2010: Knocks and kudos (3)

Knocks for Lars Lagerback and Obasanjo

In this concluding part, Abimbola Adelakun and Gbenga Adeniji give a rating of people who influenced Nigeria in one way or the other. The scales are still the same of one to five, in order of increasing chastisement and approbation respectively. Here we go.



The jinx that lagged Nigeria back

If the Nigeria Football Federation had been a bit more circumspect, the man called Lars Lagerback would not have been hired. This is not just because the man resigned as manager in 2009 after Sweden‘s failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, or because he was hired at a very huge cost to lead Nigeria to same tournament in South Africa, but because his name should have already shown us where we would land. Nigeria didnt even go far before the name turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

At the risk of sounding superstitious, we believe the name ‘Lagerback’ has something to do with a the way Nigeria lagged back at the World Cup. We should have stuck with a home based coach and even though we would still have lost the turnament, we would not have lagged back so badly.

One knock to Lagerback for the jinx in his name.

Nwodo learnt from a fallen horse

When former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor made that infamous statement that zoning was going to be adhered to in Nigeria, only a child in Nigeria‘s political affairs would not have seen his impending downfall. A similar thing happened in the days of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo when he sent the then Chairman of the party, Audu Ogbeh, packing for saying what they don’t want to hear. In Nigeria, the only thing that sometimes change are the characters, the script stays the same.

Anyway, Ogbulafor fell and was replaced by Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo. The new man, knowing how Nwodo’s tongue tripped him, quickly started singing that zoning was dead in Nigeria. Yet, this same Nwodo got into that office through the principle of zoning that gave the seat to South East . We know doublespeak is part of politics but because Nwodo was not so tactful about it, he gets two knocks.



Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis

A bit confusing, isn‘t it? That is the word that major dictionaries accept as the longest one. It refers to a lung disease contracted from the inhalation of very fine silica particles, specifically from a volcano. In simple medical terms, it means silicosis.

Now, if that seems a roundabout way of going by something quite simple, consider Mr. Patrick Obahiagbon. This man uses very big words, often meaningless, to contribute to debates in the House of Representatives and on television as well. Most Nigerians who listen to him do not do so for the depths of ideas because if those ism ism grammar he speaks has any, God knows it would be very difficult to access. Anybody who listens to Obahiagbon is looking for comic relief, not ideas. The lawmaker himself enjoys the attention and seems he has kept it up so that he can be the news most times.

Ordinarily, we should award this man kudos for giving us a laugh amid the various tensions of our daily existence but considering that Nigerian students have consistently recorded failures in their external exams, especially English language, we find him guilty of gasconade narcissism of megalomaniac proportions.

We have three reverberating and earth thundering knocks for him but to be fair, we will hold it in abeyance until Hon Obahiagbon can prove to us that there is a recognised dictionary he consults for all the big words he uses.



Senator sit-tight

We do not need a degree in Law to know that judicial pronouncements are not written in Greek, Latin or any other medieval language. They are written in English. So we find it highly surprising that former Senator Joy Emordi would sit tight in the hollow (sorry, hallow) chambers after an Appeal Court had sacked her and insist the court interpret its judgment.

We know Emordi was only trying to buy time and that was why she and her lawyer would become so frivolous so as to waste the time of the court and Nigerians. We find this woman guilty of the same sin being committed by other African leaders with sit tightism spirit such as Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and lately, Laurent Gbagbo of Cote D Ivoire. That means if she has a chance to lead a country in future, she will probably seek a tenth term if she can manage it. We give her three hard knocks for this behaviour and we hope she learns her lessons.



Papa and son did it street style

The duo of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the ex-governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose sure deserves some hard knocks for their inability to show decorum in public last year. Both of them were reported to have engaged in a name-calling exercise in Okuku, Osun State, at a thanksgiving reception organised in honour of the sacked governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Obasanjo was alleged to have to have started the diatribe by calling Fayose a “bastard” when the latter reportedly snubbed him after exchanging greetings with other guests present at the event. Fayose, who is not known to be a respectable gentleman in his conduct of politics, responded in kind by referring to the old man as the “father of bastards”.

We understand that the English word ‘bastard’ does a great injustice to the connotative meaning of the word. Nevertheless, the people‘s court finds them guilty of unbecoming public conduct. We however, hesitate to give an old man and former president like Obasanjo any knocks. For the embarrassment itself, the man himself has suffered enough. Elsewhere, ex-presidents give public lectures and get fat bucks. In Nigeria, they get insult. For the reasons espoused here, four hard knocks go on Fayose’s lips. By the time he goes about with swollen lips for a while, he will learn to show some restraint in public next time.



Kudos



A good cometh out of Nazareth!

An average Nigerian has conditioned his/her mind to expect something bad from the legislators. Don’t blame Nigerians, our lawmakers have consistently failed us. In the first part of these series, we gave the Federal Legislature five knocks on their collective heads. Today, we are glad that a good thing came out of a legislative arm and that is the one of Lagos state.

The Chairman, ad-hoc Committee on Finance at the Lagos State House Assembly, Mr. Olamilekan Adeola painstakingly studied the N46bn supplementary budget request sent by the governor, Babatunde Fashola and told his colleagues including the Speaker, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforji, during a plenary session that his committee discovered that there was no correlation in the amount being requested and mode of financing it, which revealed a difference of N11bn. He said the budget analysis only showed that N10bn would be sourced through the state Internal Revenue Service and another N10bn from the federal allocation. He insisted that it left a deficit of N26bn which would be borrowed, adding that in the finance column, N15bn was stated instead of N26bn thus revealing a difference of N11bn. He further noted that it could not be a typographical error for the state might be requestingN35bn and not N46bn. His methodical analysis resulted in the return of the request to the executive arm for clarification.

It might seem as if this is not worth kudos but considering that some state legislatures do not even have the discipline or diligence to examine the budget at all, we find this little light shown by Mr. Adeola commendable. If they had stolen money, we would have been too glad to tear them apart. In that wise, we award kudos. After all, in Oyo state, the lawmakers are endorsing the governor rather than providing checks and balances.

Hon., can you please step forward and accept your two kudos?



And to the Robin Hoods…..

Not that it is much of a feat in a country where the lawmakers earn a fortune amid pauperised citizens, but the resilience of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress,Mr. Abulwaheed Omar and Peter Esele respectively in demanding a relatively fair wage for the workers is worthy of commendation. We know that when it comes to the people they pretend to serve, our government quickly pretend they are asleep. However, these two gentlemen pressed for a minimum wage of N18, 000 which eventually saw the light of the day. Though federal and state governments are still foot dragging on its implementation, it is noteworthy that they shook down better welfare package from the government for the suffering Nigeria workers. For now, the Federal Government is still being urged to send a bill to the National Assembly so that it can enact a law making it compulsory for every employer of labour in the country to pay the wage. In fact, all of them can delay till eternity but the feat of these two gentlemen has attracted three kudos. What’s more? Perhaps we should ask them to help us press for power supply all over Nigeria.



Refused to be Caesar

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega will also receive two kudos for being receptive to the aspiration of the electorate. After his appointment, which was greeted with overwhelming applause from Nigerians, he had hardly settled down to the allure of his comfortable office before civil right groups and concerned Nigerians mobilised to demand for a new voter register. He could have turned a deaf ear like the Roman General, Julius Caesar did to the soothsayer’s warning about the “Ides of March”, but he got up and got going. Right now, he has done away with the old one he inherited from his predecessor, Prof Maurice Iwu, which contained fictitious names.

