at a restaurant in 2012. The woman alleged the singer then raped her, although he was never been charged because prosecutors said the woman's level of intoxication could not be determined. Cee Lo however, entered a plea deal to the drugs charge in August, 2014 He then caused a social media uproar and torpedoed his career when he took to twitter to post controversial Tweets about rape, including the statement that "women who are really raped remember." T h e ensuring fallout let to him quitting 'The Voice' and having concerts cancelled.
Kareena Kapoor Khan Not Part Of Karan Johar’s ‘AeDilHaiMushkil’ ACTRESS Kareena Kapoor Khan is not doing a special song in Karan Johar's directorial venture 'AeDilHaiMushkil'. Gossip mills were abuzz that Kareena and her actor husband Saif Ali Khan would be seen together in a dance number in the movie. "It is not true. She is not doing a song in the film. She has just wrapped up Dubai schedule of 'Ki and Ka'. Besides this film she is busy with 'Udta Punjab' and brand endorsements," sources said. Kareena had done an item number 'MeraNaam Mary Hai' for Karan Johar's home production film 'Brothers'. The film 'AeDilHaiMushkil' has a stellar cast of Ranbir Kapoor, AishwaryaRaiBachchan, Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan. When contacted, Saif remained unavailable for comment.
Shah Rukh Khan Gets Autographed ‘The Alchemist’ From Paulo Coelho Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was elated to receive an autographed copy of acclaimed writer Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist". "&,when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping u to achieve it.Thx @paulocoelhothis is so special," SRK posted on Twitter along with images of his signed copy of the book. Coelho's autograph read, "Dear Shah Rukh Khan, a master of acting. With my admiration".
“Michael May Not Be My Biological Father, I Care Less” –Prince Jackson Michael Jackson's oldest son says it doesn't matter whether the pop star was his real father or not. Prince Jackson is finally addressing the issue of his birth on social media after years of rumors making rounds on the media about MJ not being the biological father to his three
Can We Give You Our Kidneys? –Fans LAMAR Odom's fans are determined to help him to get well soon even if it means them donating their kidneys for his alleged transplant. Countless fans have been contacting Lamar and his wife, Khloe Kardashian on social media, responding to a story that the NBA champion's kidneys are shutting down and he could be in need of a transplant. Some of them have gone as far as sending blood type info and contact numbers. For example, one guy wrote, "I don't just say stuff. If Lamar needs a kidney I'm willing to donate."
children. Prince responded to a fan who recently attacked him on twitter writing, "everyone knows you are a Rowe-Klein NOT a Jackson!!" "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb ... I was raised by my dad with my brother and sister," he replied the Twitter user. Making it the closest he's ever come to saying MJ isn't blood -- but it also makes it clear Michael is the only father he's ever known. Over the years, there have been a lot of rumors claiming MJ's longtime physician and friend, Dr. Arnie Klein fathered Michael's kids with Debbie Rowe. Klein added fuel to the fire in 2013 when he compared an old driver's license
pic of himself to one of Prince. But according to TMZ, Michael is NOT Prince's biological father ... and neither is Arnie Klein. Dr. Klein passed away on Thursday, October 22 from Multiple Sclerosis.
Salman Khan Charges Nothing For ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ Movie WHILE Bollywood stars are known to command astronomic remuneration for films, industry sources tell us that Salman Khan made an exception for SoorajBarjatya, with whom he has reunited after a decade and half for 'PremRatanDhanPayo'. The actor, we hear, did not charge a fee to be part of the upcoming release; he only decided to share the profit with the filmmaker. A source says, "During their first meeting to discuss the film, Salman Khan told SoorajBarjatya that he will not accept payment to act in the film and instead take 50 per cent of the profit." Usually, an actor asks for a fixed payment as well as a percentage of the film's profits. "A-listers often make concessions for producers or directors they are friends with, but Salman just wants a share in the profit. The film is expected to do well since it is releasing on Diwali and won't have competition at the box office either," says an insider.
30
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Entertainment
Why I’m In Love With Chidinma –Ruggedman
•After carving a niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry as a rapper, Michael Stephens popularly known as Ruggedman, has ventured into fashion, founding the fashion line, Twentieth September Wears, TSW. In this interview with RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN, Ruggedman speaks on discovering music, dovetailing into fashion and why he is yet to marry among other issues. Excerpts How was your childhood like? Hmmm… growing was not rosy because my parents separated when I was six and then I went to live with my mum which got us really close. You can’t mess with my family. We were really close because we all had to fend for each other. My elder sister quitted school and did a lot of job she even modelled to send us to school. But thank God now she is in UK. She went to study abroad. It was a bit rough growing up but that did not make me a rough person, that did not make me do bad things because anytime I think of something like that I tend to remember where am coming from. When did you discover music? I can’t pinpoint but, don’t worry I’m not going to say from my mother’s womb(giggles), I just realised that I liked music, so I started watching a lot of musical shows and started recording songs from studio and started writing out the lyrics and then I thought of writing my own songs. It was the passion that was real, so when I found out I could make my own music, I made mine and then I realised that people liked it. So I put it on radio and I got great feedback. while I was in the university my first song was out but people did not know I was the one who sang it, am sitting in campus and people will be shouting that is the song am talking about they were hailing me and when I finished school I decided to face my music because I saw that was my calling. I studied political science in school. How did fashion come in line with music? (Giggles) A Political scientists that went into music and now fashion, I always loved fashion I always like cloths and like dressing casual and that is why my 20th September wears is about urban, casual wear. Face cap, t-shirt, hoodies, varsity jackets. And now am throwing in ruggedman water bottle (laughs) What is the confusion about rugged man drink and water business? It is just a water bottle that is why it has drink by rugged man. People don’t just ask questions and jump into conclusion. I am not selling any drink it is just a water bottle, I noticed the confusion because it was branded drink by rugged man. Who is ruggedman? Rugged man is very down to earth and very playful, not arrogant as people would misunderstand. He is a very free and approachable person. Ruggedman is a very focused person and a hard worker, wants to support and a free spirited person How did your mother react to your music? I eased her and the whole family into it because they did not know, growing
up was me in my room and always blasting music, most of the time I would blast popular music and songs they don’t know. I blast instrumental so when I started blasting my own instrumentals and rapping along they did not know, to them they just thought it was a song I liked and I was rapping and singing it. It was until somebody from outside saw my mum on the road and said mama (mother) Ruggedman, I like your son’s music (giggle). And she just pieced it together because before that particular day, Tony Tetula, Paulplay and Eldee of Trybesmen had come to the house. And even on her birthday, I invited a lot of them (artistes). So she was wondering how I knew them and she was like so you have actually released your own song and I said yes. They were okay with it because it hadn’t disturbed my schooling. And thE fact that nobody had come in with anything negative about it, they were cool with it. They were excited. Since you started till now, what do you think has changed in the music scene? Hmmm… there is more money in it now. I wish there was more money in it when I started. And I appreciate the fact that a lot of corporate bodies have finally realised that they can do a lot with music and musicians because that is how it is abroad. And what I’m talking about is endorsements and calling artistes for their activation. With the likes of olamide and wizkid what is the difference between your song and theirs? Their song is the song of now. Mine was the song of then. But the only difference for me is that I’m still around now. And I’m still making music, not as much as I used to because I have a whole lot of stuff I’m doing now. Right now, I’m branching off to different things but they just came up, so they’re concentrating on music. They have to at least build a career for now. Ruggedman has been around give or take 12 years. Wizkid has been around give or take five years. Not from when he started but from when he came up. And then I have my record label, I have my artiste. So I’m doing like a whole lot of stuff which I know they would do too later. How old are you? A year older Between music and fashion, which is your first love? Music of course. Why? Because that’s what I make a living off. What inspired GBMH(God Bless My Hustle) theme of your recent fashion outfit? Like I said, Ruggedman is hardworking. You know we all like prayers, especially
positive prayers. So, I just wanted something out there that apart from wearing a good shirt is actually a prayer to the person wearing it and whoever sees it. And the fashion and the music is my hustle. So I pray God bless it and the hustle of others too. Where is your record labellocated? I work from home. That means you actually have a record label? All of Ruggedman’s albums, videos, everything, has been released on Rugged Records since 2002. The album, Money Making Music, what is it all about? It’s a joint album with my artiste, Mbryo. And I wanted something to help push him out there a bit more. So I did a joint album with him. So, if you check the album, you’ll see songs from him and songs from me and songs we did together. How Many artiste are signed to your record label? Signed to my label, one, Mbryo but supported, a lot. I don’t know if a lot of people know but I was the one that actually directed D’Banj’s very first video, (Kiss Me Again). There was a day he tweeted about it. If I tell you how we shot that video… that was the first time Annie Macaulay was appearing on TV. She was the video vixen. I actually took him and Don Jazzy to Ikoyi to go talk to her about her being in the video. I already told her about it. I think that was her first time on being on video. And that video, some of it was shot in my friend’s house in Akoka. And I used my then girlfriend’s car, it was a white Toyota Corolla, a small car. And then the craziest part of it was I forgot my head warmer in the house. So, I had to use my friend’s girlfriend skirt on my head (Laughs).I tied it in such a way that from the front it looked like a head warmer but from the back it wasn’t But it was fun. We at least achieved what we wanted that was a long time ago. Recently it was reported that you professed love to Chidinma, Miss Kedike on a radio program, What is happening between both of you? Chidinma is an artiste I admire very much. She’s a very talented person. She’s cute. Yes, I do like Chidinma but that’s where it stops. So it is not getting to marriage? Take it easy. You have to know someone a whole lot to talk relationship and marriage. How many years is it going to take you to know somebody? Chidinma is my friend. That’s just about it. She’s a cute talented girl I like. What’s the talent you like about her? She can sing. Have you heard her sing?
