Nigeria is the 6th most dangerous African country to live in

That is according to the Global Peace Index, conducted by the Research Institute of Economics & Peace. It recently released its top 10 most dangerous African countries in 2012 and Nigeria was number 6.

The ranking is based on countries most affected by war, terrorism, political instability, regular violence etc. 

Here's the top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa 2012
10. Ethiopia. 9.Burundi. 8. Zimbabwe. 7. Chad. 6. Nigeria. 5. Libya. 4. Central African Republic. 3. Democratic Republic of Congo. 2. Sudan. 1. Somalia

I’ve Asked God to Kill My Sexual Desires; Says Ara

In a country with strong tradition, Ara, the delectable drummer girl, could pass for the first woman to play the talking drum. And she’s so good at it that nobody now talks about the abomination of a woman playing the talking drum, but mainly about her dexterity in handling it. In this interview, Ara gave insight into her talking drum world and some secrets about herself.

Could you tell us how you...

combine singing and the talking drum performance?

Well, there’s no big deal about it. When I want to sing I drop my instrument and sing. Sometimes I do just drumming and not singing. I must say that before I do find it difficult playing and singing, but now I can do both.

What feat would you say you have achieved so far?
Reactions I get from women, especially, show that I have made them know that they can do the impossible. Many women believe that only men could play the talking drum, but today it’s not so. As far as I’m concern I’ve given them that power, strength, inner energy and strong bone to do something they never felt they could do. I believe I have created awareness among the people and as an actress of many years I’ve been very lucky to be scandal free. I have lived a decent life. I’ve been able to show to women and men alike that they don’t have to be wayward. Being an artiste does not give one the licence to be wayward or promiscuous. Generally, my music has given women a voice.

Have there been any time you felt like quitting?
Yes, especially when I felt I was being used by my former manager. At that time, I realised that we were earning so much money, but little was coming into my pocket. In 2004, a contract was brought to my hotel room to sign. I was to be paid $3, 000 for playing two tracks. I queried my manager on why I should be paid such, when the hotel room I stayed in cost $3, 500 per night. I realised that it was a rip off. From then, I never trusted them, but we tried to reach a compromise. My name was all over the world but little was coming into my pocket. Some people were making money out of me. However, the brand was opening doors for me.

How do you see marriage life?
As a child, I loved children. I knew my child’s name years before I conceived him. Then I used to pray and bless his destiny. I told God that I needed a boy. The day I knew I was pregnant, from that day, he became my prayer partner, right in the womb. I had him by cesareans section. When they gave him to me, I removed every cloth he was wearing, and mine and first prayed for him, by giving him back to God, who gave him to me, because I cannot care for him myself without God. After that, I placed him my chest for us to bound. I held his hand and prayed with him for one hour, because he had been my prayer partner. I broke down because for me to carry my child was a miracle.

Unfortunately, my marriage crashed in January not because I was a bad mother or wife but I was married to the wrong person. We had different beliefs. I now tell women not to believe that the man will change after marriage. If a man doesn’t change before marriage he will never change. Don’t believe that marriage will solve the problem or that marriage changes people. It doesn’t change people. Well, I don’t want to say much, especially since my ex-husband has political ambition. Speaking on it could destroy his political ambition.

It seems you still love him?
Well, it’s not love but respect. I don’t love him anymore. I did love him with all my heart. I respect him because of my son. I believe that no matter what happens he’s still the father of my son. There were good moments with him. My son’s future must be protected. I will never tarnish his image, but for ladies, mothers to learn and to avoid the mistake I made, I will definitely speak up later.

Are you going to get married again?
I will get married again because I’m a very romantic person. I believe so much in love. Most people ask me the last person I slept with and I said my ex-husband. Some wonder how I cope. I never left my marriage because I cheated on my husband. I have never had sex with any man since I left him. I have asked God to kill my sexual desires until the right man comes and he must wait until we are married before we can have sex.

Would you approve of actress acting nude?
I don’t support this. A woman’s nudity is her husband’s pride. Our culture is different from American’s. Any lady that acts nude would be marked. The whites see it as nothing because they celebrate their nudity in the sunlight, but here it’s not like that. What do we have to celebrate about nudity?

What’s your fashion sense? 
I wear what I’m comfortable in, as long as it fits. I don’t go out of my way to get any fashion accessories or go for a particular style.

