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Tag: MAN

  • A man for all seasons

    A man for all seasons

    A tribute to Sir Chief Molade Okoya – Thomas OFR, Asoju Oba of Lagos

    Chief Molade Okoya – Thomas was, as they say, many things to many people.  To me he became, over the years, a father-figure, a mentor, a role model, and a most cherished friend. As such he will be sorely missed but always remembered in the most endearing terms. I offer my heart-felt condolences to Mama, the children and the entire family he left behind. Eyin Baba a da.  Amin.

    I first encountered Chief Okoya – Thomas and got to like him and almost instinctively adopted him as a role model, even before I met him and got to know him.  It was back in the early 1980s and I was recently returned to Nigeria after a long stay abroad.  I had just started my career in investment banking and quickly came across his name on my marketing list of the Deputy Managing Director of CFAO Nigeria Plc, as one of the high net-worth individuals to both market financial instruments to, in both his corporate and individual capacities.  It was years before I actually met him in person, but in the meantime I followed him in the media, long before the days of Twitter and social media! Back then, I was truly intrigued by the way that his presence and personality were writ large across the spectrum of society. He was mentioned regularly on the business pages, while he was also a key figure on the Lagos cultural and social scene; and when you looked at the sports pages he was there also; and his philanthropic work was also regularly mentioned-particularly his steadfast sponsorship of the Asoju Oba Table Tennis competition.

    Here was a man who was as easy and comfortable in corporate boardrooms among the elite and international businesses people, as he was playing the traditional role of Asoju Oba in cultural gatherings and doing church work. One day he would be at Roland Garros or in his box at Wimbledon, the next mingling with and encourage young sporting talent at the grassroots level in Lagos. Here was a man showing how to really be a part of society and how to fulfil the lofty goal of contributing to others across several facets of life. Observing Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas from afar, I saw a role model of how to live in Lagos and Nigeria.

    As the years rolled by I was fortunate to have the chance to spend many happy hours with Chief Okoya-Thomas in various settings, from formal gatherings to hanging out at his beloved Lagos Lawn Tennis Club. I remain eternally grateful for the effusive kindness and consideration he always showed to my wife and family, whenever he met them. For me, his most endearing feature was his wonderful personality.  The wit, the humour, the kindness, generosity of spirit and humility of the man knew no bounds. Always a master of impeccable hospitality, you only had to visit him at his office lunchtime at – even if he had guests – to be treated to a sumptuous meal, fine wines and an afternoon of rib-cracking tales and eye-watering laughter.

    Despite his humble nature Chief, quite rightly, never allowed anyone to sell him short.  If you made the mistake of seating him at anywhere but the highest table, at a function you had invited him to, he would quietly gesture towards the adjacent table, with its reserved signs, and gently ask rhetorically:” is that where the Governor will be sitting?” Then he would ask: “Se ko ye kiawanajokoti Governor”!

    Adieu, Sir Chief(Dr) Molade Okoya – Thomas OFR,  Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, Businessman, Philanthropist, Sportsman and Bon Viveur!

     

  • Man held for selling son

    Man held for selling son

    The Abia State police command seems to be making progress. No fewer than nine suspects have been paraded for  alleged crimes ranging from kidnapping to ATM fraud. One man was said to have sold his son for a fee.

    Speaking in Umuahia while parading the suspects, the state Commissioner of Police (CP) Joshak Habila said the command was determined to reduce the level of crime rate in the state.

    Habila said that the strategies the command put in place to check criminality has been yielding fruit as the command had made tremendous progress in apprehending criminals at different locations in the state.

    He said that the command rescued a man who was alleged to have been kidnapped by two suspected kidnappers and were demanding ransom from his family in Port Harcourt.

    The CP said that one Sarah Onuegbu of Nworoma street Port Harcourt, Rivers state reported that her brother Callistus Agunmuo of 48 Ikwere Road Port Harcourt called her on phone that he has been kidnapped by four men.

    Habila said that the kidnappers had asked her to come to his house with the ransom and his men swung into action, “During which the duo of Light Nwalozie and Anthony Ukaegbu were arrested, while the victim was rescued without any ransom”.

