After 3 kids in 3 years, I needed a break – Mercy Johnson-Okojie

Curvy cum busty Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, has revealed how much it was worth to create time out of her extremely busy career schedule to go on holiday with her husband in the United States for  approximately three weeks. Shortly after her return to her home country, the pretty mother of three spoke to Potpourri on the importance of taking time out to go on vacations. “We went to spend time together, three kids, three years, its fun; it’s awesome. In marriage, it’s necessary to have time to reminisce, plan and talk” she said excitedly Responding to why she’s already working barely a week after her return from the United States with her husband, she responded; “It’s not about the money, as a person I combine my marriage, my kids, my work together. I’ve done that for the past five years. My kids are on holidays now, so it’s a better time for me to work before they get back to school; it’s actually a better timing. Like I always say, it’s not about the money but the passion I have for my work.”

PDP years of leadership in Edo was a waste- Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo said contrary to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) position, the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Edo had shown that the state was viable. Oshiomhole, who stated this at rallies in Ameddokhian, Egbele, Uzea and Ivue, near Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo on Saturday, noted that the PDP was never interested in the development of the state. He alleged the PDP made people believe that the state was a pure civil service state, and as such, had no money. “PDP years of leadership in Edo was a waste. They told us that there is no money in Edo and they failed to build schools, construct roads, build hospitals and they even laid off workers. “But with our efforts this past seven years, we have shown that Edo is a viable state. “This is evident in the schools and hospitals we have built, the roads we have constructed, and water we have provided across the state. “It is for this reason that we are bold to ask for continuity. The continuity I am asking is that the work APC has started must be completed,” he said. Oshiomhole said his administration’s development strides across the state and Edo Central particularly, surpassed what an indigene of Esan land could not do, even when they held sway as leadership of the PDP at both state and national level. “Instead of developing this place, they only bring to you, every four years, N2,000 for you to vote for them. They again abandoned you only to resurface four years later for another deceit. “To me, this is disservice to you. This tells you that they never mean well for you. They only try to buy you to gain power in order for them to enrich themselves,” he said. At the rally, Mr Godwin Obaseki, APC flagbearer, said what Oshiomhole’s administration had done was to lay foundation to take the state to the next level. “The process of rebuilding Edo started with Oshiomhole’s government. Our work now is to take the state to the next level, to an enviable height that we all desire it to be. “Apart from continuing with the roads construction, building of schools and hospitals, provision

of water and many others, our focus will be on human capital development. “We want to be able to ensure that youths that constitute about 60 percent of the state’s population are either engaged productively or learn a trade. Our women will also be empowered,” he added. On his part, the state chairman of the party, Mr Anselm Ojezua appealed for support from the people of the senatorial district. Meanwhile, the clan head of Uzea Kingdom, in Esan North East council, Solomon Iluobe, has endorsed the candidacy of the APC, Mr Godwin Obaseki. The Onojie of Uzea, made the declaration when the APC candidate paid a visit to his palace when Obaseki’s campaign stopped over at Uzea. According to the monarch, “What we are waiting for is your swearing in; you are already the governor of Edo State. “I have seen the handwork of the APC and the development they brought to my domain. Though the work is yet to be completed, I know you will do more as the next governor. “I am assuring you; you don’t have a problem here in Uzea. As you leave, I will call my people to make sure you don’t lose any one vote in Uzea.”

