The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Tears

  • Tears in my eyes

    Tears in my eyes

    • By Olawale Oshun

    There was a time immediately after October 7, 2023 that you would think Aljazeera must have harboured a sinister agenda in her detailed reportage of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. In recent times however, a conscientious observation and trajectory of reportage by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and to a lesser extent by America-based CNN indicate that Aljazeera is indeed right in focussing on the carnage and what now is appearing to unbiased observers as sustained massacre of Palestinians in the Gaza region.

    Only stone-hearted hearts would not shed tears at each news reportage. I used to think one could get used to seeing these horrors but each hourly news reportage by any of these international news sites cannot but draw tears from the eyes. Discerning observers cannot but recall the intelligence failure in Israel on October 7, 2023 which consequently enabled the Hamas’ incursion into Israel and the loss of more than a thousand Israeli lives. Certain as morning and night is the belief that Israel, the master aggressor even when unprovoked, would be difficult to restrain in her retributions. This has led till date to the loss of more than 40,000 Palestinian lives. And the number is still rising. What a retribution, if one dare say so.

    My focus in this piece however is the Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023 and the Israeli reactions since then. A sane observer would wonder what the Hamas hierarchy sought to gain or thought it could gain from such a frontal affront to Israel, knowing fully well that Benjamin Netanyahu is a supremacist and as right wing as anyone who could be. For all he cared, he would goad all living Palestinians into the Dead Sea if it were possible so to do. Each time he spoke about destroying Hamas, he just could be speaking of his intention to destroy all Palestinians wherever they could be found. Hence what did Hamas think could beneficially be secured when it decided on the October 7 incursion?

    On the other hand, could full blooded human beings be in perpetual bondage and relish the bondage without a whiff? Aren’t there some in the Arab world who wonder at the temerity of the Israelis who overtime had become the overlord of all that territory comprising of Palestine, and who only bids for that time when the Arab Palestinians are either driven into all adjoining Arab nations or if the whole world closed their eyes into the Dead Sea. In speaking of the whole world closing its eyes, does it really matter, once the Americans have closed their eyes? After all, Joe Biden the American president only moments ago spoke of the magisterial imperialism of America. He said it’s “America’s duty to lead the world”, and dare I add to “control all its resources”.

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    With that mind set, is it any wonder that America alone standing behind the Israelis, the latter could spurn the whole world, weave electrified walls around Palestinian settlements, and power heavily armed (Israeli) soldiers to man towers and many times breathe fire and brimstones down on defenceless or better put, unarmed Palestinians. As a balanced observer, let me even conclude that both the Israelis and the Palestinians have sustainably hurt one another. In also concluding that they both carry baleful instincts against one another, one must admit that the Israelis are more lethal and could rely upon the never failing support and supply of deadly Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) from the Americans.

    But why would the Israeli Palestinian conflict draw tears from my eyes, ensconced couple of thousand kilometres from the theatre of war? First, if it is true that God created us all in His image, then those sustaining the carnage against children some as young as a day old, those supporting the endlessness of the carnage, preferring that no settlement is ever attained are not of God image but of devil incarnate. Infrastructures can be rebuilt, but the lives of defenceless children, women and men cannot be returned.

    Why are the Israelis in recent times not keen on finding a final settlement to the crisis? Why are the Americans flagrantly flaunting their WMDs, which if valued for the current October 7 war, can redeem the hopelessness and the poverty in at least one of the two afflicted continents in our world? Aside from Joe Biden the US president boasting that Israel would receive ‘whatever she needs” to execute its war against Gaza, the US provided Israel with US$3-8b in military aid in 2023 as against providing the whole of Africa humanitarian aid of just US$1.1b during the same period.

    We in Nigeria need to learn a lot from the on-going debacle in Palestine. Aside from all other human frailties, the issue at stake subsists simply around land ownership. Quite substantial banditry in Nigeria is being linked to control of land or put simply, linked to power over land. The herdsmen, be they Nigerians or of illegal migrants from diverse countries outside our shores, have the temerity to swamp into farms of others and destroy crops at will. There are other migrants who believing that the Nigerian Constitution confers upon them rights of movement all across the country believe that right could be exercised without due respect and or concern for their hosts. Their subterranean moves to usurp property rights and dislocate existing cultural values impinge and irritate their hosts.

    Immigrants even by international rules better respect the laws and values of their host and in many instances are obliged to acculturate for enduring peace between indigenes and settlers to reign. Where immigrants deliberately set out to violate the cultural values of the indigenous owners, then there would exist, strains and if not managed violence might be inevitable. More so if the settlers are claiming ancestral and or ethnic affinity with the Israelis, their hosts should be wary. This is not scare-mongering for the seed of violence rarely takes long to germinate.

