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[size=14pt]Top Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda reveals: Violence drove me out of marriage
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Celebrated Nollywood star actress, Monalisa Chinda has consistently maintained a deafening silence since her five-year marriage to ex husband, Segun Dejo Richards crashed in July. In fact, while her ex was busy granting interviews on the split union, the mother of one from Rivers State, to the consternation of many, especially her teeming fans and friends, completely refused to join issues with her ex on the pages of newspapers.

The only terse statement credited to her then was the one issued through her lawyer, stating that her marriage had broken down irretrievably due to incompatibility and irreconcilable differences. After this, the Glo ambassador withdrew into her cocoon and continued with her chequered life.

After several calls urging her to tell the world, especially her fans, her own side of the story, at least for record purposes, the effervescent thespian finally acquiesced, in the last week of Xmas. In an emotion-laden voice and intermittent sobs, Chinda, hesitantly gave Daily Sun an exclusive interview on her physically and emotionally troubled marriage, maintaining that it crashed because of incessant domestic violence and unending battery/assault from her ex. Read the shocking revelations, in this Chinda’s first and only interview since her marriage crashed.

Compliments of the season and how are you preparing for Xmas and the New Year? (Interview conducted before Xmas)
Thanks, nothing much, only that I want to dedicate December 26, to the less privileged children. I also want to visit the prisons and motherless babies homes on this day to do charity works. And may be, have fun with few of my close friends later in the day. Its not a new thing to me, I used to do charitable works a lot, even before I got married. I like to give back to the society; I’d always wanted to do charity, even when I was a kid. I ’ve always known that I needed to reach out to those who do not have.

How would you describe 2009, did you achieve all your set goals? In fact how has the year been to you?
I have every reason and right to give God all the glory because its been awesome. It was a year that I had a huge birthday bash for my daughter, Tamar, same year that Globacom made me an ambassador and several other good things.

It was also the same year that you broke up with your ex husband, don’t you want to talk about that too?
I would rather us not go to that area of my life.

A lot has been said and written about your crashed marriage mostly from your ex husband, why not say something, especially to your fans, for the very first time, at least, to put the records straight?

Why did your marriage crash?
Emm! First of all, its not a good thing to actually discuss publicly, because once a marriage is not good it’s the woman that people look up to for blames. My marriage, I would put it this way, crashed as a result of one not being able to… I think we were both not matured enough to handle marital matters, I mean marital crisis. In a marriage, at one point or another, you most definitely have issues. But the ability to come together and make up and know that marriage is for life; is not a joke. I respect marriage and love the institution so dearly. I also love the fact that God made the man and the woman to be together for life. God himself ordained and loves the union. I’m a woman that preaches marriage even when I knew what the word marriage was all about, because my parents set a very good example. They were together happily until my dad’s tragic death. What happened to my marriage (lowers voice), in fact, I don’t know what happened to my
marriage.
They said you walked out of your five-year marriage, why did you do that?
I didn’t walk out of my marriage, I practically ran out of it. The truth is that I really and truly respect my ex-husband, reason being that he is the father of my child. (Now sobbing) Because of posterity, I want to be very careful about the words I use in this interview. My marriage was far from being normal; it was not a normal marriage. I do not want to go into details, but it wasn’t a normal one! Mind you, iron sharpeth iron. From both of us, there were issues that we were not able to reconcile amicably.

You’ve still not told us why you ran out of the house?
There were several cases of domestic violence on my person. I will be foolish if I do not admit that there were incessant cases of violence and assault on me.

How often do you experience this violence?
Every other day, in fact, there was violence up and down. Screams, shouts and all these were driving me crazy because it was not normal. At a point, I started acting as if I was crazy. Sincerely speaking, at a point I started acting very abnormal.
I wasn’t able to reconcile the fact that every time we have to sit and have a normal couple’s argument it escalates into violence. I didn’t see all these as a normal marriage; because I know what a normal marriage is all about.

At what stage of your marriage did this violence start?
Its been there, it was there even while we were courting, there were signs of it and we courted for four months.

After seeing all these ugly signs, why did you still go ahead with the marriage?
I went ahead because love covers all multitudes of sin. I thought that with maturity and age all that would stop, but it never did. Unfortunately, the more I thought of it, the more it dawned on me that my thoughts were mere wild imaginations. In fact, at some point, I started thinking that may be, it was me that was causing the violence. You know when you’ve been constantly subdued you then begin to ask yourself silly questions always. I kept asking and looking for what it was that I was not doing rightly. I kept praying and crying to God to help me. But you see, the whole thing was one sided, it has to be the two people. If one person understands what the institution called marriage is and the other does not or is acting childish, it can’t work. It has to be two persons, that’s what God said and even did by creating, Adam and Eve.

At some point in the course of the violent attacks, did you ever try to fight back?
Even if I sat down the first day to receive all kinds of bashings, as a human being, don’t you think that the second day, I must defend myself? They were fights (sobs).

At what point in the troubled marriage did you make up your mind that you were going to leave your ex?
When it was beginning to look like I was going to die. I left finally, in the middle of this year.

What major incident prompted your leaving the house eventually?
Its terrible, I do not want to go into details, but I knew I left the house on July 10, 2009.

Was your ex home the day you left?
Yes, he was home that fateful day.

What was his reaction and what did he do?
Earlier, we had a very terrible fight, so he ignored me while I was leaving.

Were these incessant domestic violence the cause of the several miscarriages you had while living with your ex husband?
I had multiple miscarriages while living with my ex-husband. One was four months, another was six months plus and one was at about the same period. They were all stress related and my being unnecessarily worked up. Constant violence was traced to all of these miscarriages.

Since leaving the house, has your path crossed with that of your ex-husband, either by physical contact or speaking on the phone?
Not at all, not even to ask after our child. Not even a word from his family, since this whole thing started. I only get barrages of abusive and curses filled text messages from my ex and his sponsored cronies always. But, the truth is that I’m a child of God and none of them can bring me down. I’m hugely blessed and have since moved on with my new lease of life.

What do you think could have been responsible for this graveyard silence?
I do not know. May be, they have to support their own whether he’s right or wrong. I don’t think that should rule out the fact that there is child between us. I believe that somebody from his family should at least, ask about the health and well being of their baby, and not about me. I think the reason is best known to them.

Looking back now, does this make you feel bad?
Not-at-all, it just makes me to wonder whoa! So life can truly be like this. I don’t feel bad at all.

