₦airaland Forum

. Says selfish interest responsible for nation’s problem

For meaningful progress to occur in Nigeria, there should be a shift in the dominance of elite in the affairs of the country.

This was the assertion of Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi in Minna, the Niger State capital, yesterday. Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Governors forum was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development (AAIPSDS) in Minna.

Amaechi accused the elite of being responsible for the imbalances in the system for their selfish interest saying they are not contented with what they get and thereby create problems in governance for the nation.

“Their attitude has created a lot of conflicts and crisis due to the series of demands they make on the nation, leading to imbalances in the system”, he said.

“A shift of dominance of the elite in governance will correct the imbalance because the imbalance has created problems and crisis for this nation.”

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/amaechi-condemns-ruling-class/

He also recalled that the creation of states in the nation before was not as a result of the need to spread governance to the grass root areas of the country, but to further the elite’s individual interests.

Veteran politician and prominent northern leader, Alhaji Othman Tofa, has identified sycophantic tendencies among President Goodluck Jonathan’s aides and escalating corruption in the country as the bane of his administration.

Alhaji Tofa, who spoke with Sunday Mirror, said the major defect of the President is the people around him, masquerading as his aides.

According him, “whatever is the defect of Jonathan’s government, the most disturbing one is the people he appointed as his aides, most of whom are incompetent, dishonest, incapable of doing anything right and lacking nationalistic ideals.”

To him, this remains the shortcoming of the President as he does not have “the right kind of team needed by his office to move the country forward”.

The Kano politician and immediate past Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), added that what the President needed to do to redeem the situation was to ensure that wide consultations took place, outside his “kitchen cabinet”, that most of his ministers and advisers only confronted him with those things they believed he would want to hear, while their primary interest in government was to pursue their personal economic interest.

The former presidential candidate on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the controversial June 12, 1993 presidential election, believes strongly that there are capable Nigerians outside the government who can be trusted and have the capabilities of moving this country to greater heights.

He added, “From what I have seen, the people around him today are terrible and are source of his weakness, which he needs to get rid of because anybody in position, no matter how intelligent, if he doesn’t have the right team to work with, he is obviously bound to fail.”

On the issue of corruption, he cautioned leaders against tampering with public funds, saying the moment a leader tampered with public money: “If it’s one kobo, you have not only derailed but lost your gut to sanction your subordinates when they commit similar offence”. Tofa maintained that whoever would emerge Nigeria’s president should be such a person with no interest in public money.

On the issue of merger among some opposition parties, he stated that the success would depend largely on the ability and courage of the leaders to dump their personal ambition.

“They should not overlord people with their ambition; there must be sacrifices by the parties involved and see the issue as one embarked upon to ensure the survival of democracy, rather than opportunity to climb to power, otherwise the party to be so merged will be bedevilled with factions that will take them back to square one.

The political bigwig, who said he was on sabbatical from the ANPP, accused the party leaders of insincerity, which he said caused them some of their stronghold.

“In Kano, we in the ANPP lost to the PDP in the governorship election because of internal sabotage. “We have a lot of hypocrites who are members of the party only within; once in Abuja or somewhere else, they are PDP members; they work relentlessly for the party which employed them to sabotage their own party and they are doing so because of their interest in federal appointments or some kind of favour from the PDP,”, he regrettted.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/jonathan-surrounds-self-with-sycophants-as-aides-tofa/

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, yesterday gave reasons why he sacked his commissioners and special advisers on Wednesday, saying it was to reenergise, refocus, and reposition governance to meet the yearnings of the people.

Fayemi, who said he has been receiving strange messages from concerned people in the aftermath of the dissolution, said his quest to put in place a result-oriented cabinet that would connect the government to the people was the reason for the dissolution of the state executive council.

The governor, who said this during the swearingin of eight new permanent secretaries in Ado Ekiti, allayed fears of some concerned citizens, saying the dissolution was in a bid to take the state to higher heights through putting round pegs in round holes.

Governor Fayemi had, during the weekly executive council meeting on Wednesday, dissolved his cabinet, thanking the commissioners and special advisers for their services to the state in the last two years.

Using the allegory of a football team yesterday, Fayemi said: “In a football match, when you get to half time, it is the onerous responsibility of the coach and the team managers to review the team.

“There are some players who are full strikers and who can score goals. But there are also strikers, who cannot score goals.

“Others score brilliant goals, but lack the stamina to stay till the end of the match, while some cannot score goals, but they have the stamina to play full time. There are those who are put in the wrong positions, so all these must be reviewed to be able to have a government that is connected to the people,” the governor said.

He cautioned the new permanent secretaries against partiality in the discharge of their duties and advised them to operate an open-door policy.

Fayemi, who assured the workers that the era of godfathers helping workers to rise to higher positions, was over and that appointment would henceforth be merit and capacity- based. He advised civil servants in the state to work harder and be more dedicated to their duties.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/why-i-sacked-commissioners-special-advisers-fayemi/

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday received news of the death of a former Chairman of then Nigeria Football Association, Chief Efiom Edem Okon. A mail sent to the NFF stated that Chief Efiom Okon died suddenly on January 1, 2013 in Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom while on holiday. He was aged 88 years.

Okon was Secretary General of then Nigeria Football Association between 1959 and 1961, and was also interim Chairman of the NFA between 1989 and 1990, and substantive Chairman of the body between 1991 and 1992.

He was one of those who worked very hard to sustain the good name of then Nigeria Football Association, and also to ensure that our dear country maintained its enviable reputation in international football.

The late NFA Chairman worked as Chief Personnel Officer of the Nigeria Ports Authority until he retired in 1984, and served as Chief Commissioner of Boys Scouts of Nigeria between 1995 and 2010. He was survived by his wife Evelyn and three daughters.

The NFF told Saturday Mirror that the late Okon will be buried at the Trinity Methodist Church, Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom on February 15.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/former-nfa-chairman-passes-on/

If preventive measure is not taken urgently, the students of University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, may embark on a protest, which may disrupt the academic calendar of the institution.

The looming protest by students will be in reaction against the recent ban, by the university authority, on the use of electric cooking gadgets, including boiling rings and stoves, by students living on campus. National Mirror gathered that the cooking activities of resident students often leads to the high consumption of energy as a result of electric gadgets they use.

It was also gathered that the authority was dissatisfied with the practice because of the ever increasing electricity bill the school settles on monthly basis, with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). As a result of this, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, at a recent stakeholders’ forum, involving management team, student union leaders and other interest groups on campus, announced the ban on cooking in hostels.

