September 25, 2018.
 
Press Conference.
 
Osun Guber Malpractices: PDP Demands Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Amina Zakari’s Resignation From INEC:
 
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, following his controlling role in the fraudulent manipulations that characterized the September 22, 2018, Osun State Governorship election.
 
In the same vein, the PDP also calls for the resignation of Mrs. Amina Zakari, the INEC National Commissioner, Supervising Electoral Operations, who is also in charge of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Department, where election results were altered to favour the APC 
 
With INEC’s fraudulent conduct in the Osun Governorship election, and approval that a concluded election be declared inconclusive, the PDP and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians no longer have confidence in Prof. Yakubu.
 
It is completely inexcusable that Prof. Yakubu presides over an atrocious and compromised electoral umpire that manipulates electoral processes, doctors figures, allocates fictitious votes and subverts the will of the people in an election.
 
The PDP has additional documentary evidence of how this compromised INEC, through its Operations and ICT Department, doctored results from polling centers, directly shortchanged the PDP with no fewer than 4,387 votes by slashing votes cast for the PDP at the polling centers while allocating fictitious figures to the APC.   
 
The PDP has facts on how INEC slashed over 1000 votes freely cast by the people for our candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in Ayedaade Local Government Area, just to reduce our votes from our legitimate 10,836 votes cast at the polling centers to 9,836 votes so as to give APC the lead with a 1000 vote margin in the local government.  
 
Also, the PDP has evidence of how INEC, while collating results, directly allocated over 1,367 fictitious votes to the APC in Olorunda Local Government Area, to fraudulently shore up the APC votes to duplicitous 16,254 votes. This is in addition to evidence of how INEC awarded over 2,000 fictitious votes in favour of the APC in Oshogbo to push APC’s vote to 23,379 against the actual 21,479 votes scored by the defeated party. 
 
Such writing of results by INEC in collusion with the APC occurred in many other areas leading to INEC’s ill-fated directives to its junior officials, including the one apprehended in Ayedaade, to destroy results already displayed at polling and collation centers.
 
It was after INEC and the APC realized that despite their manipulation of figures, our candidate still scored the highest number of votes, making him the clear winner of the election, that they decided to fraudulently apply unconstitutional grounds to declare the election inconclusive.  
 
From the facts available to us, INEC robbed our party of over 4,387 votes. Our actual winning margin stands at 4,740 votes against the 353 votes declared by INEC.
 
Furthermore, while the PDP, in rejecting INEC’s declaration, is resolute in the decision to seek legal redress and take our mandate, freely given to our candidate by the people of Osun State, our party has also discovered schemes perfected by INEC to rig its planned supplementary election in favour of the APC. 
 
The PDP is already aware that INEC has increased the original number of voters in the affected polling centers by over 850 so as to expand its latitude to manipulate results with uncollected Permanent Voter Card (PVCs); a development, which further shows INEC’s determination to rig the election for APC.
 
The PDP holds that the shenanigan that has characterized the Osun governorship election is a testing measure by the APC in collusion with INEC to rig the 2019 general elections, particularly the Presidential election, which they plan to plunge into similar controversy immediately it becomes obvious that APC is losing.
 
Our fear is that such will push our nation into an irretrievable state of anarchy and spell doom to our democracy.
 
While Prof. Mahmood Yakubu can no longer be trusted to conduct the 2019 general elections, it is public knowledge that Mrs. Amina Zakari, the INEC National Commissioner, Supervising Electoral Operations is a direct blood relation of Mr. President and as such, we believe that she cannot be an impartial arbiter in an election involving her uncle.
 
The PDP therefore calls on all patriotic Nigerians to join in the demand for the resignation of Prof. Yakubu and Mrs. Zakari so as to avert this dangerous path, where INEC is leading our nation.
 
As a law abiding and people-oriented political party, all that the PDP is demanding for is the return of our candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the duly returned candidate at the September 22, 2018 Osun Governorship Election.
 
We call on INEC to guarantee free, fair and credible election at all levels of engagement, as we will not allow unpatriotic individuals to destroy our nation with their inordinate and selfish aspirations.
 
Signed:
 
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to agree on a venue for its party’s presidential primaries scheduled for October 6.

The party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC) different positions became evident at the inauguration of the party’s National Convention Planning Committee on Monday in Abuja.

This followed a sharp disagreement between the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Sen. Walid Jibrin, and the NWC.

Inaugurating the committee, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Elder, Yemi Akinwonmi, said that the party leaders had consulted widely on the venue and agreed for Port Harcourt, Rivers.

“On the issue of venue, the party set up a committee headed by Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure and they went round the South-South Zone and South-East Zone before coming out with the choice of Port Harcourt for us”, NAN quoted him as saying.

“As in acceptance, the National Working Committee (NWC) has consulted widely with the PDP Governors forum, we have consulted widely with the BOT, caucus of the party and today it has been jointly accepted that we will converge on Port Harcourt, in no distance time for the National Convention.”

Akinwonmi added that the international community had expressed their interests in the party primaries.

“Particularly, they want to come and watch the process that will lead to the emergency of our flag bearer, because by the grace of God our candidate will be the next President of Nigeria.”

However, Jibrin, in his remarks said that the party had yet to make final decision on the choice of venue for the convention.

“Even though the Deputy Chairman said the issue of venue had been concluded, I want to say that the issue of venue is still on and is not concluded.

“Because there are many suggestions on the issue of venue. We look at all suggestions and I assure you that the issue of venue will be resolved.

“But for now, we are working round the clock to ensure that we have a very suitable venue accepted by everybody.

“I want to say that every one of us should come together and ensure that we have a venue suitable to all of us.”

Speaking, secretary of the convention committee and Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi, said “I think the working committee and the BOT need to settle this.”

Chairman of the convention committee, Ifeanyi Okowa, also speaking on the matter said PDP was ready to host the convention in any state eventually agreed on.

“I believe that at the end of the day, nobody will have any cause to complain.

“We do understand that the assignment that you have given us is about the most important assignment in the history of this party at least for this year.

“All of us believe that the only way forward is for the entirety of the party to stay united and focused. And as such, as members of the PDP, we cannot afford to disagree on any issues.

“The thing that is needed is for a free and fair primary to be conducted for all our aspirants. And we are very definite that we will get it right.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/pdp-leadership-divided-over-venue-for.html

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, said former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be ready to clear his name of any allegation levelled against him.

The governor also asked the ex-President to stop raising alarm on plot to arrest him by the Federal Government.

He said: “Nigerians are being humiliated every day by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime which he (Obasanjo) helped to enthrone.” “Some of us have gone through trials before and we are not afraid of trials even today.” The governor, who insisted that Obasanjo deserves whatever humiliation he was getting from President Buhari, said “the President can go ahead and arrest the ex-President if he desires but should remember that what goes around comes around.” “He won’t be President forever too. 

After all, they have been intimidating and humiliating former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife,” Fayose said.

The governor referred to Page 96 of Obasanjo’s book, “My Watch,” where he wrote “I prefer him (Buhari) to jail me than Jonathan to return to destroy this nation,” noting that “since the ex-President himself said he preferred to be jailed by Buhari and worked for his enthronement, the President can hasten his arrest and imprisonment.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: 

“When other Nigerians were at the receiving end of President Buhari’s dictatorship, Obasanjo was going in and out of the Presidential Villa. “Where was he when Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) was arrested and detained since 2015 despite court orders for his release? When over 1,000 members of the Nigeria’s Islamic Movement were killed in Zaria and their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, arrested and dumped in detention since 2016 despite of court orders, what did Obasanjo do? “Where was Obasanjo when armed men of the DSS invaded the Ekiti State House Assembly and abducted one of its members? Did Obasanjo travel out of Nigeria when judges were being arrested in the night in a Gestapo manner?”


More below:

https://zenithnaija.com/obasanjo-must-follow-me-to-efcc-ekiti-state-governor-fayose/

Deji Adeyanju

Quote:Just met one of the top PDP presidential aspirants at the aiport & I asked him a simple question: Do you think PDP can win 2019. His answer was revealing.

He alleged that Wike was working for Buhari to install a candidate & trade-off the party with Rivers. Wike has alleged same.

He said Wike is sponsoring a candidate that cannot defeat Buhari and this is why Wike alleged that some of the candidates are working for the presidency to cause division in the party. He said Wike wants to be president in 2023 and is not concerned about 2019.


He said the reason Wike took PDP convention to Port-Harcourt is to manipulate the process & install his unpopular candidate on the party like the way he did with Secondus.

PDP House of Confusion, I pity una. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Bury personal interests.

Former Head of State, Abdulsalam Abubakar and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, are currently meeting with Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ahead of the rerun election in Osun State scheduled for Thursday.

The meeting is holding behind closed doors at Enugu Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Details of the meeting are still sketchy as at the time of this report.

On Sunday, INEC had declared the election inconclusive.

In recent years, Abdulsalam has earned a reputation for stepping in when results of elections tend to portend negative consequences for peace and stability in the country. In 2015, the Peace Committee he headed prevailed on former President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat in the presidential election before the official announcement of the result by INEC.

Details shortly...

http://saharareporters.com/2018/09/25/br...n-election

Quote:The national assembly has postponed its resumption from September 25 to resume October 9.

Mohammed Sani-Omolori, clerk of the assembly, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He attributed the development to the primary elections of political parties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have scheduled their primaries within the next two weeks.

Sani-Omolori said members of the assembly were expected to resume by 10am on the new date.

“This is to inform all distinguished senators and honourable Members that resumption of plenary session earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 25th September has been postponed to Tuesday 9th October due to the activities of the primaries of the political parties,” the statement read.

“All distinguished senators and honourable members are expected to resume plenary session by 10 am on the 9th of October, please.”

The request of the approval of N242 billion by President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 polls and the passage of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amendment bill are some of the matters pending at the national assembly.

Lawmakers loyal to Buhari have accused Senate President Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, of refusing to reconvene the assembly for a selfish reason.

Form EC 8C showed that in Olorunda local government, the total votes polled by the APC was 14, 867, while INEC recorded 16,254 votes for the ruling party, indicating that 1,387 additional votes we’re allotted to the APC.

He further alleged that similar scenario played out in Osogbo local government, where the actual votes polled by the APC stood at 21, 479, adding that on contrary INEC recorded 23, 379 votes for the party.
Jenyo, however added that INEC recorded 14, 499 for the PDP instead of 14, 599, just as he said the total votes of the PDP was reduced by 1,000 in Ayedaade local governm

As varied reactions trailed the declaration of last Saturday’s governorship poll in Osun inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, on Monday night said shocking discovery had indicated no fewer than 4,387 votes were allegedly removed by the electoral body from the total ballots polled by the opposition party.

Addressing a press conference in Ede, the South West zonal secretary of the PDP, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo said thorough investigation has revealed that the PDP was allegedly shortchanged by INEC through the summation of votes in Olorunda and Osogbo local government councils by allotting more votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC) than what the party garnered during the poll.

According to Jenyo, details obtained from Form EC 8C showed that in Olorunda local government, the total votes polled by the APC was 14, 867, while INEC recorded 16,254 votes for the ruling party, indicating that 1,387 additional votes we’re allotted to the APC.

He further alleged that similar scenario played out in Osogbo local government, where the actual votes polled by the APC stood at 21, 479, adding that on contrary INEC recorded 23, 379 votes for the party.

Jenyo, however added that INEC recorded 14, 499 for the PDP instead of 14, 599, just as he said the total votes of the PDP was reduced by 1,000 in Ayedaade local governm

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/165858/

The lawmaker representing Kano Central Senatorial District and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic, PDP, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be fair in the conduct of the Thursday’s rerun election in Osun State.

The presidential aspirant warned that any form of conspiracy against Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP would be resisted.

Kwankwaso in a statement by his Media Aide, Binta Spikin said, “It is important that we stay strong and stand by Senator Adeleke and our great party, PDP, on Thursday.

“Let me also make this clear that we will resist any form of conspiracy against our candidate.

“I am calling on INEC to be just, fair and transparent.”

Recall that INEC declared Osun election inconclusive after difference between the two leading parties, the PDP and the All Progressives Congress, was lower than the number of the votes cancelled.

Adeleke of PDP from the collation of all the results from the 30 council areas of the state, had 254,698 while the candidate of APC, Gboyega Oyetola, polled 254,345.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-...rm-of.html

Aisha Buhari reportedly orders arrest of her ADC over N2.5 billion fraud




 
Wife of President Buhari, Aisha Buhari, has reportedly ordered the arrest of her own Aide De Camp, Sani Baba-Inna, a chief superintendent of police, for defrauding her.
 
Premiumtimes reports that Mrs Buhari has accused  Baba-Inna of receiving huge donations to the tune of N2.5 billion from politicians and business people on her behalf and then kept the cash to himself. Mrs Buhari has allegedly asked the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to arrest and compel Baba-Inna to refund the money.
 
Sources in the presidency reportedly confirmed that the accused police officer, was arrested last Friday September 21st and has remained in detention ever since, with relatives having no access to him, family members say.
 
It is unclear how the president’s wife came about the allegation, but one source said another aide working for Mrs Buhari originated the claim.
 
An associate of the embattled police officer said Mr. Baba-Inna strongly denied the allegation, saying he received no donation from anyone on behalf of his boss.

Quote:“The IG said the matter must be investigated immediately and the house of the ADC was raided,” one of our sources said. “Shockingly, investigators only found N1,200 cash in the House. His bank account was also investigated and had only a balance of N30,000 while the transaction records showed that most credits to the account were his salaries and allowances.”the associate said

Quote:“For instance, one of those named was the IG of Police himself,” the source said. “But the IG said he has never passed any money through Baba-Inna.”

A lady was rushed to the hospital after being involved in a ghastly accident. According to Facebook user from Enugu state, Patrick Austin, the accident happened yesterday morning after a truck ran into the lady who was on motorcycle otherwise known as Okada, while on her way to work.

The lady was left seriously injured as her leg was crushed in the process.

The condition of the motorcyclist who was transporting the lady, was not given as residents who gathered took the wounded woman to the hospital. 

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/09/lady...hotos.html

Chelsea Vs Liverpool: Hazard sends strong message to Sarri
September 25, 2018 SPORT

                           
Chelsea ace, Eden Hazard has described manager, Maurizio Sarri as a great coach, ahead of the Blues’ clash with Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.


Sarri has won five and drew one of Chelsea’s last six Premier League games so far into this new campaign.

Hazard, however, hopes Sarri will continue to win matches for the West London club when they battle the Reds at Stamford Bridge.


Chelsea head to the game following a goalless draw with West Ham last weekend, while Liverpool defeated Southampton 3-0.

“Sarri is a great manager, but it’s easy to say when you are winning games. We will see in a bad moment. For sure he is a great manager, and he showed that to the world,” Hazard told Sky Sports News.

“Next weekend we play Liverpool at home.


“I hope we can keep this momentum and keep winning games.

“Everyone can score goals and create chances, so that’s why we have been good.

“We need to keep playing like this and we have confidence at the moment to do so.

“Liverpool is the kind of game where you want to shine, so we will I hope.”

Seyi Makinde speaks on Oyo’s N157bn debt profile, tackles Ajimobi on workers’ salary
September 25, 2018 politics
                    
A gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has queried Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s legacy over the alleged suffering of hapless citizens of the state.

Makinde described the legacy bequeathed the people “as deliberately designed to frustrate the vulnerable ones in the society and punish the poor.”

The PDP stalwart made these declarations shortly after he was screened and cleared for the party’s governorship primary.


While speaking further, he said that any candidate who believes he can ride on the back of Governor Ajimobi’s achievements lacks the compassion and capacity to make a difference in the lives of the common man.

While also querying the state’s N157 billion debt profile of the government, the aspirant said that “It would take the next 18 years for a succeeding government to pay up the N157bn debt which this government has incurred in seven years”.

Makinde said that Oyo state ranks 30 among the 36 states in Nigeria and cannot sustain itself because it has a monthly N10b expenditure and a monthly revenue of N6billion, leaving a deficit level of N4bn.


He said, “The implication of this figure is that the state sinks into further debt every month to fulfil its recurrent responsibilities in spite of increase in statutory allocations of 34bn from oil revenues and VAT of 1.3bn.

“Even if Governor Ajimobi turns a new leaf today and pays up all the outstanding debts owed the poor workers and pensioners, the damage has already been done,” Makinde averred.

According to the PDP aspirant, he has done his homework and with transparency and accountability which are currently lacking and management of overheads, the situation can be reversed within just two years.

Makinde added that “I am in the best position to turn around the fortunes of Oyo state because of my unblemished record as a successful businessman. What’s more, I have no Godfather to mislead me to work against the interest of the masses”

Mikel Obi, Rohr disagree on Luka Modric
September 25, 2018 SPORT
                          
Captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, John Mikel Obi and Coach Gernot Rohr disagreed on whether Croatian Luka Modric should be crowned as Best FIFA Player of the year.

Modric was Rohr’s first choice, according to the details of the voting done by national captains, coaches and media men.

But Mikel Obi chose Lionel Messi as first choice, and French player Kylian Mbappe as the second. Modric was Obi’s third’s choice. Rohr also picked Mbappe as second choice and Belgium and Chelsea player Eden Hazard as his third choice.

The Nigeria media man, Christian Okpara who voted picked Ronaldo, Eden and Modric as first, second and third choices.

Egyptian captain, El Hadary Essam voted Mohamed Salah, Luka Modric and Ronaldo, as his choices.Egyptian coach, Javier Aguirre Onaindía Javier agreed with the captain’s first two choices, only differing in making French player Antoine Griezman, his third best player.

Modric was also the first choice of Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, who also picked Mbappe and eternal rival, Ronaldo as second and third choices.

Eden Hazard, captain of Belgium picked Modric as first choice, just like Armenian captain, Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Brazil’s captain, Miranda de Souza Filho Joao picked Ronaldo, Mbappe and Messi as his choices, in descending order.Colombia’s Falcao was for Modric, just like Wales captain.

Other national captains that backed Modric were those of Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau, Hungary, Iceland, India, Israel, Senegal, Spain, Korea Republic, Kosovo, UAE and USA.

Modric was the second choice of Germany’s captain Neuer Manuel.

Modric himself picked team mate Varane Raphael, Ronaldo and Mbappe as his first, second and third choices.

*Story updated with more choices made by national captains

It is the end of the road for some notorious armed robbers who were caught by the police after terrorizing residents of Benue state.
The armed robbers after they were caught
The Benue State Command has paraded armed robbery suspects and other criminal elements who were arrested in the past two weeks.

Quote:Read the press statement below;

This is very shameful. An Indian man was last night apprehended by vigilant members of the public who caught him having sex with a street kid in his car in Lusaka area in Zambia.

The unnamed Indian man is reported to have enticed the girl with a pack of a meal and drove her to the nearest corner where he had exploring sex with her.

But some people that noticed a jerking car - approached and found the Indian on top of the street kid sweating and panting.

After he was forced out of the car, the street girl narrated the ordeal and explained how hungry she was until he picked her up after being given some left over chicken from Big Bite eatery.

The Indian has since been locked up at Kabwata Police Station and is expected to be charged for defilement, rape and obtaining pecuniary advantage of a minor.
 
See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/09/indi...ambia.html

A former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has given condition to support any aspirant that would emerge as the sole candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the presidential primary ahead of 2019.

Atiku said he would gladly support the candidate if only the party conducts credible, free and fair elections at the primaries

Atiku is one of the 13 president aspirants on the platform of the PDP.

He gave the condition when he paid a visit to the Tor Sankera, Chief Abu King Shuluwa, in his Makurdi residence, on Sunday.

There, the former Vice President also assured that he would easily resolve the Tiv/Fulani crisis if he becomes the President of this country.

Asked if he would support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, Atiku said, “Well, I believe whoever emerges candidate of the party at the end of the day will also enjoy the support of others provided the party conducts credible, free and fair elections at the primaries”.

On how he intends to resove Tiv/Fulani crisis, he added, “It’s very easy because traditionally, over hundreds of years, the Fulani and the Tiv have coexisted peacefully.

“And I believe that what is happening of recent could be attributed to some kind of sponsored misunderstanding between them.

“As we have always done, anytime we have conflict between the Fulani and the Tiv, we have always sat down to resolve those misunderstandings and conflicts.

“And even as Zegemule U Tiv (Tiv title holder), in the past, I have spearheaded resolutions of such conflicts when I was in office as Vice President.

“So, it is normal for even brothers or people in the same family to have misunderstanding but the most important thing is their ability to resolve those misunderstanding or conflict,” Atiku stated.

Speaking, Chief Shuluwa posited that the Tiv people do not have any issue with the Fulani.

He, however, stressed that those herdsmen who were attacking and killing the Tiv people were not the Fulani who are of Nigeria.

“The Fulani that you see fighting the Tiv people are not the Fulani that we know and I have always said this.

“We don’t know where these crop of Fulani have come from. The Fulani who are indigenes of Nigeria can never fight a Tiv man.

“As time goes on, all our differences will be healed up. We will make sure that the Fulani that are non Nigerians don’t come into to this land.

“That one I can assure everybody. But we have nothing against the Fulani generally,” Shuluwa stressed.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/pdp-presidential-ticket-atiku-gives.html

• Saraki, Mark, Atiku, Tambuwal others scale through screening Controversy trails choice of venue for presidential convention

Adedayo Akinwale in abuja

Quote:Presidential aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said they have resolved to support whoever emerges as the party’s standard bearer ahead of the 2019 elections.

But barely a week to the national convention of the PDP where the party is expected to elect its presidential standard bearer, members of the party are still divided over the venue of the convention scheduled to take place in Port Harcourt, the River State capital.

While commending the screening process, the aspirants insisted that it was not about selfish interest, but about the party and how to rescue the country from imminent collapse.

The screening of the aspirants, which was scheduled to take place at the party’s secretariat at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, was later moved to the party’s presidential campaign office at Legacy House, Maitama.

The Senate president was the first aspirant to be screened in the exercise that started at 11a.m.

Speaking through his media aide, Mr. Yusuf Olaniyonu, Saraki passed a vote-of-confidence on the presidential screening committee of the party, saying that the level of transparency showed that the party was ready for free,and credibleprocess.

He stressed that the atmosphere at the screening was that of fairness and friendliness both from the aspirants and the party.

According to him, “this has given me the belief that PDP is ready for free, fair and credible process. The unity that existed while waiting for the screening showed that they will work together with whoever emerges.”

The Senate president said he was impressed that there was no bitterness in the ongoing campaign by the presidential aspirants.

Also, former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), said the aspirants must work together, and synergise to ensure that PDP saves Nigeria from imminent collapse.

He said, “Only one person can be president at a given time and whosoever gets it, by the special grace of God we have resolved to support that person.

“It is not about us, it is not about selfish interest, it is about our party and about this country. It is only PDP that can save this country. We are not going to be distracted, the focus that all of us have and that focus is that we should ensure that PDP gets back into office on May 29, 2019.”

On his part, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said the screening went well.

Reacting to the Osun election, he said the PDP won in the state, adding, “all these grammar that INEC is speaking they are wasting their time. I will be there tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, also noted that the screening went smoothly and there were no issues.

He said what happened in Osun State was unacceptable, while urging INEC to declare the party’s candidate as the winner.

He said, “It has happened before and INEC declared the winner of those elections, it is only incumbent on INEC to come out clearly and give the mandate to the candidate of our party, Senator Ademola Adeleke.”

Also the former governor of Sokoto State, Attairu Bafarawa, said the opposition party was not happy about the decision of the electoral body.

“As far as we are concerned, we are not happy with the way and manner the INEC took decision. I don’t know the dimension that INEC decided to go for rerun election, but as a layman we believe that we are the winner.”

On the issue of consensus, Bafarawa said when the time comes they would say something about it.

On his part, former Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, said the process was transparent and credible.

“The process is beautiful. Absolutely I stand a chance to win the ticket. I am optimistic because I believe that God is going to give it to me,” he said.

While fielding questions from journalists after his screening, former Senate President, David Mark, said the screening was rigorous, tough, but also very interesting.

On election, he said; “Did you listen to me yesterday, I said INEC should declare PDP the winner and let us move on. The APC must learn to accept the result that emanated from the wishes of the people. APC must not send the wrong signal that they cannot take defeat.”

However, the presidential screening appeal panel has been scheduled to sit today at the presidential campaign office of the party, Legacy House, Maitiama, Abuja, to resolve whatever issues or grievances that may arise from the screening.

Those that have been screened included: Saraki, Datti-Baba Ahmed, Jang, Atiku, Aminu Tambuwal, Turaki, Ahmed Makarfi, Bafarawa, Mark and Sule Lamido.

Other aspirants that could not make it yesterday would be screened today by the committee.

The screening committee is chaired by former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Chief Tom Ikimi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo , Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Hajiya MariamGroma,Amb.KemaChikwe, Dr. Haliru Bello, Chief Ebenezer Babatope as members, while the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel served as the Secretary.

Meanwhile, barely a week to the national convention of the PDP where the party is expected to elect its presidential standard bearer, members of the party are still divided over the venue of the convention scheduled to take place in Port Harcourt, the River State capital.

There had been speculations that some presidential aspirants had kicked against the choice of Port Harcourt, saying that the venue was chosen to give undue advantage to some aspirants.
While speaking at the inauguration of the national convention committee of the party however, the Deputy National Chairman South, Yemi Akinwonmi, said that on the issue of venue, the party set up a committee headed by Alhaji Ibrahim Kazaure that went round the South-south and South-east zones before coming out with the choice of Port Harcourt.

According to him, “The National Working Committee (NWC) has consulted widely with the PDP Governors’ Forum, we have consulted widely with the Board of Trustees (BoT), we have consulted widely with caucus of the party and today it has been jointly accepted that we will converge in Port Harcourt, in no distance time for the national convention.”

However, the PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jibril, wasted no time in letting the cat out of the bag, saying the issue of venue was still a contentious one.

He stated, “Even though the Deputy Chairman said the issue of venue have been concluded, I want to say that the issue of venue is still on and is not concluded, because there are many suggestions on the issue of venue.

“We look at all suggestions, I assure you that the issue of venue will be resolved. But for now we are working around the clock to ensure that we have a very suitable venue accepted by everybody. I want to say that everyone of us should come together and ensure that we have a venue suitable to all of us.”

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, said that the working committee and the BoT should settle the issue of venue.

Also, the convention committee chairman and the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, said that the committee is aware that if the party gets the convention right and that if the process is credible, free and fair, they will have the buy in of all its presidential aspirants, thereby going into the 2019 elections with a united family.

He stated, “I also want to believe that if there are any internal issues, it will be resolved within today. I am very confident of that, because all of us believe that the only way forward is for the entirety of the party to stay united and focused.

“And as such, as members of the PDP, we cannot afford to disagree on any issues. The thing that is needed is for a free and fair primary to be conducted for all our aspirants. And we are very definite that we will get it right. No matter where we take it to, we will do what is right. And I believe that at the end of the day, nobody will have any cause to complain,” Okowa assured.

Other members of the 85-member nationalconventioncommitteeinclude: the Vice Chairman of the committee and Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishiaku, Secretary of the Committee, Governor of Ebonyi State Mr. Dave Umahi, while the some of the members are former Niger state governor, Babangida Aliyu, Senator Ben Bruce, former governor of Ebonyi State, Gabriel Susan, among others.

The Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki today met the PDP candidate in OsunDecides2018, Senator Ademola Adeleke,in Ede, Osun State.

See photos below


Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2018/09/see-moment-saraki-met-senator-adeleke.html

Oil prices have hit a four-year high of over $81 a barrel after Saudi Arabia and Russia rejected calls by Donald Trump to increase production.
Brent crude hit its highest level since November 2014 at $81.16 a barrel, up 3% on the day.
Saudi Arabia leads the Opec oil cartel, while Russia is the biggest oil producer outside the group.
They met in Algiers on Sunday to discuss global supply levels and US sanctions on Iran.
The meeting ended with no formal agreement on any additional supply boost.
Oil firm in major North Sea gas discovery
Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih said at a press conference in Algiers that he did not "influence prices".
Opec and other producers had discussed raising output by 500,000 barrels a day, Reuters reported.
Brent Crude Futures - North Sea - Nov18
ICEEUR
81.199997$
Current price
3.05%
Sales of Iranian crude have fallen as buyers remain wary of penalties from sanctions due to take effect from November.
Those fears have sent crude oil prices higher, with commodity traders Trafigura and Mercuria predicting prices could rise to more than $100 a barrel by early next year.
But Ann-Louise Hittle, vice president of energy consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie, said the price rise was "an overreaction in the market."
In a tweet last week, US president Donald Trump said that Opec "must get prices down now!" by raising global output.
"We protect the countries of the Middle East," added Mr Trump. "They would not be safe for very long without us, and yet they continue to push for higher and higher oil prices! We will remember."
Iranian oil minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Sunday that Mr Trump's tweet "was the biggest insult to Washington's allies in the Middle East".
Last year, Opec and other oil-producing nations including Russia said they would extend a deal, first agreed in 2016, to cut production to help support oil prices after they fell below $50 a barrel. This deal was upheld at Sunday's meeting.
"We expect that those Opec countries with available spare capacity, led by Saudi Arabia, will increase output but not completely offset the drop in Iranian barrels," said Edward Bell, commodity analyst at Emirates NBD bank.
"Were they do so the oil market would be even more uncomfortably tight than we forecast for 2019 as spare capacity is eroded," Mr Bell added.
US light crude was $1.72 higher at $72.50 a barrel.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45629425

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday officially notified the investing public that Skye Bank Plc shares would be suspended from trading on Sept. 24.