    He said that his command has also arrested one Ezenwoko Gideon of Ohuru Amangwu who has been terrorizing Obingwa and its environs, adding that Gideon has been on the wanted list of the police for several kidnap cases.

    The CP said that the command had earlier arrested his gang, “But Gideon ran away and later resurfaced and has been linked with several kidnap cases in recent time with the Obingwa council area of the state.

    Habila said that his command arrested one Chika Azubuine of Akpunekpu village and Victor Young of Obiekwensu village both of Isiala Ngwa South council area who are experts in ATM robbery.

    He said that the suspects attempted to rob the ATM of one of the first generation banks in that area, adding that investigations led to the arrest of Enyeribe Chidi, Obinna Francis, Iwejuo Chilaka and Izuochi Iwejuo from their hideout in Obiekwensu village.

    The CP said that the items recovered from them included iron bars, three ATM cards, one handset, four SIM cards, one motorcycle, two locally made singe-barrel shot guns, a DVD player, two motorcycles without registration numbers among others.

    The Abia CP said that a woman named Gladys Sunday of Ahiaba Okpuala in Isiala Ngwa North council area reported to the police that her brother, Sampson Uchenna Sunday aged 32 years had been stabbed to death.

    Habila said that Gladys told the police that her brother was stabbed to death by one Chizaram Amandu aged 40 years from Umuagu Eziala Nsulu of the same council area.

    He said that the suspect after committing the act ran to the police to report that he fought with a man, adding that during investigation, “It was found that the suspect stabbed the deceased with a knife at his neck which led to his death”.

    The CP said the police found out that the suspect had gone to the back of the man’s house and when the deceased confronted him he attacked him with the knife and claimed that he was hunting for snails at the back of the dead man’s house.

    He said that on being questioned by the police questioned that the suspect said that he fought with the deceased, but did not know that his action will lead to his death and regretted his action.

    Habila also paraded a man for selling his one year and two months old son for a paltry sum of N300,000, while the suspect who is alleged to have bought the boy is on the run, the father is currently under arrest by the police, while the boy has been rescued.

    The CP said that the suspect, one Maduabuchi George Okey, conspired with one Obinna Erondu to sell his son, Chizoba Maduabuchi aged one year and two months for the sum of N300,000.

    He said that trouble started when his wife Eberechi Maduabuchi raised alarm that her baby was missing, “The police swung into action, traced and rescued the boy from the house of one Erondu at Mbutu Umuogwo village, who is now on the run”.

     

  • Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    The remains of Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, have been buried at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki, Lagos after a funeral service at The First Baptist Church, Broad Street, Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

    There was traffic jam on Broad Street, Lagos penultimate Thursday. It wasn’t caused by the hustle and bustle of the city. It was caused by guests at the First Baptist Church who were attending the funeral service for Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, who died on January 23. He was 92.

    The church hall was decorated with yellow and cream fabrics. It was filled with those who came to pay him their last respects. Others sat on the gallery.

    Pa Odolomerun was a man of many parts.

    He was founder, Dolmark Partnership, a frontline firm that handled a lot of quantity surveying jobs for the government. Among other jobs he did were the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos; P and T Obalende and Federal Advanced Teachers Training College at Okene, Kogi State and others at Ogoja and Kano.

    The late Pa Odolomerun joined the Rotary International and was the president of Rotary Club of Ikeja, District 9110. Also, he served on the Board of Trustees and was an executive of his church. He was lover of classical and choral music and was Patron of the Sanctuary Choir of the church.

    The service began with the processional hymn, as the BMC pall bearers brought Pa Odolomerun’s body into the church. The family led by the widow, Gloria, followed.

    The church choir sang hymns such as Must Jesus bear ‘the cross’ alone/” All to Jesus I surrender”, “The day thou gavest Lord is ended” and “For mercies countless as the sand”.

    The Warri Choral Society also sang hymns, including, “Everyday I will give thanks”, “Blessed be God’ and ‘The trumpet shall sound”.

