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Femi Adesina: When you are high-flying, the centrifugal forces will come against you

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Femi Adesina: When you are high-flying, the centrifugal forces will come against you

Manchester City football club was on Tuesday confirmed winner of the 2020/2021 English Premier League (EPL). For those who follow football keenly, whether it is played in the dusty fields of Ajegunle, in Lagos, the La Liga in Spain, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga, or EPL, this was one pulsating season, filled with excitement, despite the absence of physical spectators, due to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.As someone who gets his kick from football (from what do you get your’s?) the fact that Manchester City got crowned champions three games to the end of the season, after Manchester United lost 1-2 at home to Leicester City, holds great significance even for our country, and what she is currently passing through. Unique lessons can be drawn, which can inspire us as a people.

Since it was established in 1880, Manchester City was winning the League for the 7th time. Incidentally, five of the victories were in the past 10 years. Three of them are in four years, under the current coach, Pep Guardiola.Eight weeks into this season that ends in another two weeks, Man City (as the team is popularly called) was Number 13 on the EPL table, which consists of 20 teams. And 38 games were to be played to complete the cycle.Fans of the team were already hissing and cursing. Their opponents were gyrating and doing a jig, saying Man City was doomed for another season.Recall what happened in the 2019/2020 season. Man City was eyeing a treble.

Three back-to-back seasons as champions, and a record in English football. But the adversaries knew the record that was to be set, so they arrayed themselves against the team. Just as some forces knew the record that was to be achieved by Muhammadu Buhari as Nigerian President, and which he had begun to show since 2015 when he got into office, and they positioned against the government.Every team, big or small, strong or weak, set its sights on Man City last season, flexed muscles, summoned superhuman skills and strength whenever they were meeting the champions attempting a treble. The end result? Man City finished a distant second behind Liverpool, which had emerged like a thundering typhoon, to win the laurel in admirable fashion.

The lesson? When you are high-flying, the centrifugal forces will come against you, and it would only take the grace of God for you to attain. Yoruba people call those forces Aiye. When Aiye is on your case, as it was against Man City, and it is against the Buhari government, you need God, and God alone. Aiye (meaning ‘the world,’ if freely translated) is the negative part of mankind. The pernicious, baleful, sly and scheming part of humanity. If Aiye gets on your matter, you need God and God alone.Man City failed to make record last season. Because Aiye was there. Liverpool shot out like a bolt from the blues, and won the league for the first time after 30 years. It won new adherents to itself from different parts of the world.

Buhari Amazon, Jewel Ifunaya Chika, was one of them. She simply ported from Manchester United, which she had been supporting for years, and pitched her tent with Liverpool. More about that team later.Man City failed to make record in 2019/2020 season. Aiye was in full force against it. And the 2020/2021 season was initially not looking promising either.

Eight weeks gone, the team was placed 13th on the table. It had lost 2-5 to Leicester City at home in Etihad Stadium, Tottenham drubbed it by two goals, played draw with teams that couldn’t hold a candle to it in the past, and was generally forlorn and limp. Aiye was having a ball, laughing Man City to scorn. Aren’t they doing the same thing against the government in our country today, due to unrelenting security challenges, some of them possibly instigated by Aiye themselves?But in November, the table turned for good for Man City, just as it would inexorably turn for Nigeria soon. The team beat Burnley by five goals to nothing, and it was the beginning of the turnaround. Victory came after victory, to the extent that the team was unbeaten in 21 consecutive games in the different competitions it was involved in.

From the ashes, the Salamander had risen. Fire could not consume it, and today, Man City are champions, fifth time in 10 years.Who says Nigeria will not rise from its current travails? Who says Aiye will always win? Not where God is involved. And God is involved with Nigeria, our own dear native land. Under President Buhari, peace and security would be restored. The economy would rebound. Life would be abundant for the people , and Aiye would be left standing small, holding the rump of the flag of a country it thought had gone into oblivion. The winner takes it all, the loser standing small (apologies ABBA).It was not glory ride for Man City all the way, however. It lost other crucial matches to Man U, newcomer Leeds United, and Chelsea. But did that alter the destiny for the season? No! Nigeria will also attain her destiny, and soon too. Amen, somebody!Still on the EPL, vital lessons too from Liverpool, the darling of the last two seasons.

