Saturday, March 30, 2013

‘Testing without consent’ scandal hits HIV experts P. 7

Vol. 03 No. 15

z z z z z

PDP in turmoil

Who slaughtered this mother of two P. 49 in her sleep?

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Cameroon expels 1000 Nigerians from Bakassi peninsula P. 8

N150

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Fear grips NWC over imminent sack P. 6

•Why Jonathan favours Anenih over Tukur on reconciliation

INSIDE

Woman

P. 24

Ngozi Braide

‘Every family must have a police officer’

Celebrity

Members of the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba re-enacting the crucification of Jesus in Lagos, yesterday.

Hope rises for Tinubu, Buhari’s APC ...As INEC denies another APC

P. 18

P. 6

Boko Haram: Mass redeployment of corps members hits North P. 7

Marian

Page

Top Stories

Community where rain must not fall

Bayelsa Commissioner’s mother, 68, escapes from kidnappers

Two

P.33

EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA.

T The blind hawker P.34

he kidnapped mother of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Mrs. Comfort Dugo, has escaped from her captors at a bush located between Odi and Sagbama communities in the state.

Deranged woman murders parents in Delta AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

Horror! Father crucifies kids, says they are witches P.35

Eternal triangle: Man sets friend ablaze over girlfriend P.51

From bed to morgue: Who killed mother of two in her sleep?

P.49

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andemonium broke out on Thursday at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South, Delta state when a 32 year old mentally deranged woman simply called Elo, allegedly murdered her own parents in cold blood with a pestle.

Elo, as our correspondent gathered, ran outside naked as a result of her insanity and her father had to drag her inside and lock her up. Shortly after, she struck him with a pestle and killed him. She also attacked her mother with the same pestle and killed her too.

The deceased father, a retired Army Warrant Officer and his wife whose names were given as Mr. and Mrs. Jonah Elili, were 75 and 65 respectively. They are survived by two boys and five girls, including the insane Elo. Our correspondent gathered that the corpses of Elo’s parents were discovered in the early hours of Thursday by a neighbour who came knocking on their door to buy some items from their petty trading shop.

Eye witness accounts revealed that the would-be customer, a woman was so eager to buy some stuffs from the deceased that she had to peep inside the house after knocking severally without response. She raised the alarm on sighting the corpses of both husband and wife lying in pools of blood inside the house.

In an effort to justify her unholy act, the mentally deranged killer, who was arrested and taken to the Oleh Police station stated that her parent hate her, locked her up in a room where they first hit her and in retaliation she hit them one after the other with a pestle, concluding that “I saw blood and that is all I know.”

Saturday Mirror investigations revealed that Elo has a twin sister who is also said to have gone mad and roamed away from the community without trace.

The Divisional Police Officer in Charge of Oleh Division, CSP Lawrence Ogoegbulem, confirmed the story saying a signal has been sent to the appropriate authority and the case will be transferred immediately.

It was learnt that the victim escaped from the bush where she was kept last Wednesday at about 10pm and was promptly rescued by the Divisional Police Officer in Kaiama and a team of security operatives combing the area.

When contacted, the State Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, confirmed the release of Madam Dogu, saying that she has been handed over to her family in the presence of Governor Seriake Dickson.

Omire said the victim was not hurt, as she was hale and hearty; stressing that she had narrated her ordeal with good leads.

He said: “Operatives are on the leads with a view to tracking down the gang.

Further development will be communicated.”

It was not confirmed if any ransom was paid to the kidnappers’ gang before Madam Dugo escaped from their hideout.

Efforts to reach the son of the victim,

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

March 30, 2013

Commissioner James Dugo, proved abortive as calls made to his mobile phone by our correspondent rang out many times without response.

The Commissioner was said to have heaved a sigh of relief following his mother’s freedom in the hands of her captors.

Investigation by Saturday Mirror in Yenagoa revealed that security operatives may soon arrest a number of suspects linked with the abduction of the Commissioner’s mother.

Madam Dugo was abducted last Tuesday night by three gunmen at her residence in Odi in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area and whisked off in a car to an unknown destination.

The state government has slammed a death sentence on anybody convicted of kidnapping in the state. Nobody engaged in kidnapping activity has, however, been arrested or convicted by the state government since the law was enacted.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

3

March 30, 2013

Saturday Starter

Save the babies?

Who will

It is not a major surprise that Nigeria alone accounts for 21 percent of new HIV infections in children. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, in 2011, only 15.89 percent of HIV positive pregnant women received antiretrovirals to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, just as only 2.3 percent of infants born to HIV infected women received antiretrovirals. Who will save our babies?

TOBORE OVUORIE

D

espite the Federal Government’s blueprint to bridge the gap of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV by 2015, higher rates of HIV infection are being recorded in the most vulnerable of our population - babies. Of the 281,180 new HIV infections which occurred towards the end of 2011, 154,920 were in children. According to UNAIDS statistics for 2011, Nigeria alone accounts for 21 percent of new infections in children globally.

Further statistics made available by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) shows that in Nigeria, 10 percent of all HIV infections are as a result of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV. And according to the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Nigeria accounts for 30 percent of global gaps in the prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV. The Federal Government had in 2010 committed to reducing, by at least 50 percent, HIV incidence among 15-49 year old women by 2015 and to ensure that at least 90 percent of all pregnant women have access to quality HIV counselling and testing by 2015.

That year, government also conceived that by 2015, at least 90 percent of all HIV positive women and breast feeding infant-mother pairs would receive antiretroviral therapy, while at least 90 percent of all infants exposed to HIV would have access to early infant diagnosis services. At least another 90 percent of pregnant women requiring antiretroviral therapy for their own

HIV IS A DISEASE OF UNMARRIED WOMEN. NO DOCTOR HAS EVER TOLD ME THAT A MARRIED WOMAN CAN HAVE

HIV. I CAN ONLY

BELIEVE THAT IF A DOCTOR TELLS ME SO.

AND SO FAR,

NO DOCTOR HAS EVER TOLD ME ANYTHING LIKE THAT –RUKAYAT ABDULMALIK,

MOTHER OF FOUR

health would also receive life-long ART. But it is now two years to the expiration of the deadline and Nigeria is still far from achieving the set goals.

Rather, higher rates of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV are being recorded. Indeed, the rates are higher than ever. The coverage of people in need of therapy to prevent mother-to-child-transmission of HIV also remains abysmally low.

Prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is an intervention that aims at reducing to less than two percent the risk of MTCT through the use of antiretrovirals as either prophylaxis or therapy given to women in pregnancy, labour and during breastfeed-

ing. In situations where a mother is not receiving ARVs during the breastfeeding period, the breastfed infant is placed on ARV prophylaxis until one week after cessation of all breastfeeding. Where breastfeeding is not possible, however, the use of commercial infant formula is usually advised as alternative.

For instance out of 210,000 HIV positive women, only 22percent are covered by antiretroviral therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in comparison to the corresponding rate of 32percent, while there are currently only about 1,216 prevention of mother-tochild-transmission of HIV service points all over the country.

Even records from the Federal Ministry Of Health show that in 2011, only 15.89 percent of HIV positive pregnant women received antiretrovirals to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, just as only 2.3percent of infants born to HIV infected women received antiretrovirals.

These figures represent only those women who reported at hospitals for HIV testing and did not disappear after learning their HIV status. Local and international records show that the situation could actually be worse because many women still don’t know their status because they do not present themselves for HIV testing. Many private hospitals, health centres, as well as Traditional Birth Attendants are also yet to include HIV counselling and teaching in their antenatal and delivery sessions.

Saturday Mirror’s visits to some health centres and Traditional Birth Homes in Lagos, Oyo and Osun CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Saturday Starter ‘Once they hear HIV, that’s the last time we see them’ CONTINUED FROM 3

states, however, revealed a worse situation than records actually indicate.

At the Sura Primary Health Centre, Lagos Island, both pregnant women and nursing mothers had little or no knowledge of HIV and how it can be transmitted from mother to child.

Mrs. Rukayat Abdulmalik, a mother of four, who is presently breastfeeding her fourth baby, a robust three-month-old, defines HIV as: “a sexually transmitted disease which occurs mostly among unmarried people.” She has never been tested for HIV and has no idea what her HIV status is. In fact, she believes she does not need to be tested for HIV. She says, “I have never been tested for HIV and I have never received any lecture or counselling on HIV during antenatal sessions ever since I started giving birth.

They don’t do that in health centres, perhaps, bigger hospitals may be doing that but I’ve never seen or heard of such ever since I’ve been giving birth and this is the fourth health centre I am using.”

When further probed if she knew that a breastfeeding mother could infect her baby with the virus, she argued with utmost conviction that, “It is not possible.

HIV is a disease of unmarried women.

No doctor has ever told me that a married woman can have HIV. I can only believe that if a doctor tells me so. And so far, no doctor has ever told me anything like that.”

Unfortunately, Abdumalik is not alone in this belief. Another mother, Mrs. Ronke Ajenifuja, who is presently going through ante-natal care at a traditional birth home in Agbowo, Ibadan, in Oyo State does not see any link between being pregnant and knowing her HIV status. “That’s for unmarried women. It’s only unmarried ladies that should be worried about HIV,” she said disdainfully.

Like Abdulmalik, she has never been counselled on HIV before delivery, has never done the HIV test, doesn’t believe a breastfeeding mother can infect her child, yet has breast fed one baby, and is expecting another!

But Dr. Akeredolu, the most senior medical officer at Sura Primary Health Centre, in Lagos does not believe that most expectant mothers are not tested for HIV. He says, “Most of the patients who come to the centre are illiterate and don’t know what they are talking about.

We have baseline guidelines just as we do with other tests. We do carry out HIV tests and tell them their results and anyone who is positive, is advised to call her husband to be tested as well.

“We do tell them the tests we intend carrying out after counselling them and even refer them to Island Maternity hospital.

Most of them are illiterates and patronise traditional birth attendants. Besides, some of them are very bad clients who don’t listen to the instructions of health workers. When we tell them to do certain tests, they don’t, only for them to return when their case is critical. Even the wife of a member of staff was guilty of this recently. When she had complications at

birth, we had to take her to Island maternity where she finally gave birth.”

Independent investigations by Saturday Mirror, however, reveal expectant mothers do not present themselves for HIV screening. Indeed, healthcare professionals may not be doing enough to enlighten pregnant women on the benefits of finding out their HIV status so that they can be in a better position to protect their unborn babies if they are HIV positive. Worse still, some doctors actually test pregnant women for HIV without their knowledge and consent!

A doctor who was willing to speak on the issue of HIV testing without consent was adamant that neither his name nor the name of his health centre should be mentioned for fear of being sanctioned by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

He said, “I used to counsel the women before but discovered that once they hear HIV test, that’s the last time I would see them. They go elsewhere, most of the time to traditional birth attendants, to deliver their babies since HIV tests are not carried out there.

“Even those who eventually go through the tests, the story changes once I tell them they are positive. For instance, getting their husbands to come for tests becomes a serious problem. Once they reveal their HIV status to their husbands, peace immediately eludes their homes. I have had patients who were thoroughly beaten by their husbands and you know such bad news spreads easily in our society. The women started avoiding coming to the health centre; they started going to TBAs. “When I stopped pre-test counselling, they started coming to the centre again.

I have been testing them without their knowledge. For those who turn out to be positive, I device means of sending them to Island Maternity for re-test. Over there, the news about their status is broken to them. Sadly, not all of them go to Island Maternity when I refer them there. They would usually go elsewhere, especially to TBAs, because they believe referral means there’s a big problem that they are not being told about,” he disclosed.

Saturday Mirror spoke with several other doctors in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Rivers and Benue states who are in the habit of testing pregnant women for HIV without their consent. In all cases, they pled anonymity and gave reasons similar to what the last quoted doctor gave.

Traditional Birth Attendants on the other hand do not know and understand the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and prevention of mother-to-child-transmission. Most of these TBAs are women who lack requisite training and qualifications for prenatal, delivery and neonatal care. Worse still, they attend to pregnant women without identifying their HIV statuses, thereby exposing themselves, the pregnant women and their unborn babies to HIV infection.

The role of TBAs in maternal and child healthcare can hardly be ignored especially in rural and economically backward communities where their services are given pride of place because they are affordable and easily accessible. But in a situation where they are ignoring HIV awareness and care, which means they are not in a position to render PMTCT services, leaves much to be desired.

Saturday Mirror’s investigations in Lagos, Oyo, and Benue states between October 2012 and February 2013 revealed that only one TBA out of the 15 that were visited (five in each state) carries out HIV tests. This particular TBA works in conjunction with the Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos. When the other 14 TBAs were questioned about HIV and MTCT, they got very unfriendly and aggressive.

In these places, expectant and breastfeeding mothers did not know their HIV status, were not counselled about the virus during antenatal care, did not know if they were HIV positive, or indeed that if they were positive, they could transmit the virus to their babies while breastfeeding. Even when they were educated on the perils of bringing babies into the world without knowing what they could transmit to these babies, their general belief was that if their babies are more than three months old and still alive, it means they are HIV negative.

Experts have fingered religion and

culture as major factors in the nation’s soaring rates of MTCT. Saturday Mirror monitored 30 pregnant women between October 2012 and February 2013 in Benue, Oyo and Ogun states. All refused to be named in a HIV story. Two refused to be tested for HIV on religious grounds, claiming that they were certain they couldn’t be living with it because they were pious women. Twentyeight agreed to be tested. Twenty-three of the 28 that were tested refused to disclose the results to our reporter. Five disclosed their results, all were positive.

One of them took over two months to get her husband to present himself for voluntary testing. He tested positive. The other HIV-positive woman got the beating of her life when she disclosed her HIV status to her husband. She eventually lost her pregnancy as a result of complications arising from the beating she got.

She had to relocate to her parents’ home in Guma Local Government Area of Benue state. Her husband and in-laws have not come to see her parents to find out why she returned to them. Her husband continues to roam the streets of Benue State untested.

The other three women who tested positive have refused to disclose their status to their husbands. One of them said, “It is better to learn from other people’s experience. Or do you want me to be beaten and sent packing like my friend?”

Adhering to antiretroviral treatment has not been easy for the women who kept their status to themselves as their husbands keep asking what manner of drugs they take round the clock. For fear of being caught, these women changed the containers of their anti-retrovirals!

One of the HIV-positive women has since given birth. With a CD4 cell count, which is anything but impressive and with which she is not supposed to breastfeed, she started breastfeeding recently because her sisters-in-law made life unbearable for her. They didn’t understand why she was not breastfeeding.

To escape their scrutiny and suspicion, she started breastfeeding her HIV negative baby! At the moment, her baby is yet to be retested to know if he is still HIV negative.

According to UNICEF Nigeria’s HIV/ AIDS specialist, Dr. Abiola Davies, “The care of and support for HIV infected women, their children and family members is a very important aspect of PMTCT that must be scaled to a level that could cover all parts of the country with concentrations on areas of high HIV burden”.

This intervention, says Dr Emmanuel Enabulele, general surgeon and member of the National Task Team on PMTCT, must be strategic, “Advocacy to state governors, improved collaboration with international partners for well coordinated technical and financial support, target expansion of PMTCT services including training of health workers and improvement on the monitoring and evaluation systems should be top priority.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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March 30, 2013

Saturday Starter

Experts on HIV testing without consent ‘It’s not inappropriate if routinely done’ Dr. Emmanuel Enabulele, a general surgeon, was a member of the recent National Task Team on Preventing-Mother-To-ChildTransmission (PMTCT).

S

ome doctors have been carrying out HIV tests without the consent and knowledge of pregnant women. How appropriate is that?

Doherty

‘It’s unethical’ Mrs. Funmi Doherty is the National President, Society for Women and AIDS in Africa, Nigeria- SWAAN, and also head of Medical Social Service Department at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

S

ome doctors have been carrying out HIV tests without the consent and knowledge of pregnant women. How appropriate is that?

When pregnant women go for their antenatal, what is expected is that sometimes, because of the large number of women attending at the same time, they could give them group counseling or information session. It is during this period that they will tell them about HIV, the modes of transmission, which will include mother-to-child- transmission, and the women will be aware. From there, they can now give their consent if they want to know their HIV status. You could call that pretest counselling, but it could be with more than ten women at the same time, or a large group of people at the same time because the resources are not there and the time too for one-on-one counselling at that point.

But after doing the test and they want to give them their result, that is when they are to be given one-on-one counseling.

Ideally, you just don’t take a pregnant woman’s blood without letting her know what you are testing. It’s important to let them know what you want to test for, so that when the results comes out and they are positive, they can accept because they already know that they are being tested for this type of condition. I don’t think it’s appropriate or ethical to test them without giving them information on HIV/AIDS. And even when the result is out and they are not told, it’s wrong; very, very, wrong.

Why should the baby come out and become very sickly before the age of five because the mother did not do the right thing while she had the knowledge?

Where would her conscience be and you as the physician, what would happen to your conscience? The unborn baby cannot make any decision. Even after birth, the baby must get to a particular age before he can start taking his own decisions. The baby is dependent on the mother and the physician and care giv-

ers. So, if routinely done, it’s not inappropriate. That is in routine antenatal screening. If you’re not pregnant and you come to me for check up, I cannot just do HIV test; there’s no reason for it. But for routine antenatal, it becomes mandatory, at least for the doctor to have an idea about his type of patient. I don’t consider it inappropriate, because if genotype test, rhesus test, malaria parasite test are not inappropriate, why should routine, not standard HIV screening, be considered inappropriate? If you do a routine PCV test on a pregnant woman and her PCV is 10 percent, are you not compelled to tell her, ‘Madam your blood level is very low. There is the need to undergo a

Enabulele

transfusion or to have iron build-up nutrition?’ Why shouldn’t same be done in the case of HIV? We are doing those tests because we want to prevent mother-to-child-transmission. We want to know if the pregnant woman is positive and if so, note the viral load, and know if she should be placed on antiretroviral drugs.

‘It’s an anomaly’ Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, a consultant pediatrician is the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Outreach Children’s Home, Festac, Lagos.

W

e have found that many doctors are testing pregnant women for HIV without obtaining their consent. What do you think of HIV testing without consent?

It means that there isn’t adequate counseling and these are issues you can bring up even as a journalist. There’s something called investiga-

tive journalism and you can complete the cycle by alerting the commissioner of health about this anomaly. Now that you’ve discovered such a thing, you just write a formal letter to the commissioner of health and state it. They will send a team to investigate and from your little intervention, you can change and save the lives of so many mothers and humans.

Dosekun

‘HIV testing without consent is serious malpractice’ Prof. Temiye Edmaisan, former Chairman, Nigeria Medical association, Lagos Chapter.

Edmaisan

M

any doctors carry out HIV tests as part of routine prenatal care, but without the knowledge of the women. How appropriate is this?

That is lack of adequate knowledge and education on the part of health care providers. Nigeria is one of the countries contributing the largest population of HIV infected children in the world today. Nigeria will continue to contribute a massive number to that population because of so many factors. I know hospitals where they tell the mother ahead that they’ll like to carry out HIV test and if she’s positive, they refer her to where she can get proper care so that the baby is not infected. Preventive care is available in the country and reduces

the chances to 1% of a mother transmitting the virus to her baby.

It’s wrong for any doctor to do HIV test without informing the patient. It’s wrong for you to get the result of an HIV test and refuse to disclose to the patient and behave as if nothing is wrong. It’s wrong. When couples are counselled appropriately before, during and after an HIV test, you save the marriage. Our experience here in LUTH is that about 95% of the marriages have been saved. What is missing is appropriate counselling of those involved. HIV test is counselling and testing. Most people still believe that contracting HIV is a death sentence, which is not so. But when the people realise that there’s care and treatment for HIV and that they can save their children, they would not shy away. When some people living with the virus are asked what they intend doing, they’re blank. The funny thing is that if the husband is tested also, they’ll discover that it’s the husband who infected the woman. If we leave them alone and the man later dies, the woman may be called

a witch and accused of killing her husband, meanwhile he died of HIV/AIDS related complications. Nobody should carry out the test without the knowledge of the pregnant woman and without counselling. The treatment for preventing MTCT is available. Again, if you’re not sure, you refer to where they can be examined or re-examined. For you to carry out a test without her knowledge and worse still, keep it to yourself, is serious malpractice.

So, what should be done to such doctors?

Well, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) should rise to the occasion. The government should rise to the occasion. All doctors taking care of pregnant women in this country should be properly trained and educated and more centres where preventive care would be offered to pregnant women should be established. When we do that, we reduce the rate of transmission, and we’ll reduce the burden that the pediatricians carry in this country.

6

NATIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hope rises for Tinubu, Buhari’s APC

•Atiku tasks leaders on merger success TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE AND OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

T L-R: Chaplain, Aso Villa Chapel, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba; Deacon Samuel Idowu and President Goodluck Jonathan during Good Friday service PHOTO: NAN at the Aso Villa Chapel, Abuja, yesterday.

Fear grips PDP NWC over imminent sack

•Why Jonathan favours Anenih over Tukur on reconciliation OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

T

here is palpable fear within the Wadata House headquarters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a major shakeup in the National Working Committee (NWC) is imminent.

A competent and reliable source told Saturday Mirror that from all indication, President Goodluck Jonathan may have done with working with the present NWC because of its failure to achieve internal truce amongst its rank and file.

According to another source, the states tour which National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, is hoping to embark on early in April may have been put on hold as the President may have sanctioned it in deference to Anenih’s present efforts at achieving the elusive truce.

The source said: “It is clear that the President is no longer working with these present NWC members and may be seeking for the dissolution of the party leadership since they have failed to achieve the internal truce amongst themselves needed to move the party beyond where it is.”

This was even as Tukur’s quest for reconciliation in the ruling PDP has further created more tension within the party, as President Jonathan appeared to have withheld every support from the Tukur-led leadership of the party.

Meanwhile, efforts by Alhaji Tukur to restore

leadership to the party have continued to yield negative results owing to the refusal of the governors elected on the PDP platform to accept the chairman’s style of leadership, which they claimed, is authoritarian.

Tukur had penultimate week embarked on a reconciliatory tour of the six geopolitical zones, but was met with snubs by the governors and most of the political appointees to the chagrin of the party leadership.

But earlier in the week, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP, headed by Chief Tony Anenih had commenced a nationwide tour of all the 36 states, starting from most of the troubled states in the North. Report has it that the tour has been fruitful

and yielding positive results. flights and some of us had Saturday Mirror checks to return to Abuja by road, reveal that the Anenih but the president donated reconciliation tour is be- a presidential jet for Aning funded by the presi- enih and his team.

“Most of the governors dency with a presidential jet at his disposal, a privi- gave all sorts of reasons lege which the Tukur-led why they could not make NWC, which embarked on it to the meetings but we similar trip earlier did not have also discovered that get from the president and most of the governors had battled all along to were in Abuja on the day of our grand finale, yet meet basic necessities.

