Saturday, 28 November 2015
SWING DRAMA SET TO MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT IN NIGERIA TELEVISION HISTORY
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Update: FCT and Ondo State Advance to the Semi Final in a Grand Style
Friday, 7 August 2015
The Search For Nigeria’s Mathematics Champion Begins On CowbellPedia TV Quiz Show
Saturday, 18 April 2015
EMERALD DRAMA SERIES NOW ON BOTH TERRESTRIAL AND CABLE CHANNELS
YOU CAN NOW WATCH EMERALD ON NTA NETWORK EVERY SATURDAY @ 8PM.
Due to popular demand from Emerald fans worldwide for continual broadcast of our darling award-winning and highly entertaining TV series of the finest quality, The management of SevenSeries production in conjuction with FIRSTV Studio has deemed it fit to continue broadcast of its show on Africa's largest terrestial channel (NTA network) alongside DSTV Africamagic showcase Channel 151.
Henceforth, you can now watch, enjoy and follow EMERALD Drama series on NTA network every Saturday @ 8pm prompt. Hurray!!!
Emerald drama is a cutting edge and enthralling story of Dapo, a well-known architect who has lived abroad for some time. His estranged father, Alfred, the owner of a successful construction company, dies recently under mysterious circumstances.
When Dapo receives a frantic call from his mother that an investigation into his father’s death is about to be opened, he returns to Nigeria, unaware that his life is about to change forever.
EMERALD drama series is a proud winner of Best Television Programme of the year Award (Drama Category) at the year 2013 Nigeria Broadcasters' Merit Award.
Starring: Kunle Bamtefa, Carol King, Femi Branch, Joseph Benjamin, Lilian Esoro, Mary Lazarus, Judith Audu, Saheed Funky Mallam, David Mckenzie, Felix Jnr. Omokhodior, Ifu Iheme, Tamara Eteimo, David Ogbue and so much more. All these magic moments premiering on Monday on AfricaMagic Showcase Dstv Ch151 at 22:00CAT,9pm Local Time (Monday - Thursday weekly).
FANS COMMENTS
Ify Sarah Ezenwobi: Pls, try to make it available on other channels not only on dstv.
Francisca Octavia: Ya.dnt even knw if its nw on sale
Umeanowai Prisca: Hmmmmm so its nw african magic? Its no longer nta? Haba their is god ooooo since we cant watch it there can u guys make it into a dvd with high price so dat we can buy.....their is godooooo
Happiness Igbinomwanhia: Why was the program moved from NTA to Africa magic?
Adegoke Tomi Abimbola: Pls let it be moved 2 oda station. Y did u move it frm NTA? Ur fans deserve an explanation? Love u guys
Friday, 20 February 2015
EAGLETS HOLD GUINEA IN U17 CLASH
The quest of Nigeria's Golden Eaglets and their Guinean counterparts to reach the semis of the African Under-17 Championship failed to materialise after they played to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.
FC Atouga striker Sam Diallo scored for Guinea's under-17s while Nigeria captain Kelechi Nwakali levelled the scores.
Senegal head coach Hamidou Camara had a start list with one overseas-based player in Karim Conte, who plays for Aspire in Senegal.
His Nigerian counterpart, Emmanuel Amuneke, named three players from FC Abuja in his starting 11 -- Kingsley Michael, Abdullahi Suleiman and Ayodeji Bamidele.
But it was the Guineans who broke the deadlock just 16 minutes into the match.
The Guineans won a spot kick after Lukman Halilu Zakari fouled Yamodou Toure inside the box. Diallo stepped up and gave his team the lead.
After that goal, the Guineans sat back and attempted to break on the offence and at the same time made life difficult for Nigeria.
In the 21st minute, Victor Osimhen thought he had scored the equaliser when he headed into an empty goal, but the referee, Jean-Jacques Ngambo from the DR Congo, ruled for an infringement on Guinea goalkeeper Moussa Camara.
The Golden Eaglets found it difficult to break down an organised Guinean defence and had to go into the break trailing.
Three minutes into the restart Osimhen was played through on goal but Camara rushed out of his line in time to catch the ball off the feet of the Nigerian striker.
In the 50th minute the Eaglets nearly went two goals down when Guinea broke on the counter. Diallo's attempt was kept out by Nigeria goalkeeper Akpan Udoh.
Two minutes later, Michael was picked out at the edge of Guinea's box by Christian Charles's pass but after cushioning the ball to his right foot, struck over the bar.
