A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday said it had intercepted two helicopters and 23 consignments of accessories illegally imported into the country. Mr Dan Ugo, a Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, told newsmen in Lagos that the two helicopters and accessories, valued at N9.7 billion, were impounded at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport. "The consignment was detained at SAHCOL cargo shed. Upon examination, the consignment was found to contain two civil models of Bell Helicopters 412 EP, with serial numbers 36608 and 36606. "The consignment also contains 23 packages of accessories, weighing 11,475kg," the customs boss said. He said that the two helicopters and other accessories were seized because the importer could not provide End User Certificate from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Ugo said that the importer had contravened Section 36 (2) of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004. According to him, the consignment, which was impounded on Nov. 7, 2016, had a Duty Paid Value of N9, 757,135,240.86. "This equipment was seized because the importer contravened the Customs Act. "The Comptroller General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, in appreciation of the roles of Air Force has directed that the equipment should be handed over to the Nigerian Air Force. "When we make seizures, we go through legal process by approaching the court of competent jurisdiction to file for condemnation and forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria, which had been done.
"This falls within the purview of the Nigerian Air Force which will put it to use maximally to protect us as a nation,'' Ugo said.
He called for continuous synergy between the customs and other government agencies for the safety and security of the nation. Ugo commended the customs officers who made the seizure and assured them of continued moral support from the customs service. Air Commodore Hyacinth Eze received the consignment on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar. Eze commended the Customs for a job well-done.
"The handing over of these helicopters by Nigerian Customs would go a long way to assist the force,'' he said.
Eze said that the actual physical examination of the consignment would be done at Nigerian Air Force Base. Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), MMIA command Comptroller Frank Allanah, said that the command generated N55.5 billion between January and December 2016, compared to N42.7 billion collected in the corresponding period of 2015. Allanah said that the N12.8 billion increase in revenue was recorded in spite of decline in cargo throughput from 76.9 metric tonnes in 2015 to 64.63 metric tonnes in 2016. He said that the command, in 2016, also made seizures of elephant tusks and foreign currencies.
Total average of 2,548GWH of energy was generated by 25 power stations in the country in the fourth quarter of 2016.
The report release by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Abuja on Friday indicated that Egbin Power Plant contributed about 12.47 per cent of the average energy generated in the period under review.
The report said that the generation from Egbin represented the highest generation among the 25 power plants.
According to the report, an average of 2,497GWH of energy was sent out as Okpai Power Plant recorded the highest percentage of 12.13 per cent of average energy sent out.
It reported that daily energy generation attained a peak of 3,859.59MW on Oct. 15, 2016, while daily energy sent out on same date was 3,798.16MW.
Similarly, the highest daily energy generated per hour attained a peak of 92,630MWH on Oct. 15, 2016 and daily energy sent out per hour on same date was 91,156 MWH.
It also indicated that, the lowest daily energy generation of 2,522MW in the fourth quarter of 2016 was attained on Oct. 28, 2016, while daily energy sent out on that date was 2,472 MW.
It stated that the lowest daily energy generation per hour was also attained on same date with 60,546 MWH generated and 59,328 MWH sent out.
In November 2016, daily energy generation attained a peak of 3,707.09MW on Nov.22, 2016, while daily energy sent out on same date was 3,644.86MW.
Similarly, the highest daily energy generated per hour in the month under review attained a peak of 88,970MWH, while daily energy sent out per hour on same date was 87,477,156 MWH.
The report showed that daily energy generation dropped to 2,685.26 on Nov. 24, 2016, while daily energy sent out on same date was 2,640.99MW.
In November, the lowest daily energy generation per hour was also attained on same date with 64,446 MWH generated and 63,384MWH sent out.
For December 2016, daily energy generation attained a peak of 3,197.03MW on Dec.1, 2016, while daily energy sent out on same date was 3,153.86.
According to the report, the highest daily energy generated per hour attained a peak of 76,729MWH on Dec. 1, 2016, while daily energy sent out per hour on same date was 75,693 MWH.
The report indicated that the lowest daily energy generation attained in December 2016 was 2,737.34, while the lowest daily energy of 2,691.70 sent out of 2,691.70 was attained on Dec.4.