A member of the NWC only two governors out of who was part of the zonal 23 made it to the lunch.

“We believe that Presitour lamented the difficulties encountered while the dent Jonathan could have tour lasted. He wondered done more to ensure the sucwhy the presidency could cess of the reconciliation not show as much interest agenda of the chairman. If as he is showing to the An- you notice, most of the ministers and top political apenih team to the NWC. According to him, “We pointees also shunned the travelled with rented meeting and my thinking aircraft and we almost is that since the President crashed in one of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Aero resumes operations amidst controversies OLUSEGUN KOIKI

T

he grounded Aero Contractors Airlines yesterday resumed flight operations amidst confusion from the country’s leading unions in the aviation sector.

Saturday Mirror was at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, the operational terminal of the airline and observed that the airline was already selling tickets for flights to Abuja, Uyo and Port Harcourt.

As usual, passengers were seen in a long queues at the airline’s counters trying to purchase tickets to the three destinations mentioned above.

But the Nigerian Civil

Aviation Authority (NCAA) said what was granted the airline was a permission to recommence skeletal flight operations to Uyo, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The return of the airline however brought smiles to the faces of intending passengers who had hitherto found it difficult to get seats to their destinations with the remaining airlines as a result of inadequate capacities.

But its abrupt return to flight services was greeted with confusion by the two leading unions in the sector; the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).

While the Acting Secre-

tary General of NUATE, Comrade Abdulkareem Motajo, said it was morally wrong for the airline to resume operations less than few hours after its meeting with the Senate in Abuja on Thursday night, the National President, ATSSSAN, Comrade Benjamin Okewu, said the resumption of flight operations by the airline was in order.

Also, the acting Director-General, NCAA, Mr. Joyce Nkemakolam said that it granted the airline permission to resume skeletal and not full services.

Nkemakolam speaking on phone with Saturday Mirror said that the agency would only give Aero the full status when it completes its auditing process with the agency.

here seems to be hope of registration for the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the African Peoples Congress (APC), which had earlier applied to the electoral body for registration as a political party.

Indications emerged last night that another group, the All Patriotic Citizens APC which is speculated to have also applied to INEC for registration does not exist.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), have been in merger talks to form the All Progressives Congress until the African Peoples Congress immediately applied to INEC for registration and thus laid claim to the ownership of the acronym, APC. Although, the All Progressives Congress may have applied to INEC only last week, it was learnt that the merging parties have to ratify all the instruments of the merger at a “proper national convention”, a vital condition set before it by the electoral body.

INEC had last week in a letter dated March 21, and addressed to the protem National Chairman of the African Peoples Congress, Chief Onyinye Ikeagwuonu, dismissed the group’s application.

The letter, which was titled ‘Re-Application for Registration as a Political Party,’ said that the group fell short of the provisions of the constitution.

The letter, signed by INEC’s secretary, Abdullahi Kaugama, reads in part: “Your application for registration as a political party dated 28th February, 2013 refers.

“The Commission has observed that your association is in breach of Section 222(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which stipulates as follows: ‘No Association by whatever name called shall function as a political party unless: (a) The names and addresses of its national officers are registered with the Independent National

Electoral Commission.’

“A close observation of your submitted Form PA1 established that it does not contain the addresses of your national officers as stipulated in the above provision.

“Consequently, the Commission shall not register the proposed African Peoples Congress as a political party.”

An INEC source yesterday told Saturday Mirror that he was not aware of any group known as the All Patriotic Citizens (APC), saying that only the All Progressives Congress and the African Peoples Congress have interfaced with the commission in recent times.

“I do not know of the All Patriotic Citizens you talked about, but the other APCs have had dealings with us recently”, said the source who did not want to be named.

According to him, the implication is that if the All Progressives Congress meets with the requirements of the law, there is nothing stopping the commission from registering it.

Although, INECs Director of Publicity, Emmanuel Umengyer, did not immediately respond to telephone calls, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu who did not also want to speak on the issue, merely confirmed that the African Peoples Congress was denied registration as it fell short of the requirements for registration as a political party in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, former Vice President and Turaki n Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said that a strong and viable opposition party is critical for the deepening and survival of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said this in a congratulatory letter to the ACN national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

Atiku in the letter personally signed by him and made available to Saturday Mirror, lauded the effort of the opposition parties to form a merger as an important step in the right direction.

His words: “As you know, I have been a strong advocate of a two-party system for Nigeria. The merger of a number of opposition parties, which gave rise to the All Progressives Congress, is therefore, an important step in the right direction.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

7

Health personnel conduct HIV test without consent

•Many women still can’t differentiate various medical tests - MDCN TOBORE OVUORIE

I

nvestigations carried out by Saturday Mirror from October 2012 till date have shown that several women and nursing mothers have been tested for the dreaded HIV scourge, without their being wiser to it.

This was as it was also discovered that many of these segment of the society do not know their HIV status, as they claimed that they had never received any counseling to such effect during their ante and post natal sessions.

Meanwhile, stakeholders and experts in the medical profession have kicked against this on-going trend in which medical doctors

test pregnant women for HIV without their knowledge, saying that it is ethically wrong and must be stopped with immediate effect.

In the course of the investigations, the doctors, however, confessed to carrying out the tests without their knowledge on the grounds that pregnant women these days run away from hospitals once told they would be tested for HIV. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Saturday Mirror, Dr. Francis Faduyile, chairman, Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) out rightly rebuked the affected doctors.

His words: “It is not appropriate and I repeat that it is extremely wrong and against the medical ethics.

I know you wouldn’t want to reveal their identities but I state again that what they did or are doing- if they are still doing it after you found them out- is extremely wrong.”

Kikelomo Taiwo, an international youth advocate volunteer for International Youth Speak Out and HIV/AIDS Anti Stigma Bill Campaign Project in New York also condemned the actions of the doctors adding that “a lot of these women lack knowledge and information and they run away out of fear of self stigma and other forms of stigmatisation. That said, it is totally inappropriate for anyone to be tested for HIV without their consent.

“However, we also need to be mindful of the fact

that the world has a target of reaching zero new infection, which is for the benefit of everyone. Nonetheless, it is also important that health providers respect the choices of these women.” Dr. Babajide Coker, former National Coordinator, Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, however added that: “Ethically, it is very wrong. They should let them know that they want to do those tests on them, so they have the right to say that they want to do it or they don’t want to do it. That is what they call the counseling aspect before they test them.”

Head Medical Education, Nigerian Medical and Dental Council, (MDCN), Dr. Nnaemeka Nwakanma

L-R: Senators Alkali Jajare, Bukar Ibrahim, Chris Ngige, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oluremi Tinubu, ‘Gbenga Ashafa and Kabiru Gaya, during the 5th annual Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium at Muson Centre, Lagos, recently.

Boko Haram: Mass redeployment of corps members hits North •700 seek redeployment in Kaduna

•No corps member posted to Borno in two years A ZA MSUE AND INUSA NDAHI

KANO AND MAIDUGURI

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ollowing the continued insurgency of the Boko Haram Islamic sect in the North, over 700 Batch A NYSC participants out of about 2,500 posted to Kaduna State have applied for redeployment.

This was just as the state coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Victoria Ango, said that any corps member who intends to relocate to any other state apart from his or her state of origin with genuine security reasons is free to go.

Mrs Ango said: “The NYSC is ready to release

corps members who may wish to relocate to any state of their choice other than their state of origin for various reasons” Saturday Mirror gathered that more would apply for deployment; especially those posted to crises prone local council areas.

Some of the corps members who spoke with Saturday Mirror on condition

of anonymity complained about their safety, saying that apart from the Boko Haram insurgency, the recurrent religious violence in the state was also part of reasons informing their decision to leave Kaduna.

One of them said: “How can I worship in Kaduna, if you go to church Boko Haram may attack you at any time, how can you escape especially

some of us are strangers in this place . I have already applied for my deployment and many too did it.”

Meanwhile, in the past two years, no corps member has been posted to Borno State for the compulsory one year national service, due to the Boko Haram bombing and gun attack activities, thus making the state the only one without the service of the youth corpers.

while speaking with North America correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the African Union secretariat in New York, where the AU High Level implementation Panel (AUHIP) on Sudan and South Sudan

briefed envoys within the continent on the progress made by the panel.

He said: “Anything that can bring peace in the country to the people needs to be studied and to see the merit and demerit of such an action.”

...As Abdulsalami backs amnesty

N

igeria’s former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Thursday joined other Nigerians to demand for amnesty for members of the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram.

Abubakar said this

shared a different view.

While also condemning the actions of the doctors, he however added that: “It also depends on the intentions of the doctors; were their intentions for good or did they have ulterior motives?

If for good, that means they pursued the right thing the wrong way, but if the other

way round, then it is out rightly wrong.”

Presently, no less than an estimated 3.6 million Nigerians are HIV positive, majority of which are women and children.

Latest scorecard reveals that Nigeria is home to one out of every 11 people with HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Chris Aire wins in Red Gold trademark case

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he United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit in Pasadena, California has reversed a lower court’s dismissal of a suit by Solid 21 Incorporation, which sells the work of designer Chris Aire, accusing Breitling USA Incorporation of infringing on Aire’s Red Gold® trademark.

The case, filed by Solid 21 Incorporation, on behalf of Chris Aire Fine Jewelry and Timepieces, is one of the 15 cases Aire had filed in January 2011 to protect the company’s Red Gold® mark. In the lawsuits, Aire accused Breitling, Swatch, Bulgari, LVMH, Moet, Hennessy, Louis Vuitton and several other watch brands of using the Red Gold® mark despite the fact that his company has held a trademark regis-

tration certificate for the brand since 2003.

The Patent and Trademark office had also deemed the trademark incontestable as far back as 2007. Since obtaining his trademark, Aire has expended millions of dollars to brand the mark and create demand for it in the marketplace via tastemakers and other celebrities.

In ruling for Chris Aire, the Ninth Circuit Appeal Court held that the U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fess of the United States District Court, Los Angeles, had erred in ruling that the Red Gold® mark was generic and not protectable.

“Solid 21’s federal registration of its trademark constitutes prima facie evidence of the mark’s validity,” the Ninth Circuit appellate court ruled.

Fear grips PDP NWC over imminent sack CONTINUED FROM 6 has not openly condemned it, it goes to show that their absence may have a tacit endorsement of the presidency. Even the President who was in Abuja on that was neither present nor represented on that lunch.”

Alhaji Tukur in an interview with Saturday Mirror said that the reconciliatory tour was a huge success even as he absolved the governors for their absence.

Speaking on his findings during his just concluded tours of the six geo-political zones of the country as part of efforts to reconcile the aggrieved members of the party, Alhaji Tukur assured that as a responsible ruling party, the NWC would looking into all the collated views, review them and passed its recommendations

to the appropriate quarters for prompt action so that Nigerians would continue to have absolute confidence in the party in future elections.

Alhaji Tukur equally dismissed the growing speculations making the rounds that there was a rift between him and the governors elected on the platform of the PDP, saying: “There is no rift between me and our governors, the governors are the commanders of our party in their respective states, working along with the chairmen for the progress of the party, there is no competition between me and them, our common goal is to win the next general elections.”

He applauded the successes recorded by the recent tour of the zones by the leadership of the party ahead of the 2015 elections.

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NATIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

Easter: Unite to confront insecurity, Tambuwal, others tell Nigerians TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

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s Christians all over the world this year’s celebrate Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have implored Nigerians, especially Christians to be guided by the spirit of love, harmony and peaceful co-existence as espoused by Jesus Christ Himself while on earth.

In separate Easter messages made available to Saturday Mirror, Tambuwal , Suswam and the PDP urged all Nigerians to unite in confronting security threats and other development challenges facing the nation.

Tambuwal, in a state-

ment issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, called for mutual respect among adherents of various faiths, saying that this was the only guarantee for peaceful co-existence among different religion adherents in the country.

Urging the people to rededicate themselves to the service of God, the nation and humanity, Tambuwal said: “I implore Nigerians to use the Easter period to renew their faith in God and strengthen the bond of friendship and brotherhood that has held the country united since the amalgamation in 1914.”

Governor Suswam in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, noted that since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought salvation to the human race, it is incumbent on humanity to

reciprocate the gesture by dedicating their lives to the service of God Almighty.

He urged Christians not to allow the joy of Christ’s resurrection to overshadow the sacrifice of His death which preceded it and, therefore called on the people to be prepared to make sacrifices in the interest of nation building, particularly at a time the country is facing enormous security challenges occasioned by the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Also, the leadership of the PDP in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, charged Nigerians to base all their actions on truth as underscored by the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The PDP, while congratulating Christians for the Easter celebration urged them to promote the ideals of love, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence and called for con-

tinuous prayers for peace, not only in the country but also in the entire world.

In insisting that truth must be the watchword of all Nigerians, the party said its prevailing ability as underscored by Easter, is summed up in the words of Clarence Hall that: “If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise.”

The PDP also urged Nigerians to love one another and to exhibit the time honored quality of being their brothers’ keepers, while also charging those in authority to emulate the humility and selflessness of Jesus Christ and see their positions as call to service and not for selfish gains, quoting Pope Francis who said: “....whoever is the most high up must be at the service of others”.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cameroon expels 1000 Nigerians from Bakassi peninsula RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

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bout a 1000 Nigerians who were still living in the Bakassi peninsula and its adjoining settlements have been ejected by the Cameroonian authorities.

Eye witness report revealed that five people were killed during the ejection process by the Cameroonian authorities; while several others sustained various degrees of injury, as the people are now completely disengage from their major source of livelihood.

According to the spokesman for the displaced people, Chief Asuquo Etim Asuquo, who brief newsmen yesterday, the incident occurred on March 7, when the Cameroonian authorities stormed Efut Obot Ikot, one of the settlements they inhabit, accusing them of being involved in militancy.

Chief Asuquo alleged that several people were arrested and whisked away by the Cameroonian authorities adding that it is uncertain if they are still alive.

His words: “On March 7, Cameroon soldiers in-

vaded our settlement, Efut Obot Ikot, many of us were away on fishing while others had gone to farm. Those who were at home were brutally manhandled, with many arrested and many killed.”

He called on the Nigerian authority to work out the modalities for the safety of the people in the area, saying that despite what has happened, they were still ready to go back to the settlements.

In a swift response to the incident, the chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to the displaced people.

Bassey said that the local government was worried because it shares common boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, noting that such cases and other security challenges were capable of bringing fear in the area.

He added that the action of the Cameroonian authorities was a violation of the Green Tree agreement which guarantees sovereignty for Nigerians wishing to remain in the peninsula and their rights to the sources of their livelihood.

2012 flood disaster won’t recur this year – NEMA TOBORE OVUORIE

Flag Officer Commanding , Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas (centre) with the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major-General Obi Umahi (second right) and other officers of the two commands during the GOC’s visit to Western Naval Command, recently.

No going back on APGA convention, Okwu insists OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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he interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Maxi Okwu, has insisted that the party will go on with its proposed National Convention scheduled for April 8, in Enugu, arguing that no mortal force will hinder the exercise except court order.

Briefing journalists yesterday, Okwu explained that as at the moment, no court order has been issued adding that at the convention, a new National Executive Council

for the party will be elected.

He advised those opposed to the convention to retrace their steps and join the new movement in the party, insisting that no amount of subterfuge can stop the current movement to emancipate APGA. Okwu further argued that the convention is in line with the court judgment, recalling that on the date that INEC wrote a letter to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, withdrawing their support for the proposed convention, there was a final court judgment by a court of competent jurisdic-

tion on February 8.

He said the court judgment declared the position of APGA National Chairman vacant, explaining that the convention of the party of February 10, 2011 was unconstitutional, null and void, adding that in strict law, no national officer of the party was validly elected at the convention.

It would be recalled that INEC had written a letter to Governor Obi, who is a stakeholder in the conflict, telling him that he has no INEC or legal backing to convene such convention, hence the powers to do so is

solely vested on the chairman of the party.

Okwu explained that the NEC of the party, of which the elected governors of the party are ex-officio members, met in Abuja and enthroned an interim leadership, since the court ruling has nullified the convention that brought in the Victor Umeh-led NEC. While pointing out that this is part of the efforts to resolve the crisis in the party, Okwu argued that since the governors are not elected by the party’s convention, the court ruling has no bearing on them.

T

he disaster experience as a result of the flooding in most parts of the country last year would not be witnessed this year.

This was the prediction of the South West zonal coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Iyiola Akande, while answering questions posed to him by Saturday Mirror, during an interactive workshop organized by NEMA for newsmen with the theme: “Roles of media in emergencies.”

Akande disclosed that the disaster which occurred last year emanated from Cameroon which was worsened by Nigeria’s location by the Atlantic ocean, saying: “Cameroon didn’t give adequate information to close by nations

such as Nigeria when it was going to release its overfilled dam. “Unfortunately, as a result of Nigeria’s location - very close to the Atlantic Ocean, we were taken unawares while the River Benue and Niger respectively were massively affected.”

He added: “I can tell you that the 2012 flood disaster won’t recur this year because there are already collaborative efforts locally and internationally to see to its recurrence not becoming a reality. However, Cameroon has also agreed not to release its dam like it did last year.

That is what actually affected states along the axis of the rivers Benue and Niger respectively.”

Recounting historical facts, Akande stated that last year’s flood is not a regular occurrence as its kind rarely occurs.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

March 30 , 2013

9

OLUWOLE AWOLOWO 1942 - 2013

sympathises Fayemi, Akande visit Ikenne, Akpabio with Nigerian Tribune condole with HID, siblings A

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he Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the national Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, yesterday, paid a condolence visit to the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief HID Awolowo on the passing on of her son and publisher of Nigerian Tribune, Evangelist Oluwole Awolowo.

In a statement made issued by Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secre-

tary to Governor Fayemi, the governor described the death of Chief Awolowo as a “great loss.”

Also speaking at the Awolowo residence, Chief Akande, who lamented the death of the late scion of the Awolowo family, prayed that God would grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Ekiti governor was accompanied to the Ikenne, Ogun State country home of the Awolowos, by Senator Babafemi Ojudu

(Ekiti Central); Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Chief Ronke Okusanya and his Special Adviser on MDG, Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami.

Fayemi who had a private audience with Chief HID Awolowo before presenting her a condolence letter also met with the two siblings of the deceased, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu and Rev (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, as well as children of the late publisher. He said the

deceased was an embodiment of humility, courage and service to humanity, adding that he was never overwhelmed by the pressure of difficult times.

Governor Fayemi said the late Chief Awolowo emulated his father and late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in seeking the progress and betterment of the society. And urged the children of the deceased to take heart and build on the legacy of their father.

kwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio has described the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, publisher of the Nigerian Tribune titles as a great loss to the nation.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media, Deacon Jackson Udom, Akpabio maintained that under the watch of the late Awolowo, the Nigerian Tribune, one of Nigeria’s most enduring newspapers, gained greater national relevance and became a veritable

tool of unity and paragon of quality journalism.

He said the legacies of the deceased publisher would outlive him and his place would be cemented in the history of our nation as a man who did all the good he could and paid his dues to build a great nation.

He added that he was “extending to the family of the deceased and the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune, the heartfelt condolences of the government and good people of Akwa Ibom State.”

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has extended its deep condolences to the Awolowo family, especially to its matriarch, over the death of the family’s scion, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

ACN in a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that it received the news of Chief Awolowo’s death with great shock and much sadness, and prayed that God will grant him eternal rest and comfort those he left behind.

The party hailed the late Chief Awolowo’s contribution to deepening the freedom of speech, a key

ingredient of democracy, through his great efforts in sustaining one of the country’s oldest surviving newspapers, Nigerian Tribune.

“Sustaining the rich legacy of the Tribune, which was founded by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is a remarkable achievement, especially at a time that the newspaper publishing industry is facing great challenges, including from the so-called New Media.

“It is therefore to Chief Oluwole Awolowo’s credit, as the publisher of the irrepressible Nigerian Tribune for many years, that he ensured the paper has continued to wax stronger and stronger,” ACN said.

It prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Speaking through its Executive Chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran, CACOL decried the apathetic attitude of past and present governments to the droves of death occurring on our roads daily.

Adeniran said: “It is unfortunate that the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and many other major roads across the country are still in state of disrepair up till now despite the government budgeting billions of naira yearly for their repairs. Late Chief Awolowo lived up to seven years after the accident because he was able to afford medical

treatment abroad. If not for the fact that he was rich, he would have been forgotten long ago.”

Comrade Adeniran also described the experience of users of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as harrowing and noted that the Nigerian government owes its citizens the duty of ensuring that the road is in good and passable condition.

While commiserating with the Awolowo family, describing Oluwole’s death as the passage of a strong pillar in the country, Adeniran prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

ACN commiserates with Awolowo’s family

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L-R: National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo and former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba during a condolence visit to the Awolowos on the passing on of late Chief Awolowo at Ikenne yesterday.

Majekodunmi, others mourn KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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rominent Nigerians yesterday expressed shock on the death of the publisher/ Vice Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, who died on Wednesday at Wellington Hospital, St Johnswood, London, following complications arising from an auto crash in 2006.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Chief (Dr.) Femi Majekodunmi, described the death of Chief Awolowo, as a monumental loss to the Yoruba race.

In a condolence message to the Awolowo family which he made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, he said

the death, coming at this time when the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Mama H. I. D. Awolowo, is still alive, was a shock too much for the lovers of the Awolowo family.

Saying that the late publisher was a true scion of the late sage as he dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity such that there was nothing too much for him to share with the masses, the Baagbile of Egbaland said Chief Awolowo was his good friend with whom he exchanged visits regularly more especially after his motor accident.

He said, “I was devastated when I heard the death of Chief Awolowo, apart from the fact that I was closer to him, my relationship with him showed him as someone who sees life as an opportunity to serve the

people and God. “My special condolence goes to Mama and the entire family, praying that God will grant his soul eternal rest.”

Similarly, a former member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Moruf Akinwande and the lawmaker representing Atiba state constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Ganiyu Waliu Adekunle , commiserated with the ANN Plc, over the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

Akinwande who represented Oyo federal constituency between 2003 and 2007 and now chair the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board (FCT-SEB), Abuja, said the death is painful, especially as Chief H.I.D Awolowo is still alive.

Adekunle, who said that though every human soul will taste death, prayed for

the repose of the deceased soul, adding that Chief Awolowo died at the time the nation needed his service, urging the family to take heart and continue from where the deceased stopped.

Group blames death on bad road

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n anti-corruption group, the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has expressed its displeasure on the bad state of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other major roads in the country.

This came on the heels of the death of the publisher of Nigerian Tribune newspaper, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, who died in a United Kingdom hospital as a result of the complications he suffered from a motor accidents he was involved in on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway about seven years ago.