Akiolu begs Nigerians, Niger Delta Avengers to give peace a chance

Lagos monarch, Oba Riliwan Akiolu I, on Saturday urged Nigerians to be patient in spite of the hard times in the country, assuring them that all will be well. “I am confident that the economy of the country, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, will change for good because our president is focused,’’ Akiolu told newsmen in his palace. The royal father, who spoke during the celebration of the Isese Festival in Isale Eko area of Lagos Island, said that the present hardship was a prelude to a better tomorrow. “Let us cooperate with the government. Do not take laws into your hands and always inform the security agencies wherever there are criminal activities,’’ Akiolu said. He appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers to stop bombing oil facilities and put their grievances on the table for the government to address. “I want to use this medium to appeal to the Niger Delta Avengers to give peace a chance. “I agree to some extent with them that certain things have to be done for them, but they just have to give peace a chance and things will work for them. “They should stop and put their grievances on the table and the government will address it. It is not too late to mend, “ Akiolu said. On the festival, Akiolu said it was an inherited custom and tradition which he does not joke with. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Isese festival featured diverse cultural activities to enhance interaction and promote harmony in the state and the country at large. Numerous Lagosians joined in the celebration of the festival, dancing and singing to various deities. (NAN)

Nigeria wins its first medal as under 23 team beats Honduras 3-2 to win the Bronze medal

Nigeria beat Honduras 3-2 to clinch the bronze medal. This is the only medal for Nigeria in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Congratulations.... Hurry!!!!!!!

Restructuring will Be in Nigeria’s Best Interest

“27 States cannot pay salaries” That was President Buhari speaking at a recent occasion. Restructuring is not a swan song neither is it a mantra. It cannot also be called a slogan. Rather it is a direct appeal to our collective soul and wisdom to decisively reflect and preserve our nationhood so that, quoting Chinua Achebe in reverse; “the centre can hold”. It is a road to that dream Nigeria that has to be.

In our current environment, it is beyond belief that some people are still advocating for the creation of more states – certainly for selfish reasons. It was that sage William Shakespeare who asked many years ago whether the fault was in us or in our stars. In Nigeria without a shadow of doubt the fault is I n us.

All the indices for growth irrespective of who does the analyses (for some are skewed) point in one direction.

Unless we restructure Nigeria and drastically change our business ethics, economic growth will be painfully slow. For the pessimists who equate restructuring with fragmentation or dissolution of Nigeria, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Restructuring means creating viable economic units possibly along the lines of the current 6 geographical zones. Unless for those who delude themselves or are in denial, our country Nigeria has not made any appreciable progress after 56 years of independence. South Korea and Malaysia which started the race with is at about the same time are light years ahead of us. Infact Seoul is ahead of many western capitals in terms of living standards. Our current arrangement has so much baggage and this must be shed by direct action.

Years ago highly motivated and idealist undergraduates at the University of Ibadan many of us simply identified ourselves as Nigerians. Some in this group include late Stanley Macebuh, Oti Ejobe, Philip Edore, Tunde Akogun, Goke Adeniji, Kemi Ajayi, Julie Onum, Zazza Lorenzo, Dada Iweka, and Jide Osuntokun among others.

How times have changed and our dream of a great nation is almost going into an eclipse.

In the same vein, as a young lecturer of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, I was a contributor to Nsukkascope an in-house magazine positioned to help transform UNN to a world class University. Chinua Achebe was editor. Other contributors were Chimere Ikoku, Emmanuel Obiechina, Ikenna Nzimiro, Mana Obasi and Okey Emordi.

Nsukkascope not only offered constructive criticism but also proffered solutions. That is the kind of debate I believe Nigeria needs. Let us have serious discussions about the gargantum economic problems now confronting us. The more people that are actively engaged, the better the country will be.

When General Murtala Muhammed inaugurated the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) in 1975 under the chairmanship of eminent lawyer Chief F.R.A. Williams SAN he charged them among other objectives to “The constitution of a federal system of government with constitutional law guaranteeing fundamental human rights, maximum participation and orderly succession of political power. To avoid the pitfalls of the first republic the new constitution should be designed to eliminate over concentration of power and ensure free and fair election”. This group aka “the 49 Wise Men” took their assignment seriously. I write from first-hand knowledge because my late uncle Dr. K.O Mbadiwe was a member and anytime he put his hand on the plough, he gave his all.

After much debates, argument, disagreements and walk outs the Constituent Assembly produced a draft constitution which was promulgated as Decree 25 of 1978 by President Obasanjo. It is sometimes historically important to go back retrospectively in order to understand the foundation of the 1999 constitution which we now operate with amendments.

