AJASHẸ-IPÒO: HISTORY AND POSITION AMONG ÌGBÓMÌNÀ KINGDOM

Babayaro faults Yobo’s appointment as Eagles assistant coach

Former Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro has said that while he welcomes ex-players being involved in Nigeria coaching set-up he questions Joseph Yobo’s credentials.

His comments come after the ex-Everton star Yobo was appointed as assistant coach of the Super Eagles two weeks ago.

Babayaro, who won an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, said any such appointment must be backed by requisite qualifications.

The duo were in the Nigeria squad at both the 2002 World Cup and two years later at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia

“From my point of view as a former player I think he is a good appointment probably done in a wrong way,” the 41-year-old, who is now an agent, told BBC Sport. “I’m not sure if he’s got his badges but if you are trying to appoint someone you make sure they’ve got the right credentials before you appoint them.

“I don’t care if it’s an ex (player) or whoever, make sure you appoint the right person that knows the job.

“Yes, Joseph Yobo has been a captain for Nigeria and he has done well, if you want to give him that sort of position make sure he has the right badges. If he hasn’t got his badges send him somewhere. It takes a few months or less than a year. Get the right badges, get the right papers and make him whatever you want to make him.”

Yobo’s appointment divided opinion when it was made with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) coming out to defend its choice of assistant for Gernot Rohr.

“The concept behind this is to nurture and condition former captain Joseph Yobo to provide leadership and mentorship for the young team,” NFF boss Amaju Pinnick said at the time.

Babayaro also questioned the discipline of African international sides when it comes to challenging at the highest level.

“If you talk about (winning) the World Cup it will take a long time,” he insisted. “Don’t forget I used to play for the national team of Nigeria, the difference is massive. For some reason our African teams are not as disciplined as the European sides and this is me being honest.

“I have seen the way the Europeans do their things. The discipline is so different. For us to be able to win the World Cup it will take a while unless if we get our act right before we can see a World Cup coming to Africa,” he explained.

Yoruba beware of 1967 mistake made by Obafemi Awolowo

Yoruba beware of 1967 mistake made by Obafemi Awolowo

Awolowo was released from Calabar prison by Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu and there was an agreement that while Ojukwu declares Biafra in the East July 1967, Awolowo would declare Oduduwa Republic in the West. The British establishment, sensing the dangers of Awolowo declaring Oduduwa Republic in the West, convinced Gowon and the north to checkmate Awolowo’s secessionist agenda by appointing him the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council.

This strategy worked effectively and Awolowo was deceived that after Gowon’s tenure he would be given the opportunity of ruling Nigeria. Awolowo thus had to checkmate the Biafran dream to clear any obstacle to his ruling Nigeria while the north was looking for the right opportunity to throw him into the dustbin. In frustration, Awo resigned from Gowon’s cabinet when he realised he had been politically duped.

Awolowo quashed the Biafran dream while the northern establishment killed the Oduduwa dream and betrayed Awolowo’s presidential ambition thrice.  The emergence of Awolowo’s kinsman Obasanjo as Head of State was another opportunity for him to realise his dream of ruling Nigeria.

The 1979 election result was decided in the infamous judgement where the Supreme Court refused Awolowo’s plea that 2/3 of 19 is 13 states, and went ahead to declare Alhaji Shehu Shagari the winner of the election. The north led by Generals Shehu Yar’Adua and Theophilus Danjuma convinced Obasanjo why Awolowo should never be the president of Nigeria. Therefore, instead of a runoff election, which some believe could favour Awolowo, the Supreme Court declared Alhaji Shehu Shagari the winner.

Chief MKO Abiola at one point was used by the northern dominated National Party of Nigeria, NPN, to oppose the presidential ambition of Awolowo . He used his National Concord newspapers and enormous wealth to fight Awolowo and UPN and when they finished using him to deal with Awolowo, they frustrated Abiola’s presidential ambition and he had to resign from the party in 1982.

 Babangida annulled the election of Abiola in 1993, Yorubas alluded to a certain curse Awolowo placed on Abiola, in the heat of the latter’s opposition to his presidential ambition that “even if Abiola was to be given the presidential seat, he would not sit on it.”

The northerner are wise, they learnt how to manipulate their way into the heart of the Yorubas. The same method is introduced in this regime and the Yorubas are falling into the trap. Rumour going on that the northerners has promised that year 2023 president will come from the southwest. Tinubu will contest as president under APC. The same way Gowon promised Awolowo.