    His daughter Mrs Ejuaye Urowoli Ajayi read her father’s biography.

    In a sermon, Rev Sunday Fagbemi described the late Odolomerun as a man blessed by God.

    He said God blessed the the late Odolomerun with a wonderful wife and children who took good care of him. He said the widow was always with her husband.

    The cleric said the deceased managed his life well, noting that God’s blessings were for every one but the problem was that of management.

    He read from Genesis, 25: 7-11 and Psalm 34: 11-15.

    He said God has blessed all Christains with long life but that they have to key into it. “You must fear God, avoid lies and ensure peace with all,” he said.

    The cleric said God blessed Pa Odolomerun with long life, adding that he left a good legacy for his children. He urged the congregation to ensure that they get these blessings, stressing that the biggest blessing one should strive for is that of eternal life. He urged the people to live for Jesus,  so that their eternal life would be sure.

    Pa Odolomerun’s remains were interred at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki.

    Reception followed at KFA Events Centre in Lekki.

    Beautiful women dressed in uniformed blouse and wrapper Ankara led guests to labelled seats.

    Guests sympathised with the widow. Itinerant camera men made brisk business, taking ‘wait and get pictures’.

    The hall was beautiful; it was decorated with white and yellow fabrics.

    Ebony Band entertained guests.

    Mrs Odolomerun described the journey with her husband as remarkable and unforgettable.

    She wrote: “I testify to God’s glory that my husband lived a fulfilled life and completed all assignments at a ripe age of 92. I thank God as I was privileged to be here with him until the end. It was peaceful; indeed, he was a peaceful and  gentleman to the core,” she said.

    Mrs Urowoli wrote that her father was her number one fan. “He had faith in my capabilities, through thick and thin, never gave up on me. He meant many things to many people; to mum and I, he was our companion and friend. He was patient, kind and forgiving, empowering, yet protective”.

  • My wife sent me packing, says man

    •‘He said he won’t allow a woman control him’

    A 32-year-old woman, Folashade Olaleye has prayed the Alakuko Customary Court in Lagos, to dissolve her 12-year-old marriage.

    She is seeking to part ways with her husband Sunday Olaleye, who she accused of deriving pleasure from cursing her.

    She said they have been quarrelling since they started living as a couple.

    Mrs Olaleye, a trader said a day was never complete without a disagreement.

    She said: “His mother has been against our marriage from the outset. I couldn’t back out because I was pregnant. None of his relations attended our child’s dedication but his mother came to assist me after our first child’s birth. As I speak, I don’t relate with any of his relations.

    “My husband knows the nature of my business; occasionally, I travel out of the country for three to four days and he always complains each time I return despite using the money to cater for our children’s needs. I once advised him to join me in the business because I have a friend whose husband monitors her shop each time we travel. Instead, my husband said he wouldn’t allow a woman to control his movement. I was sad.

    “Since he left home last October, he comes to my place every morning and night to rain curses on me in the presence of our children. I will take care of our children. He is free to visit them whenever he pleases. I don’t need him in my life anymore besides it’s been a year since we slept with each other,” she said.

    Olaleye, a 36-year-old motorcyclist, in his defence told the court: “Yes, we disagree a lot and she rains curses on my folks too. It is also true my mother came to nurse our first child but she stopped coming because of my wife’s attitude. On several occasions, both families have advised us on how to reconcile our conflict but my wife never worked on her flaws. I stopped taking alcoholic drinks and smoking because of her. I tried so many ways to let peace reign but instead, she would shout at me asking me to give her a breathing space. She never asked me to join her business.

    “She doesn’t have time for our children. She attends more than four social gatherings in a week. In fact, she is footloose and adulterous because I hear a lot of things from neighbours and I once caught her in company of a man at the junction where I work. I did not leave the house willingly. My wife sent me away. Whenever I returned a bit late from work, she sends me back. My clothes are still in her place because I couldn’t take anything when she sent me away. The last time we slept with each other was four months ago and not a year as she claims. I still love her because of our children if not, dissolution is best for us.”

    The marriage produced three children.

