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Monday 27 October 2014
Check Out Kim Kardashian’s ”Booty-ful” 34th Birthday Photos. About Kanye And North, She Says………. Read full article here: http://stargist.com/2014/10/26/check-out-kim-kardashians-booty-ful-34th-birthday-photos-about-kanye-and-north-she-says/ | NIGERIA CELEBRITY NEWS, NOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT GIST, GOSSIP, PHOTOS & BIOGRAPHY
Family is more important than anything. Learn to enjoy every second with those you love.I think that it’s really important to live life to the fullest and enjoy every second of it,Ever since I had North,I realise how precious every moment is and I want to make lasting memories with my family.Being a slave to celebrity just isn’t an option.
Our priority is always North’s safety and happiness. And we do all we can to make sure she has the best childhood possible.” “Privacy is key. I live my life in front of the world and it has offered amazing opportunities to my family and me.But along with all the media attention, often comes stress and hardships on the people that I love. Through the ups and downs, I have learned some things are better kept private; that way it stays special and intimate.”
Eight years after, abandoned kids reunite with father (Watch Video)
Emotions ran wild on Friday when Segun Adepegba, the father of the three children abandoned in a boarding school in Abule-Iroko, in the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, finally reunited with his children.
Adepegba, who visited Solid Rock Model College where they had been abandoned for eight years, was locked in a tight embrace with his children, promising never to leave them again.
Adepegba told his children, “I am sorry for leaving you, Titi, Seun and Seyi. I am really very sorry. I have missed you all so much. I will not leave you again.”
Many were greatly moved as father and children bonded in what they described as “a mystery and a miracle.”
Last week, PUNCH Metro had exclusively reported the story of the abandoned children, Seun, 14, Titilola 13, and Seyi 10.
The story of the abandoned children reached its climax on Friday when Adepegba bowed to pressure after reading the reports in PUNCH Metro and visited the school.
When he arrived, an angry mob was prevented from attacking him when they learnt he was the father of the “abandoned children.”
The father of three was accompanied by four friends who pleaded on his behalf, saying that he was a changed person.
A friend of the school proprietor, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi , described Adepegba’s return as a miracle, saying he had held vigils to ensure that he returned. “This has shown that God truly answers prayers,” he said.
The news of Adepegba’s arrival attracted passers-by and residents who trooped into the school compound to see him. The students of the school also gathered in groups, discussing the story. They were all smiles seeing their friends reunited with their father.
This moment of joy and reminiscence, however, lasted for a short time as the staff of the school and the residents swooped on Adepegba, blasting him for abandoning his children.
A mild drama ensued when an aged sports facilitator in the school, Godfrey Olopele, who sighted Adepegba from the gate, asked, “Is this the father of the children?” When told it was him, he said, “I have some words for this man. You have not done well. You are very wicked. How could you abandon your children for so long?”
Adepegba’s friends, who spoke with PUNCH Metro, said he never told them he had children in a boarding school.
One of them, identified as Mr. Muyiwa Akinseye, said, “I have known Adepegba for a very long time but I never knew that he had children somewhere. It was until I saw his photograph in the PUNCH that I was shocked to know that my friend had some children somewhere. He had never mentioned a thing like that. I still wondered why he kept something as important as this from me.”
Another friend of Adepegba, identified as Ola, said, “I am a father and I can’t leave my child for that long. Adepegba’s behaviour is really condemnable. When I saw his picture on the PUNCH front page, I had jokingly told him, ‘Adepegba, you have become a superstar. So you have children somewhere?’ I was surprised.”
Adepegba swallowed the rebuke in penitence, prostrating himself intermittently before a crowd in the expansive hall of the school.
He said, “I have offended a lot of people. I have offended my children. I have offended Nigerians. I accept all the blame. And I am really very sorry. I understand that what I have done is very wrong. I was afraid of two things: One was that if I came here, I would be arrested and the second reason was the accumulated debt of the children’s school fees. I reasoned that if I should come to the school, I would be handed over to the police.
“I really miss my children and this time around, I am going to change. I want them to have a good educational background so that they can become important persons in the future. I don’t want them to suffer. I will never leave them again. But all these years, I have been battling with hard times. Things have been very tough for me.
His excuse, however, seemed to aggravate the issue, as more people chided him for his negligence. The Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association of the school, Mr Busari, urged Adepegba to seek the face of God in prayers.
He said, “I advise you to lock up yourself for three days in deep prayers. It is only then that God will open doors for you. You have committed a grievous offence. You have put the proprietor of the school and residents of the neighbourhood into trouble with your untoward behaviour. It is only after doing this that God would forgive you and open doors for you.”
A teacher, Mrs Grace Ajayi, described Adepegba as a bad example of a father. She urged him to look for his wife and reconcile with her. She said it was unfortunate that while many couples were praying to have children, Adepegba chose to abandon his.
Recounting his ordeal, the school proprietor, Mr Samuel Ayegbusi, said he suffered in the hands of the police when Titilola ran away from the school.
“When Titilola ran away from the school and I went to report the matter at the Sango Ota Police Division, the police arrested me, saying I was the first suspect . The matter caused trouble in this community and the issue dented my image. I was forced to cough out close to N50,000 to be bailed,” he said.
Adepegba, however, promised to visit the children regularly. He appreciated many PUNCH readers that indicated interest to pay his children’s debts.
Although Adepegba’s children were relieved that their father was back, they told PUNCH Metro that they were still longing to meet their mother. Seun, the eldest, expressed his joy on the fact that he would not have to spend the holidays in the school hostel while Seyi, the youngest, asked her father to buy her a gift.
Titilola said, “I am very excited that my father is back. All I can say is that I am happy. But I want to see my mother too.”
Adepegba told our correspondent that he would look for their mother. He said her name is Ruth Okochi from Ogwashi-Uku in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
“I know a place she lives in Abuja but I am not sure if she still lives there. I owe it a responsibility to find her for the sake of my children,” he said
My wife found out I was cheating & said nothing. Should I be worried?
My wife found out about two weeks ago that I'm having an affair but has not said a word about it to me. She knows I know that she knows that I have a girlfriend but she's refused to confront me about it. Should I be scared or its nothing to worry about? What worries me about this is that she's a very confrontational person, I wonder why she decided not to address this.
Read heartbreaking last letter Iranian woman wrote before she was hanged
The full text of the letter was translated by the National Council of Resistance of Iran:
Dear Sholeh, today I learned that it is now my turn to face Qisas (the Iranian regime's law of retribution). I am hurt as to why you did not let me know yourself that I have reached the last page of the book of my life. Don’t you think that I should know? You know how ashamed I am that you are sad. Why did you not take the chance for me to kiss your hand and that of dad?
The world allowed me to live for 19 years. That ominous night it was I that should have been killed. My body would have been thrown in some corner of the city, and after a few days, the police would have taken you to the coroner’s office to identify my body and there you would also learn that I had been raped as well. The murderer would have never been found since we don’t have their wealth and their power. Then you would have continued your life suffering and ashamed, and a few years later you would have died of this suffering and that would have been that.
However, with that cursed blow the story changed. My body was not thrown aside, but into the grave of Evin Prison and its solitary wards, and now the grave-like prison of Shahr-e Ray. But give in to the fate and don’t complain. You know better that death is not the end of life.
You taught me that one comes to this world to gain an experience and learn a lesson and with each birth a responsibility is put on one’s shoulder. I learned that sometimes one has to fight. I do remember when you told me that the carriage man protested the man who was flogging me, but the flogger hit the lash on his head and face that ultimately led to his death. You told me that for creating a value one should persevere even if one dies.
