Ever since the video, in which MC Prince, popularly known as Mr. Hyenana, ‘pranked’ a female attendant at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos went viral, people have not stopped wondering if he actually makes use of charms. But the comedian has decided to clear the air.

He told Sunday Scoop that he had never used charms in his life, adding that what he held in the video was not a horn but a body spray wrapped in his bow tie.

He said, “I am a staunch Christian who believes in the word of God, but I am a comedian who is known for spontaneity. Most of the event I go to, I usually create my jokes at the venues, which are based on what I see.”

Explaining how he came about the tollgate’s prank, he stated, “As I was driving to the tollgate that day, some guys in my car asked me how I normally come up with my funny skits and I told them that it was the handiwork of God. I told them that God may give us one that moment. Less than 20 seconds after I made that proclamation, the viral skit came up.”

Admitting that he didn’t expect the kind of feedback he got, he said he went back to pay later in the evening.

He disclosed, “I actually tried to turn back immediately, but there were already cars behind me. So, I left and returned later that evening to pay them. I went to meet the supervisor in charge and explained to him that I did not pay the toll fee because I pranked on the lady on duty.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/never-used-juju-mr-hyenana/

Not a few people will love to be in the shoes of Ifeoluwa Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy. She is a daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Africa, Femi Otedola, and her music career is flourishing. In the light of the above, many were surprised when DJ Cuppy reportedly said she sometimes wished she wasn’t Otedola’s daughter. In the said interview, Cuppy had complained about living under the shadow of her influential father. According to her, all her successes are usually attributed to her privileged background.

However, in a new interview with Vibe Magazine, DJ Cuppy explained better. “I will never apologise for what family I’m from and if anything, I can use my opportunity to create more opportunities for others. I’m actually a hard-working young woman that has a passion for DJ-ing and that message has taken me a lot of years to come through. I’m still working on it, but I feel like finally, my work ethic has started to speak for itself,” she said

Gushing about the success of her song, Green Light, which she teamed up with Tekno to create, Cuppy said, Green Light is my original song. I came out to the market with a song titled I love my Country, which was a remix, but Green Light is really me, not hiding behind anyone’s record. Tekno and I wrote the song together, produced it, and I’m so proud of it. For me it’s such a breath of fresh air.

“Regardless of how well the song does – and it’s doing very well – I’m so proud that I decided to take a risk. I’m singing on it, which is a new thing for me. I love the video, I just love everything about the song. Regardless of it being my song, it’s such a jam. I fall in love with it every time. Every time I hear it, I feel refreshed.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/dont-regret-otedolas-daughter-dj-cuppy/

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was barred from the United States for 15 years due to his religious views.

Atiku was quoted as saying this during an interview with Dele Momodu, which was part of his weekly column titled, ‘Pendulum’, published in The Boss Magazine.

Buhari had, at a seminar organised by the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria in August 2001, said, “God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country. I will continue to show openly and inside me, the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria.”

Atiku, who was one of the notable voices that opposed Buhari at the time, said Buhari was actually barred from travelling to the US for 15 years as a result of his position on the Sharia issue.

The former vice-president was responding to a question on why he avoided travelling to the US.

Atiku stated, “It is the sole prerogative of America to determine who they want in their country or not. I’m not running away from America. I applied but wasn’t issued a visa. However, they did not decline me categorically.

“They’ve only said my application is going through an administrative process. This is not peculiar to me. For about 15 years, Buhari could not enter America on account of religious considerations.

“The current Indian Prime Minister, Modi, suffered the same fate for years. Today, he is being accorded a red carpet treatment in America. I fly to different parts of the world, including Europe. If America wanted me, it would be so easy for them to reach out to their allies…”

I will defeat Buhari in 2019, says Atiku

Also, Atiku, who recently resigned as a member of the All Progressives Congress, boasted that he would defeat Buhari should the latter contest against him in the 2019 presidential election.

He said there currently existed in the country a widespread disenchantment with the Buhari government and that he (Atiku) would defeat him in the election.

He added, “I will definitely beat him this time. He has wasted a lot of his massive goodwill. A lot of people are disgruntled but they are keeping quiet and lying low. Our youths are suffering terribly. They are even now being sold into slavery.

“Everyone knows my track record of inviting and attracting a good team and giving them the opportunity to work professionally. Nigerians are tired of leaders who cannot think big and work big.”

While insisting that he hadn’t yet joined any political party, Atiku stated that the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party were mounting pressure on him to join the party.

He said the only way the PDP would be able to restore its faded glory was to pick a formidable candidate.

“Nothing is absolutely certain in this life, but the PDP needs a candidate with the brightest chance and that can only come from someone who has major experience, exposure and knowledge about running an economy; who is a nationalist and not a sectionalist and whose brand cannot be intimidated in anyway by that of the current President.

“If the PDP picks a weak candidate, then the party is doomed. Some of those, whose names are being touted and bandied about, have not grown beyond their immediate domains,” he added.

The former vice-president said Buhari had become a dictator of sorts in the APC such that nothing could be done without his permission, arguing that that was why the party had failed to progress in the last two years.

He said he had advised the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to make some changes, claiming that the APC chairman continually refused to take action.

Atiku added, “After Buhari won the election, he was no longer interested in the party that made him President. Every activity stopped and not even the party chairman, Chief John Oyegun, could take any decision.

“I called Chief Oyegun a few times to tell him that our party was dying slowly but he told me that he would not do anything unless he got a clearance from the President.

“At a stage, I gathered about 18 prominent members and began to meet in the hope that we can re-energise party activities, but some people lied to the President that I wanted to use the forum to launch my presidential campaign.

“That forum became simply dead on arrival. No BoT (Board of Trustees), no NEC (National Executive Committee) meetings, as stipulated in our constitution.

“The party became a one-man property. Everyone grumbles behind the President but they are too timid to raise a voice against the illegalities being perpetuated. I should be bold enough to know what I want, and can do so at my age. So, I decided to leave.”

Your claim, a fictive concoction, Presidency replies ex-VP

But the Presidency, in its reaction on Saturday, described the claim by Atiku that Buhari could not enter the US for 15 years as a “fictive concoction.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

Adesina said it was mind-boggling that a person of Atiku’s calibre, who should know the truth, was spreading the lies.

The statement read, “This fictive concoction, being spread as truth, is mind-boggling, coming from a former number two man of Nigeria, who should know the truth.

“At no time was President Buhari, as a private person, ever forbidden from entering any country in the world.

“Rather, the rest of the world has always held Muhammadu Buhari as a man of sterling qualities, strong on integrity, transparency and accountability. The same testimony is still borne of the Nigerian President by many world leaders today.

“It is curious that former VP Abubakar had been asked why he had not visited America for over a decade, something that had been a stubborn fact dogging his footsteps. Instead of answering directly, he begged the question, saying Buhari also had been disallowed from entering the same country for 15 years, before becoming president.

“We hereby make it resoundingly clear that what the former vice-president said only exists in the realm of his imagination.

“If he has issues to settle with the American authorities, he should do so, rather than clutch at a straw.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/us-barred-buhari-15-years-sharia-atiku/

The smuggling of agricultural products such as rice, frozen fish and poultry through Nigeria’s borders has been on the increase, especially as the Yuletide season approaches, the Federal Government has said.

According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the importation of rice, frozen fish and poultry products is illegal. It warned that the consumption of these imported agricultural products could lead to serious health hazards.

This is coming as the Nigeria Customs Service also declared on Thursday that smuggling had been one of its biggest challenges in the past months.

The ministry, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, said, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been drawn to the alarming rate at which unpatriotic Nigerians are smuggling agricultural products such as rice, frozen fish and poultry products (turkey and chicken) into the country through the border routes, especially as Christmas and New Year approach.

“Importation of rice and frozen fish through land borders is illegal and prohibited. Importation of poultry and poultry products through any means is also illegal and prohibited. The Federal Government would like to warn that there are serious health hazards associated with these illegally imported frozen products.”

The ministry said the health hazards were due to failure in the maintenance of cold chain and wrong handling of the imported products, adding that frozen fish and poultry meat become unwholesome for human consumption as a result of chemicals used in their preservation.

“More so, there are bacterial contaminants due to poor handling that can cause serious health challenges. The general public is therefore strongly advised to shun all smuggled foods, especially frozen poultry products, frozen fish, as well as rice,” it added.

The ministry noted that the Federal Government would deal decisively with any person, organisation and shop owner, among others, involved in smuggling.

Also speaking on the issue of smuggling at a public presentation of a book entitled, ‘Appraisal of the Crime of Smuggling in Nigeria’, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd), stated that since he took over at the NCS, smuggling had been one of the agency’s biggest challenges.

He said, “Since I took over the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, if there’s anything that we are battling with, if there’s anything that is a big challenge to us, it is smuggling. Smuggling is one of the biggest challenges we have. In our mandate to stop smuggling, we have lost officers.

“This year alone, I have over five officers who have gone down fighting smugglers. It is the Customs service that, in the process of carrying out its mandate, face the danger of losing lives. We are the only one that fight to accrue revenue for the nation. Other agencies sit on the table to write and their revenues grow; but in our case, we have to be out there to fight, which is why we lose our lives.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/yuletide-rice-frozen-fish-smuggling-increasing-says-fg/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s 10th prosecution witness, Mr. David Ikpe, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday that the Office of the National Security Adviser in May 2014 paid a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Robert Azibaola, the sum of $40m from the $1.2bn approved by the ex-President.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the former president authorised the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to release the sum of $1.2bn to the ONSA for “urgent national security project.”

Azibaola, his wife, Stella, and their firm, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, are being prosecuted by the EFCC on seven counts of money laundering before the court.

The EFCC alleged in the seven counts that the three defendants unlawfully received $40m from the then NSA, Sambo Dasuki, allegations which they denied.

Under cross-examination by the lead defence lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), on Thursday, Ikpe explained that in March 2014, Dasuki through a memo entitled, ‘Intervention on urgent national security project,’ sought Jonathan’s approval for the release of $1bn to handle a number of sub-heads, including unmanned area or pipeline monitoring installations.

He said, again in April 2014, Dasuki sent another memo to the then President requesting an approval for $250m.

The witness said the then President approved Dasuki’s requests and by May 2014, the sum of $1.2bn which was by $50m less than the ex-NSA’s actual request, was paid to ONSA account.

When asked by Uche (defence lawyer), the witness said the former President’s cousin had explained during investigation and in his statement made to the EFCC that ONSA paid the sum of $40m to the account of One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, owned by him “for a security assignment in the Niger Delta.”

Giving a background to the payment, Ikpe said, “In March 2014, the then NSA, Sambo Dasuki, wrote a memo to the President titled, ‘Intervention on urgent national security project’ in which he sought the approval of Mr. President for $1bn to handle a number of sub-heads including unmanned area or pipeline monitoring installations.

“The NSA made an additional request for $250m in April 2014.

“The President gave approval to his request.

“The President approved the release of $1.2bn to the NSA for the purpose it was sought.

