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Biafra: Kanu regains freedom

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mJyKQKde7_AApxS0lYPQGcw7Q1e5kjJdTpgRI2oOjsQAZ9hPgvQMi-2VZlkTosh6HQBu7LVG9l5VM888mP0E3rgEmjus9Ne2S1ehV4eQDF4oKcXr9z-clFVY4syXs_cxZocC-bFMY24/s1600/Nnamdi-Kanu-300x277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mJyKQKde7_AApxS0lYPQGcw7Q1e5kjJdTpgRI2oOjsQAZ9hPgvQMi-2VZlkTosh6HQBu7LVG9l5VM888mP0E3rgEmjus9Ne2S1ehV4eQDF4oKcXr9z-clFVY4syXs_cxZocC-bFMY24/s1600/Nnamdi-Kanu-300x277.jpg" /></a>Biafra: Kanu regains freedom<o:p></o:p></div>
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After almost two years in detention, leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday breathed the air of
freedom as he was released from Kuje prison, Abuja.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was brought from Kuje prison to the Federal High Court at
6:30pm in a black Mercedes GL 550 4Matic Jeep with registration number ABC 46
MUL to sign the necessary bail papers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The process, which took barely 10 minutes saw Kanu emerging
with smiles from the court in company with his sureties and his relatives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a group photographs with his ‎relatives and well
wishers at the court complex, Kanu declined to grant any interview in line with
the conditions attached to his bail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The way to freedom began early morning and progressed till
about 3:44pm, when his lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, accompanied by Kanu ‘s
younger brother, Prince Kanu, former Aviation Minister, Chief Chidoka Osita and
other relations, left the Federal High Court complex together with an official
of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), Inspector Idris M.S for Kuje prison to
effect his release.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was after meeting the conditions attached to his bail
by Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those who stood as sureties for the pro-Biafra agitator were
the Chairman, South East Senate caucus and former Deputy Governor of Abia
State, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a Jewish High Chief Priest, Immanuu-El Shalom
and a Chartered Accountant residing in Abuja, Tochukwu Uchendu.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After two years in detention, Justice Binta Nyako of the
Abuja division of the Federal High Court, had on Tuesday April 25, 2017,
granted Kanu bail on health grounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kanu and three other pro- Biafra agitators; Chidiebere
Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi are standing trial for  charges bordering on treasonable felony.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In her ruling, Justice Nyako said he must produce three
sureties, including a “highly respected and recognised jewish leader”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Besides the production of a Jewish leader, the court also
asked Kanu to produce a “highly placed person of Igbo extraction such as a
Senator”, as well as “a highly respected person who is resident and owns landed
property in Abuja”. Justice Nyako ruled that each of the sureties are to
deposit N100million each.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to the above bail conditions, Kanu was barred
from attending any rally or granting any form of interview.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I must stress it here that the defendant must not attend
any rally. He must not be in a crowd exceeding 10 persons”, the Judge warned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The court equally held that Kanu who has been in detention
since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his
arrival in Nigeria from the United Kingdom, must sign an undertaking to make
himself available for trial at all times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kanu was further ordered to surrender his Nigerian and
British international passports, even as the court compelled FG to return to
him, his wedding ring and reading glasses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to the judge, “Count one of the charge upon which
the defendants are standing trial is a count alleging treasonable felony; that
is even a more serious charge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“However, as it relates to the 1st defendant (that is Nnamdi
Kanu), the applicant has deposed extensively on his health and appeals to the
court on health grounds to allow him bail on any condition.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The court further held that, “overtime that the defendants
have appeared in court, the 1st defendant maybe having some health issues as he
(Kanu) always sits down and sweats profusely.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I am of the opinion that the 1st defendant needs a better
health attention that the prisons service is unable to provide. I hereby use my
discretion and grant the 1st defendant bail.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Justice Nyako while granting the bail requested for a
monthly medical report on Kanu’s health status that must be filed before the
court, adding that the 1st defendant shall not grant press interviews nor
attend public rallies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a related development, the court struck out an
application that sought to prevent the federal government from shielding the
identities of prosecution witnesses in the suit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was a different fate for the three other pro Biafra
agitators;  Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin
Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, as they were denied bail by the court which fixed
July 11 and 12 to commence their trial.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and former Aviation
Minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode witnessed the proceedings.  Also, the immediate past Aviation Minister,
Chief Chidoke Osita was among dignitaries that attended the court proceedings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, the South East Caucus of the Senate, Thursday met
and agreed to take Nnamdi Kanu on bail. The emergency meeting, which held at
the Apo Quarters residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike
Ekweremadu, according to reliable sources privy to the meeting, was essentially
to discuss the stringent bail conditions granted Kanu by Justice Binta Nyako of
the Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“First, the Caucus agreed to work as a team to secure Kanu’s
release. It was agreed that the leader of the Caucus and Senator representing
Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe or the Senator
representing the IPOB leader’s Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator
Theodore Orji, should take him on bail.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The source said the South East Senate Caucus had also made
contact with Nnamdi’s lawyers on the decision to ensure that his bail is
perfected.<o:p></o:p></div>
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…Road to freedom<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some 15 months ago, before his visit to Nigeria and his
arrest by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) at a hotel in
Lagos, the name, Nnamdi Kanu hardly rings a bell. The acclaimed leader of IPOB
and director of Radio Biafra was ignored by the outside world. Nobody really
took him serious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But the Nigerian government took him serious, and arrested
him on October 14, 2015 when he visited Nigeria and charged with treasonable
felony.  He was not to regain his freedom
until April 28, 2017.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Kuje Prison where he was incarcerated became a Mecca of
sort for political leaders. The most prominent of the early visitors was former
Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu who on December 16, 2016, visited him and
had a lengthy discussion with the IPOB leader. After the visit, Kalu declared,
“It is therefore my utmost concern to see him regain his freedom,” and
announced he was spearheading of a planned talk with the government.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thereafter, visits to Kuje Prison gained momentum.  It was the turn of Igbo leaders under the
umbrella of Alaig-bo Development Founda-tion (ADF) in the first week of
February 2017. The ADF group affirmed they were contemplating a political
resolution of the matter with the federal authorities. Its president, Professor
Uzodinma Nwala, led the group.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By the end of the month, a more respectable delegate knocked
on the prison door at Kuje.  Men of
timber and caliber, like former Central Bank Governor, Professor Chukwuma
Soludo and renowned economist, Dr. Pat Utomi, led the visit under the umbrella
of Nzuko Umuna, a coalition of Igbo group that cuts across all the major groups
in the South-east including those in diaspora.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On April 4, it was the turn of Nigerian music artistes and
Nollywood actors under the umbrella of United Nigerian Artists for Peace and
Justice (UNAPJ). Chinaka Greatson, who led the group he described as “a
collaboration of artists from the movie and music industry” hailed the visit as
homage to Kanu and a show of solidarity to his cause.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The historic importance of the incarceration of the IPOB
leader was not lost to former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode while he was
also an inmate of the Kuje Prison for 21 days. Fani-Kayode, detained in
November 2016, did not let the opportunity pass him by to visit a man he
described as “great and brilliant freedom fighter,” and “easily the most
courageous, powerful and credible Igbo leader in Nigeria today.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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British government too played a part. An email originating
from Joe Abuku, spokesman for the British High Commission, affirmed: “We have
provided assistance to Mr. Kanu since his arrest in October last year,
including visiting him regularly in prison and attending court appearances in
an observation capacity.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eventually, freedom came when Justice Binta Nyako, at the
Federal High Court, Abuja, on April 25, granted him bail on health grounds,
which took three more days to be perfected.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, and former Minister
of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, put up appearance at the court to show solidarity
with Kanu.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After over 500 days in detention, the little-known South
London Jockey who used to run the Radio Biafra walked out and breathed free
air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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By then he has become a man of the people and a totem of a
struggle.</div>

Biafra: Kanu regains freedom

Biafra: Kanu regains freedom After almost two years in detention, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday...

Sand Super Eagles lose Beach Soccer World Cup opener to Italy

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNVp_gS_MKN85xInpVZB8o_lMsaCXF4YzPHqI39OWdlCE5uRzE7tqkROfrrFOnHNkBHONguh3rM_JjNla3mSSUYU3XZ_K8QfXrWBjeTEBL-L_HXIDlsnJk6U1vdQaUDuostl-NIoz978/s1600/Sand-Super-Eagles+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNVp_gS_MKN85xInpVZB8o_lMsaCXF4YzPHqI39OWdlCE5uRzE7tqkROfrrFOnHNkBHONguh3rM_JjNla3mSSUYU3XZ_K8QfXrWBjeTEBL-L_HXIDlsnJk6U1vdQaUDuostl-NIoz978/s1600/Sand-Super-Eagles+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>Sand Super Eagles lose Beach Soccer World Cup opener to
Italy<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nigeria’s Sand Super Eagles on Friday lost 6-12 to Italy in
their opening Group B game of the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Nassau,
Bahamas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Enterprising Abu Azeez scored a hat trick, Godspower Igudia,
Emeka Ogbonna and Victor Tale were also scorers on the day but Italy’s Gabriele
Gori stole the show after scoring six goals for Italy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Audu Ejo-led side took the lead twice in the first half
with goals from Igudia and Tale before the Italians rallied back to ensure the
first period ended in a 2-2 draw.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gori followed with six goals for the Italians and Paolo
Palmacci contributed to the victory with a hat-trick, including two bicycle
kick goals and Alfioluca Chiavaro’s goal in the third round.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Sand Super Eagles will face Mexico on Saturday. The
Mexicans, however, also lost 2-3 to Iran in the other Group B game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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The ninth edition of the tournament with 16 teams
participating began on April 27 and will end on May 7. (NAN)</div>

Sand Super Eagles lose Beach Soccer World Cup opener to Italy

Sand Super Eagles lose Beach Soccer World Cup opener to Italy Nigeria’s Sand Super Eagles on Friday lost 6-12 to Italy in their opening G...

