₦airaland Forum

“ With the quality of Nigerian degrees likely to remain substandard , Nigerian students who can afford to study abroad will continue to do so . As a result, the total number of international students will continue to rise , with Britain well placed to benefit . ”

– The British Council Report 2012

Recently , the graduation from British universities of the sons of some of our top politicians attracted animated discussion on social media , following the posting on Facebook of photos from their graduation ceremonies. Senate President Bukola Saraki’ s son , Seni , graduated with a First Class degree from the London School of Economics ; Bidemi , Senator Babafemi Ojudu ’ s son , graduated from Durham University , also with a First Class degree ; while Ahamefela , Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State ’ s son , successfully completed a Master ’ s degree from Imperial College , London , having also bagged a First Class degree from the University of Manchester, two years ago .

The Facebook photos conveyed the proud ecstasy of the politician - parents as they hugged or shook hands with their sons . Fully conscious of what a fortune it costs these days to educate one ’ s children abroad , this columnist congratulates the three politicians for both the graduation of their sons , and their star performances. Beginning on a lighter note , however , many will recall that PUNCH columnist , Prof . Niyi Akinnaso , had recently queried the glut of First Class degrees in Nigerian universities ( What is your class of degree?

The PUNCH , May 23 , 2017 ). Well , Akinnaso may wish to extend his probing research skills to the United Kingdom , where so many First Class degrees are being netted by sons and daughters of Nigeria ’ s political elite . As someone noted in the torrents of comments in the social media , even Abdul Mutallab , who was later caught trying to detonate a bomb on a United States bound plane , bagged a First Class.
Of course , it is unlikely , even far - fetched to imagine that British universities , with a reputation for excellence will lower standards just to please Nigerian politicians with deep pockets . Still, it may still be of interest to investigate the matter , in case the concept of degrees for export is not totally extinct .

Now , to substantive matters. The Eastonian definition of politics as the authoritative allocation of values , suggests , among other things , that the action , inaction , even the body language of political leaders chart a course for the rest of us to follow. So , with so many top politicians , with access to the national kitty , proudly advertising the education of their children abroad , while perpetuating the comatose state of Nigerian education , one would think that Nigeria has been recolonised by Britain ! A few months ago , I chaired the 7 th Founders ’ Day Lecture of Caleb University , Ikorodu, which was delivered by Prof . Abel Olayinka, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan . On that occasion , the Special Guest of Honour , Dr . Olatokunbo Awolowo - Dosunmu , went down memory lane to recall that her father had a policy of educating all his children and wards in Nigeria . Chief Obafemi Awolowo made an exception in her case , she reminisced , because of the existential threats , posed to the politician and his family , in the year she gained admission to the University of Ibadan . I can confirm that the late Mrs Ayodele Soyode , Dr Awolowo ’ s sister , graduated a few years ahead of me at the then University of Ife . So , for politicians of an earlier generation, nationalism was not an abstraction to be deployed for political correctness, but the definitive mantra by which they ordered their actions.

What do we have today ? A riot of populist slogans that bears no relationship to political behaviour . Our leaders tell us to buy Made - in - Nigeria goods, but flaunt the latest goods and services from everywhere in the world except Nigeria. At the faintest evidence of a headache , they jet out to British or American hospitals to be diagnosed or treated . Does it not strike them that the leaders of the countries they visit do not behave that way , and they employ every occasion to promote the brand , the identity , the peculiar niches of their countries ? Does it not worry any of our leaders that as the opening quote indicates , the British are now banking on the continued existence of Nigerian education as a substandard species ? Dr Patrick Wilmot , it was , who is credited with the remark that a later generation of Nigerians surveying what a mess our politicians have made , despite the splendid opportunities they have , would wonder why there are so few wise men among them. Wise men see beyond today to invest in the future . They realise that some of the opportunities offered today to their nation may never come again , at least not in the same posh manner. They also know that the trends that they set today will become points of departure for their nation tomorrow .

It would have been refreshing, therefore , if there is a critical mass of Nigerian politicians who are not only making efforts to turn the tide of mediocrity in our educational landscape, but are willing to match words with actions, by making it mandatory for their children to take their first degrees in Nigeria , while going overseas to take postgraduate degrees .

Ekiti State Governor , Ayodele Fayose , obviously has his weaknesses and perceived transgressions, but he at least has the presence of mind to have insisted that his kids be educated within our shores. That gesture allowed him , last week, to claim the moral high ground against politicians from the ruling party , who had sent their children at tender ages to the UK. That list includes President Muhammadu Buhari , whose son and daughter graduated last year from a British university. Fair comment requires that we admit that the quality of Nigerian education has continued to go downhill for many years . The question however is , how can the system be healed if all the doctors who should cure it go to all lengths to ensure that their children do not partake of it?

The outpouring of criticisms , mainly by Nigerian youths on social media in respect of the politicians who posted the graduation photos of their sons on Facebook , are based on the condemnation of the hypocrisy of claiming to reform a system , while not being man enough to allow your family members to experience the reforms .

There is another side to the matter , namely that the kids who are sent abroad at tender ages learn the normal curriculum , as well as imbibe a hidden curriculum which glorifies the countries and races where they studied , and disdain their country of origin , which presumably they are coming back to govern. No wonder , it is so difficult to make meaningful changes.

What then is to be done ? The National Assembly should pass a law which will make it mandatory for top office holders to train their children up to first degree level within Nigeria , making exceptions for cases where their courses are not available within the country. That apart , it is obvious that the thorough solution is to bring up our schools and universities to the competitive standards that they once enjoyed. Finally, the electorate should be mobilised by the civil society to sanction politicians , at the polls, who only engage in glib talk about reforms , but jump ship when the going gets tough .

http://punchng.com/harvest-of-uk-degrees-for-children-of-our-politicians/

…Speaks on agitations for Biafra and Arewa Youths’ quit notice to Igbos.
…Makarfi spoke before the Supreme Court ruled him authentic chairman of PDP.

In this Interview with Ben Agande in Kaduna, former governor of Kaduna state and one of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi speaks on the face off between the senate and the executive arms of government, the quit notice given by Arewa youths that Igbos should leave the north and his assessment of the performance of the APC government.

What is your reaction to the recent trends in the country especially with the threat of secession by the south east and the quit notice issued by Northern youths to the Igbos living in the north to leave by October this year?

There are all kinds of agitations in the country. I think we will not be doing justice to the entire situation when we will bring it to the threat of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Arewa youths. Even before then there had been agitations from different parts of the country. We should be sincere in dealing with these matters and looking at them comprehensively.
The issue of political agitations, the criminal aspects of some of the Fulani herdsmen and those who may be assuming the identity of Fulani herdsmen to wreak havoc should be dealt with. Criminals seize opportunities. Once you create opportunities, those with criminal minds will seize them.

That should not take out the fact that there are criminal elements amongst the Fulani herdsmen that have been wreaking havoc throughout the length and breadth of this country. We also need to deal with the issues in the Niger Delta. We need to continue to deal with the issues in the north east. You see, we have a lot of issues in this country and it will be wrong to continue to think that it is just the problem of IPOB and Arewa youths. Arewa Youths is just a name who might have come from one or two states but because of the name, people assume that they are relevant. We should avoid propelling an issue to make it larger than life instead of minimizing the problem.
In reporting such issues, journalists should not call it what it is and not giving it an identity that it is not thereby escalating issues. Those who do not know but may read or hear such things will view them from what they read or heard and it may not be to the scale that is being painted. There may be reaction and counter reactions and before you know it, we will be creating serious problems in the country. We must avoid this.
What worried some people was the seeming silence of political leaders in the south east before now and the open support given by Professor Ango Abdullahi and a few others to the Arewa youths (cuts in)

You said a few others. What is the population of the north? When did the issue of Arewa youths happen and for how long has the IPOB agitation been going on? Unfair reportage and reaction creates a country reaction that is not good for this country. I am absolutely sure that the overwhelming majority of the people in the north were not in support of the statement of the Arewa youths when it was issued.
The constituted authorities, the state governor, Nasir El Rufai and the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum reacted immediately. When they reacted, the rest of the country should have let the matter stop at that point and even commended them and also commented on things that are happening at their own back yard. But the reaction from the constituted authorities was completely ignored and emphasis was placed on the statement from the Arewa youths as if there was no reaction from constituted authorities.

People will react naturally to say if leaders have risen to condemn the statement as soon as it was made yet the other ones have been going on for so long and people are carrying on as if one was right and only the other one was wrong. That created a wrong impression. Let me give you an instance; if your son and another person’s son were fighting and you arrived at the scene at the same time and without investigation, you pulled out your son and started scolding him that why should he be fighting, you expect the other parent to scold his own child or take him away. But when he leaves his own child and joins you in scolding your own, how will you react? That was the mistake that was made. It is good that leaders from all over the country have woken up and have seen the dangers in allowing these things to escalate and are reacting in a manner that we should all have reacted long ago. We should rather commend the leaders in the north for condemning the statement of the Arewa youths. If we had done this long ago, we should not have gotten to where we are.

Agitations have always been going on in this country but there seems to be an escalation with the coming in of this government. What is this government not doing right?

