Saturday 31 August 2013
I WAS AFRAID OF BROKEN BONES - MESSI
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has admitted that he was afraid that he had sustained broken bones during his recent injury woes.

The Argentine has conceded that he had no idea what his recent injury was at first and has insisted that no one lied over the true nature of the knock
The Argentine was forced to miss the recent win over Malaga due to a knock picked up in the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa against Atletico.
However, he returned soon after and has stressed that the club did not hide anything about the nature of the injury.
"It was nothing more than a knock," he is quoted as saying by Marca.
"I couldn't see what it was properly in the picture, whether it was broken or not. Luckily it was just a knock. Many things have been said.
"I've heard that the club and I were hiding things. I did not hide anything. I'm coming back from an injury, it was tough because I relapsed and that made me more careful and recover better."
Messi missed a penalty in the return leg against Atletico as Barca edged an away goals victory to claim the trophy and the 26-year-old has voiced his delight at overcoming a tough team.
"I'm happy to have won the title," he continued.
"We played against a team who made things very difficult, who are closed off and do well on the counter, leaving no space. The truth was that it was a tough tie."
Barcelona travel to Valencia on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00CET.
GOV OKOROCHA DENIES LEGALISING ABORTION IN IMO
Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has said that the bill currently in the House of Assembly is not for the legalisation of abortion.

Okorocha said this when he reacted to reports that the state government had legalised abortion in Owerri on Friday
He explained that the bill would eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence, including sexual, psychological, domestic and harmful traditional practices.
The governor said the bill was also expected to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishments of offenders.
Okorocha added that the bill would equally enable every woman to enjoy reproductive rights as well as the right to medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest.
He also said the bill made provision for right to medical abortion where the pregnancy endangers the life of or the physical, mental, psychological or emotional health of the mother.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Speaker of assembly, Mr Benjamin Uwajumogu, had also denied passing any law legalising abortion in the state.
Uwajumogu decried the misunderstanding of the bill, explaining that it was for prevention of violence and protection of women's rights.
He said the bill, which made provision for the termination of a foetus in cases of incest or rape, did not legalise abortion.
The speaker said the house was set to make amendments to the bill to avoid further misunderstandings. (NAN)

Okorocha said this when he reacted to reports that the state government had legalised abortion in Owerri on Friday
He explained that the bill would eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence, including sexual, psychological, domestic and harmful traditional practices.
The governor said the bill was also expected to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishments of offenders.
Okorocha added that the bill would equally enable every woman to enjoy reproductive rights as well as the right to medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest.
He also said the bill made provision for right to medical abortion where the pregnancy endangers the life of or the physical, mental, psychological or emotional health of the mother.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Speaker of assembly, Mr Benjamin Uwajumogu, had also denied passing any law legalising abortion in the state.
Uwajumogu decried the misunderstanding of the bill, explaining that it was for prevention of violence and protection of women's rights.
He said the bill, which made provision for the termination of a foetus in cases of incest or rape, did not legalise abortion.
The speaker said the house was set to make amendments to the bill to avoid further misunderstandings. (NAN)
SHOCKING:WOMAN KILLS HUSBAND AND COOKS BODY
A woman in eastern China murdered her husband and boiled the corpse to cover her tracks after he abused her and her daughter, a report said Saturday.
The woman drugged the man, her second husband, and tortured him for three days in June by withholding food and water and beating him, causing his death, said a report on government-backed news portal Anhui News.
She then dismembered the corpse with a saw and boiled the parts in a pressure cooker to hide the evidence, the report said. It did not detail how she disposed of the cooked flesh afterwards.
The psychological burden of the crime proved too much for her to bear, causing her to lose 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms) and turn herself in to the police, according to the report.
A police officer in Anhui province's Lu'an City, where the incident occurred, confirmed the case to AFP but declined to give further details.
The woman drugged the man, her second husband, and tortured him for three days in June by withholding food and water and beating him, causing his death, said a report on government-backed news portal Anhui News.
She then dismembered the corpse with a saw and boiled the parts in a pressure cooker to hide the evidence, the report said. It did not detail how she disposed of the cooked flesh afterwards.
The psychological burden of the crime proved too much for her to bear, causing her to lose 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms) and turn herself in to the police, according to the report.
A police officer in Anhui province's Lu'an City, where the incident occurred, confirmed the case to AFP but declined to give further details.
PASTOR J OF GOD'S HOUSE,ABUJA ACCUSES PASTOR BIODUN FATOYINBO (COZA) OF ADULTERY
For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed." Isaiah 9:16 . Let them alone: they be leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Matt 15:14
I was going to be silent on this sad, pathetic but true (in many shades) allegation against Pastor B and his popular and trendy ministry. My silence was borne out of respect for the kingdom of God and things that pertain to God. But all this changed when I heard the horrific tales of people who had been through the mess of this blind man, and the fact that he had no moral motivation to deny or accept the allegation; all he showed on Sunday was a demented swagger and perverse talk.
My sole purpose in writing this piece is to open the eyes of the world and believers to the hypocrisy and nonsense behind the pulpit, and to plea that these wolves and blind men stop deflating the faith of people who Christ died for. I am a Pastor, a full time minister at that, and I shall not sit back while the name of my God, the ministry, and the works of other shepherds is brought to disrepute by the activities, action and inaction of a few blind men behind the pulpit.
I am tired of the nonsense of religion crying out, "touch not my anointed"; does this mean we cannot rebuke ourselves when we err, this much Paul did to Peter when he erred in Galatians 2:11 "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed". It is therefore pertinent that I rebuke the wolves in shepherd's clothing's. It is time to set the record straight, and please don't sell me the bullocks of judge not, I haven't said anyone is going to hell, but of course if they don't change, they have only one path.
It is high time we told the truth, which is plain, simple and without coloration. The stories of Franca and Ese is not only true but they are just a few tales of the tantalizing sex escapades of this clergy. This has been a recurring decimal in the ministry of the clergyman. This wasn't the first time these stories will come forth, for those old COZA members, for those who were there when he was in Ilorin, when the church moved to Pipeline Road, Ilorin, having left Kwara Hotel, they will remember there was a time when the Pastor was suspended from ministering by his Father in the Lord, Rev Oset of Canaan Ministries.
Rev. Oset sent guest ministers to the church every Sunday after that, but still Pastor B in his deceit will still minister in the pretence of introducing the guest minister, while he exhorts for minutes. I therefore laugh in mockery when He says his wife loves him, the woman has no choice. His core circle of Pastor Wole (Ilorin Chapter, the only man who maybe clean), and Pastor Flo (COZA, Lagos) knows of this fact, little wonder Ese said Pastor Flo said he knows about their adventures in that hotel room in London.
This is not the story of a hater; I don't want or envy anything he has. He cannot ever have what I have and carry; neither do I crave for what he has. I am sure no one in the city of Ilorin, where this man started is bemused by these stories, no one who finished from the University of Ilorin during the period of 2003-2008, and was not a blinded COZA member can be mightily shocked at these revelations.
I have heard tales of many more victims, I even heard from a woman who knows five friends who were victims, I saw it online the other day of a guy who said he formally works for him and he knows up to 130 people, outrageous as it may sound that too is true. Rev Oset in true conscience cannot deny the knowledge of these negatives. But we are a nation of hypocrites and religious folks; we ask no questions of leaders, so they can hide under the canopy of religion, even when they are filthy. Anyone who asks is rebuked by those who say, the bible says pray.
It is sad that those who say pray themselves have not prayed. But Pastor B is just a decimal in an ever mounting number of wolves in the Church of Christ
Someone told me yesterday that this can't be the end of him and his tyranny, because even in Ilorin in those days, the allegation was rolled under the rug. On Sunday, August 25, 2013, the man leading certain blind men under the veil of religion and 'spiritism' said God told him not to say anything, he then said they are preparing a robust response. Who is fooling who? We must not keep quiet and watch the bride of Christ, the church, rubbed and undignified in mud and slime by a filthily rich pastor who thinks he can do anything and get away with it.
It is a pity that we run sensational press and media outfit in this country, and that our press is blinded by religion. If this were to be 'saner' climes the press would by now be researching, there would by now be investigative journalism. The truth would be dogged up and resurrected to life. For this is not about a mistake that a Pastor made, it is about a filthy man's way of life.
And then about, "teaching a new level of grace'; please be reminded that Grace is not a license to sin, rather it empowers us to live above sin. Romans 6:1-2 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" In my years of being a Christian, studying God's word, preaching the gospel, listening to sound teachers, I have not heard of a grace that gives permission to sin.
Stop being deceived, grace is the new dispensation, according to Hebrew 8:6-12, and under grace we do not follow any written code, law or traditions. That is done away with. The tablet of Moses is over with. But we are not reckless sinners; we are under a new covenant based on better promises. God's law is written in our minds and hearts. We live according to His dictates. The Holy Spirit and our conscience convicts and judges us respectively. This is the only way we live a holy life. God's strength and empowerment is the grace to do according to that written by God in our hearts and minds.
I write this with a heavy heart, though I wish I never had to write this, but I pray this madness stops. I know many who have stopped going to church, many whose faith has been derailed by the act of madness of this man, and many blind men like him. If they are not going to heaven, let them stop taking men out of the straight and narrow. No one understands the pain in meeting a man, whose faith has been derailed by a man who was supposed to help establish him. For such a man, words can't bring him back, the best we can do is to pray and hope. I indulge the clergy to be of a higher moral standard.
My candid advice to the church at this end time is that the church must grow in knowledge; it's high time we stopped bamboozling you. You must stop making idols of men. You must stop making men such as I, substitute for the Holy Ghost. Honour us; revere us… but that is where it ends. Without the Call, the Oil, and the Holy Spirit; we are mere mortal. But know for sure that this too shall pass; only the truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom abides forever.
For Pastor B and his sense making COZA people, remember the word of Christ in Matthew 15:14. How many of you even live life bearing the fruit of righteousness. Stop being blind, the ditch is close by. Look into this case, ask your pastor questions, seek genuine answers and not emotional rhetorics, hold him responsible, and do not forget the word of God, "then shall they know if they follow to know…" I am sure evidence abound. Seek to know from some key PCU members (who may need to be deposited in Gods ICU). Its time you hear not only about grace, but HOLINESS without which no one will see the Lord.
Finally don't bother praying against me, I can say like Paul, "For me to die is gain, to live is Christ", but I cannot even go now, because I am yet to fully finish the task set before me. Don't waste your time using misguided scriptural interpretation. This I write is true, and I am sorry if you don't like it. Your Pastor, and every other wolf whose conscience is not seared knows it is the complete true.
God bless you.
God bless His Church.
God bless Nigeria
From Pastor J
God's House
I was going to be silent on this sad, pathetic but true (in many shades) allegation against Pastor B and his popular and trendy ministry. My silence was borne out of respect for the kingdom of God and things that pertain to God. But all this changed when I heard the horrific tales of people who had been through the mess of this blind man, and the fact that he had no moral motivation to deny or accept the allegation; all he showed on Sunday was a demented swagger and perverse talk.
My sole purpose in writing this piece is to open the eyes of the world and believers to the hypocrisy and nonsense behind the pulpit, and to plea that these wolves and blind men stop deflating the faith of people who Christ died for. I am a Pastor, a full time minister at that, and I shall not sit back while the name of my God, the ministry, and the works of other shepherds is brought to disrepute by the activities, action and inaction of a few blind men behind the pulpit.
I am tired of the nonsense of religion crying out, "touch not my anointed"; does this mean we cannot rebuke ourselves when we err, this much Paul did to Peter when he erred in Galatians 2:11 "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed". It is therefore pertinent that I rebuke the wolves in shepherd's clothing's. It is time to set the record straight, and please don't sell me the bullocks of judge not, I haven't said anyone is going to hell, but of course if they don't change, they have only one path.
It is high time we told the truth, which is plain, simple and without coloration. The stories of Franca and Ese is not only true but they are just a few tales of the tantalizing sex escapades of this clergy. This has been a recurring decimal in the ministry of the clergyman. This wasn't the first time these stories will come forth, for those old COZA members, for those who were there when he was in Ilorin, when the church moved to Pipeline Road, Ilorin, having left Kwara Hotel, they will remember there was a time when the Pastor was suspended from ministering by his Father in the Lord, Rev Oset of Canaan Ministries.
Rev. Oset sent guest ministers to the church every Sunday after that, but still Pastor B in his deceit will still minister in the pretence of introducing the guest minister, while he exhorts for minutes. I therefore laugh in mockery when He says his wife loves him, the woman has no choice. His core circle of Pastor Wole (Ilorin Chapter, the only man who maybe clean), and Pastor Flo (COZA, Lagos) knows of this fact, little wonder Ese said Pastor Flo said he knows about their adventures in that hotel room in London.
This is not the story of a hater; I don't want or envy anything he has. He cannot ever have what I have and carry; neither do I crave for what he has. I am sure no one in the city of Ilorin, where this man started is bemused by these stories, no one who finished from the University of Ilorin during the period of 2003-2008, and was not a blinded COZA member can be mightily shocked at these revelations.
I have heard tales of many more victims, I even heard from a woman who knows five friends who were victims, I saw it online the other day of a guy who said he formally works for him and he knows up to 130 people, outrageous as it may sound that too is true. Rev Oset in true conscience cannot deny the knowledge of these negatives. But we are a nation of hypocrites and religious folks; we ask no questions of leaders, so they can hide under the canopy of religion, even when they are filthy. Anyone who asks is rebuked by those who say, the bible says pray.
It is sad that those who say pray themselves have not prayed. But Pastor B is just a decimal in an ever mounting number of wolves in the Church of Christ
Someone told me yesterday that this can't be the end of him and his tyranny, because even in Ilorin in those days, the allegation was rolled under the rug. On Sunday, August 25, 2013, the man leading certain blind men under the veil of religion and 'spiritism' said God told him not to say anything, he then said they are preparing a robust response. Who is fooling who? We must not keep quiet and watch the bride of Christ, the church, rubbed and undignified in mud and slime by a filthily rich pastor who thinks he can do anything and get away with it.
It is a pity that we run sensational press and media outfit in this country, and that our press is blinded by religion. If this were to be 'saner' climes the press would by now be researching, there would by now be investigative journalism. The truth would be dogged up and resurrected to life. For this is not about a mistake that a Pastor made, it is about a filthy man's way of life.
And then about, "teaching a new level of grace'; please be reminded that Grace is not a license to sin, rather it empowers us to live above sin. Romans 6:1-2 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" In my years of being a Christian, studying God's word, preaching the gospel, listening to sound teachers, I have not heard of a grace that gives permission to sin.
Stop being deceived, grace is the new dispensation, according to Hebrew 8:6-12, and under grace we do not follow any written code, law or traditions. That is done away with. The tablet of Moses is over with. But we are not reckless sinners; we are under a new covenant based on better promises. God's law is written in our minds and hearts. We live according to His dictates. The Holy Spirit and our conscience convicts and judges us respectively. This is the only way we live a holy life. God's strength and empowerment is the grace to do according to that written by God in our hearts and minds.
I write this with a heavy heart, though I wish I never had to write this, but I pray this madness stops. I know many who have stopped going to church, many whose faith has been derailed by the act of madness of this man, and many blind men like him. If they are not going to heaven, let them stop taking men out of the straight and narrow. No one understands the pain in meeting a man, whose faith has been derailed by a man who was supposed to help establish him. For such a man, words can't bring him back, the best we can do is to pray and hope. I indulge the clergy to be of a higher moral standard.
My candid advice to the church at this end time is that the church must grow in knowledge; it's high time we stopped bamboozling you. You must stop making idols of men. You must stop making men such as I, substitute for the Holy Ghost. Honour us; revere us… but that is where it ends. Without the Call, the Oil, and the Holy Spirit; we are mere mortal. But know for sure that this too shall pass; only the truth of the Gospel of the Kingdom abides forever.
For Pastor B and his sense making COZA people, remember the word of Christ in Matthew 15:14. How many of you even live life bearing the fruit of righteousness. Stop being blind, the ditch is close by. Look into this case, ask your pastor questions, seek genuine answers and not emotional rhetorics, hold him responsible, and do not forget the word of God, "then shall they know if they follow to know…" I am sure evidence abound. Seek to know from some key PCU members (who may need to be deposited in Gods ICU). Its time you hear not only about grace, but HOLINESS without which no one will see the Lord.
Finally don't bother praying against me, I can say like Paul, "For me to die is gain, to live is Christ", but I cannot even go now, because I am yet to fully finish the task set before me. Don't waste your time using misguided scriptural interpretation. This I write is true, and I am sorry if you don't like it. Your Pastor, and every other wolf whose conscience is not seared knows it is the complete true.
God bless you.
God bless His Church.
God bless Nigeria
From Pastor J
God's House
TRAGIC: 14-YEAR-OLD SSS1 PUPIL MURDERED IN ONDO
A 14-year-old Senior Secondary School SS1 pupil Oluwaseyi Adelegan who was the son of the National President of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, Comrade Solomon Adelegan has been murdered in cold blood by yet to be identified killers.
Oluwaseyi was said to have been murdered at his father's residence in Aduralere quarters, Ijoka areas of Akure in the early hour on Thursday.
Report had it that the deceased was matcheted when the killers invaded their residence and was left to die by his killers. Saturday Vanguard learnt that the deceased on the ill-fated day was alone in the house while other siblings have all gone for holiday lesson.
Why he did not accompany others to the holiday lesson that day was not known. The killers according to Police source matchetted him in the room, leaving him to die there but he was said to have managed to crawl from the room to the sitting room but had no more strength to crawl further to the front door in order to raise alarm.
His dead body lying in the pool of his blood was met in the living room by the other siblings when they returned from the holiday lesson and they raised alarm which attracted neighbours who could not render any assistance as he was said to be stone dead.
The Police in the State have vowed to bring to book the killers of the innocent boy.
Oluwaseyi was said to have been murdered at his father's residence in Aduralere quarters, Ijoka areas of Akure in the early hour on Thursday.
Report had it that the deceased was matcheted when the killers invaded their residence and was left to die by his killers. Saturday Vanguard learnt that the deceased on the ill-fated day was alone in the house while other siblings have all gone for holiday lesson.
Why he did not accompany others to the holiday lesson that day was not known. The killers according to Police source matchetted him in the room, leaving him to die there but he was said to have managed to crawl from the room to the sitting room but had no more strength to crawl further to the front door in order to raise alarm.
His dead body lying in the pool of his blood was met in the living room by the other siblings when they returned from the holiday lesson and they raised alarm which attracted neighbours who could not render any assistance as he was said to be stone dead.
The Police in the State have vowed to bring to book the killers of the innocent boy.
PDP: COURT STOPS SUSPENSION OF ANDY UBA,OTHERS
An Abuja Federal High Court on Friday stopped the suspension of Sen. Andy Uba, his brother Chris and three others by the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The PDP NWC had on Thursday suspended the Uba brothers, as well as Chief Benji Udeozor, Ejike Oguebego, and Mrs. Tonia Nwankwu for conducting a parallel state congress for the nomination of a governorship candidate in Anambra State.
Andy Uba, who is seeking election as governor of the state in the November 16, 2013 poll, emerged the party's candidate in the controversial congress.
They were suspended through a letter signed by the party's Acting National Secretary, Dr. Charles Akintoye.
However, Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja FHC on Friday granted an interim order "suspending the suspension" pending the hearing and determination of a motion in which the five PDP members challenged disciplinary actions taken against them by the party.
PDP and the Inspector General of Police were listed as defendants in the suit.
The Uba brothers and the three others had on Thursday approached the Abuja FHC with an ex parte motion, asking the court to stop PDP from suspending them, but Justice Mohammed directed that the party must first come before him on Friday to explain why the prayers sought by the plaintiffs should not be granted.
At the resumption of hearing in the matter on Friday, PDP counsel, Clems Ezika, said the order directing the party to appear before the court to show cause was not served on the party.
Instead, he said the party was only served with the motion ex parte, the affidavit in support of the motion ex parte, written addresses and exhibits.
Ezika, as a result, asked the court to give him three days, in line with the rules of the court, to reply to the motion and thereby show why the court should not grant it.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Abe Taiwo, opposed PDP's application for an adjournment, and insisted that the order to appear before the court to show cause why the ex parte motion should not be granted was served on the party.
At the behest of Justice Mohammed, a court clerk perused the court records and it was discovered that, indeed, the order directing PDP to appear before the court to show cause was served on the party at its national secretariat on Thursday.
Having failed to appear before the court on Friday to explain why the motion filed by the Uba brothers and their colleagues should not be granted as ordered, Justice Mohammed therefore granted the ex parte motion and stopped the suspension of the plaintiffs.
As a result, he gave "an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents (PDP, IG) by themselves or their agents, privies, servants, national officers, disciplinary committee or whatsoever from enforcing or carrying into effect, acting upon or giving effect, or doing anything whatsoever pursuant to the suspension letter issued and signed on all the plaintiffs/applicants by the Acting National Secretary of the 1st defendant/respondent dated 29 August, 2013, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 28 day of August 2013."
In the same vein, the judge also made an order of interim injunction "restraining the disciplinary committee constituted by the PDP to try the plaintiffs from proceeding to take any action that may jeopardise the plaintiffs' membership status at the PDP, pending the hearing and determination of the motion."
Earlier, while urging the court to grant the ex parte motion, counsel to the plaintiffs, Taiwo, had informed the court that PDP tricked his clients into coming to the party's national secretariat to collect the suspension letters.
According to him, the acting national secretary invited them to a "purported settlement meeting" at the party's national secretariat, only to shock and embarrass them on their arrival by issuing them with copies of the suspension letter.
Taiwo said the acting national secretary took the action immediately the party was served with the order directing it to appear before the court to explain why the plaintiffs motion should not be granted.
But PDP lawyer, Ezika, described the alleged plot to expel the plaintiffs as "speculatory". Justice Mohammed fixed September 5, 2013 for hearing of the plaintiffs' motion.