    It is in this respect that the variously brewing ethnic animosities, be they economic and or racist, socio-cultural intolerance and of political dominance have to be viewed. Various governments since the return of civil rule in 1999 have been beset with all sorts of constitutional and sovereignty issues. The three southern zonal sub-nationals have demanded one time or the other to exit the Nigerian state. The three northern zonal subnational units have bred one level of terrorism or the other that indicated either a total rejection of the domineering sovereign called Nigeria or more plausibly that they could only be satisfied dominating and manipulating the country however they wished. 

    Quarter of a century on, from the 1999 return to civil rule, the country has thrived in permanent discord, and why she had not tipped the precipice is known only to her founding fathers, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Nnamidi Azikiwe. Is it not time then that we seriously start re-working our constitution to reflect the realities of our co-existence? Do we really still desire to co-exist under one sovereign and under what terms of engagement?

    Or do we as the various signs are showing that it is becoming quite realistic to consider the concept of a confederal set up where each nationality or mutually agreed nationalities can thrive on their own term rather than under a Lugardian trap that is all but torn into shreds?

    The Israeli Palestine century old war of grit, blood and supremacy started somehow. Will it ever come to an end? No one can say for even Kamala Harris the US Presidential hopeful I her nomination acceptance speech this morning spoke from both sides of her mouth. And that is how wars of supremacy always get treated. It is therefore better not to start, for how does it end.

    President Bola Tinubu, the time is ripe now for you to confront the Constitutional and Sovereignty issues in Nigeria. Quarter of a century down the slope of the return to civil rule, none of the preceding administrations had achieved anything close to healing Nigeria’s fractures. Neither Olusegun Obasanjo nor his immediate successor Umaru Yar’Adua could do much. Obasanjo allowed his self-interest to subjugate any constitutional vision he harboured and all were thrown into the dust bin following public scrutiny of the National Assembly role. We never would know what Yar’Adua would have done for the cold hands of death snatched him early in his rule. Ebele Jonathan dithered, and waiting for a second term that would have been a surprise, he failed to act when he should. Buhari in his own case, never hid his intention that his clan has a supreme obligation to dominate Nigeria, hence healing Nigeria’s spatial fractures and uniting the country was inconsistent with his self-defined mandate.

  • Tears flow as murdered varsity lecturer is laid to rest

    Tears flow as murdered varsity lecturer is laid to rest

    It was endless flow of tears by family members, colleagues, church members, friends and associates as Dr. Fumilola Adefolalu, a female lecturer at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna who was murdered by her housemaid recently, was laid to rest.

    Adefolalu was buried at the Christian Cementary at David Mark Road in Minna, Niger State after a solemn service at the Voice of Mercy Ministry where she was a pastor before her death.

    Even though those who attended the internment at the graveside tried to be brave and hold back their tears, they could not succeed for too long as the tears came involuntarily when her body was lowered into the grave and sand was poured on her coffin.

    During the solemn service, the deceased’s first daughter, Toluwalope Adefolalu-Odogiyon, had said her mother gave her all, lived fully and worked each day as if it was her last.

    “Mummy, my heart was completely broken and shattered by the news of your death. I didn’t know it was possible for a heart to ache with so much pain, literally, and still continue to beat. It still sounds unbelievable.

    “I have so many questions but I know nothing could have prepared me for the agony, immense heartache, overwhelming thoughts and traumatising episodes that came with losing you.

    “My mother lived well and fully. She held nothing back. I am not your Maker but I am somewhat certain you gave your all and you lived fully. I believe you are enjoying the rest you talked about.

    “That I will miss you Mummy is an understatement. We had very good memories and even more plans for the future. This is what hurts the most.

    Her son, Seyi, who read the biography of his mother, said it still feels surreal, adding that he never felt he would end the year this way.

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    “Daddy could not see the man I would become. Now, you wouldn’t see the father I will become. Who shall I take my bride to now? Who shall cry with me when I become a daddy?

    “You only but recently joked about the lady I would marry and now you wouldn’t see that too. This hurts really bad.

    “Your voice, how can I forget? You didn’t really like that then but now I know. Your kisses, how can I forget? Your hugs, your whippings and your preachings, how can I forget? Words fail me, tears fail me, and dreams feel real but this can’t ever be real to me. This can’t be the way I end this year, but God knows.”I

    The Senior Pastor of Voice of Mercy Ministry, Rev. Ojo Peters, during the exhortation, described the deceased as ‘Mama Mercy’, saying that she was very strong and pastored the branch where she was a resident pastor very efficiently.