What is the latest on the divorce filed by your lawyers?
Judgment had been given on December 17, and the marriage has been dissolved and the court gave me custody of the child and of course, some percentage from his side, for the upkeep of our child. And he has been reached and told the things he has to be doing based on the verdict of the court. At least, with this judgment I will be able to get my personal belongings out from our former house.

How does the judgment make you feel?
I felt relieved and free. I feel like someone set free from bondage, prison and punishment. Although, what happened calls for a sober reflection; but I feel happy and very free now.

You’re now a spinster, how are you coping with your new status?
I tell you, the challenges are there, but if you know who you are and where you’re headed. If you know that you’re better off this way instead of constantly being battered and molested and even stripped off of everything that makes you a complete woman, you’d rather stay single and bask in it. Also be courteous and know that the world out there is vicious, so the only option is to marry your God, be more focused. Because, when you’re a divorcee, in most cases, you tend to lose focus, because it will look as if the world is against you. But I don’t believe in that, just pick up yourself and look up to God and listen to His direction. Nothing is exciting me anymore, because I’ve seen it all and been there.

Is there any man in your life currently?
I just came out of one and you’re asking if there is another man, yes, my God and daughter are the men in my life now.

Any plan of remarrying?
Honestly, I don’t want to talk about marriage right now, I’m not thinking about it right now

So, what are you thinking about right now?
I’m thinking about building my career and concentrating on my beautiful work as a brand ambassador to Glo. I also want to concentrate on the arts academy Emen Isong, few pals and I are setting up. In fact, a whole lot of charity works and other positive ventures are what I’m thinking about now.

Your ex hubby said Emem Isong was among those that misled you, how true is this?
First and foremost, I want to publicly apologise to all those that were being rubbished in the media when my marriage crashed, Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji and of course Emem Isong. Emem was being rubbished simply because she accommodated me for a few weeks when my marriage crashed. As a true friend and sister, she did what a lot of people were not able to do. I want to use this medium to thank her very much; I really do appreciate all her love and efforts. They were not the major cause of my crashed marriage. Violence was the major cause

Did you ever go to your in-laws to complain about the unending domestic violence?
Yes, I did severally, but they were indifferent, may be, because they did not believe me. Even my own family was not happy with what was happening to me in the marriage.

Prior to getting married, did your estranged in-laws, support the marriage?
I don’t know and that is the truth.

Were they at the wedding?
(Long pause) No.

Now that the whole thing has crashed, any regret?
Mixed feelings, no regret at all. At least, after all the violence and nasty things said about me, I still had a baby as a prove of the marriage.

What would you say was the major lesson learnt from the crashed marriage?
First, look before leaping, always seek God’s face, also listen to the advice of elders and also get the blessings of your parents and family members.

How did your immediate family react to the news of the break up?
They were and are still very happy that I came out of that marriage alive. They are also happy that my whole body is still intact and there is no deformity. They are sad the marriage failed after I gave it my all. I’m from a royal home and the first to make history in that home as a divorcee. I don’t want to drag my family into this, because I was hell bent on getting married.

What was the attraction then?
It was weird and very silly, but my ex is an intelligent guy and I thought he had a bright future. He has all the nice things to say in his mouth. I was naïve and completely carried away.

Where and how did you meet?
We met briefly here in 2002, I was going to church and he was coming from church, the day we met, somewhere in Lekki, Osapa London, to be precise. We got married in 2004.

What are your plans for 2010?
A whole lot of things are up my sleeves; I’ve never concentrated on my career ever before like I’m going to do in 2010. I want to set up new projects, face my brand project with Glo. Its been awesome working with them. The experience is fantastic and I can’t thank Glo enough, for deeming it fit to pick and brand us their ambassadors. Glo comes first on the list of my corporate engagements. The next level for me now, is to seek the best things in life, you can’t buy them, and they are free. I also want to give back to the society.

But how did you feel reading about all those nasty things about your crashed marriage in the papers and on the internet?
I felt bad, because prior to that time, I had always carried myself with a certain level of pride, I always try to respect myself as a name in Nollywood. In fact, I shut down completely. It was people like Emem Isong, Zik Zulu Okafor, Mr. Kool and my mum that really helped me, because I was on the verge of going mad. My only advice is that anybody seeking to go into marriage; should seek first, the face of God and should not do things because almost everybody is doing it.

So, how are you coping with men?
I cope well, because I know what I want. Men still come my way, but I’m not available for all those men looking for whom to play or toy with. All I want now is peace of mind.

Do you believe in you?
Very well, and I intend to fall in love again, I want God to direct that aspect of my life, but I’m definitely not in a hurry.

Is your daughter missing her dad?
I don’t think she knows who her dad is right now.


http://news.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=12307&z=10

Bomber Defiant: ‘Though I Failed, Others Will Succeed Next Time’
Posted To The Web: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - Simon Ateba
         
https://news.onlinenigeria.com/articlefiles/12304-umar.jpg
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab



Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the 23-year old Nigerian, who attempted to blow up a U.S. airliner with 289 people on board, has reportedly told American investigators that though he failed, other terrorists will succeed next time.

The son of the former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria is reported to have told the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation that others with similar training he received are ready to launch their own attacks on America, according to the U.S. network, ABC.

“I am one from a production line of terrorists that has been trained in Yemen by al-Qaeda,” he was quoted to have said, according to ABC.

“There are more just like me who will strike soon,” Mutallab said, according to The British tabloid, The Daily Telegraph.

Mutallab had earlier claimed connection with Yemen-based al Qaeda, which had supplied him with new types of explosives to bring the trans-Atlantic flight down, and killed the 289 people on board.

He was arrested by the American authorities after he tried to set off an incendiary device on Northwest Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit as it prepared for landing on Christmas Day.

He was overpowered as he tried to detonate explosives apparently sewn into his underpants. He emerged from the toilet, put a blanket on his lap complaining of an upset stomach, and then tried to operate the bomb. Passengers and crew restrained him as flames leapt from his clothing.

Security agencies fear that dozens of Islamic militants from Britain have travelled to Yemen in recent months to be trained by al Qaeda bomb-makers to launch further attacks against western targets.

Yesterday, a group calling itself al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed responsibility for the attempted suicide bombing on the Northwest Airlines flight 253.

“We will not let Muslim women and children’s blood be spilled without taking revenge,” the group said.

Investigators are worried that AQAP has developed an undetectable bomb involving PETN

The US Embassy in Yemen was attacked by al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists in September 2008, and the USS Cole, a US Navy destroyer, was hit by al-Qaeda in 2000.

The attempted plane bombing on Christmas Day, which was intended to kill all 289 on board, failed only because the bomb’s detonator did not work.