It was gathered that the meeting was held in preparation for the commencement of the 2012/2013 academic session due for next week. National Mirror further gathered that students were, however, not happy about the development, although a majority of them are still away on Christmas break. In their recent bulletin, the students stated that they could not afford to patronise the school’s food cafeteria even if the foods are sold at subsidized rate due to the fact that many of them are from financially disadvantaged homes. They said they would prefer to cook by themselves on campus.

To show they really mean business, they have equally adopted another method to express their displeasures over the development, which they also condemn in its entirety. This time around, they are making use of the social media tool-Facebook- entitled: “UI Students Union Facebook Page,” to express their displeasures.

A former students’ leader of the university, Tokunbo Salako, for instance, has, on the Facebook page, insisted that students of the institution would have to carry on with cooking on campus, giving the economic implication of doing otherwise. He explained that, there were six federal universities in the South-West region and while checking out the amount of money students in these schools pay for a bed space on campus, he discovered that UI accommodation fee is among the highest.

Salako continuing: “Federal University, Oye Ekiti, is newly established; for Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, a bed space cost N18,000 and students are allowed to cook in their hostels; at Federal University of Technology, Akure students pay N8,090 and still cooking, at University of Lagos, Akoka, a bed space cost N18,000 and students are cooking; it is N3,090 that students are paying for a bed space in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and they are cooking. Why then we in University of Ibadan that are paying N14, 000 won’t be allowed to cook? We must cook.”

Reacting on Tuesday, the university’s Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole through the institution’s spokesman, Mr. Tunji Oladejo told National Mirror that the university had a better plan for the students. He said from all indications, the school authorities were not considering the increment in accommodation fee, at least, as of now, as students are being speculated.

To prove to students that he meant his words on the matter, the VC asked both new and returning students to disregard any information contrary to the payment of the existing N14, OOO accommodation fee per bed space charged annually. He said although, there was no subvention for students’ accommodation on campus in any of the federal universities in the country, including UI, the institution was, in its magnanimity, subsidising the accommodation fees for students annually.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/ui-students-insist-on-cooking-in-hostels/

A one-time gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPA) in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, yesterday said Nigeria will only achieve national transformation through effective leadership.

He stated this while speaking at the 1st anniversary and inaugural lecture of the January 9th Collective (J9C), an amalgalm of non-partisan collection of professionals, committed to the Nigerian Project.

In a lecture titled: “Elite, Leadership and National Transformation,” Agbaje stressed the need for “Nigerians to transform from a people only interested in sharing the national cake to those interested in baking a larger national cake.”

He called for the development of sense of accountability among public employees and political office holders as well as more investment on education if the country is to achieve the Vision 20-2020 goals.

His words: “Nigeria needs effective leadership as transformational leadership involves inspiring the led through positive examples,” admonishing the elites not to shy away from politics.

“Progressive national transformation cannot occur unless the elites get involved in politics because Nigeria is crying for leaders, who model integrity, excellence and responsibility; who will perform and leave legendary impact instead of excuses,” he said.

Decrying the country’s falling standard of education; Agabje noted that a larger percentage of the country’s population is not contributing to the national wealth because the education system is in shambles.

“The system in our educational sector and all others sectors of our national life is not meant to bring out the best, but mediocres. To bring about any envisaged transformation, education and moral values must be emphasised on,” Agbaje said.

Making reference to countries like Indonesia that were at a time, at the same level of political and economic development with Nigeria, Agbaje said: “Nigeria has not been able to get it right like the Asian Tigers because of her inability to harness the energies of the elites and average citizens for a common goal.”

Also speaking, the chairman of the event and member representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ossai Nicholas Ossai, stressed the need for Nigerians to continue to fight for the positive transformation of the country.

He said the nation is yet to explore its potential because most of its leaders lack what it takes to steer the ship of state, as “national transformation is an uphill task, which must tackle corruption, ensure security of lives and property and create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”

According to Ossai, effective leadership remains the basic tool for national transformation. “Nigeria has not got to its destination because some of our leaders lack what it takes to achieve the set goals of the country.” Leadership should have listening ear to the people’s needs and desires,” he said.

On the need to hold public officials accountable, Osai said: “Nigerians should beam their searchlight on the oil sector where unprecedented corruption has robbed us off our commonwealth.”

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/effective-leadership-key-to-national-transformation-says-agbaje/

Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) have threatened to sever relations with the Church of England over its decision to consider for the episcopacy “homosexual clergy in civil partnerships.”

Berating their Church of England counterparts over the decision by the House of Bishops of the Church of England, the Bishops of the Church of Nigeria, BCN, described it as “one step removed from the moral precipice that we have already witnessed in The Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada.”

Saying that they received the news with dismay, the Bishops at their annual retreat at the Ibru Centre, Agbarha Otor, Delta State, in a statement by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said that they were grieved by the timing of the decision, coming days before the retirement of Archbishop Rowan Williams and just before Dr. Justin Welby becomes the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

The BCN said that failure of the Church of England to exercise its legal and moral right to opt out of the civil partnerships legislation in 2005 and its ignoring the timely warning contained in Resolution 1.10 of the 1998 Lambert Conference, was a first step towards the “recognition and institutionalisation of behaviour.

It added that the stance was contrary to the plain teaching of the scripture, which has shattered “whatever hopes we had for healing and reconciliation within our beloved Communion.

“As a House of Bishops, while we acknowledge that we all fall short of God’s call to holiness; we dare not compromise the clear teaching of our Lord on faithfulness within the Holy Matrimony and chastity outside of it. “Sadly we must also declare that if the Church of England continues in this contrary direction, we must further separate ourselves from it and we are prepared to take the same actions as those prompted by the decisions of The Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada ten years ago.”
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/gay-clergy-nigerian-bishops-to-sever-ties-with-church-of-england

Fayemi Sacks His Cabinet

The Governor of Ekiti State; Dr Kayode Fayemi has dissolved the entire state’s executive council and directed the Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries.

The governor’s decision was made known in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor; Mr. Olayinka Oyebode.

According to the statement, “governor announced the decision to members of the council during Wednesday’s meeting at the Executive Council Chamber; Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.”

The Governor thanked all the executive members for their support for the government in the last two years, adding that the dissolution and the re-constitution that would follow are aimed at revitalising the administration and positioning it for greater performance.

“This is a moment of change and transformation in all that we are doing. This is not a statement about an individual not pulling their weight enough” the governor noted.

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/01/09/amosun-sacks-tasued-vice-chancellor/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused the Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government of a plot to discredit and silence key opposition leaders in the country, especially Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

‘’For the Jonathan-led administration, and not minding its deceptive aloofness from it all, the race for 2015 has started in earnest and it is a do-or-die, and all means foul and unfair are on the table to cripple the opposition, by ensuring that nothing will be left of the integrity of its key leaders even if they are fortunate to make it to 2015

“These opposition leaders are considered as constituting a clear and present danger to the electoral fortunes of the PDP in 2015, hence must be stopped at all costs and by whatever means,”’ ACN said.

