Enugu PDP: Aja can’t be acting chairman – Lawyer

Vice Chairman of Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder David Aja, has been asked to stop parading himself as the acting chairman, following an earlier order of an Enugu High Court.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had, on Tuesday, ruled that Elder David Aja should assume the position of acting chairman of the Enugu State PDP until the election of a new chairman.
Reacting to the court’s ruling, a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Charlie Agbo of Okechukwu Agbo and Co, said Aja could not be acting chairman of the state PDP because an Enugu High Court had earlier declared Chief Ikeje Asogwa the acting chairman of the state chapter of the party.
In a statement, Agbo said the ruling of the Abuja court on Aja could not hold because it had the same power as the Enugu High Court, which had earlier decided the matter in favour of Asogwa.
According to him, only a pronouncement by a superior court could overturn the earlier decision.
His words: “On November 7, 2014, Justice A. R. Ozoemena of the Enugu State High Court issued an injunction restraining Elder David Aja from parading himself as the acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State pending the determination of an action before his court. The matter, number E/439/2014, Chief Ikeje Asogwa V. David Aja led to the ex-parte order. The motion on notice was argued on November 14, 2014 and was adjourned to November 28, 2014 for ruling.
“On October 31, 2014, the State Executive Committee of the Enugu State chapter of the PDP, pursuant to Section 24(4) of the party’s constitution, elected Ikeje Asogwa the acting chairman of the party. This fact forms a substantial part of the matter before Justice Ozoemena of the Enugu State High Court which is still pending.”
“The Enugu State High Court is of coordinate jurisdiction with the Federal High Court. The implication of this is that until there is a pronouncement by the Enugu State High Court presided over by Justice Ozoemena, Elder David Aja cannot assume the chairmanship of the Enugu State chapter of the party. To do so, will be in contempt of the order of the Enugu State High Court.”
On what should be done, the lawyer warned Aja not to fall foul of contempt of court by parading himself as acting chairman of the Enugu PDP.

Read More

Abia guber: Otti pledges to abolish non-natives policy

A governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured residents of the state that if elected, his administration will abolish the non-natives policy

Addressing party faithful from the 17 local government areas of the state on Tuesday during a reception organised in his honour by the leadership of the party at the APGA’s state secretariat in Umuahia, Otti described the policy as criminal, adding that before the state was created, Abia was part of Imo State as well as old eastern region. He assured that all residents would be treated equally.
According to him, non-indigenes of Abia State contributed to the development of the state and therefore must be regarded as stakeholders to ensure justice, equity and fairness.
“If you go to Aba today and take census of the people who have huge investments in the city, you would be amazed that the indigenous Aba people would be in the minority. That is how it is in major cities across Nigeria,’’ he said.
The APGA gubernatorial aspirant also used the opportunity of the event to inform members of the party that he and his team, Abia First, were not coming into the party to assume control of the structures already established by them, but to find ways of strengthening it.
He also informed the gathering that he left his plum job at Diamond Bank to deliver Abia from 16 years of locust and cankerworm infestations.
Assuring party faithful that the task of transforming Abia though quite daunting, yet it is a possibility that could be achieved by tested and trusted hand who had the integrity to get genuine support from national and international organisations without putting the citizenry under bondage.
“My convictions in pursuing this project to its logical conclusion lies in the fact that God is sending me and also has directed my path to find the money to carry out a surgical operation in all areas of concern of my people in Abia State and I believe that because He that is in us is greater than he that is with opposing forces, our victory is assured,’’ he said
On the insinuation that he may decamp to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after winning election, Otti dismissed such insinuation, saying his thirst to accomplish his vision for Abia on the platform of APGA dated back to two years when he participated in the burial arrangements of the late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu.
He explained that pitching his tent in APGA was essentially to come back home, saying every Igbo man was APGA by heart. According to him, the party remained a movement, consciously established for the emancipation of Nigerians.
While admonishing APGA members in the state to close ranks and work like a team, he pledged to accommodate shades of opinion on how to build a formidable party that would not only win the 2015 elections, but also become a reference movement for the deliverance of free society.
Earlier, the state Chairman of APGA, Prince Onapuruagu Ukaegbu, described Dr. Otti as the biblical David sent by God to rescue Abians from hopelessness and neglect spanning over 15 years.

Read More

2015: ‘PDP, Jonathan’ll sweep South West’

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the lawmaker representing Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency, Chief Abiodun Akinlade, has reiterated the superior posture of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, South West and the country at large, saying that the party is on a good stead to replicate its 2003 feat in the zone.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, the third term lawmaker noted that the people of the South West had tolerated and had enough of the opposition, adding that the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 would be a good thing for the PDP, as it would consolidate the transformation of the country.
Akinlade, a governorship aspirant of the PDP in Ogun State said with the influx of strong politicians into the party from the zone, the PDP was on its way to a landslide in the South West.
“The influence and achievements of the PDP as well as the personal demeanour of President Jonathan, will garner votes for the PDP to cruise to victory in Ogun, the South West and other parts of the country. The truth is that the PDP is the strongest party in the land and we have a pact and relationship with the citizens,” he said.
Dispelling insinuation from some quarters that he was working secretly with the opposition in the state, the House Committee Chairman on Science and Technology, described it as unfounded.
sheer blackmail and wicked in every sense, adding that he remains committed to the PDP and his loyalty is never in doubt at any point.

Read More

Kanu, Shofoluwe, 15 others for Euro training

The line with its decision to improve the quality of coaching, match –reading and ultimately improve the fortunes of the National Teams, the NFF has approved a 2-week intensive training program for about 17 members of the football family.