It is a government that has been unsettled right from day one. The Peoples Democratic Party government had glimpses of problems with the legislature which were resolved within a very reasonable time. Since this government came into office, it has virtually been at logger heads with the national assembly. That does not create conducive atmosphere within the All Progressive Congress.
As a party, we were having all kinds of meetings without fear of anything. As it is now, the All Progressive Congress is even afraid of having its national executive council meeting because of what the outcome could be. It is a party of strange bed fellows and when you have that kind of situation, the outcome is what we are having now. Nigeria should take note.

But the APC claims that they are reaping from the years of bad governance of the PDP.

Excuses, upon excuses. They should know that they are no longer in opposition now. People elected them because they thought they would do better. If the people did not think they would do better than the PDP, we would have won. Having been given that confidence, they should not say that ‘oh we did not know it was going to be that tough. Governance under whatever circumstance is not easy.

As a former senator, what is your view on the ongoing face off between the senate and the executive arm of government over the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission?

It has been seriously over politicized, which is quite unfortunate. The statements coming out from both parties are not helpful. Everybody knows that the senate has the powers to confirm certain appointments, whether as provided by the constitution or any other act of the national assembly. That is not in doubt. But we know that even if the confirmation is done, the president can change his mind and still not make that appointment.
The power of the senate stops at confirming and not insisting that when it confirms, the appointment must be made. The executive has the flexibility of powers that maybe only through legal processes that can be clarified. These are some of the excesses in the executive powers that can be looked at and maybe through legislation, streamlined so that there is no confusion down the line. Both sides should realize their powers and the limit of their powers.
No matter the power the executive or the legislature has, a synergy between the two is what produces result. I expect both arms of government to calm down and see how they can work together for the good of this country.

With what is happening, do you think Ibrahim Magu will still enjoy the confidence of Nigerians to carry on with the job?

There will be varied opinions on this because of the over politicization. If I were in the senate, the time the president resubmitted his name for the second time, I would have confirmed him. That is my personal view. I don’t know the politics hat is going on between the senate and the executive but we are injuring the institution, we are ridiculing the executive, we are ridiculing the legislature and at the end of the day, it is the country that will suffer. We need to calm down, we need to allow reasons to prevail and move ahead.

Looking at the trend of what is going on in this government, what should Nigerians expect?

Change. Nigerians are going to change The Change. As I mentioned earlier, a political party that is afraid to hold an in house National Executive Committee meeting, how can you give it the opportunity to lead the country? It may be PDP, it may not be PDP. Nigerians will change APC in 2019. Of course we have our problems in the Peoples Democratic Party but we still meet. By the time we resolve our problem, we will come together stronger. We will continue to work for PDP.
Whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court judgement we will abide by it. That is the highest court in the land. You can only appeal to God. As a leader I can say this is what I want to do but it is not guaranteed that everybody will follow me because people must have formed their position already.

Including forming the Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance?

PDP did not form that party. We have been saying this but people do not want to listen because they have made up their mind to believe what they want to believe. Of course some members of the PDP are principal actors in its formation but it was not an official project of the PDP.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/07/nigerians-ll-change-apc-2019-ahmed-makarfi/

The 1st of July is celebrated as International Joke Day. This day is prominently for laugh out loud with your friends and dear ones.

This is a day that reminds us of value of laughter and the difference it can make to our lives.Jokes can put smiles in your day, and laughter is truly the best medicine.

International Joke Day is a funny festival day that invites sharing of funny jokes, humorous videos and delightful mails. It is believed that the concept of joke first originated in ancient Greece by Palamedes. He attainted fame for outwitting Odysseus before the Trojan War. A comedy club was first formed in 350 BC. That shows that humans have always enjoyed sharing jokes and having a good laugh. It is the basic nature of humans to swap jokes and witticisms and that what makes us different from animals.

Many people in the world are suffering from pain and sadness. Reasons may vary but it is definitely a painful sight to see suffering people. But on International Joke Day, we can spread a little cheer to not only our near and dear ones but also to the world at large. There is no better pleasure in this world than bringing a smile on someone’s face. It is not just charitable but also makes us feel good about ourselves. Cracking a joke or two, making funny faces, sharing mirthful videos, passing on jokes through email etc are just some of the things you can do on July 1.

We need to learn to laugh at life and ourselves a bit more.

They say laughter is contagious. The more you laugh, better are the chances of you contributing a bit to make world a better place. We all have problems and tension but a bit of laughter and sharing some light moments can greatly reduce our pain. Medical science proved that laughing helps you to fight off illnesses by boosting your immune system. Laughter can relieve stress, strengthen your immune system and diminish pain. It can also make you feel less lonely and more positive about yourself. And some even believe laughing actually burns calories! Plus, it’s totally free and anyone can do it!.

On International Joke Day, let’s crack some funny jokes and make others feel better. Jokes will not only make you feel wonderful but will also help you medically and emotionally. And don’t forget the Japanese proverb, 'time spent laughing is time spent with God'.

http://keepincalendar.com/July-1/International%20Joke%20Day/632

cc: Lalasticlala, Dany1luv, Ben13

Those of us who believe in the Igbo project within a wider concept know that there cannot be any headway without consultations. Politics is not for Monks. Saints who understand the game work assiduously to win as many souls as possible. There is more to power than youthful exuberance.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo as presently constituted and ably headed by Dr. Nnia Nwoko should be the voice of the Igbo henceforth. There is enough room in Nigeria for everyone. What should occupy the minds of those who understand politics is how to work with the other ethnic nationalities to restructure the country.

I must tell Ndigbo the truth. Time has come for them to wake up and face the struggle for power in Nigeria. Those who think exiting this country will take them to paradise do not understand the movement of History . They do not have to remind anyone that all that the Igbo lost as result of the Civil war made the other parts richer.

There is no doubt that Nigeria has come to be seen as a fraud formulated by the Imperialists and manipulated presently by vultures wearing different ethnic masks. The diversity of the fraudsters who have hypnotised their countrymen is only seen by the gullible majority who have failed to realise that the Hausa-Fulani is in league with the Yoruba and dines with the Igbo. They all invite the minority cronies to perpetuate their grip on power.

It will be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for an Igbo to rule this country in 2019. This is the bitter truth.
That miracle may not come before 2019. If the Igbo so believe in God, Obasi di nelu, let them continue to fast and pray. After all, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan did not dream of becoming President of Nigeria. There could be a politically correct solution to the plight of the Igbo under the present dispensation. The word is change in the form of restructuring.

There is every reason to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for bringing the Igbo back to life. Someday, history will crown him as Enyi Ndigbo
( Friend of the Igbo ). He showed them that there is a great deal of difference between 95 percent and five percent. No diplomacy about it all.
When Dr Alex Ekwueme was thrown away for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1998, Ndigbo did not get the message. When the latter played one South-East Senate President against the other, it did not sound strange. In fact, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo so loved the position that he began to dance to OBJ’s agidigbo.
Chief Adolph Wabara thought he had it all when Obasanjo relayed his childhood railways story. The Senator speaks undiluted Yoruba and was even fed by the Balogun of Owu . Cake is sweet but the one Wabara ate purged him. Thank God he was not diagnosed. It was poison from the Villa, the Senate President was treated worse than a village chief and sent back to Ohambele, empty handed.
President Umaru Yar’Adua was not bothered when the Nigerian tripod was broken. An Hausa-Fulani President, an Ijaw Deputy, Middle Belt Senate President and Yoruba Speaker of the House. The Igbo were sentenced to the Boys Quarters. They could not even serve tea by Chief Emeka Ojukwu’s standard. Second to Oga at the top in the National Assembly was their lot.

Jonathan was a bigger disaster in terms of Igbo relevance. They eventually began to serve tea and manage the economy. Choice ministries were allocated to them. And General Azubuike Ihejirika became the first Igbo Army Chief in almost 60 years. Ndigbo served Goodluck so well that his departure brought them bad luck. And they gained nothing as a people for all their support.

Buhari came and did not play pranks. A very straightforward gentleman, he began to punch the Igbo left, right and centre. There was no tea to even serve. The economy went to blazes. Many thought it was a dream. The lone Igbo State that voted massively for the President’s party was so debased with a junior ministerial appointment that Imo Governor, Rochas Okorocha, looked like he sent his in-law to Sambisa, or better still, Siberia.

Failure they say, is the back door to success. Having failed to progress politically since the return of democracy in 1999 and unable to even speak with one powerful voice like the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani, the Igbo must put on their thinking cap. Dr. Nwodo must realise that he is not only leading a social cultural organisation. Ohaneze must assume the role of an advisory body.

We have had enough of outbursts from the younger ones. They are full of emotional energy which is not enough to play politics. Thugs are not meant to be leaders. There are polished and celebrated men and women from Asaba to Opobo whose contributions can leave the world smelling sweeter. And they are of Igbo background.

The next move now is to play politics the way it should be played. Ndigbo cannot go it all alone. They need the other groups that make up Nigeria. That is why they must caution against the hate speeches and cyber attacks. They must stoop to conquer. I am sure these younger ones have heard that Obasanjo had to stoop to be returned as President in 2003. Those who thought he was a coward later realised they had sold their joker to a powerful man.