    The court’s President, Chief Awos Awosola, asked Olaleye to pack his clothes at the petitioner’s house and adjourned the case till March 12.

  • Man, 65 docked over possession of Indian hemp

    A 65-year-old man, Sheu Ashaolu, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti over illegal possession of two kilogrammes of Indian hemp.

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) prosecution counsel, Charles Ugwuja, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 3, last year.

    Ugwuja told the court that Ashaolu was caught in possession of the illicit drug at Oke-Odo Street of Igbara-Odo, in Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    The charge sheet reads: “That you, Sheu Ashaolu on December 3, 2014 at Oke-Odo Street of Igbara-Odo, in Ekiti SouthWest LGA under the jurisdiction of this court without lawful authority did possess two kilogrammes of narcotic drug.”

    According to the prosecutor, the offence committed by the accused contravened Section 19 of National Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Ugwuja then prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him properly prepare for the case.

    Earlier the accused had pleaded not guilty to the one count charge when it was read to him.

    His counsel, Ibitoye Ogunyemi made an oral application, praying the court to grant bail in favour of his client in a liberal terms and it was not opposed to by the prosecution.

    The presiding Judge, Justice Ishaq Sanni granted bail to the accused in the sum of N800,000 and one reliable surety in like sum.

    Justice Sanni added that in the alternative the surety should be a Grade Level 10 Civil Servant.

    He later adjourned the case till March 30, for trial.

  • The Nation man finds love

    The Nation man finds love

    A member of staff of The Nation, Abiola Adenekan, got married to his heartrob, Olapeju Adekola, of Natural Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), last Saturday at the  Folawiyo Bankole Memorial Methodist Church in Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, writes IBRAHIM ADAM.

    The family members of Adekola and Adenekan gathered last Saturday at the Folawiyo Bankole Memorial Methodist Church in Ikate, Surulere, Lagos  for their children’s wedding.

    The groom, Abiola Adenekan, arrived in a gold Nissan Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). He was all smiles in his black suit, white shirt, sky inner blue jacket and tie with a pair of black shoes.

    Soon, the bride, Olapeju joined him in a black Toyota Land Cruiser. She was a beauty to behold in her shiny cream flowery gown with a veil as she entered the church auditorium with her father, Rev. Johnson Adekola, who walked her to the altar and handed her to the cleric.

    The Circuit Minister, Rev. Olusegun Aiyedero, coordinated the service.

    It started with the church choir singing the processional hymn: “Praise to the Lord” after which the Presbyter, Rev. Oluyinka Akande, spoke. He said marriage is a sacred and life-long union between a man and woman who gives themselves to each other in love and trust.

    The choir sang another hymn:  “Blessed assurance”.

    Abiola unveiled Olapeju and both stood up to declare their wish for the marriage. Family and guests affirmed to the matrimony. After the vows, the couple exchanged rings and the cleric declared them man and wife. The couple consequently signed the marriage register.

    In a sermon, Rev. Akande charged the couple to love each other, constantly express love by word and action and depend on God for the sustainability of their relationship.

    The cleric urged them not to allow the prevailing economic situation to distract them.

    “Abiola, your home must be the home where the husband is the head and Olapeju, you should submit yourself to your husband. Don’t let your love to be based on what you get from the other. Constant expression of love encourages relationship and don’t allow selfishness or third party to separate you.

    “You must learn to pray together in all situations and don’t allow disagreements to also separate you. The best time to settle your misunderstanding is at bed where no man can disturb you both for the journey you started today needs strength, grace and power of God,” he said.

    Reception followed at Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Sports Ground Hall, on Bode Thomas Road, Surulere.

    Olumide Olagoke popularly called MC DAY, anchored the event; Blessed Band entertained guests.

    The couple were ushered in amid cheers. They were the cynosure of all eyes. Everyone stood watching them as they entered.

    Mr Timothy Adelowo Adedokun, who chairmed the reception, enjoined the bride not to take things for granted. He advised the groom to treat his wife the way he would treat himself.

    “Let there be sincere love, respect honour, care, appreciation, understanding, tolerance and perseverance for each other because without the body there cannot be the head and without the head there cannot be the body.