Decision to this effect was as a result of the adoption of a proposal by the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, to sponsor 17 persons on a two –week, intensive training programme in the United Kingdom.
Former Super Eagles captains, Austin jay jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu top the list which also include coaches Sam John Obuh, Isa Ladan Bosso, Shaibu Amodu, Salisu Yusuf, Paul Aigbogun, Kelechi Emeteole and David Ngodigha.
Others are Edema Fuludu, Yisa Sofoluwe, Garba Lawal, Dahiru Sadi, Siji Lagunju, Ann Chiejine, Florence Omagbemi and Garba Musa.
On October 16, 2014, the NFF had sacked Stephen Keshi as national team coach. The NFF had proposed to send Keshi and his backroom staff on courses anywhere in the world but this was aborted by the presidential order which reinstated Keshi.
Meanwhile, the executive committee has set up a technical study group which will be focused on getting talented Nigerian players into the developmental Leagues for the purpose of creating a pool of future Super Eagles’ players.
The group which headed by former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha is to work hard at getting more Nigeria –born footballers in Europe to commit to representing fatherland. Members of the group are Benedict Akwuegbu, Celestine Babayaro, Michael Obiku, Darlington Omodiagbe, Finidi George, Taribo West, Tijani Babangida, Kashimawo Laloko, Henry Nwosu, Peter Rufai, Dominic Iorfa, Nwankwo Kanu, Dahiru Sadi, Gbenga Ogunbote, Mutiu Adepoju, Florence Omagbemi, Mercy Akide-Udoh, Ann Chiejine, Eucharia Uche, Salisu Yusuf, Alloy Agu and Benedict Iroha.

Read More

We took South Africa for granted, Keshi confesses

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has admitted his team took the Bafana Bafana of South Africa for granted.

Keshi told fifa.com that it was sad that his boys took the South Africans for granted believing they had nothing to for.

The out-of-contract coach put the blame squarely on the shoulders of his players for taking South Africa too lightly in a match they needed to win to qualify for the tournament finals, to be held in Equatorial Guinea.
“Maybe we took South Africa for granted and we paid dearly for this,” said the coach, who was only reinstated to his post last month after being sacked by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The Super Eagles finished a disappointing third in Group A on eight points despite a 2-2 draw against South Africa on Wednesday night in the southern town of Uyo. The failure to qualify mirrored the disappointment when Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 tournament hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
The scorer of Nigeria’s two goals, Sone Aluko, said the whole team was devastated. “I am disappointed, everybody is disappointed,” said the Hull City forward. “We did not get the result we wanted and we now have to pick ourselves up as a team.”
The NFF said in a statement that they would shoulder the blame but believed the country would bounce back from the setback. “The NFF takes full responsibility for what has happened,” said the body’s president, Amaju Pinnick. “It is a tragedy for us to come so near and yet fail to reach the finals.
“We made so much effort and sacrifice in Congo to achieve the victory we needed there on Saturday and really had no business bungling it here. This is a disappointment but for us, we gave it our best shot and supported the team fully. This is a dark moment but we will emerge into sunshine shortly.”
Former Nigeria skipper Segun Odegbami said he was shocked and that South Africa, who had a poor head-to-head record against Nigeria, must now be taken a lot more seriously. “We have always taken South Africa for granted, believing we can have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but they have now shown us that this is an end of era,” he said.

Read More

Don’t disband Eagles now! –Ike Uche

Nigeria and Villarreal striker, Ike Uche has called on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF not to disband the Super Eagles owing to the team’s inability to qualify for the AFCON 2015 holding in Equatorial Guinea.

Uche’s plea is coming on the heels of disenchantment by the teeming followers of the Super Eagles who got heartbroken Wednesday night following the 2-2 draw against South Africa at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium.
He said rather than disband the team, the NFF should look at ways of strengthening the team and organising international friendly matches that would see the team active despite not qualifying for the AFCON 2015.
“The game is over and our target eluded us and we’re saddened by the fact that we won’t be in Equatorial Guinea. It’s really sad that we failed but like many would expect the team to be disbanded, I want to plead with the NFF not to do so. We still have some experienced players that are still useful to the team. Of course there is also the need to bring in some players,” he said. Speaking on the match aboard Discovery Airlines which flew the team to and from the match in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, Uche said the team simply had a bad day.
“Nothing was working for us and we played badly too despite fighting back from 2-0 down to equalise 2-2. The South Africans came out fighting and from the way they played, it was obvious they were here for a win. We didn’t expect them to play the way they did haven already qualified for the AFCON 2015. The Bafana Bafana boys were very mobile on the pitch and gave us a tough time.”
He admitted that the Eagles had the opportunity of putting the game beyond the South Africans in the first 20 minutes of the game but did not convert the chances until it was too late.
On his long absence from the team before re-joining for the last two games against Congo Brazaville and South Africa, the Spain based striker said he gives glory to God for making a return to the team and thanked Nigerians for the confidence they have in him.
“I can’t say anything about my absence from the team but I’m glad to be back. I thank God, the coach and Nigerians generally. I came to play for my country and will be willing and ready anyday to serve my fatherland.”

Read More

AFCON 2015: NFF sorry over Eagles failure

The leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF on Wednesday apologised to the federal government of Nigeria and Nigerians in general for the failure of the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the final of the AFCON 2015 holding in Equatorial Guinea in January.

