SATISFY YOUR PARTNER! The Lifecycle Of A Penis [Must Read] Read

This interestingly educative article is one to be read over and over again. Yes, the Penis (Male Reproductive Organ) has its Lifespan. This article explains how  a penis changes in size, appearance, and sexual function with age. You read here also, how to exercise the Penis.

It’s no secret that a man’s sexual function declines with age. As his testosterone level falls, it takes more to arouse him. Once aroused, he takes longer to get an erection and to achieve orgasm and, following orgasm, to become aroused again. Age brings marked declines in semen volume and sperm quality. Erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is clearly linked to advancing years; studies show that between the ages of 40 and 70, the percentage of potent men falls from 60% to roughly 30%.

Men also experience a gradual decline in urinary function. A man’s urine stream weakens over time as a consequence of weakened bladder muscles and, in many cases, prostate enlargement.

And that’s not all. Recent research confirms what men have long suspected and, in some cases, feared. The penis itself undergoes significant changes as a man moves from his sexual prime — around age 30 for most guys — into middle age and on to older age. Changes include:

Appearance

There are two major changes. The head of the penis (glans) gradually loses its purplish color, the result of reduced blood flow. And there is a slow loss of pubic hair. “As testosterone wanes, the penis gradually reverts to its prepubertal, mostly hairless, state,” says Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Penis Size

Weight gain is common as men grow older. As fat accumulates on the lower abdomen, the apparent size of the penis changes. Ira Sharlip, MD, clinical professor of urology at the University of California, San Francisco, says, “A large pre pubic fat pad makes the penile shaft look shorter.” “In some cases, abdominal fat all but buries the penis,” says Ronald Tamler, MD, PhD, co-director of the Men’s Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “One way I motivate my overweight patients is by telling them that they can appear to gain up to an inch in size simply by losing weight.”

In addition to this apparent shrinkage (which is reversible) the penis tends to undergo an actual (and irreversible) reduction in size. The reduction — in both length and thickness — typically isn’t dramatic but may be noticeable. “If a man’s erect penis is 6 inches long when he is in his 30s, it might be 5 or 5-and-a-half inches when he reaches his 60s or 70s,” Goldstein says.

What causes the penis to shrink? At least two mechanisms are involved. One is the slow deposit of fatty substances (plaques) inside tiny arteries in the penis, which impairs blood flow to the organ. This process, known as atherosclerosis, is the same one that contributes to blockages in the coronary arteries — a leading cause of heart attack.

Goldstein explains that another mechanism involves the gradual buildup of relatively inelastic collagen (scar tissue) within the stretchy fibrous sheath that surrounds the erection chambers. Erections occur when these chambers fill with blood. Blockages in the penile arteries — and increasingly inelastic chambers — mean smaller erections.

As penis size changes, so does the size of the testicles. “Starting around age 40, the testicles definitely begin to shrink,” Goldstein says. The testicles of a 30-year-old man might measure 3 centimeters in diameter, he says; those of a 60-year-old, perhaps measures only 2 centimeters.

Curvature

 If penile scar tissue accumulates unevenly, the penis can become curved. This condition, known as Peyronie’s disease, occurs most commonly in middle age. It can cause painful erections and make intercourse difficult. The condition may require surgery.

Sensitivity

 Numerous studies have shown that the penis becomes less sensitive over time. This can make it hard to achieve an erection and to have an orgasm. Whether it renders orgasm less pleasurable is still an open question.

Experts say these changes need not ruin your erotic life. One recent study showed significant declines in erectile function, libido, and ejaculatory function in the men studied but only moderate decreases in sexual satisfaction. The study’s authors concluded that, “Older men may be less likely to perceive these declines as a problem and be dissatisfied.”

As Goldstein puts it, “The most important ingredient for a satisfying sex life is the ability to satisfy your partner. And that doesn’t require peak sexual performance or a big penis.”

AU endorses 7,500 regional Force to fight Boko Haram

The African Union (AU) has endorsed a plan for a regional task force of 7,500 Army to fight the Islamist Boko Haram militants in Nigeria.

The leaders meeting during the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) agreed to the plan after its session on Thursday to bring to an end to the killings and maiming of residents of the North East part of Nigeria by the militant group.

The meeting presided by President Alpha Conde of Guinea, said the effort would end the militants, who recently expanded their attacks to the borders of Lake Chad region of Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin had earlier in the month requested the AU to seek U.N. Security Council mandate for their plan to take on insurgents who are allegedly fighting to create an Islamic state in northern Nigeria.

Mr Smail Chergui, the AU commissioner for Peace and Security Council, told reporters on the sidelines of an African summit in Addis Ababa shortly after the meeting that: “We are thinking of a force of 7,500 women and men which will be submitted to the U.N. Security Council for approval.’’