“In May 2014, the sum of $1.2bn was then released from the NNPC account under the title ‘intervention on urgent national security project.’”

He admitted that Azibaola was not the only one paid from the $1.2bn released by the NNPC.

He said, “It was this fund that was disbursed to the various recipients.

“I confirmed that the $40m was part of the $1.2bn released by the President for urgent national security intervention project.”

When asked if he saw the President’s letter authorising the release of the $1.2bn, Ikpe said, “I personally did not see the letter by Mr. President.”

He was also asked if any official of the EFCC saw Jonathan’s letter, but he said, “I would not know if the any officer saw it.

“But I saw the link chat in which the letter was alluded to.”

Asked if he was aware that such national security issues were usually classified that such funds meant for them were not channelled through the normal public procurement mechanism, the witness said, “I am not an expert in public procurement.

“The Public Procurement Act 2007 will make exemption for procurement that will impede on national security.”

When also asked if he knew that the funds allegedly being paid for the release of Chibok girls from Boko Haram’s custody would also not be passed through the usual public procurement mechanism, he said, “In all honesty, I am an investigator in relation to economic and financial crimes and not on violent extremism such as Boko Haram.”

He was also asked similar question in respect of Niger Delta militancy but he said “I do not have the hands-on experience on Niger Delta militancy.”

He was asked if he interviewed any Niger Delta militant or any official of government agencies involved in tackling oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, as per the security projects approved by the then president, he said “no.”

The defence lawyer showed him exhibits of Dasuki’s authorisation of the sum of $40m to Azibaola.

When asked if he interviewed Dasuki, being the man at the centre of everything or obtained his statement in the course of the investigation Ikpe said he did not.

He also said the EFCC did not set out to investigate the $40m transaction.

He said the transaction was discovered on investigation of other allegations contained in the petition sent to the EFCC by the new leadership of the ONSA in 2015.

Meanwhile, the witness admitted on Tuesday that he and his team members obtained during a search of Azibaola’s office, documents detailing how the defendants spent the money released to them by the NSA office.

He said it must be the documents of the original case at the EFCC office when the defence lawyer him asked to produce them during the Thursday’s proceedings.

Following an application by Uche, the defence lawyer, the trial judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, directed the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, to produce the documents at the next court sitting.

The judge said the documents were “vital” to the defence of the accused persons.

He said the court would be at liberty “to draw conclusions” if the EFCC failed to produce the documents.

Also, following an application by a lawyer in the defence team, Ledun Mitee, Justice Dimgba lifted the freezing order placed on One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited’s account with the Zenith Bank Plc.

Justice Dimgba noted that EFCC’s excuse for not filing an objection to the application by Mitee, was not satisfactory and left the claim by the defendants that the account was a subject of the ongoing trial, unchallenged.

The judge adjourned until January 22 and 23 for continuation of trial.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/jonathans-cousin-got-40m-1-2bn-approved-ex-president-witness/

The President of Ghana, Akufo-addo has joined world leaders in condemning the practice of slave trade in Nigeria which has attracted the attention of the United Nations.

Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, says the recent report on sales of African migrants in Libya is a mockery of the African solidarity.

Akufo-Addo, in a tweet on his handle on Tuesday, said the slave auction is scandalous and a gross abuse of human rights.



The current slave auctions of Africans in Libya are not only gross and scandalous abuses of human rights, but are also mockeries of the alleged solidarity of African nations grouped in the African Union (AU), of which Libya is a member, he tweeted.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/ghana-president-nana-akufo-addo-reacts-slave-trade-libya/

Son of Nobel Laurette Wole Soyinka, Oretunlewa, over the weekend got married to his sweetheart of eight years, Nneka Ekechukwu, in Atlanta, USA.

Close friends and relations were invited for the wedding.

See the photos:








Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/wole-soyinkas-son-walks-aisle-atlanta/

A few days ago, Shatta Wale was blasted by Nigerians after he said that Wizkid is just an ordinary artiste, and he’d in no way be stunned when he sees him.

Recall during an interview with host, Gattuso on Kaspa FM, he said that;

“I will not see Wizkid and be stunned. I rather want him to see me and be amazed because I don’t see anything extraordinary about him, even though he claims to be the best African artiste”

His statement caused some sort of controversy on Social Media, as fans of Wizkid stood to defend Wiz. Shatta also entered Timaya and Patoranking, and labeled him as a wack Dancehall artiste.

He even further threatened to disrupt Wizkid’s Ghana show this coming December.

Award winning dancehall artiste reacting to this feud on Bryt Fm 99.1 has urged his colleagues to keep silent because he is better and ahead of them. GHBase Reports.

Stonebwoy who was last Saturday acting as a radio host on a Koforidua-based Bryt Bryt FM 99.1 was quizzed by a fan, between he (Stonebwoy), Wizkid and Shata Wale, who is a bigger and more a superstar?

In his reponse to this question, he said;

“What do you expect me to say ? should I say Shatta Wale is bigger than me ?”

He replied;

“NO! Should I say Wizkid is bigger and a more superstar than me? NO! Sure, I will say I’m better, bigger and more superstar than them.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/bigger-shatta-wale-wizkid-stonebwoy/

Consultant Endocrinologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr Ifedayo Odeniyi, has said that less than 200 endocrinologists are currently practising in Nigeria.

Odeniyi, who raised the alarm over the acute shortage of these diabetes care specialists in the country, spoke at a capacity building workshop organised by Sanofi Aventis Nigeria Limited as part of activities to mark the 2017 World Diabetes Day.

The specialist said that a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet is non– negotiable if Nigerians were to reduce their risk of developing the disease which the World Health organisation has said affects at least 3.9 million Nigerians.

He said, “As at now, we have less than 200 endocrinologists in the country and this shortage of specialists is the reason why Nigerians must live a lifestyle that will reduce their risk of getting diabetes.

“Many are not exercising. In fact, we have househelps who are healthier than us because we keep sending them on errands back and forth instead of us to do these chores ourselves. The top executives have people carrying their briefcase, they sit and eat through many meetings, all these have effects on our body mass index, a factor that predisposes to diabetes when it’s high,” Odeniyi stated.

The expert who said individuals were more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes as they grow older also listed obesity, use of drugs containing steriods, sedentary lifestyle as some of the risk factors for developing the disease.

Odeniyi, who also corrected the notion that Nigerian foods were loaded with calories and thus, not good for persons with high blood sugar, however, noted that portion control was one of the weapons used to prevent, manage and control diabetes.

The physician, however, cautioned diabetics against skipping meals as this could also worsen their condition.

According to him, persons living with diabetes can eat anything in moderation as long as it is in small portions.

“There is nothing to avoid with diabetes. It is not Nigerian food because all races have it and most countries are battling with it. Even scientists have not discovered what causes it genetically.

“What we know is that diabetes is a disease of discipline. You must eat in moderation. Reduce your intake of fried foods and don’t bleach your palm oil. Reduce your consumption of bokoto, abodi, shaki and offals because they are high in fats and being overweight leads to Type 2 diabetes.

“You should even eat small portions of food, at least four times a day as a diabetic. This is because the beta cells that produce insulin are only produced when you eat. So, when you skip meals, your body will not secrete the insulin that a diabetic really needs.

“You don’t have to eat only beans and unripe plantain. I have patients who eat yam and egg, just two slices with an egg. We also recommend snacking during meals and their last meal should must be before 7.30pm and a small snack before they sleep,” the endocrinologist explained.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/nigeria-one-endocrinologist-850000-people/

A Mapo Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday jailed a 20-year-old man, Olalekan Adebisi, for six months for stealing 50 pieces of mosquito nets.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Mercy Aderounmu noted that the convict had already spent five months in Agodi Prison due to his inability to perfect the bail conditions of N50, 000 earlier granted him.

The magistrate said that the convict would now do a community service for four weeks within the court premises.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adebisi of no fixed address was first arraigned on June 7 on a count of stealing.

He then pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail with two sureties in like sum, but could not perfect the bail conditions.

Adebisi later changed his plea to guilty on November 13, after spending five months in prison custody, and the case was adjourned until November 20 for facts and sentences.

Presenting the facts before the court on Monday, the prosecutor, Cpl. Philip Amusan said that Adebisi on May 30 jumped the fence of Bode Health Centre, Ibadan, and stole 50 pieces of mosquito nets.

Amusan further said that Adebisi on June 3 at about 5.00 a.m came back to the health centre and scaled the fence in an attempt to steal again.

He said Adebisi was arrested in the process by one of the security guards attached to the health centre and was later handed over to the police.

The prosecutor further told the court that Adebisi sold the nets through hawking to some buyers he could not identify.

Amusan said that the offence contravened Section 509 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State 2000.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/man-jailed-stealing-mosquito-nets/

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has suggested the conduct of primary election for the national chairmanship aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party from the South-West geopolitical zone.

He said this would help the zone to have a common front in the December 9 national convention of the party.

Fayose spoke on Saturday night when one of the aspirants and former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, visited him at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

He stated that he would never work against the interest of Daniel or any aspirant in the zone or work against the interest of the zone itself.

A press release by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, quoted the governor as saying, “We need to get a consensus candidate from our zone to clinch the post. We should not go to the convention as a divided house.

“I see nothing bad if we get all the delegates from the South-West to vote in a shadow election for their preferred candidate. Then whoever emerges would be supported by all during the convention.

“If we propose that and majority of the aspirants agree, whoever does not agree would be seen as having no follower at all. I can’t work against you or your interest. We have too many aspirants from our zone and it is not only us that will decide who becomes the national chairman of our party, it will be decided by every member from across the country.

He said, “As for my position as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, I am only a voice there. Agreed that the governors will play a crucial role in determining who wins, but if I say something, I can’t force it down the throats of my colleagues.

“It is only advisable that we get our house in order. All the aspirants from our area, apart from dividing the votes in the geopolitical zone, are also dividing the votes in the North too. We all know that our party is the party to beat in the country.”

In his remarks, Daniel, who is one of the chairmanship aspirants, said he had all it required to lead the PDP.

He said, “Majority of the aspirants only have the experience of being political appointees. I have contested and won elections twice. As a governor, you know what it is to contest and win elections. I have traversed all the nooks and crannies of this country and I am well accepted.

“Our great party needs somebody like me who has the contacts and the experience to lead it. We are going to contest against incumbents in many states and even at the presidential level, so, we must be up and doing and I am assuring our members that I will lead the party to victory in the coming elections.”

Answering reporters’ questions later, Daniel said he was in support of Fayose’s suggestion of a primary among the aspirants from the zone.

“It is a good idea and if our party leaders and members support it, I am ready for it,” he said.

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Sports, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has promised to work tirelessly to help the PDP to produce the President of Nigeria in 2019 if he becomes the chairman.

He said that the new party’s platform would produce the country’s next president.

Adedoja, one of the aspirants to the position of the national chairman, made the promise on Friday in Calabar when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the state PDP Chairman, Mr. Edim Inok.

He said, “We are now revisiting the issue of membership of the PDP to ensure that the party is repackaged and marketed so that other members can join the party. We cannot do this unless we have a viable and energetic leadership that is very creative.