It should bother Ndigbo that in the Second Republic, they were the Bride and Beauty of Nigerian politics. And that was less than a decade after the War. Dr. Ekwueme was Vice President, Chief Edwin Umezuoke became Speaker, House of Representatives. Prior to the elections, all the political parties except Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) had Igbo running mates. Chief Philip Umeadi, Dr. Ben Nzeribe and Sam Ikoku.

In 2017, 50 years after the crisis, Ndigbo are like the beast of Nigerian politics. They have nothing to celebrate under the Buhari administration. It will not be out of place to say that there is no Igbo man in Aso Villa. The few that go there are escorted like prisoners changing location or slaves going to see their master.

This is an ethnic nationality that produced the First President of Sierra Leone and that country’s last Governor General, Christopher Okoro Cole and the fifth President of Liberia, Edward James Roye. The current President of Gabon has Igbo blood in his veins. The first President of Nigeria as well as the country’s first military leader were Igbo. The first three Senate Presidents : Dr’s Azikiwe, Dennis Osadebay, Akweke Nwafor Orizu came from Igbo land just like the First Speaker of of the House of Representatives, Dr. Jaja Anucha Nwachukwu.

You cannot fault the list of Firsts. James Nwoye Adichie, Chimamanda’s father, first Professor of Statistics. Laz Nnanyelu Ekwueme, First Professor of Music. Jerome Oputa Udoji, first African District Officer (D.O.). Nnodum Okongwu, first PhD. holder. Keneth Onwuka Dike, first Vice Chancellor. Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, first African to command United Nations troops. Julius Onuorah Onah, first Professor of Marketing. O.Z. Chiazor, first African officer of the Canadian Navy. Tim Onwuatuegwu, first Nigerian Junior Under Officer, Sandhurst. J.T. Ogbolue, first indigenous police officer. Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna, first Commonwealth gold winner. Immaculeta Chioma Ajunwa, first Olympic gold medallist.
The first female judge in the Solomon Islands is Nkemdilim Amelia Izuako. While Aso Villa was built by foreigners, Frank Mbanefo designed Ojukwu’s Bunker. The Grey Ghost took Ojukwu into exile in 1970 was flown by Osakwe. The same pilot was flight commander that took Yakubu Gowon to Kampala in 1975 from where he lost his Command as Head of State.

There must be a reason Forest Whitaker declared his Igboness with the title, Nwanne di namba of Nkwerre. Daniel Glover, became Enyioma of Nkwerre. The man on keyboard for Jamaican pop group, Third World when they visited Nigeria in the 1980s, was Michael Igbo Cooper. The group did Lagos jump thereafter and remembered that Igbo man called him Ikechukwu.
Ohaneze must bring all Igbo together. There should be nothing like Rivers Igbo or Delta Igbo. Oneness creates one love. Let Ndigbo reach out to the Yoruba. There are many more Adeniran Ogunsanyas, Adeyinka Adebayos, Alani Akinrinades, Ganiyu Adelekes, Ayo Fayoses, Femi Fani-Kayodes and Segun Martins waiting. In the North, the Sultan has a huge role to play as well as Governor Hassan Dankwambo.

In the old South-East, the Dr. Sam Imoke family is available. There is the Dr. Thompson Akpabio family. Chief Emma Agumah’s children are waxing stronger and Willy Murray Bruce’s siblings have a voice. General Philip Effiong has a son who behaves like his father.

This is the way to go. Let the North complete their tenure in 2023. Ndigbo should strategise for 2023. All the traders and cheer boys will have their say but the elite must have their way. Enough of the Ochanja -Ariaria rabble. Boys will be boys. The men must decide.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/07/ohaneze-must-plan-2023/

Dr. Adesina, Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of Agriculture, will receive a $250,000 prize for driving change in African agriculture for over 25 years and improving food security for millions across the continent.

The World Food Prize said in a statement issued in Washington, yesterday, that Dr. Adesina stood out in efforts to make food available to Africans.

It said, “Awarded by the World Food Prize Foundation, the $250,000 prize honors Nigerian Dr. Adesina for his leading role over the past two decades in: significantly expanding food production in Nigeria; introducing initiatives to exponentially increase the availability of credit for smallholder farmers across the African continent; and galvanizing the political will to transform African agriculture.

“The selection of President Akinwumi Adesina as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate reflects both his breakthrough achievements as Minister of Agriculture of Nigeria and his critical role in the development of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

“It also gives further impetus to his profound vision for enhancing nutrition, uplifting smallholder farmers, and inspiring the next generation of Africans as they confront the challenges of the 21st century,” said Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, President of the World Food Prize Foundation, in making public President Adesina’s name.”

“Drawn to action, Dr. Adesina: in his role with the Rockefeller Foundation organized the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit; led a major expansion of commercial bank lending to farmers as Vice President of AGRA; and, as Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria, introduced the E-Wallet system, which broke the back of corrupt elements that had controlled the fertilizer distribution system for 40 years.

“His policies expanded Nigeria’s food production by 21 million metric tons, and the country attracted $5.6 billion in private sector investments in agriculture – earning him the reputation as the ‘farmer’s Minister.’”

Dr said he was grateful for the recognition of his efforts in food production on the African Continent.
He said, “As someone who grew out of poverty, I know that poverty is not pretty. My life mission is to lift up millions of people out of poverty, especially farmers in rural areas of Africa. We must give hope and turn agriculture into a business all across Africa to create wealth for African economies.

The World Food Prize gives me an even greater global platform to make that future happen much faster for Africa.”

In 2006, as Associate Director for Food Security at the Rockefeller Foundation, Dr. Adesina, was said to have played a critical leadership role in organizing the Africa Fertilizer Summit, which took place in Abuja, Nigeria.

World Food Prize Foundation founder and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dr. Norman Borlaug hailed this event as absolutely essential in igniting the campaign to spread a new Green Revolution across Africa, which led to the creation of AGRA.

While at AGRA, Dr. Adesina developed partnerships with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Kilimo Trust to provide loans to tens of thousands of smallholder farmers and the agribusinesses that support them in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Mozambique.

As Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture from 2011 to 2015, Adesina successfully transformed his country’s agriculture sector through bold reforms, including creating programs to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production, and to help cassava become a major cash crop.

President Adesina also took major steps to end over 40 years of corruption in the fertilizer and seed sectors in Nigeria by launching the E-Wallet system, directly providing farmers with vouchers redeemable for inputs using mobile phones. The resulting increased farm yields have led to the improvement of food security for 40 million people in rural farm households.

When Dr. Adesina assumed the Presidency of the AfDB, he said he envisioned “An Africa that can feed itself.

“Ten years is a sufficient amount of time to do that. It will require political will. It will require a lot of resources, a lot of commitment from private sector. But I think we have set the direction, and we’ve put the stakes in the ground. That one is critical. And I can’t forget what Norman Borlaug used to tell me. ‘Akin, go score some goals for African Agriculture.’”

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/adesina-wins-world-food-prize-laureate/

GasAndOilTheory:
Lol even the Dead wants him to be recalled

What a way to put it.

Muhammadu Buhari’s still appears on the roll, and his picture on the walls of various public buildings, as President and C-in-C, but the actual power of the president has very clearly shifted into the hands of Yemi Osinbajo, former Professor of Law, who has been acting as president of the republic since Buhari embarked on his extended medical leave. And yet again, it is déjà vu. It feels almost right back to the Umar Yar’Ardua situation, when the Nigerian electorate were manipulated and deceived into electing a very sick man.

The difference is that Nigerians from all sides of the great river soon fell for Yar’Ardua, who embarked on his presidency with a virtuous stride. First, he acknowledged that the elections that brought him to office were flawed, and pledged not only to do right by Nigerians, but to rectify the flaws in the electoral system as part of what he’d leave as his legacy.

Second, he embraced a peace-building initiative by bring in the militants of the Niger Delta from the cold.
He made very deft diplomatic moves, reached out to them, and opened an empathetic ear, and managed to bring that situation under control. Yar Ardua solved the problem of the Niger Delta insurgency by acting as statesman, a diplomat, and an astute political leader with deep intellectual capacity. Yar’Ardua moved quickly to embrace the nation, including those who did not vote for him, and quickly tried to set Nigeria on an even keel. He was methodical in his moves to bring corruption to an end, and there were hints that he was intent on making his moves, even against the big names who had big hands in the Nigerian cookie jar, before he succumbed to his terminal condition, and his death, many Nigerians still confess, robbed Nigeria of one who might have been her first great president of the 21st century.

But Yar’Ardua came from different stock: his family was politically grounded. His father had been Minister of Lagos – the equivalent today of the Minister for Abuja – in the First Republic. His elder brother, the late Shehu, had built a formidable political following himself, and it does seem that the younger Umar, inherited the leverage and goodwill his brother who was allegedly murdered in Abacha’s prison in Abakiliki had built. But he was his own man also. He had chosen radical politics over his family’s more centrist, and possibly conservative politics, both as a student at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he read Chemistry in the 1970s, and at the onset of the politics of the Second Republic.

