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Tag: hail

  • All hail Field Marshal Hardball!

    Now do not laugh dear reader, it is not what you think, but suffice to say that interesting times require interesting responses. The matter at hand demands proper illustration and adumbration even, to make it palatable to you dear reader.

    Therefore, as the women of the East used to say with relish: never fail to master the dance steps in vogue during your time lest you live to regret when you are old. Another wise saying of old is that: do not discard a baby because its paternity is in contest, for you never can tell which head will wear the crown tomorrow. And this final one: the bat that did not hasten to find its perch in the cluster when others are doing so would have to sleep alone.

    Avid readers of Hardball would have caught the drift of today’s gist now. It simply is that this business of militancy, cultism and even terrorism is the next big boom. Anyone who cannot cotton on to it now may have himself to blame in the years ahead.

    First, these deathly phenomena are transiting from despicable vices that they were just about five years ago to a noble vocation which transmutes practitioners to the status of a statesman. In other words, if you achieve some state of invincibility for a few days or months and are able to hold out against the sovereign forces over a couple of skirmishes, then you are made. You can begin to call for dialogue at your terms.

    Having caught on to the wisdom that this is the biggest job in this town now, Hardball contemplates venturing into it. Here is how it is going to be: he has taken the title of a field marshal. Since some of these small boys have assumed the title of ‘General’, ‘Commander’ and even ‘Government’ (imagine having two governments under one sovereignty). So Field Marshal is still cool.

    The full name of the group would therefore be ‘Field Marshal Hardball Creeks Musketeers’ (aka: Full Cream Milk Boys, FCMBs). It’s getting interesting dear reader isn’t it? The beauty of this business is that you need not register or seek licence or any permission. Just announce yourself via the social or mass media and begin to cause trouble anyhow you know.

    Just consider that over a dozen militant groups have emerged or splintered from the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, since they took the ‘bold’ step about six months ago and held the rest of us to ransom.

    To summarise, the loony in Mgborokoto village told his kinsmen who gathered around his burning hut that he saw a bonfire next door and he decided to torch his own hut too so that all the fires would be put out at the same time.

    Moral: If government has decided to beatify and dialogue with all sorts of miscreants, Hardball might as well set up his own ‘shop’ too so that all the ‘dialoguing’ would be done at the same time.

  • Esele, Agbonmhere, others hail Obaseki

    Esele, Agbonmhere, others hail Obaseki

    Former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele, has congratulated Mr. Godwin Obaseki over his victory at the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship primary.

    Esele, who is a governorship aspirant, conceded defeat before the results were announced and he left the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia at about 2:30am yesterday.

    He told reporters he could live with the outcome of the primary, despite some misgivings.

    He said: “I think it is something I can live with. With the way it is now, I think Godwin (Obaseki) will emerge our nominee. As a loyal party man, I will support him in whatever way possible.

    “I just congratulated him now. I don’t want to start nodding in front of the television. I wish him the best of luck in September and whatever way I can support him, I will.”

    Other aspirants that waited till the results were counted and a winner declared were Blessing Agbomhere, Prof. Oserheinmen Osunbor, Austin Emuan, Tina Agbarha, Charles Airhiavbere and Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula.

    Agbonmhere said he was a loyal party man and would support the unity of the party. He said the primary has been concluded and the way forward was to come together and win the September governorship election.

    Others shook hands with Obaseki but refused to talk to the press.

    In a press release signed by Comrade Godwin Erhahon, State Publicity Secretary said assured that as a progressive party, APC will re-unite all rival groups that went into the primaries with different hopes and aspirations to team up to ensure victory in the September 10 governorship election.

    “As members of one progressive family, we went divided into the primaries struggling peacefully to ensure the victory of different aspirants but as progressive democrats, we returned united behind one candidate.

    “We appealed to all aggrieved persons to forgive all pre-primaries offences and cooperate as members of one family to mobilize voters for APC in the forthcoming governorship election. The APC and its government in Edo State will strive to heal all wounds and pains, physical and emotional, that may have been sustained or felt during the battle for various aspirants towards the primaries.