The exchange gave the notice in Lagos in a statement by Mr Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications and Mr Godstime Iwenekhai Head, Listings Regulations.

NSE said in the statement that the action was taken following the recent regulatory action of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoking the banking license of Skye Bank.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exchange said that the decision was pursuant to the “Rules on Suspension of Trading in Listed Securities, Rulebook of The Exchange (Issuers’ Rules).”

It stated that further developments would be communicated as appropriate in due course.

CBN has revoked the banking licence of the Bank and transferred its assets and liabilities to a newly licensed bridge bank called Polaris Bank.

Mr Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor, said at a news conference in Lagos that the decision was due to the failure of its shareholders to recapitalise the bank.

Emefiele, however, said that the purpose of the CBN’s intervention in Skye Bank on July 4, 2016, had been achieved.

He said that the focus of the action then was to save depositors’ funds and to ensure that the bank continued as a growing concern, being a systemically important bank.

“Part of our intention was also to stem the imminent job losses to staff if a liquidation option had been adopted.

“These objectives have been fully achieved and the bank has been able to meet customer obligations, having curtailed the liquidity haemorrhage and restored depositor confidence.

Indeed, the bank’s performance has improved considerably compared to the pre-July 2016 era”, he said.

Emefiele said that the result of its examinations and forensic audit of the bank showed that the bank required urgent recapitalisation.

According to him, the bank can no longer continue to live on borrowed times with indefinite liquidity support from the CBN.

He added that the bank’s shareholders were unable to recapitalise it.

“As a responsible and responsive regulator and in consultation with the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), we have decided to establish a bridge bank, Polaris Bank, to assume the assets and liabilities of Skye bank.

“The strategy is for the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to capitalise the bridge bank and begin the process of sourcing investors to buy out AMCON,” Emefiele said.

He, however, assured all depositors that under the arrangement, their deposits shall remain safe and that normal banking services shall continue in the new bank on Sept. 24.

The CBN governor said the arrangement was to enable customers to transact their businesses seamlessly.

He said that all customers of Skye Bank shall be automatic customers of the new bank and their accounts and records duly purchased by Polaris Bank.

NAN also reports that NDIC has sold Polaris Bank to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) with the mandate to stabilise the bank as well as return it to profitability for the purpose of selling it to interested Investors.

Consequently, AMCON will inject N786 billion into Polaris Bank to bring it’s net value to zero.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/nse-suspends-trading-on-skye-bank-shares/

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES


TUESDAY, 25TH SEPTEMBER.

HIS DIVINE POWER.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness… (2 Peter 1:3).


Isn’t it wonderful that all that we have, and have been made in Christ Jesus, are the results of His divine ability, not ours? We couldn’t do anything for ourselves, and of ourselves to become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. We couldn’t, on our own, become more than conquerors, victors and overcomers in life! But His divine power made it possible for us to have, and live this transcendent life.

Since all that we are, all that we have, and all that God did for us in Christ are of His divine power, it means nothing is missing in our lives, because the power with which they were wrought is perfect and unlimited. No wonder the Bible says we’re complete in Christ; there’s nothing missing in your health, in your finances, in your job, your family, etc. Everything about your life is perfect. Hallelujah!

Here’s something else that’s so profound: Besides granting us all that we require for life and godliness through His divine power, God also granted us the same power to live by, by giving us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit—who is the power of God, and by whom He made all things—lives in you today. Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…."

Power is the dynamic ability to cause changes. So like Him, you can do anything. He’s given you the divine ability to sustain yourself in the transcendent life; to walk on water! You can change hopeless situations; you can cause water to spring forth from the desert. What a life! What a Gospel!

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, stated, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). You have the ability to deliver excellence in every task or assignment that’s committed to you. You have the power to do the unimaginable, the unthinkable, and the impossible: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

CONFESSION

I achieve the extraordinary, heaping success upon success. I have the ability to deliver excellence in every task or assignment that’s committed to me, and the power to do the unimaginable, the unthinkable, and the impossible, because Christ lives in me. Blessed be God!

FURTHER STUDY:

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Ephesians 2:11-22 & Isaiah 15-18

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Timothy 1:1-18 & Jeremiah 43







#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN

25TH SEPTEMBER.

I affirm that I am complete in Christ; there’s nothing lacking in my life, because Christ is my completeness, and as He is, so am I in this world. The Kingdom of God is set in my heart! I am a participator in the establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth. The Spirit of the Lord is at work in me, causing me to dispense His righteousness and love!


My life is an absolute manifestation of the glory of God! As Christ reigns as King over all the earth, I reign with Him, in establishing His Kingdom on the earth, and in the hearts of men. Hallelujah! I am strengthened and fortified to do the things of God, thus, I am bold, strong and courageous! Daily, I go out with joy, and I am led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills break forth before me in singing and all the trees of the field clap their hands.

I dwell in safety; for as the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so am I completely shielded from every form of evil in the world. No harm shall befall me, neither shall any plague come near my dwelling because my life is hid with Christ in God! Blessed be the Lord. Hallelujah!

SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES NOW

• Be bold to say the same things that God has said concerning you in His Word. That is what takes you beyond salvation, to enjoy the benefits of salvation ~ Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

God bless you.

BREAKING: DRAMA AT ABUJA AIRPORT AS AZMAN AIR PLANE RUNS OUT OF FUEL MID-AIR


About 60 passengers aboard an Azman Air plane en route to Abuja were on Monday thrown into confusion as the aircraft almost ran out of fuel while hovering in the air for hours after it was prevented from landing.

A source, who was also on board the Flight ZQ 2332 but asked not to be named, told Saharareporters that the aircraft departed Kano at 1:20pm and was expected to land at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja at 2:05pm . He said that when the pilot contacted the control tower for clearance for landing, he was told that he could not land because of some military planes on special operation were at the airport.

The pilot was in a dilemma and thought about returning to Kano after spending over an hour hovering in the air and having already announced that he was running out of fuel. Some passengers rejected the decision and prevailed on him to land, saying that they would be down with the consequences of violating the directive of the control tower.

The pilot was said to have yielded to the request and landed without clearance from the control tower.

Among the passengers were Sule Lamido, a presidential aspirant of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Shehu Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, and Senator Sabo Mohammed from Jigawa State.

The pilot was reported to have apologised to the passengers for the delay.

Efforts to get officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to react to the incident were unsuccessful.

Some military planes belonging to Air Force are on aerial display rehearsal in Abuja ahead of the Independence Day celebration on October 1.


http://saharareporters.com/2018/09/24/breaking-drama-abuja-airport-azman-air-plane-runs-out-fuel-mid-air

MY WIFE: Episode 11-20

MADAM BOLA: morning baba o!

BABA: morning. E don tey since I never see you. You don forget us abi?

MADAM BOLA: no be so, baba. I no well na from hospital to hospital I dey go

BABA: you for come collect herbs now

MADAM BOLA: I go come for that one soon but e get one way I need like now now!

BABA: wetin be that one?

MADAM BOLA: shebi you know that my omo Ibo tenant, na she be my wahala. I don do everything make I see if she go pack out, for where!

BABA: wetin exactly she do?

MADAM BOLA: ah baba! Since she enter that yard, I never well. Na from one sickness to the other! From one loss to the other. Now, since my daughter come home eat for her house, her marriage don enter wahala!

I believe say she be witch because as we dey suffer these things, na so she dey buy new new things! Last week she buy one big fridge and generator, yet she no get job o! How tenant go dey enjoy pass landlord! Ah! E no add up naw!

BABA: hmmmmmmm! You see that girl? She be witch. E get one strong medicine man wen dey give am medicine. She dey divert all una good luck to herself. But no worry, we go teach am say power pass power!
Wetin you want make we do am?

MADAM BOLA: baba, the bible says suffer not the witch to live! Make we kill am have peace. Haba!

BABA: madam, you no think say that one too harsh? Remember say you get daughter too and she too be person daughter. I no support the killing one ah!

MADAM BOLA: e for better like that, but if you no gree, make we make am mad. Baba, no be small madness o! Madness way go make am the waka naked for the streets of Lagos! I wan see am dey pick rubbish for gutter!

BABA: that one na small job. I go charge you seventy thousand.

MADAM BOLA: ah! e too much naw! Baba, na fifty I hold. Abeg

BABA: I dey come

(Baba went into his shrine and came back with some charms tied around with different coloured fabrics and feathers )

BABA: take this, when you reach house, do the normal incantations on it facing the east, then drop am for her doorstep. The moment her eyes see am, E go begin. E fit take two days before the proper madness start.

MADAM BOLA: eshe baba!

(Madam Bola got home, and did exactly as she was told. She did it in the early hours when everyone was still asleep. Around 7.am, Adaku was leaving for work when she saw the strange looking object on her doorstep)

ADAKU:? kee ihe di ihe a, bikonu! (What is this!)
Well, whatever you may be, whoever might have kept you, whatever your purpose… I declare that no weapon fashioned against me shall prosper! Any tongue that has declared evil against me, I bring you to judgement this morning.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I nullify you!

The bible say that the Lord has highly exalted Jesus and given him a name that is above every other name, that at the mention of the name Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord!

Therefore, you shall have no effect on me, as I continue to abide under the shadow of the almighty! (Picks it up and tries to put it in the bin)

MADAM BOLA: hey! Hey! No put that thing inside any bin for this compound! Na so you and your people dey spread juju everywhere! Carry am go wherever you want throw am. No be for this compound!
************************************************

(Nkechi did not come back from her boyfriend’s house yesterday. And as usual, Ebuka left the house early leaving just Amara and Funmi at home.
Amara had just woken up and went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. She looked out from the window and saw Funmi sitting by the swimming pool and crying away. So she gently walked up to her)

AMARACHI: I want to tell you a story, shall I?

FUNMIstartled) Jesus Christ! You scared me! Seriously, why can’t you stay the hell away from me! Why are you stalking me!
Don’t you have a home or family to go back to!???

AMARACHI: my flight was rescheduled for Sunday, so I’ll stop disturbing you very soon. But I must tell you this story.

FUNMI: i am not interested!

AMARACHI: it doesn’t matter. Well, A farmer lived who was very poor and could barely provide his family’s daily bread. He works for a certain rich man in his farm and gets paid peanuts monthly. But it was his only source of livelihood so he was happy that he at least had one!

This farmer had an only son whom he managed to send to high school. One day, his son who was very brilliant got home and told him that he had been given scholarship to study abroad!

The farmer was over the moon, but his happiness quickly turned to sadness when his son mentioned that he needed money to purchase his flight ticket.

FUNMI: (repositions herself so that she is now facing and listening to Amara) why didn’t the scholarship board take care of that?

AMARACHI: well, they didn’t. So this man thought of what to do. He had no one to borrow from and month end was still far away. So he decided to steal from his master.

FUNMI: ughhhhh!

AMARACHI: he went to his master’s safe and took just enough money for his son’s flight ticket. He gave his son the money and he travelled. Unknown to him however, was the fact that one of his colleagues saw him taking the money!

FUNMI: oh sugar!

AMARACHI: the next day, his master summoned all of them and asked them who took the money, but they all denied it including him. So the master promised he was going to investigate and if he finds out who did it, he would ensure the fellow spends the rest of his life behind bars!
When the master left, the colleague that saw him taking the money called him separately and told him that he was going to report him to their master

The farmer begged and begged. So his colleague said that he would not tell their master on the condition that he gives him 50% of his salary every month.
Not wanting to go to jail, the farmer agreed to the condition.
Every month he would give his colleague half of his wage, and this carried on for years!

One day, He said to himself “I WILL REPORT MYSELF TO MY MASTER” so he went to his master and told him everything and how he had been paying his colleague to stop him from reporting him.

His master was greatly saddened, pardoned him and even promised him a pay rise. At the end of the month, he did not give his colleague any money. So he came asking for it.

Then the man said to him I HAVE REPORTED MYSELF TO MY MASTER, YOU NOW HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO REPORT. In shame, he left him alone

FUNMI: wow!

AMARACHI: Funmi?

FUNMI: Yes?

AMARACHI: report yourself to your master.

FUNMI: how do you mean?

AMARACHI: you see, when you report yourself to your master, you take the power away from the accuser!
When you sit your husband down and tell him exactly what happened, whoever is telling him all these will have nothing new to attack your home with.
I must leave you now. Good morning?

To be continued

 MY WIFE: episode 12

Ebuka slept at home last night, his first time sleeping at home since he got told about his wife and her manager.

Although he slept at home, he did not sleep in their bedroom and did not talk to Funmi or anyone else. He was on his Xbox in the living room until he slept off on the sofa.
Early in the morning, he woke up to a voice note on whatsapp from Calista.

The voice note was the full conversation between Calista and Funmi, in which she admitted sleeping with Mr Osai.

After listening to it, his fears were confirmed and he was ready to hear from the horse’s mouth. So he went upstairs were Funmi was on her knees doing her morning devotion.

EBUKA: sorry to disrupt, but you can always pray later. We need to talk!

FUNMI (gets up) good morning, darling

EBUKA: there’s nothing good about the morning. Did you sleep with your manager or not?

FUNMI: phewww! I did not cheat on you.

EBUKA: my question was clear, and it requires yes or no! Now, for the last time, did you sleep with your manager or not!!!!???

FUNMI: Ebuka, I have never cheated on you!??

EBUKA: you sure know how to test my patience, don’t you! Now, listen you little dirty cheat!
I need a break pending when I’ll be qualified to file for a divorce.
I would have done so this minute but we haven’t been married for up to a year, so we cannot obtain a divorce.
Take whatever belongs to you and leave before I come back

FUNMI: Ebuka, You know I can’t go to my family. They won’t have me! Why are you being unreasonable! Who is perfect anyway!

EBUKA: Funmi, I have never asked you to be perfect! All I ever wanted is faithfulness in our marriage! Is that too much to ask for!!!

FUNMI: I have been faithful!??

EBUKA: indeed! Well, since you don’t have anyone to go back to, I will leave for you! Enjoy yourself and have more sex in the office or in our bedroom (Walks away angrily and as he walked to his car, his phone began to ring..)
Hello, hello?

CHINWENDU: Ebuka, is that you?

EBUKA: Yes, dede. Good morning.

CHINWENDU: are you sober? And can you hold a meaningful conversation?

EBUKA: hian! What’s the meaning of that!

CHINWENDU: will you shut your stupid mouth! What’s the meaning of this video Nkechinyere sent me on whatsapp! When did you become a drunk to the extent of coming home late totally off your face! When, Ebuka!!!

EBUKA: I’m sure you’ll agree with me that I am an adult, and can have a drink or two when I want!

CHINWENDU: Ebuka, so this is What a Yoruba woman has reduced you to! Tell, me, what is going on in your marriage?

EBUKA: it’s nothing I cannot handle. I am a man.

CHINWENDU: well, act like one! This is the same girl you left Oge for! A beautiful independent Igbo woman I found you here in Germany. Oge is doing well now with her husband and her son, while you are drinking yourself to stupor over your Yoruba woman!

EBUKA: would you ever stop pulling the Oge card? Dede, please let me be. If I need your help or anyone else’s I would ask!

CHINWENDU: well, for your information, it’s been three months now since I was made redundant. Lisa has been taking care of all the family needs. So if you keep drinking and damage your liver or kidney, be ready to treat yourself.

And just so you know, Nkechi is still solely your responsibility. Mother needs to be taken care of and at the moment, I can’t do it. Better wake up and smell the coffee!
Send that Yoruba woman away before she sends you to your grave!
Ekwuchagom! (I’m done talking)

EBUKA: bye!

(Ebuka threw his phone into his car, and drove off)

(Funmi was in the bedroom drowning in the ocean of her own tears when her phone rang. When she picked up, it was her project supervisor at uni calling)

FUNMI: hello, ma’am good morning

PROFESSOR: morning, Funmi. Are you okay?

FUNMI: Yes, ma’am.

PROFESSOR: you haven’t been attending classes and I am yet to receive your primary research. I think I did mention to you that you have some outstanding debts to clear.
Your project is due to be handed in on the 30th of this month. How do you intend to do that when you have not even done your primary research!

FUNMI: I know…but..I.. I.. don’t think I will be continuing the programme. I’ll come back to it when I’m ready.?

PROFESSOR: awwww that’s a shame! You were doing really well. Can’t you get a loan from the bank or something?

FUNMI: sorry ma’am but I’ll rather not talk about it.

PROFESSOR: That’s okay. All the best, Funmi. Bye!

(While Funmi cried upstairs, Nkechi and Amara were in their room. Nkechi was really concerned and wondering what Funmi must have done to her brother…)

NKECHI: who knows what this demon did to him! Amara, do you know?

AMARACHI: not at all. But he has really changed towards her. He is not even talking to her; must be hard for her as well

NKECHI: I don’t care about her! I care about my brother! I hope they break up so that Ebuka will be himself again!

AMARACHI: NKechi, I wanted to tell you that I’ll be leaving on Sunday

NKECHI: why???

AMARACHI: but we said my flight was rescheduled for Sunday. So we have to keep to it, so that they don’t get to know we are lying

NKECHI: come on! Where is your brain when I need it! Now that he hates her, it is the time for you to get him to love you.
By the way, why did you stop wearing shorts and all?
He needs affection now more than ever! Cook for him, text him at work to see how he is doing. All those little thing! Come on!

AMARACHI: I’m convinced that your brother doesn’t like me. I don’t want to continue insulting myself. I’m only doing this because of you otherwise I wouldn’t. But from Portharcourt I will be calling him and maybe sending him pictures.

NKECHI: are you sure you won’t give up?

AMARACHI: I promise. Let me go upstairs and tell Funmi that I’ll be going home on Sunday

NKECHI: do you have to?

AMARACHI: just common courtesy. At least she allowed me into her home.

NKECHI: mtcheeeew. Go then!

(Amara went upstairs and met Funmi still crying. She lowered her voice to prevent Nkechi hearing them)

AMARACHI: did you tell him?

FUNMI: I told him I didn’t cheat!

AMARACHI: and? So you just told him you didn’t cheat? Girl! You need to be specific and tell him exactly what happened!
Yes you slept with him but not whilst married, like you told me.
Tell him you were in a relationship with him! Open your mouth and talk to your man!
No one is gonna do that for you!

FUNMI: I tried but he wouldn’t listen??

AMARACHI: then send him a text message. He can’t help reading it. All he seeks is an answer!
Anyway, I came to tell you that I’ll be leaving on Sunday

FUNMI: (kneels down and holds her legs) please don’t leave me and go. Please stay here with me. I have no one else to talk to????
Don’t leave me please

AMARACHI: I understand but I need to go back to Portharcourt. That’s where my family lives. Unless you want to come with me

FUNMI: but I work here. I’ll lose my job if I leave Abuja, please, Amara.

AMARACHI: I’ll think about it. In the meantime, wipe those tears and go look for something to eat, okay?

FUNMI: okay. I will. Thank you for being so kind. Thank you!

To be continued





My Wife: episode 13

TOSIN: help! Somebody help me!! Somebody help!!!!

ADAKU: (rushes out and finds Mrs Bola on the floor. She was breathing, but her breathing was very shallow and her eyes were shut)

ADAKU: What happened to her????

TOSIN: we just finished getting ready for church, as we stepped out, she just slumped????

ADAKU: madam Bola! Madam Bola can you hear me?? (Feels her pulse) of dear! Her pulse is barely there!
(Kneels down and gives her 15 chest compressions, then bends over her, locks her mouth into hers and gave her 3 rescue breath)
Can you hear me, Madam?

MADAM BOLA: (very faintly) y-e-s

ADAKU: great! Alright, just give me a minute let me get my car and take you to the hospital! Tosin, please get me Bose to assist me with getting her into the car!

(Adaku brought her car, assisted by Bose and Tosin, they got her into the back seat of the car. Adaku put her in the recovery position)

ADAKU: Bose, please come with us to the hospital. Some hospitals won’t help you get the patient out of the car and I can’t carry her alone, please. Tosin is only a boy

BOSE: sorry I can’t come with you guys. I’m sure the hospital will have wheelchairs to move patients around. Saturdays are the only days I rest. So I really need to rest but I’ll be praying for her. She will be fine, she is probably stressed

ADAKU: Tosin, get into the front seat!???

(Adaku drove as fast as she could to Ayodele General Hospital. She quickly got into reception and requested a wheelchair, but one of the nurses told her that all their wheelchairs were currently in use
She went back to her car and with a lot of difficulties, carried madam Bola into the hospital, purchased a card and they gave her a bed. After about 10 minutes, the doctor walked in and started taking her vitals)

DOCTOR: my name is doctor Ayodele, erm, I own this hospital. Your mum’s blood pressure is dangerously high. If nothing is done soon, and I mean s-o-o-n, she will have a heart attack and that may be fatal.

ADAKU: oh no! Please doctor, commence treatment!

DOCTOR: you need to deposit a non refundable sum of one hundred and thirty thousand naira, before we can do anything for her.

ADAKU: please doctor, I do not have any cash on me right now. Please treat her and money will never be an issue!

DOCTOR: we accept card payment, so, you don’t need to pay by cash.
If you look well at the reception, you will see it clearly written that we do not commence treatment without deposit. That was after we lost huge sums from cases like this.
So, it’s our policy here.
I’m going back to my office. When the payment is made, come to my office with the receipt and we will commence treatment. Remember, you must act fast! ?‍

(Adaku took her to two other hospitals owned by Yorubas, but they all refused to treat her without deposit. So she decided to ring her immediate younger brother who is a UK trained doctor and owns a sophisticated hospital in the Island
His brother quickly sent an ambulance to transport Mrs Bola to their hospital where treatment was immediately commenced on her..
*************************************************

(Amara was at the backyard spreading her washings when Ebuka walked up to her)

EBUKA: hi

AMARACHI: hi

EBUKA: how have you been?

AMARACHI: good.

EBUKA: what are you doing?

AMARACHI: it is obvious, isn’t it?

EBUKA: there’s no need to be rude. I..I am sorry I haven’t been talking to you all these while. I have been really messed up.
First, i want to apologise for the other day at Hilton. I was acting under frustration.
Secondly, I am also sorry for the nights I disrupted your sleep because I was drunk.
That was just my way of trying to block reality. I just don’t wanna face it

AMARACHI: it’s fine. It’s your house anyway. Erm, Thanks for having me. I will be leaving tomorrow.

EBUKA: That’s why I’m here. Phewww! What I’m m about to say, will contradict what I told you at the hotel. Perhaps, love does grow with time.

Seeing you everyday and seeing what a total woman you are, has made me fell in love with not just your body, but you.

AMARACHI: interesting.

EBUKA: I just wanted to ask if you could stay a little longer with us here. No, I’m not asking you to warm my bed just yet. Seeing you around makes me feel better. Can you just….You know…erm, just stay…

AMARACHI: You need a house girl?

EBUKA: no no! Of course I’m not asking you to do stuffs around the house. It’s up to you if you want to do them or not. I just want to come home and meet a woman at home, that’s it

AMARACHI: your wife is here. What other woman do you need to come home to?

EBUKA: listen, Amara. Funmi is still my wife today only because we cannot obtain a divorce now. We’ve only been married for five months but I have asked her for separation.
She knows when I say I’m done, I am indeed done!
The marriage between I and Funmi, is finished. As it stands, I am single, sorrowful and seriously searching

AMARACHI: hmmm! I would have loved to stay. I’m sure you don’t need a prophet to tell you how much I want you in my life
I couldn’t even hide it but fate looked into my heart and created this opportunity…..

EBUKA: awwwww! It’s sad that love was standing all these while in front of me, but I couldn’t see it. Funmi was a scale in my eyes. I’m glad she fell off and I saw this diamond. If you give me the chance, I will make you the envy of your friends and foes alike

AMARACHI: but I must go to London

EBUKA: why!!

AMARACHI: I already paid for the ticket as well as my hotel and the fees are non refundable

EBUKA: How much is it all together?

AMARACHI: I paid nearly 2 million naira

EBUKA: I’ll transfer that into your account right now

AMARACHI: oh my God! Will you? Awwww! If not that someone might be watching, I would have given you a very deep passionate kiss right now! Thank you!!!!

EBUKA: we have forever and a day to do that. And let me know what you would love to do after your graduation so that I can be working towards that, okay?

AMARACHI: okay!! Thank you so much

EBUKA: it’s nothing. I like to help any woman I am with to achieve the best she can. That was why I sent this dirty little cheat to do her masters. But she has ruined it because she couldn’t keep her legs closed. Her loss anyway!
The next step will be to send her out of my house

AMARACHI: please give her some more time!

EBUKA: if you say so. You are very kindhearted, Amara and that’s another thing that gets me falling in love with a woman. And if she has legs like yours? I just give her my mumu button. Now you know who has my mumu button! ??

AMARACHI:????

EBUKA: anyway, send me your account number so that I can transfer the money before I leave. I’m going to see my solicitor

AMARACHI: yeeeee! I’ll go inside and send it now! Thanks baby! (Runs back into the house)

EBUKA: you are welcome mama!? (gets into the car and left)

NKECHI: what is it! Why are you excited this Saturday morning!

AMARACHI: NK! Guess what!

NKECHI: what!

AMARACHI: your brother has asked me to stay!???? (starts texting Ebuka her account details)

NKECHI: that’s my girl!!!! ??????? so who are you texting?

AMARACHI: I am texting my mum to tell her, because she is expecting me home tomorrow!

NKECHI: (singing) what a wonderful world….?? Yoruba female demon is about to lose her strongholds in this family!
The God I serve and pray to daily, neither sleeps nor slumbers! Chineke imeela o! (Thank you, God)
This is worth celebrating. Let me rush down to that mini market down the road and get some items for ofe nsala(white soup)

AMARACHI: alright, sister in law??????

NKECHI: if you like, I go call you auntie sef! Girl, I’m so grateful to you! You don’t know what you have done for me!

(Nkechi left for the market and Funmi came to the living room where Amara was seated, having coffee)

FUNMI: morning, Amara

AMARACHI: morning, dear. Hope you were able to get some sleep last night.

FUNMI: I did, but I had this nightmare about my mum and since morning I’ve been trying to reach her to no avail.

AMARACHI: didn’t you tell me she attends SDA. So she must be in church.

FUNMI: I thought so too, But I’m worried

AMARACHI: have you prayed for her?

FUNMI: Yes.

AMARACHI: then quit worrying! When you pray and still worry, you are casting a vote of no confidence in God!

FUNMI: thanks dear. I worry no more. I saw you talking to my husband this morning. What was he saying?

AMARACHI: you know I was trying to convince him to sort thing out with you. He seems really hurt but you can still feel that he still loves you. I’m sure with time, he’ll come around.

FUNMI: I’m just worried about what would happen if he sends me out of this house.

AMARACHI: don’t worry, we will figure out something. Go get yourself a cup of tea. Ebuka is not worth all these headaches and heartaches..

To be continued


MY WIFE: Episode 14

FUNMI: ?????) hello?

ADAKU: hi, how are you!

FUNMI: I’m worried. I’ve been ringing my mum since morning and she is not taking her calls. Please have you see any of them today and did my dad come home for the weekend?

ADAKU: don’t worry, everything is fine. Your mum was a bit unwell this morning, but she is stable now

FUNMI: oh my Lord! Was it this dream I had! What happened to her? Where is she? Please give her the phone I want to speak with her??

ADAKU: calm down my dear. Your mum is fine. we are both at the hospital now and I can assure you that it is no longer life threatening and she is getting the best care possible in my brother’s hospital

FUNMI: Jesus! I’m coming to Lagos straight away!

ADAKU: there’s no need for the rush. If you wanna see her, take your time and maybe come tomorrow. There is really no need for you to come now. I am here and I will make sure she is alright, to the best of my ability

FUNMI: (starts crying??) please can I talk to her?

ADAKU: oh yes you can! But don’t just make it lengthy as she has been advised to get enough rest, okay?
Right I’ll pass the phone to her.
Madam Bola, Funmi is on the phone for you

MADAM BOLA: (starts crying???)

FUNMI: mummy, why are you crying!! Are you in pain?

