₦airaland Forum

fimbar25: hmm, this cashless of a thing, we as a country still have other things to work on before this shit. Electricity isn't stanby even poor networks. We shouldn't imitate other countries like usa, they've gone far more than we have. We still have other petty business that needs cash for payment.

Maris beybe: O ga adikwa kpokpo. Abeg Segue pay me my first to comment salary fast. * dancing aliona*

oyb: sue na

The implication of this is that the moment a transaction is concluded and money is transferred, it will be captured in the system.

Prowizy2: I think mikel needs this bOobs to keep body and soul together as the world cup is gradualy approaching, he needz to suck and be energized

ULSHERLAN: And where did she say he should goto hell

fredopayee: Ndi ogwu. Oge ya ezuera. His time don reach!!

Abuja FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark yesterday, described those expected to gather in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for the Uyo Political Summit political summit as saboteurs and enemies of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Eminent Nigerians including scholars, statesmen and top politicians will converge on Uyo, for the event slated to hold between July 1 and 4, 2013.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Edwin-Kiagbodo-Clark.jpg
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo

The joint organisers of the summit aimed at finding the way forward for the country are the Citizen Advocacy Group and Project Nigeria. Those expected at the summit include former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Professor Ben Nwabueze, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, General T.Y. Danjuma, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Chief Ayo Adebanjo among others.

Others expected at the summit are: Amayanabo Alfred Diete- Spiff, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Ambassador Christopher Kolade; the Arewa Consultative Forum Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed; Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Chief Olu Falae and Alabo Graham Douglas.

Others are: the Action Congress of Nigeria National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; General Alani Akinriade, Professor Pat Utomi, the Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Chief Audu Ogbeh, Bishop Emmanuel Gbonigi, Sheik Ahmed Lemu, Senator David Dafinone, Alhaji Ishiaku Rabiu and Gen Jeremiah Useni.

Also, Senator Ken Nnamani, Chief John Nwodo, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the Peoples Democratic National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Professor Itse Sagay, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta; the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President, Comrade Abduwaheed Omar and Comrade Peter Esele, immediate past president of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, are among those being expected at the parley.

According to the Head of Communications of the summit’s secretariat, Malam Naseer Kura, the event was being convened to douse the tension created by the heated political activities in the country, which have created a tendency towards an emergency situation. It said President Goodluck Jonathan and former heads of state are also expected to grace the occasion.

“President Goodluck Jonathan, all former Presidents/Heads of State and their deputies and high-powered Federal and state government delegations; the leadership of the National Assembly, state governors and ministers are expected to participate actively at the summit,’’ which was specifically expected to work out an enduring modality for political and constitutional stability of the country in the light of the current heated political activities and inherent insecurity in some parts of the country.

The organisers added that key religious leaders and select traditional rulers from the six geopolitical zones were invited to make interventions at the summit on the way forward for the nation. Furthermore, the programme was said to have been targeted at bringing leaders from all the six geopolitical and other stakeholders from other interest groups and business elite to parley on the future of the country. However, Chief Clark took a swipe at another elder statesman, Chief Ben Nwabueze, for allegedly inviting President Jonathan to the meeting to announce that he would not contest in 2015.

The statement entitled ‘Count me out of Uyo Political Summit,’ reads: ‘’My attention has been drawn to the publication, in the media of Monday , June (24), 2013, captioned Maitama Sule, Soyinka, Anyaoku, Clark, to lead “ Political Summit. I wish to use this medium to inform the general public that I have no idea, whatsoever, about the proposed political summit said to be organised by Citizen Advocacy Group and Project Nigeria in Uyo, Akwa- Ibom State, on July, 2 an 3, 2013.

‘’I want to state, categorically, that I cannot be party to any discussion with any group in whose imagination there is “growing instability in the country. For example, the unreasonable and unconstitutional call by Professor Ben Nwabueze, on behalf of The Patriots published in on June, 2013, demanding that, ‘the President must immediately affirm to the nation that he will not be again a candidate for the office of president and that he will end his service to the nation as president, with the help of God, in May 2015.’

‘’It is not surprising that Prof. Nwabueze in his write-up preferred to extol the military dictatorship of Mustapha Kamal Attaturk in Turkey, rather than a democratic example elsewhere, considering the Professor’s unrepentant services, as Secretary of Education, under the military regime of General Sani Abacha.

It must not be seen that people who are camouflaging their political ideas and ambition with intellectualism are encouraged.

How can I sit with such unpatriotic saboteurs of the democratic process; I, who strongly believe and a well known advocate of the indisputable fact that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, has performed, and is still performing admirably and creditably well in restoring and consolidating political, economic and social stability in the country?

‘’I strongly believe that the so called summit is being put together and will be attended by the advocates and supporters of those who see nothing, and will see nothing good in the administration of President Jonathan; in spite of glaring evidence of the numerous achievements so far recorded.

‘’I, therefore, dissociate myself from the impression created by the publication that I am one of the leaders of the purported political summit. I have nothing to do with it and I am sure that those of like minds as myself; who believe in the good work being done by President Jonathan, will not attend it. God bless Nigeria!’’