Chergui hoped that the concept of the force would be better organised and “we can achieve the goal that we are looking for to really stop the killing and these barbaric acts of Boko Haram’’.

He said the African group would meet in Cameroon early February “to draw up a concept of operations and strategy, rules of engagement, command and control, and related issues’’.

Each of the five nations would contribute a battalion with each contingent to base within its national borders, with operations to be coordinated from Chad.

Meanwhile, the endorsement is expected to be ratified at the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government scheduled for Friday morning at the Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

APC: Don Jazzy, Olamide join APC’s Lagos rally

Nigeria’s foremost producer, Don Jazzy and rap king, Olamide were spotted in this photograph giving their support to the All Progressives Congress, presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari during APC’s Lagos rally, which is ongoing at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. 

Other top Nigerian celebrities such as, Ice Prince, MI, Olamide, Banky W, Funke Akindele, Desmond Elliot, Uti Nwachukwu, Yemi Alade, Flavour  have also are shown their support for APC by featuring in a PSA video released recently in respect of Akinwunmi Ambodea, APC’s governorship candidate for Lagos State.

Boko Haram planning to use livestock as bombers – FG

The Federal Government, yesterday, revealed the purported plans by Boko Haram to use male suicide bombers disguised as cobblers (shoe repairers) as well as livestock, like goats, cows, donkeys and camels, to carry out their deadly missions.

According to the Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, “available intelligence reports indicate a plan by Boko Haram to use young male suicide bombers disguised as cobblers to hide explosives in their tool boxes and detonate them on soft target areas such as markets, restaurants, ATM locations, political rallies, worship centres as well as other public places.

“Also, there is indication of a plan by this group to use livestock such as, goats, cows, donkeys and camels laden with explosives to attack chosen targets.

“The general public, including all persons operating within and around the aforementioned places, are advised to be vigilant and mindful of suspicious activities in their environment.”

Omeri stressed that the security agencies might arrest persons, who take their livestock to city centres for grazing, as it had posed a security threat to the people.

Maiduguri residents told to stay and fight, as curfew lifted

A curfew imposed in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri after a weekend Boko Haram attack was lifted on Monday, as the state governor urged residents to stay and fight.

The restive city has been on lock-down since Sunday morning, when the Islamist militants launched a dawn raid that was later repelled by the military.

Nigerian Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said: “The curfew imposed on Maiduguri has been lifted as from 6:00 am (0500 GMT). People can go about their legitimate business.”

The military high command in Abuja has said “scores” of Boko Haram fighters were killed as soldiers using heavy weaponry with air support halted the rebel advance.

The attack came a day after President Goodluck Jonathan visited the city as part of his re-election campaign and again vowed to end the six-year insurgency.

Fears have been growing for months about a large-scale attack, as the militants captured swathes of territory in Borno State, of which Maiduguri is the capital.

State governor Kashim Shettima told BBC radio’s Hausa-language service on Monday that the curfew was imposed “to enable security personnel to carry out their operations”.

But with the city gripped by the possibility that the rebels will try to attack again — and news that Boko Haram had captured the nearby town of Monguno — he called for calm.

“I call on the people of Borno State not to panic,” he said. “This is our land. No fear, no flight, no retreat. We should not flee.

“We have a history dating back 1,000 years and I swear by Allah we are going to subdue them (Boko Haram).”

Two security sources told AFP on Sunday that Monguno, which is about 125 kilometres (80 miles) north of Maiduguri, had fallen into rebel hands.

Boko Haram overran the town and captured a military barracks, from which it is feared that it will launch a fresh strike on Maiduguri, where the group was founded in 2002.

Shettima added: “It is bad in Monguno. I’ll not lie to you. People are trooping to Maiduguri. They are being held by the military outside the city.

“There is need for screening before they are allowed in” to determine whether any of the people are militants, he added.

Nigeria pleased with agreement on multinational task force ino fighting Boko Haram —- Jonathans

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday in Lagos said Nigeria was pleased with the international community’s agreement with it on the multinational task force initiative in fighting the Boko Haram insurgency.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja by Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

“We are pleased that the international community is now strongly united behind this initiative and agree that its success is critical.

“It is equally important that the multinational force receives the significant support that is required to address the threat through our global partners,’’ he said.

Jonathan spoke against the backdrop of his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Lagos on Sunday.

He said they had a candid and constructive discussion about a broad range of issues.

“Nigeria is a vibrant democracy and the largest trading partner of the U.S. in Africa, with more than 18 billion dollars in bilateral trade.

“Our countries and peoples share a mutual admiration for each other and a deep commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights.

“This is why we are together engaged in a struggle against a common enemy that promotes terror, fear, division, and violates human rights, most especially of women and girls, with complete impunity.