You taught us that as we go to school one should be a lady in face of the quarrels and complaints. Do you remember how much you underlined the way we behave? Your experience was incorrect. When this incident happened, my teachings did not help me. Being presented in court made me appear as a cold-blooded murderer and a ruthless criminal. I shed no tears. I did not beg. I did not cry my head off since I trusted the law.
But I was charged with being indifferent in face of a crime. You see, I didn’t even kill the mosquitoes and I threw away the cockroaches by taking them by their antennas. Now I have become a premeditated murderer. My treatment of the animals was interpreted as being inclined to be a boy and the judge didn’t even trouble himself to look at the fact that at the time of the incident I had long and polished nails.
How optimistic was he who expected justice from the judges! He never questioned the fact that my hands are not coarse like those of a sportswoman, especially a boxer. And this country that you planted its love in me never wanted me and no one supported me when under the blows of the interrogator I was crying out and I was hearing the most vulgar terms. When I shed the last sign of beauty from myself by shaving my hair I was rewarded: 11 days in solitary.
Dear Sholeh, don’t cry for what you are hearing. On the first day that in the police office an old unmarried agent hurt me for my nails I understood that beauty is not looked for in this era. The beauty of looks, beauty of thoughts and wishes, a beautiful handwriting, beauty of the eyes and vision, and even beauty of a nice voice.
My dear mother, my ideology has changed and you are not responsible for it. My words are unending and I gave it all to someone so that when I am executed without your presence and knowledge, it would be given to you. I left you much handwritten material as my heritage.
However, before my death I want something from you, that you have to provide for me with all your might and in any way that you can. In fact this is the only thing I want from this world, this country and you. I know you need time for this. Therefore, I am telling you part of my will sooner. Please don’t cry and listen. I want you to go to the court and tell them my request. I cannot write such a letter from inside the prison that would be approved by the head of prison; so once again you have to suffer because of me. It is the only thing that if even you beg for it I would not become upset although I have told you many times not to beg to save me from being executed.
My kind mother, dear Sholeh, the one more dear to me than my life, I don’t want to rot under the soil. I don’t want my eye or my young heart to turn into dust. Beg so that it is arranged that as soon as I am hanged my heart, kidney, eye, bones and anything that can be transplanted be taken away from my body and given to someone who needs them as a gift. I don’t want the recipient know my name, buy me a bouquet, or even pray for me. I am telling you from the bottom of my heart that I don’t want to have a grave for you to come and mourn there and suffer. I don’t want you to wear black clothing for me. Do your best to forget my difficult days. Give me to the wind to take away.
The world did not love us. It did not want my fate. And now I am giving in to it and embrace the death. Because in the court of God I will charge the inspectors, I will charge inspector Shamlou, I will charge judge, and the judges of country’s Supreme Court that beat me up when I was awake and did not refrain from harassing me. In the court of the creator I will charge Dr. Farvandi, I will charge Qassem Shabani and all those that out of ignorance or with their lies wronged me and trampled on my rights and didn’t pay heed to the fact that sometimes what appears as reality is different from it.
Dear soft-hearted Sholeh, in the other world it is you and me who are the accusers and others who are the accused. Let’s see what God wants. I wanted to embrace you until I die. I love you
Obasanjo replies Buhari: Muslim-Muslim ticket dangerous for Nigeria
He said in a terse statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Sunday that such idea was dangerous given the current happenings in the polity.
Although he made no mention of any political party or politician in the statement, he appeared to have alluded to an All Progressive Congress presidential aspirant, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s comment on Saturday that he was not opposed to a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Obasanjo’s statement read, “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust.
“It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim- muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture.
“Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamisation or Christianisation. The idea of proselytisation in any form is a grave danger that must not be contemplated by any serious-minded politician at this delicate situation in Nigeria, as this time is different from any other time.
“Therefore, disregarding the fact that there are fears that need to be allayed at this point will amount not only to insensitivity of the highest order but will also amount to very bad politics indeed.”
Buhari had in an interview published on Saturday by an online newspaper, TheCable, said he had an open mind on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
The presidential aspirant argued that he had shown in the past that he was not a religious fundamentalist by picking Christians as his running mates. His former running mates are a former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo (late); an ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Edwin Ume-Ezeoke (late) and Tunde Bakare.
He had said, “Nigerians will always uncover impossible room for manoeuvre for politicians. I had to face one of the governors during one of our party’s meetings [over the issue of religion].
“In 2003, I chose Okadigbo as my running mate. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. In 2007, I picked Ume-Ezeoke. He was a Roman Catholic. He was an Igbo. And in 2010, I chose even a pastor. Pastor Tunde Bakare.
“Honestly, what do Nigerians want me to do? If they don’t believe I’m not a fundamentalist, what else can I do?”
He added that the late MKO Abiola, a southern Muslim, picked Babagana Kingibe, a northern Muslim, as his running mate in the 1993 presidential election.
The Muslim-Muslim ticket won the election generally considered as the fairest and freest election in Nigeria.
Buhari is believed to be looking in the direction of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who is also a muslim, as his running mate.
Fashola had since distanced himself from reports that he might be Buhari’s running mate.
When contacted, the Director-General, Buhari Support Group, Alhaji Umaru Dembo, said, ‘‘I do know the context in which what was said was said. So many people have been trying to cast the APC in a religious garb. What I can say is that when the issue of the ticket is decided, the party will look at other issues. Right now, talking about the running mate is a distraction.’’
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, however, told one of our correspondents that it had “noted” Obasanjo’s advice.
He said, “We appreciate the fact that the problem confronting our nation today is one that requires a patriotic Nigerian who has the capacity and competence to deal with. We however note the former President’s advice.”
Mohammed added that the party had always pledged to be guided by the 1999 Constitution and its guidelines in taking decisions on issues that affect the generality of Nigerians.
“What we’ve always said is that our party will be guided by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and will be guided also by our own guidelines and also will be guided by what we believe is in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.
The APC had lost some of its prominent members who claimed that the party leadership was planning to field Muslim-Muslim candidates for the 2015 presidential election.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, said the party had decided to keep off religious issues and focus on politics.
“At this point in time, due to what is happening in the nation, the PDP has refrained from commenting on religious matters. We want to keep religion out of politics. We are focused on politics. We do not want to make comments on religion,” Metuh added.
The ruling PDP has already endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian as its presidential candidate. Vice-President Namadi Sambo, a Muslim whom the PDP leadership described as a member of its winning team, may still run as Jonathan’s deputy.
APC, PDP legislators, others disagree
However, the caucuses of the PDP and APC in the House of Representatives differed on the issue.
The Minority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the character of the presidential candidates should be the focus and not the religion.
He explained that Nigeria could have “all-Muslim” candidates or “all-Christian candidates.”
Gbajabiamila added, “For us, it doesn’t matter whether it is a Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket.
“What people are looking out for is development and good governance.
“We should be looking at the character of the person and what he can offer, not his religion.”
But, the PDP caucus praised Obasanjo for bringing the issue to the fore.
The Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor, said members were in support of Obasanjo.
“The former President spoke well. We are totally in support of what he has said.”
A former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Shuaib Oyedokun, also commended Obasanjo for the statement.
Oyedokun said, “This statement from him is commendable. We must however be reminded that Nigerian had done this in the last by fielding Muslim/Muslim ticket.
“We must know that there are some states in both the South and the North that are either predominately Christians or Muslims and because of this, it would be difficult to do balancing.”
In the Senate, Kabiru Marafa said it was “left for the parties to design their permutations for winning elections and for Nigerians to say yes or no to them during the polls.”
