₦airaland Forum

Says: "She is a frightened, sick and old lady"


By JUMI RHODES


Veteran flutist TeeMac Iseli is one of the prominent Nigerians who have something to say about the new look of former minister Diezani Alison-Madueke who is in the UK for cancer treatment. TeeMac took to his Facebook timeline earlier today saying, "Life has ups and downs. We all go through it and it makes us strong and gives us the life experience we need. But one should avoid getting too high up like the former Minister of Petroleum Dizany Alison- Madueke. She actually ruled Nigeria for a few years and I had dealings with her. She was polite but you could feel that power arrogance in her. Now she is a frightened, sick and old lady. Not knowing if she is going to spend the rest of her life in jail. No chance to enjoy the billions."


http://dawntodusknews.com/ace-flutist-teemac-speaks-on-diezanis-new-look-his-dealings-with-her/

By JUMI RHODES




Six months after President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as Nigeria's president on 29th May 2015, the verified Facebook page of the immediate past First Man, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan still shows he is "President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria". As of 7:51pm on 13th November 2015 as shown in the image below, this had not been corrected. This may however be negligence on the part of his online team. Jonathan last published a post on his Facebook timeline on 5th July 2015 when he said: "The death of any Nigerian at the hands of terrorists is a sad reminder that the war on terror is a task for all Nigerians not just the armed forces. I urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace in Nigeria and to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as the government does its best to bring an end to these acts of terror and secure all Nigerians. May God bless Nigeria. GEJ."



http://dawntodusknews.com/pictured-goodluck-jonathan-still-nigerias-president-on-his-verified-facebook-page/

Being translation of televised address by President Francois Hollande during the deadly attacks in Paris on Friday:


"My dear compatriots,


As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area. There are dozens killed, there are many injured. It is a horror. We have, on my decision, mobilized all forces possible to neutralize the terrorists and make all concerned areas safe. I have also asked for military reinforcements. They are currently in the Paris area, to ensure that no new attack can take place. I have also called a cabinet meeting that will be held in a few minutes.


Two decisions will be taken: a state of emergency will be declared, which means that some places will be closed, traffic may be banned , and there will also be searches which may be decided throughout Ile de France (greater Paris). The state of emergency will be proclaimed throughout the territory (of France).


The second decision I have made is to close the borders. We must ensure that no one enters to commit any crimes and that those who have committed the crimes that we have unfortunately seen can also be arrested if they should leave the territory. This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us. We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are.

In these difficult moments, we must - and I'm thinking of the many victims, their families and the injured - show compassion and solidarity. But we must also show unity and calm. Faced with terror, France must be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be. We must also call on everyone to be responsible.


What the terrorists want is to scare us and fill us with dread. There is indeed reason to be afraid. There is dread, but in the face of this dread, there is a nation that knows how to defend itself, that knows how to mobilize its forces and, once again, will defeat the terrorists. French citizens, we have not completed the operations. There are still some that are extremely difficult. It's at this moment that the security forces are staging an assault, especially in a place in Paris. I ask you to keep all your trust in what we can do with the security forces to protect our nation from terrorist acts.


Long live the Republic and long live France."


http://dawntodusknews.com/full-text-france-president-francois-hollandes-televised-address-on-deadly-attacks-in-paris/

Following the release of a recent look of Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke by Ovation publisher Dele Momodu, there have been mixed reactions from Nigerians on Twitter...


@DamilareAgoro: Can't believe this's Diezani! I still feel for her even if truly she stole Nigeria's money.

‏@Tbabz__: Diezani has cancer indeed. She wasn't lying at all.

‏@OlisaOsega: God! I can't believe Wat I'm seeing, is dis Diezani?

@blessberrie: Like I'm in tears right now

@tosinadeda: Unfortunately stolen funds can't save anybody!

@linusNoni: Propaganda setting in. Diezani pics to soon be on Net she looks weak. Wish her speedy recovery but that should stop any Investigation.

@queen_nickki: Diezani is actually dying OMG!


@forakin: For all her misdeeds, in the face of personal struggles, this is no time to gawp over pictures of the stricken, we are all vulnerable.

@Harieson: Asides the paris attacks, i got freaked out by that pic of Diezani Madueke. I'm all curled up right now. Struggling to believe she's the one


@AdeolaFayehun: Diezani Alison-Madueke: May God grant her quick recovery!


@InnaRooney: I don't think I will celebrate Diezani's sickness cause I know not how I will end up. If you can't wish her well don't pray for her worse.


http://dawntodusknews.com/mixed-reactions-trail-diezanis-new-look/

Photo News:


The immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is in the United Kingdom where she is undergoing treatment for cancer. She recently spoke to Ovation Magazine publisher Bashorun Dele Momodu in an interview with his newborn online publication The Boss. Mr. Momodu shared a recent picture of the Bayelsan princess who had an exclusive interview with him in London a few weeks ago.


http://dawntodusknews.com/photo-as-diezani-alison-madueke-fights-cancer-the-ex-minister-shaves-her-hair/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO


Harvard University is the oldest and most prestigious university in the United States of America. The US president Barack Obama is an alumnus of Harvard Law School(HLS), so are many great business and political leaders. The immediate past Minister of Finance(Nigeria), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attended Harvard, so also did are 4 children. Getting into this Ivy-League university is no easy task and starts with academic excellence in high school. Dawn-To-Dusk News unveils 6 young Nigerians - currently 2L(2nd Level) - who are enrolled in the Harvard Law School as students of the J.D. (Juris Doctor) 3-year program.


1) PAMELA NWAOKO
Born of Nigerian immigrants in New Jersey, Pamela had her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University. Prior to HLS, she received her M.Sc. in African Studies from the University of Oxford and worked as an intern with USAID’s Africa Bureau. Pamela is the President of the Harvard African Law Association.


2) MMIRI MBAH
Born and raised in Enugu, South-East Nigeria, Mmiri Mbah has her bachelor's in Psychology from Rice University. Before HLS, Mmiri taught for 2 years and worked this past summer in South Africa, where she informed the population of their rights and how to challenge illegal acts against their communities.


3) ESTHER AGBAJE
Esther Agbaje is active in the Black Law Student Association, HLS Democrats, and the Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Journal. Before law school, she managed rule of law projects for the U.S. Department of State in the Middle East with a country focus on Egypt. She had undergraduate degree at the George Washington University.