What are the things you don’t do since you came to stardom?
I still eat rice at ‘mama put’ in Surulere. I still eat roasted plantain by the roadside. I still eat toasted yam with Pomo. I love it. I eat roasted corn. I love Nkwobi. When I was still married, my cock never prepared my husband’s food. I did the cooking myself. I even love going to the market myself to get what I needed. In the market, people recognise me because of the way I do my hair.

What stands you out?
My hair stands me out.

Why do you prefer this long hair?
As a child growing up, I loved Indian movies. I fell in love with the Indians.

How many hours does it take you to make this hair? 
I sit down for 10 hours to make the hair and it’s done by six boys. I carry it for six months or four months, depending on how it is done or how far away I am from home.

What advice do you have for parents on the life of girl child?
Our society is such that if a girl is raped she is blamed; she cannot speak about it; rather she would be seen as having brought shame to the family. Mothers should know that we should not sweep this under the carpet. A lot of men rape their wives; uncles rape their nieces; neighbours rape girls. In the end, the victim is subjected to shame. Some people find it difficult to open up. Therefore, women have to come together and support each other on this. There was this case of a little girl of five who was sleeping outside due to heat inside the room. A neighbour took her into the bush under duress and raped her. She was recently taken to Egypt for surgery. What I heard was that the man in questions has been released. We need to protect our daughters. Let them know their right. We need the government to help us as well.

What would you tell your fans?
I want them to remember me as a great musician who makes people happy using my brand of music.

Source: TheSUN.

I Married My Husband Out Of Sympathy –Ara the female drummer

One of Africa’s leading female drummers and singers, Aralola Olumuyiwa popularly known as Ara, will certainly not live to forget her past in a hurry. Few years ago, she got married to her ex-husband, Prince Nurudeen Olalekan Saliu, a marriage she described as her “greatest undoing.” 

In this interview with Showtime Celebrity, Ara explains the circumstances that led her to go into that marriage, her present predicaments as well as the plans she has for tomorrow.

Motherhood seems to have tamed you. You’re more relaxed than the last time we saw you before your marriage.Yes, it has.

So how has it affected you?
Before I had my son, I had always loved children and I used to visit orphanages to spend time with the kids. So, when I had my baby, it softened me and made me appreciate life and God the more.

So whenever I’m down and losing hope because I’m human, I look at my boy and realize I have a reason to go on in life because God has given me this gift for a reason. I asked God for a boy and I got everything I asked from Him.

So, you probably asked God for a husband too?
I didn’t.

You didn’t ask God for a husband?
No, I didn’t ask God for my ex-husband. At that point in time, I didn’t see any need to ask and that was the greatest mistake of my life.

You walked into it with your eyes shut?
Yes, I did.

You were at the peak of your career and all of a sudden one heard that you were getting married and nothing was heard of the guy before. What did you see in him?There’s so much I can’t talk about on the pages of newspapers. But at that time, some things were programmed and you can’t walk away from it. The major thing was that I was leaving things with my management for years and was shielded from the world.

I had no friend, I didn’t socialize. And I wasn’t allowed to do so not because I didn’t want to. Even my parents did not have easy access to me during that time.

It was that bad. At a point, I was told he was the best for me, that nobody loved me and wished me well, that the only person that wished me well was my management.

And of course, I bought the story. It got to a point that my mother fought her way backl into my life as she refused to go and I really appreciated her coming into my life at that point in time. I tried dating during that period but it didn’t click.

This guy was somebody I’d dated between 1994 and 1995 before he left the country. He messed up in the process, causing our break up. Later, he returned to me and I forgave him. But he messed up again and I forgave him again. After a while, he left Nigeria and I told myself that I was done with the relationship.

But it then came to a point, when I needed a shoulder to lean on and he was the only one who could stand the pressure from my management. So, I found in him a friend again, somebody I could naturally share my problems with.

But naturally, he would never have been my choice in terms of my kind of man. It happened that he was the only one around me at that time I could talk to because I realized a lot of things went wrong with my management deal and set up. So, naturally, I gravitated towards him.

So you married him out of sympathy?
Yes that was part of it but there’s more to it that I can’t talk about.

So finally, it ended. How did that feel?
It hurts for one reason because I never prayed for my child to come from a broken home. I regretted the marriage and everything but I don’t regret my son. My son came to me at a time I needed someone of mine. But now, he can’t see his dad the way I would have wanted him to because I’m separated from his dad.