10

January 12, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL NEWS

Hope at last: Baby gets N37.4m for skull surgery R eprieve has finally come for threeyear-old Okikijesu Olawuyi born with congenital cranial deformity.

He has received N37.4 million from well meaning Nigerians to undergo a cranium surgery in the U.S. Little Olawuyi, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was born with congenital cranial deformity and needs to undergo series of surgeries.

Congenital cranial deformity, also known as abnormal skull shape occurs at the birth process, when the skull bones grow together, thereby changing the shape of the skull.

The NGO championing Olawuyi’s condition, Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care told NAN that the group was amazed at the uniqueness of the baby’s condition.

The coordinator, Mr Nuhu Kwajafa, said that the neurosurgeon to operate on the child had confirmed that the baby had a 90 per cent chance of survival.

“This is the first time we are having a case like this, which is why we gave it our all, this child is a special child and she deserves to live.

“The child has undergone series of CT scans in Nigeria and abroad and the John Hopkins University has assured us of a successful surgery.

“She is to undergo about seven to eight different surgeries within a year, so we need all the support that we can get,” he said.

Kwajafa said that the NGO had no less than 11 children with critical conditions, which require N21.8 million, adding that these would enable the children to live normal lives.

He said that the NGO had been working to secure a better future for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) too.

Speaking on the plights of the OVC in Nigeria, Kwajafa said that it was important for Nigeria to implement the provisions of the Child Rights Act, which was signed in 2003.

“It is saddening to see

the plight of orphans in Nigeria, because they will be exposed to so many dangers, today in the UN statistics, we have over 20 million OVCs in Nigeria.

“When we use the word, vulnerable children, people believe it’s only kids on the road, no, even kids living with their parents who lack care from their parents are vulnerable children.

“And because of the dangers out there; of kidnapping, drug abuse, rape, ritual killers and sexual

molestation, there should be a law that will stop it.

“That is the reason why we are begging governments that have passed the 2003 Child Rights Act in their states to start implementing them.’’

The father, Mr Caleb Olawuyi, expressed appreciation to Nigerians for coming to the aid of his family.

He said that the act showed that Nigerians were loving people, adding that he would be eternally grateful to everyone.

Bizarre! Quack works in hospital for two months before arrest

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he Police in Akwa Ibom said on Tuesday that it arrested a 25-year-old fake medical doctor at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, in Uyo. However, before the quack was eventually apprehended by security agents, he had practised and consulted in the teaching hospital for two months.

This was confirmed by the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Etim Dickson who told reporters in Uyo that the fake doctor, Usen Effiong, had been consulting in the hospital over the last two months.

He said that the accused was caught, following an intelligence report from the university.

What more Effiong later confessed that he never attended any tertiary institution nor did he complete his secondary school education. In fact, he dropped out at SS2.

According to the PPRO, Effiong is a native of Itu Local Government Area of the state.

“The police arrested Usen Effiong in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) impersonating as a medical doctor.

“The Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State Branch, Dr John Udobang, denied ever knowing the young man regardless of being a member of the association,” he said.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN),the spokesman said that the police were investigating Effiong, adding that the suspect would be made to face the full wrath of the law after investigation.

Udobang had earlier said that he received a call from the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences of the institution, Dr Sunday Udo, to come immediately to the teaching hospital.

On arrival, the dean informed him that they caught a young man who dropped out of secondary school at SS 2, parading himself and consulting in the teaching hospital as a medical doctor.

Udobang explained that he went to the teaching hospital where he interviewed the suspect and found him possessing stethoscope and sphygmomanometer (blood pressure apparatus), which he could not use well.

He said these instruments were given to him by his cousin, a medical doctor, whose name he could not mention.

“But when medical doctors were paraded for him to identify the one that gave him the instruments he could not.

“On his person were found prescriptions and also forms that he wanted to fill to become a member of the Association of Resident Doctors.

“He was then brought and handed over to the authority. He confessed that he is not a doctor, has not finished his school certificate and has been coming there to consult in the last two months.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

11

SOUTH WEST

Three burnt to death, 10 injured in Ogun auto crashes FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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t least 3 people were confirmed dead and 10 others seriously injured in two separate automobile accidents that occurred yesterday along the Ogun State axis of the LagosAbeokuta Expressway.

While the first accident occurred around Sona Breweries at Ijako in Sango Ota of Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government Area of the state, the second accident happened at Wasinmi in Ewekoro Local Government Area.

In the first accident which happened around 7.20am, three persons

were burnt beyond recognition and three others were seriously injured.

The Sango Ota unit commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Richard Olutiriko, who confirmed the accident, also said that it involved a Volkswagen bus with regis-

tration number LAGOS XM 587 EKY. He attributed its cause to violation of speed limit by the driver and revealed that the Abeokuta-bound bus rammed into the road divider in front of Sona Breweries, somersaulted and went up in flames.

The FRSC boss fur-

ther said that both the burnt corpses as well as the injured victims were taken immediately to the Ota General Hospital in Sango.

FRSC’s Itori unit commander, Fatai Bakare, also confirmed that seven persons were critically injured in the Wasinmi accident that involved a

blue-coloured Ford bus with registration number TARABA AA 384 TAR and a white MAC truck with registration number LAGOS KJA 113 XB. He said that eight people were involved in it and that the injured victims were taken to the FRSC emergency clinic in Itori for treatment.

Surulere LG crisis: ACN leaders seek suspension for vice chairman, SLG, others

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ome prominent leaders of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State have recommended the suspension without pay for the vice chairman, secretary of the local government and two supervisors.

In a letter titled ‘Re: Resolution of Surulere Local Government Council Crisis,’ addressed to the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, and signed by Alhaji L.B. Odunsi, Col. R.O. Ajala (Rtd) and Chief D.A. Adenekan, the leaders expressed disappointment over the behaviour of the LG officers, describing them as highly indisciplined.

The leaders hinged their observation on the report of the Leaders’ Forum Peace Committee set up to look into the remote and immediate causes of the crisis involving the

chairman of the local government, Tajudeen Ajide, and some councillors.

None of the councillors, it was gathered,

attended the series of reconciliation meetings called by the committee.

Two of the nine supervisors in the local govern-

ment, the vice chairman and the SLG also reportedly shunned the peace parley.

The councillors had

ABEOKUTA

T

he supremacy tussle between two factions of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ogun State comprising supporters of the former governor of the state, Olusegun Osoba, and the incumbent, Ibikunle Amosun, reared its ugly head again yesterday as the factions engaged themselves in a free- forall at the party’s membership re-validation exercise in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Saturday Mirror gathered that the fracas which occurred in Ward

them. Denying the allegations, Ajide explained that sitting allowance is illegal, but he paid the councillors for the sake of peace.

L-R: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, representative of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Rasheed Afolabi and Justice Aderibigbe during the swearing-in-ceremony of the Executive Secretaries/ Local Governments Caretaker Management Committee at the governor’s office in Osogbo, yesterday.

Ogun ACN: Amosun, Osoba factions in free-for-all FEMI OYEWESO

complained that the chairman treated them with levity, that they were paid belated sitting allowances and other benefits due

15, Ibara area of Abeokuta South Constituency II left a 70-year-old man as well as other members of the party seriously injured.

The register was allegedly snatched away by those alleged to be loyal to Governor Amosun and the exercise came to an abrupt end.

It was further gathered that the fight started because the Amosun group, who defected to the party from the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), wanted their names to be in the first set of the register, contrary to the original list.

The group was alleged to have printed fake

membership cards to enable them be in the first set in the re-validation register but the party authorities resisted their ruse when they discovered it.

Speaking with journalists, chairman of the party in the ward, Alhaji Nofiu Osayemi, who also sustained injuries in the fracas, blamed those he called party thugs for the crisis.

“They came with fake membership cards, insisted that their names should be in the first set of the register, but we denied them because, as new entrants to the party, the party leadership has instructed that,

their names should be in the supplementary list,” he said.

Osayemi added he has since reported the incident to the party leadership who directed him to report to the police and he has done so.

Registrar of the party in the ward, Tunji Fagbenro, who was also beaten, blamed the Amosun group for the crisis.

Fagbenro said the six-day exercise which started smoothly last Thursday was suddenly disrupted by the gang, barely 24 hours of its commencement. He said the police have however assured that the culprits would be apprehended.

Osun TUC, senior civil servants dissociate selves from strike

T

he planned strike action being proposed in Osun State has suffered a major setback as some members of the labour unions are dissociating themselves from it.

In a release signed by Semiu Okanlawon and made available to Saturday Mirror, the Trade Union Congress and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, rising from separate meetings in the state’s capital, said there was no place that any meeting was held in which an agreement was reached to embark on a strike action over minimum wage.

Opposing the purported industrial action, senior members of the Osun

State Joint Public Service, wrote a letter to the state’s head of service, Solomon Owoeye, which declared unequivocally that “we wish to draw your attention to a leaflet circulated

by NLC, TUC and JNC at the close of office on March 28th, 2013. For the purpose of clarity, we hereby want to inform your honour that there was no place where the meeting of Trade Union Congress and Osun State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council I, II and II (JNC) was called to take such a decision.”

The letter was signed

by Comrade Akin Olatunki, Koleosho Oladimeji, Ayodele Olawole and Elijah Obi.

12

REGIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH EAST

Impeachment: Agbaso vows to fight on CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

I

mpeached Imo State deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, has vowed to explore all legal means to contest his impeachment by the State House of Assembly.

Saying his impeachment is unlawful, he insisted that the state government had its mind set to impeach him from the start and it propelled the House to impeach him even though his innocence was established.

Speaking on behalf of Agbaso who is speculated to have gone into hiding to evade possible arrest, his media consultant, Emperor Iwuala, said that Agbaso has filed a notice of appeal to challenge the ruling of an Owerri High Court which dismissed one of the suits filed to stop his impeachment.

The suit, which was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, sought to enforce the fundamental rights of the deputy gov-

ernor and to restrain the House from continuing with the impeachment proceedings.

Meanwhile, the state

government, through the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Ebere Uzoukwa, said they have

L-R: Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State, Mr. Elliot Idabor; Board member, SURE-P, Mr. Ali Fatoma; representative of CCC Construction Company, Mr. Nabil Ezzeddine; Board member, SURE-P, Mrs. Adanma Auta and leader of SURE-P team, Alhaji Kassim Bataiya, at the inspection Onitsha-Enugu expressway at Onitsha, recently.

Anambra 2014: Don’t divide your votes, group tells Anambra North aspirants NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

A

s the 2014 gubernatorial election in Anambra State gathers momentum, all the governorship aspirants from Anambra North Senatorial District have been enjoined

to team up and select the most credible one among them to fly the flag for the zone.

The call was contained in a statement issued yesterday by a political group, Odinmma Anambra North Youth Initiative, shortly after their delegates meeting in

Onitsha, Anambra State.

In the statement jointly signed by the president, Hon. Obiorah Okafor; vice president, Comrade Austine Anekwe and secretary, Comrade Tochukwu Ikwuemesi, they also enjoined the people of Anambra North Senatorial District to remain steadfast, courageous and be prepared to work hard

towards clinching victory at the 2014 gubernatorial polls.

The group also vowed to fight against those they described as unscrupulous use-and-dump politicians who usually arm and instigate the youths to indulge in political thuggery, ballot snatching and other forms of electoral malpractices during elections.

Security agents avert bloody MASSOB-AIYO clash in Onitsha NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

S

ecurity operatives in Onitsha have quelled a likely bloody clash between members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Association of Igbo Youths (AIYO).

MASSOB and AIYO had engaged themselves in physical combat in some parts of the commercial city of Onitsha for two days (Thursday and Friday) for a yet-tobe-disclosed misunder-

left further investigations and possible prosecution of the impeached deputy governor to relevant antigraft agencies.

standing which almost brought business activities to a standstill in the area.

MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, and Regional Administrator for Onitsha Region 4, Chief Arinze Igbani, who told newsmen yesterday in a telephone chat that they were aware of the clash but were yet to be properly briefed by their members, noted that they learnt that the Igbo youths were the first to swoop on the MASSOB members.

MASSOB’s Region 4

Director for Special Duties, Anyanwu Josephat Chimaobi, also told journalists on the phone that members of Okpoko Vigilance Group teamed up with Igbo youths, swooped on MASSOB office at Okpoko area of Onitsha and set the office and some motorcycles there on fire. He also claimed that some of their members were abducted.

But in a reaction, the state chairman of AIYO, Emeka Ominyi Uga, and the Onitsha coordinator, Okechukwu Asolo, told journalists on phone that the clash started when some MASSOB members

mounted a road block and were extorting money from the public and AIYO members tried to stop them from the extortion, but they went on rampage instead and invaded some offices of AIYO at Onitsha North and Onitsha South and unleashed mayhem on their members.

The Police Area Commander for Onitsha, Benjamin Wordu, who confirmed the clash, said he personally invited the army and the navy to assist the police in quelling the crisis, adding that he was not yet aware of any casualty or arrests from both sides.

“The government has done its job. We cannot do the job of the security and anti-graft agencies.

They know what to do as a case of misappropriation of funds have been established against the impeached deputy governor,” Uzoukwa said.

Reacting yesterday, elder brother of the former deputy governor and a chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Martin Agbaso, told Saturday Mirror that the impeached deputy governor was not in hiding as speculated, but that the people in government and those whom the controversial accounts were traced to should be the ones to bury their faces in shame and go into hiding.

He also stressed that the judgment and impeachment of his younger brother would be contested in the law courts.

Abia APGA denies merger talks with opposition parties

T

he All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has denied involvement in the merger talks among opposition parties in the state.

The state chairman of the party, Onapuruagu Ukegbu, made the denial in an interview with journalists in Umuahia on Thursday.

According to Ukegbu, APGA is not in any form of merger talk with any party in the state.

The leadership of some opposition parties in the state met on March 27, 2013 with the aim of forging a common front for the 2015 general elections in the state.

Representatives of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Peoples Democratic Party (DPP) and alleged APGA members attended the merger talk.

Chief Egwuatu Egbulefu, the state’s ACN chairman, said during the meeting that the par-

ties had agreed to come together under a yet-to-be identified name. He said that the move was without prejudice to the ongoing merger of the same parties at the national level.

“The decision is that whether parties merge or not at the national level, we have merged to bring about good governance for our people,” Egbulefu said.

Ukegbu however said that APGA was not involved in the merger and added that no member was sent to the meeting.

“Those that paraded themselves as APGA members at such a meeting were not known to us because we are not involved in any such move. It is acommon knowledge that APGA is the major opposition party in Abia and if such a meeting should hold, we ought to be at the fore-front,” he said.

He concluded that APGA would not hesitate to take legal action against those that were impersonating and giving the party a bad image in the state.

Politics

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

March 30, 2013

13

Jonathan vs PDP govs

Who blinks first?

Amaechi

Akpabio

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

A

head of the 2015 elections, all seem not to be well within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party in recent times has being facing several crises as a result of the power tussle amongst its gladiators.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who is regarded as the leader of the party is also not really having it smooth with some of the governors elected on the platform of the party and other chieftains.

The battle for the soul of the party and contest for 2015 elections, especially the 2015 presidency has pitched the presidency against some of the PDP governors, especially in the North. Both sides of the divide in recent time have been trying to outwit each other to take control of the party’s structure in preparation for the 2015 contest.

Though President Jonathan has not publicly declared his intention for a second term in 2015, there are strong indications, going by his body language and that of his kitchen cabinet members and supporters that he would vie for a second term come 2015. Therefore, the president’s alleged ambition has pitched him against many governors, especially those who have been rumoured to have interest in running for the 2015 presidency.

In the past, the governors do play crucial roles in the emergence of a President, especially in the ruling PDP. Therefore, having seen the handwritten on the wall of what role the governors may play in 2015, the President seems not to be convenient with the power some of the governors wield in their states and that was why he is trying to checkmate them before they put spanners in the works to truncate his ambition of extending his reign be-

Jonathan

yond 2015 in Aso Rock.

Apart from the governors’ perceived grievances with the President, they are also not in good terms with many of the party leaders, especially the national chairman, Alhaji Bamagar Tukur. According to some political analysts, the crisis between the President and the governors gets deeper immediately the splinter PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF) was formed from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) by the PDP leadership.

Prior to the emergence of the PDPGF, the 23 governors elected on the platform of the PDP usually speak with one voice in conjunction with their other 13 colleagues from the opposition parties. The 36 governors under the aegis of the NGF, led by Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi , have unanimously challenged the presidency, the National Assembly and the PDP leadership on many occasions and have had their ways. But the emergence of Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio-led PDPGF has broken the camp of the governors, thereby creating divisions within their rank.

Though with the support of some gladiators within the party, Akpabio, who many believes is the eye of the President in the governor’s camp has been able to woo some governors to the side of the presidency and the PDP leadership but the number of pro-Jonathan governors is less than anti-Jonathan governors. Since his assumption into office as the inaugural PDPGF chairman, Akpabio has not being able to enjoy the confidence of and have strong bond with all his PDP governor colleagues. During the first official meeting of the PDPGF held at Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, only seven governors were present while the remaining 16 shunned the meeting.

Apart from boycotting the PDPGF meeting, many of the PDP governors also shunned their party zonal reconcilia-

tion meetings and visits of the national chairman to the six geo-political zones. Some of the governors were also absent at the grand finale of the party’s parley held inside the International Conference Centre, Abuja last Sunday.

Only two governors, Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Idris Wada (Kogi), out of the 23 elected on the platform of the PDP attended the Abuja event, which marked one year in office of the Tukur-led PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) while Governors Amaechi (Rivers), Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) sent their deputies.

While some political analysts attributed the governors’ absence at the event to the wrangling within the ruling party, Akpabio defended the absence of his colleagues, saying that many governors could not attend the event because it was not well publicised.

Without any iota of doubt, the race for 2015 is generating keen interest in the polity and the issue seems to be a bone of contention between the North and the South.

While the North is laying claim to the presidency on account that power should shift to the North, with the argument in some quarters that Jonathan signed an agreement to serve just one term in office, the South strongly believes in the need to hold on to the presidency till 2019 on the basis that Jonathan should be allowed to run for second term in 2015.

Apart from the prominent Northerners kicking against Jonathan’s return in 2015, many of the PDP governors are not well disposed to a second term for Jonathan. Some of them preferred to have one of their own as President and Vice President in 2015, like it happened in the case of late President Umar Yar’Adua and Jonathan during 2007 presidential election.

As the battle for supremacy between the President and the PDP governors continue to generate lots of controversiess, the two parties continued to strategise on how to outwit each other at all costs as the race to 2015 gathers momentum.

At the moment President Jonathan, who is leaving nothing to chance in his quest for re-election in 2015 is believed to be tightening the noose on some of the PDP governors, who are perceived to be opposed to his ambition.

According to a reliable source, the anti-graft agencies – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) – have been tacitly co-opted into Jonathan’s ‘Operation Checkmate’ the governors.

The source disclosed to Saturday Mirror that incriminating documents exposing shady deals by some governors and their money laundering activities have been submitted to the president. The documents detailed how the governors have corruptly enriched themselves through contract awards and money laundering.

If the move by the President is anything to go by, many of the governors may find it difficult to continue their fight against the President. The ongoing trial of Aminu, the eldest son of Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, over alleged money laundering is a serious pointer to what may come the way of many governors if they continue their opposition against the President and his second term ambition. Governor Lamido is one of those who have been rumoured to be nurturing the ambition of succeeding Jonathan in 2015.

The governors also are not leaving anything to chance in their quest to stop Jonathan in 2015. Therefore, having seen the handwritten on the wall that Jonathan may pick CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

14

POLITICS

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dr. Tayo Dairo is a former chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU, he bares his mind on the Ocober 20, 2012 governorship election in the Sunshine State, the PDP in the state and the South-West and why he thinks Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the Ondo State governor, would not defect to the PDP. Excerpts:

Dairo

No factions in Ondo PDP, only LP-sponsored dissidents –Dairo

I

n Ondo State governorship election, against the expectation of many, especially the opposition parties, the incumbent governor was returned, what actually happened?

You know that three major political parties took part in that election and if you look at what happened, the Labour Party did created a lot of crises in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by attracting a lot of PDP members to create crisis within the PDP. But in spite of that, against the expectation of very many people, especially those living outside the state, the PDP did very well, to have been able to score more votes that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

We told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election that there was massive injection of names into the voters’ register, which the Resident Electoral Commissioner denied, and we had to write to INEC headquarters and the chairman of the commission replied that it was going to use the 2011 voters’ register and that there would be no injection of names into the register. During the pre-election conference meeting with Prof. Attahiru Jega, he told us that the commission had cleaned the voters’ register and that there was no injection of names, but to our chagrin, over 250,000 names were injected into the register. So if you look at that, you would see that LP’s victory was

a fluke. It was an act of brigandage and clever political rigging, injecting names into the voters’ register and making the voters’ register not credible to be used as a platform for such an important election.

How would you assess the chances of the PDP at the tribunal?

What we want to express to the world is to show that the voters’ register was tampered with, that the extant electoral law was not complied with, that voters should be accredited and thereafter, there should be voting. In some areas, the numbers of voters were more than those accredited and in many locations, there were no accreditation at all. In quite a lot of the locations, there were thuggery and snatching of ballot boxes, but when it comes to election tribunals, such matters were as criminal matters and not in the purview of the tribunal.

But, all of these put together, we are trying to show that we need to evolve a credible means of having elections in Nigeria and the PDP going to court and our candidate also challenging the outcome of the election is to strengthen democracy.

The South-West zonal executive of the PDP was dissolved and a caretaker committee set up instead. What do you think led to that dissolution?

It was an act of infiltration of the judiciary by politicians and I am happy that the National Judicial Council is look-

ing into it holistically and attempting to cleanse the judiciary of the bad eggs. One would express indignation, when the judiciary, which is supposed to be the last hope of the common man is bastardised, a situation where the judiciary will give 30, 40 injunctions; a situation where people before the court would be telling you the outcome of the case even before the court sits on the case is an assault on the judiciary. Secondly, all over the country, there were some ripples within the PDP and the backlash is what we are seeing now, but the PDP has a way of settling its own internal crises when the crises gets to the head. On more than two three or four occasions in this country, we have seen where people expected implosion within the PDP, but at the end of the day, the party would internally resolve its crises and all they see was the party coming out stronger. I foresee that the crises going on in the PDP has not got to its head and we would soon get there and the leadership of the party and the stakeholders would sit down and see how the party would emerge stronger this time around as always.

But I think it was as a result of internal wrangling within us, which is not unexpected in a political party as big as the PDP. Do you agree with insinuations from certain quarters that the dissolution of the South-West zonal executive was to diminish the influence of former Pres-

ident Olusegun Obasanjo and remove his loyalists from the executive?