In a communique made available to the Daily Sunsports by NFF’s Assistant Director (Communications), Ademola Olajire,   at the end of the executive committee meeting held at the Venus Hotel & Suites in Uyo, Wednesday night stated that NFA Chairman, Amaju Pinnick, apologised not qualifying for the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea. The Board resolved collectively to accept full responsibility for the mishap and called for patience and understanding of Nigerians while it pursued the cause of building a sustainable football culture for the country, and also work hard at engineering a resurgence of the National Teams through well –thought programmes and processes.
The Super Eagles, who are the reigning African champions played 2-2 draw with visiting South Africa in a must win match on Wednesday.
The inability of the Super Eagles to qualify meant that they would not be able to defend the title they won in 2013.
“The NFA takes full responsibility for what has happened. It is a tragedy for us to come so near and yet fail to reach the finals.
“We made so much effort and sacrifice in Congo to achieve the victory we needed there on Saturday and really had no business bungling it here,” it stated.
It stated that NFA’s desire was to build a sustainable football culture in the country, but expressed regrets that nothing had changed.
“This, though is a disappointment, but for us, we gave it our best shot and supported the team fully,” Pinnick was quoted as saying to NAN. He, however, expressed optimism that Wednesday’s failure could turn out to be blessing in disguise.
“All things work together for good for those that love God. “This has happened but we believe it will work together for us to toil hard and achieve a renaissance that will take Nigeria football to much higher heights than it has ever been.
“I use this opportunity to thank the Akwa Ibom State Government for all the support they gave the team and the assistance they offered the NFA.

Read More

Power tussle tears Anambra market leaders apart

Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, a commercial city, has been thrown into crisis following the emergence of two parallel groups laying claims to the leadership of the market association.

Trouble started when a group started imposing levy and collecting money from traders in the market.
The chairman Bridge Head Market Traders Association, Chief Ambrose O. Osakwe, said there was an agreement with the state government following the appointment of a caretaker committee “to reconcile the various factions under the umbrella market association, and prepare grounds for an election before the expiration of our tenure. It was also to ensure the collection/payment and remittance of all government revenues into the designated accounts of Anambra State in the banks. But a group has been causing confusion everywhere in the market.
“This group is being sponsored by those who don’t want peace for Governor Willie Obiano. Government appointed me and my committee members when the tenure of the previous caretaker committee expired on July 1, 2014. The government through the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Ifeatu Onejeme, appointed us on July 18, 2014. When our tenure expired on October 17, 2014, government renewed our tenure to January 17, 2015 when the election will take place.”
Osakwe informed that trouble began when another faction who according him, hid under the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the association to operate. He said the group also fixed another date for election of the union as government has stipulated the date of the election on January 17, 2015.
According to the appointment letter, Onejeme stated that the appointment was due to the inability of the various mini-unions to conduct elections into the main umbrella body of the association. He said the committee “shall be in office for further three months as election comes up on January 17, 2015.
“The state government, acting through this ministry, reserves the sole right to terminate the tenure of office if this committee is found wanting in the discharge of its responsibilities and to extend its tenure should exigencies so demand.”
When contacted, president of Anambra State Market and Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, accused the group of working against the union. He recalled that he had severally warned him (Ozigbo) to steer clear from the activities of the association, adding that any interested groups or persons should wait till January 17, 2015:
“Ambrose Osakwe is the authentic caretaker committee chairman for now, pending when the union will conduct election on January 17, 2015. It is only after the election that the new chairman will emerge. The market is not owned by any individual or groups, but a government institution.”
He warned that traders making payment to such mischievous group are doing that at their own risk as government will not be answerable to such loss.

Read More

Culture clash as Igbinedion’s granddaughter weds Sam Oni’s son

The Esama of Benin, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion must be one of the happiest grandfathers in the land. Only weeks back, he witnessed the wedding of his pretty granddaughter, Benita, who is the daughter of Peter, his son. Even as the high society is still talking about the classy Lagos wedding, the Igbinedion family hosted the traditional marriage of yet another of his grandchildren.

On Monday, Ehi, the brilliant daughter of former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion began her journey into matrimony with fellow doctor, Femi Oni. The father of the groom, a former director with the Central Bank of Nigeria, High Chief Sam Oni led his family and a coterie of friends to the palatial Abuja home of the Esama of Benin. At the imposing mansion known as ‘The Signature House’, the Igbinedions showed uncommon solidarity as they hosted their in-laws, ensuring that everything went according to plan. The Igbinedion brothers, Peter, Fred, Bright and Mike, who was the Master of Ceremony at the event, were all on hand to support the father of the bride, whom they described as their role model.
Though, a brief ceremony, it was also one that saw the rich Benin culture blend beautifully with the much-admired Yoruba tradition. At the end of proceedings, the Esama formally welcomed the bridegroom into his family, with the advice that he treats his wife with love and care. “Now, you can come into the Igbenedion house through the front door,” he said. It was a private event, yet a number of dignitaries graced the occasion. They included former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, former Kogi State governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, Pacesetters Academy founder, Chief Lucky Imusuagbon, High Chief Peter Ojemen, former Minister of Information, Dr. Walter Ofonagoro, and Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Dayo Keshi.

Read More

MBGN Anne Banner in love contest with Flavour’s baby mama

Those who follow the lives of the rich and famous are now talking about the love triangle, which has as main players, immediate past Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), Anne Banner, singing sensation, Flavour Nabaina, and a largely unknown Onyinye. Anne, like another equally gorgeous damsel, Big Brother Africa winner, Dillish Mathews, has been linked with the handsome musician.

While Dilish played coy by saying that she only agreed to be in the hunky artiste’s Ikwokirikwo video, both the ex-beauty queen and Onyinye tweeted that they were the inspiration for Flavour’s love songs.
The reactions to the tweets from Anne who is gradually stepping into acting and the mystery lady have been varied. Suffice it to say that a former Delta Soap model, who has a child for the ‘Ada Ada’ singer, is not involved in this public contest for who inspires the artiste most.