Marafa recalled that the late Abiola and Kingibe, both Muslims, contested for election on the same platform.
“They ran together and their election is still a point of reference in Nigeria. There was no crisis. In fact, people voted overwhelmingly for them across the country,” he said.
The lawmaker argued that it would “have been better if the former President had advised his own party not to do so because of the fear of losing an election.”
Also, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, said that Obasanjo “should avoid such advice now especially when a political party is already being accused of bringing about a religious agenda.”
A Lagos-based lawyer, Fred Agbaje, said while he agreed that “Obasanjo’s pronouncement on any major nation issue cannot be ignored,” he (Obasanjo) “should not arrogate to himself, the title of Mr. Know-it-all.”
Agbaje said, “What is Obasanjo saying? Haven’t Nigerians voted Muslim-Muslim ticket before even though the power-that-be did not allow it to stand? What Nigerians need are competent leaders, and they could be Muslim-Muslim, Christian-Christian, female-female, male-male, male-female or female-male.
“Nigerians need leaders that will solve many of the nation’s socio-economic woes, unemployment, corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping and the general state of insecurity in the country.
“Obasanjo should not see himself as the only person having the panacea to the nation’s problems.”
However, the Trade Union Congress advised the political class to avoid any controversial issue such as a Muslim/Muslim or Christian/Christian ticket.
My govt not free from mistakes, says Jonathan
He admitted that while leading the country, there are possibilities of “faults and failures.”
Jonathan spoke at the second edition of an interdenominational church service with the theme “A day with Jesus for Nigeria in Israel” held in Israel as part of his two-day pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The event which was aired live was monitored on the Nigeria Television Authority.
The errors notwithstanding, Jonathan said he was sure that God would not allow him to take a decision or steps that would be against the interest of the country.
“For me, and I believe for the governors that are here with me, we are mere mortals. As mere mortals, we are not insulated from errors. There may be faults or failures. But one thing I know is that God will not allow me to do anything that will not be in the best interest of our country,” he told the congregation that included state governors, ministers, clerics and Nigerian pilgrims.
The President said despite the many challenges facing the country under his watch, he saw a new Nigeria emerging.
He said he saw a new Nigeria that all its citizens would be living in peace and unity and children yet unborn would be proud of.
Jonathan said, “I see a new Nigeria emerging; a Nigeria that our children will be proud of; a Nigeria that things will work; a Nigeria that we will have good education system; a Nigeria that we will have a good health system.
“I see a new Nigeria that we will have food security; a Nigeria that we will have houses for our people; a Nigeria that we will have good infrastructure for our movement. Above all, a Nigeria that we will live in peace and unity.
“Of course, we know that this is a period of challenges. Even as if we are saying this, it looks like a mirage to people because we know the challenges we have.
“But it does not take a lifetime to solve a problem. With prayers and unity, we shall overcome all our challenges.”
While identifying the Boko Haram as one of the greatest problems of his administration, he made a case for collective efforts to tackle the nation’s unique challenges.
He also listed kidnappings in the South, poor governance and corruption as some of the nation’s vices.
The President however said that with citizens’ commitment and prayers, the nation would overcome.
Quoting from Lamentation 3:37, Jonathan declared, “Who is he that speaks against Nigeria and comes to pass when the Lord has not commanded it?” amidst a loud ovation from the congregation.
He asked the pilgrims to pray for unity, peace and security as well as against what he called counter forces that could hinder his administration’s transformation agenda.
Jonathan said, “With unity, we can do anything. The country was so united when we encountered Ebola. With God on our side, we were able to conquer Ebola Virus.
“That singular act had brought Nigeria to the limelight, even when CNN(Cable News Network) talks about Ebola, it make reference to Nigeria. That is what unity can do. With unity and prayer, we will get to where we want our country to go.
“My request is that you should stand by the government. When you stand by the government just like you stood by us during the Ebola era, we will surely overcome our challenges,” he said.
The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, preached the sermon at the service that featured special prayers for the President, his family, other leaders and the country.
Other Nigerian pilgrims joined the President and its entourage for the service.
The President had earlier in the day had a bilateral talk with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem.
Jonathan is expected back in the country on Monday (today).
The other clergymen present at the service were the Primate Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; and President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.
Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Willie Obiano (Anambra); Jonah Jang (Plateau) and their wives joined members of the Federal Executive Council like the Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; and Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe at the service.
Ini Edo, Emem Isong, other stars gather for breakfast
Gunmen kill 300-level UNIBEN student on campus
PUNCH Metro learnt that Ejyroghene, popularly called “Kazito,” was taking part in a jeans carnival organised for final-year students of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at the 1000-Lecture Theatre field of the faculty when he was shot in the head by the assailants around 7pm.
A source in the institution, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the late chemistry student was on probation until his death and was often spotted in the final-year class of the department.
He said, “He was in 300 level and was on probation. But he was not always in his class.
“A final-year jeans carnival was being held on that day for the faculty and students were having fun. So, he joined them. Suddenly, we heard a gunshot.
“We didn’t even know that he was the one that was shot. It was later that we saw him on the ground.”
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Harris Osarenren, who confirmed the incident, said that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
He also disclosed that the case had been reported to the Ugbowo Police State while investigation had commenced.
He said,“The incident which took place at the Ugbowo Campus of the University has been reported at the Ugbowo Police Station, while the body has been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City.
“Investigation is on-going by the Nigeria Police Force to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.”
Efforts to reach the Public Relations Unit of the Edo State Police Command, however, proved abortive at the time of filing the report.
I didn’t ask Amaechi for Rivers’ money –Patience Jonathan
Amaechi had while speaking in Port Harcourt at the joint graduation of the students of the University of Ibadan and pioneer graduates of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, on Saturday was quoted as saying that his problem with Mrs. Jonathan started after he rejected her demand.
“I refused to give them money in Abuja because if I do that, I won’t be able to carry out any development project or finish the road from Rumuolumeni to Rumuepirikom.
“The quarrel between me and the wife of the President is because she said I should bring your money, Rivers people, money and share with her,” the governor reportedly said.
But Mrs. Jonathan, in a statement by her media assistant, Mr. Ayo Adewuyi, said Amaechi’s statement was a deliberate attempt to malign her and score cheap political point.
She further described the governor’s statement as a lie designed to denigrate her person and rubbish the Presidency.
She said she could not have made such a request from the governor either directly or indirectly.
The statement read, “Having waited patiently for Governor Amaechi to refute the statement credited to him about the First Lady, (with the assumption that he was misquoted), it has become clear that it was a deliberate attempt to malign Dame Patience Jonathan and score cheap political point.
“The governor may have been beclouded by the political uncertainty surrounding him to make such a jaundiced and unsubstantiated allegation that the First Lady asked him to bring Rivers State’s money to share.
“This is a blatant lie designed to denigrate the person of Dame Patience Jonathan and rubbish the Presidency. This is to say the least, most unfortunate.
“It is crystal clear that Governor Amaechi is looking for a cheap excuse for his failure in the governance of the state. We say without any iota of equivocation that the First Lady never made such a request and could not have done so in any way either directly and indirectly.
“The First Lady as an indigene of Rivers State is more concerned with the socio-economic development of the state and in a peaceful atmosphere. This guerrilla political warfare must stop.”
Fayemi, wife spent N100m on bedrooms, toilets -Ekiti
The governor claimed that between Fayemi and his wife, what was spent on their bedrooms, toilets and bathrooms would be in the region of N100m.
Fayose made the accusation in a statement ‘N3.3bn new Government House is Fayemi’s show of wickedness to Ekiti people’, issued in Ado-Ekiti by his Special Assistant on Information and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka.