Where Shehu dabbled with Awolowo’s UPN, Umar chose to ride with Mallam Aminu Kano’s PRP. Umar had also been finely educated at the Government College Keffi and Barewa College, the two great public schools of the North, where he had also played fine cricket, a game he continued playing, earning his colours on the Ahmadu Bello University Cricket XI, playing alongside the likes of Dan Nzelu, onetime executive Director of the NNPC, among others, with whom he was contemporaries at ABU. He served his stint, taking no advantage of his family’s formidable political connections, as a Lecturer at the Kaduna Polytechnic. Yar’Ardua was young, well-educated, sharp, modern, secular and broad-minded, and did not carry the burdens of fierce nightmarish faith. He was not just a Northerner. He was a Nigerian. He made that absolutely clear. But as I said, he was a sick man, and his handlers knew this, yet they deceived Nigerians into voting a man who carried the burden of his own possibly imminent mortality.

The drama leading to Yar Ardua’s death and the transfer of power to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan set the grounds for the kinds of political anxieties and uncertainties that later grounded Jonathan. But first, Nigeria was governed by a dead man for months. His handlers were in denial. The region of the north, and the political “elite” of the north who felt the presidency was the North’s were in denial and up in arms. The National Assembly elected to be the guardians of the nation was stymied by ethnic and regional interests. The transfer of power became acrimonious, alongside a North-South divide that as I said set the tone for Jonathan. When he finally became president, Jonathan was expected to carry all the burdens of the nation and distil it to its most elegant solutions: here was a president who became president by indirection – almost on a platter of gold: a minority’s minority; an educated man with tertiary degrees; a man of science, and one who grew from extreme poverty to become the leader of a nation.

It was almost as if providence had come to play, and that the so-called Nigerian “common man” finally had an ally on the seat of power in Nigeria. But it soon became very clear that in spite of the enormous goodwill that rode with him into office, Goodluck Jonathan was uncertain about his next moves; he became a captive to special interests – the “privatizers” of public corporations; the “security state” apparatus for whom great national insecurity is big business; the international consortium of what John Perkins called economic Hitmen. Jonathan had a very thin rolodex, and he had to rely on an apparatus foisted on him by ambitious and desperate men.
The tragedy of Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency was that he was busy looking over his shoulders, and he was hobbled by anxieties, and it led to the failed policies of appeasement. He failed to make decisive and bold moves: he allowed “Boko Haram” to fester and it became real business for shadowy interests in his government; he tried to appease a so-called disgruntled north, and he was very frontally subverted, and he continued on the path of appeasing powerful special interests rather than serve real Nigerians. It ended his presidency and tied him today to an uncertain legacy.

I’m afraid that Osinbajo is about to embark on the same route that hobbled Jonathan. But he must look to history. Let us call it as it is: to all evidence before us, President Muhammadu Buhari is not functioning as the elected president of Nigeria, and his continued residency in convalescent captivity in London or wherever secret place he may be kept out of the public eye, has now become a national security threat to Nigeria. Buhari has basically, by no direct fault of his own we must acknowledge, abandoned his official duties for far too long. Having been gone for this long, it is clear that Buhari is still not yet able to come back an work to govern Nigeria.

Does it now behoove the elected Nigerian National Assembly to do its duties by Nigerians, write to the president, and make public the real condition of his health, so that he can go home to Daura, and take care of his health in order to allow Osinbajo assume full control of the business of governance in these moments of serious and troubling crises that threatens to unravel Nigeria. The National Assembly has that obligation and that power. Nigeria fails because those the people elect fail to do their duties to Nigeria but choose to cling to primordial and dangerous interests. It is like Osinbajo meeting with the so-called “traditional rulers” over the issue of a Nigeria threatened with separatist agitation.

Same old and tired moves for a man who should know that these “traditional rulers” are relics that have very little influence anymore in these matters in a highly urbanized, demographically young and complex nation. A more effective president elected in a democracy and confronted by an open revolt of the people would seek to meet directly with various community groups: town union reps, Nnamdi Kanu who commands an Army of followers larger than any “traditional ruler” in Igbo land; Professional organizations – the NBA, the NMA, the Union of Teachers, Community Action Groups, Civil Society organizations, Students and Youth organizations, Neighbourhood associations and their Block Captains, Trade groups, and even ask his Public Communications team to organize a wide-range of direct town-hall meetings in the East and in the North, which he should tour extensively to address, and appeal to the people directly.

But Osinbajo may yet fail to read the writing on the wall. He must not make Jonathan’s mistake of appeasement of special interests while ignoring real Nigerians. And he should, right now know that with the rapid and unfolding situations, there will be no second chance.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/buhari-nigeria-fails/

Dino Melaye, representative of Kogi west senatorial district in the national assembly, says names and signatures of dead constituents are on the list of the signatures collected to influence his recall.

Addressing reporters in Lokoja, the state capital, on Sunday, Melaye said the signature of a dead biology teacher was found on the list.

Melaye, who spoke through Abubakar Sadiq, one of his aides, described the recall process as a failed exercise.

“Let me also sound authoritatively that here in Lokoja local government council, several others whose names and signatures appeared on the list of the signatories to this failed exercise were identified and known to us as being dead long before now,” he said.

“Such people like late Abdullahi Abubakar, his immediate younger sister, late Halima Lawal Abubakar and Ibrahim Adama of unit code 021, Adankolo Ring Road in ward ‘A’, Lokoja local government council.

“The name of a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, late Chief Rotimi Obadofin precisely from Iya-Gbede axis, was on the list.

“Also one late Salihu Black of Gegu-Beki town, Kogi local government council who until his death was a biology teacher in Government Secondary School, Koton-Karfe, also appended his signature on the recall list.

“This recall exercise was hatched in Kogi government house due to the manner in which Senator Dino Melaye consistently challenges and engages the government over non-payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners for over 15 months; and also the constant closure of tertiary institutions.”

Melaye also faulted the over 188,000 signatories of electorate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He wondered how his opponents arrived at that figure when the total vote cast in the last senatorial election of 2015, both valid and rejected, was “merely 111, 000 for all the candidates that participated”.

But Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, has advised Melaye to stop worrying about INEC.

Bello, who spoke through Petra Onyegbule, his chief press secretary, said facts about the constituents were with INEC which had the responsibility of verifying the signatures.

“There is nothing for the distinguished senator to be worried about. INEC has set July 3, for the public verification of signatures and the date is around the corner; there is no point burning their energies all over the place,” Onyegbule said.

She said the allegation that signatures were collated in government house was “absolutely false, as no single signature was collated there”.

https://www.thecable.ng/melaye-signature-dead-biology-teacher-appeared-recall-list

The Supreme Court on Friday sacked the Senator representing Taraba North Senatorial District , Garba Umar , and the lawmaker representing Vandeikya /Konshisha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives , Mr . Herman Hembe .

In two separate judgments , the apex court ordered the two legislators to refund all the salaries and /or emoluments which they had collected while occupying their respective seats in the National Assembly .

In the lead judgment of a five- man panel headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria , Justice Walter Onnoghen , the apex court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the certificates of return issued to them.

It also ordered INEC to issue fresh certificate of return to Isah Lau to replace Umar as the representative of Taraba North Senatorial District in the senate .
The same panel in the same judgment ordered INEC to issue a fresh certificate of return to Mrs. Dorathy Mato to replace Hembe as the lawmaker representing Vandeikya /Konshisha Federal Constituency.
The court sacked Danladi and Hembe in two separate judgments delivered in appeals marked SC / 583 / 2016 and SC /733 / 2016 by Lau and Mato respectively.

The apex court held that both Danladi of the Peoples Democratic Party and Hembe of the All Progressives Congress were not proper candidates of their parties for the last legislative elections .

The apex court ordered the Senate President to swear in Lau as Danladi ’ s replacement, and that the Speaker or Clerk of the House of Representatives should do so in relation to Mato as replacement for Hembe .

Justice Amina Augie , in the lead judgment of a five- man panel in the appeal by Lau , found that Danladi was not qualified to have been made a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last senatorial election.

Lau , who came second in the primary held on December 11 , 2016 , challenged the announcement of Umar , who was by then sacked as Acting Governor of Taraba State by the Supreme Court , as winner of the primary .

Before judgment could be delivered in the case , the PDP replaced Umar with Danladi after giving the governorship ticket to Darius Ishaku.

Lau pressed on with his case , arguing that the substitution of Umar with Danladi was unlawful because Umar was not a valid candidate in the first place.

Upholding Lau ’ s contention on Friday , Justice Augie held , “ The appellant (Lau ) satisfied conditions and fulfilled all requirements for participating in the 1 st respondent ’ s ( PDP’ s ) primaries for a senate seat. But apparently , the 1 st respondent had better candidates in mind.

“ To this end, I will simply say that from all that I have said so far and with the issues resolved in favour of the appellants , this appeal is allowed and the decision of the court below is therefore set aside . ”

Justice Onnoghen also held that Hembe only defected from PDP to APC on December 16 , 2016 after the primary had been held.

Justice Onnoghen ruled , “ I am satisfied that the plaintiff (appellant ) has proved that the 1 st defendant ( Hembe ) was not a member of the APC as at December 10 when the primary election was held.
“ Accordingly , he was not qualified to contest the said primary election as he was still a member of the PDP.