Read More

Courage is a vital tool in governance -Obasanjo

Have you ever failed in your life before sir?
There is no human being on earth, no matter how long your string of success may be, who will not have certain areas where he or she must have thought he or she has not done well as expected. I contested for Secretary General of the United Nations and did not win. I don’t know what then failure is if not such. Then my international friends thought that if you wanted to change the world, the UN must be one of the instruments to bring about a new international order. I was with them in a group that we call interaction council of former heads of government, and one day they just said to me, look, we are here discussing annually about what we can do to change the world, shouldn’t we get one of us to take on this assignment of Secretary General of the United Nations? And they said to me, ‘we consider you appropriate for the position.’
Initially, I refused, but they insisted and went further to write to people including my own head of government then. The long and short of it was that the attempt was made, but I did not succeed.
Before the voting, one of the veto powers in the UN saw the Nigerian permanent representative and said: “Oh, you Nigerians are funny a lot, isn’t you?”
The Nigerian permanent representative asked him what he meant? He said it was in respect to the Secretary General of the UN. The Nigerian permanent secretary replied that we were serious about it. The man told us that although the office is the office of a Secretary General, they wanted the Secretary not the General (laughter). It was then I knew what my fate would be. I got two veto votes even when one was enough. So, that made me a distinguished failure.
When you were the President, you took the bull by the horn and most people yelled due to the pain. Did you feel any element of fear then?
Well, it depends on what you mean by elements of fear. Any human beings who does not fear God…
Apart from God, sir…
The fear of God must be in any human being and I have the fear of God and respect for human beings too. I worship my God and I fear God. Having said that, I believe no matter the high position you are holding, whether public or private, diplomatic or whatever, that you must be guided by certain principles. After all, when you are managing human affairs, you will want to do the greatest amount of good to the greatest amount of people even when you cannot please every single person.
I know that if you try to please everybody, then you will not please yourself. You will not please anybody and you will, in fact, not please God. But what are the things that are really important that you want to do? Already, you have identified those things, but you consult and consult. Should you study the situation? You do. Should you push? You push. Do you appeal? You appeal. Just do all that you believe should be done to achieve what you want to achieve.
You mentioned some of the things, but let me take one or two. Take the Land Use Act. The amount of problems we have before Act about land for development and the case of same piece of land being sold to three of four people by the same person. That cannot help development. That is number one.
Number two: if you look at history where revolutions have taken place in the world, land has always been one of the triggers. Again, we have different land tenure systems. How can you have one country with different land tenure systems? Then we were one country with different land tenure systems and it doesn’t look right.
For these three reasons among others, I believed that we needed a Land Use Act to make it easier for land to be made available for development, which will also harmonise the land tenure system of policy in the country and possibly get us away from possible revolution which cause could be land. We saw it as something that needed to be done and we went ahead and did it.
Two people or two groups of people who felt that they had been badly hit by it, the lawyers and the traditional rulers, started a fight. Today, for the fact that that Act has been in our statute for more than 30 years now is an indication that it is for the good of the nation.
That was something that needed to be done, but maybe people lacked the courage, understanding or the ability to do it. We did it and it has been in use till now. Though there is no law that should be cast in concrete, well if there is need for minor adjustments to make it serve better than when it was put in place over 30 years ago, that will be good.
Many believe that agriculture is key to our advancement, how would you react to that?
Do not forget that before the advent of colonialism, what we had was agriculture and trading. They looked at certain aspects of our agricultural products like groundnut, palm oil, rubber, cocoa and others. They made us grow them to sufficient quantity to feed their metropolitan industry at home and they called it cash crops.
Now as if producing maize and cassava cannot fetch you catch, they put research in these areas. The colonial masters groomed us on how to grow our agriculture to commercial quantity- cash crops as they call it. But after the Second World War, and shortly after our independence, oil became a significant factor in our economy and then we all developed an oil mentality. That there is nothing important in our lives, business or economy other than oil. We think and act oil. And in the process, we forgot agriculture.
I must say that even when I was a military head of state, you will remember what we call OFN (Operation Feed the Nation). Then, we looked at what we can do at the governmental level. We had something that they call ADP (Agricultural Development Programme), which was supported by the World Bank. By the time I left government in 1979, we were very self-sufficient in poultry, rice and others, but the government that succeeded us decided that things must be made easier. So, how do you make things easier? You import rice. And if you remember, the government that succeeded us actually established a presidential task force for the importation of rice, not for the production of rice, which I believe is nonsensical, just to put it mildly. Then they came with the importation of poultry, which destroyed our poultry industry.
For food security, we need three things: availability (production), distribution and affordability. I think that rather than abolish subsistence farming, it should be allowed to remain, while we encourage commercial farming until the small-scale farmers find an alternative means of livelihood. We should move the small scale farmers who are up now down and move the commercial farmers who are below upward, and not to eliminate the small scale farmers like that.
What do make of the National security situation and the way to restore a lasting peace in the country?
When you talk of lasting peace, I take it that you are talking of relative peace in the sense that you don’t have car bomb blasts and all that. For me, I don’t want the peace of the graveyard, which is not good enough. Wherever you have human interaction, there should be a little bit of friction.
Is that a soldier’s perspective?
No, it is the principles of human interactions…
I agree with you, because even in the family there are traces of friction.
Wherever you have relationship, there must be such. I grew up in a family house where we were about 14 eating from the same plate. If you were lucky to get your hand four times into the Eba plate before it finishes, you must count yourself very lucky. But then, some will say why do you step on my toes, why do you cross your legs and it touched me and so on. It is the same, and I think that is good for communal life.
People tend to see religion as a cause of conflict, but I do not. I was happy that when our religious leaders- Christian and Muslim- looked at the Jos issue, they came categorically to say that it is not caused by religion. Now what do you find? You will find both social and economic issues.
Where you have a group that are called settlers and then one that you can call natives, if the settlers tend to step on the economy of the natives, something will spark off that can either be traced to religion or politics.
Now the nomadic farmer carry their cattle’s all around the place, while the crop farmers are static, watching over their crop and when the nomadic farmers come they trample on everything and when that happens the crop farmer doesn’t fold his hands; so conflict ensue. The nomadic farmers by virtue of tribe and tradition are mainly Muslims, while the crop farmer by virtue of tradition and history are mainly Christians, but those who want to give us bad names will call them enemies.
What then is the solution?
I believe that we must hasting development.
In other words, poverty has a hand in it?
Well, the sole part of it, I think is due to our underdevelopment, because if the nomadic farmers have a settled place where they will have grass lands and water for their cattle, they won’t be roaming about. What can we do to make that happen? We must do something to make that happen.
Then who is a settler, and who is a native? Now it depends on how far back you want to go. We can all be settlers in Nigeria, or we can all be natives