“The creativity is what we are going to use to drive the management of the party when I become the national chairman. If I am elected the chairman of our great party in December, the party under my leadership will witness the enthronement of party discipline and internal democracy.

“The PDP of today will bring us two things: the PDP of tomorrow and the new platform that will produce the President of Nigeria in 2019.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/pdp-chair-fayose-seeks-shadow-election-swest-aspirants/

A former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has advised politicians that politics should not be about life and death.

Obasanjo gave the advice in Calabar, Cross River State at the public presentation of a book titled: Stepping Forward with Uti J.D. Agba, written by Goddy Jedy-Agba and Mathias Okoi-Uyouyo.

The former president, who was the special guest of honour, said politicians who failed to win election could help those who won to succeed.

He said, “Politics should not be about life and death. If you cannot be the chief servant, you can be the assistant chief servant. This is because the chief servant cannot do it on his own. He has to work with others.”

In his comment, Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, said politicians who could not be in power to serve should support those in power.

He stressed the need for all to work together for the development of the people.

“Power is like the wind which blows away. In using power, one must do so with the fear of God,” Ayade said.

The governor launched the book for N5m on behalf of the state government and another N5m on behalf of himself.

One of the authors Mr Goddy Jedy Agba said Cross Riverians were one people, hence the need for all irrespective of their background to work towards the development of the state.

He expressed gratitude to all who made the event a success.

Uti J.D. Agba, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu in Cross River State is the longest-serving monarch in Africa and the second longest serving monarch in the world after the Queen of England, having been on the throne for 58 years.

The book was reviewed by Prof Kalu Uka of the University of Uyo.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Etsu Nupe of Nupe Kingdom, Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar; Uti J.D Agba; the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V; former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke; and Senator John Owan Enoh; Special Adviser to the President on Prosecution, Mr Okoi Obono Obla, among others.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/politics-shouldnt-life-death-obasanjo/

Adesua Etomi and Banky W are having their Traditional Wedding in Lagos and it was attended by almost everybody in the entertainment Industry.

Celebrities including Kemi Adetiba, MI Abaga, Noble Igwe, Bovi, Basketmouth, Ebuka, Skales, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Debola Williams and others have all turned up for the star studded wedding.

Here are the photos:

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/sola-sobowale-ebuka-obi-uchendu-others-turn-banky-w-adesuas-wedding/

















Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/sola-sobowale-ebuka-obi-uchendu-others-turn-banky-w-adesuas-wedding/

In an interview with PunchNG Saturday Beats, Jaywon addressed the accusation of intellectual property theft levelled against him and X3M Music singer, Simi. Recently, veteran musician, Sir Victor Uwaifo came out to accuse the two singers of pirating his song without his permission.

In the interview, Jaywon admitted that he got the inspiration for his song through Sir Victor Uwaifo’s hit song, ‘Joromi,’ adding that he made efforts to contact the veteran singer officially but his attempt did not yield a result.

He said,

“There is no way I can talk about my hit song, Joromi, without talking about Sir Victor Uwaifo, who we all grew up listening to his music. The whole idea of the song is different from Sir Victor Uwaifo’s but the title reminds anyone of his song. I cannot take away the fact that his song inspired mine. I felt that I should tap into the current beat making rounds in Africa with the song. My song is a love song and I also saw it as an opportunity to promote my artiste, Twist da Fireman, who was also on the song. He added a different sound to the song. I am happy everyone loves the song. I keep working because it is difficult to know the song people would love, so I keep working till I get it right.

“The truth is that I actually wanted to write an official letter to Sir Victor Uwaifo about the issue but when I asked around, I was told that he was not in Lagos. It was just the title and they are not even pronounced the same way. I know what it means to tap into someone’s intellectual property. I would not be that stupid to take someone’s intellectual property without proper authorisation from the owner of the song. A lot of people do it but I cannot do such. The instrument I used in my song sounds nothing like what Sir Victor Uwaifo used in his.”

The singer seized the opportunity to apologise to Sir Victor Uwaifo, whom he said he regarded as a father asking him to understand. He mentioned that there were some artistes who had remixed his work without his permission but he chose to look the other way.

“The truth is that I am sorry if he feels that I used his song without his permission. He is our father and I cannot disrespect him. I would be so silly to think of disrespecting someone like Sir Victor Uwaifo, who has been inspiring us since we were kids. In all the interviews that I had granted, I had given him credit for the song but we are talking about the title of the song and not its content. Small Doctor just released a song titled ‘This Year’, am I going to fight him because of the title of the song? Dammy Krane released a song titled ‘Amin’ which is a different version of my song, ‘This Year; Tim Godfrey released a song titled, ‘This Year’, which is like a proper remix of my song. Dammy Krane and Tim Godfrey took about 60 per cent of my song to make theirs. In my own case, we are talking about the title of the song alone, in fact, the titles do not sound the same when you pronounce them. But like I said, I still have to give props to people that deserve it and there is no way I would talk about Joromi without remembering Sir Victor Uwaifo. The reason I did not give due credit to him is that the songs are not the same, they just have similar titles,” he said.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/dammy-krane-small-doctor-copied-sir-victor-uwaifo-understand-jaywon/

The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on Tuesday, said he was no longer comfortable standing for the November 18 governorship poll in the state.

He said his life was in danger as far as the poll was concerned, stressing that his security details had been withdrawn.

The governor said the withdrawal was ominous as it had exposed his life to eminent threat.

Obiano stated this in Awka during an election stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He described the act as unacceptable and dangerous.

He demanded the return of his security details in order not to constitute further threats capable of overheating the polity, adding that he would fight back if nothing is done about it.

Obiano said, “I want my security details returned immediately because I am going to start a fight from there. I am the governor of Anambra State and all the paraphernalia of my office must be there.

“This is unacceptable and a sign of what will happen. Those behind this would be disappointed because we are very ready for this election.”

According to the governor, he had wanted to speak with the Inspector General of Police who was scheduled to be on the occasion, but said he had to voice it out at the event since he was not aware when the IGP would come.

The governor had earlier complained of having not been accorded recognition by the moderator of the function when he walked in, despite several attempts to make a comment.

But reacting, the National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the event was a stakeholders’ meeting, and as such no candidate would be accorded any special treatment regardless of his position.

He said the commission insisted on equal treatment of all candidates in the election and should not only have equal standing, but must be respected.

Speaking later, the Inspector General of Police, Idris Mohammed, said the police decided to withdraw the policemen attached to politicians because of previous experiences where such cops worked for their “ master.”

He said movement would be restricted on the election day, assuring the people that the state would be adequately policed.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Garba Umar, had been asked to step down for neutrality while he would be replaced with another who had no affinity with the state.

“We are bringing entirely new faces to conduct this election. We need your cooperation; we need your support. We are going to conduct ‘stop and search;” we are going to raid some black sports,” the IGP said.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/life-danger-says-obiano/

The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, in this interview with KEMI LANRE-AREMU, talks about his work, family and politics

On assumption of office as the Director-General, NIMASA, what were some of the challenges you met on the ground?

When I joined NIMASA, I met a team that was very low in morale, slightly disorganised, but very knowledgeable men and women. I realised that the missing gap was leadership. The mandate of the agency is known, the resources required to accomplish the mandate is available but the mandate was not being accomplished. The moment I joined the team, I met with the top management and we identified the issues; how to tackle them and we developed what is called the NIMASA medium-term growth strategy plan.

We also met an agency that had lost the confidence of Nigerians and so stakeholders did not believe in what the agency was doing. They no longer believed that the agency had any role to play in helping them to accomplish their goals.

What strategies did you deploy in tackling some of these issues?

Some of the first few things we did was to refocus the agency on its core mandate, which is the regulation of shipping and that entails a number of things – protecting the marine environment and ensuring the safety of vessels coming out of our ports; ensuring that the labour force has adequate training to carry out its duties and that its interest and welfare are protected. We also went ahead to ensure that Nigerians benefit maximally from shipping in terms of being employed, making a living out of shipping and that we explore the full benefits of shipping in our country and on a bigger scale, protect Nigeria’s maritime.

To tackle these issues, one thing we did was weave them into a single document called the NIMASA medium-term strategic plan. It set out the ultimate goal we wanted to achieve; how we wanted to achieve it; when it should be achieved; the resources required to achieve it and who should take responsibility for achieving that goal. This was captured in one single document, and for me, that showed the people that somebody was concerned about moving NIMASA forward and harnessing the available talents to achieve a corporate goal.

After that, we attended to the things that they needed the most like tools to work with and their own welfare. We cared about their health issues, their job functions and how they are structured. So, we developed what is called the five strategic pillars of the medium-term goals. The first one is the survey inspection and certification programme which leads to port flag and coastal state control functions.

The second one is security, search and rescue functions, which also deals with another core mandate of the agency. The third is the digital reformation strategy. The fourth is capacity building and promotional initiatives, and so, we dealt with the five pillars of the reform.

We ensure that funds don’t get diverted and see to it that every fund generated in NIMASA is applied to only things in which proper planning has been done, and we can see the results. Recently, we were commended by the Federal Executive Council because, for the first time, NIMASA broke every record in terms of the remitted revenue to the consolidated revenue funds. In addition, we were also commended for reducing our operational cost.

How have you been able to apply yourself to this job considering that your first degree in medical laboratory sciences?

Don’t forget that I have several postgraduate degrees in relevant fields. However, anybody who can apply himself will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to excel in any area you are called to serve. So, I am not different. When I was given this assignment, all I did was to subject myself, as a student to the teachers I met in the agency, the teachers outside and most importantly, to all the academic books I was able to lay my hands on. With what I learnt on the job, I got equipped to deal with issues and make decisions concerning the industry. All I can say is that I applied myself to knowledge and I allowed people to teach me what I needed to learn. I came with the mentality to be taught and I am permanently a student. I think that it is meant for the public to judge whether I made a proper transition from being a leader in other spheres to a leader in the maritime sector.

What traits have helped you to succeed on this job?

I have a teachable spirit and I recommend that for leaders. Humility does not hurt. It is also important to have integrity. When people realise that your yes means yes and no means no, they will respect you. I don’t compromise on integrity. Everywhere that I go, integrity is my watchword. You know that posterity will call you to account for your actions. The second important quality for me is humility. You must be humble, respect the views of others and don’t overestimate your capacity and potential. In this industry, you must be a good listener. You must be patient and have the ‘can-do spirit.’ There will be challenges and obstacles but don’t give up at every slight resistance. Get your team to work with you. Keep your eyes on the goal and don’t be distracted. On this assignment, I have not allowed politics to distract me because I know that there is time for everything in life. The job I have at hand is to regulate the maritime industry in Nigeria, ensure we reduce the harm done to our environment, ensure that our waterways are safe, ensure that we contribute to the growth of the revenue profile of the country and also ensure that more Nigerians get involved in shipping and that they benefit from both coastal shipping and international shipping.

Which people have made the deepest impression on you?