4) TITILAYO RASAKI
Titilayo was born in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria but moved to Indianapolis when she was 7 years old. She received her BA in Social Justice and Advocacy as well as Arabic from Indiana University. She spent her 1L summer at the Center for Children’s Law and Policy and will be joining Arnold and Porter in DC next summer.


5) SCOTT ASONYE
Born to Nigerian parents in Houston, Texas, at the age of 12, Scott moved to Nigeria where he attended a boarding school situated in the South-West. He then attended the University of Texas and pursued a BA in Philosophy and a minor in African Studies. Scott spent his 1L summer at Legal Aid South Africa, where he provided legal assistance to clients living in the Greater Johannesburg area.


6) DUBI AJUKWU
Dubi is a graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in Classics. Prior to HLS, he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley, and then as an associate at a private equity fund, both in New York City.


http://dawntodusknews.com/6-young-nigerians-enrolled-at-harvard-law-school-as-phdjd-students/

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde is expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Tuesday on allegations of N1trillion fraud preferred against him. Confirming this, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu said “We are ready to resume our investigation on the petition brought against the EFCC chairman and he had been summoned to appear before us next week Tuesday (November 10). We should have done it much earlier but for the tight schedule of the committee”. The delay in the investigations of the anti-graft agency boss is said to have been caused by the senate's screening of the ministerial nominees.


http://dawntodusknews.com/senate-summons-efcc-chairman-ibrahim-lamorde-over-fraud-allegations/

The Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola has announced the appointment of Prince Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi of the Gbaase Ruling House as the new Oluwo of Iwo following the completion of necessary procedures by the kingmakers. This was contained in a letter of appointment dated 9th of November, 2015 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti.



The appointment of a new Oluwo was stalled following the demise of the immediate past monarch, Oba Ashiru Olatunbosun Tadese in February 2013 due to the legal tussle over the Amended 2008 Iwo Chieftaincy Declaration. This case was eventually set aside by an Osun State High Court and this paved way for the appointment of Akanbi. The new Oluwo, Prince Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi is a Canada-based contractor and is the Chief Executive Officer of Prince Global Nigeria Limited. He is also a childhood friend of the new Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.



http://dawntodusknews.com/pictured-new-ooni-of-ifes-childhood-friend-emerges-first-class-king-in-osun-state/

Barring any last-minute change, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to inaugurate his cabinet on Wednesday, 11th November 2015 inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The 36 minister-designates, who are expected to be administered portfolios shortly before the inauguration, are Udoma Udo Udoma (Akwa Ibom); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Audu Ogbeh (Benue); Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi); Osagie Ehanire (Edo); Abdulrahman Dambazau (Kano); Lai Mohammed (Kwara); Amina Mohammed (Gombe); Suleiman Adamu (Jigawa); and Ibrahim Jibril (Nasarawa).



Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Ibe Kachikwu (Delta); Abubakar Malami (Kebbi); Chris Ngige (Anambra); Aisha Jummai Alhassan (Taraba); Solomon Dalong (Plateau); Kemi Adeosun (Ogun); Hadi Sirika (Katsina); Adebayo Shittu (Oyo); Khadija Bukar Ibrahim (Yobe); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); James Ocholi (Kogi); Baba Mustapha (Borno); Claudius Daramola (Ondo); Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa); and Usani Uguru (Cross River); Munsur Dan Ali (Zamfara); Zainab Shamshuna Ahmed (Kaduna); Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu); Abubakar Buari (Niger); Isaac Adewole (Osun); Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto); Mohammed Bello (Adamawa); Adamu Adamu (Bauchi); Anthony Anwuka (Imo); and Okechukwu Enelamah (Abia).


http://dawntodusknews.com/full-liststate-36-ministers-for-inauguration-on-wednesday-11-november/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO





Nigeria's Jighere Wellington on Sunday morning{8th November 2015) emerged the new Scrabble champion of the world after defeating Lewis Mackay 4-0 in a Best of Seven series in Perth Australia. Wellington finished first in a 32-Game Scrabble marathon to qualify for the two-man finals and defeated his English opponent in just 4 games, thus becoming the new World Scrabble Champion.




Shortly after his victory, Jighere took to Facebook saying: "Thanks all, for the prayers and the support. Just like our Oga, Sammy Okosagah, alluded to earlier on, it was a battle between one man and a whole continent. It was like I was borrowing the "pickability" of all the glorious pickers in the house. I'll be releasing a more appropriate statement later. I really must endeavor to rest now. I've not slept well in about a week. The fact that I was able to perform in spite of the sleeplessness still baffles me. It only goes to prove that God was deeply involved in this matter. To him alone be all the glory!"



Jighere Wellington is a graduate of the University of Benin and finished NYSC in August 2015.



http://dawntodusknews.com/nigerias-jighere-wellington-emerges-new-world-scrabble-champion-speaks-on-his-victory/

By JUMI RHODES

Psychologist-cum-businessman Adejoro Olumofin is famous on the social media for tackling various relationship/marital issues via his Instagram timeline "joroolumofin". In one of the most shocking emails he received from a lady, Olumofin says "I was speechless when I got this.. Does this really happen?" Below is the email as sent by the lady to Olumofin:
Hello DoktorMofi,
Please I want to know if this is normal or any woman has experienced it before? My boyfriend has been demanding the most unbelievable thing from me these past months. He wants to be licking my private area when am on my period. I first thought he was joking then he got angry and said am judging him, that his ex allowed him to do it. Because I love him, I allowed him a few times, but I used pillow to cover my face because I was shy and didn't want to see the blood. I know he won't see this because he is an older guy and not an online person, but I am now scared because he counts my cycle every month and am thinking it's spiritual. Help me ask your Instagram people if it's normal. What should I do? He is very nice to me though and gentlemanly.