Read More

What Caribbean girl did to me -Mike Ezuruonye

Mike Ezuruonye has written his name in the annals of Nigerian movie history. The handsome, fair complexioned actor, who also is a brand ambassador of Airtel, has won several awards. In a recent encounter, the father of one reveals his thorny journey to stardom and the secrets of his acting prowess. Enjoy.
Congratulations on your latest award. To what can you really attribute those awards?
I have won quite a lot of awards but the last one from Nollywood Movie Awards (NMA) is one I’m very passionate about, being that the movie that won me the award was my first language movie. I’ve been mystified because a lot of people don’t actually know where I come from or my origin so to speak. I’m a proper Lagos boy. I was born and raised in Lagos; all my life I’ve been in Lagos, which means I speak Yoruba fluently. Being the first language movie with a very strong message, I believe I did my best and the award came. And like I said it is very close to my heart.
You have an avalanche of awards coming your way. Which of them do you cherish most?
Every one of them; I tell people that the award for me is the plaque, but the real awards are in the minds of the people, in their smiles. When the people look at me and say: ‘you did a good job’ or ‘you really represented that movie’ or ‘you wore the persona of that character you played’. That’s the real award for me, the satisfaction of the end consumer, who is the viewer of my craft.
People see you as a successful actor, what actually defines a successful actor?
First of all, love for the art, love for the craft; passion, vision, perseverance, hard work, never believing you know all, and at the end of the day, God. To me, He is always the first and the last. If you also have self-esteem and self-believe; trust me your talent will definitely find you.
How was your growing up?
(Laughs) It was fun. I don’t like talking about that, but I want to believe that I was born by parents who could afford certain amenities. And of course, they were disciplinarians. They also taught me self-belief.  My dad always says: ‘always believe in yourself, always put your head up anywhere you are to answer your name’. And that has always driven me because even as an upcoming actor I was never scared; I respected my seniors, I respected the established stars and I always had a good thing about that.
You appear to be a two-sided coin in movies. When you act the role of a downtrodden, you play it very well, also when you play the role of a prince or king, it’s as if you were born with a silver spoon. What is the secret behind it?
It is the same thing with most actors. An actor is someone who is able to disengage himself and then wear any character that he is given, wear it so that there is totally no void or no space. Just wear it and wear it proudly so that the persona of the character is also imbibed by you. And you just flow in it, glide and glow in it. And that is the true actor.
What challenges did you face when you came into the industry? How did you struggle to take your place in an industry where you had people like Ramsey Nouah and the rest?
I have said it many times, there is nothing like taking anybody’s position. In science, we were taught that one star in the sky is bigger than the whole earth; so it is in Nollywood, so it is in the African art. You have so much space; all you have to do is pitch your own tent. You cannot take away those icons. You cannot take away Ramsey Nouah out of the movie industry. You cannot have Nollywood without a Ramsey, you cannot have the African movie industry without a Rita Dominic, you cannot know about Nollywood without having a Joke Silva or Olu Jacobs or an Nkem Owoh. All these people are iconic, you cannot take their place – it’s just not possible. It is like a farmyard, just come and pitch your own tent so that people will now know that it is you, and you’re an icon for what you represent.
As an upcomer, who really influenced you in the industry?
Ramsey (Nouah).
Why Ramsey?
I always loved his grasp; I loved his act. On the other side when I watch Nkem Owoh, I look at the comic side of him; he is a down-to-earth person. So, I really loved those two people, and of course, Uncle Olu Jacobs.
Have you played a role that later after watching the movie you feel a need for improvement?
When I watch my movie, I watch out not just for the story because I love the story anyway, I watch out for the mistakes, I watch out for how I can bring out the best in me. Because anywhere I go, I always carry a mirror to impersonate whatever character I have to play. I try to play with my mirror, and of course, I look at what suits the character I’m playing next. Now, I have given out a little secret and a secret to upcoming actors as well. Always have a mirror that you can work with.
Generally looking at Nollywood, what do you have to say about the industry?
It’s one industry that has gone beyond Nigeria; it’s gone into the Diaspora, including the Caribbean. Nollywood has rebranded this country; it’s the best possible export of this country. It’s a window through which Africa is being seen now. So, Nollywood is the best representation of the African art, being and wellness. If you want to know the true representation of you as an African, here in Africa or in the Diaspora, you have to tangle with Nollywood.
What are the challenges you face as an actor whose face is known globally?
The merits outweigh the demerits. The challenges are that you longer have a life; everybody wants to know you. It’s left to you to now find your inner self, your inner being, to find those who know you properly and be yourself. For me, I always don’t put the pressure of how popular I am on me. I always tell myself – that I should be a good representation for my craft, for my family, and of course because of the allegiance I owe people, I have to represent them well. I’m a regular guy and the only difference is that I’m on TV so, that doesn’t put pressure on me.
Apart from what we see on the screen, who is Mike Ezuruonye?
Mike Ezuruonye is a regular guy who eats the basic things you get from the everyday market. He is a regular guy who doesn’t go out too much, his best companions remain his way back friends – people who knew him when he was nothing. He is somebody who loves and always wants to tangle with the commandment of ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. I have respect for everybody. I’m somebody who builds a lot of goodwill.
What is your greatest challenge?
The greatest challenge to me is always trying to achieve the best. I’m never satisfied. I’m not the one who’ll say ‘I’ve arrived’ once I get to a particular pedestal I set another target for myself.
Which film has given you the spotlight?
Every film I have done. There are no little roles; there are little actors, so every film is always big for me. And before I get on any movie set, I never presume I know too much. That has always been my drive.
What is the most striking thing that a fan has done to you? 
Funny enough, it wasn’t even in Africa. It was in the US, and the woman is from Trinidad and Tobago. As organized as the place was, she got a shirt and put it on the ground and said to me, ‘please Mike, just touch the shirt for me and I promise I’m going keep it, I’m not washing it’. That was so deep for me.
What advice do you have for upcoming actors who look up to you?
If you look up to me, try and toe my line. Which is: have love for the art; don’t go for the money first. Work hard, when you work hard your talent will find you, people will now push you up to where the money is. I used to tell my colleagues that our generation is taking Nollywood to where it will be, but trust me, the upcomers – years and decades after – will reap what we’re sowing now. So, my advice is just to have love for the art, work hard, persevere, pray hard and you will get there.