It further reported that, the lowest daily energy generation per hour of 65,696 MWH was also attained on same date, while 64,601 MWH was sent out.
The High Court of Plateau State, Jos, presided over by Hon. Justice D.G. Mann, at Court No.3, has refused to hear an application for an order setting aside the entire results of all matches played in the last season, 2015/2016, of the NPFL, the top tier professional football league in Nigeria.
The Court made its position clear in its ruling delivered on Friday, 27th January, 2017. The application had been brought by the plaintiff in the case, who is contesting in court the decision of LMC to expel Giwa FC from the league for multiple infractions of the Rules of the League. The plaintiff claims that as a fan of Giwa FC his fundamental human rights have been injured by the decision of LMC, the manager and operator of the NPFL.
The Court upheld the arguments of LMC’s Counsel, Mr. Olumide Olujinmi, that the Court should decline to assume jurisdiction to hear the application because the parties to the suit are currently before the Court of Appeal on several appeals arising from the original suit and also that, the Court of Appeal has reserved its ruling after hearing arguments on the same issues now brought before the lower Court by way of the application.
After hearing counter arguments from Mr. Adzard Adzard, the Counsel to the plaintiff, Court had adjourned its ruling for delivery on 27th January, 2017.
The decision of the Court has no doubt avoided a potentially catastrophic situation for professional football in Nigeria, whose new season has started, in view of the fact that teams have been promoted to and relegated from the league based on last season’s result, which have been ratified by the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), the football governing body in Nigeria, at its Congress in December 2016, at Lagos.
The Supreme Court on Friday struck out a land suit filed by the Lagos State Government against the Federal Government.
The disputed land is No. 10 Gerald Road, Ikoyi, which the plaintiff had used as test case for many of such lands in Lagos.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Musa Muhammad held that the plaintiff lacked the standing to sue.
Muhammad also held that the suit lacked the strength to force the invocation of the original jurisdiction of the court to assert a title the plaintiff no longer had.
"It will be academic and hypothetical for the court to proceed on the matter. It never does.
"For the foregoing, defendant's preliminary objection which is well taken is hereby sustained and the plaintiff's action accordingly struck out.
"Parties are to bear their respective cost,'' the Judge said.
The parties are the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF-defendant) and Attorney-General of Lagos State (Plaintiff).
The Plaintiff took out a civil summons dated March 2011, invoking the original jurisdiction of the apex court against the defendant.
On Oct. 10, 2016, the AGF gave a notice of preliminary objection pursuant to Order 2 Rule 29 of the Supreme Court Rules 1999.
It also hinged the objection on Section 232(2) of the Constitution and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
The defendant had asked for order striking out the suit as it argued that the court lacked the requisite original jurisdiction to entertain it.
It also sought for an order striking out the suit as the plaintiff allegedly lacked the locus standi to institute the action.
The defendant had argued that the court could not exercise original jurisdiction in causes or matters purely on ownership of land.
The plaintiff having divested its interest in the subject matter of the suit, according to the defendant lacks the locus standi to institute the action.
On its part, the plaintiff sought a declaration that the acts of re-issuing of Certificate of Occupancy, granting of consent or exercising rights of ownership, control and management within Lagos by the defendant was illegal.
It sought for further declaration that defendant's consent was not required for the plaintiff to convey valid title to persons that acquired title through it.
The plaintiff sought for an order or perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from re-issuing of certificate of occupancy, demanding or granting consent.
It also asked for an order directing the defendant to account for all public revenues it had received from 1967 till date from its dealings with the plaintiff's lands within its territory.
The plaintiff further sought for an order setting aside all certificates of occupancy and consents issued by the defendant over the plaintiff's land, including No.10 Gerald Road Ikoyi.
The Lagos government also prayed for an order of rectification of the records of the defendant's land Registry, by expunging entries in respect of the plaintiff's land in the defendant's territory.
"It is evident that the foregoing that the dispute between the plaintiff and the defendant pertains to land.
"I agree with the plaintiff that by the combine effect of sections 1, 40 and 52(2) of the Land Use Act title to Federal and state lands are vested in the Federal and state governments.
