Akpabio’s Governors Forum Snubbed By PDP States

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Chairman PDP Governors Forum, has called on Rivers state warring factions to sheath their swords for peace to reign in the state.

He made the call at the end of the forum`s emergency meeting which ended at the early hours of Thursday in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

The meeting was snubbed by half of PDP statesas it was attended by only eight governors from Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Benue, Kogi, Enugu, Abia, and Kastina states. Four states, Bauchi, Kwara, Plateau and Kaduna states sent their deputy governors. There are 24 states under the control of PDP in Nigeria.
Akpabio, who read a communiqué of the meeting to newsmen, said that the meeting was called to discuss the party`s forthcoming national convention and other national issues.

He described the happenings in the Rivers House of Assembly as “unfortunate’’, adding that the warring factions in the states should embrace peace in the interest of democracy and good governance.
The governors said that this was necessary to ensure the growth of democracy in the state.

“ We had deliberated lots of issues, the first being the forthcoming party special South Westzonal congresses and special national convention.

“And we felt there is need to brief PDP Governors about the just inaugurated Special South West Zonal Congresses and the Special National Convention Planning Committee and the dates fixed for the convention,’’ Akpabio said.
He pledged the forum`s support to the PDP leadership, saying that the governors would mobilise their delegates to ensure a hitch free South West zonal congresses and special national convention.

The governor said that the forum had meanwhile resolved to be rotating its monthly meetings among PDP states, while its emergence meetings would still be held in Abuja.

He said that it would ensure interaction among PDP Governors while they met with grass root people as well as visit projects carried out by PDP governors in their respective states.

“This will increase the bond among us and will lead to peer review among us and extend our love and friendship.
“The starting point will be Bayelsa. The state will be hosting the first PDP Governors Forum in September while Kastina state will host the next one in October.’’ Akpabio said.

He said that most governors, especially those from the North could not attend the meeting because they travelled for the Muslim Umral.
He commiserated with the first lady for the death of her mother, who passed on in a car accident earlier in the week.

Cholera Outbreak Kills 5 In Ogun

Five persons have reportedly lost their lives following an outbreak of Cholera in Abeokuta South and North local government areas of Ogun State.

The state government which confirmed the outbreak, however, claimed that only one person died as a result of poor hygiene on the part of the residents.

But, Vanguard findings revealed that, the incident was linked to a septic tank which spilled its content into major water sources in the area, thereby contaminating them.

Fear has however, gripped residents of Abeokuta who are reportedly apprehensive about drinking water from water pipes in their areas.

An unconfirmed report has it that the number of deaths from the outbreak may be more than what was reported.

The state government in a press statement issued yesterday, admitted that only one person had died.

The state Ministry of Health, while tracing the source of the disease to poor level of hygiene added that it had moved to stem the outbreak in two communities in the state

The State Commissioner for Health Dr. Olaokun Soyinka who confirmed the incident also named Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South council areas as being sources of the outbreak ”with poor sanitation, particularly faecal waste management.”

Soyinka said, “there was a sudden upsurge in cases of gastroenteritis in some communities in Abeokuta, first noted on Friday, July 5.

Yerima Blackmailed Senators With Religious Sentiment, Says David Mark

Senate President, David Mark, has accused a senator, Ahmed Yerima, who is at the centre of the child marriage controversy, of blackmailing the Senate to reverse its initial move to delete a section of the constitution that appears to support child marriage.

The said section says a woman married shall be deemed to be of age for the purpose of renouncing citizenship. But many Nigerians fear the section sanctions girl marriage and have asked that it be removed.

Mr. Mark repeated an earlier position of the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, that the section would be revisited.

He did not, however, guarantee the contentious section, which ordinarily deals with citizenship, but appears to promote child marriage, will be deleted since it will require voting.

But he said the Senate was poised to remove the section from the law in the first place until members were blackmailed by Mr. Yerima by his claim that an alternative decision would be un-Islamic.

“Let me also talk to my own brothers and sisters who are Senators, who were probably blackmailed. That is the fact, because it is in the open that I cannot also hide it and nobody can hide it,” Mr. Mark said.

“They were simply blackmailed, and on that day, if they didn’t do what they did, nobody knows the outcome or how the consequences will be today, because the people outside can say this man, you are Muslim and didn’t vote for something that is of Islamic interest, because if we don’t hit the nail squarely on the head, we may never get it right.”

Mr. Yerima’s call compelled the Senate to repeat the vote which had already passed the required mark. The second vote was defeated, leaving the section intact.

Mr. Yerima, a former governor of Zamfara State, shot to controversy after introducing the Sharia law while he was in charge of Zamfara State. After he left office and became a senator, he took a fourth wife, a 13-year-old Egyptian girl, sparking anger and widespread criticism across the land.

Mr. Mark spoke on Wednesday while receiving a high-level team including the minister of women affairs, Zainab Maina, and the chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, who protested the Senate’s failure to delete the section.

Other members of the team included wife of former Chief Justice of the federation, Maryam Uwais; former Vice President of the World Bank for Africa and former Education Minister, Obiageli Ezekwesili; former women minister, Josephine Anenih; and other top gender activists.