    “Olapeju, you are now the Chief of Staff, which means nothing should be taken for granted and you must always watch your tongue,” he said.

    The couple cut their three-layer cake, fed each other and sealed it with kisses. They moved to the dance floor and were joined by  their parents and guests.

    Rev. Adekola, described his daughter as a faithful woman, saying he would miss her patience.

    The groom’s father, Pastor Julius Adenekan, described his son as a good boy.

    Olapeju, a  chemist described her husband as her king.

    “I’m so excited for he is my king, my crown, my best friend and confidant,” she said.

    Abiola, a graduate of History and Diplomatic Studies, described his wife as calm, supportive and caring.

    “She is my queen, and does not complain. I feel so happy and honoured for this day and I give God all the glory,” he said.

  • Farewell to ‘a good man’

    Farewell to ‘a good man’

    The funeral of Dr Joseph Singapore Adaba, a businessman, who died on December 26, last year has been held in Lagos, reports WALE AJETUNMOBI

    Lafiaji, the popular neighbourhood in Obalende area of Lagos, was agog penultimate Friday. It throbbed, as usual, with commercial activities. But trading on the narrow street leading to St. Michael Catholic Church in the neighbourhood was suspended for a two-hour funeral programme.

    At 9:45am, the hearse conveying the body of Dr Joseph Singapore Adaba, arrived in the church, accompanied by soldiers. There was no stunt by the pallbearers, who were clad in black and white suits. The pallbearers were trailed by the grief-stricken family members and associates of the deceased as the remains were being moved into the church auditorium.

    The officiating priest, Reverend Father Vincent Udoye, came in from the pulpit entrance; then, the funeral mass for the late Dr  Adaba started.

    The widow, Mrs Amina Adaba, who was clad in black attire, sobbed endlessly as the priest began the homily. She was consoled by a group of sympathisers also dressed in black clothes.

    Taking the first Bible reading from the Daniel 12: 2-3, Rev. Father Udoye said all the dead shall be awaken on the Day of Judgment. He  said the righteous among them shall wake into everlasting life, while the wicked would be in shame.

    The priest urged the congregation to always leave their loved ones with good deeds each day because they would never know their last hour on earth.

    He said: “We all must prepare for our final moment because the son of man can come at any time. We must pray for long life but whether we like it or not, the son of man will leave this earth one day and our deeds would determine if we are going to rise among the righteous or the wicked.”

    Describing the deceased as a good man, Rev. Father Udoye urged the bereaved family members not to mourn, but to reflect on the good deeds of their breadwinner and move close to God in their trying period. The priest told the widow not to cry but to remain in prayers at all times.

    While taking the second Bible reading from Job 17-22, the clergyman noted that there had been no human being without weakness.

    He read: “Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker? If God places no trust in his servants; if he charges his angels with errors, how much more those who live in houses of clay whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth?”

    After the sermon, the priest prayed for the bereaved family and led a processional hymn with the theme: Hark, Hark, My Soul.

    Afterwards, the body was moved out of the church for interment at Ikoyi Cemetery in Obalende. After the priest said a short prayer, the body was lowered into a concrete grave by the pallbearers, while the widow and family members of the deceased performed dust-to-dust rite.

    In tribute to her late husband, Amina wrote: “My love, my confidant, my friend and motivator. You left me so sudden and it is still like a dream … I will not mourn but celebrate you, because that is what you deserve. Although my heart bleeds with pain, but for you I will be strong. Will forever miss you.”

    Adaba died last December 26, last year. He was 67. He worked in Nigerian Immigration Service before he gained admission to study Pharmacology up to doctoral degree at the University of Brooklyn, New York in United States from 1974 to 1977.

    After he returned to the country, he established business conglomerate in Nigeria and abroad.

    He is survived by wife, a son and five grandchildren.

     

  • Man escapes lynching for attempted child theft

    Man escapes lynching for attempted child theft

    A middle-aged man narrowly escaped being lynched last Saturday for allegedly attempting to steal a three-year-old child.

    One of the women, who caught him said she suspected he was a ritualist.