Well, there is no argument about it that such position is being canvassed and we would only say that there are one form of disagreement or the other within the PDP, but like I said elsewhere, the South-West is a zone that cannot be toyed with and get away with in the PDP and the PDP is aware of this.

For very matured politicians, what has happened is for us to just look at it and smile, because the seeming crisis would get to a level where we would have no choice, but to sit down again and find internal resolution mechanism to find a lasting solution to it.

How would you react to the alleged of marginalization of the South West PDP and the South-West geo-political zone by the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration?

There is no argument about the fact that there is what we thought about the political actors in the South-West are being elbowed in the activities that are going on in Abuja and we have called the attention of Mr. President to it and we would continue to call his attention to it. And if you look at the South-West, it is a not political zone that you can say you would edge out and not have some problems later, so I think it is a little of what I would say needs CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

POLITICS

March 30, 2013

15

‘No factions in Ondo PDP, only LP-sponsored dissidents’ to be straightened out. If you look at the economy of Nigeria vis-à-vis the zones, you would agree with me that the South-West is a political entity that many geo-political zones are envious of and such scheming is not unexpected; this is not the first time such is happening: it happened in the First Republic, it happened in the Second Republic and we know that it is a passing phase and the President has promised to look into it and the earlier he does, the better for not only the South-West, but the entire country.

The PDP in Ondo State has been said to be factionlised and members are said to be working at cross purposes.

What is the true situation of things in the party today?

I will say that there are no factions in Ondo State chapter of the PDP, there are only dissidents that feel that they would want to turn themselves into camps within

the party. When I was the chairman, these groups made very spurious allegations against my leadership and contrary to their expectations; I voluntarily said that if they feel I was the problem, I was ready to resign from office as party chairman, which I did. But to my surprise, it was these same groups that nominated the present chairman of the party Dayo Alabi as their candidate. Immediately Alabi emerged as chairman, they felt that they were not having their way again and they started all over again. And that was the script handed over to them by their paymasters. It is very glaring that what is going on in the PDP today is the handiwork of the Labour Party (LP). They wanted to use that to dislocate the PDP for the election, but they failed and the PDP still went ahead and made a strong showing at the governorship election last year.

They are now trying to get to Abuja and cause more friction within the PDP, but

Jonathan vs PDP govs

Who blinks first?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 the PDP presidential ticket in 2015, if he decides to throw his hat into the ring, there are reports that many of the governors and PDP leaders may defect to any viable opposition party or form a new party to stop Jonathan from becoming President in 2015.

In fact there are speculations that majority of the governors elected on the platform of the PDP are almost on their way out to join the emerging opposition mega political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But the report about the defection of the governors has been debunked by many of them.

Kwara State governor, Ahmed, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, denied the report that some PDP governors are planning to defect to opposition party ahead of the 2015 elections.

He said the current disagreements in the party are temporary.

The statement reads: “Governor Ahmed has no intention of leaving the PDP now or in the future. Governor Ahmed remains a loyal and committed member of the PDP and sees the current realignments in the party as normal in any political association. It is his belief PDP is certain to come out stronger.”

While some PDP chieftains seem not to be bothered about the poor relationship between the President and some of the PDP governors, some party leaders have commenced some reconciliation processes to prevent the governors from working against the ruling party’s interest in 2015.

Vice President Namadi Sambo few days ago warned PDP members, who are bent on destroying the party to desist from such action.

He said: “We must shun all overtures by those who are bent on destroying the party through anti-party activities and be unified in our quest to strengthen a party that has made its mark and improved the lives and well-being of our citizens.”

The chairman of the PDP Board of

Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, who recently paid visits to Jigawa and Niger states’ governors, Sule Lamido and Babangida Aliyu respectively, in company of some BoT members, said that the PDP needs its governors now more than ever to remain the ruling party in Nigeria.

He assured the governors that the PDP presidential ticket remains eligible to every member of the party, adding that there was no plan to push those opposed to a second term for President Jonathan out of the party.

Anenih said the support of the governors is crucial at the moment to the party’s lifespan, stressing that the party will not use people and dump them.

His words: “The PDP has not yet taken a final decision on who picks our presidential ticket for 2015. The ticket is still open to all members as we are still consulting. The issue of candidate is a very strategic matter that is very close to most of the leaders. It should not be made a market place issue.

“There will be enough consultations as it will be the responsibility of the leaders and followers of the party to take the decision. The leaders know what to do when the time comes. Nobody will push anybody out of the party. We believe in dialogue and consultations.”

In response to Anenih’s reconciliatory move, Lamido stressed the need for a united PDP, saying: “We need to secure the future of Nigerians and the country. We are aware of your reconciliation effort and we have to take the marching orders for you and it is up to you because it is either a good PDP that would salvage the people of the country or a crises ridden party that would crash the country.”

Aliyu, in his welcome remarks, assured Anenih and visiting members of the BoT that none of the PDP governors was eager to leave the party unless the party pushes them out. He therefore, tasked the party to ensure that things were done properly as he frowned against the alleged breaches by the party’s national leadership.

Dairo

we the elders of the PDP in Ondo State are already meeting and strategizing to make sure that those plans and shenanigans do not injure the interest of our party in Ondo State.

Will the PDP welcome Dr Olusegun Mimiko, if he plans to return to the party?

The PDP is not a cult and the constitution of Nigeria allows for freedom of association. If Dr. Mimiko wants to join the PDP, mind you, he was a member of the PDP before he left; the PDP has a laid down procedure for taking back into the system those who left the party at one time or the other and want to return to its fold. There are systems and steps to be followed, there are procedures that he would have to fulfill, if he would follow those procedures, we would see.

But the Mimiko I know is a Mimiko that would want to be an emperor anywhere he

goes. He would not want to come to anywhere where he would be challenged. In the PDP, he knows that there are four, five people that would look at him eyeball to eyeball and tell him the home truth, but he is not getting such challenge in the Labour Party, so he would not want to come to where his authority would be challeneged. He would prefer to be a conqueror that he is in the Labour Party than to come to a big party like the PDP. Would be surprised and it would be a total change of his political style if he comes to the PDP. Do you think the emergence of the All progressives Congress (APC) would give the PDP any headache?

It has been variously argued that for democracy to grow in Nigeria we need fewer political parties in the system and for democracy to be strengthened in Nigeria, we need a virile opposition. If the APC could come together, definitely, it would put the PDP on its toes and that would guide our approach to governance and other national issues, because we would know we are contesting against a strong opposition. Looking at the political firmament in Nigeria today, it is giant PDP contesting against minion political parties.

The only time we succeeded in having a semblance of two strong parties was in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) days and those ones were forced on us by the military, but if by democratic evolution, these opposition parties could come together, it would be good for our nascent democracy.

In your refreshingly different

Boko Haram insurgency: who’s winning, FG or the sect The Boko Haram ‘war’ has, in recent times, assumed a dangerous dimension. And the country’s security operatives, according to many, seem not to be effective enough at curtailing the sect. Yet, the group and the Joint Task Force put together by government to curb the mutiny have been claiming victory. What are Nigerians’ verdict on the raging war of terror in their country? Who among the two combatants hold the ace? Keep a date with your vendor.

PDP divided?

Achieving reconciliation within the ruling PDP has proved a hard nut to crack, at least going by prevailing events. While some governors simply snubbed the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, others angrily stormed out of the parley centres. Where is actually the disconnect?

Already, another reconciliation tour by the party’s BoT chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, has begun and there are indications that the Anenih team is the preferred one. Is this scenario a case of a house divided against itself? We tell you tomorrow.

Passion

‘Film producers are hardly celebrated’

Talented and stylish Tope Oshin-Ogun is a multiple award-winning filmmaker. She is a director, producer and casting director for film and radio movie. In this interview, she laments that film producers hardly gain recognition whereas the bulk of the job on filmmaking rests on their shoulders. She says this is not the case in advanced countries but that she What Achebe’s kinsmen say is unfazed though, knowing that there Ogidi is possibly a name you may never have is great reward heard of. But that is the little community where in the profession. the departed literary giant, Chinua Achebe, Meet Oshin-Ogun hailed from. Despite that Achebe died at a ripe for revelations on age of 82, his people are still engrossed in an her career, love outpouring of grief for a man that will ever live life, challenges and in their heart. What are the things that Achebe did prospects. for his people and how are his people handling his rite of passage?

SMExtra

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

These and many more available tomorrow in your

16

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MAGAZ INE Sex talk 18 sex tips for girls (from men)

p22

Fashion •Fitted ‘n’ flared •Going lacy for Easter

p27,28

Relationships Would you date a person with an illness?

p22

Marian

...From Sierra Leone with love

18

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Marian Kekurah is a Sierra Leonean actress who has taken Nollywood by storm. In this interview with OSEYIZA OOGBODO she talks about her plans and wishes. Excerpts:

Celebrity

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hat are your plans for this year?

My plan is to keep getting better. This is going to be my year by God’s grace and my prayers are going to be answered this year. I’ve been through thick and thin shuttling between Lagos and London in my bid to make the best out of my career in acting. My efforts are going to work out hopefully and I am leaving no stone unturned to ensure that I get things going career-wise.

What’s your unique selling point?

That’s a tough one. I think I will like the public to decide that. I just think that I bring in the Sierra Leonean touch to what I do and that makes me different to an extent. I know I have something that is different from what we have now on the movie scene and if you watch the movies that I have featured in, you’ll have a better understanding of what I am trying to say.

How many movies have you done?

I’ve done quite a lot. Mistresses, Human Hair Hustlers 1&2, Human Hair Runs, House Of Demons and many others that will soon be out. There are many more I will do and I’m hoping for the best and to be more visible on the scene.

Why did you become an actress?

I was mainly inspired into acting by watching Nigerian and African movies generally. I really got inspired by watching the likes of Genevieve Nnaji and Halima Abubakar. They are part of the reasons I ventured into Nollywood.

How did you know you could act?

I discovered I could act a long time ago when I was much younger. I am a nurse by profession and while I was studying to become a nurse I was acting by the side. It got to a stage when I had to stop being a nurse and fully concentrate on acting.

How much will it cost to get you on set?

Not too much at the moment. I am not receiving that much yet. That’s because I am relatively new on the scene but I am okay with that because I know I will get there pretty soon based on the quality of jobs I have done thus far. I am not in the league of Genevieve or Omotola. I am not at that level yet but I know that I’ll get there soon.

What sort of role brings out the best in you?

I always try to give my best whenever I am on set and I really don’t need anything to bring out the best in me. I am self-inspired and every movie set that I am part of is an opportunity to showcase my talents and a platform to project my image. But each day, I say a short

‘I won’t do a movie my parents can’t watch’ prayer before I go on set. I guess that’s where I get my inspiration from.

Can you act nude?

I have never done it and I don’t think I will.

What about acting sexy?

That depends too because there was a script I was given and I was asked to act with just a bra and pants and I initially refused the role. But the producer had a compromise with me and I was allowed to wear shorts and a short top. I would not want to do a movie that my parents cannot watch because I will feel embarrassed.

How ambitious are you?

I am going to try to do my best to en-

sure that I am the next best thespian on the scene. That’s what spurs me on and doesn’t allow negative situations weigh me down. I also want to be a role model and I have to achieve my ambitions before I can really be one.

strengths and weaknesses are at this moment because I am still learning. I am still also trying to discover others things in me. No one is perfect and as humans we learn and get better in what we do every day.

What do you do when you are not on set?

I love reading and watching Hollywood and Nollywood movies. I watch movies so I can get inspired. I love swimming once in a while and hanging out with friends too. I don’t like clubbing. I can’t stand it.

How popular are you in Sierra Leone, your home country?

I am quite popular of course. I have been acting since I was 19 so I have an appreciable followership back home in Sierra Leone. I am known back home and my fans are quite upset that I am always on set here in Nigeria. I’ll go back home very soon. I have a movie to shoot there sometime this year. I’ll be doing more Sierra Leonean movies this year and I am really looking forward to being part of them soonest.

What are your weaknesses and strengths as an actress?

I learn everyday as time goes on. I am not really going to specify what my

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March 30, 2013

Entervaganza

With OSEYIZA OOGBODO

08023755142 kingseiza@gmail.com

Lanre Teriba holds thanksgiving concert S

equel to his neardeath experience in South Africa on February 15 when he was shot in the leg after performing at a Valentine show, Praise Night Concert, gospel singer Lanre Teriba will hold a thanksgiving concert tomorrow to give thanks to God for sparing his life.

His attackers dispossessed him of his valuables including a BlackBerry Porsche, I-Pad, gold wristwatch and money and his wound prevented him from returning to Nigeria as scheduled because he had to go for treatment in a hospital in Pretoria.

He eventually returned to Nigeria on March 13 and is now holding the thanksgiving concert at Lagos Country Club to thank God and so that his fans and numerous well-wishers can properly celebrate his survival with him.

Teriba

Da Angelo copies KSA, Zaaki Azzay

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t is a well-known fact that Lagos is the headquarters of entertainment in Nigeria. It is also believed that to be really successful in entertainment, entertainers have to be based in Lagos.

It was for these reasons that King Sunny Ade left Ondo State for Lagos, Zaaki Azzay left Kaduna for Lagos and Eedris Abdulkareem left Kano for Lagos.

And following in their footsteps, Da Angelo, a promising singer and rapper has relocated to Lagos too from Kano via Abuja.

“I was formerly based in Kano, then I moved to Abuja in pursuit of my music ambition and I’m now permanently in Lagos to finally fulfil my destiny in music,” he disclosed to Entervaganza.

Speaking passionately, he added that “music is my calling and Lagos is the best place in Nigeria to become a true music success. In the north, I have done all I should and achieved all I could so the time was ripe for me to make my Lagos entry.”

Concluding, he said, “I didn’t come to Lagos empty-handed, though. I know Lagosians love music and always want something new. I therefore recorded two brand new songs, I Need Some More and Leggo, and I’m presently promoting them and I’m sure they will open doors for me.”

Da Angelo

Birthday boy, Julius Agwu, drops new singles

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Agwu

op comedian Julius Agwu is putting out all the stops to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. Still in celebration of his birthday, he has released two new singles, Rejuvenate and Mama Soup which were produced by Man Be God and Kuchi Kuchi producer Phat E. Agwu, who already has plans to launch his autobiography and also debut his new TV show on his birthday, has now taken the celebration another notch higher with the release of the songs that will make his fans remember that he is also a musician and refers to his brand of music as musicomedy, music that makes people laugh.

And he did make people laugh indeed with the videos of some of his songs including Hand Work and Critical Case.

Phyno, Burna Boy shine at Industry Nite

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ast-rising music artistes Phyno and Burna Boy further proved on Wednesday night that they are indeed worthy of the buzz surrounding them as artistes expected to blow to the next level this year.

The duo performed at the much-talked-about Industry Nite on Wednesday and they brought down the roof.

In front of guests that included top entertainment personalities DJ Jimmy Jatt, Ayo Animashaun, DJ Humility, Phyno performed three of his records, Shut The City Down, Man Of The Year and the one that shot him to limelight, Ghost Mode.

In his own case, Burna Boy performed with a live band and mesmerised the guests that sang along with him. Towards the end of his set, he was joined on stage by acclaimed rapper Vector and their collaborating vocals further thrilled the guests who stayed until about 2am just to see Burna Boy perform.

The two were not the only performers though at the event which holds on a consistent basis to promote the entertainment industry. Many upcoming artistes also performed and one of them, Enigma, even won a BlackBerry Z10 for winning the night’s open mic competition.

Phyno

Burna Boy

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ENTERVAGANZA

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLASSICAL RYHMES

AIRWAVES LINK

X-Factor battles Project Fame, Nigerian Idol

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V viewership is about to get even more interesting in the country with the arrival of Glo X-Factor, another singing reality TV show that its organisers say has come to be the leader and not the follower.

Like Project Fame and Nigerian Idol which are presently the top two singing reality shows, X-Factor is also an international show that is just coming to Nigeria courtesy of Globacom, a telecommunications giant which is in rivalry with two other telecommunications operators, MTN and Etisalat that are also backing Project Fame and Nigerian Idol respectively.

Bello (L) and Sammie Okposo at X-Factor’s unveiling Nevertheless that X-Factor has come five years after Project Fame the week, Globacom’s Head of Real- eration and we’re absolutely delighted and three years after Nigerian Idol, ity Shows, Sulyman Bello said, “Glo is to be working with Glo to bring Nigeria its organisers are confident that it proud to be the one that has brought its own version. X-Factor has enjoyed will soon attain the status of the X-Factor and the attendant buzz it will immense success all over the world and best among the trio and are ready to generate across the continent. Africa we have no doubt it will enjoy the same leave no stone unturned to ensure has been yearning for a programme of success in Nigeria.” it assumes the leadership position this optimum quality and we are priviTop Nigerian musician, Lagbaja, is among the trio because “X-Factor leged to have made it possible. also excited about X-Factor’s arrival is the world’s number one music and says of it: “X-Factor’s coming on “This is Globacom’s tenth year of singing talent reality TV show and operations and we had to do something the heels of other Glo-sponsored proit cannot and won’t be less than that special to signpost the milestone hence grammes like Glo Naija Sings and Big in Nigeria.” the gift of X-Factor to entertain and de- Friday Show is a historic event which They are indeed putting their light our teeming subscribers across underscores Glo’s profile as the biggest money where their mouth is. Glo Africa to thank them for their loyalty supporter of quality entertainment X-Factor has the biggest prize of and patronage.” packages.” the trio: N24m cash prize and a reThe month-long auditions of conAlso speaking, Jamie Lyn, an execucording and management contract tive with FremantleMedia that produc- testants for X-Factor will commence with the internationally acclaimed es and distributes X-Factor worldwide, in Abuja on April 13 and move to Port record label, Sony Music. said, “The X-Factor is one of the lead- Harcourt and Lagos and also Accra and Speaking at the unveiling of ing entertainment shows of this gen- Kumasi in Ghana.

Glo X-Factor to the world during

Campus TV targets talented youths C

Chiazor

ampus TV, an initiative of Daniel Chiazor, a creative busy bee, is a programme that will celebrate talented youths in tertiary institutions nationwide with the singular aim of encouraging them to continue to give their best.

To be made up of interviews, events coverage, talent showcase and many other segments beneficial to the public at large, Campus TV is scheduled to start airing in a couple of months and recording is already in progress.

“Our intention is to showcase talented youths to the

world. There are many of them in tertiary institutions in need of such showcasing and we will seek them out and bring them to the world’s notice so that they will be encouraged to continue being positively creative for the betterment of the society,” Chiazor said.

Adding that student filmmakers will be given an opportunity to air their works and that they will also hold an awards annually, he said Deewone, an extremely talented rapper in University of Port Harcourt is one of the youths they have interviewed so far.

Mode 9

Nigerian Girls Artist: Mode 9 Verse 1 Let’s talk about Nigerian girls Put your L’s up If you are fresh and single My Lagos chick said You are dry, you don’t mingle You don’t go clubbing And you don’t buy me pringles I was trying to watch a match Trying my best not to jump her She made me miss the goal So I sprang up and thumped her My Nupe chic was cute But I dumped her Because she kept on feeding me Kulikuli and donkua My Jos chick Had a temper Causing havoc Jealousy blowing off in a state of amok Black tag mafia Cursing me and Tyra My ex-chick was Igbo Why you let her go She was fine but like Biggie and Jay-Z, she loved the dough Biko nyem ego Now my bank account is red Had a Gwari chick once She never used her head No pun intended She used her shoulders instead Chorus No matter where you from No matter who you be You gotta love Nigerian girls You gotta love em (x3) I say you gotta love them

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ENTERVAGANZA

March 30, 2013

BOX OFFICE HITS

BRAIN BEHIND THE SCENE

Bayo Alawiye …

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.I. Joe: Retaliation is the latest instalment in the movie franchise which was adapted from the G.I. Joe comic book series. Since the movies are just as

Alawiye

ingenious director

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ithout a doubt, Bayo Alawiye is one of the personalities and practitioners behind the scenes.

He is however not just one of their number, he is one of the most important. Going by his achievements, he is not just talented, he is also an ingenious talent.

A case in point is the highly rated TV game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? He is the director of this programme that holds audiences spellbound every week. He also directs another challenging TV programme,

Alawiye (R) on location

MTN Project Fame West Africa.

Both of these international TV programmes require a lot of creative ingenuity to make them the success they are, but Alawiye is creatively ingenious so he’s able to deliver the goods with both and still have extra left over for producing and directing movies too.

He is also the director of the acclaimed movies Ibare, Ise, Alami, Demilade and the TV drama series About To Wed and he has also produced some movies that include Ija Okan, Richie Richie and Dark Side.

successful as the comic books, it is not surprising that Retaliation has come now to continue from where the last instalment, 2009’s G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra left off.

In Retaliation, the government, led by an impostor wearing a mask that m a ke s him look like the r e a l President, s e e s the G.I. Joe troupe as a stumbling block to his evil plans and frames them for a string of crimes they didn’t commit and orders their execution.

Needless to say, the G.I. Joe crew did not take their persecution without retaliating and a lot of thrilling drama thereby ensues.

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hat if everything you love was taken from you in the blink of an eye? That is the essence of The Host, an epic love story.

W h e n an unseen e n e m y threatens mankind by taking over their b o d i e s and erasing their memories, a young l a d y w i l l r i s k everything to protect the people she cares most about, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world.

Going by critics’ praises of it, The Host is set to do well at the box office and is expected to do well as the book it is based on is a bestseller and the movie itself was

described by a critic as “a unique experience because it’s a classic science fiction adventure, a drama, a romance and a thriller, all of those things rolled into one.”

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Relationships

Sleeping over before marriage: It cheapens womanhood

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eople say you have to know the person you’re dating in and out before you should take the plunge into the institution of marriage.

They go further to say that one of the best ways of knowing your partner well is when his or her guard is down and that can mostly happen immediately both of you wake up from sleeping very early in the morning. A lot of people say passing the night regularly or even at least once at your boyfriend’s place is one of the rites of passage of dating and preparing for marriage.

These days, it has even become the ‘in’ thing to do and if as a young lady you’ve not done so or as a young man your girlfriend hasn’t done it with you, then either of you guys can be assumed to be a prude. This is especially as it’s now being done with the knowledge and connivance of parents of either of the partners who should know better.

In as much as I don’t want to sound as a moralist or a religious bigot, I believe a lot of priorities we place on certain new societal values are misplaced and downright bad in terms of the message we are getting from those who should know better.

Parents actively encourage their daughters to sleep over at their boyfriends’ without seeing anything wrong with it. Even fathers who normally shouldn’t be involved pretend and turn a blind eye to it when they get to know about it.