Read More

Boko Haram kills 45 in fresh attacks in Borno state

No fewer than 45 people were killed by Boko Haram members in an attack on Azaya Kura village in the Mafa local government area of Borno state on Wednesday November 19th.According to residents of the village who fled to Maiduguri the state capital for safety, the sect members arrived their village at about 12noon on motorcycles, shooting anyone in sight

“So far, 45 men have been killed and there are others that died in the bushes as a result of bleeding from bullet wounds,” said one resident

Confirming the attack, the caretaker of Mafa Local Government area, Shettima Lawan described it as wicked and appealed to the federal government to act fast in helping them

"How can some people be so wicked to kill innocent people, 45 people at once without any confrontation? There is no compulsion in religion and I am still searching for the motive behind mass killing and destruction by some people under the guise of entrenching certain religion. I wish to appeal to the Federal Government to take urgent steps and rescue our people from imminent extinction.” he said

Read More

Throwback pic of Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Dakore, Monalisa, Chioma & Kate Henshaw

From left to right; Ini Edo, Chioma Akpotha, Uche Jombo, Monalis Chinda, Dakore Akande, Benita Nzeribe and Kate Henshaw on set of Games Men Play in 2006.

Read More

Pics: Youth corpers protest in Rivers State over unpaid allowance

Youth Corp members serving in Rivers state are currently staging a protest at the NYSC Rivers camp, over nonpayment of allowance. The Corpers have barricaded the gate of the NYSC camp. According to someone from over there, military personnel stationed there are in support of the protest. See another pic after the cut..

Corpers have barricaded the main gate. Photo credit: @Esquirejp on twitter

Read More

Open Letter To All In Bad Relationships

OPEN LETTER TO ALL IN BAD RELATIONSHIPS
You call them but they don’t pick up. They
see your missed calls but they don’t call back.
You text them but they never reply any of your
messages nor acknowledge their receipt.
You always create time for them despite your
busy schedule but they are ever so busy for
you.
You want to meet them and have some
mature talks but they are always full of
excuses.
You do everything possible to make them
happy, even sacrifice all you've got but they
don’t appreciate your efforts neither do they
reciprocate your kindness.
You introduced them to your friends and
family, even dissociated yourself from certain
people, but they have never introduced you to
any important person in their life.
You are so proud of them but they aren’t
proud of you.
You truly love them but you aren’t sure if they
love you because they don’t show it in
anyway.
You want to spend your future with them but
they don’t like to talk about future plans.
You are doing everything you can to make the
relationship work but they are doing all their
best to make it end.
My point......
Then why are you with them?
Why are you wasting your time, resources and
energy on them?
Honestly you deserve someone better who will
appreciate your effort and even return your
love.
There are countless of them out there who are
far better than him/her.
Stop wasting your time with that wrong
person.
Quit that unproductive and parasitic
relationship now and thank me later.
Get yourself together and move on. I am glad I
did.
I know it isn’t easy but if you know your
worth, you’ll make it.
I've been there too. believe me, this is from
experience.
PETERPROXY

Read More

3 Most Overlooked Qualities Guys Skip WhenPicking A Girlfriend

Beauty is not everything.
To pick a girlfriend who will be a blessing to
your life not a curse, you need to keep
remembering these 3 questions:
1. Is she the type that can suffer with me or
drink garri with me? By their lifestyle, you ll
know them.
2. Does she have the ability to reflect on her
actions, self-correct herself and say I'm sorry
when she realizes she was wrong?
3. How likeable is she to everyone apart from
you? Do strangers easily like her or are you
her only fan or the only one who gets her?
This will determine how she gets on with the
important people that'll play key roles in your
success and life, like your new boss or old
time friend.
Again, beauty is not everything. Before you
settle for a girl, guys, ask these 3 overlooked
questions.

Read More

Vincent Enyeama thankful despite AFCON fail,says they will get back up

He shared the message on instagram this
afternoon...