It was Zakari's turn to miss. He was unmarked at the far post and failed to convert a corner to level matters for Nigeria on 56 minutes.
Just before the hour mark, Osimhen was nearly being picked out by Chukwueze Samuel's pass but the Guinean defence cleared their lines.
On the hour mark, Guinea went on the offensive and Diallo cut inside of his marker before curling the ball into the top corner but Udoh managed to tip the ball out to safety and keep Nigeria in the game.
Guinea, however, got punished for with four minutes to the end of the game for a foul in the box.
Nigeria captain Kelechi Nwakali dispatched the ball to even the score before Guinea were made to finish the match with a man down.
Alseny Soumah was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 88th minute.
Nigeria face Zambia in their final Group A match as they seek a semifinal place while Guinea play hosts Niger Republic.
Both matches will be held this Saturday.
SIASIA: DREAM TEAM'LL WIN OLYMPIC GOLD IN BRAZIL
Ahead of the All Africa Games qualifier against the Gabonese U-23 team, Dream Team VI coach, Samson Siasia speaks to sl10.ng on their preparedness, the Olympic Games qualifiers and his ambition with the U23’s. Enjoy.
Coach, the All Africa Games qualifiers starts this month. Let’s start by knowing how prepared your team is.
We are doing well, the boys are preparing just fine and they have been responding to what we expect. We are not done yet, but we are getting there and I’m sure we will keep improving as we keep going.
You said a couple of weeks ago that you guys were ready, but from the tone of what you just said, it doesn’t seem so, does it?
If we are to play Gabon today, we are ready and that is what I said. But since we are not playing them today, I’d say we are still preparing. We have to keep preparing because we are not a perfect team yet, but that doesn’t mean we cannot play matches when they arise. We have to keep getting better with every opportunity we get.
How has the Super 6 and Tunisia games helped you prepare thus far?
Oh they have been good for us. Before those games, we only played some local friendlies with lower teams and we didn’t really get the competitive edge we wanted. But the Super 6 and Tunisia friendlies have given us a different edge. We needed some competition and that exactly was what we got. The players are tougher now mentally, and it has also helped us know the players that will make our team. So they were good opportunities.
So can you tell us the sort of players you think are ideal for your team?
Of course they have to be good footballers first and foremost. Then the character comes into play, and I mean the character of the player to adapt to the system we want. Those games against Tunisia and the Super 6 have helped us identify these players within our ranks and have also put the other ones in line with what we expect. And so far, I would say they have shown progress.
So how far have you gone with the release of the overseas based players you invited?
We are still working on it, and some of them have given us their words that they will be here but we are not relying on that. We know this doesn’t fall under the FIFA free window and clubs are not obliged to release their players. If eventually they come, good for us, but if they don’t, we will make do with the players we already have at our disposal. We cannot over rely on those overseas based players.
The other time you told us it would take you some time to give us your ambition with this team. Is it a good time now to tell us?
We want to do well and qualify for both the All Africa and Olympic Games. We must keep working hard but the ultimate goal of course is to win the Olympic gold in Brazil next year and hopefully we will get there.
Thanks for your time once again
You’re welcome
Monday, 16 February 2015
EMERALD DRAMA SERIES NOW ON SHOWCASE (WATCH, ENJOY AND FOLLOW ON DSTV CHANNEL 151 @ 22:00CAT)
GREAT NEWS FOR ALL OUR TEEMING FANS.
You can now watch, enjoy and follow your award- winning EMERALD Drama series on DSTV premium Channel 151 at 22:00CAT. Hurray!!!
Hello dear reader, I bring unto you a news to lift the heart up above the sky.
Africamagic shocases once again an undoubtedly fantastic series EMERALD. This cutting edge and enthralling story tells a tale of Dapo, a well-known architect who has lived abroad for some time. His estranged father, Alfred, the owner of a successful construction company, dies recently under mysterious circumstances.
When Dapo receives a frantic call from his mother that an investigation into his father’s death is about to be opened, he returns to Nigeria, unaware that his life is about to change forever.
EMERALD drama series is a proud winner of Best Television Programme of the year Award (Drama Category) at the year 2013 Nigeria Broadcasters' Merit Award.
Starring: Kunle Bamtefa, Carol King, Femi Branch, Joseph Benjamin, Lilian Esoro, Mary Lazarus, Judith Audu, Saheed Funky Mallam, David Mckenzie, Felix Jnr. Omokhodior, Ifu Iheme, Tamara Eteimo, David Ogbue and so much more. All these magic moments premiering on Monday on AfricaMagic Showcase Dstv Ch151 at 22:00CAT,9pm Local Time (Monday - Thursday weekly).