I call her ‘small but mighty.’ She might look petite but when she gets on stage and opens her mouth and sings, wow. There was some gists floating around that you were arranging a secret wedding with OlaideAdeogun the former Lux Ambassador, Actress cum TV Presenter.? Ah! (Surprised) Nothing like that. Laide is a very good friend. She’s an old friend. I haven’t seen her in a long time. And then, suddenly, I just bumped into her again. And we took pictures and then she confided in me on something and I talked to her. She took what I said to heart and she went online and wrote ‘old friends are good to keep like Michael.’ And she used the picture we took as her DP on BB and I did the same. Then she used it on Twitter as her avatar. They just saw her picture using it on BB, using it as her avatar on Twitter and when she wrote ‘Old friends are good to keep’. Maybe that’s what made them assume. How has your experience been as ambassador of peace? It’s been good. I’ve not been as deep into it as I actually wanted, because I’ve been so caught up in the whole clothing thing. I had to travel to go design and manufacture. I’ve just been up and down but it’s been great. The fact that I was even given that I was honoured. I’ve been doing a lot of things that I don’t make noise about, like helping people raise money for, like surgeries. I was told about someone who had cancer and I was the first to get there and rallied a lot of people around. And to God be the glory, she was able to raise enough money. She’s in America today, she’s received treatment and she didn’t have to lose her breast or anything. You know, that’s part of a lot of things I’ve done. We’ve done the walk for peace. I’ve done a lot of things for charity that I don’t really make noise about it. It’s been a good experience. It’s like you getting a just reward for something you’ve been doing and not making noise about. September 20thwas your birthday and 2Face too had a bash on that day it was like two great men? Yes, but 2face jumped on my own day. 2Face’s birthday is 18 of September. I’m 20 and my birthday was fun, MI was there, Denrele with his madness, IK of Big Brother hosted, Uzo of Do Good co-hosted, Solid Star was there, PMAN executives – Pretty, Felix Duke, the Chocolate City guys were there. And then some new artistes – I actually gave them the opportunity to perform that day. I’m having another (gig) for my clothing line (October). It’s one thing to have a clothing line, it’s another to be able to push it and to get it out there. I’m actually starting a series of TSW fashion parties. The second is holding on October 24. Then after that one, we’re going to
have a TSW fashion pool party. With all the business would one say that you are jack of all trade? I’m not a jack of all trades because if I was a jack of all trades, I’ll be doing a lot of things at the same time. But I’ve been doing music. Now, I’ve just shifted a little to do fashion. But I also have my artiste, Mbryo, who I’m still working with. So, it’s not about being a jack of all trades but it’s about knowing you’re now a brand and you can actually sell it in different ways. That is what I’m doing? When are you releasing another album? We’ve been working on the (MMM2) Money Making Music 2 album for a while now. With the next set of songs that are going to drop, talking about songs, you just might hear a song soonest. You’ll hear a new song from Ruggedman. You’ll hear a new song from Mbryo. Well, the song is about money. There’s a song I did with Reminisce called 8figures. And one of the designs on my line is 8figures T-Shirt, 8figures Face cap, there’s the 8figures hoodie and there’s the 8figures varsity jacket. This song I’m doing now is 8figures remix with Ice Prince. And it’s called 8figures TSW Remix with Ice Prince. Single ladies are wondering, when will you get married? All I would tell them is they should just wait and see. That’s all I would say to that question. How do you get inspired by your kind of music? I listen to all kind of music. I listen to R & B, I listen to Jazz, I even listen to fuji Shina Peters’ Ace is still one of my best. But rap music just got me. I think it’s the word play – you have some slow rappers, you have some who rap fast, who say one thing and it has like two, three meanings. Music is one of the best forms you can actually use to pass a message. Do you still have a role model? People who inspired me back then, to me, are still alive. People like Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z, kingBusta Rhymes. And from Nigeria, he’s not a rapper but a singer. I love his music. His name is Bongos Ikwe. In Nigeria, who would you say is a good rapper? There are so many Phyno, Raw, Chinedu, MI, Ice Prince, Olamide (baddo) (giggles) Olamide to the Yoruba’s is what phyno is to the Igbo’s and this brings me back to my song, Ruggedy Baba where I ended one verse with ‘the only thing wey go make them know where your music come from in the long run na the fusion of grammar, your slang and your mother tongue.’ And that is what they’re doing. I’m always happy and always smile when I see Nigerian artistes playing music with our local languages.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
On My Own –
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
31
From Nothing To Something, Nowhere N To Somewhere, Nobody To Somebody...
My Family
Lived In
Penury–Evelle CONT’D FROM PG 10 When you say music is something you have always done, prior to Nigerian Idols, have you been singing music professionally? I have been singing professionally for about five years before 2014. I had sung at several hotels and night clubs, before I participated in the show. I had sung in Eko Hotels and Suites, White Baker Hotels, and a host of others…. Before you got into Nigerian Idol, did you contest in any other reality Music TV shows? I had applied for every reality TV show in Nigeria that had t o do
w i t h music or accommodated music. Everything, just name it. I don’t want to start mentioning names now… How long have you been applying before Nigerian Idol materialized? I was part of those who auditioned for first season of Project Fame West Africa, which Iyanya won and since then I have continued trying until I won Nigeria Idols. I have applied for Project Fame, X Factor, Nigeria’s got talent, Peak Talent Hunt, you name it. I have been part of all of them and you know what? I almost gave up before Nigerian Idol 2014. I had told myself, I should just forget about this and focus on my singing at the club and bars, but on my birthday, Nigerian Idols was on them, I had just finished a show outside of Lagos and was returning with my band, the vehicle stopped me close the venue of the audition, so I just decided to try one last time and here I am. Because of the challenges you had initially getting into several reality shows, I guess some of your friends, acquaintances and even family members
must have said, “She is just wasting her time”? Yeah sure… What were their reactions like after you won? I would say they were shocked, I would say they were quite happy for me, because before then, I did virtually everything at a point. I had tried modelling, waiting (served as a waitress), doing makeup, made beads and hairs I cooked at some point, because I hated to stay idle. I was just doing everything, so someone they were waiting for me to break even, so they were glad when I won. So what would you say have changed since you won Nigerian Idol? After Nigerian Idol, I can now say that I have a course that I am following, which is like the most important for anybody. Like I said before, today I could cook a pot of soup for someone for N5,000, and tomorrow I was making beads or someone’s hair. It is just so good to know that you have a course you are following and something you can focus your energy on. Doing make ups today and beads tomorrow, was it about finances or you just didn’t like staying Idle? I had to survive, bit in the midst of surviving I had to deal with a lot of things. That was infact when I found out that I could be very creative. Most artistes have grass to grace story, what is your story? My story? Ok let me put it this way, I had gone from a girl who worked in a bar for N10,000 to one who can put food on the table of others. I am not ashamed to say this, but with the N10,000 I made then, I helped took care of my family. Then it was all about survival. Any particular experience you would like to share with us? I had to live school in JSS 3, because
I had gone from a girl who worked in a bar for N10,000 to one who can put food on the table of others. I am not ashamed to say this, but with the N10,000 I made then, I helped took care of my family. Then it was all about survival.
people said I wasn’t good enough to be in school. They called me a dunce, called me slow. At a point I could even speak, but had to put aside my pride as a person to learn from my friends. So they helped and here I am today, I can speak comfortably and do so than the average girl around. But now that I have some funds, I would go back to school, but this time study what I like, maybe music. Did you study music in school? No! I didn’t, I have never undergone any kind of training, even voice training. But I hope to do so someday, no matter how little, even if it means just learning how to play one or two instruments. Most singers today have a church choir background, did you sing in any choir before you took music up professionally? Yes I was part of my church choir, Christ Embassy. I joined the choir quite early… I guess that explains you kind of songs, which tilts towards motivational songs? They are actually not the only kinds of songs that I do, because I am a very versatile artiste. I used to do jazz music, R&B rock, reggae music, hip hop, all manner of songs. Singing in the hotels, clubs and bars you are often required to do all manners of songs, depending on the occasion, you are expected to do them and do them if possible better than the original owner. Who were your inspirations while growing up? Growing up I liked and listened to a lot of Mariah Carey, people usually tell me that I sounded like her, but locally I like, Angelique Kidjo, Sade Adu and Omawumi… How many singles do you have already on air? I have two, ‘Kilimanjaro’, ‘I am Naughty’ and one video (the video is for ‘I am Naughty‘). What has the reactions of your fans and music lovers in general been like since the release of the first, second singles and the video? It’s been really good. I would say that I have received ‘mad’ reviews for my songs and video. People love my songs and can’t seem to get enough of it. What was growing up like? I grew up in a home where everybody sings. My parents used to sing in a band (traditional band), all my siblings sing as well, you know in church. My immediate older brother likes to produce. Do any of your siblings sing professionally as well? No, I am the only one at home who does music professionally and have made it a career. What were their responses like when you told them you were taking up music as a career? They gave me 100% support.Somehow, right from time, everyone at home sort of felt music was my destiny. So he wasn’t difficult for them to accept that was the path I wanted to tow.