It first won the European Champions League, and then the Premiership. The team was simply radiating, making conquests and winning new followers. Till Aiye stepped into her case.Liverpool, which won the league last season by a wide margin, has been struggling in a pitiable way this season. It is exerting itself so strenuously, not for number one or two positions, but to end in number four, and book a place in the Champions League. What happened?

Aiye went after the team, the way it did to Man City when the team was to set a record. This season, Liverpool has lost not less than eight games, most of them at its Anfield home, back to back. And to comparatively lowly teams. It was humiliated by Fulham (now gone into relegation), Brighton, Burnley, Southampton, and other minnows.

Not to be forgotten is the 7-2 shellacking last October by Aston Villa, and the 4-1 pounding by Man City in February. Thy glory oh Liverpool is slain upon the high places. How are the mighty fallen! Just because of Aiye.Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League, losing to Real Madrid, which Chelsea came to beat home and away.

On the day it was poised to change position on the league table, making a 4th placement sure, it was leading Newcastle till the very last minute of the game, when it suddenly crumbled. The opponents drew level in the 95th minute, the very last seconds of added time. Aiye in action.Man City bounced back from the ashes to emerge victors.

It has won the Carabao Cup this season, and may win the Champions League on May 29, if her luck holds. Liverpool would be back someday soon. Just as Nigeria would confound the enemies, and it would happen under Buhari’s leadership.

The Good Book has said it, in Micah 7:8: “Rejoice not against me, O my enemy: when I fall, I shall rise again.”Man City rose. Liverpool will rise. Nigeria will rise. And Aiye would lose. And fall flat on its face.I can hear the Amen.

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*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity.

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Two states declare Friday public holiday for Muslims to continue with the Eid al-Fitr celebration

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Two states declare Friday public holiday for Muslims to continue with the Eid al-Fitr celebration

Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state, has declared Friday as a work-free day for Muslim faithful to continue with the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

Muhammad Garba, the Kano commissioner for information, said the decision was in consideration of the fact that “Wednesday which was part of the two-day holiday declared by the federal government fell within the 30 days of Ramadan period”.

“The Governor felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on this auspicious period that calls for sober reflection and sharing of goodwill among adherents,” a statement by Garba read.

“The Governor urged people in the state to use the occasion, particularly during Juma’at service, to pray for peace to continue to reign in the state and the country in general.”

The Jigawa state government also declared Friday as a work-free day to mark the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

Hussaini Kila, the state head of civil service, congratulated Muslims on the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

In a statement, Isma’il Ibrahim, spokesman to Kila, said the head of civil service urged the general public to use the period to pray for peace, stability and economic transformation in the state.

“During the occasion, it is expected that all public servants and the entire people of the state will pray to Almighty Allah for continued protection and guidance of our leaders, peace, economic prosperity of the state and Nigeria at large and be law-abiding citizens,” he said.

“Kila also appealed to them to always exhibit good virtues of Ramadan for the progress of the society, as well as reflect and live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and practices of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”

Abubakar Malami says special terrorism prosecution courts to begin in Nigeria

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Abubakar Malami says special terrorism prosecution courts to begin in Nigeria

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), says special terrorism prosecution courts will soon be resuscitated in Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, Umar Gwandu, special assistant on media and public relations to Malami, said the decision is part of efforts to address insecurity.

“The federal government is committed to ending insecurity in the country. The courts are to bring to book all those found guilty in connection with terrorism, so as to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement read.

“In addition to the prosecution of 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, the measures taken by the government will counter the twin trouble of insurgency and insecurity in the country.”

On April 30, 2013, Ibrahim Auta, the former chief judge of the federal high court, made a practice direction that amended the order 48 rule 4 of the federal high court (civil procedure) rule 2009, which took effect on June 3, 2013.

The practice direction was intended to fast-track criminal trials relating to offences of terrorism, kidnapping, trafficking in persons, rape, corruption, and money laundering cases, and ensure that delays in criminal trials are largely eliminated.

Under this practice, the court shall ensure that criminal cases are fully ready for trial before hearing dates are agreed, in order to minimise undue adjournments and delays.

The minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the week, disclosed move by government to prosecute 400 suspects arrested for allegedly funding terrorism is unprecedented and it’s a testament to the government’s determination to decisively tackle terrorism and other violent crimes.