This bizarre revelation has generated hundreds of comments on Olumofin's Instagram timeline:


preyefreeman: Girl it is abnormal, totally doesn't sound right. I suggest you talk to a pastor and pray well because that might lead you to the grave. May God guide and protect you iJN!!! Amen


glitzabelle: I like that this lady knows it's spiritual. Honey, he's def using it for something. No sane guy will EVER do that. Some men won't even do cunninglingus. Am so disgusted by this. Pls pray and fast consistently. Run far away from that man. He's up to no good


tutusbeninajebutter: Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Blood of God!! Holy Moses!!!


ola_torera: This isnt normal o...i had someone who gave anonymous testimony about this.... it is spiritual, who enjoys head?it's supposed to be you not him demanding especially again wen you are on your period.well,according to what was said concerning d anonymous testimony it has to do with a kind of convenant they had with darkness,glory sucker and may render all ur lyf useless


http://dawntodusknews.com/help-my-boyfriend-licks-my-menstrual-blood-nigerian-lady-cries-out/

By JUMI RHODES


Psychologist-cum-businessman Adejoro Olumofin is famous on the social media for tackling various relationship/marital issues via his Instagram timeline "joroolumofin". In one of the most shocking emails he received from a lady, Olumofin says "I was speechless when I got this.. Does this really happen?" Below is the email as sent by the lady to Olumofin:


Hello DoktorMofi,
Please I want to know if this is normal or any woman has experienced it before? My boyfriend has been demanding the most unbelievable thing from me these past months. He wants to be licking my private area when am on my period. I first thought he was joking then he got angry and said am judging him, that his ex allowed him to do it. Because I love him, I allowed him a few times, but I used pillow to cover my face because I was shy and didn't want to see the blood. I know he won't see this because he is an older guy and not an online person, but I am now scared because he counts my cycle every month and am thinking it's spiritual. Help me ask your Instagram people if it's normal. What should I do? He is very nice to me though and gentlemanly.

This bizarre revelation has generated hundreds of comments on Olumofin's Instagram timeline:


preyefreeman: Girl it is abnormal, totally doesn't sound right. I suggest you talk to a pastor and pray well because that might lead you to the grave. May God guide and protect you iJN!!! Amen


glitzabelle: I like that this lady knows it's spiritual. Honey, he's def using it for something. No sane guy will EVER do that. Some men won't even do cunninglingus. Am so disgusted by this. Pls pray and fast consistently. Run far away from that man. He's up to no good


tutusbeninajebutter: Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Blood of God!! Holy Moses!!!


ola_torera: This isnt normal o...i had someone who gave anonymous testimony about this.... it is spiritual, who enjoys head?it's supposed to be you not him demanding especially again wen you are on your period.well,according to what was said concerning d anonymous testimony it has to do with a kind of convenant they had with darkness,glory sucker and may render all ur lyf useless


http://dawntodusknews.com/help-my-boyfriend-licks-my-menstrual-blood-nigerian-lady-cries-out/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO




Senator Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan of the All Progressives Congress(APC) has been declared winner of the April 11 Election by the Taraba State Governorship Election Tribunal seating at the Appeal Court Headquarters in Abuja. The Chairman of the Taraba State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar has ordered that Alhassan be immediately sworn in as the governor of Taraba State. Recall INEC declared Darius Dickson Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner with 369,318 votes but APC vowed to challenge the results in court.



Reading the judgement on Friday, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar held that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not hold a proper primary to nominate its candidate Darius Ishaku who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Let's tell you more about this popular female politician more known as Mama Taraba.




For her primary education, Jummai Al-Hassan attended Muhammed Nya Primary School, Jalingo, LEA Primary School, Tundun Wada, Kaduna; and then School of Basic Studies(SBS) Samaru Zaria as a prelim Science student between July 1977 to July 1979. She switched from being a Science student to Arts and enrolled for Diploma In Law, proceeded with her bachelor's in Law at the Ahmadu Bello University(ABU). She attended the Nigeria Law School Lagos(1985-1986)and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986.



She started work as a magistrate grade II in April 1988 in the Kaduna State Judiciary. She went for the Technical Aid Corps Program of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs(on secondment) to Fiji Republic from 1990 to 1992 and was admitted to the Fijian Bar, enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Fiji in 1991. It was while she was in Fiji she was transferred from Kaduna State Judiciary to the FCT in 1991 as Magistrate Grade I. She assumed duty as the only female magistrate in the FCT in 1992 and rose through the ranks to become the first female Chief Magistrate in the FCT in 1996.


She was then transferred to the Judicial Administration as the first female Deputy Chief Registrar and Director, Litigation, High Court of the FCT Abuja in 2007. She was in 1997 appointed the first female Attorney General of Taraba State and returned to FCT Judiciary in 1999 as Director of Litigation. She was appointed the first female Secretary of the FCT Judicial Service Committee in November 2002; appointed first female Chief Registrar of the High Court of the FCT in December 2003. She voluntarily retired from the FCT Judiciary as Chief Registrar on the 31st December 2009.


Her interest in politics may have been inspired by her father who was an active member of NCNC when he was a student in Barewa College Zaria. He later joined NPC in the First Republic. In 1959, he was elected Member of the House of Representatives in one of the 3 Muri Division Constituencies and was elected for a second term. He was chairman of NPN in old Gongola State in the Second Republic; chairman NRC Taraba State; onetime chairman of the Convening Committee of PDP in Taraba State in 1998, and he retired from active politics at the age of 80 years. Hajia Jummai Al-Hassan's elder brother Senator A.A. Ibrahim, Jr. was a senator from 1999 to 2007 when he represented Taraba Central Senatorial District.


Hajia Jummai Al-Hassan started active politics in October 2010 and it was then she contested for the senatorial seat of her zone and won. She was sworn in as senator on 6th June 2011, the day the 7th Senate was inaugurated. Al-Hassan defected from the PDP and joined APC after she was elected senator for the Taraba North constituency in 2011. In April 2015, she contested in the Taraba guber election and was declared winner in November 2015 following a ruling by the tribunal. In October 2015, Hajia Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan was nominated minister by President Muhammadu Buhari and was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate.



