Blog: NELOC News

A Life of Battery: A Story on Domestic Violence

By Aluko Deborah

Gbam! Gbom! Goes the sound of the heavy punches that lands on Amanda’s cheeks. It’s a crushing impact of bony fists against supple cheeks. Stephen is at it again. He flies off the handle at the slightest provocation. She cries in pain at such inhuman treatment being mete to her. Just then, her friend Pia knocks at the door. Stephen opens the door and walks out of the house furiously. ‘What the hell is going on here?’ Pia yells at him.

Amanda had been married to Stephen for the past eight years and she had never experienced some peace for a split second. She had dated him for two years before marriage but seemed not to have noticed any violent attitude in him. Stephen had changed almost immediately after marriage and Amanda could not forgive herself for falling into this trap. She had attended many marriage seminars and had invited several marriage counsellors all to no avail. She had even tried to impress him, and dote on him, to love him more and shower him with surprises but there’s absolutely nothing she does that goes down well with this young man. He flares up for intangible reasons. It’s either he didn’t fall in love with her food or he isn’t pleased with her outfits or she didn’t take her bath before bed or she’s adding more weight. He compares her with other women and Amanda starts suspecting he’s cheating on her and been unfaithful to his matrimonial vows. Many times, he hits Amanda whenever she tries to oppose his accusations. His beatings have become so severe that she lost the third pregnancy after several years of childlessness.

Stephen turns back slowly and flashes at Pia a look of disdain coupled with a rush of anger and hate. He hisses and walks away arrogantly because extreme anger usually leaves him dumb. Pia rushes at Amanda and grasps her up. She asks her what went wrong this time. Amanda pours out more in tears than in words. ‘My mother in law just left a couple of hours ago, she came to express her concern for our childlessness and Stephen began to accuse me as the cause of it, he addressed me on the level of promiscuity and infidelity. But when I tried to reveal the truth of his brutality to me, he picked on me and vowed to deal with me like he just did.’ Pia seems not to believe her ears. So, this is what Amanda had been going through all these years but each time Pia had tried to ask why she had a swollen face or an injury, Amanda will just cook a smart lie and refuse to open up. ‘A good wife should always keep her family secret’ she always told herself. If not that Pia caught this very act and at the right time, Amanda will probably have to listen to another lie. She draws Amanda into a warm embrace to subside her tears. Afterwards, she dashes into the kitchen and prepares a cup of cold tea for Amanda to calm her nerves.

As Amanda sips her tea, Pia begins to advice Amanda. ‘Sweetheart, a woman can endure everything for the sake of love or for the sake of her children as the case may be but she must not endure one thing called violence! And that’s the physical one because it’s the most common, for a time is coming that such husband who is indeed an animal in human skin might end up taking your life. As a wise woman who values her life, I think you should give your man a little break. Amanda quickly interrupts Pia. ‘I’m seriously firing relentless prayers about my situation’ she says. Pia tells her that it’s okay to involve religion but she will also need to make good use of the wisdom endowed her and that of a caring friend too as in the midst of good counselors, safety is assured. She also shares with her friend a similar experience she also had with her husband some years back. She had received several beatings and had escaped for her dear life, relocating to a different neighborhood of which her husband knew nothing about. Several weeks passed and it had dawned on him that Amanda was gone for good, he came back to his senses and realized his mistake. Pia had informed only her mother of her where about since her once trusted husband had broken his marriage. ‘He had to go and prostrate for my mum, begging her profusely in tears to know where I hid before mum eventually settled everything for us and we came back together with a stronger bound of love.

Amanda thanks her friend profusely for her advice but she isn’t so much convinced yet, ‘I’ve never imagined breaking away from my husband because I shall not put asunder what God has joined together, I still love my dear husband and I don’t want to increase the trouble in our home’ she ponders. Pia offers to assist with dinner preparations and they proceed to the kitchen. Pia handles the Amala while Amanda prepares the ewedu stew. They set the table as Stephen walks in. Pia whispers to her friend to speak nicely to him, she’s researching something here. ‘Welcome baby your food is ready’ she says tears welling up in her eyes. She presses hard to suppress them. Stephen ignores her without saying a word. Pia tells Amanda to calm down as she breaks down into fresh tears. Pia offers to take her out for a walk but Amanda declines as that might even fuel more trouble for her. Concluding that her presence might be embarrassing Stephen, Pia declares her intention to leave and encourages Amanda to inform the police or call her if she’s been maltreated again. ‘Every woman has the right to claim her marital rights, she points out and leaves as Amanda sees her off.

A week later, Amanda has become so weak and unhealthy due to more incessant maltreatment. She had failed to inform neither the Pia nor the police and moving out wasn’t even one of her options. For her, a blissful marriage had always been her dream and she could keep trying to make this work. Stephen had banned her from attending marriage seminars because he felt it’ll make her much more stubborn and rude to him. Nevertheless, a scheduled meeting with a counselor isn’t a bad idea for Amanda and she won’t hesitate to go this evening. Stephen isn’t used to early dinners, so she will be able to rush back before 7:30 (thirty minutes past the hour of seven). With this in mind, she dresses up and rushes to see her marriage counsellor.

********************************

Amanda returns home at exactly fifteen minutes past the hours of seven and dinner must be ready in less than forty five minutes. Unfortunately, Stephen’s at his bad mood again. She’s now almost believing the fact that Stephen might have some psychiatric issues after all. He accuses Amanda of staying out late and depriving him of food and sex, as she tries to calm him down and assure him of settling him in no time, he carries a dinning chair and flings it at her. Amanda slumps and goes limp, blood splashes everywhere. Scared and terrified, Stephen struggles to wake her up but all to no avail, her breathing had stopped as lay practically dead in cold blood. Stephen must make his escape very fast, so he quickly packs his bag and exits the house as he ignores the questions and queries of neighbors. Some concerned people quickly get into the house to find out from his wife, his reason for deserting her but they meet the shock of their lives. They quickly alert the police to get Stephen arrested and they make sure that the security lock down the environs to keep Stephen trapped in. Another group of people go after Tony, beat him mercilessly and tie him up as they await the arrival of the police.