But you’re still very good friends
I wouldn’t say we are good friends at the moment, but we tolerate each other because sometimes he needs to speak with his son and I wouldn’t deny him access to the boy. Recently, he had another baby from another woman and I cut off from him totally because this is Nigeria and I need to protect my son and myself.

I wouldn’t want a situation where his new woman would think her man is coming back to me. She ’ll see me as a threat to having her way in the man’s life. The moment he had another son, I warned him to stop calling my son the way he used to, not because I don’t want him to but because I don’t want to have problem s with any woman.

Does he take responsibility?
Not at all. I’ve been the sole provider for my son.

You talk like someone who isn’t interested in any relationship again?
I wouldn’t say I’m seeing anyone at the moment. I wish I could. I want to but I don’t know who to trust and I can’t allow anybody into my life because I’m answerable to my son. I can’t afford to allow him see many men in my life.

I want him to grow up knowing that I’m a responsible mum who did everything to give him the best in life. The father isn’t there so I’m both the father and the mother. I have so many men who are saying they love me but I don’t know them. I want to know them but I sense that they are not genuine.

They just want Ara but people would say how would I know them if I don’t give them a chance. But the thing is that I smell a rat. My heart was broken and I’m a very emotional person. I’m sensitive and naturally show so much love and I want it too. But I find it difficult to see love around me.

I keep saying that my sister-in-laws are lucky to have my brothers because I see the way my brothers treat their wives but I don’t see most of it out there. And because I look younger than my age, I get more of younger toasters and I can’t do that.

Talking about love, is it that while growing up, you lack love?
There was love in my family. I’m my father’s ‘last wife’ because I’m very close to him. Like I said, my sister-in-laws are lucky to have my brothers because they saw a love-filled environment My brothers understand what it means to take care of a woman.

So what it means is that, let me just say that I find it difficult to trust. I’m not trusting and anyone shouldn’t blame me. There’s so much pressure on me from men but I’m just not seeing it now.

You’re not available for now?
I am but I’m not trusting...

What were you telling up and coming female artiste?
I was telling them what I experienced in my marriage. Even the men I opened up to couldn’t believe I went through all I did and I’m still able to do all I do on stage.

Was your experience that bad?
Yes it was bad.

Was he a wife beater?
I don’t want to talk about it. You’re recording so I can’t talk.

Groups challenge David Mark to name Boko Haram sponsors

Two Northern youth groups on Wednesday criticized the Senate President, David Mark over his recent comments urging northern leaders to check the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

The groups in a joint press statement said they “find it regrettable that David Mark, himself a northerner and occupying his present office by the grace of the North should turn round to accuse the region’s elders of being behind the crisis.”

Mr Mark had on Monday at the beginning of 2012 Senators Retreat in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom state capital called on leaders of the northern states to think properly before they allow what he called “a few selected cabals in Boko Haram” bring the north to its knees with what they are doing.

The groups, Arewa Youth Development Foundation and The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum challenged the senate president to name those he claimed are behind the sect.

“We hereby categorically challenge him to name those he claimed in his statement to be behind the terror group and to tell the world the action Mark has ever led the Senate to take towards arresting the security threat.”

The groups accused Mark of doing nothing towards resolving the Boko Haram crisis.

“It is even embarrassing for Mark, who has not for once attempted to meet with any of the elders, political leaders; religious or cultural leaders on how to resolve the situation, to now find the courage to point accusing fingers particularly at the elders”, the groups said.

Read the full text of the joint press statement below:

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT BY THE AREWA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION AND THE AREWA YOUTH CONSULTATIVE FORUM ON SENATE PRESIDENT DAVID MARK’S STATEMENT ON NORTHERN ELDERS

1.We read with great concern reports attributed to the Senate President David Mark tending to blame the elders of the North for the perpetration and escalation of violence in the region.

2.We find it regrettable that David Mark, himself a northerner and occupying his present office by the grace of the North should turn round to accuse the region’s elders of being behind the crisis.

3.It is unfortunate that Mark, supposedly a public figure and people’s representative should publicly admit not being aware of the concerted efforts by the Northern Elders Forum that has cut across religious and tribal boundaries; the various meetings held by the Northern Governors Forum the northern traditional rulers and various coalitions of religious leaders.