Monday is public holiday

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXYaNQa3sN8TUIqlR21JeWjEDd2ruqwYvdjDI7z7Nid2NpbsDv0rZqyENe7i-9VPV6Xs2dd-DbYs1Ng35C8af8blUJN7h48TMLsZXpNLliyUmB-0vM6fNbMfUYb9zxQ9wBK90sHAQs0Y/s1600/dambazau+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXYaNQa3sN8TUIqlR21JeWjEDd2ruqwYvdjDI7z7Nid2NpbsDv0rZqyENe7i-9VPV6Xs2dd-DbYs1Ng35C8af8blUJN7h48TMLsZXpNLliyUmB-0vM6fNbMfUYb9zxQ9wBK90sHAQs0Y/s1600/dambazau+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>Monday is public holiday<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday, May 1, has been declared public holiday by Nigerian
government to enable workers celebrate 2017 Workers’ Day and hold rallies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd),
announced the declaration of the public holiday, on Friday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He congratulated Nigerian workers for their resilience, hard
work and commitment to the present administration despite current challenges.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The minister also urged them to continue to support
President Muhammadu Buhari.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Director, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Interior, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, made the announcement in a statement on
Friday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some of the labour leaders in Lagos on Friday called for the
fast-tracking of discussions on the minimum wage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) they said the
continuous delay in discussing and recommending payment of a new minimum wage
would not augur well for industrial harmony.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Secretary General, Association of Senior Civil Servants of
Nigeria (ASCSN), Mr Bashir Lawal, said that reaching a quick agreement on the
issue was paramount.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The delay, apart from worsening the economic well-being of
Nigerians, particularly the workers, Industrial peace and harmony cannot be
guaranteed,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to him, there is no doubt that workers are going
through economic difficulties but expressed optimism that they would rejoice
whenever discussions on the minimum wage were concluded.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“There is no gain saying the fact that workers are going
through very difficult times. We have made representations severally to the
government on this issue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“ We are hopeful that something positive will happen to our
Take-Home-Pay, as soon as the Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee concludes its
assignment,’’ he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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President, National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco
Employees (NUFBTE), Mr Lateef Oyelekan, also called for the hastening of
discussions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to Lateef, a review of the wage will serve as
compensation to workers who have prayed ceaselessly for the quick recovery of
President Muhammadu Buhari.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Many Nigerian workers prayed for the President when he was
indisposed. Now that he is back, we are hopeful that he will consider their
plight,’’ he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oyelekan also suggested that states governments be
pressurized to pay any amount that would be agreement on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He said it was regrettable that almost a year after bailout
funds were released, some of the states still owed workers salary arrears of
six to 10 months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Today, a worker with four children can no longer send them
to school, feed and cater for the family needs because his or her income
(N18,000) is inadequate,’’ he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Oyelekan however commended the Federal Government for
releasing Foreign Exchange to boost production, adding that many companies were
already going comatose because for lack of forex</div>

Monday is public holiday

Monday is public holiday Monday, May 1, has been declared public holiday by Nigerian government to enable workers celebrate 2017 Workers’...

Pope in Egypt, calls for end to religious violence

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY6kxZGC8voXlxto-h_hmHqD0voxyGi3rtcST2uM7-LGkVGI57URW2BUvDshEr84-JzFqnPtGsXxs89YIrKEcgv8SQANN1mz3hi3AZwjRCXn2q2nZZ7ppm9Ueu1h9y9CKEaY_XWOQiNw/s1600/pope-egypt-300x277+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY6kxZGC8voXlxto-h_hmHqD0voxyGi3rtcST2uM7-LGkVGI57URW2BUvDshEr84-JzFqnPtGsXxs89YIrKEcgv8SQANN1mz3hi3AZwjRCXn2q2nZZ7ppm9Ueu1h9y9CKEaY_XWOQiNw/s1600/pope-egypt-300x277+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>Pope in Egypt, calls for end to religious violence<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pope urges religious leaders to unite against “barbarity”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Leaders of all faiths should unite in renouncing religious
extremism and counter the “barbarity of those who foment hatred and violence,”
Pope Francis said on Friday at the start of a two-day visit to Cairo, Egypt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Let us say once more a firm and clear ‘No!’ to every form
of violence, vengeance and hatred carried out in the name of religion or in the
name of God,” the pope told a peace conference at Egypt’s highest Islamic
authority, Al-Azhar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Francis’s trip, aimed at improving ties between Muslims and
Roman Catholics, comes three weeks after Islamic State suicide bombers killed
at least 45 people in two Egyptian churches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Together let us affirm the incompatibility of violence and
faith, belief and hatred,” he said at the 1,000-year-old Sunni Muslim seat of
learning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Francis headed straight to meet Egyptian President
Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi after landing in Cairo, driving through heavily guarded
streets but eschewing an armoured motorcade and instead using a normal car with
his window wound down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pope of Peace in Egypt of Peace,” read posters plastered
along the road leading from the airport to central Cairo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He is due to give three speeches on Friday and will
celebrate an open air Mass on Saturday at a military arena.<o:p></o:p></div>
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His visit comes at a time of high tensions in Egypt, the
most populous Arab nation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Besides the Palm Sunday bombings, Islamist militants on
Thursday attacked a police checkpoint close to St. Catherine’s monastery at
Mount Sinai.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The pope referred to Mount Sinai, where the Prophet Moses
received the 10 biblical commandments, and specifically invoked the famed
injunction “thou shalt not kill”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pontiff has repeatedly said that Christian-Muslim
dialogue is the only way to overcome Islamist militants who have persecuted
Christians and driven them from their 2,000-year-old communities in Iraq and
Syria and are now hitting them in Egypt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His message carried special resonance inside Al-Azhar, where
he is a guest of its Grand Imam, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, widely considered among
the most moderate clerics in Egypt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his speech, Tayeb said militants had “carelessly” and
“ignorantly” misinterpreted religious texts. “Islam is not a religion of
terrorism,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tayeb has faced criticism from within Egypt’s parliament and
sections of the media, who say Al-Azhar is an ossifie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Francis stressed the importance of strong education.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To counter effectively the barbarity of those who foment
hatred and violence, we need to accompany young people,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tayeb visited the Vatican in 2016, restoring relations with
the Roman Catholic Church after they had been cut in 2011 in protest at what
Egyptian Muslim leaders said were repeated insults directed at Islam by
Francis’s predecessor, Pope Benedict.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pope has been applauded by moderate Muslims for his
efforts to improve relations. He has washed the feet of Muslims during Holy
Week ceremonies and in 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
brought Syrian Muslim refugees back to Italy with him from a
Greek migrant centre.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His visit to Cairo is also aimed at bolstering sometimes
frosty relations with Coptic churches, and he will meet Pope Tawadros II, head
of the Coptic Orthodox Church who narrowly escaped a church bombing in
Alexandria this month.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He will also go to Cairo’s largest Coptic cathedral to pray
for the 28 people killed in a Christmas season blast in 2016 and lay flowers in
their memory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Copts represent about 10 per cent of Egypt’s 92 million
population.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Source: Reuters/NAN)</div>

Pope in Egypt, calls for end to religious violence

Pope in Egypt, calls for end to religious violence Pope urges religious leaders to unite against “barbarity” Leaders of all faiths shou...