 A group was installed "Amutekun", to protect the people of Yoruba land. The northern rose against it, " The Yorubas will forfeit their chances to become next president", said the northerner people . Tinubu playing along, no matter what comes up, he doesn't go against it. " A man who sold his birth right, will sought for it back with tear, but it will be too late" .
 Yoruba wake up from your slumber, it's time to move forward.

A Peep Into Yoruba Mythologies

Just like any other tribe of mankind the Yorùbá had fomulated their philosophies based on observations and experiences with natural (physical) and metalphysical phenomena. 

What is notably lacked is merely documentation because Yorùbá didn't know the art of writing. 

There are no hiccups about God's Divinity and monotheism. In face the Yorùbá believes they are monotheistic in belief. 

However, HE is too grand to approach so they formed gods as 'staircase' to reach HIS Holiness. And do they form gods? Apotheosis. 

What's apotheosis? Dan Brown gives an extensive explaination of the phenomenon thus:

"The largest painting in US Capitol building is called 'The Apotheosis of Washington'. And it clearly depicts George Washington being transformed into a god. 

"This transformation of man into God is called apotheosis. Whether or not aware of it, this theme—transforming man into god—is the core element in this Rotunda’s symbolism. Apotheosis. Yes. He knows. “The word apotheosis literally means ‘divine transformation’—that of man becoming God. It’s from the ancient Greek: apo—‘to become,’ theos—‘god.’

"The Apotheosis of Washington—a 4,664-square-foot fresco that covers the canopy of the Capitol Rotunda—was completed in 1865 by Constantino Brumidi. Known as “The Michelangelo of the Capitol,” Brumidi had laid claim to the Capitol Rotunda in the same way Michelangelo had laid claim to the Sistine Chapel, by painting a fresco on the room’s most lofty canvas—the ceiling. Like Michelangelo, Brumidi had done some of his finest work inside the Vatican. Brumidi, however, immigrated to America in 1852, abandoning God’s largest shrine in favor of a new shrine, the U.S. Capitol, which now glistened with examples of his mastery—from the trompe l’oeil of the Brumidi Corridors to the frieze ceiling of the Vice President’s Room. And yet it was the enormous image hovering above the Capitol Rotunda that most historians considered to be Brumidi’s masterwork.

"This transformation of man into God is called apotheosis. Whether or not aware of it, this theme—transforming man into god—is the core element in this Rotunda’s symbolism. Apotheosis. Yes. He knows. “The word apotheosis literally means ‘divine transformation’—that of man becoming God. It’s from the ancient Greek: apo—‘to become,’ theos—‘god.’

"Nearby, you can see a strange, anachronistic series of figures: ancient gods presenting forefathers with advanced knowledge. There’s Minerva giving technological inspiration to our nation’s great inventors—Ben Franklin, Robert Fulton, Samuel Morse. And over there is Vulcan helping us build a steam engine. Beside them is Neptune demonstrating how to lay the transatlantic cable. Beside that is Ceres, goddess of grain and root of our word cereal; she’s sitting on the McCormick reaper, the farming breakthrough that enabled this country to become a world leader in food production. The painting quite overtly portrays American forefathers receiving great wisdom from the gods."

Take some time off to read stories of Ogun, Ọṣùn, Ọba, Ọya, Sango, Sanponna, Ọ̀runmìlà, etc. You will realise they were humans. Flesh, blood and bones. They lived normal human lives before they were deified. (Check my writeup, IRE-ÈKÌTÌ: FULL STORY OF ÒGÚN, YORÙBÁ GOD OF WAR for the full story of Ogun and that of Ọ̀yọ́ for excerpts on lives of Ogun, Sango and Ọya). 

On the same vein, Yorùbá made notes of some phenomenal; acts, creations, manners. For examples:

- Lẹyin lẹ́yìn ni èwe Olóbe ń so - Olóbe bears fruits behind leaves. 

- Atọlẹdọlẹ ni ti Àdán - Bats are mysterously in folds. This means, when a bat is cut another bat would be found in its belly and if that one is cut another one would be found. 

Also worth of note is the Rule of Firsts. In Yorùbá mythology, there are mention of the firsts; first persons to do some things. Olubikin was the first to use pluck leaves (for medication), Ọsanyinbikin was the first to use roots 

FEDPOFFA takes SEX4GRADE Campaign to#NIPOGA2020

The Nigeria polytechnic games Association (NIPOGA) has acknowledged The Federal Polytechnic, Offa for taking a lead row in campaigning against sex for grade (SEX4GRADE) which has remain a dominant parasite eating the Nigeria Education system.

The FEDPOFFA Sports Team was flanked by a special campaign team while featuring in the NIPOGA 2020 hosted by Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

The 'No to SEX4GRADE Team' matched round the Stadium with the banner and vest while chanting "Work for your grades and" say no to sex for grade".