“Winning the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria and West Africa is absolutely essential to beat back the tide of religious extremism around the world.

“Our security forces have been working tirelessly and courageously to achieve this goal.

“I reaffirmed to Kerry that Nigeria is strongly committed to building the Niger and Benin Republic under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

“Indeed, I called publicly for such a regional approach at the African Leaders’ Summit in Paris in May 2014 and more recently at multilateral meetings,’’ President Jonathan said.

He also acknowledged that the U.S., more than any other country in the world, has the most experience fighting armed insurgencies.

“Having suffered the devastating attacks of 9/11, its people also understand the insecurity and fear that are the realities for the vast majority of peaceful, tolerant Muslims and Christians in North Eastern Nigeria.

“This is why I firmly believe that enhancing and expanding various channels of co-operation between our two countries, in the context of growing international co-ordination, are of the utmost importance.

“I discussed a number of ideas with Kerry to move such co-operation forward,’’ Jonathan said.

He expressed gratitude to the U.S. for standing with Nigeria and its people in its fight against Boko Haram.

“I reaffirmed our strong commitment to working together with the U.S. to put an end to global terrorism and particularly Boko Haram.

“Nigeria will also work to deepen and consolidate our bilateral relationship with the U.S.,’’ the President said.

Jonathan said he also assured Kerry of his deep commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s forthcoming elections were free, fair, and credible.

He however said it was especially critical that all political parties abide by the Abuja Accord, which commits each to non-violence before, during, and after the election.

“I made it absolutely clear that the May 29th handover date is sacrosanct.

“In addition, the Government will provide all resources that are required by INEC to ensure that the election goes smoothly.

“I also emphasised that INEC is an independent body, which makes its own decisions without any interference from the Government.

Aftermath of Shekau’s latest video: Military set for total war against Boko Haram

Angered by the latest video of Boko Haram, the military yesterday drew final battle line with the sect by unveiling a “once-and-for-all comprehensive operation” in the North-East.

The full-scale ‘war’ will be heightened in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in the next few days.

Those who live in the affected areas in the North-East have been asked to relocate.

Already, troops have been given the marching order to eliminate safe havens and escape routes of Boko Haram in the country before the February elections.

The massive attack against the insurgents will be backed by troops from Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Also, the Presidency has endorsed the military plan which might lead to a total declaration of war against the insurgents in the North-East.

According to findings, the military was disturbed by the alleged claim of the sect that it has enough weapons to take on Nigeria.

It was learnt that the military offered to confront the insurgents headlong to “settle the insurgency problem” once and for all.

A top military source said: “It is now fight-to-the-finish between the troops and the insurgents. There will be a total blockade of all the routes being used by the insurgents.

“Neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Niger and Chad have bought into the latest offensive plan, having realised the danger in continuing to allow terrorists free movement across the borders.

“Nigerian military is reviewing strategy in the combat against terrorists to accommodate joint and combined operations with neighbouring military organisations.”

The source gave an insight into the new Action Plan against Boko Haram, saying: “Massive deployment of air and amphibious assets are expected to feature in the operation. Preparatory to this mission, the Defence Headquarters has changed the General Officer Commanding the 7 Division which is the leading formation in the counter-terrorism campaign.

“The deployment for the mission is expected to facilitate the elimination of safe havens and escape routes of terrorists in or out of Nigeria.

“The arrangement has enlisted the support of the military forces of neighbouring countries towards ensuring that the plan to effectively block the terrorists for elimination while they are being pounded in the ongoing counter terrorism campaign is effectively attained. “

Responding to a question, the source said: “The operation is expected to terminate well before the February 14 elections so that Nigerians living in every part of the country can vote in their towns and villages.

“However, it is expected that innocent citizens living in the areas where the terrorists presently operate are temporarily moved to safe towns away from the theatre of operations.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, however declined to give details.

He simply added: “The military would not relent in its efforts to restore peace to every part of the country as quickly as possible. But details of such efforts would not be disclosed now.”

He however admitted that “all the countries bordering Nigeria are willing to complement the efforts in Nigeria as terrorism has remained a menace or threat to all in the region.”

The leader of the insurgents, Abubakar Shekau, had in a 36-minute video in the week boasted of more deadly attacks by the sect in the next few weeks.

He said: “Insha Allahu, we are going to do His work with these arms at our disposal. We are going to sacrifice our lives in doing God’s work.

“As you can see, we have thousands of AK 47 rifles, we have so much that we are still conveying them to our camp here. We have AA; we have different kinds of them that can be mounted on vehicles. We Shell Car; we have RPGs; We have mag and so on.

“We cannot just mention them. We have dozens of vehicles and tanks that God has given us.”