EL-RUFAI IS TOO FOCUSED TO REPLY DETRACTORS–AMINU, YOUTH LEADER

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg500GrVox1li4MYODww-MOxbxXdWLiIvq5A5E3xcTxT4t1nNiCmEqMN8GQxFF8DaYxFp59lizmrbxxHRZbYemHtSwtjuRFufnneWMxmjNlN5OP0Wk0ppUAHm-06ahqNUgl232-nGSzy8M/s1600/APC-YOUTH-LEADER-MALAM-AMINU-LAWAL-NA-ANTY--300x294+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg500GrVox1li4MYODww-MOxbxXdWLiIvq5A5E3xcTxT4t1nNiCmEqMN8GQxFF8DaYxFp59lizmrbxxHRZbYemHtSwtjuRFufnneWMxmjNlN5OP0Wk0ppUAHm-06ahqNUgl232-nGSzy8M/s1600/APC-YOUTH-LEADER-MALAM-AMINU-LAWAL-NA-ANTY--300x294+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>EL-RUFAI IS TOO FOCUSED TO REPLY DETRACTORS–AMINU, YOUTH
LEADER<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kaduna State APC Youth Leader, Malam Aminu Lawal Na-Anty has
said that Governor, Malam Nasir El-rufai is a focused leader who does not join
issues with his detractors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Malam Na-Anty, in this interview with Saturday Sun, noted
that those who are trying to distract El-rufai from making Kaduna great are
wasting their time because the governor will not pay attention to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the APC youth leader in Kaduna State, can you tell us how
politics in the state has been since Governor El-rufai came to power in 2015?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, the politics in the State for now, is about how the
governor will fulfil his campaign promises to the people of the state. The
governor deliberately refused to join issues with those who are trying to
distract him. And I can tell you that Governor El-rufai is too focused to be
distracted. Those who are trying to distract him are just wasting their time
because Malam is not going to reply them over politics of distraction and
misinformation. When it is time for 2019 politics, the governor will play, but
for now, he is working day and night to deliver the dividends of democracy to
the good people of Kaduna State.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a splinter group in the state called APC-AKIDA, do
you also have same division in the youth wing of  the APC?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We don’t have any division or faction in APC. We only read
about factions on the pages of newspapers, but on ground, we don’t have any
faction in APC in Kaduna State. We have only one APC .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the splinter group under APC-AKIDA is insisting that
they are the authentic APC in Kaduna. How will you react to this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How will I know? You are a journalist, find out their office
and tell us where it is located; where 
their secretariat is located, and who do they deal with at the national
headquarters. So, as far as we are concerned, we have only one APC in Kaduna
State and everybody knows where our office is located, near Lord Lugard
roundabout in the city centre. So, we have only one APC in Kaduna State.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other APC, if at all there is anything like that, it
only exists on the pages of newspapers solely to distract the government of the
day. In politics, even two or three persons within their house, they may decide
to create factions in order to get unnecessary attention, but in the real
sense, in Kaduna State, from the wards level, local government level to the
State level, APC is one house and one entity, and it is intact as a political
party in Kaduna State.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do you intend to mobilise the youth to support the
governor in 2019?  <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2019, youths will be mobilised 100 percent to support
Malam. The most important thing is that the governor did not disappoint us in
the first mandate we gave him. We are satisfied with the governor’s performance
in the first mandate that we gave him, he did well, and he is still doing very
well. So the second mandate is going to be a walk over for him. We don’t have
any fear about any other political party coming to take victory from APC
because the governor has earned the confidence of the electorate. Everybody is
seeing the good work of the governor across the state. Go to any local
government area, you would see one or two projects being sited by the governor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What role do you think the youths can play to ensure that
the political feud between the governor and Senator Shehu Sani ceases, because
as it is now, the fight appears to be affecting the development of the state
since it is said that a house divided against itself cannot stand?   <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I always tell people whenever they ask me about my
impression about this political fight between Senator Sani and the governor,
that Malam El-rufai cannot be distracted by anybody. He was elected to run the
first term of four years, and the other Senator that represents Kaduna central,
that is zone 2, he has his own mandate, what has he done? What constituency
project has he introduced to the people? We see many other senators across the
country, building hospitals, schools, giving scholarships to the people of their
constituency. What has our own Senator contributed to his own constituency? Let
him use his mandate for the betterment of the people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We will not join issues with him because we know his
antecedent; he wants to be followed rather than follow the leader. He wants to
be the leader at every given opportunity. He is a Senator, El-rufai is a
governor, so what is his problem? He should join hands with the governor and
work for the State rather than fighting the governor and this  will not augur well for our dear state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the light of what is happening between Governor El-rufai
and Senator Shehu Sani, will you work for the Senator in 2019 election as a way
of making peace between the two?    <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How will I work for somebody that is not yet in our party
because he has been suspended from the party? So, we will not be able to work
for him. But any time he shows remorse and is back to our party, we should be
able to work together. But for now, since he is still on suspension I cannot
work for him. I don’t even think that any APC member in the State can associate
with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is your advice to Governor El-rufai on how to handle
Senator Shehu Sani?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I advise that the governor should concentrate on what he is
doing for the state in order to make Kaduna great again. He should not be
distracted by negative things people are saying about his leadership style,
that is the prize of being a leader. You cannot please everybody. Let the
governor deliver on the mandate given to him by the people. He should not be
distracted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barely a month after Governor El-rufai’s memo to President
Muhammadu Buhari was leaked to the press, similar memo was written to the governor
by the APC Caucus chairman, Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, saying that El-Rufai has no
justification to write such memo because what he (El-Rufai) accused President
Buhari of,  he too is guilty of it. What
is your take on this?   <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know what is happening in the State that is similar
to what Governor El-rufai wrote about to President Buhari at the national
level. If APC Caucus chairman wanted to advise El-rufai, he shouldn’t have <span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">‑</span>made it public.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It should be a private memo, not public because if you make
it public, it is no longer an advice. So I think Ramalan has his own agenda for
making the memo public.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>

EL-RUFAI IS TOO FOCUSED TO REPLY DETRACTORS–AMINU, YOUTH LEADER

EL-RUFAI IS TOO FOCUSED TO REPLY DETRACTORS–AMINU, YOUTH LEADER Kaduna State APC Youth Leader, Malam Aminu Lawal Na-Anty has said that Go...