The team was led by The HOD Mass Communication Department, Mr Wole Alawode, Campaign supervisor, Mr Mujeeb Zakariyau and Jimoh Taofik Adekunle, the Campaign Cordinator. 

According to the team, sex for grade is a major challenge facing Nigerian Education expecially at the tertiary level, thus making a dire calls on government and other stakeholders in Academia to embrace and walk the campaign in a bid to restore sanctity.

De

Expliciting that both students and lecturers are to be oriented if the menace would be annihilated, the group is optimistic that a New Dawn is impending, when effect of the campaign will begin to manifest.

Meanwhile, Kwara state commissioner for Tertiary institutions, Science and Technology, Hajia Sadatu Kawu Appreciated the Fedpoffa campaign team and promised that the state government will strategize on how to give the campaign a wider audience.

#NIPOGA2020 opening ceremony was graced by Kwara State deputy governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulugambari, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Offa Dr Abdullateef Olatunji among other dignitaries across the country.

(c) Jamiu Omoniyi General Jamo

Nigeria to prevent Coronavirus outbreak with N620m – Minister

Sunday Aborisade,  Abuja

The Federal Government said that it will spend  N620m special intervention fund to monitor, detect and contain the deadly Coronavirus.

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, stated this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on health.

He briefed the Senate panel on the level of his ministry’s preparedness to manage the Coronavirus outbreak in the country.

He said the fund would come directly from the service-wide vote.

His appearance was sequel to a resolution of the red chamber based on a motion by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, on the need to summon the minister over the issue.

Enahire said the ministry, on Thursday, submitted a memo proposing for the release of the sum of N620m to take proactive measures to contain the virus.

He said Nigeria was prepared to ensure its health security which could disrupt economic stability if left unchecked.

The Minister was in the Senate in company with the Director, Port Health Services, Dr. Morenike Alex-Okoh, and the Director-General National Centre for Disease Control.

Enahire said already,  N71m was released to the port health services for its operations.

Ehanire said the ministry had a multi-stakeholder meeting to deploy port health services there to screen all passengers.

He said the national intervention on containing the Lassa fever outbreak enjoyed timely release of N313m intervention fund from the Federal Government to manage the outbreak.

The senators expressed fears that it may be a loose end to import the Coronavirus.

Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Ibrahim Oloriegbe, said the absence of health services at the private terminal could make for easy movement of infected bodies into the country.

The Senate, therefore, ordered the Minister to deploy health officials to the private tarmac and conduct screening of VIPs on chartered flight stressing Coronavirus was both a national and global health emergency.

Fashola narrates how robbers attacked him, backs Okada ban

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says the use of motorcycles (Okada) as a major means of transportation is not in the plan of Lagos State and should be banned.

He spoke at a public lecture organised by the United Action for Change in Lagos on Thursday.

It will be recalled that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had banned the operations of motorcycle and tricycle in 15 Local Government Development Areas and Local Council Development Areas, including highways and major roads in Lagos State.

The ban, however, has generated controversies and mixed reactions from residents of Lagos and other Nigerians.

Since the enforcement of the ban, residents complained of gridlock, hike in transportation fare and unavailability of vehicles to convey them to their destination. 

But Fashola said rather than reduce crime, motorcycles aid it.

During his eight-year tenure as the Lagos State Governor, Fashola also banned Okadas.

“If you are concerned about security you must support the present Lagos governor now on Okada ban. As the Center of Excellence, motorcycles should not be our choice of transport,” he added.

He also advised the Lagos State Government enforcement of the law, saying, “We are more focused on launch enforcement and increasing the numbers of policemen. Capacity development is great but security is more than law enforcement.”

While giving reasons for his support for Okada ban, Fashola narrated that he was once robbed in his home.

He said Okada riding also aided crisis and caused youths not to explore other productive ways of generating income.

He said, “Do we stand in reacting mode or proactive mode. If reacting, there is already a victim and a criminal. If we are proactive then how long can we sustain that?

“Motorcycles are means of peddling drugs to children even under the watch of parents without knowing.

I’ve always held this position. Motorcycle has always been a conduit pipe for the opioid crisis among youths. We must act to eliminate anonymity.

Reps pass LG autonomy bill for second reading

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading, a bill seeking to give local government full financial and administrative autonomy.

The bill also seeks to make local councils have a uniform tenure across the states.

The legislation is titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Further Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Financial and Administrative Autonomy of Local Government Councils and Uniformity of Tenure Across the Country; and for Related Matters.’