The party, in a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the plot is an attempt to frustrate the ongoing plans to form a formidable platform through merger of opposition parties to confront the PDP in 2015 election.

The party said the paranoia over the merger plans has driven the PDP-led government to resort to imprudent and crude tactics aimed at tarnishing the image of key opposition leaders,.

According to Mohammed, “Asiwaju Tinubu is particularly a prime target of these evil machinations, because of his status as the leader of the country’s second biggest party, his progressive credentials as well as his electoral value. As far as the PDP-led government is concerned, getting him out of the way is the best way to ruin the merger plans.”

The party said a huge war chest has been earmarked for the phased camoutpaign, which has already started with a well-oiled media war, being waged especially online, denigrating these leaders.

The party added: “Some key government agencies have also been co-opted to dig up any dirt they hope can be plastered on the targeted leaders, while foreign intelligence agencies have been contacted in a desperate attempt to unearth any information that can be used to discredit and disgrace these major opposition figures thus distracting them from the merger plans.

“Indications are that highly-combustible sectional and religious issues, that are being manipulated by desperate forces to divide and destroy, are not off the table as long as exploiting them can shut down the opposition. Or how else does one interpret a recent PDP statement that President Goodluck Jonathan is being criticised by the opposition because he is from a minority ethnic group?

“And what about the continuous efforts, which have failed so far, to portray a key opposition leader as a sponsor of Boko Haram? His nomination as a ‘facilitator’ of some phantom peace talks was not an accident, but was carefully choreographed to portray him as a religious zealot and terrorist not fit to preside over the affairs of the nation.”

ACN said it will beam its searchlight on the activities of the government concerning the alleged plot against its leaders.

“Those who either conveniently acquiesced or opted to dine with the devil when many progressives took to the trenches during the long, bitter and gruelling battle to enthrone the democracy we are now enjoying apparently do not value it, and will stop at nothing to endanger it on the altar of selfish personal interests and political expediency.

“It is therefore incumbent on all Nigerians, especially those who believe that all hands must be on deck to nurture and strengthen our democracy, to be vigilant. After all, it is said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” the party said.

Several telephone calls and text messages to the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, and Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, to respond to the allegation, were not answered or returned.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/2015-acn-alleges-plot-to-silence-buhari-tinubu/

Former military Head of State and Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, presidential candidate in the 2011 general election, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed doubts that the 2015 general elections will be free and fair.

He also called for resistance to the rigging plot of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, warning that any attempt to tamper with the electoral process would be catastrophic.

Buhari said this yesterday in his country home, in Daura, Katsina State, during the launching of an empowerment scheme programme organised by Senator Hadi Sirika (CPC, Katsina North) for the 12 council areas in the senatorial zone.

Speaking in Hausa, the three-time presidential candidate however called on Nigerians and CPC members to “work at ensuring free and fair elections, but that if some people would not allow for such to happen, then everyone should forget the entire process.”

Buhari warned that failure to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in 2015 could have negative outcomes for everyone, including the ruling PDP.

He said that in 2003, 2007 and 2011, he and his party had gone to court to fight alleged injustices perpetrated by the ruling party which led to the PDP winning the presidential elections.

According to him: “We went to court in 2003, in 2007 and the party went to court in 2011. I want us to be ready that in 2015, you should elect those to represent you and those that would lead you; anyone that tries to come in-between is on his own.”

He alleged that the PDP had cheated him and his party in past elections, especially in Adamawa, Sokoto and Kogi among other states, and that this showed the PDP was not out to ensure fairness in electoral contests.

“You know in 2003 that we went to court, we spent about 30 months in various courts but we were told that we did not win the election. In 2007 it was the same, and in 2011 also.

“The past elections in some states like Kogi, Adamawa, Sokoto and other areas were not free and fair polls.”

Buhari maintained that since PDP would not allow for fairness in elections, Nigerians and CPC members in particular should adopt what electorate did in Igabi, Kaduna State, where they struggled to protect their votes and ensure free and fair election.

He noted that PDP’s actions had confirmed that “they are not ready to ensure fairness; and since they would not ensure fairness, that is why we said, like what people in Igabi did in Kaduna State, when there was to be an election, they readied and worked sweat and blood to protect their votes.

“If you want to have good people that would represent you and lead you, then it is compulsory that you do what Igabi people did. Therefore, I give the order that what is done in Igabi should be copied in all the wards across the country.”

He, however, said that the CPC and many people who hate injustice would work to ensure that what happened in previous elections does not repeat itself in 2015.

The retired general called on CPC members to, “elect competent people that would lead and rule you”, and not corrupt people that are insensitive to the plight of those they rule.

“If, however, you are comfortable with servitude, then go and continue living as servants. I will always work to ensure that schools, hospitals, good roads and other infrastructure are available for you from our party’s public office holders.”

Senator Sirika said that Buhari would contest the 2015 general election despite reports to the contrary.

Sirika said the former Head of State had said he would not contest, but several Nigerians, especially within the CPC, wanted him to do so, and that he and other people with similar interest would work to see that Buhari contests the presidential election.

He said Nigerians were tired of those that could not take the country out of its present poverty, unemployment and state of insecurity and were desirous for a change.

“Such change is what the CPC and Buhari can bring to the country should he become president,” and that Nigerians should not relent in labouring to ensure they “are led by corrupt-free and trust worthy leaders.”

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/2015-buhari-expresses-fears-over-free-fair-polls/

Alhaji Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo, President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is arguably the most visible Niger Delta activist that has openly refused to submit himself to the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme. He has not only proclaimed the programme fraudulent, but insisted on the declaration of an independent Ijaw nation under a renegotiated term through the convocation of Sovereign National Conference. In this interview with the Abuja Bureau Chief, Iseoluwa Ige and Olufemi Adeosun, he speaks on Jonathan presidency, Boko Haram and other national questions. Excerpts:

The actualisation of resource control and self determination are at the heart of your group’s agitations in the last few years. To what extent will you say your group has achieveed these twin demands under President Goodluck Jonathan, who happens to come from that region?

For me, government is not represented by an individual; it is represented by the ground norm. And the ground norm in Nigeria is the Constitution. And as long as the Constitution remains as it is, it cannot engender development because development can only be achieved when there are enabling laws. When you have the Land Use Act, Inland Waterway Act, Petroleum and Pipeline Act, and so many laws that confiscate the resources of the people, the land, the water, it becomes very difficult for an individual to change it. Goodluck Jonathan cannot on his own say this is the law and it becomes law like in some countries where some people would say I am the law. When Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq, he said and he would say I am the law, whatever I write with my hands is the law. Nigerian laws are worse than the Apartheid laws of South Africa before the eventual freedom. That is why we have always demanded for self determination through the peaceful Convocation of the Sovereign National Conference.