KANO EMIRATE COUNCIL PROBE: THE INTRIGUES, THE FEARS

<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG8LGWiwn_9sqHxvjiIjJm0V5VnXSdef_fZCi6vK-l5mL2UzPq1BbL6PTl9kI84em_ZJzTcGwTDQsTu1ETPDbdDFiyYxRxnygJJplxDuVDRASCJgS4TlhRHYYf8wqXQG4gr6ymfMpixY/s1600/kofa-300x277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG8LGWiwn_9sqHxvjiIjJm0V5VnXSdef_fZCi6vK-l5mL2UzPq1BbL6PTl9kI84em_ZJzTcGwTDQsTu1ETPDbdDFiyYxRxnygJJplxDuVDRASCJgS4TlhRHYYf8wqXQG4gr6ymfMpixY/s1600/kofa-300x277.jpg" /></a>KANO EMIRATE COUNCIL PROBE: THE INTRIGUES, THE FEARS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Northern governors wade in as plot to depose Sanusi thickens<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Sanusi not afraid to give up throne’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unless reason is allowed to prevail, the days of Muhammadu
Sanusi 11, as the 13th Fulani emir of Kano, is numbered. As a prelude to his
eventual sack, the Kano state government has instituted a probe into the
finances of the Kano emirate council. The Kano State Public Complaints and
Anti-Corruption Agency (KSPCACA) is handling the task.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the letter of summons signed by the agency’s
Director of Operations, Sulaiman Gusau, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP),
and written to the emir, the traditional ruler is to explain how about N4
billion was allegedly misappropriated under his watch. The said money was to
have been left behind by late Alhaji Ado Bayero, his predecessor. The probe is
to cover the activities of the emirate since Sanusi took over as emir. Those
invited, which were described as “junior civil servants and senior members of
the Emirate”, would appear before the Commission on May 2, 2017. Gusau on
behalf of the Chairman of KSPCACA, Alhaji Muhyi Magaji, signed the invitation
letter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But even before appearing before the probe panel, Sanusi has
since denied the allegation, saying that he had only spent a little over
N2billion since his installation. The probe, Saturday Sun learnt, followed a
petition written to the Commission alleging that the emir had squandered over
N4bn he met in the accounts of the emirate council.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dismissing the allegations one by one, the Council, through
its spokesman, Alhaji Mahe Bashir Wali, said the figures were inaccurate and
wrong. Bashir Wali, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, told
journalists at the palace that the present Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi
11 inherited only N1, 893, 378, 927.38, as against the sum of N4 billion that
was being peddled by his traducers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His words:  “Before
the appointment of His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11, CON, the
Kano Emirate Council had the sum of N2, 875, 168, 431.17 under various banks as
Fixed Deposit Accounts, out of which N981, 784, 503.79 was withdrawn and used
during the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero on 7/2/2014 for the payment of
Ado Bayero Royal City Project leaving a balance of N1, 893, 378, 927.38 with
various banks.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond the probe <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond the petition and the allegation however, Saturday Sun
gathered that the government had for long been seeking means of getting at the
emir, as he was seen as an “irritant” following his consistent criticism of the
President Muhammadu Buhari-led government. And since the Kano governor, Dr.
Umar Ganduje, is today seen as Buhari’s man Friday, Buhari’s sympathisers had
waited patiently for the governor to move against the emir.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the first week in April, the emir appeared to have played
into the government’s hand.  The last
straw that broke the camel’s back which perhaps made him incur the wrath of the
governor directly, was his decision to deride publicly, the move by the
governor to invest in a light rail project. The project, which is worth $1.85
billion, was expected to be executed through foreign loan acquisition from Chinese
Development Bank, which would finance 85 per cent of the contract sum.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last straw<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Sanusi, while speaking at the Kaduna Investment Forum,
KADINVEST, early in the month described it as a misplacement of priorities. “We
have governors, they go to China and spend one month on a tour and what do they
come back with, MoU on debts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“China will lend you $1.8bn to build light rail. This light
rail will be done by the rail workers from China. The trains will come from
China. The engines will come from China. The labour comes from China. The
driver is Chinese.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At the end of the day, what do you benefit from it? Your
citizens will ride on a train and when you ride on a train, in northern
Nigeria, in a state like Kano or Katsina, where are you going to? You are not
going to an industrial estate to work. You are not going to school? You are not
going to the farm. You borrow money from China to invest in trains so that your
citizens can ride on them and go for weddings and naming ceremonies.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Less than 24 hours after the emir’s outburst, the governor’s
supporters took to the social media, to lampoon Sanusi. And in less than a
week, allegations of being a profligate began making the rounds, thus
culminating in his probe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another monarch’s view<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking on the development last Wednesday, a prominent
northern monarch told Saturday Sun that Sanusi has so far shown that he knows
little or nothing about the Kano traditional institution, adding that he took
so many things for granted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am not bothered about the allegation of whether he spent
money or not. All I am interested in is peace within the Royal family. And I
personally made sure that happened. I visited him, and the children of the late
emir, Ado Bayero.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sanusi’s first misstep started when he was made the Dan
Majen Kano, that was when he started behaving like an emir, when there was
still a sitting emir. He is married to the late emir’s daughter. Sanusi
believed that Bayero betrayed his grandfather by accepting to be emir, after
the grandfather’s deposition. But Sanusi should know that he only became the
emir by chance. He would have been arrested on the day he was made emir,
shortly before the announcement. It was Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that saved him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reminded that former Kano governor, now Senator, Musa Rabiu
Kwankwaso, too wanted him as emir, the traditional ruler thinks otherwise,
saying “go and do your home work well. Are you aware that Kwankwaso had issued
three queries to him before he left office as governor? If he indeed he wanted
him, don’t you think he would have tolerated his excesses?  Tinubu actually made it possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am not in support of Tinubu’s exclusion from this
government, because if Tinubu and the South-West had not supported Buhari,
there was no way he would have been President. The truth is, Sanusi is taking
on the President because of Tinubu. And those in the corridors of power know
this fact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Again, I believe he should not have dethroned the Ciroman
Kano (late Bayero’s first son). Kano people loved Bayero so much. Sanusi does
not enjoy the kind of support Bayero enjoyed. So if he is removed today, nobody
will protest because his public engagements negate the revered values and
culture of Islam and the Kano people. He has displayed too much exuberance. If
he survives this, I pray, he does, he should watch it and watch his back very
well. He will be looking for trouble, if he tries to fight the family of the
late Bayero,” the northern monarch, warned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chances of survival<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no doubt that the object of the entire probe is the
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi 11 and his throne. And as time clicks
toward the eventual commencement of the probe, nothing, so far, has
contradicted the fear that the plot is real.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those who should know suspect that the whole script is
intended to achieve either of two possible goals, namely “to harass him and
thereby get him to speak less on government policies in the way he had done,
which is not possible, because the Emir is naturally a very blunt person and is
not the type that is going to be intimidated into silencing his views for
whatever reason.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The second likely target of the probe by the Kano State
Government Public Complaints and Anti Corruption Agency is to indict him, which
means that the Emir would have no moral choice but  to vacate the post or be encouraged to vacate
it invariably”, a highly placed source in Kano hinted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many observers told Saturday Sun that should this be the
case, the monarch has a 50 – 50 chance of surviving his adversaries given
that  the power to remove him is vested
in the government of the day, which could easily be activated by the governor
or even his Local Government Chairman carrying out the instruction of the
governor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The source, however, expressed worry that given the critical
utterances of the Emir recently, he has lost a number of friends that should
have stepped in and stop the probe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He remarked that by the nature of the people of the North,
many disputes of this nature had been resolved by the mere intervention of
influential individuals and groups pointing out however that, “it does appear
that many of those who would have made much impact on this matter are not so
keen.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For example, one personality whose behind- the -curtain moves
could have stopped the parties from going public, in my opinion, is the Sultan
of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar111. He has always successfully
intervened in matters of this nature. But I doubt if he is very keen to come
along for the following reason; his Sanusi’s utterances in recent times, the
Sultan on several occasions had advised him to mellow down in his attacks, but
he had not given ear to his fatherly advice”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The source explained that, “another possible institution
that would have stopped the probe by the Kano State Government is the
Presidency. But as you know, apart from their brief romance when Buhari was
campaigning for elections and was leveraging on his attacks on the Jonathan
administration, the relationship between Emir Sanusi and the Buhari government
has not remained the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Majority of the times, the target of the utterances of the
Emir of Kano is the policies of the Federal Government and very painfully, he
dismantles their very good policies before a local audience that they consider
very crucial.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A third group that would have exerted pressure on the Kano
State Government on this issue is the Council of Ulama, which is a very
powerful group in the state. But look at it this way, some of the social
reforms that the Emir had been canvassing are in direct opposition to the ways
and manner the Ulamas want things to be. The monarch’s social reforms agenda
contradicts their very conservative position on this matter.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday Sun gathered that many Northern governors, some of
whom are presently in China with Governor Ganduje for a Forum,  are not on the side of the Kano Emir. Apart
from a few like Mallam Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, some of them are
pressing for the probe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Informally, these governors influence themselves a lot and
if two or three of the very powerful ones pull their weight together, they
could stop the Kano State government from this probe. But the question you
would ask yourself is if they would. Don’t forget that many of them are also
victims of the reforms propagated by the Kano Emir. His strong and very
convincing arguments present some of them as failures in their respective
states.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Northern governors intervene<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contrary to insinuations that the northern governors are up
in arms against the emir, Saturday Sun can authoritatively reveal that the
leadership of the Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, led by the Borno State
governor, Kashim Shettima, is making frantic efforts to resolve the impasse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sources close to both the embattled emir and the NSGF
secretariat told Saturday Sun that it would be in the interest of the north and
Kano in particular, to get the matter resolved amicably, with one of the
sources saying “Sanusi may have his excesses, but I think Kano and the north
should be proud of him. You don’t discard such a calibre of an intellectual.
How many traditional rulers can engage our Islamic clerics on Islamic best
practices? I think they should just caution him on some of his public
utterances especially, as they relate to government activities and politics.
Removing him will amount to throwing the baby away with the bath water. Kano
and the north will be the loser.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In response to the news making the rounds that northern
governors were bent on getting the emir sacked, one of the governors told
Saturday Sun that “the story is not true. On the contrary, we are working hard
to resolve the issue.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sanusi and his idiosyncrasies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But for politics, there was certainly no way a Musa
Kwankwaso would have preferred a Sanusi, as an emir of Kano, at a time, he
(Kwankwaso) was in firm control of power and politics in the state. Sanusi left
United Bank for Africa, UBA, for First Bank Plc, because of the then Kano State
governor, over his refusal to apologise to him for disparaging him and his
government on the pages of newspaper.  It
all started in 2001, Sanusi in his usual manner had criticised Kwankwaso’s
handling of Kano state’s affairs. The government responded through its Finance
Commissioner then, Dr. Hafiz Abubakar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But in Sanusi’s response, he had taken both the governor and
the commissioner to the cleaners, describing the state’s economy under
Kwankwaso as one of  “Ajinomoto” or “Kafi
Zabo” economics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He had among other things said: “The first point in our
discourse is the honourable commissioner’s insistence, in both the Daily Trust
and the BBC interviews, that the N719 million “Governor’s lodge” being
constructed in Abuja is an ‘investment’ for the people of Kano State. Dr. Hafiz
is surprised that being an economist, I am yet unable to see the value of this
“investment”. Consideration of this issue should reveal the extent of the
honourable Finance Commissioner’s grasp of elementary Economics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“An investment, to be considered a wise one (as opposed to a
foolish one), must meet three criteria in both ‘common sense’ and Economics.
First, it must be acquired in an efficient and cost-effective manner ( i.e
there must be value for money); second, it must be such as one can reasonably
expect an appreciation in its value over time; finally, the investment plus the
gain thereon should be reasonably projected to be realizable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let me give an example of such a project. The Zamfara State
Government is constructing on its own plot in Abuja a hotel at a cost of N500
million. Although I have reservations on the project on grounds of reflecting
misplaced priorities, I nonetheless concede that it is a wise investment, which
meets all the above criteria. As a banker, I know from information available to
me on similar projects that N500 million is roughly the cost of building and
furnishing a good 3-star hotel with 60-80 rooms, sporting and healthcare
facilities and conference centre. If the hotel in question meets these criteria
we may conclude that it is being established at a reasonable cost.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kwankwaso was so enraged that he threatened to withdraw the
state’s account from the UBA, if the bank does not ask Sanusi to apologise.
Sanusi’s employers asked him to apologise, but rather than apologise, he threw
in the towel. That was how he joined First Bank Plc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ado Bayero factor<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the office of the Kano State Public Complaints and
Anti-Corruption Agency early in the week, several sources told Saturday Sun
that the current probe was a response to information made available on the
social media, which itself was a fall out of the internal crisis within the
palace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While dismissing the insinuation that the Kano State
Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was directly behind the probe following the
monarch’s criticism of some government policies,  a  very
senior officer of the Commission told Saturday Sun that  investigation emanated from  petitions 
generated by sympathizers of the former Emir of Kano, the late Alhaji
Ado Bayero.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There is an allegation that there was a N4 billion in the
account and there is a counter to that allegation that the new Emir never
inherited such an amount of money from his predecessor. As such, there was a
need to look at the merits of the claims and counter claims and nothing more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A number of the sympathizers of the old order, Saturday Sun
investigation shows, are hopeful that should there be a vacancy on account of
the probe, it would afford Kano people an opportunity to correct the mistake of
the past and fulfill the wish of their late Emir “to enthrone one of his sons
as his successor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several sources who spoke to Saturday Sun agreed that such
ambition was no longer feasible the way they imagined it while advising them to
forget the past and look forward. “The children of the late Emir no longer
command the primary position and sympathy they enjoyed soon after the demise of
their father”, one of the sources added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was pointed out that “they are not close to the present
governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to win his sympathy in this
regard, including the fact the replacement of the former President  Jonathan by President Buhari means that they
had lost the influence of the centre, which they once enjoyed. They also forget
that there are a lot of people within the palace today who are equally
qualified for the throne and who, given any vacancy, stand a better chance than
ever to emerge as the choice.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uneasy calm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no doubt that with the development, the ancient
city of Kano is on the edge. There is a huge fear among the people of the state
who believe that another eruption is not what is needed in the state for now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Historians in the state are quick to recall that the last
time the Emir of Kano, the late Alhaji Ado Bayero was queried in the 80s by the
Abubakar Rimi administration, Kano State went up in flames.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although these two historical periods may differ, security
sources are worried that the present probe of the finance of the Kano Emirate
Council would stretch the peace of the state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The present probe has the capacity to lead to the
suspension of the Emir, if he is indicted. And when that happens, then there is
no way we can predict what will happen next”, the security source declared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of them added that “One huge mistake many people are
making is to conclude on the surface that Emir Muhammad Sanusi is not popular
simply because when he was crowned a few years back, he was not seen as the
preferred choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Those who think like this may be wrong. Time takes care of
so many things. Our judgment is that the Emir of Kano has since endeared
himself to his immediate surroundings with his welfare programs to the people
around him at a time of huge poverty and hunger in the state. He has won many
ordinary people to his side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Too, his social reform programme is well received, some of
this has given voice to the voiceless majority in the region. I tell you many
of these people see in him as the best thing that has happened to their lives.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another senior security source also told Saturday Sun that
“many people may not have noticed that the Kwankwassiyya camp is largely in
support of the Emir.” The group, he stated, represents almost half of the
politics of the state today and is largely populated by young people who are
prone to wild reactions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So, we are also looking at that angle too as we try to
analyze the security implications of the probe going out of control.  We are praying that the whole probe is not
factored into the Kwankwasiyya, Gandujjya trouble that has also divided the
state”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another reason for fear, according to the security officer,
is the cast of characters involved in the confrontation. He noted that, “At the
centre is an Emir, who is hugely connected, financially independent and
bold.  If he chooses to fight back, there
is no doubt that he would be able to fight those fighting him. He is not the
type that can be easily humbled”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Already, there are indications that the security arrangements
in the state would be strengthened ahead of May 2nd when those invited would
appear before the Commission for questioning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mixed reactions<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About a week before the probe became public, the National
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Alhaji Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN  had urged the elite in the region to be open
to debate on issues that affect the people of Northern Nigeria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently throwing his weight behind the Kano monarch over
his recent utterances, the one- time Attorney General of Kano State, cautioned
the North against, “silencing views that are contrary to existing wisdom.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking in the same vein, a former boss of the Nigerian
Ports Authority (NPA), Arch Aminu Dabo urged the Emir to continue to speak for
the people of the region as there were many issues in the region begging for
attention.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a recent interview, a former member of the House of
Representatives, Dr Junaidu Mohammed, however cautioned the Emir against the
habit of condemning certain people in order to get kudos from the Lagos Press.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That cannot continue indefinitely because if he wants to
insult his exalted position by coming down to play politics with it, certain
people are going to take him on and show him the road. For anytime he makes
some of these reckless statements, there should be a counter. And if he brings
disgust and a sense of negative attitude towards the institution of traditional
institution, so be it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On his comment on the Kano light rail project, Junaid said
“Honestly, I don’t know much about the light rail project but I believe that he
has access to the governor of the state who incidentally is one of the two
people who made him the Emir, and could have gone to see the governor and tell
him his views about the rail project. He can also write the government.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sanusi’s premonition<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sanusi had always wanted to become the emir of Kano. He is the
emir today. But early this month when the whole brouhaha about his public
appearances and criticism of government policies took a different dimension,
the former CBN governor, appears prepared to go, after all, he has achieved his
life time ambition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This indication came about two weeks ago, April 14, to be
precise, when his daughter, Shahida Sanusi, who represented him at the first
annual Chibok Girls lecture in Abuja, told the audience that Sanusi would
gladly give up the throne if it stands in the way of truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My father is not afraid of giving up his throne if it
stands in the way of speaking the truth. Those who think that my father would
keep quiet because he wants to hold on to his throne, I think they don’t know
my father.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I know that he has always wanted to be the emir of Kano but
to him, if it comes between what is right, what his conscience tells him and
choosing the throne, he would happily give up the throne.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“My father has always been a part of one controversy or the
other and it’s normal for us. We are not scared anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“And honestly, he has been a source of inspiration and
pride. He never fails to fight. He fights for progress, liberty, justice and
equality. Those who think they know my father should know that he will never be
silenced by blackmail and intimidation. He lost his position once as the
governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and I remember his quote that you
can suspend a man but you can never suspend the truth. I know he does not mind
being the most unpopular emir so long he speaks the truth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last line<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, following the intervention of prominent Nigerians,
especially leadership of the NSGF, Sanusi, Saturday Sun authoritatively
gathered, is already reconsidering his initial hard line position on giving up
the throne. This, it was further gathered was responsible for his refusal to
join issues with the state government since the probe started.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We would have granted you the interview. But Seriki
(Sanusi) has been advised not to stoke any further controversy over the matter.
So I am sorry. Efforts are being made to resolve the matter. Thank you for your
concern,” one of the emir’s relations, told Saturday Sun, when pressed for an
interview on the raging controversy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
From all indications, if the peace moves fail, Sanusi will
equal his late grandfather’s record, as a deposed emir. But unlike his late
grandfather, if Sanusi is eventually dethroned, he would certainly bounce back
to reckoning.</div>