"In the case at hand, where the plaintiff asserts interference with the title in lands under its management and controls by the defendant, a dispute between the two appears discernible to warrant invocation of the court's original jurisdiction.
"But that is not all, for this court has persisted on the principle that when a party's standing to sue is in issue, as it is in the instant case, caution must be taken.
" The question is whether the person whose standing is in issue is a proper party to request an adjudication of a particular issue and not whether the issue itself is justiceable.
"The strongest wicket of the defendant is that the plaintiff has failed to show, given the averments in its amended statement of claim that it has a standing to maintain the suit,'' Muhammad said.
He further said: "Plaintiff's real grouse, it is contended and rightly too, relates to the regularisation consent.''
"The defendant insists persons who acquired federal lands must obtain consent from it before title effectively vests in the transferees.
"Having transferred its titles in the lands to others, it is untenable for the plaintiff herein to assert that the very title that ceases to vest in it is adversely threatened by the defendant's interference,'' the judge held.
Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to cooperate with the state government to achieve their set goals.
The Governor made the call when the Board and Management of NDDC paid a him a courtesy call on Friday in Port Harcourt.
He also urged the commission to inform the government of its plans, adding that the two entities shared similar goals of delivering service to the people.
Wike said, ''It is not good to start fighting with the state government if you are sure what you want to do is to develop the state, '' he said.
He urged the commission not to fight the state government over the construction of road projects or on any other issue.
Wike said that no matter the political leaning of members of the board of the commission, they needed to cooperate with the government to achieve their aims.
The governor urged the board members of the commission to always let government know of contracts to be awarded to avoid duplication.
Wike further urged NDDC to be focused on its core mandate, in a bid to ensure quality delivery of service to the people of the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the board, Sen. Ndoma Egba, pledged to work with the state government and ensure cordial relationship with other state governments.
He urged the Rivers government to rescind its decision to revoke Certificate of Occupancy of the land given to it by the state government.
The chairman disclosed that the commission had a master plan since 2007, adding that the board would ensure its implementation.
He refuted rumours making rounds that it was the commission that sponsored the last election in the state in favour of the All Progressives Congress.
There is surely more looming troubles for Indian controversial courtesans, Kiran and Jyoti Matharoo famous as escorts for Nigeria’s rich and mighty as they failed to appear in court on Wednesday to continue a hearing on their lingering case."The two sisters alongside their Nigerian accomplice, Babatunde Oyebode a.k.a Baudex are in a messy trouble as they face charges of extortion, cyber-bullying and blackmail. The trio met their waterloo after trying to blackmail billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola
The case, with file no. A/203/2016, which is between the Lagos state commissioner of police and the 3 defendants following a petition filed to the police by Otedola, was called up at about 10:03 am on Wednesday.
Femi Otedola
Only Oyebode and his legal counsel showed up. Spotted in a brown blazer and black trousers, Oyebode briskly walked to the stand. When queried by the presiding judge, Justice E.A Ojo on the whereabouts of the girls, Oyebode quickly stated that he had no knowledge of their whereabouts
After his chat with court officials, Justice Ojo issued a bench warrant for the girls and placed an order for their sureties to show cause. Justice Ojo then filed for the case to be transferred to the Federal high court in Lagos.
The matter has been adjourned to the 1st of March 2017.
The absence of the ladies in court today has further fueled rumours that the two sisters allegedly fled Nigeria silently last week through the help of their high profile political clienteles. It is believed the sisters are still in possession of some digital copies of compromising pictures and videos of promiscuous businessmen and politicians discovered on laptops and iPads seized from them by the Nigerian police.
Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike said on Friday that the visit of the Primate of the Methodist Church of Cameroon, The Most Rev. Dr Alfred Ewube to Rivers was a blessing to the State.
Wike, who spoke when the Primate paid him a courtesy call, also commended the Church for its prayers, saying the prayers had accounted for the survival of the state.
He pledged the support and cooperation of the state government for all programmes of the church, but urged it not to relent in coming forward with its requests, any time there was the need.
''Government will always assist the Church; if not for the Church, we won't know where we would have been now,'' he said.