In the thick of the agitation for these self determination and resource control, the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrested and charged you to court in Abuja… (Cut in).

I was not only arrested during Obasanjo’s administration, I have been in and out detention, not because I am a rapist, a bunkerer or an armed robber, but because I am an Ijaw man who proclaimed to be and remained an Ijaw man. I have been arrested and interrogated by the men of the State Security Service more than 70 times. I have been in detention more than 40 times. There was a time I always prepared my bag, waiting for them to come. When they come, I pick my bag and follow them not knowing when I would be back. It is not a new thing. The only time I have not been arrested or harassed is during the current administration. When the late Umaru Yar’Adua was in power, it took the intervention of President Medvedev of Russia to bring me out of detention. That was when a question was asked about why an amnesty could be declared and at the same time effect arrest of others at the State House during a joint press conference between Russian President and Yar’Adua in 2009. My offence at that time was that I had the temerity to tell Yar’Adua that the amnesty was fraudulent. That was it, but shortly after then, I fled the country. For 10 months, I was outside the country until I arrived when Jonathan became Acting President. From Babangida to Yar’Adua, I have been detained by the government.

National Mirror was monitoring and covering the case by then, but till now we are yet to ascertain the position of the case in court.

I don’t even know what happened because I had no access to my lawyers and even my doctor. All I knew was that one day SSS officials just came and told me that I had been released and that I should go. I never applied for bail. Of course, I was privy to some surreptitious moves and so on. I never begged. There are people who are alive. The Amayanabo of Nembe, His Royal Majesty, Edmund Madubebe Dakoru, came to me in my cell (at that time, former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva was his SA) came to beg me to change my lawyer and take Afe Babalola(SAN) and then make a bargain to beg Obasanjo. But I told him I would prefer to die in the prison. Also former governor of River State, Mr. Donald Duke, came to beg me, myself and his wife, Onari, attended the same Primary school. He told me there are only living heroes, but I told him that almost all the heroes that I knew were all dead.

He told me that all I needed to regain my freedom was to go tell Baba that ‘I am sorry,’ but I insisted I would do no such a thing. I would never beg Obasanjo to release me from prison. When Obasanjo knew I was not ready to beg, he tried to use some elders to come and talk to me, Chief Edwin Clark, George Alfred Diete -Spiff and several people from Niger Delta. Senator (Uche) Chuckwumerije and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also came, but I stood my ground. I cannot deny the fact that I am not Nigerian. I am an Ijaw man.

If for that I am going to be killed, I am ready to die. So the government granted me bail behind my back. Since I came out, many people have been agitating that I should tell the government to discontinue the case, but I said it with Goodluck Jonathan or anybody? But I know why the government would want to use it as the last card to blackmail me to submission. I don’t give a damn. Last year, many of my mates, relations and friends died. They never knew they were going to die. They had tall dreams. So, how do I know that if I beg today, I will not die tomorrow? It will be very shameful for me. If the government feels it is going to use it, It cannot hold me.

My aspirations and dreams are very clear. I came into this world to be alive, to glorify God and to lift up my people. I cannot come into this world and not contribute to bringing out my people from slavery. And to make sure we become free men and in doing that, I am ready to die because whether I am afraid and run away, death with still catch up with me. Our struggle is very clear; we are not struggling for Niger Delta Ministry or Presidency. We want an independent Ijaw nation with Ijaw people ruling themselves. But this first, should be negotiated. A Hausa man would not force me to live with him. A Fulani man, a stranger who invaded this country some 200 years ago, cannot force me to live with him. A Yoruba man cannot force me to live with him. I have Ibo blood. If I cannot live in Ijaw land, I can go and live in Ibo land. I know my root. But somebody I have no connection with cannot trust me.

During the administrations of former Presidents Obasanjo and Yar’Adua, militancy was on the increase, but now that Jonathan is in power, it appears to have been reduced. Could it be because Jonathan share the same views with you on this self-determination? If he does, would you really say his administration is doing something towards the realisation of the emancipation of Ijaw people?

I don’t think Goddluck Jonathan is going to do anything. We are becoming very impatient. But it will be wrong to fight your own brother. Jonathan is one of us; he is our brother, our blood, our flesh and our bone. You give him the benefit of the doubt and see if he shares the same aspiration with you. But overtime if it is clear he does not share the same aspiration with you, then you say, ‘my brother, e be like say the way you dey waka no be the way we dey do our own o, we wan leave you waka on our own o.’ And it would come to that because people are becoming impatient, they have started asking questions. The Boko Haram people are becoming bolder now.

They think we have been subdued, and this is not what we can take. Our belief is that for us to peacefully live together, we must peacefully re-negotiate the terms of our living together and if Jonathan does not believe in that, then we must ask ourselves question whether we are on the same template. He is our brother, but we cannot sacrifice our freedom for him. When Isaac Boro started, he didn’t know Goodluck Jonathan, when King Jaja of Opobo started, he didn’t know Jonathan, when King Koko Okia of Nembe started, he didn’t know Goodluck Jonathan, when Nana of Itsekiri started, he didn’t know Jonathan.

All the people who started this struggle never knew Jonathan. So, we cannot sacrifice our patriotic struggle for freedom for the sake of one man. We cannot do that. We must re-negotiate the terms and that is why there must be an un-inhibited gathering of the people with sovereign power to negotiate. Nobody can tell us that Nigeria is sacrosanct; it is not. It is a dubious, evil creation of the British for their economic interest and white supremacy.

You cannot put an old wine in a new bottle; it will burst. For us, we have given Jonathan enough time to look at this fundamental issue of freedom. Jonathan became the President not because he was the best, but because of what he represents. When the Gbagi man from Abuja look at him, or a man from Birnin Kudu look at him, he sees in Jonathan his own image and picture – the image of the deprived , oppressed people who have been put under the jack-boot of the “Born to Rule Project.”

