I Have Never Been a Director or Signatory to Sylvan McNamara - Obanikoro's Son Denies

 Gbolahan Obanikoro, the son of the former minister of State for Defense and Foreign Affairs - Musiliu Obanikoro, in this interview, clears the air on allegations against him in respect of the N4.75billion received from the embattled former NSA.

How do you respond to the allegations that you are a director of the company Sylvan McNamara Ltd and signatory to the Diamond account which allegedly received the sum of N4.75B from the National Security Adviser?

I am not and was never a director of this company and neither am I a signatory to its account or any other account related to the entity. My involvement with this company ended as far back as 2013 before all these incidents and before my father was even appointed as a Minister, so any dealings that transpired after that is of absolutely no concern or business of mine. The bank is available to confirm who the signatories to the account are, and the CAC is also available to confirm who the directors of the company are. I am positive the authorities if at all they are investigating this matter will discover this.

The online news platform Sahara Reporters, reported in story that you bought a home in 2014 as soon as the funds were transferred to Sylvan McNamara? 

What a coincidence right? And this home according to Sahara also is a hide out. It’s just silly. I bought a home in the United Kingdom in 2008. I built my home in Nigeria in 2010, and I opted to buy a town home in the United States in 2014 during which period my wife had our 3rd child.  My focus for almost a decade has always been on business and the private sector and not politics. I have been working hard and fortunate to run a successful business. So it is definitely not out of place for me, and it is most certainly not a crime to buy a house. I’m truly grateful to Almighty Allah for all he has bestowed on me and my family. 

The same online news platform alleged the funds transferred to the account were used towards the rigging of the Ekiti State Gubernatorial Elections which the current governor Ayodele Fayose was victorious. How do you respond?

It seems Sahara Reporters is the only news platform doing the reporting doesn’t it? Look its simple, MO and Sahara reporters have their own thing going on. He sued Sahara reporters both in New York and Nigeria in 2014 and since then I guess he’s had his axe to grind with him, and they’ve been going back and forth since then. Their scuffle has been in the public space for a while now. MO is a politician, and in politics all this is fair game. I’ve been roped into it as you can see, my brother also, I wonder who’s next? Unfortunately, at this time in our country, defamatory and libelous reporting or journalism isn’t restricted and anyone can wake up and say anything without proof or facts without any severe repercussion. It’s unfortunate, but it’s the reality and that is what the likes of Sahara are taking advantage of. 

According to the daily newspapers, the EFCC has begun its investigations, and unanimous sources within link you as signatories to the account?

Like I said earlier, my involvement with this company seized way back in 2013, and I challenge anyone to come forth with any evidence contrary to that. But let me say this; Justice is not served if authorities are taunting any information discovered during the course of their investigation to achieve a predetermined outcome. I think government must thread within the confides of the law. 

What are your thoughts on the Presidents anti corruption crusade? I have no problems with it at all. I believe it’s every Nigerian’s desire for corruption to be eradicated or at least significantly reduced. Steps have been taking in the past, steps will be taken now, and further steps will be taken even after President Buhari’s administration. Policies like the Cash less system, the BVN etc were all measures taken to tackle this problem prior to the President. He has now introduced additional measures and gradually as our institutions grow, the better grip we’ll have on this problem.

Have these revelations impacted you and your family in any way?  Of course! I am a young man with an adorable wife and three beautiful children, so there is a lot at stake for me. Furthermore, as a young business man these types of unguarded allegations and press have undesirable implications on one’s business. But then again, it is not surprising especially for a family like ours. The Obanikoro name is the envy of many from political opponents of my father and brother to personal adversaries. But that’s ok.  We are a God fearing Muslim family and a family deeply united with profound love and admiration for one another. We have individually and collectively accomplished a lot and as far as I am concerned the best is yet to come for the Obanikoro’s.  Insha Allah

Over 100 People Killed After Boko haram Attacked Dalori(Photos)

 At least 100 people were reportedly killed during an attack by Boko Haram members on Dalori, a settlement located on the outskirt of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital yesterday January 30th. 

Sahara Reporters reports that the sect members dressed in military uniforms, had stormed the village in 10 Hilux buses and motorcycles  and started shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze. 