He earns four kudos.

A pat on Utomi’s back

One of the most distressing things about Nigeria’s political scene presently is the lack of ideas and thoughts that will define the next administration. Most of the people seeking to be our leaders are coasting on ethnicity and seeking the endorsements of entertainers and religious leaders. In the midst of this bedlam of zoning and the brouhaha of consensus candidate, one man stands out and that is Professor Pat Utomi.

He has uploaded on Youtube.com, videos of developmental ideas which he is sharing with Nigerians. They are called ‘Let my people think’ and they are in series. We find this commendable because, right now, the lack of serious campaign based issues is quite worrying. It is a relief that at least, somebody knows we should be discussing issues. In fact, Utomi has said that his ideas are not necessarily for him to hoard. If he doesn‘t become president but another progressive does, he will hand over his blueprint to such a person. This attitude is so unlike a Nigerian politician . For this, we award the professor full kudos and we hope that others who are busy making cacophonous noises all over the place will take a cue from him.

 


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Exploring different means to raise start-up funds

Exploring different means to raise start-up funds

It is the wish of most people to be bosses of their own businesses. Of course, the reason for this is not far-fetched. In the first instance, self-employment enables an individual to regulate his working hours and also determine how much he wants to earn.

Importantly, entrepreneurship gives one the opportunity to fully utilise his abilities without being hampered by the limitations of the workplace. In other words, when one is self-employed, he is definitely no longer subject to employer‘s whims and caprices.

However, as enticing as the idea of owning one‘s business is, not everyone who desires it can achieve it.

One major reason for this is dearth of funds. Businesses are built with resources, chief among which is money. Therefore, starting a new business requires that one has access to the needed funds.

However, this is not an easy process, especially in a business environment like Nigeria’s, where access to credit is difficult.

There is the need, therefore, to explore several means of getting the needed fund without necessarily paying the prevalent high interest imposed by banks.

In her article, ”How to Raise Money to Start a Business,” published in powerhomebiz.com, Ms Isabel Isidro, says that the first place to look for financing is right at home, by accessing personal savings and assets. These are the easiest sources of capital.

She states, ”If you have money set aside, you use it instead of borrowing or rounding up investors. Or, you can take an inventory of items you do not need and have a garage sale. Most people are pleasantly surprised how much cash they can raise in a single weekend. You can also use your stocks, bonds, pension plans, life insurance policies and real estate to raise the needed capital. Those who own homes oftentimes secure equity loans and use the proceeds to start a business.”

She, however, notes that most new entrepreneurs do not have adequate personal savings to fund new business.

”Others, on the other hand, have savings but refuse to dip into their piggy bank for a variety of reasons. It may be their retirement money or for emergencies; while others would rather use their savings as collateral and borrow against it at a low interest rate,” she adds.

Speaking in a similar vein, a business consultant and the Chief Executive Officer, Newage Leasing Limited, Ms. Kemi Samuel, notes that every business at one point in time needs finance, whether at start-up stage, to expand or to venture into other related businesses.

She says, ”My sincere recommendation for start-ups is to start small, either with personal savings or seek assistance from friends and families and get them to buy into your idea so they can support you.”

But she also warns that bringing friends and relatives on board should not be done without considering some factors.

”If you are comfortable with co-owning the business with members of your family, then you can bring them on board,” Samuel explains.

Isidro adds, ”If you are borrowing from family members instead of asking them to invest, maintain a very businesslike and impersonal procedure. To avoid putting strain on the relationship, it is better to draw up a formal agreement in order to put the terms of the loan in writing. It is important to view the participants as business associates.”

She also canvasses the possibility of approaching venture capital firms. These are professional investors, usually in charge of a large pool of capital, gathered from a range of sources.

”These firms invest in new, even high-risk or speculative businesses without a proven track record, with the potential for rapid growth and high returns in a short time,” she explains.

Samuel points out that it is easier for growing businesses to access credit than new ones.

She says, ”Some people will be quick to ask that why would a Dangote, for example, get a credit line for a new business it is venturing into and others would not? Is it also not a start-up? Every lender wants to minimise his risks as much as possible and would be comfortable giving Dangote a credit line for a start-up business because Dangote is established, has track record and has other businesses to fall back on if this start-up business should fail.”

The Newage Leasing boss, however, warns that getting access to funds will come with a certain degree of diligence. For instance, she says that an entrepreneur needs to prepare himself to be able to convince prospective lenders or investors to provide funding for his business ideas.

She explains, ”Prepare a solid business plan. Lenders or investors look out for businesses that show promise and they would only give their money to business people, who have sound personal and business financials and are committed to the success of their businesses. Not only must your business plan be sound and solid but must be well presented. Be prepared to stake your own money in form of equity. Lenders are comfortable with entrepreneurs that are willing to stake personal funds of not less than 25 per cent in the business they finance.

She counsels further, “Be passionate and be open to constructive criticisms. If lender A is not comfortable with your idea, take note of the issues raised, go back and do your homework, fine-tune it and take to either lender A again or another prospective lender; for already existing business. In the simplest form, document your business, show simple cash flow, bank your sales proceeds. Also, have a sales and purchase record book because these are the information a prospective lender will have to work with.

 


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Waiting for intervention funds for entertainment industry

AFRIF Chief Executive, Chioma Ude, and popular actress, Rita Dominic, at a party that ushered in the festival

A number of major events took place in the entertainment sector last year. Among such is the African Movie Academy Award, where, among others, Kunle Afolayan’s Figurine won several awards. The maiden edition of the African Film Festival held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in December also bequeathed more promise to the industry.

On the musical scene, Kunle Awopetu’s Sound City Video Music Awards and the Nigeria Video Music Awards, founded by the Chief Executive Officer of Callyvision Productions, Cally Ikpe, accorded various artistes due honour. The MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain also left a good impression on the canvas of the year.

But what may pass for the biggest gift in the year still remains a promise – a promise worth being waited for, anyway. That is the one made by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Silverbird Organisation’s 30th anniversary celebration in Lagos. In a declaration that pleasantly shocked many practitioners, Jonathan said the Federal Government would power the entertainment industry with $200m.

First, the film makers, musicians, producers, actors and others present burst into a wild jubilation. But minutes after, they began to doubt if they heard the president right. Did he mean to say N200m? When Jonathan, however, cleared the air and stressed that government would intervene with $200m, the stakeholders did not know whether to continue to dance or go into a prayer session. The largesse seemed so huge that it began to look like a piece of drama.

“If I must confess to you,” said a seasoned actor who prayed for anonymity, “if the president had said it was N200m he meant, we would have found it easier to believe. What a colleague asked me is: where will government get $200m from? So, we are very appreciative of the proposed intervention. But we just have to wait and see.”

There is a similar promise of intervention that is older than the President’s. About two years ago, the World Bank had declared its intention to fund the industry to the tune of $20m. By mid 2010 when our correspondent sought information on the proposal from the bank’s office in Abuja, it was gathered that the project would take off last September. Part of the indication to that effect was the fact that work had been concluded on a documentary produced by the World Bank on the Nigerian entertainment industry, as a prelude to the main course. But as at the end of 2010, the project had not taken off.