    He said that he preached the shortest message of his life on the day she was found dead in her residence, adding that he had several questions which remain unanswered but he believes that God has a reason for everything.

    Peters pointed out that her death remains a mystery that no one can fathom but stated that God understands better than anybody.

  • Rivers of tears, blood and gore

    Even though the 2015 general elections in Nigeria were applauded as a positive watershed in the country’s electoral evolution, Rivers State proved a regrettable exception. The election that year, in Rivers State, was characteristically difficult to distinguish from war. Armed militias loyal to different political actors shot and killed innocent persons at will; while scores of people were routinely beheaded in an orgy of barbarism.

    This year’s national and state elections held on February 23 and March 9 have been widely adjudged to be a marked improvement on the 2015 polls in terms of fairness, freeness, logistics, credibility and security. While there were isolated incidents of violence in some polling units in parts of the country, these were nipped in the bud and most Nigerians were able to exercise their civic rights in safety. Much more importantly, their votes counted.

    Yet again, however, Rivers State has been the notorious exception.

    For example, the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers simply hang in a limbo since collation of results was suspended as a result of the widespread violence and unremitting bloodshed that marred the polls despite heavy security presence in the state.

    In a full page advert in this newspaper on March 19, six eminent indigenes of Rivers State, namely, Atedo Peterside, George Etomi, Tein George, Emmanuel T. Georgewill, John Azuta Mbata, O.C.J. Okocha and Herbert Wigwe, expressed alarm and concern at the prevalent situation in their state.

    Aptly titled ‘Rivers Lives Also Matter’, the advert strongly condemned the violence that characterized the elections in Rivers both on February 23 and March 19, stressing that “These violent deaths have led to the needless loss of so many lives, especially youths in various communities. We do not believe that elections which are designed to enable the people choose their leaders should lead to their death instead. Therefore, every single death must be investigated and the culprits brought to justice”.

    The advert expressed concern at the role of the military engaged in election duties in the state and called for a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to undertake a “thorough, professional and unbiased” investigation into the issue.

    Incidentally, another newspaper advert published yesterday, signed by another group of no less eminent Rivers indigenes, put the blame for the electoral crisis and political disharmony in the state squarely on the shoulders of the Rivers state INEC and colluding political actors.

    The advert, however, commended the professionalism with which the military conducted itself in the state during the elections. Signees of this advert were a former governor of the state, Mr. Rufus Ada George and other statesmen – Chief Alabo T.O. Graham-Douglas, HRH Alabo Prof. D.M.J. Fubara, Chief Sampson Agbaru, Rear Admiral O. Fingesi and Group Captain J.I. Ben -Kalio (rtd).

    It is our view that seeking to blame the military or INEC for the unsavory situation in Rivers State is absolutely misplaced. After all, Rivers is not the only state where functionaries of these agencies operated during the elections. Rather, what we have on our hands is an entrenched culture of impunity, intolerance, arrogance and lack of respect for human lives among a broad spectrum of Rivers political elite transcending partisan boundaries. The hazardous terrain, entrenched culture of militancy and too much money in the hands of criminal gangs makes Rivers the electoral umpires nightmare.

    The ‘Rivers Lives Also Matter’ advert struck the nail on the head when it stated that “We are deeply troubled by the inability of the political leaders in our State to manage their rivalries and differences within acceptable norms of a civilized society as has been done in several other States in Nigeria”.

    For Rivers, therefore, charity must begin at home. These adverts by key Rivers elite are a starting point. The next step is to begin to take concrete steps to mobilize both the elite and the masses against the prevalent political imbecility that makes Rivers a national laughing stock.

     

  • Tears for Imo State

    After the extended long nights of drama and debauchery played out at the state collation centre of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri and broadcast on some national television channels, Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was announced to have triumphed over UcheNwosu, the Action Alliance (AA) candidate and son-in-law of the bungling outgoing governor,RochasOkorocha, the All Progressive Congress candidate, Hope Uzodimma, the former governor of the state, Ikedi Ohakim of Accord party. Ifeanyi Ararume, a veteran of the election contest to the government house in Owerri flew the flag of the APGA party. The choices offered by these five men were a classical grim proverbial dilemma of the devil and the deep blue sea. It holds nothing and promises nothing for the long-suffering state.