Read More

7 yr old girl's mouth suddenly swells up - youwon't believe what the dentist found

Days after a 7 year old girl in New Delhi
complained of severe mouth pain, her parents
took her to the dentist to find out what was
wrong - what they found inside the girl's
mouth, astounded everyone, including the
dentist.
The dentist found 202 teeth hidden inside the
little girl's gum. According to a report by New
Delhi Standard, X-rays showed the girl had
suffered from compound odontoma - a
complex tumour composed of normal dental
tissues that have grown in an irregular way.
"It was shocking to see such complex
situation in the minor's mouth. Normally we
see a few abnormal teeth-like structures in
such patients; 202 of them inside the mouth
of a seven-year-old is shocking, and our
prime task was to get rid of it." said the
doctor who performed the two hour surgery
to remove the extra teeth.
The surgery was successful and the little girl
has been able to chew and is now leading a
normal lif

Read More

Flavour sells 1 million copies ofnew album in 5 days...with nohype

Current high life king Flavour released a new
album on November 14th, without any hype
or promo, and he's already sold 1 million
copies. According to the guys at Obaino
Music, who are marketing the 21-track album
titled Thankful, by yesterday November
19th...they had sold out the first one million
copies, and they said by Flavour's standard,
that's not even much! They started selling
from the East where Flavour is incredibly
popular, a source told AC.

The new album features M.I, Phyno, Wande
Coal and Chidinma. Heard the album? Like
it?

Read More

Photos: Harrysong acquires 2009 hummer H2SUV

Five Star music artist Harrysong just got
himself a brand new 2009 hummer H2 SUV.
Congrats to him. See more photos after the
cut...

Read More

Boko Haram shoots Nigerian Army BrigadeCommander during gun battle

According to Sahara Reporters , a Nigerian
Army Brigade Commander simply identified as
Colonel Popoola who is the acting Brigade
Commander of 23rd brigade in Yola Adamawa
state was shot in the shoulder on Monday
November 17th during a gun battle to reclaim
Hong and Gombi towns in Adamawa state
from Boko Haram militants.
Colonel Popoola had led a team of soldiers
drafted from Jos in a battle to reclaim the
cities when he was shot in the shoulder. An
army source said he has been transferred from
the military hospital in Adamawa to the
University College Hospital Ibadan where he
will receive better treatment.
Meanwhile, four commanders who reportedly
deserted their troop during the reclaiming
operation have been arrested. The arrested
soldiers include one Lieutenant Mohammed,
the QRG commander of 234 battalion; 2nd
Lieutenant UC Uche, Platoon commander of
Bravo Company of the 234 battalion; Captain
Lawal; and Lieutenant Buraji who is Mararaba
platoon commander.
The four soldiers alongside one Captain
Lawan were arrested yesterday and locked up
inside the military police guardroom at the
23rd Brigade in Yola Adamawa state.

Read More

Graphic pic: Angry wife pours hot water onhusband in Abuja

Journalist Seun Oloketuyi shared the story
and graphic pic on his instagram page, sent
to him by a friend of the victim. Below is what
the friend said allegedly happened...
"Just left the hospital and it is worse than I
thought. My good friend is in the hospital in
Abuja now for four days with second degree
burns. While he was sleeping his wife poured
hot water on him (face legs, thighs, hips). She
then locked him inside while he was screaming
"fire, fire", then she took off. She is 5months
pregnant they have a 16month old. Been
married for a year and a half. Early in the
year, she slapped him which lead to him
beating her. They reconciled. He also
complains that they switch house-help every
month because she beats the househelp where
there is blood on the wall. Should he stay or
get the f out!!...- pissed off friend"

Read More

EFCC arraigns fake DSTV agent

Find the EFCC press statement below..
The Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission on November 17, 2014 arraigned
one Tope Ajayi Samuel and his company, Sky
TV Global Media Limited, before Justice Fatu
Riman of the Federal High Court Kano on a
3-count charge bordering on conspiracy and
Intellectual theft.
The accused was arrested on August 23, 2013
at Link 26, Bawo Road, Hausawa Quarters,
Kano, for allegedly retransmitting signals of
the pay TV, DSTV, without authorization.
One of the charge reads, “That you, Tope
Samuel Ajayi and Sky TV Global Media
Limited on or about 23rd August, 2013 within
the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of
Nigeria, Kano Judicial Division illegally had in
your possession Tlink, Stron , Dream, Lumin
digital Satellite Receiver, Dlink Satellite
Receivers, AZSKY dongles with routers and
mini receiver, Monitors, inverters, Hp laptops,
printer, SIM cards, DSTV cards, Canal cards
which you use in accessing Multi Choice
Nigeria Limited (MCN) signal and thereby
committed an offence contrary to and
punishable under section 20 (1)(c) of the
Copyright Act, Cap C28 Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
The accused pleaded not guilty to all the
charges when they were read to him. Justice
Fatu Riman granted him bail in the sum of
N50 million and two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned to 12th December,
2015 for trial.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity

Read More

(Music )Download fight by Noblestar

Download

Read More

[Must Read] 3 Types Of Women You Should Never Date Or Marry

If you want to have a successful relationship
or marriage, there are some kinds of girls you
should not get involved with.
When you realize that you are dating one of
these women – it is better to leave to save
your sanity, time and money.
1. She is a liar
This girl can be extremely charming and
intelligent. At first you wouldn’t realize that
she is lying.
She can tell you tales which never happened
just to impress you. And some time later she
just starts lying to you for no reasons.
If you catch her, she would try to convince you
with another lie. And then confess to you that
she lied.
And because of your love, you keep forgiving
her. But you should better not allow a chronic
liar to ruin your life.
2. Money lover (ATENU)
She is a nightmare of all Nigerian men.
She is addicted to buying whatever she wants
and whatever she thinks looks good.
These girls are rarely satisfied, and continue
to look for new perfumes, jewelry or clothes.
Her biggest aim is to have a huge wardrobe.
Or to look like some Nollywood star.
She can’t stop buying even if you are not
earning enough for her.
It is her habit. So she will date any man who
can pay her.
If you can’t, she will easily dump you for
someone richer.
3. Lazy girl
There is nothing wrong with her health. But
her favorite hobby is lying on her back and
watching TV.
She hates to do any chores. This girl hunts for
a man who will become her ‘guarding angel’
and will ‘protect’ her.
So she will let you to get very close to her, just
to turn you into her slave.
If she does not change with time – she is
surely not your partner. It is better to leave
her behind, because she will drain you.
So, dear guys, you should better watch out for
girls of these types of girls.
And you, ladies, avoid being the girl on this
list if you want some trusting, caring and
lasting relationships.
Respect your man and be proud of him.