    “Supporters of the winner should understand that the structure with which they battled for the primaries will surely not be enough for them to face the general election.”

  • CJ, NBA, others hail retired judge  

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo  Atilade has described  Justice Adebisi  Kayode-Ogunmekan (rtd) as a woman with profound intellectual depth.

    Her deep knowledge of legal jurisprudence, the CJ said, is demonstrated in her judicial pronouncements.

    Justice Atilade spoke at a valedictory court session in honour of Justice Kayode-Ogunmekan.

    According to her, Justice Kayode-Oyemekun’s wealth of experience and ingenious resourcefulness at the Bar and in the Public service proved valuable as they were brought to bear on the job and earned her the deserved elevation to the High Court Bench almost two decades ago.

    “Not only has our retiree proved her worth as a jurist of immense quality, Her Ladyship has also stood the test of time. A woman of excellence with a keen eye for details, whose strength of character was ably exemplified in her reliability, uprightness and forthrightness. Little wonder that she is loved and admired by all, including her brother and sister judges in the Lagos State Judiciary,” the CJ said.

    Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association of Nigeria, Lagos Branch, Martin Ogunleye described the retired judge as an asset to the state judiciary. He said she promoted reconciliation in many cases that came before her.

    Ogunleye   added: “We at the Lagos Branch of NBA wish you a deserved rest and blissful retirement after 38 years of fruitful and rewarding public service, you have played your part and history will be kind to you when your role and time on the bench is chronicled.”

    Justice Kayode-Oyemekun in her remarks,  attributed her success at both the public service and the judiciary to the grace of God.

    She expressed her profound appreciation to the state judiciary for a well deserved honour bestowed on her by all and sundry in the justice sector and more especially her brother and sister judges at the bench.

    She used the occasion to call on appropriate authorities to provide better welfare packages for legal practitioners while also advising lawyers and judges alike to be mindful of their limitations in all legal proceedings by holding tenaciously to the guiding principles of the legal practice.

    Justice Kayode-Ogunmekan was born into the family of Prince Michael Adedipupo Ogun, the late Olofin Ajaiye of Orugbo Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, in Lagos State on August 12, 1950.

    She attended the Anglican Girls School, Broad Street, Lagos from January 1956-Decemebr 1958, and Children’s Home School, Molete, Ibadan between January 1959 – December 1963.

    She enrolled at the prestigious Queen’s School, Ede in 1963 where she successfully completed her West African School Certificate Examination with distinction between 1964 and 1968.

    She thereafter proceeded to Ijebu Ode Grammar School for her Higher Secondary Education Certificate (HSC) from 1969-1970.

    She went further to obtain her General Certificate Examination (A-Levels), and her excellent performance in her chosen subjects earned her a direct admission to the University of Lagos, Akoka in 1971 for her Law degree. She was called to the Bar in July, 1975.

  • Tornadoes hail Enyimba despite defeat

    Tornadoes hail Enyimba despite defeat

    In a show of sportsmanship Niger Tornadoes of Minna have given Enyimba a pat on the back for being a good host in Sunday’s league tie  at the Umuahia Township Stadium

    The highly entertaining match ended 2-1 in favour of Paul  Aigbogun led Enyimba who pulled an impressive away win against Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium few days before the Umuahia showdown.

    Tornadoes who were enterprising  in the match left no one in doubt that they enjoyed the professional approach of their hosts, comportment of the fans and the general friendly atmosphere that surrounded the match

    “”Congratulations Enyimba it was a tough and massive game but you came as victor. Thanks for your hospitality “the Minna landlords dished out via the club’s twitter handle @NigerTornadoes.

    Hard fighting Tornadoes held their host to a 1-1 draw at half time before Ike ThankGod who is gradually turning into a goal machine for Enyimba restored the team’s lead which was maintained till the end of 90 minutes and three minutes added time.

    Tornadoes midfielder, Bolaji Adeyemo who grabbed the equalizer before the end of the first half, almost got a brace but missed a goal bound header by whiskers.