    Governor Okorocha, whose incoherent rhetoric has always been dubious was elected in 2011, against the abysmal failure of Ohakim and given the depth of rot that existed then, Okorocha appeared like a whiff of fresh air. Not many suspected that Okorocha was going to squander a historic goodwill, swashbuckling all the way with the irksome and un-intelligent sound bite of rescue mission, whereas, he was the one that needed rescue from the bombastic Berlin wall of pride and prejudice he imprisoned himself and a small company of fellow travellers. When he proposed his son-in-law to succeed him, one wondered how one man would have re-defined the meaning of delusion and stretched it to such breaking point.

    Those who know said, that turning up in Abuja as senator and his son-in-law holding sway in Imo State as governor were not the only items in his political project. His wife was to head to the House of Representative, just as his other daughter is billed to be married to the deputy governor. Had things worked according to plot, Okorocha’s six foot golden statue would have been erected at the centre of the state capital to stare down at the people and even a bill sponsored in the state assembly to rename the state as Okorocha State.

    Because Okorocha, lowered the bar of governance of Imo State, the race to his succession featured desperate political hustlers, equally capable of mudslinging, muckraking and scare mongering, a measure of mutual assured brigandage that played out at the collation centre that saw papers torn and ballot boxes kicked.

    EmekaIhedioha, the INEC-declared governor-elect brings nothing to the table. According to one newspaper columnist, he slept over in his house, adorned babanriga the next morning to snap up, the position of deputy speaker of the House of Representatives from where he trained his eyes to the top job in Imo State.

    Now seated in his posh home, he has been holding court with several elite delegations, who did not even vote. Instead of checking feeder roads in rural communities whose state of disrepair and collapse have disoriented the rural economies and dis-articulated their integrative networks, Ihedioha is issuing warning to banks about the “perils” of last minute transaction with the outgoing government. Banks shuffle money and don’t create wealth and that the governor-elect seemed singularly obsessed about where money is shuffled is a sign of things to come. If EmekaIhedioha has any foresight, this is the time that, along with his shadow government, shall be taking stock and inventory of resource endowment of various communities across the state to be eventually matched with the requisite capacity-enhancement mechanism to realize the ultimate wealth potential of the state.

    Instead of holding endless courts and spewing platitudes, Ihedioha should roll up his sleeves, find out the state of rural infrastructures, rural feeder roads, local bridges and others and rethink the public works department to spearhead the revitalization of rural infrastructures, through which several local jobs can be created among the youths which will discourage them from foreign adventures and local crimes.

    The seeming political orientation of Ihedioha appeared tailored more to power grab than to political responsibilities. If he thinks and believes that he has reached the ultimate political goal by grabbing the top job in Imo State, there might be nothing more to expect from him except to drench in the symbolic power of cheering accolades, blaring sirens and the ultimate suzerainty of patronage of who gets what, how and when.

    If by any means of serious introspection and reflection, he chooses to exert himself to his utmost to the benefit of the people of the state and genuinely seek ways and means to accomplish that, it will be the equivalent of the biblical conversion of Saul to Paul on his way to Damascus.

    Hope Uzodimma did a good job of throwing a spanner in desperate wheels of outgoing governor Okorocha to get a third term by proxy. Had Uzodimma not matched governor Okorocha, wits for wits, the foremost eastern heartland would have been a colony of the Okorochas. But beyond that, it is doubtful if Uzodimma actually took himself serious as a contender for the top job in the state. What is he really bringing on the table? Is it just the rhetoric of hope against the background of despair fostered by Okorocha’sgovernment?

    Smooching across political operational lines and reeking the aroma of its dividends is entirely a different thing from bearing the burden of governance, which is a difficult art of meandering from managing expectations to delivering results. People who are naturally gifted with cutting deals and extracting cuts are not necessarily suitable to the open process of governance, where trade-offs are delicately balanced to generate win-win outcomes.

    Ararume, of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)  and founder of the formidable destiny political movement, has destiny playing serial games on him. He came too close to the coveted job in 2007 only to have a bullying former President Obasanjo butt him out. All his subsequent political outings have endeared in bouts and bruises. In the last campaign, he seemed most articulate and forthright in outlining the challenges of the state. It is difficult now to know, how he would have walked his talk, but in the campaign trail, he provided the only intelligent and coherent specific outline on his vision of governance. There are speculations a murky past cast a shadow on his political career.

    IkediOhakim, the one term governor of the state, bothered to stage a comeback but one does not think the people of the state even bothered to have him back. With a track record of abysmal failure, Ohakim who crashed into politics and carted away uncommon booty of the top job in the state, would have maintained a dignified distance from the state government house.

    As it stands now, Imo State seemed to have come out from danger of a rampaging one-way bus only that it appears to have entered a one-chance taxi cab.