In view of the above position and the fact that only the plaintiff /appellant and Hembe were the candidates , who contested the Vandeikya /Knoshsha Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, I enter judgment for the plaintiff /appellant . ”

http://punchng.com/scourt-sacks-taraba-senator-reps-member-hembe/

ScotsReferendum:
Don't be clever by half

Igbos in SS Benue and SE will vote

NigerDeltans will also vote



As for the result, you and I know that Nigeria is an oppressive state and definitely my people will opt for freedom

You didn't answer the questions in anyway.
Let me move on. Say there's a referendum and the verdict is in support of Biafra. I will be happy myself.
In another case let's imagine its not and the country must divide by force and there is widespread chaos and killing which is inevitable.
My question: have you ever been haunted before? Have you ever been running for your life from secret cult group or any other set to kill you.
What is the clear cut agenda/framework for Biafra?
Should we jump into the unknown like the foolish Nigerians that refused advice and jumped into Buhari's agenda?
Biafra has not crystalized, else I will be one of the most vocal. What is termed Nigeria today existed as 3 countries. If it must return so, I support, but a structured state.

Jesus!!!
The heart of man is indeed desperately wicked.
Damn.
...and why do ugly people do terrible things?

ElizaVeta:
Good Morning,

I would like to know what it takes to open a bank account with business name in Nigeria.

For example :
Bank Name : Coded Brains Int'l

Thanks.

Now if the business is registered as Ventures, you require all the docs. listed above, except Form C07 & C02, company seal is not required and for some banks a board resolution isn't necessary.
This is standard compliance requirements.

ElizaVeta:
Godn h Morning,

I would like to know what it takes to open a bank account with business name in Nigeria.

For example :
Bank Name : Coded Brains Int'l

Thanks.

If the business is registered as a LLC, you'll need the folowing:
Cert. of Incorporation, Form C07 & C02, Memo of Understanding/Article of Association, Board resolution. You'll need need to fill the form and get 2 Corporate Account reference from any bank. Remember a company seal is required when filling form for account opening of a Limited Liability Company. There a different categories of corporate account. Sticking with a classic corporate is best if you don't understand T&Cs of other categories. That's where you get unwanted/hidden charges.

That is how the Ijaws choose and give legitimacy to their leader. Good for him, depending on the group. Ijaw too get groups.

ScotsReferendum:
Punch newspaper an arm of Afonja propaganda machine


Is it the white men who told you guys to marginalize the Igbos

Is it the white men that told you guys to negate the SE region

...and who knows.
What if a referendum is held and the S.E vote like the Scots?
What are we to expect then?
In your opinion what should be done?

Those “wise ones” who had authoritatively “decreed” the disintegration of Nigeria must be laughing quietly at current developments – the banter of insults between ethnic nationalities. The disintegration of Nigeria is what they are wishing for, the collapse of the possibility of a predominantly black nation ranking among the important nations of the world. Remember, they have always believed themselves to be members of the superior race who cunningly enslaved our peoples, as well as colonised “inferior” nations.

When Nigeria fought a civil war between 1967 and 1970, the rest of the world was not looking at our nation from the prism of future greatness. On the other hand, the young African nation was still perceived as the burden of the British, the erstwhile colonial masters who played a major role in ensuring that Nigeria remained one nation. Were there to be another senseless war today, there is bound to be a u-turn. External influences will conspire to partition Nigeria into very small and somehow subdued nations!

I take the position, even when it could be unpopular, that the amalgamation of Nigeria should not continuously be visited as the problem. Any nation that would play an important role in world politics must have among other indices of national power and prestige, the compliments of size and population. A nation can only expand by merging with adjoining territories, and not with some distant cousins. If the British had not created a massive nation for us, visionary Nigerian leaders should have attempted it.

There would have been no space in America for those rushing daily “to deliver their babies”, if that important world nation had got no space for others, if it had remained the 13 confederal states it was at independence.

The problem with Nigeria has been principally that of leadership, a thesis competently articulated by the immortal Chinua Achebe in his book, “The Trouble with Nigeria.” Our nation has had a great misfortune with a string of post-independence purposeless leaders, more ethnic than national in their orientations. The military ones have been ordinary in the art of managing a plural society. The immediate reminder that the civil war of 1967-70 had not concluded matters came in April 1990 when an attempted coup challenged the very essence of our nation, with the coup leaders announcing a temporary expulsion of some key states of the north from the Nigerian federation. Crude military leadership of General Sani Abacha would later give rise to quite a number of disruptive ethnic militias in the late 1990s.

But I would like to say that it has not been all gloom for our nation. We have had uninterrupted civil rule since 1999, and the general mood is that the nation will not trade that development for any opportunistic military intervention. We have, during this period, had two elected presidents from each of the major divides – north and south. If one must be brutally honest, the system has not been as hegemonic as it previously was. It must continue to be emphasised that no component unit is superior to the other, regardless of selfish assumptions. Henceforth, our preoccupation should be to get true democrats into democratic politics while limiting the space for opportunistic politicians. Of course, democracy cannot fully deliver its dividends if the larger electorate remain docile participants. Opportunistic politicians cannot be bothered if the nation was brought to its knees; everything is about their selfish objectives.

By the way, there have been allegations or insinuations that the agitation for Biafra by the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was sponsored by disgruntled politicians. Coming into existence soon after the 2015 elections, with crooks and rascals who had embezzled public money turning it into an anti-Buhari movement, such allegations or insinuations could hardly have been over-exaggerated.

Whatever the case, it would be sad if Nigerians born after the civil war were to misguidedly lead us into another war and end the dreams of our founding fathers.

The unending agitation for the break-up of Nigeria by pro-Biafra elements, and the tirade of ethnically-directed insults and abuses that go with it, must have propelled the so-called coalition of northern youths to issue a “quit notice” to their Igbo compatriots in the north. They said the Igbo should quit the north latest by the 1st of October, or be evicted. They also ordered northerners resident in Igbo territories to reciprocate the ultimatum. I assume the quit notice to be a way of calling the bluff of pro-Biafra agitators, more or less reminding the Igbo of the enormity of their physical and material presence in the north. It is somehow commendable that sensible leaders have come out to condemn that threat, but it must not only be when selfish interests are threatened that genuine leaders speak for unity and peaceful co-existence in the polity.

Not unexpectedly, the quit notice has had a bandwagon effect of some sort. Some ethnic nationalists and jingoists have seized upon it to issue directives of their own, and this reminds one of that important warning by the great Edwin Madunagu of the danger of intelligent men and women remaining on the sidelines while extremists take to the centre stage. Those in positions of authority must now wake up to their responsibilities and accept that discussions about the future of society are a subject of consistent and paramount importance. We must not pretend that all is well when they are not.

Nigeria has the potential to be great; the component units are a lot more interdependent than many can imagine or would want to admit. There are challenges we must collectively and patriotically seek to resolve.

Boko Haramism, kidnapping, herdsmen nuisance, ritual murders, robbery and corruption, are major problems that transcend ethnic and religious boundaries. They are problems that can only be resolved by the collective will of Nigerians and a leadership that is both purposeful and patriotic.

http://punchng.com/short-sightedness-in-separatist-agitation/

fowosh:
nonsense upon nonsense, confused country with confused citizens, if u guys don't come out to vote, votes will still b gotten from each poll unit. aw it WL happen, everyone don't understand

Hmmm....
Did you follow the "May 30 sit at home" order?
It started like a rumour until it crystalized. That how things play out. There's still ample time to perfect this. That's how people/governments test popularity and policies.
...and it may just snowball into a South East agenda before that time.
And also note that the credibility/acceptance of an election is also hinged on participation and turnout.
They know this.

The disintegration of this country is inevitable.
Is it the solution to our problems? Maybe not.
Our problem may not be diversity but illiteracy, for which, truth be told, the North contributes the most.
Corruption is another one, for this we are all partakers.
When political offices are made unattractive. When selfless service replace this show of pomp, arrogance, ethnic affinity and all. Then we are a step there.
India is more diverse than Nigeria. How come thy thrive as one country? Orientation is key to success.

A boy once said to me that given the chance that we lift every Nigerian and place in the United States and lift Americans and place in Nigeria. The US will begin to deteriorate fast, while Nigeria will begin to develop. He linked this with the psyche of the people on collective responsibility.
Nigerians have never seen themselves as all for one. No well written speech can keep it so forever.

Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), warned on Wednesday that the governorship election in Anambra may not hold if the Federal Government fails to recognise the Republic of Biafra.


He also said his members and other eligible voters in Anambra State would boycott the state gubernatorial election slated for November if the Federal Government fails to hold referendum before the election.

Kanu, who spoke at his father’s palace in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, added that people of South East and other under the old Eastern Region would not participate in the 2019 general election if the government ignores the demand for referendum.
He also faulted his exclusion from the ongoing stakeholders meeting in Aso Rock, saying he would not relent in his agitation for Biafra.

The IPOB leader said: “Nigerian government should build as many prisons as possible to jail all Biafrans because there is no going back and we are ready to go there (prisons) unless the Federal Government gives us Biafra.

“We are starting with Anambra come November this year. There will be no governorship election in Anambra State. In 2019, the whole of Biafra land will not vote for any president. There will be no senator, there will be no House of Reps, there will be no House of Assembly and there will be no councillorship elections in Biafra land if they (Federal Government) fail to call for a referendum.”

