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Category: Saturday Magazine

  • From grass to grace: The story of my life, by Reps Deputy Chief Whip Onyejeocha

    From grass to grace: The story of my life, by Reps Deputy Chief Whip Onyejeocha

    As Deputy Chief Whip, Nkiruka Onyejeocha is one of the principal officers of the House of Representatives and one of the few women to have risen to that position in Nigeria’s political history; others before her being the former Speaker, Patricia Etteh and former House Leader, Milikat Akande. Behind her trademark glowing smile is a woman of strength and character who is never afraid to fight to get to heights that only determined people can. TONY AKOWE writes on the journey of the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives through life in general and the murky waters of Nigerian politics in particular

    Nkiruka Onyejeocha hardly comes across as someone who has ever tasted hardship. Yet she is one woman who has had a good bite of both sides of life.

    Without the love of a biological mother, having lost her mother at a tender age, and without a father figure to teach her the right ways to live life, having been practically abandoned by him, she was left with the choice of the warm embrace of her grandmother.

    Her grandmother took upon herself the triple responsibilities of a mother, a father and a grand mother in respect of Onyejeocha and her siblings, bringing them up in the best way she could and inculcating in them the values that have seen her risen to stardom.

    Today, she is about the longest serving woman in the National Assembly. Since her election for the first time as a member of the House of Representatives in 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), she has had an unbroken run in the House.

    Now serving her 4th term, she is easily one of the longest serving federal lawmakers.

    Speaking on the journey of her life and the experiences inherent in it while she hosted a group of young women in politics under a political mentorship programme, she said she had to struggle through school as it was always difficult for her to pay her tuition fees. She also recalled how she broke into the world of clearing and forwarding, a business dominated by men, as a young graduate confronted with the harsh reality of caring for her bedridden husband shortly after marriage.

    Her ultimate vision, she said, is to see Nigerian women rise to the highest level in their chosen careers.

    She said: “Everyone who knows me knows that my vision is to see Nigerian women rise to the most elevated positions in life and for the women in Nigeria to be treated as competent as the men.

    “I went to school with the men and we went through the same process. Many of us were reading more than the men and came up with first class.

    “I had a second class upper. I know some men who came out with third class and today, they are leading in several places. That is just to say that as women, anywhere we find ourselves, we are equally competent.

    “My vision is to get to the highest level in Nigeria as a woman, no matter what anybody says, and be treated as equal with men, no matter the religious or ethnicity divide they belong to.”

    Narrating her experience in life, Onyejeocha, who is currently the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, said: “My journey started like any of you here.

    “My father was what you could call a rich man, but my mother died early and my father remarried. So, I didn’t have that support from him because the woman would not let him.

    “I can tell you that I graduated from University of Nigeria, Nsukka without paying fees because I could only raise the money for hostel accommodation, which was N110 at that time. After paying for hostel, I would not have enough money to pay my tuition fees, which was N45.

    “Whatever money I had left, I would use it to do 0-0-1, meaning that I would only eat at night. Sometimes, I would eat in the morning and skip the rest of the day.

    Any time the school authority came to check the receipts for tuition, I would find a reason to go out, and once they left, I would come in.

    “So, I can tell you that I am somebody who graduated without paying school fees. But I paid after I had graduated and done with my youth service, because you had to pay your fees to get your certificate.

    “Thank God for University of Nigeria, Nsukka, because they were lenient enough not to push people like me out of the exam hall.”

    Speaking to the young ladies on the intrigues involved in politics and how to become a successful politician, she said: “One thing that you need to know is that you don’t read politics in textbooks but from your family and from the character of your family.

    “Politics comes with recommendations. Forget about people who are not qualified character wise or by the value system of their family who are finding their ways into different offices. I am talking about the normal way of getting into politics.

    “The character of your family matters. If you are from a family that is on the other side, you need to work out your salvation.

    “What that mean is that you have to develop a good attitude, develop discipline and do not have to copy the bad things that your family may be known for. I started from that background.

    “I was privileged to have a very good training right from the beginning. So, I was doing exactly what my grandmother was doing, because I lived with her after my mother died.

    “Once she woke up in the morning, we must do the morning devotion before going to the farm or do other chores or go to school.

    “I attended a village primary school called Isorchi Central School, and a village secondary school, Obingwe Girls and a village university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

    “So, I was not born in America, London, Abuja or in Enugu or Lagos. But I am here today and can fly to any part of the world. Don’t look at anybody up and say I can’t get there. Just say you can because when you look at me, you will know that you can.

    “My grandmother was a strict disciplinarian. You do not go out of her house to visit any friend, and I never did.

    “Till now, my friends are always angry with me, because I don’t know how to visit. And I know they will always forgive me because that was what I grew up with.

    “If somebody came to our house, my grandmother would ask whose child are you, and if there was anything fishy, she would send that person away.

    “Everyday, she would cook with a big pot because there was no time we were fewer than 20 in the house.

    “Anytime she saw people quarrelling, she would go and pick the one being victimised.

    “If you are a wife and your husband beats you, she will go and bring you to our house until your husband comes and pay restitution and write an undertaking. So, we were always cooking big.

    “When I was in the university, I didn’t have anything. But my friends knew that if I bought biscuits, they must share with me. So, you must learn that act of sharing and don’t be greedy.”

    A former Commissioner and Local Government  Chairman in Abia State, Onyejeocha also spoke on life after graduation, her marriage, how she found her way into clearing and forwarding business and her rise to stardom.

    She said: “After my university education, I was on my way to youth service when I married my husband.

    “I married him when he was staying in a one-room apartment at Ilasamaja area in Lagos.

    “In the morning, we had to queue up to use the toilet. Even when he said he could not marry me, I said please marry me, because I was already a graduate and was confident that after my youth service, I would get a job. I was confident that with my certificate, I would get a job.

    “Few weeks after my marriage, armed robbers shot my husband and then I entered another phase of suffering, because the people he was working with started treating him as if he was dead already.

    “One day, I called the typist and learnt how to type. One day, the driver refused to take us to the hospital because he said he had to close for the day.

    “I said to myself, this man did not go to school and I am a graduate. It was only when he wanted to drive us to the hospital that we would go. So, I started asking him questions and he was teaching me without knowing it.

    “One day, when he repeated his action, I took the vehicle and took my husband to the hospital. But when we got there, to reverse the car became a problem and it caused a lot of traffic hold up. I told them it could not enter the reverse gear and somebody came and reversed the car for me. Today, I can drive from here to Lagos.”

    She also recalled a day she had to spend a night in a mechanic workshop in the heart of Lagos because her father would not allow her into the house.

    She said: “I slept in a mechanic workshop one day because my father sent me out. I came asking for school fees from him and his wife said who gave me the permission to come from the East to Lagos, and so they pushed me out.

    “I was on the main road till midnight and I had to enter a mechanic workshop, open a 504 car and stayed inside till daybreak.

    “I could have asked for lift or go to the club or knock on anybody’s door. But I decided not to do that because of the training I got from my grandmother.

    “We were from a Christian family. We attended Sunday school in church. I was Scripture Union secretary in my school, Obingwe Girls, and that also nurtured me to Godly ways, which later became a strength for me in politics.

    “Sometimes, people ask me, how do you join politics with Christianity.

    “This is a personal experience. I did not just come to be where I am today. I passed through a lot of processes which came with challenges.

    “No matter where you come from or the family you come from, if you hold onto God and His principles, you will excel whether you are a Muslim or a Christian.

    “The dos and don’ts of Islam are the same with those of Christianity, and once you are able to learn them, you will pull through.”

    On how she ventured into the male dominated world of clearing and forwarding, she said: “When I first entered the port, people were asking my husband if I was his sister and my husband didn’t know what to call me.

    “He was incapacitated and could not do anything. He was bedridden for two years. I took over the clearing of goods from him. I was serving in Osun State during the Adeleke administration and had to redeploy to Lagos to take care of him when armed robbers shut him.

    “I took over the business and the goods they were clearing in one month, I started clearing in seven days.

    “One day, one Eucheria called me and said, ‘Madam, go and wear something corporate because something big is coming your way.’

    “I usually wore shorts and free top because I was climbing trailers, and she understood that I was not the type that would dress corporate. I was dressing like somebody ready to do the work.

    “She forced me to go to Balogun Market to buy a dress. The deal day came and we were invited to an award ceremony. It was a customers forum at Agbara in Ogun State because we were clearing for Nestle Nigeria.

    “When we got there, they started calling from the fifth position. They got to the second and I didn’t hear my name. And then it came to the first position and the Chairman of Nestle, a Swiss came up and said the first position goes to FDS Spot, which was my company, and he read out why I got that position and the award.

    “He said the average money I used to clear a container was N88 and within five to seven days average and I never paid demurrage.

    “Nestle Nigeria had 21 days free demurrage and I did my clearance before it entered demurrage. You have to be efficient to do that.

    “I didn’t say I am a graduate, why should I follow these people to run around the port?

