Abacha almost killed me, says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, stated that there was no alternative to democracy, as he almost lost his life to a dictator under a military rule.

He said this on Friday at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, when officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students and some students union leaders from various institutions paid him a visit.

Obasanjo and some other retired military officers and civilians were jailed in 1995 by the military government of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, after he was found guilty by a military tribunal of allegedly plotting to overthrow Abacha’s administration.

They were released after the dictator’s death in 1998.

Narrating his near-death experience under Abacha’s regime, the former President said he would support the current democratic dispensation led by President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed.

He said, “I will work for the success of this current dispensation. There is no excuse, because there is no alternative to democracy.

“The alternative to democracy is worse than democracy. I experienced that. Abacha put me in prison and I was about to be killed. If it was under democracy (democratic rule), that would not happen.”

Obasanjo further said no matter what critics of President Buhari might be saying, Nigerians had started to witness a Nigeria of their dreams in the last two and half months.

He noted that the country had tottered toward the precipice so many times, but God had not allowed it to tumble.

Obasanjo said, “When one takes a look at everything, the most crucial and vital conclusion is that God loves Nigeria. The nation has gone towards the precipice many times and Nigeria did not tumble, this shows God is a Nigerian.

“Many had thought after the 2015 general elections Nigeria will be no more. Some had sent their families abroad. Some know the National Democratic Coalition route; I don’t know the NADECO route.

“I don’t have anywhere to go. But to the surprise of many of them, God did it in a miraculous way. The election took place, though some did not want it to take place. But let us thank God it took place. We must also thank those who conducted the elections.

“We thank God for peace even after the election. No single individual is a paragon of perfection. There is no Messiah except Jesus Christ. But there are people who still stick out their necks for the good of Nigerians.

“Thank God we have such as a leader now. What we have witnessed in the last two and a half months is that our dreams are coming true. We must give unalloyed support to the government. Criticisms that are objective and positive are welcome where necessary.”

Responding to a question on whether President Buhari took a right decision by giving the military a November deadline to end Boko Haram insurgency, the former president said it was a right decision.

He said setting a target was part of military war strategy to measure the success or failure of a particular operation.

Obasanjo said, “President Muhammadu Buhari took a right decision by telling the military to quash the Boko Haram insurgents by November.

“It is not good to just leave everything open-ended. It is a strategy in the military to set a target for any operation. This will enable those concerned to work hard. Having a target is necessary. Even if that target was not met, the people concerned would have something to work with.”

Obasanjo cited the Nigerian Civil War as an example, saying the military had set a six-month target to crush the Biafran renegades, but the war extended to 30 months.

PUNCH. 

Bimbo Thomas says 'I can’t stand short men'

Nollywood actress, Bimbo Thomas has been in the movie industry for quite a while, but she shot into the limelight when she appeared in Funke Akindele’s popular movie, ‘Omo Ghetto.’ In this chat with Potpourri, she speaks on the early days of her career, her wine store, among other issues. Excerpts…

Can you trace your genesis in the movie industry?

I can remember it was during my undergraduate days at the University of Lagos studying Creative Arts. When I was in 100 Level, I met Tayo Odueke (Sikirat Sindodo), and she was already in the industry at that time. She noticed that I was doing well when it comes to projects and practicals in school. She then suggested that I should come into the movie industry since I have all it takes in terms of charisma and every other thing. It took me a while to decide though. Later on, I met with Lanre Abbey and he introduced me to the Odunfa Caucus under the tutelage of Yinka Quadri.

Which of the movies you’ve acted in will you say gave your big break?

I’ll say ‘Omo Ghetto.’

Which is the most challenging role you’ve played in a movie?

Playing Nikky in Omo Ghetto was challenging. I had never broken a bottle before in my life, and I had also never been involved in a street fight, but I had to do all that in the movie. I put in my all and the character stuck. It took me some time to get that character out of my head.

Are you comfortable with your size, or would you like to change anything about it?

I’m okay. Right now, I’m even on a diet program trying to shed some weight. I know that I don’t want to go beyond this size because there are some sizes that are not good enough for a babe. And for a woman that has not started making babies, I should watch it if I don’t want to go way overboard.

It was reported that your wine store cost N42m, is it true, and what informed your setting up of the store?

This store, Bimbally, isn’t what I thought will come into place now. But the love for collecting wines, beauty and nature have always been in me.   One day, I just thought of it that I haven’t really been working for a while now because I’m selective of the scripts I accept because I noticed that I was being stereotyped.