He urged his members to remain steadfast and calm as Biafra remains their only hope.

“We are not like any other people. People like us don’t come twice. That’s why I know that with the last breath in this very body that Biafra will be restored. There’s nothing anybody can do about it. Tell them that’s what I said. Nobody on this earth can stop Biafra,” he added.

http://independent.ng/biafra-will-no-guber-poll-anambra-kanu-vows/

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has declared his interest to contest for the presidency in the 2019 presidential election, claiming the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has failed Nigerians.

He stated this on Wednesday while speaking in a pro-Fayose rally to signal the continuity agenda of Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2018 governorship election in the state.

Fayose started the rally from his campaign office named Oshoko political institute inside the government house. He addressed the crowd after launching the office.

He said: “We are holding this rally to show the opposition that the people of Ekiti are on our side. The era of rigging and money bag politics is gone. We have defeated them in June 2014 but they said it was the military that won the election.

“The seat of power in Aso-Rock, will change from APC to PDP in 2019. Today we are celebrating the victory of light over darkness in June 21, 2014. On that day, the power of the people prevails over those of them in power. You spoke in one voice and had me elected to turn around your fortunes. Today, you are living witnesses to the difference in our government.”

Taking a critical swipe at the APC led President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Fayose described the FG as anti-Ekiti, accusing it of budgeting no project for the state in the 2017 appropriation law.

He said, the people of the state will revolt against the APC during the 2018 governorship poll slated for 2018 because of his poor performance in government and its insensitivity to the plights of Ekiti populace.

He also accused the FG of sweeping under the carpet, the panel set up to try many of the APC’s cronies. He was referring to the one constituted to probe the suspended Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Babachir David Lawal over allegation of mult-imillion contract relating to the welfare of the Internally Displaced People of the Northeast.

Today, I am here to appreciate all of you and remind you that they said that the 16-0 of 2014 of was photochromic and later militarized election. This time, they are the owners of INEC, Army, Police, Civil Defense, DSS and others; we should make it expressly clear that despite these machineries in their hands, we can defeat them like we did in 2014, if not more,” he said.

He assured that he will leave no stone unturned to make Ekiti a better place for all, adding that; “Also, by the grace of God, I will not leave this state a debtor of salary.”

The governor urged Nigerians as well as the international community to pay greater attention to Ekiti State in regard to activities before, during and after the 2018 governorship election, saying; “The 2018 election in Ekiti is one election that everyone should be interested. The whole world should monitor events before, during and after the election and let whoever that will win the election win in a free and fair atmosphere.”

He said; “Currently, I am in court to seek redress for the coup-de-tat of 2006 by the declaration of State of Emergency by the civilian junta of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. It is my belief that the court that granted me the relief that the impeachment was a nullity will equally restore justice by establishing the fact that I deserve another tenure.

“Nevertheless, whether the continuity is by Ayo Fayose or any member of his political family, it is still continuity, which I have asked you to support.”
Berating the APC, Governor Fayose said: “Those who trade in lies and propaganda daily are in control of the federal government and as at today, is there anything that they have done for us here in Ekiti? The answer is No!

“We have a representative in the federal executive council and we have someone who is working with the Acting President. But they are self-seekers who do not believe in the Ekiti project. They were the people, who during their four years reign here plunged our state into debt and destroyed the economy of the State. They made our State to be indebted till year 2036 by their maladministration.

“Two Years in office, they cannot point to a single benefit derived from their government by Ekiti State.
“We are therefore saying never again to these looters, financial devourers and enemies of our State who only believe in themselves and not in the progress of our State.”

He said Nigerians should note that since he took over the mantle of leadership of Ekiti state, no politically motivated attack or violence had been witnessed and no life had been lost to political violence in Ekiti state.
“I wish to state that as we approach the 2018 election, this continuity that seeks will not be at the expense of the blood of any Ekiti person,” he said.
“If I have my way, I will call for an election today for Nigerians and the international community to see that anytime, any day, APC will be roundly defeated here,” he said further.

Going down memory lane, the governor said; “Today marks the third year anniversary as my election. You will recall that I was recalled by what can be likened to a civilian coup-de-tat on October 16, 2006. But on this day, June 21, 2014, you overwhelmingly re-elected me as your governor.

“Despite the fact the incumbent governor then, Dr Kayode Fayemi accepted defeat and congratulated me for winning the election, he later reneged, having been prevailed upon and deceived by a few who obviously could not comprehend their loss of power in the State.
“However, the sacred mandate of the people of Ekiti could not be snatched in spite of the strategy of the wicked who attempted what has never been done in the political history of Nigeria by trying to prevent me from being sworn-in.

“To the glory of God, I was sworn-in and again, in their dubious manner, they attempted to take the mandate through the backdoor by plotting my impeachment even when I had not spent one month in office.
I thank Ekiti people for resisting another civilian coup in the State even at the risk of their lives.
“Today, despite the way and manner they wrecked the economy of the State; we have been able to chart a new path for the development of our state. This can be seen in the physical developments witnessed in the State since we assumed office.

“Ekiti people can all see the flyover bridge ongoing in Ado-Ekiti, the dualised Awedele-Basiri road, Onala-Opopogbooro-Afao road, the dualised roads in most of the Local Government areas, the ongoing OjaOba Market in Ado Ekiti, the ongoing Adebayo-Ori Apata-Nova road, the Ado-Ikere road, most federal roads that have been rehabilitated especially the Ita Awure-Erio-Aramoko-Igede-Iyin-Ado road and the transformation of the Ewi’s palace among others.
Today, Ekiti State has regained its lost glory in Education by coming first in the NECO.

“We want to assure you that we will leave no stone unturned to make Ekiti a better place for all. Also, by the grace of God, I will not leave this state a debtor of salary.
“They thought by now that this government would have failed. But by your support, we have gotten this far, by His grace.
“I want to appeal to all of you to take a cue from what is happening in a number state where they have made succession possible, which has translated to meaningful developments.

“If you recalled, I told you that I will come back despite the circumstances of my removal then. With your support, I returned to office, making me the first Ekiti person to win election as governor and defeat incumbents twice.
“Like I said to you, if we all stay together, in another four years after my tenure; we will make Ekiti better than it is now.”

He called for restructuring of Nigeria, saying; “No peace without justice and the agitation across the country will continue unless there is justice, equity and fairness.”

http://tribuneonlineng.com/2019-fayose-declares-presidency-says-buhari-failed-nigerians/

Finally. Its long overdue. Let's get rid of obsolete laws please. Well done to them.

DESPITE our desire to “pray our problems away” in Nigeria, until we accept to take concrete action in regards to certain issues, we will continue to fall short of our hopes and expectations of progress. Many proverbs around the world exemplify the need to accompany prayer with labour and perseverance, such as “trust in God but tie your camel” or the Biblical: “He who works his land will have food but he who chases fantasies lacks judgement” (Proverbs 12:11) and “Indeed Allah will not change the conditions of a population until they change what is in themselves” (Quran 13:11).

Not only do we in Nigeria chase fantasies and expect manna to drop from heaven and refuse to see (or act upon) our collective faults, we have whole heartedly embraced dubious characters as the taste makers and influencers of our society. They sit on the front pews in church, no matter what the allegations stacked against them are, they are invited to seminars and conferences to proffer solutions to socio-economic problems they create and are on the covers of magazines despite having never worked an honest day in their lives. Evans’ picture could have been included in any of the popular Sunday magazines in Nigeria. His son or daughter’s graduation could have aired on television. This is how empty and decrepit, devoid of meaning our media has become. He might have been given a chieftaincy title in his village and the pictures could have appeared everywhere, including social media. This is how empty our traditional institutions, meant to recognise truly successful and productive individuals, have become.

Evans might even have run for governor or senator at some point, had he not been caught and this for me is the most horrifying part of the story. There are already so many “Evans’s” in Nigerian politics. Men and women of unexplained wealth who are rumoured to have made their money in the most dubious of circumstances. Why are we surprised that they don’t pursue power in order to make a difference in our lives but rather to enrich themselves further? People would have voted for Evans, encouraged by his hand-outs, silenced into submission. They would even have held placards in his defence, even if audio tapes featuring him describing his misdeeds surfaced or if the EFCC arrested him and charged him to court. Some people would talk about his human rights being infringed even if there was proof that he had bribed the court to obtain freedom.

So, a man who started out as a kidnapper would suddenly become blameless, a good Christian, etc., by virtue of joining politics and “sharing” money with a few loud mouths with the clout to defend him while he would have continued to hurt the masses. Evans could have embezzled his state’s budget, or been caught doing so and some people would still say “we are marginalised. We need Evans to get into power at the federal level”, forgetting that he (or those like him) are the true cause of marginalisation and poverty rather than ethnicity. The political Evans’s rob their states blind yet always find people to excuse their behaviour, even when they bribe judges and buy elections. It’s a pathetic situation, one where the same group of people prospers and profits while ironically, those who should hate the Evans’s of this world, are the first to hail him.

This is why when the Evans story broke and he was called a “genius” I was saddened but not surprised. Our misuse of the term “genius” itself is telling. A genius is a brilliant mind, someone to be copied, a person whose “flair” for business, for example, is admired, or whose artistic gifts are being praised. It is a supreme irony to claim that anyone has a knack for kidnapping, which is what calling Evans a genius means. Is kidnapping now an occupation on the same level of comparison as journalist, doctor or teacher?