The sponsor of the bill, Mr Munsur Soro, while leading debate on the bill, said the proposal was necessary at a time when there is “monumental development” at the grass roots. He stated that crafters of the Constitution, in their wisdom, guaranteed the independence of the third their of government.

Soro said, “However, the present reality is a great contrast with the original provisions of the Constitution. Politically, the local governments lack autonomy as the state governments interfere in their elections. Administratively, the local governments lack independence as the state governments determine their staff recruitment and discipline. Financially, the local government councils are not independent as their funds are often withheld by the state governments through the state joints account.”

The Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, who presided over the plenary, however, noted that not all states had not conducted local government elections, while some governors did not interfere in the affairs of the councils.

Wase said, “This is a bill that has passed through this House…this is the third time it is being brought on the floor of the House. I want to appeal that we need to put some caution. It is not all governors that are involved in those activities. So, we should not use sweeping words on all of them. My appeal is also that it is a constitutional matter. It will still require the state assemblies. It is very important. So, I want to appeal to all of us that the intention of the bill is to bring good governance across the country.”

Wase, then, put adoption of the motion for second reading and it was unanimously approved.

Why we placed travel restrictions on Nigerians —US

The United States has given reasons for imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians and five other countries’  nationals.

It said Nigeria did not comply with the established identity-management and information-sharing criteria assessed by the performance metrics.

The US also said  Nigeria did not adequately share public-safety and terrorism-related information necessary for the protection of the national security and public safety of the US.

The full report of the visa restrictions titled, ‘Proclamation on improving enhanced vetting capabilities and process’ posted in www.whitehouse.gov read in part, “Nigeria also presents a high risk, relative to other countries in the world, of terrorist travel to the United States. Nigeria is an important strategic partner in the global fight against terrorism, and the United States continues to engage with Nigeria on these and other issues.”

It further stated, “The Department of State has provided significant assistance to Nigeria as it modernises its border management capabilities, and the Government of Nigeria recognises the importance of improving its information sharing with the United States.

“Nevertheless, these investments have not yet resulted in sufficient improvements in Nigeria’s information sharing with the United States for border and immigration screening and vetting.”

Nigeria  is  the only country in West Africa sanctioned by the US Department of Home Security following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics).

Other countries on the list are Eritrea, Myanmar, Tanzania, Sudan and Kyrgyzstan.

The new visa regime announced by the US government on January 31, involves the suspension of the issuance of immigrant visas to Nigerian passport holders. It comes into effect on February 21.

Strong reactions have, however, greeted the US visa restrictions with the Presidency announcing the setting up of a committee to address the issue

“The committee will work with the US government, INTERPOL and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented,” the statement by the media aide to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.),

Coronavirus: Nigerian govt will not stop its citizens from travelling to China – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Friday, said the Federal Government will not stop Nigerians from travelling to China or any other country where coronavirus has manifested.

Mr Mohammed made the disclosure while addressing newsmen shortly after a  meeting of the inter-ministerial and multi sectoral committee on coronavirus held at the Ministryof Health, in Abuja. 

He said that rather than impose travel ban, there will be travel advisory that will help Nigerians who wish to visit China to do so without any encumbrances to their health and wellbeing.

“We know it is a bit difficult to ban people from travelling.

“Another thing is that this is not a basis to stigmatise people who come from there.

“Even if we have Nigerians who are there, unless they indicate interest that they want to come home, we can’t force them.

“I know we have Nigerians in Wuhan; our Embassy in China has confirmed that we have about 16 Nigerians in Wuhan and they are in touch with them.

“They have, however, not indicated their interest to come home. They will, however, contact our embassy if they like to come home,” he said.

The minister said there was need for the general public to be enlightened and for Nigerians travelling to be absolutely transparent.

“We need a lot of public enlightenment. We need to let people who travel know that there is the need for absolute transparency and absolute honesty when they are filling out forms.

“Some people don’t take the forms seriously and they do mislead authorities when they are asked to declare their status.

“One of the major advantages of the declaration of global emergency for coronavirus by WHO is that they understand that combating it can be really expensive and there are states that cannot afford it.

“But there are partners that can help such countries. But right now, we are in the stage of working together inter-ministerially to make sure we address the epidemic,” he said.

It was reported that the coronavirus committee is made up of several line ministries, including Health, Aviation, Transport, Information and Culture, Police Affairs, Internal Affairs, Agriculture and Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Also, the committee involves various government agencies and parastatals as well as state governors where international airports are located, Lagos, Enugu, Rivers and Kano.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus as a public health 

Jubilation as corps members start receiving N33,000 monthly ‘allowee’

Some corps members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, serving in Enugu State have expressed joy over the payment of N33,000 new monthly minimum wage by the Federal Government.