The group asked the Senate to revisit the section and delete it.

“The Senate must remain impervious to emotional, religious reasoning, and focus on the aggregate social good which will protect and enrich the lives of half of the nation’s population,” remarks read by Mrs. Maina said.

“We enjoin the Senate leadership to use every avenue within its rules of procedure to cause a revisit of the vote on Section 29(4) (b). The overwhelming reaction of Nigerians against the outcome of the vote on 16 July, 2013 is a clear and unequivocal indication that women, and indeed diverse and significant constituencies of Nigerians, have concerns for the specific and general implications of the decision of the Senate to retain Section 29(4) (b).”

Mr. Mark said Senators were not “craddle-robbers” and would reconsider the contentious section.

“We wanted to remove it but it failed, we were a total of 101 Senators, 85 voted and I think about six or so abstained. There was hardly any dissenting votes but once it got mixed up with so many other issues, it didn’t get the required 73 votes anymore.

“So, first of all, I think the castigation outside is done out of misunderstanding but because a religious connotation was brought into it, which is a very sensitive issue and you must agree with me that in this country, we try as must as possible not to bring issues that involves faith to the floor of the Senate and indeed the chamber, we keep religion completely out of it because what is good for a Christian is also good for a Muslim.

“The good of the country is for everybody and not for a particular religious sect. I think the bottom line is, when people get more educated, then we can do a re-think and probably, if the Senate agrees, go back and see whether we can get the required number once more, because that is the solution.”

Sunmbo Ajaba Weds Pastor David Adeoye

African queen Crooner 2face Idibia, Baby mama Sunmbo Ajaba tie knot with General Overseer of Christian Royal Center, Pastor David Adeoye Today. Thier wedding ceremony was held this afternoon at Sheraton Hotel in Lagos. About few hours before the commencement of the wedding Sunmbo Ajaba tweeted below.

Shameless Senate

OUR Senate is in the caves. We have a duty to save it, from itself, and for Nigerians. How can the Senate in the 21st century be proposing that Nigerian girls can be married at an indeterminate age? The Senate is shamelessly broadcasting its determination to insert the profane provision into the Constitution.

Those limiting impacts of the Senate’s decision that girls are ready for marriage at any age they are married to abuse of the girl child massively miss the point about its implications for the future of our society.

What would a society be where children are meant to raise their own children? How can a girl by law attain womanhood once someone marries her? Is the Senate banning childhood for girls?

Our laws recognise adulthood at 18 – for rights of litigation, voting, and the definition of “minor”. A woman married at less than 18, according to the Senate, would be an “adult” by an act that has telling effects on the health of the girl child.

At what age would the “senate adult” have any legal rights? Is a definite age for adulthood unimportant? Is it not discrimination, contrary to Section 42 of the Constitution, to have different adulthood age for female and male Nigerians?

Under Section 29 (4a and 4b) of the Constitution, a woman shall not be qualified for marriage until she is 18 years of age. The Senate, on Wednesday, proposed to change that provision to ‘a woman is deemed to be of full age once she is married’, irrespective of the age she did so. What importance does this provision have for the welfare of the society? Is the provision for pleasures of some gentlemen, who delight in marrying children under guises of religion, culture and personal preferences?

A senator is facing charges for allegedly marrying an under-aged girl. Would the Constitution also be retroactive to protect him? Is the provision for those who harbour similar ambition?

Granted, most of the proposed changes in the Constitution are self-serving, it would be stretching things to shattering for Nigerians to permit this provision.

Further protections for the girl child are in Articles 21 (2) of the African Charter on Rights and Welfare of the Child, Article 6 (b) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Section 21 of the Child’s Rights Act of Nigeria (2003), Article 18 (3) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Nigeria will be in perpetual danger if provisions like these are in the Constitution. It would damage our demographics beyond immediate contemplation. Nigerians have to stop this provision and other obscenities the National Assembly can insert into the Constitution.

dbanj's sister Taiwo Oyebanjo & Dotun Release Pre-Wedding Pictures

Younger sister to Award wining Afro-Pop singer D’Banj, Taiwo Oyebanji will tie knot with her long time friend and fiancé Dotun of CoolFM on Wednesday 27th Of July and Saturday 3rd Of August.
Big congrats to them.

Fans Lash-Out At Karen Igho On Twitter Over Big Brother Africa Comments

This is what happened. Some people have been tweeting and saying Ghana's representative in Big Brother Africa (BBA), Selly has infected Nando with STD after they had unprotected sex in the house.
Then Karen Igho said something about holding herself tight when she was in BBA and some of her followers found it insulting, lol.

Check out all the tweets below

Nigerian Scientist Bags European Award For Quality Research

A Nigerian scientist, Dr. Basil Fadipe has been awarded the European Society for Quality Research, ESQR, Quality Achievements Awards at its Annual Convention at the luxurious Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington, London, United Kingdom.