It is the same thing with the Biron and Ogoni men. How can Jonathan stand shoulder to shoulder with former military President Ibrahim Babangida, it is not possible. It is the collective strength of the deprived people that said no to enslavement that brought Jonathan to power. If today, having climbed up, he pushes down the ladder, we will be waiting for him when he comes down.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/33597/

Obafemi Martins impregnates Balotelli’s sister


http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/obafemi-martins-impregnates-balotellis-sister/

Just before the camp incident, there were reports that Obafemi Martins has impregnated Balotelli's sister . Read the story here

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/obafemi-martins-impregnates-balotellis-sister/

Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins is reported to have impregnated Barwuah Abigail, his girl friend and elder sister of fellow footballer, Mario Balotelli of Manchester City.
Martin had in a recent interview denied rumours that Balotelli was unhappy that he is dating the sister.
“Mario is my boy. The respect is there because I used to play at Inter, in the youth team with him. He’s giving me my respect and I’m doing same. People are putting it in the news that he’s upset, of course he’s glad, Martins was quoted as saying.
But while he confirmed dating 24-year-old Abigail, Martins said marriage wasn’t on the cards yet.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/obafemi-martins-impregnates-balotellis-sister/

The year 2013, which begins today, is a year of judgment that will witness the death of many very important Nigerians.

The General Overseer of the Divine Evangelical Prayer Ministry International Incorporated, Apostle Femi Samson Enweliku, made the prophetic revelation in Benin, Edo State yesterday. His predictions came at a time Nigerians are still mourning the death of a governor, lawmakers, and some other important personalities.

Enweliku, who is also the president of the National Association of Prophetic Ministers, advised citizens to prepare for the death of more members of the ruling class in 2013, if they continued to wallow in sin.

In an interview with our correspondent in his church after his “State of the Nation” predictions, the apostle appealed to government at all levels, groups and individuals to declare a fervent three-day fasting and praying session in January and another seven-day fasting and praying session in June to avoid the disasters which might befall the country.

Enweliku, whose many past predictions have come to pass, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately tackle corruption otherwise it would truncate his government sooner than expected.

The apostle specifically warned Jonathan against seeking re-election in 2015 which, he said, would result in bloodshed and a possible disintegration of the country even before the election year.

Enweliku asked the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to begin the search for Jonathan’s successor in 2015. He said: “The Lord told me that the year 2013 is going to be a year of fulfilment in the life of every believer who trusts in the Lord.

The Lord told me, at the same time, to declare that 2013 is going to be a year of judgment for those who refuse to repent and continue to live in sin.

“It is going to be a year when establishments, institutions, marriages, businesses that are built on the platform of deceits are going to collapse. I call on President Goodluck Jonathan to stand still and be a man of faith. Jonathan has a good plan for the citizens but the problem is going to be corruption.

“In 2013, Nigeria is go-ing to experience corruption of the highest order. Budget 2013 should put smile on the faces of Nigerians but those in the cabinet of Jonathan are going to disappoint him owing to corruption. If Jonathan must bring succour to Nigerians, corruption must be tackled.”

Enweliku also said that the government must act fast to avert calamities and disasters that would befall the country in the year which would be worse than the flood disaster that ravaged the country in 2012.

He said: “I see prominent Nigerians, governors, senators and others dying from strange illness, untimely deaths, etc. “There will be more plane crashes.

The year 2013 is going to be a year of judgement. So, I advise President Jonathan not to attempt to come back in 2015. He should not try it. I can’t see anything good in his coming. There is going to be bloodshed in 2015 if Jonathan comes back on board.

“I see people dying in bloodshed in a bid to prevent him. In the interest of Nigerian, Jonathan should not come back because heads will roll. Northerners have their agenda. I hope Jonathan would prepare to go.

I pray God to guide him. PDP should prepare to hand over to another person because I see people running helter-skelter. I do not see Jonathan ruling even if he forces himself in power.

“In 2013, I see anger, famine, plane crashes, fire outbreaks and natural disasters. The only people that will survive the year are those who have covenant with God.”

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/more-govs-senators-vips-will-die-in-2013-prophet/

There are indications that the President of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujarheed Asari-Dokubo, may have shunned entreaties by prominent Ijaw leaders to stop his criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Sources said Asari- Dokubo was asked to stop his criticisms so as not mar bid by Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015.

The sources said that Asari-Dokubo discountenanced pressure by eminent Ijaw leaders and his colleagues in the Niger Delta struggle to put stop his criticisms of Jonathan’s administration. National Mirror learnt that the Presidency was uncomfortable with the recent utterances of Asari-Dokubo, especially in the media.

The Presidency felt concerned that the criticism of Asari-Dokubo was sending wrong signals to Nigerians outside the South/South geopolitical zone on the chances of Jonathan for a second term mandate in 2015. Investigation revealed that the Presidency was embarrassed that Asari- Dokubo was too strategic to be allowed to “utter reckless statements about the Presidency.”

Consequently, the Presidency recruited some notable Ijaw leaders and former militant commanders to persuade Asari-Dokubo to sheathe his swords. It will be recalled that Asari-Dokubo lately embarked on negative media campaigns against Jonathan’s administration.

Specifically, he warned that the re-election of Jonathan in 2015 was doubtful. The ex-militant leader, who said Jonathan had not performed satisfactorily, warned that the re-election of Jonathan hung in the balance.

Besides, Asari-Dokubo condemned the rift between Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo and asked the incumbent to mend fences with the ex-Nigerian leader in order to brighten his chances for re-election in 2015. Asari-Dokubo asked Jonathan to extricate himself from some of his aides, who he alleged have hijacked him for selfish interests.

National Mirror learnt that the Presidency “hired” the South/ South Leader, Chief Ed-win Clark and notable ex-militant commander, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo, to prevail on Asari-Dokubo to his action.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/2015-asari-dokubo-shuns-entreaty-to-stop-criticism-of-jonathan/

Top Federal Government officials at the weekend stormed the Yenagoa venue of the burial of former National Security Adviser, NSA, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, in military helicopters.

This was contrary to the resolution of the Senate on the deployment of military aircraft for nonmilitary operations.

Three military helicopters shuttled between Port Harcourt International Airport and the Peace Park, Ovom, venue of the Service of Songs for the general on Friday and also on Saturday for the lying in state and burial.

On both occasions, the military choppers started ferrying the Very Important Personalities, VIPs, to the venue till late in the evening when the helicopters returned them to the Port Harcourt Airport.

Some senators have queried the wisdom in government officials using military aircraft for personal purposes.

Azazi died alongside the Governor, Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna in a helicopter crash on Saturday, December 15 at Nembe, Bayelsa State on their way from the burial of the father of the Special Adviser to the President on Strategy and Documentation, Oronto Douglas.

Reacting to their death during a debate on the floor of the Senate, Olubunmi Adetunbi (Ekiti) queried the rationale behind government officials who use military aircraft indiscriminately.

“Who authorised the deployment of military aircraft for personal and domestic use?” he queried.

His colleague from Ekiti State, Babafemi Ojudu, also condemned the frequent crashes of military aircraft. He said: “If we don’t put these in check, we are all in trouble.”

As if taking a cue from this, Most Rev. Hyancinth Egbebo of the Bomadi Vicarage called political leaders to provide good road networks for the people.