The corps members, who have been expectant, expressed their happiness while speaking to journalists in Enugu on Some of the corps members said it was a shock when they started receiving the credit alert at about 2:00a.m on Friday.

The respondents, who spoke to NAN, expressed their joy over the payment, noting that the payment was a New Year package from the federal government. 

 One of the corps members, Joseph Odichi said it was like a dream when he got a call at about 3:00am from a fellow corps member about the payment.

“We are really grateful for this administration especially President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling its promise especially at this crucial stage of the year. In fact, this is another Good Friday for us.

“We also thank the Director General of the NYSC, Brig Gen. Ibrahim Shuaibu, for making it possible after confirming the implementation few weeks ago,” he said.

The corps members also pleaded with the DG for the payment of the arrears, noting that it would go a long way in helping most especially the Batch A corps members that would be passing out in less than two months.

Another corps member, Miss Arowosegbe Busayo said she still could not believe it but thanked the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for the kind gesture.

“We have been expecting to receive this N33,000 since April last year but we thank God that finally it has been paid.

“Most of us could not sleep after the breaking news at about 2 am even though some banks are yet to pay,” she said.

Miss Divine Umoh, also a corps member, said that it was too good to be true when she heard the news in the early hours of Friday.

“Government has failed us in the past with their promises but this issue of minimum wage has changed my perception.

“We pray that things will get better in 2020 because people are really suffering and we urge the federal government to look into our arrears payment,” she said.

HURRAY! Corp members to now receive N33,000 as allowance

Shuaibu Ibrahim, a brigadier general and the director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says the monthly allowance of corp members has been increased to N33,000.

Ibrahim announced this during a working visit to the NYSC secretariat in Bauchi.

He said the increase is in line with the new minimum wage approved by the federal government.

According to a statement released on the service’ official Facebook page, Ibrahim said provisions for the new allowance have been made in the 2020 budget and “payment would commence as soon as funds are released by the appropriate authorities”.

In September, Ibrahim had hinted that the monthly allowance of corps members would be increased “immediately the federal government starts the payment of the new minimum wage”.

“Your monthly allowance would be increased immediately the Federal Government starts the payment of the new minimum wage to all public servants nationwide,” he said in an address delivered at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

“Efforts are in top gear at all levels to ensure adequate welfare for all corps members.”

Sunday Dare, the minister of youth and sports development, also confirmed the increase although he did not provide details.

President Muhammadu Buhari signed the new minimum wage bill into law in April 2019.

Federal civil servants and some states have started implementation, adjusting the salary scale.

Junior Chamber International Federal Polytechnic, Offa chapter extend their affinities and passion to the grassroot community schools within Offa by donating stationeries to the schools within the community.

The donation was coin out of a project tagged "One child one book" as a sustainable development growth for enhancement of quality education at the grassroot vicinity

The program was centered on the nomadic pupils within Offa communities nursery and primary schools like Ogbondoroko, Gaa Tutu, Gbosun among other communities.

Meanwhile, the headmaster of the schools and the local government, educational authority give their kudos to the organization initiative to enthral a proper and conducive educational siren.

Robert Powell and the Jesus Crux

Meet Robert Powell the man who acted as Jesus of Nazareth.

In the 1979 Jesus movie, the first movie that was filmed and framed to tell the story of Jesus according to the gospel of Luke. The movie was directed by Peter Sykes, John Kisch etc.

Robert Powell played the role of Jesus Christ.

Today it is not uncommon to see people hanging Robert Powell's picture in their

house, car, shop, church etc. Some even put it in their private family altars and other places of warship to the extent that Robert Powell's picture has now been mistakenly taken as something that can protect one from evil where as it cannot.

Robert was born on 1,June,1944 (age 71)He is English television and film actor.

He attended University of Salford, Manchester Grammar School, and University of Manchester respectively.

He said: "I am not Jesus Christ,I am just an actor and a British comedian,I (am) hurt and tried of seeing my photos displayed in places of worship and others worship and pray to me.I just made a movie for a living,so people should stop loving and praying to me. Burn my pictures and worship the only God in truth! Ameen."

He has acted in a series of movies like: Holby City (1999),The Detectives (1993-1997),The Thirty Nine Steps (1978),Tommy (1975),Harlequin (1980),Mahler (1974),Hannay (1988 – 1989) amidst others.

His most profilic movie is Jesus Of Nazareth (1977)

I know some people will say it served as a reminder but i tell u that u don't need a picture of Robert Powell to remind you of Jesus as no Moslem can show u the picture of Mohammed (whose case is closer (1400),not to talk of Jesus Christ of more than 2000 years ago), yet they respect him and do not need to be reminded by another person picture.