But Fayemi said the allegation sounded silly and was more of comedy of errors, advising Fayose to stop the “theatre of the absurd.”
Olayinka described the new Government House as an act of insensitivity to the plight of Ekiti people, many of whom, he claimed, could not afford to feed once in a day.
According to him, no progressive-minded Ekiti person will see the “out-of-this-world luxury provided with over N3.3bn borrowed fund for Fayemi, his wife and children and will not weep for the state and its people.”
Olayinka claimed that the bed on which Fayemi slept before he left government, costs over N30m while claiming that that of his wife costs over N20m.
“Between Fayemi and his wife, what was spent on their bedrooms, toilets and bathrooms will be in the region of N100m,” he added.
In his reaction, Fayemi’s media aide, Olayinka Oyebode, said the allegation “sounds silly and more of comedy of errors.”
Oyebode said, “I have taken a guided tour of that place and I don’t think I have seen such outcry.
“I don’t know where they got their figure from, it sounds absurd. I will advise them to stop this theatre of the absurd. Governorship is a serious business and I am appealing to them not to reduce it to a joke.
“They are turning Ekiti into a circus show and they should stop it. It is childish and puerile for them to have come up with that figure. There is nothing ostentatious about that lifestyle: the lodge is there as a property of the state.
“Whether Fayose stays there or not is his cup of tea. The new Government House is a legacy building. Dr. Fayemi did not go with it to Isan-Ekiti; it is for the state.”
Fashion icon Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and football legend Amokachi at loggerheads over Naija's passion
She also made some comments that has been causing various twitter reactions since Saturday. See some of her comments below:
"How can Congoooooooo beat Nigeria?" She says on channels TV. "Fashion is the next big thing now, what is football? Our fashion industry has grown a lot and it’s still growing. With the money spent on football, I can set up several fashion entrepreneurs in the world. Seriously, imagine being beaten by Congo, SMH…I am just shaking my head right now #Go Fashion. All of what football can give and more! Fashion can become the true passion of Naija! Anyone that chooses can challenge me on this; I am so ready to defend it!"
It’s Game On! #GoFashion
Fashion is definitely a way better venture to express our passion
I am still shaking my head #GoFashion
Every smart person who is talented will be looking to explore fashion
Football legend, Daniel Amokachi stepped in yesterday night to put up a few tweets in response to Lanre Da Silva's comment. He also made more comments this morning on Brilla FM when he was interviewed on "Hard Tackle"
See his quotes
· Fashion is bigger than football? That is like saying Nigeria is bigger that the United States of America.
· Football has been around for decades, people just started paying attention to fashion.
· Football unites everybody, there is no sentiment when it comes to football
· Mention football to people living in Sokoto or even in the village, everyone can identify with it.
· Who knows lanre Da Silva? But everyone know Okocha, Kanu and the big footballers
· It is not what Ronaldo puts on that makes people pay attention to him, it is what goes on the field for 90mins that makes people respect him.
· It will take decades for fashion to meet football
Saturday 25 October 2014
2015: Jonathan’s re-election will set Nigeria ablaze again – Gumi
KADUNA – Well known Islamic Cleric, Sheik Dr. Ahmed Gumi has foretold of violence should President Goodluck Jonathan go on to contest and win the 2015 Presidential election.
Gumi made this known in an open letter he wrote the President yesterday and made available to Vanguard in Kaduna.
Reads the letter: “We have never met despite the fact that we were all born and we lived for more than half a century in this great vast country Nigeria. It’s here we all grew up and were educated and I presume except by divine prudence it’s here that we will all be buried.
“So what truly matters is the legacy that we will bequest our children and the next generation of Nigerians to come. We will not want it a burnt country with hundreds of thousands dead, maimed or displaced people because of the thoughtlessness and recklessness of its stewardship.
“Nigeria today is a single railway line with two heavily loaded trains spending towards each other in opposite direction.
“You need to come out of the cocoon and face the reality. Denial of the truth can never solve problems.
“Mr. President, from what I heard from people who are close to you, is that you are humble with a soft heart. But still humility is never enough for an effective leadership. Leadership is about listening and taking the good advices from people of wisdom not from those that benefit from you or have any agenda other than the unity and progress of this Nation.
“The mantle of the leadership of this country was given to you under oath. Almost four years ago you swore to protect ‘the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’. You said: ‘ I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; and ‘I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will’
“Unfortunately, many people including me before God believe you broke some of your oath. I’ll only need to refer you back to the honest open letter advice you were given by your political godfather. You appear more Ijaw than Nigerian. It’s seldom fathers will deceive their children. Yet you never listen. And sadly by your recalcitrance you are dangerously leading this nation to chaos and turmoil that only God knows were it will end.
“Muslims have officially registered to you on occasions your partiality. Northern groups have complained about your bias. The youth about your neglect.
“You have divided the nation gravelly on the religious divided. Already we heard a call in a church that you are now a savior. Now, not of Nigeria but the church in Nigeria. With this religious zeal on both sides, each side looking at the wrong people for salvation the nation is heading towards disaster.
“My fellow country man, it’s unfortunate that your stand on many issues have made you into a polarizing figure while the exalted office you occupy needs a nationalistic one. Surely with the Christian votes and northern PDP followers you can win another election but you will also set the nation into another turmoil because that segment of the nation that rejects you do so because they believe rightly or wrongly you are involved negatively in the Boko Haram Saga. The natural thing any good leader will do in this situation is to step down for a person all the segments of the nation will have confidence with for their well-being. A credible person that will not stir apprehension. The decision is not about your rights but about responsibility.
“Therefore as you pray in the Holy Land seek for God’s indulgence to show you the light of honor and do the right thing. It’s God’s command that Nigeria stay united and ‘what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder’.
“A word of wisdom says: ‘He who consults is never disappointed and he who seeks God’s choice never regret’ so please don’t brush it aside call men of wisdom to advice you too.
“I for a start, I am hereby candidly advising you to relinquished your presidential ambition because of peace, stability and well being of millions of innocent Nigerians. There are many politicians that can ‘finish’ it on your behalf. The PDP can present Akpabio or Obi or Orji etc.
“I rest my case here.
“Ahmad Gumi”
Consensus Candidate: APC may dump Atiku for Buhari
BARRING any changes, the All Progressives Congress, APC is set to adopt former Head of State, Gen. Mohammed Buhari (retd) as its consensus candidate for the 2015 presidential election.
Saturday Vanguard’s investigation, yesterday, revealed that the issue featured prominently at the October 17, 2014 National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party.
It was gathered that the party’s national leader and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the course of the meeting, openly declared his support for Buhari as against the expectation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, another presidential aspirant who was present at the meeting.
A source at the national secretariat of the APC said Tinubu’s open support for Buhari was hinged on the popularity of the former military ruler.
Buhari and Atiku
Buhari and Atiku
According to him, Tinubu was bitter that his earlier advice to aspirants from the North to agree among themselves for a consensus candidate was not heeded
To that end, he chose to queue behind Buhari’s candidature.
The source added that Tinubu, who was excited by Buhari’s 12 million votes in 2011 presidential elections has decided to bankroll Buhari’s campaign to any length it will take to win the votes of the majority of Nigerians.
He stated that the party believes it is only Buhari that can give President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples democratic Party (PDP) a good run for his money.
He also stated that most national leaders of the party who are loyal to Tinubu do not welcome the idea of primary election to choose their presidential candidate.
“Tinubu said it openly that day that he would support Buhari. He told everyone who was present,” the added.