For me, while as a bachelor, I believed nothing was more wrong or cheapened a woman more than for her to spend nights at my place when we weren’t married and the belief still stands as it is till today. Yes unmarried couples will most likely always find a way to sneak around and have sex before marriage in this age and clime unless there’s a very strong reason to stop them from doing so, but should it be as blatant as the society is accepting it today?

When you look at it critically, most guys hardly ever mar-

ry women who spend nights at their place while during courtship. It is generally believed by guys that when a woman spends nights with him, there won’t be any mystery again about her.

Another thing that ladies don’t know is that when you spend nights with us, you’re only showing us the desperate side to your character in ‘hooking’ us as husbands. It’s a known fact that men don’t like desperate women. In fact, we detest them. It’s as if a woman who’s desperate had tried the ‘field’ and couldn’t get a man and is now trying to ‘hook’ us by ‘hook or by crook’.

We may like the free sex, free breakfast in bed cooked by these women and even the free house keeping that they bring along with them through helping us to keep house when we wake up in the morning. One thing we are sure of is that we may be everything, but we are not dumb or fools.

Most girls who are into this believe that it’s also a way of keeping lines of non-verbal communications open between themselves and their boyfriends. They claim it’s a way of finding out their compatibility level with their boyfriends before they decide on taking the marital plunge.

This is a complex muddy puddle for everyone involved. The society through the television and films shown has glamorised the issue of sleeping over and a lot of young ladies are now thinking it is alright to do.

I’m happily married today to a woman who even though we had a very long courtship due to financial constraints, never slept over at my place for once. The issue of sleeping over for me goes beyond the issue of sex and so it is for a lot of guys. Thank God that we still have some people who still value and respect their reputations enough to know that as Africans with morals, values and cultures, things that should never be seen to be done in the light of day are still kept in the dark.

SEX TALK

This column is x-rated

18 sex tips for girls (from men) Who better to get advice on how to please your man than from another man? From foreplay to full-on encounters, we’ve scoured the globe for the best male ‘sexperts’ to provide their top tips on how to make your man go wild.

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hone sex

Phone sex may sound corny, but men are basic beasts. When he’s least expecting it, phone him up and breath the sexiest moan down the receiver, saying: ‘I was just thinking of you.’ Then hang up. Make sure it’s your man who answers though!

Keep it trim Stubble needs to be avoided at all costs.

Think about it, his face will be moving in an upward direction, against the grain, so avoid making him look like he’s put his head into a box of nails. Please keep it smooth!

Stimulate him visually Play up to his eyes with a slow, seductive striptease, and watch him go weak at the knees. Don’t worry about labels or expensive lingerie too much. By all means dress to thrill, but you can just as easily make his heart race by tantalisingly removing your work clothes.

Be uncomplicated This doesn’t mean you have to be easy. Men

enjoy a challenge, just so long as they know where they stand. So, if you want him to do something to you, he’ll rate you for being up front about it, and eager to oblige.

Surprise!

Send him for his shower, and while he’s in there start undressing. When he walks into the room, he’ll be in for a great surprise.

Surprise him again!

Arrange when he comes in from work that you are in your sexiest undies or whatever he likes. Let him take his coat off then ATTACK HIM!

Get in touch with what makes him tick If he’s not the talkative type, use your hands to find out what works and what doesn’t. Have a fiddle around, and see how he responds.

Guide him by the hand Showing your man what turns you on can be just as arousing for him. If he’s missing the

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RELATIONSHIPS

March 30, 2013

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CHINWE ANNIE AMAECHI 07028684481 chinweamaechi@gmail.com

Is it necessary?

Arrant nonsense

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This column is x-rated mark, give him directions. If he can see the pleasure he’s giving you, it will boost his confidence and help him to relax.

Lose your inhibitions Go wild in his hands, and he’ll be sure to rise to the challenge. Even if he’s a little shy himself, by taking the lead you’ll bring out the best in him.

Pole position When you’ve grabbed his todger in your hand, don’t just use an up-anddown motion. For variety, wrap your entire hand around the shaft, and twist up and down like you’re following an imaginary stripe on a pole.

This column is x-rated Start and end it with a kiss Kiss him before and after, here and there. Many women don’t know what to do with their mouths! Your guy will give you extra points for being creative with your mouth.

Know the difference between praise and appraisal If he was great in bed then let him know, but be tactful if he’s been lacking. If you can be constructive in your criticism, his ego won’t deflate along with his ‘soldier.’

Water music

Many men are actually worried about whether they are good enough.

If you do think he is, then praise him.

Tell him how much you like what he is doing. Slip in some dirty talk. You will get his attention, believe me!

When using a condom, slip a few drops of a water-based lubricant inside the tip before you slip it on the head. It allows him to manoeuvre comfortably inside. Add some of the same lubricant, too, on the outside of the condom to give yourself a smoother ride.

Swallow!

Soft touch

Talk to him

Apple, pineapple, watermelon and a host of fruit and food can improve the taste of your partner’s emissions.

Beer, red meat, curries and coffee produce the opposite effect.

Buy loads of pillows and experiment with heights, shapes, and widths, so you can use them for extra support during sex, to help give the optimum angle for different positions.

Don’t rush him

Play all the positions in the field

Afterwards, don’t immediately stop as if it’s suddenly done with and time to clean up. Some men are very sensitive about being shoved aside as if they have outlived their usefulness.

Show him how much you enjoyed the encounter with a wicked cuddle.

If you’re bored on your back then suggest something new. Athletic sex appeals to the sportsman inside every guy. Even if they can’t keep up, they’ll be aroused by your enthusiasm.

hen two people are dating or courting, there is a level of closeness or intimacy they share exclusively.

However, it is expected that unmarried couples should set certain boundaries to guide their relationships; otherwise the essence of marriage will be lost. Clearly, there ought to be a major difference between the single life and life within marriage. Whether it is continuous co-habitation or frequent sleep-overs at a boyfriend or fiancé’s house, the question is whether or not it is appropriate.

Co-habitation, frequent or irregular sleep-overs, weekend visits, whatever you call it, they all involve sleeping through the night in the house of a man you are not married to. The issue is not whether he lives alone or not, because one way or the other, you will have some ‘alone time’ during the “ungodly hours” where magic rules. There is just something about night time. A woman who has already decided to abstain from pre-marital sex will definitely be setting a trap for herself by sleeping over in her man’s house or anywhere else the man stays the night. Whenever co-habitation before marriage is mentioned, most people assume that the only issue involved is pre-marital sex, but it goes beyond that.

As much as this sounds like a religious or moral issue, it is not solely so. Sometimes, we need to step outside religious or moral beliefs and frankly determine the pros and cons of certain decisions, actions or lifestyles. In this case, a woman should weigh the consequences of sleeping in the house of a man she is not married to, but intimately involved with.

In doing so, she should consider her personal worth, values and long-term goals. If we agree that today’s decisions determine tomorrow’s events, then a woman should always think through before she makes certain decisions in a relationship.

As we all know, men are hunters and will go all out to catch spoil, after which they relax to enjoy the spoil or simply move on to hunt for another. If a man has nothing to look forward to in marriage, he would have little or

no motivation to take you to the altar. If he can have it all without making the lifelong commitment, then don’t nag when he doesn’t go knocking at your parents’ door to ask for your hand in marriage.

Yeah, I know people still get married after co-habitation, sleepovers and pre-marital sex, but take a look into their relationship and tell me whether the woman’s value in marriage tops the chart?

When you spend the night with a man you are not married to, you give him the opportunity to be exposed to your most vulnerable side. If you snore, fart or do funny stuff at night; that could really reduce your worth in his eyes.

Hilarious angle, but very factual.

He gets to see you first thing in the morning. Hmmmmm. That could be a minus too. The point is not that you should put up a front and paint a picture of a flawless woman who does not fart or snore; I am just saying that some things are not meant for unmarried people.

A woman needs to keep her appeal on a continuous basis, even after marriage. But the appeal must be on the highest level before marriage. The man must have lots of stuff to look forward to and pay the price for.

As old school as I may sound, I strongly believe that some things that were forbidden in the days of our grandparents should remain forbidden today. The sanctity of marriage must not be lost.

A woman should not spend any night with her boyfriend or fiancé, no matter the circumstance.

She must maintain her worth and not sell herself cheap even after receiving a promise of marriage and an engagement ring. A man’s respect for a woman naturally drops when she gives him a valuable treasure that he has not paid the price for. It is a natural occurrence which is inevitable. Sleepovers, co-habitation and all the other things that follow (sex, etc) should be exclusive to marriage.

If a woman decides to give a man what he ordinarily should not be entitled to, she should be ready to face the consequences. Simple!

So can sleep-overs have a negative impact on a relationship before marriage? Definitely!

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March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Woman

Every family must have a police officer She wanted to be a lawyer but was admitted into Abia State University to study English Language. Two years into her university education and against her wish, her mother took a rare step that changed her life till today. Ngozi Braide, the Police Public Relations Officer of Lagos State spoke with YEMISI ADENIRAN on how her mother forced her to join the police at age 19, her experience so far and why she feels every family should produce at least a police officer in Nigeria. Excerpts:

–Ngozi Braide

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ot many women desire to be police officers. What influenced your decision?

I never wanted to be a police officer. As a growing child, I wanted to become a lawyer. I love lawyers up till now. When I was admitted into the university, University, I was to study English Language and I just thought, s ty, Abia State U si well, closer to the Law I wanted to study. I still had my eyes on Law but well, that was clo something happened along the line. I was at my 200 level when my mother something else h suddenly asked m me to stop and join the police force. I was shocked, very shocked.

I thought it was a big joke, I mean a bad joke, a bad dream that I would wake up from shortly aft after but it was not so. She insisted. As a matter of fact, she had already obtained a form for me to be a cadet inspector. I was unhappy. I never thought of this, w we never discussed it, only God knew why she came up with that decision but she insisted and here I am today. father in support of her decision?

Was your fath They are always together in their decisions. That is why it is difYes, he was. Th ficult for any chil child to hide under any of them against the other. Once they are both convinced and co concluded on an issue, they will insist. He couldn’t help me, I mean save me from my mother. I was just in between the two of them so, I had no choice but to dance to th their tune. I was just 19 years old then but I finally commenced training at the po police academy at age 20.

How will you describe your parents? they have one voice. They are both into business and they love God. Like I said, the They brought us all up in the fear of God. They are comfortable and so, we grew comfortable home. We are not too large a family, we are six in number. up in a comfo both strict. We didn’t mingle with others. I mean we didn’t just go They are bo people like other children did. Once we were back from school, we and visit pe indoors to do our school assignments, read, do our domestic chores stayed indoo and generally played with ourselves in the house. There was nothing like going to play with one friend or the other just because one is less busy or because our parents were not around. We had no such luxury. If we must visdid it as a family; we did it together. They were very disciplined and it, we di thought us to be disciplined. We didn’t have chance to do other things though other kids did, it wasn’t easy but I thank God everything ended well.

What was the experience like at the academy?

It was not easy at all. We were made to pass through a rigorous training mentally, academically and physically. We were thought how to be disciplined. I went for my mobile training in Maiduguri and this lasted two years. Many failed and had to stay back to repeat the training all over.

How does it feel to be a police officer?

I must confess here that I am grateful to God for that decision that He made my mother to take on my behalf. It was one decision that I will forever be grateful to my mother for. I never wanted it then but now, I think I am the happiest person in a wonderful profession. I don’t think I could have a better profession than what I am doing. I am so passionate about the job, I love it and I am fulfilled by it. God knew why He allowed my mother forced me to be a police officer. You may not understand like many wouldn’t but I tell you, it is the best job anybody can have. I’m proud of the profession and I advise every family to have a police officer at least. It is one job that allows you serve your people. There are many people who com-

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mitted crimes without knowing that it was a crime. You have the opportunity of putting then through. It is a thing of joy to save people in distress, trouble. It is good to have people look up to you for help. Though I am not a lawyer, as a police officer, I am into a humanitarian job. We both put smiles on people’s faces. Crime is different from sin. Right from when you are a child, you know what sins are. Lying, for instance is a sin but not a criminal offence. There are so many people who commit crimes without knowing.

When you sit them down to put them through, they are glad to know and they make promises not to go near such crimes, genuinely too. These set of people will go out again to spread the gospel to others.

Why do you think your mum said you should train as a police woman?

I really wouldn’t know but I must tell you that because she is my mother, she must have seen a trait or a tendency that convinced her that I would be better off as a police officer. That’s why I am advising parents, mothers especially to take their time to study their children and know their peculiarities, their weaknesses, their strength and all. It will make them to assist their children right when it comes to the issue of career choice.

Imagine the bliss that the seemingly wicked decision she made many years ago has brought upon me today. If she had not taken it then, I may not be where I am today. Most parents today are not where they are supposed to be, they are not contributing to the right growth of their children. Painfully, many are looking up to their children for succour both financially and otherwise. This is wrong because it is supposed to be the other way round.

If a parent is depending on his or her child for financial help when the later is yet dependent on himself or herself, God helps the child not to be involved in crime. Parents should do all they need to do both in prayers and in action to pilot their children to esteemed positions. It is in their duty. A parent who will strive to do all things possible for his or her children to become well placed in life will also enjoy at old age.

More time, I advise, should be dedicated to the children.

A lot of people blame the rate of crime on the Nigerian police. What do you say to this?

Nigerians are also encouraging crime. They refuse to do what they have to do, their vehicle particulars are not always complete, they still have the glasses of their cars tinted and so on, so they give bribes. No one is encouraging the police to extort money from the public but what I am saying is that the public should assist law enforcement agents by doing what is right all the time. If they do and will report any police trying to cheat them in any way, the bad eggs in the profession will be nailed. As a matter of fact, we have a section dedicated to this in the police.

WOMAN

March 30, 2013

Would you say there’s an improvement in the relationship between the Nigerian police and the people over time?

There is an improvement. We’ve recorded lots of success in the past few weeks. Nigerians are getting freer with the police unlike what it was before.

For instance, we paraded a man recently for having a master key to Camry cars. One of his neighbours who suspected him gave him up to the police; we moved into the case and nailed him for theft. More people are coming up to help the police these days and we are grateful for it. The police, I say again is a friend of the public. That is why I advice that everyone should have the number of their district’s police officer in case they need to call him for a help. Parents should also teach their children to like policemen; they should not paint them black any longer. Such names as cobra, eke and so on should not be used when referring to the police.

What other advice do you have for Nigerians especially on crime?

I will advise that people depend more on what they can do to make money. They should desist from this idea of working a little and getting plenty of money. This is what is pushing many people into fraud. Besides, when everyone is busy all the time doing something worthwhile and honourable, the devil will not have the chance of using them up. God has given us all different kinds of gifts that can enrich us, all we have to do is to look inward and invest in it. People should also try and cultivate the habit of doing things right, if the law says don’t do this, no matter who you are and your connections, keep away from it. Let us all be law abiding, it will do the nation and its image good.

What about the rate of rape and incest that appears to be on the increase lately?

It is most saddening especially where you have a father raping his daughters and even a grandchild that is just a baby. It is quite crazy and unthinkable.

Like the rape case we had last week, it was the woman, the mother of the victims that came to report the case crying, it was this same woman that started begging us not to send her husband to jail. I mean, it was all strange.

How would you be pleading for a man who was callous enough to sleep with your own seven year old child such that her private part is as wide as that of a mother of many children and a one-year-old child, his grandchild just because he is your husband? It was a case of felony that attracts life imprisonment, very horrible. I think parents should be more disciplined. Children should also be more at alert and learn to take their lives in their hands. I don’t think I need to preach to women to be committed to the welfare and future of their children; it is their responsibilities and God will query them one day on it whether they like it or not.

25

Keeping ABREAST

Stillbirth Alert!

‘Pregnant women who sleep on their backs are at greater risk of stillbirth’

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regnant women who sleep on their backs are at greater risk of having a stillbirth, a new study suggests.

Mothers-to-be in Ghana who slept in this position were found to be five times more likely to have a baby with a low birth weight, and for some women this resulted in a stillbirth, the researchers said.

The researchers also claimed that more than a quarter of cases of stillbirth might be avoided simply by ensuring that women change their sleeping position.

The study was conducted in Ghana where between 20 and 50 of every 1,000 babies are stillborn.

A recent study in New Zealand also suggests that sleeping on your back is linked to higher stillbirth rates in high income countries, too.

According to the lead researcher, “If maternal sleep position does play a role in stillbirth, encouraging pregnant women everywhere not to sleep on their back is a simple approach that may improve pregnancy outcomes.

“In Ghana, inexpensive interventions are urgently needed to improve pregnancy outcomes.

“This is a behaviour that can be modified - encouraging women to avoid sleeping on their back would be a low-cost method to reduce stillbirths in Ghana and other low-income countries.

“The data in this study suggests that more than one-quarter of stillbirths might be avoided by altering maternal sleep position.”

Experts suggest that pregnant women try to sleep on their side, ideally on their

left side because this can improve the blood flow to the placenta.

Scientists found that pregnant women who sleep on their backs during pregnancy risk compression on the vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body to the heart.

This means the heart is not pumping as blood as effectively as it should, which may lead to stillbirth.

This research supports a recent Australian study which suggested that pregnant women who sleep on their backs are six times more likely to have a stillborn baby.

The researchers, however, said it is important that women who are currently pregnant “don’t become alarmed if they sometimes sleep on their back.”

“Should women have any concerns or feel their babies’ movements have decreased, they should contact their midwife.”

STILLBIRTH: THE FACTS A stillborn baby is a baby born dead after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

If the baby dies before 24 completed weeks, it is known as a late miscarriage.

In almost half of stillbirths, the direct cause of the baby’s death cannot be established.

Ten per cent of stillborn babies have some kind of abnormality and other possible causes include problems with the mother’s health or problems with the placenta, which links the baby’s blood supply to the mother’s.

Culled from www.mailonline.com

26

March 30, 2013

Parenting

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression

Baby facts no one told you before you got pregnant •Can babies be affected by their mother’s mood?

•Do babies prefer attractive people to less attractive people?

•Can unborn babies taste their mothers’ food?

•Why do babies say ‘Dada’ before ‘Mama’?

W

hy does the top of a newborn baby’s head smell so good? Can you train your baby to have healthy eating habits while still in the womb? And why do babies insist on saying ‘Dada’ before ‘Mama’?

These are some of the questions that have intrigued scientists for years – that is until one became pregnant for the first time and set out on a quest for definitive answers, which developed into an 18-month investigation into the science of pregnancy, birth and newborn babies.

Why do newborn babies smell so good?

There’s something intoxicating about the milky smell of a newborn. Many mothers admit to spending hours inhaling their baby’s odour. And for good reason — several studies have shown that women can pick out the scent of their baby from other newborns just a few days after giving birth.

We don’t know precisely where these olfactory signals come from, but scientists think it may be the baby’s sebaceous glands — the tiny oil producers which tend to be particularly active in newborn babies, especially on the head and face.

Body odour is influenced by what we eat, so breast-feeding may also contribute to that delicious new-baby smell.

Can your unborn baby taste spicy food?

Many women believe eating a lot of pepper in late pregnancy will bring on labour. The taste buds on a baby’s tongue begin to develop 13 to 15 weeks into pregnancy, enabling him or her to detect simple tastes such as sweet, sour and salty in the womb.

Smells and flavours from a mother’s food get into the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby

during the third trimester, and as a foetus breathes and swallows around a litre of this a day, which then passes over smell and taste receptors in the nose and mouth, unborn babies do get a taste of what their mum is eating.

Can you train your unborn baby to have healthy eating habits in later life?

It seems that the memory of tastes experienced in the womb influences the foods babies like in later life.

Studies have shown that if an expectant mother drinks a glass of carrot juice four times a week in the last trimester (or the first two months of breastfeeding) her baby will find cereal prepared with carrot juice appealing once weaned.

Babies whose mothers eat a lot of fruit during pregnancy are also more likely to enjoy fruit during weaning.

Trying to eat as many different flavours as possible should, therefore, expose your unborn or breastfeeding baby to different tastes and, in theory make them less prone to fussy eating.

Can a baby detect its mother’s mood in the womb?

How a mother feels during pregnancy can certainly affect her unborn baby’s movements.

In a recent study, ten women in their last trimester were shown an uplifting clip from the popular film The Sound Of Music — in which Julie Andrews skips gaily through alpine meadows — while their baby’s movements were monitored by ultrasound.

The women also watched a tear jerking clip from a sad film. They wore earphones, so the baby couldn’t hear the soundtrack.

When the women watched the ‘happy’ film, their babies seemed stimulated and waved their arms. But during the

sad film, their movements decreased.

Although the study included only a small number of women, it does at least hint that a baby can detect its mother’s mood.

It is thought that this might occur because hormones, such as adrenaline, are released during times of stress or sadness and can redirect blood flow away from the uterus, which the baby picks up on.

Do babies like some people better than others?

Some people love babies, others can’t stand them — and the little ones feel the same about us.

Given a choice between photographs of two faces — one that had been rated as attractive by a group of adults and one rated unattractive — a newborn baby will choose to fixate on the more appealing face.

But babies don’t just judge books by their covers. Newborns get upset if people’s facial expressions suggest they’re not responding to them.

Experiments with babies as young as three hours old have shown that if their mother pulls a blank, expressionless face, the baby responds by decreasing their eye contact and showing signs of distress.

This suggests that babies are born with certain expectations regarding the rules of communication — much like the rest of us!

Why do babies say ‘dada’ before ‘mama’?

Learning to speak requires the coordination of more than 70 different muscles and body parts, so it’s not until around seven or eight months of age that babies start to babble. Researchers say children are extremely alike during this babbling period.

Sounds such as ‘b’, ‘d’, ‘m’ and ‘g’ combined with ‘ah’ seem to be easiest to make, so that’s where babies start.

Although many parents assume that ‘Mama’ and ‘Dada’ are among babies’ first words because these are the people who are important to them, baby babble doesn’t start taking on meaning until around ten months.

Many babies do tend to say ‘da’ before ‘ma’, though, because early speech sounds tend to be produced by moving the lips, jaw and soft palate simultaneously.

This is how we make ‘ba’ and ‘da’ sounds. ‘Ma’ requires us to move the lips and jaw but relax the soft palate — a more

complex operation.

Why do we speak to babies in a silly voice?

The fact is, parents across the world show a common pattern when talking to babies.

They raise the pitch of their voice, speak more slowly, elongate the vowels, repeat themselves and exaggerate changes in intonation. And there seems to be a good reason why.

Recent research showed that elongating vowel sounds when talking to toddlers enhance their ability to recognise words.

The exaggerated way we interact with babies seems to be important, too, for capturing their attention.

ParentingUpdate The photo was taken in front of a barricade in the neighborhood of Salahadeen, Aleppo - the front lines of the bloody Syrian civil war.