Jega - Nothing will stop February polls

National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, (retd) came under verbal attack, yesterday, for his call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, to shit the conduct of the 2015 polls.

Former Defence Minister Musliu Obanikoro, former Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, spokesman of the House of Representatives were among the numerous Nigerians and bodies that condemned Dasuki’s call for election postponement. (See more stories on page 7)

As the attacks on Dasuki continued, the Chairman of the INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega, on yesterday assured Nigerians that there was no going back on the conduct of the elections next month.

Jega told a stakeholders meeting in Abuja that the issue of permanent voter cards distribution had been laid to rest as those who were yet to get their cards had been directed to where they could do so before the end of the month.

Jega said if Nigerians who registered to vote fail to show up and collect their PVCs, there was nothing the commission could do to force them to go and collect their cards. While some Nigerians have genuine cases of their cards not being available there many whose cards are at the various centres for collection.

The chairman said that there was no need to postpone the election, whose timetable was issued about a year ago without any opposition from any of the parties.

Several groups and individuals rose swiftly to denounce the Presidential adviser for what they see as a callous, self-serving and a potentially dangerous move to abort the election and throw Nigeria into avoidable crisis that can tear the nation apart.

Dasuki, seen as the most powerful leader of President Jonathan’s think-tank, went offshore to the British Chatham House and made his damning advocacy that the polls be shifted since INEC had not been able to distribute all the cards it printed for the electorate.

Although INEC said it had distributed 68.8 million cards so far, Dasuki told the London audience that only 30 million PVCs had been made available to Nigerian voters. This was apparently to justify his call for the poll shift. It triggered off an immediate condemnation by Nigerians.

Kano-based politician, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, descried Dasuki’s call for the poll postponement as a ploy by President Jonathan to plunge Nigeria into chaos, having seen clearly that his opponent, Gen. Buhari, was poised to win the forthcoming election.

Mohammed warned Dasuki to jettison their thoughts and allow INEC to conduct the elections as planned, as neither Jonathan nor himself would be able to predict the fall-outs of the planned poll shift.

The former House of Representatives member noted that Dasuki had not been able to marshal out any good reason to justify the poll shift, asking why he waited till the last minute to make such a malevolent demand with only three weeks to the elections.

Kicking against Dasuki’s idea, the Muslims Rights Concern, a group that promotes the interest of Muslims in Nigeria, described the call by the NSA as diversionary and unpatriotic, smacking of moral debauchery.

The group in a statement by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said it was worrisome and suspicious for a senior officer working for one of the parties in the election to suggest to INEC the postponement of the election.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Movement, the political group linked to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, has thrown its weight behind the candidature of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in next month’s election.

The party at its National Executive Meeting in Abuja on Friday, noted that Buhari had what it takes to solve the myriad of challenges facing Nigeria as opposed to the current leadership of President Jonathan.

“In a communique jointly signed by its National Chairman, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim and Secretary, Ifeanyi Igwe, PDM noted that it did not field a Presidential candidate for the poll, it was solidly behind Buhari in the poll.

The PDM said: “NEC observed that of the available presidential candidates, two clearly stand out and the two represent a clear contrast and reference point for making a clear and informed choice.

“On the five critical issues which NEC believes constitute the nation’s top and urgent priority at this material time, namely, National Unity, Public Security, Job Creation, Fight Against Corruption and the Economy, it is the opinion of NEC that the incumbent who has been at the helm of affairs of the nation in the past six years had failed.

“In contrast, his opponent had a track record of achievement in these areas as a former Head of State and, later, Executive Chairman of Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund. NEC believes it is time for Nigerians to give him a chance. In view of the foregoing, NEC unanimously resolved to support the candidature of General Muhammadu Buhari for President of Nigeria and called on all members and supporters of PDM across Nigeria to vote for him in the presidential election of February 14, 2015,” the party said.

KANO SHUT DOWN BY BUHARI CAMPAIGN

Crowd waiting for Buhari's arrival

2015 JAMB (UTME) CBT Commencement Date Announced

The management of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the date for the 2015 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Computer Based Test (CBT).

The JAMB PRO, Mr Fabian Benjamin, who made the announcement said that the exam is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 4th March, 2015.

He said that the computer mode examination will be written by about 1.4 million candidates nationwide.

Benjamin urged public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to invest in CBT by way of building and equipping more centres.

The JAMB spokesman added that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and other examination bodies would soon be migrating to the computer-based examination mode soon.

Soldiers rescue 14 pregnant teenagers, 8 children in Abia

Soldiers from 144 Battalion, Asa, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have rescued 14 pregnant teenagers and eight children from a motherless babies’ home at Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Also arrested by the soldiers were six young men, who claimed to be staff of the home, and two girls, aged 16 and 25. However, the proprietress of the home, Mrs. Nma Charity, is still at large.