To pave way for Buhari, the party may not conduct primaries as Atiku is said to have the structure to win delegate election.
Mini-convention
So, the APC has scheduled to hold a mini convention on next Wednesday to enable it amend some portions of its constitution that are incongruous with the electoral act on political parties primaries should a party decide not to conduct such.
It will be recalled that Lai Mohammed, APC’s national publicity secretary told Journalists at the end of the NEC meeting that the party was going to hold a mini-convention.
“Principally, we proposed certain amendments to the constitution of the party that will allow the party to function much more efficiently and to that extent we will hold what I call an extraordinary convention of the party on the 29th of this month in Abuja to submit the proposals for the amendment to the national convention of the party,” he said.
Speaking further on the modalities for the primary election, Mohammed said: “It is part of the reason we need to amend our constitution because the Electoral Act as amended says that one can conduct a primary but if you are going to, then one must be explicit on how you are going to conduct it and that is why we need to amend our constitution.”
Obviously, the development would limit of the chances of other presidential aspirants which included Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State and former chairman of Leadership newspaper, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah.
But another source at the secretariat hinted that some of them might consider dropping their ambition since the leader of the party has shown support for Buhari.
President Jonathan arrives Israel for pilgrimage in a blue sui
Rich Churches, Poor Members (Review)
In the early days of Christianity in Nigeria the church was at the forefront of society’s development building schools, hospitals, vocational skills acquisition centres, farms and cottage industries, among others.
They offered scholarships, gave free books and teaching aids, and gave food, clothing and shelter to those deprived of these necessities. Notwithstanding that the central theme of sermons was on preparing for the life after death, the church tried as much as possible to ensure that members and those who dared to come into God’s house had a good life before death.
The satisfaction of the church was the welfare of members and the success of the church was seen in the number of lives touched and it therefore offered safe haven to people in various distress situations such as those needing food, clothing, accommodation, financial relief, treatment of debilitating illnesses such as leprosy and mental disorders and several others.
As the church ministered to the needs of members and their lives got better they brought the proceeds of the works of their hands in form of tithes and offerings to God at Sunday services, thanksgiving and harvest ceremonies. With these, more cathedrals, mission schools, orphanages, maternity homes and farms were built.
Also more scholarships to even higher levels of education were awarded as the house of God indeed became the house of plenty. Pastors saved money for social development projects by living modest lives usually behind the church, riding bicycles and working their own farms in a clear example of storing up treasures in heaven as the Bible recommends.
Fast track to 2014, members minister to the needs of the church paying through the nose to fund broadcasts on television and chain of businesses including universities, publishing houses, nursery, primary/ post primary schools, as well as buy flashy cars and private jets. They are reminded daily that givers never lack.
In a bid to please “God” and achieve the elusive breakthrough parishioners squeeze themselves dry to contribute to various projects in the house of God. But surprisingly their situation never changes. The more they give the poorer they become and the richer the church.
Today’s church is an epitome of modernity operating from state–of-the–art, imposing edifices fully air-conditioned and complete with evolutionary camera, klieg light and other stage facilities for live broadcast from the pulpit. Yet poverty ravages the same establishment. Due to this religious paradox discerning Nigerians have begun to ask a pertinent question – has the modern church abandoned social service that the old church used so effectively to warm itself into the hearts of many?
Take this: July 6, 2014 in a church in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, a priest held the congregation spell-bound with his homily. His delivery was superb. Emphasis was to shift to appreciating what God has done for all by been generous in the Harvest contributions.
He started by calling on those who wanted to appreciate God with N200,000 to come forward for special blessing. From N200,000 it fell to N150,000, N100,000 and to N50,000 to N5,000 and below. Although nobody came out for a supposed N200,000 blessing, the priest at the end of the day asked the entire church to stand for general blessing.
To the conservative Catholics it was taking revenue drive too far. The scene at the Amuwo Odofin church is common in Catholic churches in the country now. Before now, the pentecostal churches appeared to enjoy the exclusivity of megabucks from members. Some church leaders even flaunt their wealth. Even in their jerry-curl hair style they defend their affluence on the grounds that “my God is not a poor God.”
The message is apparently for members to strive to be like them as they claim to enjoy the benevolence of God. And so the craze for miracles that could create rags to riches phenomenon is unabated in our churches. Although the pentecostal churches are in the lead for revenue drive that see churches embark on big projects only a few of them have programmes to help the poor. And it is in this area that the Catholic Church stands out.
The programmes of their Saint Vincent De Paul Society are geared towards alleviating problems of the poor in their various parishes. They visit, hospitals, prisons, charity homes to donate items to them. They identify with the poor in their parishes and lend a helping hand. The Church is known for their contributions in education and health care that is affordable by the poor. But unlike before, the Catholic church in Nigeria appears to have joined the race to grab and grab from church members or parishoners.
The harvest period in some churches last up to six months. The mass is usually longer for speeches and announcements that plead to members to appreciate God. Although members, in many cases, attest to what the church does with the money, the pressure on members to offer resources during harvest is unChatholic to many.
Mr. Gabriel Bolade, an accountant in a commercial bank who attends Baptist Church, Yaba believes the church has abandoned its members. He lamented that the church of today has abandoned the noble role of taking care of the weak and vulnerable in the society. His concern arose from the clear unwillingness to help enhance education in the country.
“Most of the private universities are owned by well established churches who charge fees far beyond the means of ordinary members who contributed to the establishment of these higher institutions. Fees in the region of N1.5 million to N3 million per session are charged which can only be afforded by the wealthy.
The ordinary members who helped in donating materials, cash, labour and even by praying and fasting for the universities cannot afford such fees for their children and wards.”
Mr. Emmanuel Onyeji, past chairman of the Laity Council at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Okokomaiko, Lagos put the problem at the door step of “churches that are mainly interested in making money” and not in the welfare of their members.
“Pastors of churches often preach about the primacy of giving at least 10 per cent of their income as tithe and more as offering to the church. Their focus is on prosperity mainly”.
But Pentecostal churches have faulted this claim about church members contributing towards the establishment of educational institutions. In fact, Pastor David Oyedepo of Living Faith Mission (Winners Chapel) who is Founder and Chancellor of Covenant University was quoted as saying that he did not build the university with tithes and offerings of members. But he is yet to reveal the sources of funding. His denial, however, does not explain why majority of Winners Chapel members cannot afford the fees charged by a University owned by their church or senior pastor; yet he owns private jets – Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G450, Gulfstream V and LearJet with combined valued of $98.3million (N15.9billion).
The situation is not different at the Redeemers University (RUN), owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). While fees are also as high as that of Covenant University, RUN claims to have established a scholarship scheme for indigent students. The scheme involves school fees discounts of between 10 % and 80% for children and wards of the university’s staff, children of pastors and some indigent members of the church. Like Winner’s Chapel Senior Pastor, the General Overseer of RCCG Pastor E.A. Adeboye owns a private jet – a Gulfstream V.
That owned by the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ayo Oritsejafor has just been involved in a scandal in South Africa. It flew $9.3m cash into South Africa where the money has been seized by the home country although the man has explained that he leased the aircraft to another company and that he knew nothing about the transaction. . Nigeria’s government claimed responsibility, saying that the money was meant for the purchase of arms to fight terror and that cash payments are sometimes effected in such deals.
Ayo Oritsejiafor has admitted owning the aircraft and also admitted leasing it out to a company he has substantial interest. Nigerians want to know how this has this helped evangelism? Critics will be quick to answer that materialism is better for it than evangelism.
Mr. Daniel Ede, a banker who worships with the Anglican Church expressed worry that the present day church has deviated from the practice of the early church in terms of assisting those in need and he recommends immediate change.