The minister said the government realises that the security challenges faced today are systemic, hence has – in addition to kinetic efforts – also embarked on various non-kinetic measures to most effectively tackle the challenges

Gunmen abduct deeper life Pastor, demand N30 million as ransom

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Gunmen abduct deeper life Pastor, demand N30 million as ransom

Gunmen who abducted the Pastor of a Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Mayomi Ogedengbe in Irese Community near Akure have demanded a sum of N30 million as ransom.

Family members tells newsmen that, the abductors are insisting on the payment of the ransom before he is released.

The spokesperson of Ondo State Police command, Tee-Leo Ikoro said the police are still in search of the pastor.

Ogedengbe was kidnapped on Monday in his church located in Irese, a community near Akure, Ondo State capital.

According to an eyewitness, the kidnappers came in with a black Corolla Sports Car and took the pastor away to an unknown destination.

Uzodinma assures Muslims, Christians of their safety in Imo

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Uzodinma assures Muslims, Christians of their safety in Imo

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, on Thursday, assured Muslims, Christians and all residents of state of their safety.

The governor, who spoke at Government House at the occasion commemorating this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, said that his administration had put all safety measures in place to ensure that nobody living in the state was harmed.

Describing the insecurity in the state as surmountable, Uzodinma said that the people of the state were religiously tolerant.

He said that his administration would not tolerate religious bickering or ethnic disintegration.

The governor said, “I congratulate you on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr and urge you to go about your lawful businesses here in Imo State without fear of molestation. See Imo State as your home. Do not be deterred by the pockets of violence we have witnessed in the last we months.

“As a responsible government, we are committed to protecting the lives of everybody living in the state, weather indigene or non indigene. Your safety is assured and equally continue to see us as your brothers and sisters.”

Uzodinma said that he was committed to a united Nigeria, urging Muslims to continue to pray for the unity and the progress of the country.

Nigerian Government “greatly concerned” about the conflict between Isreal and Palestine

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Nigerian Government “greatly concerned” about the conflict between Isreal and Palestine

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said Nigeria was observing the conflict between Israeli and Palestine forces with “great concern.”

The statement issued by the Nigerian Government follows clashes between the Israel and Palestine resulting in the deaths of at least 65 Palestinians, including 16 children, and seven in Israel.

The violence was triggered by weekend unrest at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state that the Federal Government of Nigeria is watching with great concern, the unfolding developments in Israel and the State of Palestine and urges both parties to see reason and de-escalate the hostilties,” a statement signed by Ministry spokesman, Ferdinand Nwonye said.

“The Nigerian Government further urges the two parties to remain committed to the two-state solution and, in the meantime, guarantee the rights of all citizens to live in peace and dignity.”

200-Level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo commits Suicide

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200-Level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo commits Suicide

In Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko community a 200-level student of the institution has committed suicide.

20-year-old Feranmi Fasunle of the Department of Political Science was reported to have taken a poisonous chemical which resulted in her death.

Channels Television sources say, the deceased took the poison in her room and started gasping for breath.

She was rushed to the University’s Health Centre from where she was referred to other hospitals but she died this morning.

The spokesperson of the university, Victor Akinpelumi confirmed the incident. – He expressed sadness on the incident, noting that the reasons for her action remained unknown but sources said it might be connected to a failed relationship.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria has the highest suicidal rate among African countries in 2016 with over 17,000 lives lost to suicide.

“I expect Nigerians to be more understanding” – Buhari says his administration is working hard

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“I expect Nigerians to be more understanding” – Buhari says his administration is working hard

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday pledged said his administration is working hard to tackle insecurity confronting the nation and he hopes Nigerians understand.

Speaking to journalists at the State House shortly after observing the Eid prayer, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast, President Buhari said that the menace of bandits and kidnappers will be addressed to ensure that the nation’s food security is not threatened.

“With the resources and manpower available to us, we are working very hard. We are hoping Nigerians will understand the problem. Nigerians know at what stage we came in in 2015, what state we are today both on security and the economy and we are doing our best.

“The law enforcement agencies are working hard to regain confidence against the bandits, so that we can go back to the land. This is very important. This is what the agencies are busy doing right now. We want people to go back to the land so that we can get enough food for the country and even export,” he said.

He also appealed to Nigerians for more understanding of the current situation in the country.

He said his administration will use all available resources and manpower in dealing with bandits to ensure that they did not create havoc against access to farms and food production in the coming growing season.