I have noticed that many persons are inconsistent. What they say to you in private is not what they say in public and it is a challenge for me. I can’t stand people who are dishonest and people who are inconsistent. Many Nigerians are selfish; they don’t care about the interest of the country and they don’t care about the interest of the agency. Even when people give you advice, you don’t know whether the advice serves their own interest or that of the agency.

Is it possible to be in public service and not be corrupt or speak from both sides of your mouth?

It is possible to be in public service and not be corrupt. It depends on your value system and what is important to you. I can challenge anybody because I am one person who can say that in public service, I have never taken bribe before and I have never asked anybody for bribe. I am saying it in public now. I have had public service appointments for more than 16 years.

You were once a local government chairman and commissioner for works in Rivers State, special adviser to a governor and so on. What spurred your interest in politics?

Service, and nothing more. Right from when I was about 10, I developed the passion to serve the public and get things done. I discovered early in life that I had a calling in the area of serving society. Everywhere that I have served, go back there and you will see traits of my impact till date.

What has helped you remain committed to politics in spite of the intrigues involved?

Honesty and passion to serve. The two things that have sustained me is that people know that whatever I tell them is what I mean. People know that I won’t go out of my way to do anything wrong. They know that I will tell the truth and I will be as fair as I can. The other one is passion. I want to see the society change and I want to see things work. So, for as long as our society is not working the way it should, I will not rest on my part.

Do you have any regrets contesting the governorship in Rivers State?

I have never had regrets about contesting the governorship election in Rivers State. One thing that I realised is that we take the people for granted. The people know what they want but our electoral system sometimes denies them the opportunity to express themselves and the people know when they are denied the opportunity. We have leaders that are irresponsible because they don’t believe that they owe the people anything, whereas, the people voted them into office. We will continue to work every day to fix the Nigerian electoral system, so that people’s votes will count. When people’s votes count, it will improve the quality of governance, and the leaders won’t take the people for granted. It is important we fix our electoral system and make it work for everybody and when it works for everybody, we would have leaders who are responsible and responsive.

Are you still interested in politics?

I can’t be done with politics because it is my passion. The only thing is that at every point in time, you play different roles. I want to see society change and society has not changed in the way that impresses or satisfies me. I have yet to see a society where I want my children and grandchildren to grow up in. The current society we have does not work for us in the area of education and security. Today, the average Nigerian provides his own security, builds the road to his house, provides his own water and will likely provide his own power. Is that the kind of society I want my children and grandchildren to grow up in? For as long as we have yet to achieve the kind of society that we deserve, we will continue to work until we accomplish it.

Did you have a privileged upbringing?

I grew up in different cities. I did not have privileged upbringing neither am I from an impoverished family. My mother was a teacher and my father was a merchant. My parents weren’t rich but they were disciplined. One thing I can say about my parents is that they feared God and they also understood the essence of respect and honesty. My father always says do what you can do today, don’t procrastinate about tomorrow.

How do you create a work-life balance?

I must confess that it has been challenging. My wife and children are complaining. The job is more demanding than I had expected. Add this to the fact that I have my political career. The politicians make extra demands on my time and we must strike a balance between the politicians who demand some of your time and your job. That leaves you with little or no time for your family. However, it is something I am dealing with.

Your wife was very visible and stood by you during the electioneering period. Tell us your love story?

I have always been somebody who has a lot of respect for family life. I didn’t grow up being wayward; maybe, I didn’t have the privilege. When I met my wife, she became a pillar of support and teammate. She has always been and still is a source of encouragement and inspiration. Passing through a very tedious and challenging task like running for governorship of Rivers State in a place where the environment is challenging, I needed her support and she was there all through that very dangerous period. Life didn’t mean much at that period if you can remember; it was indeed a very hostile environment. But we thank God that we were able to go through all of that and we came out stronger, more informed and more courageous to face the future. I appreciate my wife and I want my family to know that I appreciate them a great deal. Having another opportunity, I will always have them by my side and having another opportunity, we will always desire to work with the people of Rivers State in order to improve their standard of living. We think that the state is so endowed that it has no excuse not to be the leading state in the country, where life is good for everybody. The only thing lacking all this while is that we have not had consistent good leadership. Every other state will appreciate that Rivers State is indeed the number one in the country. We have everything to make us number one; we are strategically located, we have resources, smart people and everything going for us. There is absolutely no reason why we cannot be the Dubai of Nigeria.

What advice will you give to anyone who looks up to you and wishes to pursue their career in the way that you have done?

Anybody who looks up to me should know that the road is going to be rough. Whenever you want to change society, people will not come cheering at you; there will be resistance, you will be misunderstood and challenged. What will help to see you through will be the core values which you have set for yourself and you should never compromise. Ask yourself if you are ready to endure criticism, work very hard at odd hours, stand firm by your principle, work with the team that misunderstands you from time to time, bring in your own resources and talent, in addition to building your own capacity. If you want to follow my path, then, be ready for a life of sacrifices that is not laced with wealth, comfort and fun. Those things are not important.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear??

I like to dress in the Rivers State traditional attire. The job I am doing right now is international in nature; so, I need a more cosmopolitan outfit. From time to time, I wear suits even though it is not really a part of me. I like to wear the traditional attire of my people because it shows off my identity and is comfortable. I like anything that makes me comfortable; so I am not crazy about designer wears.

How do you relax?

I love reading and from time to time, I like to swim. I am learning to play golf and I spend time with my family. I tell my children about things that happened in the past because it is important that we all have a good sense of history. I also take out time to go to art galleries in order to appreciate art and nature.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/ive-never-taken-bribe-public-office-holder-peterside/

exclusivepp.com.ng

Celebrated Nollywood actor, Hafiz Oyetoro, popularly called Saka, shares his fatherhood experience

What does fatherhood mean to you?

Fatherhood means the ability to perform all responsibilities of taking care of one’s family and being able to meet the needs of the family. It also entails the ability to be emotionally stable and intelligent enough to accommodate physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the individuals who constitute the family. It is also the ability to acquire what it takes to be a father. It goes beyond giving a woman ‘belle.’

What age did you become a father and how did you feel holding your first child?

I became a father when I was close to 41 (laughs). It was not too late. But it was late. However, I felt so fulfilled. I am also grateful to God that I was able to join the league of fathers. In the same week that my child was born, a friend of mine was giving away her daughter in marriage. You can imagine the gap.

Where were you when your wife gave birth?

When I heard the news that my wife had been delivered of a baby boy, I was elated. I was not around when my wife gave birth. I was on a movie location. I saw my first child the third day he was born. I called my mother-in-law to visit my wife at the hospital.

What did you do when you heard the news?

I called my wife to congratulate her. I told her to place the phone by the ear of the baby. Whether he could hear me or not, I insisted I wanted to talk to him. I said to my child on the phone, “Hello my son, welcome to Nigeria. I am your father. I am not around now but as soon as I come back, I am going to see you. You are welcome to my family.”

I think he heard me well because when I got home, he didn’t cry. He smiled when he saw me. God made everything easy for us. All our three children were born without complications. Within five minutes in the labour room, my wife gave birth. My wife didn’t go through much labour pains. In fact, my last child was born at the reception of the hospital. I thank God for His mercies. I have two boys and a girl.

What accounted for your lateness in being a father?

I can’t specifically say why. For a very long time, I was more committed to my career. I was carried away by the demands of my profession. Another factor that could have led to that was poverty. I never wanted to rely on people to take care of my children. I decided to get married at a point that I was able to take care of myself and my family.

But many people assumed that you are a rich man.

You don’t just grow up one day; it is a process. I am not a millionaire, so to say. But I am very grateful to God that I can afford bread and butter on my table. When I said poverty delayed me, I meant that I hustled for a long time. A few years back, the entertainment industry was not recognised. It was our passion that kept us going. It was about five or 10 years back that entertainment started getting lucrative. I was only popular back then but poor. The idea of self-dignity, not wanting to rely on people for support, accounted for my delay.

How did struggling prepare you for fatherhood?

It made me to be properly ready. I learnt about fatherhood from friends who were already married. I had elder brothers who had gone through various family challenges. So, when I got married, all those challenges were not new to me because I had prepared well for them. I was mature to resolve all those challenges. I wish I married early.

What fascinates you about fatherhood?

The major challenge with marrying late is that my children are still in secondary and primary schools. It means I have a lot to do for my children. Children of my friends have finished their education. I used to attend the weddings and convocation organised for such children. But at my age, I am still paying school fees. While my colleagues can afford to buy cars and mansions worth millions of naira, because they are no longer paying school fees, I am doing more of investment in my children. I cannot afford to copy their lifestyle or afford such luxuries. I believe that I still have a long way to go. My children are my investments. When some people say, ‘Upon all the money wey Saka get, e no do this, e no get plenty cars’, I laugh. I am investing my money in my children because I don’t want them to pass through what I went through in life. I put more into their training so that they can be successful. I am giving them the best of education. When it comes to investing in other things and enjoyment, it is affecting me. While other fathers are getting gifts from their children, I am still paying school fees at my old age. I am not too old anyway (laughs). I am just 54.

What specifically are you doing to prepare your children for a better future?

First and foremost, I don’t joke with home training and education. I also ensure that they are close to God. Those are my priorities. I let them understand the realities of life; that one needs to work hard to be successful. I want to thank God that I know one or two people. But I don’t want my children to rely on people. I am giving them the best education that I can afford now. Knowledge is power. If they have the knowledge, they will know how to manage their lives. Once you equip your children with knowledge, you have done everything for them. I started school at nine. My children started school at age three or four. They would finish their education on time. I want to train them to be self-employed or employable so they won’t start afresh like me. I started from the scratch. I started from point zero. I want my children to start from point 10.

What kind of father are you at home?

My wife, children and I watch Saka together on TV. Saka is a different person from Hafiz Oyetoro, the husband and father. My children know their father, Hafiz Oyetoro. They know Hafiz Oyetoro, who acts Saka. It’s a professional grace for me. I want to thank God that I passed through good lecturers who trained me to differentiate my personality from the role I play in movies.

What do your children say when they watch you on TV?

My children are my first critics. Sometimes, they ask me, “Daddy, why is Saka doing like this?” “Is this how to wear the uniform?” Sometimes when I do something, I let them see it first and listen to them. My wife and children understand me most. When I am away for a long time and come back home, I loosen up. I organise dance competition and crack jokes. I do perform for them to cover up for the lost time. I really want to be close to my children. I try as much as possible to do so. My children are free with me and their mother. They are free to express their feelings. We give them disciplined freedom of expression.

How do you discipline your children?

I don’t cane my children. I feel that I don’t have to use the cane to get things done. I was brought up by my uncle who caned me. I didn’t like that. I lived with my father until age nine when I started primary school. From age nine, I was under the care of my uncle. It was really interesting because he was strict. I didn’t have freedom of expression. I didn’t want my children to experience that. I play with them and tell them stories. Once they misbehave, I could say, “You, because you have done this, don’t talk to me in your life again.” When I change my attitude, that child will feel odd and apologise. I used to tell them to kneel down and raise up their hands.

