Tuesday 28 February 2017

Delta Speaker has deep faith in God – Sapele Youths



Slam Orhomonokpaye

Youth of Sapele on Monday warned the Publisher of Delta Guide, Prince Oromonokpaye, against provocative statements, reminding the people to be careful of those working against the interest of the constituency.

The youths described as irresponsible the campaign of calumny by Orhomonokpaye

At a meeting aimed at charting a new course for Sapele Youths through intellectual debate, the youths said they were forced to react to the allegations before they assume the toga of truth.

“Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya is an astute politician and a strong voice for the development of Sapele. He has not disappointed the wonderful people of Sapele” they said.

They also described the allegations levelled against the speaker by Prince Orhomonokpaye as “wicked, fictitious and mischievous.

“Igbuya turned around the fortunes of Sapele Local Government Area through people-oriented, socio-economic development schemes”.

The youths, under the aegis of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Sapele Local Government Area in a statement said they were perplexed over the allegations which were meant to tarnish the image of the speaker.

They called Igbuya “a caring leader, a believer in opportunity for all and true defender of Sapele people”.

The statement signed by the chairman, Comrade Benjamin Umukoro, condemned the actions of some mendacious and depraved individuals in the area such as Orhomonokpaye and his sponsors, saying such acts were capable of sending wrong signals to the outside world about the speaker and the good people of Sapele.

“The Right Honourable Speaker is not a bad person. He has deep faith in God. Orhomonokpaye and his sponsors are jealous of the achievements of the speaker”.

Doubting Orhomonokpaye’s mental state, the youths urged the publisher and his sponsors to seek God’s forgiveness and desist from such acts.

“We value Igbuya’s leadership, wisdom, judgement and technical acumen. He is making the right decision for those who elected him” the statement added

Saturday 25 February 2017

My focus has shifted from 76 to politics - Princewill



My focus has shifted from 76 to politics - Princewill

In this deep and revealing interview that takes you into the mind of Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, he finally speaks with a select team of journalists on the national politics, his current relationship with his "good friend" Rotimi Amaechi, his political mentor, Atiku Abubakar & his Governor, Nyesom Wike. He also airs his view on President Buhari's administration, the road so far,  the way forward and why Nigerians are seen as, to put it in his words, "fantastically foolish". 

You have been quiet. No press interviews except for occasional press releases and even then, they were more about your new blockbuster film 76, instead of your usual insightful comments. Why? Are you no longer a member of the Labour Party?

I still am. For now. The Labour Party is not without sin. But their own sin can still be managed. Besides in Rivers state I take pride in not being part of the problem. I am glad you acknowledge that I have been talking. Life is not only about politics. But even then I have still talked about it. You see the biggest problem in Nigeria today is politics and the lack of internal party democracy. Moreso in the bigger parties. Good candidates hardly get party tickets. Rather confirmed thugs, touts, thieves and looters get to carry party tickets, leaving the poor voters with no real choice. Why? Because the party leaders and electoral bodies prefer their own personal interests to the interest of the people. So we await the day, when the people will fight back. That day will soon come. Let me be where I am until I have a compelling reason to find a new home. I am not desperate for power. I am desperate for results. 

Those who lead the fight may not benefit from it. The truth is bitter. If it is my portion to fight, then it may not be my portion to also benefit from the successes of that very same fight. That is why I've removed myself from any future electoral contest. I'll simply rededicate myself to helping good people hold public office. It does not have to be me. I find even intelligent people still struggle to understand that being in politics does not automatically equate to contesting in an election. I no longer want to be Governor, I am not looking for an appointment, but I still want to improve my state, my region and my country. So let ambition not get in my way. 

So how is your relationship with Amaechi? Are you still communicating? 

Yes. We parted ways before the election because of how my team were treated and his decision not to support Jonathan, but we have since gone past that. Amaechi is not a vindictive person and neither am I. He goes with his conviction and so do I. His message to me was PDP had no love for either me or my people and he was right. My message to him was that there is a consequence for fighting Jonathan. And I was right too. When we parted ways, he and his team said some very unsavory things about me and I about them, but that is fair in war. The war is long over. I extended my hand of friendship to both APC and PDP after the elections. Only Amaechi as Minister took my offer. He visited me in my house and we ended up flying that same day to Kano together. I went on instinct. He came to me in peace. I consider him a "good friend" and a fighter. Politics is not do or die for me. That was over a year ago. We still talk from time to time and when I needed the high military authorities to see my film 76, he did not hesitate to make some calls for me. Very helpful. Everything is not about money. 