Same with Buddah's followers, they don't have another person picture to remind them of Buddah,the same goes with zoroasters.

Even the new generation don't even know that the face they see is not the true picture of Jesus but that of Robert Powell.

This 'Jesus' Powell is married to Babs Powell, has children (Kate Powell, Barney Powell) and Parents: Kathleen Davis Powell, John Wilson Powell (is that not too absurd?)

(c) Jimoh Taofik Adekunle

Jimson Jaat Taofik 

The MAD Writer: Pen Priest

Facebook: Jimoh Taofik Adekunle

Twitter: @jimsonjaat01

Gmail:deskofinsanity96@gmail.com

When I Die (Death Notes)

When I breath my last, let no dirge be sung. When I'm pronounced dead, let no lamentation be done. Let no generous Jeremiahs turn jeremiad upon my corpse. Let no singers sing-sung my praises. I say, when I die, speak no ill of me; for I was but bones and flesh; I lived the way I knew best.

When I die, bury me with a thousand books. And surplus of pen; full of semen. When I breathe the last, interred me with books found around. When I die, let no eyes-water be shed; for I owe nobody tears.

No mourning; I only die here to continue in another realm. Here short, thereafter longer. Jaat lives forever. When I die, be happy for me; for I will see Mother soon. That is the greatest bliss....

Ko ye won, yio ye won....When I die, no tears for me. I stare Malaikul-Mawti in the eyes; he looks with cold stares. "How very 'lucky' he is; there's no 365 and half days he didn't escape death at least thrice", they say of me. Ay! Have escaped Death surplus times. I heard Babble of the heavenly congregation, without behold them. I flirt with the Agent, without feast....Pity me not...Asarail and myself have been as close as door and wall...Ko ye won...ko ye won.

When I grasp the last...escort me not with tears, for By deserve none. I know what parts of my body has incurred while active. I shall be judged accordingly. Your tears are no effect...ko ye won...ko ye won...

I say, I hang not in purgatory; I'm behold the place. Nor would I be in the Dark Market behind God's backyard. Only the dead patronise it, only the spiritual winged-beings (terrestrial birds) flock the market.

When I die, clad me islamically, for Allah owns me....I afraid not of Death. Oh, I say I braven my heart against the pains after which they are no more. I only fear where my handiworks would lead me eventually to: Bliss of pleasures or fury of fires.

When I die, mock me not, for Death is the natural doom of all mortals. Mother Earth will miss me not, it's only one person less.

(c) Jimoh Taofik Adekunle 

Jimson Jaat Taofik 

The MAD Writer: Pen Priest 

Facebook: Jimoh Taofik Adekunle 

Twitter: @jimsonjaat01 

Gmail: deskofinsanity96@gmail.com 

April 7, 2019  

Nigerian borders were closed for security reasons_Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the closure of Nigeria’s borders was meant to strengthen the country’s security and economy and not to punish neighbouring countries. The Nigerian president made the comment when speaking at a meeting with a select group of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom, The Cable reports. In a statement issued after the meeting, Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, said Buhari noted that the Nigerian agricultural sector had benefited from the closure as farmers have been celebrating the decision. 
He said Buhari pointed out that the country’s food security has been helped by very good raining seasons in the last three rainy seasons as well as the federal government’s reduction in the price of fertilisers by 50%, and the and the presidential directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria not to give foreign exchange for food imports thereby saving the nations billions of naira. 

The president also commended Nigerians in the Diaspora for their huge home remittances – more than $25 billion in 2018, and lauded their individual performances in their various fields of expertise.

Senate push for communication tax to replace 2.5% VAT hike

[1/19, 8:02 AM] Most Expensive: The Senate may on resumption, push for a downward review of the Value Added Tax recently increased from five per cent to 7.5 per cent,  as part of the Finance Bill recently approved by the National Assembly.

Some senators had, shortly after the introduction of the Finance Bill, rejected the proposal for the increment in VAT and vowed to support the approval of the Communication Tax Bill,  sponsored by a former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume.

Ndume and his colleagues had argued that the increment in VAT would impose more hardship on the underprivileged Nigerians who were already undergoing serious difficult situations.

They noted that the CTB remained the best alternative to raise revenue for the government without subjecting the poor to further hardship and pains.

Ndume, in an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, confirmed the move and said his colleagues would assess the impact of the VAT increment on the lives of underprivileged Nigerians and take  definite steps to ameliorate it.