Going back further still the founding fathers of Nigeria agreed at the Ibadan conference in 1950 “ That only a federal system that allowed each of the 3 regions (North, West and East) as created by the Richards Constitution of 1946 to progress at its own pace would be acceptable”. It is important to remember where we are coming from.

The founding fathers in their wisdom recognised that there are fundamental differences between the ethnic nationalities that constitute Nigeria and took steps to avoid unnecessary friction.

Only a person who plays the Ostrich will fail to see the tension in the land and this tension has to be defused. The American Presidential system which CDC recommended and which was adopted cannot in our present circumstances solve Nigeria’s problems. For the Presidential system to work efficiently certain fundamentals must be in place and the most basic is minimum level of education of the populace.

This is a sine-qua- non for the people to understand and be part of the discussion and decision making. The other one is absolute respect for the rule of law. That discipline still has to be acquired here. In a largely illiterate society such as ours, a few out of step individuals buy up the votes and impose themselves on the nation. One current governor is reported to have scolded his people who came up with demands by telling them not to bother him since he bought the election. i.e. their votes.

In the last 2015 Presidential election going by results delivered by INEC 29.4 million votes were cast for all the presidential candidates from President Buhari, former President Ebele Jonathan down to Chekwas Okorie – This translates to about 16% of an estimated 180 million Nigeria population. This level of participation in my view is ridiculously low, dangerous and a mockery of democracy.

The American Presidential system is based on a strict obedience to the rule of law and division of powers between the 3 arms of Government. Even America with their level of education and more than 200 years of practice still has imperfections and is a work in progress.

The presidential system when functional is very expensive and carries a lot of baggage which our economy cannot shoulder.

Is it not time to have another look at the Westminster Parliamentary system and see whether we can marry aspects of two systems? The important point really is to have a system that solves our problems.

Restructuring cannot succeed unless the Executive initiate a bill through Parliament followed by referendum. It is only then that we can truly have a constitution starting with “We the People”

We have to look at all ramifications including whether ministers should sit in parliament to eliminate all the public hearings whose recommendations are rarely implemented. It may also be the time to debate whether legislators should work part – time of full-time vis- a-vis remunerations.

I can literally hear someone ask “why rock the boat”? The answer is that some of us know that Nigeria has not performed up to its latent potential.

In any case times change and no arrangements are permanently cast in stone. If Britain can exit the European Union after 42 years of marriage in their national interest, we have to look at ways to make Nigeria a more habitable and enjoyable country. We are working for a country we can truly call home.

Restructuring will promote co-operation and healthy rivalry and eliminate a lot of unnecessary expense among our flamboyant living emperor governors. If we do not restructure, Nigeria will continue to waffle and crawl as we have done for the past 56 years.

For the doubting Thomases who are scared by change let us close with a German proverb which says “Go to weave and God will provide the thread”

800, 969 Applicants Fail Police Screening as 110, 469 Shortlisted take Test Monday

The Police Service Commission (PSC), on Friday, said 800, 969 applicants who applied for openings in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) failed the screening exercise across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A total of 911, 438 applicants applied for various positions in the 10, 000 advertised openings declared by government in May.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on the outcome of the screening test, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Mike Okiro, said 110, 469 applicants had been shortlisted to write aptitude tests on Monday August 22nd through Wednesday 24th next week.

He however said 115 applicants were arrested for breaches ranging from forged documents and impersonation, adding that they would be further interrogated and prosecuted in due course.

According to him, some applicants took the commission for granted as there were so many mis-match between date of births, year of graduation from secondary schools and University and certificates presented.

On the criteria used in screening, he said: “The commission adhered strictly to the requirements needed from the applicants in terms of qualifications and physical features as many of them fail to meet these requirements were therefore dropped.