     

    • Onunaiju is a political commentator based in Abuja.

  • Tears of Joy…

    IT is just a few days after Valentine and Thelma is still basking in the euphoria of the season. This is indeed the best valentine ever, filled with memories she cannot trade for anything. As a matter of fact, the icing on the emotional cake is this beautiful engagement ring. It looks and feels so good, glittering all the way.

    The love of her life made it so memorable by proposing to her on Valentine’s Day. It was indeed a day to remember; a day filled with surprises which brought tears of joy her way. The tears rolled down her checks continuously and she just could not hold back the tears and the way she felt about it. As her mind riveted to how it all started and how she almost lost this precious heart.

    Flashback to her emotional corridor and she remembers the ordeal she went through trying to find the bone of her bones. It was as elusive as passing through the proverbial needle’s eye.

    After a long while, she finally found her type of man and the relationship has been very interesting and memorable in every sense of the word. Dedication, determination and passion kept them going. “We met at a shopping mall. On that fateful day, I was in a very bad mood because everything around me was crumbling. Instead of getting depressed, I decided to step out to get my mind off the emotional matter. It turned out to be a very interesting move, away from heart aches and depression. I saw a lot of new things, creative pieces and realised that it was indeed time to move on.”

    She continued: “I bought a number of new things and realised that the best emotional therapy is to make yourself happy. I also gave myself a treat in the restaurant. It was one of the best meals ever; I can’t remember ever spending that much on a meal.”

    Interestingly, Danladi was in the restaurant on that fateful day. He kept wondering what this beautiful lady was doing hanging out alone in that corner. He finally joined her on the table and that was how their magical experience began. “Even though I liked him, I realised that he can be temperamental sometimes. That was something I wasn’t sure I could cope with. Surprisingly, we got along very well.”

    The unique part of the lovebirds was that they actually shared a lot in common. “We dated for months and we became closer and closer. The only snag was that I kept some of the things about my past secret. I wasn’t sure he was going to be happy about the things I did then.”

    Just when she thought the emotional battle had been won, an intruder surfaced. “Suddenly, I realised that Banji found his way back into my life. He kept dropping messages, calling me as well as sending all kinds of text messages. I told him point blank that it was over and it was at that point that he got really desperate.”

    Blackmail! Yes, that was the last resort and he did everything to make Danladi change his mind about their relationship. The battle line was drawn and just when she thought it was all over, Danladi gave her another opportunity. “He was really angry that I kept so much away from him. He told me never to do that again, there is no point keeping a secret; ‘I love you and that is all that matters.’”

    Even though Danladi has forgiven yours truly, I was visibly shaken by the fact that I could have lost the love of my life. I don’t even know if I would have coped if he walked away. Now, I have learnt my lesson. It is better to come to a relationship with your cards on the table. What would be would definitely be.

    The truth of the matter is that many keep secrets from the hearts they claim to love. When the bubble burst, all hell is let loose and the centre usually cannot hold in most cases. The crux of the matter here is that, if you keep something secret, it’s because you fear the impact that the information might have if it were openly known.

    Most times, what underlies secrecy is a fear of judgment or reprisal. Unfortunately, when your secrecy is violated, you may just lose

    control over the information and how the heart you cherish and others will ultimately react to it when the chips are down. This sadly takes many to a delicate stage of feeling sad, afraid, anxious, concerned, betrayed, angry, and just want to walk away.

    This leads directly to the issue of infidelity. For many, infidelity can be a highly subjective endeavour except for one constant: Infidelity, experts opine, always involves the keeping of important sexual and romantic secrets. Fear, interestingly, is always at the centre of it all.

  • Sorrow, tears as floods rage on

    The flooding in various parts of the country is yet to abate and more people are counting their losses

     

    Flood submerges five Benue communities, rice mill

    The Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Mr Emmanuel Shior, yesterday revealed that the rampaging flood has submerged five communities in Agatu and other parts of Makurdi, the state capital.

    Shior spoke with reporters in Makurdi on the current flood situation in the state, adding that Rice Mill and other settlements on the banks of River Benue were also affected.

    He said the state government had taken proactive measures, including setting up a committee to sensitise the people of the state on the dangers ahead.

    He said the committee consists of officials drawn from SEMA, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Information and other stakeholders in the state.

    Shior said SEMA, in conjunction with NEMA and other stakeholders, had embarked on an awareness campaign in the media, churches and Mosques.

    He said the campaign was intended to encourage residents of flood prone areas to relocate to safer areas.

    The BSEMA boss said the latest check with a guage showed that the water level at the River Benue had risen to 11 metres, barely one meter to its maximum level.