Monday, 2 February 2015
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Friday, 30 January 2015
GenevieveNnnaji-pregnant-for-DBanj
Rumor has it that the ace entertainer D Banj (a.k.a The Koko Master) is at about to become a proud father as his so much raving relationship with the superstar actress and beauty queen Genevive Nnaji is about to be sealed on a permanent note.
Gbasibe TV correspondent reported that the "couple" are spotted at different events from time to time which further confirms that the news is not far from the truth.lovers of entainment in this country can not wait to attend the naming ceremony as it would be another jamborine even amidst rumour about DBanj being broke after he left MOHITS Records which is now MARVIN CREW.
2015: Who succeeds Fashola in Lagos?
2015: Who succeeds Fashola in Lagos?
Lagos state has been in the grip of the opposition since 1999. As the incumbent governor, Babatunde Fashola. rounds off his two term tenure in 2015, the battle for the state Alausa Government House promises to be fierce as interested aspirants on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state have already begun to flex their political muscles. Aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are equally not left out. Our Lagos Correspondent, Ayodele Samuel writes:
As the 2015 governorship election in Lagos draws nearer, the political atmosphere in the nations’s commercial centre has begun to get heated. This is because the incumbent governor Raji Babatunde Fashola would have completed his two-term tenure by then. Gross of political heavyweights in the state, both in the ACN and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have begun to show interests in clinching the tickets of their parties.
On the platform of the ruling ACN, those interested in succeeding Fashola include: Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; an ex-Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Senator Ganiyu Solomon, representing Lagos West Senatorial District; Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District.
Other aspirants who have shown interest in the number one job include Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives; former Governor Bola Tinubu’s aide-de-camp, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal; and the immediate past Accountant-General of the state, Mr. Akin Ambode.
Another possible replacement for Fashola is the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, although he is said not to be interested in the core politics of the state.
It was however gathered that the governorship position might be zoned to the Lagos East Senatorial Zone, taking into cognisance the fact that the serving governor hails from Lagos Central while his predecessor, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is from Lagos West.
If the governorship slot is eventually zoned to Lagos East, as is being canvassed, the move will put paid to the governorship ambitions of Hamzat (Lagos West), Gbajabiamila (Lagos Central), Lawal (Lagos Central), Banire (Lagos West), and Solomon (Lagos West) as possible contenders, leaving Ashafa, Ambode and Ikuforiji. The Lagos Assembly Speaker is currently facing graft charges, in the race.
Ambode and Ikuforiji also seem to be having an upper hand if the clamor for a Christian governor in the state is key to who represent the party at the poll. But Ikuforiji may have gotten his fingers burnt in the N35 billion scandal which is almost ruining his political dream to govern the state.
Sources close to Tinubu said a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Hakeem Muri Okunola, whose father was a revered Justice in the Court of Appeal in Lagos state before he passed on was also being considered.
Gender twist is being added to the game with the coming of Senator Remi Tinubu, who obviously is nursing the ambition of becoming the first female governor in the state.
Senator Ganiyu Solomon, who is currently the Minority Whip of in the Senate, early this year declared his intention to run for the Oval House by 2015. GOS, as he is fondly called by his admirers, is the first aspirant in the state, irrespective of political party to come out to indicate interest in the Lagos governorship race in 2015.
He believes that with his experience and developmental vision nursed over the years for the state, he is more than prepared to take the state further,“I have the experience and I am convinced that I will take the state further from where it is now,” he said.
ACN state Chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, said the party’s leaders “are not talking about the governorship election yet,” stating that the party was yet to deliberate on such issue.
The chairman, however, expressed strong opposition to the principle of zoning, noting that the principle “is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formula and not ACN’s. We do not believe in such ideas. We believe in picking the best.” According to him, the next governor of the state could come from any part of the state as he added, “Our responsibility is to get the best and only the best will be good for the state. Wherever the candidate comes from, it does not matter. It is only those that can perform that will emerge eventually.
He continued “It is not about zoning. Someone who cannot perform cannot govern the state. The state is too discriminatory for that. We always want the best. The only thing the state deserves is a quality candidate. We cannot choose someone who will drag the party backwards. The next governor of the state must be someone who will shatter the records of the incumbent governor. When the time comes, the right candidate will emerge. I have not seen anyone who is interested yet.”