So what about your Governor, Nyesom Wike?

Like I said, in spite of the rigged election, I extended my hand of friendship to him too. I did not go to court. I left him to proceed as ordained by INEC. When the Supreme Court judgement was dropped on us, just like it was in 2007, we accepted it again. No fuss. I offered my congratulations and help to Wike in any way he wanted, but not a word, no response, no invitation. Except during a radio interview when I advised him to resist the need to respond to every APC comment and instead focus on developing the state. It was then he responded, pointing out that I had no idea what I was talking about because I was not even in the state. My counter advice is if you know so much about my whereabouts, divert some of the state resources used to tracking me to track down the kidnappers and armed robbers in the state. That would qualify as progress. You see Wike is the ruler type, not the consultative leader. He doesn't need anyone. Let us see where we are by the end of May before we speak further. Even rulers can deliver. Look at Gadaafi and Mubarak. Or even Abacha. As long as they use the power well. I am a fan of allowing people to lead. No distraction. Until they fail. My own is to wish him well and offer advice, even if he refuses to take it. My agenda is not personal. It's issue based. The problem with politicians with a warrior mentality comes when there is no war. Many Governors are hiding behind Buhari to explain their poor performance. It's smart. But black soot, insecurity, a lack of investment and no jobs for the youths is not a transferable responsibility. I pray for him. 

Hmmm!! What about Atiku? Is he still your political mentor?

Of course. What Turaki can do in his sleep politically, most top politicians cannot do it even if they tried in a lifetime. He knows too many people, is not arrogant and knows too much about how to move this great country forward. Like with Amaechi, he is not at all vindictive, but they are both very stubborn. Like Tinubu. That is what I admire in the 3 of them. Put them on the same page and you have a force of nature. PDP felt it in 2015. Also in 2007 in Rivers state. If not for Atiku and Tinubu, Amaechi's first tenure would not have been as smooth. Divide the three and the cause is weakened. Seeing them all in APC makes the platform quite tempting if not for the recession mood and their seeming divisions. The two symptoms are indicative of a bigger problem I am yet to understand. That is why I have dusted off all my political robes. I see both the APC and the PDP as presently constituted unable to deliver Nigeria. They are both very similar. The real change has to start within them. No third force is ready to challenge them yet, instead it looks like the smaller parties are merging into even bigger ones. Since I cannot spectate on my children's future, before May is over, I too will take my stand. 

So what's your take on the Buhari administration?

I didn't vote for him. Neither did I vote for Wike. But unlike some people who actually  voted for either of them, I'm ready to give both of them their two years before I take a formal position. So far their records speak for themselves. But my position in society requires more from me than just my gut feeling. I am not the man in the street so even though I feel their pain, when I talk, it must be without sentiment and constructive, so even the government cannot deny. Good governance is not an emotional exercise. For now I pray for both of them, especially Mr. President, now that he is not feeling too well. Health is the priority. Running this country requires a lot of wisdom, strength and grace. From what is in play now, it is clear he's not been operating at full strength. I am sure even he is reflecting on the journey so far. It is not too late to turn things around for either Buhari or Wike. But time is not on their side. Do they have a plan?

What about the Buhari anti-corruption drive?

Some people think it is selective. Maybe. My question is did the people caught steal? If yes then let's congratulate the EFCC and the ICPC first. They should continue to catch thieves. Even faster. Those enjoying APC immunity today should not be surprised if tomorrow they are victims too. Of even this very same Buhari government. I don't see Buhari as someone who can not jail his party member or his friend. I suspect the stealing in Nigeria has been significantly reduced, but it has not been stopped. Nobody is fooled. My plea is catch thieves but grow the economy too. It is not one or the other. 


So what is the way forward?

Beware of people who pose like they have all the answers. Leadership is teamwork. To solve a problem this big, you really have to understand it. Let me not prescribe for you a prescription to an ailment I'm yet to properly diagnose. However I can say this; based on feelers I've received and our recent history, Nigerians are still deceiving themselves. The same politicians they are fighting over call them fantastically foolish and here is why: They worship wealth and corruption more than they worship hard work and sacrifice. That which matters most - their children's future is easily sacrificed at the altar of that which matters least - their stomach. The bad news is this is the Nigerian way. The good news is that every day, more and more Nigerians are becoming wise to the ways of politicians and are prepared to confront them. One day all this nonsense will stop. Because without electoral reform, a consequence for electoral violence, justice being seen to be done and proper patriots, a new breed of rebels will continue to multiply in Nigeria. When I see die hard APC and PDP apologists I laugh. Neither of them is without sin. Both good people and bad people exist in both or all parties. The answer is not in just one or the other. It's in good people from all sides of the political spectrum working together, joined by good people from outside of the politics. Period. Politics is too important simply to be left to just the politicians, including me.