 I knew I needed a brand extension, and I thought of establishing a clothing line which I’m still going to do anyway, and a wine store. And the rest as they say, is history. The plan is to expand and have branches all over as time goes on.

It was alleged that your sugar daddy gave you the money to set up the store, what do you have to say about that?

It’s very funny when I hear things like that; I wonder where they think it up from. Looking at this shop, does it look to you like it’s worth N42m?

No, but my eyes could be deceiving me, is it?

I put this down with my own hard-earned money; no man gave me money. Even my family members were shocked when I opened the store because I didn’t inform anybody. My man was also surprised. Anyway, I think it’s a hype for me and I love it, except for the aspect of the man that they added to it.

What’s the craziest thing you can do on a movie set?

Now you’ve got me thinking. I’ve kissed severally. I really don’t know, but I can’t go nude.

Which is the most memorable kiss you’ve ever had on set?

It was with Femi Branch. I’ve forgotten the title of the film now but we played lovers and we had to make it real, and we really kissed. He had his back turned at me, and he said something. Instead of me to respond, I just grabbed him and started kissing him; even the director was stunned. He is my friend though and I know his wife.

Which actor would you like to kiss?

Internationally, it’s Idris Elba, but lately I’ve had a crush on Terrence Howard. Locally, it’s John Dumelo (Blushes).

What’s your favourite part of your body?

My lips.

Have you ever been friends with benefit with anybody?

No, I don’t subscribe to it. I’ve always had a smooth arrangement with everybody I’ve come in contact with. However, like the Kumi guy I told you about, we started out as friends, and you know we ladies always know when guys like us. But I, as a person, don’t like to drag it out of you. I’ll act as if I can’t read between the lines. Anyway, we gradually began a relationship, but I won’t even peck an ordinary friend; it’s that bad.

There’s a lot of lesbianism talks in the industry nowadays, have you ever had a lesbian hit on you?

Not from anyone in the industry, but outside. There was a time I was at a party and they played one of my favourite songs and I started dancing excitedly. I noticed a lady was looking at me in a funny kind of way. When I sat down, we got talking. And she began putting her hands on me, telling me that she had been admiring me for a long time. There and then, I shut her down and she apologised. The irony is that she’s even a prettier lady than I am.

It is believed that many actresses these days are glorified prostitutes, what’s your take on that?

When people say things like that, I feel it’s their opinion, which they have a right to. I have a lot of guys as friends and I know that they like actresses, maybe because they can boast with it that they’re dating famous people. There are many girls out there who can do whatever they like without public scrutiny, but it’s not so for actresses. But why would someone who is famous be prostituting when the attention of the whole world is on her? It doesn’t make sense. Being famous deprives one of doing certain things.

If anyone calls me with a strange number and starts saying funny things like I like you, or I have so and so uncle I want you to meet, I just block the person’s line straight away. I’m not cut out for things like that. It takes a lot of effort for any member of the opposite sex to be my friend. For whoever is hiding under this umbrella to tarnish other people’s image, I think they should be checked.

Vanguard 

Accident Accident : Dubai female doctor and UAE's first bone surgeon dies in a road accident

Social media sites were overflowing with tribute messages to Dr. Mosa Sultan Al Kaabi who died on Thursday, August 20, at the age of 31, following a road accident.

According to Emirates News, Dr. Al Kaabi was the UAE's first bone surgeon and an international goodwill ambassador for the country. 

A social personality known for her love for others, she was a prominent figure in the UAE community and was involved with several humanitarian and charitable initiatives. Until her death, Dr. Mosa was a top physician at the Zayed Military Hospital.

The tragic accident happened on the Dubai Bypass Road [Emirates Road] on Thursday evening, as she was returning from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. 

She was buried after Friday prayers at Omar bin Abdul Aziz Mosque area in Fujairah. The funeral was attended by her family and a large number of friends and colleagues.

Check out why this man dumped his baby mama!!!

At the end,he writes "F-k you and the baby"...Speechless.  Priceless!!!! 

Check out this photos Chris Brown shares of himself with his parents & his daughter

Proud Dad, Chris Brown visited his daughter, Royalty, who is staying with his parents in Virginia. He wrote "#family VA! A father who taught me to stay focused. A mother who believed in her son. And a daughter that teaches me about life everyday. (Dad? What are those?). He's obviously over the moon to unite with his daughter after a long time. More photos after the cut...

Fans come for Victoria Kimani after she says Fela's wives were sluts

 VictoriaKimani decided to air her mind using the hashtag #Feministwhileafrican. She aired her displeasure at society's expectations of the African woman.Using Fela's wives as an example, she shared the pic above and said they were labelled as sluts while he remained King..