KANO EMIRATE COUNCIL PROBE: THE INTRIGUES, THE FEARS

KANO EMIRATE COUNCIL PROBE: THE INTRIGUES, THE FEARS Northern governors wade in as plot to depose Sanusi thickens ‘Sanusi not afraid to...

How I won Funke Akindele’s heart –JJC Skillz

<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj464BAvzhEFcZZj5VU6-xbXV9OzW6LSAJ77lhtZga60OxvaxE3hq9YEjGYEeuI1mxg7-5bCJ8wRxv6cEPtPvqvDrme8sjSOaVuK3wP5XwnSQV7y5vkIjbE7Xzyb7NydPw6cjl_u-clh5A/s1600/Funke-Akindele-and-JJC+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj464BAvzhEFcZZj5VU6-xbXV9OzW6LSAJ77lhtZga60OxvaxE3hq9YEjGYEeuI1mxg7-5bCJ8wRxv6cEPtPvqvDrme8sjSOaVuK3wP5XwnSQV7y5vkIjbE7Xzyb7NydPw6cjl_u-clh5A/s320/Funke-Akindele-and-JJC+%25281%2529.jpg" width="215" /></a>How I won Funke Akindele’s heart –JJC Skillz<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A-list actress and creator of popular TV series, Jenifa’s
Diary, Funke Akindele has found love again. Last year, she married her
heartthrob, Abdul Rasheed Bello aka JJC Skillz of the 419 Squad, in a secret
ceremony in the United Kingdom. In this interview, which took place at their
Ibeju Lekki, Lagos home, the rapper turned-movie maker opened up on how he met
and toasted the actress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s new about JJC Skillz?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am now officially a music video and film director. For the
past few years, I have been telling people that I was about to move into
Nollywood, but they didn’t believe me. I am now one of the directors of
Jenifa’s Dairy. I shot all the London scenes and now we are back to Nigeria. I
am also one of the brains behind an upcoming TV series, Industreet, produced by
my wife. We came up with the concept of creating a story around the
entertainment industry in Nigeria. I am also part owner of the SOP Music label
that has four new acts. We are planning a lot of movies this year; my hands are
full.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is the concept behind Industreet?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have 20 years of experience in the music industry and I
believe nobody has been able to tell the story of the African music scene. I was
there in the beginning so, I want the world to know what is really going on
behind the scenes in the Nigerian entertainment industry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it like your true-life story?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not really. It is the story of the betrayals, the rise and
fall, the success, failures and lots more. It is a story of a group of young
people who started a label, SOP Records. When you watch it, you will understand
how the street took over the industry. That is why we called it Industreet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How much of your personal story is in Industreet?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 70 per cent of it was infused into the story line. I
actually came up with this idea in 2009 and shot about half an hour pilot for
it. It will premiere on May 19, and a week after; you can watch it on our
website. Even Jenifa’s Diary can be watched on the sceneone App.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After marriage it seems you took a break from making music?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My music is on hold because I need to focus on this great
opportunity. Jenifa’s Diary is a big project. You can see we have been winning
awards here and there. We, as a family, have our hands full already on
different productions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The scripture says ‘He who finds a wife, finds a good
thing’, can you relate to that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, he who finds a wife finds a good thing and
obtains favour from the Lord. Most times, as a single man you carry almost all
your burdens alone. You would have to worry about what to eat and my cooking
skills are not fantastic. But when I found my wife, I knew I had found my
better half. Now, when I think about something, I share it all with my wife. We
wake up from the same bed in the morning and head to the field, because we are
both into entertainment. She is the actress and scriptwriter and I am the
director and editor. She is very hard working. In fact, I don’t know anyone
like us in this industry; she works day and night. We wake up every single day
with the mindset of making each other happy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Funke is a very busy woman; does she have time to cook for
you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why not? It is said that the best way to a man’s heart is
through his stomach. Definitely, she cooks amazingly, but I told her to stop so
she can get enough rest. Most times, she would insist because she wants to take
care of her man.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is her favourite dish for you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her pounded yam and ewedu always sweep me off my feet, and I
would always ask her if she has added ‘something extra’ to it. She is all a man
could ever ask for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how does it feel being married to a popular actress?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be honest, I lived the better part of my life in the UK,
so I didn’t really know who Funke Akindele was. When I met her, I felt I had
just met someone who wanted a director for Jenifa’s Diary. That was in 2013. We
have been going out for a long time, people just found out in 2016. We were
very low-key because we are two popular people; we had to protect our privacy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did you meet Funke Akindele?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She wanted someone to direct her TV series. I was about to
embark on recording the JJC album then. Her sister introduced us because she
knew I was into music and video directing. When I met her, she told me she did
a movie sometime ago and would like to turn it into a TV series. We started
working together and preparing for the shoot, then one thing led to another.
Here we are today, the rest is history.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would you say it was love at first sight?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, because the first time I saw her, I was wowed! She also
told me that when she first saw me, she went ‘wow!’ We tried to keep it as
professional as possible, but along the line, emotions ran high.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did you propose to her?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am definitely a romantic person so I gave her a dose of
it. It wasn’t in an open place, because very few people knew. So, that very
day, she came home to meet flowers and candles everywhere; quite a romantic set
up. She had no choice but to say ‘yes’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Were you not afraid she could say no?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had a very beautiful relationship, but to be honest, I
had proposed to her earlier and she laughed at me. I think that was a week
after we met. I was like ‘I have never met anyone like you, marry me’. And she
just laughed at me. And then I promised her that she would be my wife. I play
around a lot but I meant it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who apologises first when you both have issues?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My wife would say she does but I’ll object because I know I
apologise first. Most times we apologise at the same time. No relationship or
marriage is perfect so such things are normal. I will get upset, she will get
upset and we later apologise to each other and let it slide. In fact, we hardly
find ourselves in such positions. However, the important thing is not to carry
over any argument or misunderstanding to the next day. We are now family, so we
help each other grow. We both have had our own fair share of horrible
relationship experiences, so we appreciate each other and value our love and
hold it tight. A lot of people are looking at us with envy while some are
hoping and praying that one day, we would break up. We are going to disappoint
them because we try hard to keep ourselves in check, encourage and most
importantly pray for each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When would the kids start coming?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon! God’s time is the best. We are working on it.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
How did your kids accept their new step mum?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we got married, we all had a good relationship here
in Nigeria. The kids were always seeing this beautiful woman around daddy, and
she was always making him happy. They might be away and in different continents
but they are part of our daily activities. She is also very close to them. They
didn’t know she is an actress then, because in the UK, they hardly watch
Nigerian movies, but they love her so much. It is a perfect blend. I remember
my daughter telling me ‘Dad, make sure you marry her. She is a keeper’. And I
did, I followed my daughter’s advice. One of my songs, ‘Save The Last Dance’
was written for my wife; she really saved the last dance for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>

How I won Funke Akindele’s heart –JJC Skillz

How I won Funke Akindele’s heart –JJC Skillz A-list actress and creator of popular TV series, Jenifa’s Diary, Funke Akindele has found lo...