On Somolon’s declaration to contest for the position, Ajomale explained that all qualified candidates “have the right to say what he or she wants. But I am in the best position to tell the truth. The party is yet to decide who will be the next governor of the state. But when the time comes, we will do that.”
On the platform of the opposition PDP in the state, the likes of Ade Dosumu, who was the party’s candidate in the 2011 governorship election; Chief Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare, former Commissioner for Commerce in the State; Adedeji Doherty, who contested the party primary in 2007 and 2011 have indicated interest to contest the Lagos governorship by2015.
Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Afenifere chieftain, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo; Mr. Demola Doherty, are also among the politicians warming up for the ticket of the party in the 2015 election. However owing to the unending schism in the state chapter of the party, more gladiators may emerge to contend for the flag of the party in the poll.
Obanikoro and his loyalist in the party have flagged off discreet campaigns for the party’s ticket, with his rested political machinery being revived with members daily thronging into his Lagos Island home as well as the homes and offices of his associates across the state.
Obanikoro is also said to be using selected elders of the party in the state to reach out to camps opposed to his candidacy within the PDP. Believed to have the backing of the Presidency, Obanikoro is working hard to win the confidence of the party leadership in the state.Members of the party might still be aggrieved with the former Senator over campaign funds released to him by the Presidency under Olusegun Obasanjo for the 2007 election.
Agbaje a governorship candidate of Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) in the 2007 election, is however favored within the party, though he has not officially joined the fold but serious efforts are being put in place to ensure he get the party’s ticket. The party believed Agbaje could change the negative perception of the party in the state if given the platform,.
Members of the party had severally warned Chief BodeGeorge not to begin another unending problem by imposing any unpopular candidate that might affect its chances in winning the 2015 poll. Several members are still aggrieved over the way Dosunmu emerged at the order of Bode George from his prison room as the party candidate in 2011.
Also all reconciliatory efforts in the party seem not to be yielding positive result for the PDP to face the 2015 task; the party still relies on the power and influence of the Presidency or its national secretariat to capture the state.
With the benefit of hindsight, former President Olusegun Obasanjo had attempted to use the federal might in 2003 and 2007 to “capture” Lagos for the PDP but failed woefully despite his annexation of the rest of the Southwest. 2015 is another test for the Federal Might.
Still, indications are that the PDP under President Goodluck Jonathan is intent on winning Lagos, but first, there is need for the party in the state to close ranks. A member of the party said the Presidency is ensuring that concerted efforts are put in place to pacify all aggrieved party members and bring them together.
Although the Alliance for Democracy (AD) is laying claims to being still politically active in the state, it is yet to be seen how serious the party is in Lagos political calculations in the race to the Oval House in 2015.
Jonathan VS Buhari: It will be fight to the finish – Hon. West Idahosa
Hon West Ehioge-Idahosa is the only Edo politician who has served a third term in the House of Representatives. He served between 1999-2011 for Ovia Federal Constituency of the state. The lawyer joined his bosom friend, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP last year. But events that occurred during the just concluded senatorial primaries of the PDP in the state, where he contested for the Edo South ticket of the PDP, have enveloped him in grief.
His 31-year-old nephew, Pere, was murdered by suspected assassins 48 hours before the senatorial primaries. Pere was returning from the bank where he went to withdraw money to enable his uncle prepare for the primary election when agents of death not only shot him but also butchered his body with axe. The attackers also killed the police orderly with him carting away the money with him.
In this interview, West-Idahosa laments his ordeal and also hints that his days in the PDP may be numbered. He accuses critics of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of being economical with the truth, just as he declares that the governor has done well for Edo people.
He predicts a tight race in the forthcoming presidential election, noting however that the alleged high level of corruption in government and Boko Haram insurgency will militate against President Jonathan’s second term ambition, while Gen.Muhammadu Buhari’s uprightness and boldness may give him victory.
Excerpts:
What happened in the senatorial primary which you lost and also lost your nephew?
You know that I am a natural progressive whether in the PDP or wherever I operate. So in coming to run for the Senate in the PDP, I was convinced that, at that time, I had a good opportunity to win that ticket. And the leadership of that party gave me the impression that there will be a level-playing field. So we set up our famous organization, The New Deal, and began to work. And it did appear that the leadership was no longer comfortable with the ascendancy that we were gaining. But the surprising thing is that no one called me to say they had predetermined candidates.