Pia drives into the neighborhood in a bid to inform Amanda of a flat she had gotten for her. Her intention’s to take Amanda along with her to buy things to furnish the house with and to link her up with an online psychologist and blogger to help her flourish emotionally. She parks her car under a mango tree, amazed at the crowd at Amanda’s house. Pia asks people around for what the problem is, some refuse to tell her but she hears someone around mention the fact that Amanda is dead. She pushes her way into the living room and screams uncontrollably. There laying before her feet is the tragic end of somebody’s wife.

“At least if I’ll finally find a way to let go, give me a reason. Tell me what you see in me from the first time that keeps your heart far away from me. Please. At least do this for me so that I can find a way to adjust in my later love story.”

As I was chatting with her on Whatsapp, I could feel a deep sore cruelly engraved at the centre of my heart. I could see myself crying without tears; losing everything I never for once possessed.

After a few seconds she replied, and I was lost.

“Nothing” Nothing? Did she really mean I would lose everything for nothing? All my efforts, all my fights, all my time, all my thoughts, all my calculated plans? I would lose all my life, just for nothing? Nothing would be my first love story? I tried to comprehend the situation, but I could not. I could not just comprehend it: could not comprehend the end to the last moment of my first love story.

My first love story started even before I became a teenager, though I could not remember the exact age. I loved girls so much when I was in Junior Secondary School that I seldom moved with boys. Beautiful girls swarmed around me like bees probably because my mom was a little bit rich and I was really handsome. No pride. I really had great times being with them. The reminiscence of those days, often made me squeeze my face smiling. I was really charming.

We both attended the same Junior Secondary School and lived in the same neighbourhood. Although those things we had in common were enough to spring some feelings, we were simply acquainted. I got my cliques; and she had hers. That time, I could not really remember what transpired that created such unimaginable distance between us. Maybe I considered her not to be my taste of a girl.

Life truly is unpredictable. It was incredible when I realised I started developing feelings for her when we got separated. That was after our final exams for Junior Secondary School. She was taken to a boarding school for her Senior Secondary School education while I proceeded mine at the same school, Obafemi Awolowo International School, Ile-Ife. We lost connections while the seedlings of my feelings for her started germinating. And I was oblivion of the development.

The reality started crawling in during holiday periods. Once there was a holiday, she would come to the neighbourhood. Fortunately for me, my cousin lived in the same neighbourhood and his house was beside her father’s. Several times, I would pretend as if I was paying my cousin a visit just to see her.

On her own part too, she would leave her house and come to my cousin’s side. So, we had great times together, chatting about those days in Junior Secondary School, while I would be updating her about the current situations in her former school. She would also talk to me about her school conditions and the likes. We really had a great time. Looking back now, I would have wished we never grew up. I would have wished we never really grew matured.

Whenever I was leaving my cousin’s house, she would see me off. Several times on the way, I would want to tell her how much I loved her, how much I wanted to be with her. Expression always failed me those days. Although I was a baddoo, I did not have such courage of telling a girl that I loved her. I just preferred playing with them. Yet the feelings I had towards this particular girl was different from others, and I was afraid to pour out the torrent in my mind. I was afraid of the unknown.

“Elizabeth,” one day I finally summoned courage to tell her how I felt towards her.

“Yes,” she answered.

“I’ve wanted to tell you something for a long time,” I started and I ended, somehow perspiring. I could not utter the next statement. I was just perambulating around the main purpose of the conversation I started. She pestered me to tell her what I said I wanted to tell her for a long time. I could not say the combination of just four words until she said she had to go back home after seeing me off to the usual destination.

I lost the flow; I lost my courage; I lost my heart.

“I love you Elizabeth!”I finally screamed the four words several times. But it was too late. I was sure she was already in her house. I was just there in the balcony of my father’s house torturing my emotions, disturbing the empty house with my silent scream.

As times passed by, she kept on disturbing and pestering me about what I wanted to tell her the other time. I just kept on lying to her. Whenever I actually told her one of those lies, she would tell me I was lying. She caught me red-handed. Looking back now, I kept wondering if she actually knew what I wanted to say. Did she know I loved her already but was just waiting for me to say it? And most importantly, did she feel the same way? I wished I could get an answer each to this emotional questions that would not let me be.

Nevertheless, all talks about my feelings somehow stopped. She ceased to ask me questions, I ceased to give her a clue to my feelings. We simply shared gist about our schools and other related stuffs. With that, we moved on happily ever after.

We both sat down for Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. She finally graduated from the Federal Government College, Ipetumodu. We were then both seeking admission into tertiary institutions of our different choices. She was processing admission for Accounting in the University of Abuja while I was processing admission for Medicine and Surgery in Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU. During that period we spent more times together and our friendship grew stronger. Then, I didn’t need my uncle as a cover-up anymore. We both visited each other regularly. People in the neighbourhood, together with our parents, all knew we were close friends. I was sure some even thought we were dating. Yet, I was afraid to express my feelings. What the hell my problem was then?

Finally, we both gained admissions as exactly as we wanted. She travelled to Abuja for her university education while I stayed in Ile-Ife for mine. We got separated again, but thank God for social media. Through 2go, we were able to connect on our smartphones. We would spend several hours chatting, sharing experiences just like the old days.

After a whole session in OAU, I was finally groomed from a boy into a man. I could finally confront her and express my feelings to her. Fortunately for me, or should I say unfortunately for me, the holiday that marked the end of us being freshers in our different schools was immediately succeeded by the nation-wide six-month strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. She came back home to Ile-Ife, and I finally expressed my feelings, which I had been hoarding since, to her.

It all started without a thoughtful beginning. It was really a long night. Although her father’s house was not far from mine, that night, the distance became farer. What a pity for me!

On that fateful day, I was the one who visited her in the house. We shared our experiences as usual and cracked some jokes. When it was around eight in the evening, I finally told her I was leaving, and as usual, she saw me off. On our way, we talked a little and I finally told her, not screaming to an empty house this time, but right to her face.

“Elizabeth I have feelings for you. I want you to be mine. I love you.” I finally told her with OAU guys’ courage, though scared within.