The Award, in recognition of The Justin Fadipe Medical Center’s enhancement and strides in quality research, is in honour of the doctor’s father, and celebrated for its “excellence, innovation, visionary thinking and the spread of knowledge.” In a citation, the Centre was “recognised for extraordinary achievement in quality management.”

Fadipe, proprietor of the Center said the Award is an acknowledgement and recognition of hard work by the 12- year-old Center’s quest for excellent customer service as a key factor.

Fadipe was also honoured by the Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Dr. Tafida, at the British High Commission, London. “We are happy that you have done us proud but you must seek to return home in the near future to help our country no matter the challenges,” Tafida noted. The Switzerland-based ESQR promotes quality awareness, recognise good business practices, technological innovation, quality achievements in organisations worldwide, and for publicising these organisations’ successful performance strategies.

Wizkid's girlfriend VS Davido's girlfriend who is Hotter?

They are both young and doing very well in the Nigeria music industry. They have both being compared in almost everything such as who is finer, who has more fans, who has got more money, who sings better, who has more swag etc... However, while reading through comments from different websites and blogs to see who is/has being 'winning' so far in the above comparisms, i noticed that both artist's girlfriends haven't being compared! i searched if someone had created a topic on this but i couldn't find anything! I guess the reason is because, unlike wizkid (who has a girlfriend and flaunts his relationship) lots of fans don't know Davido (a.k.a son of a rich man, a.k.a HKN general ) also has a girlfriend too! A very beautiful one for that matter!  Her name is Nish Kards and just like Tania omotayo she is mixed too! One wonders why davido doesn't want to flaunt his relationship i guess he doesn't want the media to spoil things for him. 

Ok enough of the talk guys, oya back to the matter open and close touch ur toes baby oya yodi

Below are the pictures of wizkid and his girlfriend Tania omotayo together and individual pictures of Tania omotayo

Also below are the pictures of Davido and his girlfriend Nish kards together and individual pictures of Nish kards

So guys over to you all. who is hotter btw the two ladies?

NB: Forgive me guys i had to put lots pictures of both ladies so you all can 'feed' your eyes and also to enable you guys judge properly! You know one can't use just one picture each to judge who is finer btw two individuals. 

So let the judging begin. No partial o 

davido and babe

Electrician Recovers Akpabio’s Missing Dollars, Gets N1m Reward

The missing dollars were actually removed by a driver, and concealed in an air conditioner.

Bundles of mint-fresh dollars, valued at over $250,000 (about N40 million), which reportedly disappeared late last month from Governor Godswill Akpabio’s bedroom at the Akwa Ibom state governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, have been recovered intact.

News website, SaharaReporters, had last month reported that the missing dollars, kept in drawers in the governor’s bedroom, were stolen while he was away dinning with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Aso Rock Villa a fortnight ago.

But PREMIUM TIMES has now learnt that the missing money was recovered a week after it disappeared.

It was found by an electrician invited to carry out minor repairs on one of the air conditioners inside the governor’s bedroom at the lodge.

Mr. Akpabio, who is well known for his profligacy with state funds, had reportedly ordered the dismissal of three stewards working at the lodge, suspecting they stole the funds.

However, unknown to the governor, the trio knew nothing about the missing money.

The culprit, a senior Akwa Ibom officials close to the governor said, was actually one of the drivers attached to the office of the governor’s Special Representative in Abuja, who is the caretaker of the lodge.

The driver reportedly sneaked into the governor’s room and removed the dollars from where they were kept. But because of the security around that section of the lodge, he cleverly tucked them inside the compartment of the air conditioner until a more convenient time he would be able to smuggle his fortune out.

Officials, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, said a week after the money was declared missing, it was observed that one of the air conditioners in the governor’s bedroom malfunctioned.

The driver plotting to steal money was, ironically, detailed to fetch an electrician to fix the failing AC ahead of the governor’s next visit. The electrician was called in as he had handled similar repairs in the past at the lodge.

On their way to the lodge, according to officials, the driver confessed to the technician how he had left “something” valuable inside the air conditioner, and which he expected him to retrieve for him, promising a huge reward if he did so successfully.

However, because of the extra security arrangement in place around the lodge following the incident, it was learnt that it proved difficult for the electrician to deliver on his promise, as one of the security operatives working at the lodge was promptly detailed to supervise the repairs.

On opening the air conditioner for repairs, the electrician was reportedly surprised that true to the driver’s earlier hint, there was a carefully wrapped parcel inside the appliance, preventing the system from functioning normally.

The electrician was said to have promptly alerted the security operative detailed to work with him about his find; and on opening the parcel, it was discovered that bundles of the missing money were actually inside.

Afraid he might be held as suspect in the incident, the electrician reportedly confessed to the operative about the favour the driver had sought from him on their way to the lodge.

The money was promptly handed over to the governor’s aide, who on breaking the good news to the governor, was ordered to give the electrician N1million cash as reward, while the dismissed stewards should be recalled immediately, although they were redeployed to other assignments.

The fate of the driver remained unclear at the time of the report.