    According to him, the water has virtually reached the level that caused flooding in 2012, during which most parts of the state were submerged.

    He advised residents to steer clear from the river because of the high level, saying that 12 metres was the highest level that could cause disaster in any state.

    He said centres in the state, including the International Market, had been prepared to accommodate displaced persons.

    Mr Lugard Slaku , the Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for North Central, said that 12 states, including Benue, had been listed as most threatened by flood in the country.

    “So we have come with a team trained by NEMA to collaborate with SEMA to assess the situation, check the available facilities and gaps and report back to the head office for additional resources, where needed.” Slaku said.

    Slaku said while NEMA, SEMA and other stakeholders were working hard to ensure prompt response to distres calls, the people must cooperate with government to prevent avoidable disaster.

     

    Flood victims in Yenagoa groan, appeal for assistance

    Residents along the Epie creek in Yenagoa yesterday bemoaned the impact of the flooding caused by the overflow of water from Taylor creek, tributaries of the Orashi and Niger rivers.

    Residents of the riverside settlements moaned that the water levels at the creek had risen above tolerable limits on Tuesday.

    Joy Elvis, a resident of the Onopa neighbourhood of Yeagoa, said that the residents were helpless in efforts to deal with the flooding, as the assistance, which the state government pledged in its sensitisation messages, were not in sight.

    “It has not been easy, the water levels have been on the increase and this is usually expected at this time of the year but on Tuesday, floodwater entered our houses and we have since been under intense pressure.

    “We need assistance urgently but no one seems to care; we have resorted to moving some of our valuable things to neighbours’ houses because the government did not provide alternative shelter for us.

    “Our prayer is that the water goes back soon because if it goes beyond this level, even the houses of the good Samaritans who are currently accommodating us will be threatened as well,” Elvis said.

    Another resident, John Abide, told NAN that the people had been compelled to use canoes to access their homes, following the increasing water levels in the past few days.

    “A lot of the affected people are not willing to leave their homes because they don’t want to be a burden to others; so what most people do is to adapt by constructing wooden platforms within their houses to keep important belongings safe from water.

    “Those who have canoes have to put them into use whenever they want to go out; we are people who go to the river regularly to fish, so we are not so afraid of water,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Bayelsa government has pledged to ensure that no life was lost in the floods currently ravaging the state.

    Commissioner for Information Daniel Iworiso-Markson, who gave the promise in Yenagoa on Monday while commenting on the flood situation, said with the proactive steps which the government had put in place, there was no cause for alarm.

    He said the government was working round the clock to ensure that those whose houses were submerged by the flood got immediate succour.

    Iworiso-Markson urged the people not to panic, saying that the government was fully aware of their plight and would strive to forestall a recurrence of the 2012 flood disaster.

    He said the latest reports indicated that Egwe-ama in Brass Local Government Area (LGA), Imiringi, Ayama, Otuobhi in Ogbia LGA, Edwarie in Southern Ijaw LGA and Trofani in Sagbama LGA, among other communities, were affected by the flood.

    He urged residents who lived in flood-prone neighbourhoods to work with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant government agencies to facilitate their immediate evacuation from the areas in the event of flood incidents.

     

    Flooding: Anambra govt to partner Army

    Anambra State government is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Army Emergency Response Team to tackle flood challenges in riverine communities across the state.

    Governor Willie Obiano made this known after a meeting held with the army team in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

    Obiano said the flood menace had taken a dimension that required more technical assistance, hence the request for assistance from Nigeria army as the lives of millions of the people were at risk.

    He commended the army for responding promptly to his appeal and pledged to facilitate the deployment of helicopters and other equipment to help the army team map out the already affected communities for the necessary interventions.

    Speaking at the meeting  Dr Nkem Okeke, the Deputy Governor, said there was the need for the army to strengthen security in the Holding Centres set up for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    Okeke, whose office is in charge of the emergency agency, assured the team of the government’s assistance to ensure that no life is lost during and after the flood havoc.

    Meanwhile, Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said that the response would commence with communities in Anambra North Senatorial District because of their peculiar flood problem before spreading to other districts.

    Odenigbo noted that the state had eight flood-prone local government areas.

    He said the agency was ready to give the team every  assistance to achieve quality result in the evacuation and maintenance of the displaced persons.

    The meeting was based on the visit of Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, to Anambra.

    A series of meetings was held during which the military perfected plans on how to assist the state contain the flood.

    The leader of the team and Commander, Regiment Brigade of 82 division, Brig.-Gen. Mike Mamman, assured the government of quality assistance .