“Are you serious?”She asked with that feminine voice, and I was startled. My blinded eyes were then wide open. I realised she was not the same girl I grew up with. She had become a lady just like I had become a man. A man? I cast doubts on that.

“What do you mean?”My courage was turning its back against me. “Elizabeth. I’m not joking. I love you and I want to have you in my life. I want you to be my lady.”

“No, it can’t be. I don’t feel the same way,” she calmly replied and I surely knew I was in deep trouble. “I only like you as a friend,” she continued.

“Try to understand me Elizabeth, no matter how hard I think about it, you’re the only one my heart beats for. Elizabeth I love you. You’re the only one my heart desires. Please, give me a chance to prove my love for you. Please, give me a chance to show you how much I love you.” So, I pleaded with her, oblivious of the fact that I was going to be repeating similar statements for the next four years.

“I really love you too. Just that it won’t work out. Try to understand and reason with me. I’m now studying in Abuja while you’re studying in Ife here. The relationship won’t work out. I love you, but as a friend.”

“Elizabeth please let’s give it a try.” I pleaded further, almost weeping without tears.

“No. And besides, I don’t feel the same way. The thought of dating you never even crossed my mind.”

That night was a nightmare for me. It was like we were cast in a tragic love movie. I pleaded with her, begged her, draining my whole energy just to convince her to love me, all to no avail. It was like she knew a day like that would come. Like an efficient defendant in a Court of Law, she was well prepared for her defenceagainst my proposal. And she was actually winning, tearing all my claims to pieces. She made me look like a fool, or perhaps a clown. She caught me unaware, my pants down.

Finally, I let go of her around 11:45 pm. That was indeed the longest night we ever had. That was the first time I could not sleep throughout the whole night without being in infirmity. Maybe I was actually sick, in my mind though. I spent the whole night thinking about what might have happened. Where had I gone wrong? On my bed I laid down turning left and right – restless. I thought it would be easy since we had been together for a long time, but I was wrong. She showed me I was wrong and the rest was just a story.

And there I was, four years later, on the 17th of July, 2016, chatting with her on Whatsapp, still pleading my claims. The frustrating part about those years was that as days passed by, my love for her kept growing stronger and deeper. I even wrote her a beautiful poem once. In the course of love, everyone is a poet. She saw it and she was even dazed by its exceptionality, yet she would not still unseal her heart. I just finished my 300 level studying medicine and surgery, and I could not believe that I could not find someone else to replace my love for her. Then, I was scared. I had to close that chapter of my life before it became something else. Before I would not let go anymore. Before it became an obsession.

We spent some time chatting and it was the same old story: she loved me, but she loved me just as a friend. To worsen the matter, she even told me she had a boyfriend already.

If I would finally go down, if I would finally let go of her, I did not want to do so easily. And that was the beginning of this story. All I wanted from her then was a reason, the reason she decided not to reciprocate my love for her. The reason she did not feel the same way. Her reason was nothing. She chose not to love me for nothing. Like seriously? Or was she actually being economical with the truth? Did she actually have a real reason for not loving me? I did not think so. Elizabeth could not have done that. We were closer than that. She would not have hidden the truth from me. Funnily, as the chat went on, she even said I was cool and nice. She just did not feel the same way.

That was how nothing ended my first love story and I finally moved on, searching for a better love story. My name is Olaoluwa, and I am single and searching.

Like a cruising car showing off its efficacy to the passers-by, they waddled and chatted down the street. Things were really changing here. Hopes were high; the birds were singing sweet melodies; people were happy.

For the past four years now, they’d realised and would continue to realise that they hadn’t made a mistake. The steps were so skillfully calculated and obviously its rewards were visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. The government was working. Soon, all the remaining social amenities would be provided to their town. In the blink of an eye, this town, their town, would be swiftly turned into a city. With the way things were going and moving faster, their seemingly unquenchable expectation for the establishment of a tertiary institution would be fully and adequately satisfied. Their economy which was depreciating day by day would be drastically improved. This government was clearly open-handed. Cash was flowing, their town would soon become popular. Like that, they chatted their way towards a market.

“Have you heard that the governor is coming today?” Labake asked Royeke.

Labake and Royeke were friends from childhood. Through times of hostility and reconciliation, they still managed to get along. They’d caused each other pains and had vowed never to converse together again, but with the movement of time and the healing of bruises, they’d realised the impossibility of ending their friendship. They spent virtually their whole lives in the town. They knew how things worked around there. They were never devoid of information nor oblivious of a minute development in progress. The only visible disparity between them was that while Labake was fat and of average height, Royeke was slim and beautiful, though some people considered her lanky.

“Today?” Royeke repeated like someone unpleasantly pressed to a corner. “Okay, I thought it’s supposed to be tomorrow.”

“He should be around in less than two hours,” Labake said.

“Seriously! I don’t know why he’s disturbing himself. He has people’s mandate already or what do you think?”

“Abi nao. Just that politicians like showing off.” They smiled.

As they were entering the market, they greeted passers-by, traders in their shops among others.

In less than two hours, the governor would be there with his entourage and convoy, campaigning for his second term in office. His good works preceded him. He recently started the construction of a two-lane wide road passing through their town straight to the government house. Power supply was stable, taps were running. He truly was the government of the people by the people and for the people. People adored him and highly respected him. He was coming to see his people, his citizens and most important, people who believed in his cause.

“I heard the governor is at the garage and is moving down here. Did you see him?” Mrs Duroti inquired as the duo were approaching her.

For more than two decades, Mrs Duroti, Labake’s mother had been selling “ready-made” clothes in the market. She was born here, lived here, worked here and probably would die here. She knew every route in the town. One thing that was peculiar and sacred to the people of the town was their market day. Market day was always held in every five days. The market was considerably large enough to accommodate other traders from neighbouring villages, towns and cities to showcase their goods. It was a den for cheap goods, especially farm produce. This was apparently the main reason why some outsiders couldn’t stop patronising the town.

“No Ma. We even thought he should be here in the next two hours.” Labake replied and greeted her mother. Royeke greeted her too.