It was gathered that Mrs. Charity claimed to be running a government-approved home, but engages in child trafficking and hiring of men who impregnates the teenage girls.

Sources told Vanguard that on delivery, each girl got N20,000, while their babies were sold for between N80,000 and N150,000 for females and males, respectively.

One of the suspects, who was caught at Eke-Akpara in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, while trying to steal a baby, confessed that he had been in the business with Mrs. Charity for a long period, stating that his role was to steal a child and deliver it to the her, who in turn sold it to her customers.

Acting on the confession of the suspect, the Commanding Officer 144 Battalion, Lt. Col. Omolori Rasheed, ordered his men to raid the home where about 14 pregnant teenagers and six young men were arrested, while the proprietress of the home was away at the time of the raid.

A soldier, who declined to have his name in print, told Vanguard that the babies, between the ages of one and six, and the pregnant teenagers, would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters, NAPTIP, while the other persons would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

Boko Haram would have overrun half of Nigeria, if not for Jonathan – PDP

NATIONAL leadership of  the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP  has said Boko Haram terrorists would have overrun half  the country if not  for the nature, character and leadership style of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking with Journalists in Abuja yesterday, National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh declared the tactics adopted by President Jonathan in fighting the insurgents was responsible for the progress in the anti-terrorism crusade so far, said, “‎The problem that we have in the north east to deal with  is insurgency, it is not the making of this government, but this government has tried as much as possible to contain it and I must proclaim, every now and then, Nigerians encourage us by saying that if not for the character, candour, personality of the president, the insurgents would have overrun more than half of Nigeria. We would have been under occupation of terrorists if not for the determination, the style and the character and personality of the president.

“He has been able to offer ceasefire, dialogue and other things to engage them, he has been trying all sorts of methods and engaging them in serious warfare and Nigerians have noted that if not for his character, Boko Haram would have overrun half of Nigeria.”

Life And Death Of Muna! Comprehensive Details Of Muna Obeikwe’s Family, Kidney Diagnoses And How He Died

Just so sad to be reading this a new report on how Muna Obiekwe has surfaced online. In a chat with AquaVibes, actress Vera Kanu who was a mother figure to the late actor, disclosed that he discovered his kidney problem a long time ago but like most people, he thought he could manage it.

According to her, he ignored the pain and continued working without paying much attention. He only took his drugs and medication once in a while as ‘Muna never believed the ailment could lead to his death. He believed he would survive it like he did the gunshot and death of his parents. He was not a man given to worrying about things. He believed it was not a coincidence his parents named him Munachimso, a name which means God is walking with me.’[cont.]

The kidney problem persisted and Muna was eventually forced to seek the help of a doctor in a Lagos. The doctor gave him a ray of hope. He assured Muna that his worst fear of Kidney transplant might not happen if only he could do up to 20 dialyses.

“I was with him to the last hour.  He was to do up to 20 dialyses; the doctor said if the dialysis improved his condition, the worse would certainly be over. He will be okay only if he stays away from alcohol but you know our artiste,” she concluded.

Another source told the online news portal that “the dialysis was expensive for Muna. He was doing two in a week sometimes. And he would need blood injection on each occasion. Each appointment was costing him between N250, 000 to N300, 000; money he did not really have to spend. His health was eating deep into his purse yet Muna refused to go cap in hand begging for alms. He was a private guy who didn’t want the press or his colleagues to feast on his pain, and cast aspersions on Nollywood’s industry of beggars’.

Vera, his godmother corroborated the point. “He was managing it on his own. As a matter of fact, he has been managing it for a while until Ejiro Okurame and I came on board to help. We were combining resources to help him but there was very little we could do to save him. We had to enlist the help of Patience Ozokwor and Kanayo O. Kanayo (KOK) at a point. They rendered the help they could until he died.

“The guy was private. He kept to himself a lot and most importantly, kept his private life private; for instance, many people did not even know he was married with two children. Such was his life. He didn’t want press or his colleagues to start prying. He was particularly afraid of the press, hence his shutting his colleagues out of his pain. He knew if some Nollywood people got to know about it, the press would also get to know. He refused to beg to save Nollywood’s image, he in-turn, lost himself.”

Further more, it was reported that he was a chain smoker and heavy drinker. Despite his condition, it was revealed he was still consuming alcohol on a regular basis.

“Everybody in the industry knows Muna drinks a lot; even when he’s shooting in the North, he has a way of finding alcohol. He fell into it, after he lost his parents in a ghastly motor accident. ‘As a matter of fact, he was supposed to be in that car with them but by stroke of luck, he wasn’t and was spared. Afterwards, Muna took solace in liquor but that never affected his job. He was just like Sam Loco; he could drink the whole sea but when he hears the director shout ‘action,’ he gets into character. Muna was a method character despite his flaws’’ a source tod the online portal.

