by Ifreke Inyang

 Who said what last week!

“Lawmakers failed to ask the CBN governor very probing questions about the workability of the Islamic bank, the plot to Islamise the country which has already begun by re-introduction of Arabic symbols in the nation’s currency notes, and why Lamido Sanusi is using state funds to promote Islamic banking.” – Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, National President, Christian Association of Nigeria, giving his opinion on the controversial issue of Islamic banking.

“Honestly, I don’t like talking about my past, but if truth must be told, I didn’t walk out of my marriage, I practically ran out of it. I truly respected my ex, besides he’s the father of my daughter. Again, for posterity sake, I want to be careful with the words I use in this interview. My failed marriage was far from being normal, it was not a normal union.” – Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda talking about her failed marriage in an interview the actress granted Azuh Amatus of E Express.

“I wrongly stated that Piers Morgan, formerly editor of the Daily Mirror, had been open about personally hacking phones in a book he wrote.” – Excerpts from a letter that Conservative MP, Louise Mensch released to the press as the phone hacking scandal deepens in the UK.

“To the best of my knowledge, there isn’t such a bill before the National Assembly and because it is speculative, it is not something one can respond to. One of the things I have observed in many of our reports about the Presidency is this famous ‘presidency sources’ forever nameless, unknown but very authoritative on the affairs of the State House. I think we don’t need to respond to such things because they are speculative.” – Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati reacting to speculations about an elongated tenure for the President and Governors before the bill was eventually sent to the house.

“I’m done with Europe. My career is over there. I was fortunate enough to win everything at club and international level. So I’m happy here, I won’t go back.” – Legendary Arsenal and Barcelona striker, Thierry Henry, 33, confirming that he is happy to end his career in the US. The Frenchman who is now in his second season with the New York Red Bulls was speaking ahead of the MLS All Stars match against Manchester United in New York last week.

“Nothing is being left to chance. We are working round the clock. Christy Essien-Igbokwe will be buried like a queen. Indeed, her burial will be like that of a Head of State.” – Chief Tony Okoroji speaking at the COSON office in Ikeja. He asked all artistes across the country to prepare themselves to participate in an unprecedented funeral for the Lady of Songs, the first and only female President in the history of PMAN. September 9th.

“I wish to assure you of the readiness of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions to undertake reciprocal treatment. “Where visas are delivered promptly within three to five days, we shall reciprocate and where there is a delay, we shall apply the same measure. I wish however to appeal to you to please help to lessen the burden of such complaints and requests for assistance on my office. Certainly, where unnecessary delays are caused, it would be a negation of the principle of good relations between two countries.” – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, confirming that Nigerian Missions abroad would henceforth undertake reciprocal treatment regarding the issuance of visas. The minister said in maiden meeting with members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Nigeria that Nigeria would longer not tolerate the shabby treatment of its citizens by foreign missions that appeared to have developed a habit of frustrating Nigerians with genuine reasons to travel.

“His appointments are in the best interest of the state. Everybody he has appointed has something special and beneficial to attract to the state. The governor saves about N150million for Imo state per day as he is not going to be earning any salary for four years. All the automobiles in his fleets are his personal vehicles and his family is not being taken care of by tax payers money unlike his predecessors.  It is only ignorant people that are criticizing the governor. Take the SA to the governor on Lagos State (Nkiru Sylvanus) she is a very popular Nollywood actress who will use her brand face to attract business to the state. It doesn’t matter if Okorocha appoints 1,000 aides, his ultimate goal is to move the state forward.” – Governor Rochas speaking to Encomium magazine through his Senior Special Assistant on media, Chinedu Offor about his recent appointments. Governor Okorocha appointed 70 people as Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants.

“There’s a pack. It’s me, Gaga, Katy Perry, Beyoncé…who else? Ke$ha, for sure. Women are definitely dominating music right now, and that’s because we are competitive beings. I feel like music hasn’t been this exciting in a while.” – Pop star Rihanna speaking on females dominating the music scene. She covers the new issue of Glamour Magazine and inside she talks about the pack of females running the music game right now.

“I have never tried cocaine or heroine but I’ve done marijuana before. But I never took it to go on stage. It was just for relaxation purpose. Eventually I knew marijuana wasn’t for me, so I stopped. Because it makes me feel like I am in another world. I stopped using it a couple of years ago. It wasn’t difficult stopping. It was just craziness that introduced me to marijuana. You know how youth energy used to push one into things like that. In those days I used to listen to songs like ‘Rolling down the street smoking’. All those songs can influence, if you want to be influenced. It is not for me to advise musicians not to write or sing about drugs. ” – Tuface Idibia talking about his past in an exclusive interview with Yes! Weekly Magazine. He opened up on a lot of issues, one of which was his smoking habit.

Oluwapelumi