The PDP NWC had on Thursday suspended the Uba brothers, as well as Chief Benji Udeozor, Ejike Oguebego, and Mrs. Tonia Nwankwu for conducting a parallel state congress for the nomination of a governorship candidate in Anambra State.
Andy Uba, who is seeking election as governor of the state in the November 16, 2013 poll, emerged the party's candidate in the controversial congress.
They were suspended through a letter signed by the party's Acting National Secretary, Dr. Charles Akintoye.
However, Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja FHC on Friday granted an interim order "suspending the suspension" pending the hearing and determination of a motion in which the five PDP members challenged disciplinary actions taken against them by the party.
PDP and the Inspector General of Police were listed as defendants in the suit.
The Uba brothers and the three others had on Thursday approached the Abuja FHC with an ex parte motion, asking the court to stop PDP from suspending them, but Justice Mohammed directed that the party must first come before him on Friday to explain why the prayers sought by the plaintiffs should not be granted.
At the resumption of hearing in the matter on Friday, PDP counsel, Clems Ezika, said the order directing the party to appear before the court to show cause was not served on the party.
Instead, he said the party was only served with the motion ex parte, the affidavit in support of the motion ex parte, written addresses and exhibits.
Ezika, as a result, asked the court to give him three days, in line with the rules of the court, to reply to the motion and thereby show why the court should not grant it.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Abe Taiwo, opposed PDP's application for an adjournment, and insisted that the order to appear before the court to show cause why the ex parte motion should not be granted was served on the party.
At the behest of Justice Mohammed, a court clerk perused the court records and it was discovered that, indeed, the order directing PDP to appear before the court to show cause was served on the party at its national secretariat on Thursday.
Having failed to appear before the court on Friday to explain why the motion filed by the Uba brothers and their colleagues should not be granted as ordered, Justice Mohammed therefore granted the ex parte motion and stopped the suspension of the plaintiffs.
As a result, he gave "an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents (PDP, IG) by themselves or their agents, privies, servants, national officers, disciplinary committee or whatsoever from enforcing or carrying into effect, acting upon or giving effect, or doing anything whatsoever pursuant to the suspension letter issued and signed on all the plaintiffs/applicants by the Acting National Secretary of the 1st defendant/respondent dated 29 August, 2013, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated 28 day of August 2013."
In the same vein, the judge also made an order of interim injunction "restraining the disciplinary committee constituted by the PDP to try the plaintiffs from proceeding to take any action that may jeopardise the plaintiffs' membership status at the PDP, pending the hearing and determination of the motion."
Earlier, while urging the court to grant the ex parte motion, counsel to the plaintiffs, Taiwo, had informed the court that PDP tricked his clients into coming to the party's national secretariat to collect the suspension letters.
According to him, the acting national secretary invited them to a "purported settlement meeting" at the party's national secretariat, only to shock and embarrass them on their arrival by issuing them with copies of the suspension letter.
Taiwo said the acting national secretary took the action immediately the party was served with the order directing it to appear before the court to explain why the plaintiffs motion should not be granted.
But PDP lawyer, Ezika, described the alleged plot to expel the plaintiffs as "speculatory". Justice Mohammed fixed September 5, 2013 for hearing of the plaintiffs' motion.
SEAN KINGSTON SUED FOR ALLEGED GANG RAPE
Sean Kingston and his bodyguard gang raped a drunk teenager in the singer's hotel room back in 2010, according to a new lawsuit -- but Sean has denied the accusation
Carissa Capeloto now 22 claims she was forced to have sex with Sean, his bodyguard and a member of Sean's band at a Seattle hotel in July, 2010, after she had smoked pot and downed 7-10 shots of vodka.
Capeloto -- who has sued all 3 men -- alleges she'd been invited to Kingston's hotel room for a meet-and-greet following a Bieber concert -- where Kingston had also performed -- but when she showed up ... Kingston was waiting naked on his bed.
Capeloto claims the bodyguard picked her up and placed her on top of Kingston, and all three of the men proceeded to gang rape her while she was "obviously intoxicated, incapable of consent."
Capeloto says her friend later entered the room and rescued her. The police were called and Capeloto was taken to the hospital where she says she was treated for physical injuries consistent with rape.
She says her life has been ruined and she can barely sleep, has mood swings and panic attacks. Capeloto wants $5 mil minimum.
Between criminal charges against Kingston were dropped in 2010 after cops concluded Capeloto wasn't credible enough for a legit case.
Kingston has filed legal docs insisting the sex was 100% consensual.
Carissa Capeloto now 22 claims she was forced to have sex with Sean, his bodyguard and a member of Sean's band at a Seattle hotel in July, 2010, after she had smoked pot and downed 7-10 shots of vodka.
Capeloto -- who has sued all 3 men -- alleges she'd been invited to Kingston's hotel room for a meet-and-greet following a Bieber concert -- where Kingston had also performed -- but when she showed up ... Kingston was waiting naked on his bed.
Capeloto claims the bodyguard picked her up and placed her on top of Kingston, and all three of the men proceeded to gang rape her while she was "obviously intoxicated, incapable of consent."
Capeloto says her friend later entered the room and rescued her. The police were called and Capeloto was taken to the hospital where she says she was treated for physical injuries consistent with rape.
She says her life has been ruined and she can barely sleep, has mood swings and panic attacks. Capeloto wants $5 mil minimum.
Between criminal charges against Kingston were dropped in 2010 after cops concluded Capeloto wasn't credible enough for a legit case.
Kingston has filed legal docs insisting the sex was 100% consensual.
MANDELA STILL IN HOSPITAL - SOUTH AFRICAN GOVT
Reports that former South African President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital are incorrect, South Africa's presidency says.
The BBC and other news outlets reported earlier that Mr. Mandela had returned to his Johannesburg home.
The presidency said in a statement that Mr. Mandela was critical but stable but at times his condition became unstable prompting medical intervention.
The 95-year-old was admitted with a recurring lung infection on June 8. The country's first black president, Mr. Mandela is revered by many as the father of the nation.
His prolonged hospital stay has caused concern both in South Africa and abroad. The infection is said to date back to a period of nearly three decades he spent in prison for anti-apartheid activity.
The BBC and other news outlets reported earlier that Mr. Mandela had returned to his Johannesburg home.
The presidency said in a statement that Mr. Mandela was critical but stable but at times his condition became unstable prompting medical intervention.
The 95-year-old was admitted with a recurring lung infection on June 8. The country's first black president, Mr. Mandela is revered by many as the father of the nation.
His prolonged hospital stay has caused concern both in South Africa and abroad. The infection is said to date back to a period of nearly three decades he spent in prison for anti-apartheid activity.
KESHI RUES MOSES 'SNUB' AT CHELSEA
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi , has expressed serious concerns over Victor Moses snub at his English Premier League club Chelsea.
Moses has not been listed for Chelsea since the beginning of the new season and was also not part of the squad for Friday's UEFA Super Cup clash against Bayern Munich.
"I am worried about Moses situation at Chelsea," Keshi told MTNFootball.com "I called him the other day to know what was wrong and sincerely the boy is also concerned.
They had said he reported late to Chelsea after the South Africa game and that is not true because Moses confirmed to me that he did not miss any training session."
Keshi added: "I don't know the plans of Jose Morinho but sincerely am worried at the continued lack of action for Moses. The boy wants to play, he loves to play and it hurts that he is not playing because we need him to be playing week in, week out."
In the meantime, West Bromwich Albion is the latest club to be linked with the unsettled Nigerian winger. Steve Clarke is considering a move to land Moses after saying WBA do not stand a chance to land Romelo Lukaku.
The 2013 AFCON hero has been on the wanted list of several clubs namely Liverpool, Everton, West Ham Southampton and Hull City.
Moses has not been listed for Chelsea since the beginning of the new season and was also not part of the squad for Friday's UEFA Super Cup clash against Bayern Munich.
"I am worried about Moses situation at Chelsea," Keshi told MTNFootball.com "I called him the other day to know what was wrong and sincerely the boy is also concerned.
They had said he reported late to Chelsea after the South Africa game and that is not true because Moses confirmed to me that he did not miss any training session."
Keshi added: "I don't know the plans of Jose Morinho but sincerely am worried at the continued lack of action for Moses. The boy wants to play, he loves to play and it hurts that he is not playing because we need him to be playing week in, week out."
In the meantime, West Bromwich Albion is the latest club to be linked with the unsettled Nigerian winger. Steve Clarke is considering a move to land Moses after saying WBA do not stand a chance to land Romelo Lukaku.
The 2013 AFCON hero has been on the wanted list of several clubs namely Liverpool, Everton, West Ham Southampton and Hull City.
ASUU STRIKE: COMPLY WITH LECTURERS' DEMANDS,PARENTS BEG FG
It's been two months since the Academic Staff Union of Universities embarked on a nationwide indefinite strike. This was as a result of the inability of the Federal Government to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with ASUU.
Recently Saturday Vanguard spoke with parents whose children are affected as they begged the government to reach a compromise with ASUU .
Mr. Ohwaguono Onos, a parent and a post graduate student of University of Lagos( UNILAG), who was affected by the strike has this to say. "The ASUU strike has made my children shift focus to other things that are costing me additional funds I didn't budget for. And parents who cannot engage their wards in these suffer distress and heart-aches because of the nuisance the students constitute at home.
One thing I have learnt is that after each episode of strike, the students are no more focused even when they resume lectures because they have been out for so long. ASUU went on strike because they want the govenrment to come to their plight and help them. "If the Senators can have sitting and sleeping allowances, then the builders of these characters should be considered; they are the lecturers.
My only pain is that these ones in government are not feeling it because their own children are not in the Federal and State universities. Their children are abroad schooling, their children are in private universities. Most of the people in sensitive government positions are the owners of most private Universities which are funded by our own money.
How can the strike affect the government? Our plea is for the government to listen to the masses, listen to ASUU and help them; that way they are helping us and saving the future. Federal government should meet the demands of the lecturers -Oluranti Olushola Mrs Oluranti Olushola, a teacher who said her son was affected by the strike pleaded that the Federal Government should help them so their children can go back to school.
"I am seriously appealing to the Federal Government, on behalf of Nigerian parents, to end the strike and make education a top priority and also save the education sector from imminent collapse." She noted that the government voluntarily entered into an agreement with the union in 2009 to fund universities better and meet some other demands of the union.
"The Federal Government must at all costs meet the demands of the union to save the future of our children," she said. Government should avoid workers' strike -Mrs Ruquiyat Adebayo Another teacher, Mrs Ruquiyat Adebayo disclosed that that ASUU's demands were genuine. She urged the government to make any sacrifice to improve the education sector. Mrs Adebayo also advised the government to avoid workers' strike by meeting their demands early."ASUU is not asking for too much. It's demands are justified.
We have the resources in this country, and we must set our priorities right. Education must come first in all our plans."Whatever it will take, Nigeria must improve the welfare of the University teachers," she said. Governmet should resolve the conflict with ASUU-Moturayo Madandola Mrs Moturayo Madandola whose child was affected by the strike said government should resolve the conflict with ASUU quickly to save the University system from collapse.
"The Federal Government should accede to the demands of the striking union so that our children can go back to school," she said. Government should be considerate -Malik Alabi Malik Alabi, a businessman expressed his feelings with anger saying, "don't mind those people in government , all their children are schooling abroad.
How would they remember us? They only plan to travel to Dubai for vacation, travel out of the country for medical check up, send their children to Harvard and all the good schools abroad. These people should also consider the parents who suffer to pay school fees for our children . I have two children at OAU and they are both at home doing nothing and it pains me a lot .
My only plea is that Federal Government should help us because the parents are the ones suffering it more". Four -year course is running six years because of the strike-Deaconess Joy Osewengie Deaconness Mrs. Joy Osewengie, a mother of two students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) expressed her concern saying, "The ASUU strike has turned into something else; my children are not doing anything at home.
Courses that are supposed to run for four years are now running six years and above. When will the children finish their programmes in the Universities and become very useful to their family and the society? "The government should know that an idle mind is the devil's workshop. We should bear in mind that these ones are the future of this great nation and if they are half baked because of strike and crisis, then we may end up with a very sick nation."
Recently Saturday Vanguard spoke with parents whose children are affected as they begged the government to reach a compromise with ASUU .
Mr. Ohwaguono Onos, a parent and a post graduate student of University of Lagos( UNILAG), who was affected by the strike has this to say. "The ASUU strike has made my children shift focus to other things that are costing me additional funds I didn't budget for. And parents who cannot engage their wards in these suffer distress and heart-aches because of the nuisance the students constitute at home.
One thing I have learnt is that after each episode of strike, the students are no more focused even when they resume lectures because they have been out for so long. ASUU went on strike because they want the govenrment to come to their plight and help them. "If the Senators can have sitting and sleeping allowances, then the builders of these characters should be considered; they are the lecturers.
My only pain is that these ones in government are not feeling it because their own children are not in the Federal and State universities. Their children are abroad schooling, their children are in private universities. Most of the people in sensitive government positions are the owners of most private Universities which are funded by our own money.
How can the strike affect the government? Our plea is for the government to listen to the masses, listen to ASUU and help them; that way they are helping us and saving the future. Federal government should meet the demands of the lecturers -Oluranti Olushola Mrs Oluranti Olushola, a teacher who said her son was affected by the strike pleaded that the Federal Government should help them so their children can go back to school.
"I am seriously appealing to the Federal Government, on behalf of Nigerian parents, to end the strike and make education a top priority and also save the education sector from imminent collapse." She noted that the government voluntarily entered into an agreement with the union in 2009 to fund universities better and meet some other demands of the union.
"The Federal Government must at all costs meet the demands of the union to save the future of our children," she said. Government should avoid workers' strike -Mrs Ruquiyat Adebayo Another teacher, Mrs Ruquiyat Adebayo disclosed that that ASUU's demands were genuine. She urged the government to make any sacrifice to improve the education sector. Mrs Adebayo also advised the government to avoid workers' strike by meeting their demands early."ASUU is not asking for too much. It's demands are justified.
We have the resources in this country, and we must set our priorities right. Education must come first in all our plans."Whatever it will take, Nigeria must improve the welfare of the University teachers," she said. Governmet should resolve the conflict with ASUU-Moturayo Madandola Mrs Moturayo Madandola whose child was affected by the strike said government should resolve the conflict with ASUU quickly to save the University system from collapse.
"The Federal Government should accede to the demands of the striking union so that our children can go back to school," she said. Government should be considerate -Malik Alabi Malik Alabi, a businessman expressed his feelings with anger saying, "don't mind those people in government , all their children are schooling abroad.
How would they remember us? They only plan to travel to Dubai for vacation, travel out of the country for medical check up, send their children to Harvard and all the good schools abroad. These people should also consider the parents who suffer to pay school fees for our children . I have two children at OAU and they are both at home doing nothing and it pains me a lot .
My only plea is that Federal Government should help us because the parents are the ones suffering it more". Four -year course is running six years because of the strike-Deaconess Joy Osewengie Deaconness Mrs. Joy Osewengie, a mother of two students in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) expressed her concern saying, "The ASUU strike has turned into something else; my children are not doing anything at home.
Courses that are supposed to run for four years are now running six years and above. When will the children finish their programmes in the Universities and become very useful to their family and the society? "The government should know that an idle mind is the devil's workshop. We should bear in mind that these ones are the future of this great nation and if they are half baked because of strike and crisis, then we may end up with a very sick nation."
FERTILITY CLINICS:LAGOSIANS MAKE MONEY SELLING SPERM FOR N50,000
People get married for different reasons. While some seek companionship in marriage, many go into marriage for procreation. For couples who look forward to having children immediately after marriage, being declared 'infertile' by experts is like a death sentence.
While it is generally agreed that it takes two to have a baby and every couple is expected to be in optimum health to have babies, medical experts claim men are having more fertility challenge now. Sperm concentration in men is said to have decreased by a third since 1990s while sperm count is said to have decreased by half over the past 50 years.
Studies are also showing genetic abnormalities in sperm particularly in older men. For men therefore, quantity, quality and motility of spermatozoa are seen as important factors in fertility.
Since the male factor is a prominent cause of infertility in couples, sperm donation has become vital in assisted conception treatment.
A study by the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction stated that "a male factor is solely responsible in about 20 per cent of infertile couples and contributory in another 30 to 40 per cent."
According to experts, even when sperm numbers are great, a high proportion of men may have DNA damage that significantly impairs the chances of natural conception. Besides, male sperm deteriorates with age the same way it does for women.
Studies have also shown that if a man has poor health, smokes, drinks too much or has a bad diet, it's very likely his sperms are also going to be unhealthy.
Indeed, investigation by Saturday PUNCH showed that sperm has become a commodity in high demand in Lagos. The Chief Consultant and Head, Obstetrician and Fertility Department, Eko Hospitals, Dr. Adegbite Ogunmokun, said fertility problem, based on recent experience, had tilted more towards the male factor.
He said, "If 10 couples come in, there will be problem with the male in six of them, using our parameter of 20 million sperm per millimetre. But 10 to 15 years ago, maybe about four out of 10 men would have problem."
Our correspondents, who visited some fertility centres in Lagos, learnt that more men are having low sperm count, thus necessitating the need for more volunteer donors. But because donors are scare, fertility clinics offer as much as N50,000 to men who are interested in selling their sperm.
They also pay more when sellers have special features that the beneficiaries are looking for.
Like blood sellers, investigations show that many people in Lagos, especially students, now sell their sperms anytime they need money.
A student of the University of Lagos, who identified himself as John, said he had sold sperm to a few fertility centres in Lagos. John said he had been funding his education for the past two years with what he earned from selling his sperm.
John said he was introduced to the programme by a friend and that he had in turn brought in two other friends to 'business'.
"I've sold to a number of fertility centres. The money has really helped me to stay in school. It takes care of my tuition and some other personal needs," John said, with a measure of satisfaction.
"It's cool money, really and I'm also doing a service to mankind by helping out some people in need. Even friends that I introduced to it have not turned back since then."
An employee in a Lagos fertility clinic, who identified himself as Olufunsho, told Saturday PUNCH that some women would pay any amount to get a sperm seller with the features they want.
He said, "We pay N50,000 here but there are times when women come in and request that, at all cost, they must get a tall man. The person can earn more when they make such requests, especially if we don't have any that fits the profile in our bank.
"There was a time a woman came and requested that we get a tall man for her at all cost. I showed her the samples we had, but she did not like the profile. She said she was not satisfied with the heights. And we were unable to get what she wanted from the sellers that came at the time.
"The sellers that came then were either AS, or positive with hepatitis B or had low sperm count. We had up to twelve sellers that came and we were unable to get anybody. In such cases, we could offer a lot more when we find the right person. Sometimes, such people are also in a position to negotiate for what they want."
However, subsequent drops attract lesser amounts of money for the same seller.
To sell sperm, the person, according to Olufunsho, must stay off sex for five days. He undergoes some tests to confirm that he is not HIV positive and that he also has healthy sperm among others.
He said, "If the same person is still interested and we still need him, he would repeat the screening process again. We pay N10, 000 per ejaculation for other subsequent ones. With my own discretion, if the quality of the sperm is good and we have somebody who needs something that matches perfectly with that seller, we may reduce the probation period, but the sperm must be very good.
"Although that is the protocol, it could always be amended when there is nothing wrong with the person. Even if someone ejaculates the first time and in twenty minutes time, he does the same, it is still going to be good, but not as good as the first one."
At the various fertility centres where our correspondents posed as potential sperm seller, the clinic workers made keen attempts to have them start the process immediately, by leaving blood samples for tests.
On one occasion, a clinic worker told one of our correspondents that he was willing to waive the two to five days' probation period of abstinence, after our correspondent said he wished to "sleep over it."
The worker said, "What is there to think about? After all, you already said you're not married. You can leave your blood sample for testing while you go ahead and think over it."
Investigation showed that fertility centres want sellers between 18 and 45 years of age and expect them to abstain from sex, two to five days before giving sperm sample, depending on the centre.
Other conditions to be met by potential sperm sellers include testing negative to HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, sickle cell and some other sexually transmitted diseases. Tests are also carried out to determine the count, morphology (shape) and motility of the sperm cells.
In addition, fertility centres claim to also place a high premium on average intelligence, education and lifestyle. Although, Saturday PUNCH learnt that such claims are not always true as more emphases are actually placed on height and other physical attributes.
"It is not immediately that we pay. We prefer AA genotype because it can be given to anybody, unlike AS that cannot be given to just anybody," Olufunsho added.
However, an employee in another fertility clinic in Lagos, Akin, said sperm sellers could get paid within a week of starting the process. This is possible only if they satisfy the conditions.
He said, "If the motility is good, the count is good and you're okay, then, you can produce for us. If everything is okay, within a week, you can get your money."
A 2012 study into the reproductive health of 26,600 men in France, warned of a sperm crisis worldwide. It said that sperm concentration has decreased by a third since the 1990s. The study found a continuous 32.2 per cent decrease in sperm concentration over a period of 17 years.
During the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual conference in London in July 2013, some experts, critical of the study's validity, said it did not completely represent the situation in certain areas, particularly the developing world.
However, a fertility expert at Mother's World Care, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Margaret Olusegun, said the situation is similar in Nigeria.
She said, "A man should have a good count, up to 40 to 50 million sperm per millimetre of semen upward. But you find that these days, men have more challenges with fertility than women.
"Although, I don't have the statistics, men are the ones with more challenges now, even though they are the ones who drive out their wives if they can't bear children."
Olusegun explained that good sperm should have "at least 50 per cent motility (activeness) because sperm cells can be active, sluggish or dead."
"For morphology (shape) too, which could be normal or abnormal, sperm should have upward of 50 per cent normal cells. And there should not be bacteria growth," she added.
Ogunmokun described low concentration of sperm as "Oligospermia." He, however, said a sperm count with a minimum lower limit of 20 million sperm per millimetre of semen would still be considered normal. But he added that any sperm concentration of less than 20 million per millimetre of semen could be categorised as mild, moderate or severe oligospermia, depending on the count.
Ogunmokun said fertility problems could be with the man, the woman or the two of them.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the demand for sperm has made the fertility business a lucrative one. Many of the fertility centres in Lagos have facilities for sperm preservation, where it's freezing costs about N50, 000 per quarter.
Ogunmokun said, "After collection, the semen is processed and seminal fluid and all other things are removed. The sperm is put in little bottles and placed in special containers called dewars, connected to a power source. It is stored at very low temperature and there must be an indicator for monitoring should there be a change in the condition."
He, however, added that there must be a standby generator in a place like Nigeria, where power supply is unstable, as sperm can be frozen for decades.
"Although, there are many other reasons why people freeze sperm, someone living far away from his wife can decide to freeze his sperm for the wife's use while he's away. Also, someone going for cancer treatment can freeze his sperm before starting the treatment since such treatments affect sperm production," he added.
Ogunmokun said fertility centres focus more on university undergraduates to ensure that sperm donors have a certain degree of intelligence.
He said, "The current practice is to actually recruit sperm donors and the focus is on undergraduates. The focus is on students because they should be able to provide their ID cards so that background checks can be done."
According to Ogunmokun, the perceived increase in the number of men with low sperm count is as a result of infection and lifestyle habits like sitting for too long and wearing of tight underwear.
He said, "The testes are not supposed to be too close to the body because of the higher body temperature. The testes are naturally colder, so people who travel long distances or sit in traffic for long can be prone to infertility."
Ogunmokun advised that men should "exercise appropriately, take good nutrition, avoid tight underwear, premarital sex, cigarette and alcohol to try to prevent low sperm count."
However, Olusegun identified good hygiene as key to the prevention of low sperm count, saying, "Our environment is too contaminated."
While it is generally agreed that it takes two to have a baby and every couple is expected to be in optimum health to have babies, medical experts claim men are having more fertility challenge now. Sperm concentration in men is said to have decreased by a third since 1990s while sperm count is said to have decreased by half over the past 50 years.
Studies are also showing genetic abnormalities in sperm particularly in older men. For men therefore, quantity, quality and motility of spermatozoa are seen as important factors in fertility.
Since the male factor is a prominent cause of infertility in couples, sperm donation has become vital in assisted conception treatment.
A study by the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction stated that "a male factor is solely responsible in about 20 per cent of infertile couples and contributory in another 30 to 40 per cent."
According to experts, even when sperm numbers are great, a high proportion of men may have DNA damage that significantly impairs the chances of natural conception. Besides, male sperm deteriorates with age the same way it does for women.
Studies have also shown that if a man has poor health, smokes, drinks too much or has a bad diet, it's very likely his sperms are also going to be unhealthy.
Indeed, investigation by Saturday PUNCH showed that sperm has become a commodity in high demand in Lagos. The Chief Consultant and Head, Obstetrician and Fertility Department, Eko Hospitals, Dr. Adegbite Ogunmokun, said fertility problem, based on recent experience, had tilted more towards the male factor.
He said, "If 10 couples come in, there will be problem with the male in six of them, using our parameter of 20 million sperm per millimetre. But 10 to 15 years ago, maybe about four out of 10 men would have problem."
Our correspondents, who visited some fertility centres in Lagos, learnt that more men are having low sperm count, thus necessitating the need for more volunteer donors. But because donors are scare, fertility clinics offer as much as N50,000 to men who are interested in selling their sperm.
They also pay more when sellers have special features that the beneficiaries are looking for.
Like blood sellers, investigations show that many people in Lagos, especially students, now sell their sperms anytime they need money.
A student of the University of Lagos, who identified himself as John, said he had sold sperm to a few fertility centres in Lagos. John said he had been funding his education for the past two years with what he earned from selling his sperm.
John said he was introduced to the programme by a friend and that he had in turn brought in two other friends to 'business'.
"I've sold to a number of fertility centres. The money has really helped me to stay in school. It takes care of my tuition and some other personal needs," John said, with a measure of satisfaction.
"It's cool money, really and I'm also doing a service to mankind by helping out some people in need. Even friends that I introduced to it have not turned back since then."
An employee in a Lagos fertility clinic, who identified himself as Olufunsho, told Saturday PUNCH that some women would pay any amount to get a sperm seller with the features they want.
He said, "We pay N50,000 here but there are times when women come in and request that, at all cost, they must get a tall man. The person can earn more when they make such requests, especially if we don't have any that fits the profile in our bank.
"There was a time a woman came and requested that we get a tall man for her at all cost. I showed her the samples we had, but she did not like the profile. She said she was not satisfied with the heights. And we were unable to get what she wanted from the sellers that came at the time.
"The sellers that came then were either AS, or positive with hepatitis B or had low sperm count. We had up to twelve sellers that came and we were unable to get anybody. In such cases, we could offer a lot more when we find the right person. Sometimes, such people are also in a position to negotiate for what they want."
However, subsequent drops attract lesser amounts of money for the same seller.
To sell sperm, the person, according to Olufunsho, must stay off sex for five days. He undergoes some tests to confirm that he is not HIV positive and that he also has healthy sperm among others.
He said, "If the same person is still interested and we still need him, he would repeat the screening process again. We pay N10, 000 per ejaculation for other subsequent ones. With my own discretion, if the quality of the sperm is good and we have somebody who needs something that matches perfectly with that seller, we may reduce the probation period, but the sperm must be very good.
"Although that is the protocol, it could always be amended when there is nothing wrong with the person. Even if someone ejaculates the first time and in twenty minutes time, he does the same, it is still going to be good, but not as good as the first one."
At the various fertility centres where our correspondents posed as potential sperm seller, the clinic workers made keen attempts to have them start the process immediately, by leaving blood samples for tests.
On one occasion, a clinic worker told one of our correspondents that he was willing to waive the two to five days' probation period of abstinence, after our correspondent said he wished to "sleep over it."
The worker said, "What is there to think about? After all, you already said you're not married. You can leave your blood sample for testing while you go ahead and think over it."
Investigation showed that fertility centres want sellers between 18 and 45 years of age and expect them to abstain from sex, two to five days before giving sperm sample, depending on the centre.
Other conditions to be met by potential sperm sellers include testing negative to HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, sickle cell and some other sexually transmitted diseases. Tests are also carried out to determine the count, morphology (shape) and motility of the sperm cells.
In addition, fertility centres claim to also place a high premium on average intelligence, education and lifestyle. Although, Saturday PUNCH learnt that such claims are not always true as more emphases are actually placed on height and other physical attributes.
"It is not immediately that we pay. We prefer AA genotype because it can be given to anybody, unlike AS that cannot be given to just anybody," Olufunsho added.
However, an employee in another fertility clinic in Lagos, Akin, said sperm sellers could get paid within a week of starting the process. This is possible only if they satisfy the conditions.
He said, "If the motility is good, the count is good and you're okay, then, you can produce for us. If everything is okay, within a week, you can get your money."
A 2012 study into the reproductive health of 26,600 men in France, warned of a sperm crisis worldwide. It said that sperm concentration has decreased by a third since the 1990s. The study found a continuous 32.2 per cent decrease in sperm concentration over a period of 17 years.
During the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual conference in London in July 2013, some experts, critical of the study's validity, said it did not completely represent the situation in certain areas, particularly the developing world.
However, a fertility expert at Mother's World Care, Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Margaret Olusegun, said the situation is similar in Nigeria.
She said, "A man should have a good count, up to 40 to 50 million sperm per millimetre of semen upward. But you find that these days, men have more challenges with fertility than women.
"Although, I don't have the statistics, men are the ones with more challenges now, even though they are the ones who drive out their wives if they can't bear children."
Olusegun explained that good sperm should have "at least 50 per cent motility (activeness) because sperm cells can be active, sluggish or dead."
"For morphology (shape) too, which could be normal or abnormal, sperm should have upward of 50 per cent normal cells. And there should not be bacteria growth," she added.
Ogunmokun described low concentration of sperm as "Oligospermia." He, however, said a sperm count with a minimum lower limit of 20 million sperm per millimetre of semen would still be considered normal. But he added that any sperm concentration of less than 20 million per millimetre of semen could be categorised as mild, moderate or severe oligospermia, depending on the count.
Ogunmokun said fertility problems could be with the man, the woman or the two of them.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the demand for sperm has made the fertility business a lucrative one. Many of the fertility centres in Lagos have facilities for sperm preservation, where it's freezing costs about N50, 000 per quarter.
Ogunmokun said, "After collection, the semen is processed and seminal fluid and all other things are removed. The sperm is put in little bottles and placed in special containers called dewars, connected to a power source. It is stored at very low temperature and there must be an indicator for monitoring should there be a change in the condition."
He, however, added that there must be a standby generator in a place like Nigeria, where power supply is unstable, as sperm can be frozen for decades.
"Although, there are many other reasons why people freeze sperm, someone living far away from his wife can decide to freeze his sperm for the wife's use while he's away. Also, someone going for cancer treatment can freeze his sperm before starting the treatment since such treatments affect sperm production," he added.
Ogunmokun said fertility centres focus more on university undergraduates to ensure that sperm donors have a certain degree of intelligence.
He said, "The current practice is to actually recruit sperm donors and the focus is on undergraduates. The focus is on students because they should be able to provide their ID cards so that background checks can be done."
According to Ogunmokun, the perceived increase in the number of men with low sperm count is as a result of infection and lifestyle habits like sitting for too long and wearing of tight underwear.
He said, "The testes are not supposed to be too close to the body because of the higher body temperature. The testes are naturally colder, so people who travel long distances or sit in traffic for long can be prone to infertility."
Ogunmokun advised that men should "exercise appropriately, take good nutrition, avoid tight underwear, premarital sex, cigarette and alcohol to try to prevent low sperm count."
However, Olusegun identified good hygiene as key to the prevention of low sperm count, saying, "Our environment is too contaminated."
NO BEEF BETWEEN WACONZY AND BURNA BOY
With hit singles like Tonight and Love to Party, it is no surprise that Burna Boy's album is highly anticipated by fans.
When his L. I. F. E album dropped recently, it was well received by fans. However, some raised eyebrows when they listened to his No No No track where he mentioned one of Nigeria's reigning artistes, Waconzy.
Waconzy is one of the few successful artistes from Port Harcourt. Some fans were curious to know what he said about Waconzy whose club banger, Celebrate put Port Harcourt on the Nigerian music map.
When Saturday Beats got in touch with Burna Boy's camp, they said that the song was not meant to insult Waconzy in any way. Burna Boy claimed that Waconzy has had heard the song and that they are good friends.
Saturday Beats learnt that Burna Boy did an accapella of the song in Port Harcourt. Saturday Beats further learnt that the song was produced in 2011 and both singers have now relocated to Lagos alongside their colleagues, Timaya and Duncan Mighty.
When his L. I. F. E album dropped recently, it was well received by fans. However, some raised eyebrows when they listened to his No No No track where he mentioned one of Nigeria's reigning artistes, Waconzy.
Waconzy is one of the few successful artistes from Port Harcourt. Some fans were curious to know what he said about Waconzy whose club banger, Celebrate put Port Harcourt on the Nigerian music map.
When Saturday Beats got in touch with Burna Boy's camp, they said that the song was not meant to insult Waconzy in any way. Burna Boy claimed that Waconzy has had heard the song and that they are good friends.
Saturday Beats learnt that Burna Boy did an accapella of the song in Port Harcourt. Saturday Beats further learnt that the song was produced in 2011 and both singers have now relocated to Lagos alongside their colleagues, Timaya and Duncan Mighty.
NO BEEF BETWEEN WACONZY AND BURNA BOY
With hit singles like Tonight and Love to Party, it is no surprise that Burna Boy's album is highly anticipated by fans.
When his L. I. F. E album dropped recently, it was well received by fans. However, some raised eyebrows when they listened to his No No No track where he mentioned one of Nigeria's reigning artistes, Waconzy.
Waconzy is one of the few successful artistes from Port Harcourt. Some fans were curious to know what he said about Waconzy whose club banger, Celebrate put Port Harcourt on the Nigerian music map.
When Saturday Beats got in touch with Burna Boy's camp, they said that the song was not meant to insult Waconzy in any way. Burna Boy claimed that Waconzy has had heard the song and that they are good friends.
Saturday Beats learnt that Burna Boy did an accapella of the song in Port Harcourt. Saturday Beats further learnt that the song was produced in 2011 and both singers have now relocated to Lagos alongside their colleagues, Timaya and Duncan Mighty.
When his L. I. F. E album dropped recently, it was well received by fans. However, some raised eyebrows when they listened to his No No No track where he mentioned one of Nigeria's reigning artistes, Waconzy.
Waconzy is one of the few successful artistes from Port Harcourt. Some fans were curious to know what he said about Waconzy whose club banger, Celebrate put Port Harcourt on the Nigerian music map.
When Saturday Beats got in touch with Burna Boy's camp, they said that the song was not meant to insult Waconzy in any way. Burna Boy claimed that Waconzy has had heard the song and that they are good friends.
Saturday Beats learnt that Burna Boy did an accapella of the song in Port Harcourt. Saturday Beats further learnt that the song was produced in 2011 and both singers have now relocated to Lagos alongside their colleagues, Timaya and Duncan Mighty.
KESHI DEFENDS SAINTFIET COMMENTS
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi "does not see anything bad" about his recent comments towards Malawi counterpart Tom Saintfiet.
The Football Association of Malawi has reported Keshi to FIFA after he called Saintfiet "a white dude who should go back to Belgium".
Keshi's remarks, which FAM and Saintfiet have called "racist", came in response to their request to move September's World Cup qualifier against Nigeria from Calabar on security grounds.
"I only gave a strong reaction that it was wrong to insult the same country that Saintfiet was ready to work in. I really don't see anything bad about defending my country," Keshi told BBC Sport.
"I honestly have nothing against Saintfiet, I met him when he was in Nigeria for his interview for the job of Nigeria Technical Director here and we spoke at length on football subjects.
"Apparently, a harmless slang remark of 'white dude' was obviously misconstrued and the whole comments have clearly been taken out of context.
"I believe he would strongly defend Belgium in the same passionate and emotional manner should someone consider it unsafe to play football or visit that country.
"I have played football in Belgium and other countries around the world, where I have met different people. I still have Belgian friends and others from different backgrounds, so there's no way I would racially abuse him or anyone for that matter.
"I hope to shake hands, hug and speak with my good friend Saintfiet when we meet in Nigeria for the World Cup game.
"I think I've already said enough, clarified things and need to focus on the crucial game ahead."
FIFA has confirmed to BBC Sport that it has received an official complaint from FAM about Keshi's comments.
However, neither Keshi nor the Nigeria Football Federation have been contacted by football's world governing body regarding the issue.
The Football Association of Malawi has reported Keshi to FIFA after he called Saintfiet "a white dude who should go back to Belgium".
Keshi's remarks, which FAM and Saintfiet have called "racist", came in response to their request to move September's World Cup qualifier against Nigeria from Calabar on security grounds.
"I only gave a strong reaction that it was wrong to insult the same country that Saintfiet was ready to work in. I really don't see anything bad about defending my country," Keshi told BBC Sport.
"I honestly have nothing against Saintfiet, I met him when he was in Nigeria for his interview for the job of Nigeria Technical Director here and we spoke at length on football subjects.
"Apparently, a harmless slang remark of 'white dude' was obviously misconstrued and the whole comments have clearly been taken out of context.
"I believe he would strongly defend Belgium in the same passionate and emotional manner should someone consider it unsafe to play football or visit that country.
"I have played football in Belgium and other countries around the world, where I have met different people. I still have Belgian friends and others from different backgrounds, so there's no way I would racially abuse him or anyone for that matter.
"I hope to shake hands, hug and speak with my good friend Saintfiet when we meet in Nigeria for the World Cup game.
"I think I've already said enough, clarified things and need to focus on the crucial game ahead."
FIFA has confirmed to BBC Sport that it has received an official complaint from FAM about Keshi's comments.
However, neither Keshi nor the Nigeria Football Federation have been contacted by football's world governing body regarding the issue.
Friday 30 August 2013
I PARTICIPATED IN BBA TO BE MYSELF - MELVIN ODUAH
Nigeria's representatives in the just concluded Big Brother Africa reality TV show, Beverly Osu and Melvin Oduah were presented to the media at the Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos last Thursday after their triumphant return to the country.
The two ex-housemates recounted their personal experiences in the Big Brother House.
BBA Experience
Considering that I and Beverly were chosen to represent the country and the fact that we were in the House from the beginning to the end, made our participation in the show remarkable. There are a lot of people who don't know anything about Big Brother. For me, I learned a lot of things while in the House.
My journey
I contested for 2009 Gulder Ultimate Search, and I emerged the first runner up. I contested for Mr Nigeria in 2011 and again, I finished as the first runner up. Now, I contested for Big Brother Africa-The Chase and also finished in the third position. But I am not The Chase. I think we can also take time to look at the positive side of the show. It is not easy to participate in these major competitions and making to the finals. So, I think I should be given some credit. It is also painful when you have worked so hard to make it to the finals, only to miss winning the ultimate price.
His future plans
I'm taking my acting career to the next level.
Winning strategy
Before I was chosen to represent my country, I was regularly asked what winning strategy I would adopt while in the House. I kept repeating the same thing "I was going to be myself and nothing else. The Melvin you meet in real life was the same Melvin you watched in the Big Brother House. Nothing about me was unreal or done to make people like me or hate me. I thank Nigerians for voting for me . I will always be a proud ambassador of the country.
The two ex-housemates recounted their personal experiences in the Big Brother House.
BBA Experience
Considering that I and Beverly were chosen to represent the country and the fact that we were in the House from the beginning to the end, made our participation in the show remarkable. There are a lot of people who don't know anything about Big Brother. For me, I learned a lot of things while in the House.
My journey
I contested for 2009 Gulder Ultimate Search, and I emerged the first runner up. I contested for Mr Nigeria in 2011 and again, I finished as the first runner up. Now, I contested for Big Brother Africa-The Chase and also finished in the third position. But I am not The Chase. I think we can also take time to look at the positive side of the show. It is not easy to participate in these major competitions and making to the finals. So, I think I should be given some credit. It is also painful when you have worked so hard to make it to the finals, only to miss winning the ultimate price.
His future plans
I'm taking my acting career to the next level.
Winning strategy
Before I was chosen to represent my country, I was regularly asked what winning strategy I would adopt while in the House. I kept repeating the same thing "I was going to be myself and nothing else. The Melvin you meet in real life was the same Melvin you watched in the Big Brother House. Nothing about me was unreal or done to make people like me or hate me. I thank Nigerians for voting for me . I will always be a proud ambassador of the country.
I BECAME RESPONSIBLE SINCE I HAD MY CHILD - TERRY G
Gabriel Amanyi is the weird singer that answers the stage name Terry G. The singer, who has a lot of street followers judging from his type of music, recently spoke with Showtime on his lifestyle, music and other issues.