32
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Campus Square
ACADA
UNIZIK Fresher Dies In Auto Crash The Nnamidi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of a 100L Diploma student from the department of Mass Communication, Nnamidi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). The deceased, simply identified as Hope Beyonce Sunday Anwagbule was said to have died few days ago in an accident while traveling to the village with her mother for an aunt’s burial. According to the former president, Association of Mass Communication Students (ASOMACS), Comrade Macdonald Ifeme, the news of Hope’s death sent cold shivers down the spines of many who knew her in the department. Many of her friends described her as a caring, jovial and easy going person adding that there has never been dull moments with the late Hope.
‘Save Our Souls’ LAUTECH Students Cry Out •Protest Incessant Robbery Attacks, Rape HUNDREDS of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso students, on Monday walk out to protest the interminable robbery attacks and raping of their female colleagues. The students whined that their valuables were carted away by the hoodlums who laid siege on their various hostels in the town. The legislative arm through its Speaker, Mr. Michael Adeyemo said it had received several phone calls and text messages on security situation in the ancient town. A lawmaker, Mrs. Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji who represents Ogbomoso North brought the matter before the House and called on the legislators to do something urgent about the security situation in Ogbomoso. She said; “There is general insecurity in Ogbomoso. In recent times,there have been cases of armed robbery attacks and harassment of LAUTECH students. I will urge the house to look into the issue.”
UNIZIK Student Caught With 108 ATM Cards At Lagos Airport A 34-year-old man who claims to be a student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Udeh Onuora Pascal, has been arrested with 108 Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) cards. Pascal was arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. The suspect, who is suspected to be working with an international criminal organization, was nabbed with the cards while attempting to board a Qatar Airline flight to China at the time of his arrest. According to the Lagos airport NDLEA commander, Ahmadu Garba, the student was arrested in connection with money laundering and his case has since been transferred to the Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate of the Agency. Garba revealed that the ATM cards were issued by five Nigerian banks; 58 by First City Monument Bank (FCMB), 23 by Stanbic IBTC Bank, 19 by Zenith Bank, six by Fidelity Bank and two by Diamond Bank.
VOX POP With
OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE OG ogunojemiteayodele@yahoo.com
Death Scare In LASCOHET
•As Provost Seeks Spiritual Help By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE
PALPABLE fear has griped management and students of Lagos State College of Heath Technology (LASCOHET), Yaba Lagos following recorded deaths of three of her students in barely 60 days. The latest recorded death was that of Ayinla Zainab Feranmi a 300level student of Environmental Health Department who passed away a week ago while Oluwaseun Funmi Shittu and Alice Damilola both 300level students
of Community Health Workers Department died a month ago. According to reports, the school is not comfortable with the closeness of deaths of the students and have resulted to seeking spiritual help to cease further death occurrence. A student of the school and classmate of one of the deceased told campus square that fear and anxiety has overrun the institution with management and students threading very carefully. “Both lecturers and students of our school are scared at
the moment because of the closeness of the deaths of three of our students. Everyone is being careful as many have even attributed the sad occurrence to spiritual manipulation. Everyone is seriously praying and asking God for intervention. Consequently in an attempt to bring tranquillity back to the institution, the management of LASCOHET under the administration of Dr. Moyo Kazim has asked all students and staff to undertake serious prayers of intercession for the school adding that the spirit of death purportedly hovering around the school be hurtled.
OAU Suspect Trial Barbaric –SU By OGUNOJEMITE AYODELE
THE Lord Chancellor of the Judicial Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University Students' Union, Justice Joshua Olorunda has described the process suspects are being tried in OAU as crude, barbaric, unreasonable and animalistic and calls for vituperation. Joshua Olorunda, a Part 5 student of the Faculty of Law made this statement while entertaining questions from newsmen recently, insisted that his opinion on the matter is personal and does not necessarily connote the exact position of either the Judicial arm of the Union which he leads or that of the Students' Union. Responding to a question on the way he sees the process trials are undertaken in OAU by the Security Committee of the Students' Union, he stylishly blamed the inadequacy of the SU Constitution on stipulated punitive measures for criminal offenses for the lapses. The Lord Chancellor said “When I became the Lord Chancellor of the Students’ Union, the former Lord Chancellor told me that everything he fought during
his tenure was to scrape the process evidence is been gotten from students who have been accused and non-students alike but he failed. “When I came into office, I had started this, It is unfortunate that I wrote a correspondence to the Parliament on my views on how suspects are been tried but it was not read. I don’t know why.The process suspects are been tried is barbaric, it is unreasonable, it is animalistic; It calls for vituperation. The most annoying thing is that people look up to me as if I have direct jurisdiction on it. "The issue of the Judicial Council not having power to try theft cases is even still
debateable. No part of the Constitution has directly given the responsibility to any organ of the Union". The Lord Chancellor also lamented the tradition of extracting information under duress from suspects in OAU. He acknowledged some instances where some suspects are beaten and given animalistic treatment in a bid to force them to confess but eventually turn out that those persons are innocent. Also on the 'Scientific Maximum Shishi' (SMS), Joshua wants students of OAU to accept the global best practices on trials of suspects. He wants SMS to be reduced to the barest minimum and other punitive measure like community services added to it. Students of Obafemi Awolowo University in recent days have continued to campaign to strongly agitate for the review of the way suspects are been tried and the punitive measures for various criminal offenses. In lieu of this, some students have recommended a referendum at faculty levels to aggregate the possible way forward as it will be opinionated by the students.
Certificate Forgery: Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures –Suspect A 26-year-old graduate who forged several certificates to secure a banking job, Daniel Makanjuola, has been arrested and arraigned by police in Lagos. Makanjuola allegedly forged a West African Senior School
Certificate, a statement of result from the Lagos State University (LASU), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate and a reference letter from the United Bank for Africa (UBA). Backed by his forged documents, he applied for a job at Wema Bank Plc, Marina branch, Lagos Island, claiming to have a degree in Marketing with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). Police say luck ran out on Makanjuola after WEMA Bank officials wrote to UBA to verify the authenticity of the
reference letter and was told that he had not worked there. A check at LASU and the West African Examinations Council showed that his other documents were not legit either. He was subsequently arrested. The suspect however told the police that he had to forge the documents because of poverty. "I did it in order to put an end to the suffering of my poor family,” he said. "I am the only son of my father. I want the authority to be compassionate with my case. "I was only trying to live a better life.” He explained that he forged the documents by himself.