“The early church in Acts of the Apostles sold their belongings and gave to the needy. Some of the wealth being made by our churches should be used for the sick, poor widows, prisoners, etc. Churches ought to create more welfare programmes for the indigent and needy in their midst. They should have schools and hospitals that the poor can afford”.
A worker in a Pentecostal church in Lagos, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on condition of anonymity said churches in Nigeria are not doing enough to help the poor and indigent and asked for remedial action. “The Nigerian churches are not doing enough. The church can begin a revolution of wealth creation and the development of education. We need to give in such a way that those given will not need alms again. Education funds should be created for those who are eligible to attend university, but are indigent. If churches build schools, they should dedicate a certain admission percentage slot for indigent church members. Of what essence is a church that doesn’t give back?”
He added that “churches should help fund businesses for church members and may also establish food banks, where indigent members of the church can access food in times of food shortage. They can also generate funds for small businesses to grow, as well as train the owners of such businesses”.
Speaking to Saturday Vanguard, the Benue State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Arch Bishop Yiman Orkwar sees nothing wrong in churches establishing schools and running them in a professional manner, without sentiments. While he is not against churches granting scholarships to children of the poor, he insists that there is no way all members of the church could be exempted from paying fees as a matter of policy as this could harm the institution’s ability to run the institutions properly and meet the demands of staff.
Sociologist Dr. John Akposibruke disagrees with those suggesting that the church has abandoned its social service role to humanity like poverty alleviation.
“Some of the Pentecostal churches being accused of collecting tithes and offerings without giving back to the needy members have commendable welfare/poverty alleviation schemes.
“I know of a church that pays rent, school fees, medical bills and even wedding costs of its indigent members, but how many people can they do this for with their limited resources?”
He explained that their efforts are not being felt because the magnitude of poverty and deprivation in the country is so high that what is done pales into insignificance.
“In some churches those who need help are up to 60% of members and with the worsening level of unemployment the rate is growing; how do you attend to everybody?”
He points out that some members have developed unrealistic expectations from their churches one of which is that their children should attend a church-owned university free of charge simply because they gave tithes and offerings when the universities were being built without asking themselves the percentage of these contributions to the cost of setting up and running such schools.
“Tithes and offerings are gifts to God and the church, and like every gift they are not returnable either in form they were given, or by extending discounts and privileges.
“Since tithes and offerings are pooled together to carry out various projects in the house of God it is difficult to determine who gave what and on that basis extend any privilege; how can you be sure that your own portion of the contributions was not the part used to decorate the church or buy musical equipment and not used to build a school?”
Investigation by Saturday Vanguard revealed that some churches are indeed engaged in one form of welfare/empowerment scheme or the other. Daystar Christian Centre runs a leadership, entrepreneurship and skill development training for members to empower them. While the leadership programme is meant to impart leadership skills, the entrepreneurship class is a case-study based executive business education that takes potential entrepreneurs from idea to business plan, start up and fund sourcing.
The vocational skills development teaches members various skills such as maintenance of generators, photography, cake and confectionery making, bead making and video production among others. The church also runs a benevolence scheme under which foods, clothes and shoes are distributed to the needy whether they are members of the church or not. The Senior Pastor’s wife has also established a Real Woman Foundation to care for the female folk.
The foundation operates an orphanage and a street women rehabilitation centre which imparts vocational skills and education to any level. Inmates of these centres are given the kind of care and support that should have been provided by their families.
Saturday Vanguard also found out that The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) has established a number of schemes to help members beat poverty. Among these are “Career Academy” – an after school touch up for graduates to help them secure employment and “We Care” under which the church pays rent, medical bills, and gives foods and clothes to indigent members. It is also involved in rehabilitation of street girls through its “Rehobot Homes” programme.
The church also offers scholarships to intelligent but indigent members of the church under the Bishop Mike Okonkwo Scholarship scheme which runs from secondary to university.
Further investigations also revealed that several other churches run one form of poverty eradication scheme or the other to empower members but the impact of such schemes has remained minimal.
However, Dr. Joseph Antyo of the University of Mkar, a private university in Benue State owned by the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) believes that poverty issues in Nigeria cannot be effectively addressed at different levels (family, community, state and nation) in isolation from the churches.
He recommends that “churches should see poverty eradication as a part of their mission of evangelisation, since not only spiritual but also material salvation is needed to truly free someone. Some of the money that some churches have should be made available to their members in form of loans and other poverty alleviation measures, and the churches should be able to build on their greatest strengths which are trust and commitment rather than dependency.
Churches should also motivate their members to work or to help create employment, since the lack of it is probably the greatest bane of Africa today.
Comedian imposes no fly zone on Tyrese after he threatens to end his career
In his own response video, Spanky imposes a No Fly Zone on Tyrese banning him from filming Transformers in Detroit. Spanky said:
"Tyrese why did you have to act like that? It was homosexual, the way you did your video. You know you done f**ked up? I didn't say you were gay mehn, but if you got a tattoo on your back of another ni**a hitting if from the back, that might mean be gay.
"Ever heard of the no-fly zone, ni**a? I'm from Detroit. If I can't go to Hollywood to perform at the Hollywood clubs, how about you can't go to Detroit and shoot transformers? When you sh*t, a whole car come out of your gay ass. That's why Suge Knight used to f**k your first baby mama"
Military doubts Boko Haram ceasefire, expects deadlier attacks
SELF-acclaimed Secretary General of Boko Haram, Mallam Danladi Ahmadu, has blamed armed robbers and hired assassins among other criminals, who he said had infiltrated the terrorist group for breaching its cease fire agreement with the Federal Government, saying that the agreement is on course.
Ahmadu spoke in an Hausa Service programme of the Voice of America, VOA, monitored in Yola, Adamawa State, yesterday. Ironically, Boko Haram has killed over 12,000 people, kidnapped many young girls and women, attacked and looted homes and banks in the last four years.
However, Military sources said that the intelligence reports in their possession indicate that Boko Haram was plotting deadly attacks across the northern part of the country.
Members of the court martial sit during the inauguration to try soldiers accused of mutiny tasked with fighting Boko Haram militants in Abuja on October 2, 2014. Nearly 100 soldiers tasked with fighting Boko Haram militants in Nigeria's far northeast appeared at a military court martial on Thursday, facing a range of charges including mutiny. The hearing comes just weeks after a tribunal sentenced 12 soldiers to death following their conviction for shooting at their commanding officer in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, in May. AFP PHOTO
File photo: Members of the court martial sit during the inauguration to try soldiers accused of mutiny tasked with fighting Boko Haram militants in Abuja on October 2, 2014. Nearly 100 soldiers tasked with fighting Boko Haram militants in Nigeria’s far northeast appeared at a military court martial on Thursday, facing a range of charges including mutiny. The hearing comes just weeks after a tribunal sentenced 12 soldiers to death following their conviction for shooting at their commanding officer in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, in May. AFP PHOTO
“Boko Haram is planning simultaneous and co-ordinated attacks in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe and Taraba states, the sources said, pointing out that the Islamic group
had plans to further carry out the same pattern of attacks in Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, apart from Plateau, Benue and Niger states, using several fronts and disguises in a bid to create serious instability in the country.
“We are in receipt of intelligence reports heralding simultaneous attacks across the north with the aim of bringing the region down at a go. They intend to make it wide and to stretch us beyond capacity with deadly attacks across the north. We are in receipt of other details about their fortified capacity and movement across Mali, Niger, Libya, Somalia, Cameroon and Chadian axes to get us on all angles.