Pete Hoekstra, a member of the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said: “I think it’s very clear it came very, very close. The explosive device went off; it became an incendiary device instead of an explosive device, which is probably what saved that airplane.”

President Barack Obama interrupted his Christmas holiday to order two anti-terrorism reviews as aviation chiefs acted to close loopholes that let Mutallab take explosive materials on to the aircraft flying from Amsterdam.

The foiled attack came four days after a video was posted on extremist websites showing an al-Qaeda militant in Yemen warning: “We are carrying a bomb to hit the enemies of God.”

Michael Rimmer, one of his former high school teachers, called Mutallab “a model student, very keen, very enthusiastic”.

Efemena Mokedi, a former classmate, said: “He was a very nice, friendly person. He was a person who did a lot of good things.”

Meanwhile, contrary to repeated claims by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, that the explosive devices found with Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, did not pass through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, the would-be terrorist has stated that he, indeed, passed through the Lagos airport, twice, with the deadly devices undetected.

According to a CNN report, Mutallab was said to have told an American investigator that he got the devices in Yemen and brought them to Lagos. He then transported them from Lagos to Amsterdam and from Amsterdam to Detroit undetected.

Demuren, on Sunday, exonerated Nigeria and blamed the authorities at Schiphol international airport in Amsterdam for security breaches that allowed Mutallab to board a U.S. plane with explosive devices.

“We are the third world and they are the first world, why was the device not detected in Amsterdam? Why was the suspect not caught over there? The suspect went through the same security checks in Amsterdam that he did in Lagos, why didn’t they see it?

“He went through all our security checks here before he was allowed into the plane. Our airports are safe. We carry about 8 million passengers every year and there has never been any cause for alarm. There is no indictment on our system whatsoever,” Demuren told our correspondent on Sunday night.

http://news.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=12304&z=31

SEFAGO:
Very very true. Major difference- Hausa man will still money and start spending it senselessly. Southerner would set up a bank with the stolen, and use that bank to launder more stolen money. Voila, one of the largest banks in Africa. The southerner would now get his family membersand co-southerners to buy stocks in his bank blowing up quoted stock prices of the bank.

Hence why I stopped studying economics in University, economics is not applicable in Africa.

That is a lie. Chanchangi, Dantata, Kabo etc are business moguls who made their money without touching a kobo from the national coffers.

FayeZik:
Who are u?   Mr. Wannabe.

I didn't know Abuzola is such a hero that someone will want to imitate him although I am not surprised that an obese  tribalist  and religious juggernaut  like you will idolize and wet her pants for him. You may need to retire to the allah section. We don't idolize allah here, rather we talk about the living Jehovah here.

Report what?

coolier:
More grease to your elbow Baba. If he keeps this up, he should be able to graduate by the time he is 125yrs.

He can buy the degrees if he is rich. Some of our politicians do it but who will hire him after accumulating these degrees?. Unless he will be looking for job openings in heaven.

platinumnk:
Musa Mantu --- heard of him

Did he hit on you and you refused him?

Richard is not a christian name either. Its a western name so he could be muslim. Sani Abacha was a muslim, Are Sani and Abacha islamic names?

spikedcylinder:
Come back to me Dejo, where did she say that?

Read through the lines. You don't need a soothsayer to tell you that she is already missing her husband real bad. How can God demand she returns to Dejo when the man made her kneel down and serve him water and beats the holy cr.ap out of her regularly if she fails to comply. Are you not a woman, will you even think about it?.

She is still in love with that man and all these gragra na poker face. Dejo is the man.

MrCrackles:
   

You don't know that tpia is dyslexic. Tell me if there is anyone here who claims there are countries with no silver spoon families?. She called you a coward

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-373180.0.html

MrCrackles:
How are you so sure Jerry Gana is upright

Jerry Gana was not disposed to cash like that as the communication minister. I am sure his children made the money they are spending through association or whatnot. Why didn't they list the Gwarzos, Usenis, Chanchangis[although he has over 50 children], Kabos etc.

[quote author=mama-gee link=topic=373245.msg5211012#msg5211012 date=1262115224]How about the Mutallabs?
Why are most of the hausas rich? [/quote]Those silver bomb northerners are not up to 1% of the entire Northern population that is dying in penury. The list is largely made of crooked rich people from the north  except for the select few like the Dantatas and Jerry Ganas.

Mass sack: Banks change strategy, sack workers by e-mail - Bank workers jittery over planned strike
From Odidison Omankhanlen and Kolawole Daniel
Tuesday, December 29, 2009


TO avoid the wide condemnation and public outcry generated by the ongoing massive purge in banking sector, banks have devised other means of getting sack letters across to affected workers.




http://odili.net/news/source/2009/dec/29/614.html

Nigerian Tribune gathered that a particular bank with head office in Lagos, which was declared sound by the audit report instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in conjunction with Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), have been using electronic means of communication (e-mail) to notify affected members of its staff.

At the last count, the bank had secretly sacked over 400 workers and more are set to follow this week. One of the affected workers who pleaded anonymity because she had not been paid her entitlements, told the Nigerian Tribune that she received a mail in her box instructing her to go to a certain location, stressing that she was surprised to meet some other colleagues there.

She said to their consternation, after short briefing by a senior officer in the bank, they were handed their sack letters. She observed that the bank had been using this method since November, stressing that it was to avoid a public outcry.

On the number of staff so far affected, she said it was difficult to know, as the bank ensured that not more than 50 workers were called at a time. Meanwhile, uneasy calm has pervaded Afribank and Union Bank branches in Abuja, following reports doing the round that the management of the two banks are set to distribute sack letters to affected members of staff this week.

Checks by the Nigerian Tribune in some of the branches of the banks in Abuja, on Monday, revealed that the staff were not happy with the development, as most of them were not enthusiastic with their job.

The atmosphere in the branches visited by the Nigerian Tribune was tense, as some of the workers were seen discussing in hush tones, while others were seen with copies of national dailies trying to get details of the planned sack.

One of the workers who spoke on condition of anonymity lamented reasons the banks had to go on with the planned sack despite pleas from the Federal Government to tread softly.

The banking crisis has, so far, sent over 5,000 bank workers to the unemployment market.

Attempted terror attack: Yemen orders Embassy to stop issuing study visa

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab accused of trying to attack a U.S. airliner on Christmas day lived in Yemen for two different periods of time, a year from 2004-2005 and from August-December this year, a Yemeni government official said Tuesday.


http://odili.net/news/source/2009/dec/29/404.html


Yemen's government said Monday that Abdulmutallab was in Yemen from early August to early December this year after receiving a visa to study Arabic in a school in the capital San'a. Information Minister Hassan al-Lozy said Tuesday he also spent a second period in the country from 2004-2005.