Have You Cheated In Exam Before? CHEATING during examination, stealing question papers, impersonation, disturbances at examination, obstruction of supervision, forgery of result slip, breach of duty, conspiracy and aiding attracts a minimum punishment of N50,000 and a maximum of five years imprisonment without the option of fine according to the Examination Malpractices Act No. 33 of the 1999 Constitution. But this has not deterred Nigerian students across the nation’s educational institutions at all levels from engaging in exam malpractices. As the educational institutions are devising methods of preventing examination malpractices, the students are also devising new and more sophisticated ways of cheating. There are only a handful of students in Nigeria who have never cheated before in their academic journey. Amazingly, Nigerian students have very funny ways of cheating during exams. It has different names like expo, nje, microchip, chukuly and several others. Sharing his experience as a typical Nigerian student, Federick Eyinnaya narrated: “I could remember two friends of mine in secondary school, Sanya and Faki used to carry Ababio chemistry text book as “expo”. Those guys are professional oh! My first NECO exam, I was given the“expo” in d exam hall, o boi no so my hand dey shake ooo. The stuff fell down and my friend helped me pick it quickly, didn’t have the gut. Did like 3 exams after my sec sch. looking 4 math,am not really good at math. The 4th exam, I just “panasharp” myself. I had to use it oh!Eventually, I passed it. When I entered theuniversity, I became” born again” by force, I couldn’t do it again. The only thing I do is share ideas in the examination hall.” Sharing her experience, Dupe Ogunfenwa now an Accountant with a leading construction firm answered: “Ah yes oh! I was taking my final exams for Chemistry (SSCE) in Federal Owerri, and since my last name starts with 'A' I was in the front row in front of the teachers (who had vehemently warned us against cheating). Anyway since I didn't study and absolutely did not want an 'F', I copied every single answer on the paper of this girl that was sitting right next to me, it was OBJand surprisingly not so hard to commit the crime cheesy. Anyway, after the exam I asked her how it was and you can imagine my immense joy when she said something to the effect "oh it was very easy, I'm sure I'll get an 'A' ". Fast forward to result day, I got to the bulletin board to check my result, just imagine my immense confusion when I saw an 'F' next to my name. ‘There must be some kind of mistake’ I thought. So I go up the list a couple of names to check the result of the girl I copied and yesyou guessed it, she had a big fat ‘F’ Others who reacted to the questions said: FUNMI “I made use of malpractice only in secondary school. Now that I’m in higher institution...I can’t dare cos it’s risky...so I’m just reading n studying hard.” ANONYMOUS It’s a normal tin now,as far as you have the “liver” to do it. Remember it’s better to cheat and pass than have endless carry overs and extra years. I was very smart back then I mean who wants to go and sort lecturers. JIDE Lol …I cheated when Jamb was JAMB & WAEC was WAEC. Kudos to pathfinder lesson. But I never cheated in my university days.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Politics
33
Buhari Is Not Gynophobic –Femi Adesina
THE Special p Adviser to the President on Media Media and Publicity, y Mr. Femi Adesina has utterly y condemned and d described as false a publication on Friday p y accusing President Muhammadu Mu uhammadu Buhari of being b i shy h around d women. Recall that on Friday, there was a publication in a national daily which suggested that President Muhammadu Buhari is shy around women. The report was purportedly made by one Gideon Samani. The subsequent attribution of the supposedly “low number” of female ministerial nominees to President Buhari’s alleged shyness around women is therefore baseless and a figment of the imagination of the said Mr. Samani, who was falsely described as the “Senior Special Assistant (Political Matters) to the President. The assertion by the alleged Presidential Aide that President Buhari is “very shy dealing with the opposite sex” because “he has been interacting mostly with men,” was received by the President with shock and consternation. For one thing, there is no Senior Special Assistant, Political Matters, in the office of the President for now and Mr. Samani who was said to have spoken as the Representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation at a public function yesterday, is not an aide of the President. MrSamani is certainly not an official spokesman of the President. Therefore, he could not have spoken on behalf of President Buhari, who is the President of all Nigerians, men and women alike. President Buhari has a wife, many daughters and female relatives whom he loves dearly. He also had a mother that he adored. How then could he be shy in the company of women, to the point of allegedly not appointing them into public offices, on account of not being comfortable in their company? Nigerian women can be assured that the President holds them in the highest esteem and will always give them due consideration in the discharge of his official responsibilities. The statements attributed to MrSamani are untrue and unauthorized. They should therefore be disregarded.
Court Orders Lagos Council Poll In November A Lagos High Court in Igbosere on Friday ordered the conduct of election in all the local government areas of Lagos States within 30 days. The court declared as unconstitutional the appointment of caretaker committees over the administration of local government councils in the state. Justice Abdulfatal Lawal made the pronouncement in a judgment delivered in a case filed by National Conscience Party challenging the legality of a practice where caretaker committees were appointed to administer the affairs of local governments. The plaintiff’s lawyer, EbunOlu Adegboruwa, had contended that such a practice was contrary to the provisions of sections 1(2) and 7 of the 1999 Constitution. The plaintiff sought an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to supply voters register to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission for the purpose of conducting elections at the local government levels. The applicant further sought a mandamus order compelling
LAISEC to forthwith conduct local government elections in Lagos State and to declare the caretaker committees as illegal. In granting the plaintiff’s prayers on Friday, Justice Lawal declared the Lagos State Local Government law, which allowed for the appointment of caretaker committees over administration of LGAs as illegal and unconstitutional. The court rejected the argument of LAISEC that it was waiting for voters register from INEC since the same voters register and polling booths were used for the April 2015 elections. Consequently, the judge directed LASIEC to conduct elections in all local governments within 30 days. He held, “I call upon the Lagos State Government to immediately implement the judgment of the court by dismantling all the illegal structures of local government caretaker committees “I also call upon all state governments where the local governments are being manned by administrators to conduct elections immediately.
•President Buhari
Dismiss Dakuku’s Petition, PDP Urges Tribunal THE People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, to dismiss the petition filed by Dr. Dakuku Peterside for lack of merit. Mr Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), one of the counsels to the PDP who adopted the party’s final written address, made the call on Thursday. Recall that the All Progressive Congress (APC) had approached the Justice Suleiman Ambursa led three-man panel to nullify the election of Gov. NyesomWike. The petitioners are seeking the nullification of the April 11 election on the ground that the election was marred by irregularities and fraudulent practices. The petitioners are also arguing that the election as conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not done in line with the electoral laws. According to Olanipekun, the petition lacked merit and substance and the petitioner has failed to prove the several unfounded allegations against the conducted of the election. He pointed out thatthepetitioners had alleged several cases of violence and abduction of voters which they failed to lead in the direction or call enough witness to prove their claims. According to
Olanipekun, the petition is incompetent and that the tribunal has no jurisdiction to amend the petition for the petitioners especially on the outlandish reliefs it sought. In his address, Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC),MrOnyechiIkpeazu (SAN) urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the petitioners. According to Ikpeazu, the burden of proof rests with the petitioners who failed to discharge same before the tribunal. Ikpeazu said that the few witnesses called by the petitioners like the soldiers, mobile policemen and DSS operatives were not voters who could give actual account of what happened at the polling unit by polling unit. Also, Counsel to Wike, Mr Emmanuel Ukala, (SAN) told the tribunal during his
•Dakuku
address that Dakuku was not qualified to contest the April 11 election. According to Ukala, Dakuku’s nomination contradicted the provision of Section 85 (1) of the Electoral Act which is critical to the nomination of a candidate vying for election. Ukala said that the nomination of Dakuku was not in line with the 21 days mandatory notification of the electoral act to notify INEC of its candidate before the election. According to Ukala, the APC candidate fall short of the time hence his nomination is illegal. He said that the failure of the petitioners to call proper witnesses who conducted the election was fatal to the case and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition for justice sake. Ukala noted that out of the 5,792 forms available for the conduct of election, the APC and its candidate only tendered about 3000 which was contrary to the provision of the law. In his submission, Counsel to the APC and its candidate, Mr Akinlolu Olujimi (SAN) urged the tribunal to grant his petition stressing that the burden of proof also rests with the respondents.
34
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Politics CONTROVERSIES continue to trail the recent Court of Appeal’s indefinite adjournment of ruling on the appeal filed by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki challenging his trail at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The appellate court, which originally had fixed October 19 to deliver judgment on the appeal, in a dramatic twist of events, announced it will communicate the new date to all the parties involved, also at an undisclosed date, therefore raising several eyebrows. Political watchers have also expressed varied reactions to this development. While some described it as normal, others have interpreted it as the first installment of a set of plans designed by the powers that be to eventually absorb the Senate President of any fault in the pending trial. Recall that trouble began for the embattled Senate President, after he had contrary to the dictates of his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), contested for and won the election to occupy the Senate President seat. Dr. Saraki, in what was described by political pundits as a coup d’état, was unanimously elected Nigeria’s 13th Senate President on June 9, 2013, a seat reserved by the party for Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan. Senator Lawan, after a straw poll conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged the consensus candidate, defeating Dr. Saraki and former Governor of Benue State, George Akume. The process was however, dubbed faulty by Saraki and Akume’s camps. Though, Senator Akume later threw in the towel, Dr. Saraki against the odds trudged on, clinching the much sought after seat eventually. Dr. Saraki achieved this feat, not because of his popularity within the APC, which had the majority in the Red Chambers, but because he had entered into an ‘unholy’ alliance with opposition parties within the hallowed chamber, chief among them being the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which saw Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the PDP emerge as Deputy Senate President. This situation irked a major part of Saraki’s Party hierarchy, believed to be led by the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had reserved the seats in contention to some preferred candidates. To make matters worse, after several entreaties made by concerned Party members to placate the Tinubu Camp, Saraki still rejected a new list of names sent by the National Chairman of the Party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to fill in the rest of the Senate leadership positions. The party specifically asked for Saraki to concede the following positions to the Lawan led faction: Senate Majority Leader (North east-Senator Ahmad Lawan); Deputy Majority Leader (North central-Senator George Akume); Senate Chief Whip (South westSenator Olusola Adeyeye) and Deputy Chief Whip (North westSenator Abu Ibrahim). The Senate President rather allowed popular candidates within the house to assume the positions further aggravating the situation. He, during the plenary named Senator Ali Ndume as Senate leader and Bala Ibn Na’Allah as Senate deputy leader, rubbishing his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to pundits, that pitched him against the Tobin camp, which has since then schemed to unseat him, by way of revenge. “This explains why, at first, a trumped up charge was brought against his wife, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),” one analyst said