There cannot (or should not), by definition, by virtue of basic decency and respect for those lives Evans has traumatised, be any “genius” or outstanding ability associated with the idea of kidnapping because it is neither a vocation nor a craft with a measurable, appreciable or praise-worthy skill set given that it is illegal (not to talk of immoral) to hold anyone against their will in exchange for a ransom. No one is born a kidnapper, unlike being born with the talents of a journalist, artist etc. One can’t say “Genius billionaire kidnapper” the same way one would say “genius billionaire entrepreneur!” without acknowledging the folly of the system that birthed such a senseless thought process. At least not in a society which hopes to function normally.

I’ve been embarrassed by questions from expatriates following the story. How does such a man extorting huge sums in foreign currency just casually live in an affluent suburb known to all, they asked. It wouldn’t be possible in the United States, the United Kingdom or other such countries.

How could he have been donating to charities and lavishly participating in the life of his community, giving gifts, tithes etc., without questions being asked as to the source of his funds? First of all, in most countries, anyone who carries cash above a certain amount is a suspect.

Critical thinking

But in a country where billions of Naira sit in apartments or sewers, I suppose we have lost the ability to be shocked by such, and more notably, greed makes us accept any and everything without question. Why is money the only acceptable form of success in Nigeria? What happened to intellectualism and critical thinking? What happened to asking questions, digging deep and questioning the status quo?

The military has a lot to answer for. They destroyed our universities, sent many of our intellectuals abroad and made Nigerians afraid to think. This is perhaps their greatest legacy. Evans and the landlords or warlords of the Nigerian political system are the military’s gift: they normalise crime. It’s largely the fault of military rule if today anything goes in Nigeria but when do we begin to do something about it? The tragedy here is that Evans himself is a victim of the system. No one dreams of becoming a kidnapper; the system and its lack of opportunity turns many youths into criminals who grow in confidence and daring, till they eventually join the ultimate gang of kidnappers, the Nigerian political elite, first as a tout or junior officer till they call the shots themselves. When we’re done “ooing” and “aahing” over Evans’ riches, when we’re done defending the same politicians and former Evans’s holding us back, then we’ll have a country again.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/evans-kidnappers-nigerias-values/

Ha!!!! Just after cerebrating gold medal.

BiafraBushBoy:
He should be released... and given to the streets for Jungle Justice!!

No o...
Those people that carry out that jungle justice act are 80% likely criminals or terrorist. It takes more than a wicked heart to lynch a human. When you give them human, it helps them perfects their acts and see it as nothing.

oake:
Who are the Nigerians? Because everyone Nigerian I have come across, wants nothing but justice for the numerous victims whose properties and lives were lost and destroyed

Good. But you can see how some ordinary citizen, maybe an insignificant number, can try to stand in the way of justice and show irritable empathy for criminals. Its not new in Nigeria?
#VeryDisturbing

There was uproar on the social media sphere after some Nigerians launched a campaign to clamour for the release of notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, alias Evans.

Creating a hashtag #FreeEvans, the movement has since gathered momentum as many people are calling on the police to release the suspect they arrested on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Championed by Evans’ wife, Uche, the campaign for his release was based on the premise that if he is released, he will help the police in cracking other high profile cases.

According to their reasoning, Evans should not be jailed while some corrupt politicians who have been accused of embezzling funds are still walking around free.

As at Saturday, the hashtag had garnered over 51,000 tweets and retweets, while the figure skyrocketed to about 70,000 Tuesday and however shocking it might be, has since clinched the third position on the trends list in Nigeria.

From the absurd tweets to the absolutely ridiculous ones, the hashtag #FreeEvans has definitely set the Twitter sphere ablaze for three days in a row and from the look of things, will not be abating anytime soon.

According to one Idowu Bello Johnson, “Is he (Evans) worse than most politicians who have been killing and wasting lives of both opponent and masses during elections for political office?”

The first tweet that launched the hashtag came from one @carxsan, who wrote, “Are you sure this Evans story was not created to distract us about the whereabouts of Buhari?

“Evans deserves a second chance, Buhari already has his second chance. The hashtag is not rodiculous. #FreeEvans.

“I am sure those be offended already forgave him long before now. Forgiveness is a favour you do yourself. #FreeEvans.”

Abiola Kazeem wrote, “If we could be as mad at our thieving leaders as we are at Evans, we would be on our way to fixing Nigeria.”

However loud the voices of those clamouring for his release were, those baying for his blood kept drowning it.

Of those against the clamour for his release was one Ogbeni Dipo, who was one of the most vocal about his exasperation about the movement, especially those who said Evans’ arrest was an ethnic vendetta against the Igbo tribe.

He said: “We live in a country where some are beginning to feel sympathy for Evans the kidnapper. All of you are mad. Kidnappers deserve no mercy.
“#FreeEvans? Free someone that killed citizens, police officers and destroyed families? Your family members might be next. Continue. If you want your life to be unfortunate, please turn this Evans kidnapping to ethnic issue.”

Rights activist, Debo Adeniran, said: “All those who made it possible for Evans to escape justice for so long and those hiding behind professional calling or activism to seek a cut of proceeds of crime should be treated as accomplices!”

According to Japheth Omojuwa, a social entrepreneur, the Evans media machine is running on the canvas of mercy using the wife and children as the cross of mercy.

Twitter user @ayourb said: “This Evans new tactics is baffling, but seeing PR agents working to free a man who might harm them tomorrow if freed, is truly very scary.

“Something is definitely wrong with us. Kidnapping and armed robbery are heinous vices we all hate but suddenly some want mercy for a kingpin?
“If Lawrence Anini were alive today and caught I swear some idiots would come out to beg for him. We seem to have lost every sense of decency and shame.
“Little wonder crime is getting worse in our society seems we now celebrate wealth. See known yahoo boys flexing yet we all turn blind eye.”

Addressing the suspect’s wife who began the plea for his release, he said: “When your wicked husband was making other families cry, destroying lives and livelihoods you were living large on his proceed of crime weren’t you?”

Tweeting from @ebuka_akara, another Twitter user said: “Which one is ‘Free Evans’? So you mean he hasn’t been hanged or electrocuted by now? Nigeria is not a sane country.”

Feeling a need to remind those clamouring for his release on Evans’ ruthless streak, Mina Nnajwa said: “Evans charged a family an extra $1m for being rude to him. Let that sink in.”

Also, one Nonso Ani said: “Everybody partaking in #freeevans may kidnappers locate you. Evans destroyed families in Festac. My goodness.”

There were yet others like Nedu Ekeke, who bayed for Evans’ blood. He said: “Evans should be executed publicly. I, Chinedu Ekeke, typed these words myself.”
He was supported by one Osaro Ikhimwim, who said: “It will serve as an example to those who are negatively motivated by this story.”

Chima Obinwa who went for the jugular said: “Quick execution will be too easy. His eyelash should all be plucked, his fingers and toes burnt.”

Evans, who was arrested alongside six of his gang members, has kidnapped several people with ransom for their release running into millions of naira and dollars.

EVANS, WHO WAS NABBED BY A COMBINED TEAM OF POLICE OFFICERS AND MEN FROM THE INTELLIGENCE RESPONSE TEAM (IRT) AND THE TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT (TIU) AT HIS PRIVATE RESIDENCE IN MAGODO, LAGOS, ON JUNE 10, WAS DESCRIBED BY THE POLICE AS A VERY INTELLIGENT SUSPECT.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GANG THAT WERE ALSO ARRESTED AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS INCLUDE FELIX CHINEMEREM, 36, FROM AROCHUKWU IN OHAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE, AND NWOSU CHIKODI CHUKWUMA, AKA SUDO, 42, AND IS SAID TO HAVE OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ARMED ROBBERY AND ABOUT EIGHT YEARS EXPERIENCE IN KIDNAPPING.

OTHER ARRESTED MEMBERS OF THE GANG ARE UCHECHUKWU AMADI FROM ANAMBRA STATE WHO THE POLICE DESCRIBED AS THE HEAD OF EVANS’ DETENTION CAMP, A FEMALE, OGECHI AMADI, SAID TO BE THE WOMAN THAT RENTED THE HOUSE AND COOKS FOR THE KIDNAPPERS AND THEIR VICTIMS IN THE CAMP.

THE REST ARE SUOYO PAUL, AKA NWANA, 42, A NATIVE OF BAYELSA STATE, AND IS SAID TO BE THE ONE SUPPLYING THE GANG WITH RIFLES AND AMMUNITION, WHILE IKENNA EMEKA, 28, FROM ANAMBRA STATE, SAID HE PARTICIPATED IN FOUR KIDNAPPINGS IN FESTAC TOWN WITH EVANS BEFORE EVANS SACKED HIM FROM THE GANG FOR STEALING AN EXPENSIVE WRIST WATCH AND A RING FROM A VICTIM WITHOUT INFORMING HIM.