“Many confessions of those we arrested at different battle zones and entry points into the country corresponded with the intelligence reports at hand,” the sources said.
We’ll finalize cease-fire agreement on Monday –B/Haram
However, Boko Haram’s Ahmadu stressed that the final meeting between the group and the Federal Government to finalize the ceasefire agreement has been scheduled for Monday in Ndjamana, Chad to be supervised by the Chadian leader, Idriss Derby.
He stressed that the Chibok girls would surely be released on Monday to the Chadian President, Idriss Derby for onward presentation to the Nigerian government.
According to him, an enlarged meeting of the group has been fixed for the weekend to prepare ground for the Monday’s meeting with the Federal Government, even as the final ceasefire and the release of the Chibok girls remain promises that will surely be fulfilled by the group.
He further said that the Federal Government was in close consultations with Boko Haram over arrangements for the Monday meeting in Chad, pointing out that all things being equal, the issue of confrontation between the Nigerian military and the insurgents or vice verse would soon be a thing of the past.
On the latest kidnap of over 40 women and girls in the border villages of Adamawa and Borno states, Ahmadu maintained that as far as the Boko Haram was concerned, it was not aware of the incident, pointing out that although the matter was being investigated, the latest kidnap incident or attacks were carried out by many anti-social groups that had infiltrated Boko Haram.
Ahmadu stated that political thugs, armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins and other anti-social groups now parade themselves as members of the sect, but quickly added that if the cease fire agreement was sealed all the groups would fizzle out.
Last week, the Federal Government announced a cease fire with Boko Haram following agreement that the abducted Chibok girls would be released but the hopes were dashed about 48 hours later when suspected members of the sect carried out fresh rounds of attacks killing several Nigerians and abducted another set of 50 women and girls in Adamawa and Borno states. The abductors reportedly freed the old women among the captives and married off about 40 girls.
Interesting! OAP Osam reviews P-Square's new album
The accepted norm to know a singer or an artiste’s worth is the reeling out of an LP or an album. In Nigeria today, there is more concentration from artistes in spewing out single after single in the silent bid that one just might be the hit they have been craving for.
P-Square is a group that defies logic in this game of from single to album. There is this midas touch from these boys that just keeps everybody in awe.
Hate ‘em, Love ‘em, they are one of the very few professionals left in this dispensation.
As an OAP, I play back to back hit songs for 6hours Monday to Friday, and I now want to take a critical look at albums that have come out recently so as to know why the craze for singles short of albums which is every artiste’s nightmare.
This is a review of Psquare’s 6TH album DOUBLE TROUBLE.
Track 1: SHEKINI
An ‘African Jungle Beat’ as I term it, popularised the likes of Davido’s ‘AYE/SKELEWU’,Runtown’s ‘GALLARDO’ etc. It’s a beat with a waist winding push and prompts to mind the wave of the SHOKI/SKELEWU/SEKEM dance. The joker about this track is that the Igbo boys that isPsquare actually sang the hook in impeccable Yoruba. Attention grabbing track for an album opener.
Track 2: MISSING YOU
A nice highlife track. I believe Sunny Neji is one ingredient missing from this track. It has its upbeat swing that brings in the vintage Psquare flavour. Guys, make sure you are not missing your lady when listening to this track.
Track 3: BRING IT ONft DAVE SCOTT
A personal favourite. An initial 20 second listen of this track from the start would leave you guessing if it’s a foreign track. Featuring Dave Scott, a hitherto unknown American singer from Texas. Listening to this mid tempo pop track with its undulating beat, apart from its message of hope, voice artistry comes into play here. The harmony of Dave’s voice and that of Psquare is absolutely timed and mind blowing. Rudeboy himself solely produced this one, and that would be Paul Okoye!
Track 4: MMS(Mugu Money Spender)
You just have to give it to the power of the African Jungle Beat yet again. It seems as if Psquare are being penitent from the carefree ‘CHOP MY MONEY’ frenzy and are now wise with the way money is to be spent. LOL.Hardcorebassline accompanies this yet another dance track to the wave of Skelewu/Shoki/Sekem dance step.
Track 5: IFEOMA
If you know Psquare, this is another vintage track with a pleading message of love assisted with a mix of highlife and uptempo reggae. The bassline too just grabs my attention. Guys, this is another song you could use to win your sweethearts back. But please tell her that when she hears IFEOMA being called out in the song she should replace it with her own name in her head o!
Track 6: EJEAJO ft TI
Now this is a track with a Yoruba phrase ‘EJEAJO’ which means ‘Let’s dance’ .Psquare takes us back to the swinging 80’s soul train era with this intense pop tune. Personally, I believe Jermaine Jackson would have fit into this track because the American rapper T.I rap comes up short. It’s a nice experiment and would hit the reminiscing over 35’s. Good back up video though.
Track 7: COLLABO ft DON JAZZY
Funnily enough Don Jazzy didn’t produce this track. Another African Jungle Beat with good vibes from the collabo of Psquare and Don Jazzy, produced by Oscar. Chicks love this jam. Beware if a chick sings it to you!
Track 8: OGADIGIDE
I was expecting to hear Flavour’s input in this track because this is just down his alley. Inspiring track in igbo chorus whose title means ‘ It will last forever’. A fine blend of highlife and African Jungle Beat.
Track 9: NO BE JOKE
Rhythm and Blues slow tempo with a good bassline, aligning drumbeats and a blend of the Pqsuare trademark voice.
Track 10: ENEMY SOLOft AWILO LONGOMBA
No doubt this song is geared at haters and probably was structured to make them dance when they hear it hence the makossabeat . The track’s authenticity is heightened with the inclusion of the Makossa maestro AWILO LOGOMBA who did justice with his own rendition in his Congolese dialect from the start of the song. On point for makossa lovers,
Track 11: SARI SARI
Another up tempo highlife song depicting love to a girl. This dance tracks shows the dexterity of Psquare being able switch from pidgin to igbo then English with a smooth flow. Love the guitar solos though.
Track 12: ZOMBIE ft Jermaine Jackson
Okay, this is where I have a little bit of bother. Is it the Michael Jackson-like wail his brother Jermaine added throughout this track? Or is it that the track is a stylish mix of Afrobeat and pop? Or is it that it sounds like an experimental sound? I think this is the track T.I should have featured in to add that rap feel. This song was produced solely by Mr P and that would be Peter Okoye!
Track 13: IJE LOVE
This is the track you would dedicate to that special woman in your life. I can see this track being played at wedding reception because of its up tempo nature and infusion of highlife
BONUS TRACKS THAT INITAILLY CAME OUT AS SINGLES:
TESTIMONY- In which some market men and women use in opening their shops in Lagos,
PERSONALLY- The video made Jermaine interested in Psquare
ALINGO- A song with a dance to it.
So if you want an album reviewed, which would you like?
Friday 24 October 2014
Bill to end degree, HND dichotomy passes second reading
The bill, sponsored by the member representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Ayo Akinyelure, specifically seeks to end the ongoing controversy over wage disparity and gross discrimination against HND holders in the public and private sectors.
He said, “The aftermath of continuing injustices, disparity and discriminations meted out to products of polytechnics in Nigeria is threatening to derail the nation’s core policy thrust of evolving a technological and scientifically-based and self-reliant society in the nearest future.
“As I speak, thousands of would-be polytechnic and technology students are contemplating or have decided to opt for university education because of perceived and real discrimination against HND graduates.
“If this contemplation occurs, there is bound to be a vacuum created in our labour market in this regard and dire consequences are bound to follow this trend.