    “That was the day our fortune changed. He said the reward for FDS Spot was 90 per cent of all the imports of Nestle Nigeria. That was how we became billionaires because our fortune changed.

    “Every day, I would carry about 20 containers and sometimes about 200 in a week. Even if it is N20,000 that is your service per container, it is a lot of money.

    “We left that one room to hire a flat at Isolo, and from there, we went to hire a duplex. Today, we have many duplexes. It was in the midst of these that I had my children and travelled out of the country.”

    Speaking on her foray into politics, Onyejeocha said: “I was in America when I was called from my village to come and host my state governor. That was in 2002.

    “I came and hosted the governor and my traditional ruler handed me over to him and said I should be appointed a Commissioner. That was how I became a Commissioner.

    “Even though I was not interested in politics but in love with the wharf, I performed well.

    “As Commissioner for Resources Management and Manpower Development, I didn’t have any work schedule and the office was inside government house.

    “I developed a work schedule and used that position to establish skill acquisition centres across the state, graduating over 200 students with certificates.

    “When I became local government chairman, it was my traditional rulers that said come and represent us. What I was doing as Commissioner was what I was doing as local government chairman.

    “When I finished my tenure, I was happy to go. But in 2006, they (traditional rulers) came and said I should come and represent them in Abuja.

    “The structure moved to another party, but I remained in PDP, and that was when the real struggle started. It was like, who the hell are you? Why won’t you follow us?

    “I knew that if I followed them, somebody would determine my fate. So I decided to remain with my people in the PDP.

    “My primary was conducted five times because each time I was about to win, they will cancel it, until the fifth one when we had to involve security agents and I won.

    “Another thing happened because I was no longer with the governor that appointed me commissioner and we were always fighting.

    “But I was already grounded in Christ and so my faith was unshakable. I believe that nobody can speak when God has not spoken.

    “Even when they changed my results on the day of election, I still won in my local government with 1000 votes. I was fighting against the government of the day, the commissioner, the local government chairman, the security and everybody in government.

    “When we got to the other local government, they were already rejoicing. And when I got out of the car, I said, who will speak when God has not spoken? And since then, I have been here.

    “When I got into parliament, I continued with what I was doing, attracting projects to my people.

    “When God blessed us, I remembered where I was coming from and established a scholarship scheme for indigent students. I was running it before I became commissioner. You can be doing something good in your own little ways.”

    She has some kind words for aspiring leaders and leaders alike: “You must be ready to serve people, because people are looking for who to send and who is ready to serve.

    “Take the back seat always; God will spot you there. Those are the little things I was taught as a child and they pushed me forward.

    “As commissioner, the then Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ogbuagwu called me to his office one day and said I was too humble for the job and that I was not supposed to go to the Permanent Secretary to take or return files.

    “But I wasn’t going to ask an elderly Permanent Secretary to come to my office to take files. Those little things speak volume.

    “As somebody who is aspiring to go into politics, you must not remove the values we are known for as Africans.”

    She also preached the principle of forgiveness, saying: “Even with what I passed through with my father, at no point did I ever thought he was doing me anything bad. I would always wash their clothes and cook for them whenever they came home.

    “Eventually, we reconciled and my father confessed, asked for our forgiveness and we forgave him and he started blessing us.

    “If I had joined issues, only God knows what would have happened. Even when you come from a family where you seem to be hated, love them back, do what you are supposed to do and leave the rest to God.”

    On how to make it in politics, she said: “No matter how good you are, it must take somebody to recommend and trust you.

  • Why pastors’ kids are often rebellious — Prophet Abiara’s son Isaac

    Why pastors’ kids are often rebellious — Prophet Abiara’s son Isaac

    Bishop Isaac Abiara is eldest male and one of the first set of twins of the former General Evangelist Worldwide, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prophet S.K. Abiara. Isaac, who arrived Nigeria from the United States of America recently, speaks with GBENGA ADERANTI on his relationship with his father, the future of the CAC and the pains of being a pastor’s child, among other issues.

    WHAT was it like growing up as a pastor’s son?

    My childhood days were very uneventful. We were always in the church premises. Our house then was within the church premises and growing up was church focused or church related. I even joke and tell people that while every other person would visit other parts of the world, we would spend our vacation on the mountain at Olorunkole, a community outside Ibadan, Oyo State. Because we lived in the church premises, we had to go to every service. There was no time to play as one would have loved to.

     What about your secondary school days?

    You would go to school and come back home.

     Were you not in the hostel?

    I wasn’t living in the school. We were always going back home. It wasn’t a hostel situation.

     Did you miss anything living a structured life?

    Let me frame it like this: it got to a point I began to miss some things, and because of that, I began to rebel. You know at times people say that pastors’ kids are bad kids. It is not that pastors’ kids are a bad kids, it is just that they grow up in a strict and controlled environment. When you see your friends doing stuff, you would want to do it. In essence, you would have to rebel. I rebelled. When I was in Form Four or Five, I started going out, hanging out with friends. I started exhibiting youthful exuberance kind of stuff.

    I didn’t get into trouble because when we were growing up, Baba would always say to everybody, ‘If you get yourself into trouble, don’t call me.’ So, with all the ‘rebellion’ I did, I always knew that there was a boundary I could not cross. After secondary school, I went to the United States for further studies.

     As a pastor, would you have preferred to do something else?

    Initially, yes, especially when you see what pastors’ kids go through. Most times, pastors’ kids are not given a chance to grow up as normal children, so if I do anything a typical 10 or 11-year-old would do and everybody would say he is just being a kid in Yoruba language, if it were to be a pastor’s child, they would say, ‘Ah, Pastor’s son!’ He has become a bad kid, or something like that.

    There was a resentment towards the church, because when you look at it, you can’t even make a mistake. If you do something right, you have not done it enough. There is so much pressure on you. Because of that, many of the pastors’ kids would tell you that they want to run away from the church environment, especially their parents’ church. For me, I didn’t want to do ministry work. I can’t speak for everybody.

    But one day, in my rebellious way, I did something bad in the choir and Baba punished me. My dad, Prophet Abiara, can flog people. When I was growing up, 80 per cent of his flogging was on me. And after every flogging and punishment, the next thing he would ask me to do was to go to the mountain for three days with three days of dry fast.

    There was one incident that I will never forget. One day, I messed up in the choir. I had a fight in the choir. My dad punished me and, in his usual practice when he is flogging you, he is flogging you with scriptures. Every strike of the horsewhip comes with a scripture. He would whip you and say, ‘It is in the heart of a child that madness lives…’ He would whip you again, and say, “But the Bible says it is through cane, he will drive it out.’

    When he finished doing that, he told me to go to the mountain. We got to the mountain and for three days, no food, nothing. But I must say this: throughout the period I was on the mountain, wherever my father was at that time in Nigeria, the man would come and make it to that mountain. I was never alone on the mountain overnight. On the third day of the fasting, he now came in the morning. Of course, I was upset. He would pray but I would not say amen. As we were going, he called one of the prophets to pray for me, and the prophet now prophesied and gave a word of knowledge and said: “This boy, I see him blowing trumpets among the white people.” This was 1985, 1986 when I was 14 or 15.

    The moment he said white people, I felt the man had missed it. If my father was to send anybody abroad, it was not me with the way I was behaving at that time. He now said that the Lord was telling him that I would become a minister, and if I didn’t become a minister, whatever certificate I got, God would put a black mark on it and I would not be able to work with it. Baba asked me, ‘Did you hear what the man of God said?’ I said what did he say? The man is your friend. I saw both of you talking earlier; maybe you had told him some stuff.

    When I got to the United States, things became tough because I made up my mind that I would not do ministry. My school in the US was a theological school, and you would not believe it, the first semester, I flunked it. It was really terrible. Why? I didn’t want to do ministry. I wanted to study computer. But guess what, I couldn’t make ends meet. Initially, I didn’t want to get into it. Then I remembered that if there is something God has told you to do, until you get back to it, the struggles will continue. But when I got back into it, there was a difference. Initially, I didn’t want to go into ministry. No way!

     You said Baba was very strict with you. What impact did that have on your life?

    It had tremendous impact on my life. It gave me boundary. I could rebel or do whatever, but I knew within my head that there was a certain boundary I could not cross. As much as I rebelled when I was growing up, I never smoked, drink or sleep around with women. I never did any of that. It was more or less a disobedience act. That shaped me. Up until now, there are some things that people find okay that I will never touch. I will never do it because that strictness, that guide is always there.

    How often does your father’s name open doors for you?

    I have to thank God for that. Almost 60 years in ministry, God has helped him to build a good name and the name is not tarnished. I know for sure that there are some doors that will not open if not for him and for the name God has helped him to build. I say that in an humble manner, giving all the glory to God that this is what has happened and that is why I guard than name jealously. I always make sure that I’m not in a place where people would say, ‘Ah, are you not the son of so, so, so?’ I instill that in my children too.