The villagers who spoke with Sahara reporters say the sect members operated unhindered for hours and stole some food items after the attack.

A resident of the village,  Ibrahim Muhammad, while narrating what happened, said that Boko Haram fighters dressed like military personnel and started opening fire on everybody:

 "All our wives and children were brutally killed while they looted and destroyed our livestock  as well as ."

 Vice Chairmn of civilians JTF in Dalori village Modu Kaka said that at least 100 dead bodies were evacuated lastmight and also stated that hundreds are still missing.

Rescue workers who participated in the evacuation the victims disclosed to Sahara Reporters that they brought out 45 dead bodies to state specialist hospital and deposited 23 corpses at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital but several burnt victims remain without help in the beleaguered village... See more photos of blast below...

Joseph and Adaeze Yobo Step Out in Style

 The former Super Eagles captain and his wife looked stylish in colour matching outfits as they stepped out today. More photos below...

Tragic : Pastor Dies Hours Before Burial Service He Was Supposed to Officiate

 Venerable Stephen Eseteru Ogue, JP, 53, of St. John’s Anglican Church, Agbarho in Ughelli, Delta State and author of several Christian books died at about 7.45 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2015, two hours  before he was supposed to officiate at a funeral service.

He reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away at Lily Hospital, Deco Road, Warri. His first  daughter, Oghenenyoreme Ogue, said he had been suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.

The hearse conveying the remains of the  woman whose burial the paster was supposed to preside at, mourners, including a large delegation of the church’s Women Guild as well as members of the Anglican Fasting and Prayer Society, had gathered in front of the church building as early as 9.25 a.m. for the service billed for 10.00 a.m.

Unaware of the tragedy that had occurred, the mourners waited patiently for the officiating ministers to receive the body but no pastor was in sight. Meanwhile, other  members of the church and visitors kept  trooping into the church premises for the funeral service.

Worried by the development, members of the mourning family  began to  call the vicar’s phone but someone kept answering his  asking them to exercise patient. The calls to Reverend Friday Erutere, billed to assist the venerable at the funeral service, were initially ignored until he answered  to similarly sue for patience, saying he was on his way to the church.

After about 45 minutes after the burial ceremony was supposed to start, a Toyota car, said to be owned by the vicar/archdeacon, hurried into the church premises and made its way straight to the staff quarters ,to the  relief of those waiting  outside the church. Immediately, people started regrouping around the hearse with the hope that the service would soon begin. But that didn't happen.

Eventually, 60 minutes after the scheduled time of service, Erutere, accompanied by two others, arrived at the West Door to officially receive the corpse and proceeded  with the funeral service.

After the service started, people wondered where the original pastor was, because on several occasions he had enjoined members of the Women’s Guild to be punctual for that particular service and had promised to lead the church delegation to Okpara Inland for the interment.

As the mourners departed the church for Okpara Inland, venue of the interment, there was no word about the sudden death of the vicar of the Agbarho church where another Anglican canon, Rev. Benedict  Akpoguma, took over proceedings. Put simply, neither the mourners nor well wishers, who had travelled from long distances, including Mr. John Salubi of the NNPC, Dr. Francis Eghwubare of Delta State University, Mr. Joshua Onoronimighwu of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Victor Onogagamue of Delta State Sports Commission, Barrister Joseph Ogedegbe, and a  former NBA  Chairman of Ughelli Local Government, were briefed on the reason for the funeral’s delay.

Only the first daughter, Oghenenyoreme, could volunteer comments,although, she was unable to explain the mystery behind the death of her father,  as, according to her, they were trained to submit to the will of God in all circumstances.

However, the daughter said they had prayed together that morning in accordance with family tradition, without any visible signs of danger, and the ebullient father retired to the couch in the sitting room apparently to relax.

“After a while, I noticed that daddy was no longer breathing normally and I raised the alarm to draw my mum’s attention. She quickly called the driver and we carried him to the car and drove straight to the hospital in Warri. That is all I can tell you, because nobody told us anything about his state of health until the bishop came later that day to break the sad news to us,” she tearfully narrated.