“The reasons why some of the candidates were screened out include overage, alteration and falsification of forged documents, physical features, e.g height, chest, eye, bow/k-leg, tattoo marks, year of graduation, class of degree of diploma, certificate of origin of local government/state and first leaving certificate.”

According to him, the break-down of the 110, 469 applicants scheduled for the test are made up of 44,684 shortlisted for Cadet ASPs, 87, 736 for Cadet Inspectors and 205,830 for Constables.

Okiro said the recruitment would be transparent so as to give equal opportunities to all Nigerians who were desirous of pursuing a career in the NPF, adding further, that the commission would be guided by the rules to ensure that the process was merit driven.

In order to sustain integrity in the exercise, he said the commission had decided that questions for the aptitude tests would be known to the State Coordinators in the morning of each examination date.

He warned that state coordinators would be held responsible for any breach of conduct during the examination.

He said: “The commission has sent emails inviting all shortlisted applicants for the test. The master list for each state has also been sent to the State Commands and to be pasted at the Command Headquarters and the examination venues.”

Bail-Out Fund: Dogara, Others Move against Bauchi Governor

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bauchi State chapter have kicked against Governor Muhammed Abubakar over alleged misappropriation of the bail-out fund for salaries of workers.

Dogara led other key stakeholders of the party in Bauchi on Friday to the national secretariat of the party in Abuja to present their complaints to the National chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun.

Addressing journalists shortly after the closed-door meeting with the leadership of the APC, Senator Ali Wakil representing Bauchi Central said the stakeholders of the party in the state were very miffed with the manner the governor had been running the government in the state.

He specifically made reference to the governors handling of the recently allocated bail-out fund to the state.

Bauchi State has so far received over N8.6 billion as Federal Government’s bail-out meant to assist states with poor finances to pay up arrears of workers’ salaries.

When asked to speak on his mission to the party office, Dogara declined comment but referred journalists to a member of the delegation, Senator Wakil.

Senator Wakil who was flanked during the briefing by Speaker Dogara, and Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said the leaders deemed it wise to seek the intervention of the APC leadership in order to arrest the pending doom in the state.

“That is part of the problem. You know that it is an agrarian and civil services state and we must do everything to see that workers are paid as, at and when due

“We did not come to speak about the governor; we came to speak about Bauchi State. The governor is not Bauchi State; the people are the determinants of history, not individuals. Individuals come and go. How many governors were there before? He might be part of the problem but it is collective problem we are trying to solve. He is our governor. If you look at section 176, 177 and others of the Constitution, he has the constitutional role of governing the state.

“We are not comparing ourselves with Osun or Edo or other states that have backlogs of nine months, it is not our business, our people must be paid as at and when due and the remaining balances of the stipends must be paid and all the unending verifications must end,” he said.

Earlier another Senator from the state, Senator Suleiman Nazif representing Bauchi North, told journalists that the delegation had come to ask the leadership of the party to rescue the Bauchi chapter for the crisis that had befallen it due to the governor’s handling of the affairs of the state.

“Everything is not okay with the APC in Bauchi State; therefore we needed the attention of the APC at the National level to come to the rescue of the APC in Bauchi because there is fire on the mountain in the Bauchi APC.

When asked to disclose some of the issues that were discussed during the meeting with Oyegun, Nazif said that the party had agreed to wade into the matter.

“There are so many issues, but these are party issues and we felt that there was a need for us to come and discuss with our leaders and those issues are being handled.

The national chairman has assured us that he will take a drastic measure immediately and address the APC Bauchi pending problems.

“No no no, it is not about padding, it is about APC Bauchi politics. It is not about 2019, it is about solving the APC problem in Bauchi and ensuring that APC remains united in Bauchi and as you are aware, APCs strongest hold in the North is Bauchi as far as northern politics is concerned.

“So there is a dire need for us to come to the National Secretariat and we can assure you that the national chairman is on top of the matter and would go back to Bauchi to our key supporters and tell them exactly what transpired. Nobody is against the Governor, the Governor is against himself,” he said.