How Admiral Ikoli died in Lagos home –Police

<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ilyBt6JiSgvm4LwvbM1X6N1dn9YpjYx7NAgE7PD-DG32c742AFHBfpYF8kRSL9BXEDntik2VhKG8dJT8BYt4DnHctQCbhWQheMSEE9mc6SrEbToVm6OIvKFaTfEzEXho5imRqqt4t8k/s1600/Ikoli-230x300+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ilyBt6JiSgvm4LwvbM1X6N1dn9YpjYx7NAgE7PD-DG32c742AFHBfpYF8kRSL9BXEDntik2VhKG8dJT8BYt4DnHctQCbhWQheMSEE9mc6SrEbToVm6OIvKFaTfEzEXho5imRqqt4t8k/s1600/Ikoli-230x300+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>How Admiral Ikoli died in Lagos home –Police<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wife, Naval officers, others quizzed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Criminal
Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, have concluded investigation into the
mysterious death of Rear Admiral Daniel Ikoli, the Fleet Commander, Western
Naval Command, who was found dead in his Apapa residence on April 5.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until his death, apart from being the Fleet Commander at
Western Naval Command, Lagos, the Rear Admiral was also a member of the
Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement (CADEP).
Nigerian Navy authorities, his family and even his ethnic group, Ijaw in the
Niger Delta had said Ikoli may have been assassinated as he had no cause to
kill himself. The Police probe has however drawn the conclusion that the Naval
Chief committed suicide. But how?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to a reliable source at the Police Force Headquarters
in Abuja, an interim report on the investigations was submitted by the Lagos
Police CID to the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni on Tuesday after
which the CP communicated to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on
their findings. Details of the report revealed that Admiral Ikoli committed
suicide contrary to earlier speculations by the Navy, family and Ijaw National
Congress as well as Ijaw Youths Congress that he was assassinated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was gathered that before his death, the Naval Chief had
signed for a service pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition for his personal
use. “Investigations revealed that on the day of the incident, Admiral Ikoli
fired two shots into the wall in his apartment. Neighbours who heard the
gunshots immediately called his wife, Hositela Ikoli, who is based in Abuja,
and alerted the Western Navy Command. Shortly after the call was made, his wife
and a Lieutenant from his Command called him on phone and he picked, spoke to
them and assured them that all was well. It was thereafter he pulled the
trigger again and shot himself in the head,” the source said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Detectives gathered that Admiral Ikoli’s apartment door was
locked from behind and there was no sign of any intruder breaking in. Police
probe further showed that only 12 rounds were left in his pistol, which meant
that he shot three out of the 15 rounds he signed for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To further establish that the deceased Naval Chief killed
himself,  his pistol and and finger
prints had been sent to the Force Headquarters’ Forensic Department, Alagbon,
Ikoyi, Lagos for analysis and comparison. It was also gathered that police
detectives from SCID, Panti, on Monday interrogated the widow of Admiral Ikoli,
in Abuja, where she is based. “The report showed that the woman confirmed that
she was alerted on the day of the incident after the initial two gunshots were
heard from his apartment and she called her husband, who picked his mobile
phone and assured her there was no problem”, the police source added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beside her, it was also learnt that, the police had equally
interrogated the Naval Lieutenant who called Admiral Ikoli that night and some
neighbours who alerted Mrs Hositela Ikoli.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, some naval officers still insist that he was
assassinated, as he had no cause to kill himself. They based their argument on
speculations that he had been pencilled down by President Muhammadu Buhari as
the next Chief of Naval Staff and also earned a special promotion to his last
rank from Commodore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was described as a disciplined, gentle, straightforward
and honest man, who had no regard for protocol. “It is nothing but a murder
case”, an officer who craved anonymity stated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The source also said that because of his performance as the
Commander, NNS Beecroft, all officers and the junior ones loved him. He was
said to have transformed the place by introducing smart I.D. cards and
increasing special duty allowance from N4, 000 to N12, 000. Although they
reportedly referred to him as  an
introvert, he made sure that things worked properly and he had respect for all
and zero tolerance for corruption.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…INC rejects police findings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ijaw nation has dismissed a fresh Police report that
indicated that the Fleet Commander of Western Naval Command, Admiral Daniel
Ikoli committed suicide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking on the Police report the Ijaw National Congress(
INC) and the Ijaw Youth Congress( IYC) expressed concern that there is a grand
plan to treat what they described as the “assassination” of a  high ranking Ijaw military officer with
levity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The President of INC, Harry Charles Alatubo in an exclusive
interview with Saturday Sun explained that there was no rationale for Admiral
Ikoli to kill himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to him it is baffling that Admiral Ikoli, a high
military officer of his status is suppose to have a security detail and there
was nobody with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He insisted that Admiral Ikoli was callously murdered and the
Ijaw nation would not allow his death to be swept under the carpet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alatubo noted that security agencies in the country should
be bothered that a top military officer could be killed easily.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There was no reason for Admiral Ikoli to have killed himself
by simple deductions. Three bullets were found expended in the room where his
body was found. There was no way someone that wants to kill himself would have
shot himself three times. The security agencies and I mean the Police, DSS and
military intelligence should look deeper into the circumstances surrounding his
death. He was brutally and callously murdered and the issue of his death should
be not been taken lightly. Ijaw nation would not accept his death to be swept
under the carpet. It is an assassination and not a suicide. Those who committed
this act should not be allowed to go scot free”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also speaking the two the factional Presidents of the IYC
were in agreement that the Police needs to do a better investigating job to
unravel those behind the death of Admiral Ikoli.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eric Omare explained that the Ijaw nation would not accept
any fresh report from the Police to justify that Admiral Ikoli committed
suicide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to him how would someone who has just been posted
to take over the Fleet of the Western Naval Command commit suicide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If the Police said he committed suicide, they let us know
the family people that were present when the autopsy was carried out.  Who represented the Ijaw nation, the IYC or
the INC when they carried out the autopsy? He was killed and they said he
committed suicide, how is that possible. Let them allow Ijaw representatives to
be where they want to carry out the autopsy for us to believe their story”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his remarks Pereotubo Oweielaemi said not only has the
IYC rejected all Police report pertaining to the actual cause of the death
of  Admiral Ikoli, the IYC is carrying
out its own investigations to ascertain those who killed Admiral Ikoli and the
motive for their action.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oweielaemi said the spirit of an Ijaw man is very strong and
there is nobody that can kill an Ijaw man that would go scot free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He did not commit suicide. He was killed and we are
carrying out our own investigations unfortunately I can’t reveal the details to
you. There was no reason for him to commit suicide, so we cannot accept the
Police report”</div>

How Admiral Ikoli died in Lagos home –Police

How Admiral Ikoli died in Lagos home –Police Wife, Naval officers, others quizzed Detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Crimina...

US, UK give conditions for peace over N’ Korea nuclear threats

<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIOtPpgUip0Q1Wmj2i1XB1qG5QgF9VjMU6Ro-upTUfxEVvnTEiFXgiZD9Bwdv19UnhWDxyTpOnW3xEDkqj-Z6U0NvBqcMzJ8k_oekQBSI8-aMtFeldLrtX2ktt0IbvO93y465_orgwv4/s1600/trumpmay-120x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIOtPpgUip0Q1Wmj2i1XB1qG5QgF9VjMU6Ro-upTUfxEVvnTEiFXgiZD9Bwdv19UnhWDxyTpOnW3xEDkqj-Z6U0NvBqcMzJ8k_oekQBSI8-aMtFeldLrtX2ktt0IbvO93y465_orgwv4/s320/trumpmay-120x120.jpg" width="320" /></a>US, UK give conditions for peace over N’ Korea nuclear
threats<o:p></o:p></div>
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The United States and United Kingdom as well as their allies
have given conditions for peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict over
North Korea’s nuclear threats.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The two countries gave the conditions at a high-level
meeting on North Korea, attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the
15-Member UN Security Council on Friday in New York.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was just as North Korea reportedly launched another
missile test on Friday as a Security Council’s meeting chaired by the US got
underway at the UN.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The high-level meeting was chaired by US Secretary of State
Rex Tillerson to end the country’s Presidency of the Council for the Month of
April 2017.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tillerson said: “For the past 20 years, well-intentioned
diplomatic efforts to halt these programs have failed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It is only by first dismantling them that there can be
peace, stability, and economic prosperity for all of Northeast Asia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“With each successive detonation and missile test, North
Korea pushes Northeast Asia and the world closer to instability and broader
conflict.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The threat of a North Korean nuclear attack on Seoul, or
Tokyo, is real.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“And it is likely only a matter of time before North Korea
develops the capability to strike the US mainland.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Indeed, the DPRK has repeatedly claimed it plans to conduct
such a strike.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Given that rhetoric, the United States cannot idly stand
by. Nor can other members of this council who are within striking distance of
North Korean missiles”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The US envoy warned that there was no reason to think that
North Korea would change its behaviour under the current multilateral sanctions
framework.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“For too long, the international community has been reactive
in addressing North Korea. Those days must come to an end.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Failing to act now on the most pressing security issue in
the world may bring catastrophic consequences.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We have said this before and it bears repeating: the policy
of strategic patience is over. Additional patience will only mean acceptance of
a nuclear North Korea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The more we bid our time, the sooner we will run out of
it,” Tillerson warned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He added: “Lastly, as we have said before, all options for
responding to future provocation must remain on the table.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Diplomatic and financial levers of power will be backed up
by a willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action if
necessary”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On its part, the UK, through Foreign Secretary Boris
Johnson, called for a change of approach by the Security Council, towards North
Korea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“This Council must be united in its demand that the present
course cannot continue and Britain is proud today to have joined its allies to
lead the enforcement of sanctions and seek a peaceful solution.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We urge other partners with direct influence on North Korea
to use their leverage to the full, with the aim of easing tensions and ensuring
compliance with the expressed will of the UN.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The UK called on Russia and China and other Member States to
use whatever influence they possess to restrain North Korea and guide its
leaders towards a peaceful settlement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Britain stands alongside our allies in making clear that
North Korea must obey the UN and halt its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile
programmes, disarming in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Only then can this Council be assured of the peace and
security of the region – and only then can the people of North Korea have the
chance of a better future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“But the catastrophic effects of a North Korean nuclear
strike outweigh any economic benefits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“We must be willing to face the hard truths and make hard
choices right now to prevent disastrous outcomes in the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“For years, North Korea has been dictating the terms of its
dangerous course of action; it is time for us to retake control of the
situation,” Johnson said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other members of the Security Council that supported US and
UK included Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Italy, Sweden and Ukraine. (NAN)</div>

US, UK give conditions for peace over N’ Korea nuclear threats

US, UK give conditions for peace over N’ Korea nuclear threats The United States and United Kingdom as well as their allies have given co...