Saraki Crisis:
‘Indefinite’ Solution Recall that Mrs. Saraki had been accused by the EFCC of an alleged involvement in a multi-million Naira misappropriation of bank loan and laundering of funds from the Kwara State Government while her husband served as the Governor of the state. However, after about five hours with the officials of the anti-graft agency indoors, Mrs. Saraki left the premises with her supporters. Since then, neither the accused nor officials of the EFCC briefed waiting reporters of the latest development. He continued: “And when that didn’t work, the issue of the over declaration of assets, while he was a governor came up, this is why we
suspect foul play. The two accusations which sprang up in quick succession are more than coincidences. In self-preservation, commentators say the President of the Senate, aided by his apologists, including senators of the PDP stock, decided to leverage on the ongoing ministerial screening exercise to secure his lofty position as the Chairman of the National Assembly. According to an APC National Chieftain, who spoke to National Weekender on the condition of anonymity, the pro-Saraki camp had decided to use the screening of the ministerial nominees to arm-twist the Party leadership into allowing
him to keep his office. His words: “The first batch of ministers was screened without the much expected hassles promised by the Senate, pointing to the fact that a lot of horse trading has taken place. The Saraki camp gave a condition, and that condition is that in exchange for the would-be ministers to be given express clearance, the CCT must drop the charges preferred against him. “Now Saraki has fulfilled his part of the agreement, it is the turn of the leadership of the Party to fulfill the part as promised.” It is against this backdrop that some commentators have described
the appellate court’s deferment of the ruling indefinitely as an ‘indefinite’ solution for the distressed Senate President. They predict that this is just the beginning of the many plans put in place by the assailants of Saraki to quash the case. “The plan is to first of all shift the ruling to an indefinite date, and when the dust has settles down, they will then look for another excuse to throw the case out of the courts. They know if they do it now that Nigerians are following the development keenly it will discredit the President Buhari anti-corruption drive, “another analyst concluded.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Crime
35
Former Commissioner Arraigned Over N20m Land Fraud
A former Adamawa State Commissioner for Finance and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, John Elias, was on Thursday, October 22, 2015 arraigned before Justice B.B Aliyu of Federal High Court Yola, Adamawa State over a N20 million fraud. A statement from EFCC states that Elias allegedly sold and appropriated some properties, which are under interim forfeiture to the Federal Government. An evaluation exercise conducted by the EFCC on the forfeited
properties revealed that Elias sold a landed property situated at Galadima Aminu Way, Yola to one Hamid Yusuf for N20,000,000.00( Twenty Million Naira) through his agent, JibrilMairiga. He also allegedly gave another property on AtikuAbubakar Way, Yola, Adamawa State,to his brother, Dr. Joel Yohanna, for use as a private hospital. The former Commissioner is also alleged to have coerced the tenants in another property to be paying their rents to Al-Akim Investment Limited without authorization by
Police Docks Electrician Over N.3m Meter Fraud A 27-year-old electrician has been arraigned before an Abuja Grade 1 Area Court over an alleged N360, 000 prepaid meter fraud. Isaac Bala of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, was charged with criminal breach of trust and cheating, offences contrary to sections 312 and 322 of the penal code. The police prosecutor, DSP Egwu Anthony, told the court that the complainant, Adekunle Musa, of Sabon-Gari, Bwari, on October 7, reported at the Kubwa Police Station, that he entrusted the accused with N360, 000 to install eight prepaid metres at his boss’ house at Dawaki, as well to change the service wire and to erase his previous account for him. He said the accused installed only two prepaid meters and refused to do the remaining, adding that all effort to recover the money or to compel him to complete the work, proved abortive. When the charges were read to the accused, he pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail in the sum of N300, 000 by the judge, Mohammed Marafa, with one reasonable surety who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned to
November 17 for hearing. Similarly, two persons were arraigned before the same court for allegedly converting a car given to them for business to their personal use. Dickson Moses, 41, and Lucky Oboh, 27, were charged with criminal breach of trust and cheating, offences contrary to sections 312 and 322 of the penal code. The police prosecutor, DSP Egwu Anthony, told the court that one Regina Christopher of Dei-dei, on August 26, complained at the Kubwa Police Station, of how she entrusted her Toyota Corolla car with registration No. BK 610 GWA valued at N450, 000 to the accused to work with and remit the money. He said the accused however connived with one Lucky Oboh of Jaji Street, Kubwa and converted the said car to his personal use. When the charges were read to the accused, they pleaded not guilty, and were granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 by the judge, Mohammed Marafa, with one reasonable surety who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned to December 2 for hearing
the EFCC. One of the charges reads: “That you, Al-kim Investment Nigeria Limited and John Babani Elias (M), sometimes in February, 2011 at Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and without due authorization by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dealt with, having put tenants and collecting rents in and over the property known as four unit houses behind First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Jimeta, Yola and which property is a subject of an interim order of forfeiture issued on the 13th day of December, 2005 by the Federal High Court, Lagos in charge No. FHC/L/ CS/1258/2005, contrary to and punishable under section 32(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004”. He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. The presiding judge, Justice Aliyu granted Elias bail in the sum of N5million with a surety in like sum and fixed December 15, 2015 for trial.
Man In Court For Stabbing With Intent To Kill By RUFAI OLATUNBOSUN ONE man, Okechukwu Innocent, have been brought before an Ikeja magisterial district for stabbing with intension to kill. According to the prosecutor, the accused was arrested on the 15th of October 2015, at about 11:48pm at No 29 Gbagba Crescent, off Oyemekun Street, Ogba, Lagos. Our correspondent gathered that, the accused was said to have stabbed one Nnamdi Edom twice with a knife on his stomach during a fight with the intention to kill. The police prosecutor, inspector Uche Simeon, told the court that the offences are punishable under sections 244(A&B) and 228(1&2) of the criminal law 11 vol 44 laws of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011. The charges read in part, ‘’That you,
Sodomy!!! 25 Years Old Rapes 13-YearOld Boy A 25-year-old man, Benjamin Ibehmonic, on Friday appeared in a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court for alleged rape of a 13-year-old boy through his anus. The Prosecutor, Cpl. OmayeUjata, told the court that one Christian Ornguga of No. 39 Off Vandeikya Street, High-Level Makurdi, reported the case at B Division Police Station. Uajta said that Ibehmonic of the same address raped the informant’s younger brother through the anus while he was
coming back from an errand. She told the court that the complainant told the police that he sent the victim to buy him recharge card. The prosecutor said that Ornguga told the police that the accused called him into his room, tied his mouth, legs, hands and had sexual intercourse with him through his anus. The accused was arrested during police investigation and he voluntarily confessed to the crime.
•John Elias
She said that investigation into the matter had been completed and applied for a date for hearing. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 284 of the Penal Code and the accused admitted committing the offence. The Magistrate, Ibrahim Mohammed, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N20, 000 with one surety in like sum. Mohammed said that the surety must reside within Makurdi town, and adjourned the case till Nov. 23, for hearing.
Okechukwu Innocent on the 15th of October, 2015 at No 29, Gbagba Crescent, off Oyemekun street, ogba, Lagos in the Ikeja magisterial district with the intent to harm did inflict wound on one Nnamdi Edom by stabbing him twice on his stomach with a knife. ‘’That you, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district with intent to kill
did attempt kill one Nnamdi Edom by using a knife to stab him on his stomach. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to bail by the magistrate in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties that have the evidence of tax payment. The presiding magistrate, Mrs Y.R. Phineiro then adjourned the case till November 20, 2015.
EFCC Nabs Imposter The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, October 22, 2015 arraigned one Folusho Stephen before Justice C.N Oji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, Abuja on one count charge bordering on impersonation and fraud, contrary to Section 320 (a) of the Penal Code. Stephen allegedly posed as a staff of the EFCC, and attempted to defraud one Henry O. Ojogo, a former accountant general, Cross River State, to the tune of N600,000.00 (six hundred thousand naira) to enable him give the victim a soft landing in a case he purportedly had with the Commission. The accused, while parading as a staff of the Commission, asked the victim to pay the sum of N400,000.00 (four hundred thousand naira) within an hour and the balance of N200,000 (two hundred thousand naira) at a later date into a particular account in one of the new generation banks to enable him destroy a purported case file. Ojogo, confident that, he had no skeleton in his cupboard, suspected a foul play and consequently reported the case to the Commission who swung into
action and advised the victim to play along before the law caught up with him. The charge reads: “That you, FOLUSHO STEPHEN on or about the 23rd day of April, 2015 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court fraudulently attempted to induce one Henry O. Ojogo to deliver the sum of N400,000 (four hundred thousand naira) to you by deceiving him that you were a staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and that you are in possession of the petition written against him to the Commission for abuse of office and that you will assist him to destroy the case file and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 320 (a) of the PENAL CODE LAW and punishable under section 322 of the same law.” The accused admitted committing the crime when the charge was read to him. Upon the accused plea of guilty, counsel to EFCC, Victor Ukagwu urged the court to convict and sentence him in accordance with the provisions of Section 274 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Justice Oji adjourned the case for reviewing of facts by the prosecution.