MADAM BOLA: I am in emotional pain. Funmi, the way I have treated this lady. I am so ashamed of myself.
I can’t face her.
Never in my life would I believe that an Igbo person could be so nice! 3 times I was rejected by hospitals owned by yorubas.
And here in a hospital owned by an Igbo person, I am being giving VIP treatment….

ADAKU (takes the phone from her) this is not the time for all these, ma. We must stick to the doctor’s advice. Hello, Funmi, please just let her rest now, okay?

FUNMI: Adaku, so my mum has been wicked to you and you never mentioned it to me????

ADAKU: of what use would it be? If I had told you, you would have gone to tell her off, she would get angry and both of you will fall out, creating more and more hatred in the world.

The world already has enough people hating and not talking to each other. We don’t need anymore of that.

FUNMI: I can’t believe this! How can you be this kind to a woman who has treated you so badly! And she is not even from your tribe!

ADAKU: that is because, we are from the same human race. Before being Igbo, I am human first and that is one thing we have in common.

FUNMI: I just can’t reconcile you with this sister in law of mine! Two totally different people from the same tribe! How can I!?‍

ADAKU: because whatever a person is, has nothing to do with their tribe, race or gender. It has everything to do with who they are and how they have decided to treat other people.

FUNMI: I wish the whole world know this! Thank you so much! I’ll speak to my husband now and hopefully, I’ll be in Lagos tomorrow.

(Funmi dropped the call and went to the sitting room where her husband was filling out some forms)

FUNMI: Ebuka, my mum is hospitalised and I need some money to go see her tomorrow ?

EBUKA: I’m sure you know who to ask (concentrating on the forms he was filling)

FUNMI: Ebuka, I am not going to use the money on myself, it is for my mum!

EBUKA: interesting! How sure am I that you are not going to Ghana to continue your escapades with your manager?

FUNMI: stop it Ebuka! Stop acc…

EBUKA: (at the top of his voice) stop what!!! You effing cheating bastard! Are you not even ashamed of yourself?
Look at you! Just look at the state of you! You disgust me!
You know what? I will not give you the honour of making me angry! (Grabs his car keys and left)

FUNMI: (starts crying)

NKECHI: (taps her on the shoulder) madam! Madam! Please go upstairs yeah? It’s a very hot Saturday afternoon. You are disturbing the peace! Biko!

(Funmi went upstairs and continued crying and Nkechi went to meet her boyfriend who was waiting to pick her up at the gate. Amara then went upstairs to funmi)

AMARACHI: what’s the matter? Why are you crying?

FUNMI: I’ve just discovered that my mum is very Ill in the hospital, and Ebuka wouldn’t give me any money to go and see her?
I am not asking him for millions I just want ten thousand naira to supplement the one i have on me?

AMARACHI: it’s okay. Stop crying, I’ll transfer some money into your account

FUNMI: but you are only a student, how are going to raise the money?

AMARACHI: I know you feel I am wretched, but I am actually from a wealthy home. So I’ll transfer fifty thousand naira to your account now. Okay? So get ready and get going.

Send my love to your mum and if you need anything, you have my number. Just text me okay?

FUNMI: I just don’t know what I would have done without you! (Hugs her)

AMARACHI: please don’t make me cry! Get ready okay?

(Funmi got ready and left for the airport and Amara started calling a real estate agent)

AMARACHI (????) hello…..
Sorry, the line went off earlier. So what I need is a 2 bedroom apartment close to Wuse2. I need it well finished and I want it for at least 6 months.

AGENT: madam, it’s very hard to find a landlord that will be willing to agree to that. The minimum you can pay is one year

AMARACHI: okay! how much would that cost?

AGENT: 1.2 million

AMARACHI: listen, I don’t want any endless negotiation. I’ll pay 1 million and please this is urgent!

AGENT: just because I really want to work for you. You need to pay twenty percent deposit before we start.

AMARACHI: send me your account, I’ll transfer it immediately. I’ll be waiting .thanks. bye!

(When she dropped the call, Ebuka started ringing her)

AMARACHI (????) hey, babe!

EBUKA: who were you on the phone with?

AMARACHI: my mum. She was asking when I’m coming back

EBUKA: my in law! Tell her we will be coming together to see her.
Is that cheat out of the house yet?

AMARACHI: yes, she left about an hour ago

EBUKA: bingo! Get ready, I’m coming to pick you up. Let’s do some weekend shopping and dinner afterwards!

(Amara looked her best as she walked hand in hand with Ebuka in the mall. People kept admiring her as she picked everything she needed and they finally made their way to one of the most expensive Chinese restaurant in town)

EBUKA: so what would you like to have, your royal hotness?

AMARACHI: (perusing the menu) erm, noodles, chicken balls, shrimp fried rice with a bit of sweet and sour sauce and some ribs.

EBUKA: and what drink would you like?

AMARACHI: Moet

(Ebuka placed the their order and when it arrived, the lovebirds spoke about their future plans as a couple)

EBUKA: so what kind of wedding would you like?

AMARACHI: elaborate! Like so elaborate!

EBUKA: ticked! Where would you like to have your honeymoon?

AMARACHI: Singapore

EBUKA: ticked. First car?

AMARACHI: BMW

EBUKA: ticked, with a question mark

AMARACHI: why?

EBUKA: only if you give me a daughter as my first child

AMARACHI: ?????

To be continued




MY WIFE: episode 15

BAR. VITALIS: so, I invited you so I can have a good understanding of the issue before I am able to give you any legal advice.

So the Chinese man is a friend of yours?

EBUKA: yes. I met him in China when I did a programme there.

BAR VITALIS: so what exactly are you trying to do with him.

EBUKA: so here is the story. As you know, I am a director in my company and I feel like we need the entire building of our Abuja office renovated, and a conduit wiring done instead of the surface wiring we currently have.

Now, most of my fellow directors are cool with it. Only one difficult woman isn’t so happy with it.
I just wanted to know what the law is in that area.

BAR VITALIS: does your company have it’s own constitution?

EBUKA: no. We use the Company’s Act.

BAR VITALIS: would this contract benefit you in any way?

EBUKA: ermm, well, because I giving the guy the contract, he promised to give me some cash if he is given the contract

BAR VITALIS: Hmmm! Be careful there.

EBUKA: how do you mean?

BAR VITALIS: well, under s.175(1) of the Company’s Act which forms the constitution of your company, you have a duty to avoid conflict of interest with your company.

EBUKA: what does that mean?

BAR VITALIS: in a layman’s term, you must avoid any situation which you have or can have a direct or indirect interest that conflicts or possibly may conflict with the interest of the company.

EBUKA: but this contract will promote the success of the company, which is also my duty as a director.

BAR VITALIS: If you must enter into this contract, then you have a duty under s.177 to make a full declaration of the nature and extent of your interest to other directors.

EBUKA: nah! I don’t want to tell them. That silly woman will kick against it. She hates me!
What if i decide to go ahead and give him the contract without declaring my interest in it?

BAR VITALIS: well, the consequence is that you will be required to account for all profits from the contract, You may also be required to pay the company an equitable compensation.
Another consequence is the recession of the contract

EBUKA: all these will happen if they find out, right?

BAR VITALIS: and that is much much easier than you think. Walls have ears…

EBUKA: so what’s your advice?

BAR VITALIS: If you must enter into that contract, be sure to declare your interest to your fellow directors

EBUKA: I’m not doing that.

BAR VITALIS: Mr Okoye, my duty as your lawyer is to advise you. At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make. But I have given you my candid advice.

EBUKA: thanks, Barrister. I’ll be on my way now.

BAR VITALIS: alright. Bye.

(Ebuka got into his car and discovered that Amara had rang him severally, so he decided to give her a call)

EBUKA???) hey babe. Sorry I was at my lawyer’s office. You okay?

AMARACHI: no.

EBUKA: what’s the problem?

AMARACHI: I’m alone and lonely in the house!

EBUKA: where is Nkechi?

AMARACHI: she went out with her boyfriend

EBUKA: Is that little dirty cheat home yet?

AMARACHI: no

EBUKA: good for her. As soon as she comes back, I’ll ask her to leave my house. So what would you like to do.

AMARACHI: I want you to take me out

EBUKA: but babe, I finish work at 6pm!

AMARACHI: that’s the perfect time to go on a date ?

EBUKA: phew! Okay! I’ll see what I can do. I’m driving back to the office

AMARACHI: do we have a deal?

EBUKA: be sure to wear something steaming hot. Bye. I’m on the wheel

(When Amara dropped the phone, she decided to give Funmi a call)

AMARACHI???) hello, dear

FUNMI: hi, Amara. I called you earlier on and your phone was engaged.

AMARACHI: sorry I was on the phone with my boyfriend. So how’s your mum? Is she okay now?

FUNMI: my dear! Our tenant took her to her brother’s hospital where they properly looked after her.
The best part? They did not charge me a kobo! We are back home now and my mum is even cooking me amala!

AMARACHI: awwww! How kind! At least you will not be crying like a little girl anymore. Mummy’s girl!

FUNMI: hahaha! When I come back, I’ll give you back the money you gave me, as I didn’t use it again

AMARACHI: come on now! Why would you! Use it to get yourself some things in Lagos. Seriously, keep it

FUNMI: awww! You are so kind! Do you know that Ebuka hasn’t called me since I left. I’m really so heart broken. If anyone told me that my own Ebuka would treat me like this, I would not believe it!

AMARACHI: it’s really sad. He has been miserable himself. Doesn’t talk to anyone or eat at home. Sometimes he comes back with takeaway, eats and jumps on his Xbox

FUNMI: is he still drinking?

AMARACHI: no, I think his elder brother told him off about it.

FUNMI: okay. Amara, i want to ask you a question and I don’t want you to be angry with me.

AMARACHI: okay…

FUNMI: please don’t be offended. Has my husband ever asked you out, or make any advances?

AMARACHI: no. Why?

FUNMI: I’m so sorry, Amara. I’m just so paranoid and wondering why Ebuka has lost every feeling he had for me.
I just want to know if he found love somewhere else. I’m sorry I asked you (starts crying)

AMARACHI: come on! You don’t need to cry. I am a woman like you so i understand your insecurities. But to be honest, is he really worth your tears?
Listen, never cry over a man. Cry over the last piece of chicken in the oven, cry over not getting your eyebrows right, but never for a man.

You have a whole lot of life in front of you. So if he leaves, so be it! When are you coming back?

FUNMI: thanks dear and I’m sorry for asking you. I’ll come back this evening, as I will be going back to work tomorrow.

AMARACHI: alright then. If you get home and I am not here, there’s some spaghetti in the fridge.

FUNMI: ughhh! I would like to meet you at home. Where are you going?

AMARACHI: I’m getting dressed to go see a friend of mine. But I should be home before 10pm

FUNMI: alright then. See you soon and thank you so much!

(Amara dropped the phone and immediately, the real estate agent started ringing her)

AMARACHI: (???) hello?

AGENT: Good morning, madam, I found this new property. Very very lovely house .

AMARACHI: where?

AGENT: It’s in Gwagwalada, ma

AMARACHI: I specifically told you I want the house in Wuse2! That was for a reason! Stop calling me up and telling me about properties in other places! Wuse2 or you refund the deposit I paid!
Listen, I need that house latest by the end of this week. If you can’t do it, please let me know. I have other agents that are willing to do it!

AGENT: I will try my best, ma.

AMARACHI: thanks! Bye!

(At exactly 6pm, Ebuka texted Amara that he was waiting for her at the gate, so she met him there and they drove off to yet another expensive dinner date.
Their orders arrived, and Ebuka started eating but at some point, he noticed that Amara had barely touched her own meal..)

EBUKA: what’s the matter? Why are you not eating?

AMARACHI: I’m eating…

EBUKA: this was supposed to be your date! You asked for it.
Are you sure your mind is even here!
I requested you wear something a little revealing, but you wore this maxi trouser instead! Now you are not eating your food!
Why did you ask for a date if you didn’t want one!

AMARACHI: I’m just thinking about a lot of things

EBUKA: such as?

AMARACHI: life, love, loss…in fact, I have been thinking about life in general

EBUKA: you should have stayed home and gave life a good thought instead of coming out here with me and acting as it I am irrelevant.
That’s plain rude!

AMARACHI: I’m sorry but it’s just that I am in dire need of money. I’m just thinking of how to raise the money for my shoe business

EBUKA: how much are you looking at raising?

AMARACHI: 3.5 million, for a start.
Once we get married, I don’t want to be disturbing you about money. I want to be able to contribute to our home.
I’ve always told myself that my husband can always trust me to hold the family when he is unable to do so.
But if we get married now, I can’t do that.

EBUKA: I understand. No man actually wants a liability for a wife. We all want a woman who can indeed be a helper in all aspects.
I will look into it later tonight but for now, I need those charming smiles and happy face back. They keep me sane! Biko

AMARACHI: (smiles faintly) thank you, love.

To be continued


MY WIFE: episode 16


WENG: wow! It’s great to meet you after a long time of Facebook friendship

PETRA: I know, right! Nice to meet you too!

WENG: I must say you look more beautiful in person than you look in pictures.

PETRA: really? Thank you

WENG: so why did it take you so long to agree to meet up with me. Were you scared I was going to kill and eat you?

PETRA: not really. I’m a very busy person; I barely have time to go out

WENG: okay. I’m asking because some people believe that Chinese people eat human beings. I don’t know how true that is, but my family don’t, and I don’t know anyone who does.

PETRA: so how do you find the country?

WENG: good good! Nigeria is a great country and has the potential to be one of the greatest in the world. But sad to say that your leaders are your greatest obstacle

PETRA: I agree with you.

WENG: so, here is the menu. Have a look and see if anything interests you. Otherwise you take me to your house and make us jollof rice

PETRA: heheheh (starts perusing the menu) so what brought you to the country?

WENG: erm, I got a contract to renovate one of the biggest companies here in Abuja

PETRA: wow! Which company is that?

WENG: SEA-TRUE and sons limited. It is a shipping company and one of the biggest in town.

PETRA: oh wow! So how did you get the contract?

WENG: a friend of mine called Ebuka gave me the contract. I met him five years ago when he came to do a programme in China.

PETRA: Sorry, I need to quickly text my niece to remind her to go for her dancing class. Is that okay?

WENG: yes sure!

PETRA: (brought out her phone and pretended to be texting her nephew, but put the phone on recording instead)
sorry. I’m done now . Your friend must be very kind! You said his name is Ebuka. Is he one of the directors of SEA-TRUE?

WENG: yes he is. Not like he did it for free. You Nigerians can never do anything with or for anybody if it doesn’t benefit you in any way.

PETRA: are you saying, he is getting paid for giving you the contract?

WENG: fifteen million out of the money is his!

PETRA: wonderful! He is going to be fifteen million naira wealthier!

WENG: yes, he is planning on taking a new wife and he’ll be needing the money

PETRA: interesting!….

*************************************************

EBUKA: Nkechinyere! Open the door, I’d like to talk to you.

NKECHI: the door is not locked. Open it and come in.

EBUKA: good morning ladies. Nkechi, I want to have a word with you.

NKECHI: Good morning , dede. Sit down

AMARACHI: good morning, Ebuka. I’ll excuse you guys

EBUKA: no no! Sit back. I consider you a part of us now

AMARACHI: thank you.

EBUKA: I have finally made up my mind to divorce Funmi. But because we’ve not been married for long enough to get a divorce, i can’t do so now.
But I can’t have her here either. Every time I set my eyes on her, I want to strangle her!

NKECHIsits up) hian!? please don’t. She is not worth it. I will personally help you throw her out of the house like right now!

AMARACHI: May I ask exactly what she did?

NKECHI: meaning? He just told you he cannot stand her!

EBUKA: Funmi was cheating on me with her manager! Sleeping with him even in the office!

NKECHI: chineke meeeeee??????‍?‍?‍ heeeee! Jesus Christ! I can’t believe this humble lion can ever do a thing like that!
And when she comes back here, she prays and speaks in tongues more than apostle Paul!

Dede, you knew of this and you still kept her here?? Oh my God! Do you want her to infect you with STIs???

EBUKA: I’ve been tested and luckily, I don’t have any STIs and I and Funmi stopped being intimate since I learnt of it.

AMARACHI: mind if I ask how you knew about the cheating?

EBUKA: her friend Calista told me. She even sent me a recorded message where she admitted it. I’ll forward it to both of you after now. So I have my evidence. I have asked her severally and all that little lying cheat would say is “I didn’t cheat”

NKECHI: it’s in their blood! Yoruba women can never be faithful! Dede, that was why every single one of us was against this marriage.

But you thought we just didn’t like her for no reason! Tribal marriage was not God’s original purpose for mankind! I don’t understand why a person would go into a different land to take a wife!

She can betray you in front of you because you don’t understand her damn language! That alone is enough to stop people from this stupid practice of marrying outside your own tribe !

AMARACHI: sorry I’m asking a lot of questions. Can I ask this final one please?

NKECHI:????

EBUKA: feel free.

AMARACHI: when did this cheating happen. Now or before you got married?

EBUKA: right now, that doesn’t even matter to me. I can’t get over the fact that another man has touched her. I am totally switched off as far as Funmi is concerned.
I’m going upstairs now to tell her she must leave the house latest tomorrow.
I’ll leave you now, ladies. ?‍?‍?‍

NKECHI:??????? hi five e don happen! I told you!
Girl, start planning your wedding! My brother is big so withhold nothing!
Go all the way out!!!

I can’t wait to tell brother Chinwendu! ???? I’m so drinking tonight!!

AMARACHI: wow! You have so much influence on your brothers. My brother never let’s me say anything about his wife. He protects her like what!

NKECHI: she probably did some juju on your brother. My dear go on your knees! Prayer works!
Prayer plus action will always yeild results.
I pray and I act! Thank you Jesus!

AMARACHI: I hope your boyfriend doesn’t have a sister like you.

NKECHI: nah! He is an only child

AMARACHI: fantastic! Because I know you wouldn’t wish yourself a sister in law like you.

NKECHI: how do you mean??

AMARACHI: just kidding. I can’t wait to meet your mum and brother Chinwendu. Wedding plans in a bit baby!????

(Ebuka went to their bedroom and found Funmi in bed still asleep)

EBUKA: (gentle taps her on the shoulder) Funmi! Funmi!

FUNMI (incoherently)I don’t know how my husband got to know about it.

EBUKA: that shouldn’t bother you okay? It doesn’t matter anymore. Wake up, I want to have a word with you!

FUNMI (cleans her eyes to enable her see clearly) oh! Good morning, darling

EBUKA: I’m sure you were with your boss in your dreams because you were just telling him you don’t know how I got to know about your adultery with him.
So are you not going to work today?

FUNMI: no, I called off work because I don’t feel very well.

EBUKA: you probably are pregnant for him or you had a rough one over the weekend. It must be one of the two.

FUNMI: Ebuka enough of the insults! I really have had enough. You woke me up this morning to insult me! Seriously, it’s enough!

EBUKA: exactly, why I am here. It is indeed enough! I need you to leave my house latest tomorrow evening. Failure to do so, I’ll take it upon myself to ensure you regret your entire life.

The simple instruction is, leave my house by or before tomorrow evening. If you need that in writing, I am quite happy to do so. If you need it in your native language, tell your father to do that for you!

Good morning!

To be continued

MY WIFE: Episode 17


NKECHI: If you need help taking your luggage to the van, let me know o! I’m nice like that?

FUNMI: you need more help than I do.

NKECHI: whatever! As long as you disappear and never show your face in this house ever again.

FUNMI: shebi you are a woman? It will all come back to you. Mark my words. Amara! Amara!

AMARACHI: yes, Funmi.

FUNMI: my van is here. I’m sure they must have told you, but I’m leaving this house for good. Just thought I should tell you. Bye.

AMARACHI: but you shouldn’t have cheated on your husband. I’m sorry but you caused all these

FUNMI: God in heaven knows I didn’t cheat and he alone is my witness. (Gets into the Van and leaves)

NKECHI: yeeeeeeeee! Storm is over, storm is over now….?????

AMARACHI: your brother has been sad since all these started. We need to find a way to make him happy tonight. We just have to. What do you think we should do?

NKECHI: sleep with him in his room. Hahahaha! But honestly that would make him happy. He was indirectly telling us he is sex starved yesterday, when he said he hasn’t had sex with the idiot since he learnt of the adultery???

AMARACHI: don’t be silly! What do you take me for? What’s your brother’s favourite meal?

NKECHI: vegetable soup. Especially water leaf.

AMARACHI: alright! I’ll go to that junction market and get the ingredients, so we can cook for him

NKECHI: awwww! A good wife right there!

(Amarachi quickly left the house and as she shut the gate behind her, she started ringing Funmi)

FUNMI: (amidst tears)?????? Hello, Amara

AMARACHI: where are you?

FUNMI: I’m on my way to Calista’s house. She promised to shelter me until I am able to find a place.

AMARACHI: no! Please stop the van and tell me exactly where you are. I’ll meet you there. Please

FUNMI: we are just opposite the filling station after the junction.

AMARACHI: don’t move an inch. I’ll be there in literally three minutes…bye!

(Amara met up with them, and joined them in the van)

AMARACHI: Funmi, please stop crying. You have cried enough. Driver, take us to Wuse2

FUNMI: but my friend is very happy to have me stay in her house. Why bother?

AMARACHI: Funmi, you have no friend in her. Please forget her!

FUNMI: she is the only friend I have. Where in Wuse are we going to? Honestly, I wouldn’t want you spending your money on me. You are still unemployed dear please. You have already done enough for me.

AMARACHI: I hope you understood that I didn’t mean what I said in front of Nkechi?

FUNMI: initially, I didn’t understand but when you communicated with yours eyes, I got it

AMARACHI: I’m sure you didn’t eat so when we get to the house, we just leave everything and go out to eat.

FUNMI: which house though?

AMARACHI: you will find out.

(They got to a newly built and fully furnished two bedroom apartment, and Amara asked the van driver to stop. They got off and offloaded..)??

FUNMI: hmmm! Amara, whose house is this?

AMARACHI: here (hands her a key??) for now, this is your home. Treat it as yours, no one will ask you for rent or anything. So make yourself comfortable

FUNMI: is this some joke? But whose house is it?

AMARACHI: it is my brother’s house..

FUNMI: where is he then?

AMARACHI: he lives in London with his family. We had tenants in it but I recently asked them to move because I wanted to use the house.

FUNMI: Amara! I can’t believe this. And you know the funny thing? From here to where I work is literally seven minutes walk!

AMARACHI: that was why I wanted it specifically in Wuse2. That was why I asked where you work the other day.

FUNMI: I don’t understand. I thought you said it is your brother’s house. How come you wanted it specifically in Wuse2. Tell me the truth, did you rent this house?

AMARACHI: I didn’t. When you told me where you work, I remembered that is where my brother’s house is. Come on! Let’s go eat something

FUNMI (looking around in amazement) but this is a new building!

AMARACHI: ermmm, fairly new, but it’s just been renovated that’s why it looks new

FUNMI: Amara, I can’t believe my eyes. You and Calista are my angels on earth. What would I have done without you! God knew Ebuka was going to become a monster and he sent you my way. I’m so grateful (Hugs her really tight)

AMARACHI: come on! It’s okay. I’m famished!

( Amara and Funmi went to a nearby restaurant, ordered plenty of jollof rice, fried meat and drinks and began to eat??????????)

FUNMI: I still can’t believe what Ebuka is doing to me. It’s really sad; I loved him with all my heart

AMARACHI: I understand but life is not always fair. But I want to let you know that your destiny is not tied to any man or woman as a matter of fact. You are enough on your own.

It hurts when the one you love suddenly hates you, but that’s not the end of the world.
You must not cry your heart out, quit your job, start neglecting yourself and become depressed because a man left you.

You have a good job, thank God. You must continue grinding. Whatever dreams you have, you must keep at it. Nobody else matters in this life more than you do.

Listen, there is no shame in walking out of a place where you are no longer wanted. So when you walk on the street, keep your head up.

If Ebuka comes around and you want him back, fine! If he doesn’t, be open to love.
I do not believe that there is only one man out there for a woman. So push aside that idea of when you lose your destined man, that’s it for you.
Every woman has more than hundred men who are capable of treating her right. So if one starts feeling like the best thing after sliced bread, chuck him out and move to the other. This is just what I wanted to tell you.

FUNMI: your words are so healing and encouraging. I wish you didn’t stop. Why are you so strong? There is this spirit in you that is just… I don’t know but I can’t describe it. How do you do it?

AMARACHI: I have been broken several times. My many heart breaks made me strong, and I am determined to support any woman who is going through what I’ve been through in any way possible.
No, I won’t tell you to kill your husband or anything like that, I only encourage women to rise above the things they go through. Because, no better revenge than becoming successful.

And I know you work, but you need streams of income. If you are interested, I’m about starting a shoe business, we can do it together.

FUNMI: wow! Please I’m interested. Can I ask you a question?

AMARACHI: sure!

FUNMI: do you work?

AMARACHI: not yet. I’m still looking for a job. But I do business here and there trying to save up money for my shoe business

FUNMI: there is currently an available position in my company. Would you like to apply for it?

AMARACHI: yes please!

FUNMI: send me your CV via email and I’ll do the rest

AMARACHI: thanks so much! I’m grateful. I’m going to be on my way now. They must be expecting me. But I’ll be coming here to spend time with you every often until I move in finally….when my job is done

FUNMI: Amara, I can’t thank you enough! I really can’t. God bless you. Eshe!

AMARACHI: hope you know your way back to the house?

FUNMI: yes. It’s just round the corner.

AMARACHI: bye hun. See ya!

(Amara rushed back home and deliberately did not buy any food items for the proposed vegetable soup)

EBUKA: where have you been? I’ve called you a million and one times!

AMARACHI: just begin to thank God. In fact, you guys must testify to the goodness of God on Sunday. Your family is blessed

NKECHI: what happened?

AMARACHI: hmmm! I fainted in the market. For four hours , doctors at the general hospital were trying to resuscitate me. Hmmm

EBUKA: what?

AMARACHI: my parents would have accused you of using me for rituals o! Kenekwanu chi unu (better thank your God)

NKECHI: Jesus Christ! It’s that Yoruba witch! She knows You 8will replace her. She has started her juju but power pass power! She will be the one that will die.
Very diabolical set of people!

AMARACHI: I thought as much my dear. It must be her.

EBUKA: so who paid the hospital bill?

AMARACHI: One woman paid everything and even bought me food

Ebuka: wow! Thank you Jesus

AMARACHI: amen o!!!

To be continued


MY WIFE. Episode 18

EBUKA: (knocks knocks) morning ladies, can I come in, please?

NKECHI: (opens the door) come in, dede. Good morning

AMARACHI: morning, Ebuka.

EBUKA: morning, beautiful. How do you feel now?

AMARACHI: just a little giddy, but I’ll be fine.

EBUKA: are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to the hospital before going to work?

AMARACHI: nah, there’s no need for that. Guess I was stressed but didn’t know it.

EBUKA: then you must rest. Actually, I’ll be going to France next week, you can come with me if you like

AMARACHI: awwww! I wouldn’t mind. I haven’t been to France before.

Ebuka: dust your passport then

NKECHI: how about me?

EBUKA: talk to your boyfriend about it

NKECHI: hehehehe! Someone is in love!

EBUKA: guilty as charged. Anyways, ladies I’m here to talk to you guys again.
Amara, if you ask Nkechi or anyone who knows me, they will tell you that I am a very straight forward guy.
I don’t take more than twenty four hours to make a decision.
When I find something I like, I don’t hesitate to pin it down and make it mine

I’ve always loved family. The feeling of sharing your entire life with that one person who completes you, is awesome.
That was why I got married at 32. Unfortunately, it was the shortest marriage ever known to man.

I take the blame. I should have listened to my mum and brother…

NKECHI: (interrupts) and Nkechi

EBUKA: yes ma. Margaret Thatcher

THE GIRLS: hahahahahaha!!!!

EBUKA: so Amara, this is not going to be the most glamourous proposal because i haven’t even got any ring with me.
But again, I am a bit of a rebel. I don’t always play by the rules. I find beautiful ways of breaking man made rules…

I just wanted to obtain your permission to go see your people over the weekend, before we go to France together.
At least they need to know who their daughter is going out with.
Do I have that permission?

AMARACHI: awwww! Of course you do! But I need to call my parents and find out if the date is okay by them

EBUKA: wicked! Do so and let me know their response, please

NKECHI: (starts dancing the traditional Igbo dance)??? you guys are going to be the cutest couple in town!

EBUKA: I know. I’m very handsome ain’t I?
Not that your short bread boyfriend

NKECHI: hmmm! Leave my man alone!

EBUKA: I hold am? Alright ladies, I’ll be going to work now. There’s an emergency board meeting I need to attend.
Nkechi, look after my baby. Amara, ensure you get enough rest. I don’t want you to be ill again.