I guess she is trying to she can be a feminist while being an African woman..... 
Some followers did not agree with her ,telling her Fela's wives were never labelled as sluts..

Juliet Okonkwor says 'I Left Rich Guys In Lekki For E-Money In Ajegunle'

Five Star Music CEO, Emeka Okonkwo, popularly called E-Money and his wife, Juliet, talk about their love story

How did you meet your spouse?

Juliet: I met my husband at a video shoot by Julius Agwu, in 2003. I was at the shoot to support Agwu as a long-time friend of his. Prior to meeting my husband, I was already friends with his brother, Kcee.

Was your first impression of him favourable?

Juliet: He bore a striking resemblance to Kcee, so I imagined they were twins. I liked him when we met for the first time and we started out as friends. We dated for four years and decided to get married afterwards. He was very mature for his age and had a kind heart. He was very reserved, welcoming and spoke affectionately about his family.

E-Money: When we met, I was a young man who was struggling to make ends meet and she was equally very young. She was in her sophomore year at the university. Because she was my first girlfriend and the first woman I ever loved, I remained faithful to her. I was looking for a God-fearing lady who wasn’t excessively concerned with material possessions and who I could plan a future with. Fortunately, I found those qualities in her. Even though I lived in Ajegunle, with my brothers at that time, she visited me on several occasions. I remember that on one of those occasions, she fell into a gutter in a flooded street.

Why did it take you so long to propose to her?

E-Money: I was only waiting for the right time to ask her to marry me but I knew where the relationship was headed from the outset. I had met other ladies in the past, but they all lacked the qualities I mentioned earlier.

How did you propose to her?

E-Money: I presented her with a car as an engagement gift.

Why did you accept his proposal?

Juliet: My family and I were on the verge of relocating to the United Kingdom, but I was happy that I was already in a relationship with him. I felt it was a good reason to always visit Nigeria given that I had fallen in love with him and his personality. On one occasion, I was cash-strapped and he willingly parted with the last N1,000 he had on him.
 was completely taken aback by that act of generosity.

Did you think he would become this wealthy?

Juliet: When we started dating, my friends were surprised that I sidestepped all the rich guys in Lekki, where I was resident for a man who lived in Ajegunle but I was not bothered. I looked forward to getting a good job upon my graduation from the university. He didn’t even have enough money to take us back to Lagos after our traditional marriage.

E-Money: Kcee was the one who lent me N20, 000. I used it to pay our fare to Lagos.

At what point did you begin to experience a turnaround in your finances?

E-Money: We were on our way to Lagos when I received a phone call informing me that I had been awarded a $2m contract and that is how our lives changed forever.

Did you face any challenges owing to the differences in your backgrounds?

Juliet: My parents were already deceased when we met but other members of my family blessed our union.

You do not live in Nigeria…

Juliet: I’m a British citizen and I love the environment over there. I like the quality of education which is good for my children. I tried to settle in Nigeria but I could not fit in. When I am away, my husband and I have unhindered communication. It is so good that we do not really feel any vacuum.

He visits us every two weeks and he’s actively involved in the lives of our children. We are okay this way.

How do you handle disagreements?

E-Money: We don’t invite anybody to act as a go-between; we manage to resolve disagreements ourselves. I won’t say we are saints or angels but we hardly ever quarrel. I may want to be by myself whenever we disagree, but she won’t allow it. We always find a way to resolve our differences amicably.

Juliet: A lot of people don’t know that my husband is a closet comedian; he always finds a way to cheer me up when we disagree. I owe the success of my marriage to Kcee; he understands me so well. Although we hardly invite a third party to intervene when there are issues, but I invite Kcee sometimes.

What would you want to change about your spouse?

E-Money: I don’t want to change anything about her; I love her just the way she is.

How do cope with advances from the opposite sex?

Juliet: We laugh about it and sometimes, I tease him about his female admirers. If anyone gets a bit out of hand, I step in and put them in their place. We operate an open-door policy.

Do you have access to each other’s social media accounts?

E-Money: Yes, we do but we don’t have any reason to go over each other’s account. She controls our social media accounts.

Do you both run a joint account?

Juliet: We do and I was the one who initiated it. My husband doesn’t like to carry cash so, I control and manage our finances. I am very involved; I know who he works for, his clients and other details of his business.

Can you keep secrets from each other?

Juliet: No, I don’t and if it is something that would affect him, I make sure I go about it in a diplomatic manner.

E-Money: I don’t keep secrets from her because I don’t have any reason to do so.

Describe your marriage?