4. It is discouraging for Mark to have publicly admitted or pretended not to know that the northern elders he now accuses, have in their effort recently visited and presented a comprehensive document advising President Jonathan on how to handle the security situation.

5. It is even embarrassing for Mark, who has not for once attempted to meet with any of the elders, political leaders; religious or cultural leaders on how to resolve the situation, to now find the courage to point accusing fingers particularly at the elders.

6. We hereby categorically challenge him to name those he claimed in his statement to be behind the terror group and to tell the world the action Mark has ever led the Senate to take towards arresting the security threat.

7. Let Mark tell the world why his Senate deliberately ignored the various written calls made to it for intervention by calling for a public hearing on the matter particularly by youth groups.

8.Rather than heeding those calls, Mark’s Senate chose to pursue issues that involve money.

9. Let Mark tell the world if the northern elders have that power to restore peace beyond offering advice and calling for caution which they have been doing diligently though he pretends not to be aware of that.

10. And let Mark explain why his Senate could not initiate the steps that led to the present moves by the presidency towards changing the security arrangement while the House of Representatives did summon the President and security chiefs.

11. Indeed it is disrespectful for a son of the region in his position who has never visited any of the cities to console with victims of the violence to now attempt to blame its persistence on his own elders.

12.It is on record that Mark has never visited Maiduguri, Kano or Potiskum to console with families of the thousands of people slaughtered in the course of this violence but now finds the voice to criticise respected elders of the North.

13.More worrying is the part of Mark’s statement that tended to suggest that non-Muslims are the main target and primary victims of the attacks even after the Muslim community which has openly distanced itself from the actions, also happen to have recorded greater loss in terms of human and material casualty.

14.Even more insensitive is the manner in which Mark closed his eyes to universal fact that almost all those so far arrested in possession of explosives and dangerous arms; those arrested with the actual bombing or attempts to blow up the places of worship referred to by Mark, happen to be non-Muslims.

15.More dangerously divisive is that Mark, rather than making statements expected from leaders that could enhance religious harmony and understanding, chose to single out a certain religious group for pacification.

16.Finally, while we join other well-meaning Nigerians in condemning the violence and its perpetrators, we welcome the recent bold moves by President Jonathan to reposition the nation’s security structure, we caution the presidency to beware of the utterances of people like Mark who have clearly disconnected with the situation on ground.

17.We call on Mark to concentrate on cleaning the embarrassing scandals engulfing the Senate and stop diverting the nation with unintelligent accusations.

18.No diversionary tactic from Mark or anybody else can take the nation’s attention from the inadequacies of the Nigerian Senate with regards to sensitive national issues.

19. The nation knows that the Senate did not for instance take any action with regards to the vexed issue of fuel subsidy and that it was the Reps that even as much as showed concern.

20.We are convinced that most Senators are only using the Senate as a refuge to acquire immunity from investigations into their past commissions or omissions while in various positions of power.

21.Consequently we have resolved to launch an agitation for the scraping of the Nigerian Senate from the nation’s democratic structure as it only serves as a gateway for huge financial wastage while not performing its constitutional expectations.

SIGNED:
1.NASTURA ASHIR SHERIFF for Arewa Youth Development Foundation
2.SHETTIMA YERIMA for Arewa Youth Consultative Forum

Obasanjo says fighting corruption is not a one-night affair

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday said that fighting corruption in Nigeria is not a one night affair.

In an interview with a UK newspaper, theguardian, Mr Obasanjo told the reporter interviewing him that instead of saying Nigerian leaders lack accountability, he should say they are corrupt.

“You are being euphemistic when you say lack of accountability. Call it corruption,” he said.

“There is no part of the world where corruption is absolutely eliminated. But [in other countries] that corruption has not been a way of life. When you are found, you are dealt with. And that’s what we need.”

Mr Obasanjo was in the UK to promote investment in Nigeria.

“Fighting corruption is not a one-night affair,”  the former president, who made fighting graft a significant element of his manifesto ahead of his election in 1999, said.

“The givers of most of the corruption in Africa are from outside Africa,” he said. “They do in Africa, [things] they would not do in their own countries. In my part of the world, we have a saying that the man who carries a pot of palm oil from the ceiling is not the only thief. He has an accomplice in the man who helps him to bring it down. The giver and the taker are criminals, and they should be treated as such.”