Hajia Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan was married to Prof. Ango Abdullahi(former Vice-Chancellor of ABU), father of her 3 children, and in 2007, she remarried Engr. M.S. Alhassan.





http://dawntodusknews.com/breakingnews-full-profile-56-year-old-senator-aisha-jummai-al-hassan-of-apc-emerges-nigerias-first-female-governor/

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has refuted the allegation by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christopher Omeben, that her late husband Dele Giwa was a womaniser. The former presidential special adviser disclosed this in a statement she issued in Calabar on Monday, noting that Dele Giwa was career-driven and too pre-occupied with his profession to womanise. According to her, "I was in Calabar when my mother called to break the sad news and I had to travel down to Lagos. I got the name of the hospital and was redirected to the LUTH mortuary where I met the late Gani Fawehinmi who said, ‘Madam, they have killed your husband. He later instructed the mortuary attendant to open his body, insisting that “a wife is always a wife, and Dele’s wife is here.” She further said she would continue to defend her late husband's legacy.




http://dawntodusknews.com/my-husband-dele-giwa-wasnt-a-womaniser-senator-florence-ita-giwa/

It's Toke Makinwa's birthday! In honor of her 31st year of life, her husband Maje Ayida posted two incredibly heartfelt messages to her via his Instagram timeline:


Happy birthday to my stunning wife, you are such an incredible woman. I remember when you started on the radio, you were a bag of nerves, working the night shift. I stopped off the pick up a pizza as they closed and drove up to the station. The roads were empty and I listened to you as I drove. You were new on the job, but the light in you was shining bright, the same light that burns today. I remember coming on air as a secret guest and marveled on how easy you made it seem, you were born for this. You are so blessed, I love you @tokemakinwa have a spectacular day.



@tokemakinwa you may not remember this picture, but there's more to it than just a kiss. This was at my first ever event for Eden, we were launching the Puma store at the palms. I was basically freaking out the entire time, worried about the event. We had the Minister of Sport come officially open the store, this kind of pressure was new to me, I looked calm but inside I was a mess. Then you showed up, and suddenly nothing else mattered. You brought a peace to me that evening that could only be from God #blessed #happybirthday


http://dawntodusknews.com/toke-makinwas-husband-maje-ayidas-sweet-birthday-message-to-her/

Photo News:


In her own way, Seyi Shay is kind of adorable. Earlier today, the sexy singer instagrammed new photos of her in a photo editorial called “The Corruption of Eve” by Remi Adetiba at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos. The editorial, which was recently showcased at the 2015 edition of the Lagos Photo Festival, depicts the symbolic stature in Nigerian music.


http://dawntodusknews.com/photos-sexy-singer-seyi-shay-raises-the-heat-in-the-corruption-of-eve-by-remi-adetiba/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO


With the funeral ceremony of Mama HID Awolowo in 3 weeks from now, on 25th November 2015 precisely, there are indications that this event may be one that will make APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki meet face-to-face for the first time since the senate leadership crisis tore them apart in June 2015.





Though the 2 APC leaders have visited the Awolowos, they went at different times with Tinubu visiting their Ikenne home on 20th September 2015 with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, while Senator Bukola Saraki on 6th October led a 6-member delegation with Senators Ahmed Lawan, Shehu Sani, Biodun Olujimi, Ben Bruce and Stella Oduah in his entourage.





Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the 73rd birthday prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari may be another event that will bring Tinubu and Saraki together. Though plans for the President's 73rd birthday on Thursday, 17th December 2015 are yet to be disclosed, Dawn-To-Dusk News gathered that there will be a special prayer session in his honour.



http://dawntodusknews.com/bola-tinubu-bukola-saraki-to-meet-face-to-face-for-the-first-time-in-7-months/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO


That billionaire businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote runs one of the most successful conglomerates in the world is not in doubt. Dangote, who is the President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, has a powerful management team of managers who ensure the smooth running of his billion-dollar conglomerate.. Below, Dawn-To-Dusk News unveils 10 powerful men the Kano-born billionaire businessman can't do without.


SANI DANGOTE
Alhaji Sani Dangote is Aliko Dangote's brother. An established businessman with investments in key sectors of the economy including manufacturing, agriculture and oil services, he is the Group Vice President of Dangote Group. Alhaji Sani Dangote also sits on the Board of several other companies including Nigerian Textile Mills Plc, Nutra Sweet Limited, Gum Arabic Limited, Dangote Textile Mills Limited, and others.


ABDU DANTATA
Alhaji Abdu Garba Dantata, Aliko Dangote's cousin, is the Group Executive Director(GED) in charge of Logistics and Distribution. Before he was appointed GED, he was the Executive Director, Sales & Marketing. As Group Executive Director(GED) in charge of Logistics and Distribution in the Dangote Group, he is responsible for coordinating the sales and marketing of all products manufactured or imported by the Group.


JOSEPH MAKOJU
Engr. Joseph Makoju is the Honorary Adviser to Alhaji Aliko Dangote. He has held this position from 2009 to date. Makoju holds a BSc (1st Class) honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom and an M.Phil. in Mechanical Engineering from the same university. Before his current position, Engr. Makoju was Chief Operating Officer, Dangote Cement.


OLAKUNLE ALAKE
Mr. Olakunle Alake is the Chief Operating Officer of the Dangote Group, a position he has held since January 2007. He holds a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (1983) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.


KNUT ULVMOEN
A Norwegian, Mr. Knut Ulvmoen is the Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement Plc in charge of Sales and Marketing and International Trade in the African continent. He holds a Masters of Science degree in Business and is a member of the Norwegian Association of Authorised Accountants.


SADAN BAKI
Alhaji Sada Ladan-Baki has about 30 years experience in public service and fund administration. He is a graduate of Economics from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He sits on the board of several companies and belongs to many professional associations.


DEVAKUMAR EDWIN
Mr. D.V.G. Edwin is the Group Managing Director / CEO of Dangote Cement Plc. He holds a Graduate and Masters Degree in Engineering from the Madras University in India and he is also a Chartered Engineer. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IITM, Holland. Mr. Edwin joined the Dangote Group in 1992 as a General Manager.


TAJUDEEN SIJUADE
Alhaji Tajudeen Sijuade, the Chief Financial Officer of Dangote Group, is a qualified Chartered Accountant (1984) with experience spanning 38 years. He joined the Dangote Group in October 1989 as a Chief Accountant. Before then, he had worked for Nestle Nigeria Plc and Akintola Williams-Chartered Accountants. He became General Manager in the Dangote Group in January 1998.