Earlier, Ewube had commended the Governor for the warm hospitality accorded him and his entourage, the good road networks and the numerous other developmental projects in the state.
The primate stated that it was the developmental strides of the governor that earned him the award of the Independent Newspapers as the Governor of the year and qualified him as the Jubilee Governor.
He also commended the Governor for the construction of an international chapel in the Government House and requested to names it, '' a Chapel of everlasting grace.''
Wealth is nothing if it cannot be used for the advancement of society and mankind. This age-long wise saying is not strange to Olori Wuraola, wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
As part of her efforts to put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged, Olori Wuraola is presently helping to draw attention to the plights of orphans and women, especially in the south west region of the country.
Her organization, the Olori Wuraola Orphan Aid Project, an initiative under The House of Oduduwa Foundation, is working hard to empower the less-privileged children in Nigeria, regardless of their cultural and religious affiliations.
•Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi
"The Orphan Aid Project is committed to helping orphaned children in the country. We want to help them fulfill their potential. We want to assist in the renovation of local orphanages and also provide food and supplies for orphans in rural areas of Nigeria and across Africa," Olori Wuraola said.
"Our Orphan Aid project is able to support these needy children through humanitarian aid and we take pleasure in putting smiles on the faces of the-less privileged by reaching out and showing love through a Giveback Concert slated for February 28th, 2017."
The concert is planned to create a medium where orphans in the country can have a sense of belonging. According to Olori Wuraola, the concert will also explore the gifts and talents embedded in the less- privileged children and expose them to opportunities that are capable of launching them into stardom in their various profession.
The funds realized from the concert would be used to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their structures, activities and programs designed to ensure adequate and proper care for orphaned children.
More than 20 orphanages are lined up to benefit from the proceeds, which she promised would be used to renovate such orphanages.
With performances from top Nigerian artists, including Cobhams Asuquo, 2face and Darey Art Alade among others, the concert is expected to be a talk-of-the-town for a long time.
Owner of upscale Cave Bar, Ikeja Lagos, Dr Shina Eddo has joined the growing league of top cooperate Nigerians who are fatherless, following the death of his late father, Pa Amos Ayo Eddo, timber magnate who died in Benin city, few month ago.
The 88 year old business man, an old boy of kings college, Lagos and school mate to late Chief Odumegwu Ojuhwu and Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was said to be celebrated by his contemporaries like late Chief Michael Ibru and late Alhaji Yinka Folawiyo, the Baba Adini of Musulumi of Nigeria for his glaring business acumen which may have robbed-off on his son, Shina CEO of Cave Bar, the biggest strip club in Africa.
Dr Eddo, who is poised to give his father a memorable burial, divulged that he would do everything humanly possible to record a befitting burial ceremony.
This, according to him, "is a duty his off-springs owe him. We are not kidding about it at all. We are set to bury him like the king we see him as".
His strong stance, may have found good explanation in the time, dedication and capital invested in the burial which have really given all concerned the high hopes expected.
The venue of the envisaged grand burial has been dusted for a hitch free frenzy carnival, many top socialist from all walk of life have been warming up to be part of.
No wonder the four days event which starts from February 2nd through 5th, will be rounded off with thanksgiving service at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church, Benin City, marking the end of this historic big do that have dominated discussions among Benin top social elite for quite some time.
An old-skool themed party to celebrate the 50th birthday of co-founder and director of Sahara Group, Tonye Cole was held recently. The event which took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Friday, had in attendance top dignitaries from all sectors of the Nigerian high society including an assortment of Nigeria's leading businessmen, bankers, politicians and socialites.
•Tonye Cole and wife
Many people were simply thrilled by the lavish celebration as he attained the golden age of 50. The party had people rocking fashion from the 70s till the 90s, from afro wigs to flared pants and more. The theme of the party was "Old School-Bringing the 70s Back". It was a classy birthday party that had an array of the best and most expensive assorted wines in stock.
Some of the faces at the birthday party include; Rotimi Amaechi, Banke Meshida-Lawal, Lanre DaSilva-Ajayi, Mo Abudu, Adebola Williams, Kate Henshaw, Timi Dakolo, Cobhams Asuquo, and many others.