Amaechi Promises To Remain Principled

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi has said he would remain on the path of principle as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

He stated this in Port Harcourt on Saturday when staff of the NGF Secretariat under his leadership visited him.

Amaechi enjoined the staff to remain neutral in the face of the forum’s current leadership crisis, assuring them of regular salaries.

He took advantage of the visit to undertake an unscheduled inspection of some ongoing and completed projects within the state capital.

This, according to the governor, was to acquaint them with projects embarked upon and those completed by his government.

Some of the projects visited included the Kelsey Harrison 120-bed Hospital, some modern primary schools and the 38,000-seater stadium complex.

He expressed displeasure over ``breech of some contract agreement’’ by the handlers of the hospital.

He phoned the Commissioner for Health to write the managers to correct the identified breeches or have the contract revoked.

Others visited were the ongoing health centre within the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) complex, the state Conference Centre and some completed road projects.

Amaechi called on the contractors to be up to their responsibilities or have their contract re-determined.

He said government was constructing 500 modern primary schools across the state, adding that 250 of the schools would be commissioned in October.

This, he said, was to address the shortage of primary schools in the state.

Mr Asishana Okauru, Director General of the NGF Secretariat who led the staff on the visit, expressed satisfaction with the projects inspected.

``We are very impressed by the institutions and infrastructure on ground here. It shows that Rivers is a modern state,” Okauru said.

According to him, the facilities inspected are comparable to those in most advanced countries of the world.
All things are mine!

Bassey And Pokello Evicted From Big Brother Africa

The fact that today is eviction Sunday, the first housemate who has been evicted from the Big Brother house is the young Sierra Leonean model. Bassey’s eviction from the Big Brother house follows Diamond Head of House’s decision to Save himself and replace Bassey.

World’s Oldest Mother Gave Birth At Almost 70

When Rajo Devi Lohan made headlines around the world by becoming the world's oldest first-time mother, critics said she was putting her health at risk and condemning her daughter to the agony of losing her parents at a young age.

She gave birth, following controversial IVF treatment, at the age of 69, then nearly died from complications with the delivery. But now, five years later, the 74-year-old says having her daughter, Naveen, has made her stronger and helped her live longer.

Following her bout of ill health, the frail mother believes her desire of seeing her little one marry is giving her the strength to fight on and live to see the special day.


Rajo, who lives in the remote village of Hissar, India, with Naveen, her husband Ballo and his second, younger wife Umi, said: 'The only reason I am still alive in spite of my illness is Naveen. She is a gift to me from God and until I get her married I cannot afford to die.

'I will get her married when she turns 15-years-old, but until then I simply cannot die.'

At the time of Naveen's birth, many questioned whether it was morally right for a pensioner to have children, while also suggesting it is detrimental to the health of an OAP.

And their doubts appeared to be justified when Rajo fell gravely ill, almost dying from post-birth complications related to her IVF treatment.

But after battling back, Rajo has even outlived her doctor who guided her through the process, and she puts it all down to having something to live for - daughter Naveen.

Rajo said: 'When Naveen was born the Doctor had asked me to take complete bed rest but I did not listen to him and that's why my health got so bad.

'I am not used to resting and that's why I could not help myself but work even after she was born. For me work is what I have done all my life.

'But I am feeling much better now. The doctor took very good care of me, but unfortunately he has since died. He spent a lot of money on my medical expenditure, to help me get a child.

'When I used to look around and see children, my heart felt sad that I couldn't have one - I desperately wanted to have a child of my own.

'Every one celebrated when she was born. The villagers were very happy and every one came to see her.'

Despite entering her twilight years, Rajo isn't worried about Naveen's future when she dies.

'Naveen does not need to worry about her future, she has her other mother, Umi, her uncles, relatives and father to look after her,' she said.

'As Naveen is the my only child she will inherit all my property which includes 566,280 sq/ft of land. Her future will be secure.'

48 LAWS OF POWER......LAW 6 TO 10............CONT......

 Law 6

Court Attention at all Cost

Everything is judged by its appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing.  Never let yourself get lost in the crowd, then, or buried in oblivion.  Stand out.  Be conspicuous, at all cost.  Make yourself a magnet of attention by appearing larger, more colorful, more mysterious, than the bland and timid masses.

  Law 7

Get others to do the Work for you, but Always Take the Credit

Use the wisdom, knowledge, and legwork of other people to further your own cause.  Not only will such assistance save you valuable time and energy, it will give you a godlike aura of efficiency and speed.  In the end your helpers will be forgotten and you will be remembered.  Never do yourself what others can do for you.

 Law 8

Make other People come to you – use Bait if Necessary

When you force the other person to act, you are the one in control.  It is always better to make your opponent come to you, abandoning his own plans in the process.  Lure him with fabulous gains – then attack.  You hold the cards.

 Law 9

Win through your Actions, Never through Argument

Any momentary triumph you think gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory:  The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion.  It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word.  Demonstrate, do not explicate.

 Law 10

Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky

You can die from someone else’s misery – emotional states are as infectious as disease.  You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster.  The unfortunate sometimes draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on you.  Associate with the happy and fortunate instead.