    He said that mapping of the flood-prone communities would entail embarking on appropriate rescue operations and deployment of the right equipment during emergencies.

    The affected local governments are Idemili South, Ihiala, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Ogbaru, Anambra East and Anambra West.

     

     Kudos for govt

    Alhaji Yusuf Oseni, a Senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi, has commended the Federal Government for its political will to find lasting solution to flood in the country.

    Oseni, who is gunning for the Kogi central senatorial district seat, gave the commendation in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja yesterday.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has declared national disaster in Niger, Kogi, Anambra and Delta States due to flood disaster thatn affected them.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N3 billion for the first stage of preparedness, response and disaster mitigation against the flood across the country.

    Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Benue, Bayelsa and Kwara states are also under close monitoring among other measures.

    Oseni said: “The flooding which has become a recurring decimal in many states, including Kogi, is giving one much concern. We all must rise to the occasion by providing solution to the menace.

    Stakeholders under the coordination of NEMA had activated a National Contingency Plan, a policy document, which gives NEMA the power to establish operational structure.

    Oseni said, “It is my prayer and hope that if elected, I will contribute immensely to the legislation in form of bills, motions among others in arresting the flood and its menace in kogi.“

    The aspirant, who sympathised with flood victims in Kogi and other affected states, however, urged them to relocate to safe areas and desist from constructing buildings near rivers.

    Oseni urged NEMA to enhance efforts in bringing relief materials for the victims of the disaster.

  • Tears, tributes as Daramola, journalism scholar is buried

    It was an admixture of tears and tributes as Dr Ifedayo Daramola, a journalism teacher was laid to rest yesterday at his Ajipowo community in Akure, Ondo State.

    Daramola, until his death, was the acting Head of Mass Communication Department, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), Ondo State.

    At a well- attended lying in state and funeral service held in Ajipowo, family members, colleagues and well- wishers paid him their last respects.

    Daramola had published several books which are now being used in Mass Communication and Journalism Departments in several Nigerian institutions.

    Daramola died on May 19 during a brief illness at age 60 and is survived by a wife and three children.

    In his sermon, Assembly Pastor of  St. Williams Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor Moses Adeoye, urged Nigerians  to live an exemplary life and touch the lives of others.

    “Above all, be of good character, desist from evil ways as we will all end up in the grave where termites will consume us,” he said.

    Adeoye described the deceased as a man who had deep passion for education and helped many to achieve their academic pursuits.

    His colleague, Prof. Akinsola Agofi, who described the deceased as a hardworking, pleasant and loving scholar, said he  had  impacted greatly on his generation.

    One of his students, who identified herself as Ronke Adetola, said the deceased was a jovial lecturer who made classes interesting with comic relief.

    “He is one of the lecturers who had a large heart and made classes interesting through his jovial means of teaching.

    “He built academic excellence in us, ” she said.

    The deceased began his career as newscaster at Radio Lagos in 1983 and later joined Punch newspapers as a sub-editor.

    He was also a lecturer at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Lagos State Polytechnic and AAUA.

    Until his death, Daramola had a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Babcock University as well as  BSC  and MSc in Mass communication from  the University of Lagos.

     

  • Niger: Contestants in tears after affirmation of executives

    TEARS and protests trailed the affirmation of executives in the APC congress in Niger State as most of the delegates were not in agreement with the affirmation exercise.

    Confusion began after the National Electoral Committee Chairman for Niger State, Senator Domingo Obende, announced that the people had agreed for affirmation and consensus instead of election.

    Immediately after the announcement, one of the contestants for the position of State’s Women Leader, Mero Mohammed, burst into tears lamenting that her mandate had been stolen.

    This was followed by verbal protests by many other aspirants. However, despite the tears and the protests, the affirmation was confirmed by the Electoral Committee Chairman while most political appointees and elected officials were seen trying to appease the people.

    Acknowledging the protests, Domingo said, “It is normal in an event like this for protest to erupt, however, the most important thing is that they are in the minority. The majority will always have their say at the end of the day.

    “The Senator representing Niger North Senatorial District, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, moved the motion for affirmation of 34 executives into the Niger State APC while the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Honorable Ahmed Marafa, supported the motion.

    Amidst the motion of the affirmation, the people were heard shouting, ‘we do not want affirmation, we want election’, ‘do not impose candidates on us’, ‘let us vote for our officials ‘.

    Not less than nine local government areas were in disagreement over the affirmation order. The areas include Agaie, Gbako, Kontagora, Tafa, Katcha, Bida, Lavun, Mashegun and Lapai.