He particularly challenged the state government to provide good roads to the home town of the late Army general and other areas of the country.

Egbebo expressed alarm at the frequency of air crashes in the country, saying three mishaps within 12 months in the country were too many.

Some sympathisers and the residents of the city condemned the use of military aircraft by the VIPs, especially as Azazi died in one recently.

“I think it is not only insensitive but also shows the level of indiscipline among our leaders,” a teacher, Ramsy Avi, said.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/azazis-burial-ministers-vips-defy-senate-fl-y-in-military-choppers/

Barely six days after the late governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, was buried, Kaduna State governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, together with his inherited commissioners, special advisers and other top government functionaries yesterday shunned the special prayers organised in honour of the late governor by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The prayer session was put together by the Kaduna State chapter of CAN in conjunction with state government. But the event was shunned by government functionaries and no reason was given.

The solemn inter-denomination service which held at the Anglican Cathedral along Ibrahim Taiwo Road commenced at about 10.00am and ended by 1:40pm, having only men of God, worshippers and journalists in attendance.

But, CAN state Chairman, Rev. Samuel Kraakevik Kujiyat, confirmed shortly after the event that the special prayer invitation letters were sent to the new governor and other personalities, saying they may have been too engaged to attend.

His words: “I cannot give reasons why the new governor did not come. We are not holding anything against anybody. The state government is still part of this inter-denominational prayer programme. “Vice-President Namadi Sambo himself personally called his Grace to appreciate this special prayer session for the late governor.

But I believe they may be engaged.” On his part, Archbishop Josiah Idowu Fearon of the Anglican Church, Kaduna prayed that the death of the former governor should go with the spate of bomb attacks on churches, saying God will not allow anybody to separate Christians and Muslims in the state.

“We pray that the places of worship will witness peace, no bomb in churches again. We want freedom and peace in Kaduna state,” he said. The guest speaker, the General Overseer of the Restoration Ministries, Kaduna, Rev. Tunde Bolanta, called on the people not to lose hope in a challenging moment like this.

Bolanta further prayed for the repose of Yakowa and that God should lead the new governor. “Sometimes we think that all hope is lost at a time like this but hope is not lost. We pray for divine guidance and wisdom for the new governor.”

Late governor Yakowa died in a navy helicopter that crashed in Nembe Bayelsa State with the immediate past National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi and their personal aides while returning from the burial of the father of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Research and Documentation, Douglas.

It will be recalled that the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Ameachi, had said during Yakowa’s burial in Fadan Kagoma, that the deceased true friends will be known after the burial.”

“All of us should not forget Yakowa’s family. After today we will know who truly are the friends of Yakowa,” he told mourners. An attempt to confirm the reason for the new governor’s absence at the special prayer without a representative from his media aide proved abortive.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/yero-commissioners-shun-cans-prayer-session-for-yakowa/

Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela was discharged from the hospital Wednesday.

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj told The Associated Press Mandela will receive more medical care at his Johannesburg home until he fully recovers.

Officials had said the 94-year-old leader was improving in recent days since he was hospitalized on December 8. Mandela was diagnosed with a lung infection and underwent gallstone surgery.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/nelson-mandela-discharged-from-hospital/

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Wednesday, said the former National Security Adviser, late Gen Andrew Azazi, will be given a befitting state burial.

According to him, “the decision of the Bayelsa State Government to accord Azazi, a state burial was in recognition of his enviable record of service to the state and country.”

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Dickson said, “In view of the late General Azazi ‘s illustrious military career and his remarkable contributions to Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole, his remains would be laid to rest at the Ijaw National Heroes Park in Yenagoa, the state capital. This is to demonstrate our respect and high regard for General Azazi as a true hero of Ijaw nation.”

The burial arrangement would kick off December 28, with service of songs at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, commendation service holds the next day , December 29, with internment and state reception for guest/dignitaries.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/azazi-funeral-programme-begins-december-28/

lekanoladeinde@yahoo.com

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Wednesday visited Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos to spend Boxing Day with the prisoners and guards.

The respected cleric, who stated this 0n Twitter, said it was to show that Jesus Christ came to the world to save all mankind and “not (a) selected few.”

“H(appy) Boxing D(ay), I’m at KiriKiri Max(imum) Security Prison this morning to fellowship with the prisoners and guards. Jesus died for all. Not selected few.”

Adeboye apparently used the tweet to debunk criticisms that his church has been showing preference for highly placed Nigerians.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/adeboye-holds-fellowship-with-prisoners-guards-at-kirikiri-maximum-security-prison/

About 94 deaths occurred in 191 road crashes across the country in the last five days.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka, who disclosed this, said speed violation was a major cause of the crashes.

Chidoka, however, said the corps had devised speed-reducing measures as part of strategies to engender safer traffic culture among motorists, especially during the festive season. He said: “It is an attitudinal issue as this year witnessed rehabilitation of major corridors of the highways.

People tend to disregard traffic laws bordering on speed limits and accelerate beyond recommended speed thus resulting to the figures we have witnessed the last five days.

“We have devised measures to address this unpleasant development.” An online statement signed by the Deputy Corps, Education, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said that Chidoka who stopped over in Lokoja in the course of the aerial monitoring of traffic situation on Lokoja – Abuja highway and other major roads, appealed to motorists to reduce their speed and obey traffic regulations to reduce carnage during the festive periods.

He expressed delight over the free flow of traffic on Abuja – Lokoja – Okene highways, attributing the success to the activities of his men and other security agencies and the improvement in road conditions across the country.

The Corps Marshal urged motorists to be mindful of road regulations, warning that phoning while driving and drunk driving, over-speeding, overloading and seat belt violation would be visited with severe punishment. Chidoka promised that the FRSC would re-double efforts to cope with expected influx of traffic during the New Year to avert further crashes.

The state Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Mohammed Garba, commended the Federal Government for the timely repair of a section of Lokoja – Abuja road, which was washed away in the recent flood disaster.

He said the action contributed immensely to the free flow of traffic being experienced on the road now. Garba also said that enough men and vehicles had been deployed to strategic points in the state, adding that the current level of patrol would be sustained till January.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Corps Marshal said the FRSC had sustained aerial surveillance to get real-time information on the traffic situation on the nation’s roads during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. He added that the purpose of the surveillance was to identify areas of gridlock and resolve them to ease travelling.

According to him, the helicopter flight will take the commission’s officials over Gwagwalada, Lokoja, Onitsha, 9th Mile and other areas that usually experience serious jams during Yuletide. Chidoka said the surveillance would enable the FRSC to monitor the flow of traffic in many parts of the country.

He explained that the commission recently carried out a road audit which was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Works.