He said the lawmakers would push for the immediate approval of the Communication Tax Bill, which has passed first reading in the Senate, so as to ensure the downward review of VAT,  in the interest of the masses.

Ndume said, “The Finance Bill is not sacrosanct. I’m still of the opinion that the VAT should be reviewed downward while the communication tax bill should be introduced but we will wait and see the effect of the increase in VAT.

“If it affects the masses more, I’m sure the executive will also buy the idea of bringing in the Communication Tax Bill. If it (VAT) has adverse effects on the common people, the executive will do something about it because the law is not sacrosanct,  it is subject to a review.

“The Finance Bill is okay but our argument is against the increment in the VAT.  The government has to look for an alternative to see that those who have more should pay more tax,  it is not good to overburden the underprivileged with tax.

 “We are not going to drop the bill. We will monitor the effect of the additional 2.5 per cent increment in the VAT before we proceed. It is possible for the executive to reduce the VAT percentage on goods that are essential to the underprivileged people.”

Also,  the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, told our correspondent on Saturday that the CTB, which had already passed first reading, would undergo normal legislative process.

He said, “A bill is the decision of all senators. During the second reading,  some senators would still speak for or against it.I cannot speak on a bill that has just passed first reading. I will speak on it when it has been passed into law.”

The communication bill, which is an Act to introduce tax on Communication Services and Cable television services scaled first reading at the Senate in November last year.

The introduction of the tax, it was learnt, was to replace the 2.5 per cent increase in VAT.

Ndume said the imposition of tax on communication service was a better way of distributing wealth in such a way that would not affect the ordinary people.

He explained that increasing VAT would have very devastating effects on the economy as it would definitely lead to a hike in the prices of goods and services and take them beyond the reach of the ordinary people.

The bill provides the charging of  nine per cent on calls and data usage and the pay-per- view cable subscribers.

The bill read in part, “There shall be imposed, charged payable and collected a monthly Communication Service Tax to be levied on charges payable by a user of an Electronic Communication Service other than private Electronic Communication Services.

“The tax shall be levied on Electronic Communication Services supplied by service providers.

“For the purpose of this clause, the supply of any form of recharges shall be considered as a charge for usage of ECS.

“The tax shall be levied on such ECS like Voice Calls; SMS; MMS; Data usage both from Telecommunication Services Providers and Internet Service as well as pay-per-view TV stations.

“The tax shall be paid together with the Electronic Communication Service charge payable to the service provider by the consumer of the service.

“The tax is due and payable on any supply of Electronic Communication Service within the time period specified under sub-clause (5) of whether or not the person making the supply is permitted or authorized provide ECS.

The bill stipulates that the  Federal Inland Revenue Service established under section 1 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007 would responsible for collection and remittance of tax, any interest and penalties.

It added that the FIRS shall pay the tax collected together with any interest and penalty into the Federation Account.

The bill further stated that all service providers shall file a tax return to account for the tax.

The legislation further read, “The tax return shall be in a form prescribed by the FIRS and shall state the amount of tax payable for the period and any related matters that may be required.

“The return and the tax due to the accounting period to which the tax return relates shall be submitted and paid to the FIRS not later than the last working day of the month immediately after the month to which the tax return and payment relates.

[1/19, 8:03 AM] Most Expensive: “The FIRS may extend the period within which the tax return may be submitted and payment made on application in writing by a service provider, where good cause is shown by the applicant.

“The extension shall be communicated to the applicant in writing and shall state the circumstances under which the tax return shall be submitted for the particular period.

“A service provider who without justification fails to submit to the FIRS the tax return by the date is liable to a pecuniary penalty of N50,000.00 and a further penalty of N10,000.00 for each day the return is not submitted.”

CAN reacts to alleged ban of religious activities in Kwara schools

[1/19, 7:47 AM] Most Expensive: The Christian Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, says the State Government has not banned religious activities in public schools.

This was contained in a statement by the Secretary of the association, Reverend Reuben Ibitoye, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin on Saturday.

According to the statement, the position of the government differs from what was speculated.

The statement read in part, “In response to the purported press release by the government dated January 14, 2020, banning religious activities in public schools.

[1/19, 7:47 AM] Most Expensive: “The CAN debunks the press release. We make bold to say that the press release was never authorised by the Kwara State Government in the way it was reported.

“The government of Kwara decided that the Status Quo should be maintained in all public schools, after the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, in Ilorin West Local Government issued directives to schools to start observing two separate morning assemblies and devotions one for Christian pupils and the other for Muslim pupils.

[1/19, 7:47 AM] Most Expensive: “The position of Kwara State Government and stakeholders on the issue of morning assembly and devotion was that: there shall not be two devotions on assembly in public schools.