    “I noticed the way he was trying to lure the child with a piece of biscuit. At a point, he carried the child and made to hurry out of the place. Seeing that if left alone without watching him, I may not see him again, I quickly alerted two other women and asked them look for the mother of the child.

    When the woman (mother) arrived at Agbe Road in Abule Egba, she found her child in the hands of a total stranger and raised the alarm,” said the woman.

    She added: “Within some few minutes, people started gathering. All efforts for them to know why he carried the child and attempted to go failed. He was silent. So, the crowd became angry and started punching him. Some people even attempted to break his head with empty bottles, but two men who held the man made it impossible for them to use broken bottles on him.”

    Another source, said the suspect was given the beating of his life.

    The irate crowd was said to have dragged him to a nearby police station from where he was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

  • ‘I haven’t met a man more caring than my husband’

    ‘I haven’t met a man more caring than my husband’

    What was your initial reaction when you heard that your husband was going to be nominated as All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate?

    My initial reaction was that of apprehension.

    Why?

    Because I knew I would have to share him with others, I mean political associates, official functions and all the likes. And I would rather have him to myself alone. So, that was my initial reaction.

    So, how were you able to overcome that?

    I guess I realised that the handwriting was always on the wall; that this was what he is being prepared for. If you look at what he has done over the years, you will realise that the Lord was preparing him for a time like that. I realised and remembered that. That put my fears aside and I told myself I had to allow the Lord do what He wants to do with him.

    I shouldn’t be selfish but release him to accomplish for Nigeria what God has been putting in his heart. His works, like I said, over the years and his experiences in public life have all pointed to the fact that he is a man for a season like this.

    So, are you comfortable so far?

    With what?

    With how the campaigns have gone so far and how the APC is moving on?

    Comfortable is not a word you can use at this point, considering what the nation is right now. But in terms of the campaign, yes, things are being done in a noble way. Things are different from what they used to be in the past. I believe that things will take a turn for the best for this nation.

    Do you believe he is up to the task ahead?

    I don’t think I am in the best position to answer that (laughter). But I think he is the best man in the whole world. One thing I can say is that we have been married for the past 25 years and every day, I get to respect him the more. He is very kind and lovely. I have never met a man more caring than he is. He is the most caring person I have met.

    There are things Nigerians don’t know about him that only you can tell us about. What are some of these things?

    Well, I will just say he is a lovely and kind man. He loves to a fault. He cares a lot. His life is all about caring and giving. When he was Attorney-General of Lagos, he proved that over and over again. Our church currently runs two free schools through his initiatives because we are interested in people.

    One has run for a year and the other one just started. In the school, there is no tuition, registration or any fee. They are entirely free. They don’t pay for books, stationeries, uniforms or feeding. One of the schools is in Obanikoro, while the other is in Okota in Lagos.

    We also run a soup kitchen in the church that we run now and the one we ran before. The soup kitchen provides food for the students every day. No child gets to the schools except he or she is poor. So, these are some of the many things he does for people to show his love.

    Won’t these stop if he gets elected as Vice President?

    Not at all. If you know my husband, he is a thorough and meticulous person. He doesn’t get into something until he has figured everything out. What will happen is that he would be able to do more as a Vice President on a larger scale.

    The ones that he is going now, he has structures in place to handle them whether he is around or not. They are not just about him because other members of the church contribute. He has people everywhere running stuff that are from his heart.

    I believe if he is elected, he will have more opportunities and platform to do much more for the people.

    As a very private woman, how are you preparing for life as a public figure?

    Honestly, I can’t tell. There is nothing I am doing or intend to do. I just trust God for grace. I am in His hands and I believe He won’t take me there and leave me stranded. I am just in His hands for whatever He wants to do with me.

    Your book, They call me Mama, details your activities with street urchins in Lagos Island. What on earth was driving you to have anything to do with such people?

    (Pauses) I don’t even know how to answer that question. That was just my life at that time. That was my own expression at that time. I am really thrilled I could reach those people in many parts of Lagos. When we started, they started introducing us to their friends in other parts of Lagos.