36
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Crime
Return Of Armed Robbers By STEPHEN AYA THE recent increase in armed robbery attacks across the country and especially Lagos State is becoming increasingly worrisome calling for an immediate check. Until recently, there was some curtailment of the activities of armed robbers via the effort of all security agencies. This positive development was for only two years. However, the withdrawal of soldiers and other security operators on patrol early in the year may have given the robbers confidence to return to their old game. The year 2015, started with the politicians doing their thing in view of the elections which was at hand then. Incidents of armed robbery at this time of the year
were few, like the one atNze Street bypass, New Haven Enugu, where two policemen attached to the New Haven Police Station were killed by unknown gunmen and the armed robbery attack on an old generation bank at Vandeikya area of Benue State, where a policeman was injured and the robbers reportedly carted away large sums of money. Then came the killing of three policemen and a teenager in Lekki area of Lagos State, when armed robbers stormed two new generation banks in the area to announce their return. Half way into the year, there was a drastic charge as reported cases of robbery increased. The game was taken to another level. Rivers state Governor, NyesomWike had to pay a visit to the police headquarters in the early days of his governorshipto find solutions to the high rate of
armed robbery incident in the state at that time. On June 24, 2015, Residents of Ebute and Ogolonto areas of Ikorodu Western Nigeria woke up that Wednesday morning confronted by armed men who came to rob two banks in the area. The heavily armed men stormed the two banks (one old and new generation banks) around 8:00 a.m. and successfully carted away unspecified sum of money. The same day a pastor of the Lord's Chosen Church in Lagos State, was shot dead by armed robbers in the Ijesha area of Lagos state. The pastor, who was driving one of the church’s buses, was reportedly attacked by the robbers on Monday at Alakoso Avenue, off Ijesha bus stop while returning with a sum of money collected from a bank at Apple Junction, FESTAC
Town. The nation’s highways were not left out in this apparent resurgence of armed robbery activities along since the dismantling of army road blocks. A blockade of Okene highway by armed rob-bers sometime in July, led to the collision of a lux¬ury bus and a trailer. At least 12 people, including children, lost their lives in the incident. This led the Luxury Bus Op¬erators Association of Nigeria to raise the alarm at the high rate of armed robbery attacks on their vehicles and passen¬gers, especially during night trips. Between August and September this year,as many as 10 successful robbery operations were recorded on the Abuja-Keffi expressway, as robbers laid siege on the highway that is the major link between the federal capital. There were several
other cases of robbery operations nationwide. Just two weeks ago, robbers attacked several banks in the residential area of 4th avenue FESTAC town,Lagos. The incident left its ownmark in that area of Lagos not because of the way the robbers escaped, but rather because of the killing of a mother and her little 14month old baby who were hit by stray bullets as a result of the gun battle between a group of policemen and the robbers. With the current spate of insecurity arising from insurgents’ activities in the northern part of the country, everything must be done by everyone from the police to citizens to ensure that armed robbery attacks and other criminal activities are reduced to the barest minimum a security expert opined.
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Sports
Ameobi Signs For Bolton CHAMPIONSHIP side Bolton Wanderers have signed Nigeria striker Shola Ameobi on a short-term deal. The ex-England Under-21 international had impressed on trial at the club. The 34-year-old has spent the majority of his career at Newcastle after progressing through their academy and spent time on loan at Stoke in 2008. After leaving the Magpies he moved to Turkish side Gaziantep BB and spent the final six months of last season at Crystal Palace. He scored 11 goals in 21 games during Newcastle United’s season in the Championship in 2009-10. Ameobi, who has 10 Nigeria caps, joins a Bolton side currently bottom of the table with just one win in all competitions so far this season.
37
Illness Knocks Oliseh Out Of B’Faso Trip •Oliseh
Dike Sad Over Emenike’s Eagles Retirement SUPER Falcons striker, Courtney Dike yesterday expressed sadness over the premature retirement of Eagles forward Emmanuel Emenike who announced his exit from the national team via social media site instagram on Monday. The Cowgirl FC player added that the Al Ain striker should be proud of his achievements with the team and remains a role model for upcoming players. “I am a bit sad that my cousin Emmanuel Emenike has retired from international football.
You should know that you are a role model and have made everyone proud” Dike wrote on twitter. Emenike wrote on Monday night, “No more Eagles career! After five great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my national team career for the sake of national peace.” “It’s a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think it’s the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive during the good and bad times.
NIGERIA head coach, Sunday Oliseh, will miss the second leg of the 2016 Chan qualifier in Burkina Faso due to illness, the NFF has revealed. The Super Eagles trainer despite his illnesst joined up with the Nigerian team in Port Harcourt for the first leg of the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier which they won 2-0 but his health did not improve as “became dizzy and weak” on Thursday. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that Oliseh had to leave the country for Belgium on Thursday night to continue his treatment on the advise of the Super Eagles doctor. “Coach Oliseh has returned to Belgium to continue treatment after being advised by Eagles medics. He became dizzy and weak after lunch on Thursday and he travels abroad tonight through the Port Harcourt airport,” the NFF announced late on Thursday night. After the game with the Stallions of Burkina Faso in Port Harcourt, Oliseh did tell supersport.com that he had to cut short his treatment for his illness in order to motivate the Super Eagles with his presence.
“(I had to make this trip to Nigeria after) lots of antibiotics, lots of water, and the will to keep the family (the team) going,” he said. Oliseh said the team recognise that “they have not won anything yet (against Burkina Faso) and are prepared for the decisive game in Ouagadougou. “The players know they have not won anything yet. They have to go to the second game with a prepared mindset because we haven’t won this game yet and our opponents were good,” Oliseh said. He became dizzy and weak after lunch on Thursday and he travels abroad tonight through the Port Harcourt Airport It is now expected that Super Eagles assistant coaches, Salisu Yusuf and Jean Francois Losciuto, will take charge of the team for the trip to Burkina Faso. “Yes coaches Salisu and Jean Francois will be in charge in the absence of Oliseh who is ill and has returned to Belgium for treatment. We pray for his quick recovery as we look forward to seeing him in November for the World Cup qualifier against Swaziland,” Super Eagles spokesman, ToyinIbitoye, said.
Felix Okugbe Goes Home THE E remains of Late ace sp p THE sports jo broadcas journalist cum broadcaster, F lix Osagie Fe g Okugbe g Felix was c mmitted to mother co mot committed e rth yesterday ea y y in earth h s house near hi n his Toll Gate at Ota, O Toll Oggun S Ogun State with the crème crè with de la crème crè de in the sp p in sports writingg and writing broadcast broadcasting industry present tom t present •Late Felix Osagie Okugbe
pay their last respect to one of their own who distinguished himself while alive. Among those present during the burial ceremony of the former DAAR Communication senior staff who anchored the popular sports program on African Independent Television (AIT) ‘Fact File’ includes the Chairman/CEO of Brila FM Dr. Larry Izamoje, CEO of HotSports Taye Ige, former President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigerian (SWAN) Olu Amadasun, CEO of Sportsville and chairman Edo State FA, Frank Ilaboya, CEO of SportsDay Printing and Publishing Company Limited and
former Media Officer of the Super Eagles, Ben Alaiya and former Secretary General of the NFF, Fanny Amun among others. DAARCommunicationwasalsoequally represented at the occasion by a large pool of its board members, management and staff. The General Manager of Ray Power FM, Yewande Iwuoha who spoke on behalf of the management of DAAR Communication showered eulogy on Okugbe. In her words, “Felix touched almost the lives of all those who crossed his path while he was alive. He is a great team player and that informed the presence of the huge crowd of the who is who in
the sporting circle here to pay him their last respect. I worked with Felix on his program and he is one fellow who is best described as a thorough bred professional. Felix does not compromise standards and he has a huge contact list which made it very easy for us to get resource persons in his show. We will miss him a lot. May his gentle soul rest in peace.” Okugbe was a vastly travelled journalist. His wealth of experience is displayed in the several programs he anchored both on radio and television. He died last week after a brief illness. He is married with children.
What They Are Saying About Okugbe “It is sad that Felix was ccalled alled at this point but who we to question God our aaree w ar creator. Felix is one journalist creat who w o is very committed to wh his his jjob. He is easy going and does does not fail to speak out on iissues he feels strongly about. abou He is very versatile. This T his is one journalist who makes makes his presence felt when ccovering oveeri r ng any event whether local l caal or international. Surely we lo will miss him greatly but I take will ill mis ssolace olace oon the fact that his family will will see him again just like us his on the last day. his colleagues coll May h May his gentle soul rest in peace.” p eace.” –Larry Izamoje, Chairman/ –Larr CEO Brila FM have never seen any “I h young man as committed and passion passionate about his job like Felix Okugbe. He is imposing Feli Fe lix xO
at events and very humble. He is a source of inspiration to those coming behind him because he is so diligent. His death came as a shock to me but only God knows why Felix should leave us now. What can we do other than keep praying for his soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord until we meet to part no more.” -Frank Ilaboya, Chairman, Edo FA/CEO Sportsville “We know we will all go some day but not this quick. Felix left us so soon. It’s really sad. He will remember for a lot of things. For us his colleagues he is an achiever. Even though he left us so soon, he left his footprints in the sands of time. He was a successful journalist by all standards. His name rings bell because he distinguished himself in this profession. From the sportsmen and women
to administrators and to the corporate world Felix left a legacy. He was one of the few young journalists who attracted sponsors to radio and television program through his doggedness and delivery. May his gentle soul rest in peace.” -Taye Ige, CEO Hotsports “When God says yes who can say no. surely we never wanted Felix to depart from us but God has chosen to call him at this point. I remember Felix more each time I flashed my mind to the days I worked him on ‘Fact File’ set. I was his producer. He is someone who brings humour to the job even though he is also dead serious as a professional. He is a jolly-good fellow. Felix hates oppression. For him God would have made everyone rich and comfortable. This is why Felix is a cheerful giver who cares less
about your background, tribe, race, religion, class or status. He is a pan-Nigerian and lover of all. I will greatly miss him. -Olu Amadasun, former President SWAN “Felix is a goal getter. When he sets a goal he does everything within his reach or powers to achieve it. He is very passionate about our profession. He is a great ambassador of our industry. Felix has uncommon drive to succeed. He is a devoted journalist, a caring friend and reliable colleague. We will miss him greatly. Though we love him and want him to live with us but God loves him most hence he is called at this painful time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.” -Ben Alaiya, CEO SportsDay Printing & Publishing Coy., Ltd.