Customers came around and there was no time to socialise. Labake and her mother attended to the customers while Royeke left them for her mother’s shop which was directly across Mrs Duroti’s. Fifteen minutes later, screeching of tires, blasting of horns and sirens coming from the rally were becoming audible. Villagers in the market engaged one another in light conservation. They gathered in twos, threes and so on. Their lover, the lover of the masses was coming. They were elated and the more the sound became audible, the more they gyrated, showing their support and allegiance.

The governor, his entourage together with his party members and supporters got to an open space at the centre of the market. They were surrounded by market people who either gathered to watch the governor or halted the process of buying and selling goods to watch him.

As planned, a makeshift podium was quickly and somehow mysteriously arranged for the governor to have a good view of the people and comfortably address the throng. A microphone was affixed to the podium. He wore his party vest and a pair of blue jeans. He covered his head with a fez cap, having his party’s logo on his right hand. Finally, to show his solidarity to the people, he wore a pair of neatly shined black shoes and his stomach was moderately protruded. He repeatedly chanted his party name and slogan to which the people responded accordingly and enthusiastically. After they were all calm, he started.

“Good morning my people.” He began slowly. “As you all know that the governorship election is fast approaching, I hereby come here to solicit your supports and most especially your votes.”

He took his time lecturing them on how imperative it would be for them to come out to cast their votes. Although he strongly believed that the people were for him, if they didn’t come out massively on the day of election to cast their votes, God forbid, the opposition might win.

“You have all seen what our administration has offered and done so far.” The crowd nodded and chanted with approval. To that, he waved, smiled and continued. “If you all come en masse and cast your votes for us, we promise to continue the good work. You are only witnessing a tip of the iceberg. If you vote for us for the second time, we promise you much more of what we have been able to do in the first term.”

He went on, pointing out the roads under construction with a promise to finish them. He assured them of opening the newly constructed primary and secondary school blocks. Their administration would ensure that the power supply get better and better. There would be improvement in water supply too.

He took a breath, stooped closely to the microphone and with the consciousness and awareness that this was what the mass had been expecting, he said, “If you look around you, you will see that work has already started. We are determined in ensuring that we construct a new market for you people, our people. And to this promise we will surely fulfil. Modern structures and shops which are under construction already will be firmly established in this town. Furthermore, if you vote for us for the second term, we promise you strongly that we will ensure that an institution of higher learning is brought to this town. Also, we are going to ensure the availability of job opportunity for every citizen of our state.”

With that and other few more promises, he majestically concluded his speech by shouting the party’s name and slogan to which the people loyally responded accordingly and cheerfully only for them to realise the truth of the matter a year later.

She looked up into the sky, vividly saw an approaching bullet, and many thoughts ran in a jiffy through her simple brain. To blame or to act? To react or to calm down? To ruminate about the past or to save the future? She was indecisive, not because she didn’t know what to do but because she was high and dry, highly frustrated.

“Ma’ami! Ma’ami!” Labake called her, bemused by her mother’s stationary position. Instantly, Mrs Duroti was jerked out of her nightmare back to the dreadful reality she tried to run away from. “Are you not going to do or say something?” Labake asked, almost crying.

Since a month ago, the market had been really burning, emitting heat greater than the Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace. Friends had and were becoming foes, smiling and hopeful faces being gradually metamorphosed to austere and depressed appearances. Their lives and what they’d cherished for ages were steadily being ruined while they were still alive. Their situations were getting worse and things were getting really weird.

The last market day before that market day, things couldn’t really have got worse when Labake mounted on Royeke like an angry mob pounding on a pickpocket. It all started like an inquisition. Then it became the free-for-all. Who actually began what was to be a feud was actually a matter for debate but Mrs Duroti firstly voiced out.

“Mummy Royeke, why did you shift your counter towards us? You know well that your shop doesn’t extend to this place.” Mrs Duroti was addressing Mrs Ajala.

Mrs Ajala was Royeke’s mother. Just like Labake and Royeke, they were childhood friends. Probably that was what fostered the intimacy between their two daughters. Although they still maintained their relationship cordially, marriage had had its pound of flesh on their closeness. Sometimes, when the occasion arose, they did attend ceremonies together, sewing the same attires and same designs. Mrs Ajala was a grocer. Recently, things hadn’t being going well with them.

“Don’t tell me that. You’re the one at fault here. You are the one that couldn’t maintain you boundary. When I came to market this morning, Royeke informed me about what Labake did.” Labake, who was busy spreading the “ready-made” clothes on a counter, together with Feyi, Mrs Duroti’s apprentice, looked up at Mrs Ajala in disbelief and shifted her gaze to Royeke who was four feet behind her mother. Their eyes met. Royeke used her hands to guard her waist, questioning Labake’s strength and probably challenging her to a fight.

“Mummy I didn’t do anything!” Labake exclaimed, trying to defend herself.

“Shut up your dirty mouth!” Mrs Ajala shouted at her.

“Mummy Royeke, you don’t have to shout at my daughter like that. You are meant to listen to both of them before you conclude, a reasonable elder doesn’t judge having heard from just one party.”

“Let us hear words.” Mrs Ajala cut in. She made the next statement, “Who else will the housefly support if not the one with the sore. Like mother like daughter”, and all hell was let loose.

They proceeded from insulting one another, mothers and daughters, to grasping one another’s clothes. This madness they displayed within a very short period before people in the market noticed them and brought them back to saneness. However, the damage had been done, feelings had been hurt, and the bond had been loosened. That incident haunted Mrs Duroti particularly, being a person of loving, easy-going, and tender character.

“Feyi! Feyi! Feyi!” Mrs Duroti wailed at her apprentice who had become the recipient of her distressing situation. “Why are you so sluggish? Quickly park those ready-mades inside the black sack before they get soaked in water.” It’s about to rain.

As she was packing the clothes, she couldn’t help herself thinking, silently cursing the prevaricator that brought this calamity upon them. The promise was well constructed and made. Like hungry fish sighting the fisherman’s fishing line, they unconsciously took the bait. Now, like a vagabond wondering the deserted desert, they were high and dry. Nevertheless, what could they do? Or better still, what could they have done? They’d sold their birth rights to the cunning dogs. They were left to ruminate on the leftovers.