Juliet: Our marriage is built on the fear of God and founded on love. We are friends to ourselves, children and staff. He has a heart of gold even though some people like to take advantage of him. There is nothing I have asked for that he has not provided. Sometimes, he makes things available even before I ask.

E-Money: Juliet is God’s gift to me.

Shocking ! A Nigerian Pastor Who Married 6 Wives Divorces The 4th Because Her Vagina Hard Strong Odour

A 65-year-old pastor, Olowolade David Laizer, is looking for divorce from his fourth wife, Esther Anuoluwapo Laizer, after 31 years of marriage. Laizer, who has six wives, told a customary court sitting in Ikorodu on Wednesday that the 55-year-old lady does not have respect for the house of God.  

The pastor asserted that his wife rains curses on his congregation at the smallest incitement and had denied him marital rights for over a year.

Laizer who’s church is located at 8/4 Laizer Estate, Graceland, Bayeku, Ikorodu said the couple’s issues began when they lost their first child in 2013.

 The deceased child was a college student outside the state, but however the child kicked the bucket after a brief sickness on his way to Lagos, he told the court.

n her defence, Mrs Laizer who is a teacher owned up to having denied him of his conjugal rights for a year because he said her private part was smelling – after 31 years of marriage and five children. 

The respondent also added that their problem started when her first son died in 2013 while insinuating that one of his other wives killed him and also attempted to poison her. She went on to accuse the cleric of mocking and preaching about her during sermons in his church. The court’s president, Olu Adebiyi, encouraged both parties to make peace and adjourned the case till September 14 for possible reconciliation.

Shocking case : 2 ladies in trouble for beating up, stabbing loverboy

Olawe, 34, were on Thursday arraigned at the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos State for allegedly beating Iyabo’s ex-lover, one Sunday Dauda.

The accused, both traders, were docked on a two-count charge bordering on serious assault and conspiracy.

They, however, denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Emmanuel Silas, had earlier told court that the offences were committed on August 19 at Sawmill area in Ebute Meta.

"Iyabo solicited the help of her friend, Olawe, to help to beat up Dauda for breaking up with her.

"They accosted the complainant on his way home where they beat him and stabbed him on his body and head thereby causing Dauda serious bodily harm.

"Iyabo didn't like the idea that Dauda broke up with her and therefore, set out to teach him a lesson," Silas said.

He said the offences contravened sections 172 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. Fowowe-Erusiafe, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned to October 9 for trial.

Tribune. 

Landlady allegedly sets tenant’s son ablaze in Ajegunle

*He was burnt while setting fire to my house—LANDLADY

LAGOS—Controversy is currently trailing the death of a 22-year-old man, who was allegedly set ablaze by his landlady and her children in the densely-populated Ajegunle area of Lagos.

The deceased, simply identified as Emmanuel, reportedly went to ease himself in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving his father and sister inside their one-room apartment.

His sister, who had waited endlessly for his return, went to check on him in the toilet situated at the boys quarters of the building on Alafia Street.
She reportedly found her brother on the ground with his body on fire. She raised an alarm, which attracted tenants.

Two hospitals were said to have rejected Emmanuel. He reportedly breathed his last after writhing in pains.

The house where Emmanuel was allegedly burnt to death.

While the deceased’s family alleged that Emmanuel was set ablaze by the landlady and her children, the latter, who is on the run, alleged that the former intended to set the building ablaze but was caught in his own web.

Feud
Investigation by Vanguard revealed that there had been a lingering quarrel between Emmanuel’s family and the landlady. It was gathered that both parties had been to the Ajeromi Police Station several times to settle quarrels.

A resident, who spoke on strict condition of anonymity when Vanguard visited, blamed policemen at Ajeromi for not nipping the situation in the bud until it led to Emmanuel’s death.

According to the resident, “I blame policemen at Ajeromi for the death of this young man. Emmanuel’s father and the landlady have reported their misunderstandings to the police several times. Nothing was done to bring a lasting solution to the quarrel. Had they acted when they were supposed to, this would not have happened.”

Although the resident could not tell exactly what happened that fateful night, he said: “I woke up with the alarm raised by some tenants that night. We were told that it was the deceased that lit the fire.

“However, the question is how is it possible judging from the distance between his apartment and where the fire was said to have been lit? This is what the Police should look into.”

Another resident, who also spoke with Vanguard, said: “How come he sustained fire burns if he was in his room? How come only the window of the affected room was gutted by fire if he did not intend to set the building ablaze?