Al-Lozy also disclosed that the Yemeni embassy in Washington is tightening controls on visas for students. The embassy has been instructed not to issue any more visas to students who want to study in the country without Interior Ministry approval.

He said the American government had not provided Yemen with any information about Abdulmutallab to warrant putting him on a watch list.

"We didn't get any notice from the Americans to put this man on a list," al-Lozy said. "America should have told Yemen about this man as they have of others."

Yemen's Foreign Ministry said Monday Abdulmutallab was granted a Yemeni visa after authorities were reassured that he had "several visas from a number of friendly countries." It noted that Abdulmutallab had a valid visa to the United States, which he had visited in the past.

The San'a Institute for the Arabic Language told The Associated Press that Abdulmutallab was an Arabic student at the school in August this year.

Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, which claimed responsibility for the attempted attack on a U.S. airliner bound for Detroit, is led by a Yemeni who was once a close aide to Osama bin Laden.

The group formed in January this year, when leader Naser Abdel Karim al-Wahishi announced a merger between operatives from Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Al-Wahishi, who goes by the alias Abu Basir, was among 23 al-Qaida figures who escaped from a Yemeni prison in 2006. He is on Saudi Arabia's most wanted list, which includes many militants currently in Yemen.

Behold Nigeria’s silver spoons in the North!

Tunde Mark

Tunde Mark is the first son of Senate President, David Mark. He was named after his father’s long-standing friend, Senator Tunde Ogbeha. He is in his 30s. Tee Mark, as he is fondly called, currently oversees his father’s business interests. Though very much on the reserved side, he is one of the most talked about silver spoon kids in Abuja.



http://odili.net/news/source/2007/oct/11/605.html

Abubakar And Mohammed Idris

These are two of the eldest sons of Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. Abubakar, who is the older of the two, is based in Lokoja, the state capital. He is also into the same field of business his father was known for before he became governor, which is mining. Mohammed, on his part, is the managing director of Ibro Hotel, Abuja, one of his dad’s well-known investments. Under Mohammed, Ibro Hotel has become one of the places guests are sure of comfort and safety. Both brothers, however, share one thing in common – they are split images of their father.

Aminu Atiku Abubakar

When Aminu Atiku Abubakar, son of the immediate past Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, wedded Rakeeya in Yola and Abuja recently, it was a carnival-like event. Aminu is the younger version of his father, walks and talks like him. But time will tell if his pretty wife would have juniors, that is, children that would have striking resemblance of their dad. Always in the background, this doesn’t diminish his influence among his peers. Amniu is mostly based in the Federal Capital Territory, where he does his business and administers some of his dad’s companies. He is said to have passion for automobiles.

Musa Mantu

The ladies can’t get enough of him. The handsome son of Senator Ibrahim Mantu is undoubtedly the most well-known of the former number two man in the Senate. Musa is often mistaken for a Nollywood actor, courtesy of his dressing and carriage. He is hardly seen in northern attires, instead he prefers urbane outlook.

Gagarin Madaki

He is the only son of the late Col. Yohanna Madaki (rtd). Despite being born with the proverbial silver spoon, Gagarin has carved a niche for himself as a top businessman. He and his highly revered father had a close bond before his demise. The younger Madaki shuttles between Kaduna and Abuja, quietly going about his business. He is a guy with exquisite taste, though.

Laolu Saraki

He is the younger of the Saraki sons. Though still not officially into politics, Laolu, according to insiders, was part of the team that toured the country with President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. This might have led to talks, though largely unconfirmed, that Laolu maybe taking a plunge into politics like his elder siblings, Senator Gbemi Saraki and Dr. Bukola Saraki, governor of Kwara State. Still single, his choice of a life partner has been that of endless speculation. However, whoever he picks as wife will surely be the envy of many women, as he is known for pampering his women.

Sherrif Shagaya

Sherrif Shagaya is the son of Hajia Bola Shagaya, believed to be one of the richest businesswomen in Nigeria. With investment in real estate, banking and photography, not a few observers expressed surprise when Sherrif alongside Aminu Babangida set up a petroleum marketing company. One of Shagaya’s sons (not Sherrif) was once said to have told a friend that to see a true five star hotel one would have to travel out of the country. This, in a nutshell, shows the level of sophistication of the Shagayas. They certainly are no local champions.

Adegbe Ogbe

This guy, who co-owns communications outfit, One Number, has been described as the most stylish in the capital city. A lawyer by training, his choice of suits fit his macho frame.

The Madaki Alis

Chief Garba Madaki-Ali, former minister of Works and Housing under the Obasanjo administration, has the following kids, namely: Sese, Lilly and Junior, who are a rallying point among northern silver spoon kids. Though from Kaduna State, they have an urbane outlook, having schooled in Ivy League, American universities. Lilly got wedded in a classy ceremony to another silver spoon like herself, Major Abayomi, whose dad owns GODAB, one of the leading construction firms in Abuja. The Madaki-Ali girls are trendy, well-spoken, and also known to be down-to-earth.

Fatima Hassan (nee Kingibe)

Fatima Hassan is the pretty daughter of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe. Fatima got remarried to Hon. Shehu Hassan after being a single mother for sometime. A former staff of the Bureau for Public Enterprises, Fatima has taken time to raise her family.

Murtala Yar’Adua

The scion of the Yar’Adua family, Murtala is the son of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. A member of the board of Bank PHB, the president’s nephew has business interest in different sectors of the economy.

The Abachas

The late head of state was blessed with a large family. The Abacha children are mostly grown ups. They have impeccable taste for jewellery, cars and designer wears. The most popular of the former head of state’s children include Mohammed, Zainab, Gumsu, Rekiya, and Mahmood. Though they sometimes visit Abuja, Kano is the base of the Abachas. There, they live with their mother, Mariam.

Ahmed Maitama Sule

Ahmed Maitama Sule is the debonair son of celebrated elder statesman, Ambassador Maitama Sule. He is a chip off the old block. Though not a diplomat like his father, Ahmed is well-read and an orator like his father.

Taju Dantata

Taju Dantata runs one of the many companies in the vast Dantata dynasty. He is said to be a shrewd businessman.

Tabitha Kwajafa

Kwajafa and Nuhu, her brother, are the children of former boss of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Fulani Kwajafa. Nuhu has busied himself for over a year now with feeding the less privileged in the society. Tabitha, on her part, runs Amen 2, a stylish boutique for the wealthy. The quality of items at Amen 2 is never in doubt. No wonder the store has remained on top for many years in the capital city.

