15 Years After, Bode Emmanuel Formalises Marriage with Anana Okwesa in London
Where there is no love, there is no ardour. But where love exists, even the most wretched homestead becomes Eden. There is love in the heart and home of Chief Bode Emmanuel, as you read. The veteran socialite is extremely joyous at the moment. He is swaddled in the ecstasy of requited love like a newborn cradled in his mother’s warmth. It is hardly surprising then that Anana Okwesa has the heart and ears of Chief Emmanuel. The famous celebrity businessman has rediscovered his joy in his relationship with Anana. Unlike most husbands, Bode hardly reminds Anana, “of an orang-utan trying to play the violin.” And unlike the late French writer, Honoré de Balzac, Anana too has no reason to doubt or disdainfully analyze the character and depth of her husband’s love for her in such manner. And the reason is never far-fetched: Bode does not only deploy great tact and ingenuity at pleasing his beautiful wife, he showers immeasurable love on her at every opportunity. Small wonder, Bode and Anana formalized their relationship in London penultimate Monday. It was low-key event in the Victorian city. It would be recalled that his affair with Anana started about 15 years ago when the duo met at a society party and today, they are blessed with a cute boy, Jimi Emmanuel.
LIKE A BENGALI BRIDE MUIZ BANIRE CONTENDS WITH ATTENTION FROM ACCIDENTAL FRIEND
Muiz Banire has finally reencountered bliss in trying hours, like the sojourner who discovers a babbling brook in the middle of the Sahara. He has a reason to smile again after some issues he had with his godfather and benefactor. The new Chairman of Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), is shocked by the flurry of attention he is getting, even as you read. Muiz, who was recently appointed as AMCON head honcho by President Muhammadu Buhari, suddenly became the bride and heartthrob of major stakeholders, lobbyists and favour seekers. Yes, Muiz knows he has been thrust into the vortex of history. More importantly, he has climbed to the top of the greasy pole; like a Bengali bride, he has become the object of lust and high affection of every element and juggernaut prowling the cutthroat halls of the AMCON. Everybody wishes to befriend the new chairman especially with the new AMCON rules of engagement. AMCON says there will be no more room for negotiation with obligors. Ahmed Kuru, managing director and chief executive officer of AMCON, said the company is tired of debtors coming to their office and telling lies about wanting to embark on a staggered payment which they ended up never complying. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the senate. On Tuesday, Senate President Bukola Saraki read a letter from Buhari, seeking the confirmation of Banire and 13 members of the Federal Civil Service Commission.
JOKING APART: CHRIS OKOTIE CLOCKS 60, DECLARES HIS INTENTION TO RUN FOR PRESIDENCY
Yes, cosmopolitan preacher and founder of the Household of God Church, Pastor Chris Okotie, clocked 60 recently. But he didn’t roll out drums to celebrate the party. Now, he is vaunting his perennial, starry-
eyed prophesy of ruling Nigeria, once again. And just when it seemed the former pop singer turned-preacher was having a breather and a ball with his God and congregation, he launched out again that he wants to be the next president. Okotie is one man of the pulpit whose oratorical prowess is not in doubt. Sweet-mouthed, convincing and polemical, Okotie is blessed with words and he puts them to use at the slightest prodding. But judging from some of the words that have proceeded from his vocal box, one can readily say that the potency of his sayings is only observed in mere expression and not fulfilment. In 2003, the flamboyant pastor told a stunned populace that God had asked him to run for the presidency of Nigeria. Prior to that time, he was not known to be a politician. Thereafter, he registered a political party and automatically became its presidential standard-bearer, mouthing repeatedly that his mandate was God-ordained. Of course, as many rightly predicted, judging by the political calculations of the time, he lost the election abysmally. In 2007 and 2011, he ran again and lost on both occasions. Significantly, at the 2011 elections, he polled a paltry 34, 000 votes against the winner, President Goodluck Jonathan’s 22 million votes, which made him to call for the cancellation of the entire exercise on allegations of procedural irregularities. Yet, he claimed that he had been asked to contest by God. As preparations for the 2019 general election begin, Okotie has returned, saying God has asked him to contest for the fourth time! Says God has asked him to tell the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to adopt him as consensus presidential candidate in 2019. Okotie said this at his church on Sunday, while declaring interest to contest the presidential election. “Nigeria has become a divided and segregated society like never before,” he said. “I have re-emerged from my political hibernation to contest for the office of president in the forthcoming elections. “A few days ago, the Lord asked me to write a letter to the chairman of the APC and the chairman of PDP, asking them not to field any presidential candidate and that they should adopt me as their consensus candidate.