USEN UDOH
Mr. Usen Udoh is the Group Chief Human Resources Officer of the Dangote Group. Mr. Udoh is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School and holds an MBA from the University of Leicester School of Management, his first degree being of Bachelors of Engineering (with Hons). Prior to joining Dangote on May 2, 2014, Usen worked across several industries leading major industry change programmes.


KUZHYIL RAVINDRAN
Kuzhyil Ravindran is the Chief Financial Officer of Dangote Group. A qualified Chartered Accountant, he is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He has over 36 years experience in various professional capacities in leading Indian companies such as ACC Limited and Mahindra & Mahindra Limited. He has varied experience in different industries such as cement, auto ancillaries, tobacco and machine tools.


MANSUR AHMED
Engr. Mansur Ahmed is the Director, Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Communications of the Dangote Group in 2013. He has a first degree in Mechanical Engineering from Nottingham University (1972) and a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering and Administration from Cranfield Institute of Technology (now Cranfield University 1975) both in the United Kingdom.


http://dawntodusknews.com/10-men-aliko-dangote-cant-do-without/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO



Today makes it 35 years that Pa Josiah Akindayomi, founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG), passed away.Before his death, he passed on the mantle of leadership to Pastor Enoch Adeboye and since then, the church has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.



Eulogizing their late father on his 35th-year remembrance, Pa Josiah Akindayomi's first son Kolade on behalf of the family penned a beautiful tribute excerpted below:

Bami yo! Today is another day to remember.
Baami, I can't forget you because if the dead could rise to see the manifestation of the Lord upon your beginning, middle and our father who took over your previous work, it really cause a great halleluyah, but the ancient land mark of your work still continues by your chosen son(who stands as a father to us all) You told us that God is with him, baami! Everytime I see our daddy Adeboye' I do remember your words like yesterday.
Daddy! Rest in the blossom of your Lord Jesus christ.
As today marks the 35th years you left us#memories.
Omo alagbede arakuye
Omo busuberan
Omo usunle eesobe
Obe wule usu odi obibo
Odona sori ota, kese maba perin wolu
Omo loja abiran
Omo oluso modo nibi owo nso si."



It's worthy of note that Pa Josiah Akindayomi has other kids who including Pastors Kolade and Titi are in full support of Pastor Enoch Adeboye who they describe as "Our Daddy".


http://dawntodusknews.com/children-of-redeemed-churchrccg-founder-pa-akindayomi-celebrate-their-father-on-his-35th-remembrance/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO



Today makes it 35 years that Pa Josiah Akindayomi, founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG), passed away.Before his death, he passed on the mantle of leadership to Pastor Enoch Adeboye and since then, the church has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.



Eulogizing their late father on his 35th-year remembrance, Pa Josiah Akindayomi's first son Kolade on behalf of the family penned a beautiful tribute excerpted below:


"Bami yo! Today is another day to remember.
Baami, I can't forget you because if the dead could rise to see the manifestation of the Lord upon your beginning, middle and our father who took over your previous work, it really cause a great halleluyah, but the ancient land mark of your work still continues by your chosen son(who stands as a father to us all) You told us that God is with him, baami! Everytime I see our daddy Adeboye' I do remember your words like yesterday.
Daddy! Rest in the blossom of your Lord Jesus christ.
As today marks the 35th years you left us#memories.
Omo alagbede arakuye
Omo busuberan
Omo usunle eesobe
Obe wule usu odi obibo
Odona sori ota, kese maba perin wolu
Omo loja abiran
Omo oluso modo nibi owo nso si."


It's worthy of note that Pa Josiah Akindayomi has other kids who including Pastors Kolade and Titi are in full support of Pastor Enoch Adeboye who they describe as "Our Daddy".


Source: http://dawntodusknews.com/children-of-redeemed-churchrccg-founder-pa-akindayomi-celebrate-their-father-on-his-35th-remembrance/

Photo News:


Pictured below are the Senate president Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Remi Tinubu, wife of APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in a tête-à-tête prior to the recent screening of some ministerial nominees.


http://dawntodusknews.com/pictured-bukola-saraki-tete-a-tete-with-remi-tinubu/

The father of the Ooni of Ife-elect, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Prince Oluropo Ogunwusi has said the greatness of his son was predicted before his birth. The Ogunwusi patriarch made this known in an interview with journalists at his residence in Ile-Ife. In his words, Prince Ogunwusi said, “He is now my father. His appointment as the Ooni of Ife is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our sight. Before the birth of this our father, we were told by a man of God that he would be great and would be blessed with rare gifts.



"He has been showing this ever since he was a child. He has a Midas’ touch; he has been successful in business and in family matters.He is a wonderful giver. He had been a giver long before the stool of Ooni became vacant. I thank the kingmakers, the people of Ife and our amiable governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. To all the aspirants to the throne – about 42 of them, I want them to know that in a contest like this, only one person will win. It is God who enthrones a king, they should rally round him to further develop Ife.”


http://dawntodusknews.com/father-of-ooni-of-ife-elect-speaks-on-sons-emergence/

Photo News:



Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II of the Giesi Ruling House is the 51st Ooni of Ife. The 40-year-old real estate baron was born into the family of Prince Ropo and late Mrs Margaret Wuraola Ogunwusi (Ile Opa family compound in Ile Ife). He is happily married with a daughter who recently graduated from University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. The new Ooni of Ife is the 5th child of his parents. His siblings are Abimbola, Adetunji, Folasade, Adesola, and Adebimpe.





http://dawntodusknews.com/pictured-unveiling-new-ooni-of-ifes-only-child/

The immediate past governor of Benue State, Dr Gabriel Suswam, who was recently invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to answer allegations of corruption has said there are reasons why some ex-governors left behind empty treasury for their successors. Suswam made this disclosure in a recent interview saying," Most of the constituent parts of this country depend on one source of revenue the federation account. Money is shared from that account every month based on certain indices. For some states that are cosmopolitan, they have high internally generated revenue but such states are very few. But the bulk of the states depend on the federation account.


"There is no state that depends on the federation account that the former governor will boast of leaving money behind. Because, first, the money comes, you pay salaries, you do projects; even if you are not doing project, salaries alone will consume the money and so, when somebody says you left an empty treasury, it amuses me because when I assumed office, I met nothing. In almost all the states of the federation, there is no governor that left office that will confidently boast of leaving money behind except that governor did not execute any
project.