Finally, the heavens opened and there was commotion. People were seen struggling to protect their goods and chattels. The wisest had packed their goods and went home or didn’t bother to come at all. Others were wet from heads to toes together with their goods and chattels.

Mrs Duroti looked around and sprinting tear nearly found its way through the hard walls of her eyes. She wasn’t about to cry because of what she actually saw. She was about to cry because of the inconvenience and defeat she felt within, the agony. She noticed people wallowing in the running mud, trying to pick up their falling goods from it. There were no roofs to shield them from the sun and rain. The government had bulldozed their once cherished, ancient market for the promise of a better one. It’s been more than nine months now and work had abruptly halted. No information about the way forward. The government was dead to its promises; the market was gone, reduced to ruins; the economy was done for; and the people were dead, soul and mind.

None would certainly believe there had once been a very big commercial centre on the piece of land if that person never saw it when it still enjoyed fame and popularity, when it was full of glories as it was always busy with different forms of trades before bulldozers and other machines were brought from the government’s office.

Mrs Duroti gave up after being mercilessly beaten by the rain, sighted Labake and Feyi and said, “Pack the dirty and soaked clothes. It’s time to go home…”

God won't give power to the wicked, Treacherous – Wike

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says he and his allies of the G5 group are never playing God as to determine who becomes the next president of Nigeria.

Governor Wike stated these in reaction to statement in the media that said God will determine the next president of Nigeria, not G5 governors.

The Rivers State governor, speaking at the flag-off of Ogbo- Ihugbodo Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area on Saturday, said, those behind the statement should have known that even if God gives power, it should not be given to the wicked.

"Don't be treacherous in life because you want power. God will never give power to the wicked. Our hands are clean we have not done anything wrong.

"All we are saying is, do things in a way all of us will have sense of belonging, that all of us will believe that we are together.

"That is all we are saying. If saying so is wrong, then let it be to God. But we know that it is good as right takes, let left take also."

Governor Wike explained that members of the G5 believe in the omnipotence of God and always align their various affairs to such, which is why they keep getting stronger by the day.

The Rivers State governor pointed out that the person who said that it only God and not G5 governors who can decide who will be president seemed not to understand the background of members of the group.

"We are alive today, we are where we are because of God. Nobody can even breathe air if not God, not to talk of holding position. So, nobody can tell us that it is only God, we know that it is only God that gives power.

"But our prayer is that God, don't allow those who will sell off Nigeria in the next one second to be in power. Our prayer is God, don't allow anybody that you (people) will have an agreement with and in the next two minutes, the person will change.

"Our prayer is that almighty God will not allow those who will betray their brothers when they have agreed with their brothers to do something. God, may you never allow such people."

Governor Wike also noted that the person said that there will be division among the G5, an expectation that had long been frustrated since May/June 2022.

"It has never worked and it will never work in Jesus name. By sitting down to say that there will be division, I send back that prayer to you.

"I don't want to discuss them. I have told people, allow the sleeping dog to lie. If you don't allow sleeping dog to lie, you too will not sleep."

The Rivers State governor also pointed to another person saying that they will handle members of the G5 when they have decided where to throw their support.

"These are the things that annoy us. Who is this person saying this? I heard them say that PDP is a responsible party I agree. But when they left PDP in 2014 against 2015.

"When they left and made PDP to lose our election. Today, we are struggling to take over power from APC. Who are those who made us to lose this power."

Commenting on the project, Governor Wike the Ogbo -Ihugbodo road is one of the many projects his administration has continued to deliver to restore Ahoada Town and the surrounding communities to what it used to be when it was a divisional headquarters.

The governor emphasised that it is already established that he is creating an unbeatable record as an administration in Nigeria that will continue to deliver democratic dividend until the last day of his tenure.

Governor Wike stated that the jealousy expressed by some detractors is because of the capacity he has continued to demonstrate in governance, combining delivery of projects and attending to issues of governance with none suffering.

He threw a challenge to those who feel jealous to also show capacity and combine project flag-off, inauguration and governance simultaneously if they can.

Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. George -Kelly Dakorinima Alabo said the Ogbo -Ihugbodo road is 6.1KM long, with about 4.1KM cutting through fresh vegetation.

He stated that the road is 7.3 meters wide, has 4KM length of drains on both sides and should be delivered within five months.

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Just In: Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95

Former pope Benedict XVI has died at the age of 95, the Vatican announced Saturday, almost a decade after he became the first pontiff to resign in six centuries.

“With sorrow, I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement.

The German pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, had been living a quiet life in a former convent inside the Vatican grounds since his shock decision to step down in February 2013.

His health had been declining for a long time, but the Vatican revealed on Wednesday that his situation had worsened, while his successor Pope Francis called for Catholics worldwide to pray for him.

His death brings to an end an unprecedented situation in which two “men in white” — Benedict and Francis — had co-existed within the walls of the tiny city state.

While there is no rulebook for former popes, Benedict’s funeral is expected to be at the Vatican, presided over by Francis.

In 2005 the body of John Paul II, the last pope to die, lay in state before a funeral mass in St Peter’s Square attended by one million people, including heads of state.

Football Legend, Pele Dies at 82

Pele, the Brazil football legend and three-time World Cup winner, has died at the age of 82.

He passed away on Thursday. His daughter, Kely Nascimento, confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele is widely considered to be football's first global superstar. Pele had been treated for colon cancer, following surgery to remove a tumour in September 2021, and had required regular medical treatment.

After being admitted back into hospital at the end of November to re-evaluate his cancer treatment, he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection before subsequently being moved to palliative care when his body became unresponsive to chemotherapy, Mirror reports.

Doctors and nurses at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo duly made him as comfortable as possible, while his wife, Marcia Aoki, remained by his bedside.

Pele made his international debut at the age of 16 and announced himself to a global audience in 1958, when, still only 17, he scored six goals in four games as Brazil won the World Cup for the first time. He scored twice in a 5-2 final win over Sweden in Stockholm.

He won the World Cup on two more occasions, in 1962 and 1970, when the Brazillian team produced arguably the greatest final performance in the competition's history, defeating Italy 4-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico. Pele won the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player.