Mohammed Audu

He is the son of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu. Mohammed is the brain behind the luxury Mediterranean Hotel in Asokoro. He was once married. Most people who do not understand Mohammed say he works with a chip on his shoulders. However, close friends are quick to point out that he is a nice guy, who likes to take his time in making friends.

Joshua Gana

The eldest son of Professor Jerry Gana, Joey, as his friends fondly call him, is a graduate of the University of Abuja and one of the prominent northern silver spoon kids. The younger Gana’s company won one of the four licences given by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) for power distribution. A staunch Christian like his dad, he is humble, with a charming personality.

Anwal Tukur

The one-time member of the House of Representatives, Anwal Turkur, is the son of the chairman of African Business Roundtable. The younger Tukur, like his highly accomplished father, is a businessman. Blessed with good looks, Anwal lost out in the power play in the aviation sector, where he was appointed director general of one of the parastatals and later dropped. He is still very much into politics. Time will tell if he would again run for elective office.

George Shekarau

George is the oldest son of the late deputy governor of Kaduna State, Stephen Shekarau. He is highly rated in Kaduna, as he is one of the guys who make Kaduna tick.

The Babangidas

Probably the most well-known of the silver spoons in the country, Aisha, Mohammed, Aminu are full-fledged celebrities. Mohammed’s and Aisha’s weddings, despite taking place years back, is still the talk of the town. Mohammed is better known for his excellent polo skills, and is believed to be a +4 handicap player. For Aminu, he runs Abuja-based Phoenix Oil with Sheriff, Bola Shagaya’s son.

Mabruka Mai Deribe

She is the daughter of the stupendously rich Mai Deribe. A fashion designer for the upper class, her cute body has won her many admirers. She is still single and in a recent interview she said her ideal man must possess her late billionaire father’s qualities.

Abacha Mai Deribe

Another of the late Mai Deribe’s kids, Abacha is cerebral and has chosen to lecture at the University of Maiduguri after obtaining his PhD. His love for sharing, Daily Independent was told, lured him into the Ivory Tower.

Jubril Indimi

Jubril Indimi is the heir to his father’s fortune estimated at billions of naira. His younger sister is married to Mohammed Babangida. The Borno-born silver spoon is blessed with a handsome face many ladies would like to have for keeps.

The Abdusalami Abubakars

Though very much on the quiet side, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar’s children are known for their brilliant and self-effacing nature. They have few friends and are not too much into partying. This, however, doesn’t mean they are not in the league of celebrated silver spoon kids.

[size=14pt]If God Says So, I Will Return To Dejo Richards[/size]
Posted To The Web: Monday, December 28, 2009 - Posted By OnlineNigeria.com


Monalisa Chinda is your darling actress any day. However, the illustrious career of this pretty screen goddess was hit by a cyclone of controversial attracts and indeed a scandal that has seen her leaving her husband Dejo Richards and setting down as a single parent.

The talented actress bares it all in this interview with News of the People’s LUKMON AKINTOLA, as she talks for the first time since her separation on issues that led to the separation, life as a single parent, her current relationship, the misconception on her complexion and many more. Enjoy it.

https://news.onlinenigeria.com/articlefiles/12212-Mona.jpg


What is this impression about you being mixblooded?
I am not mix-blooded, I am from Imo State, it is just that a lot of people have this impression that when you are light-complexioned, you must be a half-caste.

Then how do you explain your complexion, you are almost like a mullato?
It is the genes my friend, I inherited it.

What has seen you looking this beautiful?
Well, I use to love beans, but I cut down because of the fats. I am getting a little out of shape because of the fats.

How are you hoping to get back in shape because the fat is obviously telling on you?
Well, I am working on it, because right now I eat a lot of sea foods and I don’t do the beans any more practically, I watch what I eat.

You recently took part in a new movie ‘Nollywood Hustler’, how does it fell to be back?
It’s fine, but I don’t know why my producers always want me to play the bitch role; they seem to think that it is a perfect role for me, stereo type sort of.

You played a different role from the bitchy actress we know you play mostly, what was the challenge like?
This new movie is a comedy and it is different, I was supposed to play an over the diva which was quite different from what I have been used to and I tried, didn’t?

What is your biggest regret in life?
That was when I lost my dad in 2006, he was so kind to me that I felt really bad when it happened.

What is or was your happiest moment?
When I had my daughter on Febuary 13, 2007.

What was the experience like?
My daughter was a blessing from God. After I had lost two pregnancies which almost took my life, I decided to tell God please don’t let this baby go, keep me alive so I can take care of the baby, but if you want to let the baby go then kill me. And I think God loves me because I had a safe delivery.

Now you are a single mother, what is the difference between the married Monalisa and the single mother?
There is no difference, I am still the same person, I am still my self. I have not changed. I have never been any other person. The only difference is that I did not plan for what happened, I tried to make it work, but it just didn’t happen.

Are you presently in any relationship?
I wish I am, but. I want to give my self a break.

Following your separation we know that new admirers would have sprang up what would your ideal man be like?
I don’t know, I thought I found an ideal man, but it was not to be. I don’t know, honestly. God knows who I am, he should just give me that man, not necessarily handsome, but simple, God-fearing and loving.

What are you cooking right now that you want your fans to know more about?
It’s an academy with my friend and, my sister in the industry, Emen Isong.

What is your New year resolution (in view) based on your recent experiences?
I don’t want to do any thing that will not make me be myself. I just want to keep being who I am, humble and persevering, and I pray God helping me.

Are you currently happy being a single mother?
Yes, I am happy, but the challenges are there any way.

Your eye, they have this look about them, do you wear contact lenses?
I have a very terrible sight, I wear very thick lenses, I have always worn glasses since when I was eight.

Caught dead doing?
I can’t ever act nude

Not even for a million dollars?
I can’t do it, my body is the temple of God so should I go and act nude?

You were once alleged to be a very unpredictable and free lady who even dumped her boy friend whom she intended marrying in Spain, is there any truth there?
I don’t want to talk on that issue right now because I am not yet emotionally stable. So, until I am emotionally stable I won’t talk about it.

There is even a story that Dejo was married to a lady before he got married to you, but the relationship did not last, and he did not tell you about it. Is that the reason why you walked out on him?
That is part of it, but that is not the real issue.

Is this marriage something that can still be redeemed?
That is if God says so. If God says so, then I will listen to God, but it he does not, then I will stay where I am.