“Many are of the view that the petrol could have spilled on him as he struck the match. Besides, he was alone at the scene of the fire.”
Police sources hinted that the landlady, whose identity could not be immediately ascertained, had bolted, adding that effort was on to apprehend her with a view to commencing investigation into the matter.

At press time yesterday, operatives at the homicide section of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, SCIID, Yaba, had taken over the investigation.

Vanguard. 

LaLa Anthony & husband put up a united front after she's accused of cheating

Two days ago, reality star LaLa Anthony was put on blast by Maino's babymama who her of sleeping with the rapper. LaLa & her husband Carmelo sorta responded with a lip synced video on Instagram captioned 'All eyes on us'. Supportive husband. Good for her! See the video after the cut........ 
cut

Rukky Sanda shares sexy pre-birthday photo

Her birthday is in two days time and she shared this photo in preparation of the big day...

Tonto Dikeh Churchill displays her beautiful huge wedding ring

Actress Tonto Dikeh who had her introduction in Port Harcourt a few weeks back showed off her beautiful Canary Yellow wedding ring on instagram. See more photos of the ring after the cut...

Check out Tonto Dikeh interview on TV, speaks on married life, says she's been married for a long time

In an interview with Channels TV, Tonto Dike said she has been married longer than people think

"I have been for a very long time.. Just that I kept the secret to myself..and trying to enjoy married life..yea it just came out like 2-3 days ago.One mistake we do is having this very loud announcement on when you have been engaged and everything and its only normal that the media helps you destroy your marriage before you even get into your home. So,privacy is key in my marriage"she said

Wen asked how being married has influenced her person, Tonto said

"It has changed me a lot I could say. It has. It has changed my perspective of life. It has changed the way I think. For once, it has made me a very happy woman, something that i never used to have. Happiness is everything. If you are not happy, you can never be satisfied with what you have or you can never appreciate all the people. I think it has opened my eyes to be able appreciate people despite the fact that they are who they are. I thank God"she said

On the perception that she is very controversial, Tonto said 

"I am a very straightforward person. I am like a book. I am just very open. I think the controversial part of me is something that the media has put upon me. It's just unfortunate that sometimes I help them play that role because of anger. I get so angry sometimes and I help them play that role. But never again. I have leanrt a lot. Like I said before what marriage has done for me. Marriage has changed my perspective. Now, no body can push me to being controversial anymore this interview with re.Sometimes, I handled it really badly ,and sometimes handle it really good. I will say badly because I  responded to negativity and that only just gave an approval that she is a controversial person But I am actually a very sweet loving and godly person.'Controversy is actually very far from me.  I wouldn''t say that I have not experienced controversy from a very early age. I have. Even in secondary school when everybody thought I was the bad girl meanwhile I was the only virgin out of my school .Although I just like to hang around men rather than female and they just have this idea in their head. Oh I like wearing short skirts rather than long skirts. I have always had that thing with misconception. Only those who are very close to me understand me. I have been very stubborn about people understanding me.Like I don't care if you understand me"she said

Very Graphic photos: A Pastor petitions police after his neighbour stabbed his wife & set his son on fire, killing him!

Pastor Mathew Asuquo, a resident of Ajegunle community in Lagos state has petitioned the Lagos state police command over the repeated attack on his family by one of his neighbors named Jane Osasa. Pastor Asuquo in his petition alleged that Jane had repeatedly attacked his family and nothing had been done to get her arrested even when he reported the case to the Ajeromi police station.

According to him, Jane who is known as Iron Lady in their community, had an argument in their compound with his wife, Cecilia on Mach 20th and while they were arguing, Jane allegedly stabbed his wife with a kitchen knife on her forehead. It gets more gruesome...very graphic photo after the cut....... 

He said he reported the case at the Ajeromi police station but Jane wasn't arrested neither was anything done to caution her. He said a similar incident happened on June 13th when the said Jane stabbed his daughter, Peace, on the neck. He reported the matter again to the Ajeromi police station but nothing was done. 

A third incident happened on August 8th when the same Jane attacked his niece who was on holiday in his house. Going by his previous experiences, he refused going to the Ajeromi police station and so he decided to go to the Area B Command in Apapa where he met a certain CSP Lukas who gave him a letter and referred him back to Ajeromi Police station. Officers at Ajeromi Police station after receiving the letter, picked up Jane who they detained and said will be charged to court the next day but was however released later in the evening. 

He said on August 11th, the day his family and Jane were to appear in court, Jane along with her husband and one of her relative known as Danger, set his only son, Mathew, ablaze. He is demanding for justice. The person who shared the story - Iboro Tonye-Edet - said the boy, pictured below, has since died. He died on the 19th of August after succumbing to his wounds.