“I expect Nigerians to be more understanding on the issues involved, looking at the time and available resources. For example, when we came in, in the Northeast, ask people in Adamawa and Borno States and the South-South in terms of security. Without security, you can’t do anything. Our big surprise and disappointment is what is happening in the Northwest and we are dealing with it,” said the President.

Explaining ongoing efforts to tackle the security situation in the country by the administration, President Buhari drew attention to the series of long meetings held in recent weeks, chaired by him, saying that a part of resolutions had been made public by the National Security Adviser and the others kept secret.

He also commended the National Assembly for its support, saying that “the National Assembly is cooperating very well. Within the resources available, they are certainly giving us priority on our (military) requests.”

President Buhari then made an appeal to the nation’s elite to show a better appreciation of the problems facing the country.

“The elite should make the attempt to understand the military. If we order weapons and armored vehicles, it takes time for the manufacturers. It takes time to ship them and when brought here eventually, they are taken to training institutions, train the trainers before sending them to the field. This is a very long process.”

President Buhari and members of his family were joined for the Eid at the forecourt of the Villa by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, cabinet members, and the heads of security and intelligence agencies.

Workers in Kaduna to begin strike on Monday as over 20,000 remain unpaid

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Workers in Kaduna to begin strike on Monday as over 20,000 remain unpaid

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Kaduna State Council, says over 20,000 state workers have not received their April salaries.

According to the Chairman, NLC Kaduna State Council, Ayuba Suileman, workers in the state would begin a five-day warning strike on Monday because of the mass sacking of over 6,000 workers by the state government.

Suleiman said, “The strike would commence on Monday through to Friday as a warning. The essence of the strike is that we want the state government to reverse the decision of sacking the huge number of workers.

“Workers in the state are not happy. They are jittery. The state government is using random indiscriminate deposition to send people packing.

“No worker in Kaduna state is at rest. They are jittery and are not performing optimally. While they have paid April salaries, over 20,000 people have not received their salaries.”

“The state governor is looking difficult, and from antecedence, he does not have a good relationship with trade unions and the Nigeria Labour Congress.” He said.

“We will try to persuade him through this strike and hope he rescinds the decision of sacking over 6,000 workers.” he further stated.

Alleged Sexual Assault: Baba Ijesha will remain detained – Lagos CP insists

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Alleged Sexual Assault: Baba Ijesha will remain detained – Lagos CP insists

The Lagos state commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu has insisted that Nollywood Yoruba actor, Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha will remain detained until the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) suspend its nationwide strike.

The Commissioner said this on Wednesday while reacting to a protest led by fellow actor, Yomi Fabiyi demanding for the release of the actor.

NewsWireNGR had reported how the 48-year-old actor was arrested by the police for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl.

The Yomi Fabiyi led protest had stormed the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti in Yaba to demand his release on bail.

But Odumosu says Baba Ijesha’s continued detention is due to a directive of the directorate of public prosecutions (DPP) in the state ministry of justice.

“When they got the SCIID today (Wednesday), they were advised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCIID, and he told them that we have done our work and sought legal advice from the Ministry of Justice and the advice was that we should still keep him in our custody,” he said.

“When we concluded our investigation, we forwarded our report to the ministry for legal advice. The ministry advised us through the Office of the Public Defender. The legal advice was that there was a prima facie case established against him and some sections of the law were quoted in the advice. So, the advice was that he should still remain in our custody and to be charged for that.”

He also disclosed that the ministry might review its stance on the movie star’s detention if the JUSUN strike continues to linger.

Recall that JUSUN had on April 6 embarked on a nationwide strike in protest of the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.

The industrial action had prevented courts from sitting — thereby making it difficult to arraign the Yoruba actor.

#Throwback: General Dogonyaro coup speech that overthrew Buhari on August 27, 1985

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#Throwback: General Dogonyaro coup speech that overthrew Buhari on August 27, 1985

Famous coup plotter, General Joshua Dogonyaro is dead at 80.

The retired general was popular for being a member of the ‘langtang Mafia’ during his days in the military. He was also responsible for announcing the coup that removed current President, Muhammadu Buhari from power in 1985.

He read the coup speech that ousted the Buhari military junta and brought in the Ibrahim Bademosi Babangida junta on August 27, 1985.

Dogonyaro’s coup speech was repeated over and over again after sessions of martial music.

About 3: 30pm, a more familiar voice came on air: Major Gen. Sani Abacha, who had announced the coup that brought Buhari to power on December 31, 1983.