‘I could have died!’

Rewind the tape to 28, April 2012. It was at the heat of the campaign for the Edo State governorship election slated for July 14, 2012 between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria ( A C N) and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Major- General Charles Airhiavbere. Oshiomhole had just left Afuze, the administrative headquarters of Owan- East Local Government Area, where he had gone to campaign and was on his way to Auchi enroute to Benin-City to flag off another campaign at the Museum Ground in the state capital.

Few kilometers to Auchi, tragedy stuck.  A tipper lorry veered off the road and crashed into the convoy of the governor. It missed the vehicle conveying Oshiomhole by a hair’s breadth and hit the bus conveying Government House press crew. Three journalists lost their lives and several others sustained various degrees of injury. Among the dead were George Okosun and Olatunji Jacobs, both of Independent Television (ITV), Benin-City, and Fidelis Okhan of the African Independent Television (AIT).

The scene of accident…more than one year ago

Miraculously, the driver of the Press Crew bus, Mr. Samson Imobeme, survived the crash among others.  More than one year after,  Sunday Vanguard by chance, met Imobeme on his sick bed at the Accident and Emergency Ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Wednesday while there to interview another accident victim abandoned in the hospital by the transport company he traveled with but was involved in an accident at Okada, near Benin.

According to Imobeme, when the accident occurred, he and other injured victims were rushed to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital but later referred to UBTH for further medical attention due to the seriousness of his case. “I was unconscious when the accident happened and, when I regained my consciousness, I found myself at the UBTH”, he stated.

“I have been undergoing medical treatment since then. I have not been able to regain the use of my feet, I cannot walk unless assisted. But I have been told by the team of medical doctors treating me that a major operation has been recommended and needs to be carried out before I can walk, but whether this has been conveyed to Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole who has been responsible for the payment of my medical expenses since I was brought here is what I cannot say”.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the operation to cost between N1.5million and N2milion needed to be carried out in India because of lack of facilities in Nigeria. But Dr. Moin, directly in charge of Imobeme’s case in a telephone conversation, disagreed, saying that the operation can be carried out by the UBTH.

“What Samson needs to enable him walk again is the replacement of the knee cap in both legs. It can be done in Nigeria”, he said.

Attempt made to speak with Dr. Alfred Ogbemudia, an orthopedic surgeon and Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), UBTH, on the fate of Imobeme failed as he was said to be attending a Board meeting. However, the Government House driver expressed gratitude to Oshiomhole for taking adequate care of him and his family since the accident.

“He is the only one who has been taking care of the medical bills since I was admitted into hospital and I was even told that he deposited some money there to make sure that they take adequate care of me. The government has been paying my salary and my family lacks nothing. I must thank him for this and I appeal to him to prevail on the management of UBTH to ensure that the operation is carried out to enable me walk again”, he said.

OIL THEFT: Don’t blame N-Delta ex-militants, Presidency warns oil firms

The Presidency defended ex-militants currently on the payroll of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) of involvement in the theft of oil in the Niger Delta.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, claimed over 400,000 barrels of crude are stolen daily by unknown persons. The Presidential Amnesty Office (PAO) asked the international oil corporations (IOCs) to take urgent steps to halt the negative trend rather than accuse the former warlords and their foot soldiers of theft.

In a statement, PAO’s Head, Media and Communications, Daniel Alabrah, stated that the ex-militants were no longer in a position to embark on such a venture, given their re-orientation by the PAO.

Alabra said: “Having being properly disarmed, demobilised and currently undergoing reintegration through various training programmes, the former agitators do not have the capacity to embark on the scale of oil theft in the region where the country currently loses about 400,000 barrels of crude per day. “While commending the security agencies in the Niger Delta, particularly the Nigerian Navy, for almost wiping out cases of illegal refineries in the region, the PAO notes that the incidence of oil theft is actually a setback to the amnesty programme, which has succeeded in ensuring the stabilisation of security in the region.

The spokesman stated that the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman of the PAP, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, did not raise a false alarm nor was his call on the oil companies to look inward in their search for the culprits misplaced, as claimed by some of the oil workers’ union in their reaction to the SA’s comment.

The Presidency also noted that the IOCs in the region had not shown enough transparency in the process of award of their pipeline surveillance contracts, which tended to emasculate the communities and the Niger Delta people from the process of securing such critical infrastructure in the region.

China vs Dubai: The battle for the Nigerian market

The importation of goods into Nigeria by traders who seem to be showing preference for variant lucrative business attractions that Dubai offers compared to what is  obtainable in China has continued to generate comments by Nigerians. In this report, Nigerian businessmen and women, who bared their minds, believe that business in Dubai, the Persian Gulf city, is more favorable.

Mrs. Kate Ibe (aka Madam K), who trades in Dubai gold ornaments, said, “ Doing business in Dubai is full of excitement  because of its proximity and the lack of visa-restriction rules that comes with it.

Unlike China, the business environment is very conducive and the infrastructure is reliable.”