Rivers Govt. donates 8 assault gunboats to Navy

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3migLyxX29rkLxZw_KlpLh22wJWlTRuvCC_d0aLsHY4pu4jQoW135-h1KjPMS6F8iGYVpX_S1syxLwq2pC6jh4VFrb912WWcFlGcOv3tXfp29HAmrv75CiLGRzeAT8qBMWxOFAb0T5I/s1600/wike-3+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3migLyxX29rkLxZw_KlpLh22wJWlTRuvCC_d0aLsHY4pu4jQoW135-h1KjPMS6F8iGYVpX_S1syxLwq2pC6jh4VFrb912WWcFlGcOv3tXfp29HAmrv75CiLGRzeAT8qBMWxOFAb0T5I/s1600/wike-3+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>Rivers Govt. donates 8 assault gunboats to Navy<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Nigerian Navy has received  eight assault gunboats from Rivers State
government that it says will boost its fight against oil theft and sea robbery
which has become commonplace in the Niger Delta.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the inauguration of the gunboats in Port Harcourt, Chief
of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas said the eight gunboats  would complement another batch of 12 gunboats
delivered earlier by the Rivers government, all geared at  securing the state maritime environment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Governor Nyesom Wike has even promised to donate 13 more
boat, bringing the government’s contribution to 33.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas said 
the gunboats would boost Navy’s 
patrol capabilities and speed up response of troops to reported crime
scenes and thereby discourage criminality on the waterways.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The Navy appreciates the expectation attendant to delivery
of these gunboats and we assure that the Navy will be prompt in committing the
assets to operation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“The gunboats would be deployed to impose order and security
along the waterways in Rivers state with focus to boost economic activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“This deployment would facilitate free passage for the
people to conduct their legitimate businesses without hindrance by criminal
elements.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“To this end, the gunboats have beefed up the Nigerian Navy
boat fleet to over 100 assorted boats which have enhanced the security of the
waterways and the coastal communities,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ibas commended Gov. Nyesom Wike for his support to the navy
and promised that the boats would be used for its set objectives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Governor Wike  said
that his administration was committed to securing  lives and property in the state.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He pointed out that his government’s partnership with the
navy and other security agencies had yielded positive result as crime had
reduced in the state.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“However, these gunboats are for security of lives and
property of Rivers state alone as it should not be taken to neighbouring states
on any account.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Any state government that wants to secure her waterways
should purchase its own gunboats because securing live and properties of Rivers
people is paramount to the state government,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wike  said the state
government would further acquire 13 Special Boats that would be distributed to
the Nigerian Navy, Army and the Police.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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The gunboats were fitted with 200 horse power engine; 12.7mm
machine guns, automatic grenade launchers and communication gadgets. (NAN)</div>

Rivers Govt. donates 8 assault gunboats to Navy

Rivers Govt. donates 8 assault gunboats to Navy The Nigerian Navy has received eight assault gunboats from Rivers State government that ...

Why I want to be Lagos Island LG chair – Ojora

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRTtx_VSE0mFUcXQ1Gxw2W4anFnBzt8htH8YWo9QsoAiZVCPJcSRvdlN0wdOcUm4SMHEGZqesqh-3sSc008Blxf6zQFtXf2jutUkdS_Qy9s2lAdmcOpc4q6OdTIomXw_dDtziOVNLxAk/s1600/p91-199x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRTtx_VSE0mFUcXQ1Gxw2W4anFnBzt8htH8YWo9QsoAiZVCPJcSRvdlN0wdOcUm4SMHEGZqesqh-3sSc008Blxf6zQFtXf2jutUkdS_Qy9s2lAdmcOpc4q6OdTIomXw_dDtziOVNLxAk/s320/p91-199x300.jpg" width="212" /></a>Why I want to be Lagos Island LG chair – Ojora<o:p></o:p></div>
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Apparently disturbed by the lackluster developments in the
Lagos Island local government areas, Prince Wale Ojora has taken the bull by
the horn to vie for the chairmanship position of the council in the forthcoming
local council elections.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is as a result of his conviction that he has got what
it takes to take the council area to the next level that will be in conformity
with his party’s manifestoes and aspiration of change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking recently with journalists, the former secretary to
the local<o:p></o:p></div>
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government explained that he was persuaded by various
political interest groups in the area who have severally lobbied him to come
out and vie for the position and perhaps make him the only candidate to beat at
the moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A well-educated young politician has his first degree in
Industrial<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chemistry and two masters degrees in chemical engineering
and operations research from the University of Lagos and Certification in
Oracle 9i Data administrator from Oracle university in South Africa<o:p></o:p></div>
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In his view, Lagos Island needs to be brought back to its
old glory<o:p></o:p></div>
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where virtually all the blue-chip companies used to have
their<o:p></o:p></div>
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headquarters either on Marina or Broad street, saying ‘it is<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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disheartening that almost all the companies now prefer
Victoria Island,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lekki or Ikoyi, we must find a way to bring those companies
back because the problems are being resolved by the present state governor.’<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ojora who presently oversees the Lagos State Law Enforcement
Training Institute (LETI) claimed to be the appropriate candidate for the post,
having been a Supervisor for works and Secretary to the local government in the
past and equally well educated to take the challenge of the council leadership.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to him, the local government urgently need to fix
all the primary health centers and the primary schools to give a decent life to
the residents who may not afford the luxury of private consultations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In this regard, he said an aggressive close collaboration
with the state government is needed to fast track all these massive
transformation which are very achieveable with a visionary leader like himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On his confidence to clinch the ticket of his party, All
Progressive Congress, Ojora opined that APC is a party of democrats that will
give a level playing ground to all aspirants and because of this, he is assured
that he is the man the party will put forward to contest the July election.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reeling in comfort of his royal blood, the prince who pride
himself as<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the home boy of Lagos Island called on his people to rally
round him to<o:p></o:p></div>
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achieve the dream of a new Lagos Island.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“At the moment we need to key our ideas into the state
governor’s vision to take our area to the next level. We should key into the
proposed<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
regeneration programme of the Marina by Governor Ambode to
benefit our people in terms of jobs and empowerment,” he said.</div>

Why I want to be Lagos Island LG chair – Ojora

Why I want to be Lagos Island LG chair – Ojora Apparently disturbed by the lackluster developments in the Lagos Island local government a...