What is the thing you miss about Dejo, that special thing you can’t take away from him?
I can’t say

Are you saying there is nothing special about the man you married?
I am not saying that, it is just beyond me right now. I can’t describe it, it is beyond words.

http://news.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=12212&z=10

aisha2:
Its true, Its sad that Funke at this point in her soaring career would make such a dumb move. One thing i cant tolerate is dating a married man and even breaking a home. Am no saint but thats plain wrong

As she no find husband, wetin you wan make she do?. Abi you wan make she turn to witch like tpia?

olabowale:
Toba I have stated by piece. It is the same with Ruhu concerning extremism and definition of Jihad! Go and read what I wrote.

Didn't you agree with Abuzola sometime ago that Allah decrees the death sentence given to apostates?. What is the difference between what Farouk did and what Ayotallah Khomeni[the former arch pope of Islam] tried to do on Salmon Rushdie?

aisha2:
He helped my organization grow beyound my expectation
He used us to save 10 children from death, one of which was cancer
He used us to provide food every month to over 10000 children
He blessed my family with weddings and babies as opposed to other years when we just had funerals. The people that deid thie year died at very ripe old ages in Gods service
He suprised me with so many christmas gifts, more than i have recieved in all the christmases i have spent in the world, this year my store was running over with gifts
he gave me good friends this year, I am not a gossip or shallow person so it was hard for me to meet and keep female friends but God gave me four this year who have helped me thru my darkest times
He saved my from darkenss and brought me to his service
I was closer to God this year than i had ever been
He made provisons for us to help some widows start businesses
God has been really faithful, I give him all the glory

What is the name of your organization?.

[size=14pt]Aged 88, it's back to school for Nigerian granddad[/size]
Posted To The Web: Monday, December 28, 2009 - Spectrum




it's back to school for Nigerian granddad Abubakar Muhammad Barinjimi Aged 88
Abubakar Muhammad Barinjimi is in the twilight of his life at 88 but, sitting here in his primary school classroom, he's got ambitious plans for further education well beyond his centenary. His fellow students at this school in Nigeria's main northern city of Kano are seven years old, they haven't the kind of long beard he boasts, and while they fit on small chairs, his is special to accommodate his frame. Yet Barinjimi is learning exactly what they're learning as he builds up to his ultimate goal-a doctorate in theology.

That could be some way off-he's still mastering the art of reading and writing, and going through school and college at the same pace as the average student would make him at least 120 before he gets a doctorate. Still, nothing ventured nothing gained. "I'm not deterred by my age," the bespectacled Barinjimi said,
holding his pencil as he looks up from his book with a broad smile.

My ultimate ambition is to bag a doctorate degree in theology before I depart this world." The retired builder enrolled in 2008 at the privately-run Nigeria-Egyptian Model School, which teaches Islamic theology alongside conventional subjects. Dressed in a chequered kaftan of white and brown, a pair of brown trousers with matching cap, white socks and brown plastic sandals, Barinjimi looks like any other pupil in this mainly-Muslim northern city. He has eight children and over 60 grandchildren and travels
six kilometers (four miles) by bus to school.

His children, who were themselves educated, help out. "I was elated when he told me of his plan to go to school, and so were my siblings," said one son, 42-year-old college teacher Sani Barinjimi. "We give him all the moral and financial support he requires to actualise his dream and we are proud of him." Barinjimi's initial goal was to be able to read the Koran. Having achieved that to some extent, the next step is to become a theology expert so that he can preach Islam to English-speaking non-Muslims.


For a doctorate certificate Barinjimi needs at least 25 more years-four at primary, then junior and senior high schools before college, first degree, master's degree and finally the doctorate. Barinjimi's decision to start school at the age of 87 underscores the low literacy rate in this state of 10 million people which, according to the Kano State Agency for Mass Literacy, stands at a mere 34 percent.

Nationally, Nigeria's literacy rate has improved markedly in the past few years, from 55.3 percent in 2003 to 69.1 percent this year, according to the education ministry. However, Barinjimi is one of those who have been left behind because they never had the opportunity of attending school. Instead of making him go to classes, his father took him to a local builder where he became an apprentice. It was a trade that enabled him both to earn a decent living and bring up eight children, all of whom went to sc
hool themselves.

Nicknamed Baba ('father' in the local Hausa language) by his teachers and co-students, Barinjimi isn't bothered by the age difference with those around him. "I feel happy learning among these friends, whose presence around me gives me much courage and encouragement," he said, "although they are not older than my grandchildren. "In fact, I have two grandchildren-a girl and a boy-studying in this school and the granddaughter who is eight is in grade three while I'm in grade two and I have no problem with tha
t.

Teachers and students say he is making progress. "He is the fourth in academic performance in his class, he always takes the fourth position in any quiz or examination the class conducts. He is learning fast," head teacher Suleiman Garba Hussein told AFP. "It's just amazing how he has been able to adapt to the school environment and behave as a seven-year-old. He gets along with all the pupils and doesn't want to be treated differently.

We enjoy learning with Baba and he is wonderful when we play. He is among my best friends in the school," said Fatima Garba, a fellow pupil. Whether Barinjimi obtains his doctorate, he feels he has learned something in the past year. "The one important lesson I have learnt is that without education life is worthless," he said. "I'll strive to earn my doctorate as long as I live."-AFP


http://news.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=12259&z=12

What do you suggest then? For us to spend millions looking for faceless assassins?

One of them who murdered Bola Ige(RIP) is a senator now but I am positive that natural justice will prevail some day.

FASHOLA & TINUBU’S RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE:
ANOTHER AWOLOWO/AKINTOLA FIASCO THAT MUST BE NIPPED IN THE BUD

by Dr. Wumi Akintide
Wumione@AOL.com
New York, NY, USA


The simmering rumors of a possible break-up or parting of ways between Governor Fashola and his mentor and former boss, Ahmed Tinubu, even if it is highly exaggerated or blown out of proportion at this point, ought to be of serious concern not only to Lagosians but to all lovers of Yoruba solidarity everywhere in the world. I cannot think of any more auspicious time to be offering this advice than Christmas day when the birth of the Prince of Peace himself is being celebrated worldwide.



http://nigeriaworld.com/feature/publication/akintide/122509.html

That is my first point. My second point is the fragile nature of the Nigerian union itself which is currently going through some precarious time with the speculation that our Vice President who should have been acting as an acting President under our Constitution now has to depend on information on the state of the country’s President from the President’s wife and the President’s aide camp as widely reported by Nigerian Newspapers. If that is true, and the President is not allowed to directly communicate with his boss in a secured line, which is common practice, by officials of their caliber, Nigerians have more cause to worry about the state of the health of their sick President and how bad it really is. The PDP spokesman and his wife, Turai make it sound like the President is just having a prolonged bed rest in the Intensive Care Unit of a prestigious Hospital in far away Saudi Arabia.