Is any of them interested in acting?

One of my children seems interested in being an actor like me. I don’t want to force them into any career. I give them the freedom to choose what they want to do. Whatever they want to become, my own is to support them.

Is there anything they tease you about?

For instance, when I come home and tired, I could sleep in the living room. They would be dramatising, mimicking how I slept off. Sometimes, they tease me with some of the lines of Saka. They use the lines where I abused somebody to get back at me. I don’t tell them lies. I told them I was not a fantastic, excellent student way back in school. Most fathers would tell their children they used to take the first position even though it’s not true. When I was in primary school, I took first position for some time. But when some other smart guys came, they took over. Whenever we are in light mood, all those things I said when I was angry, they would rehearse it in my presence to tease me.

If there’s a lesson you want your kids to take from you as they move through life, what would it be?

Discipline, humility and believing in the Almighty God. I want them to learn these from me. I want them to know that there is no shortcut to success. When you don’t work for success, what is gained soon fritters away. If you work for success, you will be able to maintain it. When you are hard-working and believe in God, success will be with you forever. When you are disciplined, you won’t be jealous of other people’s success. If you are humble, people will respect you. I want them to be simple like me. Life is simple.

How do you manage to be a successful actor, teacher and father?

God has helped me to manage my time well. As a father, I don’t do more than I can. I live a simple life. I am very honest and faithful to my wife. I want to thank God and the producers. They know that I am a civil servant; so, they don’t give me jobs to do during the week. I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t run after women. I don’t smoke. I want to thank the Nigerian press. Up until today, I have not recorded any scandal. Scandals can be cooked up.

Female fans come but I have been able to overcome temptations.

You know that I am not that particularly handsome. But to my wife, I am a very handsome man. That is the reason she married me. But you cannot compare the character of Saka with that of Ramsey Noah and other handsome actors. The traffic of temptation and pressure from women to me is low.

Because I am a teacher, I live the life of a teacher. I don’t go to clubs. I am very simple, reserved and shy person. I am a complete “paki” (local man) man. This makes everything easy for me. I am thanking God for making me a simple person. Artistes are human beings with weaknesses.

What is one of the most important gifts your wife or children have given you in appreciation of your fatherly role?

The greatest blessing a man can get from God is to marry a woman who shares his vision. The greatest gift my wife has given me is her ability to share and support my vision. She understands me from A-Z. She is a graduate of mathematics. I don’t even know how the chemistry works. She is caring but quiet. When I am not around, they pray for me. They even fast for me.

In the African setting, some believe that fathers are to play the role of providing for the home while the mothers take care of the home. Do you agree with this?

I disagree. Even in those days, our fathers took their wives to the farm. I am from a village. My mother used to accompany my father to the farm. My wife also takes care of certain responsibility of her volition. She had to resign from government job when we got married. She was a mathematics teacher somewhere. When we got married, she had to resign to take care of the children. Both of us cannot be working because the home front would suffer. She has her shops where she sells children things. Sometimes, she takes care of certain things without telling me. I only get to know later. My children used to call me to say mummy had taken care of something they were asked to bring in school. We work together as partners. But as the father, it is automatic that I carry the larger percentage of the family’s upkeep.

Have you cooked at home before?

I am a great cook. Don’t forget that I was a bachelor for 40 years (laughs). I cook once in a while now. It’s been long I did that. As time went on, I became very busy. In the last five years, I have not been able to do those domestic duties due to my busy schedules.

What is the most important relationship advice you give to people?

I will advise would-be couples to have jobs before getting married. It took me time to get married because I wanted to be able to withstand the financial cost. When the man is jobless and the wife is jobless, how do they maintain the home? Self-maintenance is a continuous responsibility. The marriage will not last if both would-be couples are jobless. Even if it’s the wife that is employed, they can still manage. They don’t need to have government jobs. But they must have a means of sustenance. If there is no butter on their bread, let there be water, at least, after taking the bread. I do not support a marriage where both couples are jobless. There will be tension. When there is tension, there will be misunderstanding. When there is constant misunderstanding, the marriage will collapse.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/married-late-poverty-saka/

An ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives on Sunday accused the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Central Bank of Nigeria of keeping $950m in a secret domiciliary account from 2011 and 2014 as against remitting the money into the Federation Account.

The committee, which is chaired by a member of the All Progressives Congress from Adamawa State, Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, is investigating the alleged $17bn crude and gas resources stolen from Nigeria between 2011 and 2014 .

The DPR was also accused of failing to declare a separate $70.648m .

The committee threatened to issue an arrest warrant against the management of the agency for ignoring its invitations.

The panel said while the DPR’s official account for the remittance of royalties was with JP Morgan, a second account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was uncovered.

Namdas stated that when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was queried over the account, it confirmed its existence.

For instance, the committee said $10.2m was received in April 2011 by the DPR and CBN as royalties from Moni Pulo.

Namdas, however, said only $3.425m was paid into the Federation Account, while $6.853m was reportedly diverted.

“In June 2011, rentals were received from Compile, but the DPR and the CBN credited the Federation Account with only $121.263m, thereby diverting $10.157m.

“In April 2012, the sum of $44.770m received by the DPR and the CBN was not credited to the Federation Account; while in September 2012, the sum of $38.842m paid by Chevron as royalty was not credited to the Federation Account as same was deducted under the cover of refund to Philip’s Oil.

“In October 2012, all payments received through the Federal Reserve Bank, estimated at over $200m, were not credited to the Federation Account.”

Speaking further, Namdas recounted how in April 2013, the DPR and CBN paid $117.583m out of $281.750m into the the Federation Account, implying that another $164,167m was diverted.

He added, “In August 2013, the DPR allegedly diverted the sum of $242.715m from revenue accruable to the Federation Account and in March 2014, the DPR and the CBN concealed over $300m.”

According to the committee, the money kept in secret by the agencies between May and July 2014 was $450m.

However, an Assistant Director, DPR, Mr. Adewole Johnson-Makanju; and the Manager, Planning, Mrs. Comfort Ajayi, who made a submission to the committee, claimed that the problem started when some oil companies continued to remit money into the Federal Reserve Bank account after February 2011 even though they were duly notified that JP Morgan Chase was now officially holding the domiciliary account.

They also claimed that there was no fraud intended or committed as the CBN regularly mopped up the money and reconciled the figures.

But, not satisfied with the explanation, the panel gave the DPR director the next sitting date to appear before the committee, else a warrant for his arrest would be issued.

Namdas warned, “I am still insisting that the DPR director must appear in our next meeting. I am also expressing disappointment that the director has never appeared before us.”

The House had by its resolution in December 2016, ordered the probe after a motion by a member, Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma, established evidence of “fraudulent transactions and irregularities” in crude and gas exports within the period under review.

Part of the information at the disposal of the committee put the figure of undeclared crude shortfalls between 2011 and 2014 at 57,830,000 barrels.

“This translates to well over $12bn worth of crude shipped to the United States.

“Also, over $3bn worth was shipped to China and $839,522,600 worth of crude was taken to Norway.

“These figures were conclusively ascertained by buyers, bill of lading, arrival dates, destination ports, quantity of crude oil and other documented information,” the document stated.

The US was listed as the leading destination for the crude out of the 51 countries that received crude exports from Nigeria within the period.

“The report was made available to the former President (Goodluck Jonathan); Office of the Attorney General of the Federation; Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency; and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and that as of today (2016), the country has to its credit, over $17bn of recoverable shortfalls from undeclared crude oil exports to global destinations,” it added.

In the case of liquefied natural gas shortfalls, the document noted a loss of 727,460 metric tonnes, estimated at about $461,044m, firmly established shortfall from shipment to seven countries.

“These have been established as undeclared cargoes,” the document added.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/dpr-cbn-diverted-950m-oil-royalty-reps-panel/

If you have a large balance on a high interest rate credit card, paying off the balance can be difficult. That is because the monthly finance charges eat up your minimum payment and the balance only goes down a small amount every month. Though paying off higher interest rate debts first is the way to save money in the long run, it may not be the best method for your finances, according to www.thebalance.com.

Ask for a lower interest rate: Creditors are sometimes willing to lower interest rates, but usually for the best cardholders – the ones that have always paid on time or have only missed one or two payments. If you are getting offers for other credit cards with lower rates, you can use those offers as a bargaining chip.

Transfer the balance to a low interest rate credit card: A few interest-free months may be all you need to pay off your balance. With excellent credit, you may qualify for a good balance transfer interest rate. Don’t limit your search to balance transfer credit cards. Some of the best balance transfer rates are on reward credit cards. And if you don’t have enough available credit to transfer an entire balance to a single credit card, moving just some of it will lighten the load.

Tackle smaller debts first: Getting rid of high interest rate debt first may not be the best strategy for you. Paying off some smaller balances would free up money to put towards your larger, high interest rate debts.

Make a list of your debts to figure out which can be paid now and which must wait: As you get rid of small credit card balances, don’t forget to put that same monthly payment towards another credit card balance.

Pay as much as you can: Because so much of your monthly payment goes towards interest, you have to increase the amount of your payments if you want to make noticeable progress towards paying off high interest rate debts.

You will be more successful if you pay the minimum on all your other debts and put all your extra money towards a single high interest rate debt. Once you have paid off one debt, you can work on the debt with the next highest interest rate, and so on, until you have paid all your debts.

Cut expenses: Disconnect your cable. Cut back on eating out. Reduce your cigarette smoking. Cut back on coffee and sodas. Decrease your cell phone plan. Squeezing more money out of your budget gives you more to put towards your credit card debt. If you turn off cable television, you could have some extra money to put towards your credit card debt. Eat out one less time a month, and that’s an extra savings. Combined, that’s almost an extra thousand of naira on your monthly credit card payment.

If you absolutely cannot squeeze any extra money from your budget and produce any extra income, you may have to delay your debt-free goal for a few months. Keep making minimum payments on your credit cards because that will keep your credit score from slipping and it will keep your debt from growing. Yes, you will be throwing away money on interest, but if you can’t afford to pay off your high interest rate debt right now, then you simply can’t afford it.

Wait two or three months, reassess your budget and expenses to see if anything has changed.

Get credit counselling: Depending on your debt, income, and expenses, a credit counsellor may be able to enroll you in a debt management plan. On a DMP, your creditors lower your interest rate and monthly payment. The catch is that you can’t use your credit cards while you are on the DMP (not that you should use them anyway) and a note goes on your credit report stating you worked with a credit counsellor. You can take advantage of the lower interest rates by sending larger monthly payments and asking the credit counsellor to apply the additional payment to your highest rate first.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/pay-off-high-interest-rate-debts/

Even though the natural hair trend has spread like wildfire and lots of women are switching to the trend, we have some who are lovers of weaves.

These celebrities have shown us again and again that their love for wigs cannot be equaled to anything.