End.

Monday 13 February 2017

The movie, “Light Will Come” takes Nigeria cinemas by storm soon





...as Popular Yoruba Actress Eniola Badmus Beats Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka) Silly!

“Don’t mess with me” was the clear warning Eniola Badmus sent to her male colleagues in the Industry when she forced Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka) to drink from the cup of her fury. It had started as a matter of difference in opinion as to whether a female could call the shots in the home when Saka who had been put off by the argument she canvassed, set his tongue to overdrive ridiculing her and as she later stated “he crossed the line”.

Bam! came the blow that rattled the King of sitcom. He instantly fell on the ground dazed and amazed by the turn of events. Eniola was furious and charged at him like a raging bull raining blows and slaps on him. Trust Saka, his mouth did all the shouting as he raised his hands to defend himself from the heavy shelling. The alarm caught the attention of those around who rushed to the scene and it took three men to pull her away. Saka was injured and thankfully he was treated by a good neighbour.

During the battery, there were lights…cameras… and action! Of course all that happened on the movie set of “Light Will Come”, a romantic comedy produced and directed by the ingenuity laden Tchidi Chikere. Saka really did get hurt but it was an accident…the price to pay for being an actor.

In the movie, Lukas (Hafiz Oyetoro) has to contend with his domineering and abusive wife Aisha (Eniola Badmus) who takes delight in engaging him in a boxing bout at home. At work, he is a bumbling and comical personal assistant to his chronic bachelor boss Raymond (Majid Michel) whose parents have mandated him to get married. Together they must find the ideal wife his elite parents would approve of but it repeatedly goes wrong.

The movie also stars Mercy Johnson – Okojie, Majid Michel, Shaffy Bello, Ada Ameh, Rahama Sadau and Nuella Njubigbo.

“Light Will Come” will be released in cinemas across Nigeria from February 17th 2017.

Watch Trailer below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BvLjvjgKWk

Sunday 5 February 2017

Of Trump, Hitler and World History



Of Trump, Hitler and World History

Written By Ogbonna Nwuke

It wasn't really supposed to be easy either for America or for a world order that has evolved over time.
The signs had been there right from the time the new sheriff in town bared his fangs on the campaign trail.

Now America and a bewildered world are stuck with a situation that is unclear, an international system likely to be under siege soon, and a future that appears uncertain. Isolationism and protectionism had long taken a strong bashing as the world, secure in its dream for the emergence of a global village, marched in the direction of globalisation.

Of course, there has always been the threat posed to world peace by the cold war between the east and west, between the United States and Russia if you like. But skillful diplomacy as well as the cautious optimism of world leaders have helped to reduce the risk of a global war.

Side by side, the world has witnessed the spirited expansion of frontiers of trade through carefully documented treaties and agreements. On the home front, America has been a country of immigrants built on a liberal philosophy which allows anyone who meets the rigorous requirements for citizenship to pursue what has come to be seen as the American dream.

The flexibility of such a system anchored on basic freedoms which say all men are born equal basically created the opportunity for the forebears of Donald Trump whose home country, Germany, went to war with the rest of the world, including the United States, to migrate into America.

America in turn has benefitted from immigration, transforming into one of the greatest countries in the world, and holding such a promise for all who seek to escape persecution; who wishes to make a new home from home; and who desire to exploit the bountiful and latent energy life offers without any limitations.

In so many ways, the tale of America and a changing world have become intertwined, with America providing the moral fibre and leadership for most of the change that has characterised the notion of a free world.

So the promise of a United States has impacted positively on the concept of an European Union which now enjoys a common currency and engages in joint collaborative action in most areas, including free movement and immigration.

The birth of the African Union was ideally tailored along these lines as well. The fact that in order to bond closely, create huge markets, develop science, technology and infrastructure. And enhance cooperation essentially among African countries; Africa had to take advantage of some of the finest principles that are driving human progress.

Somehow, under the Trump administration, the world stares in unbelief as what some people are beginning to tag a new world order makes its forced entry.
The fight to evolve a new psyche,  a new world view, a new pecking order and new national perspectives for the world or for the people of the United States by the Trump government isn't coming without a strong challenge.