Kate further stated, “A large number of Nigerians come to Dubai on weekly basis to engage in buying and selling because of the access to visa and decent profit margins that they make on sale of purchased products back home in Nigeria, and this is not achievable with products from China”.

Jonathan Ozoemena, a merchant, said he had to relocate from his manufacturing business at Idumota to Dubai due to the alleged invasion of substandard goods from China, in addition to Nigeria’s incessant interruption of power supply, deplorable road condition, and insecurity which has led to crime almost unavoidable.

According to Jonathan, who hails from Anambra State, “I travel to Dubai each time I exhaust my stock and I have been doing this for over three years now. It was a friend who introduced me into this line of business in Dubai, and I have not encountered any problem so far. Doing business here in Dubai is quite conducive. The only time you have a problem is when you try to go against their law.”

The market leader
Comparing both markets ( China and Dubai), Jonathan disclosed that although China is one market that is giving Dubai a quick run, majority of Nigeria business men feel better buying from the Dubai market.

“Majority of the goods that come into Nigeria from China may be sold at cheaper rates, but lack quality and durability, because some of our Nigerian businessmen in China specify the quality of the items they want manufactured for them and, most times, they place orders for low quality goods in order to attract low prices. This attitude, ironically, has attracted more patronage, and profit for them, which, if viewed in real sense, is dangerous.
This unmindful attitude of these traders also explains why Nigeria seaports consider most items that come from China as substandard.”

Entrance of the bustling China Town in Lagos.

The merchant frowned at the operations of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SAN), which, he said, “ Is a show of total neglect to the welfare of  fellow citizens, because, by demanding a token as penalties from importers, who brought in sub-standard products that are harmful, they have sabotaged the vision of the organisation, which is to ensure that no sub-standard products get to end users.”

Sunday Vanguard further gathered that Dubai enormous business attractions and non-visa restrictions on visitors, who have genuine businesses to transact, have enabled  a large number of Nigerians who specialize in trade and commerce to achieve better returns on variant products purchased.

These products which range from gold, textiles, spare parts, cosmetics, electronics, telecommunication gadgets and household items can be obtained at a bargain if the trader knows his/her way about the numerous souks (markets) in the city.

In accordance with the rush to Dubai, three major airlines now offer daily flights from Lagos and Abuja to Dubai and with what appears to be pocket friendly flight fares, Dubai is for many Nigeria traders synonymous to a successful business.

What opened Dubai was the objective of a free trade zone, established in 1979, which permitted foreign investors unrestricted import of labor and export capital.

Owing to this, Dubai is now one of the world’s major trade and business hubs, and, among African countries, Nigerians rank highest among countries that travel to Dubai to import trade goods.

Majority of Nigeria traders in Dubai agreed that, knowing where you source your products and getting the best bargains is very critical if one hopes to make reasonable profit margins back in Nigeria. Igbo traders based in Dubai have established direct links with big time suppliers who sell at very cheap rates to traders.

Speaking also to Sunday Vanguard on the grounds of anonymity, a young man, who trades in female outfits said, “ I am better off with clothes from Dubai, even though they are slightly higher in price than those from China; they have quality and durability,” adding, “In Dubai, you do not have this long stretch of agents who you have to settle at the end of every purchase made, which is the situation in China.

Personally, trading in Dubai has given me my business more and better millage, and I do not think I would want to compromise.”

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/china-vs-dubai-the-battle-for-the-nigerian-market/#sthash.ETwcrbgE.dpuf

Tearful Al-Mustapha declares… I met empty home!

“I left my parents in full flesh. I returned to meet them as corpses”.

These words from the main character in a Yoruba epic play could, as well,have been spoken by the former Chief Security Officer (CS0) to the late General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who returned from 14 years in jail to meet both parents, whom he left alive, dead. “I lost my father and mother whom I forced the authorities to allow me to see two times only in 14 years”, a tearful Al-Mustapha told Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State whom he visited after he arrived Kano last Sunday.

He had about 48 hours earlier been set free by the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos following his acquittal of the charge of murdering Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.

Al-Mustapha’s arrival in Kano marked a new life in freedom.

The former security operative was flown into Kano aboard a chartered flight that touched the ground around 12 noon in company of the founder, Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Chief Frederick Fasheun, and some Nigerians who were visible during the days of the Abacha government.

The Yobe State-born military officer walked into a reception organised by the Abacha family. Youths in their thousands lined the strategic route to catch a glimpse of the former detainee.

Commercial activities in the Kano’s four major markets came to a standstill. Motorcyclists violated the law prohibiting them from carrying passengers to convey well-wishers round, chanting praises to Allah over Al-Mustapha’s release.

Even women in purdah sneaked to the gates of their houses to see what was happening.

The stringent security measures put together by the military for one of their own frustrated thousands of people from securing access to the VIP Lounge and tarmac of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, while hundreds climbed trees to watch proceedings at the airport where hundreds, comprising mainly members of the Abacha family, the Al Mustapha family and notable members of the Abacha regime gathered to receive him.