So we were amazed that a few days before the end of November, they began to send words round that they had an anointed candidate and that no one should vote for me. I was surprised because at this time I had spent enough money obtaining the nomination form, I had been spending money moving around, appointing coordinators and mobilizing people all over the place. By the beginning of December 2014, it was obvious to every one that I was the candidate to beat. On December 3, 2014, my nephew who was also my Director of Finance and Chief Strategist, was asked to provide some funds for the campaign as part of our final preparation for the primary.
He never returned from the bank as we all now know; about a hundred meters from my house, he was attacked by, in quote, armed robbers. He was killed in a very cruel manner together with the police escort that was with him. Many stories have been told in the public but I believe the police are working on it. As you do know, that robbery or probably assassination as many people believe coming three four days to the primary indeed damaged our psyche and seriously affected our mental preparedness to finish this race.
Our camp, particularly my family, was in sorrow and tears. So we were surprised that at the primary on December 7, we still managed to secure about 103 votes. In order words, our camp lost the primary with about 24 votes despite the predicament we suffered and the gang up in the party. What it means is that we strongly believe that were it not for the predicament we suffered, the gang up may not have been able to stop us.
When you gang up against veterans like us we, will smash the gang up. It is that we were hit below the belt by the possible assassination of my boy and the race lost momentum and the vigour to finish. We are down but we are not out, we leave the rest to God and we hope that as long as we are alive, we will continue to serve our country in whatever capacity we are called up on to do so.
Killing my nephew
When the post-mortem result came out, we found that he did not even die from bullet shot, he died from battle axes, jack knife and the rest of them: A very unusual way for armed robbers to operate. To that extent, we began to suspect if this was just robbery or assassination. Don’t also forget that after his death on December 6, my convoy was attacked along Plymouth Road, Benin City. But for the alertness of the armed men in my company, who knows what would have happened.
Then on December 7, at about 2am, they went to my Abuja office and damaged the entrance to my office smashing the glass windows and the glass door. We don’t know what is going on but we are confident that the police will take this as a challenge and help us resolve these issues. And we ask the Nigerian people to support our call for justice. We are worried that 2015, we should not really be where we are in terms of the security situation in the country, when somebody can leave his house at 10am and may never return for ever.
Regrets
When I was in the APC briefly as a progressive, one of the reasons I left the PDP at the time was that I complained that there was always this interference in the electoral process. I got tired of the domination of a clique, of a group of people. But the approached me reassuring me that they had been reformed, that there was a new PDP. For instance they said the Edo South had gotten autonomy.
After much persuasion, I said, I was going to give it a thought. I was thinking that the joker that made me to leave the place was when my good friend Pastor Ize-Iyamu was short changed, as he claimed, in Orhiomwon Local Government Area, he probably did not get the structures he needed. Even though now I know better.
For me in Ovia South West where I come from, everything went well, I really had no grievances at that time. But you know in politics , there will always be alliances and being a child hood friend of Ize-Iyamu at that time I solidarized with him since PDP was also giving assurances that I was going to move with him to the PDP. Then we went to PDP but not only did I lose my most precious nephew, my dependable ally, we lost a primary that the process was flawed and, of course, we won sorry and tears.
It is a bitter experience for us, it is part of life but we can only hope that the 2015 elections will be a sign post for the real change in this country so that people can be sure that their lives are worth God’s creation. You want to leave your house at 10am as my brother my nephew left, and never returned forever just because government failed to do its job. Since this incident we have still not really been able to make head way. But I am committed to justice to my nephew who was brutally murdered, we hope that justice will be done.
Any plans to dump the PDP
Politics is dynamic. I am never afraid to state that in Nigeria’s pseudo, democracy, nothing is static, but there is no question that a man who lost his nephew and who suspects that his nephew was killed in the process of a primary election will be quite difficult to persuade to remain in the same platform, quite difficult. I am aware that a number of PDP stalwarts have come to make a case here, but thankfully they have not been able to answer some of the questions I normally ask them.
I am also aware that a number of APC stalwarts are talking to me, I am only waiting for my Campaign Organization, The New Deal, to make the decision soon. I understand that The New Deal will be having a meeting on Wednesday or Thursday to brainstorm. And as a leader who respects the wishes of my followership, I will patiently wait for that decision. If you ask my opinion as West Idahosa I will say ‘leave the arena and go back to practice’. But man is a political animal, you must also be seen as not only supporting yourself but also supporting your supporters.
Chances of Edo PDP/APC in 2015 elections
Well there is no question whether the governor has performed even though you want to deny the governor of some credit because he is in the APC while I am in the PDP, but conscience will not allow you to completely deny him the credit. When you fly into Benin for example, and take an aerial look of Benin, you will see what it used to be and what it is today.