AMARACHI: I won’t be. Look after yourself at work.

(Ebuka left and Nkechi threw herself on the bed in excitement???)

NKECHI: girl! This is the first day of the best days of your life! You are going to France next week!

AMARACHI: na that one dey fear me o! Wetin I get na expired passport

NKECHI: no worries, I’ll give it to my boyfriend. His best friend works with Immigration. He’ll get you a passport before weekend

AMARACHI: this is why I love you! You have a solution to every problem.

NKECHI: what are friends for! So do you know what wedding gown you would like?
Princess or mermaid?

AMARACHI: I haven’t decided yet

NKECHI: you better start deciding now. Ebuka will take you unawares. That’s who he is.
He might call you up tomorrow and tell you that the wedding is next week.
Better stop acting like you have time, because you actually don’t.

AMARACHI: I have you, so i have no worries

NKECHI: yes, you do but I won’t choose your dress for you.

AMARACHI: wow! I can’t believe this is happening. It all started like a joke. Look where we are now!
So what are we eating today?

NKECHI: you tell me. This is your soon to be husband’s house.

AMARACHI: alright, I’ll go to the market and get a whole goat, get the butchers to cut it into pieces for me so we can make goat meat peppersoup and rice for dinner.

NKECHI: Ebuka will definitely enjoy his life henceforth.
That Yoruba woman was always cooking him all those nasty amala and even though he didn’t like it, he would pretend.
Such a lovely brother of mine!

God has seen that he deserves to be treated how he treats other people.

AMARACHI: yes, he will indeed be treated the way he treats people…
I’m happy to be honoured with that responsibility

NKECHI: you are a lucky woman, girl!

(Amara left the house pretending to have gone to the market, but went to Wuse2. She knocked on the door and Funmi who was off work opened the door for her)

FUNMI: hello, my sister!

AMARACHI: hello! Wow! the house is sparkling! You’ve been busy, I can tell.

FUNMI: come in! My friend came around to see me

AMARACHI: wow! That’s nice

(Funmi and Amara got into the dinning area where Calista was seated with a glass of cranberry juice funmi had offered her)

FUNMI: Cals, meet my sister from another mother! Amara, meet Calista!

CALISTA: awwww! Are you the Amara I’ve heard a lot about?

AMARACHI: yes. I’ve heard a lot about you too! Funmi told me what a wonderful And supportive friend you’ve been to her.

CALISTA: awww. I do like to support my fellow women as much as I can.
The world is so unfair to us, so we must stick together and become each other’s support system.

AMARACHI: I see. Anyway, nice to meet you.

CALISTA: nice to meet you too.

FUNMI: so what drink would you like. Food is not ready yet.

AMARACHI: I’m not hungry yet. I know what I’m about to say is strange and totally off the topic, but there’s something that has been going through my head. Should i tell you guys?

CALISTA: sure! Why not

AMARACHI: have you guys ever wondered what you would do, if you were Jesus and knew that Judas had betrayed you and still sitting on the same dinning table with you. Okay! Let me simplify it.
If you were in Jesus’ shoes, what would you do?

CALISTA: I’ll just pour a hot meal on him.

FUNMI: ermm! I haven’t actually thought of it. Amara, you are so weird. I don’t know…I’ll probably send him out or something

AMARACHI: Calista, you said you like supporting women right?

CALISTA: yes. It gives me Pleasure!

AMARACHI: awwww! That makes both of us! We have have that in common. I like supporting women and I will like to support you in my own little way right now.

CALISTA: awwww

AMARACHI: why don’t we start like this..(slaps her really hard across the face) you two faced disgrace to womanhood!???

FUNMI: oh my God! Amara, what are you doing! Stop it! Are you drunk or what??

CALISTA: (holding her face) Funmi you should have told me that your friend is mad so I know how to defend myself!

AMARACHI: this the human snake that told your husband that you are cheating on him. She even went ahead to send him the conversation between you guys where you admitted to sleeping with Osai.
This is the devil behind your marital problems!

FUNMI (quiet but obviously in shock) am I dreaming?…Calista? …Please tell me it’s not true….tell me you didn’t stab me at my back…tell me it’s the wrong Calista, please… Look at me Calista, look me in the eye. Did you do it?…did you?? Why? Did I wrong you in any way?… (breaks down in tears)

To be continued


 MY WIFE: Episode 19

NKECHI: dede, have you noticed that Amara hasn’t been her normal self since yesterday?

EBUKA: yeah. Your friend looks like someone who worries a lot. That is something you need to tell her to work on.
I like my woman happy; a woman I can have a good laugh with, not one who is constantly moody and worried.
I’ve texted her a couple of times to come upstairs and talk to me, but she said no.

NKECHI: I’ve known her too long, and believe me, she is a very bubbly lady. Something must be bothering her. Please see if you can talk to her. Bikonu

EBUKA: we are not even married yet and I am already expected to pet and pamper her. You really love this woman because you were never this nice to Funmi.

NKECHI: because she is useless! Please she is not one to remember before breakfast. Dede, try to talk to Amara, please! Im going back to my room. My tummy aches.

(Ebuka went down stairs where Amara was seated on the sofa alone in her night gown, held her hands and persuaded her to go upstairs with him, reluctantly, she followed him)

EBUKA: sit on the bed

AMARACHI: I don’t feel like sitting down

EBUKA: now let’s get serious! I’m not going to rape you, am I! If I want sex from you, I will ask blatantly. I’m sure you know this! Come on! Tell me your fears

AMARACHI: I have none

EBUKA: your face says otherwise. Come on! Talk to me

AMARACHI: (starts crying)???

EBUKA: oh no! What’s the matter. Are you worried about how people would view You marrying a divorcee?

AMARACHI: no. I’m just worried that we are getting married soon and I do not have any business of my own.
I really want to start my shoe business and I only need half a million naira to complete the money.

EBUKA: awww! Your desires are good. It shows you are not selfish and you desire to be a great helper.
If it’s just half a million, then ill transfer it to you as soon as I get to the office this morning. It’s nothing to be all gloomy about, alright?

AMARACHI: God bless you so much! You are such a blessing to my life! Now, I can’t wait to get married! It’s been the only hitch so far.

EBUKA: you are welcome, beautiful. Now that we are on it, I might as well tell you this. I am frightened. So so frightened…I am only trying to put myself together because I didn’t want you and Nkechi to be worried

AMARACHI: what’s going on? You can always talk to me.

EBUKA: I injected all my life savings in an investment and so far, it is not looking great.

I told you about the contract I gave my Chinese friend, right?

AMARACHI: yes, you did.

EBUKA: now, when he finished the job, the company paid him and he gave me the sum of 15 million naira. I didn’t want to waste it so I started researching things I can invest in.
Then I found this car dealership company in Dubai, contacted them and the guy I spoke with assured me they can send me about 4 brand new Honda accord for one hundred and fifty million.

I thought it was a fair deal, so i added more money to the fifteen million and paid them. He called to confirm receipt of the payment and promised he would keep me updated all the way.

Four days went, and he didn’t contact me. So i decided to call

Ambrose Alli Is The One To Grant This Monster Buhari A Pardon.

Buhari jails a man in the cruelest of conditions, a man who as governor built two universities (AAU, Abraka) at least two colleges of education, over 100 secondary schools, a man who gave us rice, notebook and pencils in primary school, something Buhari as two-time president, one time governor, MD NNPC, etc etc can never ever ever ever ever achieve... A man who unlike Buhari, was bold enough to publicly declare his asset and which was ONE UNCOMPLETED STORY BUILDING, Buhari kills him by denying him treatment in jail

This is a professor jailed by a Buhari that forged WAEC result before our very eyes on Premium Times

This is a man that has touched the life of almost all former Bendelites with his developmental strides again including building schools, something Buhari has never done in this life (Book is haram forbidden)
Buhari jails a good man and refuses this prisoner healthcare

As hypertension, glaucoma etc etc renders Ambrose Folorunsho Alli BLIND
IBB releases him from prison
But then already too late
Ambrose Alli dies shortly after
A thief in the eyes of the TRIBUNAL (not law court. No decent one will convict Alli)
And this murderer comes today to say he wants to grant Alli presidential pardon?
Alli's wife and kids do not live here anymore. They want nothing to do with Nigeria
Dele Alli, his relative plays for Tottenham and England and played AGAINST Nigeria.
Alli's wife swore she would have nothing to do with this country anymore.

Buhari, it is you that need their pardon
Keep your effing pardon. Ambrose Alli and Ogbemudia have already shown us what good governors and leaders are. You are a pale comparison.

Pssst, first get your WAEC result and then come and pardon a professor. And while at it, declare your asset publicly like Alli did let us know who is the thief. And show us the schools you Buhari built as governor of all
where Boko Haram controls now.
We who are old enough to... we remember. Ambrose Alli, Lateef Jakande, Ogbemudia...we know the best governors of all time.
May God continue to keep Ambrose Alli in his eternal embrace and his name from the lips of those who caused his death.
By Ena Ofugara

nepabox

Three months after the death of reggae veteran, Ras Kimono, his wife, Efemena Okedi, has passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018, according to various news reports.

Efe was a member of the late Ras Kimono’s band.

Confirming the death of Efe, the Project Manager of Premiere Music, Michael Odiong, said the sad incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 23.

“Yes, Efe Kimono is dead. She was confirmed dead today, early this morning. I can’t give out any other detail aside this for now.” Odiong said.

It would be recalled that Ras Kimono died on June 10, 2018 after he slumped on June 9, 2018, and was rushed to a hospital in Ikoyi, where he gave up the ghost.

nepabox

Mr Kassim Afegbua, former Special Adviser on Media to the immediate past Governor of Edo and APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, has defected with thousands of his supporters to the PDP. 

Afegbua, who was also Commissioner for Information in Edo, was received by the party’s Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state on Sunday. 

The former aide to Oshiomhole said he took the “bold step” in rejoining his former party, because of infrastructural deficit in his community. 

He said that though he served under the APC- led administration in the state for 8 years, he felt dissatisfied, because of the state of roads and lack of development in Okpella community. 

Afegbua also lamented the absence of electricity in the community and complained of high inflation and rising costs of commodities across the local markets.
He said the APC members were defecting to the PDP on account of poor roads and neglect of the community by the state government.
He said that the PDP was sympathetic with flood victims in the locality and blamed the state government for what he termed “slow response” to the problem. 

Afebgua said the PDP was aware of donation of relief materials by some Federal Government agencies and appealed against diversion of the items.
The spokesman of other defectors, Chief Ekpen Abu, pledged their readiness to work with the party to win the next election in the area and the state in general. 

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/oshiomholes-former-aide-defects-to-pdp-with-supporters/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Quote:The Peoples Democratic Party has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to explain to Nigerians why he failed to withdraw policemen attached to the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, like he did to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, before the conduct of the Ekiti governorship election.

The party said that the conduct of the police under Idris had shown him to be a partial police boss who was merely interested in the ruling party.


The National Chaairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who said this in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Friday, recalled that the IGP ordered that all policemen attached to Fayose be withdrawn before the governorship election which held on July 14, 2018.

He also asked Nigerians to remember that the police boss equally withdrew the policemen attached to the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, before the Anambra governorship election “in order to make him vulnerable just because he is not a member of the APC.”


Secondus said the police had claimed that the action in the two instances was to allow for the neutrality of the police in the conduct of the election.

He, therefore, wondered why the same thing had not been replicated in Osun State, saying the action of the police had confirmed the position of the PDP that it was a ploy to facilitate the rigging of the election against the PDP in Ekiti State.


He said, “By now, we thought that the IGP would have replaced all the policemen attached to Governor Aregbesola and the State Government House at Osogbo with new ones as he did in Ekiti State.

“Recall that the police also took away the security detail attached to Fayose. He was prone to attacks and all that. But what has happened to the policemen attached to Governor Aregbesola? Nothing. Instead of them being replaced, they have been fortified with policemen from Lagos State and neighbouring friendly states in order to manipulate the outcome of the election.

“It is unfortunate that we have a police force that has become an arm of the ruling party; a police force that is not serving the interest of all Nigerians but a clique.

The Federal Government said the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage would conclude its negotiation before the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress.


The organised labour had on Sept. 12 issued a 14-day ultimatum that would expire on Sept. 25 to the Federal Government for the committee to reconvene and complete it assignment.

Labour also said it would commence nationwide strike immediately after the expiration of its 14 days ultimatum if their demand was not met.


Ms Amal Pepple, Chairman of the committee gave the assurance while speaking in Abuja yesterday.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-to-avert-strike-over-minimum-wage-pepple.html

Quote:There were indications in Abuja on Sunday that the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party might strike a deal with a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in a bid to win the state rerun governorship election slated for Thursday, investigations by our correspondent have revealed.

Omisore is the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the election in which the candidate of the PDP, Senator Ademola Adeleke, came first with 254, 698 votes while the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, came second with 254,345 votes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has, however, said there would be rerun in some polling units where elections were cancelled.

The units, which were listed by the commission, are two in Orolu Local Government Area, one in Ife South Local Government Area, one in Ife North Local Government Area and one in Osogbo Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the PDP had already initiated discussions with Omisore towards winning the two units in his stronghold of Ife.

Apart from Omisore, the PDP was said to be planning to meet with candidates of other political parties that had what a source described as a “worthy outing” during the election on Saturday.

Such candidates, it was gathered, are African Democratic Congress’ Fatai Akinbade and Action Democratic Party’s Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.

Already, it was gathered that a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, had spoken with Omisore on the need for the latter to support the PDP candidate in the rerun.

Fani-Kayode, who is also from Ile Ife like the former deputy governor, confirmed that he had spoken with both Omisore and Adeleke on the issue.

The former minister told our correspondent that there was a need for the parties to come together and “bury the ruling party in the state on Thursday.”

He said, “Yes, it is true that I have spoken with my brother, Senator Omisore, and our (PDP) candidate, Senator Adeleke, on the issue.

“I can tell you confidently that both of them are receptive to the idea and I can tell you that we are going to meet together to discuss working relationship before Thursday.

“We are not talking about any condition. We are doing all these for the love of our party and our people. We need to liberate the state from the vultures and invaders of our commonwealth. By the grace of God, we shall do it.”

It was gathered that a former Governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, would be involved in a discussion with Akinbade.

Oyinlola, it was learnt, would prevail on Akinbade, who served as the secretary to the state government while the former military administrator was the governor of the state, to support the deal.

Besides that, it was also learnt that the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, would personally speak with Akinbade, who was also a former state chairman of the PDP while Secondus was also chairman of the former ruling party in Rivers State.

Top sources in the PDP confided in our correspondent that the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, who also heads the party’s 85-member governorship campaign council in the state, would be involved in the negotiations.

It was generally believed that Saraki’s efforts at bringing the runner-up in the party’s governorship primary in the state, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, with Adeleke, helped the party on Saturday.

The source said, “We will involve Saraki in our meetings with these men. We cannot afford to lose the election in the state.

“Then, don’t forget that we have a working relationship with all the opposition political parties under the umbrella called Coalition of United Political Parties. We will invoke the spirit behind that.”

Secondus, who also spoke with our correspondent on the matter, appealed to the aspirants to cooperate with the PDP to “rescue the nation, starting from Osun State, from the grip of a party that is not sensitive to the plight of the citizens.

The Federal Government has approved the sum of N22.68bn for the payment of retirement benefits to former workers of liquidated Nigerian Airways Ltd.

The amount which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari is about 50 per cent of the N45.3bn entitlements of the former workers of the company.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed said this on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance.

Apart from the N22.8bn for the former aviation workers, she said that the sum of N20bn was approved for the education sector.

She said, “Upon my resumption of office as the minister of finance,some pending fiscal issues in the aviation and education sectors were immediately brought to my attention.

“As such, I took it as a challenge to quickly address key issues regarding the settlement of existing claims in both of these sectors.

“Consequently, upon this, I am happy to inform you that Mr President has graciously approved the sum of N22.68bn and N20bn to aviation and education sectors respectively.”

The minister said the initial outstanding retirement benefits due to ex-workers of the Nigerian Airways based on their submission was N78bn.

She said after a verification exercise by the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit and other relevant stakeholders in line with the condition of service of the liquidated Nigerian Airways Ltd, it was the sum of N45bn was agreed as the total retirement benefits to the affected staff.

“The ex-workers of Nigeria Airways Ltd in liquidation were not paid their retirement benefits for the past 15 years despite the liquidation. 

https://punchng.com/breaking-buhari-approves-payment-of-n22bn-to-nigerian-airways-retirees/

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, has faulted the declaration of the Osun governorship election that held on September 22 as inconclusive.
Iwu, who was in office from June 2005 to April 2010, spoke on Sunday following the declaration of the guber poll as inconclusive due to vote difference by the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Joseph Afuwape.

According to the former INEC boss, “Actually, in 2010 during the review of INEC’s Elections’ Manual, my committee and I as the chair, invented the inconclusive elections outcomes, particularly where elections did not hold for one reason or the other.

“However, we the initiators of the inconclusive elections realised that our proposal was against the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended), particularly the presidential and the governorship elections and returns.

“Our proposals could be applied only in senatorial, House of Representatives, and state assembly elections and returns, for which the Constitution did not specify how these returns should be made.

“In this, what is required by the Constitution is that the ‘first past the post’ and/or that the candidate must have the polled majority of the votes cast.

“Secondly, that the candidate in addition to it, must obtain 25 per cent of the total votes cast in two-third of the LGAs of the state in question or of the states in case of presidential election. The electoral act or INEC guidelines cannot supersede the constitutional provisions for that purpose.

“As the constitution has clearly spelt out the manner and how a return should be made in the cases of governorship or presidential election returns.

“Now that the abuse of this tool is becoming obvious, the beneficiaries of this anomaly have refused to listen or adjust accordingly.

“God will surely help us.”

https://thewhistler.ng/amp/story/former-inec-chair-says-osun-election-was-conclusive/

The Nigerian military barracks in Magadisu cantonment was thrown into chaos when a drunk soldier shot his fellow soldier over an argument on his alarming alcohol consumption rate.

According to our source, whose identity has been kept under anonymity, the soldier on uniform was granted a break, only for him to return heavily drunk. 

The soldier on mufti being guard commander confronted him (soldier on uniform) and asked him to change up for duty. The drunk soldier went in, changed into his uniform, picked up his rifle, came back out and shot the guard commander.

Then he short himself but missed his own head and shot his mouth rather. Explaining the incident to TeeGist, our source said:

“Hmm can’t be more shock like the news I got this evening, One 11NA shot His Guard commander to death a 99NA who happens to be my formal Chairman in Saint Ciciliar Choir in Magadisu cantonment this evening, we just left his house now and his wife was really down i pray God give the family the strength to carry on and may God help us in this military were brother now kill a brother”.

“This just happened life in my barracks……The one on uniform was permitted to go on break but came back at his own time drunk..When the guard commander tried talking to him about his drinking habit, he became rude and the guard commander told him to go and dress up to take over duty till dawn as punishment…. The soldier went in, dress up, came out with his rifle and open fire on the guard commander……The tried using the last bullet in himself through his throat, the muzzle shifted and fired one syd of his mouth…….We don’t know if he’s still alive!!!!! �”.


https://teegist.com/soldier-kills-a-fellow-soldier-for-confronting-him-over-his-alarming-drinking-habit/

I have no Problem with Obasanjo, but if he has problem with me, that’s his problem –Atiku

Quote:A former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday, said he had no problem with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Abubakar, who is a Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant, made the statement while addressing the Nasarawa State Working Committee and delegates of the PDP in Lafia, the state capital.

When asked to comment on the alleged rift between him and Obasanjo, Atiku said he had no problem with the former President.

“I don’t have any problem with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but if he says he has a problem (with me) that is his problem,” Atiku said.

He promised to take Nigeria to a higher level if elected president in 2019.

According to him, insecurity, poverty, and hunger are some of the factors militating against the progress of the country.

Atiku said it was improper to describe Nigerian youths as lazy people who only needed free money.

According to him, available records have proved Nigerian youths to be excellent sportsmen and women, astute businessmen and women, among others


“If elected President of Nigeria, I will restructure Nigeria by empowering the youth, eradicate hunger and poverty, as well as fight insecurity,” he stated.

The former Vice President also promised to develop all the states sharing boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This, according to him, is because most of the people working in the FCT reside in communities located in the neighbouring states.

He called on the delegates to vote for him given his experience and resourcefulness.

Responding, the Nasarawa State PDP Chairman, Francis Orugu, commended Atiku for the visit.

He promised that delegates from the state would vote for a credible aspirant that would be able to represent the party in the 2019 presidential election.

A Nigerian man has been left devastated after he recently discovered that his wife of three years has been having an extra-marital affair. According to a social media influencer, Rita Egwu, the man's wife had been going see her lover (who is also married) in the apartment he rented for her years ago.

The woman who has now filed for divorce, allegedly told her husband that the man in question lavishes money on her and is very caring. She also allegedly said that she only married him to get a child because of her age. 

Read the full report below; 

I am so unhappy this morning. A male friend of mine just called to inform me that he just found out his wife of 3 years had maintained the rent of her former house where she lived before they got married. She had been going to spend time with the married man she was dating before they got married.

On confronting her she said "If na you, you go leave that kind man for yourself?" " He lavishes me with money and is very caring, I only married you to have a child because of my age".

Honestly, I have nothing to say to him. My only advice was he should just pray and forgive. He should find out what the married man is doing right and emulate.

Abi wetin I for talk?

Chai! Dude is inconsolable and keeps rambling " I love my wife and wanted the best for her".

Meanwhile madam moved out when he traveled. She took everything including pulling the electric wires on the wall, spoons, mop stick, matchstick, pure water nylon bag, broom etc. Left only the chairs in the living room because they are old.

She has filed for divorce already. He will be reading comments.

See more; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/09/man-heartbroken-after-wife-revealed-why-she-cheated-on-him-with-married-man.html

Three robbers have been shot dead by police in Ogun State. They were shot dead on September 22, 2018 at Fidiwo along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway after being caught in the act by the police, resorting to test of mights and the resultant bowing to the detectives' superior fire power.

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, stated in a press release that a gang of robbery syndicate, among whom were the felled three, had attacked one Jumoke Ogunbade, a popular female bush meat seller.According to him, the victim was at the point of attack to keep appointment with her bush meat supplier, only to be ambushed by the robbers, a scenario that caught the attention of the police through a distress call.

"On receiving the information, the DPO, Owode Egba Division, CSP sheu Alao, quickly led his Anti robbery team to the scene where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel which lasted for about 30 minutes".Others escaped with wounds.

Oyeyemi stated that one locally made single barrel gun, one shot double barrel gun, one single barrel muzzle loading gun, one live cartridge, a wrist watch belonging to the victim of the attack and a cash sum of N10,220 were recovered at the scene.

The police image maker further hinted that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Iliyasu, commended his men for their gallantry display and quick response to the distress call, as well as ordering a serious manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.


Source: http://www.trezzyhelm.com/2018/09/police...-ogun.html

Stock exchange’s premium index gets 49 per cent returns in three years
September 24, 2018 BUSINESS

                          
After three years of establishment, the seven listed companies constituting the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Premium Board Index raised activities on the platform with a 48.53 per cent gain.

The index comprises of Access Baord, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings, Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa (Wapco) and Seplat Petroleum Development Company.

Premium Board is the listing segment for the elite group of issuers that meet the exchange’s most stringent corporate governance and listing standards and features companies that adhere to international best practices on corporate governance and meet the Exchange’s highest standards of capitalisation and liquidity.

The NSE Premium Board index had a three-year return of 48.53 per cent, as it moved from 1,664.64 basis points as at August 25, 2015 to 2,472.51 as at September 7, 2018.

The platform, therefore, outperformed the NSE-All Share Index (ASI), which returned 13.92 per cent over the same period.

The NSE Premium Board Index has only declined by 3.57 per cent, outperforming the NSE-ASI, which recorded a loss of 11 per cent as at September 7, 2018.

The premium board gives a company access to a global pool of investors, who are focused on companies managed in conformity to the highest standards in their target markets.

Speaking on the performance of the board, the Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Oscar Onyema, stated that “companies on the board are well-run corporates with sound governance, which is part of the requisite qualification for listing on the platform.

“These stocks which currently have strong visibility on the Exchange will further appeal to investors, seeking to invest in companies with the highest standards of corporate governance.”

INEC erred, Ademola Adeleke ought to be returned
September 24, 2018 NEW

                              
A legal practitioner, Boye Williams, has averred that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) erred by not declaring Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner.

Williams of Divine Chambers argued that having polled 254, 698 of the lawful votes against his closest rival, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP’s Adeleke ought to be returned as winner.


He cited section 69 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended to buttress his assertion, saying the Act stipulates that “In an election to the office of the President or Governor whether or not contested and in any contested election to the other elective office, the result shall be ascertained by counting the votes cast by each candidate and subject to the provisions of sections 133, 134 and 179 of the Constitution, the candidate that receives the highest number of votes shall be declared elected by the appropriate Returning Officer.”

The legal practitioner dismissed INEC’s contention that the cancelled votes, which is 3,498, is more than the difference between the candidate that polled the highest number of votes and the closest rival, which is 353, arguing that Section 179 of the 1999 Constitution is applicable to the Osun poll.

He argued that the PDP candidate satisfied the provision of 25 per cent of all votes cast in each of at least 2/3 of all the local government councils of the state, stressing that INEC’s decision to declare the election inconclusive is not grounded in law.

If You Voted For APC In Osun You Are A Fool - Pastor Adeboye's Son
September 24, 2018 NEW

                         
Pastor Adeboye's son, Leke has also reacted to votes APC got in Saturday's governorship election in Osun State, which was declared inconclusive by INEC.

Taking to his insta-story to share his thought on the outcome of the election, Pastor Adeboye's son, Leke said anyone who voted for APC in the state is a fool.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES


MONDAY, 24TH SEPTEMBER.


KEEP LEARNING AND GROWING IN THE WORD.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

Knowing the Word for yourself is so important; you must keep learning and growing in grace. There’re some Christians who assume they already know enough of the Word; they think they know everything in the Scriptures, just because they’ve been Christians for several years.

Being a Christian all your life doesn’t necessarily equate to spiritual growth; it takes studying and acting on the Word to grow spiritually. The result or outcome of your life must be consistent with the divine provisions of the Gospel; otherwise, something is wrong.

Those who haven’t imbibed the Word, whose spirits are deficient of the Word, chicken out in the day of adversity. When they face challenges, they respond in fear and anxiety, a proof that the Word was really not inside them. But when the Word of God is in you, nothing shakes you. You’re victorious, irrespective of the circumstances around you. You’ve come to know that, come what may, you’re more than a conqueror; you’ve overcome every trouble, crisis, adversity, and adversary.

Keep making rich deposits of the Word in your spirit; abide in knowledge—the knowledge of the Word. Let this be your priority. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly....” Diligently study the Word. The more you do, the more the Lord manifests Himself to you in increasing glory; you discover who Christ is, His character and nature, and who you are in Him.

You have the ability and choice to determine the life you want to live; choose the life of abundant grace and peace! The kind of life in which you’re triumphant every day, and in every place, without struggle; you’re never disadvantaged; this is the life Christ has given us through the Gospel. The Word is able to build you up and deliver to you, your inheritance in Christ (Acts 20:32). Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, my heart is open to receive your Word and live by it today. I esteem and desire your Word more than everything else. I’m rooted and established in the Word; unshakeable, and I triumph always! I’m living the higher life in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 1:5 A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Ephesians 1:15-2:1-10 & Isaiah 13-14

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Timothy 6:17-21 & Jeremiah 42




#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN


24TH SEPTEMBER.

I affirm that the Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I am led and guided by God’s Word in all things and at all times. I am rooted and grounded in the word and I am filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Thus, I am able to discern and walk in God’s perfect will at all times. My life is the fulfilment of the destiny that God had planned and ordained for me. God has programmed my spirit for excellence and greatness, and as I stay on His Word, my life is regulated accordingly.

I am a good steward of Christ; faithful to His Word, and faithful to the fellowship with the Spirit! Hallelujah. I am diligent! I exercise carefulness, persistence, and determination in ensuring excellence in everything I do! I pay attention to details and employ commitment and perseverance in transforming vision into reality. I am making progress and moving forward consistently by the Holy Ghost! My path is as a shining light, shining brighter and brighter unto the perfect day! Every step I take is a step of progress, prosperity, success, and greatness. Blessed be God. Hallelujah!

SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES NOW

• Be bold to say the same things that God has said concerning you in His Word. That is what takes you beyond salvation, to enjoy the benefits of salvation ~ Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

God bless you.

President Buhari accompanied by his wife, Aisha departs Abuja for New York ahead of the 73rd Session of UN General Assembly on 23rd Sep 2018. 