An industry source, however, noted that the interventions was still very alive, and that modalities were still being worked out.


 Source:Pounch


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Bomb scare in Lagos ... police deploy bomb squad in airports

Officers of the Bomb Disposal Squad searching for hidden bombs at Motorways Centre, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after a bomb scare in Lagos on Thursday. Photo: Success Nwogu.

There was pandemonium at Motorways Centre, an office complex at the Seven Up end of the Lagos Ibadan Expressway on Thursday, as the occupants fled their offices after they received information that a bomb was about to explode.

THE PUNCH learnt that the information came in form of some letters warning occupants of an imminent bomb explosion in the complex said to house about 42 companies.

The letters our correspondents learnt were found in a toilet and some dark corners in the building.

The letter, which was signed by “Concerned Nigerians” read in part: “A bomb has been planted at Motorway building and could go off any moment. Kindly inform your loved ones that might be within range.”

Some of the letters said the bomb would go off within six hours after the receipt of the notice.

It was learnt that the man said to be in charge of the complex, identified as Mr. Tunde, alerted the occupants of the building of the letters and advised them to leave the complex as a precautionary measure.

This led to panic as the occupants struggled to run out of the complex for their lives. Many people, PUNCHMETRO learnt collided with one another in their effort to run out of danger. But it could not be established whether there were injured persons.

One of the occupants, who did not want to be named for security reasons, affirmed that they got letters warning them of an impending bombing of the complex.

He said, “We had a rumour that there were letters dropped at strategic places warning us of a bomb attack on the building. The man in charge of the Motorways, Mr. Tunde, gave instruction that people should leave the building.”

When PUNCHMETRO inquired from the man said to be in possession of one of the threat letters, he declined to comment on the development.

“I cannot comment on the matter because of the nature of my job. I cannot also show you the letter. You have to wait for my superior for information,” he said.

When our correspondents got to the scene around 3.30pm, workers had deserted their offices and were seen discussed in hushed tones in groups. The gates to the complex were locked and people were denied entry into the complex.

Another occupant of the building who also declined to mention his name said the panic began around 2.30pm when the information spread round.

He said, “I was working in my office at the complex when somebody rushed in and practically dragged me out of the office. I was surprised because I did not know what was happening. But he later told me that a bomb was about to explode in the company. When we got to the staircase, I saw many people rushing out from their offices. There was a lot of pushing as everyone wanted to be the first to get out of danger.

“When we got outside, I saw that a lot of people were already outside and many of them were driving their cars out of the premises in panic.”

Policemen from Bomb Disposal Squad were seen moving in and out of the complex. One of them told one of our correspondents that they decided not to treat the threat with levity.

However the commissioner of police in charge of the state police command, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, said that the police usually check out any information they received, whether they were fraudulent or not.

Akpoyibo said, “But the letter is spurious and mischievous. I have told Lagosians that they should beware of fear messengers, who are bent on causing panic in Lagos State.

“If anybody has information on anything, the right place to go is the police. Why should anybody start giving such frivolous information to the public, instead of the police? It is wrong and criminal. It is an offence under the law.”

The Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordinance Devices, Mr. Chris Olakpe, said his unit got information that a bomb was planted around a bank in the complex.

He said, “We went there and swept the areas around the bank and even the entire building. We are sure that the place is clean but I have ordered a continuous sweeping of the place until further.”

Indications emerged on Thursday that the Federal Government might have ordered the deployment of more anti-bomb police officers to airports, particularly Lagos.

A top police officer, who pleaded anonymity because of the sensitive state of security in the country, said the decision was aimed at achieving efficiency in the screening of vehicles entering the airports.

The officer also said that the spate of bombings in the country had prompted the decision.

“The government want to ensure that there is adequate security at the airport. This is why they have increased the number of officers carrying out the screening of vehicles coming to the airport; they have increased their numbers now,” the top police officer said.

The officer, however, did not give the number of officers added to beef up the existing the team.

However, special vehicles belonging to the anti bomb squad were seen parading the Lagos airport.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Airport Command, Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Benedict Ifeanyi, on Thursday said that screening of vehicles coming into the airport would “continue definitely” until the security situation in the country improves.

The Airport Command of the police had on Wednesday embarked heavy screening of vehicles entering the airport.

Particular attention was paid on vehicles entering the old domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

As early as 8:00am, there was heavy traffic along the road linking Ikeja to the airport owing to the screening of vehicles at the junction leading to the General Aviation Terminal.

Special anti-bomb handheld equipment were being used by police officers to screen vehicles entering the airport.

The PPRO said that the special screening followed an order from Abuja.

The Divisional Police Officer, Domestic Station, Mr. Ayuba Pam, said that, “We have started the screening, and we will continue. The same thing is going in other commands of the airport, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and others. We are working with the equipment that has been provided; we believe more will still come.”

The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mr. Moses Onireti, in a brief telephone chat with our correspondents said, “Everything is in order. We are on top of the situation. No cause for alarm”

 


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How do u increase the size on a man's P?

Linda, this is not a joke. Could you ask people for me what it takes to enlarge a man's penis? I love my boo dearly but his P is very small. We don't have sex very much coz he's ashamed of it. Does anyone know a practical way to enlarge penis? Pray tell, God bless. T

One wants IT reduced. Another one wants IT increased...
Me, I'm just looking for ONE...period!
Lol.

Oya, answer T abeg. 



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Indian Farmer Is World's Oldest Dad at 94

A 94-year-old Indian farmer is claiming to be the world's oldest dad. Ramajit Raghav claims his wife Shakuntala, 59, gave birth to their son Karamjit just last month.

The couple have described the boy as "god's gift" — and aren't ruling out having more. Ramajit said: "It is great that I have become the world's oldest dad.

"I am a strong follower of Lord Shiva. I wanted to have an offspring and prayed for him. This child is god's gift to me."

The proud father, who was a wrestler in his youth, puts his virility down to his high-calorie diet.
He added: "My daily diet comprises of three litres of milk, half a kilo of almonds and half a kilo ghee (clarified butter).

"I had visited a quack in the village and he gave me some tablets but I didn't take them and threw them away."

When asked whether he was worried about his child's future, Ramajit said he would still be playing with his son in a decade.

He added: "Nothing will happen to my child as I will die only if a black snake bites me and that is very far.

"Visit me after 10 years and you will find me in the same appearance."

It is unknown how many children Ramajit has.

Great grand pa, what the hell are you doing still having sex at 94?. Time to rest it baba, time to rest it.
LOL 



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Photo of the Christ Embassy N1, 000 entry ticket

I didn’t make any comment about this before because I wasn’t really sure how true the story was but seeing the evidence here...*breathe Linda, breathe. 

This makes me so angry. Paying a fee to enter the 'House of God'...?

You know what? I won't say anything else...

You hear that sound? That’s me getting the hell out of here. The rest of you can deal with this shit.

Photo source

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Raven-Symone drops mega weight

First Jennifer, now Actress Raven-Symone.
The 25 year old is now a size 6/8?. She was a size 14 before.
These people must be under a lot of Hollywood pressure.
She looks good tho... 



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Sad news. Ex-Super Eagles Player, Uche Okafor dies at 43

Former Nigeria international, Uche Okafor, 43, was found dead at his Dallas, Texas home in the United States of America (USA) early Thursday January 6th.