Speaking on the drinking habit despite his ailment, his godmother, Vera Kanu said ‘It’s not like he drinks heavily like you guys said. He drank but not as you are putting it. Muna even called me during the holiday that he is now okay and ready to work so I should start bringing jobs because I was his producer. I told him thank God and that I would start as long as he does not do what the doctor told him not to do, which was drinking. The problem came back and he has been on it since then till he died.”

Why Agagu boys defected to APC in Ondo: The Obasanjo/Tinubu connections

Finally, the bubble burst on Tuesday, January 13 in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as some politicians known as the Agagu Boys defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.

This development, though a big shock, but was dismissed by the State PDP, which said their defection was long overdue.

Reports had it that the late former governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu, before his demise had been fraternizing with the leadership of the APC.

The late Agagu at some point was alleged to have met with the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu several times on the possibility to collaborate.

The information leaked to the leadership of the PDP and Agagu was said to be sidelined on matters of the state, as Mimiko dictated the tune, even while in his former Party. Then, Agagu and his boys were tagged PDP Jagaban.

However, with the death of Agagu and the development which led to Mimiko defection to the PDP, the Agagu boys became threatened and uncomfortable with his leadership of the party.

Political future

After much dilly-dallying, Agagu’s younger brother who was his Chief of Staff for six years Femi Agagu led others to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his late brother’s god-father, to seek his advice on their political future under Mimiko’s leadership of the Party in the state.

Femi confirmed to Vanguard that former President Obasanjo knows and approves of their defection bid. Asked if their recent meeting with President Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State has anything to do with their defection, Femi said “It has every thing to do with our action.”

Vanguard reliably gathered that the former President Obasanjo facilitated the meeting  Agagu boys had with Tinubu in his Bourdillion, Lagos residence.

Basking in the euphoria of his endorsement by the former President and Tinubu, Femi Agagu swung into action and started the mobilization of those he helped while he was the Chief of Staff and who benefited from his brother’s six years reign.

He won the hearts of some  former Commissioners who are his friends and whom he influenced their appointment- Olaitan Ayeni (Works), Boye Adegbemisoye (Special Duties) and two former Speakers, Victor Olabimtan who is a Federal Commissioner, Federal Civil Service Commission and Taofiq Abdusalam.

Others are a State party chairman, working committee members, members of National Assembly, Speakers and members of Ondo State House of Assembly, commissioners and Special Advisers. A former Speaker, Hon Olabimtan was said to have jumped ship because of an alleged disagreement over his re-appointment as Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission after serving his term.

But another source said he was annoyed because his appointment as the state Coordinator of President Goodluck Jonathan campaign was allegedly upturned by Governor Mimiko. This has however been denied by the governor’s aide who described him as been selfish and self centred. No fewer than 48 names were paraded as defectors to the opposition APC. Among the defectors were former Commissioners- Niran Sule (Special Duties), Mrs Bukola Tenabe (Women Affairs), Tola Wewe (Tourism), Tola Aworh (Information) and Akinyemi Akinnigbagbe (Agriculture), .

Also a serving member representing Owo/Ose Hon Eniolorunda Omosule and another former member, Hon Akinyujha Jones equally defected.

Some foot soldiers of the PDP governorship candidate in the 2012 election, Chief Olusola Oke were among the defectors.

Femi Agagu at a conference to announce their defection said “We have resolved to embrace change which the APC represents and drum support for the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) and Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as well as all the candidates of the party.

“We took this decision after lengthy sessions of consultation with friends, political associates as well as supporters in all the 203 wards of the state. We have also received the confidence of distinguished elder statesmen, non political young and elderly citizens who are concerned about the future of our dear state and country.”

Swift reaction

Meanwhile, receiving the defectors, the party Vice Chairman in the South West, Chief Oluwole Akinyelure and the state Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke said they will be integrated into the party not as joiners but co-founders.

They urged the new members to work tirelessly for the party to win in the next year elections.

But in a swift reaction to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, in a statement issued by the state’s Publicity Secretary, Hon. Banji Okunnomo said those who claimed to have defected from the PDP had since ceased to be members of the ruling party.

The party said: “The game plan of  the members of the opposition who only waited till now to make their membership of the party public was to act as spoilers within but failed to achieve their aims. The PDP in Ondo state today is free of disloyal elements who hitherto worked with the opposition from within.”

Fire engulfs Berlin Market in Lagos

Goods and property worth millions of Naira were destroyed by fire on Friday at the popular Berlin Market, near Mandilas on Williams Street, off Marina in central Lagos.

The incident occurred four days after five buildings were razed in the popular Balogun Market located also in central Lagos.