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-leaves-abuja-for-new-york/

There was pandemonium earlier today after a fuel tanker hit a police vehicle while being chased today in Akwa Ibom state.

According to reports, the police officers from anti-robbery division chased chased a tanker driver and blocked him off at Uyo village road by Calabar-Itu highway.

The driver being unable to bring the tanker to a halt, hit the Police van and fell into the ravine.

It was gathered that no death was recorded in the accident but some residents decided to take advantage of the situation as they gathered with their gallons and buckets to scoop spilled petroleum products despite the grave risk involved. 

No details were given as to the conditions of the tanker driver and the police officers in the van. 

See more here; https://www.nationalhelm.co/2018/09/tanker-driver-bashes-police-van-while-being-chased-in-akwa-ibom.html

Amidst the rigorous election exercise going on in the state of Osun, PDP recently released members of their National Planning Committee. See list below:


Source:
https://naijacomet.com/2018/09/23/pdp-announces-their-national-convention-planning-committee/

The Lagos State Government under the present administration, doled out N500 million as grant to 275 Community Development Associations (CDAs) to enable them complete their on-going self-help projects, ranging from Community halls, street light, transformers, police posts etc.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ambode-gives-n500-million-to-275-cdas-in-lagos/

In my layman's opinion, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was wrong in declaring the Osun Gubernatorial election as inconclusive because the votes in certain polling units were cancelled. 

The decision of INEC to cancel the election in those areas after voting had taken place, means that INEC had already excluded the votes in these areas from the election process and therefore those units should have no place in the overall results. 

My opinion would have been different if the election in the affected units did not take place at all, may be as a result of malfunctioning of the card readers or unavailability of the electoral materials. However, because the voting took place and was cancelled, only the courts can reverse the initial decision by INEC to cancel the votes in these areas.

That is why I call on our party and its candidate to seek further legal interpretation on this decision by the electoral body. One cannot but wonder whether if places were reversed, and the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was the one leading in the election, if INEC would have taken the same decision that it has taken now.

At this point, it is necessary to also call on INEC to display courage, boldness, independence, neutrality and patriotism so as to send signals to the world at large that the Nigerian electoral system has come of age and that our democracy has matured. The electoral body needs to re-assure all and sundry that the 2019 election and other elections will be free of manipulations and undue interference.

INEC should note that the Osun gubernatorial election is not only about that South-western state. It is about our country and the entire world is watching. Our national interest is at stake. The integrity of our electoral system is at stake. The reputation of the electoral body is at stake. The future of our democracy is on the line. The way INEC conclusively handles the Osun election will determine global expectations from our political process. It should therefore ensure that the wish of the Osun State electorate eventually prevails.

I praise the dedication and hard work of PDP supporters and the candidate of the party, Senator Ademola Adeleke. They have remained steadfast, resilient, focused and determined. 

Let me also commend all the other contestants in yesterday's election for their gallant efforts. This is because it is clear they are all working for the same objective from different perspectives and platforms to ensure that the era of mis-governance, pain, injustice and insensitivity to the plight of the common people comes to an end. It is our hope that they will all co-operate with Senator Adeleke to ensure that Osun State witnesses a development-oriented era.

Let me remind our party supporters and the good people of Osun State that this INEC decision constitutes only a delay of the victory of Senator Ademola Adeleke and the PDP in the Osun Gubernatorial election — as our triumph will come either through the judiciary or further balloting.

I thank PDP supporters and the general public in Osun State and note that we got to this point after many months of hard work, determination and focus. We should not despair and not lose our focus and determination to ensure that the final results reflects the will of the Osun people.

Our party is ahead, despite the irregularities. Our people must remain resilient to see this through to the finish. Now is the time to re-strategize, reach out to all the other candidates and their supporters, build on our lead, and bring this election home.

Our supporters and the entire people of Osun State should remain calm and maintain peace as we move forward to see the successful completion of the electoral process. 

Once again, I thank all supporters of the PDP and the people of Osun State who stayed up all night, both physically and on social media to monitor the numbers and protect our votes. We remain undeterred, and we all remain determined to ensure that Senator Ademola Adeleke becomes the next Governor of Osun State.

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON
President of the Senate and Chairman, PDP Presidential Council on Osun Gubernatorial Election.

Source: https://naijapolitico.com.ng/inec-wrong-in-declaring-osun-inconclusive-saraki/

says Prof Yakubu brewing crisis

.......wonders what Buhari can tell UN on democracy
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to declare PDP winner in Osun's Saturday general election to avert national crisis.

Prince Secondus said that the PDP will not accept anything less than its deserved victory because the party won the election clearly and unambiguously.

He said that after INEC robbed the party of victory in Ekiti state and said they should go to the tribunal, now in Osun state after the party won glaringly they have concocted another story of inconclusive just to pacify their pay masters.

The National Chairman said in a statement from his media office on Sunday signed by Ike Abonyi that the Chairman of INEC Prof, Yakubu Mahmood should be held responsible for brewing crisis in the country ahead of 2019 in his greed to satisfy the agenda of his appointees.

Prince Secondus warned that if what they did in Ekiti and Osun states elections are rehearsals of what they are planning for 2019, there may be no Nigeria and INEC and APC should be held responsible.

He also drew the attention of the nation's security apparatchik to the possible threat to peace and oneness of this country by the brazing rigging of elections by a supposedly independent electoral umpire.

The PDP boss wondered what President Muhammadu Buhari who left the country to US for united Nation's general assembly today would be telling democratic community when he cannot conduct simple state governorship election.

"What other evidence do the democratic watchers and security agencies need to establish obvious bias from INEC when the commission's administrative officer caught destroying result sheets in Ayedade local Government àrea where over a thousand votes belonging to PDP were removed confirmed acting on the instruction of his superior officer.

"What will President Buhari be telling democratic world at the UN when back home he has brutalized all agents of democracy and has been unable to conduct a simple state bye election.

Prince Secondus described as shameless INEC taking instructions from the APC and deciding to declare the result inconclusive when it is obvious to all watchers that the PDP candidate won the election.The National Chairman finally salutes the people of Osun state for their dexterity and vigilance that led to the arrest of the fraudulent INEC official as he called on the international community to watch closely and condemn the electoral commission for their lack of neutrality ahead of 2019 general election.





https://www.facebook.com/185400175343263/posts/321823291700950/

Bemigho Reno Omokri who is an author and lawyer, has reacted to the possible win of PDP and loss of APC in osun.

He wrote:

"It is looking like the PDP has won in Osun. This is major if INEC finally confirms it. The APC pumped in so much money into Osun. 8 APC Governors camped there. Buhari paid the state ₦16.7 billion and Osinbajo bribed voters with tradermoni. If money couldn’t save APC in Osun, it won’t save them in 2019! #RenosDarts"

Gists via: https://www.gistvic.com/2018/09/reno-omokri-if-money-couldnt-save-apc.html

Kim Kardashian cheers on daughter North, five, in her first runway show as tot models PVC and red lipstick

She was mommy shamed earlier in the month for letting her five-year-old daughter North West wear red lipstick. 
And after assuring fans it's not a regular occurrence, Kim Kardashian made another exception on Saturday for the LOL Dolls Kids Fashion Show.
Looking on like a proud mom, the 37-year-old posed on the photo op wall with her eldest daughter before cheering her on as she followed in Aunty Kendall Jenner's footsteps and walked her first runway.  

Move over Kendall! Kim Kardashian cheered on North West, five, in her first runway show wearing PVC and red lipstick on Saturday
North's ensemble featured a PVC skirt and matching jacket on top of a black zipped up singlet.
The five-year-old had her naturally curly locks tied up into a ponytail on top of her head and accessorised her look with large rectangular tinted shades. 
Channeling the LOL Surprise doll Thrilla, her look was complete with some red lipstick, no doubt from her mom's latest KKW Beauty range. 

All dressed up! North's ensemble featured a PVC skirt and matching jacket on top of a black zipped up singlet

All dressed up! North's ensemble featured a PVC skirt and matching jacket on top of a black zipped up singlet

Simplistic: Kim joined North at the event and kept her look to a neutral color palette
Kim joined North on the photo wall and kept her look to a neutral color palette.
She dressed in a long oversized trench coat and snakeskin trousers with matching boots. 
The reality star had her long brunette extensions styled into loose beach waves for the kids event. 

Accessories: The five-year-old had her naturally curly locks tied up into a ponytail on top of her head and accessorised her look with large rectangular tinted shades

Stylish: Kim dressed in a long oversized trench coat and snakeskin trousers with matching boots

Gorgeous: The reality star had her long brunette extensions styled into loose beach waves for the kids event

Looks exact! Channeling the LOL Surprise doll Thrilla, her look was complete with some red lipstick, no doubt from her mom's latest KKW Beauty range

Looks exact! Channeling the LOL Surprise doll Thrilla, her look was complete with some red lipstick, no doubt from her mom's latest KKW Beauty range

Model in the making: Social media users were quick to film the daughter of Kanye West as she made her fashion show debut
Kim's makeup was kept matte with a subtle smokey eye and plump nude lip. 
The daughter of Kris Jenner was seen bonding with the kids backstage while also attending to business on her phone.  
The kids fun day saw North join other tots like Busy Phillips' daughter Cricket, five, and child star Mykal-Michelle Harris, six on the runway. 

The next generation of supermodels! The kids fun day saw North join other tots like Busy Phillips' daughter Cricket, five, and child star Mykal-Michelle Harris, six on the runway

Popular with the kids! The daughter of Kris Jenner was seen bonding with the kids backstage while also attending to business on her phone
Social media users were quick to film the daughter of Kanye West as she made her fashion show debut.  
North kept a poker face as she walked the show, with even actress Busy seen loudly enthusiastically cheering her on. 
Following the show, she was treated to an ice-cream. 

Go North! North kept a poker face as she walked the show, with even actress Busy seen loudly enthusiastically cheering her on

Job well done! Following the show, she was treated to an ice-cream
The Dawson's Creek alum opted for a floral maxi dress and pair of white sneakers for the event.  
Her blonde locks were styled out and straight and she kept her makeup minimal.  
Cricket was dressed as the LOL Doll Super BB. 

Supporting Cricket! The Dawson's Creek alum opted for a floral maxi dress and pair of white sneakers for the event


Perfectly dressed! Cricket was dressed as the LOL Doll Super BB
She sported a pink and purple leotard with a burnt orange colored cape.  
The look was complete with gold knee-high boots and glitter hairspray in her two plaits. 
Taking to Instagram, Busy hilariously shared a moment from the show captioning: 'At a fashion show for dolls.' 

Dotting parents: Taking to Instagram, Busy, who was joined by husband Marc Silverstein hilariously shared a moment from the show captioning: 'At a fashion show for dolls'

Quote:The electoral commission, INEC, has declared the Osun State governorship election “inconclusive.”

The declaration was made by Joseph Fuwape, the presiding officer of the election at the INEC headquarters in Osun.

At the end of the collation of votes, the PDP candidate, Isiaka Adeleke, won majority votes of about 254,698 votes while Gboyega Oyetola of the APC came a close second with 254,345 votes. Both leading candidates had a difference of about 354 votes.

“Unfortunately as the returning officer, it’s not possible to declare anybody as the clear winner of the election on the first ballot,” Mr Fuwape said.

The electoral commission, INEC, has declared the Osun State governorship election “inconclusive.”

The declaration was made by Joseph Fuwape, the presiding officer of the election at the INEC headquarters in Osun.

At the end of the collation of votes, the PDP candidate, Isiaka Adeleke, won majority votes of about 254,698 votes while Gboyega Oyetola of the APC came a close second with 254,345 votes. Both leading candidates had a difference of about 354 votes.

“Unfortunately as the returning officer, it’s not possible to declare anybody as the clear winner of the election on the first ballot,” Mr Fuwape said.

Ogun 2019: Opposition to consensus is rebellion against lopsided development under Amosun
September 23, 2018 politics

                         
The inability of the Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunke Amosun to foist a governorship candidate on All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, through the consensus option, did not surprise many that are conversant with the intricacies and complexities of politics in the state.

Amosun was in the lead of governors that forced the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to make a U-turn on its decision to adopt direct primaries to elect all candidates after the party had successfully employed direct primary option to elect a flag bearer for Osun governorship.But back home, Amosun met with a stiff opposition from members of his party, especially those from Ogun East Senatorial District who rejected his consensus list and picked nomination forms.

While those opposed to the consensus option can be said to be exercising their democratic rights, observers believe that their insistence not to allow Amosun nominate a candidate for the party was a rejection of continuity of his policies and programmes, especially infrastructural development, which is allegedly skewed to favour only Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South local councils out of 20 local councils in the state.


His critics disclosed that the state government had in the last seven and half years constructed about 30 bridges with over twenty of those bridges concentrated in Abeokuta metropolis. Even the ones spotted at Ilaro, Arepo, Ijebu Igbo, Magboro and others outside Abeokuta remain incomplete.

Politicians from Ogun East senatorial districts are latching on this supposedly uneven development in the state, which saw many roads and infrastructure in Ijebuland in a state of disrepair, using it to stand against the governor in deciding the next candidate of the party.The humongous debt profile of the state during the current administration which his critics described as unprecedented were part of reasons why opposition is strongest within his own party.

Many believe that Amosun was right and tending to be just in his decision that his successor must come from Ogun West Senatorial district, because the zone has not produced a governor since the creation of the state in 1976. And this informed his choice of a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkadeer Akinlade from Ipokia local council of the state. Akinlade is seen as one of the core loyalists of Amosun. In fact, he was once served as the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Taxation and Revenue generation before he won election to the National Assembly.

With the rejection of the consensus option, Akinlade will face other aspirants like Otunba Jimi Lawal, Dapo Abiodun, Senator Gbenga Kaka in the direct primaries slated for September 29. All the major APC aspirants struggling the party ticket with Akinlade are from Ijebu axis of the State.

However, Ogun East politicians are also dissipating a lot of energy and resources against the political logic to allow the Ogun West to produce the next governor, despite the fact that former Governors Bisi Onabanjo and Otunba Gbenga Daniel were from Ogun East Senatorial District. Governor Olusegun Osoba and the incumbent Amosun came from Ogun central.

The newly propounded argument of the Ogun East politicians is that Ogun State in 1976 was created from Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode Provinces and power should continue to rotate between the two provinces. To them, Remo was part of Ijebu Ode province, while Yewa must remain an appendage of Abeokuta province.

One of the leading APC governorship aspirants from Ogun East, Otunba Jimi Lawal succinctly put the argument, thus: “We have two provinces in Ogun State, Ijebu province and Egba province. Egba has a sub division; Egbado or Yewa. Ijebu has a sub division; Remo. An Ijebu man had been a governor, so when the chance came back to Ijebu province again, they said let us go to Remo. Egba man had been a governor in the person of Chief Olusegun Osoba and when it went back to Egba province, which was supposed to be given to Yewa, Amosun got it. So, Governor Amosun could not have used the Egba/Egbado tenure and come back to say Egba/Egbado again, it is not possible.

But the Emeritus Professor of History from the University of Lagos, Professor Anthony Asiwaju has described the argument of power rotation on the basis of provinces as argued by Ogun East politicians as “inappropriate and morally faulty.”

The foremost historian in an exclusive interview with The Guardian said: “The argument on two provinces is a matter of convenience for politicians from Ijebu. It is not historically founded. What is historically founded was that there were four colonial divisions. The Egbado was completely distinct from Egba. Egbado division has been changing name over the years, now it is Yewa. Before it was named Egbado division, it was Ilaro division, before then it was Imeko District, before then it was Western District of Lagos protectorate. All these names applied to one and only territorial entity.

“Please note with emphasis that what they called Ijebu Province was part of Abeokuta province until 1939. Ijebu province came into existence in 1939. Egba division, Egbado division, Ijebu and Remo divisions were originally part of Abeokuta province. Remo Division came into existence in 1952 because they wanted to have their identity.

“Ogun State was not created on the basis of province but on the four colonial-pillar divisions – Remo, Ijebu, Egba, Egbado. There was no argument on this. But Egbado rejected the ethnic labeling in 1995 and became Yewa, which now brings the acronym to RIYE, that is Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba. The truth was that Daniel administration came upon the recognition of these four divisions.

“In the second republic, the first election held in the state in 1979. Governor Onabanjo was nominated based on this four pillars upon which the state was created. And when Yewa people gave their delegates votes to make Onabanjo emerge as the candidate of the UPN, against Odunjo, they did not argue on the basis of provinces. After Onabanjo, Osoba came, nobody argued on provinces, after Osoba, Daniel came from Remo; they did not talk of province. It was true that when it was the turn of Yewa that we were split by former President Olusegun Obasanjo by bringing Olurin and Gboyega Nasir Isiaka into confrontation that paved the way for Amosun in 2011.

“It is a moral issue that transcends political consideration to consider the only pillar out of four pillars that have not produced the governor. They supposed to be fair. The issue of provinces had long disappeared. The foundation of Ogun State is on four pillars and even if we want to upgrade it to the present constitutional arrangement, the constitution recognizes three senatorial districts from each state of the federation.

“Look at the Delta and some other states, the rotation is in three districts for fairness and justice. The constitution recognizes each senatorial district as equal to others. If you take that as a modernized argument, it is only Ogun West that has not produced a governor. Onabanjo and Daniel came from the East while Osoba and Amosun from the Central. Why can’t it go to Ogun West now? We should shun greed and consider the moral fiber of this argument.”

Speaking on why Ogun West should produce the next governor, a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Kayode Oladele said repeated calls had been made over the years for a governorship candidate from the senatorial district based on principles of equity and justice.He said: “It is equally important to now include the fact that Ogun West is also endowed with competent and public service-oriented people who have the capacity to lead the state. These indigenes have all the hallmarks of leadership qualities as well as the competencies, rigours and capacities required for such an exalted post.

“I believe that we are well-positioned, not just from the perspective of entrenching democratic balance in our state but also from the sheer number of intellectuals and competent people among us.”He stated that inability of the zone to agree on one aspirant out of several interests had been its bane, and cautioned that it is important that from the onset, over-riding interests of the people should be promoted beyond individual’s interest.

Oladele said: “It is now time to resist any form of divisiveness and to speak with one voice in order to realise our collective dream of occupying the post of governor of Ogun State. History tells us that nothing can be achieved in disunity; I therefore urge all prospective aspirants to work in harmony so we will not miss this golden opportunity.”

Be it as it may, if Akinlade eventually emerges as the candidate of the APC, he may have to contend with two-time governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Isiaka Nasir (GNI), who is likely to emerge candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Isiaka had been the face of Yewa struggle for the governorship seat and he seems to be enjoying a lot of grassroots support because of the value he stands for and his clear understanding of the politics of the state.

Indeed, a recent opinion poll conducted by a Radio Station in Abeokuta where listeners were allowed to call-in to express their preferences, Isiaka was among the front-row.Although the ADC being backed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo is relatively new to Ogun politics, the party is expected to push its tentacles like a wildfire across the state if it is to record significant presence.

The internal crisis bedeviling the PDP between members loyal to the suspended Senator Buruji Kashamu and a member of House of Representatives, Hon Ladi Adebutu has continued to weaken the party. While the national secretariat of the party recognizes Adebutu faction, the court and INEC recognize Kashamu’s. Both Kashamu and Adebutu are from Ogun East Senatorial District and are equally nursing ambition to fly the party ticket in the next year’s governorship.

Amosun Changes Rules Again
The All Progressives Congress (APC) had passed a resolution endorsing direct primaries, in which case all the six governorship aspirants have deployed to the field. But last Thursday the party issued another release, announcing that it will adopt indirect primaries to elect its candidates where consensus option failed.


A release by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Wole Elegbede said the state Exco met and resolved to adopt indirect primaries for all elective offices in the 2019 general elections where consensus fails.The party according to the release took the decision “in view of the fact that a few days to the primary elections, the updated membership register of all members of the party in all wards across the state is yet to be made available by the National Secretariat of the party, the non-availability of membership cards, the concerns that a significant proportion of our dedicated members stand the sure risk of bring disenfranchised, the infiltration of our party by members of the opposition, unscrupulous elements and strange bed fellows, illegal registration exercise of party members and the absence of other necessary parameters for the conduct of a free, fair and successful direct primary.”

The statement concluded that; “these resolutions override the earlier resolution of the state Exco passed on September 5, this year.But in his quick reaction, one of the governorship aspirants from Ogun East, Otunba Jimi Lawal rejected the resolution of the Exco and described it as handiwork of Governor Amosun to get what he could not achieve through consensus option. He said most of the aspirants agreed to the earlier resolution on direct primaries and it is too late for Amosun to change the rules of the game in the middle of the match.

He said: “Whatever flaws he identified with the direct primaries are better than flaws inherent in indirect primaries. If he says there is no register for direct primaries, where is the list for indirect? Who draws the list? As we speak today nobody knows the number of delegates. It is not fair, it is not right. We shall protest against it. We want democracy, we don’t want anybody to impose candidates on us.”

APC’s Nomination Forms Too Costly for Comfort
September 23, 2018 politics

                              
It still leaves a sour taste in the mouth of many observers that the All Progressives Congress (APC) of all parties could raise the fees of its nomination and expression of interest forms to prohibitive levels, writes Shola Oyeyipo

While Nigerians had expected that as its name implies, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would always act progressively, but in a display of insensitivity to current realities, the party pegged its nomination and expression of interest forms at an all-time high of N22.5m and N45m for the governorship and presidential aspirants respectively.

It was most surprising that the ruling party had the effrontery to initially announce that its presidential aspirants were to pay N55m for the presidential form while those seeking to be governors were to pay N25m. It took public outcry before the party reluctantly reduced insignificant part of the sum.


Senatorial aspirants paid N1m for the expression of interest form and N6m for a nomination form while House of Representatives’ aspirants paid N3. 85m, including N350, 000 for the expression of interest form and N3. 5m for the nomination form. State House of Assembly aspirants paid N850,000, including N100,000 for the expression of interest form and N750, 000 for the nomination form.

There is no gainsaying that these amounts are astronomically too high. Nigerians have vehemently castigated the undemocratic decision of the ruling party, because the action may have prevented many well-meaning Nigerians from seeking elective positions on its platform since only the super-rich and those, who have benefitted from the bloated salaries, allowances and other benefits of political offices would be able to afford such exorbitant payments.

No other factor best showed the irrationality in the cost of the APC forms than the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari himself told the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) members that the initial N55 million was too high for him and also that it took a group of Nigerians to dole out N45 million to purchase the form for him to seek re-election in the 2019 election.

You see, so many things have been said about the exorbitant amounts charged by the ruling party. The social media and conventional media have run various commentaries on the debate. Some people have said it was an attempt to close the political space to only serious aspirants. Some justified it because it was clear that President Buhari could be the sole aspirant on the APC platform and some others said it was an opportunity to raise enough money to run the affairs of the party after elections.

Though it is unclear what the real motive of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC was when it opted to fix such a high price for its forms, what is obvious is that the party has raked in billions of naira from the sale of forms and it is not likely to make the huge amount it has raked in public.

However, there are two important facts that the APC cannot sweep under the carpet in this matter. First, some Nigerians have been denied the right to be voted for.

Apparently pointing to this fact, a concerned Nigerian wrote on his twitter handle: “I am Christmas Akpodiete, I am an aspirant for president under the APC. The fees are unconstitutional and ambiguously outrageous. It’s an attempt by the political oligarchs to deny Nigerians their right to run for public office as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution.”

Another concerned Nigerian, Okeke Zandas, wrote: “Everything is wrong with the amount and it is even more ridiculous when the said form is being purchased in one of the parties by a state governor, who owes salaries. Politics in Nigeria I don’t understand and some people are justifying this public ridicule.”

THISDAY reliably gathered that the highly monetised nomination forms in the APC denied many aspirants, who couldn’t afford the opportunity to seek elective offices hence, elective positions in the party for 2019 were exclusively reserved for the highest bidders.

Peeved by the unbridled display of arrogance and disrespect for millions of Nigerians, who cannot ever dream of seeing one per cent of such money let alone own it, an aspirant to the House of Representatives from Jos East/Jos South federal constituency, Dr. Nyam Azi, wrote a protest letter to Oshiomhole, bemoaning the high cost of nomination forms.

To him, it was a deliberate ploy to deny young Nigerians the opportunity to contest.
According to Azi, “With the high cost of nomination forms and other charges, it is glaring that the APC National Executive Committee (NEC), headed by Oshiomole, is insensitive to the voices of millions of Nigerian youths yearning to take over leadership in this country.

“This is a systematic way of scheming the youth out by charging exorbitant rates that even our annual income in two years cannot cover. How come that in the APC, which is seen to be fighting corruption, only persons with huge resources can contest its primaries?

It is against this background that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a reaction to the high cost of APC’s nomination forms, by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the development would breed corruption among public office holders if APC members won election into any office.

“It encourages corruption and makes looting mandatory if their members ever won elections into any of the offices,” he said, hash-tagging it as “#corruptionwithoutlimits.”

The PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, did not hide his shock either. He castigated the APC as expected and demarketed the party leadership saying, “When we heard about the nomination fees, we all thought it was a lie or joke. But events have shown that the fees are real and the APC is indeed a party of deceit.

“We have now seen that instead of serving Nigerians, the APC and its members have come to serve themselves and their cronies. The amount of money it is asking its members and even Nigerians interested in elective offices to bring is horrible and criminal.

“Such action has shown the APC as a party of a few people, who have either looted funds meant for the entire Nigerians or are still looting, so Nigerians should resist it by running away from the party.”
Even where in his usual character and oratory prowess, Oshiomhole comes out and effectively justifies the hikes, how does he explain that the party gives no room for aspirants, who could not afford the huge costs and yet genuinely wished to serve?

How time flies! The APC chairman, like many of his cohorts in the party, must simply have lost memory of his humble beginning and how people he never knew gave him hope through scholarships that gave him education and eventually the opportunity to climb the ladder of success.

In the words of Nigerian Nobel Laurel, Prof. Wole Soyinka, the APC, and its president, are making “unforced mistakes” that are silently attracting the wrath of many Nigerians, because in a poverty-stricken country, such an open display of opulence can only engender revolt among the electorate.

PDP explains choice of Port Harcourt for convention
 

                        
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it opted for Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, ahead of other places for its national convention because it meets all the requirements needed to host over 4,000 delegates.

To arrive at its decision, the party said it set up a committee headed by Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure to locate a good venue for the convention, adding that this became necessary since the “APC had fixed its own primary and convention for same date at Eagle Square.”

The explanation is on the heels of protests by some of the party’s presidential aspirants, who claimed the Port Harcourt venue was skewed to confer undue advantage to a particular aspirant.

The party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) had on Thursday resolved to change the venue of the October 5 and 6 presidential primaries to Abuja in response to the protests. The decision is however subject to approval by the National Working Committee. But, giving reasons why Port Harcourt should stand, the party explained that the Amb. Kazaure committee went round to look for a convenient venue taking into account hotels, flights and other logistics arrangements.

Although findings showed that the stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State was very appropriate, the party stated that accommodation was a problem. The PDP stated: “if all hotels were to be empty, they will only be able to cater for 2,000 persons. And the delegates are over 4,000. The committee went to Enugu and discovered that the space there has no fencing, which makes it vulnerable since the exercise will run into the night.”It added: “The facility in Asaba, Delta State, also cannot withstand the number of persons. Hence the committee settled for Port Harcourt, which met all criteria.”

Beyond the logistics advantages that Port Harcourt provides, the PDP further stated that Rivers, being a state under its control is also appropriate “in the event the ruling APC tries to frustrate the presidential primaries.”Besides, it noted: “Port Harcourt has held similar convention and has enough facilities to withstand vehicular and transport requirement,” adding: “Flights to Enugu are minimal, flights to Uyo are also minimal. Asaba Airport is undergoing renovation and can only land smaller aircraft. Port Harcourt has a higher number of flights. These are some of the considerations.”

It will be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike had during the week justified the selection of the Port Harcourt as congress venue, stating that it has all the hotels and sundry facilities and had enjoyed a flawless hosting of such event in the past.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that all the presidential aspirants were part of the decision that Port Harcourt should host the convention. One of the presidential aspirants, who chose to be anonymous because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said all the aspirants were present when the decision was taken. He said: “All the presidential aspirants were present when the decision to take Port Harcourt as the venue was taken. And they were asked if they had objection to the report of the committee, nobody opposed. These latest complaints are product of frustration by some aspirants.”