Curious? Below are some celebrities who have not sworn off wigs.
1. Rita Dominic

Everyone knows that Rita is the queen of weaves. She wears it to perfection.
2. Tolu Demuren

Not too many people might know that our curvy lady has so many weaves to die for.
3. Mercy Aigbe

Mercy’s weaves are always laid to perfection and we love her for it.
4. Omawummi

Everybody knows that mama Africa does not joke with her weaves.
5. Tiwa Savage

Who does not know that beautiful Tiwa loves experiencing with weaves.
6. Toke Makinwa

Toke is a baby girl for life and of course, her weaves have to be the best.
7. Lillian Esoro

Lillian is another celebrity whose weaves are always top notch.
8. Juliana Olayode

Although a natural hair enthusiast, Juliana also loves wigs a great deal.
9. Damilola Adegbite

This sexy mum of one has weaves that any woman would be envious of.
10. Tonto Dike

When it comes to weaves, Tonto is a boss.
11. Toyin Abraham

Beautiful Toyin always picks weaves in the right colour and texture.
12. Ini Edo

This hair was laid to perfection.
13. Annie Idibia

Yas, this weave gives us life!
14. Osas Ajibade



Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/13-photos-celebrities-make-fall-love-weaves/

Toke Makinwa is a lover of designer bags and clothes and she sure knows how to invest her money in some of the most admirable luxurious designers.

Stargist.com presents 5 times the author stepped out in expensive items

1. Toke Makinwa And Her Gucci Floral Jacquard Sylvie for $2,285 = N868,300



2. Toke Makinwa And Her N980,000 Gucci Silk Dress That Got Everyone Talking



3. Toke Makinwa And Her ‘Fenty’ Puma Sneakers From Rihanna Collection Which Retails For $150 (N73,500) as at early this year.



4. Toke Makinwa Poses With Her N1.3m Gucci Handbag



5. Toke Makinwa And Her N1.2 Million Birthday Dress



Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/5-times-toke-makinwa-got-internet-buzzing-expensive-fashion-items/

There was a mild drama yesterday at a Customary Court sitting in Mapo area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, after a Shepherd in charge of a Celestial Church’s parish accompanied his mistress, Omolara Ojeyemi to the court to witness the dissolution of her marriage to her legal husband.

The priest, Prophet David Adebayo, amid tears, told the court that he was responsible for the pregnancy his mistress was carrying. He, however, pleaded for forgiveness for impregnating Omolara , who is married to one Abiodun Ojeyemi, a staff of Nigeria Breweries Plc.

Confessing, Adebayo who resides in the Alakuko area of Alagbado, Lagos State, said that Omolara had been his mistress for the past 12 years, despite living with her husband in Ibadan with her husband in the last seven years.

He said: “My Lord, anytime Omolara left her husband in Ibadan, she used to come to meet me in Lagos where we usually have fun. Sometimes, she comes after her closing hours in her office and returned to Ibadan the following morning.

“Omolara only told me that she and her husband were no more in good terms even though she already had two children for him. I swear to the holy bible, I didn’t intend to destroy her relationship with her husband, she is just my girlfriend.

“The pregnancy she is carrying belongs to me. I was the one who deflowered her during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days. I followed her into the court to ensure that her union with Abiodun is dissolved today not that I am daring the court’s power.”

Adebayo however, apologized to the court for causing so many disharmonies to Abiodun, Omolara’s husband and for having unlawful sexual intercourse with a housewife.

The president of the court, High Chief Ademola Odunade subsequently dissolved the seven year-old marriage between Omolara and her husband (Abiodun), but ruled that Abiodun should take custody of the two children their seven- year-old marriage had produced.

In his remarks before the ruling, Odunade lamented that the society was fast undergoing an unprecedented decay in morality especially how adultery was ruining marriages. He described as unprecedented how a concubine could be so bold to accompany his mistress to a law court despite knowing that the act is an illegality.

“It is so tragic that a man can deliberately impregnate a housewife with children. It has never happened in the history of this court that a concubine will accompany his mistress to the court with the intention of daring us, saying nothing will happen.

“In the interest of peaceful living, the union between Omolara and Abiodun has ceased to be henceforth. Abiodun shall take custody of the two children produced by the union.’’

Narrating ordeal to the court, Abiodun, a staff of Nigeria Breweries Plc said his wife (Omolara), was an unrepentant fornicator despite his genuine love for her.

“My Lord, ever since I got married to Omolara seven years ago, little did I know that she had been occupied with all sorts of escapades in the name of going to church vigil. What I know is that she usually told me she was going for church vigil and I never had any reason to suspect her because I trusted her.

“However, since June this year, Omolara started starving me of sex. Before I eventually knew the truth, Omolara had told me that her concubine was her uncle and I was relating with him well as an in-law.

“One day, I got home and discovered that she had packed all the property away including mine. In fact, I have never failed to perform my responsibility as a husband to her and as a father to our children.

“It will be wrong for Omolara to hide under any stupid disguise to be neck deep in adultery. Omolara’s concubine is a priest at a Celestial Church, Emmanuel Parish, Elewiodo-Ojo, Ibadan,” Abiodun said.

Testifying in the matter, Omolara’s father confessed that Abiodun was a complete gentle son in-law whom he liked so much. He confirmed that he usually render Abiodun and Omolara monetary assistance anytime they were in need.

“I know that Abiodun has a great future ahead of him and I used to tell Omolara, my daughter to keep calm. If there was any problem, Abiodun never hesitated to inform me.”

“I never gave any wife to that naughty concubine and I know that he only wants to cause disaster to the happy relationship between my daughter and Abiodun,” Omolara’s father said.

Omolara’s mother also added that her daughter had been expelled from the church after she got pregnant for her concubine.

Others who testified corroborated Omolara father’s testimony. They all confirmed that Omolara was deeply into extra-marital affairs even with some other men.

Abiodun’s younger brother told the court that he had at various times caught her in different hotels with different men on adulterous mission. He however, said that he refused to tell his brother in order not to be seen as a trying to break their marriage.

Omolara, who was the plaintiff in the case, however told the court she was no longer interested in continuing with the marriage. She said Abiodun had threatened to attack her with scissors.

She also claimed that her husband, Abiodun, was responsible for her pregnancy because she took in shortly before she moved out from her matrimonial home.

“My Lord, I can no more endure hunger and lack of care in Abiodun’s home. My parents have been responsible for our daily needs including feeding, clothing and our children’s education.

“Worst still, Abiodun used to unleash mayhem on me. My Lord, enough is enough, please, separate us,” Omolara stated.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/prophet-impregnates-housewife/

“Six-hour daily sex from a jobless man is too much to handle,” were the words of a 26-year-old woman, Constance Muungani, who fled her matrimonial home because of her husband, Fani Mumba (31) sexual appetite.

Mumba, who thought his wife was unfair to him, took the case to a local court in their country, Zimbabwe.

Muungani told the court that her husband did not take her well-being into consideration.

She said, “I have endured too much sex. He has sex with me every day for about six hours, to an extent that my private part became painful. I fear I will die having sex.”

She added, “I am employed, but my husband has no job but to keep having sex with me. I am not going back to him and I also want the custody of the children.”

However, the husband told the court not to dissolve the marriage, saying he still loves his wife.

“I love my wife. I kindly ask her to give me a chance to solve the prolonged erection. I did that in the belief that I would sexually satisfy her and I didn’t know that it would wreck my marriage,” he said.

Court Chief, Chireya, told B-Metro that he was working on mending the marriage by engaging both parties.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/wife-flees-home-jobless-husbands-six-hour-daily-sex-demand/

Finance and economic experts on Wednesday commended the Federal Government for increasing allocation to some key sectors of the economy such as power, works and housing; industry, trade and investment; transportation, water resources, agriculture and rural development.

The Federal Government in the 2018 budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday proposed to spend N555.8bn on capital projects in the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing as against N529bn allocated in 2017.

Transportation has a proposal for N263.1bn capital expenditure in 2018 as against N262bn in the current year, while agriculture and water resources have N118bn and N95bn as against N75bn and N95bn, respectively in 2017.

The experts, however, said that while the budget was crafted to stimulate growth and reduce poverty, the naira/dollar exchange rate used was not feasible.

A former President of the Nigerian Economic Society and current Executive Director, African Centre for Shared Development Capacity Building, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, said the government was too optimistic in its projected revenues from non-oil sources.

In 2018, the government projects oil revenues of N2.442tn and non-oil as well as other revenues at N4.165tn.

The non-oil and other revenue of N4.165tn include share of the Companies Income Tax of N794.7bn; Value Added Tax of N207.9bn; Customs and Excise receipts of N324.9bn; Federal Government of Nigeria independently-generated revenues of N847.9bn; amnesty income of N87.8bn; various recoveries of N512.4bn; N710bn as proceeds from the restructuring of government’s equity in Joint Ventures; and other sundry incomes of N678.4bn.

Ajakaiye also opined that the debt servicing would be consuming a lot of resources and advised that government’s shifting attention to foreign borrowing should not lead to foreign debt overhang in the future.

Ajakaiye said, “On a general note, the budget is good. The only aspect that is too optimistic is the non-oil revenue projection. The increase from the figure of last year is quite large. The government needs to make sure that it has a structure in place to realise its projection on VAT and Company Income Tax.

“They may have taken into consideration that corporations that have not been making returns will start doing so. This year, for instance, JAMB suddenly made a huge return to the government.

“However, over the years, the targets from the non-oil revenue had not been met. The government needs to close the gaps.”

He added, “Another thing we see is that the debt service charge is still too high. Shifting to low-cost borrowing, we need to ensure that the funds are applied to generate not only naira, but also foreign currencies. The future challenge and risk of external borrowing should not be ignored.”

Ajakaiye urged the National Assembly to scrutinise the budget and pass it on time so that the implementation could start in January, adding that this had been the challenge over the years.

The President, Institute of Fiscal Studies of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Ighedosa, said the decision of the Federal Government to make non-oil sector as the centre of its revenue projections to execute its plans in 2018 was commendable.

He, however, expressed worry over how the funds would be raised.

Ighedosa said, “For the first time, we are projecting that non-oil revenue is going to overtake oil revenue, which obviously is a welcome development because since the 1970s, our economy has been largely dependent on oil revenues.”

On his part, the Registrar, Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Eohoi, said the increased allocation to power, works and housing would stimulate economic activities.

He stated, “The 2018 budget was properly structured to revive our economy but where the government did not get it right is in the area of the exchange rate, which was pegged at N305 to a dollar. This is not realistic and it may cause distortions.”

Meanwhile, analysts have said the increase in allocation to the ministries of Agriculture, Power, Works, Housing, Petroleum Resources and Aviation, among others, is not something to be excited about.

According to them, the government has yet to show enough willingness to adequately implement previous budgets, as they stressed that although the increase in capital allocation in the 2018 bill was a welcome development, its implementation must be taken seriously.

The President, Oil and Gas Trainers’ Association of Nigeria, Dr. Mayowa Afe, said, “Since things are gradually improving, we expect that the budget implementation for next year will be something to cheer about. That is the expectation of all us, particularly in the energy sector.