During the tournament, ex-Manchester City boss Malcolm Allison, working as a TV summariser, asked: "How do you spell Pele?" Counterpart Pat Crerand responded: "Easy: G.O.D."

His 1970 teammate Tostao remarked: "Pele was the greatest – he was simply flawless. And off the pitch he is always smiling and upbeat. You never see him bad-tempered. He loves being Pele.” Sir Bobby Charlton, part of the England side beaten 1-0 in the group stage of that tournament by Brazil, remarked later in life: “I sometimes feel as though football was invented for this magical player.”

Officially, Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although his long-time club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.

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Wonderland Amusement Park shut down After A Child Was Electrocuted On Christmas Day

Lagos State Govt has sealed & suspended activities at the Kiddies section of Wonderland Lagos - an event venue which was meant to deliver a holiday experience of fun & excitement on Monday 26th Dec. 2022 after a guest was electrocuted at the event venue.

Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola in a joint inspection with the Lagos State Task Force team stated that this intervention has become imperative

to prevent further exposure of attendees particularly kids at the venue to prevent accidents that can lead to injuires and fatalities.

Mr. Lanre Mojola further disclosed that the event venue owner - Mr Ezekiel Adamu had refused to implement safety measures prescribed by the Commission

despite several meetings at the onset of the project following an initial safety inspection exercise carried out on the venue to deliberate on safety infractions observed within the facility.

He further stated that It has however become urgent and pertinent to shut down the facility until all infractions are corrected to prevent users from further exposure to risk especially children and to also ensure that other lined up event are safe for Lagos residents.

The Director General stated that no individual or institution is bigger than the State and it will continually ensure the safety of Lagosians as they go about enjoying the festive season.

He further sounded a note of warning to facilities in Lagos that are not in compliance with the State Safety guidelines on events and urged residents to socialise responsibly.

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Again, G-5 Governors Jet off to London for Strategic Meeting

The five aggrieved governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have raised another dust in the party with their foreign trip to London, United Kingdom to finalise their decision on who to back for the presidency in the 2023 general elections.

The governors who have tagged themselves G-5 governors include Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

Recall that before the aggrieved governors left for London, they had foreclosed working for the presidential candidate of their party, Atiku Abubakar.

The Nation reports that a source said the governors who had also synchronised themselves as the Integrity Group are now tinkering with the idea of either throwing their weight behind the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, or the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.

It was gathered that at a private meeting of three of the aggrieved governors with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he asked the G-5 to support Obi because no Igbo candidate had been elected president.

It was learnt that the governors who wanted a winning candidate, had been weighing options on the chances between Tinubu and Obi.

On that point, their dilemma was not to back a wrong candidate which will make the PDP and its flagbearer, Atiku to mock them.

A source noted that the London meeting was important because campaign ahead of the 2023 polls would come to its peak in January.

The PDP crisis started from the time the aggrieved governors insisted that the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu must resign after Atiku won the party's presidential ticket.

A source said the G-5 governors may kick off campaign on January 5, and they needed to be firm in their decision on a presidential candidate to support.

The source also said that the five governors would run a campaign for presidential and governorship elections together, saying that they ought to streamline their position to be able to inform the electorate properly on where they are headed.

“The London meeting is a wrap up session on their preferred presidential candidate who will also be part of the campaign in their respective states.

“Before they left, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was already out of their equation. Both Atiku’s running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and Governor Emmanuel Udom did not succeed in prevailing on the G-5 to support the PDP candidate.

“They claimed that Okowa and Udom are parts of the problem in PDP because they refused to abide by the decision of the Southern governors on power shift to the South.

“They have drawn the battle lines with Atiku. They have foreclosed any reconciliation. They will now meet at the poll to settle political scores.

“The G-5 governors have to choose between Tinubu and Obi. They have to consider all options, including the consideration of who has the strength or figures to defeat Atiku in the presidential poll.

“It is no longer about sentiments, but facing the reality on whose figures can add up to win the poll for power shift to the South, which is their ultimate objective,” the source said.

Also, another top source was quoted as saying that “The greatest fear of the G-5 governors is supporting a weak candidate who may lose the presidential election. Then, all their objective, plot and bragging will come to naught.

“Yet, they want to prove a point to PDP that they are a force to reckon with. If they fail to make an impact in 2023 poll, it will spell doom for their political career.

“As politicians, the G-5 governors have been closely monitoring the campaigns and political trends in the country. They will use available statistics at their disposal to determine whether or not to back Tinubu or Obi.”

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Credit: SaharaReporters

OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT FOR ISAAC BALAMI AS THE NEW DG FOR PCC

In a press conference on the 26th of December, 2022, the Afenifere National Youth Council (ANYC) and 48 formidable Yoruba Youth Groups in a coalition in the South West has stated their official endorsment for Isaac Balami as a replacement for Dr. Doyin Okupe as the DG of PCC.

His personality is convincing and he is a bridge between the young and old. He understands the terrain and speaks the language.

His credibility in the north is bankable as a block vote for the ObiDatti mandate. Well exposed and articulate

He has the support and confidence of the youth and we are ready to work with him. We are convinced of his delivery based on what he has achieved and can deliver on.

We join our voice to assert that on his mandate we stand. Let's give him the job and get the job going.

Courtesy: Yoruba Youth Wing Coalition YYWC, led by Afenifere National Youth Council (the Apex sociocultural youth organization in Yoruba Land)

Man abscond from marriage ceremony over incessant demands

Drama as bridegroom walks out of engagement ceremony in Imo State due to extortion.

He paid N1,500,000 to cater for food, tents, chairs and a public address system.

He was also made to set aside N100,000 as the bride price that the two families had agreed on.

Biobelemoye David was asked to add N50,000 to the bride price because he had already impregnated the girl.

He was slapped with a N10,000 fine for making a detour to the wrong path and ending up in a different homestead other than the girl's.

He was also asked to pay N15,000 to appease the elders who had become tired of waiting for his arrival.

Drama however ensued when twelve girls covered in loose robes from head to toe were paraded before Biobelemoye David and he was asked to guess who his fiancée was.

He pointed at the wrong woman and that led to yet another fine of N15,000.