The former present who is working as a roving ambassador, facilitating firms’ entry into Nigeria and the rest of Africa said he believes that positive examples of business success will encourage avaricious minds to look for more legitimate routes to wealth.

“I still believe in the opportunities that Africa affords to make legitimate money,” he says. “Africa is one place I believe that if you are courageous enough, you get the money, you can invest and get 25% return on your investment annually. There aren’t many places in the world where you can get that return.”

A corrupt nation

In 1999, Transparency International Corruption Perception Index rated Nigeria the second most corrupt nation in the world.

Successive democratic government have since 1999 attempted to fight corruption in Nigeria. Following his election as president, Mr Obasanjo established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a bid to halt corruption.

Despite the efforts of these agencies, corruption continued abated in Nigeria.

In a country ranked 143 in the world on the Transparency International corruption perception index, civil society fights a perennial battle with institutionalised corruption, which has led to some officials – including some of Nigeria’s extraordinarily influential state governors – becoming dollar billionaires.

One, James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State, was convicted this year of embezzling £150m and jailed for 13 years. Ibori, whose annual state salary of less than $25,000 (£16,000) was bolstered by the systematic theft of state funds, built up a portfolio of luxury cars and properties in the UK, US and South Africa.

Timipre Sylva, the former governor of Bayelsa State, was arraigned this month by the EFCC on charges including fraud and money laundering.
Since 2009, the crusading central bank governor, Lamido Sanusi, has had some success in cleaning out the banking sector, claiming high-profile scalps such as Cecilia Ibru, the former CEO of Oceanic Bank, who was jailed for fraud and mismanagement.

Arunma Oteh came in to head the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2010, attacking vested interests in the stoc

FEC approves N3.2 billion to purchase six security boats

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth N12.14billion for maritime security and mass transportation in the country, including a contract worth N3.238 billion for six security boats.

The Number 17 Manta MK ASD boats that will be purchased at N1.57billion

The contracts were approved at the FEC meeting on Wednesday, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, before he proceeded to Belgium.
The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku who briefed  state house correspondents , said  N1.48billion ($9.43m) was  for the purchase of two Number 17 Manta MK ASD  and one 32M Manta MK ASD in the sum of N1.57billion ($10.451m).
Also for the purpose of boosting maritime security, the sum of N233.625million was approved for the procurement of three fast moving security boats.
A similar approval was earlier made by the cabinet in May, when FEC approved the procurement of two high speed patrol boats at the cost of N3.72 billion to strengthen the Marine operations of the Nigerian Customs Service.
Another N1.737 billion was approved for the Nigerian Customs Service to procure an aircraft to fight smuggling.
Other contracts approved at the end of today’s meeting include, another N321.510million for the procurement of four fast moving 40-45 passenger water buses to ease movement of people around the country.
Also approved was the sum of N236.666million for the procurement of 12/10 cutter suctions dredger with ancillary equipment.
The breakdown of other contract approved by the council shows that N8.325billion was for land reclamation in Abam-Nnuju-Igbiri-Oba-Ojimba-Okujagu-Ama water front and resident supervision consultancy services work.
The work is expected to be completed within 24months.
As part of the efforts to improve service delivery, under service compact with all Nigerians (Servicom), Ministers and Head of Agencies have been asked to chair Servicom committees in their various ministries and agencies.
Mr Maku noted that the committee shall meet every month to review progress and challenges. In view of this, ministries have been directed to include ministerial Servicom unit in each MDA and also to be included in budgetary provisions.

Herbalist sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for defrauding NDDC ex-chairman

ABUJA — A 34-year old herbalist, Matthew Sonoma a.k.a “Dr Perebokowe Ogah” has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment with hard labour, by a Federal High Court in Abuja sequel to his alleged complicity in Advance Fee Fraud otherwise known as 419.

The herbalist was specifically accused of duping a former chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Ambassador Sam Edem, to the tune of N715 milion.Trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole convicted the Warri-based herbalist on the strength of a 15-count criminal charge  preferred against him by the Inspector General of Police.

The court said it was satisfied that the accused person contravened section 7(2) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Edem had, in his petition to the Police, alleged that he paid the money into the account the accused person opened with the Ugheli branch of Oceanic Bank. He claimed that the money was a loan he gave the herbalist to execute a business deal.