BAD LEADERSHIP: Tambuwal blasts Buhari
September 23, 2018 politics

                       
A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential aspirant, and governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has lamented the pathetic state of affairs in the country under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Tambuwal, who was in Benin, yesterday, to woo the party’s delegates ahead of its presidential convention, said the ship of state was drifting aimlessly and insisted that the country was more polarized than ever as a result of the bad policies of the ruling APC. Tambuwal was accompanied by Prince Kaseem Afegbua, a former Commissioner of Information in Edo State and spokesman to former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Amidst applause, Afegbua, the spokesman of the factional Reformed All Progressives Congress, rAPC, who is scheduled to formally defect to the PDP today at his hometown of Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, introduced Tambuwal. Tambuwal stated that the kind of president Nigeria needs is a leader who understands the complexity of the nation and will act as a unifier of all the different religions as well as the northern and southern parts of the country. He slammed President Buhari, adding that it is very unbecoming of the president to denounce the judiciary as corrupt as such a careless statement was capable of scaring the much needed investors away from the country.

According to him, “the ship of state is drifting. We are losing our unity as the country is highly polarized. We need a leader who understands the complexity of our country, a unifier; a leader that can take Nigeria out of the woods. No investor will come and invest in a country when the leadership says that the judiciary is corrupt.” The ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives said that being a lawyer, he knows the working of the judiciary and having being a federal lawmaker he was abreast with the legislative arm of government while experience gathered in the last three years as governor will be handy when he becomes president. He deplored the recent invasion of the National Assembly by hooded operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, noting that it was the second time it was happening. Tambuwal stated: “I will not invade the National Assembly when I become president. It is not in the national interest of our country and polity. If there is a problem with the other arms of government, I will sit down and iron out the differences. I will swallow my pride and negotiate with the lawmakers when there are differences.” The Edo state PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, described the presidential hopeful as a detribalized Nigerian who is determined to break the chain of recycled and expired leaders with nothing to offer.

2019: Kwankwaso, Dakwambo, Sowore, others to debate PIGB, oil sector reforms
September 23, 2018 politics

                           
The refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) has brought the issue of reforms in the oil sector of the economy into sharp focus. Coming at a time expectations were high that, after almost two decades of being stuck in the National Assembly the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was close to significant, albeit incremental fruition, the decision of the President was an anti-climax that has set the industry and, indeed, the entire economy into fresh uncertainties.

While the justification for the denial of presidential assent could be plausible and germane, the implications are diverse and could be far-reaching. This, therefore, triggers the need for deep reflections, introspection and fresh perspectives on the fate of both the reforms contemplated by the PIGB and, indeed, the entire oil and gas industry. The ensuing debate around this development could, however, not have come at a better time. Given the impending general elections and the inevitable opportunities they provide to rethink, reconsider and offer options for national development, the current situation with the PIGB cannot be allowed to slip away or be mired in the waters of politics without extracting subliminal values there from.

It is in this regard that OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative seeks to convene a national DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE SERIES (DDS) with a focus on oil sector reforms. This is planned as a one-day event to hold in Lagos on Wednesday, September 26 and will bring together political players, especially those seeking presidential office in 2019, political parties, actors in the oil sector, civil society, the media and other critical sectors of society to exchange ideas on way forward for the PIGB and the oil industry generally. While this is not intended as a campaign platform per se, aspirants and parties are offered a veritable opportunity by this event to give their perspectives on the PIGB just as players in the industry will be able to share their concerns and expectations of the political class going forward. It is important to stress that this is a non-partisan activity and its outcome will be a true reflection of what is canvassed by different players in a cross-fertilization of ideas for national development with regards to Nigeria’s economic mainstay – oil.

The Development Dialogue Series (DDS) is a modest contribution of Order Paper Advocacy Initiative to shift focus and deepen conversations around key development themes in the ongoing transition process. The Senate had, in a record breaking mood on the 25th of May, 2017, gave a glimmer of hope for the reforms of the oil sector with key amendments in a bill passed by the chamber. Both chambers then approved a harmonized version on the 31st of March 2018 but due to some fundamental issues identified by the legal department of the National Assembly, the bill experienced a mild set back before it was transmitted to the President on the 25th of April. The PIGB seeks to create efficient and effective governing institutions with a clear and separate role for the petroleum industry, establish a framework for the creation of economically oriented and profit driven petroleum entities that ensure value addition and internationalization of the petroleum industry.

The legislature equally sought to target transparency and accountability in the administration of petroleum resources in Nigeria, promoting conducive business environment as well as become an answer to the prayers of unemployed youths across the country. More importantly, painstaking details into the bill inform that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would be dumped while introducing three commercial entities: The Nigeria Petroleum Liability Management Company, the Nigerian Petroleum Assets Management Company Limited and the National Petroleum Company. The NNPC has been identified to be a haven for sharp corruption practices with ad hoc committees created to investigate the several issues in the commission. Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Inspectorate and Petroleum Products Price Regulatory Agency (PPRA) would also give way for a new regulatory called the Nigerian Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NPRC). An investigative unit was created to keep surveillance on oil and gas installations for illegal activities and will have power to work with the police to make arrests. Possible reservation of the President, who doubles as the Minister of Petroleum, is that the bill aims at whittling down his power and thereby restraining him from making policies on empowering the petroleum agencies or key authorization like discretionary award of oil and gas licenses and permits.



Now that the 2019 elections draw near, several presidential aspirants have come out with ocean filled promises for Nigerians should in case they emerge, but what specifically would be their plans for the coming year in the oil sector? Meanwhile, a statement by Oke Epia, Executive Director of OAI, said presidential aspirants billed to attend the first DDS, scheduled to hold at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, include the governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, a former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Prof (Mrs.) Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, all of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Others are Mr. Tope Fasua of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ARNP), Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), Prof (Mrs.) Remi Sonaiya and Adeshina Fagbenro-Byron of KOWA party, Dr. Yunusa Tanko of the National Conscience Party (NCP); and Comrade Jaye Gaskia of the Sustainable National Party (SNP). Also expected are Dr. Baba Datti-Ahmed (PDP); Omoyele Sowore of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) and Prof. Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Peoples Party (YPP).

Senate President Bukola Saraki, has said that Osun State election was a test to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other security agencies.

Saraki made the statement on his Twitter page while urging INEC to monitor collation of results as the election is a test of democracy in Nigeria.

The Senate President also applauded Nigerians vigilantly following collation of election results and defending the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Saraki wrote: “As we await the result from Osun State, let us remember that collation is just a simple addition of results.

“This election is a test of our democracy. INEC and security agencies are under test. All well meaning Nigerians are awake monitoring the results closely.

“Just spoke to some of our volunteers on ground in Osun State. I’m delighted to hear that even at 2:50am, Nigerians are vigilant and defending PDP’s comfortable lead.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-...prove.html

If this revelation from Kemi Olunloyo holds water, then this is really, really bad! I mean, who would have thought our dearest Linda could do this? According to Kemi, Linda Ikeji was sleeping with a married man with kids and another pregnant girlfriend then using some fake adopted surrogate baby to attempt to trap him.
Sholaye Jeremi has not publicly acknowledged Linda Ikeji’s adopted son as his. It’s quite stupid for her to announce his name with his without consent. Linda has been sleeping with him on and off since 2016. Jeremi currently has another woman PREGNANT for him.
[size=undefined][size=undefined]She goes on by saying: [/size][/size]

Quote:An Appeal to My Dear Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

My dear Asiwaju, I pray my letter meets you and yours in fantastic spirit. It has almost become a tradition for me to write, or openly express my views, to you periodically on political issues, since about 2007.

Before I go into the meat of my epistle, kindly permit me to establish some protocol, or preamble. I always choose to write to you in this manner, in moments of great concern and uncertainty such as this, because these words must be kept for posterity. It is not easy to advise someone much older than oneself in our clime. An elderly person can do no wrong, according to our tradition, particularly, if such an elder is respected and revered as you are. It is even much tougher to offer advice to someone as powerful as God has made you to be. You are a man of destiny, and miracles. Yours is a fairy-tale. A real grass to grace story that many applaud and seek to emulate. But at the end of the day, Sir, you are very human. You are a very kind and generous man. You are exceptionally brilliant and smart and everyone, including your foes, admit and acknowledge that fact.

I have known and seen you at your lowest ebb, when we were in exile in England. You rose stoutly to the occasion then like a true generalissimo. We didn’t see the type of crowd that currently mill around you now. You were focussed on dismantling the military junta under the command of General Sani Abacha.

I remember with nostalgia how Tokunbo Afikuyomi and I used to stroll into your apartment around Cavendish near Regent’s Park, as if we were the owners of the beautiful flat that you still own till this day. I could go into your kitchen and cook whatever food I wanted and later do damage to your wine collection. I recollect the NADECO meetings at the Quadrangle, God bless Lt. General Alani Ipoola Akinrinade, for his inspirational leadership. Some of the faces I used to see are staring at me as I type this letter to you, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Reverend Peter Obadan, Hon. Wale Oshun, Dr Amos Akingba, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Ralph Uweche, just to mention a few. I remember you as a good dancer at our occasional discos at Mill Hill. I also recognise two good names, Mr Ibukun Fakeye and Mr Bola Opaleye. We were under pressure, but you made things easier for most of us because of your natural gift of giving. Mama Calabar restaurant at Hendon Central was a good place to rendezvous then for good home food.

From your home, you coordinated many things, linking up with Papa Anthony Enahoro, Professor Wole Soyinka, the Afenifere Group at home, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the main man at Radio Freedom (later Radio Kudirat) and several other distinguished refugees. We had young but active journalists like Richie Dayo Johnson, George Noah, Greg Odo and Ike Okonta. I will readily attest to your uncommon courage and unassailable commitment to the struggle for democracy in our dear beloved country Nigeria. Nothing would ever scare or rattle me like the day you and I sat alone, in a coded location, with some German mercenary, who told us his organisation could rescue Chief M.K.O Abiola from detention. Many more personalities who are now sojourners in your various homes, who have made fame and fortune through you, were not part of the beginning no matter how much they now try to demonstrate that they were. Some of those who planned and plotted at that time joined you in your political forays, especially, a perfect gentleman like LT. General Alani Akinrinade who chose to observe from the back seat and make occasional contributions as the exigencies of our political situation dictated. I have gone through this tale to soften the ground a bit for what I’m about to tell you.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since those London days. Please, Sir, cast your mind back to the day you boarded the British Airways flight back to Nigeria a free man, about 20 years ago to the minute, in October 1998. God has been extremely kind, in all ramifications. If anyone had predicted you would ever be this big, you would have dismissed the person pronto as insane. You never prepared to be the Governor of Lagos then. Perhaps, you thought of returning to the Senate. The name on everyone’s lips was Dr Wahab Dosunmu. But the ways of God are permanently mysterious. All in a jiffy, things turned around for you and you became first the Candidate and later the most powerful Governor in Nigeria. You know those who helped you achieve that status and assisted in ensuring that you ultimately became the most powerful man in Nigeria after the President of Nigeria, even after you finished your term of office.

It wasn’t all rosy-rosy as you had a running battle with President Olusegun Obasanjo who, for whatever reason, chose to starve Lagos of its statutory funds. You assembled a fantastic team of technocrats and, with them, you set out on a beautiful voyage to create a new roadmap and gargantuan masterplan for modern Lagos. You survived every challenge or attack on your person, including plots to impeach you. After a turbulent first term, you coasted home to victory during your second term. By then your eminent position in the pantheon of Nigerian icons was assured.

You were not yet done. Out of the blues, you gave Lagos a superlative retirement gift in Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, a gentle colossus, who took Lagos to a new height of excellence. Many people never knew Fashola had such incredible talent. But towards the end of his first term, tragedy almost struck, when news broke out that you were not going to endorse him for a second term in office. I remember writing you a letter, in this same Pendulum column, asking you to perish the thought. I remember saying emphatically then that the marriage between you and Fashola was consummated in heaven and any attempt to seek a divorce by either of you would end up in monumental disaster for both of you and your great party, ACN. I have no idea how many important personalities appealed to you before you calmed down and embraced your godson, warts and all, but you did the needful, and despite rumoured friction between both of you today, Fashola remains a great pride of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

Thereafter, I also had occasion to beg you not to get involved in certain battles at the beginning of the Buhari administration because I was aware some people were out to use and dump you, but your new acolytes frowned at my humble suggestion and went to town with blistering insults and abuses. Over three years after, I’m sure you’ve seen the futility of your great effort at helping your party get its bearing right. Even the reconciliation committee which you headed was never allowed to flourish for one day. It has been one crisis after the other. But let’s leave that and move forward to the crux of the matter today.

Let me say categorically that no one has sent me to you because what is fashionable these days is the web of conspiracy stories on social medial. You must have guessed what this is all about, already. My appeal to you, openly and frontally, is to plead with you to handle the Akinwunmi Ambode debacle with utmost care and tact. Until you brought him out from retirement, not many people ever knew him and his achievements as the Lagos State Accountant-General. He was obviously a young, shy but brilliant man who knew how to get results. Your unusual sagacity and prescience in unearthing gems like Fashola and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice-President birthed another genius of an administrator in Ambode. He has succeeded in following and emulating the glorious heights set by you and Fashola and Lagos State has again been better for the choice you made. I have read all sorts about how power changed him and how he has not been too grateful and appreciative to all those who gave him this uncommon favour and the seat of power that he currently occupies. I have also sat with people who swore never to forgive him even if you do. We all know though, that once you give direction, all the sabre-rattling by these political journey-men will cease and they will abide by your decision. Hmmm, Asiwaju, at the end of the day, no matter what happens, you would be held responsible for the plight of your party, APC and Lagos State, for good or for bad.

It is normal for every mortal to feel let down. It is even always tempting for humans to get angry and seek vengeance but after every war, the gladiators often come together on the table to start a new life as if they were not killing themselves in recent past. I can’t claim to know all the sins Governor Ambode committed to warrant his present predicament. But whatever it was, we are told he has begged and pleaded, his wife has apologised, many distinguished Nigerians have beseeched that you forgive and allow him to complete his good work. I have read the complaints of many of your foot-soldiers, Sir, the reasons and excuses for dumping Ambode are very similar, he has not looked after anybody, he has been standoffish, who does he think he is, and so on. These are at the very worst, personal issues that could naturally lead to bickering and animosity. I doubt if the issue was more about lack of performance in accordance with the mandate of improving Lagos which you gave to him. Not even uncharitable persons would accuse him of that. Politics is indeed a delicate and dangerous game. A few months back, no one would have envisaged this type of strife or brouhaha to visit a man everyone called the most hardworking Governor in Nigeria. If I want to sound superstitious and to put it the African way, this is the handiwork of witches and wizards.

I’m aware that my very dear Brother, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, incidentally, I’m 20 times closer to him than Ambode, has been dragged into the cauldron of intrigue and power struggle in Lagos State. I will love him to be Governor, because he is undoubtedly qualified, but not in the manner many of your supporters are going about it. If he is so destined, he may still be Governor, some day. This is my reason for saying that the apparent unnecessary and unwarranted humiliation of the current Governor is bizarre and definitely uncalled for. The giddiness of the moment must urgently give way to sobriety. If care is not taken ‘kata kata’ may burst! It seems that the Lagos electorate is being taken for granted and that it is assumed that they are merely dogs that can be controlled by the whistle of the dog handler. Asiwaju, you never know, the unpredictable may happen and it has happened before. I do not pray that history repeats itself within a short time, at a time when you hold sway as the undisputed power broker. If that happens, God forbid, most of those saying there is no one like you today, will swiftly disappear before you can blink an eye. I venture to say that most of them do not personally like you. They live in fear of you and not in awe of you. I hear and know what many of them say behind you. If one asks them, why haven’t they told you face-to-face, the usual answer is “you will be called an enemy once you tell Oga the truth…”

I remain your dear younger one who will not shirk from telling you the plain truth!

These are people very close to you, but do not have your interest at heart. They are only concerned with their selfish interests and self-preservation.

What would be worse is for this grave matter not to be settled and Babajide’s head is used to break coconut. This would be sad. Everything must be done to bring your team together again as one. Both of them can still work perfectly for the good of the State. There is nothing wrong in having two brilliant, diligent and industrious people on the same ticket to advance the prospects of the State, with the recognition that the deputy is already anointed to take over. I believe that this may be a veritable solution to the present imbroglio and that it can work to assuage the feelings and aspirations of all concerned.

The present situation is sad and unfortunate. I seriously pity those who think you and Ambode cannot be friends again. I know from your antecedents that you do not practice politics like that. You are much more astute. You are buoyed by the philosophy of ‘itesiwaju Eko’. That demands sacrifices for the Lagos State you envision. I believe this is one sacrifice that is necessary to make. It is difficult but not impossible. You must forgive and make up, before it is too late. All those who have intervened are waiting, and watching, to see if you would disregard, and disrespect, them all collectively. That would be truly unfortunate.

Finally, Asiwaju, you have shown your power and demonstrated the ability to squash and rout, but, please, don’t fire the bullet. Ambode deserves a second chance.

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

SUNDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER.

DIVINE INSIGHT.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9).

If you’re going to live a victorious, prosperous and glorious life, you have to know, understand and live by the Word of God, which is the wisdom of God. Many miss it, and function outside of the wisdom of God because they’re ignorant of God’s Word.

In Matthew 22:29, Jesus said to the Jews, “…Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures….” The knowledge of God’s Word inspires the wisdom of God in you to know, say, and do the right thing, at the right time, for God’s purpose.

Wisdom is divine insight into realities. It’s a force that works in you, causing you to walk with divine insight in God’s perfect will for your life. And it’s the Holy Spirit that works in you to produce that force of wisdom in your life. He’s the One that fills you with the wisdom of God, for He’s the Spirit of wisdom.


Anybody could act like they’re wise. Someone may talk smart or clever, but that doesn’t make him wise. Someone once said, “Old people are very wise, because they have a lot of experiences.” That’s not true; old people aren’t always wise (Job 32:9 ESV).
Old people may have experience, which gives hindsight, but what puts you over in life is divine insight into mysteries and secrets, which is granted you by the Spirit, through the Word. Hindsight is wisdom after the event, but insight is the capacity to understand hidden truths; wisdom for the event, and that’s what you need—“Phronesis.” This is the kind of wisdom that God gave to Solomon; it’s practical wisdom. This is much more than mental ability or erudition; it’s a special mindset that causes you to see, think, talk, and do things correctly.

The Bible declares that Christ has been made unto us wisdom from God; affirm it. Declare, “Christ is my wisdom; I have insight into mysteries and secrets; I know how things run, and I know how to tame the circumstances of life to conform to God’s perfect will for my life.” Hallelujah!

CONFESSION

The Spirit of God has anointed my mind to think with the mind of Christ; I have insight into mysteries and secrets; I know, and walk in the perfect will of God in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I’m propelled by the force of wisdom to say and do the right things, the right way, for God’s glory and purpose, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:6-13 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Ephesians 1:1-14 & Isaiah 11-12

2-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Timothy 6:1-16 & Jeremiah 41





#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN


23RD SEPTEMBER.

I affirm that Christ is alive in me, and I am filled with all the fulness of God. I am energized on the inside for the supernatural. Daily, I think and talk differently because the Word of God has renewed my thinking and given me the mind of Christ. Hallelujah! I’ve been ushered into a life of unlimited possibilities, victories, and dominion by the wisdom of God.

There is no regret or uncertainty in my path because I live in, and by, the Word of God! Everywhere I go, and in everything I do, divine wisdom is heard in my words, and seen in my actions! I live and function in God’s perfect will, having insight into the realities of the Kingdom. Hallelujah! God’s divine blessings and promotions are evident in my life.

My eyes are empowered to see the right opportunities because the wisdom of God has made His home in the quarters of my heart. I function from the standpoint of advantage, power, and excellence. I live in triumph over circumstances, in total fulfilment, joy, glory, and dominion! Blessed be God!

SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES NOW

• Be bold to say the same things that God has said concerning you in His Word. That is what takes you beyond salvation, to enjoy the benefits of salvation ~ Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

God bless you.

Nigeria Air: AON says government’s suspension a bold step

•  Airline to cost over $3bn, $500m subsidy annually to keep it afloat
  

Fleetwood Town Coach Joey Barton has slammed Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar and compared him to pop star Kim Kardashian.

Barton, who had named Neymar as the Justin Bieber of Football, has now made things more vocal.

The Former Marseille midfielder gave an interview to L'Equipe, in which he said Neymar is not as good as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian was very disappointing as PSG lost 3-2 Against Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this week.

Barton referenced his performances in the World Cup during his verbal assault.

“Neymar, more than a football phenomenon, is an advertising phenomenon, like the Kardashians,” Barton explained


“I think he is the Kim Kardashian of football.

“Neymar is not the best player in the world, we saw that again in Russia.

“He is not at the level of Ronaldo and Messi, and there are many other players in front of him.”

Barton then admitted he would be happy to coach Marseille, the club he spent a loan with.

He added: 'I would love to coach Marseille one day. Honestly, I could train Marseille without any problem.

'I know the club from top to bottom. I understand the people, the culture, I know the Velodrome and I know what the club means to people.

'Many Marseille coaches did not know the club. If my trip brings me back there, fantastic.'

Neymar moved to PSG in the summer of 2017 in a £200m deal, after his release clause was met.

In his first season in Paris, he scored 19 league goals in just 20 league matches.

Source:>>http://www.sportdab.com.ng/2018/09/is-kim-kardashian-of-football-joey.html

The President and his wife, Aisha, will also attend a welcome reception hosted by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and his spouse for Heads of State and Government and their spouses.

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday depart for New York to attend the 73rd Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA73) which officially opened September 18, 2018.
The theme for this year’s Session is: “Making the United Nations relevant to all People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies.”

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, 

says, the high point of President Buhari’s participation will be his address on Tuesday to the General Assembly on the opening day of the General Debate.

The President’s presentation of Nigeria’s National Statement is expected to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to international peace and security; sustainable socio-economic development; disarmament and denuclearisation; youth and women empowerment; climate change; rule of law and human rights; among others.

He is also expected to canvass for the international support for the fight against corruption; the return of illicit assets; counter-terrorism and insurgency; curbing irregular migration; re-settling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); recharging the receding Lake Chad; and calls for the reform of the United Nations, especially the expansion of the permanent membership of the Security Council to make that vital principal organ of the global organisation reflect regional and equitable geographical representation.

The President and his wife, Aisha, will also attend a welcome reception hosted by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and his spouse for Heads of State and Government and their spouses.

President Buhari and his delegation will participate in a High-Level meeting on the Fight against Tuberculosis organised by the World Health Organisation as Nigeria currently ranks seventh amongst the high TB-burden countries globally, and second in Africa.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to attend the Mandela Peace Summit, which is a High-Level Meeting on Global Peace in honour of the centenary birth of the late South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela.

Other side-events lined up for the Nigerian delegation include: High-Level Meeting on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit; the Second Annual Bloomberg Global Business Forum; High-Level Meeting on Action for Peace-Keeping; Commemoration and Promotion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons; High-Level Meeting on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa; 
and Pathway to Localising a Global Agenda.
During the course of his stay in New York, in addition to the audience with the UN Secretary-General, the Nigerian President is also expected to have bilateral meetings with African and world leaders including Bill Gates with a view to promoting national and African interests.
He will also grant audience to a select group of Nigerian professionals based in the United States.

Apart from his wife, President Buhari will be accompanied by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma; and the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibrin.

Others on the presidential entourage include the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar; Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mohammad Babandede; and the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.


More below:

https://zenithnaija.com/buhari-to-travel-to-new-york-on-sunday-for-the-un-general-assembly/

Both women, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and were referred to as Miss A and Miss B throughout the hearing, quickly fell ill and tests showed Osei had passed the virus onto each of them.


A Ghanaian man who deliberately infected two girlfriends with HIV was jailed for five years in the United Kingdom. The 23-year-old slept with two women after being diagnosed as HIV positive and refused any help from doctors or to take any drugs to suppress the virus.
Japhet Osei wooed and bedded two teenagers without telling them about his condition, a judge was told.

He did not use any protection with a 17-year-old girl and encouraged a cautious second victim into having sex without a condom because she was his girlfriend.

Osei even lied that a sexual health clinic check-up had found he was clean and showed her a text message to prove it, the court heard.
However, he was keeping the secret that he was not only HIV positive but that he had a particularly high viral count, which meant it was more likely he would infect partners through unprecedented s*x.

Both women, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and were referred to as Miss A and Miss B throughout the hearing, quickly fell ill and tests showed Osei had passed the virus onto each of them.

Expert analysis found that they shared exactly the same strain of the virus.
Today, Judge Angela Morris, sitting at Reading Crown Court, said Osei, wearing a blue tracksuit, had “lied, lied and lied again.”

Jailing him for a total of five years she said: “We are not living in the 1980s where everyone was ignorant of the effects of this disease and running around in a panic.
“This is 30 years later. You were provided with expertise, assistance and the opportunity for treatment for the terrible disease you knew you carried and you refused it.

“Despite your knowledge of your medical condition, you embarked on a sexual relationship. Your actions are totally inexcusable.”
She added that she had read the “harrowing ordeal” each woman had subsequently gone through physically and mentally since diagnosis, via their victim impact statements.
She also ordered that Osei should be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order where he is not permitted to have sex with any woman without telling her about his HIV status.


More below:

https://zenithnaija.com/ghanaian-man-jailed-for-deliberately-infecting-his-two-girlfriends-with-hiv/

 Gov’s mum relocates to Epe, joins 21-man prayer warriors’ vigil

• Governor's Advisory Council takes final decision today

Quote:The people of Epe have moved the fight to a spiritual level as they embark on combative prayers to dismantle the forces arrayed against the embattled governor

Ade Alade and Tunde Thomas


The storm raised by the troubling politicking over the All Progressives Congress (APC) party nomination for the Governorship of Lagos State in the 2019 polls continues to rage unabated, and unlikely to dissipate any time soon.

Before anyone, however, can hazard a guess on how the saga will likely end, it is prudent that he visits Epe, the hometown of the incumbent, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The mood in Epe–a town gripped by tension––is fever pitch. The people’s sentiment is at boiling point. In rallying for its own, people of Epe town have gone ballistic spiritually to quell the tempest threatening to bring to a halt the upward trajectory of their rising son.

Gov. Ambode is presently battling an internal wrangling within his party that has resulted in the emergence of two other APC stalwarts, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mr Obafemi Hamzat, who have both signified their interest in slugging it out with him at the party’s primary for the APC governorship ticket in Lagos State. The emergence of the duo followed a rumoured frosty relationship between Ambode and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who hitherto was regarded as his political godfather and mentor.

While cloak-and-dagger maneuverings continue to play out in the party, the people of Epe have moved the fight to a spiritual level as they embark on combative prayers to dismantle the various forces arraying against the embattled governor.

While tension is rising in the political firmament of the centre of excellence, a group of APC elders called the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC dominated mainly by Tinubu’s trusted allies, will today at a scheduled meeting in Ikeja take a final position on who the party will present to the public for support in the 2019 polls.

The body had met on Tuesday to consider pleas and various interventions from different groups and prominent individuals to consider Ambode for a second term. The meeting however ended without a definite answer to the embattled governor. One of the decisions taken at the Tuesday meeting was that the governor will not be allowed to sit in today’s meeting when the party elders will decide his fate. 

A notable source who attended the meeting told Saturday Sun that, “For us, we already know the direction things will go in today’s meeting because after the Tuesday’s parley, Asiwaju left us with a strongly coded rhetorical question, that is, ‘can you pack back into a bottle the beer you want to drink after spilling same on the floor?”

With this, today’s meeting may just be a mere ceremony to say a capital NO to the governor as majority of those who will attend the event are already bitter against Ambode and have not hidden their opposition to his style of governance and bid for a second term.

Saturday Sun visited Epe on September 18, 2018, and found a town that was to a large extent a cauldron of anger. Right from the park, various gatherings––of Okada riders, free readers at newsstands and traders––were engaged in animated discussions and heated debates that centred on Governor Ambode’s current political travails.

That was not surprising, given that the governor has proven himself as an illustrious son of the soil, having brought remarkable infrastructural development to Epe, a community that was hitherto an economic backwater.


Spiritual warfare

Saturday Sun’s survey of suburbs like Noforija, Odomola, Ketu-Epe, and Odoragunshen turned up facts that indicated that the Ambode issue is close to the heart of many residents. The fervour devoted to the issue leaves no one in doubt that anyone in opposition to the governor is up against a whole town. The town roiled with solidarity for the governor. In the prevailing “We against Them” aura, a majority of the Epe folks envisaged themselves battling against Lagos forces trying to undo their son’s progress.

A major development has been a rare show of unity between Christians and Muslims, who set aside their religious differences and joined forces together in daily prayers of intercession and vigil for Gov. Ambode at the Saint Michael Anglican Church, which is the governor’s family place of worship.

The over 100-year-old church at Popo-Oba Street has assembled a 21-man prayer warrior team. In no time, the team has since been joined by a host of volunteers, both Christians (from other denominations) and some Muslims.

Findings by Saturday Sun showed that the team holds some of its prayer sessions for the governor on a large expanse of land opposite the church.