Chidoka was also at the Niger Bridge in Onitsha to monitor traffic which extended into the city and the neighbouring city of Asaba, Delta State, where he directed realignment of patrol strategies. Based on the directive, the Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Hyginus Omeje, had to relocate to Onitsha from Awka on Sunday.

The traffic yesterday, however, was heavier at the Asaba end of the Niger Bridge as thousands of motorists struggled to gain access to the bridge from the western and northern parts of the country. Vehicular movement in other parts of Anambra State had increased as many citizens of the state and their families trooped out for the Christmas celebration.

However, the presence of the FRSC operatives in Onitsha and the support from component commands in Delta State contributed to normal traffic flow along the Asaba – Onitsha highway.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/94-died-in-road-crashes-in-fi-ve-days-frsc/

The Subscriber Identity Module registration exercise initiated by the Nigerian Communications Commission in 2011 has been hijacked by fake agents who also demand money from innocent subscribers before getting them ‘register’, National Mirror gathered yesterday.

It was learnt that following the indefinite extension of the registration of existing telecoms subscribers and the continuous registration of new SIMs, some agents registering subscribers have started taking advantage of the public by charging subscribers minimum of N100 per SIM card.

Further findings also revealed that some accredited SIM registration agents working for a particular telecoms firm disguise to register for all networks.

Explaining the new antics of the SIM registration agents to make illegal money, one of the victims explained: “I went to Iyana Ipaja Bridge in Lagos to register a SIM card for my daughter.

I had tried some other agents around who told me they only register for other networks and not Glo.

Later, I came across another agent, who told me he registers all networks. “The agent claimed that they now charge N100 for SIM registration.

Though, I didn’t want to offer money because I know personally that the SIM registration is free, but because I was in a hurry, I asked him to register it and that I would pay him the money.

“But I became suspicious as he was punching the keyboard and I had to move round to his side to see what he was typing, only then did I realise that what he had on his system was Airtel software for registration and not Glo.

That was how I got his ploy and challenged him, collected back my SIM and left.”

Another subscriber, Mr. Olawunyi Olayinka, a resident of Ojodu area of Lagos State, also disclosed a similar experience to National Mirror.

According to Olayinka, some SIM registration agents now indulge in wanton extortion from unsuspecting subscribers.

“They will tell you the operators have asked them to be charging telecoms subscribers for the registration and since there is nowhere to confirm their claim, many people would just give the money to the agent, especially when the individual who want his or her SIM card registered is in a haste to continue with their daily business routines.”

President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, who decried the development also called for a re-accreditation and reorientation of the SIM registration agents by their principals, the telecoms firms, while also urging the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecoms industry regulator, to design measures for dealing with such fake agents.

“There is a need for concerted efforts so that at the end of the day, some unscrupulous elements would not make a ruse of the exercise because of their selfish interests.

Measure should be taken to sift the wheat from the shafts and for the operators and the regulator to begin public awareness to let the public be aware and report cases of any agent demanding money for the registration,” he said.

Ogunbanjo said the latest development, if not checked, was capable of rendering the eventual database a ruse.

However, the President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, has absolved telecoms companies of the illegal act by some SIM registration agents.

“As we all know, no operator is collecting any money for the SIM registration exercise, In fact, the operators have spent more money than you can ever imagined in driving the process through various freebies given in promos to ensure that subscribers participate in the free exercise.

Those who are charging should be dealt with because the exercise is free,” he said.

NCC Spokesman, Mr. Reuben Muoka, also insisted that the commission had all along been vigilant of activities of some unscrupulous elements capable of discrediting the credibility of the exercise, noting that NCC would spare no efforts to bring the culprits to book.

According to him, “The registration is free and we want Nigerians to be aware of this.

NCC and the operators are not asking the agents to collect any charges from the subscribers before they register them.”

While asking members of the public not to pay any money to the registration agents, when such money is demanded, he stressed that the “SIM registration exercise is free.”

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/fake-sim-registration-agents-on-the-prowl/

Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday called for an “end to the bloodshed” in conflict-wracked Syria in a traditional Christmas message that touched on several other of the world’s conflict zones.

“There is hope in the world … even at the most difficult times and in the most difficult situations,” he said, praying that “peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims.”

Speaking from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in a message watched by millions around the world, he called “for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced, and dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict.”

A capacity crowd of 40,000 pilgrims filled the vast St Peter’s Square to hear the 85-year-old pope, resplendent in red vestments, deliver the message under partly cloudy skies.

His wide-ranging “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) message also pointed to hotspots across Africa and urged religious freedom in China, and as usual called for peace in the Middle East.

He notably lamented “savage acts of terrorism” that frequently target Christian churches in Nigeria.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/pope-laments-savage-acts-of-terrorism-in-nigeria/

Rumors that a second-generation iPad mini with a Retina display is set to launch ahead of Apple’s typical annual schedule next year have been swirling, and now it appears Apple’s (AAPL) full-size iPad may be sticking to its new semiannual release schedule. According to a report from Japanese blog Makotakra that cites an anonymous “inside source,” Apple plans to launch a new thinner, lighter 9.7-inch iPad as soon as March 2013. The fourth iPad model was just released last month alongside the iPad mini, but March was also suggested in recent Retina iPad mini rumors. Makotakra states that the new iPad will adopt styling queues from the current iPad mini model, unifying the look of Apple’s larger tablet with the iPad mini and iPhone 5.

http://news.yahoo.com/fifth-gen-ipad-reportedly-due-march-along-retina-150533340.html

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday paid a condolence visit to the family of late former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, at his Ikoyi, Lagos, residence. The President and his entourage were received by late Azazi’s wife, the children, grand children and some other members of the family.

Addressing the families on behalf of the President, the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadome, expressed the nation’s condolences and eulogised the departed general as a patriot and diligent officer.

“Azazi was indeed a great man, a diligent officer and patriot.

“The President had already organised a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session in his honour and various council members had the opportunity to speak glowingly about him.

“They all had good words for him because he gave his best for the country.

“He rose by merit to become a 4-star general, and because the President had confidence in him, he was made the NSA.

“He was a good community man. He chaired the flood committee of his home state, the most affected state.

“He has played his role in his family, community and country, even internationally.

“We should take solace in the fact that he lived a good life. He has laid a good foundation for the family,” he said.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/jonathan-visit-azazis-family/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State to resign his office or face impeachment over his alleged hearing impairment.

The state PDP Chairman, Chief Yunana Iliya, who made the call, said it was based on the fact that Al- Makura lacked the capability to govern the state because of his alleged disability.

This, according to him, was attested to the governor’s alleged attempt to evade questions at a town hall meeting during the good governance tour of the state.