When you go out of Benin and go to the local governments and you see what has been done there, you cannot in your quiet moment appreciate him. I have been tempted to deny him some credit myself especially when I got angry and left the APC for the PDP. Each time I see primary schools in the rural areas, each time I see his machines working on infrastructures, I always tell my self notwithstanding the difference in platform, this man is doing well.
No man is God, no man is perfect, many will accuse him of taking some erratic decision, but for a comrade, a mobilizer, somebody who gave all his life from the Aluta back ground, you must allow some excesses to be excused on his part. But in terms of focus on government, I will say that infrastructurally, he has done well. Again in terms of cutting areas of waste, he has also done well. Again whether you hate him or not in terms of improving on our internally generated revenue, he has also done very well.
He has blocked the leakages and up graded the intake because we know what we were getting before, we know where we are now. And we hope that if somebody else were to continue in his stead and do exactly these things and even improve on them, in another eight years, you will not say the state has not made progress.
You spent 12 years in the House of Representatives and worked closely with President Olusegun Obasanjo. How would you compare the National Assembly/Presidency relationship and what you see today?
In those days, we had the luck of having a couple of people in our midst who were serious about the job we were elected to do. And don’t forget that we served under a very strong president like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who had several plans laid on the table of the parliament, so we always had what to do. We disagreed on a number of issues but most times we agreed on nationalistic issues and, if you ask me, I will say that parliament was generally more focused at that time and I am hoping that the 2015elections will be key in helping to select eminently qualified persons with suitable experience to operate as legislators.
I think on the whole we had a good time, we made far reaching policies. For example, this NNPC Mega Station policy was conceived by the House Committee on Petroleum Resources chaired by me at that time. The Gelegele Port was a project we were able to put as an item in the budget from the Ministry of the Niger Delta.
So we had the vision, we wanted to do something but we could not do every thing at the same time. I think those steps taken at that time can be consolidated by the new crop of legislators seeking to come into the arena in 2015. And the electorate needs to hold that in microscope and view them carefully so that you don’t elect occupationists who just sit on the chair without utilizing these chairs.
There was a time we drew up impeachable offences against Obasanjo. I was in that committee at that time. We said we were going to impeach Obasanjo because we thought he was overbearing and he had no respect for the rule of law. But I think that was largely in his first tenure, but looking back, one will say he was just exhibiting his military image at that time.
Subsequently, he became more cooperative and began to be truly democratic. I know that at that time Obasanjo began to lobby legislators to get his bills passed and to get his policies approved. I have no doubt in my mind that if there was one president that fought corruption in this country, it was Olusegun Obasanjo. Let me give you an example, it was difficult to find a member of parliament between 1999 and 2007 negotiating with a Minister or head of parastatal for any reason to get some level of benefit in order for him to get his budget passed.
There was this feeling that the EFCC was all over the place. There was this feeling that you may even and up in jail; remember former Senate President Wabara was arraigned in court, several committee chairmen were arraigned in court. The impression we had was that no man was above the law. I remember, there was a day Nuhu Ribadu called me to say he was coming to see me in my Gwarinpa House, I could not sleep. I began to think about my role in the House. I had to x-tray my salaries and allowances.
Luckily for me, I was not a principal officer, I had no approving power. I could not think of what I could have done. When Ribadu finally came, he had only come to ask me if I had a puppy because at that time I was breeding dog. I am trying to tell you the kind of thing that we went through. And that is why sleaze at that time was very low. But after that, I later find out that law makers will openly negotiate with Ministers. Obasanjo may have his own weaknesses but you cannot undermine his very strong side as president.
Since he left office Baba has continued to make strong statement, some of them may be supported by personal information known to him, some may be based on the environmental system going on today. However, I think that what is significant for the country at this time is to elect a strong leader because what we are lacking is strong leadership and that was why I gave you example of the Obasanjo administration. There was a time in this country that Baba had to do what was strong, when they started killing his policemen, he took a strong step in Odi, he was criticised.
But I can recall that through out his tenure that never happened again. When they messed up in Zak Ibiam, he took a strong step and every one criticised him, but again under him the government did not accommodate this kind of shenanigans where a group of people will take over some portion of the country, hoist their flag and kill our soldiers.