     Many pastors struggle with different temptations, women, money and so on? What has been your biggest challenge?

    Thank God that the grace of God has covered me with that because of the examples of Baba that I see. He and my mummy were married for 50 years before she passed on. When we were growing up, he would tell us, ‘I don’t have a girlfriend anywhere. I don’t have any child anywhere. Everyone of you, one man one wife.’ Number two, he was always instilling it in us to be content with whatever we had. So whatever God gives to me, I gladly accept it without coveting. If there are pastors doing well where they are I celebrate the grace of God upon their lives. In our church in Dallas, I always tell them I’m a pastor that will not use gimmick to  get money from anybody. The way I see my father, he is not a greedy minister. Baba could have been riding a jet, but he would rather give his money and serve the poor.

    Do you sometimes feel that life could be better if you were doing a secular job?

    No. It has never crossed my mind like that, because I believe that there are things God is bringing my way now that would not have happened in a secular world.

     It is an open secret that the church is polarised. You belong to the new generation of CAC. What are you doing to bring the church back under one roof?

    It is an unfortunate thing that happened several years ago. But the current generation of leaders is working seriously on it to bring the church together. We the new generation or the next generation, we must be one. When Jesus Christ was praying for his disciples, He said so that they may be one. It is quite unfortunate that it is the Christendom that we have a lot of factions. We have created identities: Cele, Redeemed, Winner. God said you are one in Christ.

    I know that as far as the CAC is concerned there has been a challenge; there is no doubt about it. They are working on that.

    Before we started this interview session, you placed a call to your wife, sounding like someone deeply in love. How did you meet her?

    Yes I’m in love. I met her in the early 90s. I was living in a different state from where my wife was. My wife was living in Maryland. Baba had a church in Maryland and when Baba would come, my wife was the one that would interpret for him. She had been a wonderful interpreter from a very small age in her father’s church herein Ojodu, CAC, Ojodu, Lagos. She was a Sunday school teacher and also an interpreter. When she came to the US, Baba would speak and she would be the one to interpret. I don’t know what happened, one day, Baba just asked me, ‘Can you relocate and help one church there?’ I was the music director. I play instruments. I got there and I started to notice that whenever I was with her, everybody would just leave us alone.

    The first day we met, it was in church that we met, because she was living with her pastor then. We started to talk and one thing led to the other. We got married in 1999.

  • No respite as Southwest communities groan under herdsmen attacks

    No respite as Southwest communities groan under herdsmen attacks

    In spite of the enactment of anti-open grazing law in the Southwest states, armed herdsmen have not stopped attacking and kidnapping residents of some communities in the region, reports KUNLE AKINRINADE.

    ALL that was on Fasasi Olanigan’s mind when he left Abeokuta on Wednesday September 8, 2020 was how to get to his destination in Joga area of Yewa North Local Governemnt Area of Ogun State. But two hours after he left his home in Abeokuta, the state capital, Olanigan, a retired lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ofa, Kwara State, he had not arrived his destination, having been ambushed and abducted by four Fulani herdsmen on the Imasayi-Isaga Road in Joga, Yewa-North Local government Area, Ogun state.

    According to reports, his wife, Ireti Olanigan, said a man who was travelling with her husband had escaped from the kidnappers and rushed to their home to inform her that her husband had been abducted.

    “He was kidnapped on Joga Road by four  herdsmen who were fully armed.

    “I was told that as he was being dragged into the bush, someone came and shouted ‘thief’, so, the other person escaped while they took my husband away into the bush,” she said.

    She added: “I have gone to the scene and the hunters have helped me to search the bush but they could not find him.

    “I left the spot to report to the police at Lafenwa police station, and when I went back to the spot, I did not see my husband’s car that was abandoned. I was told the police came to take his car.”

    Same day, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen were said to have kidnapped three workers of former President Olusegun Obasanjo at a Seseri village in Abeokuta.

    The hoodlums allegedly ambushed the Hilux car conveying the three workers at the Obasanjo Holdings in the Kobape area of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.

    The workers regained their freedom three days after they were abducted, due to what the police described as ‘intense pressure’ from operatives deployed to comb the adjoining forest and rescue the victims.

    Police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi said: “Yes, we mounted a lot of pressure on the kidnappers.

    “Since yesterday (Thursday) our anti-kidnapping operatives have been in the bush searching for them.

    “They were able to trace them to the bush behind the Day Waterman College, along the Kobape Road.

    “This evening, they released them (victims) unhurt without any ransom,” he said.

    Read Also: Herdsmen kill two, abduct one in Benue community

    Also, on August 7, gunmen believed to be herdsmen attacked a convoy along the Ibese- Itori Road around 5 pm and abducted a Swiss national and his driver and injured two other persons.

    Houses of Assembly in the Southwest states —Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti— recently passed the anti-open grazing law outlawing herders who have been linked to the gale of kidnappings in the region in recent times.

    In April this year, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, like his counterparts in the Southwest zone of the country, inaugurated the Ogun State Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun, during which the governor also commissioned scores of patrol vans and motorcycles to aid the operations of the Amotekun Corps.

    No fewer than 12 travellers returning to Lagos in a commercial bus on September 9 this year were abducted around ldoani/lfira in Akoko South-East Area of Ondo State by suspected herdsmen.

    It was said that the bus was conveying passengers from Abuja to Lagos when it was ambushed by the armed herders at a failed portion of the road.

    It was also reported that the armed herders shot at the Toyota Hiace bus and forced the driver to stop before abducting the passengers.

    The Southwest regional security outfit in the state, Amotekun, however rescued nine of the 18 passengers in the bus.

    In Ekiti State gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed a man and abducted his wife and daughter on August 6, 2021 in broad daylight.

    The unidentified victim was said to be travelling with his wife and daughter in his Lexus 330 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), along Ewu-Ayetoro-Ekiti Road in Ido/Osi Local Area of Ekiti State when the kidnappers shot at their car.

    Police spokesman, for Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, said: “The report we got was that the family was travelling along that route. Suddenly, suspected gunmen fired gunshots at them, killing the husband and taking away the wife and their daughter.

    “The police mobilised to the spot and combed the surrounding forests with other agencies such as the Amotekun Corps, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the local hunters and vigilance group.”

    How police burst kidnappers, killed suspects in shootout

    In the two months, no fewer than three suspected herdsmen involved in abductions died during shootout with the police in Ogun State, while one of the suspects was arrested.

    Anti-kidnapping operatives on August 31, 2021 killed three suspected kidnappers within 24 hours in Itoriarea of Ewekoro Local Government and Imala area of Abeokuta North Local Government.

    Two of the suspects were killed at Itori during a gun battle which lasted 40 minutes and killed two suspected kidnappers on Sunday August 29 at Itori area of Ewekoro local government.

    Police said that four Ak 47 rifles were recovered from the kidnappers.

    One other suspect was gunned down at Imala while another member of the syndicate was arrested.

    Police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said in a statement that the kidnappers engaged operatives in gun duel.

    Oyeyemi said that operatives had “another bloody encounter” with a kidnap syndicate at Ilala forest in Imala area of Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    “The gun battle between the police and the kidnappers was as a result of information received by the police at Imala divisional headquarters that six armed kidnappers were sighted in the forest.

    Read Also: Fed Govt urged to resettle 1.5m victims of herdsmen attacks

    “Upon the information, the DPO Imala division, CSP Bernard Ediagbonya, mobilised his men, the hunters, vigilante men, So-safe corps as well as Fulani youths and stormed the forest.

    “On getting to the scene, the hoodlums, who sighted the team from afar, opened fire on them, following which the team engaged them in gun duel,” the statement reads.

    Oyeyemi said that one of the suspects was shot dead, while another one identified as Usman Maidama was arrested.

    Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command also apprehended a herdsman who simply identified himself as Mohammed with one AK-47 rifle on August 11.

    •Another kidnapper, Usman Maidama arrested in Itori area of Ewekoro Local Government in Ogun State.

    According to a statement issued by Oyeyemi, the armed herdsman was arrested following intelligence received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Imeko Divisional headquarters that two young Fulani boys were sighted at CAC Oha forest, Iwoye Ketu in Imeko Afon Local Government Area with Ak 47 rifle.

    Oyeyemi said: “Upon the information, the DPO mobilised his men and other stakeholders like the hunters, vigilante men, So Safe Corps and stormed the said forest.

    He explained that ”after hours of combing the forest, one Mohammed was seen hiding in the bush with one AK 47 rifle and was promptly arrested.”

    Oyeyemi added that the young herdsman was strongly suspected to be a member of a kidnap syndicate who has been terrorising the area for quite some time now.

    ”The State Commissioner of Police, Edward Awolowo Ajogun, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation,” he added.

    He also directed that the entire forest be properly combed with a view to apprehending other members of the gang.

    It will be recalled that on June 8, 2021, four persons were allegedly abducted by men suspected to be herdsmen in Ayetoro-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    It was said that the herdsmen invaded the community in the night and attacked a hotel. The hoodlums numbering 30 were said to have entered the community through the route where a traditional ruler, the Elewu of Ewu-Ekiti, Oba Adetutu Ajayi, was attacked earlier in the year.

