After about four years of marriage, I left my husband because of his responsibility.I now live in a comfortable flat with my two young children. Since I started dating, I seem to prefer younger men. Some as much as six years younger. I am in my early thirties and my friends keep making fun of me even when such men earn more than I do. Does my attraction to younger men mean I am a pervert? Older men really bore me as they don’t make the efforts younger men do.
Obum, by e-mail.
Dear Obum, Being attracted to younger men and acting on it are two separate issues. However, since your partners are not married men, getting together with someone younger doesn’t make you a pervert. This is another one of those double standards that women have to endure. Nobody would hassle a 40-year-old man for hooking up with a 25-year-old woman and there could be a number of reasons why you’re attracted to these fresh-faced men, one of which you have stated in your letter. Maybe they pay you more attention or you feel more secured around them, and therefore, feel more attractive. Whatever the reasons, going out with younger men can bring its challenges and your friends might be mocking you because they’re jealous of your having a good time! Believe me, there are thousands of women out there enjoying great relationships with younger men. So go for it!
There are indications that the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) might have retired the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue and two others over the illegal sale of 130 million litres of petrol.
Her retirement comes less than 24 hours after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovered $38,000,000.00 N23, 000,000.00 and £27,000.00 from an apartment in Ikoyi allegedly belonging Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue.
On March 17, Henry Ikem-Obih, a chief operating officer (downstream) in NNPC, had revealed that about 130 million litres stored at the Capital Oil & Gas depot and over 30 million litres in MRS Limited depot, all in the Apapa area of Lagos, were not found when needed.
Ikem-Obih had said the infraction by the two downstream companies was a clear violation of existing contract which prohibited the firms from tampering with the volumes in their custody without express permission of the corporation.
He said the companies were called to explain and given two options to either return the full volume of what was stored in their depots or pay the full value of the products taken without approval.
He had also mentioned that NNPC alerted the Directorate of State Service (DSS), the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and relevant committees of national assembly with oversight function on the corporation’s downstream operation to help recover the assets.
The officials were reported to have been sacked and later advised to resign, but are now officially disengaged from the services of the corporation.
But counsel to Nnamdi – Ogbue, Mr.Emeka Etiaba, said the money and/or the apartment where the sums of money were found did not belong to her.
“Our Client is as shocked as many other Nigerians at the uncovering and recovery of the said sums of money, and wishes to salute the courage and efforts of the EFCC in the war against corruption,” the law firm said.
“She also wishes to commend the whistle-blowing policy introduced by the Federal Government in the fight against corruption, which policy has resulted in large scale uncovering and recovery of monies and assets.”
The statement called on the media to be “more circumspect” in what it publishes.”
“Mrs. Nnamdi-Ogbue believes that the source and ownership of the money is known or eventually will be known by the EFCC in due course. Therefore, no need for conjecture or speculation,” the law firm said.
Meanwhile, NNPC explained that the retirement of Nnamdi-Ogbue and two others were in line with the ongoing reforms in NNPC.
The two other retired staffs are Mr. Alpha P. Mamza, Executive Director, Operations, NNPC Retail Ltd and Mr. Oluwa Kayode Erinoso, Manager, Distribution, NNPC Retail Ltd.
The corporation equally redeployed Mr. Adeyemi Adetunji, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd; Engr. Lawal Bello, Executive Director, Operations, NNPC Retail Ltd; Mrs. Affiong Akpasubi, Executive Director, Services, NNPC Retail Ltd; and Mr. Agwandas A. Andrawus, Manager, Distribution, NNPC Retail Ltd.
Until his new assignment as the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, Mr. Adetunji was General Manager, Strategy and Planning, Gas and Power and also former General Manager, Transformation Office.
On Nnmadi–Ogbue’s retirement, Etiaba said the letter interdicting her from the corporation was served her last week and not yesterday, saying that NNPC only decided to release the statement announcing her retirement from service on Thursday.