Expectedly, the Sahara Energy's co-founder was visibly excited and appreciative of the large turnout and display of love and goodwill towards him by his friends, family and business associates and he minced no words in acknowledging that.
Wife of the President, Her Excellency Mrs. Aisha M. Buhari has commended the activities of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their global interventions to improve the well-being and livelihood of the poorest people in the world. She made the commendation while receiving Mrs. Melinda French Gates, the Co-chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, who paid her a visit at the State House recently.
Aisha Buhari and Melinda Gate
Mrs. Buhari spoke on the need to have stronger support from the foundation as well as more productive and enduring partnerships with relevant bodies in Nigeria to implement reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH).
Mrs. Melinda Gates expressed her satisfaction with Her Excellency's Future Assured programme for the way it is touching the lives of the poor and vulnerable in the society, and said efforts like these count in the individual lives of the beneficiaries of the programme.
Also present at the meeting held in Aso Rock were; wife of the senate president Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Hon. Minister Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Sen. Lanre Tejuosho, Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Monsurat Sumonu, Sen. Binta Maci Garba and some governors' wives.
Following the industrial dispute between the management of ENL and the Dock workers which has led to the parties taking the matter to court, the Lagos State House of Assembly through its Chairman, Committee on Establishment, Mr. Dayo Famakinwa has pleaded with them to consider out of court settlement.
The House made the appeal when feuding parties as well as management of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA were invited to appear before the House over the allegation that the employers refused to pay workers for 10years.
According to the spokesman for the Dock workers, Mr. Gerald "over 688 workers have left the job since 2015 after they were seriously beaten while demanding for their long overdue salary". He claimed that they were thereafter invited to a military zone and given a token of N350,000 for 10years of hard work.
Public relations officer of NIMASA, Mrs. Oluyemisi stated that part of the responsibilities of the agency is registration of maritime workers and seafarers and that in a bid to protect the interest of both parties several meeting have been held with the two parties.
Famakinwa emphasized that the House of Assembly wants to mediate between the dock workers and their employers and appealed to then to withdraw the case from the court of law and settle the issue amicably.
Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has issued a Seven-Day ultimatum to owners and occupants of two buildings identified to be seriously distressed beyond control and redemption at Oyingbo in Mainland Local Government Area, LGA of the state.
The state government, while directing occupants to vacate the buildings, cited structural failure and imminent building collapse as reason for the order.
The spokesperson of the Ministry, Mr. Shina Odunuga, who disclosed this to newsmen Wednesday, explained that a Contravention and Quit Notice were served by the Monitoring and Enforcement Department of the Ministry, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABCA, on two buildings located at No. 27 and 31 Oloto Street, Ebute- Metta, following defects which could culminate in imminent collapse.
According to Odunuga, during an on-the-spot inspection of the buildings by the ministry's Technical Services Department, TSD, it was noticed that the physical structures of the two buildings were failing and the entire structures dilapidated and therefore unfit for human habitation.
Residents of Lagos have cried out over the health implications of heaps of refuse that have taken over the city of Lagos. There is hardly any place in Lagos, where there are no heaps of refuse with offensive odour oozing out making passers-by cover their noses as they passed
Several communities in the state such as Ilaje, Sangotedo, Awoyaya, and Abijo on the Island have been defaced with refuse. In Ilaje bus-stop, at the BRT terminal, the sight of refuse there was appalling. The situation in Sangotedo, Corner bustop, Abijo was not different.
Likewise in Mainland, between Orile and Mile 2, there was hardly a place where refuse dump was not sighted. So also were Amuwo-Odofin, Ikotun, Coconut, Berger Cement, Apapa, Ajegunle, Okokomaiko, Alaba, and Iyana-Iba to mention a few.
Some residents of Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government Area accused the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) of refusing to evacuate refuse from their areas and expressed fear that it could lead to an outbreak of communicable diseases like cholera.
refuse dump at Orile
A school teacher, Mr John in Ajah area of Lagos told Vanguard that the dirty environment could endanger residents' lives if nothing was done as soon as possible. "It is so disturbing; everywhere is littered with heaps of refuse. Unfortunately, after the Christmas break, the refuse had not been cleared", he said. Also, a businessman in Orile, Ike James, lamented that refusal to evacuate the wastes has degenerated to a sorry situation.