The president’s condition has to be far more serious than reported if he cannot be transferred to one of the several Palaces of his host, the Saudi King, if flying him in a private jet back to his Taj Mahal Presidential Palace in Abuja may be too risky for him when his plane gains altitude and cabin pressurization kicks in. I fully understand all of that with a patient with severe heart condition and kidney problems. For those who may not know the Nigerian State House has a very well equipped and staffed presidential clinic nearby to attend to offer the President intensive post surgical care. I am not just speculating about a presidential clinic in Aso Rock. I knew that for a fact because my son served his national youth service corpse as a medical doctor in the clinic and I once visited him there.

Nigeria is going through some difficult times as Northerners try to figure out what to do about our President to maintain the balance of power in Nigeria The possible selection of a Vice President from the North at this time is not altogether reassuring to the North. They have seen the total helplessness and powerlessness of Jonathan Goodluck as Vice President now, and they could not see how a Vice President from the North at this moment could maintain the balance of power they would like to keep in the next 6 years at least, if not more. If our past history is anything to go back the North really has nothing to gear but fear itself. Wasn’t the late Yar Adua given double or triple promotion in the Army for him to take the position of number 2 to Obasanjo at Dodan Barracks? I was in Government at the time and I knew for a fact that Obasanjo as number one could do nothing without first of all running it by his number 2 who held the real power and leverage even in a military regime. The same scenario can be repeated again if a Yaya Gusau, a former Security Adviser or a Lamido or a Yeguda is selected VP under a Goodluck Presidency. Either way Nigeria is on to another shaky start from all we know.

This is no time for the Yorubas to just “sit down dey look” to borrow a cliché from late uncle Bola Ige of blessed memory. It is no time at all for two of our best leaders in the most important state in Nigeria and the commercial center of our nation to, once again start to blackmail, betray and sabotage themselves, like happened with Awolowo and Akintola the last time I checked. Our rivals in Nigeria, I won’t call them enemies, would see that as an opening and they could take full advantage of it much to our own peril. Awolowo and Akintola as Yoruba leaders were two of our best. Both of them working together could easily have taken the Yoruba nation to greater heights just like the duo of Fashola and Tinubu have so far done in Lagos.

Our rivals in the Awolowo era were not interested in putting out the fire of envy between Awo and SLA. They added more petrol to the fire labeling the Yoruba enclave as the Wild Wild West with some justification. I can see some elements of the same forces at work again as they try to pull down Governor Fashola who is doing a marvelous job in Lagos as the best Governor in the Nigerian Commonwealth till now. Who ever thought that a little Muslim boy from Birch Freeman Methodist Secondary School in Lagos could turn out to be this good for our country? I would have thought that Ahmed Tinubu should be proud to have found such a very capable successor in Lagos. Tinubu must stop listening to those trying to come between him and Fashola. He must be aware of creating an opening for the PDP demolition Derby to finally complete what they have always wanted to do to the imperishable legacies of Awolowo as a pace setter for dynamic and progressive Government in Nigeria.

Awolowo, like Jesus Christ before him, did not come to save the world as documented in the Holy Scriptures, but he surely came to give all of us the Yorubas in Nigeria the little edge that has pushed us over the top in our endless competition with the other units of the tripod on which the Nigerian nation is delicately balanced. His freedom for all and life more abundant programs in the old West is what I think the duo of Tinubu and Fashola have been pursuing in Lagos and they must be encouraged to continue. I remain eternally grateful to Awolowo for starting free education for all in the old West. I was among the first batch of school children in Akure to enjoy the program and I know, for a fact, that the program has made a difference in my life and the life of my own children.

“Ka to r’erin, o digbo, ka to r’efon a dodan. Ka to ri eiye bi okin, o d’run Alakeji Kiniun Onibudo. Awolowo pegede” meaning Awo was a breed apart. We would have to travel a very long distance to find another leader like him is a short translation of the Yoruba proverb I have quoted in Yoruba. Those who want to set Fashola and Tinubu at each other throat must not be allowed to succeed. If the fault lies with either of them our Yoruba elders must quickly get together to sue for peace between them with immediate effect.

That is my mission in this write-up. All our first class Obas in Yoruba land led by the Ooni Risa and Iku baba yeye the Alafin of Oyo and Kabiyesi Rilwanu Akiolu the powerful Oba of Lagos must put sentiments aside to ensure that these two icons are nut not, all of a sudden turned into gladiators to entertain Yoruba detractors in Nigeria. The Yorubas have everything to lose if we allow the feud to fester or gain momentum. Oba Akiolu who is respected by both camps must step in to bring Tinubu and Fashola together to settle their differences like matured adults. I know Oba Akiolu can do it because without his cooperation, Tinubu would never have succeeded as much as he did in Lagos. Any time Lagos sneezes, Nigeria catch cold. If you add that prognosis to the peace of the graveyard that now surrounds the predictable change of baton at the federal level, you will understand what I am talking about.

Not too long ago I wrote an article extolling the virtues of Ahmed Tinubu as one of the worthy candidates for the vacant position of leader of the Yorubas in recognition of his leadership role in Lagos among other factors. I don’t know about you. I can only talk about myself, and what I know got a fact. Ahmed Tinubu has something going for him that cannot be dismissed with the wave of the hand in the history of Nigerian politics. I respect his track record as a fighter and a purposeful leader both as a Senator and later on as Governor of Lagos State. He is one Yoruba leader who knows what he wants and how to get it.

He was the only Governor in the South West to call the bluff of the PDP and Obasanjo, and he beat them to the tape on every count to retain Lagos State for the progressives in Nigerian Politics. While all of his colleagues in the South West were deceived, cajoled and ambushed by Obasanjo, he was the only one to survive the Obasanjo steamroller with all its federal might and Naira and Dollar power. I gave him high marks for his leadership on that score and U believed he has earned his wings to be the leader of the Yorubas and one of the successors of Awolowo. He may have stepped on some powerful toes for even nursing the ambition, to begin with. Some may even have frowned at his methodology or strategy for so doing. Those strategies and bulldozers may not have been the best he could have used, given the environment in which he was operating. I will be the first to admit that, But Tinubu is a dependable GOC I would gladly defer to because understood one thing that many of his peers did not quite understand. He is a good student of the Harold Wilson School of Politics which defines “Survival is the art of Politics” You could be a Napoleon or a Charles de Gaulle what defines a leaders above any other attributes, for me, is whether or not they find a way to win under a life and death situation either by luck or by a superior strength or strategy. Abiola was one such leader but they got him. So was Bola Ige. Tinubu to me was that kind of leader. He knows how to fight and how to win most of the time. That is one more reason I don’t want him at loggerhead with Governor Fashola, if I can help it.