When Etiaba was asked why her client was retired having not attained 35 years in service or attained the mandatory 60 years, he said: ‘‘That is another issue we will take up later.’’
Controversial has continued to trail the large sums of foreign and local currencies amounting to about N15 billion recovered by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) in an apartment in Ikoy, Lagos.
A former governor of Bauchi State and ex-national chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu ‘disowned’ the house at No. 16 Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the money was discovered even as sacked Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue and Chief Godwin Obla have washed their hands off the large sum.
An online medium had valleged that the house belonged to the former Bauchi State governor.But Muazu denied ownership of the property. He, however, did not explain why his name was listed as the owner on the website of the construction firm that built it.
Etco Nigeria Limited, a construction firm partly owned by an Israeli company, Electral Limited, prides itself as having built several residential and corporate complexes in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, including the property in Ikoyi, Lagos, where EFCC recovered the sums of $43 million, N23 million and £27,000, stashed away in fire-resistant cabinets behind a false wall, on Wednesday afternoon.
According to SaharaReporters, one Akin Oyegoke, who identified himself as the “Media and ICT Personal Assistant” to Mr. Mu’azu called from London to deny that the former PDP chair owns the building.
“Mr. Muazu does not own any house in Ikoyi except his house at Walter Carrington Street, Victoria Island Lagos,” Oyegoke was quoted to have said.
He also denied that his boss ever lived in the apartment where he is alleged to maintain a Penthouse.
Oyegoke was said to have claimed that Muazu was unhappy about the story linking him with the building.
But when asked to explain why the construction company listed Mu’azu’s name as the client on the property profile, Oyegoke was reported to have promised to “reach out to Mr. Muazu and get back to us but never did as at the time of publishing this story,” the online media said.
BVI Channel 1 gathered that the house was originally owned by Mu’azu, but he had since sold it.
Mu’azu, former governor of Bauchi between 1999 and 2007 had previously been declared wanted by the EFCC for engaging in massive corruption.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the law firm of Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) has also distanced Chief Godwin Obla from ownership of the building where the money was discovered.
The law firm said it client did not own a single building in Lagos let alone being a resident or part house owner of the said building.
The lawyer said it was unfair to suggest that Obla “is the network of affairs involving illicit financial dealings and money laundering…or to be linked with underhand criminal dealings.
“Except to confirm Sahara Reporters role of carrying out the bidding of faces behind the mask, it is befuddling how you could have come by unfounded allegation that Chief Obla, is equally a resident/owner of the building where over $50,000,000 was allegedly found. Having allegedly discovered the owner of the building by whatever means you did and all that should have been done remained to be done was a little prodding,” the statement said.
It stated that the allegation of Obla’s residency was a cooked up tale to create a mischievous foundation for planned future character assassination.
“To further lend credence to the above, is the additional narrative of the recent marriage between the son of Chief Godwin Obla, and Obgue’s daughter. Obviously, an insertion to create a subliminal innuendo in the minds of innocent and undiscerning reading public that there is a pattern of network of affairs among the names mentioned.”
The law firm demanded a full retraction of the statement within seven days or face a lawsuit of N10 billion “for the monumental injury to the reputation of the person of Obla and his interests.”
Meanwhile, Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos has ordered that the funds be temporary forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Hassan gave the verdict yesterday while ruling on application filed by EFCC seeking for forfeiture of the fund.
The judge, however, adjourned till May 5, for anyone interested in the funds to show up before him to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
EFCC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo while moving the ex parte application for the interim forfeiture of the funds, told the court that no one had come forward to claim it, adding that the staff of one AM Facilities managing the apartment where the huge sums were found could not provide the anti-graft agency with information on the possible owner of the money.
He urged the judge to exercise the power conferred on him by Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related Offence Act to order the interim forfeiture of the money to the Federal Government.
The Administrator of the Customary Government of Indigenous People of Biafra has graciously approved the appointment of Mr Ugoeze Ugoeze as the Director for Infrastructure/Public Facility Development.