Cause of the fire could not immediately ascertain but the people who spoke said it could not be unconnected with the people who slept there.

They also alluded to the fact that many of the people who reside in the market and the traders used electricity generators because of inconsistent power supply.

The noted that it could have resulted from a spark from power surge when Eko Electricity Distribution Company restored light in the early hours of the morning.

An Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Lagos State Fire Service, who identified himself only as Jubril, said that the course of the fire could not be determined immediately.

Jubril, who said that he was hastening to quell another fire somewhere in Lagos, said they had curtailed the incidence with the assistance of other rescue agencies at the scene.

Fire fighters from adjourning banks, including the United Bank for Africa (UBA), First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Julius Berger and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were seen putting off the fire.

The Head of CBN’s Security Department, who identified herself as Mrs Yaya, said the bank brought its fire outfit to prevent it from spreading to the bank premises.

Yaya also said that the cause of the fire could not be determined immediately, adding that some of the traders sleep in their shops and used generators at night.

She said that the fire began early on Friday morning and was a threat to the CBN premises and other banks within the locality, compelling them to join in putting out the fire.

She lamented the way the market was constructed, admonishing the state government to urgently do something to reconstruct it into a modern market.

“Our trucks found it difficult to get to the scene of the fire due to the way the market is constructed.

“Some of the traders sleep within the market and use electricity generators popularly known as `I better pass neighbor’,’’ she added.

A trader, Rapheal Oyeke, said that he sells clothing materials and shoes, adding that he lost all his goods to the fire.

Another trader, Alozie, who apparently was shattered by the development, said he had just returned from the Christmas and New Year holidays on Thursday only to meet the ugly incident.

Also, another, who was irritated by questions from acorrespondent, gave his name as Ameachi, adding that he lost all the shoes, jewelries and clothes he sells.

Other traders, including women were seen wailing as a result of the incident.

Gov. Babatunde Fashola, who paid an on the spot visit to the traders at the Balogun Market on Wednesday had promised that the state government would assist the victims. (NAN)

Buhari Certificate Saga: Jonathan accuses INEC of cover-up

President Goodluck Jonathan’s Campaign Organisation, accused Professor Attahiru Jega’s Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of conniving with General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress, APC, to subvert Nigeria’s Constitution.

Jonathan’s Director of Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, at a press briefing, quoted copiously from the Constitution and the Electoral Act to support his claim that, whereas the law expressly states that a candidate must present and attach his or her personal documents to INEC’s form, Buhari never did this in 2011 and has just ignored that provision of the law again while submitting his form for next month’s election. On both scores, he said, INEC looked the other way.

According to Fani-Kayode, this is a flagrant abuse of the law and an encouragement on the part of INEC to shield Buhari and put him above the law.

However, in a swift reaction, the Buhari Campaign Organisation’s Director of Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Jonathan should address the nation on the issue of Baga killings and not waste the time of Nigerians on a spurious certificate issue.

Shehu did not address the aspect of the subversion of the law in his statement.

‘INEC IS SHIELDING BUHARI FROM THE LAW’

Fani-Kayode’s statement, titled, ‘CERTIFICATE SAGA, WHY IS INEC INVOLVED IN A COVER-UP FOR BUHARI’, reads:

“It has been brought to our attention that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, either by error of omission or commission, may be engaged in acts that do not in every material particular support the advancement of democracy, the rule of law and the strict adherence to the letters and the spirit of electoral laws in Nigeria.

“His inability to present even the minimum requirement of just a leaving school certificate questions his moral and other credentials for pursuing the position of the President of Nigeria. The current emerging shocking disclosures bring to the fore how and what qualifications were used to recruit him into the military without a minimum school leaving certificate, where he rose to the rank of a general and even became the Head of State through a military coup that truncated a democratically elected government in 1983.

“Academic qualification is a threshold issue that cannot be waived for any citizen, no matter how highly placed and irrespective of whichever region such individual comes from except as provided by the Constitution. Thus the question must be asked: Is Buhari or any other citizen qualified to contest election into the Office of the President without meeting the minimum constitutional requirement?

A perusal of the Nigerian Constitution at Section 131 unequivocally states: ‘A person shall be qualified for election to the Office of President if: (a) He is a citizen of Nigeria by birth (b) He has attained the age of forty years(c) He is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and (d) He has been educated up to at least School certificate level or its equivalent. It is to be noted that section 131 (d) is a specific directional order for all candidates to show proof of education up to a minimum standard not below school certificate or its equivalent’.

“But from what INEC has published, Buhari has not submitted any personal particular of minimum school leaving certificate for the 2015 election and shockingly, from INEC documents displayed in all constituencies, he also did not submit anything in 2011 and never referred the umpire then to the Secretary of the Military Board as well as previous elections he contested as evidenced in all available INEC records until this current discovery.