Iliya spoke at the weekend in Lafia, the state capital, while addressing journalists on the state of affairs of the state.

The chairman contended that the constitution was clear on physical disability.

He said: “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear and unambiguous on this and indeed apt. I therefore wish to call on Governor Al-Makura to honourably resign his office in keeping with the relevant provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the state Assembly brings to bear on him, the effect of provisions of Section 189 of the constitution, so as to stand our state on equal footing with comity of states in the country.”

When contacted yesterday, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Public Affairs, Abdullhamid Kwarra, told our correspondent on phone that he was hearing the impeachment threat for the first time hence could not comment on it.

But Iliya recalled that during the good governance tour by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Labaran Maku, the governor was unable to provide a answers to questions raised by observers and watchers of events during the town hall meeting.

He said: “Unfortunately, not a single answer could be exhumed save for the escapist excuse that the Congress for Democratic Change, CPC, governor is physically disabled and incapable of answering questions due to hearing impairment.”


http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/resign-or-face-impeachment-pdp-tells-al-makura/

Amosun still repaying N89bn debt inherited from Daniel –Commissioner

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/amosun-still-repaying-n89bn-debt-inherited-from-daniel-commissioner/

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 northern states and Abuja yesterday declared that no force or evil plan could stop tomorrow’s Christmas celebration in the region.

This is coming just as anxiety mounts in the North over the safety of Christians in the region as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

CAN, while calling on security agencies to protect Nigerians during the celebration, appealed to Muslim leaders to prevail on the Boko Haram Islamic sect not to attack Christians during the Yuletide.

Speaking with National Mirror in Kaduna, Northern CAN Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Oibe, said Christians would not accept the killings of their members on Christmas Day, “which is a day of peace.”

The association noted that the continued attack on Christians and churches was deliberate, adding, however, that it was impossible to wipe out Christianity from the region.

Oibe also called on Christians to go about their normal activities during the Christmas and to worship God without fear.

CAN appealled to the Federal Government to wipe out terrorism in the country, while expressing the fear that the present situation might degenerate into a religious war “which Nigeria may not survive.”

The CAN spokeman said: “We are appealing to Boko Haram to shelve their threat on Christians in the North during this Christmas celebration because they claimed to be working for Islam but Muslims celebrated their Sallah and there was no Christian attack against them.

“We are also appealing to a respected Muslim leader in Nigeria, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, together with good Muslim imams to please preach their message that would reach Boko Haram to drop their threat because Christians in the North are running out of patience

“We can’t take the killings of our brothers, children and women in churches during Christmas anymore.

“This period is special to Christians all over the world; it is a period of peace. But if Boko Haram goes ahead with their planned attack, according to security warning in the newspapers, it will be a declaration of war against Christians in Nigeria.

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/no-force-can-stop-xmas-celebration-can/

Aisha Abimbola Musa is an actress and she’s popularly known as Omoge campus because of her lead role in the Yoruba movie titled Omoge Campus released in 2002. The graduate of Hotel Management and Catering, and mother of two reveals in this interview with Angela Davies that a lot of men don’t see actresses as marriageable. She speaks on other matters of interest.

How do you feel when some married women, even some celebrities, reveal their cleavage all in the name of fashion?

We have our individual differences. I guess they feel comfortable with it. If I should go semi- nude, I won’t feel comfortable. There are lots of things I do that my kids are aware of. Before I wear a cloth, my kids must have seen it. They are very inquisitive that when I bring out clothes, they will ask me, mummy is this a good or bad cloth? And you will be embarrassed. So, anything I can’t explain to my kids, I don’t do and I don’t wear.

I can see that you have lali beautifully designed on your hands. Is this part of your fashion statement?

It is good to go traditional sometimes. I just got tired of having artificial nails so when I went for my niece’s wedding on December 15, I saw lily on everybody and I asked for and see how beautiful it turned out. It is something natural and traditional. It makes me feel Nigerian, African and I love it.

What do you have at the back of your mind when dressing for a red carpet event?

It is making a statement which is being gorgeous and decent. I have to be gorgeous so that when I appear on the red carpet, people will go wow, who is she? I have got the height and I wear high heels too, that is another plus. I make sure that whatever I wear must complement my physique, height and colour. Also, the outfit must be decent, that is very important for me.

What is the misconception you think people have about you?

People think I am rude and arrogant because of the roles I play most times. And for that, I don’t like to be stereotyped. However, because of my physique and voice people tend to be comfortable with me playing the role of a bad girl. Unfortunately, people have misconstrued me to be bad, arrogant and always snobbish but that is not me. But with the new roles that I have played of recent, people are trying to get acquainted with my real person, trying to separate me from whom I really am in movies.

So, can you please describe your personality?

Aisha Abimbola is a humble, extremely down to earth, God fearing, kind and gentle hearted.

How was growing up for you?

Growing up for me was really tough because I lost my mother two months to my 11th birthday and I had to live with my father. Well, living with a man there were lots of things about a growing girl that he didn’t understand and I missed my mum. And in 2002 when I should be graduating and having fun, my father too passed on. But I thank God because He said He will never leave me an orphan and He has been true to His word. God has been there for me and I am grateful for that.

How did you meet your husband and what was the attraction?

The attraction was what made us friends initially. He was a member of my church, Christ Embassy and we started talking about Pastor Chris, that was where the attraction started and we became friends. Months later, precisely on November 2, 2004 he asked me to marry him and I said we are just friends, no dating and no courtship. However on February 3, 2005 we were married.
What do you do to keep your marriage intact because a lot of celebrity marriages have crashed?

(Laughs) Na God, nothing pass God. A lot of men out there don’t see actresses as marriageable, they see us as toys. They see us as women they can just come to, gamble with and go. Imagine a man betting with his friend that I can date that actress, even marry her and have kids from her. And once he is done, he is gone. Before I was married, I had different impressions about marriage but now I know better. There are quite a number of women, even actresses who want to be married but when a man batters a woman and she is at the point of death, do you want her to still stay? A lot of actresses are facing this just that they cannot come out and say this is what we are facing. Some have tried maintaining a loveless marriage, they tried holding on to it and some of them are dead now. And I am not an advocate of such, if it is not working, don’t die there, instead of you to die and leave your kids as orphans, please leave and take care of your kids.

What is the worst rumour you have heard about yourself?

I have been scandal free so to speak because I have never read any scandalous story about myself.

When you feel low, what do you do to get your spirit up?

Sometimes I get hold of the bible, read my rhapsody of realities, listen to tapes and sometimes I go dancing to forget everything even though I am not a fantastic dancer but I learn new dance steps.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/men-dont-see-actresses-as-marriageable-they-see-us-as-toys-omoge-campus/