The petitioner, however, lamented that Sonama reneged to refund the money and instead allegedly threatened his life while the money was kept away from the original bank account.

It would be recalled that the police had also arraigned the former NDDC chairman before an Abuja High Court in Wuse on allegation that he unlawfully spent about N800 million belonging to the commission on the convicted sorcerer.

Though Edem denied the allegation in court, police, however, insisted that during investigations into the petition, it uncovered that the NNDC ex-boss spent the said sum to secure the services of the accused person with a view to getting protection and favourable contracts from Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.

Police further told the court that the spiritualist confessed that he was paid to help him (Edem) make some sacrifices to be able to retain his position as the commission’s chairman.

However, the NDDC boss refuted the allegation, maintaining that the accused person threatened him into releasing the money, adding that he never paid the spiritualist directly.

Edem told the court that he paid the money through his Personal Assistant, an SSS officer attached to him, one Mr. Denis, now at large, upon his advice.

Meantime, in his 66 paged judgment on the case against “Dr Perebokowe Ogah”, Justice Kolawole noted that going by the proof of evidence before the court, the ex-NDDC boss paid the amount into the accused person’s account with Oceanic bank Plc, Warri branch.

The Judge said there was evidence that though the accused opened the said account with his real name, however, following the petition to police, the native doctor, hurriedly opened another account with the same bank under a false name Tunwere Ejoor where he transferred the money in order to conceal the source and location of the money.

Justice Kolawole said from the overwhelming bank documents and evidence-in-chief of the bank Manager, the prosecution, proved beyond doubt that the convict had fraudulent intention in transferring the said money to another account under false name during the pendency of police investigation.

The court agreed with the prosecution counsel, Mr. Simon Lough, that the jailed herbalist got the money from his victim with fraudulent intention since he failed to disclosed the services he rendered to the diplomat that warranted the payment of the huge sum.

It was the judgment of the trial court that the convict failed to prove that the money was payment for services he rendered to Edem, noting that he was unable to disclose the nature of such services when he was called upon to do so.

Consequently, the court dismissed argument of the native doctor that he adopted a new name owing to disagreement he had with his father in the village.

The trial Judge stressed that seven years jail term with hard labour should be a reasonable penalty for the convict as prescribed under section 7 (2) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006.

Nevertheless, the court declined to make an order for forfeiture and restitution of the money and other exhibits seized by police from the convict.

Failed 2nd Marriage: Nigerian Christians Blast Pastor Okotie

Following the crash of the glamorous marriage between Pastor Chris Okotie and his stunning wife, Stephanie, less than four years after their big wedding, Nigerians, especially Christians, have blasted the funky preacher.

Immediately the story was published onwww.pmnewsnigeria.com, readers and Christians rose in anger in condemning the man they once saw as a role model.

“This is really disheartening,” said Ladele Bisi who wondered why the pastor had to announce the breakup on the altar.

“I am not trying to judge him because the Bible says I shouldn’t. But I would just say that he doesn’t seem to have the fruits of the Spirit which is long suffering. What could be the issue that was so irreconcilable that led to the break up?” Bisi said.

According to Reverend Godwin Ogbewekon of the Mekadishkem Ministry, Benin City, Edo State, southsouth Nigeria, “God hates divorce. It is wrong in the light of God’s word.”

Michael Adedapo argued that the breakup raises question about Okotie’s ambition to become Nigeria’s president. “If he cannot manage a mere woman, how can he preside over a country?” he said.

“He said he married her for her beauty. So what do you expect? This is not an encouraging way to lead in church. How would he counsel people with marital problems?” James said.

According to Adeniyi, Okotie is no more qualified to preach anything concerning marriage.

A reader who identified himself as Panda reasoned that by divorcing his second wife, Reverend Okotie has not set a good example for those looking up to him.

According to Kennedy, Okotie is not qualified to be a worker in any church, much more a pastor.

Iphy said Okotie has no biblical understanding of the Book of Revelations he teaches.

“Those things that he taught his congregation were heretical, without any biblical foundation. That he spoke grammar that the congregation needed to look up in the dictionary is not evidence that he was teaching any biblical truth. Rather, it is evidence that his teachings have no biblical foundation so he needed to confuse the people. Jesus preached in the language of the people such that even unlearned Peter and John understood the message and the message transformed their lives from fishermen to fishers of men,” said Iphy, echoing what others said. Okotie’s marriage break-up puts an end to dream twins that he expected Stephanie to deliver for him someday.