    Table toppers Rangers International maintained their position despite being held to a 1-1 draw by 3SC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu on Sunday.

    The flying Antelopes have garnered 28 points in 15 matches just a point ahead of Pillars who have earned 27 points in 15 matches.

  • Governor, Osun APC, Omoworare hail Tinubu at 64

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business Senator Babajide Omoworare yesterday felicitated with All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu on his 64th birthday.

    Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, described Tinubu as God’s precious gift to Nigeria and a detribalised leader.

    The governor said Tinubu, over the years, exhibited uncommon political sagacity that has placed him far ahead of his political compatriots.

    He extolled the political doggedness and commitment of the former Lagos State governor, which, he said, gave birth to the new political order being enjoyed in the country today.

    The governor said: “Your commitment, patriotism and ‘never say die’ spirit with some other democrats are responsible for the new political order being enjoyed in the country. Over the years, you remain committed to the advancement of true democracy and good governance.

    “The political height you have attained in the last 64 years was not by a sudden flight, but a reward of hard work, patience, perseverance, tolerance and strategic thinking, planning and execution. You remain a role model to generations and a factor in the political equation of this country.”

    The Osun State APC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Kunle Oyatomi, said: “This birthday is all the more worth celebrating because the leader has come a long way in shaping the paradigm of change in Nigeria over the last decades.

    “Very few Nigerians, if any, can lay claim to the level of political change that occurred in 2015 for the first time in the half century that Nigeria has been independent. But for the strategic masterstroke of Tinubu’s effort and political influence, a sitting Federal Government would never been removed through a free and fair election.

    “His contribution in making Muhammadu Buhari president today is unparalleled in the history of political alliances in Nigeria. In spite of pessimisms and vicious criticism of the present administration that Tinubu helped to power for change, the APC is still standing and the government is firming its hold on power.

    “This is not a mean achievement for an individual. The political history of Nigeria, whether we like it not, will give significant and positive mention to Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s contribution to the evolution of democracy in Nigeria.  All well-meaning people should, therefore, join in celebrating this irrepressible national leader of the APC at 64.”

    Also, Omoworare, a senator representing Osun East, described Tinubu, as a fearless patriotic Nigerian and harbinger of change.

    According to Omoworare: “Tinubu is an enigmatic political calculator and a visionary politician, whose life and leadership capacity is inspirational to everyone who dreams to be great.”

    The senator, in his goodwill message by his media assistant, Tunde Dairo, described Tinubu as God’s blessing to Nigeria.

    He said: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is so many things to so many people, depending on the side of divide you belong in the struggle for a just and people-oriented Nigeria.

    “The life of selflessness and sacrifice of Asiwaju Tinubu is second to none in contemporary history. He is a dogged fighter whose dedication to the struggle for a better human society sees no huddle as too big to cross. He is a quintessential leader of all ages whose life and time will ever remain evergreen.”

  • Heartland hail Golden Eaglets

    Heartland hail Golden Eaglets

    Heartland FC have hailed the remarkable performance of the Golden Eaglets at the just concluded Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup where they emerged as champions after the 2-0 win over Mali in the final last Sunday.

    The Team Manager of the Naze Millionaires, Promise Nwachukwu told SportingLife that the Eaglets and the technical crew led by head coach Emmanuel Amuneke deserved to be praised for ensuring that Nigeria’s name is portrayed in good light and the fact that the country’s cadet team were able to defend the crown won two years ago in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    Nwachukwu noted that the hard work of Amuneke was evident from the assemblage of the players in Abuja to when they placed fourth during the African U-17 Championship in Niger Republic and when they went ahead to the World Cup after correcting the lapses noticed to claim the highest honour at the cadet level for the fifth time.

    He said that he was in love with the disposition of Amuneke who remained quiet during those turbulent periods before the World Cup when he was accused wrongly and that he was thrilled that the former African Footballer of the Year has been vindicated.

    Nwachukwu also praised  President Muhammadu Buhari whose tenure as the head of Nigeria has delivered two of the five trophies won by the Eaglets.