ITOLU: Forgotten Ogun community of 201 deities, healing water

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHb6ltczuGshAenYT61QA17jY8HXI9ktBFLyJAdhHgVZc4tqzo-1XqFEkRgn8kk2muRQZp805Z38AzMp4pEP9jBfQC2i9wbLBTdBEhGyVaDy81ZJ6PRmV2J1e9wkuWH2RfToYX7HwpUc/s1600/ogun-com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHb6ltczuGshAenYT61QA17jY8HXI9ktBFLyJAdhHgVZc4tqzo-1XqFEkRgn8kk2muRQZp805Z38AzMp4pEP9jBfQC2i9wbLBTdBEhGyVaDy81ZJ6PRmV2J1e9wkuWH2RfToYX7HwpUc/s1600/ogun-com.jpg" /></a>ITOLU: Forgotten Ogun community of 201 deities, healing
water<o:p></o:p></div>
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Itolu is an ancient community in Yewa South Local Government
Area of Ogun State. Very close to Ilaro, the headquarters of the council and
shares boundary with Ita Waya. Situated on the Oja-Odan Road and directly
opposite the the second gate of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Itolu, though
in rustic and derelict situation, has a great historical significance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The community, populated by the Yoruba, Ohori, Eegun and Aja
people, neither has electricity nor potable water as well other social
amenities, but possesses a healing water. Equally, the town acclaimed to be
like a forebear to Ilaro, boasts of more than 200 Yoruba deities, while its Ile
Odu’a (shrine), remains central to crowning any Olu of Ilaro.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The spiritual water, it was learnt, has its sources from two
rivers – Osun and Yewa – joined another called Erifu and formed a confluence at
Itolu. Yewa is warm while Erifu and Osun are cold. This wonder of the nature
turned Itolu to a Mecca of sort, as people throng the nearly forgotten town,
for the spiritual water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Daily Sun visited the community, it was virtually
deserted, except for the few people carrying out one chore or another. A man
whose head was being shaved by his wife was approached. Flanked by their sons
who appeared to be twins, the couple was about responding, when a voice from
the house bellowed in Yoruba: “Awon Alagbari tun ti de. Bi won se ma nwa niyen.
E ma da won lohun”.  Meaning “Fraudsters
have come again. That is how they come every time. Don’t answer them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Few seconds later, a man who looked frail appeared from the
house and continued to sound the caveat to the couple. But after taking time to
carefully narrate the mission in details, the man who refused to give his name,
reluctantly agreed to talk, but not until his palm was “greased.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After haggling the “price” for a while, the middle aged man,
finally agreed to open up by only referring him to the most elderly person
around since the Baale, Chief Hamzat Ajibawo, was not available.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After asking about the whereabouts of the elder, he was said
to have gone to the farm. Immediately, the couple dispatched one of the “twins”
to go and call the man from his farm. After few minutes, the man appeared and
headed straight to his house, which was close to the couple’s abode.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man, apparently miffed by government’s neglect of the
town despite its historical significance, recoiled and blamed the couple for
yanking him off his farm for unimportant matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 80-year-old man, Pa Amole Adeyemi, lamented how many
prominent visitors including organisations had visited the town and promised to
help the town, but after they had allowed them to scoop the Erifu water, they
all disappeared into thin air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He said the elders in the town had since vowed to toll
access to the water since nobody was ready to help the town. According to him,
Ilaro was an offshoot of Itolu. He narrated that Oduduwa, the progenitor of
Yoruba race, lived in the town with his 201 deities, which till now have
shrines all over the town.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apart from the shrines for the deities, there is a
particular shrine dedicated to the invocation of Oduduwa’s spirit. He disclosed
that it is at this shrine any Olu of Ilaro will be for a whole day in order for
necessary propitation to take place. He added that at the shrine, however, no
water must be used for sacrifice purpose except the Erifu water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this juncture, Pa Adeyemi’s eyes became misty as he
talked about how the town has been abandoned and at the brink of extinction,
not only by government, but the monarch who understands the historical
importance of the town. He particularly recollected how the town was under
siege by land grabbers for over a year, yet, the traditional ruler could not
help the town.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the spiritual healing power of Erifu water, Pa Adeyemi,
said the claim was not a hoax as many visitors throng the river to scoop the
water. These visitors include churches, traditionalists, white men and others
who had been probably instructed by spiritualists to get the water. He,
however, said despite the healing power of the water, people should not toy
with the taboos associated with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, he said nobody should wash clothes in the
water, while the fish cannot be killed and cooked as food. He claimed that no
matter how many hours the fish is cooked, it would never be done for human
consumption.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the case of Ile Odu’a (shrine), no other water is allowed
into the shrine, while a woman who is on her menstrual  cycle, is forbidden from stepping into the
shrine. To show appreciation for the spiritual and historical significance of
Ile Odu’a, the elder said it was a white man who rebuilt the shrine with
facilities such as modern toilets and fence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corroborating Pa Adeyemi’s submission, a custodian of one of
the deities’ shrines, Ijise Akinyemi, a native of Ohori, said the 201 deities
domiciled in Itolu, are always offered sacrifices as at when due. Failure could
spell doom for not only Itolu but its offshoot, Ilaro.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another indigene, Augustine Oluwasegun, an ND 1 Accounting
student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, bemoaned the neglect the town
suffered over the years. He said the town which preceeded many historical towns
in Yoruba land, lacked basic amenities such as electricity and pipe borne
water:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If you noticed that people were not friendly when you came,
it was not their fault but the pains they feel by government’s neglect. You can
only feel the presence of government when an Olu of Ilaro is about to be
crowned. This is because he has a special propitation to be done with Erifu
water at Ile Odu’a. After the exercise, the town rolls back into oblivion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Even the access road to the riverside is now totally cut
off because of rainfall. The vegetation around the place is swampy and the
mangrove will surely hamper your gaining access to the water. We appeal to
government, because of the historical significance of the Itolu and spiritual
essence of Erifu water, social amenities should be provided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Also, Erifu water, Ile Odu’a as well as other shrines,
should be developed into tourism sites. It is sad that when you search for
‘Itolu’ on the google, the search engine will show the search result as
‘Italy’. The town that is supposed to be on a global map is being allowed to
ebb into historical oblivion.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When requested to be taken to the river, they all declined.
They claimed it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a
needle, than for anybody to go to the riverside. But when they were told that
the mission would be incomplete, without visiting the water, they called for
volunteers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Armed with machetes, two able bodied men and the student
guided Daily Sun to Erifu water. The access road was bushy, while the ambience
of the water had become marshy and dark because of the panoply of huge trees
and mangrove around the area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The train, however, waddled through the swampy path, replete
with thorns, leeches and wild wasps, before it managed to get to the river,
with its “confluence” barely visible as a result of ferns, which has almost
covered the surface of Erifu. But the flow from both Yewa and Osun tributaries,
were distinct and warm nature of Yewa was felt. 
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The villagers, having realised that there was no intentin to
stealthily scoop Erifu water as initially thought, showed their appreciation by
giving cherries (Agbalumo) as a token for their hospitality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Efforts should be geared towards the development of tourism
potentials, not only in Itolu, but in other places in Nigeria.</div>
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<br /></div>

ITOLU: Forgotten Ogun community of 201 deities, healing water

ITOLU: Forgotten Ogun community of 201 deities, healing water Itolu is an ancient community in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun S...

Nigeria in terrible state, says Atiku

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLgrNg9hg7ZrYzJp91DBFMY0dNaZw19TpTUHMxOMopBcnKs6lYXstC84vgfj-mhd4_xg2dkuNI3iOacwWk1DWuxAhvW4-YyJ_CrgRI9GZWELDBfEAQ-50WmkMuCPicetgfJcKDYlRUFM/s1600/Atiku_Abubakar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLgrNg9hg7ZrYzJp91DBFMY0dNaZw19TpTUHMxOMopBcnKs6lYXstC84vgfj-mhd4_xg2dkuNI3iOacwWk1DWuxAhvW4-YyJ_CrgRI9GZWELDBfEAQ-50WmkMuCPicetgfJcKDYlRUFM/s1600/Atiku_Abubakar.jpg" /></a>Nigeria in terrible state, says Atiku<o:p></o:p></div>
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Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday,
said Nigeria is facing a grim situation. He lamented that widening tribal and
political crevices as well as economic hardship were taking huge toll on the
country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Abubakar who spoke during the public presentation of a
newspaper, the Daily Stream in Abuja warned that unless the structure of
Nigeria which he said is currently posing an impediment to growth was
retouched,  the country’s situation  may worsen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The former vice president who was a guest speaker at the
lecture which theme was: “The challenge of unity, diversity and national
development: Nigeria at a crossroads” said  
the structure of Nigeria’s federation and governance constituted an
impediment to its economic development, political stability and social harmony.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Changing them would help to place our country on a path to
phenomenal and unhindered development. To persist in what we are doing now is
to do injustice to ourselves and jeopardise our future. We should endeavour to
effect the needed changes by talking among ourselves and across our various
divides – engaging in meaningful dialogue.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He added: “Unity, diversity and national development are
among Nigeria’s greatest challenges. Unity has been a scarce commodity among
our country’s diverse peoples and communities, as a consequence of the way and
manner the country was put together by British colonial authorities and our
collective failure as a people to create a true and viable nation out of the
union.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“This has become a major source of disquiet, anxiety and
frustration and a veritable obstacle to national development.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He expressed regrets that 
disagreements and controversies over the best political structure to be
adopted, size and responsibility of government, the nature of relationship
between and among component units, the type and system of government, as well
as how resources available in and accruing to the country should be allocated
have continued unabated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Those controversies have sometimes threatened the very
existence of the country. A huge pall of pessimism hangs over a section of the
citizenry, and the ranks of those who harbour real doubt about the future of
the country swell by the day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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He emphasised that the country is facing one of its worst
moments. “The country is truly at a crossroads, and things are made worse by
the cocktail of economic, social, political and problems which we have had to
contend with, and which add to the abysmally low estimation of our country even
by its own citizens.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, he enjoined the citizenry not to lose hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I am not here just to lament over the sad and unenviable
state of affairs in Nigeria. I firmly believe in the viability of the Nigerian
project, I remain unshaken and completely persuaded that we can eventually
change the story of Nigeria for good by collectively making Nigeria a
productive, prosperous, peaceful and united nation whose people are happy and
contented and one that is able to really lead Africa and assume a pride of
place in the comity of nations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“To achieve that, he said: “we must elevate and steer
conversation away from empty rhetoric and platitudes. We must instigate and see
to the full and faithful implementation of profound changes in the political
structure, organisation, functions and performance of state, and a radical
re-organization of government, its organs and personnel.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the country’s skewed structure which, according to him is
working against the growth of Nigeria, the former Vice President said: “There
are several reasons why we have failed to be welded into one nation after over
a hundred years since we became one country. I would like to talk about the
nature of the country’s structure as one factor. We purport to operate a
federal structure, but over the years our federalism has experienced fundamental
distortion to the extent that there is now a huge, acrimonious debate as to the
true nature and character of our brand of federalism. I call it unitary
federalism because while we still have a formal federal system, the centre has
become too powerful relative to the increasingly unviable federating units.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“As regions, the different levels of government were fairly
viable, notwithstanding their modest financial standing, and were largely
administered according to established rules and procedures. Accountability,
probity and relatively prudent management of resources were evident. The
citizens were happy and substantially felt part of the governance process – at
least they recognised the existence of government, paid their taxes and could
point at tangible deliverables from government.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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“Now as indigenes of states, the citizens are largely
disgruntled and unhappy. And although most of them don’t pay taxes directly to
the government coffers, they often feel short-changed and complain of abject
neglect. They hardly feel that they are part of the governance process, and
they often hold their leaders in contempt – or at least they are more likely to
blame than praise their leaders. Some have emotionally and for all intents and
purposes, completely de-linked themselves from the Nigerian state and now
inhabit a surreal world where they believe in all sorts of strange ideas.”</div>

Nigeria in terrible state, says Atiku

Nigeria in terrible state, says Atiku Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, said Nigeria is facing a grim situation. H...