    They were said to have shot a worker at the hotel and abducted three persons.

    The source added that Idowu’s brother, Sunday, who is a guard at the hotel, received machete cuts on his head and was in critical condition in the hospital.

    Meanwhile, a 28-year-old herdsman, Abdullahi Bande, was on Wednesday September 1 arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court over alleged kidnapping of one Adebusuyi Ebenezer at Ilawe-Ekiti.

    Police Prosecutor, Inspector Bamikole Olasunkanmi, told the court that Abdullahi committed the offence on August 26.

    He said that the victim was able to identify the defendant and that there was fingerprint evidence.

    Olasunkanmi said that the case file would be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

    The offence, according to him was punishable under Section 3(a) of the Kidnap and Terrorism (Prohibition), Laws of Ekiti State, 2015.

    In his judgment, the presiding Magistrate, Abdulhamid Lawal, ordered the remand of the defendant in a correctional centre while the case was adjourned to September 15 for hearing.

  • Gunshot victim, others relive ordeal with taskforce in Niger

    Gunshot victim, others relive ordeal with taskforce in Niger

    Commercial motorcycle riders who were brutalized by members of the joint security taskforce deployed by the Niger State Government to enforce the ban on okada due to its illicit use by bandits and other criminal elements shared their ugly experiences with JUSTINA ASISHANA.

    WHEN the Niger State Government announced the ban on motorcycles in Minna, the state capital, there was a huge sigh of relief among many of the residents, especially as the government attributed the move to an attempt to curb the insecurity that was bedeviling the state and was gradually creeping into the state capital. Included in the taskforce were members of the Nigeria Police Force, the Civil Defence, the Army, and the local security operatives.

    During the flag-off of the exercise, the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, said the constitution of the taskforce was necessitated by the need to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people of the state on who bandits and other criminal elements have unleashed terror in recent times with motorcycles as their main means of transport. He, however, enjoined the joint security task force to carry out its activities in accordance with the rules of engagement. “I urged you all not to carry out this exercise with impunity. Maintain the rules of engagement,” Ketso had said.

    The governor said whoever violated the ban would be prosecuted while he assured the joint taskforce of government’s unalloyed support.

    “Anybody who resists or disobeys the order, the person should be made to face the wrath of the law. We cannot afford to enact a law for the protection of lives and property and people will violate the law,” he added.

    The deputy governor’s words would have to have spurred the taskforce into hyper action, so much so that the joy and relief expressed by the people over the ban on motorcycle was short-lived. The mode of the taskforce’s operation has since become a cause for concern in different parts of the state. Many owners of private motorcycles who ordinarily are permitted to ride them without passengers have become victims of overzealous members of the taskforce who are in the habit of impounding any motorcycle they sight. The situation now is such that private motorcycle owners are rushing to hide them at the sight of the taskforce’s vehicles, and this has resulted in a lot of accidents.

     

    Victims relive experience

    Ishiaya Audu was returning home from an errand in Koropkpa in Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State when he was shot by the taskforce enforcing the ban on commercial motorcycles. Everyone thought he was dead as he was bleeding profusely while he was being rushed to IBB Hospital for treatment.

    Recounting his experience, 17 years old Audu told The Nation that he was only lucky to remain alive after the incident.

    He said: “As soon as I entered the community, I saw people running up and down but I did not even know what was going on. Then I started hearing gunshots and decided to run also. But before I knew it, I was shot and I fell. The pain was much and I lost consciousness. I woke up in the hospital and that was when I learnt about what happened.”

    It was learnt that the Koropkpa incident was a clash between the residents and the joint taskforce. Eyewitnesses told The Nation that the joint task force had pursued some motorcycle riders into the town, but when they could not catch them, they started apprehending any motorcycle rider they saw in the community.

    Irked by the development, the residents of the community started booing the taskforce, throwing sand at them and in return for the shootings. But the taskforce became even more aggressive, beating and shooting at residents as they moved from house to house to force people out in a bid to arrest them.

    While some residents were lucky to get away, others were not. They were apprehended and taken to the police station where some of them were tried in the mobile court and made to pay some money before they were released. Some victims of the arrests said that they sustained serious wounds from the beatings they received from members of the joint taskforce.

    Ibrahim Tanko, an eyewitness of the Koropkpa incident, said: “The taskforce was not supposed to get to our site. They are meant for Minna town. That is why when they came here and wanted to start seizing motorcycles that were parked and were not in use. We protested because Koropkpa is not in Minna; it is in Paikoro.

    “We are peaceful people here. It was the insistence of the task force to take the motorcycles that made people to start shouting and throwing sand at them. That was when they started shooting and everyone ran away. I ran very far to ensure that they did not catch me. ”

    Mallam Umar, who sells vegetables on Okada Road, also had a bitter experience with the task force.

    He said: “On that day, I was coming from the market and had used all the money I made for a week to buy the vegetables I would sell in the new week. But as I got down from my motorcycle in front of my shop and was untying the vegetables, the taskforce men just came down from their vehicles, pushed the vegetables into the gutter and took my motorcycle away without any explanation.

    “What did I do wrong? I am only looking for something to eat and feed my family with. Is it now a crime to ride a motorcycle?”

    In Maikunkele, another Niger community, Haruna Musa had just returned from a neighbouring village he had visited a friend and parked his motorcycle in front of his shop when the taskforce came and took the motorcycle away with others parked in the area.

    “Does it mean that because there is a ban on commercial motorcycles an individual cannot have a motorcycle and use it for private means? The harassment is just too much. The government has to do something about the overzealousness of the taskforce,” Musa lamented.

    Mark Praise’s encounter with the taskforce was one that almost earned him a beating.

    He said: “The day my motorcycle was arrested, it was a thug of war. The taskforce treated me as if I was a suspected bandit or they had a tip-off about a crime I had committed. I ended up laughing.

    “A member of the special vigilante corps almost hit me because I asked for my house and office keys attached to the bike’s key. But immediately I got on my voice and started shouting, some soldiers came to calm down the situation. The special vigilantes are the problem of the task force. They overdo everything.”

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Lagos Taskforce seizes 410 motorcycles

    Janet Adams, an eyewitness to one of the incidents involving the task force, said: “I witnessed one at Kpakungu Road and I could not hold back tears. You need to see how a uniformed man hit the young man on his head with a stick. Honestly, the way this taskforce is operating is getting out of hand.

    “I was also an eyewitness when one motorcycle man was chased into Abu Turab School in Bosso. All of us there were shouting and begging them to leave the man as he had already escaped into the school, but they did not listen at all. They forced the gate of the school open and collected the bike.”

     

    Niger Assembly warns against taskforce’s overzealousness

    Worried by complaints against the activities of the task force on the ban of commercial motorcycles, the Niger State House of Assembly set up a committee to interface with the Ministry of Transportation to find a way of curbing the excesses of the task force.

    During the sitting of the committee which had the presence of the Permanent Secretary and other officials of the Ministry of Transportation alongside some of the victims, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Mohammed Abba Bala, said that the task force was spoiling the good work the government had done in banning motorcycles in the state capital.

    He noted that some of the people in the task force were overstepping their bounds in the course of carrying out their assignment.

    “We are individuals and everyone should be given his respect and dignity. Degrading people just because you want to confiscate their motorcycle will not get your work done,” he said.

    The Member representing Bosso Constituency, Hon. Abdulmalik Madaki Bosso, who recounted several incidents he had witnessed, including that of the vegetable seller along Okada Road, said that the inhuman treatments meted out by the task force was uncalled for.

    He said: “Some of them have weapons, like sticks, and use them the way they like against any motorcyclist that refuses to stop. Some of the drivers driving the vehicles are so reckless that they ride against the motorcycles and push them to make them fall. And when they fall, they arrest them and seize their motorcycles.

    “We appreciate the government for taking the bold step in banning motorcycles and constituting the task force, but there may be a mistake in issuing out the policy because the taskforce should know that some people own motorcycles for individual use and not commercial. They should have a tag or card to enable them to identify that motorcycles are for individuals private use and not commercial. There are even situations where they arrest people riding rubber-rubber claiming they suspect he is using it for commercial. How sure are they about it?

    “Something needs to be done about the task force. They should be cautioned. A lot of people have been wounded and battered by them and we would no longer accept it. They are causing damage and it should not get to the time the people would renege that they would stop.”

    Defending the activities of the task force, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Ibrahim Garba Musa, said that the task force may have arrested or confiscated the motorcycles and their owners for crimes other than riding motorcycles for commercial purposes.

    “Some of the motorcycles may have violated one rule or the other. The drivers would have committed other offences that would have mandated the taskforce to seize their motorcycles,” he said.

    Musa explained that even though people are accusing the task force of overzealousness, they have not reported them. He said the taskforce is also often attacked by people, and when they try to protect themselves, people claim they are the ones that attacked them.