Little warrior!

zThe sad image of child soldier aged SEVEN

A

shocking photo of a small boy smoking a cigarette and clutching a high-powered rifle has emerged from the violence in war-torn Syria.

In the captivating images, 7-year-old Ahmed takes a drag

from a cigarette and exhales a cloud of smoke like he’s been doing it for years.

With his right hand, he holds the back of his weapon.

•Culled from www.mailonline.com

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

March 30, 2013

le StyGlam and

with Yemisi Adeniran

W

hen it comes to making fashion statements, stylish people keep springing up surprises with each passing day.

One style with which women of style are currently expressing themselves is the fit and flare dress. Fit and flare dresses are those dresses or skirts that mimic the shape of a tulip dress in a way. It is a pattern of dress that hugs to the body at the upper side and flares out from the waist down most of the time. This style is great for girls who are lacking in the hip departments as they provide a flattering alternative. It is a silhouette that actually looks cute on all kinds of women. It’s a hot pick just ready for cocktails.

It is a dress that makes a virtue of having hips and even a tummy which gives it a relatively low catwalk profile. They are comfortable, so, they give a level of confidence when they are worn. You can make your own choice short or long, sleeveless or with sleeve, made form an African fabric or otherwise, what is sure is that it will certainly make you look real hot this Easter season.

(08037801158) ydiran@yahoo.com

28

STYLE & GLAM

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashion Frenzy

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gorgeous es, elegan ing for a c piece in y to get one will lead y Combin This is m to appear and buba material, and the p

BEAUTY

Q&A

Your candid response to all fashion questions Perfect jean for your body type (II) The skittle: You’re probably wondering what a skittle is… well, apparently, it’s a bowling pin! Basically, you probably went through life thinking you were a pear but wondering why you didn’t have much of a butt. They are actually two distinct shapes (but probably genetically related), and the skittle is one of the most common out there, espe-

cially if you’re Eastern European or East Asian. The good news is you are quite easy to dress! Many of the big premium denim brands feature flashy pocket details that will fill out your booty, and a lot of cuts feature both roomy thighs and stretch fabric, both of which are essential for you. Since your legs are short in proportion to your height, it’s probably fairly easy for you to find a pair with thrashed hems, cut off the damage, and have a pair that’s good as new!

Featur Fun po as it adds cious, gen runs real or they’ll a somewh

W

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

hether for this Easter season or other festive periods, lace outfits never go out of style. They are when sewn into traditional piecnt as a formal wear and ever allurcocktail launch. If you have a lace your wardrobe already or you plan e for this Easter, the following tips you to wearing it appealingly:. ne with any choice gele or ipele: most right for anyone who wishes r in a traditional outfit’ Be it iro a or an up and down of any lace a combination with a head wear popular extra wrapper made from

STYLE & GLAM

March 30, 2013

29

Facelift aso-oke, damask, george and the like will definitely stand you out this season. Play with monochromaticity, colour-blocking and texture-mixing. For instance, you can match a muted orange lace colour with a darker shade of orange.

You can dress down a lace dress by layering it with a sweater or long sleeve top, You want to make sure that the top is thick enough that you can’t see the lace underneath. If your dress is longer and more fitted at the skirt of the dress, then you should look for a pencil skirt or a skirt shape that flatters your dress. This can be tricky to style, but experiment with what you have

res to look for: ockets - crystals, thick stitching, flaps, you name it! As long s interest to the butt area, it’ll make you look more bootylinerous thighs, stretch fabric – unless you’ve got a pair that ly big in the thighs, rigids probably won’t get past your knees, l at least be really uncomfortable when you’re sitting down, hat higher rise – since you’re long-waisted, these will make

and see if you can make it work.

Choose the right accessory. If your outfit is a bright colour or a non-neutral colour, you can find a multicolored bag that has your outfit’s shade. You can also just choose a shade that compliments the dress or whatever else you’re pairing your wear with.

Add a belt. If it’s a dress or a skirt and a blouse, adding a belt to a dress can change the entire look. Pair your favorite belt with this dress and create a look all your own.

Now, you can match your shoes and bag to your belt and the dress becomes the background/canvas.

You need a stunning makeup

your legs look nice and long. Too high, though, and you’ll get the pancake butt effect. A boot cut or straight leg. Since you have generous calves, tread carefully in the area of skinny jeans, while the tiniest of Skittles can look great in them, they won’t be comfortable on most of you. Very tall Skittles can also really rock a pair of supah-flares or wide legs, but petite girls will get swallowed up in them.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

When evening calls for a glamorous look, you want to focus on making your eyes amazing. Here’s how to apply eye makeup for a stunning face.

1.

Prep your eyes with concealer Concealer can be used to cover up under-eye circles or just the bluish discoloration just under your inner eye. To cover dark undereye circles, apply three dots of concealer under each eye. Start at the inner corner where skin tends to be darkest, then under the pupil and the third on the outer edge. Pat, never rub with your ring finger (this finger tends to have the softest pad) until it disappears.

2.

Apply eye base to your lid eye base.

It is the secret to keeping your shadow in place for hours. Without properly priming your lid first, your eyeshadow will likely end up a greasy line in your crease.

3.

Follow with eyeliner. Dark eyeshadows work great as eyeliners. Wet a slanted brush, then dip in a dark eyeshadow. Line eyes as close to the upper lashes as possible from the inner corner to the outer corner.

Follow with liner on bottom eyes, but only line from the middle of the eye out. Smudge the bottom line with a Q-tip or your finger. You don’t want a prominent line. For a smokey eye, use a brush to pat in a dark eyeshadow along the upper lid and below the lid. You don’t want a stark line, instead you want to blend it so it’s “smudge-y.”

4.

Apply eyeshadow. It’s great to use a three-toned shadow and build from lids to brow (see How to apply eyeshadow). Allowing them to blend into each other like a rainbow is gorgeous, according to celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal. Start with a light color that almost matches your lid.

Sweep the color across the lid and up to your browbone. Follow with a medium color across your lid only. Build on this with a darker color in the crease. Blend the colors well.

30

March 30, 2013

Male Essentials

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

08036961187

with Oseyizaa Oogbodo kingseiza@yahoo.com w

Dandy Dayo D

ayo Ephraim is definitely one of the best dressed guys in Nigeria right now. It’s almost as if dressing well is second nature to him. Even though his job as a TV on-air personality demands that he should be well dressed, it is apparent that he actually goes out of his way to

look good.

No matter the occasion or the time of the day, he has an appropriate outfit.

He is also very adept at combining colours and is never afraid to take on any colour as he will have its matching accessories.

If you need an education in fashion, just keep up with Dayo and you will be suitably educated.

6 moustache styles you should try (1) F

acial hair (moustache is the focus here) is one of those things that you can and should experiment with in order to express your personality to its fullest. Moustache has many styles and here are six of them that are very fashionable. Just choose the one that is best suited to you as a properly groomed moustache is very chic.

The pencil For a modern-day incarnation of the pencil moustache style which is defined as a thin, narrow and closely clipped moustache, you’ll want to use either a single blade razor or wax to achieve ulti-

mate precision. If you’re a little clumsy, visit a professional for waxing. For a DIY shaving job, the most important thing to remember is that there should be skin between your lip and your moustache, otherwise you’ll look like you’re wearing lip liner. This style requires considerable upkeep, so it’s best suited to men with slow facial hair growth or thinner hair.

Moustache with goatee If you’ve already grown a thick moustache and you’d like to build on your facial hair style, then consider adding a goatee. This look has been sported

by Johnny Depp and Manny Pacquiao and represents a viable option for guys who can grow upper lip and chin hair but have difficulty sprouting hair on their cheeks. Begin by thinning out your moustache using barber’s scissors or an electric trimmer specifically designed to tackle facial hair. Over the next four weeks, as the hair on your chin becomes thicker, you can progressively reduce the amount of trimming you do on your upper lip. Do continue, however, to use a sharp wet razor to keep your cheeks and neck fuzz free.

Forgot-to-shave

This is a timeless and ruggedly masculine facial hair style that women love.

The I-forgot-to-shave look, as seen of late on Daniel Craig and Brad Pitt, doesn’t require much upkeep and projects a laidback attitude. For facial hair that grows slowly, it’s best to start with a clean shave to achieve this irreverent style.

Then, simply sit back and let nature take its course until you achieve an all-over scruffy look, including your neck. At that point, use electric clippers to keep your facial hair very short and fine so that your skin is visible underneath.

•To be continued next week

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

March 30, 2013

Dear Igho

TTel: e 08023924679 (SMS only) ighomit@gmail.com

Having difficulties with relationships, family, work or any other aspectt off your life? lif Help is at hand with TOBORE IGHO OVUORIE Dear Igho, I’m 28 and have an 11-monthold baby. About two months ago, I started going to the gym because my husband wanted me to get back into shape, as I was always at home with the baby and not getting any time for myself. So I started going for one hour, two to three times a week and he looked after our baby for just that one hour while I’m away. I started getting my confidence back and my figure and I thought he loved it. I joined a mum and baby club in church and started to get out more with my baby. Recently, my husband has been acting funny with me. He says things like where do you think you are going looking like that? Or, are you going to see another man? Or he will pick on every little thing I say or do, and makes me feel bad about myself.

Yesterday, I said I wanted to go to the gym as I hadn’t been for a week.

He replied, with an attitude, that I’m a mother, now, and I shouldn’t be leaving the baby at home with him, and if I wanted to have time to myself that I shouldn’t have had a baby! Most of the time I just ignore his stupid comments like that, but I just can’t hold it in any longer. He is always out, and gets his time for himself without having a baby screaming at him because he is teething. The whole thing was his idea in the first place, and now he’s behaving like a child. I don’t know

Is he jealous?

what to do now. Should I just cut the crap and stop going, or continue going and ask a family member to look after my baby for an hour? Am I selfish?

Angry housewife, Magodo Phase 1, Lagos State

Dear Angry housewife, Of course you’re not being selfish! Not only should you have some time away from the baby, he is the one who suggested it. Absurd behaviour on his part and extremely transparent. He wanted you to go to the gym to get back in shape. He didn’t suggest a movie and dinner with a girl-

Would she let go of the past?

Dear Igho, I have bipolar disorder. I did a lot to my girlfriend within the last four years. I’m on new medicine now. She is telling me she now only wants to be friends, but one day we went out to eat and she was acting like we were still together. I texted her the next day, and she answered,

Dear Igho, So I really like this girl. I do everything for her -- buy her flowers, take her to dinner, give her gifts, compliment her etc., but she still flirts with other guys. Sure she’s single, but these other guys are guys she’s never met, I’ve liked her for about nine months now.

She knows I like her. I asked her out, but she’s yet to give me an answer (it’s been a week), so I’m thinking about moving on. But it will be hard to move on given how I feel about her, and how long I’ve liked her. What do I do to win her

but I did not hear back when I texted two more times. What do you think? Do you think she will let go of the past?

Onos Eseoghene, Warri, Delta state.

Dear Onos,

Unfortunately, you being bipolar has affected the relationship, and there may be “too much water under the bridge.”

She’s bruised from the experiences.

Sincerely, I can’t reassure you that you’ll get back together with her, but I think it’s best to follow her lead. She wants friendship, now, and if you can be that guy to her, maybe in time you can prove you’re reliable. There’s no quick

friend.

It’s unfortunate that he now resents the very thing he wanted. He is operating under the umbrella of a double-standard. He can go out and about as a dad, but you, being a mom, should curtail your activities, or wear a gunny sack in public. He’s jealous, he lacks trust, and the irony is that he set the ball in motion.

My dear, do not acquiesce to his inability to be a rational, stand up guy.

You’ve done nothing to warrant mistrust, and he’s being a jerk (and that’s putting in mildly). You don’t want this to fester more than it already has, because you and he have a sweet son who deserves the absolute best effort from his parents to maintain a safe and lovely environment. Do not argue with your husband, nor allow him to spin this out of control. Be firm! Tell him to cease the jealousy and chauvinistic trip he’s laying at your feet, or get counselling for a problem he has accepting your need for some independence in the marriage.

If he refuses to change his offensive behaviour, I think you’ll, sadly, have to reassess your marriage. To be treated like a second class citizen, because you are in good shape after having the baby, should not abide. If you allow it, you could end up living in a prison without bars. Stop the bleeding now.

fix, and you can’t force her to feel differently. If you have things under control for a while, perhaps she’ll notice and you can build from there.

Be patient. I don’t think there’s much else you can do. But if she keeps this up, and it’s clear she wants only friendship, and/or has moved on to another relationship, you’ll have to move on too. Bipolar, or not, relationships can be one of the hardest things to work out to a successful conclusion. Four years is a long time to be in one, and it makes it a lot harder to end it. A pity.

How do I win her love? love?

Deji Nandi, Ajah, Lagos Dear Deji, Of course she knows you like her. You fawn over her! Learn this now, you can’t force someone to love you. Gifts and attention make no difference if she’s not interested. It doesn’t matter how you feel, ultimately. It matters that she recipro-

cates strong feelings for you -- and she clearly does not.

It’s obvious this girl takes from you, but gives little (and I’m being generous) in return. She may be flattered that you are this attentive, but that’s all it appears to be. You’d think taking her to dinner would constitute a date, and it’s unfortunate that neither one of you see it that way.

If she flirts with other guys when you’re with her, it’s highly disrespectful -- and proves just how little she cares for you, and the kindnesses you have bestowed. Don’t be foolish thinking your sycophantic behaviour will score points.

You have to move on. And when you do, please don’t fall for her, suddenly, taking interest in you. More than likely, it’s only because she misses the attention, but not you.

32

March 30, 2013

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

D

ermoid cyst: This is a type of benign tumor sometimes referred to as mature cystic teratoma. It is an abnormal cyst that usually affects younger women. A dermoid cyst can contain other types of growths of body tissues such as fat and occasionally bone, hair, and cartilage.

Cystadenoma: A cystadenoma is a type of benign tumor that develops from ovarian tissue. They may be filled with a mucous-type fluid material. Cystadenomas can become very large and may measure 12 inches or more in diameter.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian Cysts Symptoms Usually ovarian cysts do not produce symptoms and are found during a routine physical exam or are seen by chance on an ultrasound performed for other reasons. However, the following symptoms may be present:  Lower abdominal or pelvic

struation Abdominal swelling or unusual increased abdominal girth Abdominal pain if blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) are taken Increased facial hair similar to a male pattern High or low blood pressure unrelated to medications Excessive thirst or urination Unexplained weight loss A noticeable abdominal or pelvic mass

Outlook

Causes of Ovarian Cysts The following are possible risk factors for developing ovarian cysts:  History of previous ovarian cysts  Irregular menstrual cycles  Increased upper body fat distribution  Early menstruation (11 years or younger)  Infertility  Hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalance  Therapy for breast cancer Oral contraceptive/birth control pill use decreases the risk of developing ovarian cysts because they prevent the ovaries from producing eggs during ovulation.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

pain, which may start and stop and may be severe, sudden, and sharp  Irregular menstrual periods  Feeling of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure or fullness  Long-term pelvic pain during menstrual period that may also be felt in the lower back  Pelvic pain after strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse  Pain or pressure with urination or bowel movements  Nausea and vomiting  Vaginal pain or spotty bleeding from the vagina

 Infertility

When to Seek Medical Care A health care practitioner should be contacted if the following symptoms occur: Fever Abnormal pain or tenderness in the abdominal or pelvic area Nausea or vomiting Weakness, dizziness, or fainting Pallor or anemia (possibly from loss of blood) Abnormally heavy or irregular men-

The outlook for a woman with an ovarian cyst depends on the type and size of cyst as well as her age. Benign (noncancerous) masses or cysts greatly outnumber malignant (cancerous) ones.

Age: The development of a functional ovarian cyst depends on hormonal stimulation of the ovary. A woman is more likely to develop a cyst if she is still menstruating and her body is producing the hormone estrogen. Postmenopausal women have a lower risk for developing ovarian cysts since they are no longer having menstrual periods. For this reason, many doctors recommend removal or biopsy of ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women, particularly if the cysts are larger than 1-2 inches in diameter.

Cyst size: The size of the ovarian cyst relates directly to the rate at which they shrink. As a rule, functional cysts are 2 inches in diameter or smaller and usually have one fluid-filled area or bubble. The cyst wall is usually thin, and the inner side of the wall is smooth.

An endovaginal ultrasound can reveal these features. Most cysts smaller than 2 inches in diameter are functional cysts. Surgery is recommended to remove any cyst larger than 4 inches in diameter.

CONCLUDED

LETTER

I have erectile dysfunction Dear Doctor, Good day doctor, I am married with two kids. I have taken a lot of enhancer drugs but none seem to work. I want to know the cause of erectile dysfunction because I am just 32 years old. +2348185-----------57 Mirror Doctor replies, To understand more about the possible causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) it is useful to understand how erections occur.

When you become sexually aroused, your brain sends signals to the nerves in your penis. The nerves increase the blood flow to your penis, causing the tissue to expand and harden. Therefore, anything that interferes with your nervous system

or your blood circulation could lead to ED. Anything that affects your libido (level of sexual desire) can also cause ED because a reduced libido makes it more difficult for your brain to trigger an erection.

Psychological (mental) factors, such as depression, can reduce your libido, as can changes in your hormone levels (chemicals that are produced by the body).

There are four main types of health conditions that can cause physical problems resulting in ED. These are conditions that affect the flow of blood to your penis, conditions that affect your nervous system, which is made up of your brain, nerves and spinal cord, conditions that affect your hormone levels, and conditions that affect the physical structure of your penis.

Vasuclogenic conditions that can cause ED include a disease of the heart or blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes - a condition that is caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This can affect both the blood supply and the nerve endings in your penis, so it is also a neurogenic condition.

Furthermore, we also have other conditions like, hormonal conditions, anatomical conditions, medicinal causes like antidepressants - medicines that are used to treat depression and some types of pain, corticosteroids medication that contains steroids, which are a type of hormone, and medicines that are used to treat stomach ulcers Possible psychological causes of ED include depression - feelings of extreme sad-

ness that last for a long time, and anxiety - a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear ED can often have both physical and psychological causes. For example, if you have diabetes, it may be difficult for you to get an erection, which may cause you to become anxious about the situation. The combination of diabetes and anxiety may lead to an episode of ED. There are a number of emotional issues that may also affect your physical ability to get or maintain an erection.

These include relationship problems, such as being unable to talk openly about any problems that you have, lack of sexual knowledge, past sexual problems, past sexual abuse, and being in a new relationship.

Other possible causes of ED include excessive alcohol intake, tiredness and using illegal drugs, such as cannabis, heroin or cocaine. Management of ED depends on the cause.

Living

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

March 30, 2013

33

Heap of debris in Ojoku community. INSET: Chief Ayenero, resident

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

I

t was about 2pm on a hot Sunday afternoon, people were returning from their different churches sweating profusely from the bite of the scorching sun which was running at almost 40 degrees centigrade. One would ordinarily wish at that that rain should fall to bring refreshment and respite from the boiling heat.

But for the residents of Ojoku, a community in the Olodi Apapa, under Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, it a wish they would be reluctant to make. For rains rather than bring the residents of Ojoku reprieve from heat, brings woes and untold hardship.

“Once it rains, we may become trapped indoors for days due to the bad state of roads leading to this place,” remarked a resident of the place who pleaded anonymity.

Ojoku community is opposite the popular Tincan Island Port in Apapa area of the megacity. However, this is where its relationship with the megacity seems to end.

Nothing in the sprawling neighbourhood suggests.

Many of the residents of the community are into various professions: teachers, traders, artisans and others. These professionals mostly live in Ojoku because of its proximity to the ports, especially Tin Can. However, a long term resident of the area disclosed that in the 80s the place used to be a smugglers’ haven. Then a lot of bunkering activities were said to have taken place there.

“However, with the passage of time, a lot of other people started to come into the area for various reasons and as such

Community where rain must not fall Ojoku is a community in Olodi Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State under Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area.

That is how far it can be said to have rolled with the megacity mantra. This densely populated community dreads rain more than any other thing. Why? became opportune to do other things like teaching, and working in the ports,” he stated.

One of the questions which usually rakes the mind of a first time caller to this community is how could human beings exist in such an environment?

A casual glance around the community, however, quickly reveals the source of the stinking identity of the place: it is a product of a deluge of refuse heaped in and around the canal. It is actually the settlement itself.

Apart from the pungent stench from canal that is blocked with the filth and dirt from the neighbourhood, the whole road is filled with debris of refuse thereby giving the entire community the appearance of a huge refuse dump.

However, one notable contrast about this community is the fact that there are various types of houses ranging from bungalow to two storeys. Some are good look-

ing while others can be described as mere shanties Apart from the heap of refuse all over the place and the terrible roads, life could have been a little bearable for these residents.

Chief Emmanuel Ayenero who has been living in the area since 1985 and also a member of the Community Development Association (CDA) blamed the situation of the community on the negligence of the state government which has not yielded to their pleas of many years on the issue of a good road.

“Over the years, we have written several letters to the state government and the local government over the terrible state of our roads but there has been no positive response. The whole situation is really pathetic. After several letters, about four years ago, government came to do this canal you are seeing but because of the bad

road, LAWMA does not come in here regularly. They said that the roads are bad and there is no way they can come in without a road to access the place. They come in epileptically. During the dry season, they manage to come but once it rains, there’s no way they could come here and the implication of that is the heap of debris you find there blocking the canal.

“It is also the major reason the whole place get flooded once it rains. If it rains once, a lot of us are trapped in because no vehicle will be able to navigate the road through here. No bike nor tricycle nor any bus will want to come to our direction.

The roads get really bad apparently impassable for vehicles. That is why the refuse is a common feature in this habitat” Ayenero further disclosed that he was the one who constructed a part of the gutter on his street single handed before the government came to dig the canal.

He lamented on the state of the community pleading that government should come to their aid more so because of the coming rainy season.

“Even when we are supposed to be happy when it is about to rain because of the refreshment it will bring for us with this serious heat, we cannot but dread it knowing what is in stock for us each time it CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

34

LIVING

THOMAS USHIE

T

he sun rages in the blazing tropical sky of Lagos. Around AP Terminal at Ijora, Apapa, the typical Lagos traffic snarl is at its zenith in the axis.

As street hawkers struggle to cash in on the situation and assuage the need of the hapless commuters, one cannot but notice one of them. He sticks out like a sore thumb.

The subject is around nine years old.

He has on his head a leaking cardboard which is almost full. The load appears a little too heavy for him as he sways under its weight. It is a carton of sachets of water popularly called pure water. But the boy is stoic in his attempt to persevere.

He cuts a pitiful sight, no doubt. And you can call him Master Pitiful. His name is Qadiri. One of his eyes is almost gone. It is the right. The eye is swollen to the size of a lawn tennis ball.