Reacting, Head of Public Affairs of LAWMA, Mr. Lanre Bajulaiye, said that many factors were responsible for the problem. According to him, "one of the reasons was the carry over of the yelutide period. Secondly, many people were carrying out renovation of their homes and therefore did not want to have dirt around them, they wanted to discard the old things and bring new ones.
"The PSP operators that were supposed to go into the streets to cart away dirt and take it to the dump sites are also not doing want they are supposed to do. So, residents decided to take their refuse to the highways with the excuse that the PSP were not coming. Some of the residents also refused to pay LAWMA bill.
He however assured that, the authority was doing its best to ensure that all the streets and highways in Lagos were cleared of wastes that had been dumped indiscriminately. "I can assure you that within the next 48hours, all the refuse-dumps would be cleared", he said.
At one of my women's meetings during the Christmas holiday, I was not surprised when the discussion suddenly took a turn away from the agenda and into something rather personal. This often happens at most women's gatherings. Someone drops an information and then we find ourselves diving into our archives of experiences as we let our hairs down to share and compare notes.
Most call it gossip, but that far from the truth. There are lessons to learn from, shoulders to cry on and hearts full of compassion to encourage and cheer you on at these gatherings most of the time. Of all the stories, I was most fascinated by the account I am sharing with you today. What would you do if after an eleven year courtship, your fiance dumps you for the daughter of his boss?
As a man, what would inform your decision on who to marry should two ladies become pregnant for you at the same time? Everyone was held spellbound as Ronke, poured out her heart. I went home drained of emotions as I marveled at man's inhumanity to one another. Indeed, love is a battle out there and it might take more than a good heart to win.
"It's difficult to believe that after 11 years of courtship, I will be raising my child on my own. I have never felt so disappointed in myself or with life like I did when it happened. In fact, up until Remilekun was about three years old, I couldn't bring myself to really love my child the way I do now.
Each time I looked at her, I saw something of him in her and the hatred and hurt I felt for her father would come rushing back and I just won't feel like holding her not to mention loving her. I am only too glad that she's a girl and not a boy. Perhaps, I would have left the child at the hospital had it been a male. Now it's better for me.
Almost fifteen years have rolled by and I've been coping very well with my life. I have a job, a family, my friends and most of all, my lovely daughter who is doing great. So, when I think about it now, all those 11 years were not wasted after all. Without the years, I wouldn't have had my daughter.
I met Bolu at a literary and debating event. We were both in Senior Secondary, SSS2 and had been part of the teams that represented our schools at events. The relationship did not however begin until we both left Secondary School. Almost everyone thought we were a perfect match.
Though not from the same State, our towns were close. But for boundary demarcations, we could just be from the same place. Though we both lived in Lagos, we were not really Lagos people in the real sense of it. We both lived with relatives in Lagos and had our roots and families firmly planted in our native towns. In other words, it will not be incorrect to say we were in Lagos in pursuit of a better life.
Unfortunately, I never knew that Bolu's quest for his, would be my downfall. Our love burned like a house on fire. None of our friends who met at about the same time we did, had relationships that lasted as ours, and many used to envy our dedication and devotion to each other.
The relationship continued into our University days. He went to Nsukka while I was in Lagos, but despite the distance, the relationship continued. We would only meet during the holidays. During the period, nothing or no-one could separate us. Not even when we visited our parents back in the villages. We would always plan to go back there at the same time, so we could continue seeing each other.
It was all worked out between us, that we were going to get married eventually. He did date a few girls on the side. At least, I knew about two of his affairs, though he would always deny them fervently. But the knowledge didn't hurt so badly because it was clear that I was highly preferred and respected above all of them. Besides, I only had eyes for him and wanted nothing else than to eventually be his wife.