    The Permanent Secretary said the ministry had generated more than N13 million from 2,452 motorcycles, 572 vehicles and 258 tricycles arrested.

  • ‘Why I dumped my accountant husband, got pregnant for jobless graduate’

    ‘Why I dumped my accountant husband, got pregnant for jobless graduate’

    By Linus Oota, Lafia

    • Says ‘he’s crap in bed; I had no choice but to look outside’ Husband, lover lay claim to baby

    The seven-year-old marriage of an accountant with the Nasarawa State Government is in crisis after his wife got pregnant for an unemployed graduate.

    Mr Jonathan Zugu is in a battle to save his marriage to Mrs Patricia Awu who, ironically, appears determined to say goodbye to their union because her husband cannot offer the satisfaction she desires in bed.

    Zungu, an indigene of Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State had studied Accounting at Nasarawa State University Keffi where he met Patricia, a student of Biology.

    They took their romance to a higher level seven years ago by getting married after the mandatory national youth service and resided in Lafia. But while Jonathan got a job with the state government as an accountant, his wife was unable to get a job until recently.

    In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Zungu, who said he is the only son of his parents, disclosed that he was involved in a fatal accident that damaged his private organ, hence his inability to impregnate a woman.

    According to him, Patricia had experienced a stillbirth in the first two years of their marriage but was unable to conceive again until crisis set in between them.

    He said before the crisis between them began in January this year, his wife denied him sex for close to two years because she said he was not satisfying her sexually.

    “Then within this period, she suddenly took in, and I knew that I was not responsible for the pregnancy. When I asked how she came about the pregnancy, she became angry and hostile, but I remained calm.

    “One day, I went to work and forgot my laptop at home. So I suddenly returned home at about 12 noon to pick my laptop and found a young man by name Fabian Agi on top of my pregnant wife right in my bedroom.

    “I decided that I would not accept that kind of attitude in my house, so I asked her to leave the house. She left and got a little apartment where she was delivered of a baby boy.

    “I was actually preparing to take a second wife. All arrangements were in place before the ugly accident happened and damaged my private organ, and I will not be able to impregnate a woman any longer.”

    But Zungu, who shed tears intermittently as he spoke with our correspondent, says she wants Patricia back and the baby boy to be adopted as his son since there is no marriage between her and Agi.

    But while Zungu has threatened to take the matter to court, Agi said he was prepared to meet him there, saying that Zungu can take his wife but the son belongs to him (Agi).

    Patricia has, however, pitched her tent with Agi in the matter, saying that Zungu should forget about the baby because it belongs to Agi and not him. She also told our correspondent that she would prefer to spend the rest of her life with Agi.

    Already, she has moved out of her matrimonial home into an apartment with her new lover in Lafia. She told our correspondent that since Zungu decided to make the matter public, he should have been bold enough to tell the entire story that led her to get pregnant for another man and even moving out of his house before the accident.

    Noting that Zungu hid the facts and she was prepared to expose all, Patricia said: “I got married to Jonathan (Zungu) seven years ago. When I met the guy, I thought he was the one. His sweet words made me to believe in him.

    “He loved me and eventually, I fell for him. We were already in our third year in the university. We eventually graduated and went for 9national youth) service and we got married after our service year.

    “I did everything to please him. I went all out to prove my love for him. I sacrificed my life for him but he was too blind to see all that. The best he could do was to suddenly stop having sex with me and he kept telling me how beautiful other girls are and how my hair style made him sick. He complained about almost everything in my life.

    “This was after I became pregnant for him and had stillbirth. He changed completely from me. He stopped caring for me or treating me like a housewife. I started having low self esteem, feeling unworthy and unattractive.

    “One day, he made a mistake by calling me a desperate woman. He told me that I was not the type of girl he wanted to get married to, and that broke me into pieces. I felt sad and dejected and even felt like committing suicide. But I thank God because I summoned courage to teach him the lesson of his life.

    Read Also: ‘Protecting children from domestic, sexual violence’

    “I stood in front of the mirror and looked at the beautiful woman in it. I pulled myself together and decided that I would not complain to either my parents or his parents.

    “Since he was starving me of sex and insulting me, I must have a way of giving it back to him. I decided to toast a young man, Mr Fabian Agi, who just graduated from the university and usually came around to conduct evening lessons for our neighbours’ children. He obliged and we were having good time on his matrimonial bed whenever he was away to work.

    “It was either I visited him or he would come around. Within three months, I got pregnant for the young man.”

    She explained that she left her marriage because she and her husband were unable to get a child after the stillbirth she had during the second year of their marriage, adding that her husband was not taking good care of her.

    She alleged that apart from her husband bringing young girls into the house whenever she travelled, he was terrible in bed and had been so for seven years.

    Agi

    She said: “I used to like him, but I find him physically repulsive. His lovemaking is so boring and always has been. I have tried to explain to him and resorted to calling me a harlot and a prostitute, and it goes in one ear and out the other.

    “I don’t want to hurt his feelings by saying he is crap in bed. But our sexless marriage has become a thorn in my flesh, and I had no choice but to look outside.”

    “When he was dating me and up to the first year of our marriage, he was the best man I could ever think of getting married to. He was very caring and loving.

    “But since I had a stillbirth in the second year of our marriage, he became sexually inactive. He never initiated any kind of sexual gesture and never responded to any.

    “I have tried seducing him but he avoids me in a very polite and funny manner so that I don’t feel bad. It’s been about four years that we have had any intimate movement.

    “I loved him at first. But right from time, I was utterly unsatisfied sexually.

    “When he first started dating me some years ago, I gently brought this matter up to him a handful of times during the course of regular conversation

    “His answers to me seemed to imply that he was the type who took some time to warm up to new ideas and  with this in mind, I moved forward with him, believing that eventually our sex life would become more adventurous. But it hasn’t.

    “It has been seven years since we became a committed couple, and if anything, our sex life has become more boring and certainly less frequent.

    “Any small thing triggered his anger and he became enraged and verbally abusive in a matter of seconds. He would say some truly terrible things to me. So for peace to reign, I decided to get a sweet boy to service me, and right now, I’m ready to settle down with him

    “Don’t forget, all this took place before he had an accident. He was toasting girls up and down and starving me at home. Now that he is disabled, he wants me back with a son that does not belong to him. It can’t work.

    “I have largely lost confidence in him having my best interest at heart. Before my relationship with my husband, I had a very successful relationship, and we were exceptionally good, enjoying each other’s company.

    “Fabian (Agi) is able and willing to provide that sexual satisfaction, love and care.”

    When our correspondent contacted Agi on the matter, he simply said: “The child belongs to me but the wife belongs to Jonathan. If he likes, we can go and conduct a DNA test to ascertain the father of the little boy.”

  • US-based Gambian Professor John Loum: I want to trace my roots to Ijebu-Ode

    Professor John Loum is a professor of Theology and Director of Seminary at Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He is an easy going and simple man whose perpetual African attire shows his love for Pan Africanism. Although he is a Gambian by birth, he believes that his great grandfather hailed from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State and the Theology professor says he is willing to   trace his roots to the ancient town. In this interview, he speaks about the good old days of Nigeria, the country’s battered economy, his memories of the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadanand his love for the late politician Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among other issues. TAIWO ABIODUN met him in St. Louis, State of Missouri, America.

    You said you are partly from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State and partly from Gambia. How come?

    So I was told. My great, great grandfather was from Ijebu and he migrated to Gambia where he eventually settled and made it a home. I will trace my roots there any time the country is settled. I have contacted my sister who will put me through. I am planning to trace my roots when all these problems like banditry, Boko Haram and abductions must have gone down.  I will visit Nigeria. I love Nigeria. It was once a very peaceful country.  I need to trace my roots. I have travelled all over the world and do you know that the Yoruba have a good culture and moral values which they still maintain? They are the best in terms of values.’

    Can you speak Yoruba?

    Yes, of course, but little. Se alafia ni? E se, a dupe. Awon ara ile nko? (laughs)

    You were in Nigeria in the 60s, 70s and 80s.Tell us your experience

    Indeed, in the 60s onwards, Nigeria was the shining star of Africa. University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for example, was unique. There was none to be compared with the hospital on our African continent. In fact, the great hospital was a place where hardly any type of surgery humanly thought of was done perfectly. I was a living witness because I didn’t only live in Ibadan but had occasion to visit a Gambian medical student at the time, doing his residency. Kings and Queens from other countries used to come to UCH for medical help. The Saudi Prince and his household used to come for medical tourism. But the news I am hearing from Nigeria now is painful. I was a student of Emmanuel Theology School in Ibadan then while in Nigeria, going back soon after the Nigerian civil war with Biafra and continued in the 80s. Experience wise, those were the glorious days. The naira had much worth and high power and buying power.  True democracy, freedom of expression, civil debates about almost everything. You could travel freely, no harassment or trouble at all. I travelled many times between  Ibadan and  Lagos in hours and safely.