You released your new album few months back. How is the album doing in the market?
At least, it's selling more than pure water because the reception at the moment, has been very encouraging. Most of the songs in the album are already hits and it's doing well in the market.
What's the title of the album?
The album is titled, ''Book of Ginger ." It contains over 21 tracks and it's a diversified album where I took time out to showcase the other side of my career that my fans are not familiar with.
You also launched the album in Abuja, why the choice of Abuja?
You know we had some challenges when I was planning the album launch. I wanted to use Eko Hotel and Suites, but the bill was too expensive for me. I even wanted to partner with some brands but did not work out. I couldn't afford it so I didn't want to give up because I have never done an album launch in my life before. That was why I decided to move it to Abuja .
We also learnt that you are planning to tour Europe with your music?
Yes, but it actually has to do with my management who do all the arrangement. They are working on it and I know, it's an Europe tour. It's expected to last for nearly a month and it's going to be fun.
What's happening to your record label?
So far, I've always represented TGP Entertainment Records although I didn't loud it that much. It's a label owned by myself and all I do is just to work with my management. I will say we are doing well. As board members, we tried to bring up some brands but there were some issues as at then which came up. Along the line, we are trying to work on other acts apart from mainly just doing collaboration. I think I should do something that would profit me and for now, I am the only one on the label. Although my younger brother is signed to the label for now. I want him to create his own brand as well. For now, we are looking forward to signing on new artistes. This is because it has to do with experience so we will not do something that we will start regretting in future
So what is new about Terry G?
So many things. Now, I have a child; I'm a father. His name is Amaniyi Rex, and with him added to my life, he has given me a new life as a father. And this has made me to see the other side of life. It has put me in my right place because when you are thinking about tomorrow, you will want to be more responsible. His birth has helped me a lot and even helped me to stay away from the negative things of life. Also, I'm now focusing on concert and trying to work on my brand by making it accessible and also trying to shoot musical videos.
Did you cut your dreadlocks?
There was a picture I took which looked as if I have shaved my dreadlocks. Seeing the picture people thought I have cut my hair. I never cut my dreadlocks.
But can you change your style some day?
Change is constant and that's one thing about life. But for now, base on the fact that I portray this image I don't think I will do so.
You have been keeping a low profile in recent times, what is happening to you?
It's just that it gets to a level where maturity comes in and you just have to slow down on something's unlike when one was still a teenager. So, now that one is mature those things one indulge in, becomes distractions .I became responsible since I had my kid . I looked at life in the other way because it worth a lot for one to be responsible as people will like to be or want to learn from you. Now, music is no more a pleasure but a business for me.
Many people believe you must take something to be high. Is it actually true when it comes to Terry G?
It is not true. Most of the people around me will testify to that. The only thing I do is, I just smoke my cigarette before going on stage. I don't drink before mounting the stage to perform. This is because drinking exhausts the energy and am this energetic artist that must not take a risk at all. People also know me as an energetic performer, so, anytime I grace the stage I have to deliver.
How are you rocking fatherhood?
It has been fun and I think I am now cool it has given me the chance to relax and think of a positive life as a father. It has helped me to scare away negative friends and is still building as well
So when are you going to take your baby mama to the altar?
We are making plan for that and when it is time we will let you know
How exactly did you meet your baby mama?
I met her in the United Kingdom. There was a concert I attended in London. It was my first major performance in London. That was where we met. I met her through a friend and we just started chatting. What actually happened was that she got amazed knowing I was Terry G. She wanted to know about me; but when she saw the other side of me, she got interested and realised the difference between Gabriel and Terry G. Now we are able to transform the relationship to a family and I'm more responsible with her beside me.