Benita Nzeribe started out as a teen star in Nollywood and later grew into adulthood long before the industry started experiencing the boom it now enjoys. Though quick to say she got into the industry by accident, the light-complexioned beau has carved a niche for herself. That is why her endorsement as Ambassador for two separate institutions is not a surprise. In this interview, she talks about her career, endorsements and refutes the rumour making the rounds that she has a love child.

It seems your love for acting has vanished ?

How do you mean ? I’m still and will remain an actress.

But you’ve been away from the big screen for some time now. What have you been up to ?

I was really not away . One thing about entertainment is that no one ever leaves it . I have been around and I’m active. I do jobs that come my way but I am a very patient person and not swayed at all . I have not been away from the big screen. I just have a different project and responsibility on my shoulders and I’m moving on by the grace of God .

What are some of those projects you’re currently handling ?

As you very well know, I am a UN Peace Ambassador and as such stand for world peace . Ambassadors work towards peace from the grassroots. Personally, I am more convinced than ever before that there should be peace in the inner mind of every human being created by God. Sadly, not every human being has been able to discover that inner mind and access the peace that is much needed for its growth and development for success .

World peace is still a tall order in our world today. However, nothing is impossible with God . I shall continue to call on Him for strength and direction as I pursue this awesome assignment. World peace must be achieved to an impressive percentage .

https://www.vanguardngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/benita-e1289485255415.jpg
Benita Nzeribe

Secondly, as the Air Safety Ambassador of Nigeria which was bestowed on me by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), there is also a job to do . The aviation sector has recorded huge achievements under this present administration . Furthermore, I will be on location in less than two weeks from now for the shoot of their international classic TV commercial, It’s a big project; I can tell you that .

Also, I am presently recording the Malta Guinness Low Sugar Game show with Emeka Enyiocha as my co-presenter . It’s hitting the screen soon and I can tell you, it’s going to be a great show . I will be on location immediately after the NAMA TVC and thereafter, I will embark on an official trip out of the country as NAMA Ambassador .

How did you secure all these deals?

Well, let’s say that it’s God at work and the fruits of my labour as an actress

On the UN Ambassadorship, I was called upon to come and receive it. The fact that I grew from a teenager to an adult in Nollywood and have contributed to the growth of the industry and written my name in gold opened those doors for me .

So you must be swimming in money now ?.

Swimming in money? Hmm. Well, I have always believed in sacrifice first before reaping, and that has worked out well for me. God has been putting smiles on my face little by little. I must appreciate Him for that. But swimming in money? Not yet.

So what was growing up like for you?

Growing up was fun because I have disciplined parents. I went to a Convent school and I think that explains how I came about my disciplined self.

Could you share with us some of those boring experiences you had while growing?

All I can remember is that all the partying that has to do with teens was never part of my experience. But I guess, it helped me to keep disciplined till date.

Do you regret not being allowed to enjoy your childhood days?

I don’t feel like I missed out at all. In fact, it’s rare to see me in a night club because I have been fashioned that way. It’s not like I’m saying it’s wrong to party, everyone should just do whatever makes them happy.

Since you attended a Convent school, how did you come about acting?

My getting into acting was never planned. My debut role in ‘Beyond Our Dreams’ was just meant to be.

So, acting was an accidental thing for you. What were you doing before acting?

https://www.vanguardngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/benita-new1.jpg
*Benita at an event

I was in school then. So, my girlfriend and I came to Lagos for holidays in my elder brother’s house, Hon.Chuma Nzeribe. One day, we decided to just stroll around for sight seeing and we stumbled on an audition for a soap. We wanted to just see what they were up to and why so many people gathered there. It was curiosity and one thing led to another. I was called upon to be tried because they were actually searching for that character of a female lead. I was auditioned and the rest is history.

I heard you wanted to be a Reverend Sister?

That’s not true. I just went to a Convent school because my father believed there is more discipline and a better quality of education there. I didn’t attend the school because I was aspiring to be a Reverend Sister.

So, weren’t your parents disappointed that you chose acting after the discipline and values instilled in you at the Convent school?

There was nothing to feel disappointed about. It’s a profession just like every other one. My parents are educated so they understood that I was doing my job. I have my limits as an African woman.

What are your limits?

I can never go naked!

I overheard you calling someone ‘Daddy’ on the phone?

Ha! that was my father in the Lord, my pastor.

So, who is the lucky man?

Soon, you will find out.

Does that mean there’s a man in your life?

I’m sure you don’t expect me to have a woman in my life. Well, it’s not yet ripe to talk about that for now. But I’ll surely inform you at the right time.

How’s your daughter doing?

My daughter? Which daughter? Where is the daughter and from whom? This is really funny, and the first time ever a journalist will be asking me about a daughter. I have none for now but will definitely get one once I’m married. Don’t be in a hurry.

But we learnt that you’re a single mother

Wow! I’m not, please. That’s definitely not true. Why would I hide my blood from anyone if I had a daughter? Children are blessings from God so I would flaunt her to the world if I did. Relax, I will soon get there by God’s Grace. People saying that should take a chill pill and wait.

emyibe: ANOTHER LAW FOR THE POOR