Ekweremadu’s
a good example for Nigerian politicians
—Saraki
President of
the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki has described his Deputy, Senator Ike
Ekweremadu, as a perfect example for Nigerian politicians, saying that he has
no regret working with him, reports Vanguard.
Senator Saraki spoke as Senator Ekweremadu described his
re-emergence as Senator and Deputy President of the Senate as an act of God.
The two spoke at a civic reception at the country home of
Senator Ekweremadu, in Mpu, Enugu State, shortly after a special thanksgiving
service, where Ekweremadu rededicated himself to service to Nigeria and
mankind.
Senator Saraki in his address, described Senator Ekweremadu
as a man, who every Nigerian politician should look forward to working with.
He said: “For we politicians, it is always better to get close
to know somebody because in our meetings in the 7th Senate, myself and
him were far apart, but in this current Senate, I am the first person to tell a
few people that Senator Ekweremadu is a perfect gentleman. You are a perfect
gentleman and I repeat that many times and you are a good example for we
politicians.
“He is the type of Nigerians that we will want to continue
to serve because he only sees things for the good of Nigeria. I am grateful to
be working with you and I will continue to assure you that we will continue to
work closely for the interest of this great country.”
Earlier at the special thanksgiving service by his family,
Ekweremadu recalled his journey back to the Senate, saying, “about two years
ago, nobody would have believed that we will be here talking about Ike
Ekweremadu being a Senator again, let alone being the Deputy President of the
Senate. But, by the grace of God, I am today not only the Senator representing
Enugu West, but also the Deputy President of the Senate.
“We went through very tumultuous primaries that almost
divided our state along the line, but we thank God that today Enugu is united
and peaceful.
“After the elections, PDP lost control of the National
Assembly and many people thought we were finished, but we went into political
engineering and I want to thank my colleagues for that long night. We decided
that when we got to the chamber in the morning, we were going to perform
wonders and when the time came for the inauguration of the Senate, I was
re-elected Deputy President of the Senate. It was the will of God.”
Removing Rhodes' Statue Would Be
Folly, Says De Klerk
Former South African President FW De Klerk has criticised a
campaign to remove a statue of Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University's Oriel
College.
Mr De Klerk said South Africa's white Afrikaner population
had many reasons to dislike Rhodes but "never thought of removing his name
from our history".
Campaigners say the statue venerates the 19th Century
colonialist and the values he stood for.
Former Australian PM Tony Abbott has also said the statue
should stay.
Mr Abbott, a Rhodes Scholar, said removing the statue would
"substitute moral vanity for fair-minded enquiry".
Upon his death, Cecil Rhodes, who attended Oriel College,
left a legacy which has funded the university's prestigious Rhodes Scholarships
- postgraduate awards for non-British students.
Mr De Klerk, in a letter to the Times newspaper, said that
"for better or worse", Rhodes had made an impact on history, which
included the positive contribution of his scholarship scheme.
"If the political correctness of today were applied
consistently, very few of Oxford's great figures would pass scrutiny," he
said.
He pointed out that Rhodes had been "the architect of
the Anglo-Boer War that had a disastrous impact on our people, yet the National
Party government never thought of removing his name from our history".
Africa’s Biggest Street Party Ends In
Grand Style
The grand finale of the Calabar Carnival has
held with amazing colours, dance moves, and the most colourful and creative
costumes in the Africa.
The carnival which is reputed to be Africa’s biggest street
party is an annual event and this year’s carnival is the 11th edition. It is
themed ‘Climate Change’.
One major feature of the event is the massive presence of
celebrities from different parts of Nigeria who most times belong to one of the
bands on display at the carnival. Notable faces seen at the party included
Francis Odega, Patience Ozokwor, Joseph Benjamin, and Kenneth Okonkwo.
Bands this year included the regulars and two new entrants.
They include, Masta Blasta,
Bayside, Freedom Band, Passion 4, and Seagulls, with Ayade’s Band, and Brazilian samba
group the Vai Vai Band,
adding an international twist.
The 12 kilometers carnival walk commenced from Mary Slessor
road, through IBB way, Marian road, MCC way, Calabar highway and terminated at
the U.J Esuene Stadium.
Security on the day was top-notch, as operatives from the
Police, Civil Defence, Army, Navy and Immigration were stationed at strategic
points along the route to ensure crisis free carnival.