"When the former governor of Borno State said he left over N60 billion, it was local government money; no local government project was executed in that state; the governor was just taking the money and keeping it. Leaving money behind can be achieved only when no projects are carried out, but then at whose expense? It means that at the end of your tenure, you will have nothing to show for the years of governance.


"Even states that I mentioned earlier that have other source of revenue generation, they are the highest indebted states. Look at Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, they have high debt profile. Benue State is the least indebted state from the record that was published. There is no way under the circumstances we find ourselves that any outgoing governor will talk about leaving money behind. I was doing a lot of projects in the state some of which I could not even complete because there was no money.


"If you come in newly and you don’t understand the nuances of government, you are bound to make such statements. Most of such statements are intended to make you popular and paint the outgoing administration in bad light. But, with time, after you understand the way the system operates, you won’t be able to talk again. I was reading in the papers sometime ago that the government of Benue cannot pay salaries because money is not enough, and I laughed because Governor Ortom has spent just four months in office.


"That is the situation that I faced, but mine was even in the last six months of my government and I left just salaries of four months unpaid. There are some second term governors that currently owe workers salaries more than what I left behind. Some of the issues the current administration is raising are issues that are intended to reduce the outgoing administration in the eyes of the people and paint it bad, but I have taken all that in good faith because I went for political office and I must also be ready to face the consequence that comes with it."


http://dawntodusknews.com/gabriel-suswam-real-reasons-former-governors-leave-empty-treasury/

Photo News:



Senator Musiliu Obanikoro's first son Babajide's wife Fati is a year older today. 'Jide took to Facebook where he penned a few lines in honour of her big day:



HBD to Fati Koro (FK) many more awesome yrs. You have been a source of joy, a strong pilar and a fantastic strong woman. Your beauty dazzles me, your smile gives me comfort, thank you for loving me and being a part of my life. even though you can be a pain in the butt and a trouble maker your definitely an additional value to my life that I cherish and I adore. I love you my dear wife need I say ama lo Rawa gbo."



http://dawntodusknews.com/photos-babajide-obanikoro-celebrates-wife-fati-on-her-birthday/

By JUMI RHODES





Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will forever be remembered as one of the greatest musicians of this generation. He was many things rolled into one. More known for his activism, he was also a ladies' man. In the authorized biography 'Fela: This Bitch of a Life!' by Carlos Moore, the Cuban writer, researcher, and social scientist reveals the legend's complex personality and his tumultuous existence.





In the 23-chapter biography, Fela bared it all and interestingly, he spoke about what attracted him to his 27 wives. In his words, Fela said, " What attracted me to each of them? Sex! I thought they were sexy and fuckable. That’s what attracts me to a woman first. Some came to my house on their own. Others, I had come. Why? ‘Cause I wanted to Bleep them. That was all. I wanted a house where I could be fucking and I had it. It grew into something else after though. Something special. But it started just with sex. The desire to Bleep. Man, the one most important thing in the human being is that life-giving and pleasurable sensation: sexual orgasm. And that’s what’s being condemned the most. Yeah. Somebody was asking me, trying to put down my ideas, if I thought sex was politics.





“No, I don’t,” I said. “Sex is life.” That’s what I believe. Me, I Bleep as often and as long as I can-o! Now, it’s not even a matter of choice. When I married twenty-seven women I knew what I was doing-o! Did I sleep with all of them on the night of the marriage? No. Man, I said I married twenty-seven, not seven! I only slept with one. The one next in turn. I followed my normal procedure. You see, before I married them I’d told them: “Look, when I marry you, I’m gonna do the same thing I was doing before with you. It’s gonna be the same house, the same thing, but just that we’re married.”



Fela adds that, "Having sex must be a proud and joyful thing. People should be proud to say: “Last night I had a fantastic Bleep!” Not a thing to whisper: “I’m having sex-o, but I’m sad.” Sex is clean. But by bringing human laws into it, it’s made “dirty”. Sex is life-giving. Sex is joy! Pleasure! Happiness! To Bleep! That’s one of the most important things in life, man."


The authorized biography also has interviews of Fela's wives listed in order of seniority: Remi 1961, Naa Lamiley 1971, Aduni 1971, Kevwe 1972, Funmilayo 1972, Alake 1973, Adejonwo 1974 , Najite 1974, Adeola 1974, Kikelomo 1974, Ihase 1975, Omowunmi 1975, Omolara 1976, Fehintola 1976, Sewaa 1977.


DawnToDuskNews Editor's Note: Moore, Carlos (2011-08-01). Fela: This Bitch of A Life is available on Amazon.com


http://dawntodusknews.com/how-i-had-sex-with-my-27-wives-music-icon-fela-in-authorized-biography/

By JUMI RHODES





Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will forever be remembered as one of the greatest musicians of this generation. He was many things rolled into one. More known for his activism, he was also a ladies' man. In the authorized biography 'Fela: This Bitch of a Life!' by Carlos Moore, the Cuban writer, researcher, and social scientist reveals the legend's complex personality and his tumultuous existence.





In the 23-chapter biography, Fela bared it all and interestingly, he spoke about what attracted him to his 27 wives. In his words, Fela said, " What attracted me to each of them? Sex! I thought they were sexy and fuckable. That’s what attracts me to a woman first. Some came to my house on their own. Others, I had come. Why? ‘Cause I wanted to Bleep them. That was all. I wanted a house where I could be fucking and I had it. It grew into something else after though. Something special. But it started just with sex. The desire to Bleep. Man, the one most important thing in the human being is that life-giving and pleasurable sensation: sexual orgasm. And that’s what’s being condemned the most. Yeah. Somebody was asking me, trying to put down my ideas, if I thought sex was politics.





“No, I don’t,” I said. “Sex is life.” That’s what I believe. Me, I Bleep as often and as long as I can-o! Now, it’s not even a matter of choice. When I married twenty-seven women I knew what I was doing-o! Did I sleep with all of them on the night of the marriage? No. Man, I said I married twenty-seven, not seven! I only slept with one. The one next in turn. I followed my normal procedure. You see, before I married them I’d told them: “Look, when I marry you, I’m gonna do the same thing I was doing before with you. It’s gonna be the same house, the same thing, but just that we’re married.”