So I think we need a strong leader and I think it must be the key issue in the 2015 elections. Nigerians must look at the calibre of those aspiring to lead them. They must look at their pedigree, their history and make the right choice for the country. Don’t vote for yourself, vote for Nigeria. Let us vote to keep Nigeria together and vote to make our country respected in the comity of nations.
Buhari/Jonathan
I think it is going to be a tough contest because if you look at the balance of electoral power, you will see that the voting profile of 2011 is looking likely to be significantly altered. I am aware that the president won the South-West with a difference of about 2.5million. Then I also know that he won the South-South with a margin of about 4.4million. And then he won the South-East with a margin of about 4.5million, that was probably where he got the difference of about over 12million from the same challenger, Gen.Buhari.
But if you look at the way things are going now in 2015, it is clear now that the president may not be able to get that margin in the South-West. In Lagos State alone, he got over one million difference, I think that was due to a clear understanding between the old ACN and the PDP because, at that time, they knew they had no chance at all and it was not likely that their candidate Nuhu Ribadu may have been able to do significantly well in the North.
I think political exigency and expediency may have led to some horse trading; whether we like it or not, that happened and that cooperation was evident. Even in Edo State, where, for example, the president polled over 500,000 votes, he scored about 87.9 per cent of the votes cast in the state. But if you look at the scenario on ground today, we don’t see that kind of cooperation, it is going to be a fight to the finish. So that is why I say the calculations have been significantly altered.
If you look at the South-East for example, like Imo where the president got his highest votes, he secured 1.4million there to Buhari’s 9,000 or 10,000, you will see that that state is being controlled by the APC now and by a very rugged governor. So even if he wins that state but with a very small margin, that again will be a loss of ground for him. Now if you compare the situation in the northern states then as compared to what it is today, it is tighter for the president.
That time the president had serious northern supporters who were coming out to openly canvass for him, but now we are not seeing many of such person coming out to chest out. And from what we are seeing, even more northern states are in the opposition like Sokoto and Kano. When you have a governorship candidate like Tambuwal, it means the margin of loss for the president in Sokoto will be much. My prediction is that it is going to be a tight contest, the odds are likely against the president.
How will you sincerely rate President Jonathan’s performance in six years. Do you think he deserves to even run for second term?
Well whether you like him or hate him, there are areas which the president may have made some marks. For example, infrastructurally, we have seen some progress in the aviation sector, for the first time we are seeing the government trying to do something new in that sector. But not so in the manufacturing industry which is the key to the economy. So when I hear talks about large economies with impoverished people, I always laugh because large economies always have a corresponding impact on the people to earn a living.
It is now not in the court of Jonathan of Buhari to tell Nigerians what they want, it is in the court of Nigerians to mould the future that they deserve. It is now left for them to x-tray the nation’s woes. But one minus for the president is that there has been so much allegation of corruption and depletion of the foreign reserve. This is not come thing that is encouraging.
The second minus is that they has been so much incompetence around him. The third minus for the President is that he has not had enough courage to make the right changes appropriately. For Buhari, one plus for him is that he is regarded to have enough courage to make significant policy changes and he is regarded to having enough courage to implement the laws of this country. But two fears, many wonder whether if he has completely been able to democratize himself. Can he cope with the manipulations, horse trading in a democratic set up?
Ex Bafana coach blasts refs
A rant by an ex Bafana Bafana coach at the Asian Federation Cup in Australia has earned him a severe ticking off and a substantial fine.
The former Manchester United assistant coach and current Iranian boss, Carlos Queiroz, was fined $3 000 (approximately R39 000) for his outburst.
Queiroz complained bitterly about the performance of the official, Ben Williams from Australia, stating, “I was not happy because, after nine, 10, 12 fouls, stopping the game systematically, the referee must take action.” He accused Mr Williams of “being out of his depth”.
After being advised to stop criticising referees, Mr Queiroz reacted sarcastically. “It’s clear, even if you talk politely, with respect, education, calm, cool. You’re not entitled to talk about the referees.”
It’s not the first time that coaches and managers have complained about the standards of officiating in Asia. Many steps were taken to improve the standards but a lot of work still needs to be done.
It’s not only coaches who are complaining either.
Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda was also scathing of refereeing at the same tournament and launched a verbal broadside at Qatari ref Abdulrahman Hussain when he asked sarcastically whether the Middle East official had mistaken football for basketball.
“As soon as we made contact with them, the referee blew the whistle. They need to do something about the level of refereeing here.”