38
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Sports
Costa Arsenal Face Everton At Emirate Stadium Slams English Media IN-FO IN-FORM Arsenal will go top of the Barclays Premier League if Premi they beat Everton at Emirates Stadium on Emira E a Saturday. Saturd Sa Arsene Wenger’s Arse A men me en have scored 11 their ggoals on goal way w to
CHELSEA striker Diego Costa has hit out at the English media for their unfair criticism of the Brazilian. The former Atletico Madrid striker has a notorious reputation but he feels that he has been treated unfairly by the people in England. The Chelsea star was recently banned for his antics against Arsenal and he says that although his behavior was not the best others are allowed to get away with it. Costa also explained that he is a normal guy off the pitch and that the papers have criticised him at every opportunity. He also claimed that football is a contact sport and incidents like the Koscielny eye gouge happen all the time. “Football has always been a contact sport, these things have always happened.
WEST Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has called on his players to turn their inconsistent home form around when Chelsea visit east London on Saturday. Bilic’s side have been a surprise success story on the road this season, winning four and drawing the other of their five Barclays Premier League matches away from home in 2015-16 - a run that includes victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. However, results on their travels contrast sharply with those in front of their own fans, with just four points taken from as many outings. In the club’s last season before their move to the Olympic Stadium, it is hardly the send-off the West Ham faithful would have wanted for the famous old Boleyn Ground, and Bilic is keen to turn things around. “We have to improve our home form,” he said at a prematch news conference on Thursday. “We have to be more patient when we play at home. We are going to try to continue to play good football. With a bit of luck and staying away from injuries we have a chance in every game.
Goodison Park last time out. Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: “It was a really bad day for us, one of those results you couldn’t see coming, y o u
couldn’t expect and as a team we want to be back to reach our level. “We’ll have to do it in one of the hardest arenas in the league and against one of the hardest opponents. Look at what they’ve achieved in the last few weeks and especially againstBayernMunich, we know we’re going to find a team in their best moment of confidence and belief.
Man United, City In Old Trafford
•Costa
Bilic Calls For Improve Form Against Chelsea
winning their last three top-flight fixtures, and got their UEFA Champions League campaign back on track with a 2-0 win against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. The Gunners beat Manchester United 3-0 in their last home league match, a result from which Louis van Gaal’s side bounced back with victory by the same score line at
•Martial
League Table Pos Team 1 Man City 2 Arsenal 3 Man Utd 4 West Ham 5 Leicester 6 Palace 7 Tottenham 8 S’hampton 9 Everton 10 Liverpool 11 Stoke 12 Chelsea 13 West Brom 14 Swansea 15 Watford 16 Norwich 17 B’mouth 18 Newcastle 19 Aston Villa 20 Sunderland
P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
GD PTS 16 21 9 19 7 19 8 17 2 16 2 15 4 14 3 13 1 13 -2 13 -1 12 -3 11 -4 11 -1 10 -4 10 -6 9 -6 8 -7 6 -7 4 -11 3
Fixtures Saturday Oct. 24
Aston Villa v Swansea Leicester v Crystal Palace Norwich v West Brom Stoke v Watford West Ham v Chelsea Arsenal v Everton
Sunday Oct. 25
Sunderland v Newcastle B’mouth v Tottenham Man Utd v Man City Liverpool v S’hampton
WAR!
MANCHESTER United face another test of their title credentials when they entertain their local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday. Gaal’s van Louis men were at the top of the league when they took on another title challenger, Arsenal, before the international break. United’s 3-0 humbling at the Emirates Stadium saw them drop to third in the table and lose ground in the title race. A convincing victory against the pace-setters will go a long way towards
proving their mettle as genuine title contenders. The Red Devils would move above City with a derby victory and could finish the weekend as the league leaders, depending on Arsenal’s result against Everton. Van Gaal admitted City have the advantage with their preparations because they were at home for their Champions’ midweek League group game. The Citizens defeated Sevilla 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium last Wednesday, while United earned a 1-1 draw at CSKA Moscow. Van
Gaal’s charges then arrived back in Manchester from Russia on Thursday afternoon. Still, the United manager will realise he cannot use that as an excuse after spending almost £250m on squad reinforcement in his 16 months in charge. Van Gaal’s men won the last derby 4-2, but City had won the previous four meetings between the two Manchester giants. Pellegrini’s Manuel charges will expect to reclaim the bragging rights after winning 13 of their last 15 league games.
•De Bruyne
thumped City Bournemouth 5-1 in their last league encounter, despite missing a couple of their best players. Pellegrini’steam sheet will be eagerly awaited on Sunday amid suggestions of a rift between the Chilean manager and club captain Vincent Kompany. The City boss expressed frustration that Kompany played for Belgium in a Euro 2016 dead rubber against Israel last week after a spell out injured. He has surprisingly named him on the bench for the two City games since.
Coutinho Still Has Plenty To Prove –Klopp JURGEN Klopp ‘s first programme notes were almost a thing of beauty. In big letters it was there for all to see: “I ask you to believe in this team.” He has exuded it since he arrived and looked like he had plenty to spare as he welcomed the Reds’ leveller with an exuberant clenched fist. The crowd too had picked up the mood. They weren’t about
to leave this one early, for all the disappointment a draw against 10 men could have engendered. You can’t get anywhere without belief but you need more than just that, though. And ultimately this Liverpool team didn’t have enough quality to defeat a 10-man Russian side occupying the lower reaches of their league.
•Coutinho
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Sports
Hamilton Gets Title Chance
Cheruiyot On The Starting Line Of Great South Run
•Hamilton THE TH E rremnants emna em nant nts ts off Hurricane Hurri rica icane ne Patricia are more likely y to disrupt p Lewis Hamilton’s coronation than his main title rival in a stormy Texas this weekend, after Ferrari as good as threw in the towel. Sebastian Vettel’s chances were a long shot anyway, 66 points behind Hamilton, but he will have to take a 10-place grid penalty for changing an engine, his fifth of the year. Vettel needs to finish second on Sunday to keep the title alive, but from 11th or lower on the grid there seems little chance of that now, gifting Hamilton a clear run. Ferrari clearly have both eyes fixed on the longer term – trying to catch a dominant Mercedes package – rather than the prospect of any spoils this year. While it seems odd effectively to abandon their charge for 2015, Vettel argued it was always part of the plan.
The The four ffour-time our-t -ti time ime ch cham champion hampi pion ion ssaid aid ai id on Thursday night: “For sure, in an isolated isolatedsense sense, it’snotgreatnews it’s not great news, but when you look at the whole season, it was always the plan to have a fresh engine here. The priority was always to have maximum power at every single race. It has worked very well so far. We have to take the hit here but you have to see the positives, because we are able to make big steps. This should not be understood as a downside. If anything, this is a very positive sign, because we’ve been pushing hard and made big steps in terms of performance.” It all makes matters much simpler for Hamilton, who just needs to outscore Nico Rosberg, his Mercedes team-mate, by two points, and Vettel by nine. The most common result of the season – Hamilton leading home a Mercedes one-two – would do the job.
The The weather weat ath ther her may may prove prov pr ovee Hamilton’s biggest obstacle to securing his third title this weekend weekend. The 30-year-old carefully dodged the hype on Thursday, but he will need a paddle and a canoe if he is to
39
navigate navi viga igatte te tthe he d he deluge elug el lugee wh whi which hich ich th thre threatens reat aten tenss to disrupt this race. Hamilton was at his tight-lipped best, eager to portray this as a race like any other. This despite the fact that in just two days he can equal
WORLD 10,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot makes her first competitive appearance in seven weeks as she takes on Britain’s European 10,000m winner Jo Pavey over 10 miles at the Great South Run, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, on Sunday (25). The 32-year-old Kenyan enjoyed a successful return to the sport this summer following time out for the birth of her first child, taking her fourth world title in the Chinese capital in 31:41.31, and completed her track season with a 3000m appearance at the IAAF Diamond League final in Zurich in early September. Cheruiyot will therefore be looking to transfer her track form to the roads of the English south coast as she steps up in distance, tackling 10 miles for the first time in a career in which she has rarely contested races further than 10km. Pavey, who enjoyed her own golden summer just over a year ago with victory in Zurich at the European Championships and the winner of this race in 2012, has raced sparingly in 2015.