    He said the administration of President Buhari and the enabling environment he has given to sports development in the country have made it possible for the Eaglets to flourish in Chile and for the country’s representatives to excel in other sports.

    “I want to praise the good work of Emmanuel Amuneke for the good job he has done on the team. He made us proud in Chile and I also want to accord special praise to our President, Muhammadu Buhari for the way he has made sports, especially football to thrive,” Nwachukwu told SportingLife.

  • APC, SANs hail NLC over anti-corruption campaign

    APC, SANs hail NLC over anti-corruption campaign

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and other eminent Nigerians have hailed Nigerian workers and the Civil Society for standing up firmly against corruption, describing the workers’ open demonstration of support for the Federal Government’s battle against corruption as a major boost to the anti-graft fight.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said Nigerian workers’ unambiguous stand against corruption is also a clear repudiation of all those who have attempted to politicise the battle either by insinuating selectivity or saying the government should face governance instead of dwelling on the fight against corruption.

    It said: ‘’Thursday’s nationwide demonstrations by Nigerian workers and the civil society in support of the anti-corruption battle is the clearest indication yet that corruption is now seen for what it is—a vice to be condemned and punished rather than something to be venerated and celebrated.

    “The growing intolerance for corruption among Nigerians is also a clear example of what a nation can achieve under a committed, sincere, purposeful and focused leadership.’’

    APC said the delivery of good governance is seriously hampered by corruption, hence the cankerworm, which it said has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society, is the main reason why millions of unemployed youths cannot get jobs, hospitals lack necessary equipment and drugs, infrastructural deficit is worsening and social services are almost non-existent.

    The party added: ‘’A huge chunk of the billions of naira budgeted annually for all sectors of the economy end up in private pockets. Little wonder that the economy has been in the doldrums over the years despite the trillions of naira earned by the country from crude oil sales alone.

    ‘’It is therefore baffling that some people, for whatever reasons, have decided to engage in sophistry in their attempt to distract the government from combating graft.

    “Thursday’s nationwide anti-graft rally by Nigerian workers and the civil society has shown that Nigerians are not buying such fallacy.’’

    It recalled the promise made by President Muhammadu Buhari in his inaugural speech on 29 May 2015, that his Administration would tackle head on the serious challenges facing the country, including insecurity and pervasive corruption, and appealed to all Nigerians to continue to give their unalloyed support to the administration in its determination to surmount the challenges.

    Also speaking, Chief LadiWilliams (SAN) hailed the action of the workers. He said the NLC has the right to make the demands for death sentence for all corrupt public officials, but regretted that “our statute does not have provision for capital punishment.

    “The demand is therefore inconsistent with our constitution. Until the law is amended, I don’t think a judge has the power to pass death sentence on anybody.

    “The demand is what I call the Chinese option. In spite of this, I agree that something drastic needs to be done about the state of corruption in the country.

    “Some people have been known to reach out to adjudicators to compromise them. On several occasions, the accused are either freed or given a slap in the hand.

    “It is a murderous cruelty for any of these people to get away with even a dollar from what they have stolen.”

    He added: “They are also right in kicking against the use of perpetual injunction by corrupt officials to restrain anti-corruption agencies from prosecuting them. But I will say that due process must be followed.

    “I am also of the opinion that perpetual injunction should not be allowed in our fight against corruption. I find it difficult for anybody to prevent investigation of corrupt officials and something has to be done about it.

    “If we don’t do anything about corruption, we would remain in poverty perpetually.”

    The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on war Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, described the protest as a step in the right direction, but frowned at the call for death penalty.

    “The demand for death penalty for corrupt officials is a bit extreme. I have always been guided by the fact that once a life is taken, it can’t be restored,” he said, adding: “I totally support the campaign against the use of restraining injunction by corrupt people to prevent being prosecuted. Any judge who issues that should be regarded as guilty of gross misconduct and his job put on the line.

    “I am however against going to their houses to bring them out because it would amount to physical violence. It should be left in the hands of the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC).