You released your new album few months back. How is the album doing in the market?
At least, it's selling more than pure water because the reception at the moment, has been very encouraging. Most of the songs in the album are already hits and it's doing well in the market.
What's the title of the album?
The album is titled, ''Book of Ginger ." It contains over 21 tracks and it's a diversified album where I took time out to showcase the other side of my career that my fans are not familiar with.
You also launched the album in Abuja, why the choice of Abuja?
You know we had some challenges when I was planning the album launch. I wanted to use Eko Hotel and Suites, but the bill was too expensive for me. I even wanted to partner with some brands but did not work out. I couldn't afford it so I didn't want to give up because I have never done an album launch in my life before. That was why I decided to move it to Abuja .
We also learnt that you are planning to tour Europe with your music?
Yes, but it actually has to do with my management who do all the arrangement. They are working on it and I know, it's an Europe tour. It's expected to last for nearly a month and it's going to be fun.
What's happening to your record label?
So far, I've always represented TGP Entertainment Records although I didn't loud it that much. It's a label owned by myself and all I do is just to work with my management. I will say we are doing well. As board members, we tried to bring up some brands but there were some issues as at then which came up. Along the line, we are trying to work on other acts apart from mainly just doing collaboration. I think I should do something that would profit me and for now, I am the only one on the label. Although my younger brother is signed to the label for now. I want him to create his own brand as well. For now, we are looking forward to signing on new artistes. This is because it has to do with experience so we will not do something that we will start regretting in future
So what is new about Terry G?
So many things. Now, I have a child; I'm a father. His name is Amaniyi Rex, and with him added to my life, he has given me a new life as a father. And this has made me to see the other side of life. It has put me in my right place because when you are thinking about tomorrow, you will want to be more responsible. His birth has helped me a lot and even helped me to stay away from the negative things of life. Also, I'm now focusing on concert and trying to work on my brand by making it accessible and also trying to shoot musical videos.
Did you cut your dreadlocks?
There was a picture I took which looked as if I have shaved my dreadlocks. Seeing the picture people thought I have cut my hair. I never cut my dreadlocks.
But can you change your style some day?
Change is constant and that's one thing about life. But for now, base on the fact that I portray this image I don't think I will do so.
You have been keeping a low profile in recent times, what is happening to you?
It's just that it gets to a level where maturity comes in and you just have to slow down on something's unlike when one was still a teenager. So, now that one is mature those things one indulge in, becomes distractions .I became responsible since I had my kid . I looked at life in the other way because it worth a lot for one to be responsible as people will like to be or want to learn from you. Now, music is no more a pleasure but a business for me.
Many people believe you must take something to be high. Is it actually true when it comes to Terry G?
It is not true. Most of the people around me will testify to that. The only thing I do is, I just smoke my cigarette before going on stage. I don't drink before mounting the stage to perform. This is because drinking exhausts the energy and am this energetic artist that must not take a risk at all. People also know me as an energetic performer, so, anytime I grace the stage I have to deliver.
How are you rocking fatherhood?
It has been fun and I think I am now cool it has given me the chance to relax and think of a positive life as a father. It has helped me to scare away negative friends and is still building as well
So when are you going to take your baby mama to the altar?
We are making plan for that and when it is time we will let you know
How exactly did you meet your baby mama?
I met her in the United Kingdom. There was a concert I attended in London. It was my first major performance in London. That was where we met. I met her through a friend and we just started chatting. What actually happened was that she got amazed knowing I was Terry G. She wanted to know about me; but when she saw the other side of me, she got interested and realised the difference between Gabriel and Terry G. Now we are able to transform the relationship to a family and I'm more responsible with her beside me.
LAGOS WANTS FRESH CENSUS IN 14 LGA's
Lagos State Government has called on the National Population Commission to honour the recent Judgment the National Census Tribunal and conduct a fresh census in 14 affected local government areas in the state.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who briefed journalist on Friday in Alausa, said the judgment nullified the figures released by NPC and ordered a recount of the affected local councils.
Ipaye's counterparts in Ministries of Information and Works and Infrastructure Mr. Lateef Ibirogba and Obafemi Hamzat attended the briefing.
He explained that the tribunal nullified the census figures released by the NPC in 14 local councils in the state on the ground that the counting was illegal and did not give the accurate censors figures of the state.
He said, "In the final analysis, the official national census results for 14 old local government areas (now 40 LGAs and LCDAs) in Lagos State have been nullified.
This vindicates the resolve of the state government to base its physical and economic plans on a projected population of 17,553,924 in 2006 and over 21,000,000 currently.
We now expect that the National Population Commission will urgently announce plans for a recount as ordered by the tribunal."
The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who briefed journalist on Friday in Alausa, said the judgment nullified the figures released by NPC and ordered a recount of the affected local councils.
Ipaye's counterparts in Ministries of Information and Works and Infrastructure Mr. Lateef Ibirogba and Obafemi Hamzat attended the briefing.
He explained that the tribunal nullified the census figures released by the NPC in 14 local councils in the state on the ground that the counting was illegal and did not give the accurate censors figures of the state.
He said, "In the final analysis, the official national census results for 14 old local government areas (now 40 LGAs and LCDAs) in Lagos State have been nullified.
This vindicates the resolve of the state government to base its physical and economic plans on a projected population of 17,553,924 in 2006 and over 21,000,000 currently.
We now expect that the National Population Commission will urgently announce plans for a recount as ordered by the tribunal."
I HAVE A CRUSH ON RIHANNA - RISING HIP HOP STAR OREZI REVEALS
Fast Rising hip-hop star, Orezi returned from South Africa last week where he went on a nation wide tour and shot the video of his hit song, Rihanna.