If Lagos had been lost under Tinubu’s watch, the Obasanjo steamroller of the Awolowo country would have been total and complete. Because Obasanjo had scored a home run against AD rendering it totally impotent while the AD leaders took a life changing slumber from which they have never recovered till tomorrow There is no way on Earth the AC would have taken back Ondo State and Edo without the intervention and political wisdom and calculation of Ahmed Tinubu. With Tinubu as the "fons et origo” of the AC strategy and breakthrough in most of the South West, the PDP with its federal might was given a fight of its life. I give much of the credit for that achievement to Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Fashola.

If Lagos had been lost to the PDP forget it, Obasanjo would have been unstoppable in his bid for third term in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, Obasanjo would have claimed to be the greatest leader of the Yorubas whether formally confirmed or not. Obasanjo would have gotten everything he had wanted in Nigeria and the North power brokers would never have been able to clip his wings like they did. They always cited his unpopularity in his home base as one of the reasons he should be forever be grateful to the North for being the wind beneath his wings in all of his political life. Because Lagos has remained what New York or California or Florida and Illinois have always been to America, a win in Lagos for any party is considered a major victory. The North knows it and we all know it. Tinubu deserves all the recognition he got for being our savior on that score alone. He understood better than any of his peers and colleagues in the former AD that power determines relevance in Nigeria. If the DPA led by Chief Oluyemi Falae had made similar inroad in Ondo State or any of the South West States, Falae, a technocrat, with his well known expertise as an administrator/economist and a former Secretary to the Federal Government and Minister of Finance, would have attained pretty much the same visibility and relevance that Tinubu enjoys today in the rank and file of the progressives in Nigeria.

There is no way to wrestle power from the PDP in any part of Nigeria, if you don’t have the financial means to do it. Sheer brute power and physical combat will not do it. Tinubu understood that the fight for the soul of Nigeria is not going to be won on the platter of sheer diplomacy alone and not by how many night vigils a leader is willing and able to keep at the Holy Ghost Redemption Camp on Ibadan /Lagos Express, the leader must have “Ekurube” “Owo apekanuko” or “Kudi” in Hausa and “Ego” as they say in Igbo language, If you don’t have money in your hands, you don’t have any chance of winning in Nigeria because the poverty rate is so deep and pervasive that nobody would listen to you and all your sermons if it is not backed up with money.

Awolowo himself understood that reality when he fashioned a revenue source for the old Action Group by creating private investment companies like Shonibare Estate in Lagos and some of the money making ventures to directly or indirectly finance the old Action Group. Ahmed Tinubu is a good student of the Awolowo school of thought and political engineering. Tinubu does not thrive only on his image and clout as “Omo Iya Aje” of Lagos, he is an accountant by profession and he knew that money and plenty of it backed with brainpower open all doors of political opportunities in Nigeria. He found some ways to finance the election of Fashola as his successor, and he beat the PDP to secure two consecutive terms for himself and he wants to see Fashola’s election, as his third term, which I think, is a big mistake. He must let go and not push the young and dynamic to the wall by becoming an Oliver twist grand father who wants to control everything by remote control from outside.

Tinubu has a right to want to remain financially buoyant like Abiola and IBB, in Nigeria in view of his greater goals and mission as a politician, but he must not do at the expense of the State or Governor Fashola. . It was easy for him as Governor of Lagos State to cut corners to achieve what I am talking about here. But that must not be a reason for him to impose the same standards or values on his successor who came to office with similar goals but different methodology. I have a strong feeling that the simmering feud between the two is very much linked to this analysis.

Tinubu may have carried the concept of “God-fathers” in Politics too far for Fashola’s comfort. Tinubu must see Fashola’s success as a continuation of his own as Governor and let wiser counsel prevail. Fashola has a right to want to put his own stamp on his on term as Governor. The role has now been reversed and Tinubu must give the young Governor a wiggle room to do his work. By the same token, Governor Fashola as a Yoruba original must find a way to accommodate Tinubu without Tinubu becoming another Adedibu, the Garrison commander at Ibadan. Tinubu must be wary of aggrieved supporters who want Tinubu and Fashola to knock heads for their own benefit.

The last point I want to make before I end this piece is the idle talk of only one term for Fashola by anyone in Tinubu’s camp. Tinubu would lose the respect many Nigerians have for him, if he thinks a Governor as dynamic and effective as Fashola should be allowed to serve only one term for not dancing to his tune. The Nigeria of our dream is where performance and track record are going to be the only yardstick for victory or defeat. Governor Fashola has so far done an excellent job and we want him as Governor for the maximum allowed by the Constitution.

We are all hoping he can run for national office someday and win a free and fair election. He is a great Governor and asset to the Yorubas, and we love him to continue to make Lagos the envy of other states in Nigeria. I urge Tinubu to play the constructive leader and elder statesman he has always been, and make sure that Fashola does not become his” persona non grata” or enemy to boot.

We’ve concluded plans on Ore Sunshine City - Mimiko
Yinka Oladoyinbo, Akure
Monday, December 28, 2009


The Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has said that the state government had concluded plans on the ground breaking of a one square-kilometre city project, tagged “Ore Sunshine City,” aimed at turning Ore into the commercial nerve centre of the country.

Mimiko, who disclosed this while meeting with a group of foreign businessmen in Akure, on Saturday, added that in addition to this, a trailer park that would accommodate 1,000 articulated lorries and trucks and luxurious hotels for travellers would be put in place in the planned Ore Sunshine City.

Apart from this, the governor also told his guests that deliberate efforts had been put in place by his administration to make the major cities in the state more beautiful and habitable.

He stressed that findings had shown that there was a nexus between well planned cities and the economy. Mimiko said: “In Akure, which is the capital city of this state, our economy resides here; thus, we are resolved to make Akure work; our street traders must be moved, we must put in place green medians on our major roads in order to make them pleasing to the eyes.

“It is a well-known fact that the cities are synonymous with the economy apart from the aesthetics; and this is one of the reasons why our cities must work and that is the reason why we created the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to arrest the spate at which a lot of investable funds which ought to come to Ondo State are being taken elsewhere in spite of our naturally endowed resources.”

The governor noted that since investors tend to take their funds to well planned cities, there was the urgent need to arrest the current ugly trends in cities of the state.

http://odili.net/news/source/2009/dec/28/605.html