“Adequate implementation of the budget will build and boost confidence in the system; a lot of people will have money to spend and we are looking forward to more spending by the government. That is our expectation; they should implement a greater percentage of the 2018 budget.”

The President, Constance Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Shehu Mikhail, stated that the poor implementation of budgets was not only affecting capital projects across the country, but was adversely impacting on the capital market.

He said, “The government is not serious about implementing the budget, so why should we celebrate the increase in capital expenditure in the 2018 Appropriation Bill? For the 2017 budget, have they implemented it to a considerable extent? No, it has not been adequately implemented.”

In his contribution, the President, Federation of Construction Industry, an umbrella body for construction companies in Nigeria, Solomon Ogunbusola, stated that the National Assembly should pass the bill in good time to help its implementation.

“The increase in allocation to the works ministry is a welcome development. But we hope the budget will be passed by the National Assembly in good time for proper or higher percentage implementation so that it does not go the way that the 2017 budget seems to be going at the moment,” he said.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/2018-budget-experts-fault-non-oil-revenue-projection/

The kidnappers of 71-year-old Mrs. Elizabeth Omotosho, the mother of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr Mike Omotosho, have demanded N100m ransom for the release of the septuagenarian.

The victim was abducted by four gunmen at her house on Lobalade Street, Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, around 8pm on Sunday.

Our correspondent gathered on Wednesday from a family source that the gang reached out to the family and demanded N100m ransom.

The source said, “When mama (Elizabeth) was kidnapped on Sunday night, they went away without leaving behind anything with which we could reach them. But they have reached out to us and demanded that N100m should be paid to them as ransom”

The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Akayi Okasanmi, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said he was unaware of the N100m ransom demand.

He, however, said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, were on the trail of the abductors to ensure the safe release of the victim.

He explained that the command was also working with a rescue team established by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to ensure the safe return of Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, many leaders and delegates of the Labour Party in Kwara State held inter-faith prayer sessions for the release of the victim.

The state Acting Chairman, Alhaji Abdulkareem Onagun, pleaded with the abductors to release Elizabeth.

He said, “We strongly appeal to the abductors to, in the name of Almighty Allah, kindly release the old woman to join her family.

“Our national chairman has never been in government. He is somebody who has been assisting individuals and the less privileged. We believe that the Almighty God will shine his eyes on him.

“We are pleading with the abductors that the woman should be returned safely to her family without any ransom. They should consider Mike’s philanthropic gestures at state and even national levels.”

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/kidnappers-labour-party-chairmans-mother-demand-n100m-ransom/

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, yesterday said the agency recovered over N738.9 billion (equivalent to over $2.9 billion) in two years.

He said the cash included $43 million recovered from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke.

The figures are in a 10-page paper Magu delivered at the ongoing 7th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption holding in Vienna, Austria.

The paper, titled “International Cooperation in Relation to Tecnical Assistance: The Nigerian Experience”, gave a detailed account of efforts by the Commission at tracing and recovering all stolen treasures from the country’s coffers.

The statement said: “Magu who was a panelist at the Implementation Review Group attended by over 100 delegates, detailed the Nigerian efforts in asset recovery, including the progress made in the specific cases related to Abacha loot, Malabu Oil, Diezani & Associates and the arms procurement scandal. These efforts, he said cut across Switzerland, USA, UK, UAE, Jersey Island and Panama.

“The EFCC monetary recovery from May 2015 to October 20, 2017 was in excess of N738.9 billion, which is equivalent to over $2.9 billion. This does not include recovery in other currencies like Durham, CRA and British Pound.

“The EFCC has also made a lot of recovery locally. Within this year alone, the Commission recovered stolen assets running into several millions of US dollars and billions in naira. This includes the $43 million recovered from Deziani Allison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources and the N2 billion spread in seven accounts within three Nigerian banks laundered from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command Salary Accounts.”

According to the records of recovery as published by The Nation within the two-year period; the list includes the recovery of $9.2 million owned by a former Group Managing Director of the NNPC Andrew Yakubu.

N3 billion recovered from INEC officials as part of the 2015 election bribery probe.

The N328,988,296,990.62 from oil firms.

The whistle-blower policy, has led to the recovery of N521,815,000, $53,272,747, £122,890, and €547,730 by the EFCC.

Also, N1.420billion was recovered from some firms and a consultant who benefited from the N19billion illegally deducted from London-Paris club loan refunds by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

About N500million from a Northern governor through a mortgage firm.

Also, a company, which assisted another governor to launder $3million London-Paris Club refunds, returned $500,000 to the EFCC.

EFCC recovered N220million from two companies which were involved in the London-Paris Club consultancy scandal.

Forfeiture of $43.4million recovered from the Osborne Towers in Ikoyi.

Following whistle-blowing, the EFCC recovered about of $136,676,600.51 from a fictitious account of a person suspected to be a public officer.

Also, two other persons voluntarily refunded $15million, N7billion and N1billion after some whistle-blowers exposed the huge deposits in their accounts.

Magu said the recovery was possible for EFCC because it employed “ the mechanism of the non-conviction based forfeiture provided under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act”.

He made some recommendations on how to recover stolen public funds.

He sought for improved coordination and cooperation among State parties through the consideration and adoption of measures that will remove traditional ‘barriers, such as bank secrecy consistent with Article 46( and dual criminality Article 46(9) as well as simplified legal technicalities in the recovery and repatriation of stolen funds.

The EFCC boss in his paper also asked for measures to “reduce cost of recovery of assets for developing countries and ensure speedy return of all stolen assets to victim states in line with the current resolution sponsored by Nigeria.

He also called for sanctions and prosecution of any financial institution that violates AML/CFT measures and the maintenance of a public register on beneficial ownership.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/magu-efcc-recovers-n738b-two-years/

Nigerian US-based Hip-hop artiste, Jidenna has unveiled the artwork and tracklist of his next project, an EP titled “Boomerang.” The exciting part of the announcement, is the rich representation of Nigerian music on the project with artistes like Tiwa Savage, Maleek Berry, Burna Boy and Wale, featuring as guest artistes.

Jidenna broadened his reach to feature Sarkodie of Ghana, while the other guest artiste on the EP is DDT Cromwell.

Jidenna had earlier released his debut album titled The Chief in February 2017, and the album made it to top charts in US and Canada. In 2015, he was featured on an Woodland Records’ EP, titled The Eephus, which had his very popular song, Classic Man.

Jidenna had been involved in a lot of activities in Africa of late, and he would be looking to penetrate into the African music market with his forthcoming EP.

See tracklist below.


Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/jidenna-unveils-artwork-tracklist-boomerang-ep/

The Parliament of the Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union has impeached the President of the Union, Oyekan Ibukun Edwards.
This resolution was reached by the parliament at a sitting which held in Awolowo Café of the University’s Awolowo Hall of residence on Saturday November 4.
The Parliament impeached the President on the grounds of alleged gross misconduct which included his alleged involvement in the attack on students last Wednesday.
The Secretary-General and Public Relations Officer of the Union, Boluwajaiye Adeoluwa and Okediji Simon were also suspended respectively for not attending the parliamentary sitting.
They were said to be viewing a television programme in the Awolowo Hall Common room not too far away from the venue of the parliamentary sitting.
Their suspension is meant to last for two weeks. The Parliament also prohibited absent parliamentarians from attending two subsequent sittings.
The sitting had in attendance 52 parliamentarians at which 37 voted for the impeachment of the Union’s President, while the remaining parliamentarians abstained from voting.
In an interview with our correspondent, a member of the OAU Students’ Union Parliament, Odetoyinbo Fiyin commended the resolutions of the Parliament.
He said the resolutions of the Parliament to impeach the President and the suspension of absent parliamentarians, and other two Union executives amounted to victory for the students.
“I strongly believe that the impeachment of the President has been lingering for a long time. He has committed so many misconducts, he is also known for absconding congresses I can go on and on,” Fiyin stated.
Another parliamentarian identified as Honourable Saheed said “The President was suspended by the Parliament because of his involvement in a cultist attack which happened recently. The President did call a sitting on Wednesday and at a point during the course of the sitting, cultists came to attack students and the Union bus conveyed the alleged cultists in and out of the university’s premises.
“The President is the custodian of the Union bus which is a non-commercial bus, so he definitely knows about the attack because the keys of the Union bus are kept in his custody,” Saheed stated.
The Clerk of the Union, Hon. Tosdam, while speaking with our correspondent said that the President had to be impeached because he has committed several offences and that his involvement in the cultist attack of November 1, 2017, is prime among such deeds.
“The President was alleged to have invited cultists to come to attack students in a parliamentary sitting that he did call, which held Wednesday, November 1. The cultists who came to attack our students were conveyed to and fro the university campus with the Union bus and he masterminded the attack. This is an archetype that cultism is likely to return and history should not be allowed to repeat itself. The resolution of the parliament as regards the impeachment of the union President is valid and there is no going back,” Tosdam said.
Falayi Temitope, the speaker of the Union told our correspondent that the impeachment of the Union President was well-deserved.
“The President of OAU students’ union has been impeached. He was impeached on the grounds of gross misconducts which included his involvement in an attack on students.”
” Mr. Oyekan Ibukun Edwards was impeached as OAU students’ union President because he cannot be trusted on matters as regards students’ security; he allowed students to be beaten blue black by cultists who were conveyed to and fro the university premises in a bus which was meant to be in the custody of the president. He did invite the cultists that came to attack students at the university students’ union building on November 1st, 2017, ” he stated.
Falayi also claimed that the parliament suspended the Union’s Secretary-General and the Public Relations Officer for failing to attend the parliamentary sitting. He added that parliamentarians who were absent at the sitting have bagged suspensions for two parliamentary sittings.
However, the embattled President in a statement rejected his impeachment and the suspension of two union executives, claiming it was a “kangaroo impeachment.”
The statement reads in part, “My attention has been drawn to news flying around social media that the president has been impeached, the Secretary General and Public Relations Officer of the union have been suspended for two weeks. May I use this medium to inform you all that it is not true and not in tandem with the sacrosanct Constitution of our Union”.
With the resolution of the Parliament, the Union’s Speaker, Falayi Temitope, automatically assumes the position of the Presidency due to the vacancy of the office of the Union’s Vice-President.
The erstwhile vice-president had been suspended by the management of the University.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/oau-students-union-president-impeached/

US President Donald Trump has called a deadly shooting incident at a church in the state of Texas a “mental health problem at the highest level.”

“It’s a very sad event. These are great people,” he said at a news conference in Tokyo, apparently referring to the victims of the shooting.

“We have a lot of mental health problems as do other countries,” the president said.

He also mentioned a “very deranged individual with a lot of problems for a long period of time,” appearing to refer to the suspect.

Trump said his “thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families in today’s horrible … attack” in Texas, which he called a “horrific shooting.”

During a crisis, “Americans will do what we do best: We pull together and join hands and lock arms and through the tears and sadness we stand strong,” Trump said at the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Japan.

He also urged Americans to pray for the wounded and the families of the victims.

The president said the shooting occurred at a “place of sacred worship.”