    “Such a judge should be queried and dismissed from office for promoting corruption. “

    In a separate interview, Enechi Onyia (SAN), said the protest was in order because it is geared towards curbing corruption in the country.

    “The Federal Government should take all of that and decide what is good for the country. It is the fundamental right of any Nigerian to go to court for whatever he wants. It is the court that can decide whether to grant the request or not,” he said.

    Also commending the NLC, Barrister Fred Agbaje, a human rights activist, asserted that the “right to fair hearing should not make the court to blindly accede to the request of one man against the interest of the country.

    “I support the NLC on their protest against the use of perpetual injunction by corrupt officials to avoid prosecution. Judges should weigh the interest of the larger society and the need to curb corruption as enshrined in section 15 of the constitution.

    “I also support the demand for capital punishment for corrupt officials, irrespective of what some governors are saying. I am not an apostle of death penalty, but if that is what will stop or reduce corruption, so be it.”

  • Don, others hail Ondo over residency card initiative

    A former Statistician General of the Federation, Prof. Doyin Akinyosoye, has recommended the adoption of the Ondo State Residency Card initiative, otherwise known as Kaadi Igbeayo, to the National Economic Council (NEC) for effective planning purposes in Nigeria.

    Prof. Akinyosoye gave this recommendation in Akure at the weekend, following the successful take off of the utilization phase of the scheme.

    According to him, the card which captures the data of each resident, if adopted nationally, will no doubt be useful as a platform for effective planning for the citizens to ensure equitable share of the nation’s wealth consequently enhance overall development in the country.

    At the flag-off ceremony of the utilisation  of the smartcard on Thursday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner to Ondo State, Mr Segun Agbaje, who represented the Independent National Electoral Commission boss Amina Zakari said the scheme would also be recommended to the Federal Government for adoption by the electoral body since the card would enable the owner vote in any part of the country irrespective of place of resident without the risk of duplication of votes.

    Agbaje implored residents of the state to pay their tax as at when due to enable the sustainability of the project.

    He said he was fascinated by the fact that the activities of the owner of the card inputed on it will automatically be detected if presented for verification in any other part of the state other than where the initial activity took place.

    He added that if adopted by INEC, voters can vote in any part of the country irrespective of where he or she resides.

  • 3SC hail Ogunbote immediate impact

    3SC hail Ogunbote immediate impact

    Shooting Stars players have saluted the huge impact coach Gbenga Ogunbote has made to the Ibadan club on his arrival.

    Ogunbote is unbeaten in his first two games in charge of ‘The Oluyole Warriors’ – 3-0 home win over Lobi and 0-0 at Bayelsa United.

    Nigeria U-23 goalkeeper Abiodun Akande said Ogunbote’s influence has been such that 3SC played their best game of the season thus far on Sunday when they spanked Lobi Stars.

    “My club are on the rise again. The new coach has brought something different. He has motivated the players and I have never seen us play the way we did against Lobi, I think it’s a new era of good fortune for 3SC, fans should keep supporting us and be patient,” Akande told AfricanFootball.com.

    “Let me thank God first for the improvement in my team. The new coach has brought something different into the team. Right from the training it has been different and that has been the secret behind our performance in the last two games,” added defender Suraj Sodiq.

    “Everyone is challenged to do well. He has been wonderful and I can say this is the new 3SC.

    “We will keep working hard to get better game after game.”

    3SC are now 15th on the league table with 12 points after they were at the bottom of the standings for the better part of the season.

  • Sharks duo hail Eagles’ call-up

    Sharks duo hail Eagles’ call-up

    Sharks duo of Joseph Nathaniel and Chima Akas have hailed their invitation to the Super Eagles again and have promised to give good accounts of themselves when the camp opens on May 19.

    Akas is a left full back while Nathaniel is a midfielder and both players have told SportingLife that they would be hitting camp to lend their support to the fall of Chad in a 2017 AFCON qualifier.

    “I will be going to the Eagles’ camp with the self belief and confidence that Chad will fall next month. I will be going to the camp to contribute my quota towards that,” Akas told SportingLife.