    They were really my family members at that time and for me, Under Bridge was the safest place in Lagos. I felt so safe there that you couldn’t just move any close to me once I was there. The boys loved me so much they wouldn’t allow even a fly come close to me. For me, it was the safest place in Lagos.

    Do you still get to see or meet some of those boys?

    Of course, I do. For the book presentation, I asked two of them to come so that people could see what we have done. One of them just got married in Benin and introduced his girlfriend to me before they married. He is now such a gentleman. He couldn’t even talk the way he used to before. The other one we took under the bridge at 11. Today, he has graduated on scholarship. We had many of such transformation stories coming from these boys. They were good guys who only found themselves in situations they couldn’t help and I am glad God used us to lift them up.

    When they finally realised who you are, how did they feel?

    Well, they just knew I was their mama, someone who cares so much about them. They didn’t know my background or husband’s status in the society. I was only giving them lunch, releasing them from police stations and visiting them in prisons.

    So, I was just someone who loved them. Then, one day, one of them came across a newspaper cutting of a picture we took during the presentation of a book written in my husband’s honour when he left as Attorney-General. The function was at Muson Centre. So, one of them saw the picture and they couldn’t get to believe it was me.

    That Sunday, they showed me the newspaper and wanted to know if it was me. I had to persuade them that yes it was me but it has not changed anything. Immediately, they started feeling uncomfortable and I assured them that I care for them, regardless of the differences in our status. Until then, they just called and saw me as mama, a church pastor that they could talk to and run to with any challenge or trouble.

    Supposing you become the First Lady to the Vice President, what new initiatives will you bring to the office?

    There is no office of First Lady to the Vice President.

    But you will be playing some roles, won’t you?

    The only role I will play is to look after my family, especially my husband, so that he can concentrate and do the works committed to him. That, to me, is the only assignment expected of me. There is nothing more. As long as I can help my husband to do a good job for the nation as a mother and wife, I am done.

    What is happening to your legal practice?

    I studied law but never practised. Studying law helped me to understand my husband’s stories and cases when he returns home.

    How can you convince an ordinary, average woman out there that your husband is deserving of her vote and those of her family members?

    All I will just say is that he won’t let them down. He is a good, caring man. If he could take care of me well at a personal level, he will look after women more than well if he is elected.

    If he succeeds in becoming Vice President, what do you imagine will happen to Nigeria?

    I sincerely believe there will be a great turnaround. He will do Nigeria and Nigerians good. He will change things and will never cheat or shortchange them.

    Do you believe he will win this election?

    I believe so with all of my heart.

    Not minding he is contesting against the incumbents?

    Yes, not minding that. I believe change is coming and Nigerians will witness it through the APC.

    How is your typical, average day like lately?

    I don’t have an average day because what I want to do determines how the day runs. I have now two shelters for battered women and victims of sexual abuses. One is on the Island and the other on the Mainland.

    It is a non-governmental organisation called Women’s Helping Hands and we get to hear heart-breaking stories. One is that of a woman whose husband held down and battered with hot iron. She was so scary when we saw her.

  • Voice of God or man

    When is the voice of man equal to the voice of God?  This must be the central question in the controversy over the priestly intervention by the Enugu-based Catholic Rev Father Camillus Ejike Mbaka. His intrusion was unanticipated because the country had grown accustomed to the silence of those who claim to represent the divine when faced with the influence of political power.

    So, it was food for thought when Mbaka’s New Year message to the congregation targeted President Goodluck Jonathan. Mbaka said: “I’m not saying that Goodluck is a bad man. He is a good man. But he cannot lead Nigeria. As things stand right now, from the oracle of the Holy Spirit, Jonathan should honourably resign quietly and let Nigeria be.” He also said:  ”The way Nigeria is going right now, the office of Goodluck Jonathan let another take…We need change. May the Holy Spirit help me to vocalise what he has shown to me while I was waiting on him to give me a message for my people.”