*Al-Mustapha

Spotting a maroon kaftan with a cap to match, Al-Mustapha, led by Fasheun, emerged from the aircraft, beaming with smiles. He waved and kissed the air in appreciation of the turnout. He shook hands with personalities that lined up at the tarmac before walking into one of the three waiting vehicles provided by Kano State government to carry him round the city that he last visited in “chains and tattered clothes”, October 24, 1998.

The military, supported by local security outfits, had a hectic time securing the airport as thousands of supporters of the one they called Madiba surged into the place until Al Mustapha appeared through the roof of the convertible sports utility vehicle (SUV) conveying him alongside Fasheun.

The intimidating crowd of supporters forced the organizers of the reception to cancel some items on the itinerary as it took one and a half hours for the convoy to leave the airport, and headed for Kano Government House, where Governor Kwankwaso and his commissioners were waiting to meet with the hero of the moment.

Once at the Government House, Al-Mustapha was received by the commissioner, State Affairs, Aminu AbdulSalam, who ushered him into one of the lounges.

Al-Mustapha, seated with his family, Hafsa, wife; Babaji, son; and Fatima, daughter, who was meeting her father for the first time clung to her father during the waiting period. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for when AbdulSalam ushered Al Mustapha and the entourage into the expansive office of Mr. Governor for a private meeting before a courtesy call.

Inside the office, Kwankwaso welcomed the freed CSO and requested to know about his experience while out there on the streets. Al Mustapha told his host that “the crowd was overwhelmingly huge but orderly”. Thereafter, the guests were asked to move to the ante chamber hall where the governor later joined them.

Fumble

The MC introduced Al Mustapha and his entourage that included Mohammad Abacha, the head of the Abacha family and Fasheun, and was asked to explain why he was at the Government House.

Al-Mustapha stood up and tendered apology for mixing up protocol, pleading understanding that “it has been a long 14 years that I am out of circulation and you can understand why I had to fumble”.

The former security operative told his host that his entry into the Government House was a reminder of an event on October 24, 1998 when he was brought into the place, chained and in tattered clothes by security men in what he described as an attempt to rope him into a coup against constituted authorities.

“I am yet to reconcile with my freedom for I am yet to believe that this was the same Al-Mustapha that was brought into this place (Government House) in tattered shirt, and in chains on October 24, 1998. I was kept between Kano and Yobe between October 24 and 26, 1998 all in an attempt to incriminate me over an alleged coup to overthrow the government”, he said. “I am yet to understand what is happening to me, it is still a dream and I am finding it difficult to adjust to the reality.

“My brother by your right, referring to Mohammad Abacha, was also arrested and they forced him into accepting some conditions that never existed; thank God he was discharged and acquitted also, just like I have gotten my own—he (Mohammed Abacha) got his from the Supreme Court. Mohammed Abacha was charged along with me in 1999, and he got his own freedom in 2002. I suffered a series of allegations, arranged and well scripted by some people, just to continue to keep us on charges that had no substance. We thank God almighty that we have met justice at the end of the day.”

Death during Ramadan

According to him, “during the travails, members of our families suffered degradation, humiliation, deliberate mischief, including attempted kidnapping of my children when they were very small; and campaigns of calumny on pages of newspapers and magazines and the rest; but today, we thank God almighty.

“I can just sum it up by saying 15 years after, with all respect and praises unto God almighty, that it is the liberty and honour restored. I lost my father and mother whom I forced the authorities to allow me to see two times only in 14 years”

The controversial major, who, as he spoke bowed, went on: “I was their first child, I must say I was their confidant and best friend in my family. Even when the court forced the then authorities to allow me set my eyes on them, the approvals were flagrantly refused. And I was kept and punished the more as a ploy to ensure that I didn’t set eyes on my parents.

I saw my father in 2001, and later in 2007 May; my mother, I was allowed to see her in 2001, and then I was allowed also to see her after a long battle that led to instructions from Federal High Court, Lagos in 2006; she died last year, in the month of Ramadan. Things we went through are things that I cannot sum up; those who perpetrated what they did against us have done it in their own deductions, analyses, feelings, but, to us, yesterday is gone. We have drawn a line and we have forgiven them. We are forging ahead to set examples.”

‘He stood by me’

Turning to the OPC leader,Fasheun, Al Mustapha told Kwankwaso: “I have found a father, highly dogmatic, a senior citizen of this country, a detribalized elder, an intellectual, a person that is a father indeed with a wide shoulder and a big heart, a man that is very reliable, responsible, dependable. He stood by me, having taken time to come to the court to realize that what was going on in the court of law was different from what was being scripted and sponsored on the pages of newspapers, magazines, television and radio. He now decided to stay on the side of justice and insisted that justice must be served.

“I know of the humiliation he suffered. I must say that I have a father in the South-West. I respect him as a father that can look through issues in this country beyond tribal sentiment, beyond religious issues, he is an asset to the country, and that is why I have anchored upon him as a father with whom we can look into the future together.”