“The devotion and assembly shall be led by the school Principal whether in Christian schools or Muslim schools in line with the faith of the Proprietor.”

NAN recalls that the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Fatimoh Ahmed, on January 14 issued a statement that “no religious organisation is permitted to go to public schools for preaching or engaging in any religious activities during the morning assembly.”

[1/19, 7:48 AM] Most Expensive: The statement added that prayers should be said silently on the morning assembly across public schools in the state.

Adebanjo, Okunronmu, YCE tackle Tinubu over silence on Operation Amotekun

Afenifere chieftains Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Senator Femi Okurounmu, on Saturday, lambasted the All Progressives Congress leader, Bola Tinubu, for his refusal to speak up on the Western Nigerian Security Network code-named ‘Operation Amotekun’.

Tinubu’s Spokesman, Tunde Rahman, however, said the APC chieftain would speak at the appropriate time.

Tinubu, who is a former Lagos State governor and leading politicians in the South-West, is yet to speak on Amotekun security initiative launched by the six South-West governors 10 days ago.

The initiative ignited a controversy almost as soon as it was launched with the Federal Government and some leaders and interest groups in the North voicing opposition to the scheme while leaders of thought and the populace of the South West have shown overwhelming support for the initiative.

Tinubu’s continued silence on the matter has raised a few eyebrows given the strong support expressed for the initiative by the majority of Yoruba leaders across political divides.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, however, 91-year-old Adebanjo said Tinubu shouldn’t have formed an alliance with the North in the first place.

He said, “It was the likes of Tinubu that told us that the South-West would enjoy many privileges but what has the South-West benefitted from the alliance?  He shouldn’t have forged an alliance with them in the first place.

“He asked the Yoruba people to vote for him (Buhari) and that things would be better. Now that they are being slaughtered and they don’t want us to have our security, you are keeping quiet all because you are being deceived that you will become the President which you will never be.

“I have continued to tell him that they are just deceiving him and he is deceiving himself. Which promise has Buhari made and fulfilled? In 2015, he said he would be a born again democrat but does he even obey 

He said the Federal Government had no right to discredit Amotekun when it had failed to provide adequate security.

The Afenifere chieftain added, “I have always told you that the Yoruba people know who their real leaders are. The problems that the Yoruba people are facing today were caused by men like Tinubu. If they had not gone to forge an alliance with Buhari, we wouldn’t be in this problem.

“I told them then that Buhari was only after power. If not, how is it that they neither want to protect us nor allow us to protect ourselves? Why is the North allowed to have security agencies while we are not allowed to protect ourselves against armed persons?

“The police refuse to do anything because of the President’s body language. How could they have killed the daughter of our leader (Pa Reuben Fasoranti) and there has been a single arrest?

Also speaking, Senator Okurounmu said Tinubu’s silence had exposed him for what he is.

Okunrounmu, who represented Ogun-Central senatorial district from 1999 to 2007, said Tinubu did not need any prodding before speaking up.

The former lawmaker said, “Tinubu doesn’t need to be prompted before speaking. We have all been speaking on the matter. Their silence is ominous. This thing was launched by the governors, not Afenifere. And such initiatives should be supported by all Yoruba people.

 

“Yoruba people are not idiots, we are not fools. If he doesn’t talk now, then we will know how to describe him. Nobody needs to tell us what he is. Nobody needs to call him anything. Even the illiterate man knows what he is.

“If the ordinary man on the street is in support of Amotekun, if all Yoruba people say this is what they want and he is refusing to talk, then his silence has exposed him for what he is. His silence speaks loudly.”

 

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr Kunle Olajide, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH said he expected Tinubu to have spoken on the issue of Operation Amotekun before now.

The YCE scribe said, “I expect him to have spoken much earlier. We are in a democracy and he (Tinubu) is the leader of the ruling party, as far as I am concerned, in the country and majority of the states in the South-West.

 

“But of course he also has the right to keep quiet if he doesn’t want to say anything. However, the general expectation of the Yoruba people is that being a political leader, he should speak on this type of issue.

“The Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, is challenging the legality of our entrenched constitutional right to protect our lives and property. I expect our political leader (Tinubu) to be in the forefront of rebuking whoever authored the statement. We see him as a leader and we expect him to say something.”

 

However, Rahman who is Tinubu’s Media Adviser, said, “His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would not take issue with anybody on the important matter of Amotekun.

“You know he is a deeply reflective person and a deep thinker. I know that at the appropriate time he would speak on the matter. What time is appropriate is his prerogative in my view. And I think we must all grant him that indulgence.”