In a chat with Showtime, Orezi narrated his experience especially how he was able to get a Rihanna look alike from Mauritius after a rigorous effort to get the American singing star, did not work out due to her loaded schedule.
According to him, "We had a wonderful time in South Africa, it was truly a rewarding experience and a most educative for me as a very young artiste. At the end, we came out with something that the world will talk about for a long time, the video for the all time popular hit song, Rihanna," Orezi told Showtime, in Lagos a day after his arrival from South Africa, last week.
When all efforts to get the American super diva, Rihanna to feature in the multi million Naira video did not work out, Orezi and his management team as well as his label, Sprisal Records, went online and decided to shop for a Rihanna look alike. The search finally paid off when a 'Rihanna' sent in her entry from Mauritius.
This young, beautiful 'Rihanna' named Kim was chosen above over 200 pictures.
Orezi's management has decided to stay mum on the cost of bringing this stunning beauty down to the shoot on location in South Africa. However, an inside source squealed that Orezi's label paid an initial deposit of 10, 000 dollars to 'Rihanna's master card account while her traveling arrangement to Johannesburg, South Africa revealed a Business class from Mauritius, - Israel - Hong Kong - South Africa (little wonder a source close to Orezi's management said the video is worth N7.3m).
Meanwhile, Orezi smiled mischievously when asked if he had a crush on America's Rihanna. "I like her, I like any pretty woman that has made a mark for herself. I like her and I believe she will like Orezi too when she meets him." He also cleared the air concerning the record label he is signed on, saying "I am signed on to Sprisal Records and the deal is good."
He also explained why he chose South Africa to shoot his Rihanna video. "I have shot two videos in Nigeria before now but what I want to achieve with the Rihanna video is different."

In a chat with Showtime, Orezi narrated his experience especially how he was able to get a Rihanna look alike from Mauritius after a rigorous effort to get the American singing star, did not work out due to her loaded schedule.
According to him, "We had a wonderful time in South Africa, it was truly a rewarding experience and a most educative for me as a very young artiste. At the end, we came out with something that the world will talk about for a long time, the video for the all time popular hit song, Rihanna," Orezi told Showtime, in Lagos a day after his arrival from South Africa, last week.
When all efforts to get the American super diva, Rihanna to feature in the multi million Naira video did not work out, Orezi and his management team as well as his label, Sprisal Records, went online and decided to shop for a Rihanna look alike. The search finally paid off when a 'Rihanna' sent in her entry from Mauritius.
This young, beautiful 'Rihanna' named Kim was chosen above over 200 pictures.
Orezi's management has decided to stay mum on the cost of bringing this stunning beauty down to the shoot on location in South Africa. However, an inside source squealed that Orezi's label paid an initial deposit of 10, 000 dollars to 'Rihanna's master card account while her traveling arrangement to Johannesburg, South Africa revealed a Business class from Mauritius, - Israel - Hong Kong - South Africa (little wonder a source close to Orezi's management said the video is worth N7.3m).
Meanwhile, Orezi smiled mischievously when asked if he had a crush on America's Rihanna. "I like her, I like any pretty woman that has made a mark for herself. I like her and I believe she will like Orezi too when she meets him." He also cleared the air concerning the record label he is signed on, saying "I am signed on to Sprisal Records and the deal is good."
He also explained why he chose South Africa to shoot his Rihanna video. "I have shot two videos in Nigeria before now but what I want to achieve with the Rihanna video is different."
ASUU STRIKE: TIME FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ACT TO SAVE EDUCATION
On July 2nd 2013, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the umpteenth time since 2009 went on strike over the refusal of the Federal Government to honour the 2009 agreement on the funding of Universities and a subsequent January 2012 MOU.
The grounding of the Universities and paralysis of all academic and social activities to say the least is inimical to the long term development aspirations of Nigeria.
In today's world that is knowledge driven, it is a wonder that almost two months into the ASUU strike, the government is still fiddling while the Ivory towers are 'burning'.
It would be recalled that the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement was the culmination of three years of negotiation following a similar strike by university lecturers in 2006. Since 1991, the struggle by Nigerian lecturers to ensure adequate funding in order to arrest the rot in the Nigerian tertiary education has been on with hardly any year going by without the lecturers going on strike to either demand that government implements the agreement reached or calling for a review of the agreements.
Much more disturbing is the predilection of the government for reneging on agreements freely entered into with university teachers as was the case when the university sector was rocked by protracted industrial unrest between 1994 and 1996 as a result of the government's refusal to honour the terms of the FGN/ASUU agreement of September 1992. The current round of strike is also a product of the federal government's refusal to honour the terms of the 2009 agreement entered into with ASUU. These acts of bad faith by successive governments in refusing to honour the terms of agreements freely entered into more than anything else, has accounted for the intractable crisis in the nation's university system.
Beyond the immediate implications of government's unilateral repudiation of the terms of agreements freely entered into, is the larger implication for the economy and society at large in terms of the sanctity of agreements, contracts and treaties signed by the Nigerian government. A government that habitually reneges on agreements freely entered into with its citizens cannot be counted upon to uphold the sanctity of contracts, treaties or agreements. Little wonder then that all the jamborees of the government in the name of attracting foreign investors end up yielding little or no result since no serious investor will invest in a country where the sanctity of agreements or contract means nothing.
Fundamentally, ASUU's demand has been on the need to arrest the falling standards and ensure the quality of tertiary education which has been generally acknowledged as having fallen beyond imagination. The report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU) set up by the Federal government vividly captures this rot.
The struggles of ASUU to attract adequate funding as well as qualitative tertiary education has been on despite the existence of a statutory body created specifically for the purpose of ensuring the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria and advising government on issues of remunerations in the university system.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has a duty as part of its functions as stated in its enabling act to '… prepare periodic master plans for the balanced and coordinated development of all universities in Nigeria', 'lay down minimum academic standards in the federal republic of Nigeria and accredit degrees and other academic awards', 'to ensure that quality is maintained within the academic programmes of the Nigerian university system', 'to advise the Federal Government on the financial needs, both recurrent and capital of university education in Nigeria…', 'to undertake periodic review of the terms and conditions of service of personnel engaged in the universities and to make recommendations thereon to the Federal Government as appropriate'.
It is quite clear from the foregoing therefore, that the incessant agitations of ASUU is a direct fallout of the embarrassing abdication of responsibility by the NUC. Clearly, it has not been up and doing with regards to its primary duty to the Nigerian university system. The question in view of the monumental and disastrous failure is, is there any basis for the continued existence of the NUC?.
Incessant strikes by ASUU over the very issues that are squarely within the remit of the NUC and for which it ought to have properly advised the government on, clearly shows that the NUC has over the years failed woefully in the discharge of its primary function of ensuring standards and advising governments on the needs of the universities.
The colossal failure of NUC to perform its primary functions and save the nation the current embarrassing state of affairs in the university system that has necessitated ASUU embarking on strike is a product of NUC's abandonment of its primary duty of regulation, ensuring standards and calling the attention of the government to the worsening decay in tertiary education in the country. As recently revealed, the NUC, which ordinarily should be focussed in regulating standards in the university system was said to be enmeshed in contract awards, management of scholarship funds and directly managing the affairs of universities in clear violation and breach of extant laws.
This, to say the least, clearly explains why the NUC has failed woefully in saving the nation from its current woes through timely advice on the critical state and needs of the Nigerian university system as well making proposals on how to avert the current state of rot in the system. Given the grave tragedy that incessant strike actions constitute to the immediate and long term economic and social wellbeing of the nation, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, call on the federal government to, with immediate effect-
1. Demonstrate the requisite political will to respect the terms of the agreement which it freely entered into with ASUU. This is, to us, the hallmark and minimum requirement for a responsible and credible government.
2. Re-open the collapsed negotiations with ASUU as quickly as possible. 3. Set in motion with immediate effect , all the mechanisms necessary for meeting the funding requirements of the FGN/ASUU agreement of 2009 including those that have fallen due.
4. Stop forthwith all efforts at derailing the interventionist agencies in stabilising the Nigerian tertiary education system.
5. Ensure that the extant laws regulating the operations of the TETFund are respected by all and sundry including but not limited to the NUC.
6. To immediately ensure that the NUC and other regulatory agencies within the tertiary education sector forthwith remain and operate within the ambit of their primary functions of regulating and setting standards for the university and tertiary education system and desist from getting enmeshed in functions that are best left to the universities/tertiary institutions/other relevant agencies and outside their core mandates.
7. Ensure the full implementation of the report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU).
Signed:
1. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
2. Women Organisation for Gender Issue
3. CiviI Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
4. West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)
5. Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria
6. National Procurement Watch Platform (NPWP)
7. Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG)
8. Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)
9. Public Interest Lawyers League
10. United Action for Democracy (UAD)
11. Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP)
12. Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR)
13. Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)
14. Say No Campaign Nigeria 15. International Press Centre (IPC)
16. Coalition to Save Education in Nigeria (COSEG)
17. Feed Nigeria Initiative (FENI)
18. Greater Nigeria Movement (GNM)
19. Ethical Computing and Cyber Research Centre
20. Centre for Responsible Engagement and Patriotism
The grounding of the Universities and paralysis of all academic and social activities to say the least is inimical to the long term development aspirations of Nigeria.
In today's world that is knowledge driven, it is a wonder that almost two months into the ASUU strike, the government is still fiddling while the Ivory towers are 'burning'.
It would be recalled that the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement was the culmination of three years of negotiation following a similar strike by university lecturers in 2006. Since 1991, the struggle by Nigerian lecturers to ensure adequate funding in order to arrest the rot in the Nigerian tertiary education has been on with hardly any year going by without the lecturers going on strike to either demand that government implements the agreement reached or calling for a review of the agreements.
Much more disturbing is the predilection of the government for reneging on agreements freely entered into with university teachers as was the case when the university sector was rocked by protracted industrial unrest between 1994 and 1996 as a result of the government's refusal to honour the terms of the FGN/ASUU agreement of September 1992. The current round of strike is also a product of the federal government's refusal to honour the terms of the 2009 agreement entered into with ASUU. These acts of bad faith by successive governments in refusing to honour the terms of agreements freely entered into more than anything else, has accounted for the intractable crisis in the nation's university system.
Beyond the immediate implications of government's unilateral repudiation of the terms of agreements freely entered into, is the larger implication for the economy and society at large in terms of the sanctity of agreements, contracts and treaties signed by the Nigerian government. A government that habitually reneges on agreements freely entered into with its citizens cannot be counted upon to uphold the sanctity of contracts, treaties or agreements. Little wonder then that all the jamborees of the government in the name of attracting foreign investors end up yielding little or no result since no serious investor will invest in a country where the sanctity of agreements or contract means nothing.
Fundamentally, ASUU's demand has been on the need to arrest the falling standards and ensure the quality of tertiary education which has been generally acknowledged as having fallen beyond imagination. The report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU) set up by the Federal government vividly captures this rot.
The struggles of ASUU to attract adequate funding as well as qualitative tertiary education has been on despite the existence of a statutory body created specifically for the purpose of ensuring the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria and advising government on issues of remunerations in the university system.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has a duty as part of its functions as stated in its enabling act to '… prepare periodic master plans for the balanced and coordinated development of all universities in Nigeria', 'lay down minimum academic standards in the federal republic of Nigeria and accredit degrees and other academic awards', 'to ensure that quality is maintained within the academic programmes of the Nigerian university system', 'to advise the Federal Government on the financial needs, both recurrent and capital of university education in Nigeria…', 'to undertake periodic review of the terms and conditions of service of personnel engaged in the universities and to make recommendations thereon to the Federal Government as appropriate'.
It is quite clear from the foregoing therefore, that the incessant agitations of ASUU is a direct fallout of the embarrassing abdication of responsibility by the NUC. Clearly, it has not been up and doing with regards to its primary duty to the Nigerian university system. The question in view of the monumental and disastrous failure is, is there any basis for the continued existence of the NUC?.
Incessant strikes by ASUU over the very issues that are squarely within the remit of the NUC and for which it ought to have properly advised the government on, clearly shows that the NUC has over the years failed woefully in the discharge of its primary function of ensuring standards and advising governments on the needs of the universities.
The colossal failure of NUC to perform its primary functions and save the nation the current embarrassing state of affairs in the university system that has necessitated ASUU embarking on strike is a product of NUC's abandonment of its primary duty of regulation, ensuring standards and calling the attention of the government to the worsening decay in tertiary education in the country. As recently revealed, the NUC, which ordinarily should be focussed in regulating standards in the university system was said to be enmeshed in contract awards, management of scholarship funds and directly managing the affairs of universities in clear violation and breach of extant laws.
This, to say the least, clearly explains why the NUC has failed woefully in saving the nation from its current woes through timely advice on the critical state and needs of the Nigerian university system as well making proposals on how to avert the current state of rot in the system. Given the grave tragedy that incessant strike actions constitute to the immediate and long term economic and social wellbeing of the nation, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, call on the federal government to, with immediate effect-
1. Demonstrate the requisite political will to respect the terms of the agreement which it freely entered into with ASUU. This is, to us, the hallmark and minimum requirement for a responsible and credible government.
2. Re-open the collapsed negotiations with ASUU as quickly as possible. 3. Set in motion with immediate effect , all the mechanisms necessary for meeting the funding requirements of the FGN/ASUU agreement of 2009 including those that have fallen due.
4. Stop forthwith all efforts at derailing the interventionist agencies in stabilising the Nigerian tertiary education system.
5. Ensure that the extant laws regulating the operations of the TETFund are respected by all and sundry including but not limited to the NUC.
6. To immediately ensure that the NUC and other regulatory agencies within the tertiary education sector forthwith remain and operate within the ambit of their primary functions of regulating and setting standards for the university and tertiary education system and desist from getting enmeshed in functions that are best left to the universities/tertiary institutions/other relevant agencies and outside their core mandates.
7. Ensure the full implementation of the report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU).
Signed:
1. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
2. Women Organisation for Gender Issue
3. CiviI Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
4. West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)
5. Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria
6. National Procurement Watch Platform (NPWP)
7. Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG)
8. Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)
9. Public Interest Lawyers League
10. United Action for Democracy (UAD)
11. Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP)
12. Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR)
13. Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)
14. Say No Campaign Nigeria 15. International Press Centre (IPC)
16. Coalition to Save Education in Nigeria (COSEG)
17. Feed Nigeria Initiative (FENI)
18. Greater Nigeria Movement (GNM)
19. Ethical Computing and Cyber Research Centre
20. Centre for Responsible Engagement and Patriotism
ASUU STRIKE: TIME FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ACT TO SAVE EDUCATION
On July 2nd 2013, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the umpteenth time since 2009 went on strike over the refusal of the Federal Government to honour the 2009 agreement on the funding of Universities and a subsequent January 2012 MOU.
The grounding of the Universities and paralysis of all academic and social activities to say the least is inimical to the long term development aspirations of Nigeria.
In today's world that is knowledge driven, it is a wonder that almost two months into the ASUU strike, the government is still fiddling while the Ivory towers are 'burning'.
It would be recalled that the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement was the culmination of three years of negotiation following a similar strike by university lecturers in 2006. Since 1991, the struggle by Nigerian lecturers to ensure adequate funding in order to arrest the rot in the Nigerian tertiary education has been on with hardly any year going by without the lecturers going on strike to either demand that government implements the agreement reached or calling for a review of the agreements.
Much more disturbing is the predilection of the government for reneging on agreements freely entered into with university teachers as was the case when the university sector was rocked by protracted industrial unrest between 1994 and 1996 as a result of the government's refusal to honour the terms of the FGN/ASUU agreement of September 1992. The current round of strike is also a product of the federal government's refusal to honour the terms of the 2009 agreement entered into with ASUU. These acts of bad faith by successive governments in refusing to honour the terms of agreements freely entered into more than anything else, has accounted for the intractable crisis in the nation's university system.
Beyond the immediate implications of government's unilateral repudiation of the terms of agreements freely entered into, is the larger implication for the economy and society at large in terms of the sanctity of agreements, contracts and treaties signed by the Nigerian government. A government that habitually reneges on agreements freely entered into with its citizens cannot be counted upon to uphold the sanctity of contracts, treaties or agreements. Little wonder then that all the jamborees of the government in the name of attracting foreign investors end up yielding little or no result since no serious investor will invest in a country where the sanctity of agreements or contract means nothing.
Fundamentally, ASUU's demand has been on the need to arrest the falling standards and ensure the quality of tertiary education which has been generally acknowledged as having fallen beyond imagination. The report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU) set up by the Federal government vividly captures this rot.
The struggles of ASUU to attract adequate funding as well as qualitative tertiary education has been on despite the existence of a statutory body created specifically for the purpose of ensuring the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria and advising government on issues of remunerations in the university system.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has a duty as part of its functions as stated in its enabling act to '… prepare periodic master plans for the balanced and coordinated development of all universities in Nigeria', 'lay down minimum academic standards in the federal republic of Nigeria and accredit degrees and other academic awards', 'to ensure that quality is maintained within the academic programmes of the Nigerian university system', 'to advise the Federal Government on the financial needs, both recurrent and capital of university education in Nigeria…', 'to undertake periodic review of the terms and conditions of service of personnel engaged in the universities and to make recommendations thereon to the Federal Government as appropriate'.
It is quite clear from the foregoing therefore, that the incessant agitations of ASUU is a direct fallout of the embarrassing abdication of responsibility by the NUC. Clearly, it has not been up and doing with regards to its primary duty to the Nigerian university system. The question in view of the monumental and disastrous failure is, is there any basis for the continued existence of the NUC?.
Incessant strikes by ASUU over the very issues that are squarely within the remit of the NUC and for which it ought to have properly advised the government on, clearly shows that the NUC has over the years failed woefully in the discharge of its primary function of ensuring standards and advising governments on the needs of the universities.
The colossal failure of NUC to perform its primary functions and save the nation the current embarrassing state of affairs in the university system that has necessitated ASUU embarking on strike is a product of NUC's abandonment of its primary duty of regulation, ensuring standards and calling the attention of the government to the worsening decay in tertiary education in the country. As recently revealed, the NUC, which ordinarily should be focussed in regulating standards in the university system was said to be enmeshed in contract awards, management of scholarship funds and directly managing the affairs of universities in clear violation and breach of extant laws.
This, to say the least, clearly explains why the NUC has failed woefully in saving the nation from its current woes through timely advice on the critical state and needs of the Nigerian university system as well making proposals on how to avert the current state of rot in the system. Given the grave tragedy that incessant strike actions constitute to the immediate and long term economic and social wellbeing of the nation, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, call on the federal government to, with immediate effect-
1. Demonstrate the requisite political will to respect the terms of the agreement which it freely entered into with ASUU. This is, to us, the hallmark and minimum requirement for a responsible and credible government.
2. Re-open the collapsed negotiations with ASUU as quickly as possible. 3. Set in motion with immediate effect , all the mechanisms necessary for meeting the funding requirements of the FGN/ASUU agreement of 2009 including those that have fallen due.
4. Stop forthwith all efforts at derailing the interventionist agencies in stabilising the Nigerian tertiary education system.
5. Ensure that the extant laws regulating the operations of the TETFund are respected by all and sundry including but not limited to the NUC.
6. To immediately ensure that the NUC and other regulatory agencies within the tertiary education sector forthwith remain and operate within the ambit of their primary functions of regulating and setting standards for the university and tertiary education system and desist from getting enmeshed in functions that are best left to the universities/tertiary institutions/other relevant agencies and outside their core mandates.
7. Ensure the full implementation of the report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU).
Signed:
1. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
2. Women Organisation for Gender Issue
3. CiviI Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
4. West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)
5. Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria
6. National Procurement Watch Platform (NPWP)
7. Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG)
8. Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)
9. Public Interest Lawyers League
10. United Action for Democracy (UAD)
11. Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP)
12. Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR)
13. Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)
14. Say No Campaign Nigeria 15. International Press Centre (IPC)
16. Coalition to Save Education in Nigeria (COSEG)
17. Feed Nigeria Initiative (FENI)
18. Greater Nigeria Movement (GNM)
19. Ethical Computing and Cyber Research Centre
20. Centre for Responsible Engagement and Patriotism
The grounding of the Universities and paralysis of all academic and social activities to say the least is inimical to the long term development aspirations of Nigeria.
In today's world that is knowledge driven, it is a wonder that almost two months into the ASUU strike, the government is still fiddling while the Ivory towers are 'burning'.
It would be recalled that the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement was the culmination of three years of negotiation following a similar strike by university lecturers in 2006. Since 1991, the struggle by Nigerian lecturers to ensure adequate funding in order to arrest the rot in the Nigerian tertiary education has been on with hardly any year going by without the lecturers going on strike to either demand that government implements the agreement reached or calling for a review of the agreements.
Much more disturbing is the predilection of the government for reneging on agreements freely entered into with university teachers as was the case when the university sector was rocked by protracted industrial unrest between 1994 and 1996 as a result of the government's refusal to honour the terms of the FGN/ASUU agreement of September 1992. The current round of strike is also a product of the federal government's refusal to honour the terms of the 2009 agreement entered into with ASUU. These acts of bad faith by successive governments in refusing to honour the terms of agreements freely entered into more than anything else, has accounted for the intractable crisis in the nation's university system.
Beyond the immediate implications of government's unilateral repudiation of the terms of agreements freely entered into, is the larger implication for the economy and society at large in terms of the sanctity of agreements, contracts and treaties signed by the Nigerian government. A government that habitually reneges on agreements freely entered into with its citizens cannot be counted upon to uphold the sanctity of contracts, treaties or agreements. Little wonder then that all the jamborees of the government in the name of attracting foreign investors end up yielding little or no result since no serious investor will invest in a country where the sanctity of agreements or contract means nothing.
Fundamentally, ASUU's demand has been on the need to arrest the falling standards and ensure the quality of tertiary education which has been generally acknowledged as having fallen beyond imagination. The report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU) set up by the Federal government vividly captures this rot.
The struggles of ASUU to attract adequate funding as well as qualitative tertiary education has been on despite the existence of a statutory body created specifically for the purpose of ensuring the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria and advising government on issues of remunerations in the university system.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has a duty as part of its functions as stated in its enabling act to '… prepare periodic master plans for the balanced and coordinated development of all universities in Nigeria', 'lay down minimum academic standards in the federal republic of Nigeria and accredit degrees and other academic awards', 'to ensure that quality is maintained within the academic programmes of the Nigerian university system', 'to advise the Federal Government on the financial needs, both recurrent and capital of university education in Nigeria…', 'to undertake periodic review of the terms and conditions of service of personnel engaged in the universities and to make recommendations thereon to the Federal Government as appropriate'.
It is quite clear from the foregoing therefore, that the incessant agitations of ASUU is a direct fallout of the embarrassing abdication of responsibility by the NUC. Clearly, it has not been up and doing with regards to its primary duty to the Nigerian university system. The question in view of the monumental and disastrous failure is, is there any basis for the continued existence of the NUC?.
Incessant strikes by ASUU over the very issues that are squarely within the remit of the NUC and for which it ought to have properly advised the government on, clearly shows that the NUC has over the years failed woefully in the discharge of its primary function of ensuring standards and advising governments on the needs of the universities.
The colossal failure of NUC to perform its primary functions and save the nation the current embarrassing state of affairs in the university system that has necessitated ASUU embarking on strike is a product of NUC's abandonment of its primary duty of regulation, ensuring standards and calling the attention of the government to the worsening decay in tertiary education in the country. As recently revealed, the NUC, which ordinarily should be focussed in regulating standards in the university system was said to be enmeshed in contract awards, management of scholarship funds and directly managing the affairs of universities in clear violation and breach of extant laws.
This, to say the least, clearly explains why the NUC has failed woefully in saving the nation from its current woes through timely advice on the critical state and needs of the Nigerian university system as well making proposals on how to avert the current state of rot in the system. Given the grave tragedy that incessant strike actions constitute to the immediate and long term economic and social wellbeing of the nation, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, call on the federal government to, with immediate effect-
1. Demonstrate the requisite political will to respect the terms of the agreement which it freely entered into with ASUU. This is, to us, the hallmark and minimum requirement for a responsible and credible government.
2. Re-open the collapsed negotiations with ASUU as quickly as possible. 3. Set in motion with immediate effect , all the mechanisms necessary for meeting the funding requirements of the FGN/ASUU agreement of 2009 including those that have fallen due.
4. Stop forthwith all efforts at derailing the interventionist agencies in stabilising the Nigerian tertiary education system.
5. Ensure that the extant laws regulating the operations of the TETFund are respected by all and sundry including but not limited to the NUC.
6. To immediately ensure that the NUC and other regulatory agencies within the tertiary education sector forthwith remain and operate within the ambit of their primary functions of regulating and setting standards for the university and tertiary education system and desist from getting enmeshed in functions that are best left to the universities/tertiary institutions/other relevant agencies and outside their core mandates.
7. Ensure the full implementation of the report of the Committee on Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (CNANU).
Signed:
1. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
2. Women Organisation for Gender Issue
3. CiviI Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
4. West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)
5. Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria
6. National Procurement Watch Platform (NPWP)
7. Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG)
8. Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)
9. Public Interest Lawyers League
10. United Action for Democracy (UAD)
11. Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP)
12. Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR)
13. Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)
14. Say No Campaign Nigeria 15. International Press Centre (IPC)
16. Coalition to Save Education in Nigeria (COSEG)
17. Feed Nigeria Initiative (FENI)
18. Greater Nigeria Movement (GNM)
19. Ethical Computing and Cyber Research Centre
20. Centre for Responsible Engagement and Patriotism
NFF ACCEPTS KESHI'S LIST OF 23 FOR MALAWI
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has accepted a list of 23 players submitted by Super Eagles' Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, for next week's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Malawi in Calabar.
France-based goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is on top of the list. Enyeama led the team as the Capitan multiple times this year.
Substitute goalkeeper Austin Ejide; defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose; midfielders John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Ogenyi Onazi; and forwards Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa and Uche Nwofor were also called.
Barrister Chris Green, the Chairman of the Technical and Development Committee of the NFF, confirmed that the list of 23 players has been approved, said the team may resume training and preparations for the match in Calabar as from Monday.
The Super Eagles need only a draw in the clash at the U. J. Esuene Stadium to progress into the 10-team final elimination round, where two-leg, knock out fixtures will determine Africa's five flag-bearers at the global showpiece in Brazil next year summer.
The Flames of Malawi, who must win at a venue where the Super Eagles have never lost, to qualify for that final elimination round, are expected to arrive in Nigeria from Accra.
THE FULL LIST:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
France-based goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is on top of the list. Enyeama led the team as the Capitan multiple times this year.
Substitute goalkeeper Austin Ejide; defenders Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose; midfielders John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Ogenyi Onazi; and forwards Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa and Uche Nwofor were also called.
Barrister Chris Green, the Chairman of the Technical and Development Committee of the NFF, confirmed that the list of 23 players has been approved, said the team may resume training and preparations for the match in Calabar as from Monday.
The Super Eagles need only a draw in the clash at the U. J. Esuene Stadium to progress into the 10-team final elimination round, where two-leg, knock out fixtures will determine Africa's five flag-bearers at the global showpiece in Brazil next year summer.
The Flames of Malawi, who must win at a venue where the Super Eagles have never lost, to qualify for that final elimination round, are expected to arrive in Nigeria from Accra.
THE FULL LIST:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, Netherlands); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
BBA: I"M SORRY FOR EMBARRASSING NIGERIANS - BEVERLY
Nigeria's representatives in the just concluded Big Brother Africa reality TV show, Beverly Osu and Melvin Oduah were presented to the media at the Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos last Thursday after their triumphant return to the country.