This appointment is for a probationary period of 6 months subject to further confirmation by the Supreme Council of Elders.Mr Ugoeze is expected to use his wealth of experience in civilized economies to advance the course of the Indigenous People of Biafra still living in Nigeria.He can be reached via +31684372961.
‘NNAMDI KANU APPOINTS CHIEF APOSTLE KALADA A. JENE – THE CHIEF NEGOTIATOR
CG-IPOB under the Supreme Council of Elders of Indigenous People of Biafra can confirm that chief Kalada Jene has the mandate of Nnamdi Kanu to enter into discussion, negotiation and reach agreement on his behalf and his group with Customary Government of IPOB and other pro – Biafra groups so long as such is for the interest of the Biafra people and in line with both local and international laws.
Chief Apostle Kalada Jene is the founder of Afra Descendants Movement (ADM) He is Ibani clan, Ijaw , Bonny kingdom of Rivers State. Chief Kalada Jene sued Federal Republic of Nigeria in suit no CA|A|139|2010 to establish his indigenous identity as a Biafran and to demand for his inalienable rights for self determination.
He is a core Biafran from Niger Delta Region and also a member of Supreme Council of Elders of the Indigenous people of Biafra representing Ijaw ethnic Nationality.
The Customary Government of IPOB wishes to reaffirm her resolve to pursue the restoration of Biafra without breaking the laws of the land.
The Customary Government of IPOB which has been calling for release of Nnamdi Kanu is glad to note that more respected individuals and groups are also joining in calling for his release and would be ready to work with anybody who has agreed to work under the due process of law in pursuit of Biafra restoreation’
Customary Government of IPOB is a de facto Government set by the Elders of the land to gather their Children under the Customary law even as Biafrans pursue for self determination while still living in Nigeria.
It has become necessary to respond to an online insinuation that the Customary Government of IPOB has abandoned the Biafra project for political project. This allegation is unfounded and smacks of total ignorance of the intrigues and intricacies that surround national liberation.
It is rather pathetic that social media has created an opportunity for freedom fighting neophytes to confuse our dear ‘ freedom hungry ‘ people. CG-IPOB can never be deterred non distracted by the actions of these irresponsible online contractors who have hijacked the Biafra or and Nnamdi Kanu brands for money making. For five years running even without public funding , the officials of CG-IPOB have held the Biafra ship via the rule law afloat, and steered the occupants towards the right direction. Even our worst enemies can attest to the fact that the officials of CG-IPOB are fanatical towards the Biafra project.
It is therefore, laughable to insinuate that CG-IPOB under the Leadership of the Supreme Council of Elders has jettison Biafra for politics.From the very beginning, CG-IPOB did not leave anybody in doubt of how and why Biafra must be achieved. Our adopted methodology is at the public domain including inside Aso Rock. As a reminder, our position even in federal high court, owerri has remained that we are Biafrans by indigenous identity but still Nigerians by citizenship. Citizenship can be negotiated but indigenous identity is permanent. It is also our position that we have inalienable rights to determine whether we want to be Nigeria citizen or Biafra citizen within or outside Nigeria. As a responsible people quite aware of our political and economic position (s) in Nigeria, we considered legal, diplomatic and political as most viable options to achieve our collective aspiration.CG-IPOB has just activated her political strategy via MOBIN to run simultaneously with legal and diplomatic methodologies. How would anybody see the activities of MOBIN as going against the Biafra restoration?
The CG-IPOB is not unaware of the activities of hired mercenaries to create confusion in the ranks and files of the Biafra family. We have remained committed and resolute towards our well articulated and designed roadmap to the promise land as well as pushing for a common front. CG-IPOB has an open mind with open door policy and that was what necessitated our visit to Kuje.We can authoritatively confirm to the public that Chief Apostle Kalada Jene(08105243130) from IJAW LAND has an open ended mandate to represent Nnamdi Kanu in any negotiation table. Kanu might have his personal reservation about certain issues but at the end, what is important is a uniting factor – Biafra. We respect his opinion, however the public should note that we were together from the beginning as seen in this recorded video https://youtu.be/0oFssrCbrYQ.