The decisive moment specifically was when the elders demanded for a refund of the total sum of N850,000 that had been paid as the girl's school fees and upkeep since she started primary school!

Fuming with anger which he tried his best to hide, Biobelemoye David excused himself to visit a nearby latrine and disappeared!

He switched off his phone and was last seen at a bus heading to Bayelsa State from Imo.

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Police Arrest Fake Doctor In Ondo After Performing Surgery On Pregnant Woman

Ondo State Police Command on Friday paraded four persons for allegedly involving in some criminal activities in the state.

The suspects who were arrested over crimes such as murder, vandalisation and illegal medical practices are Ebine Adeleke, Aderemi Okiki, Alhaji Magari and Rabiu Olalekan.

Parading the suspects at the headquarters in Akure, the police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said one of the suspects, Rabiu Olalekan had been allegedly parading himself and working as a medical doctor in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state before he was arrested.

The PPRO said, “On December 20, 2022, one Rabiu Olalekan who has been parading himself as a Medical Doctor of Iremide Private Hospital, Orita Ojo, in Odigbo Local Government Area was arrested by team of Special Intervention Squad when a report of unprofessionalism was reported against him.

“The suspect carried out a caesarian surgery on a pregnant woman (name withheld) who was later rushed to Mother and Child Hospital due to excessive bleeding from her private parts, it was discovered that the self-acclaimed doctor stitched the womb and the urinary tract together.

“During the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect is not a medical doctor but attended the School of Health Technology, Ijebu-Ode where he studied Community Health Extension Worker and has been deceiving the people with being a medical doctor. He also claimed he invited one Dr. Bayo to help him carry out the caesarian section on the victim but he does not know the address or contact of the said doctor as he said he has lost his phone which was the only means of communicating with the doctor.”

Odunlami also stated that Ebine Adeleke who was arrested for a murder allegedly stabbed one Surulere Ajayi to death during an argument.

The two other suspects, according to the PPRO, were arrested for allegedly attempting to vandalise electric cables at the Omotosho area of Okitipupa Local Government of the state.

She said, “On the 18th of December, 2022, at 11 pm, the police got information that vandals were at the Power Station at Omotosho, who were trying to remove cables from an electric transformer. Immediately policemen attached to the power station engaged the vandals and one Aderemi Okiki Aged 21 was arrested.

“During interrogation, he confessed that they were three who came for the operation but the others escaped. He also mentioned one Alhaji Magari aged 57, as the receiver of their stolen goods.

“Items recovered are a sack containing cable wires and two cutlasses. The effort is ongoing to arrest other suspects who are on the run.”

The police spokesperson said all the suspects would soon be charged in court

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FIRS to be renamed Nigeria Revenue Service

The Federal Government is set to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

It will be called the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

The name change will depend on whether the proposed amendment to the Finance Act now before the National Assembly sails through.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said the chief executive would be referred to as “Commissioner-General” as against the title of “Chairman”.

She spoke when she appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance.

Other provisions are the reorganisation of the FIRS Board by separating the executive management.

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Just In: Wike Seals Off Atiku Campaign Office

Governor Nyesom Wike has closed the Rivers State Atiku/Okowa campaign headquarters as part of his new offensive against the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign.

The office, which is in Port Harcourt’s GRA axis, was shut down for causing loud political activities in residential neighborhoods without the state government’s consent.

Based on Executive Orders 21 and 22, Mr. Wike closed off the campaign office.

The Rivers branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council had submitted a written request for permission to conduct political activities on the property.

Before the venue was sealed on Friday, the application had gone unanswered for months.

The seal on the office was deemed anti-democratic and a breach of free speech by the state’s PCC’s media team.

“The public is hereby informed that the sealed premises had no bill board or poster, since the approval had not been given, yet it was sealed off, a sign that the delay in the approval is premeditated and computed to cause this sort of unlawfulness.

“We condemn this act because it rubs off on our fundamental right to free expression of interest. Furthermore, this egregious move by the Rivers State Government, seen in the prism of politics, tends to militarise our democracy and renders our dear state politically recessive when juxtaposed with other states in the country,” the media team said in a statement.

It also advised the state’s party leaders to file a lawsuit in accordance with the constitution’s requirements.

“We urge our dear leaders in the state to challenge this illegality in a court of competent jurisdiction so that friction can disappear from our political space.

“The right to campaign for preferred candidate is enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm from which every other law derives its power.

“Thus, every clash between the Constitution and any other made law should be resolved in favour of the Constitution. The Rivers State Government, we dare say, is subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).

“It is our duty to remind Gov. Wike and his co-travelers that they, like everyone else, are subject to the Laws of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile we charge the Rivers State PDP PCC, our dear leaders, to see to it that this unlawful disruption of campaign activities does not rattle their cage. They must continue to function as they always had prior to the existence of the Secretariat.

“Tyranny will expire in our state. If the Nazi Regime could die in Germany, then this facsimile of such will die even much faster to the glory of God and liberty of Rivers State,”

it added.

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The Assets Recovery Panel of the Osun State Government has directed former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, his wife, Hajia Kafayat Oyetola and other former appointees to immediately return assorted vehicles valued at N2.9 billion presently illegally in their possession.

The former officials had gone away with various models of vehicles without any legal basis for such action. As at today, there is no law that authorised any elected or appointed officials to go with state vehicles after completing their tenure of office.

The Chairman of the Asset Recovery Committee, Dr BT Salami reported that due diligence has been conducted and the committee has concluded that the affected past officials should return government vehicles in their possession.

"This is the first batch of vehicles to be retrieved. We will soon come up with the second batch. All affected officials should return the vehicles in their possession immediately to avoid coercive procedures for recovery of State assets", the Committee Chairman said.

In the list of affected officials, Governor Oyetola alone has 11 vehicles ranging from Lexus Jeep, Toyota Prado jeeps and assorted models of costly vehicles. The wife, Mrs Kafayat also has in her possession several brand of governments vehicles which were taken away against provisions of the law.

Other former officials listed include immediate past SPECIAL Adviser on Security, former Chief Details, former Personal Assistant to the Governor, former special assistants to the Governor, former Senior special assistants, former special advisers, former local government caretaker chairmen and members, former board chairmen and members, former Chief of Staff, former Deputy Chief of Staff, former Deputy Governor , former Secretary to the State Government, former commissioners among others.