    Indeed, Mbaka’s appeal to authority, more specifically, to the believed infallibility of divinity, may appear mystifying, but that is understandably the nature and character of priesthood. Priests are expected to be peculiarly connected to the metaphysical realm, but it is difficult to prove when a priest is metaphysically correct. It is the fundamental uncertainty of spiritual integrity that complicates a priest’s claim to oracular capacity.

    However, when a priest, by his pronouncement, is on the same page with the people, it may suggest a definitive divine influence; and this is Mbaka’s appeal. In the sphere of public opinion, there is little doubt about Jonathan’s abysmal governmental performance, and his pursuit of a second term in office has all the ingredients of a defiant and unrealistic venture. The context gives credence to Mbaka’s words and to his claim to being a messenger of God.

    It was striking that in reaction to Mbaka’s remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Abuja Metropolitan See, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, was quoted as saying, “I wouldn’t be surprised if most people are not happy with the statement he made. From my reactions, you should see that I do not agree with him. I don’t believe a priest should be doing that.” He added: “If he was in my archdioceses, I will have sanctioned him long ago for the kind of things and utterances that he makes.” Interestingly, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, also said: “There are more than 30 million Catholics in Nigeria; Fr Mbaka is just one Catholic; if he makes a statement, it cannot be the voices of more than 30 million Nigerian Catholics speaking.”

    For the avoidance of doubt, Mbaka never claimed to be speaking for anyone but God. It is noteworthy that he said: “It is so unfortunate that pastors are becoming vultures around the president. Pastors are becoming hawks around him, eating the porridge of Jacob and selling their prophetic rights.” He continued: “Listen, this is the voice on the pulpit: all these men of God, who are telling Jonathan to continue because they are benefiting one thing or the other, you should question your apostolic, prophetic anointing.”

    It may be relevant to highlight the fact that when Jonathan went on a pilgrimage to Israel last year, the second time in his four-year term, he had with him the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba; Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide; Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh; and President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor.  It is not difficult to guess that Jonathan’s repeat pilgrimage was probably inspired by his pursuit of reelection this year.

    Mbaka’s difference speaks eloquently when considered against the background of a “Primatial Award of Excellence in Christian Stewardship” given to Jonathan last year by the Anglican Communion. From the testimony of Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh who led a delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Anglican Church is proud of Jonathan. Listen to Okoh’s words in justification of the unprecedented award: “By this award, we affirm that you as the leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has shared, allocated, distributed the resources of Nigeria fairly, equitably, and judiciously to the East, West, North and South of Nigeria to all, including the traditional religionists, Muslims and Christians alike, to men and women, to the youth and children, including the Almajiri. This is the essence of this award. Congratulations. May God honour you.”

    In a revelatory moment, Jonathan said on the occasion: “I grew up as a member of the Anglican Church…I have been a part of the church from the beginning. I attended the Anglican Primary School as a pupil. So I have to be very grateful to the Anglican Church that brought me up. I am what I am today because of the Anglican Church.” If Jonathan sounded like a proud product of Anglicanism, then the questions should arise as to what he was taught in that framework, if he was taught anything, and whether he is practising what he learnt, if he learnt anything.

    Just imagine how colourful and reinforcing it would be for Jonathan to be given awards by the representatives of the categories defined by Primate Okoh: “the East, West, North and South of Nigeria…including the traditional religionists, Muslims and Christians alike…men and women…the youth and children, including the Almajiri.” It would be a carnival of highly favourable publicity and praise, which Jonathan would, no doubt, enjoy.

    Seriously, isn’t it confusing? Who is speaking on God’s behalf?  It may be clarifying to quote Jesus on the Mount of Olives. In Mathew 25, he spoke to his disciples about the judgement of the sheep and the goats. Jesus said: “Then he will say to those at this left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me…Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.”

    If Jonathan’s record in governance should be judged by the words of Jesus, he would probably be qualified to be where Jesus referred to as “at this left hand”. In other words, his performance in office, which has observably deepened the country’s harrowing socio-economic conditions, places him among “the goats.”

    This must be the point of Mbaka’s sermon. It was an impressive and commendable instance of speaking truth to power, and deserves to be emulated by genuine priests in the interest of the country.