Wow! Armless Young Man Who Writes With His Feet Graduates From The University

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 In case you are in desperate need of some motivation then the inspiring story of this armless young man who recently graduated from the university might just do the trick. 

25-year-old Didas Byaruhanga from Kasese district, Uganda has no arms and uses his foot to write. On January 27, 2016, Didas was one of 6559 students who graduated from Kyambogo University, Kampala.

He graduated with a certificate in Adult and Community Education. Congrats Didas and goodluck in all your future aspiration. 

Actress Toyin Aimakhu and New Boyfriend Loved Up in Latest Pics(See)

 Toyin Aimakhu's new boyfriend - Seun Egbegbe, shares loved up pics of them on IG Since ending her marriage to Adeniyi Johnson, actress Toyin Aimakhu has been linked to Yoruba film maker, Seun Egbegbe. The two began dating sometime last year. Last night, the film maker posted loved up photos of himself and the actress on his IG page. See more photos below...

Catholic Church Demotes Father Mbaka; 'I'm Going to Suffer' - Mbaka Cries Out

 Tears flowed uncontrollably from parishioners and members of the Adoration Ministry as fiery Enugu Catholic priest and director of the ministry, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, yesterday bowed out of Christ the King Parish, GRA, Enugu, which he presided over as parish priest for 20 years.

The entire Enugu capital city also stood still as over 30 lorries accom­panied by thousands of his adoration faithful escorted him in a motorcade to his new parish, Our Lady Parish, Emene, a suburb of the capital city.

Mbaka’s transfer became a topical issue as a section of the society saw it as a punitive measure for his recent prophecies especially that of Decem­ber 31st 2014, when he predicted that former President Goodluck Jonathan would be defeated in the 2015 elections. This has however been dismissed by the church who explained that the transfer is a routine exercise done every six years by the bishop.

But Mbaka’s transfer as a parish priest to a resident priest, where he will serve under another priest, has raised eyebrows eliciting further comments from close observers.

SunNewsOnline reports that Mbaka himself while handing over formally to his successor yesterday told those around that he was going to suffer, moving from a duplex to a room in his new parish but asked them not to worry that God has bigger plans for him.

Hear him:

 “I know we are going to suffer; between now and few months to come, I am going to suffer; I am going to suffer because I have no place to lay my head; I am  going to suffer because I have no place to keep the Ministry’s assets; I know I am going to suffer; fortunately it’s going to happen in the month of Lent; so I am going to use my exit here to observe the Lent.

 But Jesus said it to His apostles in John 16:20, ‘You will be sorrowful and the world will be rejoicing but very soon I will turn your sorrows to joy.’ So I am waiting for that moment because for now I know we are going to suffer. 

The Adoration Ministry is passing through suffering right now; even though I have accepted it as the will of God; it is the will of God through suffering; it is a mega suffering. But however, the grace of God will carry us all; even though some of you may pray that God should remove this thorn from us, the scripture says ‘His grace is sufficient for us; for its even in your weakness that the power of God is demonstrated. So we are moving but don’t forget the scriptures, ‘my brothers they make me keeper of vineyards, my own vineyard I keepeth not. 

All these while we have been keeping vine­yards, building for Christ The King Parish…Bishop Gbuji asked them, how much …but because I don’t want to disclose my charity, they can’t keep that account. How many trailer loads of cement came here? All the monies I made from my cassette and other private crusades all of them were used to build this church. We cannot quantify it but let God be glorified.

“It is the will of God; and when the will of God either permissive or however, happens, nobody should question it. All you have today is Amen; so to the will of God Fr. Mbaka has said Amen.”

Mbaka said he welcomed the de­cision of the church leadership with absolute acceptance and obedience, stating that nobody should see him as a recalcitrant priest. He assured that the parish would not collapse due to his exit, and urged the mem­bers to treat his successor, Rev. Fr. Theodore Ozoamalu, well, and to assist him in any way he needs help and not allow him to cry.

His words:

 “Don’t starve him; don’t allow him to suffer; in my own time I didn’t need your help because God blessed me in my own unique way and I am happy. God will keep the parish because we have fought the good fight; I am not regretting anything and the highest gift God has given here is his Holy Spirit who assisted me up till now.”