The two ex-housemates recounted their personal experiences in the Big Brother House.
Beverly was the first to put the record straight , as she denied having sex in the House with her South African counterpart, Angelo. She however, confirmed that her relationship with Angelo was real.
In BBA House
The experience was awesome.Though it was challenging, God really saw me through. It is something everybody should look forward to participating in. I don't believe I was cheated during the grand finale. Housemates from West Africa were not only united but, we dominated the House. Whoever won the show really deserved to win. For me and Melvin, having made it to the finals, we are equally winners in our own rights. At least, we brought something home to show for our efforts.
Having sex with South Africa's Angelo!
I did not have sex in the House. I had a relationship with Angelo Collins but we did not have sex. I loved him and I still love him. I am a blunt person and very real. People that knew me before BBA know that I don't pretend to be who I am. If it happens, you fall in love, you can't fake it. I did not have sex with Angelo. I was under the bathtube, but we never had sex. Maybe, the camera made it look so. Everybody gets naked to have their bath, so I don't think it is wrong for me to be naked when I have my bath too. There was no way. I couldn't be different because I went for a reality show. So, I should not be judged by what people saw during the show since I didn't intentionally bring out my video for all to see. .Big brother did that.
Winning strategy
I am a very blunt person. Melvin can testify to this claim because he stayed with me for ninety one days in the House. I was only talking to my fellow Housemates. And I don't regret anythin I said about myself and my family. This is because if I have to be on this platform, people have to know the real me and what I have been through.
On her plans for the future
I'll continue with my online reality show "Beverly Says" and I'll complete my education. I also intend to go into acting.I'm a 200 level student of the National Open University of Nigeria, where I am studying Mass Communication.
My mum's reaction
My mum has tutored me very well. Even if the whole world rejects me today, my mum can't reject me. I love my mum so much. I'm her only daughter and the last child in the family. I have always been there for her, just as she has always been there for me. I will not disappoint my mum intentionally by saying she this or she's that…
Embarrassing Nigerians
I don't feel happy about it because this is the first time, I represented the country in any continental competition. But the fact remains that if you didn't go for it, you wouldn't know how it's in the House. I wasn't there with my cell phone to be able to communicate with the outside world. I was just there alone. I'm sorry for embarrassing my country. I didn't do it intentionally. My participation in the show was not to embarrass my country. I am a proud Nigerian.
On featuring in a porn production by Afrocandy
I heard about it. Thanks for the offer but no.

The two ex-housemates recounted their personal experiences in the Big Brother House.
Beverly was the first to put the record straight , as she denied having sex in the House with her South African counterpart, Angelo. She however, confirmed that her relationship with Angelo was real.
In BBA House
The experience was awesome.Though it was challenging, God really saw me through. It is something everybody should look forward to participating in. I don't believe I was cheated during the grand finale. Housemates from West Africa were not only united but, we dominated the House. Whoever won the show really deserved to win. For me and Melvin, having made it to the finals, we are equally winners in our own rights. At least, we brought something home to show for our efforts.
Having sex with South Africa's Angelo!
I did not have sex in the House. I had a relationship with Angelo Collins but we did not have sex. I loved him and I still love him. I am a blunt person and very real. People that knew me before BBA know that I don't pretend to be who I am. If it happens, you fall in love, you can't fake it. I did not have sex with Angelo. I was under the bathtube, but we never had sex. Maybe, the camera made it look so. Everybody gets naked to have their bath, so I don't think it is wrong for me to be naked when I have my bath too. There was no way. I couldn't be different because I went for a reality show. So, I should not be judged by what people saw during the show since I didn't intentionally bring out my video for all to see. .Big brother did that.
Winning strategy
I am a very blunt person. Melvin can testify to this claim because he stayed with me for ninety one days in the House. I was only talking to my fellow Housemates. And I don't regret anythin I said about myself and my family. This is because if I have to be on this platform, people have to know the real me and what I have been through.
On her plans for the future
I'll continue with my online reality show "Beverly Says" and I'll complete my education. I also intend to go into acting.I'm a 200 level student of the National Open University of Nigeria, where I am studying Mass Communication.
My mum's reaction
My mum has tutored me very well. Even if the whole world rejects me today, my mum can't reject me. I love my mum so much. I'm her only daughter and the last child in the family. I have always been there for her, just as she has always been there for me. I will not disappoint my mum intentionally by saying she this or she's that…
Embarrassing Nigerians
I don't feel happy about it because this is the first time, I represented the country in any continental competition. But the fact remains that if you didn't go for it, you wouldn't know how it's in the House. I wasn't there with my cell phone to be able to communicate with the outside world. I was just there alone. I'm sorry for embarrassing my country. I didn't do it intentionally. My participation in the show was not to embarrass my country. I am a proud Nigerian.
On featuring in a porn production by Afrocandy
I heard about it. Thanks for the offer but no.
INTERNET ADDICTED CHILDREN TO BE TREATED IN SPECIAL CAMPS
Japan is making plans to start using internet "fasting" camps where children who are addicted to the online world will be able to get some help from education experts.

Over 500,000 Japanese children between the ages of 12 and 18 are believed to be addicted to the internet, although the ministry of education can not give an exact number, as "t is difficult to get accurate figures on the scale of the problem."
"It is becoming more and more of a problem," Akifumi Sekine, a spokesman for the ministry, said.
"We estimate this affects around 518,000 children at middle and high schools across Japan, but that figure is rising and there could be far more cases because we do not know about them all."
The government received a request to fund immersion programmes designed to get children away from their computers, mobile phones and hand-held game devices, according to the international press.
"We want to get them out of the virtual world and to encourage them to have real communication with other children and adults," Sekine said.
During the "fasting" camps, children will have no access to the internet and will be encouraged to participate to outdoor activities, team sports and games, with psychiatrists and clinical psychotherapists on hand to provide counseling if the readjusting to the real world might prove too traumatic.
Internet addiction is associated with sleep and eating disorders, depression and deep vein thrombosis, as well as low school performances.

Over 500,000 Japanese children between the ages of 12 and 18 are believed to be addicted to the internet, although the ministry of education can not give an exact number, as "t is difficult to get accurate figures on the scale of the problem."
"It is becoming more and more of a problem," Akifumi Sekine, a spokesman for the ministry, said.
"We estimate this affects around 518,000 children at middle and high schools across Japan, but that figure is rising and there could be far more cases because we do not know about them all."
The government received a request to fund immersion programmes designed to get children away from their computers, mobile phones and hand-held game devices, according to the international press.
"We want to get them out of the virtual world and to encourage them to have real communication with other children and adults," Sekine said.
During the "fasting" camps, children will have no access to the internet and will be encouraged to participate to outdoor activities, team sports and games, with psychiatrists and clinical psychotherapists on hand to provide counseling if the readjusting to the real world might prove too traumatic.
Internet addiction is associated with sleep and eating disorders, depression and deep vein thrombosis, as well as low school performances.
FEMI FANI KAYODE RESPONDS TO BIANCA OJUKWU'S THREAT TO SUE HIM
Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has responded to Bianca Ojukwu's threat to sue him for saying he had an intimate relationship with her.