Ben Iroha, a former Nigerian team-mate of Uche between 1990 and 1994, told SuperSport.com that he received the shock news via a telephone conversation from the United States that the 43-year-old has died. “Seriously I still find it hard to believe when I got the call from the US yesterday (Thursday) evening. This is a really sad way to begin the year,” said Iroha.

Iroha added that he is yet to know what really transpired up to the death of his former teammate. “I am yet to know what happened. But I feel so sad to hear this because he was a very marvelous friend and brother,” said the former Heartland assistant coach.

However, there are still no details concerning surrounding the death of the former winner of the Africa Cup of Nations. The former Nigerian footballer was said to have taken his daughter to school early Thursday and was later found dead in his US home.

The police in the United States are said to have cordoned off the home of Okafor, as a coroner is carrying out an inquest into circumstance surrounding his death.

Okafor’s professional career began at defunct ACB of Lagos before he moved to KRC Mechelen.
The late Nigerian player has also played for Hannover 96 before ending his career at Sporting Kansas City, formerly known as Kansas City Wizards.

Late Okafor also featured in one of the four matches of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 1994 Fifa World Cup in the USA. He was also a football pundit on African football for ESPN until his death.

So sad! May his soul rest in peace.

 Source



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Maroon 5's Adam Levine poses nude for cancer awareness

Maroon 5 singer, Adam Levine, 31, drops all of his clothes in the new issue of Cosmo UK, a publicity shot meant to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer for every man

The rocker also shares his biggest turn-ons with the mag's February issue. "On a woman, I think lingerie is beautiful and amazing," he says. "But you only enjoy lingerie once it's off, so let's just cut to the chase.'

You can be a friend of mine anytime Adam, anytime...:-)

BTW, that's his girlfriend, Victoria's Secret model, Anne Vyalitsyna's hands that's covering his privates. 



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Comedian I Go Dye beaten up at PDP rally in Delta State

Francis Agoda, popularly known as  I  Go Dye  was few days ago beaten up by some security personnel at the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Warri campaign for former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Here's how Vanguard is reporting it

I Go Dye and his friends including I Go Save, Oguns Baba and his manager  were allegedly brutalised by a group of  military personnel led  by a senior officer  at the Warri Stadium when they were about to mount the stage to perform.

We gathered that trouble ensued  when the comedian was called on stage by the compere, Ali baba,  and was  on his way to the stage when the overzealous colonel approached him.  I Go Dye responded  by introducing himself and those with  him to the colonel, including Oguns Baba, a fellow comedian, I Go Save  and his manager but  unknown  to him the army officer had a different agenda.
The officer pushed I Go Dye backward which led to the comedian losing balance and fell on  the ground but before he could regain his balance, other low ranking officers attached to the colonel descended on I Go Dye and beat him mercilessly.

The beating continued unabated  to the extent that Oguns Baba’s head  was torn  by the rampaging soldiers.
We gathered that all entreaties to the officer and his men to let  go off I Go Dye and his colleagues fell on deaf ears which led other  artistes at the venue including the compere, Ali Baba walking out of the venue en masse.

Also in a show of solidarity, market women and other who had gathered at the venue left in protest.
The incident which occurred at the Warri stadium venue of the final campaign for former governor Emanuel Uduaghan re-elections bid for Saturday’s  re-run election  led to droves of people leaving the venue of the campaign.
I Go Dye who confirmed the incident to Weekend Groove on phone said he had already informed  his lawyers to take legal action against  the Nigerian Army unless  they send a written apology within seven days.

“ I confirm the story to be true. The soldiers beat me blue and black. Right now, I’m on my way to the hospital; And as I am talking to you, I have also instructed my lawyer to file a suit against the Nigerian Army unless they apologise in writing within a period of seven days,” I Go Dye stated.
Also confirming the incident, the Master of Ceremony, Ali Baba described what transpired at the Warri stadium as the height of callousness.

“I had just called up I Go Dye to come on stage when a certain Colonel BA Mohammed  approached  with his friends including Oguns Baba, I Go Save and his manager. I Go Dye had thought the Army officer had wanted  to ask him some questions but pushed him which led to his losing his balance and hitting the ground. What followed that incident  was a like a scene from horror movie,” Ali Baba stated
“ It was  the height of callousness. I didn’t know that  an Army officer of the rank of a Colonel could display such callousness. The incident led all of us to leave the stadium because the officer refused  to apologise.”



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Court to Rule on Jonathan’s Candidacy Next Week

An Abuja High Court, yesterday fixed Monday next week for its ruling on whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan can contest the Presidential election under the constitution of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in view of the controversial zoning arrangement of the party.


Ishaq Bello, the presiding judge fixed Monday January 10, to deliver judgment in a suit filed by three members of the PDP: Yahaya Kwande, Dubem Onyia and Lawal Kaita. Specifically, the trio are asking the court to stop PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from fielding and accepting Mr Jonathan as the party's presidential candidate in the April, 2011 presidential election. - 234next 


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Uduaghan wins Delta State Re-run elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has declared Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan as the winner of the governorship re-run election. Uduaghan won with a total vote cast of 275,253, while his closest rival Chief Great Ogboru, of the Democratic Peoples Party got 138,244 votes.


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Beauty of the day: Loveth Udoka Ajufoh

Loveth is ex-Miss Unilag (2009) and reigning Miss World University (Nigeria) 



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Nigeria, Cameroon can’t stop us

Nigerian Flying Eagles

Chairman of the Management Committee of the Ghana’s Under-20 team, the Black Satellites, Jordan Anagbla, says Ghana will successfully defend the African Youth Championship (AYC) she won in Rwanda when the final countries gather for the biannual fiesta in Libya in March.
Ghana has been handed a tough draw for the first stage of the tourney that laces the best eight on the continent, but Anagbla says coming through the group that houses arch rival, Nigeria, Gambia and Cameroon is possible.

Anagbla said:“It is a tough draw for us but that will not stand in our way. We will successfully defend the trophy. The rivalry with Nigeria will always be there, we met Cameroon at the same stage in Rwanda and we clearly know the Gambia’s threat but we are not moved.” Ghana won the last competition after beating Cameroon in the finals and the chairman said: “It is a good thing we are playing Nigeria first. Cameroon we already know and will take a game at a time.”
Anagbla said the team’s mental toughness and talent will propel it to defend the trophy in the competition that spans March 18-April 1.

“This team has whatever it takes to win the trophy. The talent is amazing and its biggest strength is its mental toughness that saw us through the qualifiers. From defence to attack are ball jugglers capable of holding their own any day. We have the best of talents in this team and the players’ hunger and thirst for success will see us through”

Touching on the technical aspect of the team, Anagbla had kind words for the competence of Orlando Wellington, former assistant coach of the Africa and World Cup winning team.
“I believe so much in the ability of Coach Wellington. He has the experience and personally, I see him as the pillar behind our success in both the Africa and World competitions in 2009.”
 
Source:http://www.sunnewsonline.com

 


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Senate Leader Remanded In Prison Over Alleged Murder

Senator Folarin and his co-accused were driven off to prison in a caged Nigerian Prisons Services Toyota pickup van.

Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin has been remanded in Prison alongside three associates on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder of a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Oyo State, Alhaji Lateef Salako (Eleweomo), who was shot last Thursday during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government congress primaries at IDC Primary School, Ona Ara LGA, Oyo State.

 Folarin who arrived the court premises at about 10.30 am will remain in prison for at least the next ten days.

Senator Folarin was arraigned this morning inside an Ibadan Magistrate Court by the Oyo State Police Command after his interrogation for several hours yesterday.

Chief Magistrate Sakirat Baderu ordered that the senator and co-accused be remanded in Agodi Prison after his lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The court thereafter adjourned till January 14, 2011.

Source: The Will Nigeria

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Fashola finally endorsed by Action Congress of Nigeria

Gov. Fashola 
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola endorsed by Action Congress of Nigeria. Endorsement was today 5th January ratified by the party NEC after a marathon meeting in Lagos. It ends the long controversy between Fashola’s political Godfather Bola Tinubu and supporters of the governor who threaten to ...leave the ACN if Tinubu failed to endorse Fashola. Tinubu was present at today’s endorsement.





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Oyo: Descent to anarchy in pacesetter state

Governor of Oyo State, Chief A

OLALEKAN ADETAYO writes that Oyo State is on the edge of a precipice with the spate of violence and the recent the killing of a chieftain of the National Union of Road Workers, Alhaji Lateef Salako (a.k.a Eleweomo)

The much-talked about 2011 elections are just a few months ahead. But as the elections draw nearer, fear keeps gripping stakeholders in Oyo State just like other states in the federation where violence is rearing its ugly head. In October, 2010, the major opposition party in the state, the Action Congress of Nigeria, raised the alarm over an alleged arms build-up by the state government. The plot, the party alleged, was carried out by the state Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, in his bid to achieve his ambition of ruling the state the second time.

Like any other public statements seen to be too critical of the governor and his government, Alao-Akala’s aides responded promptly without sparing the ACN leadership. The governors’ Special Adviser on Public Communication, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, described the allegation as silly, advising opposition to learn to be clever.

The ACN, through the then Director of Publicity and Strategy, Mr. Wasiu Olatubosun (now General Secretary), it had alleged that the governor had procured 10 new Armoured Personnel Carriers, sophisticated guns and other ammunition which had been kept at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Ibadan.

It further alleged that the government had concluded arrangements on sewing of police and army uniforms to be worn by members of a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who would unleash terror on innocent citizens and opposition party members in the state.

The statement read, “Most residents of the state capital were apprehensive few days ago when they noticed the movement of 10 brand new APC into the Agodi Government House. Investigations later revealed that the ammunition was ordered by the governor as part of a grand plan to foist another political violence on the people since the PDP was not sure of victory in a free and fair election.

“The public was surprised at the confirmation of the purchase of 1,000 campaign cars and buses by the governor’s spokesman recently, but the latest alarm carries more weight such that it must not be treated lightly by the security agencies and other well-meaning Nigerians. Oyo deserves peaceful elections in 2011 so that electorate could exercise their civil responsibilities in order to effect positive changes in the politics of the state.”

As expected, Oyelade in his reaction said, “The accusation of ACN that Akala is storing arms in anticipation of an election he is poised to win is so silly that it beggars belief scoffing that Akala is gathering Armoured Personnel Carriers to intimidate opponents, who already are intimidated by the weight of his achievements is trite just as the allegation of sewing security uniforms, haba! Opposition should be cleverer than all these even at the worst of times. In the case of APC, the police convened a meeting of bankers, police and government two years ago at the height of armed siege and asked for contribution. Those APCs are Oyo State’s contributions.”

What happened in the state capital a few days after had forced those who had initially been hoodwinked into believing that the ACN was just playing politics of bitterness to have a rethink.

The state PDP chieftains, who are of Ibadan origin, had organised a political rally tagged “Ibadan tile toko” (All indigenes of Ibadan) at the ancient Mapo Hall in the heart of the state capital to drum up support for Alao-Akala’s second-term bid. Attendance at the event was massive.

But colourful as the rally was, it was nearly marred by the arrest of a member of the state House Assembly, Mr. Jimoh Fadipe, and some others. They were allegedly caught with arms and ammunition by policemen on stop-and-search duty near Mapo Hall, venue of the rally.

The suspects, their vehicles and the weapons were taken to the state police command headquarters in Eleyele as efforts made by some top state government officials to resolve the matter at the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters failed.

Many saw that incident as a confirmation of the ACN’s claim and thought that the state government would use the matter to once and for all teach politicians a lesson that violence would not be tolerated in the build-up to the general election.

But that hope was dashed when, up until press time, the police command has refused to make its findings on the arrest and seizure public. Fadipe and other suspects have since been left off the hook. In fact, the lawmaker has since resumed his legislative duties.

Many were of the opinion that the command ought to have made the report of its investigation public, whether the suspects were found guilty or not, in order to serve as deterrent to others.

A couple of days later, specifically last week Thursday, the local government congress of the same ruling PDP turned bloody in Ibadan and Oyo town. By the time the ensuing confusion ended, a factional leader of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers, Oyo State Council, Alhaji Lateef Salako (also known as Eleweomo), had already paid the supreme price. He was killed at IDC Primary School, Olunloyo, Ibadan, where the PDP congress in Ona Ara Local Government Area was held. He died two days to his 58th birthday and house warming already slated for Saturday, January 1, 2010. Instead of the birthday and house warming, his remains were interred that day.

No fewer than 10 persons were also injured in Oyo West Local Government Area of the state during the PDP congress. The victims were reportedly received machete cuts at the Idi Ope Primary School, Oyo venue of the congress.

The trouble was allegedly caused by suspected political thugs loyal to a principal official of the state House of Assembly and a top local government official.

While the police command is currently making frantic efforts aimed at unravelling the circumstances surrounding Salako’s killers, no word has been heard about investigation into the Oyo violence.

A chieftain of the PDP in the state, Senator Lekan Balogun, has severally called for the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Baba Bolanta, for his alleged partisanship in the state.

Speaking on Salako’s death, Balogun said the incident could have been prevented if the police boss had not allowed his personal interest and pecuniary consideration to override his professional calling. Balogun, who is also the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, said that if Bolanta had ensured in the past that nobody committed crimes and went scot-free, activities of the NURTW of which the late Salako was the arrowhead, could have been curtailed.

He said, “The Oyo State Police Commissioner should be held responsible for emboldening Eleweomo and his gang all along despite the repeated warnings of some of us. We have been insisting that violence never pay, but instead of our police boss to listen to the voice of reason, he kept on in his partisanship approach to the issue of security in the state. The result is that some members of the NURTW commit crime with impunity.”

He recalled that he had in the past made reports of the late Salako’s activities to the police without any concrete action on their part. He noted that those perpetrating crimes in the state would have checked themselves if the police had at least for once acted as expected of professionals.

“The death of Eleweomo is one death among several others before it and if the CP had been alive to his responsibilities as earlier said, it could have been averted and what is more, unless he changes his style, it is as if all of us are not safe in the state. When a government decides to be lawless, the CP is not expected to collaborate with such government,” he added.

It is crystal clear that politicians in the state have started beating the drums of war ahead of the general elections. It is also clear that the much-talked about free, fair and credible elections could not be achieved in a violence-prone atmosphere.