Fela adds that, "Having sex must be a proud and joyful thing. People should be proud to say: “Last night I had a fantastic Bleep!” Not a thing to whisper: “I’m having sex-o, but I’m sad.” Sex is clean. But by bringing human laws into it, it’s made “dirty”. Sex is life-giving. Sex is joy! Pleasure! Happiness! To Bleep! That’s one of the most important things in life, man."


The authorized biography also has interviews of Fela's wives listed in order of seniority: Remi 1961, Naa Lamiley 1971, Aduni 1971, Kevwe 1972, Funmilayo 1972, Alake 1973, Adejonwo 1974 , Najite 1974, Adeola 1974, Kikelomo 1974, Ihase 1975, Omowunmi 1975, Omolara 1976, Fehintola 1976, Sewaa 1977.


DawnToDuskNews Editor's Note: Moore, Carlos (2011-08-01). Fela: This Bitch of A Life is available on Amazon.com


http://dawntodusknews.com/how-i-had-sex-with-my-27-wives-music-icon-fela-in-authorized-biography/

By JUMI RHODES



The rumour mill went into overdrive recently when a Kaduna-based newspaper The Polity Weekly published a report headlined 'Governor Nasir El-Rufai is set to wed President Buhari’s daughter'. 55-year-old Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is the executive governor of Kaduna State married to 3 women: Hadiza, Asia and Ummi with Hadiza being the First Lady. Since the newspaper published this report, El-Rufai as of the time of this report is yet to address the speculation.





20-year-old Zahra Buhari may have however tried to set the record straight in a subtle way when she retweeted a tweet copied to her Twitter handle. The tweeter on Saturday, 10th October simply wrote: "Don’t believe everything you hear. There are always three sides 2 a story:urs, theirs n 2 truth." Whether Zahra Buhari is through this retweet insisting a wedding isn't on her agenda for the time being, time will tell! And in a recent interview when asked if she is getting married, she simply said, "Eventually! Maybe I have a potential."




http://dawntodusknews.com/president-buharis-daughter-zahra-addresses-gov-nasir-el-rufai-wedding-rumour/

By KIKELOMO IWAJOMO


When President Muhammadu Buhari will sit to choose the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika - who hails from his home state of Katsina - is favoured for the juicy portfolio. 51-year-old Sirika was one of the 18 ministerial nominees confirmed earlier this week by the Senate. For those not in the know, Sirika has been a hardcore loyalist of President Buhari for decades. He was a member of the 19-man transition committee. Sirika, a former senator, represented Katsina North Senatorial District under the platform of Congress for Progressive Change(CPC). He was a Member of the Federal House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.


As senator, Hadi Sirika was member of the Senate Committee on Aviation. He also has a career as a pilot spanning decades. Sirika has an Aircraft Engineers' License from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Training Center, Zaria in Kaduna State, while he acquired his Pilot License from Delta Aeronautics International, USA. Not many know that Sirika is one of Nigeria's biggest polo patrons. He owns the Rubicon Polo Team which has its players including Sirika participating in high handicap tournaments in the country. Sirika started playing polo in 2002 and is a member of Lagos Polo Club where he has been playing for over 12 years. He's ambassador of the Federation of International Polo to Nigeria, responsible for promoting polo in Nigeria.


http://dawntodusknews.com/former-senator-hadi-sirika-tipped-to-be-nigerias-minister-of-aviation/

The Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of PDP, has in his cabinet 25 commissioners and about an equal number of special advisers. Since Okowa was sworn in on May 29, 2015, he has engaged about 1, 500 appointees in his 4-month-old administration. A breakdown of the appointees includes commissioners who are entitled to at least five aides, while the governor and his deputy have over five executive assistants, hundreds of senior special assistants, special assistants and personal assistants, appointed into special duties, media/press, protocol, security and other political offices. Also appointed by Okowa are a 31-man State Advisory Council and appointments into most of the boards, parastatals and agencies of the state government. This is aside the appointments in the legislature, where the speaker is entitled to over 50 aides, deputy speaker, about 40 aides, and the 27 legislators have 5 aides each.



http://dawntodusknews.com/south-south-governor-engages-1500-political-appointees/

By REUBEN ABATI


I have tried delaying the writing of this piece in the honest expectation that someone probably misquoted Chief E.K. Clark, when he reportedly publicly disowned former President Goodluck Jonathan. I had hoped that our dear father, E.K. Clark, would issue a counter statement and say the usual things politicians say: “they quoted me out of context!” “Jonathan is my son”. That has not happened; rather, some other Ijaw voices, including one Joseph Evah, have come to the defence of the old man, to join hands in rubbishing a man they once defended to the hilt and used as a bargaining chip for the Ijaw interest in the larger Nigerian geo-politics.If President Jonathan had returned to power on May 29, 2015, these same persons would have remained in the corridors of power, displaying all forms of ethnic triumphalism.


It is the reason in case they do not realize it, why the existent power blocs that consider themselves most fit to rule, continue to believe that those whose ancestors never ran empires can never be trusted with power, hence they can only be admitted as other people’s agents or as merchants of their own interests which may even be defined for them as is deemed convenient. Mercantilism may bring profit, but in power politics, it destroys integrity and compromises otherwise sacred values.


President Jonathan being publicly condemned by his own Ijaw brothers, particularly those who were once staunch supporters of his government further serves the purpose of exposing the limits of the politics of proximity. Politics in Africa is driven by this particular factor; it is at the root of all the other evils: prebendalism, clientelism and what Matthew Kukah has famously described as the “myownisation of power.”
It is both positive and negative, but obviously, more of the latter than the former. It is considered positive only when it is beneficial to all parties concerned, and when the template changes, the ground also shifts. As in that song, the solid rock of proximity is soon replaced by shifting sands. Old worship becomes new opportunism. And the observant public is left confounded.


Chief E.K. Clark? Who would ever think, Chief E.K. Clark would publicly disown President Jonathan? He says Jonathan was a weak President. At what point did he come to that realization? Yet, throughout the five years (not six, please) of the Jonathan Presidency, he spoke loudly against anyone who opposed the President. He was so combative he was once quoted as suggesting that Nigeria could have problems if Jonathan was not allowed to return to office. Today, he is the one helping President Jonathan’s successor to quench the fires. He always openly said President Jonathan is “his son.”