CG-IPOB shall continue to push for a common front to bring our people together but would not unite with those who lack common sense on how to handle a complicated situation.
Ndubuisi Anaenugwu
Director – Directorate of Information, CG-IPOB
The Customary Government of IPOB is happy to announce that a successful townhall meeting was held yesterday with some key stakeholders in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State . The meeting was presided over by the Customary Government Administrator- Engr Anthony Aniebue.
The town hall meeting was in continuous of the Administrator’s drive to set up a De Facto Customary Government of IPOB across the Biafraland. The Provincial Administrator for Abakiliki Province was announced during the meeting. He is Mr Chigozie Okorie (08066018380).Also Customary Government of IPOB policy statement booklets were presented to clergymen present as well as a Catholic Priest.
The Customary Government of IPOB vehicle is quietly moving across the entire Biafraland to preach the gospel of freedom strictly in line with both Nigeria and International laws. At this stage, the Customary Government of IPOB is not unaware that many will not take her serious ,however slow and steady wins the race.
The Customary Government is scheduled to be in Uyo in few weeks time.
The attention of the Customary Government of Indigenous People of Biafra (CG-IPOB) has been drawn to an online news report that the British authority would never allow Nigeria to break up. According to the report,the British High Commissioner – Mr Paul Arkwright at a public lecture titled Brexit: lesson,challenges and opportunities for Nigeria, announced that the unity of Nigeria remained non-negotiable, stressing that the country would be better under one umbrella.
The Customary Government and the entire populace of the Biafran people are not surprised with Mr Arkwright position on the unity of Nigeria. We do not expect the British Government to support the quest for Biafra restoration.Our expectation lies with the ordinary Britons on the street who overwhelmingly voted yes for Brexit even when the former Prime Minister-David Cameron campaigned in favour of Britain being part of EU.For emphasis and record purpose,the Customary Government of IPOB has never negotiated or requested for the division of Nigeria but to restore her indigenous identity before the invasion of foreigners into her land.It is our submission that Nigeria will always remain a great Country even after Biafrans might have restored their land.
The British High Commissioner should note that Biafrans have since gone to court in suit no : FHC/OW/CS/192/2013 to establish their indigenous identity as well as their inalienable rights for self determination. We need not remind the British Envoy that from the ancient map of Africa 1492 – 1843, particularly the Map of Africa 1662 and 1707, there were three kingdoms in West Africa from where the new country called “Nigeria” was created in 1914, namely, the Kingdom of Zamfara in the North; the Kingdom of Biafra in the East; and the Kingdom of Benin/Oduduwa in the West. In the ancient times, the Kingdom of Benin extended to most parts of West Africa including Dahomey and Togo. The Kingdom of Biafra at that time extended to the present day Equatorial Guinea and some parts of Cameroun and Gabon while the Kingdom of Zamfara extended to the present day Niger Republic and Chad. Dahomey is now called Benin Republic. The truth is that every indigenous person presently dwelling in the geographical space called “Nigeria” has his or her ancestral roots from any one of these three or four kingdoms.
It is important to inform the general public that by the arbitrary sharing of African lands at the Berlin Conference in Germany in 1884-1885 to create new countries, the colonial masters placed some indigenous people of Biafra into the new country called “Nigeria” and left others in Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. That action has caused millions of innocent and young lives. By going to court, Customary Government of IPOB intends to correct the mistakes of our fathers without sacrificing innocent blood(s).
The Public should note that British Government through Lord Luggard created Nigeria in 1914; hence the position of Mr Arkwright is in order and expected.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday reserved ruling on whether or not it will reverse its order on witness protection in the ongoing trial of the Director of Radiozz, Nnamdi Kanu – Counsel to Kanu, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor told the court that he had filed an application asking the court to review its stand on protecting the identity of witnesses in the case – Justice Nyako adjourned the matter until April 25 to rule on both the application to review the witness protection order and bail .