“If the Constitution did not require proof, it would not specify a minimum. To strengthen this claim, the extant Electoral Act directs that such proof must be sworn to by each candidate at a Court under section 31 (2) to (5), viz (2), ‘The list of information submitted by each candidate shall be accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the candidate at the Federal High Court, High Court of a state or the FCT, indicating that he has fulfilled all the constitutional requirements for election into that office (3) The Commission shall within 7 days of the receipt of the personal particular of the candidate,(emphasis here is personal particular and not INEC form given to fill nor court document like affidavit) and publish same in the constituency where the candidate intends to contest (4) A person may apply to the Commission for a copy of nomination form affidavit and any other document submitted by a candidate at an election and the Commission shall, upon payment of a prescribed fee, issue the person with a certified copy of the documents within 14 days (5) Any person who has reasonable grounds to believe that any information given in the affidavit or any document submitted by that candidate is false may file a suit at the federal high court, High Court of a state or FCT against such person seeking a declaration that the information contained in the affidavit is false (6) If the court determines that any of the information contained in the affidavit of any document submitted by that candidate is false, the court shall issue an order disqualifying the candidate from contesting the election.’

“First, in the INEC Form CF 001 for 2015 filled by General Buhari at Section C of the form, the instruction on the form clearly states, ‘Attach evidence of all educational qualifications’ – THIS WAS NOT DONE.

“Yet an affidavit was sworn otherwise. Curiously, he did not refer INEC to this Board in 2011 in his records available for anyone who cares to see how Buhari has, in breach of the Constitution of 1999, contested elections without meeting the mandatory constitutional requirement and has been treated preferentially.

“THE QUESTION TO ASK INEC: IS BUHARI ABOVE THE LAW OF THE LAND OR SHOULD WE SUSPEND OR AMEND THE LAW TO ACCOMMODATE HIM.

“It is common knowledge that Military Board like any others do not keep or retain original copies of personal particulars of individuals such as birth certificates, passports, and academic credentials of any personnel, especially retired personnel after over three decades. It must be stated that INEC erred in law by publishing the name of a candidate without receiving the personal particulars of the candidate within 7 days of receiving his nomination forms as indicated in Section 31(3).

“This is indeed a tragedy illustrating what Nigeria has become, that an individual is so powerful that the law has to be ignored to accommodate him. Certainly, INEC printed nomination forms or High Court affidavits are in no way or by any stretch of definitions, the same as personal particulars such as school leaving certificate.

The Nigerian Constitution has now been finally rubbished and no longer respected.

“The whole essence of the provision of the law, as quoted above, for citizens to apply for certified copies of such personal particulars is now defeated. How could citizens obtain from INEC a certified true copy as required by law when INEC has been referred to the Secretary of Military Board? That the candidate, General Buhari, from records available, has perpetuated this disdain for due democratic process, in a serial form since the beginning of this democratic dispensation, shows that our democracy is in trouble because it is now the rule of men and not the rule of law. This shameful development when added to the weight of his record of civil rights abuses, while in office, show he is an incorrigible anti-democratic character.

“That INEC, saddled with a statutory duty to promote good knowledge and practices of democracy (Section 1(2) of the extant Electoral Act) published as a candidate in all its offices the affidavit of a candidate whose personal particulars it did not receive within the prescribed time frame by law is most unfortunate to say the least.

Our conclusion: BUHARI, FROM THE ABOVE, IS NOT QUALIFIED TO CONTEST THE 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION”.

ADDRESS THE NATION ON BAGA – BUHARI

In a statement, yesterday, by the Director, Media and Publicity of APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu, rather than PDP wasting its energy on alleged certificate saga of Buhari, Jonathan should address the nation on the massacre in Baga town which “the Amnesty International has described as the single most deadly incident since the unfortunate insurgency started in the country”.

Shehu, who noted that the PDP had dwelt so much on the issue of academic certificate of its candidate, Buhari, stressed that  there were more pressing issues for the government controlled by the party to address.

He said, “This government should not go on being insensitive. They have to account to Nigerians.The issue of certificate of General Buhari is a non-issue as everyone knows that Buhari is a product of Daura Primary School, Katsina Provisional Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina) and the Nigerian Military Training College. This is in addition to several other courses he attended at home and abroad.”

According to the statement, while the PDP government has failed in its duty and responsibilities to the citizens and the nation, it has intensified effort to pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians.

He continued, ” A leading member of the party, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, a few days ago, informed Nigerians that in politics, you must tell lies. Nigerians should take their cue from there.

“Unfortunately, PDP has become a political party that is so fixated with keeping an incompetent government in power and is lustfully engaged in pursuing a non-issue about an individual’s academic qualifications.”