Gov. Greg Abbot said on Sunday that 26 people were killed after a gunman opened fire during a service at a Texas church.

Abbot said the attack at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, was the “largest mass shooting in the state’s history.”

Some 20 people had been transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe, authorities said.

The victims ranged in age from five to 72 years.

The gunman was seen at a gas station across from the church at 11:20 am (1720 GMT) dressed in black and wearing tactical gear before crossing the street and firing his weapon outside the church, said Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

A local resident stopped the gunman, ending the carnage at the church, Martin said.

The resident grabbed his rifle and rushed to the First Baptist Church, where he “engaged” the gunman.

The suspect then dropped his gun and fled in his car.

He was pursued by the local resident and was later found dead by police in his car, Martin said. It was unclear whether the gunman had killed himself or if he was shot by the pursuing citizen.

Local media identified the suspected gunman as Devin Kelley, 26, of nearby New Braunfels, Texas.

In 2012, Kelley, a former Air Force service member who was licensed to be a security guard, was court-martialled and convicted of domestic violence, and he received a bad conduct discharge, the San Antonio Express-News reported, citing an Air Force spokeswoman.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/trump-texas-shooting-mental-health-problem-at-highest-level/

Community leaders in Nigeria’s oil-rich south on Monday urged militants not to resume attacks on pipelines but give peace talks with the government another chance.

The Niger Delta Avengers group last week threatened to resume its targeting of oil and gas infrastructure that in 2016 led to a slump in output that helped tip Nigeria into recession.

But Edwin Clark, the head of the Pan Niger Delta Forum set up last year to chart a way forward with the government, said they should be patient.

The government may have so far failed to act on a list of 16 recommendations to revive the region “but we… are not expecting that everything will be done in one year”, he added.

“We are therefore appealing to the people of PANDEF and the people of Niger Delta that the Niger Delta Avengers… should reconsider their decision to resume hostilities,” he said.

“Let us give the federal government another chance,” he was quoted as telling the Vanguard newspaper.

– Trouble brewing –

Trouble has been brewing in the swamps and creeks for months at the lack of progress on reforms, which includes cleaning up oil spills to the construction of a maritime university.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has led a charm offensive in the region to calm rising tempers, at a time when Nigeria needs oil revenue to help boost its fragile economic recovery.

PANDEF itself had earlier issued a November 1 ultimatum to pull out of talks but in August withdrew the threat after meeting Osinbajo.

But frustration both with the talks and those leading them remains.

“But be that as it may, our primary concern remains that there must be no hostility,” PANDEF coordinating secretary Alfred Mulade told AFP.

Judy Asuni, the coordinator of the Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group, said it was “ridiculously unnecessary for the boys to resume attacks”.

The PANDEF talks were “better than nothing”, she added.

Malte Liewerscheidt, senior Africa analyst at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft, said the Avengers’ threat still needed to be taken “very seriously”.

The group claimed 17 attacks in 2016 in an area west of Warri, in Delta state, between the Benin and Forcados rivers.

“It is highly likely that any potential future assaults will take place within the same area, which includes the important Escravos oil export terminal,” he said.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/give-peace-talks-chance-community-leaders-beg-niger-delta-avengers/

Oil prices hit their highest levels early on Monday as markets tightened, while Saudi Arabia’s crown prince cemented his power over the weekend through an anti-corruption crackdown that included high profile arrests.

Brent futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, hit $62.44 per barrel early on Monday, their highest level for years now.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude hit $56.00 per barrel in early trading, also the highest for many months now.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s designated future king, has tightened his grip on power through an anti-corruption purge by arresting royals, ministers and investors.

The arrest includes prominent business Billionaire, Alwaleed bin Talal, and the Head of the National Guard, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah.

“This consolidates the reforming process underway, part of which is a desire to drive the price of oil higher,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at futures brokerage AxiTrader.

Bin Salman’s reforms include a plan to list parts of giant state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco next year.

Meanwhile, a higher oil price is seen as beneficial for the market capitalisation of the future listed company.

In oil fundamentals, traders said that there were ongoing signs of tightening market conditions.

U.S. energy companies cut eight oil rigs last week, to 729, in the biggest reduction since May 2016.

The decline in U.S. drilling activity comes as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC group led by Russia have pledged to hold back about 1.8 million barrels per day.

The pact to withhold supplies runs to March 2018, but there is growing consensus to extend the deal.

While supplies are tightening, analysts say demand remains strong.

“Synchronous global economic growth and new supply disruptions are creating the most constructive oil price environment since 2014,” Barclays bank said.

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/oil-prices-hit-highest-levels-since-2015-amid-tightening-markets-saudi-purge/

The constitution of Nigeria permits every qualified and competent Nigerian to vie and be appointed to public office or to serve in whatever capacity. We cannot because of age stop a healthy and qualified person from serving the country. Yes, there is a minimum age, which the National Assembly is making moves to amend, but there is no maximum age. So anybody can be appointed to any position, as long as the person is healthy, of sound of mind, knows what he is doing and can make good decisions for the country.

Mature and sound decisions could be better taken by someone who is 83. From information, the man in question is a retired jurist from Imo State. That, in my opinion, makes his appointment more appropriate. A judge is supposed to be of an articulate mind, sound in judgement and knows what he is doing. A judge can decide very well. I think it is okay for the President to appoint such a person. As long as he is of sound mind, has good health and takes good decisions, he can be appointed. Some people may ask that since we have about 180 million Nigerians of whom at least 40 per cent of them are of constitutional age of holding public office, are there no better people?

But if the President in his wisdom decides that an octogenarian is the one to do the job, I think he is in order. Some people may still argue that there are young people who are qualified with great energy and vibrancy to do the job, but the point is that we should not disenfranchise or discriminate against any Nigerian. It has been noted that young people of these days are even more corrupt than the old people because the young have been made to believe that things come easy.

We need to re-culture the youth before we can really vouch for them. The reality is that if you have been in business, you will know that young people are more corrupt. You cannot hand over a business to a young man; what you see the young people do is to get rich quick. Some of the people who are facing prosecution or being investigated by the anti-graft agencies or who are being alleged to have been corrupt are not very old people. Many of them are middle aged and young people. I am sure the President must have done a search. If he feels that an 83-year-old man is what will serve his purpose and believes in the health of the man, no matter where he is coming from, I think, it is appropriate to appoint him. •Mr. Adebayo Babalola (A member, Peoples Democratic Party, Kwara State chapter)

There is nothing wrong in President Muhammadu Buhari appointing an 83-year-old man as an ambassador. First, we have to consider the antecedents of the person so appointed. An ambassador of a country is its image in the host country. Therefore, the person must be a person with a wealth of knowledge and exemplary lifestyle. Yes, the position may require agility which a youth may enjoy more, but agility alone cannot do the job. If the older person enjoys good health, as well as a good sense of leadership and direction, he could achieve more.

President Donald Trump of the United States of America is over 70 while the Queen of England is an old woman; these people are still performing the functions of their offices which are more demanding than that of an ambassador. Inasmuch as the person is not senile and immobile, there is nothing wrong in the appointment. •Chief Dare Adekolu (Chairman, Mega Progressives Peoples Party in Ekiti State)

The truth is that it is not appropriate. It is completely wrong in terms of the nomination itself and the screening of the candidate by the Senate and the final consideration that was sent to the Presidency. In terms of diplomacy and international relations, you cannot divorce personality influence from it. You can also not remove the management of the embassy or high commission from it. You also cannot avoid critical decisions that have to be taken when it comes to matters which affect the Nigerian nationals in a country where an elderly person of over 80 years is an ambassador.

You need someone as an ambassador who is quick-witted to attend to critical issues of national interest and deal with such in the interest of the nation. When you have somebody who is over 80 years, the question is: what is the purpose of sending such a person to another country when in fact the country has a pool of huge human resources in the area of diplomacy and international relations? Every year, we have Nigerians who are training and those who are trained and if you look at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, it is an intellectual pool for promoting Nigeria’s foreign interest. So, why can’t they seek the advice of that institution?

It is not a question of experience. Issues change every day. The international system is determined by issues and events and these are changing every day. The way you handled an event 10 years ago is not the way you will handle an event now because there are dynamics of diplomacy and international relations.

So, you cannot say because you are 90 or 80 years, you have experience as an old school teacher. No.

The world of today is the world of high technology, a world where certain decisions are determined by considering the military capability of nations to respond immediately to any threat to their interest. So, will you compare an elderly man who used dane guns some year ago with somebody or an entity like North Korea which has already gone beyond the capability of nuclear missiles within a range and can fire beyond Japan? Forget experience.

Today, the leader of the Netherlands is 31 years old. What about France? So, the world is changing and we must change with the world. There is everything wrong with Buhari’s appointment of an 83-year-old man as an ambassador and it is sad. •Benson Osadolor (Professor of History and International Studies, University of Benin)

I respect the elderly and I pray to reach such age. If I were the appointee I would have recommended a younger person for the offer. It is either the appointee is of a rare breed, a gene so strong at that age, the only competent Nigerian in his field from his constituency or he is selfish, wants to be economically rehabilitated and die in active service. To me, that is not a good way to reward loyalty. It is a way of saying that there is no qualified younger person to do the same job. This can only be an illusion.

I know that many times, wisdom resides in age. But there is no justification for appointing or recommending someone of that age for appointment. There is no way that appointee will have the physical energy to do his job. Youths are often referred to as leaders of tomorrow, but when will we have leadership succession or transition when an 83-year-old man is given an appointment, whereas there are millions of young unemployed but competent Nigerians to do the same job? PMB is taking Nigerians for granted. •Dr Charles Obot (Department of Communication Arts, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)

To me, the nomination of an 83 year-old retired judge is not appropriate. At 83, I strongly believe that this octogenarian has served this nation and he should now rest and enjoy his retirement. Are we saying that there are no younger persons competent enough to do the job he would be given? It is an insult to youths of this country. But I know that there are millions of younger persons who can perform any task given to them. Not all youths are lazy and incompetent. There are many knowledgeable youths but they are not given the opportunities to show what they can do. The younger generation should be given the opportunities to serve. We won’t know what they can do if we do not give them the opportunities to show their talents.

There are many Nigerian youths who are patriotic and who are ready to serve the nation, but it seems the elderly ones are not willing to give them a chance. There is a learning process in every job and if the younger ones are not given the chance to serve, the elders will not also rest well when they are supposed to. The younger ones should be encouraged to learn so that there will be no gap by the time the older generations will no longer be able to continue. The younger ones are the ones with fresh ideas and zeal; you cannot compare the strength of an octogenarian with a 35 or 40-year-old person. I think the appointment of the 83-year-old man as an envoy is not appropriate and the President should not continue in this line. There won’t be vibrancy in the administration if the positions are occupied by the aged ones who should be at home enjoying their retirement and offering advice when consulted. •Mr. Olusegun Fanibe (Chairman, Accord Party, Osun State)

Source:- http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/buhari-right-appoint-83-year-old-ambassador/