Honda’s coach Javier Aguirre said the player would be disciplined internally and warned to keep his comments to himself. His captain, however, said, “The Japan players all feel the same as Keisuke but there are a lot of things in life we don’t agree with and we have no option but to accept it.”
It appears as though there is a problem with Asian referees if one is to believe all that is written.
Remember the furore about Japanese World Cup ref Yuichi Nishimura at the opening game in Rio 2014? He controversially awarded a penalty to Brazil against Croatia; a decision, which lit up social media and heaped huge criticism on officiating right at the start of the competition.
So is this a new phenomenon or something that has been, and is still, going on?
I can’t remember a day without some criticism or comment about a decision by a referee, whether it is at the World Cup in front of millions of people, or in the local park on a Sunday morning. People will always differ and offer solutions to various incidents.
Hardly a game goes by without someone offering his or her point of view and criticising the man-in-the-middle. It seems to be a national past-time for the soccer-loving public.
“Blame the ref!” “We were robbed.” “The ref killed the game.” Or as Sir Alex Ferguson said to the media in Johannesburg after I red-carded his Manchester United, and then England, captain Bryan Robson, “the ref wanted to be the star of the show”. You just can’t win.
The main problem as I see it is the lack of technology to assist referees. This is the fault of the world governing body Fifa.
Despite repeated requests from referees they flatly refuse to introduce mechanisms that will help our colleagues.
Why? Well only they and the Lord above know the answer to that one.
One suggestion being put forward for the inaction of the “officionados” in Zurich is that it will slow down the game. This, of course, is utter nonsense.
Q. How much time is spent when a penalty kick is awarded before the actual kick is taken?
R.
A. Lots of time is wasted by players protesting and getting the penalty organised. A quick look at a monitor would solve that one.
B.
Q. How much time is wasted in protests when a player is red-carded before the player actually leaves the field of play?
R.
A. Lots. A quick look at a monitor would solve that problem.
B.
I’m calling on the powers-that-be to get off their collective backsides and help the match officials to determine, clearly and without ambiguity, the correct decision.
Sure, referees get it wrong. Why is there a problem giving this additional bit of assistance to ensure that justice is not only done, but is also seen to be done.
Tunisia U-23 0-3 Nigeria U-23: Dream Team VI avenge defeat to hosts
Samson Siasia's men silenced their hosts before their home fans to take vengeance of their 5-3 defeat to them in their first game at the El Menzah Stadium
Nigeria U-23 side trashed their Tunisian counterpart 3-0 in the return leg of their tour to the north African nation on Wednesday.
Goals from Oghenekaro Etebo, Peter Onyekachi and Godwin Saviour were all the Dream Tean VI needed to beat the hosts who had won the first leg 5-3.
Both teams observed a minute silence for ex-Eagles star Wilfred Agbonavbare. coach Samson Siasia made four tactical changes to the starting line-up that was beaten by the Tunisians on Saturday as Stanley Amuzie, Freedom Omofonma, Tonbara Tiongoli and Peter Onyekachi were handed a starters's shirt.
Bayelsa United’s Tiongoli was also handful for the defence line of the opponents while the introduction of Amuzie in the U23’s defence kept the Tunisians at bay for most part of the match.
It was one of those dazzling moves of the country’s representatives that resulted into a penalty kick in the 31st minute when Onyekachi was upended in the 18 yard box of the hosts Tunisians and the spot kick was converted by Oghenekaro Etebo.
With the massive support from the few Nigerians led by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Tunisia Dr. Joseph Omede and members of staff of the embassy at the El Menzah Stadium, the Dream Team VI took control of all departments of the game piling pressure but could not get any goal before the end of the first half.
On resumption of the second half the Dream Team VI players continued from where they stopped in the first half as they pinned their opponents to their half of the field with midfield Marshall Azubuike Okechukwu combining well with Etebo to put the Tunisians under intense further pressure and this produced the second goal the 56th minute through Onyekachi.
Coach Siasia took out ineffective Freedom Omofoman and brought in Saviour Godwin, this change galvanized the Nigerian attack resulting in the Tunisians conceding another penalty after one of their defenders had handled the ball from a pull out by Amuzie but the resultant kick was this time lost by Etebo in the 70th minute.
This did not dampen the morale of the Dream Team VI players as they continued to pile pressure and in the 87th minute Godwin Saviour put the icing on the cake with the third goal after running down the defence of the Tunisians to release a thunder of a shot which their goalkeeper had no answer to.
National U-23 side are expected back in the country on Thursday and they scheduled to depart by 2.15pm aboard Emirates Airlines
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