     

    And after the civil war….

    I wasn’t there during the civil war, but I saw the appalling consequences. I experienced lots of Easterners- I mean the Igbo would come looking for jobs. I had a dear friend, young, who shared some of the sufferings of his people. There were lots of women/girls engaging in prostitution around Ibadan. All was as a result of the civil war. I was a student in the early 70s and continued being a student in the 80s. All through my stay, I was a student studying Theology in Emmanuel College of Theology, Ibadan’.

    What is your take on the level of corruption in the country?

    It is not only Nigeria that is corrupt. Corruption is not limited to Nigeria, but it was a growing phenomenon in the 80s. My only experience of corruption was at the  Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Lagos. I will give two instances. First, at the Immigration point, the officer, a lady, held on to my passport. She looked at me and was still asking whether it was me that was on the photo passport on which she held me up. So I figured she needed money but was disappointed I wouldn’t offer.

    Read Also: I don’t accept what life throws at me – Surah Olayemi Animashaun

    The second one was with my boarding pass. Before we got there, it had been sold to someone else. Again this happened in the 80s. I remember a Briton that gave her passport to an officer for verification, but before you know it, the man she gave her passport to had disappeared with her passport into the thin air.

    You seem to have a lot of admiration for the late Nigerian politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo…

    (Shakes his head) I recall going to listen to the late politician at Wesley College, Ibadan. Subsequently, I heard him speak on national radio, TV during his campaigns. He was a man of great skills, exposure, knowledge and integrity. He was an orator, a good leader, a visionary leader, a tactful and brilliant politician. He was unequalled. He was a crowd puller. I missed him. I loved to hear him speak to the extent that I copied a lot of his vision.

    What are your memories of the Liberia and Sierra Leone wars and why did they escalate?

    I knew of the Liberia/Sierra Leone civil war because we were there from start to finish. There were more than one specific factors that caused and elongated the war besides greed, tribalism, etc . But one major factor was the diamond. The experience was nothing less than inhuman, evil and some political too. The outcome was beyond human imagination.

    What is your take on the Boko Haram crisis?

    On Boko Haram, I cannot comment a lot except to say they are an outlaw. A civil group hid itself under the name of Islam. What I see is that they are anti-Western and terrors; quite barbaric in every way. Religion shouldn’t be sensitive. Why must it? All religions have their theology, thoughts, emphasis and ways of expression. I guess it’s only sensitive in the context and ways of expression.

    As theologian, do you believe in miracles?

    The idea of miracles is not new. In formal terms, miracles are biblical. Christ performed them and so were His disciples. In modern times, it has become an issue, especially its commercial aspects, which can be rather disturbing.  I read the Koran from the first chapter to the last page; the theology, philosophy of Islam. I am a convinced Christian. There are lots of similarities in Islam and Christianity. We are all worshipping the same God; what we call the Abrahamic religion. From Nigeria and from Gambia, we have many families that are Christians and Muslims. Religion should not divide us. In fact, I  was a specialist in Islam.

    Who is Dr. Leum?

    (Laughs)Briefly, I am Rev. Dr. John  Loum. I was born in Gambia where I was raised. At an early age, I left for Sierra Leone where I gained human education and have had real life experiences which helped shape me. God blessed me and my family. I travelled far and wide. I studied in the UK , Oxford, Birmingham and USA. We are blessed with  four blessed boys and a wife. I  just live a regular life. I lived by myself as a Pan Africanist and also like giving back by sharing my expertise and experiences!

    How long have you been in America?

    I came to the United States of America with my family after the Sierra Leonean civil war. I studied, earned my MA and  PHD and  also worked among refugees. I am a  pastor and professor of Theology. I love African fabrics, I am a Pan Africanist.

  • I don’t accept what throws at me – Surah Olayemi Animashaun

    I don’t accept what throws at me – Surah Olayemi Animashaun

    Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun is the newly elected Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government . She was part of a group called ‘Young Kolanuts’ , a community of creative people that took it upon themselves  to explore the rich history of Lagos State  and also celebrate its cultural heritage and traditions through theatre and stage performances. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about her motivation and how wearing  many hats  at a very young age moulded her  into a highly-motivated and astute businesswoman.

    What does being the newly elected Chairman of Epe mean to you?

    Being the Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government means service. As a daughter of the great Epe Town and being accorded the privilege to represent my people is a vote of confidence and in many ways, humbling. In my personal capacity, I have always pushed initiatives that promote the socio-cultural development of this great community, so this office just provides a much needed platform for impact and growth and it is one I do not take for granted.

    What motivated you to join politics and what has been your experience?

    The dream of bringing a new outlook for Epe. All untapped resources tapped.

    I wasn’t always politically inclined. My first stint in politics was when I held office as the Supervisor for Environment for Epe Local Government Area. Afterwards, I was encouraged by my superiors and a good number of constituents to contest in the elections and the rest, as they say, is history. I am truly grateful for their belief in me.

    Epe is bursting with natural potential. As the fish basket of Lagos state, we have our indigenous annual fishing festivals amongst others.

    Epe is also blessed with large bodies of water, hiking trails, beautiful resorts and very rich ancient monuments and history.

    With a good number of possibilities at our disposal, one of our major plans is to effect strategic urban development that will transform the community and highlight its offerings. The end goal is to encourage investor buy-in and promote trade for the economic growth of our community and people.

    Tell us about your leadership style and the things that inspire what you do ?

    My father, and by extension, my upbringing have huge influences on my leadership style.

    The importance of respect and being accommodating regardless of social standing were instilled in me from an early age. I was also raised to work hard, stand my ground and always speak my truth. To a large extent, this has shaped my leadership style which is result-driven and revolves around service and determination.

    What are some of the memorable moments in your life and career?

    Emerging as the first female chairperson for Epe Local Government area: it had never been done and did not seem like it was going to happen anytime soon. It was indeed a significant moment in the history of Epe and in my career as a whole and I intend to ensure that I do not let the people who believe in me down.

    Let’s talk about your memories as the Supervisor for environment, Epe Local Government?

    In 2017, I took on this position and went about setting up several environmental and waste management structures. Because first impressions are important, I was very concerned with the general outlook of the Epe community and focused on keeping it green and clean at all times.

    Read Also: Ada Ameh: Stardom has made me a better person

    It was especially easy because I worked with very diligent people.

    Everyone from the management team to cleaning and waste disposal played vital roles in bringing Epe to where it is today. This amongst other things made it easy for me to carry out my duties properly.

    In the course of carrying out these duties, Tourism was added to my portfolio by my superior as an acknowledgment of my involvement and passion for the positive portrayal and promotion of our town.

    What are some of the challenges?

    To me, challenges are opportunities to break glass ceilings and because of this, I never acknowledge the negative connotation of that word. Where people see challenges, I see potential for solutions, opportunities to take on new frontiers and avenues to garner new experiences.

    You are also passionate about tourism, what has been the experience running Epe Ancient City, a travel and Tour Company?

    My passion for tourism is inherent. However, I was guided by the experienced Hon. Samson Nunayon Apata from Badagry who owns and runs Badagry City Tour. We worked together on a few projects and he taught me how to see beyond the obvious which helped open my eyes to the hidden gems in Epe.

    I started off by bringing people into Epe for familiarisation visits, selling the region far and wide.

    We organised regular domestic tours, several others around Africa and Middle East Asia.

    Olayemi Animashaun

    As an avid football fan, I leveraged on more than a few Sports Tourism opportunities in partnership with some of the local football clubs in the area. They participated in annual football tournaments in Dubai, Al Shabaab, Al Taawon and were the first in Nigeria and Africa as a whole to participate in these middle eastern tournaments at that time. In the course of doing this, I was listed amongst the top 100 tourism experts in Nigeria and obtained a series of awards in the sector.

    What inspires your ability to do things differently and moulded you a successful businesswoman?

    Dependence on God and the tenacity to succeed. I do not believe in sitting around and simply accepting what life throws at you. You have the power to shape and design the course it will take and must be bold enough to go after what you want. The moment you sit around, waiting for a saviour is the moment you lose the plot. Once you take the first step, the people that are meant to contribute to your journey and all other things will fall into place.

    Tell us about your involvement with the stage and theatre performance group, ‘ The Young Kolanuts’?

    Young Kolanuts was an extracurricular club founded by the late Mr. Raphael, one of my teachers in Jubril Martins High School, Ebute-Metta. It was his way of providing a platform for the very creative students he identified. I loved to sing and dance and I remember visiting LTV several times to perform live.

    For me, it was the perfect opportunity for self-expression. I learnt a lot about our various cultures and grew to appreciate the ethnic diversity and traditional values of all the tribes that make up our country, Nigeria.

    In retrospect, this experience shaped me as a young woman, broadened my perspective and influenced my ability to connect cross-culturally.

    So far, these have proven to be valuable in carrying out my duties as the Chairman of Epe LGA which is a melting pot in its own right.