Chief Femi Fani Kayode responded via his spokesperson, Mr Bisi Lawal.
This morning Cheif Femi Fani-Kayode woke up to find a letter that was published as an advertorial in Thisday Newspaper purportedly by Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu's lawyer threatening to sue him for mentioning her in his article and claiming that she has never met him before.
She also said that he was being malicious. The matter has of course been referred to Chief Fani-Kayode's lawyers who will now take it up.
Ordinarily he would have not have said a word about this matter because he sympathizes with her for whatever she may have been going through.
However now that she has put it in the public realm Chief Fani-Kayode is compelled to formally respond. To the assertion that he never knew her and that they were never friends he says this is false and he asks why would he lie? The public evidence is to the contrary. Chief Fani-Kayode would not want to say anything to embarrass her because that would be ungentlemanly.
He sympathizes with her delicate situation and once again he expresses his regrets about the fact that his statement about her was misconstrued. We shall just leave it at that.
Signed by Mr. Bisi Lawal on behalf of Femi Fani Kayode

Chief Femi Fani Kayode responded via his spokesperson, Mr Bisi Lawal.
This morning Cheif Femi Fani-Kayode woke up to find a letter that was published as an advertorial in Thisday Newspaper purportedly by Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu's lawyer threatening to sue him for mentioning her in his article and claiming that she has never met him before.
She also said that he was being malicious. The matter has of course been referred to Chief Fani-Kayode's lawyers who will now take it up.
Ordinarily he would have not have said a word about this matter because he sympathizes with her for whatever she may have been going through.
However now that she has put it in the public realm Chief Fani-Kayode is compelled to formally respond. To the assertion that he never knew her and that they were never friends he says this is false and he asks why would he lie? The public evidence is to the contrary. Chief Fani-Kayode would not want to say anything to embarrass her because that would be ungentlemanly.
He sympathizes with her delicate situation and once again he expresses his regrets about the fact that his statement about her was misconstrued. We shall just leave it at that.
Signed by Mr. Bisi Lawal on behalf of Femi Fani Kayode
PDP CRISIS: AMAECHI'S LOYALISTS DECLARE BOYCOTT OF PDP CONVENTION
Rivers State delegates loyal to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday, declared a boycott of Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP's) mini-convention which holds on Saturday, August 31, in Abuja.

This decision was announced by the leader of the Rivers State caucus in the National Assembly, Asita Asita, in a press briefing in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The boycott is to protest national PDP leadership's indifference to the crisis rocking the state PDP and illegal suspension of Governor Amaechi by the party, Asita explained. He said:
"The leadership of the party at the centre has refused to bring under control the rascality with which activities of the party are being run by the illegal administration of the PDP in the state. We are not satisfied with the illegal suspension of Governor Amaechi who is the known leader of the party in the state.
"We are aware of the mini-convention and were hoping the party at the centre would take appropriate steps over the disrepute the party is suffering. Because the party at the centre has failed to do what it is supposed to do, we have decided to boycott the convention."
95 political office holders are planning the boycott. These are two senators, 10 members of the House representatives, 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly, 23 elected Chairmen of the 23 local Government Councils, 23 Chairmen of the party in the 23 Local Government areas, and the 10 delegates that the PDP constitution empowers the Governor to nominate either from his cabinet or political appointees.
Asita, a lawyer and a member of House of Representatives, also expressed regrets that the leadership at the centre has refused to control the "activities and rascality of the Felix Obuah led faction of the party in the state that has left the party without character."
The member representing Gokana Constituency, Innocent Barikor, expressed solidarity with the action, saying
"in support of the leaders from the Rivers NASS caucus, 27 of us from the Rivers State Assembly are also in support of the boycott in solidarity with the governor."
Tammy Danagogo, Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development, also presented the unanimous consent of Rivers State commissioners, especially those not declared expelled by the party leadership, to the boycott of the convention.
Chimbika Akorolo, the Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON,in Rivers State and Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Council who spoke on behalf of the 23 Local Government Council Chairmen, said they have been assaulted by
"a kindergarten kind of leadership of the party in the state and have decided to boycott the convention in protest against the illegally of the suspension our Governor."
Samuel Horsfall, who spoke on behalf Chairmen of PDP in the 23 local Government areas who are automatic delegates, said it had been agreed that no delegate from the 23 local Government areas will be not at convention in solidarity with the Governor of the state.
It will be recalled, that on Monday, August 26, the Felix Obuah led PDP expelled 18 members, including Dr Sam Jaja, former National Vice Chairman of the party, Commissioners and other political appointees, for alleged insubordination to the party.

This decision was announced by the leader of the Rivers State caucus in the National Assembly, Asita Asita, in a press briefing in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The boycott is to protest national PDP leadership's indifference to the crisis rocking the state PDP and illegal suspension of Governor Amaechi by the party, Asita explained. He said:
"The leadership of the party at the centre has refused to bring under control the rascality with which activities of the party are being run by the illegal administration of the PDP in the state. We are not satisfied with the illegal suspension of Governor Amaechi who is the known leader of the party in the state.
"We are aware of the mini-convention and were hoping the party at the centre would take appropriate steps over the disrepute the party is suffering. Because the party at the centre has failed to do what it is supposed to do, we have decided to boycott the convention."
95 political office holders are planning the boycott. These are two senators, 10 members of the House representatives, 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly, 23 elected Chairmen of the 23 local Government Councils, 23 Chairmen of the party in the 23 Local Government areas, and the 10 delegates that the PDP constitution empowers the Governor to nominate either from his cabinet or political appointees.
Asita, a lawyer and a member of House of Representatives, also expressed regrets that the leadership at the centre has refused to control the "activities and rascality of the Felix Obuah led faction of the party in the state that has left the party without character."
The member representing Gokana Constituency, Innocent Barikor, expressed solidarity with the action, saying
"in support of the leaders from the Rivers NASS caucus, 27 of us from the Rivers State Assembly are also in support of the boycott in solidarity with the governor."
Tammy Danagogo, Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development, also presented the unanimous consent of Rivers State commissioners, especially those not declared expelled by the party leadership, to the boycott of the convention.
Chimbika Akorolo, the Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON,in Rivers State and Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Council who spoke on behalf of the 23 Local Government Council Chairmen, said they have been assaulted by
"a kindergarten kind of leadership of the party in the state and have decided to boycott the convention in protest against the illegally of the suspension our Governor."
Samuel Horsfall, who spoke on behalf Chairmen of PDP in the 23 local Government areas who are automatic delegates, said it had been agreed that no delegate from the 23 local Government areas will be not at convention in solidarity with the Governor of the state.
It will be recalled, that on Monday, August 26, the Felix Obuah led PDP expelled 18 members, including Dr Sam Jaja, former National Vice Chairman of the party, Commissioners and other political appointees, for alleged insubordination to the party.
"I DRESS AND PUT ON MAKE-UP TO SATISFY MY HUSBAND" -TOPE ALABI TALKS ABOUT WHY SHE WEARS REVEALING CLOTHES
Patricia Temitope Alabi can easily be seen as one of the most controversial gospel singer in the country.
It seems everywhere she goes, whispers and controversy follows. Recently, she got tongues wagging for her mode of dressing.

According to her;
"My current marketer (Galaxy) released a life performance, Amazing Grace, where City People gave me an award as The Best Gospel Singer For the Year. People started criticizing me from churches, telling me that the way I dressed in that video was inappropriate.
They even said because I now apply makeup that I would go to hell. And funny enough I have been putting on earrings since I came out with Oore Ti O Common, I have been putting on trousers to follow my husband wherever we go, except church programmes.But what about my husband, won't I dress to satisfy him?
My husband does not complain. He actually complains whenever I put on something like (Iro and Buba).
He prefers it when I wear western clothes. He will even come back home and tell me whatever he saw ladies put on outside that he will like me to wear.
I can't be going out shabbily dressed because I am singing gospel music" she squealed.
It seems everywhere she goes, whispers and controversy follows. Recently, she got tongues wagging for her mode of dressing.

According to her;
"My current marketer (Galaxy) released a life performance, Amazing Grace, where City People gave me an award as The Best Gospel Singer For the Year. People started criticizing me from churches, telling me that the way I dressed in that video was inappropriate.
They even said because I now apply makeup that I would go to hell. And funny enough I have been putting on earrings since I came out with Oore Ti O Common, I have been putting on trousers to follow my husband wherever we go, except church programmes.But what about my husband, won't I dress to satisfy him?
My husband does not complain. He actually complains whenever I put on something like (Iro and Buba).
He prefers it when I wear western clothes. He will even come back home and tell me whatever he saw ladies put on outside that he will like me to wear.
I can't be going out shabbily dressed because I am singing gospel music" she squealed.
OZEKHOME'S KIDNAP: CATHOLIC CHURCH CALLS VIGIL
Concerned by the abduction of rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and two others on Friday along they Benin-Auchi Road, Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel Dunia, has directed Catholic faithful in Iyuku, Ozekhome's hometown; and Auchi to keep prayerful vigil for God's intervention.
While Ozekhome, who was kidnapped along with his driver, is a Knight of St. Mulumba; the third victim who is a chieftain of the All Progressive Party in Edo North, Athanasius Ogbome, is also said to be a member of the Catholic Church.
Dunia expressed worry over what he described as the rampant cases of kidnapping in the country, particularly in Edo State.
He said he received the news of Ozekhome's kidnap at about 11.30pm last Saturday through a telephone call from one of the knights of the church and immediately put a call to Governor Adanms Oshiomhole and some of his aides, but that he could not access them.
He said, "I called some priests, then I called the Reverend Father in his hometown, Iyuku in Agenebode, that they should immediately mobilise the faithful to the church to pray to create adoration before the blessed sacrament to bring about quick resolution as regard the release of Chief Mike Ozekhome and all others who have been kidnapped.
I also said they should follow it up subsequently the following day with rosary procession with candle light in the night or without candle light during the day, so that if it's because of our sins that God allows us to be punished, the heaven being, led by the mother of Jesus, will now pray on our behalf that God will have mercy on us.
"That is what we are doing right now, that those who had planned to kidnap Chief Mike Ozekhome and all others, they should have a repentant heart and see the better things they should do rather than keeping him hostage, that they should quickly reverse and release him for us.
Meanwhile, Edo Youth Congress of Nigeria, on Thursday joined other groups to condemn the abduction of Ozekhome and the others.
The EYC in a communiqué issued after a rally it held in Benin, said contrary to purported belief in blood money among some youths, most youths believe in the dignity of labour and total abhorrence for anything with link to blood money.
In the communiqué signed by its President, Dan Eichi;, Secretary-General, Kola Edokpayi; and Media and Publicity Secretary, Michael Eguaogie, the group flayed the abduction of Ozekhome, a patron of EYC, "for making themselves worshippers of blood money and thereby demanding N150m ransom."
It read in part, "The Edo Youth Congress of Nigeria is appalled by the worrisome and ceaseless spate of kidnapping in Edo State. It is quite curious as this serial kidnapping has (now) assumed another dimension as prominent sons and daughters of Edo State origin are now being kidnapped at reckless frequency, and there are no signs on the horizon that it will abate any time soon."
While Ozekhome, who was kidnapped along with his driver, is a Knight of St. Mulumba; the third victim who is a chieftain of the All Progressive Party in Edo North, Athanasius Ogbome, is also said to be a member of the Catholic Church.
Dunia expressed worry over what he described as the rampant cases of kidnapping in the country, particularly in Edo State.
He said he received the news of Ozekhome's kidnap at about 11.30pm last Saturday through a telephone call from one of the knights of the church and immediately put a call to Governor Adanms Oshiomhole and some of his aides, but that he could not access them.
He said, "I called some priests, then I called the Reverend Father in his hometown, Iyuku in Agenebode, that they should immediately mobilise the faithful to the church to pray to create adoration before the blessed sacrament to bring about quick resolution as regard the release of Chief Mike Ozekhome and all others who have been kidnapped.
I also said they should follow it up subsequently the following day with rosary procession with candle light in the night or without candle light during the day, so that if it's because of our sins that God allows us to be punished, the heaven being, led by the mother of Jesus, will now pray on our behalf that God will have mercy on us.
"That is what we are doing right now, that those who had planned to kidnap Chief Mike Ozekhome and all others, they should have a repentant heart and see the better things they should do rather than keeping him hostage, that they should quickly reverse and release him for us.
Meanwhile, Edo Youth Congress of Nigeria, on Thursday joined other groups to condemn the abduction of Ozekhome and the others.
The EYC in a communiqué issued after a rally it held in Benin, said contrary to purported belief in blood money among some youths, most youths believe in the dignity of labour and total abhorrence for anything with link to blood money.
In the communiqué signed by its President, Dan Eichi;, Secretary-General, Kola Edokpayi; and Media and Publicity Secretary, Michael Eguaogie, the group flayed the abduction of Ozekhome, a patron of EYC, "for making themselves worshippers of blood money and thereby demanding N150m ransom."
It read in part, "The Edo Youth Congress of Nigeria is appalled by the worrisome and ceaseless spate of kidnapping in Edo State. It is quite curious as this serial kidnapping has (now) assumed another dimension as prominent sons and daughters of Edo State origin are now being kidnapped at reckless frequency, and there are no signs on the horizon that it will abate any time soon."
I NEVER HAD SEX AT BBA HOUSE -BEVERLY
Beverly Osu, the co-Nigerian contestant of the recently concluded Big Brother Africa reality show, The Chase, has denied having sex with her mate, Angelo.
Speaking to journalists at the media presentation of the two Nigerian house mates yesterday at Protea Hotel, VI, Lagos, Osu also affirmed that her love relationship with Angelo was real.
She added that she did not know what people watched during the show but that she played to the gallery and asked Nigerians to forgive her if she embarrassed them.
She said: "I am a blunt person and very real. People that knew me before BBA know that. I don't pretend to be who I am. If it happens you fall in love, you can't fake it. I did not have sex with Angelo. I was under at the bath tub, but we never really had sex. Maybe the camera made it look so.
Melvin, looking splendid in a brown Kaftan attire, thanked Nigerians for voting for him and said he would always be a proud ambassador.
Osu, 21, was wearing a black camisole and had her leg bandaged, having sprained her ankle on the final day while being called up the stage.
She said that she would use the platform to develop her career in the entertainment industry and also continue her studies at the National Open University of Nigeria where she is studying mass communication.
Speaking to journalists at the media presentation of the two Nigerian house mates yesterday at Protea Hotel, VI, Lagos, Osu also affirmed that her love relationship with Angelo was real.
She added that she did not know what people watched during the show but that she played to the gallery and asked Nigerians to forgive her if she embarrassed them.
She said: "I am a blunt person and very real. People that knew me before BBA know that. I don't pretend to be who I am. If it happens you fall in love, you can't fake it. I did not have sex with Angelo. I was under at the bath tub, but we never really had sex. Maybe the camera made it look so.
Melvin, looking splendid in a brown Kaftan attire, thanked Nigerians for voting for him and said he would always be a proud ambassador.
Osu, 21, was wearing a black camisole and had her leg bandaged, having sprained her ankle on the final day while being called up the stage.
She said that she would use the platform to develop her career in the entertainment industry and also continue her studies at the National Open University of Nigeria where she is studying mass communication.
ANAMBRA 2013: INEC WARNS POLITICIANS AGAINST BUYING VOTER'S CARDS
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned politicians against buying up voter's cards from the electorate in order to rig the governorship election in Anambra scheduled for November 16, 2013.
The warning was given by INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu on Thursday when he met the members of the state's council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The notice came as a response to the resent reports that politicians were mopping up voters' cards, ahead of the polls, and that some politicians had been ferrying people from Jos and Lagos, among other states, to come and register in Anambra during the seven-day continuous voter registration in the state.
Onukaogu maintained that it would be a waste of time and resources for the parties to think that bought voter's cards would be useful during the election because "The cards will not be used to vote."
He also cautioned the electorate, saying that "Selling your card means you will not vote and right now we are in court prosecuting 72 people for multiple registrations during the last voter registration exercise."
Onukaogu recalled that in 2011 election there were 840,000 multiple registration with Anambra State being the 'leader' with 93,000 multiple registers.
REC further disclosed that he has worked "on the mind sets of my workers, and they can't be compromised either and our salary is regular as well as all that we need for the governorship election."
Onukaogu assured that INEC would try their best to conduct a free and fair election in the state, ad highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections, saying "the whole world is watching to see a standard that will be set by INEC in Anambra State."
The warning was given by INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu on Thursday when he met the members of the state's council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The notice came as a response to the resent reports that politicians were mopping up voters' cards, ahead of the polls, and that some politicians had been ferrying people from Jos and Lagos, among other states, to come and register in Anambra during the seven-day continuous voter registration in the state.
Onukaogu maintained that it would be a waste of time and resources for the parties to think that bought voter's cards would be useful during the election because "The cards will not be used to vote."
He also cautioned the electorate, saying that "Selling your card means you will not vote and right now we are in court prosecuting 72 people for multiple registrations during the last voter registration exercise."
Onukaogu recalled that in 2011 election there were 840,000 multiple registration with Anambra State being the 'leader' with 93,000 multiple registers.
REC further disclosed that he has worked "on the mind sets of my workers, and they can't be compromised either and our salary is regular as well as all that we need for the governorship election."
Onukaogu assured that INEC would try their best to conduct a free and fair election in the state, ad highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections, saying "the whole world is watching to see a standard that will be set by INEC in Anambra State."
WIZKID BEATS DAVIDO
WizkId, Ayo Balogun has got every reason to beat his chest again, even going as far as calling everyone "broke" this time around with a bit of a smirk on his face is another feat that has been added to his mounting heap of honours and accomplishments.
Though the 24-year-old met a lot of big guns on the scene but it appears he is out-muscling them on the popularity contest by a long stretch. The twitter followers check reveals the 'Pakurumo' crooner has followers totalling over 720,000 while next in line to him, D'Banj, Tuface Idibia and close rival Davido are a long shot away, with the closest person with followers less than 400,000 people.
For sometime now, leading social media, twitter has been the litmus test to measure popularity, especially among entertainers the world over. Lady Gaga got so big she felt she should have a social media of her own, hence 'Little Monsters' was born.
Though the 24-year-old met a lot of big guns on the scene but it appears he is out-muscling them on the popularity contest by a long stretch. The twitter followers check reveals the 'Pakurumo' crooner has followers totalling over 720,000 while next in line to him, D'Banj, Tuface Idibia and close rival Davido are a long shot away, with the closest person with followers less than 400,000 people.
For sometime now, leading social media, twitter has been the litmus test to measure popularity, especially among entertainers the world over. Lady Gaga got so big she felt she should have a social media of her own, hence 'Little Monsters' was born.
ASUU STRIKE: REPS APPEALS TO ASUU TO RETURN TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE
Former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Education, Farouk Lawal, yesterday, appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to return to the negotiating table with the Federal Government to bring an end to the lingering strike.
Lawal, who spoke during a chat with newsmen, also charged the Federal Government not to always cave in to pressure to sign an agreement if it knew the terms were stringent.
He recalled that similar incident had occurred in the past when government bowed to pressure and later backslid, stressing that dialogue remained the best way out of the present ASUU/FG impasse.
He said: "I think, in the first place, that the best way of resolving any crisis is through dialogue and it is on this note that I am appealing to ASUU to resume negotiation with the government.
"I am appealing to both sides to resume negotiations because, it is only through dialogue, it is only through consultations, that the issues can be resolved."
Lawal, who spoke during a chat with newsmen, also charged the Federal Government not to always cave in to pressure to sign an agreement if it knew the terms were stringent.
He recalled that similar incident had occurred in the past when government bowed to pressure and later backslid, stressing that dialogue remained the best way out of the present ASUU/FG impasse.
He said: "I think, in the first place, that the best way of resolving any crisis is through dialogue and it is on this note that I am appealing to ASUU to resume negotiation with the government.
"I am appealing to both sides to resume negotiations because, it is only through dialogue, it is only through consultations, that the issues can be resolved."
Thursday 29 August 2013
FRAUD:EFCC DECLARES 3 NNAMANI'S AIDES WANTED
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Thursday, declared three aides of the former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, wanted in connection with the stealing of the state's funds worth N50 billion.
The three persons, a woman and two men, were declared wanted following the inability of the operatives of the commission to fish them out to answer questions on the roles they played in siphoning the huge sums of money belonging to the state.
A statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the Acting Head of Media of the commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, gave the names of the wanted persons as Jude Benjamin Amanze, Chinelo Nwigwe and David Nwigwe
More details soon
The three persons, a woman and two men, were declared wanted following the inability of the operatives of the commission to fish them out to answer questions on the roles they played in siphoning the huge sums of money belonging to the state.
A statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the Acting Head of Media of the commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, gave the names of the wanted persons as Jude Benjamin Amanze, Chinelo Nwigwe and David Nwigwe
More details soon
ABUJA AUTO CRASH CLAIMS LIVES OF PREGNANT WOMAN,2 OTHERS
A deadly vehicles' accident at Mpape Junction along Kubwa Express Way in Abuja has claimed lives of two women (one of them is said to have been pregnant) and a man.
According to an anonymous eyewitness, the accident involved a tipper and a Peugeot car. The tipper vehicle, carrying gravels, lost control and passed through a narrow bye-pass into the Peugeot car at the express road.
The eyewitness narrated that the tipper just lost control, suggesting break failure as a cause.
The acident instantly claimed the lives of the tipper driver, a pregnant woman and another young lady in the Peugeot Car, while the driver of the car sustained serious injuries.
The crash occurred at about 1.30pm; tipper's plate number is JAL 315XA, and the Peugeot's BWR 733AR.
A passer-by rushed to the scene to rescue victims who were taken to Maitama Hospital by men of the Maitama Police Division.
A survivor of the accident was still in shock and could not mutter a word to comment on the horrible accident.
It took the combined efforts of men of the Maitama Police division and the officers of the FCT Federal Road Safety Corps command to control the traffic the incident caused. They, however, declined to comment on the incident.
According to an anonymous eyewitness, the accident involved a tipper and a Peugeot car. The tipper vehicle, carrying gravels, lost control and passed through a narrow bye-pass into the Peugeot car at the express road.
The eyewitness narrated that the tipper just lost control, suggesting break failure as a cause.
The acident instantly claimed the lives of the tipper driver, a pregnant woman and another young lady in the Peugeot Car, while the driver of the car sustained serious injuries.
The crash occurred at about 1.30pm; tipper's plate number is JAL 315XA, and the Peugeot's BWR 733AR.
A passer-by rushed to the scene to rescue victims who were taken to Maitama Hospital by men of the Maitama Police Division.
A survivor of the accident was still in shock and could not mutter a word to comment on the horrible accident.
It took the combined efforts of men of the Maitama Police division and the officers of the FCT Federal Road Safety Corps command to control the traffic the incident caused. They, however, declined to comment on the incident.
VIOLENCE OUTBREAK NEAR BENIN BORDER,MANY FEARED DEAD
We have received reports of a bloody clash of the locals and the men of Nigeria Custom officers in the village of Seme in Badagry, a border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
A reliable source disclosed that the violence outbreak was most likely triggered by continuous tension between men of the Nigeria CustomsService and some members of the community.
The eyewitnesses say the security officials have been drafted to the scene to avert further escalation of the crisis.
A number of villagers and members of the Nigeria Customs are feared dead.
Details later.
A reliable source disclosed that the violence outbreak was most likely triggered by continuous tension between men of the Nigeria CustomsService and some members of the community.
The eyewitnesses say the security officials have been drafted to the scene to avert further escalation of the crisis.
A number of villagers and members of the Nigeria Customs are feared dead.
Details later.
DANGOTE FLOUR LOSES N1BN
Dangote Flour Mills, DFM, Plc has recorded a pre-tax and after tax losses of N2 billion and N1 billion respectively for the half year period ended June 30, 2013.