After our graduation, I managed to pick a teaching job with the Lagos State Government almost immediately, while he was still searching for the perfect job. In fact, he was also contemplating going for a Masters degree if he did not get his choice job on time. Things were still better in the country than they are now. There was money and though he didn't ask, I would buy him gifts freely just because I could afford them.
He finally secured a job with a communications outfit in Lagos. It's one of the well established ones and he had good prospects too. It was only natural that our next project should be making plans towards our wedding. Since he had always insisted that his dream was to be able to provide everything for his wife and children, the first step was to secure an apartment, which we did in Ikeja area of Lagos. I can't start recounting how much of my own money went into setting up the place, even though he paid for it.
Where do I start from? Is it the plates or cutleries? Name any kitchen utensil you can think of, I bought it. The kitchen is always the major concern of a woman as you must know and I spent a lot on what I assumed would be mine. Despite the fact that my uncle didn't like my spending the night away from home, he would sometimes allow me to spend the weekend with him since they all knew we were going to get married eventually.
After just a year in the company, mother luck seemed to shine on him and he was made Personal Assistant to the Managing Director. His job profile included travelling outside the state or country and we were overjoyed at this. For me, everything was perfect.
It was in the course of the job that he met the MD's daughter. This woman is even older than him oh. According to the stories that filtered to me at the time, it was the lady that threw herself at him. Being quite old at that time, she was desperate to hook any stray guy that came her way. Unfortunately, mine caught her attention for whatever reason she had.
She had returned home from England where she'd gone to study, to join her father's company. The old man was said to be grooming her to take over the company, and so, she was also working directly in his office and under Bolu's supervision. They must have started sleeping together during the course of working hours or thereabout. And I did not know anything until it was too late.
As fate would have it, I discovered I was pregnant. I was overjoyed because after our "little mistake" during our undergraduate years, I had not experienced such a thing until then. At a point, I had even began regretting our decision but he'd assured me that everything would be alright. So, I was really surprised when I did not see the reaction I was expecting when I broke the news to him one evening.
It was when I told him that I was going to keep the baby since we would be getting married anyway, that I saw that he was really troubled. To me, the pregnancy would only make things happen but he was obviously not as happy as I thought he should be. He seemed scared and confused, mumbled something I could not understand and I did not see him for the next two weeks. I had to go and fish him out of his hide-out, when I couldn't stand the suspense anymore.
Still, he refused to start making plans towards our wedding like I thought he should. Then, he told me he was not ready for marriage yet and that we must abort the baby and wait a little longer. Over my dead body, I told him and a serious quarrel erupted. And though I was so scared and ashamed to tell my uncle or my parents about the development, I was determined to keep the baby and marry him.
Then one day, he invited me out, together with a close friend of his whom I had known for almost as long as we'd been dating. He then tabled his troubles before me. He told me that he'd met another girl and that the girl was also expecting his child. He said the girl had already informed her parents and they had summoned him for questioning.
He was sorry as he had already given them his consent that he would marry their daughter, and that plans were already on by the family towards the wedding. He said he was sorry he could not go back to inform them that he was no longer interested as the lady was his boss' daughter and his job would be on the line. I couldn't believe it. I wanted to ask several questions, but I could only ask if his own family were aware and he answered yes. I just got up and took a taxi home.
And though he kept calling, it was to know if I'd made up my mind on what to do next. I kept to my guns too and told my parents what was happening. When they summoned him, he turned it into a quarrel, declaring that he would have nothing to do with the child if I kept it. His declaration made me only more rigid, like a rebellion, I told him to go to hell.
They got married and it wasn't until after the wedding that his mother deemed it fit to seek me out. She'd heard I was in town and had come to apologise to my parents and to acknowledge my pregnancy, but in anger, my parents told her not to come around again. They've had two other children now while I live with my daughter as a single parent.
Over the years, he'd offered to assist with the bills and contribute to her upkeep, but I have always turned him down. When my daughter is old enough to understand, I hope to tell her everything. If she finds it possible to forgive him, then she can. But for me, he will forever remain an enemy." Hmm!
ABUJA- KOGI State Executive Council, Leaders, Stakeholders, Elders and members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Friday passed a vote of no confidence on Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, saying that his one year in office has brought unprecedented hardship, agony, impoverishment to the people of the state, just as they stressed that the state is at the moment, sick.