It is, therefore, imperative that security agencies and other stakeholders in the state collaborate to ensure that the elections are not marred by violence. The onus lies on the state police command to be more firm in asserting its authority, especially in the area of bringing perpetrators and sponsors of violence to book in order to serve as deterrent to others.

The time to do this is now!

Source:http://www.punchng.com/

 


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2010: Year of Nigerian sportswomen

Falcons players jubilating aft

The year 2010 was one of a few highs and many lows for Nigerian sports with controversy-trailed elections but it was the women who outshone their men‘s counterparts during competitions, writes ’TANA AIYEJINA
Super Eagles
After struggling to book tickets to the 2010 Africa Nations Cup in Anglola and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa on the last day of the qualifiers, the Super Eagles put up poor displays at both tournaments. While they came third in Angola in January, they ended with a draw and two defeats to crash out of the group stage of the World Cup. The Eagles continued with their poor form in the 2012 Nations Cup qualifiers winning a game against Madagascar at home and losing 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry under interim coach Austin Eguavoen, who replaced Swede Lars Lagerback after the Mundial. The NFF made a landmark decision by appointing Samson Siasia as coach of the Eagles in November.

Flying Eagles/Eaglets

Coach John Obuh led a bulk of his 2009 U-17 World Cup silver-winning squad to land qualification for the African Youth Championship with the Flying Eagles. The U-20 side defeated Mauritius 4-1 on aggregate to qualify for the AYC.

In September, the Golden Eaglets – three-time world champions and 2009 finalists of the U-17 World Cup – surprisingly crashed out of this year‘s CAN U-17 Championship scheduled for Rwanda. Coached by Monday Odigie, the Eaglets crashed out after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Congo in the qualifiers.

Women‘s football

The Falconets shocked even themselves as they reached the final of the U-20 Women‘s World Cup in Germany. They lost 2-0 to the hosts but they etched their names in the history books as the first African side to reach the final of any FIFA organised women‘s event.

However, the Flamingos were not as lucky as they crashed out of the quarterfinal of the U-17 Women‘s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Super Falcons won the African Women‘s Championship a record six times in South Africa in November after beating defending champions Equatorial Guinea, who stopped the Nigerians at home two years ago, 4-2 to reclaim their title.

NPL elections

The year 2010 can aptly be described as the year of controversial elections in Nigerian sports. It began with the Nigeria Premier League elections which were finally conducted in Abuja in May after several postponements due to court cases. The elections brought in former Enugu Rangers striker Davidson Owumi, who beat Victor Baribote by 13 votes to four, as Chairman of the league board. The NFF eventually nullified the chairmanship election in December sparking another row as Owumi refused to leave office.

NFF elections

The NFF elections, which ushered in Aminu Maigari and a new board, were held in controversial circumstances and in defiance to court orders in August, with the electoral committee claiming that it was not served the court orders. This prompted an outcry from the public with ex-internationals organising a protest match in Abuja calling for the postponement of the elections. However, Maigari and the board have held forth in office.

NOC elections

The Nigeria Olympic Committee elections finally held in September 2010 after controversies, accusations and counter accusations almost marred the polls. In fact, former Sports Minister Sani Ndanusa was ‘elected‘ twice before he eventually became the President of the country‘s Olympic body. The then incumbent NOC President Habu Gumel shunned an earlier election which Ndanusa won with a landslide victory before the International Olympic Committee ordered a rerun with the Nigeria Tennis Federation President winning again. All the officers elected in the earlier election on September 16, 2010 returned, with Gumel and the former PRO, Tony Nezianya, withdrawing from the polls.

Commonwealth Games

Nigeria finished ninth at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, in October with 35 medals 11 gold, 10 silver and 14 bronze. The country emerged as the third best African nation at the event behind fifth place South Africa and Kenya (sixth) but the performance was marred by a series of drugs cases. Oludamola Osayomi was stripped of her women‘s 100m gold after testing positive for the banned stimulant Methylhexaneamine while the country also lost silver medals in the women‘s 400m and women‘s 4x400m events after Folashade Abugan, who competed in both races, was disqualified for testing positive for testosterone prohormone.

Amos Adamu

It was also a sad tale for Nigeria as the country lost its seats in FIFA and CAF after Dr. Amos Adamu was banned for three years from football activities by the world football governing body. The former National Sports Commission Director-General was accused of asking for money in exchange for World Cup votes.

CAF awards

After a poor performance by Nigerian players at club and country levels, no Nigerian player was named on the shortlist for the African Footballer of the Year award in Egypt in December. However, impressive Eagles keeper Vincent Enyeama and Olympique Marseille‘s Taye Taiwo were named in the African XI, while Falcons striker Perpetua Nkwocha scooped the African Woman Player of the Year for the third time after a fantastic display at the 2010 AWC.

African Athletics Championships

Nigeria came second at the African Athletics Championships in August behind hosts Kenya with 18 medals- eight gold and five silver and bronze respectively. It was a great year for athlete Blessing Okagbare, who won the 100m and long jump events in Kenya. She had earlier won the Nigerian 100m title running a time of 11.04 seconds. In April she posted the world‘s fastest time in the women‘s 100m, clocking 11.10 seconds while running for University of Texas El Paso team at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in the USA.

WAFU Cup

Premier League side Sharks coached by John Obuh broke a 38-year-old jinx by winning the WAFU Cup, their first major trophy. Veteran striker Victor Ezeji‘s solitary strike sealed victory for the Port Harcourt side over Casa Sport of Senegal at a mini-tournament staged in Lome, Togo.

Samuel Peter

Heavyweight boxer Samuel Peter became the only boxer to be defeated by the Klitschko brothers –Vitali and Wladimir– after losing to Wladimir – the second time – in Germany in September in a bout for the IBF, IBO and WBO Heavyweight titles.

Deaths

The year 2010 also witnessed the death of some Nigerian sportsmen while on duty. Former Julius Berger striker Endurance Idahor collapsed during a league game for his Sudanese club Al-Merreikh and died on his way to hospital in March.

The country was again thrown into mourning following the death of Ocean Boys defender Emma Ogoli, who slumped on the pitch after 39 minutes during his team‘s NPL tie against Niger Tornadoes in December at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. But it was not the end as wrestler Christopher Ifeanyichukwu aka De Lion Man died after his fight was called off at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos. De Lion Man, who nearly collapsed before his fight was stopped, was reportedly not attended to by medical personnel when he stepped out of the ring.

Others

Nigeria emerged 29th out of 84 countries at the maiden Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August. In basketball, Nigerian men and women‘s champions Kano Pillars and First Bank crashed out from the FIBA Africa club competitions in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively while in football, Heartland exited the CAF Champions League in the group stage. Enyimba and Warri Wolves crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup before the group stage. The National Sports Festival eventually failed to hold after suffering two postponements in the year.

 Source:http://www.punchng.com/


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Electricity tariffs to go up in April

Nnaji
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission will announce new tariffs in April, while the winding up of Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s operations may be concluded by the first quarter of the year, the Presidential Task Force on Power has disclosed.

A report by the task force on the implementation of the road map for power sector reform said that NERC had initiated studies and consultations to determine a level of tariff that would stimulate investment by making it possible for investors to recover their costs.

It added, “New tariffs will be announced by April 2011.”

Analysts expect that the tariffs will go up to a cost-reflective level to stimulate private sector investment in the electricity business.