    What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

    I am a very religious woman. When I am not working, I am seeking the face of God. I also enjoy cooking a lot and tending to my family. It is not in my nature to stay idle and I always ensure I am engaged in something productive during my spare time.

  • Abdullahi Berende: My 10-year ordeal in prison, DSS custody for alleged act of terrorism

    Abdullahi Berende: My 10-year ordeal in prison, DSS custody for alleged act of terrorism

    Mallam Abdullahi Mustapha Berende is one of the Shiite leaders in Ilorin, Kwara State. Until his ordeal with the Department of State Security (DSS), he was one of the most powerful forces in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State. For five years, he was detained by the DSS for alleged terrorist activities before he was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division in January 2018. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, he relives his prison experience, denying the allegation of terrorism levelled against him and explaining the real reasons for his arrest.  Excerpts:

    I want you to recall the last moments before the judge sentenced you to five years imprisonment.

    In the first instance, I was to be sentenced three or four weeks earlier. But they said the government was not ready for the judgment, hence they delayed it. My mindset was that I was going home. I even had to ask my family members to come; my wife, my children who were students in Abuja University, my brother in Ilorin and my sister in Abuja. I was really convinced that I was going home. My mindset was that my ordeal was over. So it was very shocking to see otherwise.

    Initially when the judgement was pronounced, it wasn’t very clear. I was of the opinion that I was going home based on previous assurances given.

    Prior to the judgment, I was in the DSS custody for five years. Yes,  the judge found me guilty based on the evidence presented to him but he also said it would run concurrently. My understanding of it was that the judge was referring to the five years I was detained by the DSS, which ended on that day. In fact, this was discussed in the court hall. The judge was not there but all the lawyers were there. They all said this man is going home. Even the court registrar called the DSS man that brought me to court and said: “Oga, you cannot take this man back to your cell o; take him to the prison for further processes.”

    The registrar was a woman. My wife was there; she saw everything.

    The prosecutor too, also a lady, when she spoke to the press outside, she said: “We got what we wanted. Two of them are free men now. They can go home now.” She believed that she won the case. She said they (DSS)got us convicted. The case is over.

    People started congratulating me, only for me to be told later that I would be taken back into DSS Custody. It was shocking.

    After the judgment where were you taken to?

    After the judgment, the DSS took me back into their custody and I was there for another four months. To say I was confused was an understatement. The judgment was made in January and I remained in DSS custody till May. I didn’t even know my status anymore.

    When you realised that you would be kept for another five years, how did you feel and what was going on in your mind?

    As I said earlier, It was shocking to later realise that I was not going home and that I would be staying in detention. Initially, I was of the view that since it was just Friday, they would tell me to go home the following Monday. However, on that Monday, they called me to inform me that I would have to stay for another five years starting from that day. I was then told that there was a letter that came with that judgment that the counting must begin from the day of pronouncement, not from the day of arrest. Most of the people there thought I would leave by Monday. Even one of the warders there said: “Oga, you are leaving here Monday.”

    After that, I settled down. I knew that there was nothing I could do but to submit to where my destiny is. I only prayed that one day, God would bail me out. It was a kind of hope that rose to the peak and then came down to the bottom. I thank God that we were able to absorb the shock.

    In one interview you granted, you said, ‘we were just enjoying the place’. What were you enjoying?

    It was a kind of divine inspirational statement. There were two things that comforted me during my ordeal – my faith in God and His divine protection. I remembered during my initial periods of intense interrogation, there were some verses in the Quran, intuitively, I was just reciting them. I didn’t even know what I was saying. Later one of the Interrogators (an Israeli) confirmed that he also speaks Arabic and understood the prayer.

    That chapter we call it Duha.

    The Chapter is comforting,  Prophet Muhammad SWAS –  “Whatever happened to you, I don’t neglect you, I didn’t forget you, I didn’t hate you, tomorrow will be better than today”. That is the summary of the message of that chapter. It is a very short chapter but carries a very big message.

    Immediately I realised I was reciting this, I was extremely comforted. I got settled down. That was eight days after my arrest. I started following things like that when they came, I was receiving them, and so it comforted me.

    When you were eventually released and you saw your children, what was it like?

    I was shocked. They had grown big!

    None of my children was in the university before I was arrested. My first child was supposed to go to the University in the Republic of Arab, everything was in the last stages including the admission, the visa, and suddenly, I was arrested.

    My wife worked really hard to take care of our children and the family during my absence. The support that I got from her and other members of our family, especially my in-laws, and the moral support of my own family comforted me, and that was the work of God. For these blessings, I am very grateful. I honestly believe that almighty Allah kept me there for a purpose at such an appointed time and I simply totally submitted myself unto Him for guidance and protection.

    I saw myself drawing nearer to God almighty daily that I even almost forgot to pray for my early release because I didn’t want God to stop revealing Himself to me. It was like He wanted to prepare me for so many things that I had seen in visions before my arrest but I never imagined that it was going to be like that.

    What were the things that you are not likely to forget in a hurry about your travails?

    The day I was arrested, I will never forget that day till I die. I was in my room; I was to attend a party convention. We wanted to do the convention of the executives. I was at ‘loggerheads’ with some of the political giants in the state. God made it to be in my favour. They felt extremely embarrassed. They preempted the success. It was to start at exactly 12 noon and  was getting ready when the DSS came in. That was the first time somebody would just come into my room without knocking,  no Sallam, no nothing. They even came into the toilet, I felt as if assassins had entered with guns. It really shocked me.

    What did the DSS do to shock you that much?

    We live in a fenced house. All the children were in the room. The door was closed and I was not expecting anybody. They just burst in with full armour and guns.

    How many of them came to your house?

    The people that entered my bedroom. However there were several others that entered, in the vehicle and had stationed themselves in every strategic area in the compound.

    It shocked me. I had never experienced such in my life.

    I was never prepared for anything mentally and psychologically like this.

    Abdullahi Mustapha BerendeI was not briefed or given any reason for the arrest. I was simply bundled into their vehicle. At a time, I wanted to ease myself during the journey but I could not talk, I was so scared.

    When we got to Abuja, they detained me.  I just saw the people fully armed with masks and bulletproof jackets, and I said what is happening?

    Another situation I will never forget was the first time they took me to the magistrate. I was chained hands and legs. They blindfolded me. I didn’t know what was happening. They were just giving commands, dragging me. We were going for a long distance and after a while, they dropped me into another vehicle again. Someone then said since he is here now, remove the chains from the hand. They removed one but not the blindfold, so I didn’t see anything.

    Later, I started hearing sounds of some vehicles front and back. One of them later said: ‘Do not shoot until I ask you to, if you do, you are on your own. Get set and be fully prepared.’ I was shivering.

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    I was also sandwiched again; it was a bus. I will never forget that one. I thought they had decided that they were going to kill me because the vehicle was running like hell. It was too much for me until we entered another place where they now removed the handcuffs. One of the people that was with me there said: “Mr. Man, relax,” because I was shivering so much, but he kept  tapping me , saying:  “Mr Man relax”. I said I can’t relax.

    What could have caused your travail? While would somebody want to hurt a cleric?

    I tried to figure this out initially. I couldn’t tell. Perhaps, I was asking the wrong question, why me? Why me? Why was I locked up?

    Is it because I’m a Yoruba?

    Is it because I’m a Shiite Muslim? A religious war perhaps?

    Or was it because of my political antagonism with the government in power in Kwara State?

    I later regretted asking such questions though. If God has an agenda, let His will be upon me according to His plans. I was thinking all of these combined or one could have probably caused my travail.

    Again what could have been responsible for my arrest could be political. We were about to go to a convention and I was getting the upper hand. It was later that I realised that it was the combination of all these factors, being coordinated by a person.

    The then DSS boss -Marilyn Ogah played a major role in your ordeal. Assuming you now find yourself in a room with her, what would you be telling her?

    I would ask her: ‘Why did you betray me?’ While I was there, I saw a lot of things that I never knew existed in this country. Outside, I was so naive and so innocent about our criminal justice system and all that was involved. The whole place was buzzing 24/7. I even remembered telling her that you people are so lucky to be serving the nation day and night. With their commitments and deep sense of duty, everyone felt so secure in their jobs, contrary to others on the streets.

    I also genuinely felt their determination to combat and prevent any perceived. I was assured of their sincerity that I promised to fully cooperate with them in order for them to carry out their investigation of perceived imminent attack terror on our nation.

    I had an Iranian friend who I strongly believed was a businessman, but they said that they were convinced that he was a terrorist. I then started to read a different meaning to my relationship with the man in the past retrospectively, thinking that if he indeed was a security risk to this country (Nigeria), I should cooperate with the DSS to nab him.

    They made you believe that your Iranian friend was a terrorist?

    Yes! His name is Amil. I trusted him. I wanted to go into business with him and had all his contact details on my phone. It was later that I realised that they did not even know him, neither was he under the radar of any investigation. It was a simple case of mistaken identity! I was the one that gave them all the information about him and they later used this information against me. They later brought out some pictures and asked me ‘who is he among these ones?” I asked them don’t you know him?