During a visit to the church, some of the volunteers were sighted sitting on white plastic chairs on the land across from the church. In their response to questions from Saturday Sun , they all spoke in unison about their commitment to the “Save Ambode Prayer” project.


The church’s support

A cleric of the church who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that intercessory prayers are being held for Gov. Ambode. He vowed that the daily vigil and prayer session would not stop until Ambode’s second term ticket is guaranteed by APC.

“It is true that this church is coordinating series of prayers for Gov. Ambode. What we are doing is not evil. We have no regret over it,” he declared.

Asked why the governor’s issue is dear to the church, the cleric fired back: “Gov. Ambode and his family are part and parcel of this church. Although Gov. Ambode himself is no longer a member of the Anglican Church, when he was young, he used to worship with us here with his parents. 

Up till today, the governor’s mother, Mama, is a regular worshipper with us. Mama is very close to us, and up till today, there is no programme or project we have in the church that Mama, the governor and other members of the family don’t join us in doing. Like every other family in this church, the Ambode family also observed its own yearly harvest and thanksgiving in the church.”

Continuing, he stated: “Even before Mama asked us to mobilize prayers to save the governor’s political career, on our own as a church we’ve already started the intercessory prayers. Although it is not every day or night that Mama is with us; whether she is here or not, our prayers and vigil for Ambode is every day.”

The cleric who denied the church’s involvement in partisan politics explained the basis of their support for the beleaguered governor. Said he: “Our support for Ambode, apart from his family’s connection to us, is due to his performance. Ambode has done marvelously well. If he has not done well, I would have said so. He has transformed Epe.”

He said further: “Before he assumed office in 2015, Epe was in darkness. Not only that, the town had no good roads, and other infrastructural facilities were lacking. I know what I’m saying. I have been working in Epe and its suburbs for a long time.

There is no governor in the history of Lagos State that has transformed Epe the way Ambode has done. And from available reports, he has also done well in areas of infrastructural development of Lagos State. I think the man should be given a chance for second term.”

The cleric delivered a parting shot thus: “Let me, however, state this categorically. There are talks about some individuals and groups. There are those mentioning that one group called Mandate has sealed the fate of Ambode and that he is a goner.

People should however know that with God nothing is impossible. It is only God that can give anybody a mandate. If God gives Ambode a divine mandate, not even one million Mandate Group can stop him. Let’s leave everything in the hand of God.”

Saturday Sun investigations reveal that the prayer group, as part of its activities usually go round the church seven times in the night–– an allusion to Joshua’s military maneuvering in the Bible––praying aloud that the God that pulled down the walls of Jericho should pull down all the walls of Jericho threatening Ambode’s second term ambition.


Rally groups

While leaving the church to move to another part of the town, Saturday Sun ran into a rally organized by artisans and Okada riders in support of Ambode.
The crowd was shouting in unison. Their rally cries: “Ambode for second term. It is Ambode and nobody else.”

The spokesman for the group, Adetayo Adedayo who also doubles as chairman of the cyclists riders group, explained the drive behind their action.

“Nobody is sponsoring us,” he affirmed. “Even Gov. Ambode is not aware of this rally. We are supporting him for a second term because he is from Epe. Everybody in Epe and environs support the governor 100 per cent for turning Epe and its suburbs into Small London.” For him, the governor has done a lot for Epe. “The people of Epe will not take kindly to any attempt to humiliate or deny him the second term ticket,” Adedayo declared.

He waxed philosophical. “Ambode is the Moses of our time. He is Epe’s liberator. Denying him a second term is like punishing Epe people. He is a good ambassador of this place. No individual from another part of Lagos State can do what Ambode has done for us in Epe.” He concluded with a warning to APC. “If they finally conspired against Ambode, then APC should forget votes from the people of Epe in 2019.”

The Chief Imam of the Ansar-U-Deen Society in Epe, Alhaji Zakariyah
who described Ambode as Allah-sent also weighed in on the issues calling for a compromise. “I’m a religious leader and not a politician,” began the mullah, “Ambode’s tenure has brought monumental development to Epe. In fact, Epe, and its environs, has never been so blessed. We plead with those who will determine Ambode’s fate for a second term to forgive him his shortcomings.”

Septuagenarians Alhaji Yeeken Dairo and Alhaja Taibat Akingbehin at Oke-Balogun Street and Imokun Street respectively echoed similar sentiments. Dairo, community leader of Imokun LCDA, appealed directly to the good nature of Asiwaju Tinubu to forgive Ambode his perceived sins.

Alhaja Akingbehin, 75, said: “I have been on my praying mat, praying for Ambode since this crisis started. I have not benefited or received one kobo directly from Ambode, but I’m pleased with how he has transformed Epe. See how Ambode has turned Epe into a beautiful place. Many of our sons and daughters that came home during the last Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival didn’t even know the way to their father’s compound again because of the new network of roads, and street lights Ambode has put in place in Epe.” It will be a big loss to Epe, she said, “if Ambode is denied a second term.”
Najeem Quadri, a baker, tackled APC leadership and Tinubu directly.

.“You give a man a job to do, and you are breathing down his neck again that you want to look into everything he does, what do you call that? Tinubu should stop playing God.” The baker advised the governor to be level-headed. “Ambode should not see the second term issue as a do-or-die affair. If they allow him good, and if they say no, he should come back home, we all love him.”

Continuing, Quadri avowed: “Ambode is a good ambassador of Epe. If they are making life too difficult for him, he should go to another party, and Epe people will vote for him.”

Once more, Quadri raved at Tinubu and others, whom he described as greedy.
“Did Tinubu not serve two terms? Did Fashola not serve two terms? Now they are deciding another man’s fate. Tinubu and his co-conspirators in APC should know that God will also decide their own fate,” he said.

He resented the idea of anyone begging Tinubu to endorse Ambode for a second term. “They should leave him to God,” he declared.

Another respondent who spoke with Saturday Sun , Otunba Maruphdeen Babatunde Abdulrahman, urged Gov. Ambode not to surrender. “Whether Tinubu or people in his camp like it or not, if Allah has ordained Ambode for a second term, no individual can do anything against it,” he quipped.

Abdulrahman who belongs to a different and opposing faction of APC said: “I don’t belong to Ambode’s faction of APC but I’m supporting him for a second term because of his records of achievements and performance. Ambode has really worked for Lagos. He has transformed Lagos State.”

He defended him further: “I don’t know why the so-called godfather and others are angry with him? Some are accusing him of not sharing money and that he is tight-fisted. Do they expect him to be sharing money? Lagosians voted for Ambode to transform the state, and that’s exactly what the man is doing. He should not dance to the tunes of these godfathers who are exploiters and don’t have conscience at all.”


Dissenting voices

As Moses in the Bible has his disparagers, so does the man described as the “Moses of Epe.” One of the dissenting voices is a secondary school teacher in a public school in Epe who spoke on condition of anonymity. He described Gov. Ambode as a partial leader, declaring that he has no pity for him.

“I have never been an Ambode’s admirer. He is a very biased and partial leader,” he said. “How I wish people in other parts of Lagos can take a trip down to Epe to see how Ambode has transformed Epe. They should come and see the beautiful road network, the beautiful landscape, and the glittering streetlights.

While he is taking care of Epe, look at the refuse menace in other parts of Lagos; look at the bad state of roads; look at the traffic gridlock in other parts of Lagos State.”
He concluded solemnly: “Let him go. I have no tears for Ambode.”

The dissonance is loud in such areas as the Ayetoro market area, Waterfront and Marina streets. Some groups even appeared to be indifferent.

Shefiu Kasali, a shoemaker, complained that Ambode has only been transforming Epe in terms of infrastructural development but has not empowered Epe people.

“What is the use of beautiful roads, and street lights when we are all hungry? I boldly challenge Ambode to tell the whole world: how many Epe people he has empowered financially? How many people has he empowered in their business and trades? It is good that he is developing Epe physically; it is also good that he should give us what they call stomach infrastructure,” Kasali said.

Further findings by Saturday Sun revealed that Epe, made up of Epe Eko and Epe Awori/Ijebu people, has two traditional rulers––Oba Shefiu Adewale, Olu of Epe, for Epe Awori/Ijebu people; and Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, Oloja of Epe, for Epe Eko people (those that have their origin from Lagos Island).

Both kings are staunchly behind Ambode as the governor is reported to have spread his projects in Epe across all divisions.
However, Saturday Sun gathered that a group from the Epe Eko section of the town are rooting for Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, who hails from Lagos Island and is being backed by the Mandate Group consisting of Asiwaju Tinubu core loyalists, and the Group of 57 (LG and LCDA chairmen).

The reporter conducted his last interview with a cab driver on his way back to the garage, out of the town. What the driver said continued to reverberate in his mind as he journeyed back to Lagos.

“Oga, time and luck will determine Ambode’s fate. At this stage, he needs all the luck in the world. But with prayer, nothing is impossible as APC still have some days left to make the final decision on whom the party fields as its candidate for the election.” The cab driver may indeed be saying the truth. Gov. Ambode certainly needs all the luck in the world to survive the political tsunami threatening to consume him.

The Osun State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Soji Adagunodo, on Friday said the party’s governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, was still in the race.

He said this during a media briefing in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Friday.

According to him, there was a text message being circulated that Adeleke had withdrawn from contesting the election.

He stated that the information was completely false and was intended to dissuade electorate from casting their votes for Adeleke.

Adagunodo said, “There is a text message going around. It is a tactic by the candidate of the Social Democratic Party to discourage voters from coming out to vote or to use it to curry sympathy or to make people feel that he is the one running now.

“Our candidate has never merged or stepped down for anybody. We are not even discussing such.

“We are the main candidate. Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke is contesting and he is going to win the election.

“There is no merger and no withdrawal in any form.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-decides-pdp-speaks-on-adeleke.html

The state governor's daughter


Episode 51-60

Clara’s side of the story continues from the previous episode
Scene opens at the governor’s house which looks busy as Clara and Charles get set for the journey that would change their lives forever. Charles looks overly excited while Clara looks very withdrawn. It’s very obvious she isn’t happy at all. She is seen discussing seriously with Vivian
‘’I beg of you dear sister don’t leave with that bastar.d . Don’t ruin your happiness. Don’t sacrifice your life like that. You need to be strong and stand your ground my dear’’ Vivian begged for the umpteenth time but her words made little effect on me. I was very much ready to leave with Charles, very much ready to face any outcome. It was really pointless fighting a lost battle. Perhaps I could even end up loving him, I hoped with all my heart.
‘’you know the situation of things. It’s pointless trying to stop me from leaving. Save the energy my dear’’ I muttered with a smile while Vivian shook her head in despair.
My mother and Charles walked into the room that moment, smiling happily. She drew forward and hugged me while Charles watched with a smile.
‘’my dear, I know you are very nervous. Yes your life is going to change once you step foot in Paris. You are a woman now and I wish you nothing but the best. Your father and I will be in Paris next week for the wedding’’ she breathed happily, kissing my hair.
‘’my dear we have to leave now. Your luggages are all in the car. We have to get going’’ Charles muttered while I breathed deeply.
‘’bye mum, see you in Paris’’ I managed to mutter.
————————————————–
As we left the house and headed to the airport, I couldn’t help but notice two cars following us plus one in the front.
‘’why the long convoy?. You hardly use this much security?, what’s wrong?’’ I asked Charles curiously. He smiled.
‘’many things have changed my dear. I have lots of enemies including your silly boyfriend agent Val. I’m not taking any chances sweety’’ he replied while I sighed and faced the window once again. Of course I was very nervous and anxious at the same time.
‘’my love, check out this tourist magazine. I hope you can still read French or have you forgotten all you learnt in secondary school?’’ he joked after few minutes of silence, dropping a French magazine on my laps.
‘’we will visit the Louvre museum which you know is the most visited art museum in the world. We will take a boat tour of the seine river, we will climb some of the tallest towers in the world. We will visit churches of the last century, plus the classiest restaurants and cinemas. Come on dear you really have to thank me you know’’ he breathed, trying to make me cheer up but I really was far from being happy. Of course the places he mentioned and the pictures in the magazine were quite captivating and the dream of every woman but on the contrary I felt empty. I felt hollow..
Suddenly a loud explosion happened right in front of us, shattering the first car and sending our own car into a gutter. The force of impact almost knocked me out with its pressure. Everywhere instantly became dark as I struggled to get up. I just can’t explain what happened, it was just like a dream. Out of nowhere the car door in charles’s corner was thrown open as a masked man sprayed something inside the car. I instantly lost consciousness.
—————————————————–
Val’s side of the story continues
I nervously watched as Charles’s convoy pulled out of the governor’s house and headed towards the airport. I quickly followed, keeping a good distance to avoid being noticed. I was yet to get the necessary order to stop them and I was really getting impatient and worried.
‘’they are on the move sir. They are headed to the airport, should I make my move now?’’ I asked over the radio.
‘’just hold on, Jennifer and her team is yet to make any discovery. Just keep following them’’ the head of operations replied, leaving me hissing with anger.
But then suddenly, a loud explosion took me and my colleagues by surprise as we got to a lonely road leading to the airport, knocking out Charles’s convoy and leaving me with no choice than to apply my brakes with full force, screeching the unit car to a stop as rain of bullets rained from nowhere on Charles’s convoy, leaving his bodyguards with little or no cover to return fire.
The attackers never noticed I and my team, giving us the opportunity to take good cover and fire our F2000 rifles in quick succession, but unfortunately it made no difference to the attackers who were more prepared and probably military trained. Three smoke grenades were instantly thrown towards our direction, blinding our view as we held fire and took cover.
A minute later, everywhere was silent. We cautiously approached Charles’s convoys which were now nothing but piles of wrangled metals. The four cars took quite a hit as if they were fired at by a six pounder or an armored tank. I nervously got to the second car which the rear right door was surprisingly open.
I peeped in to see only Charles lying face first on the back headrest of the front seat, struggling to get out of the car. I quickly pulled him out while searching for Clara at the same time but unfortunately she wasn’t in the car.
‘’where is Clara you bastar.d?’’ I screamed.
‘’I guess she’s with the devil?’’ he replied, spitting out blood.
‘’what do you mean she’s with the devil?, who’s the devil and where can I find him?’’ I screamed with frustration as I made to hit him with my F2000 but was held back by my colleagues.






Episode 52

Val’s side of the story continues from the previous episode
‘’ I don’t know where he is. You don’t find the devil, the devil finds you’’ Charles breathed, spitting out blood as he struggled to stand on his feet. His reply got me angry, yes very angry. Of course I knew he was trying to play smart.
‘’how many men were there? What did you see?’’ I asked.
‘’ I saw nothing. When my car took the hit I was knocked out and when I regained consciousness you showed up. I saw nothing and you have to let me go check out myself. You can see my men and I are in bad shape’’ he muttered quickly, looking around nervously. More police patrol units showed up that moment to take over the scene.
‘’you are coming with us to our office. You have a lot to answer my friend and you are going nowhere’’ I replied with a smile as I nodded to my two colleagues who quickly bundled him into our waiting truck while he struggled to free himself.
‘’this is not the end Val. You are abusing my rights and you will pay. Trust me’’ he protested.
I breathed deeply as I listened to his ranting. I sure knew there was a big battle ahead. I felt finding Clara would never be easy and could bring up a lot of hidden secrets or even more bloodshed.
——————————————————————-
Clara’s side of the story continues
I opened my eyes to find myself in a moving vehicle; I instantly tried to sit up but discovered that I was tightly tied up. Just that moment one of my captors drew close, smiled and placed a wet piece of cloth over my nose. I lost consciousness once again.
—————————————–
New scene
I slowly opened my eyes once more to find myself in a neatly furnished room. I wasn’t tied up this time and I couldn’t really tell how long I was out. I slowly sat up, feeling slight headache as the events of the day played back in my head bringing up tears in my eyes. Deep down I hoped that it was Charles that kidnapped me again but then I knew he had no hand in it this time.
‘’dear lord what is happening?, why are all these bad things happening to me? What have I done?’’ I sobbed as I wondered what my fate would be in the hands of my captors. I couldn’t think straight. I just didn’t know what to expect. Of course I was terribly terrified.
Minutes later, an old man with white beards walked into the room with a middle aged lady who was dressed like a nurse. The old man limped in one leg and carried a walking stick to aid his movement. He looked about sixty five years old or so.
I drew back with fear as I saw the two adults approached me.
‘’what do you want from me?’’ I screamed with all the energy I had left. The old man smiled
‘’finally I meet the adopted daughter of Imo state governor’’ he chuckled while my heart pounded furiously as I wondered the meaning of his words.
‘’I could be your biological father you know?’’ he added, licking his lips as he studied me.
‘’oh forgive my manners, you can call me Mr. Patrick but everyone calls me Donpatric, the most ruthless business man in the east’’ he introduced himself while I eyed him.
‘’dinner comes up at 7pm which is just few minutes away. Roselyn will check you out and help you to prepare’’ he added, nodded politely and headed out, leaving the nurse alone with me.
‘’please what’s happening? Why am I here?’’ I nervously cried, Roselyn drew close and sat on my bed.
‘’Madam I advice you stop crying and accept your fate here. Be nice to Donpatric so that your stay here will be okay. There is nowhere you are leaving this fortress without his approval. I advice you calm down madam’’ she advised seriously.
——————————
Few minutes later, I was led to the sitting room where I reluctantly joined Donpatric at the table.
‘’why am I here?’’ I bravely asked, as the housekeeper served my food.
‘’relax my dear; you know my castle has been very lonely and uneventful for quite some time now and it’s really a privilege having you around. These days I hardly go out. I’m confined in this house and that’s life. I have evaded the authorities for thirty five years and yes that’s quite a feat. Tomorrow morning we can go horse riding, hope you like horses?’’ he replied and asked, avoiding my question.
‘’please why am I here?’’ I asked once again
‘’when your fiancée came running to me, wanting to be a man, wanting to prove himself to his rich fat father, I took him in. I nurtured him. I made him a man. I made him very rich but one thing I asked him not to do in order not to implicate everyone in the family, he refused and went against the rules. Yes you are here my dear because of Charles and you are going to be here a long, long time. Your boyfriend is very ambitious. So brace yourself my dear’’ he finally answered with a smile while my heart froze as his words played over and over in my head.
‘’I know you have questions. I know you need answers to everything your parents has been hiding from you?. Just act like a good girl and I will act like your father okay?. Now eat your food’’ he commanded while I nervously stared at the food before me. Yes I wasn’t happy leaving for Paris with Charles but then I would have preferred being in Paris than being held captive by a strange man who claimed to know all.





Episode 53

new scene opens showing Charles seated across a table facing senior special agent Bola at the DSS office. Agent Val is seen standing behind the senior agent.
Val’s side of the story continues
‘’you know I really thought I was brought in here for questioning over the attempt on my life and my fiancée’s disappearance but I’m very surprised that all you guys care about right now is the huge amount of money found in my house. This is ridiculous. This is the height of irresponsibility. I don’t think keeping my hard earned money in my house is a crime. I’m not a government employee. I’m not a public office holder and you are not the EFCC for Christ sake. I don’t owe you guys any explanation and if you don’t find my fiancée before the next hour I will be the one to sue you guys’’ Charles threatened confidently as senior agent Bola brought up the money laundering charge. There wasn’t any doubt he was having a hard time with Charles. Yes the department already knew holding him over the huge amount of money found stashed in his house wasn’t going to hold ground unless we could get the required evidence to link the money with drugs. We merely used the money laundering charge to detain him for questioning but by the look of things he was way smarter and intelligent than we thought.
‘’you know this man?’’ agent Bola softly asked, pushing forward the sketch of Donpatric to him. He stared at the drawing for some seconds while we anxiously waited for his reply because we knew we could hold him on it, either way his reply went.
‘’hmmmm I’m not saying anything anymore till my lawyer gets in here’’ he finally answered, folding his hands and dashing our hopes.
‘’your fiancée’s life could be in danger Mr. Charles and you are here trying to play mind games with us. You better cooperate; nothing is going to stop you from going down. So do the honorable thing by talking to us and possibly saving the life of your woman. I hope you know she’s the governor’s daughter; moreover we already have very strong confession from one of your people and we have strong reason to believe that you know how to find your attackers. Everything is all linked up to the money, the man on this drawing and your shady dealings’’ agent bola pushed on while he scoffed.
‘’the more you are wasting my time asking irrelevant questions, you are putting my fiancée in harm’s way. If you really have everything you need against me, why questioning me then. Simply take me to court and charge me’’ he replied scornfully, leaving agent Bola with no choice than to bang his fist on the table in frustration. Out of anger he got up and left the room. I quickly followed him.
Just outside the room, the state director was waiting with a frown on his face.
‘’I just got a call from headquarters. I’m afraid we will have to let him go. We have his travel documents and money. He won’t be going anywhere’’ he said to agent Bola who breathed deeply and shrugged.
‘’you can handle that Val’’ he ordered and walked away while I headed back to the room to meet Charles who was all smiles.
‘’I guess the senior agent won’t be coming back. Am I free to go now?’’ he asked
‘’yes you can leave but we will keep your money and travel documents. Mind you we are watching your every move’’ I replied with a fake smile.
‘’okay I guess I will have to come back for my money. Seriously you guys don’t know that some things are bigger than your payroll. As for you Val, be careful with how you interfere in my business’’ he threatened and stood up.
——————————-
Vivian’s side of the story continues
The news of Clara’s kidnap blew in like the harmattan wind late that fateful morning. At first I couldn’t believe it but after dialing Clara’s number which failed to connect I just didn’t know what to make of it. A part of me felt it was one of Charles’s tricks.
I nervously waited for more news like a patient rat waiting for nightfall.
Few hours later, Charles’s walked into the house and headed straight to the sitting room where Clara’s mother has been all morning with some of her friends. I sighed as I watched him from my room window, wondering whether to confront him or not. Luckily I didn’t have to wait long before the first lady and Charles climbed the stairs and headed to the sitting room upstairs which was a bit close to my room. I quickly left my room and headed out to eavesdrop. Fortunately the sitting room door was very much open, giving me the opportunity to even peep on the two adults who were seriously discussing.
‘’don’t worry mum, I will get your daughter back. I promise you that. I’m sure Donpatric has her and I just pray the old man doesn’t open his dirty mouth to tell her everything. The man is really a pain in the neck and we will have to get rid of him or else he could end up blowing out a lot of things and smearing our dear governor’s image’’ he assured the first lady.
‘’what exactly does he want?. We haven’t heard from him for ages. My husband broke up ties with him long before joining politics. Charles are you really sure this has nothing to do with you or your business with him?’’ she asked him seriously while I listened and watched.
Charles poured himself a shot of whiskey, breathed deeply and faced the worried woman.
‘’I will get your daughter back her Excellency. I will get rid of Donpatric once and for all before he destroys everyone of us’’ he assured her while my heart froze with great fear.
‘’what exactly is going on????’’ I pondered over and over.





Episode 54

*Clara is seen horse riding with Donpatric who rode behind her, smiling confidently
Clara’s side of the story continues,
‘’you remind me of so many things my dear. You remind me of good old times but unfortunately good things never last’’ Donpatric breathed, riding closer to me while I nervously tried to control my horse. Even though i was a very fast learner, I couldn’t really believe I could ride such a big animal on my own after few attempts.
‘’you are a very strong and beautiful girl Clara, no wonder you are driving Charles crazy’’ he praised. I stared at him curiously.
‘’why are you against my relationship with Charles?’’ I curiously asked. He breathed deeply.
‘’that’s a story for another day my dear. I bet you will get tired of my stories’’ he promised while I scoffed and shook my head.
‘’Anyway my story is really a long one. I lost my parents during the civil war when I was barely fifteen years old. My dad was a Biafran soldier who died at Nsukka war front. He died for what he believed in. he died saving Nsukka from the Nigerian army invasion. My mother, my good old woman died at Okigwe when the Nigerian army surrounded the town. My only uncle died helping us escape to Okwelle. He pushed back a whole company of soldiers with his Dane gun while we ran towards Okwelle. Of course we never heard from him again. He definitely died’’ the old man narrated, stopping briefly while I nodded for him to continue.
‘’after the civil war, I had no one to run to, no family to help out and no relative to look up on. There wasn’t any job, I had no education, and my life was just empty. I gave up on life and did some terrible things just to get enough money to head to Lagos. On getting to Lagos I upgraded my life of crime and built an empire. I made lots of money doing what no one would do and here I’m living well. Yes I regret a lot of things and I equally made lots of terrible mistakes. But the thing I regret the most was the young sales girl I raped and impregnated for no just reason. Don’t look at me that way my dear. Of course I took responsibility but she died giving birth to the baby and I had no choice than to play a very dirty trick with a friend just to ensure that the young child had the best care and family’’ he stopped while I silently waited for him to continue but he said nothing else.
‘’so the child, does he or she know about you?’’ I asked. He shrugged.
‘’no she doesn’t and it’s better that way. Moreover I have a wife and three kids in London’’ he added with a smile. Somehow I was getting a bit comfortable with him and his reason for not wanting Charles to be with me was another thing that kept bugging my mind.
‘’I know what you are thinking right now, but don’t worry i still have many stories to share’’ he promised and carefully got down from his horse while I breathed deeply.
———————————————-
Val’s side of the story continues later that same evening
‘’I’m so worried for Clara. I don’t even know if she’s still alive. We just have nothing and no one is talking, not even her mother is showing enough concern’’ I breathed in frustration as I fell on my bed while Jennifer smiled and watched me.
‘’just relax, we have two agents watching Charles every minute. It’s just a matter of time before he leads us to Clara or to her abductors’’ she assured me confidently.
‘’I just can’t wait. I just can’t wait’’ I breathed desperately. She smiled, drew closer and pulled off her top, revealing her bosoms which were tightly held by her bra. My eyes almost popped out with surprise.
‘’how about we get busy?’’ she suggested, jumping on me like a wild cat.
————————–
Meanwhile just at the outskirts of the town, the two agents sent to watch over Charles are seen lying unconscious in their car while Charles and his men are seen heading out of town in a convoy of thirty trucks.
—————————————–
At the governor’s mansion, Vivian is seen looking out of her window and crying silently while the governor’s wife is seen at her bedroom kneeling and reciting the holy rosary with a chaplet she held on her right hand,
————————-
At Donpatric’s castle, Clara is seen lying quietly in her room in deep thoughts, but suddenly she jumps up and heads to the toilet to throw up. She couldn’t help but wonder why she had been throwing up all day with fear written over her as something struck in her mind, while at the other side of the castle Donpatric is seen smoking a big cigar at his large balcony as he gazed at the stars. There wasn’t any doubt he already knew Charles was on his way.
A battle between two men lies ahead. Only one of them could end up surviving.

To be continued





The state governor's daughter

Episode 55

Val’s side of the story continues
Jennifer and I kissed and fondled each other for a while before I got control of my emotions and slowly pushed her away. Yes there was no denying my body was on fire. There was no denying I badly wanted to have s.ex with her but I equally knew such act could result to something nasty in the end. I couldn’t risk everything just for few minutes of pleasure.
‘’I’m sorry but we can’t do this. Doing this with you won’t change anything between us. Let’s not get carried away’’ I stammered while she stared at me intently for a while before shrugging.
‘’you are good at embarrassing me’’ she hissed, got down from the bed and picked up her top. My phone rang that moment, killing the tension between us and it was no other person than the head of operations calling.
‘’there is a situation’’ he breathed over the line.
———————————————
Clara’s side of the story continues
I was still thinking over the new fears I was having and how to follow up with it when a loud explosion occurred inside the compound, throwing great fear all over me. Before I could even sit up to know what happening, gunshots and screams filled the entire air. I stayed put in my room, praying and wondering what to do. Yes I really couldn’t figure out what to do.
The gunshots lasted for an entire hour before Donpatric walked into my room looking very worried. It was the first time I was seeing him looking so frightened.
‘’Charles and his men are here; with the way things are going, we will have to leave this house. Dress up quickly’’ he urged, leaving me with no choice than to do his bidding.
A minute later we headed down the stairs to the hallway leading to the other end of his huge castle where we ran into one of his men.
‘’so what’s up Eric how is it going?”’ the old man asked curiously.
‘’he has more men sir and we can’t hold them any further, moreover the police should be on their way now. You have to get out of here’’ the young man breathed, wiping out sweat from his face.
‘’yes we are heading out, mobilize the men, hold the attackers a little further and then disappear to save yourselves. We will meet at the rendezvous joint tomorrow by 9am’’ he said to the young man who nodded in agreement.
‘’Charles is really a pain in the neck. I should have killed him when I had the chance’’ he muttered to me with a smile while I shrugged, too scared to say a word.
We soon got to the west end section of the backyard where a black SUV was waiting for us but unfortunately before we could get to it, we heard Charles’s voice from behind.
‘’hmmm old man, you are so predictable. I knew you would come here’’ Charles shouted confidently. Donpatric and I instantly turned towards the direction of the voice but unfortunately for the old man, Charles wasn’t willing to take any chances and fired without hesitation, sending down the old man with one gunshot to the chest.
‘’I should have done this a long time ago’’ he breathed coldly as he cautiously drew close to spit on him. I trembled as I watched the whole drama, too terrified to even scream.
Charles kicked Donpatric who was gasping for breath before focusing his attention on me.
‘’Clara my love, I got you back. I have you back’’ he breathed excitedly, drawing close to hug me and backing Donpatric at the same time but it was a mistake that cost him his life. The old man managed to pull out the pistol he had all along and fired twice at him, sending two hot bullets into his back and bringing him down on the floor with no mercy.
‘’oh my God’’ Charles struggled to breathe as he fell heavily from my body.
‘’I’m sorry but I can’t let you marry him’’ Donpatic managed to mutter, spitting out more blood from his mouth. I just stood motionless for some seconds staring at the two men who brought their lives to an end because of me.
‘’Clara my love, don’t ever forget me. No one will ever love you the way I do. I’m dying’’ Charles struggled to breathe while I knelt by his side, unable to do much to save his life.
‘’it’s over my dear’’ he finally breathed and went still while I wailed profusely. I couldn’t believe myself. It all looked like a nightmare.
Nervously I turned to see Donpatric still struggling to breathe. I really can’t tell what pushed me to his side. The old man surprisingly grabbed my hand tightly.
‘’Please stay with me to the end. Don’t let me die a lonely man. I’m an old man, there is no way I will survive this’’ he begged faintly while I stared at him with tears in my eyes.
In no time the whole compound was swarming with police.