Source:
http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/06/20/uproar-as-nigerians-demand-release-of-notorious-kidnapper-evans/

September 10, 2009. We were playing with my uncle's pump action and revolver while he was out of town as usual. The pump action was not loaded. We never dare that. But for the revolver we could handle that. I know how to play Russian Roulette, so I put the first bullet in the chamber just after the one the hammer would hit when I pull the trigger. I could pull the trigger 4 times and stop. My cousin (21) and brother (22) were not understanding but just excited. I pushed the safety forward to let the cylinder fall to the left I showed them it was left one pull and the gun would fire. I removed the bullet, placed it again and wanted to repeat the trick when I heard my brother playing with the pump action gun. I dropped the revolver to take that one from him, my cousin immediately picked the revolver and was squeezing the trigger recklessly with the gun pointed at me. It took me a while and the Grace of God for my senses to realize something was going on behind my back. I immediately turned and jumped at him. I was frantic. One more and another and I was gone.
I blow blow the guy ehn...
I never for get that incident.

Nemesis caught up with a rapist, Bishir Yau, 30, as his manhood was cut off by his victim, a 14-year-old girl (names withheld), in Katsina State.

The incident was said to have occurred in Kankara Local Government Area of the state, when Yau allegedly lured the girl, who resides in the same compound, with him into a nearby uncompleted building, and “forcefully had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.”

It was, however, gathered that while struggling to rescue herself, the teenage girl reportedly slashed off the attacker’s manhood with a razor blade.

The attacker, Yau, was arraigned before a Katsina senior magistrate court over rape, contrary to Section 283 of Penal Code.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Kabir Mohammed, told the court, yesterday, that Bishir Yau sometime last month allegedly lured the victim, who resides in the same house with him, into a nearby uncompleted building, and “forcefully had unlawful sexual intercourse with her.”

The police, through the First Information Report with number KT/741X/17, read in court to Bishir’s hearing, added “on struggling to get herself free from him, she (the victim) brought out a razor blade and cut his penis.”

Police prosecutor told the court, “it is a case of rape for mention,” before pleading that the case be adjourned to another date for mention. He said that investigation was still in progress.

Hajiya Fadile Dikko of the magistrate court adjourned the case to July 19 for mention, directing that Bishir be reman-ded in police custody till then.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/14-yr-old-rape-victim-slashes-off-attackers-manhood-katsina/

No fewer than 188, 588 voters, representing 52.3 per cent of the total number of registered voters in Kogi West senatorial district have approved the recall of Sen. Dino Melaye from the senate.

The Special Adviser to the state governor on Political Affairs, Mr Pius Kolawole announced this yesterday in Lokoja while addressing party members from the district.

He said that the collation of signatures of voters to that effect was carried out successfully on June 17.

Kolawole commended voters in the district for turning out en masse for the exercise, saying that Section 69 of the 1999 constitution backed their action.
“In 2015, we voted for Dino and now we are using the same method to return him home,” he said.

Announcing the result of the collation, the Returning Officer, Mr. Adamu Yusuf said that 188, 588 out of the 360,098 in the senatorial district endorsed Melaye’s recall.

While giving the breakdown of the result in the seven local governments in the district, Yusuf said that 18, 374 of the total number of 35,331 registered voters in Yagba East approved the recall.

Others are 9, 186, out of 18,356 voters in Mopa-Muro local government, 24, 703 out of 46, 810 voters in Yagba West, 63,736 out of 116,296 in Lokoja local government and 24,283 out of 46,819 in Ijumu local government.

In Kabba/Bunu local government, 28,277 out of 60, 520 voters endorsed the recall, while 24,703 out of 46,810 voters in Kogi local government voted for move to recall Melaye.

According to Yusuf, with this, the next move is to submit the document to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the next action.

http://leadership.ng/2017/06/20/52-3-voters-kogi-west-endorse-melayes-recall/

I think Nigeria’s moral compass is broken and Parenting has gone to the dogs. Please, do not ask me what happened. I can only guess that the parents are too busy chasing the Nigerian dream of getting rich and beating recession or we have allowed house girls to become the parents and the streets is now the father of children. I honestly do not have an answer to the problems of child rearing in my country. And it is a sad development for the future of Nigeria if our children do not know the right from the wrong and rather than being corrected, we praise them, encourage them and even reward them.

There are currently at least three covers (Copy of an original song) of Davido’s song, “If” that is sung by children. What is wrong with that you say? Not if your moral compass still functions well. The reason is as clear as daylight. The song is one of the most sexually explicit songs to be released in Nigeria and yet children are singing it and their parents are happy.
Either I am too old or these truly are the “last days” foretold in the Bible “when good becomes bad and bad becomes good”. One of the children who sang the song is actually five years old, a boy called Utibe and people are celebrating him as a future star and urging Davido to reward him; a request the singer has accepted.

When did we get this low as a nation? A five-year-old singing about rough sex that borders on rape and we think it is good? What is wrong with people? Social media has made Nigerians take leave of their senses to the point that we abandon our moral values for cheap fame. Hard work no longer pays. It is all about making it. No, this is not the ranting of an old man; it is the hard truth of a concerned citizen who fears for the future.

Let us examine the lyrics of the song and hopefully, that will help. Davido starts by saying if he tells a girl he loves her, his body (sex, what else?) and his money now belong to the girl. He goes on to be more explicit when he says “I go do you shukushuku.” Now, to this point, what the song has only done is to disrespect women and colour them as cheap objects that can be bought for sex with money.

He follows with “No do garagara for me” (I hope he’s paid royalties to Lagbaja for this line), “No do shakara”, clearly asking the girl not to think or resist. Not exactly rape, but very close. The girl shouldn’t think, just hop into his bed. If a picture speaks a thousand words, then a quick glance at the music video may just be all everyone needs to know that such a song is not what 5-year-olds and children generally should be listening to, talk less of singing and getting rewarded for it. What message are the children getting? That rape is okay? That a woman has no say in a relationship as long as you ply them with money? Is that really how we want our society to be viewed?

From an artistic perspective, there is nothing wrong with any singer spewing expletives (although feminists may have issues with it being directed at women), that is why we have the Censors Board to monitor what goes on radio and other media.

Ever wondered why foreign artistes release three versions of the same song because no one will put a song full of expletive words on radio and not when children can listen to them. What is wrong is that parents not doing their job properly and monitoring what their children are listening to and memorizing. It is the parents who abandon their children to the society and turn them into garbage, a dumping ground for any ideas.

If you stand for nothing, you fall for everything. We must stand for something, our culture stood for something, yes, it stood for the best in parenting.

Musicians are not just now putting sexual lyrics into their songs. Growing up, Dad made sure he listened to I.K. Dairo’s entire album before putting it within reach of we the children. As I grew older, I realised that some of the albums of the music maestro contained sexual lyrics. Modern parents don’t filter, they would rather make their children listen to the song and put it on social media in the hope of a reward. Isn’t that even illegal child labour.

There should be a way of controlling this. I am worried because the family is the base unit of a society. If the government agencies fail, we turn to the families, to the parents to rescue what is left of a broken society. Sadly, it appears the base is beginning to collapse.

https://newtelegraphonline.com/2017/06/cultural-dilemma-parenting/

Uchenna Precious, wife of arrested kidnap kingpin Chikwudubem Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, says her “prayerful” husband reads “Psalm 23 a lot”.

She said he has cancer and neither drinks nor smoke.
In an interview with Vanguard, Precious said her husband’s mobile phone has a reminder set to 12 noon for him to read that part of the Bible.

She said Evans led their daily prayers and has never given money to show off.

Evan’s wife begged the authorities for forgiveness, saying that: “He did not know what he was doing.”
“He reads psalm 23 a lot. Even his phone, he sets alarm for 12 noon to read psalm 23. He took part in our daily prayers in the morning, evening and night. He used to lead us in prayers. We attend Anglican Church. He has never given them money to show off,” she said.

“We used to give N5000 or N10,000 and the highest we have given so far was N50,000 when we baptised one of our children. I am appealing to the powers that be to spare his life (crying), as I speak now, I am kneeling down with my children, crying and begging for forgiveness. Have mercy on us.

“He did not know what came over him. I am ready to come back to Nigeria and plead on his behalf. What I am reading in the news is shocking. Though, I have not heard that he killed anybody but all those he injured or took their money should please forgive him because me and my children.

“They should kindly forgive him, he will repent. God knows I will not be alive and see my husband doing bad thing and keep quiet.”
Precious who described her husband as “a good man”, said all his wealth should be sold and shared among his victims.

“All his wealth should be sold off and given to his victims. Evans is a good man. He takes care of all his relations including the children of the second wife we are suspecting did this to him. He has just two houses in Ghana but I have never seen them,” she said.

“I saw the house on his phone. Since I have been living with him, he has never injured anybody or beat me. He has milk of human kindness in his heart. He has not been harsh or wicked to anybody.

“He always advised us to be prayerful I (starts crying again) and complains bitterly any time I failed to pray. His neighbours also know him as a kind and generous man.

“He has cancer and does not drink alcohol nor smoke anything. I have never seen gun in our house. I don’t know where they got those frightening guns.
“He has never told me he has another house at Igando. Any time he went out, he always called to ask after the children and reassure me that he would be back soon.”

https://www.thecable.ng/husband-cancer-reads-psalm-23-lot-says-wife-notorious-evans