An average customer currently pays about N5.90 per kilowatt hour for electricity.

The task force also said that the Federal Government might conclude the winding up of PHCN’s operations by the first quarter of this year.

It stated that the process of winding up the company was already on and that it might be concluded by the end of the first quarter.

The report said, “This process is underway. Headquarters’ members of staff have started moving out to the Ministry of Power or to successor companies. Functions are being transferred to individual successor companies. The eventual winding-up will be a legal or court-ordered formality, occurring when ongoing staff movements and transfer of assets and liabilities are concluded, probably during Q1 2011.”

It added, “The 11 distribution, six generation and one transmission companies now have individual budgets. The companies are now de facto independent entities, thus putting the PHCN in winding-up mode. All of the PHCN successor companies are set to enter the ‘Transition Stage’ of the reform when they will buy and sell electricity based on contracts agreed with each other and stop operating as part of a government monopoly financed through a common budget and obliged to provide power or electricity evacuation services to each other without payment.

“This will create incentives for the power companies to provide service to as many Nigerians as possible and as frequently as possible, so they can earn money to pay for their inputs and operational costs.”

The task force stressed that the implementation of the reform would continue apace and that by mid-2011, an appreciable proportion of generating and distribution capacities would have been transferred to the private sector.

It said, “New private generating capacity would have been fully contracted and under procurement, the transmission grid would be privately managed and a reinvigorated regulator would be actively ensuring long-term sustainability of a private sector-led Nigerian electricity supply industry.”

The task force said it was committed to replicating the success that Nigeria recorded with the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in the power sector with all the potential it had for a far more fundamental impact on job creation and economic growth.

It said that political support from the highest quarters of government had not flagged, noting that regardless of the increased tempo of electioneering, there was continued pressure, not only from the government, but also from manufacturers, the media, civil society groups and others on the task force to deliver tangible results to Nigerians.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/

 


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Fuji Garbage inspired me to produce Ace – Shina Peters

SHINA PETERS
When our correspondent called Afro Juju creator, Sir Shina Peters - popularly called SSP - on the phone on Tuesday afternoon, the story of Barrister‘s death was the last thing he wanted to talk about. The pain was still so fresh in his system that he did not want anyone to drag him into a conversation on the incident.

”Honestly, I would rather not talk about Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde’s death for now,” he said. ”Barrister and I were very close. Many would not know how close we were. His death is even still like a dream to me. It is personally a huge loss to me. I don‘t think the death of my mum pained me as much as Barrister‘s death has. So, anything that will arouse my feelings on this for now, I would rather like to avoid it.”

SSP, who shook the Nigerian music scene in the early 1990s with fiery albums that include Ace and Shinamania, confessed that he did not know much about fuji music. But he noted that Barrister began to change the colour of the genre when he introduced the trumpet, piano and other western instruments to the game. When he released internationally acclaimed Fuji Garbage Series 2, SSP further confessed, the brilliance and success of the album sent shocking waves onto the scene. It was the waves that woke SSP from complacency.

”If there is any song of Barrister that I really like, it is Fuji Garbage,” he added. ”I don‘t want to lie to you. The innovation he brought into it changed fuji completely. All of a sudden, it was as if it was sending juju packing from the scene. That was what really inspired me to go back to the drawing board and develop the Ace concept.”

SSP is happy that Barrister left a positive legacy behind. He explained, ”Part of the lesson Barrister taught all of us, especially the younger artistes, is that you have to build a lasting musical legacy in terms of the quality of works you produce. You have to build it and defend it. We should also build the sense of ‘If I am no more there.”

Source: http://www.punchng.com

 


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Woman laments attack by soldier

Adepashe

Mrs. Olayinka Adepashe could not have imagined the fate that befell her on December 6, 2010. That day, she was severely beaten by a soldier who felt offended that she gave him an order.

At present, Adepashe said she was thinking of leaving everything to God, adding that if the army decided to protect their own, the soldier could not run from God.

She told PUNCH METRO that on the day of the incident, she was about to enter the street where her shop is located at Ojo-Giwa Street, Lagos Island, when she noticed an unusual traffic snarl. She said that she noticed that the build-up was caused by two cars, which were parked across the narrow street.

“Queues had started building-up; and you know how ruthless these LASTMA officials could be if they come to the scene. They could probably impound our vehicles. To avoid this, I quickly got down from my car and searched for the drivers of the two cars that were obstructing the traffic.”

She said one of the vehicles was driven by a soldier, later identified as Adekunle Rotimi. She asked the driver of the car behind the one driven by Rotimi to repark somewhere else so that the soldier could adjust and other people would gain access to the street.

She said the only thing she asked was for the soldier to park well, but when he did not respond at all, she thought aloud that maybe the soldier did not understand her language.

“Suddenly I him saying, ‘Madam I heard all that you are saying.’ Don’t think I did not hear what you are saying. Is it me you are talking to? I will deal with you.”

Adepashe said she was still wondering what she did wrong, when the soldier brought out a belt.

“He went to where he parked the car, brought out his belt, folded it into two and hit me hard with it. He then slapped my left eye; my earring went off. I was too dazed to say a word.

“He threatened to break my head, people asked me to run inside my shop, but I couldn’t move my legs. It was as if it was happening to another person.

“I thought of holding his clothes, but couldn’t for fear that if he should have a gun, he would shoot me. I had heard of instances a soldier or policeman killed somebody with a rifle. People around dragged me from him, or else he might have done more damage to me,” Adepashe said.

“I did not know the people who went to call my husband. When he came and asked me what had happened, I did not say a word. He advised that we should go to police station and report the matter, but what would the police do to a soldier?” I asked.

“Being a soldier, I reasoned that the police would not be able to arrest and punish him. It was then I started crying. My left eye was swollen with blood while my back had marks.”

She stated that from all she gathered, the soldier is serving at Bonny Camp. “The car he drove on the day was black with registration number FC 249 ABC.

“On Friday I learned the soldier came to look for me in my shop when I wasn’t around. Later he called me, saying that it was when he got home that he realised what he did to me that day was very bad. I began to cry,” Adepashe added.

She said that in the evening, she received another telephone call.

Adepashe said the man on the telephone asked her to see him in Abuja in order to apologise to her. But she declined and asked the man to come to Lagos instead.

Adepashe said she decided to report the soldier to the Army at Bonny Camp. She told PUNCH METRO that when she met the spokesman of the Army in Lagos, Lt.-Commander Ogunsanya, she was told that Rotimi was from Military Police unit, adding that he was based in Abeokuta.

Adepashe said that the military authorities had promised assistance on the matter, but she said she was not holding her breath.

Efforts to speak to Rotimi on the issue proved abortive. He refused to speak with our correspondent on the telephone.

Rotimi’s boss claimed ignorance of the issue and denied ever knowing Rotimi when he was called on the telephone.

But the Army Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command, Mr. Ogunsanya, said that army is staffed with discipline soldiers and that his organisation did not tolerate any bad behaviour.

He said, “I cannot speak for him, but if he is investigated and found culpable, he would be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.”