According to FBN Capital, the market sentiment for the result is likely to be negative, even as the company's sales up by nine percent on quarter-on-quarter basis.
According to analysis from FBN Capital, "Although Dangote Flour's half year (Q2) sales of N15.3billion were up marginally by 3.3 percent Year-on-Year (y/y), a gross margin contraction of 1,118 basis points (bps) to 7.2 percent resulted in gross profit declining 60 percent Year-on-Year (y/y).
A tax credit of N1.2billion reduced DFM's net loss after tax to N1.0billion. On a sequential basis, sales were up by nine percent quarter-on-quarter (q/q). With this set of results, DFM has now reported six consecutive quarters of losses. Relative to our unrevised estimates, sales were 19 percent below our N18.9 billion forecast; we were also looking for a profit after tax of N267million."
Furthermore, FBN Capital noted that a combination of factors, including Operating Expenses (opex) growth of 49 percent y/y, a 96 percent y/y increase in net interest expense and an impairment charge of N293 million all weighed on the bottom line and resulted in a pre-tax loss of N2.0billion.
Continuing, the FBN Capital stated "Pending management's comments on the results and using Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) as a read-across, we believe that one of the factors responsible for the gross margin contraction was higher import duties on wheat grain (a key input for flour millers) from five percent to 20 percent. We suspect that the 49 percent y/y rise in opex was driven by a spike in haulage costs, particularly to the northern region of the country, which accounts for about 30 percent of sales. At this point, due to the company's limited communication with analysts, we cannot comment in detail on the asset impairment charges.
However, Tiger Brands management had disclosed that DFM may not become accretive in the near-term. As such, we would not be surprised to see more losses reflected in the company's next set of quarterly results."

According to FBN Capital, the market sentiment for the result is likely to be negative, even as the company's sales up by nine percent on quarter-on-quarter basis.
According to analysis from FBN Capital, "Although Dangote Flour's half year (Q2) sales of N15.3billion were up marginally by 3.3 percent Year-on-Year (y/y), a gross margin contraction of 1,118 basis points (bps) to 7.2 percent resulted in gross profit declining 60 percent Year-on-Year (y/y).
A tax credit of N1.2billion reduced DFM's net loss after tax to N1.0billion. On a sequential basis, sales were up by nine percent quarter-on-quarter (q/q). With this set of results, DFM has now reported six consecutive quarters of losses. Relative to our unrevised estimates, sales were 19 percent below our N18.9 billion forecast; we were also looking for a profit after tax of N267million."
Furthermore, FBN Capital noted that a combination of factors, including Operating Expenses (opex) growth of 49 percent y/y, a 96 percent y/y increase in net interest expense and an impairment charge of N293 million all weighed on the bottom line and resulted in a pre-tax loss of N2.0billion.
Continuing, the FBN Capital stated "Pending management's comments on the results and using Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) as a read-across, we believe that one of the factors responsible for the gross margin contraction was higher import duties on wheat grain (a key input for flour millers) from five percent to 20 percent. We suspect that the 49 percent y/y rise in opex was driven by a spike in haulage costs, particularly to the northern region of the country, which accounts for about 30 percent of sales. At this point, due to the company's limited communication with analysts, we cannot comment in detail on the asset impairment charges.
However, Tiger Brands management had disclosed that DFM may not become accretive in the near-term. As such, we would not be surprised to see more losses reflected in the company's next set of quarterly results."
OPINION: WHY POLICEMEN ARE ANGRY OVER SALARY DEDUCTIONS
By Michael Jegede, a journalist and public affairs commentator from Abuja
Members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have continued to express total resentment and displeasure over what most of them described as the indiscriminate deductions from their salaries. The policemen could not fathom why anything for whatever reason should be deducted from their paltry pay package, which to them, is obviously nothing to make a song or dance about when compared to the great risk involved in their job.
The Mechanized Salary Section (MSS) of the police was said to have made deductions of N5,500 from the salaries of the officers in July 2013. They are to deduct the same amount in August, making a total of N11,000, which the police authorities said is meant for the procurement of Fokas Savings and Loans Limited shares for the officers.
Some of the policemen are much more enraged because they were not duly informed before the deductions were made. It was only after the first deductions had been made that they were told about the scheme by their "ogas at the top". Also, another reason why members of the NPF are so exasperated is that the shares procurement deductions came after N2000 was said to have been deducted from the salaries of senior police officers, while the junior officers were made to sacrifice N1000 as compulsory contribution towards the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) in which Nigerian policemen reportedly participated.
This, to the officers, does not make any sense as they believe that the government should have been able to take up the responsibility of footing the bill for their involvement in the games. Nigeria featured for the first time in the biennial athletic event open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world, which took place between August 1 and 10, 2013 in Northern Ireland. Some policemen are doubtful of the judicious utilization of the money deducted for the WPFG, as they are of the view that those in charge should be probed to know whether some people ended up feeding fat from their collective contributions.
After the deductions from their July salaries for the shares, a police inspector was quoted by a national newspaper as saying, "Last week I received a text message from my bank notifying me that my salary had been paid. However, I found out that N5, 000 had been deducted. It was a few days later that we were given forms and we were then told that we had to buy shares compulsorily. How could the deductions have been made before I even filled the form? The police authorities are leveraging on the fact that policemen cannot openly protest. The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, must look into this."
{read_more}
One of the policemen who spoke with this writer was visibly angry at the decision of the police authorities to arbitrarily deduct their salaries without their consent. You could see the anger clearly written all over him. Hear him: "Please tell them to return our money and stop any further deduction from our salaries. We are not interested in buying any share. How can they forcefully deduct our money to buy shares for us when we are not interested? Why should they continue to cut our pay that is not even enough to take us home? The IG should forget this share thing and work towards ensuring an improved salary package for us. Of all the security agencies in the country, policemen are the least paid, even the Civil Defence men are bettered paid than us. This is not fair. This is the fight we want them to fight for us please."
However, some of the police officers see the move as a welcome development. Those in this category feel that the police authorities should rather be commended for coming up with a scheme that will encourage policemen to save, as according to them, many of their colleagues are found of spending frivolously without keeping aside anything from their salaries for the rainy days.
In response to the outcry among the NPF members over the said salary deductions, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, came out to make clarifications on why the decision was taken. Abubakar speaking through the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, said the N5, 500 deductions from the July salaries of all police personnel was to the advantage of every member of the force.
The IGP maintained that the money was for nothing else other than to ease the floating of a mortgage bank, in order to meet the housing needs of policemen. He further explained that the establishment of the bank became essential after policemen had recurrently faced disappointment and frustration by National Housing Fund (NHF) in their efforts to acquire loans to rent, buy or build a house for themselves. Noting that by the deductions every policeman would become a shareholder in the bank and will be entitled to a share certificate, loans and dividends, Mba said: "The Nigeria Police Force remains the highest contributor to the Federal Mortgage Bank. As at date, contributions by police officers to the NHF and remittances to the FMBN total approximately N8billion. Unfortunately, the Nigeria Police Force has not benefited from the facilities available at the FMBN under the NHF Act while other agencies and corporate groups benefit from huge contributions of policemen. Why? Because the Nigeria Police Force could not float a Mortgage Bank to easily access the required loans for its officers and men.
Efforts of the Nigeria Police Force over the years, to establish a mortgage bank had been stalled by administrative instabilities generally occasioned by frequent leadership changes. Apart from other technicalities and statutory requirements by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulatory agencies, the capitalisation sum of N2.5 billion for one state branch or N5billion for a national branch is required before a mortgage bank can be licensed. Considering the interests of the police in accessing its huge contributions to the NHF, an entirely owned mortgage bank is needed to maximally protect the long-term housing initiative for generations of officers/men and even retirees."
On why the officers were not properly briefed before the deductions were effected, the police spokesman disclosed that when the IG came up with the scheme, he had invited Commissioners of Police from all over the country to keep them abreast of his plan, with the expectation that they will pass the message across to their underlings. He, however, observed that from the acrimonious reactions generated by the deductions, it was apparent that none of them deemed it fit to have informed the officers beforehand.
Much as I would want to agree that this scheme is laudable and every police officer should embrace it, I do not think it is appropriate to make it mandatory. You cannot compel somebody to accept an offer you are making to him if he is not interested in it. Therefore, the police authorities should make the scheme optional for only those who are fully interested in being part of it. Period!
Members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have continued to express total resentment and displeasure over what most of them described as the indiscriminate deductions from their salaries. The policemen could not fathom why anything for whatever reason should be deducted from their paltry pay package, which to them, is obviously nothing to make a song or dance about when compared to the great risk involved in their job.
The Mechanized Salary Section (MSS) of the police was said to have made deductions of N5,500 from the salaries of the officers in July 2013. They are to deduct the same amount in August, making a total of N11,000, which the police authorities said is meant for the procurement of Fokas Savings and Loans Limited shares for the officers.
Some of the policemen are much more enraged because they were not duly informed before the deductions were made. It was only after the first deductions had been made that they were told about the scheme by their "ogas at the top". Also, another reason why members of the NPF are so exasperated is that the shares procurement deductions came after N2000 was said to have been deducted from the salaries of senior police officers, while the junior officers were made to sacrifice N1000 as compulsory contribution towards the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) in which Nigerian policemen reportedly participated.
This, to the officers, does not make any sense as they believe that the government should have been able to take up the responsibility of footing the bill for their involvement in the games. Nigeria featured for the first time in the biennial athletic event open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world, which took place between August 1 and 10, 2013 in Northern Ireland. Some policemen are doubtful of the judicious utilization of the money deducted for the WPFG, as they are of the view that those in charge should be probed to know whether some people ended up feeding fat from their collective contributions.
After the deductions from their July salaries for the shares, a police inspector was quoted by a national newspaper as saying, "Last week I received a text message from my bank notifying me that my salary had been paid. However, I found out that N5, 000 had been deducted. It was a few days later that we were given forms and we were then told that we had to buy shares compulsorily. How could the deductions have been made before I even filled the form? The police authorities are leveraging on the fact that policemen cannot openly protest. The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, must look into this."
{read_more}
One of the policemen who spoke with this writer was visibly angry at the decision of the police authorities to arbitrarily deduct their salaries without their consent. You could see the anger clearly written all over him. Hear him: "Please tell them to return our money and stop any further deduction from our salaries. We are not interested in buying any share. How can they forcefully deduct our money to buy shares for us when we are not interested? Why should they continue to cut our pay that is not even enough to take us home? The IG should forget this share thing and work towards ensuring an improved salary package for us. Of all the security agencies in the country, policemen are the least paid, even the Civil Defence men are bettered paid than us. This is not fair. This is the fight we want them to fight for us please."
However, some of the police officers see the move as a welcome development. Those in this category feel that the police authorities should rather be commended for coming up with a scheme that will encourage policemen to save, as according to them, many of their colleagues are found of spending frivolously without keeping aside anything from their salaries for the rainy days.
In response to the outcry among the NPF members over the said salary deductions, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, came out to make clarifications on why the decision was taken. Abubakar speaking through the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, said the N5, 500 deductions from the July salaries of all police personnel was to the advantage of every member of the force.
The IGP maintained that the money was for nothing else other than to ease the floating of a mortgage bank, in order to meet the housing needs of policemen. He further explained that the establishment of the bank became essential after policemen had recurrently faced disappointment and frustration by National Housing Fund (NHF) in their efforts to acquire loans to rent, buy or build a house for themselves. Noting that by the deductions every policeman would become a shareholder in the bank and will be entitled to a share certificate, loans and dividends, Mba said: "The Nigeria Police Force remains the highest contributor to the Federal Mortgage Bank. As at date, contributions by police officers to the NHF and remittances to the FMBN total approximately N8billion. Unfortunately, the Nigeria Police Force has not benefited from the facilities available at the FMBN under the NHF Act while other agencies and corporate groups benefit from huge contributions of policemen. Why? Because the Nigeria Police Force could not float a Mortgage Bank to easily access the required loans for its officers and men.
Efforts of the Nigeria Police Force over the years, to establish a mortgage bank had been stalled by administrative instabilities generally occasioned by frequent leadership changes. Apart from other technicalities and statutory requirements by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulatory agencies, the capitalisation sum of N2.5 billion for one state branch or N5billion for a national branch is required before a mortgage bank can be licensed. Considering the interests of the police in accessing its huge contributions to the NHF, an entirely owned mortgage bank is needed to maximally protect the long-term housing initiative for generations of officers/men and even retirees."
On why the officers were not properly briefed before the deductions were effected, the police spokesman disclosed that when the IG came up with the scheme, he had invited Commissioners of Police from all over the country to keep them abreast of his plan, with the expectation that they will pass the message across to their underlings. He, however, observed that from the acrimonious reactions generated by the deductions, it was apparent that none of them deemed it fit to have informed the officers beforehand.
Much as I would want to agree that this scheme is laudable and every police officer should embrace it, I do not think it is appropriate to make it mandatory. You cannot compel somebody to accept an offer you are making to him if he is not interested in it. Therefore, the police authorities should make the scheme optional for only those who are fully interested in being part of it. Period!
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