A stream of water drops continuously from the defrosting sachet water on his head. As it trails down and falls on his bad eye, Ouadiri allows it. He makes no attempt to wipe the water which has now mixed with the tears oozing from the eye: the bad one.

The purblind Qadiri is an under aged breadwinner. He labours daily to hawk “pure water” for a woman he calls “Mother” under the fierce and scorching sun.

Curious, Saturday Mirror approached him, asking to know him and his family. And an obviously scare struck lad stuttered in blank phrases as he trembled, jerking in trepidation, his legs wobbled while his teeth clattered as if he caught cold.

“My name is Qadiri. I, I.....” he managed to stutter.

While striving to know beyond his name, the reporter’s curiosity and concern drew the attention of sympathisers who, in a fleeting, gathered. The first two, one of them, a military officer probed: “What do you want from this boy?”

Drawing his attention to the condition of the lad, the officer stopped to see the damage caused to the eye.

“What happened to you,” the soldier, who pleaded anonymity, asked.

“I fell down from the veranda of our house,” he said as tears flowed freely from his left eye while shivering sympathetically.

“Who sent you to hawk in this condition,” Saturday Mirror enquired. “My mother, she sent me” Qadiri responded.

Interjecting, one of the sympathisers among the crowd that gathered, who simply identified himself later as Obaro, contested the claim of Qadiri that he hawks for his mother.

According to Obaro, “no mother would be so wicked to send her child, no matter the condition of the family, to sell ‘pure water’ in this hot sun and in this condition. He cannot even see with this eye. With the intensity of the sun and the load he is carrying, the pressure could make him go blind. I can even see scratches on his face. It is a pity. This is the level the country has allowed Nigerians to degenerate into. I really pity him

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The blind hawker

Qadiri

He is not sure of his age neither does he know why one of his eyes cannot see. He only knows that he must sell as many sachets of ‘pure water’ as possible so that he would not go to bed on an empty stomach. Welcome to the life of Quadiri, the purblind kid-hawker.

Mama Qadiri’s house

but there is nothing I can do to stop him permanently from hawking. Probably he is the breadwinner of the family and if he does not do this, the family would go hungry. You see, that is how life can be so cruel to some people”.

While the crowd helplessly sympathised with the lad, an elderly man who later identified himself as Mauruff Oladejo, showed up and upon enquiry, he demonstrated what elders are made up:

“What do you say is your name?”

Oladejo asked.

“Qadiri”, the hapless boy replied again.

“Oya (Now), tell us what happened to your eyes, where you are living and who you live with” Oladejo said.

“I fell down and my face hit an object. I had some scratches and the eye became swollen. It is two days now I have not been able to see with the eye.

My mother is treating it locally at home.

She boils water to massage it. It is paining me. I am 9, 10 years old (not certain).

I am living with my grandmother at Ireti, Ijora Badia,” Qadiri explained.

Angered by the boy’s living condition, Oladejo asked the writer to accompany him to trace the boy’s abode and family.

And swiftly, we chartered a red Lagos commercial tricycle popularly known as “Keke Marwa” heading for a “voyage of discovery” at Qadiri’s claimed address.

It was a long and arduous ride in Keke Marwa to Qadiri’s house. And when the reporter arrived in company with a military officer and two other sympathisers, they were lost for words.

Where Qadiri lives is a sorry sight. It is a sprawling distance from the site of the recently demolished structures at Ijora. The house and its surrounding are a personification of poverty and gross neglect. The house where Qadiri lives with his grandmothe, is a suspended wooden structure built on swamp tuck among other like structures in the sprawling Ijora slum, distastefully decorated with filths and dirt and oozing stench.

As Saturday Mirror asked the Quadiri’s grandmother while she chose to send the boy to hawk while he could not see with one of his eyes, the aged woman simply identified as Mama Qadiri, sensed danger and ran towards another aged man, her neighbour, for help. While other sympathisers who came with the boy questioned further, the woman rolled on the dirt begging for pardon while yelling: “It is hunger, I am only looking for food to eat and feed him”. It turned out to be the case of the hunter becoming the hunted as those she was toiling to beg turned back to plead with her to stand up and stop prostrating “before us” apparently because of the traditional African reverential attitudes towards people of advanced age.

While Qadiri’s eye could heal “naturally”, by “divine intervention”, or may be, from the mite sympathisers gave to him for his upkeep at the interim, one thing that is surely still holding him and his mother by the jocular, is poverty. There is need for a helping hand that could rescue them from their pitiful existential condition.

“What they need is not for government to send bulldozer for another demolition because if this is done, their problem would go from worse to hell. Government and other public spirited individuals, foreign and non-governmental organisations should come to their rescue. This people deserve pity and not brutality.

The Qadiri of a boy, especially, deserves help from well-to-do Nigerians who could house him and his suffering grandmother. As you can see, this house is not conducive and habitable for a ‘normal’ human being. They are only managing to live and I think they deserve sympathy from everybody concern. The boy needs to go to school so that he would not breed another generation of poverty stricken family. The time to save him is now,” a sympathiser who identified himself as Justin, advised.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

March 30, 2013

35

Horror! Father crucifies kids, says they are witches Elisha Udobong and his sister, Esther, apart from being siblings are also “witches” according to their father John Friday Akpan.

How did he punish them and to what magnitude?

E

lisha Udobong and his sister, Esther, are approaching their teens.

And like other kids in their age category, they are expected to be outgoing and vivacious. These, however, could hardly be said of the duo.

Elisha, 12 and his sister, Esther, 6, have been held captive for months by no other person than their father, 40-year-old John Friday Akpan, and indigene of Akwa Ibom State but resident in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Not only did he lock them up in a room for days, he also went down the ages to exhume a punishment: crucifixion.

Akpan allegedly nailed his kids to a plank after putting them through gruelling starvation. His grouse against his biological children? They are witches. They have also stolen his money and given it to their master. So, he alleged.

It has not always been like this for the

HE (FATHER) NAILED US TO ONE BIG PLANK

– ELISHA, 12, ESTHER, 6 two kids.

According to Elisha, things started going worse for them after their father took another wife following the demise of their mother.

The father, the kids said, used to reside in Akpabuyo with the family where he sent them to a private school, Regent Nursery and Primary School, Ikot Nkanda, but when their mother died and the man took another wife, Iquo, the story changed.

Elisha, JSS1 student, said: “My mother (stepmother) said the woman who used to live near our house in Akpabuyo gave us food and she put something in the food and when we ate it we changed to birds at night and took out father’s money to our master in the witchcraft world”.

According to the boy, he was alleged to have taken N4 000 while Esther took N2, 000 and that angered their father and stepmother who started beating them and denying them food “because they said we took the money to our master”.

The maltreatment became worse when they relocated to Calabar and took up residence at 23 Akpandem Street, off Edim

Otop Street in the municipality.

“He (father) nailed us to one big plank and beat us that we should bring back the money but we had no money to give to him”, Esther said.

Unable to get back his money from the children, Akpan allegedly went for the final onslaught against the kids by locking them up in an abandoned hut where he lived so that they could die.

“When the situation became too bad, neighbours, worried that the children may die and the police descend on them, raised the alarm and reported to the police at the Airport Division. The police swooped on the parents and got them arrested”, Mr James Ibor, a child rights activist said.

The children, whose emaciated and dirty appearance replicated the images of starving children in famine ravaged Somalia and war torn Sudan following weeks of starvation, said they survived on water supplied by one of the man’s kids by another woman. “Our sister, Peace, usually brought us water inside the hut when our father and our mother

had gone out”, Esther said.

Ibori said the children were so hungry and weak that it was apparent that they would have died if they had not, been rescued.

“They were so weak that we had to give them water first, then some fruits; even at that the system of the girl could not accommodate the fruits and she had to visit the toilet a few minute after she ate the banana I gave to them,” he added.

But Akpan was said not to be acting purely out of his own volition but the advice of a witch doctor, one Dr Okokon.

He is now explaining to the police how he allegedly heeded the advice of the herbalist, and tagged his two children witches.

He had accused the kids of stealing his money for their “master in the witchcraft world and therefore deserved no mercy”.

According to Ibor, the DPO of the Airport Division called him “at about 11 am on Friday, March 8 that there was another case of children stigmatised as witches and I went to the station and behold, what I saw made me weep”.

DSP John Umoh, the spokesman of the Cross River State Police Command, said efforts were on to arrest Okokon the herbalist so that “he and the parents can appear in court to answer charges on felony.”

•Culled from www.thegazellenews. com

36

LIVING

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ritual killers: How girl, 13, escaped from kidnappers’ den THOMAS USHIE

J

oke Akindele, a 13-year-old secondary school student, walked through the valley of the shadow of death in the hands of ritual killers, yet she survived unscathed. And how she was able to survive the blood thirsty, money and power hungry ritualists at the Lagos border town of Ogijo, has continued to elude the grasp of many.

Speaking with Saturday Mirror, an awe struck mother of the lucky Joke, Mrs Modupe Akindele gave account of how birthday shopping for a brother became colder than ever, for the family.

“Her brother was to mark his birthday on the 18th and prior to that, on the 17th, my daughter left the house in the afternoon to shop for wares which she would use, at Garage, Ikorodu, Lagos. On her way back, she told us, she boarded a bus close to a filling station at the junction we usually commute to Ogijo. Unluckily, the bus which also had other three women occupants was an evil one from the pit of hell! ” Mrs Akindele said, as she ushered in her daughter, Joke, to tell her sad but story of divine survival.

Joke gave a chilling narrative of her encounter with the ritual kidnappers.

Like sheep being led to the slaughter, she revealed, they all lost their power of resistance as the commercial bus they were commuting drove deep down the lonely road into the waiting hands of the ritualists.

“When the bus left the filling station, I had no idea that they were dangerous human beings. There were other passengers inside the bus so we felt at ease, oblivious of what was awaiting us. The bus moved for like five minutes and got close to the roundabout along the Ogijo road. Instead of them to go left, they diverted right, driving us through some horrible paths I had never passed through.

We were all just mum, saying nothing.

We thought that they were trying to beat traffic, passing through Ladega to link with Sabo. But we were dead wrong! When other women in the bus discovered that they were heading towards a road to no return, they started threatening the bus driver and the conductor to drop them because they are going to Ogijo and not where they were driving to, or face their wrath.

However, their threat was empty when the kidnappers brandished their gun.

They were armed and meant business.

And when they got to their destination, they discharged us at their den.

“It was dark when they dropped us at the building down the road at Igbogbo area. I was the youngest among the kidnapped. The ritualists tested four of us, all women, with charms.

Other passengers who, with the looks

For Joke Akindele (not real names), it was to be a mere trip to the market. It however ended on the slaughter slab of ritual killers. How did she get there? How did she escape the knives of the ritual killers? How did...?

The kidnapped girl

of things, were part of the kidnappers, just walked away. The babalawo (priest of the shrine) made incantations with charms wrapped in red.

He put it on one of the women head and ordered her to move in. He did again on the other and said the same thing. I was just indifferent and just fearless as if there was nothing amiss.

I was confessing the Word of God in my heart. It got to my turn and the ritual head did the same thing on me but rather than ordering me in, he sent me out. I left the place and wondered onto the lonely dark road which the bus had driven us through. It was like 10/11 pm. I am not conversant with that road. I just kept wondering alone along the road as the spirit led me until I got to a shop. It was a very long and terrifying trek. When I got to that shop, I was already exhausted and decided to pass the night,” Joke narrated.

While she was lucky to have been spew out of the jaw of death of the kidnappers cum ritualists, same might not be said of the three women she left behind as they might have met

the specifications for sacrifice.

Her mother cut in: “My daughter is the daughter of Zion. She cannot be a meat for ritualists or kidnappers. God was with her because we were praying for her. Everybody in the house, some pastors came around and we were assured that she would come home safely. We believe God although we were so worried as the night was getting darker without the sight of her. She is just 13 years old. She is not matured to go through such horrifying experience.

So, she said she walked to Igbogbo where she saw a locked shop and she decided to hide around there to spend the night. When she heard the Muslim call for prayer, she woke up and took a bike to the bus stop. The ritualists did not collect the money with her.

“We left home around 4.30 am again, in search of her. We went to the Garage where she was supposed do the shopping. We ransacked everywhere and grew so tired and took a rest. We called my husband to know his location and progress so far because we divided ourselves for the search. When we kept calling without him answer-

ing his call, we moved further and we discovered my husband car parked on the main road. We were surprised.

He was driving in search and sighted Joke and jumped out of the car to grab her! He was so overwhelmed that he did not even realize that his car was left on the main road. Other vehicles were horning and he later moved the car out of traffic.”

Continuing, Mrs. Akindele said she seemed to have had a premonition that danger was lurking in the corner for her household as she had prayed earlier against the “forces of darkness”.

“During our morning devotion, I prayed against all satanic manipulations and demonic manifestations. As if that was not enough, while she was leaving for shopping, I prayed for her and covered her by the blood of Jesus.

So, when we could not see her all this while, I had confidence in the God I served for protection. But you know, human nature does set in sometimes so I was at the same time very worried. My daughter? No.” Mrs Akindele boasted.

Asked what was going on in her mind when she realised that their abductors were ritualists, Joke said that “I was just praying within me for God to deliver me from them. I did not make any noise. I did not shout nor cry. I did not show any worry. God took over everything and acted on my behalf. I thank God who delivered me. I don’t know what became of the three women. My heart goes out for them but there is nothing I could have done physically to help them as at that time. I hope and pray that they did not finally become their prey”.

Advising parents to teach their children about God and the “power in the Word” as well as how to avoid strangers with finesse, Mrs. Akindele said that “my husband is a Muslim. I am a Christian. We don’t see the two religions as a difference between us at all. The Bible says that train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Parents should always teach their children how to confess the word of God whenever they sense danger.

Children should be taught how to pray and also how to avoid strangers without provoking them. Instead of being rude when accosted, you can kindly say ‘God bless you’ and it could help a whole deal. My family will forever remain grateful to God who looked upon us with His mercies and delivered Joke from the den of these ritual killers. The government, the security agents, should step up patrol along this Ogijo Ikorodu road because as a growing town, many evil things have been happening around here. We need security presence to avoid this kind of avoidable stress and lose.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LIVING

March 30, 2013

SEGUN ADIO

M

ushin area of Lagos State is no stranger to violence, but the one that occurred recently sent many tongues wagging and residents running for dear lives. It was on Sunday, February 10, 2013. While many of the residents were preparing to go to church and some market women were just opening their shops, about a dozen suspected hoodlums stormed the ever busy Olateju Street in the area.

The suspected hoodlums were reportedly led by a woman, said to be a known face in the community. The woman and the hoodlums, it was alleged, acted on the orders of Oba of Mushin, Oba Irawo Ogunsi.

The invading hoodlums, on getting to Olateju Street, in a commando-like operation, reportedly swooped on residents and shop owners at House Number 20 of the long street. They reportedly had on them guns and weapons of various sizes. They were said to have pulled down shops on the property, and also dispossessed shop owners of their properties, brutalizing anyone who dared challenge them.

In the end several people reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatments in hospitals across the state.

Saturday Mirror investigations revealed that there had been a running battle between the said monarch and a family in the community over the ownership of four plots of land in the area.

The Tade family, whose property is the one in contention, had been having a running battle with the monarch over the ownership of the said property of land.

Apparently acting on an earlier petition and letter to the Area ‘D’ command of the Nigeria Police, the Tade family was summoned to a peace parley with the monarch and his agents in the Area Command office for Monday, February 11, 2013.

The Area Commander had reportedly informed the feuding parties that his office does not settle land dispute, but would ensure that peace reigned su-

The land in dispute

Monarch, family feud over property in Mushin preme in his jurisdiction.

The police boss reportedly made the two parities to write undertakings to let peace reign in the area. But the Tade family are still raising the alarm that their lives are under threat in the hands of suspected agents of the prominent woman said to have led the earlier operation.

On account of this the family, acting through their lawyer, Akinlolu Akinyode of No 77, Jubrilla Street, Ijesha, Itire, Lagos State sent a petition to the Commissioner of Police Lagos State stating their grievances.

The petition was titled, “Willful Destruction of Building Properties, fence and Shops at 20, Olateju Street, Mushin

by Members o9f Ojomon Eyisha family of Odi Olowo with the Tacit Coverage of the Area Command and the Oba of Mushin.”

In the said petition, the petitioners claimed that “The Tade family have been in possession of the land as far back as

the 1940s. In fact, they (Tade family) have been in possession since February 1947 as the area of land measuring four plots have been registered in Lagos lands registry with plan no bb/7343 dated 19th February, 1947 with the land registered as 3/3/794. In fact as of 1947 three of the plots had been fully developed as the family house of the Tades was built on it while the 4th plot was let out to mechanics, welders and carpenters.”

A representative of the Tade family who faced the troubles since it started in February, Mrs Biodun Enitan recounted her ordeal.

“The issue actually started last November when the Oba called me that I should bring our papers for the ownership of the land. I had to travel to Ibadan to get it because my elder brother holding it was dead at the time.

“When I returned with the copies his wife and children gave me, I took it to my senior sister and we took it to our lawyer.

Later we saw a letter from the lawyer

37

of the Oba and three days later we were asked to appear at Area ‘D’. There the police asked me to produce another paper and gave us until April 18, 2013 for both parties to come back but I was shocked when the thugs invaded our house with the Iyalode and another man called Aro. “I was only lucky to escape the onslaught of the people that day. When that happened and they demolished the whole place I informed our lawyer who went to lodge a complaint at Area ‘D’. We were later refereed to SCID, Panti. But one day two policemen came to my house and asked that I should follow them to Zone 2.

I refused because they did no come with any warrant. When I spoke with their boss on the phone, that man told me that he did not ask them to bring me but to read the accusation of the Oba against me. I later went there at another day with our lawyer and eventually they advised that we should settle the matter amicably that the Oba should refund our property back to us. Ever since, he has refused to appear at Panti and Zone 2,” Enitan said.

In his response to the allegations of sending hoodlums to demolish the said property on Olateju Street, Oba Ogunsi laughed off the claims made by the Tade family. According to the monarch, who claimed that as traditional ruler of the community, he could not condescend so low as to begin to send thugs against his subjects, maintained that the family in question were just trying to give a dog a bad me to hang it.

Speaking to Saturday Mirror on telephone, Oba Ogunsi said: “The Tade family are just trying to whip up unnecessary sentiment to their cause, but they have failed. To start with, they did not buy the land from our ancestors. Where is judgement 113 of 1913? Their defence is shallow. There are seven conveyances on the said property they talked about. I am a law abiding citizen of Nigeria and I will not do anything contrary to the laws of the land. I do not want to join issues with them on the pages of newspapers. They should go to court and argue their case.

But to claim that I sent thugs or someone after them to demolish their property is sheer blackmail.”

Community that dreads rain CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 rains. The epileptic power situation is not even helping matters at all” he added.

Although Mrs. Abosede Meshagan another resident of the place for over eight years believes that the attitude of many people around the place has not been too encouraging stating that even if the situation is bad, it does not warrant the carefree attitude of people to the cleanliness of their surroundings.

“It is true that government has not been too responsive to our need for good road which is depriving us of other services like the LAWMA clearing the waste. However, the attitude of some of our people is not anything impressive. We all live in this community and we all have similar needs but for God’s sake that should not stop us from cleaning up where we live. You take a look at the entire place, look at filth and refuse all over the place. These refuse did not fly there, people like you and I are the

ones littering the whole place with filth.

At least the refuse can be neatly packed in nylon bags or so for neat keeps rather than littering the whole place with garbage. I don’t think that is good enough. Be that as it may, we are begging the Lagos State government to intervene and at least help us do our road so we can be able to move in and around the community with ease more so the rains will soon be here and that is one thing we dread around here because of the bad roads,” she noted.

Ordinarily, one may think that these people chose to live in this community for poverty reasons but the fact is that quite a handful of them live comfortably but chose to live there for various reasons.

For instance, Felix Temisan who has lived in the community for about three years said despite the situation of this place, his reason for being there is because of the proximity he enjoys to his place of work.

“Although, the road situation here is ter-

Ojoku community during rain

rible, the main reason I prefer to stay here is because of the distance to my place of work. I work in Tin can Island port which is just across, it is more convenient for me to work from here unlike those years when I was living in Sango. Most times I don’t even need to go through the bad road because I just take a canoe to cross the water

and I am there,” he said.

On the other hand, if Esther Nana had her way, she would rather live elsewhere.

“The situation of this place is really bad, I am here because I don’t have money to get a better place otherwise, I would have simply gone elsewhere” she told Saturday Mirror.

38

TOURISM

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aerial view

Seats in the main bowl

Spectators

Abuja National Stadium: Sturdy, strong, sporty T

he Abuja National Stadium is a 60,491 seat edifice that was built purposely for the 8th All Africa Games which held from October 5 through 17, 2003.

It indeed served its purpose.

Years after, participants still recall the beauty of the opening, closing ceremony as well as all the in-betweens. For those who missed the thrills of the games, they still have the opportunity to get into the feel of the experience by visiting what is considered by quite a number of people to be one of the greatest architectural landmarks of the city.

The stadium has a design that will add to the fantasy as it gives the illusion of being packed to capacity even when nobody is present. All

thanks to the individuals at Schlaich Bergermann & Partners, a world-renowned structural engineering firm based in Stuttgart who were awarded the contract for the architectural design, execution planning, as well as constructional supervision of the stadium which has two overlapping spectator tiers.

The lower tier accommodates 32,000 seats and the upper, 28,000. The lower tier also incorporates 56 corporate suites with viewing terraces and one presidential lounge for 50 guests. All functional and secondary areas are accommodated in the entrance building which provides a gross floor area of approximately 25,000 m² Over the years, the stadium in Abuja has hosted many

other high ranking sporting events such as World Cup qualifiers between Nigeria and other countries as well as high ranking athletic events.

Visitors to these meets are always eager to describe the experience “I always love coming to the stadium. It is covered all through, so there is no real distinction between the VIP section and the regular stand. I am always so absorbed in my surroundings that I sometimes forget to observe the athletes.” said Wengbe a sports enthusiast who was at a recent Mobil Track and Field Championships Meet.

The stadium is also home to the national teams as well as a centre for diverse events ranging from cultural to spiritual.

However, facilities within the

stadium are designed and engineered in compliance with the requirements of international sport associations, particularly the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

The Abuja Stadium has given a level of credibility to the country. Though there are several stadia scattered throughout the country, few of them meet rigorous international standards like the stadium in Abuja and few of them have received acclaim like the Abuja National Stadium has.

Sports enthusiasts and tourists will do well to visit the complex where the best of creativity was brought to the fore and history made during the 8th All Africa Games.