 


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Time to miss a political counsellor

SIKIRU AYINDE
Part of the legacy of the late fuji artiste, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, is his various albums in which he counselled politicians, voters and other stakeholders on election matters. He will accordingly be missed in the approaching dispensation, writes AKEEM LASISI


After the burial of the fuji exponent, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, on Thursday, the tears provoked by his death are expected to have considerably dried off. But his acolytes maintain that they will miss him for a long time. Speaking on Tuesday on the passage, for instance, afro juju star, Sir Shina Peters, told our correspondent that it was too early to think that people would have come to terms with the loss.

On his part, ace producer, Laolu Akins, said young artistes had a lot to learn from Barrister, especially in terms of the virtues in hard work and humility in stardom.

But the vacuum left by the artiste reputed to have waxed up to 120 records is bound to be felt from this January. That is when it will begin to dawn on the fans that the weaverbird who used to inspire them with political songs each time a general election approached has eternally disappeared.

As controversies, intrigues, crises and threats ushered home each major election in Nigeria, Barrister would assume the role of a counsellor, peace maker and critic. He would dedicate an album to this, with the belief that his music will exert positive change. But the elections coming in April, which are already robed in fears and anxieties, will come and go without a single word from the fuji exponent. Death, as Barrister had conceded in some of his albums, had asserted its draconian force.

In 1977, when the Second Republic was still two years away, Barrister waxed an album titled Omo Nigeria - (Fellow Nigerians), advising people on the need to be united, give peace a chance and develop a bright sense of patriotism.

During the Shagari administration, he was so close to many of the chieftains of the National Party of Nigeria - especially its late Chairman, Chief Meredith Adisa Akinloye - that he performed at many of their functions. As a result, he was accused of being member of the party, with some saying he even got some contracts from the government. He had to vehemently deny the claims in some other songs.

But what may pass for his most moving musical political thesis came on the eve of the ill-fated 1983 general elections. In an album titled Nigeria, Barrister traces the political history of the country. He recalls how power moved from British colonialists to Dr, Nnamdi Azikiwe - then to Aguyi Ironsi, Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Muhammed, Olusegun Obasanjo and then, Shagari.

With his strong power of creativity, he is able to hold the audience for as long as the sermon lasts in Nigeria, while also acknowledging the roles that other statesmen such as the late Obafemi Awolowo had played in the political evolution of the ever crawling Giant. It was the same time that his contemporary, Kollington Ayinla, released Oro Idibo on the same subject. Unfortunately, no one heeded Barrister‘s cry for caution. At the end of the day, the republic could not survive the violence that characterised the elections, with the Buhari/Idiagbon coup being the bitter fruit the nation reaped from it.

The musician repeated a similar feat with Democracy, released in 1999. Unlike Kollington who can be very blunt in his political songs, Barrister was usually able to maintain his cool. But in Democracy, he stylishly hangs a curse on those who have misruled Nigeria. After invoking the name and tenure of each of them in the fluidly flowing album, he would say, ”If it is good you did for Naija/ Whether it is the bad you did for Naija/ May God reward you accordingly.”

Lovers of his music who want to feel more of his political vibe will find such in albums or songs such as Military (1984); Maturity/ Adieu Obafemi Awolowo, (1987), Fantasia Fuji/Ma se Rere (1991); Precaution (1995), Prophecy (1998) and Adieu MKO Abiola (1998).

Source:http://www.punchng.com

 

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Eleweomo: Senate leader arraigned, detained in prison

Senate Leader, Mr. Teslim Folarin (in agbada), entering an Agodi Prisons vehicle in Ibadan, Oyo State ... on Tuesday. Inset: Folarin peeping from the vehicle shortly before it headed to the priosons.

The Senate Leader, Mr. Teslim Folarin, and three others were on Tuesday arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, in connection with Thursday’s killing of a factional leader of the state council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Lateef Salako (a.k.a Eleweomo).

They were remanded at the Agodi Prisons, Ibadan, after a two-count charge of murder and conspiracy was read to them.

The others arraigned with Folarin were Raimi Ismaila, Olaide Raji and Jaiyeola Bankole.

A former President of the, Nigeria Bar Association, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), with about 14 other lawyers appeared for the defendants while Mr. M.O Ojeh was the prosecuting counsel.

Though their pleas were not taken because the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, the charge was read to their hearing.

The first charge against Folarin and others reads, “That the accused persons on December 30, 2010 at about 11.30 a.m. at Olunloyo Ogbere, Ibadan’ in the Ibadan magisterial district did conspire with others at large to kill Salako.”

On the second charge, Ojeh told the court that Folarin, Ismaila, Raji, Bankole and others at large “on the same date and time at Olunloyo Ogbere, Ibadan did murder Salako by shooting him with guns.”

Before the charge was read, Akeredolu wondered why the matter was brought before the magistrates’ court when it was clear that it (court) lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

He nevertheless pleaded on behalf of Folarin that he be remanded at Agodi Prison pending the time a proper application would filed at the High Court and for proper bail application to be taken.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Fatima Badrudeen, agreed with Akeredolu that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case, hence the refusal of the accused to take their pleas.

But the magistrate ordered that Folarin and others be remanded at the Agodi Prisons and adjourned the case till January 14.

But the development ruffled Folarin’s loyalists, who stormed the court premises in their hundreds when news of his arraignment spread.

The embittered supporters amidst tears rained curses on the embattled senator’s opponents as he and his co-accused were led into a waiting van belonging to the Agodi Prisons.

They also sang songs flaying Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and called for the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr. Baba Bolanta, over his alleged ‘partisanship in the politics’ of the state.

Security was beefed up at the court premises as many of Folarin’s supporters were locked out.

Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party opposed to the second term bid of the governor, who had earlier kept vigil with the senator at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, were also at the court.

They were visibly disturbed by the court pronouncement.

A leader of the coalition against Alao-Akala, Senator Lekan Balogun, told journalists at the end of the short court session that the development was an evidence of the ‘ruthlessness of Alao-Akala and Bolanta.’

He wondered how a case of murder could be sustained against a man who, according to him, did not see his alleged victim.

“We have severally called for the redeployment of Bolanta over his partisanship. Bolanta should leave our state alone. Let him allow us to live in peace. He must go,” Balogun said.

Salako was killed at the IDC Primary School, Olunloyo in Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state venue of the PDP local government congress on Thursday.

He was said to have been killed during a bloody encounter between his followers and loyalists of Folarin.

Bolanta, thereafter, invited the senator to come and state his roles in the incident. His security aides were also recalled for questioning.

The senator, in company with Balogun, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Alhaji Yekini Adeojo; ex-Minister of Special Duties, Elder Wole Oyelese and former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Mr. Sharafadeen Ali, reported at the police headquarters Eleyele on Monday and met behind closed doors with Bolanta for over three hours.

At the end of the meeting, Folarin still accompanied with the PDP bigwigs, was led to the SCID, Iyaganku, where detectives investigating Salako’s killing took his statement.

He was not allowed to go home on Monday, hence the PDP bigwigs decided to keep vigil with him till Tuesday morning when he appeared before the court.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Tunde Olayiwola, has said that Salako’s killing was meant to create confusion in the state’s PDP.

Olayiwola. in whose local government the factional NURTW leader was killed, disclosed this to journalists in Ibadan.

He commended the state police command and other security agencies for maintaining peace in the state after the killing.

The PDP chief also lauded members of the NURTW for remaining calm in spite of the pain and loss occasioned by the killing of their boss.

Source:http://www.punchng.com/

 


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