To be continued
[9/12, 7:27 AM] Million: The state governor's daughter 

Episode 56

Clara’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
‘’no you are not going to die, be strong. You are yet to finish your story. You are a strong man’’ I begged Donpatric desperately as I tried to stop his bleeding the little way I could.
‘’it’s pointless my dear, just go to your father or your mother and urge anyone of them to finish my story for you. I have no reason to continue living. Even if I survive this, I will spend the rest of my life in prison and its better I die this honorable way than set my foot in jail. Good bye my dear’’ he struggled to breathe while I shook my head in desperation.
Two police officers ran towards us that moment, kneeling beside him to see if they could help but they came a little too late. Donpatric gave out a deep yawn, fell back and laid still.
‘’he’s dead’’ the first officer breathed, quickly radioing for more backup and ambulance.
‘’you have to come with us to the patrol car, you will be safe there’’ the second officer said with a smile, helping me to my feet.
——————————–
Val’s side of the story continues
I arrived Donpatric’s huge fortress with almost all available agents in the state at exactly 3:30am to meet a very horrible scene. Piles of dead bodies were just arranged at the front of the compound like stockfish. It was so, so horrific and I couldn’t help but imagine what the first police officers to get there passed through.
The police chief in charge of the area was at the gate to welcome us and of course I knew he was very much relived to hand over the situation to us.
‘’seventeen men dead, twelve more critical injured. A handful escaped. Plus two more dead men at the backyard. I haven’t seen so much bloodshed in my fifteen years of service’’ the police chief said to us as he lead our team into the building. My heart couldn’t help but pound loud as I wondered if Clara was safe or not.
‘’were you able to come across any young lady?’’ I managed to ask when we got to the backyard to see Charles’s body lying beside an old man identified as Donpatric. Seriously with the sketch we had on Donpatric we thought he was a young man and perhaps that was the reason he had been able to go undetected for a long while.
‘’yes we found three young women in the house. We took them to the station since none of them appeared hurt’’ the police chief replied, giving me great hope.
—————————————————
It really was quite a tasking job, taking over the crime scene, searching the corpses and ransacking the house. Of course the death of Donpatric and Charles brought the ongoing drug case came to an abrupt end. I really didn’t know whether to be happy or disappointed about it. It was an ending no one ever imagined for both men.
As we prepared to leave the crime scene later that morning, the news confirming Clara’s safety was whispered to me by Jennifer. But unfortunately for me I wasn’t able to meet her that morning due to my assignment and by the time I was free, the state director already had taken her from the police station to the governor’s lodge.
—————————————————–
‘’I guess this was never the ending you wanted?’’ Jennifer asked with a smile as we headed back to town hours later. I smiled and shrugged, unable to say anything. The horrible scene I witnessed in Donpatric’s house really was something that failed to leave my memory and I couldn’t help but imagine how much the young men that died were paid in the first place.
‘’Val I have another news I have been holding back all these while’’ she added, drawing my attention.
‘’the state director requested you be transferred with immediate effect once the drug case is solved. With the way I’m seeing things now you might not be spending much time in Owerri’’ she muttered while I kept quiet. Yes there was really nothing to say. All that was in my head that moment was to see Clara, to talk to her, to caress her, to kiss her. I guess Jennifer noticed it too and never said another word for the rest of the journey.
All through that day I dialed Clara’s number over and over but it never went through and I couldn’t get myself to head to the governor’s mansion because I knew how disastrous it could be for me.
‘’oh my Clara’’ .
—————————————————
Clara’s side of the story continues
Yes I felt relived getting home safely that morning after a mind blowing experience in Donpatric’s house. Of course my head was filled with questions and I had a lot to ask my parents concerning their relationship with him. Deep down I really felt my parents could be responsible for the massacre that happened over there. Yes I knew how powerful the office of the governor could be and I felt perhaps Dad sponsored the whole shootout just to clean up the mess and disgrace that could have befallen everyone. I never knew Charles to be someone who could put his life on the line for someone in such manner and I kind of felt he was used as the sacrificial lamb. My head was just confused. I really didn’t know what to believe.
Mum and dad were at the house to welcome me, but the fear in their eyes easily gave them out. I could tell they were hiding a whole lot of things
‘’God brought you back to us my dear. Thank you God’’ mum screamed with tears of joy as she hugged and kissed my hair. Dad equally drew forward to hug us together. No matter their short comings, I was sure of one thing. I was sure of their love. They had never treated me badly nor given me reason to think otherwise, which kind of made it sickening to think that I could be an adopted daughter, like Donpatric addressed me.
‘’mum, dad we need to talk. We need to talk now’’ I breathed seriously.
‘’you need to first get some rest my dear’’ dad begged.
‘’no we need to talk now’’ I insisted.
‘’fine let’s go to my room then’’ he muttered in resignation.
———————————
On getting to his room, I quickly stopped and faced him and mum with a strong face. It wasn’t really easy asking what I had in mind but I had to do it no matter the pain it caused me.
‘’Donpatric said you guys were friends. He equally told me that I was adopted. Is it true mum?, is it true dad?. Was I adopted??’’ I asked with great energy while my mum instantly sat down on a sofa and buried her face with her palms.
‘’for the love of God what is this madness?, why do you want to break your poor mother’s heart?’’ Dad asked, breathing deeply.
‘’I just want to know the truth dad?’’ I fired back.
‘’close your eyes and think, go back to when you were a little kid, go back to your first memories. Who was the first woman you saw her face. Who was the woman that prepared your tea every morning?, that bought you your first bicycle and thought you how to ride it?, were you not there with her when your other siblings were born. Who has been the lady of the house all these while?, what happened to you over there?’’ he screamed with anger while I brought down my face still confused. Yes I had no reason to believe Donpatric over my parents but, but I just was confused.
Vivian ran into the room that moment, breaking down the tension with her presence..
‘’Clara is doubting us, I don’t know what happened to her over there’’ dad quickly reported to Vivian who hugged me with a very worried look.
‘’did Donpatric play with your mind in his house?’’ She curiously asked me.
‘’I don’t know. I don’t know’’ I broke down in tears.

To be continued





The state governor's daughter 

Episode 57

Clara’s side of the story continues from the previous episode
‘’I demand you apologize to your mother right now’’ dad ordered while i hesitantly stared at mum, not exactly knowing if to obey the order or not.
‘’apologize to your mum dear’’ Vivian begged, grabbing my hand and leading me close to my mother who still had her face buried in her palms. I knelt beside her and softly brought up her face to look into her eyes.
‘’I’m so sorry mother for making you feel bad’’ I softly apologized but she surprisingly shook her head while her eyes lit up.
‘’you need the truth? Of course I will give you the truth you need’’ she hotly breathed, throwing me off balance with her outburst..
‘’your biological father is a rapist, a murderer, a drug dealer. Yes Donpatric is your biological father but we never got to know till few years ago, before your father joined politics’’ she suddenly fired, pushing me back with her words.
‘’you appeared in my life when I was having problems with my marriage, when things were very tough for us. I found you in a small basket in front of our gate crying helplessly. We took you in with great joy, not minding the problems we were having and everything changed afterwards for us. Donpatric showed up that period and helped turn life around for us. But he never told us he was your father nor gave out any reason for us to suspect such a thing till few years ago when we learnt the whole story of how he raped and killed a poor salesgirl who gave birth to you. We kept the story from you for your best interest; for your happiness and I bet you would have done the same if you were in my shoes. My dear we gave you love, care and great attention. We gave you the best education. A mother isn’t one who gives birth to a child but one who cares and raises a child. If you feel that I’m no longer your mother. That’s fine by me, you can start calling me by my name’’ she poured out, breaking down in tears while my father nervously walked out of the room without saying a thing.
‘’mum, you are still my mother. I still very much love you. I love you mum. All I needed was just to know the truth and nothing more’’ I cried, hugging her softly.
Yes the story really hurt me. I couldn’t help imagining that I was never her blood. It was very painful and I really didn’t know how to relate with my siblings once the news gets to them. Luckily I was now an adult.
Vivian simply stood motionless, watching the drama.
————————————-
7:30pm in my room
‘’come on you can’t leave the house on your own by this hour. It’s very dangerous’’ Vivian begged for the umpteenth time but my mind was really made up. I really needed to catch some fresh air. I really needed to be with Val all through the night to see if I could get over the feelings I was having. Moreover we equally had some making up and planning’s to do.
‘’I want to be with Val this evening. I want to surprise him with my presence. He’s the only one that can cure the terrible headache I’m having right now’’ I opened up to her, leaving a knowing smile on her pretty face.
‘’hmmmm I smell something’’ she mused.
‘’moreover I think I’m pregnant and he needs to know’’ I added while she rolled her eyes.
‘’huh?, okay but do you know how to get to his house on your own? Should I help out?’’ she asked curiously.
———————————
At exactly 8pm, I got to Val’s apartment and nervously knocked. My heart kind of pounded very hard and fast as if it was the first time I was meeting him. Yes we really had a lot to discuss and I could tell it was going to be a long and interesting night for us. Leaving the governor’s mansion wasn’t really easy for me and it was a miracle I finally left on my own, thanks to Vivian’s help.
Two minutes later, the apartment door opened but instead of seeing Val, I stood face to face with agent Jennifer who was overly shocked to see me. Her dressing really showed that she wasn’t just visiting because she was wearing a semi transparent singlet with no bra and a bum short. My heart felt like exploding. I was just so short of words.
‘’Clara!!!!!!!’’ she screamed with surprise, heightening the tension between us. I simply gave her a long look, turned and headed out of the house, straight to my car, of course with tears in my eyes, with a broken heart.
As I unlocked my car door, Val came running towards me.
‘’Clara my love, I beg of you stop’’ he begged, reaching to me before I could get into the car but it earned him nothing but two sharp slaps from me. I instantly jumped into my car and furiously drove home with tears that poured down from my eyes.
I made up my mind that very evening to leave Nigeria as soon as possible, away from everything. My baby could end up growing without a father.




 The state governor's daughter

Episode 58


Vivian’s side of the story continues
I was busy talking with my sweetheart Chinedu on phone, discussing the future and making new plans with him when Clara suddenly barged into my room with tears in her eyes, really shocking me so much with her presence. I wasn’t expecting to see her so soon or even that night. One look at her as she fell on my bed told me all was far from well.
‘’I will call you back sweety, have to go now’’ I nervously said to Chindeu, abruptly ending our conversation to face Clara who buried her head in my pillow crying like a little child.
‘’what happened?, what’s wrong dear?’’ I curiously asked, drawing close to touch her shoulder.
‘’I met her there. Jenifer the agent, I met her there’’ she sobbed while I rolled my eyes and breathed deeply, so shocked to think straight.
‘’you saw her there and what?, she’s his colleague you know’’ I breathed softly, trying hard not to look silly.
‘’what do you mean?, what time of the day is it?, she was virtually n.aked when she opened the door for me. You need to see how surprised she was seeing me. I don’t know how long they have been sleeping together, or even living together. Why was I so blind?’’ she complained. I drew a little bit back, not exactly knowing the right words to use in consoling her.
Yes I knew Val loved her, he virtually rejected me for her and so her story kind of shook me up. I really didn’t know how to react.
‘’so what did Val say?’’ I fearfully asked. She sat up, faced me and scoffed.
‘’ I didn’t give him the chance to say anything. I didn’t give him the chance to lie. What would he have said huh?’’ she fired back with great energy.
‘’oh dear’’ I breathed with concern
‘’I will be leaving for Lagos tomorrow evening, from there I will head to Abuja and then leave Nigeria. My head is just filled up. First it was the painful discovery of my real identity and then this. I just need to leave the country and face my life’’ she sobbed bitterly.
‘’you have to calm down and think things through. He’s still going to be the father of your baby and I think its better you talk to him before leaving. Yes I’m not saying that he did well by keeping another lady in his house by this hour of the day but for the sake of your unborn child just talk to him’’ I softly begged, drawing out a cold stare from her with my words.
‘’you know I was mad at my parents for holding back the truth about my real father but now I see things differently. I now understand why they did that. I will leave Nigeria and start all over again. Val will never see my baby’’ she breathed seriously while I closed my eyes and shook my head. I knew she really passed through a lot to stick with Val and it was kind of disheartening to learn that the same guy was cheating at the last minute.
However as my sister, I had an obligation to do something to save her happiness. I had to do something I never planned doing. I had to call Val and hear his side of the story. I had to talk to him.
—————————
Val’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
I was close to tears as I headed back to my apartment that fateful evening after failing to talk with Clara, to convince her that Jennifer and I had nothing going on. She really gave me no chance to explain myself, no listening ear, nothing.
Of course I knew it was my entire fault. She had every reason to conclude things the way she did, but then nothing ruins a relationship than rushing into conclusions without giving your partner the opportunity to explain things.
——————–
I returned to my sitting room to see Jenifer staring at me with a worried look.
‘’I’m sorry Val, it wasn’t my fault you know? I never knew she was the one at the door’’ she tried to apologize but I simply eyed her and headed to my room, locking the door quickly to avoid her coming in.
I was shattered. I was broken. Deep down I was scared of what life had in store for me.
———
I was still battling with my thoughts when my phone rang and it was Vivian calling. I quickly answered her call with a fast pounding heart.
‘’what did you do?. Why did you break the heart of a woman who loves you so much, why Val?’’ she asked, pushing out tears from my eyes with the question. How do I explain things?. No one would believe that I had nothing to do with a very beautiful colleague seen at my apartment scantily dressed at that period of the day. I knew explaining myself was going to be difficult. It was really my fault for not telling Clara about her presence when I had the chance. But I couldn’t tell her back then because of my fears and the situation of things.
‘’Clara is leaving Nigeria. I will be escorting her to the airport tomorrow evening to catch a flight to Lagos. You have to think out of the box if you still want her back. This could be your last opportunity of ever seeing her. I’m not doing this for you but for her’’ she informed me and hung up.
—————————–
Very early the next day, I headed to Jennifer’s room to talk to her. It was an idea that got into my head during the night and I prayed for it to work.
Jennifer appeared very surprised to see me in her room that early in the day. She quickly sat up and stared at me.
‘’hope you are not here to throw me out of your apartment. I’m sorry over what happened. I never knew she was the one knocking’’ she hurriedly tried to explain while I sat beside her on the bed.
‘’if you are really sorry over what happened, then you have to help me. I need your help’’ I softly begged.
‘’my help? How ?’’ she curiously asked.
‘’I need you to help me convince Clara that we had nothing going on between us. You are a woman like her and she will believe you easily. Please help me. I don’t want to lose her. She’s leaving the country and this could be my only chance’’ I begged seriously. She dropped her eyes.
‘’I really don’t know how else to convince you that Clara doesn’t fit you in any way. She has no manners. She’s too proud. She has no listening ear. Come on’’ she quickly breathed.
‘’just help me. I beg of you’’ I helplessly begged.
‘’no I can’t Val, I won’t bring down myself for that over pampered girl. You can kick me out of your house if you want. Nothing is going to change my mind. I’m sorry’’ she replied defiantly, while I bit my lips in frustration.
‘’she’s taking the 4pm flight to Lagos today and this is my only chance’’ I begged once again.
‘’good for you’’ she hissed and headed to the toilet.
———————————————–
By 3:30pm that fateful evening, I was already at the airport all alone waiting for Clara and her cousin to show up. My heart couldn’t help but pound very fast. I couldn’t afford losing her for anything.
At exactly 3:58pm, I felt someone’s touch from behind; I turned to see Jenifer’s smiling at me. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
‘’I’m here to help you Val even though she doesn’t deserve your love’’ she poured out softly, melting my already weak heart with her words.
———————————————-
Hmmmm between Clara and Jennifer who do you think loves Val most?

To be continued



The state governor's daughter

Episode 59

Val’s side of the story continues from the last scene of the previous episode
‘’but for the last time Val, do you think you can cope up with Clara. Forget about the hormones raging in your body now. Can you cope with her for the rest of your life? You have a tasking job and your lifestyle is very much different from hers’’ Vivian pleased seriously. I smiled and held her shoulders.
‘’I’m in love with Clara and that’s all that matters to me. Just help me get her back and I will be indebted to you for the rest of my life’’ I pleaded. She rolled her eyes and shrugged in resignation.
‘’I already tried my best to open your eyes to reality. Don’t come crying to me in few years time’’ she breathed with a smile.
———————-
Together we headed to a small shop where we enjoyed some snacks as we waited for Clara and Vivian to arrive. It wasn’t long before they showed up in a black Toyota SUV.
I made the sign of the cross as I nervously got up. Jennifer smiled and got up as well. I bet she understood what I was passing through that moment.
——————–
A female officer was busy bringing out Clara’s luggage from the car trunk while she and Vivian stood a distance away discussing as we approached.
Before we could get to them, Clara spotted us and quickly headed away from her cousin. I increased my pace while Jennifer struggled to catch up with me. In no time I got to Clara, grabbing her left hand to stop her from moving further away.
‘’I beg of you listen to me my dear’’ I quickly begged as she struggled to snatch her hand from my grasp. Jennifer caught up with us with a smile on her face while Clara gave her a suspicious look
‘’Miss Clara you are lucky to have a guy like Val who loves you with all his heart. I was shocked over how you acted yesterday on seeing me in his house. Val and I are just colleagues and nothing more. I’m only squatting at his apartment because I have no house in this city and I’m on a temporal assignment. You have to trust him if you really want your relationship to last. He is a federal agent and you should know by now what to expect by being with him. You can’t imagine how much he begged me, how much he brought himself down just to beg me to come help him save his relationship. Do you really deserve such a good guy? Yes I really do want him for myself but unfortunately you are the one he wants to be with’’ Jenifer softly addressed her, getting all her attention. Her face slowly changed as stared at Jennifer with remorse in her eyes.
‘’hasty conclusions most times gets one into trouble. Val loves you and you have to make up with him and equally apologize to him’’ she concluded, smiled and walked away, leaving Clara stunned as she stared into thin air. I bet she wasn’t expecting such words from Jennifer. Yes I equally wasn’t expecting all that from Jennifer. Deep down in my heart I thanked her a hundred times over.
‘’Clara my love’’ I breathed drawing closer to her. She slowly faced me, looked into my eyes for some seconds before hugging me, sobbing on my chest.
‘’I’m so sorry Val. I was just confused. I have been through a whole lot. My heart, my head everything hurts. I’m sorry for doubting you’’ she apologized with great energy. Vivian walked up to us, smiling.
‘’I don’t need to ask if you are still travelling or not. In fact its better I don’t know. I’m leaving right away with the officer that accompanied us’’ she softly said to Clara while I smiled back at her.
‘’thank you Vivian for helping me get her back’’ I breathed with all my heart.
‘’just take care of her and never give her the opportunity to doubt you ever again’’ she replied, turned and walked away, leaving Clara and I all alone.
‘’so are you still travelling out of the country and leaving me all alone?’’ I asked.
‘’I don’t know, do you want me to stay back?’’ she asked back, bringing up her face to look into my eyes.
‘’yes yes yes, stay with me. In fact we can go back to my apartment together. No one will know, come on dear’’ I begged.
‘’yes we really do have a lot to talk about’’ she accepted with a smile.
———————————–
On getting to my apartment the first thing we did was tear each other apart and make great love. Yes we badly needed it and we dug at each other the way we had never done before. We devoured, ate and tore each other as if our lives depended on it and yes of course our lives depended on what we felt for each other, what we had for each other. We really passed through a lot to get to this stage. We fought a lot of battles, took risks and came out stronger.
——————————-
‘’oh Val I love you very much’’ Clara breathed later in the evening after another round of hot s-x. It was the fourth time we were doing it that very evening and yet we still needed more of it. The passion in her eyes was so intense and revealing.
‘’it’s almost 9pm now and I have many things to tell you’’ she solemnly breathed, sitting up on the bed. I quickly sat up to hold her.
‘’first I’m pregnant and we have to figure out a way to make my parents like you’’ she opened up, leaving my heart melting with more joy.
‘’can you also believe I was adopted?, just calm down and listen to all that happened over the past few days. That really was why I got so upset yesterday when I saw Jennifer in your apartment. I’m still emotionally weak’’ she opened up, slowly narrating all that went down in Donpatric’s house, plus her mother’s confession. My ears and head were so filled up with her story. It was too much, really too much.
‘’well no matter what, the first lady is still your mother and I agree that a mother isn’t the one who gave birth to a child but the one who cared, feed and nurtured the child’’ I managed to mutter when she was done with her story. She smiled and dropped her eyes.
‘’but we still have one problem. My mother doesn’t like you and we have to find a way to change her heart. She’s very powerful in her own way’’ she added, bringing up her eyes to meet my gaze.
Just that moment, her new phone rang, gaining our attention. She slowly reached for the phone and breathed deeply.
‘’its mum’’ she said with a smile, accepting the call and turning the loud speaker on.
‘’Clara what has gotten into you?, why plan with your cousin to deceive and lie to us that you are travelling to Lagos while you only wanted to go spend time with that small boy, that young agent that is set to take advantage of you and your fortune huh?’’ she barked, leaving her extremely surprised which she probably sensed.
‘’you think I will take chances again after what happened with you and Charles huh?. I assigned some detectives to watch you every hour of the day and yes I was merciful enough to allow you be in his house till this time, now get up and head to the gate. A police patrol car is outside waiting for you. In case you feel like disobeying me, I will be down there myself to take you home’’ she ordered over the phone while Clara angrily ended the call and faced me with fear in her eyes.
‘’what do we do?, I have to go now?’’ she stammered.
‘’it’s time I talk to your mother. You are going nowhere tonight’’ I insisted.
‘’come on Val is that’s not a good idea?’’ she protested
‘’I don’t know but we have to defy her tonight. She can’t ruin this moment for us’’ I breathed strongly.
‘’so I should disobey my mother to obey you?’’ she asked with a soft smile.




 The state governor's daughter

Episode 60

Final Episode

Clara’s side of the story continues from the previous episode
I was so happy making up with Val, so happy to be in his arms. I had this insatiable urge of making love with him over and over and yes he never disappointed me. He gave it to me the way I wanted, leaving my entire body burning hot with desire and love. But unfortunately my mother’s unexpected phone call nearly spoilt my mood, everything.
‘’yes disobey your mother this one night for me’’ Val pleaded, dropping a soft kiss on my lips. I trembled as I felt the hotness.
‘’what if she follows her threat and barges in here?’’ I asked curiously.
‘’do you think she can go that far?’’ he breathed with concern
‘’hmmmm I don’t know but her disdain for you could make her but don’t worry I will give her a call and talk to her’’ I suddenly promised, dialing mum’s number without hesitation. It was something I never planned doing but had to it if I was to spend the night with him.
————————————————————-
‘’why are you calling me?’’ mum harshly asked as soon as she picked my call.
‘’dear mum I have always given you the ultimate respect and admiration. Please don’t spoil tonight for me. Allow me to stay this one night with val. I’m an adult. I know what is good for me. By tomorrow I will be back in the house, you can deal with me, you can kill me, you can do anything to me but please allow me this one night to be with the man I love. Val is a good person. I beg of you mother’’ I desperately begged while she kept quiet for a while.
‘’so you are begging me to approve of this insanity?’’ she asked.
‘’yes mum I beg of you. It’s for my happiness; it’s for my well being. This is what I want. Don’t tell me you don’t understand how I feel right now, come on mum’’ I pleaded desperately.
‘’be home by 6am’’ she muttered and abruptly ended the call while I heaved a sigh of relief and smiled, holding Val tightly.
‘’let’s make love one more time’’ I demanded with all my heart.
——————————————-
Early the next day Val took me home and waited to meet my mum. It really was a pensive moment as we waited for her in the living room. It equally was a good opportunity of making her accept Val as part of the family. Seriously I really didn’t know why she disdained him so much. Val was a federal worker, young with good prospects and future, with every opportunity to build his own name and fortune, not like others who rolled with an inherited family name.
‘’are you okay’’ I softly asked him with a comforting smile.
‘’yes I’m fine, I just pray she doesn’t cut off my head’’ he breathed, smiling back while I playfully eyed him.
————————–
Mum soon walked into the sitting room with a frown on her face.
‘’Mr. Val, the agent sent to protect my daughter’s life but instead became the thief and stole her heart. Now you equally have taught her how to lie to everyone just to be with you’’ she muttered coldly, drawing out the deepest gasp from me.
‘’dear mum, I’m very much in love with your daughter and I promise to make her happy for the rest of her life. I will work day and night to provide all her needs. She will never lack a single thing’’ Val suddenly stood up to say, stunning me with his boldness which kind of impressed my mum. I noticed her face change.
‘’and how do you really plan in maintaining her lifestyle?. Can you take her to Dubai for shopping, to Paris for holidays and to London for childbirth huh?’’ she asked him
‘Mum!’’ I screamed
‘’mum all that matters is love. Money can’t happiness neither can it buy love. All I have is the love of Clara your daughter and that same love is equally what I’m offering her’’ Val calmly replied, leaving her speechless with his matured response.
‘’oh please that’s what you all say but at the end you see..’’ she tried to argue but I quickly cut her short by grabbing her hand.
‘’mum this is another opportunity to make things right for me. Charles is dead and gone for real so please stop this attitude you are trying to display. You and I know that Val is a good guy. He has a good future and a good heart. I want to be with him and no one else’’ I pushed on while she breathed deeply and shrugged in resignation.
‘’I hope you will stay for lunch?, the governor will like to talk with you, plus Vivian’s fiancée will equally be coming over. We are all going to have one big lunch’’ she softly said to Val, leaving a huge smile on my face.
‘’thank you mum’’ I breathed with great happiness.
———————–
Val’s side of the story continues
Facing off with Clara’s mum wasn’t as tough as I thought it would be. In fact Clara easily convinced her to accept me, kind of making everything very easy for me. I had to stay for lunch where I had a very cool chat with the governor who asked lots of prying questions. The old man was so inquisitive that I even feared he was going to ask if I had slept with his daughter. Luckily he never asked such a question.
‘’I’m happy for you guys, yes it reminds me of my youthful days when I had to beat every obstacle to marry Clara’s mother but nevertheless losing Charles cost me a lot. His father was a great political ally and now I have lost him plus many of his influential friends. I don’t think I will win my second re-election bid or any election in this state again’’ the old man muttered with a faint smile while Clara nervously pinched me.
Lunch with the governor was a huge success. I was officially welcomed into the family and yes I felt very great. I equally proposed to Clara that very evening in the presence of Vivian. My life was back on the right track.
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However just like Jennifer said, I was transferred to Abuja that same week, and yes I accepted the transfer with great happiness because I had feared I was going to be transferred to a remote northern state. Clara on her own part finally opened her good heart and made Jennifer her friend till this day.
Oh I forgot and our wedding which held three months after, was an event that left me totally stunned. To my surprise the governor and his wife sponsored the wedding to the last kobo, they even paid for our honeymoon to Paris. The only big thing I spent my money on was the traditional marriage rites. Vivian equally married a day after our white wedding and left for India the next day with her husband.
Five months later Clara got me a very handsome baby boy, the pride of our love, turning me to a very proud father.
Yes such a happy ending for everyone apart from Clara’s father who lost his second term election bid to a candidate from a smaller party and till today the old man is still answering lots of corruption charges with the EFCC.
Perhaps in 2019 he could be elected once again as Imo state governor.

THE END