On 7 August, 2008, Okotie married Stephanie Henshaw, the woman he described as the most beautiful on earth, in a glamorous wedding attended by a horde of journalists and celebrities..

Okotie’s marriage to Stephanie was his second attempt at matrimonial life. He was first married to Tyna his long time friend, but the marriage packed up after 17 years without any child.

Okotie is another firebrand preacher that often sends his audience into ecstasy. He is also known for televangelism, and for preaching the end times which he titles ‘The Apocalypsus.’

In his messages, Okotie always reveals his knowledge of the Book of Revelations beyond the ordinary and in a very complicated language which has prompted many to go to church with one or two dictionaries.

In a statement today signed by the church’s spokesperson, Mr. Ladi Ayodeji, his church said that the decision to break up was consensual.

“The Pastor of our Church, the Household of God, Oregun, Lagos, Rev Chris Okotie announced his separation from Stephanie his wife of four years, at the end of service last Sunday.

“Both parties arrived at this decision after careful review of the prevailing circumstances which pointed to the fact that it is the best option for them at this time. They also agreed not to divulge details of this incident for personal reasons.

“Rev Okotie thanked concerned friends and well-wishers and asked for understanding. He also expressed the hope that their decision would be respected as no further details would be given on this issue,” Ayodeji said.

By Simon Ateba

Five essential points to get across in an interview

Even the most confident person is likely to experience some nerves in an interview situation. In fact, research from our training partner Home Learning College shows that 55% of Brits think interviews are the worst part of finding a new job. While it’s completely normal to feel nervous, the more preparation you do, the better you will be able to show why you are the right person for the job.
With that in mind, here are five key things you should always try to communicate to an interviewer:

1. Company knowledge
   Employers want to believe that you have a genuine desire to work for their organisation and will be a committed member of the team. There’s nothing worse than being faced with a candidate who hasn’t got a clue about the business and just wants any old job. That’s why it’s essential to demonstrate you understand the company’s history, plans and culture. 
   An internet search will usually reveal all you need to know about the main people in the business and whether there have been any major changes recently, such as the launch of new products or services. You don’t need to remember tons of information – a few facts and figures are enough to show you’ve done your homework.

2.Related skills and training

1. Your CV will contain the highlights of your education and career history but this is designed to be a concise document, so there may be other relevant points to discuss face to face. Before going into the interview, make a list of the less obvious but equally important skills you’ve acquired over the years, whether through formal training or self-development. These could include proficiency in different software programmes, or internal training specific to your current or previous organisation. 
   Having this list handy will allow you to easily demonstrate competency in a particular area, such as the ability to learn new systems and processes.

3.Measurable examples of success

1. It’s highly likely that your interviewer has already met several other candidates for the role, so you need to make sure you stand out from the competition. When discussing your abilities and experience, try to steer clear of over-used phrases that your potential employer has probably heard a million times before, such as “I’m a real people person” or “I pride myself on my work”. 
   Instead you should discuss situations where you demonstrated these qualities with a positive effect. For example, if you do pride yourself on your people skills then you may want to talk about a time when you led a team, helped a colleague or were commended for your excellent customer service.

4.Positive attitude and flexibility

1. In most roles, there are times when you will be expected to go above and beyond the call of duty, or do something that doesn’t technically fit within your remit, in order to get the job done. This is all part of the natural ebb and flow of working life and not something to be shirked. 
   Businesses need people they can rely on, so interviewees who demonstrate a willingness to be flexible and stretch themselves are more likely to be hired than those with rigid expectations or working habits.

5.Manners

1. If there’s ever a time to be on your best behaviour it’s in an interview. This may seem an obvious point but it’s something all too many people forget. Be polite to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to your potential boss. Smile, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when appropriate and show that you would be a friendly and valuable member of the team.  When it comes to making a final decision between two equally qualified candidates, the one who comes across as most personable is bound to get the job! 
   If you remember all these points when preparing for an interview then you can feel confident you will perform to the best of your ability on the day. If you don’t get the job then try not to feel too disheartened. Instead try to think about where you could do better next time and take steps to fill any knowledge gaps or work on your interview technique with a friend.