Viviani, Stannard To Lead Team Sky ELIAViviani will be joined by team-mate Ian Stannard in Manchester on Saturday when the Elite Championship at the Revolution Series gets under way. Viviani, whose road season ended with stage wins at the Tour of Britain and inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi Tour, made his Revolution Series in January after the Italian sprinter joined Team Sky and is hoping to carry his recent form onto the boards. A week after winning the omnium at the European Track Championships, the 26 year-old said that he expects ‘a good start’ at the Manchester Velodrome. “I raced Revolution for the first time at the beginning of the year so know how high the quality of the racing will be, especially with riders like [Sir Bradley] Wiggins and [Owain] Doull in the line-up,” Viviani said. “I’ve got some good form following the Euros and omnium victory so I’m hoping to get Team Sky off to a good start in the Elite Championship,” he added. Viviani and Stannard face a tough challenge against rivals including Team Wiggins (Sir Bradley Wiggins and OwainDoull), One Pro Cycling
(Marc Hester and Lasse Norman Hansen), Orica-GreenEdege (Adam Blythe and Glenn O’Shea) and defending champions MalojaPushbikers (Marcel Kalz and Christian Grasmann). IljoKeisse and Andy Tennant also feature as guest riders for Team Pedalsure. The race programme will also see triple European Champions Laura Trott and Katie Archibald headline the elite women’s events and Shanaze Reade in the women’s sprint races.
Mayweather Talks Of Achievement FLOYD Mayweather has said ‘it took 19 years but they’ll talk about it forever’, as he posed with 22 belts won during his career, including WBC, WBA and IBF titles. The undefeated champion, whose career included 49 wins - 26 by knockout and 23 by decision - posted
the photo onto his Facebook page. The 38-year-old posed with belts including his WBC Super Featherweight, IBF Welterweight and WBA (Super) Welterweight. Mayweather has continued to make the most of his retirement with a trip to see Los Angeles Clippers
Anderson Hangs Up Spikes SPRINTER Marvin Anderson has announced his retirement from professional athletics. The 33-year-old 200 metres specialist has been competing internationally for the past 15 years and ends his career with personal best times of 10.11 seconds (100m) and 20.06 (200m). Anderson won a silver medal in the 4x100 metres at the 2007 IAAF World Championships in Osaka combining with Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter and a young Usain Bolt. Individually he placed sixth in the 200m final in Osaka and took silver
in the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro the same year. “I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout my athletics career, it would not have been possible without your support. Although many would’ve liked to see me continue competing and try to participate in the Rio Olympic Games, I must say it feels right to start a new chapter in life and I’m extremely blessed to be doing so knowing that I’m in a good place. Track and field has given me so much, I now look forward to giving back to this sport.
face Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Having hung his gloves up for good in September, the undefeated boxer was courtside at the Staples Center to watch the NBA preseason clash between the two fierce California rivals in Los Angeles. And Mayweather witnessed the Clippers beat last season’s NBA champions 135-90 in one of the final warm-up matches before the regular season starts next week. Mayweather ended his career by outclassing Andre Berto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in September, and has been enjoying something of a retirement roadshow ever since. The 38-year-old was with English light-welterweight fighter Ashley Theophane in Las Vegas on Tuesday, following a trip to Cuba to visit a gym last week. He has also had time this month to head to Miami, see another NBA pre-season game between Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers and take a holiday in the French Polynesia with popstar Justin Bieber.
40
NATIONAL WEEKENDER
Saturday, October 24 - Friday, October 30, 2015
Limelite Hotel Shooting:
KWAM 1 Has A Case To Answer –Police There are strong indications thatcontrary to general opinion, the rift between former first lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan and the incumbent Governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson is far from over, after National Weekender investigations revealed that the former had been meeting with opposition candidates, with the state guber poll a few weeks away. National Weekender can authoritatively report that within the last few weeks, Dame Jonathan have been secretly meeting with the APC candidate for the forth coming gubernatorial election in the state and former
By FRANCIS OGBONNA
W
THE Nigeria Police Force have said that Fuji exponent, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose, popularly known as KWAM 1 has a case to answer in the incident that saw an Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State student shot recently. Disclosing this to our correspondent, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said since preliminary investigations carried out by the command indicate the shot was allegedly fired by one of his band boys, K1 De Ultimate must, in order to aid their inquiries, report to their office whenever he turns from his trip abroad. DSP Adejobi shared: "Though our investigations so far reveal he (K1) was not the one who shot the O.O.U. student, he still has a case to answer. If for nothing else, he must provide the young man (a member of his Band) who pulled the trigger." Recall that after the incident, which saw Miss Kofoworola Azeez, a 300 level Business Education student of O.O.U, Ago Iwoye shot in the buttock, the Police had invited the selfstyled 'Oga Fuji' for interrogation, but instead of showing up in person, he was represented by his Lawyer, who pleaded not to be named. In his statement made to the Police, the A-list singer, who is said to have travelled to the UK after the incident, denied it ever happened. His words: "From the period my client got to the venue and when he left the programme was peaceful. There was no gun shot before he performed and at the time he left the venue of the show. So he is not aware of any shooting."
national
EEKENDER A Passion For Truth, Objectivity, Decorum
Saturday, October 24 - Friday October 30, 2015 Sa
Bayelsa Guber Poll: Patience Jonathan In Secret Meeting With Aspirants governor Timipreye Silva. The most recent parley, which is reported to have taken place at Aridolf Hotel& Suites, Yenegoa, the state capital of Bayelsa state, National Weekender scoops was centred at facilitating Silva’s victory at the forthcoming poll. According to our source, a chieftain of the APC, this was not the first time Dame Jonathan
was meeting with opposition candidates as she had at various times met witha former NDDC boss and governorship aspirant in the state, TimiAlaibe and other top politicians from the state, prior to the APC primaries that saw Silva emerge as flag bearer. Our source added that: “This series of meetings with the opposition has made the governor uncomfortable
It won’t come as a surprise because already some governors, ministersto-be and indeed commissioners are being accused or labeled as strangers in the state they govern or claim. If the Ife royal tradition is not polluted by greedy persons by now Nigerians would have known or witnessed the coronation of a new Ooni. When the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atunwase II joined his ancestors recently, it did not take the royal family and kingmakers one month to anoint the new Olu and as you read this piece, the coronation rites of the new Oba of Benin Is ongoing. The world knows the history of IleIfe and the Yoruba nation. The world knows the link between the Benin monarch and the Ife monarch. These are among the first class royal thrones that attract huge respect to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. It will therefore amount to desecration of our rich
culture and tradition. I think it is time a lasting solution is found to put to rest all the controversies and cold war related to the succession of the Ooni. It is really shameful that a succession process which should naturally be smooth since all parties involved already know who the next Ooni should or would be has been turned into a scramble and demand for turns in the emergence of Ooni and to a large extent an auction process. In the light of this, I appeal that all royal fathers in Yoruba nation especially in Osun State should meet to revolve this shameful display of pollution of Ife tradition. Enough is enough. Nigerians want to see a new Ooni, an Ooni chosen by the due process, an Ooni chosen by the gods of Ife and an Ooni anointed by God. Of course there several Princes that the crown of Ooni fit but there should
and in other to avoid a situation where it impacts negatively on his re-election bid has through some highly respected people in the PDPrequested for a meeting with the former first lady. “The meeting which took place last week was reportedly aimed at finding a solution to the cold war between Dame Jonathan and the governor.”
Desmond Ekwueme
Ooni: A Desecration Of Tradition… THE succession battle for the Ooni of Ife has indeed dragged for too long. The delay is thus appearing like an aberration and mutilation of tradition. In fact it is defacing the tradition and mudslinging of the exalted stool of Ooni. It is sad that the throne arguably perceived as the most revered in Yoruba land is taunted as a seat for cash and carry. There has been accusations and counter-accusation that the stool of Ooni is now being auctioned for the highest bidder to pick. In other words royalty is being sacrificed on the altar of money as tradition is crucified on the cross of wealth. Culture in this situation is a vagabond. It has been slaughtered on the table of affluence. Perhaps we are approaching a state or situation someday whereby a nonnative of Ife and someone who does not have royal blood running in his vein will emerge as Ooni.
www.nationalweekender.net
On SATURDAY
N150
08035321476 (SMS Only) desmondsportspro@yahoo.co.in
also be one of them who the crown fits the most. The royal families should come together and seek for solution to this puzzle which is ridiculing the tradition and stool of Ooni of Ife. As a matter of fact almost everything that happened between when Oba Okunade Sijuade Olubuse II passed on and now amount to taboo especially when we consider the battle, historical •Oba Erediuwa reminders and accusations.
When you add this to the position of the state government on the matter then, you cannot help but ask, is this same Ife that history made us to revere? Those who are clamoring to be Ooni stool and desecrating our tradition must understand that the gods are watching. If you choose someone who the gods rejects then, you are asking for the curse and wrath of the gods. I rest my case!
NATIONAL WEEKENDER is Published by SportsDay Printing & Publishing Company Limited. Corporate Head Office: 19 Gbemisola Street, Off Allen Avenue Ikeja Lagos. Tel: 234 1 3426352. Editor: DESMOND EKWUEME. All Correspondence to the above address, ISSN: 23543043