The former Deputy Governor has more than seven government vehicles in his custody contrary to the provisions of the law.

A serving Senator, Oriolowo is also directed to return to the Osun State Agricultural Development Programme five machines namely motor grader, buldozer, soil compactor machine among others.

All affected ex-officials are to urgently comply with the above request or risk enforcement procedures.

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Gunmen attack community, set monarch, Deputy Speaker’s houses ablaze

Gunmen went on rampage in Orsumoghu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, setting ablaze houses belonging to the State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Pascal Agbodike.

The attackers also reportedly set ablaze the house of the traditional ruler of the community and that of the President General of the community, Nze Denis Muomaife.

The incident was made known during a meeting of stakeholders in Anambra South Senatorial Zone with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Recall that Anambra South Zone had previously been marked as a redspot of insecurity in the state.

Following the persistent and frequent attacks in the Zone, INEC at the stakeholders’ meeting solicited collaboration to ensure that elections in the zone are held peacefully.

Speaking during the meeting, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Elizabeth Agwu, asked the stakeholders whether elections would be held in those communities because of their current volatility.

In his response, Muomaife, who said his house was burnt down by gunmen two weeks ago, said the community had set up a peace and reconciliation committee to make sure that such issues were tackled in time to ensure that elections can be held in the area.

The REC, Agwu, therefore emphasized that it was about time youths in Anambra State took possession of their lands, noting that insecurity in Igboland (South East) was caused by the indigenes and not imported persons.

“We must hold 2023 elections; it must be credible and the votes must count. This is the time for the youth to rise up in different communities to protect their people.

“We have prepared for the election with materials and men. What we need from communities is to collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs. Non-sensitive materials have been distributed already.

“Anything that will make [the] election not successful in Anambra South should be resisted; anyone caught doing abnormal things during the election will not be alive to tell the story.

“I’m relying on the Presidents-General in all the communities and traditional rulers to secure their areas during the election. Let us avoid suppressing ourselves,” she said.

Speaking further, Agwu said that the corporate existence of Nigeria depends on the 2023 general elections.

She noted that “This nation is seriously depleted today and that’s why we’re talking about unity. Voter education concerns and affects everyone in this country. There are so many ways it affects us, but the problem we have here is our penchant for pursuing money.”

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Fuel Subsidy will be remove, No Matter How Long You Protest, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said his government will remove fuel subsidy if he is elected president in 2023.

Tinubu stated this while speaking at a business luncheon with business owners titled "Business Forward" on Thursday in Lagos.

The former Lagos governor said no matter how long people protest, he will remove fuel subsidy.

In a statement issued by his Media Office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, the APC presidential candidate said Nigeria would no longer subsidise fuel consumption in neighbouring countries.

He said, “How can we be subsidising fuel consumption of Cameroon, of Niger, of Benin Republic. No matter how long you protest, we are going to remove subsidy,” he said.

He, however, said his government will allow the private sector to thrive and be open to collaborating with players in the sector.

“My government will collaborate with the private sector to bring about massive infrastructure renewal that enhances economic opportunities, lower business costs and overheads while producing jobs that spur further growth and development through increased consumer demand. This is the virtuous economic cycle we seek to create,” he said.

He also promised to improve security in the country, saying several measures will be implemented if he is elected as president including increasing the number of military and non-military personnel.

“I am committed to securing Nigerians from violence and the fear of such violence. Terror, kidnapping and banditry have no place in the society I envision. Upon entering office, we will move to implement several measures,” he said.

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Driver dies as container falls on vehicles

A commercial bus driver has been confirmed dead as a 40-feet container fell on vehicles at Cele Bus Stop along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

In a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on Thursday, the passengers inside the commercial bus involved in the accident, were rescued.

Unfortunately, the driver of the commercial bus died on the spot. Two other SUVs were involved in the accident.

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Ibadan-based comedian, Peteru Comedy, is dead

The entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning as Ibadan-based comedian, Tobi Owomoyela Nifemi aka Peteru Comedy, has died.

The skit maker who is known for his Yoruba take on Big Brother Naija is said to have passed away on Wednesday, December 21. The cause of his death is yet to be made public.

However, his colleagues have taken to social media to mourn his untimely demise. He only buried his father in November this year. He is said to be the only son in a family of seven.

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Photostory: Argentina’s Central Bank Considers Putting Messi’s Photo On Currency

Argentina’s Central Bank is reportedly considering putting Lionel Messi's image on their 1000 peso banknote.

According to Daily Mail on Thursday, an Argentina newspaper, El Financiero, claimed that the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina is eager to commemorate the national team's historic win in Qatar and has been working on ideas before the win over France on Sunday.

Messi led Argentina to defeat France to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986.

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Photostory: Temokun Chambers host annual get together, unveiled law school students support scheme, roll out scholarship for students

2022 Chambers' End of Year!

Annual Law School Students Support scheme was unveiled by Tope Temokun Chambers at the 2022 End of Year Get-Together which held in the chambers' Akure office this 21st of December 2022.

The Chambers shall pay annually full tuition fees for two indigent students, one of whom must be from Ikale, which comprises two local governments of Okitipupa and Irele and the second beneficiary could be from any local government in Ondo state.

The event kick-started with a lecture "Who is a good lawyer?", delivered by Barrister Oju Kekemeke in which he postulated that a brilliant lawyer without character cannot be called a good lawyer. He emphasised integrity and observance of ethical conducts for lawyers.

The chambers rewarded excellence, with monetary prizes and this year 2022 most hardworking staff award went to the Akure office secretary of Tope Temokun Chambers, Miss Onyiye onyekachi Gift, with cash reward of one hundred thousand naira, while over all best lawyer award went to Barrister Fidelis Dennis , with monetary reward of five hundred thousand naira by cheque while additional five hundred thousand naira was in scholarship for masters in law in 2023, making one million naira.

Copies of the chambers' founder's human rights handbook "Rights of Nigerians in Civil Rule and the Police" were also distributed freely for those in attendance.