Justice Binta Nyako, on March 27, insisted that she would not review her judgment on the issue of protecting the identity of the witnesses as long they were security operatives. “I will not vary my order on protection of security operatives; It is either they wear a mask or are behind a screen. “Security operatives need to be protected not because of this case but because of the future, and so as long as the witnesses are security personnel, they will be taken behind a screen,” Nyako said.But counsel to the defendants maintained that since some of the charges against the defendants had been struck out, there was need for the order to be reviewed to reflect the current charges. At the resumed hearing on Thursday, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Shuaibu Labaran, told the court that the matter was slated for argument on the application to review the court’s decision on witness protection. Counsel to Kanu, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor told the court that he had filed an application asking the court to review its stand on protecting the identity of witnesses in the case. Ejiofor said that part of the reason he filed the application was on the grounds that six out of the initial 11-count charge against the defendant were struck out. He prayed the court to vacate the order it made allowing the prosecution witnesses to give evidence behind a shield and to instead order the witnesses to testify in an open court. Mr E.I Eseme, counsel to the third defendant, Benjamin Madubugwu, in his argument, also prayed the court for the same relief, adding that his application was brought pursuant to Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution. He urged the court to review the order it made on Dec. 13, 2016, to shield witnesses, set aside the order and direct that all witnesses should testify in public.Eseme added that his client was not standing trial for any of the offences that required witness protection. According to him, Section 36(4) of the 1999 Constitution provides that it is mandatory for proceedings in all criminal trials to be public. He noted that there was no counter- affidavit from the prosecution, adding that it could only mean that the facts were not contradicted and so they were not opposing the application. Mr Chukwuma Ozougwu, counsel to the fourth defendant, David Nwawuisi, also towed the same line of argument and urged the court to grant the application in favour of his client. Labaran, in his reply, prayed the court to dismiss the three applications on the grounds that they were frivolous and a deliberate attempt to delay the prosecution of the case. He told the court that the claim by the defence counsel that since he did not file a counter affidavit, the court should assume that he was in support of the application should be discountenanced. According to him, if the defendants have a problem with the ruling of the court that witnesses should be protected, they should appeal the decision.
He added that moreover, it was only journalists and the general public that would not see the witnesses but only hear them as all the defendants, the lawyers and the judge would see the witnesses. He said the order was granted based on the discretionary powers given to the judge by Section 232 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Justice Nyako adjourned the matter until April 25 to rule on both the application to review the witness protection order and bail. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com highlights lessons Nigeria can benefit from Biafra war of 1967.
The Independent National Electoral Commision has announced its readiness to commence voter card registration from Monday, 10th April 2017. In light of this, Movement of Biafrans in Nigeria(MOBIN) advises all Biafrans across Nigeria to go out and get a Voter’s Card. The INEC Voter’s Card not only enables you to vote during elections. It also acts as an alternate ID card.
The Registration is meant for those who clocked 18years and above after the 2015 general election, and also for those who either did not obtain one, or lost their previous permanent voters card. Biafrans should note that winning of election starts from mobilisation of electorates for INEC Voters Registration. Please share this information as far as possible and as wide as possible. Preach it in the streets, tell your family and friends. Remember, we can only achieve .
Biafra if we have a say in governance, and we can have a say when true Biafrans in spirit and in truth take over the mantle of leadership in all Biafraland. Let’s come out en masse for this exercise, and not limit ourselves to Facebook or Social Media political analysts and politicians without voting power.
Rememeber, he who holds political power holds the present and the future.
Let’s take over!
Please kindly tell others while you share or rebroadcast Regards.
Comrade Rita Eberechukwu Anigbogu.
Director General, MOBIN Call 07068031176 or write mobinbiafra@gmail.com for more details Also visit our HQS at 1 Ogoja Street, White House Bus Stop, Trans Ekulu