Outside of America world leaders are raising indignant voices as they try to make sense of the orders that are rolling out of Washington like German panzers.

It is as if nazism which strives on a culture of superiority, race, hate and extreme rightist ideals has been reborn. It is rather strange that it has chosen America described as the land of freedom to reincarnate under the watch of a German American. When Hitler realized his aspiration to be German Chancellor, he unleashed a wave of German nationalism just as Trump seeks to do now by pretending to reawaken American consciousness.

Hitler, the records show, followed up the demonstration of a nationalistic leadership with the repudiation of international agreements, including that which had committed Germany to paying reparations for its role in World War I.

In no time Germany was overrun by the nazi culture. Not even the German army known for its prowess and discipline was spared the control of the nazi movement.
The rest is history and not many nations, especially Israel and the Jews can forget what happened during World War II.

Although it is early in the life of the Trump administration, I can see some parallels between Trump and Hitler whose coming Nastrodamus foretold.

Nastrodamus had predicted a third global war. Is it possible that the actions and reactions of President Trump have the capacity to create room for the advent of the Prince of the house of Mohammed?
In his predictions that have never failed to come true, America's defence systems which Nastrodamus saw, failed to intercept what may be today's nuclear warheads fired by the Arabian Prince described as the third anti-Christ.

Trump denies targeting Islam, but the arguments flowing back and forth doesn't suggest that the world is struck by the truth of what he says.

Trump has spoken favourably about torture, a veritable tool that Hitler and his henchmen promoted to an art. He has spoken in derogatory terms with leaders of countries with which America has friendly ties like Mexico and Australia. He has ordered soldiers into action and began to cultivate the worst kind of propaganda that the American people have never seen like the Germans did under Goebels and Hitler.
I wish my heart could trust Trump, wish that Trump would have the wish to make the world a more peaceful and habitable place. But the signs aren't in any way near here.

Dreams of an indomitable Germany under Hitler spiralled out of control and led to the death of millions of men, women and children. Will the dream to make America great again turn out to be another smokescreen for dealing a deadly blow on humanity?

Trump didn't catch my fancy from the outset. Even now, his remarks as the strongest president on earth make me ill at ease. I followed his campaign speeches, his remarks about President Barak Obama the first black to occupy the White House, his proven track record for discriminating against blacks, and the snubbishness conveyed by the way he spoke while soliciting for votes. And I came off with a great feeling of trepidation that unrest in America and war abroad might be the ultimate outcome of a Trump presidency.

How I wish I would be wrong. How I wish that this President would help lay the foundation for a thousand years of peace as predicted by Nastrodamus. How I really wish.

There is no doubt that America has what it needs, going by Trump's victory via the Electoral College. But the vast majority who cast more popular votes for the protection of rights that are coming under threat early in the Trump era cannot stand it.

Right from inauguration day, they have been on the streets protesting the new face of America and the entry of a rawhide cowboy with a smoking gun who appears determined to reinvent Red Indian territory that ought to be conquered.

More Americans, worried by the turn of events,are joining the ongoing debate. Not many agree that in targeting Muslims, Trump would succeed in keeping America safe.The American court system hasn't demonstrated any understanding for the presidential order which securely shut the door in the face of citizens of some  Muslim nations or those from such countries who are already carrying valid US visas.
It is doubtful US courts ever will, given the uproar in America and the fear that the presidential orders may indeed be at variance with the tenets of their Constitution.

In the court of public opinion, among experienced diplomats and world leaders, Trump doesn't seem to have secured mainstream support for cancelling trade agreements entered into by the United States and other countries.

Many Americans are beginning to think about the consequential effects of the decisions of a president who appears to be unduly ego driven. I am not a pyschologist but I have a strong feeling that this president might be held hostage by a kind of dogma inherited from the formative stages of his life.

Office, the decorum and protocols that go with it are supposed to shape the attitude of leaders or the position of leadership on a wide range of issues and interests. Somehow, these do not appear to have any moderating influence on a President who continues to taunt perceived enemies and opponents even in a manner that no president before him has done.

The trouble is, Trump carries a huge responsibility. He needs to find a way out of the deepening cleavage that threatens America and the established world order in which Washington is a prominent player.

He needs to wake up to the reality that America cannot afford to act irresponsibly in a changing world that is faced with so many challenges.

Above all, he needs to come to terms with the fact that running a country cannot be the same as operating a business where one can easily say to an employee, "you are fired!"

Can Trump settle down to the reality of these facts in time to lead the free world?

Only time will tell.