Read More

Shirtless Super Eagles stars Omeruo & Samuelchill in the pool

21 year old Kenneth Omeruo (pictured left),
who currently plays for Middlesbrough on loan
from Chelsea and 20 year old Aaron Samuel
(right) pictured chilling in the pool at the Le
Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, in Akwa
Ibom. They are in the state for the match
happening tomorrow.

Read More

Graphic pic: Armed robber killed in Oguncommunity today

The entire community of Alade at Owode Ijako
of Ogun state woke up this morning to a
disturbing news of an armed robbery attack
involving three young men of under 24. They
started disturbing the community at 2am
during which they raided four houses. They
carted away over N100,000 in one of the
houses and many phones.
The vigilante rose to the occasion of
safeguarding the community to forestall
further attack when one of the thieves was
shot dead while the remaining two escaped.
At about 9am today, two more suspects were
arrested before being whisked away to the
police station with the corpse. *graphic pic of
one of the robbers killed after the cut*

Read More

Abduction of journalists & others by Tompolo- Keyamo gives SSS, IG final ultimatum

Find the press statement from Festus Keyamo
Chambers below...
We have been briefed by the family members
and friends of the following persons who were
kidnapped, tortured and nearly killed (along
with some journalists) by the hirelings of one
Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) on
Sunday, November 16, 2014, in Delta State:
1.) Mr. Eyengho B. Samuel 2.) Tokunbor
Oluwaleye 3.) Kelvin Tuduo 4.) Ekpen 5.)
Edema Eburajolor 6.) Otos Lemun and 7.)
Dolor Emmanuel. Please continue..
The facts are that the aforementioned boys
(hereinafter referred to as “the seven victims”),
together with some journalists from different
media houses went to Ogidingben in Delta
State on Sunday, November 16, 2014, to get
first-hand coverage of the crises leading to
the cancellation of the commissioning of the
EPZ Project by President Jonathan two days
earlier. Recall that I raised an alarm last week
about the threat by Tompolo in respect of the
commissioning of the project by the President.
True to the alarm, the President called off the
commissioning because of the threat by
Tompolo.
When leaving the venue, the journalists were
joined on the boat by the seven victims, three
of whom were given a free ride, one was a
boat driver and three were from the company
that owns the boat.
On their way from Ogidingben after their
assignments, the seven victims and the
journalists were stopped in their boats and
blocked by more than ten other boats loaded
with fierce-looking and armed hooligans
around an area called Tebujo, which is also
near an area called Opuraja. The seven victims
and the journalists were then evacuated from
their boat into one of the boats of the
hooligans. Along the line, Tompolo called and
spoke with one of the journalists and he
confirmed that he sent the hooligans to
accost them and that they should “co-
operate” with his boys.
The seven victims and the journalists were
then taken to Tompolo’s house in Opuraja
where they were beaten to pulp by Tompolo’s
boys. The cameras of the journalists were all
seized and the memory cards were removed so
that they could not show what they went to
cover. Unknown to them however, the
journalists all had back-ups of their materials
in their external hard disks which Tompolo’s
boys did not see and seize.
It was a near-death experience for all the
victims and in particular for Mr. Tokunbor
Oluwaleye who is suffering from internal
bleeding and is in a critical condition till
today. It took the intervention of Naval and
Army personnel in the area for the victims and
journalists to be rescued from the hands of
Tompolo’s boys later that evening.
Sirs, your failure to simply carry out your
statutory duties of arrest, investigation and
prosecution of Tompolo for his various acts of
lawlessness is now a national and an
international embarrassment to the
Government of President Goodluck Jonathan.
It is disgusting to all men of normal minds to
see a private citizen strutting all over the
place, threatening lives, abducting citizens,
(perhaps silently killing voiceless persons) and
you hide your heads in the sand. Yet, he
moves about with nearly a whole platoon of
Army and security personnel that even a
serving Governor cannot get. What is going
on?
Recall that I wrote a complaint of the open
threat to my life by the same individual nearly
two weeks ago, yet you have not even done as
little as write me an acknowledgment letter. It
is such a shame. This unhealthy romance
between government officials in high places
and this individual raises strong suspicion
over, perhaps, some criminal dalliance in
relation to shady deals. I am confident that
time will tell us better. There is no better way
to see this. But I have decided that enough is
enough.
TAKE NOTICE that if within 72 hours of the
receipt of this petition you fail, refuse and/or
neglect to invite/arrest, investigate and
perhaps prosecute Mr. Government
Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) for the threat to
my life and the attempted murder of these
seven victims and the journalists, I will be
proceeding to court to compel you to do your
duties under the law.
I would want you to come and tell the court
what is tying your hands against Tompolo.
The ball is in your court.
Yours most trusted,
FESTUS KEYAMO, ESQ.
Head of Chambers

Read More

Tambuwal dumps presidential aspiration,settles for Sokoto governorship

There are reports that the Speaker of the
House of Reps, Aminu Tambuwal, has dumped
his presidential aspiration and might be
settling for the Sokoto state governorship
ticket under the APC.
According to media reports, some chieftains of
the APC loyal to General Buhari who is also
gunning for the presidential ticket under APC,
prevailed on Tambuwal to step down for the
former head of state. The Speaker has yet to
respond to this new report.

Read More