“Over the years, several entreaties have been put forth to the Federal Civil Service authorities to put a stop to certain glaring wage disparities and discrimination against the HND holders, and all these have been to no avail.”
He said to make matters worse, certain federal parastatals are known to openly discriminate against HND holders to the extent of limiting their progress within the hierarchy of such government bodies.
N’Assembly recants, says minimum wage still on exclusive list
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, made the clarification amid threats by organised labour to embark on strike over the matter.
Ihedioha, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, explained that both the Senate and the House retained labour on the Exclusive List when they passed the new amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
However, it noted that it was the Senate that initially moved labour to the Concurrent List in its own report, while the House retained it on the Exclusive List.
Ihedioha added that during the conference meeting of the two chambers on the amendments, the House’ version was jointly adopted by the two chambers and later passed.
Part of a statement he issued to clarify the issue, read, “It has become necessary to clarify that the Conference report of the Constitution Review Committee recently adopted by the Senate and House of Representatives did not remove labour from the Exclusive Legislative List.
“The Senate had earlier put labour on the Concurrent List but the House retained it in the Exclusive List.
“During the Harmonisation of the Reports from the two chambers, the Conference Committee adopted the House version and retained Labour on the Exclusive List.
“Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have now adopted the Conference Committee Report, which retained Labour on the Exclusive Legislative List.
“We are at a loss as to where the false and misleading information on this matter emanated from.”
But in spite of this, the organised labour has described the removal of the Minimum Wage from the Exclusive List to the concurrent list by the National Assembly as an act of treachery carried out by some governors and their allies in the National Assembly.
The General-Secretary of the NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, and the President-General of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Bala Kaigama, warned in two different statements on Thursday that labour would organise a mass protest against the action which they said was condemnable and unpatriotic.
Ozo-Eson stressed that the NLC would mobilise workers against the attempt to scrap the National Minimum Wage.
The NLC secretary said that the organised labour was surprised by the sudden decision to move against the National Minimum Wage after the assurances from the Senate leadership.
Ozo-Eson urged the National Assembly to reverse the decision in the interest of Nigerians because of its implications for the country.
He said that the decision to remove the national minimum wage was “extremely dangerous and retrogressive” as it would empower employers to fix their own minimum wage.
The NLC secretary, who said that an emergency meeting of NEC had been called for Monday on the issue, stated that the move against the national minimum wage was a deliberate plot of some persons to truncate the current electioneering process.
He said, “The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns in strong terms the removal of wages from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List by the National Assembly in the ongoing fourth amendment exercise to the 1999 constitution.
“We at the congress see the removal of wages from the Exclusive List as an act of treachery masterminded by conservative governors and their cohorts in the National Assembly, which will do the polity no good.
“We wish to state in no uncertain terms that the Congress will mobilise its members to resist this move to scrap the national minimum wage. We recall that last year our national campaign and mobilization on this subject matter was suspended at the instance of the leadership of the Senate which promised to revisit the issue now that they “are better informed.
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Jonathan’s wife resigns as Bayelsa Permanent Secretary
The 57-year-old Patience was said to have left the service voluntarily.
She was one of the appointed 17 permanent secretaries in the state civil service in July 2012.
The appointment had caused outrage in the state at the time with some Bayelsa residents accusing Governor Seriake Dickson of politicising the civil service in the state.
Though Ministry of Education sources said Patience disengaged from service voluntarily, there were speculations that she resigned because of alleged rift between her and Dickson.
The alleged frosty relationship between the governor and the President’s wife was said to have been triggered by Patience unwillingness to support Dickson’s second term bid.
Instead, it was learnt that Jonathan’s wife had expressed her preference for the Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Matters, Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa.
It was learnt that Patience resigned her appointment to enable her to have the moral justification to push her candidate.
At the state’s Ministry of Education on Thursday, many of the civil servants refused to comment on the development.
But our correspondent learnt from reliable sources that the ministry had computed her terminal benefits already.
One civil servant, who agreed to speak only on condition of anonymity, said, “The whole thing is political. It appears Madam (the President’s wife) is not happy with the governor. With her resignation, the battle line has been drawn.
“I feel the President’s wife resigned to enable her to have the moral right to slug it out with Dickson ahead of the governorship poll in the state. Let no one deceive you, the whole thing is politics. After all, she is 57 and the retirement age is 60.”
When contacted, Chief Salo Adikumo, who resigned during the week as Commissioner for Education, said he was no longer the commissioner.
“I resigned recently as commissioner to enable me to pursue my political ambition. Please direct all your enquiries to the ministry, “ he said.
However, a ranking official of the ministry said it was true Patience had resigned voluntarily.
The official, who did not want her name in print because she was not authorised to speak on the matter, said she was not aware of the resignation having political undercurrents.
She said, “I can say Patience Jonathan has voluntarily retired. But whether there is political undertone in her resignation or not, I cannot say.
“I think the First Lady felt that her continued stay as Permanent Secretary will be depriving others. Now that she has resigned, it will afford others the opportunity to take over her position.
“Already, in accordance with the civil service rules, we have prepared all her entitlements. Whatever is due her will be given to her. She will also be receiving her pension."
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Court remands pastor for snatching cars at gunpoint
The 37-year-old pastor, Adebambo Adetunji, was alleged to be one of the gang members, who robbed motorists at the Ojota Bus stop, between April and July, 2014.
PUNCH Metro learnt that Adetunji and other suspects, who were still on the run, were notorious for snatching cars and robbing victims of their valuables at gun point.
Our correspondent gathered that a Toyota Camry and a Mercedes Benz ML320 with number plates MUS 413 BH and LND 623 BF respectively, were diverted by the suspected robbers, who were said to have also used cutlasses in their operations.
While the Mercedes Benz car was said to be the property of one Boniface Joseph, who was robbed around 10.30pm on April 30, at the bus stop, one Oluwatoyin Badmus, was reportedly robbed of her Toyota Camry around 6pm on July 6 at the same spot.
The police said Joseph also lost two phones and an IPad to the robbers, adding that valuables lost by the duo were worth N4.5m.
It was learnt that Adetunji was arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad led by SP Abba Kyari after Badmus had reported the attack to the police.
The prosecutor, Inspector Nurudeen Thomas, on Thursday, brought the suspect, who hails from Osun State, before the Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Oshodi, on three counts bordering on armed robbery.
Oshodi, who was holding brief for Mrs. Dan Oni, refused to listen to the defendant’s plea and ordered that he be remanded pending the time the Directorate of Public Prosecutions would issue legal advice on the matter.
The charges read in part, “That you, Adebambo Adetunji and others now at large, on April 30, 2014 at about 10.30pm at Ojota Bus stop in the Lagos Magisterial District while armed with guns and cutlasses did rob one Mercedes Benz Jeep ML320 with registration number LND 623 BF valued N1, 850,000, IPad valued N80,000, Blackberry Bold 5 valued N30,000, Nokia E5 valued N26,000 and cash sum of N250,000 total value N2,236,000 property of one Boniface Joseph.
“That you, and others now at large on July 6, 2014 at about 5.30pm at Ojota Bus stop in the aforementioned magisterial district did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; armed robbery.
“That you and others now at large on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid magisterial district while armed with guns and cutlasses did rob one Toyota Camry 2008 model with registration number MUS 413 BH valued N2.3m property of one Oluwatoyin Badmus.”
It was said that the offences contravened Section 5 (b) and were punishable under Section 1 (2) (a) (b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Cap. 398, Vol. XXII, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990 and 2003 as amended.
Adetunji, who was clad in Ankara, burst into tears on hearing the charges.
The case was adjourned till December 3, 2014.
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