    Some of the positions which were in contention include the position of the Secretary, Woman Leader, the Public Relations Officer and the State Organising Secretary.

    The Niger State APC Chairman, Jibril Imam; Secretary,  Mohammed Liman and Woman Leader, Fatima Mustapha were among the 34 executives returned to office.

  • Tears as Oyo Speaker is buried

    Tears flowed yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital as Governor Abiola Ajimobi led top government officials,  politicians, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains, professional groups, religious leaders, students, friends and others to pay their last respects to the late Speaker, Mr. Michael Adeyemo.

    The deceased, who represented Ibarapa East State Constituency on APC’s platform, died last Friday at Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan.

    He was 47.

    A source said a preliminary autopsy report attributed the death to severe heart attack.

    A service of songs was held in honour of Adeyemo on Wednesday at Oke Ado Baptist Church, Ibadan, followed by a special plenary yesterday at the House of Assembly.

    An open air funeral service, organised by Oke Ado Baptist Church, Ibadan and First Baptist Church, Lanlate, held at New Park, Lanlate, was attended by people from all walks of life.

    The President, Ibadan Baptist Conference, Dr. S. Adekunle, said everybody would experience death.

    Quoting from Exodus 1: 6-8 and Acts of Apostle 13:36, he cited Joseph and David, stressing the importance of a good name.

    The cleric said a person’s name, words and work were the three most important things that would not die.

    He said the Speaker left a good name, urging people, especially politicians, to preserve their names, work and assist the society.

    “These are the things that will speak for you after death.”

    A special prayer was held for the deceased’s wife, children, extended family, Oyo State and Nigeria.

    Adeyemo was interred at his Lanlate house.

    At the plenary, Ajimobi described the Speaker’s death as unexpected, saying it had left a wound that would take time to heal.

    The governor, who was in tears, said Adeyemo was a patriot who was passionate about the state’s development.

    He said his death was a great loss to the state and APC.

    The Nigerian Conference of Speakers described Adeyemo’s death as a calamity not only to Oyo State, but also Nigeria.

    The conference’s Deputy Speaker, who is also the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Edward Ubosi, said the deceased was a bridge builder, who united Nigerians.

    Describing Adeyemo as a defender of the defenceless, Ubosi said his death had only strengthened their resolve to work in harmony for the progress of their states, in order to crown the deceased’s efforts.

    Oyo House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Mr. Musa Abdulwasi described the late lawmaker as a dedicated legislator, who contributed to the passage of quality bills.

    He described Adeyemo as a patriot, who prioritised the state’s progress.

    “Hon. Adeyemo placed Oyo State above party interests and politicking.”

    Mr. Solomon Ajanaku (APC/Ibadan South-West II) said the deceased was a gentle, noble and an astute politician, who was never found wanting in his responsibilities as a Speaker.

    Mr. Gbenga Oyekola (LP/Atiba) said Adeyemo was a man of integrity and a highly refined lawmaker, who rose above party interests.

    Personalities at the event included ex-Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Speakers of Lagos, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Osun, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Delta, Kwara, Enugu, Ondo and Ogun houses of assembly.

    Others were Oyo State Chief Judge Justice Abimbola Munta, Mr. Niyi Akintola (SAN) and representatives of lawmakers in the 7th Assembly, who served with Adeyemo in his first term as a lawmaker.

  • Tears, anguish as council demolishes Ile-Epo market in Lagos

    The popular Ile-Epo Foodstuff Market in Agbado/ Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Abule Egba area of Lagos was demolished yesterday to pave way for a modern market befitting a mega city.

    Armed personnel of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation supervised the demolition exercise in order to contain resistance from the traders.

    Bulldozers were seen pulling down structures in the market at around 8.00am, while others used sledge hammers in demolishing the market.

    Thousands of traders were seen frantically trying to evacuate their ware as the police gave them ample time to do so. Traders were seen running helter and skelter trying to salvage their goods.

    Many packed their ware on the median and roads, causing traffic gridlock

    The demolition was carried out by the Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, in conjunction with the developer, Total Value Integrated Limited.

    A trader, who simply identified himself as Zakariya lamented that he did not know where to go after his shop had been demolished, but admitted that the traders were given notices to vacate the market.

    Mrs.Augustina Egbuonu, 68, who claimed to be the Financial Secretary of the Ile-Epo Market Association, said she had been in the market for 20 years and that invested N18 million in the market, but lamented that her investment had with the demolition.

    But the Managing Director, Total Value Integrated Limited, Chris Onyekachi said the traders were giving 18 months’ notice to vacate the market for redevelopment, but that while some had left the market, others refused to do so.