Life in prison

Narrating his prison ordeal, Al-Mustapha said, “I was every now and then subjected to be friendly to the world of mosquitoes, of smelly, horrible environment. I thank God for the freedom God has granted me which we shall utilize for friendship, for respect and service to our land. Even, while in detention in the South-West, we utilized the wisdom God almighty has endowed us with through that hardship to build bridges”. Al Mustapha, who lamented his inability to meet with his parents, said, “Your excellency, it might interest you to learn that I have an empty house now to go to”.

At this point, he could not control himself as he sobbed profusely before Kwankwaso abruptly brought to an end his almost 40 minutes speech. Responding, the governor commended the judiciary for standing by the truth, adding that Al Mustapha’s ordeal was a lesson to all human beings.

“Al-Mustapha’s freedom gives me joy, and his freedom is a big lesson to all of us. I wish to seize this opportunity to commend the judiciary for taking sides with the truth”.

Old friend

Later in an interview with reporters at the Government House, Al-Mustapha defended his visit to Pastor TB Joshua, describing him as “an old friend who cannot  be forgotten so easily”.

According to Al Mustapha, “immediately I regained my freedom, I headed straight to the palace of Oba of Lagos, then I visited T B Joshua and other dignitaries who identified with us during our travails”.

Asked to confirm when he was going to resume office against the backdrop that he remained a major in the Nigerian Army, the former CSO stated that “the decree that set up the military is very explicit on the issue, and the court verdict left no vacuum on same”.

The street went alive again when Al-Mustapha cruised in an open jeep and headed to the Emir of Kano’s palace and was received on behalf of the ailing emir by Wamban Kano, Alhaji  Abbas Sunusi. Sunusi praised Allah for seeing the former CSO through the long period of incarceration, stressing, “We are grateful to Him for His mercies”.

Prayer at tomb

He then left for the residence of his former boss, the late Abacha. There, Al-Mustapha prayed at the tomb of the late Abacha.

Al-Mustapha’s efforts, however, to visit the graveyard of his late father were stalled by the huge crowd that followed him.

It was from the graveyard that he began his journey to his family house located at Lamido Crescent, Nassarawa GRA. He arrived home at 5.30pm.

It took him one and a half hour to enter the house he saw last in 1998 due to the surging crowd that came to shake hands with him. The security arrangement by the military collapsed as they confronted the huge crowd.

At home, he broke his fast and joined thousand of well-wishers to observe his Magrib prayers. He was served with a local dish and fruits, even as the same gesture was extended to everyone around.

Jonathan, Northern Governors In Closed-door Meeting At Obasanjo’s Residence

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Presidential Boulevard, Oke-Mosan home in Abeokuta, Ogun state was earlier today a port of call for President Goodluck Jonathan, who paid an emergency visit to his estranged god-father for a closed door meeting.

Soon as Mr. Jonathan and his retinue of aides arrived the expansive compound at exactly 11:52am, the gate was immediately shut on other visitors while security was also beefed up outside and along the windy road leading to the ex-president’s hill-top mansion.

Meanwhile, Information Nigeria learnt that some northern governors were already in a closed door meeting with chief Obasanjo when Mr. Jonathan visited.

Reports indicate that President Jonathan was originally slated to visit his Spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati in Abeokuta to identify with him on Friday’s funeral ceremony of his mother, Madam Maria Taiwo Abati, in which he was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadomhe, but chose instead to see the former president.

Senator Ahmed Yerima Replies His Critics

SENATOR AHMED SANI YARIMAN BAKURA REPLIES HIS ENEMIES

''Nigeria has many uncountable problems and none of them is early marriage. As a matter of fact early marriage the solution to about half of our problems. For those who wonder if I can give my daughter(s) out in marriage at the age of 9 or 13, I tell you most honestly, I can give her out at the age of 6 if I want to and its not your business.

This is because I am a Muslim and I follow the example of the best of mankind, Muhammad ﺻَﻠَّﻰ ﺍﻟﻠَّﻪُ ﻋَﻠَﻴْﻪِ ﻭَﺳَﻠَّﻢَ .

In Islam, marriage is not only about sex, it is about family and helping one another in achieving their goals, which is the attainment of Paradise.

In Islam, a girl can be given out in marriage as early as 6 years old, but consummation of the marriage can only be done when the girl becomes physically mature and she gives her consent to it because unlike English law, it is not permissible for a man To Molest his wife in Shari'ah Law.

So what can anybody tell me?

~ I live in a city where young girls at the age of 12 have already became serial fornicators and cannot count the number of man they've Were Intimate with.

~ I live in a City where primary school children disvirgin themselves behind toilets on Valentine day.

~ I live in a city where young girls flood the street at night looking for men that would give them N500 to Be Intimate with them.

~ I live in a city where parents send their daughters out overseas to prostitute and send dollars down.

~ I live in a City where Government officials pick undergraduates from University car parks with Coastal Buses to wild sex parties.

~ I live in a city where abortion is so common that even a Chemist shop owner can perform abortion with just N2,500.

These are your daughters, and this should worry you and not Yerima's private matters. So ask me again why I support early marriage and I will slap the Jinn out of your head''