He said the “president” would address the nation. Later that day, the new “president” and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria, Major Gen. Babangida, made an inaugural speech.

Read the now famous Dogonyaro speech below:

I, Brigadier Joshua Nimyel Dogonyaro, of the Nigerian Army, hereby make the following declaration on behalf of my colleagues and members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Fellow country men, the intervention of the military at the end of 1983 was welcomed by the nation with unprecedented enthusiasm. Nigerians were unified in accepting the intervention and looked forward hopefully to progressive changes for the better. Almost two years later, it has become clear that the fulfillment of expectations is not forthcoming.

Because this generation of Nigerians and indeed future generations have no other country but Nigeria, we could not stay passive and watch a small group of individuals misuse power to the detriment of our national aspirations and interest.

No nation can ever achieve meaningful strides in its development where there is an absence of cohesion in the hierarchy of government; where it has become clear that positive action by the policy makers is hindered because as a body it lacks a unity of purpose.

It is evident that the nation would be endangered with the risk of continuous misdirection. We are presently confronted with that danger. In such a situation, if action can be taken to arrest further damage, it should and must be taken. This is precisely what we have done.

The Nigerian public has been made to believe that the slow pace of action of the Federal Government headed by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was due to the enormity of the problems left by the last civilian administration.

Although it is true that a lot of problems were left behind by the last civilian government, the real reason, however, for the very slow pace of action is due to lack of unanimity of purpose among the ruling body; subsequently, the business of governance has gradually been subjected to ill-motivated power play considerations. The ruling body, the Supreme Military Council, has, therefore, progressively been made redundant by the actions of a select few members charged with the day-to-day implementation of the SMC’s policies and decision.

The concept of collective leadership has been substituted by stubborn and illadvised unilateral actions, thereby destroying the principles upon which the government came to power. Any effort made to advise the leadership, met with stubborn resistance and was viewed as a challenge to authority or disloyalty.

Thus, the scene was being set for systematic elimination of what, was termed oppositions. All the energies of the rulership were directed at this imaginary opposition rather than to effective leadership.

The result of this misdirected effort is now very evident in the country as a whole. The government has started to drift. The economy does not seem to be getting any better as we witness daily increased inflation.

The nation’s meager resources are once again being wasted on unproductive ventures. Government has distanced itself from the people and the yearnings and aspirations of the people as constantly reflected in the media have been ignored.

This is because a few people have arrogated to themselves the right to make the decisions for the larger part of the ruling body. All these events have shown that the present composition of our country’s leadership cannot, therefore, justify its continued occupation of that position.

Furthermore, the initial objectives and programmes of action which were meant to have been implemented since the ascension to power of the Buhari Administration in January 1984 have been betrayed and discarded. The present state of uncertainty and stagnation cannot be permitted to degenerate into suppression and retrogression.

We feel duty bound to use the resources and means at our disposal to restore hope in the minds of Nigerians and renew aspirations for a better future. We are no prophets of doom for our beloved country, Nigeria. We, therefore, count on everyone’s cooperation and assistance.

I appeal to you, fellow countrymen, particularly my colleagues in arms to refrain from any act that will lead to unnecessary violence and bloodshed among us. Rest assured that our action is in the interest of the nation and the armed forces.

In order to enable a new order to be introduced, the following bodies are dissolved forthwith pending further announcements: (a) The Supreme Military Council (b) The Federal Executive Council (c) The National Council of States. All seaports and airports are closed, all borders remain closed.

Finally, a dusk to dawn curfew is hereby imposed in Lagos and all state capitals until further notice. All military commanders will ensure effective maintenance of law and order. Further announcements will be made in due course. God bless Nigeria.

Gunmen attack another police station in Abia

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Gunmen attack another police station in Abia

Unidentified gunmen have attacked a police station in Bende local government of Abia State in the early hours of Thursday and razed the station.

NewsWireNGR gathered that the attackers burnt all the vehicles parked in the station before razing the building.

The police station is situated at the outer gate of the LGA headquarters and less than 10 metres from the LGA field.

“We heard series of gunshots, and when we rushed outside, we saw the station on fire,” a resident said.

The incident happened less than six hours after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu left Bende LGA headquarters where a civic reception was held for the immediate past House of Representatives member who represented Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje.

The attack on Bende Police Station comes less than a week after gunmen razed the Ubani Market Police station, still in Bende LGA.

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