    They even showed me some pictures of some Lebanese, Syrian, Iranian suspects, but I couldn’t see my friend’s among them. Truly, I didn’t know anybody in those photographs.

    Let’s talk about the controversial press conference you had with the NTA. What really happened behind the scene?

    Yes indeed, behind the scenes, the whole scenario was staged!

    We even went for ‘rehearsal’ twice before the day and were given a ‘script to read’. The DSS woman (Marilyn Ogar) assured me all they wanted to use me for was simply to counsel Nigerians, especially the youths, that they should be wary of any free offers, that people should know very well their friends before they start interacting with them. Like me now, I didn’t know my friends very well. I just started interacting with them. At that time,  I actually believed that truly my friend was a terrorist. That Nigerian youths should be wary of who is an outsider – an overseas citizen with a promise but with a hidden agenda.

    So they did tutor you on what to say?

    Yes! They said that was the only thing that they needed me for – I should just address Nigerians. I agreed with them whole-heartedly believing that I was helping out to further educate our youths. While agreeing to this though, I indeed warned the DSS people that they should not call me a terrorist and if they did, I would embarrass them.  They agreed.

    However, when I was brought out into the Hall, I didn’t realise that the place would be filled with people and I was not told that there were reporters there. Also, I was not aware of any statements that Marilyn Ogar made about me  prior to me being brought out.

    As I entered the hall, all I could see were cameras. They never told me that I was going to speak with reporters. They told me that I would be sitting with the officials of the DSS on a table with refreshments and everything.  As soon as I entered, I saw cameras flashing away and this continued for more than five minutes. I was shocked.

    After this, the DSS woman told them: “it is enough, it is enough. If you do not stop, I will ask them to take him back.”

    I was then asked, `What advice do you have for the nation?’ I collected the microphone, I started talking as per the statement agreed with DSS behind closed doors. One of them asked why are you giving this advice, and I said it was because of my love for the nation.

  • UK fashion brand set for Nigeria

    UK fashion brand set for Nigeria

    A NIGERIAN-born United Kingdom-based entrepreneur and fashion designer, Prince James Oresanya, is set to launch ‘JCCLUB’ brand in Nigeria.

    Oresanya said the brand, which was launched in 2017 in the UK and became a household name in Manchester city, aims to compete with other brands in Nigeria.

    In a statement by the Chief Executive Officer, Oresanya yesterday stated: “The launch of the brand is aimed at competing with top designers across the globe, JCCLUB had over 50,000 followers weeks after launch and praises from the likes of Rebecca McAllister and landed space in Manchester evening.

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    “James Clothing, a real fashion brand outfit offers compelling clothing and accessories for men and women. The brand, JCCLUB, having been successful in the UK, I intend to storm the African market through Nigeria, to deliver to customers, best experience, helping them to express their own individual style.”

  • Robbers’ threat letters spark anxiety in Ogun, Osun communities

    Robbers’ threat letters spark anxiety in Ogun, Osun communities

    Daring armed robbers in parts of the Southwest states, including Ogun and Osun, have resorted to writing letters to residents of the areas they intend to attack, causing undue anxiety among the residents of such communities, reports KUNLE AKINRINADE.

    EARLY in the month, an unusual letter caused panic in Olosan community in Leme area of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Frightened residents launched into a fit of lamentation, urging the police to save them from suspected robbers who had written a letter to tell the community to prepare for an invasion.

    In the letter that was indiscreetly pasted on walls around the community, the robbers warned residents to prepare for dire consequences if the police were informed about their mission.

    The hoodlums instructed the residents to keep money for them or be prepared for death if they fail to yield to their request for cash.

    The notice read: “Important notice to residents of Olosan community: We the oga, oga (big bosses) are coming to greet you in no distance time (sic). If you like, you can report to the police, that does not concern us.

    “Whoever we visit and refuse to give a good amount of money to us shall be killed or the person might even lose both money and his life.”

    Crying out for help, the embattled residents cried: “Please help us beg them. We don’t have money. Please!”

    Like the Abeokuta episode, residents of Olofa Estate, Ofatedo community in Osun State were also gripped by fear on June 24 this year after suspected robbers informed them of an impending attack unless a sum of N20 million was contributed and paid to them.

    In the letters, the suspected robbers threatened to kill all the guards in the community, adding that no house would be spared during the attack.

    The notice written in both Yoruba and English, read in part: “This is to inform you all that we thieves are coming to this community. We won’t spare any house or else you contribute a sum of N20m and keep it with the chairman.

    “We will only visit and take the money from him. We will kill all your watchmen if they try to stop us. We are coming with full force.”

    Fearful residents relocate, hire security guards

    Worried by the threat letters fearful residents, among other security measures, resorted to fleeing the communities while the leadership of the communities hired the services of local guards.

    Sources said that residents since then been returning home early and shutting their doors as early as possible in the evenings.

    A resident of Olosan community in Abeokuta, Jamiu Alao, said: “As residents, we are troubled by the audacity of the suspected robbers.

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    “We don’t want to leave things to chance, hence we have encouraged ourselves to return home early and lock our doors as early as 7.30 pm.

    “Although they are yet to make good their threat to invade our community, some residents have started relocating from this community.

    “However, we have decided to sustain these security measures in order to protect ourselves from the robbers while we have also informed the police.”

    “The landlords association has also contracted vigilance groups to protect lives and property in the community and carry out regular surveillance especially at nights.

    A community leader, who asked not to be named, said the robbers’ notice unsettled the residents when it was sighted in the community.

    He said that police had been patrolling the community since the notice was pasted, adding that landlords in the community too had formed a vigilance team to support the police.

    Some residents of Olofa Estate in Ofatedo, Osun State where a similar notice was pasted by robbers were said to have also relocated for fear of becoming victims.

    “I relocated my family to Ede because I did not want to fall victim to dare devil robbers,” a resident who spoke in confidence said.

    The Field Commandant, Osun Amotekun Corps, Amitolu Shittu, had allayed fears over the development, saying:  “Although there was no formal report yet from the community, immediately we saw the letters from the robbers on the social media, I met some residents of the area and I asked some relevant questions.

    “We have not met with the representatives of the community as a group, but we are on top of the situation. We, however, cannot disclose in full our strategy in the media.”

    Sadly, a week after the notice was posted some daredevil robbers invaded the community, robbing and injuring residents.

    According to reports, the robbers numbering five on July 1, 2021, invaded the Ilupeju area, Ofatedo community in Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State.

    Residents said the robbers attacked the community around 1:30 a.m. They first attacked a poultry farm after they shot the night guard several times, but he escaped.

    The robbers then invaded another factory in the area from where they forced their way into residential buildings and robbed occupants of their valuables.

    It was said that the robbers operated for about four hours and left the community around 5 a.m.

    Speaking with The Nation, one of the night guards in the area, who identified himself simply as Segun, said: “They (robbers) came to our community around 1a.m. I was on duty. The bandits were looking for money. Unfortunately, they could not get anything where I am securing. They attacked me with a machete.”

    Another resident who spoke in confidence said he was tied and locked up in the toilet by the hoodlums.

    He said: “I was tied and locked up in the toilet. After I freed myself and left the toilet, I was hearing gunshots even till around 5a.m. The robbers were five in number. Two of them carried guns. Only one of them did not wear a mask.”

    It will be recalled that a similar notice was pasted in the Onikoko area in Abeokuta South Local Government Area by suspected robbers in December 2020.

    The robbers were said to have pasted the notice on the walls of different buildings, telling the residents to be ready to give “what belongs to us.”

    The letter reads: “We armed robbers are using this medium to notify you that we are coming to pay you a visit very soon in this community to collect what belongs to us.

    “Go out and tell the landlord, landladies, tenants and visitors that we are coming to visit them very soon. Thanks.”

     

    Why robbers write victims before they strike

    A pubic analyst, Dapo Adaramati, said robbers write to their victims beforehand in order to weaken their spirit of resistance and cause fear in the victims before they strike in communities.

    He said: “Robbers writing disturbing letters to residents is an apparent recourse to psychological method to instill fear in residents and weaken their spirit of resistance before they (robbers) invade the apartments and homes of their victims.

    “Such notice or letter usually ends with ‘don’t try to inform the police’, and this is inserted in the letters to forestall a situation whereby the police would be invited to repel or foil their operations.”

    In his opinion, a security expert, Sam Bassey said that robbers mostly write letters to residents of rural communities to make them believe that “they can’t get adequate security protection from law enforcement agents and to make them submit to their threats.

    Bassey urged the police to create and sustain proactive measures to protect the lives and property of residents and investigate and arrest the robbers behind such letters.

    “Part of the remedies I want to suggest is that the police authorities must develop proactive measures to ensure constant surveillance and patrol in several rural communities as well as launch a diligent investigation to unmask the criminal gangs behind the disturbing letters.”