Addressing Journalists in Abuja on behalf of the Stakeholders, party Executive and Elders of the APC, Senator Dino Melaye, APC kogi West said that the political leaders of the State have given governor Yahaya Bello 4 weeks ultimatum to reconcile the on-going staff audit in the state with the realities on the ground.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned that Nigerians should be beware of new tactic adopted by suicide bombers in the North East.
DHQ in a statement on Friday said that female suicide bombers are now evading detection from security operatives by carrying babies on their back.
The DHQ in the statement signed by Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, Acting Director Defence Information, appealed to members of the public to be patient and cooperate with the military and other security agencies while carrying out thorough security search and checks as the essence is to nip in the bud the murderous intention of the Boko Haram suicide bombers.
He said ”female suicide bombers are now evading detection from security operatives by carrying babies on their back, that ordinarily pass them for innocent nursing mothers. The two recent suicide bomb attacks in Madagali, Adamawa State are instructive in this regard.
‘The DHQ wishes to seize this opportunity to appeal to members of the public to be patient and cooperate with the military and other security agencies while carrying out thorough security search and checks as the essence is to nip in the bud the murderous intention of the Boko Haram suicide bombers.
‘The DHQ wishes to state further that the usual traffic "go-slow" at military and security check points as a result of rigorous security checks are not meant to cause public discomfort or a deliberate action to induce traffic disruptions on our roads, but an effort put in place towards protecting the lives and properties of our innocent citizens.
‘Members of the public are therefore urged to always volunteer useful information to the military and other security agencies that would assist in exposing Boko Haram and their evil machinations in our society and to make our communities safe and secure for all to live.
The Supreme in Abuja on Friday dismissed a suit filed by the Federal Government challenging the Land Regularisation Policy of the Lagos State Government.
A seven-man panel of the apex court, in a ruling, upheld the preliminary objection filed by the State Government to contest the legality of the suit.
By the policy, the State Government had specified the process of ratifying the title of holders of Certificates of Occupancy said to have been obtained from the Federal Government.
But the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) represented by Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), had in a suit with reference number SC/50/ 2011, invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to challenge provisions of the policy.
While arguing the case, Agbakoba had cited particular properties where title holders were required by Lagos State to pay certain amount as “Ratification” of their title before any other transactions can be permitted on such land.
But by way of a preliminary objection, the State Government raised objection to the effect that the Supreme Court could not exercise original jurisdiction in the matter, reason being that the subject matter was a land matter within the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court.
The office of the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, also argued that the AGF lacked the locus to file the action on behalf of the Federation against the State Government on account of the fact that the matter in dispute was between Federal Government and the Lagos State Government.
The arguments of the State was said to have been based on a recent judgment of the Supreme Court delivered in 2014 where the apex court held that disputes between a State Government and the Federal Government cannot be arrogated to the Federation of Nigeria in order to cloak the Supreme Court with Jurisdiction to hear same.
After considering arguments for and against the suit, the Supreme Court in its ruling delivered by Justice Clara Ogunbiyi held that although it did not agree that it could not entertain the matter in its original jurisdiction, but from available evidence, the Federal Government had divested itself of the titles to properties which were subject of the suit and therefore had no locus to bring the action.
The preliminary objection of the State Government was therefore upheld and the suit dismissed.
By the decision, the Supreme Court has now laid the dispute to final rest.
Minna – Sheik Sule Atitogo, Chief Imam of Unguwar Gwari Central Mosque on Friday, called on Nigerians to pray for the safe return of President Mohammed Buhari.
TAtitogo was speaking during the Friday sermons at the Mosque.
" Nigerians should develop the habit of praying for their leaders for God's guidance in ensuring good democratic government.
"Nigerians should ignore comments by rumour mill and pray for the president.
"God has a reason for creating us with different tribes, background, ethnic and religious differences.
"We must be seen to be tolerant with one another for peace, progress and political stability of our country,'' he said.
He also called on Nigerians to support the effort of security agencies by coming forward with useful information that could lead to the arrest and prosecutions of miscreant in the society.