Today, he is not just turning against his own son, he is telling the world his son as President lacked the political will to fight corruption. He has also accused his son of being too much of a gentleman. Really? Gentlemanliness would be considered honourable in refined circles. Is Pa E.K. Clark recommending something else in order to prove that he is no longer a politician but a statesman as he says? As someone who was a member of the Jonathan administration, and who interacted often with the old man, I can only say that I am shocked. This is the equivalent of the old man deleting President Jonathan’s phone number and ensuring that calls from his phone no longer ring at the Jonathan end.

During the Jonathan years, Chief E. K. Clark was arguably the most vocal Ijaw leader defending the government. He called the President “my son,” and both father and son remained in constant touch. There is something about having the President’s ears in a Presidential system, elevated to the level of a fetish in the clientelist Nigerian political system. Persons in the corridors of power who have the President’s ear- be they cook, valet, in-laws, wife, cousin, former school mates, priests, or whatever, enjoy special privileges.


They have access to the President and they can whisper into his ears. That’s all they have as power: the power to whisper and run a whispering campaign that can translate into opportunities or losses for those outside that informal power loop around every Presidency, that tends to be really influential. Every President must beware of those persons who come around calling them “Daddy”, “Uncle”, na my brother dey there”, “my son”, “our in-law”- emotional blackmailers relying on old connections. They are courted, patronized and given more attention and honour than they deserve by those looking for access to the President or government.


Even when the power and authority of the whispering exploiters of the politics of proximity is contrived, they go out of their way to exaggerate it. They acquire so much from being seen to be in a position to make things happen. Chief E. K. Clark had the President’s ears. He had unfettered access to his son. He was invited to most state events. And he looked out for the man he called “my son”, in whom he was well pleased. Chief Clark’s energy level in the service of the Jonathan administration was impressive. Fearless and outspoken, he deployed his enormous talents in the service of the Jonathan government. If a press statement was tame, he drew attention to it and urged a more robust defence of “your boss.”


If any invective from the APC was overlooked, he urged prompt rebuttal. If the party was tardy in defending “his son”, he weighed in.If anyone had accused the President of lacking “the political will to fight corruption” at that time, he, E.K. Clark, would have called a press conference to draw attention to the Jonathan administration’s institutional reforms and preventive measures, his commitment to electoral integrity to check political corruption, and the hundreds of convictions secured by both the ICPC and EFCC under his son’s watch.So prominent and influential was he, that ministers, political jobbers etc etc trooped to his house to pay homage.


In due course, those who opposed President Jonathan did not spare Chief E. K. Clark either. He was accused of making inflammatory and unstatesman-like statements. An old war-horse, nobody could intimidate him. He was not President Olusegun Obasanjo’s fan in particular. He believed Obasanjo wanted to sabotage his son, and he wanted Obasanjo put in his place. Beneath all of that, was an unmistaken rivalry between the two old men, seeking to control the levers of Nigerian politics.


Every President probably needs a strong, passionate ally like Chief E. K. Clark. But what happened? What went wrong? Don’t get me wrong. I am not necessarily saying that the Ijaw leader should have remained loyal to and defend Goodluck Jonathan because they are both Ijaws, patriotism definitely could be stronger than ethnic affinities, nonetheless that E. K. Clark tale about leaving politics and becoming a statesman is nothing but sheer crap.


If Jonathan had returned to office, he would still be a card-carrying member of the PDP and the “father of the President” and we would still have been hearing that famous phrase, “my son”. Chief E. K. Clark, five months after, has practically told the world that President Buhari is better than “his own son”.
It is the worst form of humiliation that President Jonathan has received since he left office. It is also the finest compliment that President Buhari has received since he assumed office. The timing is also auspicious: just when the public is beginning to worry about the direction of the Buhari government, E. K. Clark shows up to lend a hand of support and endorsement.Only one phrase was missing in his statement, and it should have been added: “my son, Buhari.” It probably won’t be too long before we hear the old man saying “I am a statesman, Buhari is my son.” I can imagine President Obasanjo grinning with delight.



If he really wants to be kind, he could invite E.K. Clark to his home in Ota or Abeokuta to come and do the needful by publicly tearing his PDP membership card and join him in that exclusive club of Nigerian statesmen! The only problem with that club these days is that you can become a member by just saying so or by retiring from partisan politics. We are more or less being told that there are no statesmen in any of the political parties. It is not funny. Julius Ceasar asked Brutus in one of the famous lines in written literature: “Et tu Brutus?” President Jonathan should ask Chief E. K. Clark: “Et tu Papa?” To which the father will probably tell the son: “Ces’t la vie, mon cher garcon.” And really, that is life.
In the face of other considerations, loyalties vanish; synergies collapse. The wisdom of the tribe is overturned; the politics of proximity dissolves; loyalties remain in a perpetual process of construction. Thus, individual interests and transactions drive the political game in Nigeria, with time and context as key determinants. These are teachable moments for President Jonathan. Power attracts men and women like bees to nectar, the state of powerlessness ends as a journey to the island of loneliness. However, the greatest defender of our work in office is not our ethnic “fathers and “brothers” but rather our legacy. The real loss is that President Jonathan’s heroism, his messianic sacrifice in the face of defeat, is being swept under the carpet and his own brothers who used to say that the Ijaws are driven by a principle of “one for all and all for another”, have become agent-architects of his pain.


The Ijaw platform having seemingly been de-centered, Chief E.K. Clark and others are seeking assimilation in the new power structure. It is a telling reconstruction of the politics of proximity and mimicry. Chief E.K. Clark once defended the rights of ethnic minorities to aspire to the highest offices in the land, his latest declaration about his son reaffirms the existing stereotype at the heart of Nigeria’s hegemonic politics. The same hegemons and their agents whom Clark used to fight furiously will no doubt find him eminently quotable now that he has proclaimed that it is wrong to be a “gentleman”, and that his son lacks “the political will to fight corruption”. There is more to this than we may ever know. Chief Clark can insist from now till 2019, that he has spoken as a statesman and as a matter of principle. His re-alignment, is curious nonetheless.


http://dawntodusknews.com/reuben-abati-the-greatest-defender-of-our-work-in-office-is-not-our-ethnic-fathers-and-brothers-but-rather-our-legacy/