FACT FILE ◆Cost of construction: $360 million ◆Capacity:

(football)

60,491 ◆Concrete roof structure: first of its kind in the world ◆Standby power supply system available ◆3000 capacity indoor sports hall and 2000 capacity swimming pool ◆Home to the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles,

People r e t e k r a M : u j e Benson Akind cer u d o r p V T d e n tur FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

H

He is a marketer by career but with a strong knack for TV series and soap production.

Benson Akintola Akindeju is the Chief Executive Officer of AK Media Concepts, producer of popular TV serials, Face-2Face, Family Ties and Nowhere To Be Found.

For over two decades, Akindeju has found fulfilment in the world of TV series production.

“Although I studied marketing in school, I have always loved the world of entertainment. I love dancing and watching films especially comedy. After my OND, I decided to do my industrial attachment with Femi Robinson of the then Village Headmaster. My thinking which I would say turned out well for me was that, as a marketer, I could use my marketing skills to make a good business out of the film making world and that has actually helped and taken me this far in the field,” Akindeju added.

He disclosed that his years of working with Wale Adenuga, the popular TV producer was indeed a privilege and an added

advantage.

“My working with Wale Adenuga for many years was not in vain because I learnt a whole lot of things from him that has shaped who I am in the business today.

For instance, I learnt from Wale Adenuga when he was my boss that the secret of success is making those around you happy. But when you owe your workers, they won’t be happy working for you and as a result, you won’t get the best from them.

As for the artistes, we also attach much importance to their welfare. I also learnt from him how to keep time, administer the office and manage productions. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Reacting to the issue of power and how it has affected the industry, Akindeju said: “It is true that power could have been a big challenge for the industry but because we have very high tolerance level in Nigeria, people look for the next available and affordable alternative. You will be surprised that there is seldom a house where you will not find these small generators popularly called I pass my neighbour.”

Akindeju also noted that another challenge the industry is faced with is funding.

“It is a capital intensive venture and the money is not there for the taking so that is a big challenge we are faced with. Again if government could just invest in the industry, it would have been better for the good of all because even the industry can generate national revenue if the govern-

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

March 30, 2013

39

ment can invest in it. For things to work, the perspective of the government on this issue is very key. The industry can move forward if the government is willing to invest in it. We are just struggling to make things work. Nigerians are known for struggling. If Dubai can generate national income from dessert why can’t we do even better with all the resources and avenues available to us? If our cinemas are developed and more cinemas are built, that will also enhance the industry better,” he noted.

On why he has not opted for movie production all along, Akindeju’s response: “I can’t afford to waste my energy because we all know the level of piracy in the movie industry. It is really on the high side. Basically, piracy is not giving us the chance to join the movie industry” Although he is passionate about his career as TV producer, he is also very keen on his career as a marketer which he said has been an edge for him in TV production.

“I love entertainment but at the same time I love marketing because it has enabled me to get to this height. Applying my marketing skills in TV production has helped me maximize my potential in the business and that is why I will continue to do one marketing/managing programme or the other” Thinking back in retrospect, Akindeju further disclosed that he had been able to attain his present height because of the good training he got from his parents as a child.

Tola Julius: Making waves with gospel music FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

K

ing Tola Julius who is popularly known as Timieri is a gospel musician and he is set to take the gospel music to another level with his kind of music which he calls Fuju which is a fusion of Fuji and Juju music.

Having been into music since 2002, Timieri who is now the Chief Executive Officer of TMC Musical Band says he is set to storm the musical scene with a four-tracker album.

However, the Ijebu born singer has over the time released two singles, (Kampe l’oduro and Satan Keep Off) which are currently enjoying airplay in many radio stations in the country.

According to this talented musician, the journey has been tough and rough but tough times don’t last but tough people do.

He further disclosed to Saturday Mirror that his album which is set to take the centre stage is titled Keep Off. “The album is a four tracker and I believe it is one that will shake the gospel

music industry and that is why it has taken me so long to come up with it. I have been part of many live shows with my band but I deliberately took my time so I can come up with something worth the while” he said.

Although he lost his mother at a very tender age, his father was pleased at his choice to sing gospel and did all he could to support him.

“Although I lost my mother at my tender age, my father has been quite supportive. Although he does not have the financial backing to give because of the humble nature of his background, he has been very supportive emotionally, physically and morally and in other aspects of life all the way” Tola further stated that he owes a lot of gratitude to the Balance Gospel Ministry International in Bariga, where he started his musical career.

“My success story will be incomplete without mentioning Dr E. O Adesope, who is the General Overseer of the Balance Gospel Ministry International. He has been a great pillar of support to me.”

Being the third born of the family of two girls and two boys has not been so easy but God has been there all the way recalled Tola.

He further disclosed that getting a good promoter and marketer is also a major issue for him at the moment which is one of the reasons he is not out with the album yet.

He also added that he feels happy being a performing artiste who is actively involved in playing keyboard and drums as against his hip-hop contemporaries who could hardly play any musical instrument but rely on playing live shows with their cds.

“Being able to play with a band and having a band of my own makes me feel happy because it is no doubt an edge over those who don’t. It makes me feel like a real musician not just a singer. I write my songs, I play with my band and I do live shows and I know

that it is only a matter of time for me to get all the recognitions I deserve and I know that by the special grace of Almighty God, I will surely get there” noted Tola.

40

LEISURE

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

March 30, 2013

41

Fallout of World Cup qualifier

Super Eagles players celebrate after winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations trophy in South Africa.

Eagles still super, says Abdullahi •Calls on Nigerians to be patient with the team ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, has called on Nigerians to rally round the Super Eagles, following the recent 1-1 draw the team played with the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Calabar in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, even as he believes that the team is still super.

Reacting to the scary draw, the minister told Saturday Mirror in an exclusive chat at the finals of the 2013 NNPC/ Shell Cup in Lagos, that the future is still bright for the team and the country’s football in general.

He added that the draw against the visitors from Kenya was an eye opener to the team, and hopes the players and the coaching crew led by Stephen Keshi will rise

to the occasion in subsequent qualifying matches to book a ticket for the mundial.

“We are the defending champions of the Africa Cup of Nations and despite the draw I believe the future of football generally in Nigeria is very bright, so Nigerians should be patient with the team.

“Remember we are the champions of Africa and the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar was our first competitive match after our AFCON triumph, so we expected our opponents to come out smoking. Nigeria has suddenly become the target of other footballing nations and every country playing us would like to give out their best to beat Nigeria at this stage, so the result did not come to us as a shock.

“But we really needed to go through such an experience in Calabar to put the team in top shape for other tougher battles ahead.

“However, aside the aforementioned,

Kwara, Anambra lift Oba Cup P. 42

I’m not worried because the players and the coaching crew led by Keshi are up to the task and I know they will land in Brazil come 2014,” the minister enthused.

“Currently our U-20 team is doing battle in the ongoing African U-20 Championship and our U-17 team is expected to do well also in the African U-17 Championship coming up in Morocco. And I wish to state that we are monitoring the progress of the Golden Eaglets because competitions involving our youth teams will definitely provide us a good opportunity of trying out our future stars.

“I’m happy with the state of our football and I believe we can do better,” the minister affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Sports Minister has revealed that the recently inaugurated board of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) will soon swing into action. He said the board is expect-

Eguavoen quits Sharks P. 43

Abdullahi

ing to launch an event in May which will attract President Goodluck Jonathan and this will kick-start the activities of the sporting body expected to unearth hidden sporting talents from the grassroots.

“Regarding NASCOM, I know we have an event expected to be launched in May

by Mr. President, but the details will be made public in due course,” he concluded.

Clarke fed up with Odemwingie P. 45

42

SPORT

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Need to regulate roller skating

H

ave you ever been on the highway and suddenly you see one of these roller skaters holding unto the rear of a moving vehicle and surging ahead with the tide of the wind? In Lagos for example, this is fast becoming a common sight in the city as these young lads embark on a risky mission that may put paid to their lives.

As a kicker, many of these skaters maybe excited and somehow carried away by the euphoria of this foreign sport that is fast gaining ground in our major cities, without any form of control from the managers of sports in the country.

I remember, sometime last year, a horrible incident happened on one of the BRT lanes in Ebute Metta, close to Oyingbo involving one of this roller skaters and it was the aftermath of that incident that shaped my thought over this piece.

I was in a bus heading towards Oyingbo and as we were passing through Ebute Metta, another vehicle zoomed past and behold one of these roller skaters was at the back holding firmly to the fast moving vehicle before the unexpected happened.

One of the passengers in the bus with me drew my attention to the overzealous roller skater as the bus zoomed ahead of ours.

I was almost educating the passenger that this sport is yet to get the recognition of the National Sports Commission (NSC) before the unexpected happened.

There is a BRT lane created by the Lagos State government on that same road on the right hand

HARD TACKLE with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com

08054103021

Nigerian roller skaters training at the National Stadium, Lagos.

side and unexpectedly the enthusiastic skater did not see a pothole in front along the road, thus in a twinkle of an eye the skater’s roller entered the pothole and up he went into the air. The next second, the skater landed with a heavy thud on the pavement of the BRT lane with his head smashed beyond recognition before passing out.

This particular avoidable accident prompted HT to start probing the activities of the clubs and the people behind the introduction of the sport in Nigeria. At the end, my findings were worth sharing here.

HT traced the activities of these roller skaters to the National

Stadium Surulere, Lagos, where many of the clubs use the place for training and practices. And from investigations, HT found out that there is so much division among the various skating clubs in Lagos and among the founding members of the sport in the country, thus there was no firm control regarding the organisation of the sport.

The aforementioned scenario may have led to many of these clubs who are run by some overzealous crafty individuals to exploit the situation for their personal financial gains, thus necessitating lots of break-away and factionalising of the activities of

roller skaters in the country.

As if that is not enough, the helmsmen of these skating clubs have extended their tentacles by meeting some Directors of Sports in some states of the federation for recognition without due process from the NSC. The most annoying of the activities of these fraudulent individuals is that they are fast tarnishing the image of Nigeria following their fight for recognition with the international body regulating the sport. And this is where there is an urgent need by the NSC and other relevant bodies administering sports in Nigeria to come in and stem this dangerous tide.

To put the records straight, there is no problem with people riding skates, but what HT sees is the abuse of skates on our streets.

If there are special lanes constructed for them to follow, then that is acceptable, but there is none.

Also, there is nothing bad in embracing a new sport and working hard in developing it, but to use it for visa racketeering and other fraudulent activities which in the long run tarnishes the image of the country is unacceptable.

HT also gathered that the Liaison Officer of the NSC in Lagos, Mrs. Tayo Oreweme has done a good job by allocating these skating clubs spaces to train at the National Stadium, Surulere, but often times they leave these spaces and train at areas not designated for them which is totally bad.

For example, last weekend when HT paid a visit to the venue, roller skaters from different clubs were seen running over the

stadium, prompting many sports analysts to raise eyebrows over the regulation of the activities of these skating clubs.

A sport analyst who prefers to remain anonymous expressed his distaste over this recent phenomenon in Nigeria’s sports and further revealed that roller skating sport is fast becoming another means of transportation for these young people, not minding the amount of risks involved.

He told HT that skating in Lagos heavy traffic and struggling with big and small vehicles is the worst risk an athlete would dabble into because of the unsafe nature of the highways.

On the way forward, our traffic authorities and the police need to be proactive here and they must begin to check the activities of our roller skaters on highways to ensure that there are no loopholes for these skaters to bypass the traffic laws. If this is not checked in time it’s only a matter of time before we begin to record more accidents and untimely deaths on our highways.

Importantly, the laws by government for skating clubs should concern how to ride, where to ride and skate on. These skaters must wear helmets, reflector vests at night and they are expected to skate at the side of the road if necessary.

HT advocates that new roads should now come with fitted road barriers at the side for skaters and bikers to use, while the NSC should as a matter of urgency regulate the activities of the crooks among these skating clubs, more so at the international level to avoid bringing the name of the country to disrepute.

SPORT NEWS

Kwara, Anambra lift Oba Cup IFEANYI EDUZOR

K

wara State U- 13 boys soccer team and Anambra State U-18 girl’s team have emerged champions of the just concluded 22nd edition of Oba Erediauwa Cup, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).

In an entertaining final decided at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Kwara State came from behind to defeat Kano State by 2-1 to cart away the giant trophy for the boy’s category, while Anambra female team defeated their Akwa Ibom counterparts by 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 at regulation time.

Declaring the competition closed, Edo State Com-

missioner for Sports, Lady Omorede Osifo, commended YSFON for its continued organisation of the tournament, even as she hailed the standard of play and the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by all the participat-

ing states throughout the duration of the week- long championship.

The Commissioner who was accompanied by some Benin High Chiefs including former Super Eagles coach, Shuaibu Amodu and

the zonal Director South/ South, National Sports Commission, Yemi Usikaye, stated that the state government would continue to partner with YSFON towards grassroots development of sports

Kali Gwegwe noted that both the winners and first runners –up stand a chance of participating in any of the international youth friendly matches billed for Norway later in the year.

NVBF beefs up team for world championship IFEANYI EDUZOR

T

YSFON President, Nasiru Gawuna

in the country.

While commending the winning teams for their achievement, YSFON President, Nasiru Gawuna who was represented by the Vice President South/South zone,

he 1st Vice President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Ebenezer Morakinyo, says efforts will be made by the board to beef up the national junior women volleyball team before the U-20 World Championship slated for June 21 to June 30 in Brno, Czech Republic.

The Nigerian junior women volleyball team will still be at the U-20 World Championship in spite of the team’s losses at the qualifiers recently con-

cluded in Abuja, in which they came last.

Nigeria lost its two matches at the 14th African Nations Junior Women Volleyball Championship which serves as the qualifiers for the 17th Women’s Under-20 World Championship.

The team had lost 1-3 to Algeria in its first match before losing 0-3 to Egypt in its final game at the qualifiers. And according to Morakinyo, out of the seven countries that were supposed to participate in the qualifiers namely; Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Rwanda

and Congo DR only three participated in the qualifiers which enabled Nigeria to pick the qualification ticket with Egypt and Algeria because Africa has three representatives at the world championship.

Morakinyo, who is a member of the Organising Committee of the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB), noted that the federation will soon begin early camping of athletes ahead of the world championship so as to avoid a repeat performance of their poor show exhibited during the qualifiers in Abuja.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

March 30, 2013

NIGERIA PROFESSIONAL F OOTBALL LEAGUE

with

Andrew Ekejiuba anelsports@yahoo.com

El Kanemi Warriors team before a match.

Baraje worried over NPFL draws

E

l Kanemi Warriors’ coach, Zachary Baraje has expressed deep concern at his side’s three draws in the four-week old Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The NPFL newcomers on Thursday forced visiting Bayelsa United to a 2-2 draw on Matchday 4 at the Maiduguri Township Stadium.

The Maiduguri-based side had earlier played bar-

ren draws against newcomers, Nasarawa United and Wikki Tourists on Matchday 1 and 2 respectively.

Bayelsa United were two goals up before striker, Babalo Haruna scored twice

Dolphin survives Sunshine scare

S

unshine Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by home boys Dolphins at the Liberation Stadium on Thursday to preserve their unbeaten record in the NPFL. Much of the pre-match talk had been focused on the impact the Super Eagles duo of Solomon Kwambe and Godfrey Oboabona would have on the match, but surprisingly both players did not even make the trip to Port Harcourt.

Rather it was the former Dolphins duo of Cletus Itodo and Ajani Ibrahim that stole the headlines with their roles in Sunshine’s goal.

It was Itodo’s speculative effort from the distance that Austin Brown fumbled past the post for a corner in the 30th minute.

Itodo took the corner himself, picking out unmarked Ibrahim who rose

high to head home the curtain raiser of the game.

The lead was well deserved as Sunshine Stars had shown good attacking ambition and enjoyed an equal amount of possession with the home side.

However, it was a different story in the second half as Dolphins turned the heat on the visitors in search of the equaliser.

Within the opening 10 minutes of the half Victor Babayaro and Emem Eduok missed good chances, while Fred Okwara’s header was well saved by Sule Mohammed.

Substitute Hassan Hussein also saw two well struck shots from the edge of the box go narrowly wide.

Dolphins’ finally breached Sunshine Stars’ defence in the 70th minute when Okwara connected

Chidiebere Okolie’s cross from the left wing.

Dolphins pushed more men forward in search of the winner, but it was Sunshine Stars that almost grabbed all of the three points when Josiah Christian’s canon came off the crossbar on 80 minutes after a brilliant counter-attack.

Sunshine Stars coach, Samuel Abimbola, said they were unlucky not to have won, but was satisfied they still took a point from the game.

08054103021

to salvage a point and save his side from a shock home defeat.

Baraje blamed his wards for the result against Bayelsa United but said once the side overcomes the jitters at home their fortune will improve for the better.

“I’m no longer comfortable with the three draws so far in the season. I’m disappointed for Thursday’s draw.

“My wards messed up the game, missed several chances at goal. But I’m happy we’re able to salvage a point.

Officiating was fair by my estimation, so we have ourselves entirely to blame.

“The players are not entirely bad, they’re playing good games, maybe once they’re able to overcome the draw syndrome at home things will surely improve,” said the former Nasarawa United coach.

El Kanemi Warriors will be the guests of NPFL newcomers, Nembe City tomorrow at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

“I am thankful for the draw, but our plan was to go back home with the maximum points,” a cheerful Abimbola said.

“It was just a moment’s loss of concentration that cost us victory as I had expected our goalkeeper would have cut out that cross.

“It was a cheeky goal, but I’m glad we did not leave empty-handed.”

However Coach Stanley Eguma of Dolphin declined to speak to the press after the match.

NPFL FIXTURES Today’s Matches Nasarawa Utd v Kaduna Utd 16:00 Shooting Stars v Wikki Tourists 16:00 Sunday, March 31, 2013 Akwa Utd v Bayelsa Utd 16:00 ABS v Kano Pillars 16:00 Sunshine Stars v Lobi Stars 16:00 Heartland v Gombe Utd 16:00 Enugu Rangers v Kwara Utd 16:00 Enyimba v Warri Wolves 16:00 Nembe City v El-Kanemi Warriors 16:00 Sharks v Dolphin 16:00

Coly

LMC axe Rangers’ duo

N

igeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Enugu Rangers have been dealt with by the League Management Committee (LMC) as two of their players have been suspended.

The players are Seun

Taro and Pierre Coly.

The duo assaulted the centre referee, Audu Ahmed Ibrahim in Enugu Rangers’ Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 3 duel at home against Warri Wolves which ended goalless.

43

Eguavoen quits Sharks

N

ewly appointed Sharks FC of PortHarcourt coach, Austin Eguavoen, has finally resigned his appointment with the club.

Sources in the club told our correspondent that the former Super Eagles coach called a meeting of players and officials of the team, and told them of his desire to leave.

Our source further revealed that the GM of Sharks FC, Okey Kpalukwu, was fingered as the main reason why Eguavoen resigned.

“The GM of Sharks FC, Okey Kpalukwu, is the problem. He is acting like a dictator. Would he want to be coach and GM at the same time?

“It was the same GM who

placed a call to the journalists covering the Dolphins versus Sunshine Stars game at the Dolphins Stadium, Port-Harcourt and informed them of the resignation of Eguavoen,” he said.

Eguavoen was alleged to have received a call from the GM to resign and not bother to return with the team from Gombe. And Eguavoen immediately called the players and members of the technical crew together before the game and informed them of his decision before moving to the VIP stand, from where he watched the game.

Eguavoen has since returned to Benin City according to the club’s source.

Eguavoen

NIGERIA PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE TABLE Team

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

1. Kano Pillars

4

3

0

1

4

1

3

9

2. Sunshine Stars

4

2

2

0

6

4

2

8

3. Rangers

4

2

2

0

4

2

2

8

4. Kwara United

4

2

2

0

3

1

2

8

5. Bayelsa United

4

2

1

1

5

3

2

7

6. Enyimba

4

2

1

1

4

2

2

7

7. Shooting Stars

4

2

0

2

5

4

1

6

8. Gombe United

4

2

0

2

5

5

0

6

9. Lobi Stars

4

2

0

2

4

5

-1

6

10. Akwa United

4

2

0

2

3

4

-1

6

11. Nasarawa Utd

4

1

2

1

2

2

0

5

12. Heartland

4

1

1

2

5

5

0

4

13. Nembe City

4

1

1

2

5

6

-1

4

14. Kaduna United

4

1

1

2

4

5

-1

4

15. Dolphin

4

1

1

2

2

3

-1

4

15. Wikki Tourists

4

1

1

2

2

3

-1

4

17. ABS

4

1

1

2

1

2

-1

4

18. Warri Wolves

4

0

3

1

2

3

-1

3

19. El-Kanemi Warriors

4

0

3

1

2

4

-2

3

20. Sharks

4

1

0

3

2

6

-4

3

Their suspension however, takes effect from this weekend’s fixture in which Enugu Rangers will welcome Kwara United.

Meanwhile, the League Management Committee (LMÇ) has received the match commissioner’s report and Enugu Rang-

ers are also facing the possibility of sanctions for not restraining their players and fans.

Article 3.7 of the NPFL rules and regulations stated that any club found guilty of such offense will pay the sum of N5 million and forfeit three goals and three points.

44

SPORT

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AYC Final: Egypt, Ghana in clash of the titans IFEANYI EDUZOR

F

ootball fans in the continent will today be treated to the best of youth football when the 19th edition of the African Youth Championship (AYC) comes to an end at the Ahmed Zabana Stadium, Oran, Algeria.

The finals which will kick off at 17.30 hours (5:30 pm Nigerian time), will see highly rated Young Pharaohs of Egypt meeting the much-improved Black Satellites of Ghana to determine who will be crowned the 2013 champions.

The AYC is the main international youth football competition among member nations of CAF and is competed for by players under the age of 20 years. And it is held every two years with the top 4 teams qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. From 1979 until 1989, the African representatives were determined purely on a home and away qualifying basis without a final tournament, but since 1991 there has been a qualifying stage followed by a final tournament played by 8 teams in a chosen country.

This year’s edition kicked off on March 16 in two venues with eight countries namely; Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Gabon, Congo DR and Mali participating.

To get to the finals, Egypt defeated defending champions, Nigeria by 2-0, while Ghana beat Mali, 4-2 on penalties after their game ended 0-0 at regulation time.

The winners of the final will go to the 2013 U-20 World Cup knowing they will be in the same group with England, Chile and Iraq.

There will be a draw for the runners up and two losing semi-finalists (Mali and Nigeria) to determine who each will face at the tournament in Turkey from June 21 to July 13.

And it is expected that today’s AYC finals will be keenly contested because both teams will be gunning for their fourth title having won it three times before. Egypt won the championship in 1981, 1991 and 2003, while Ghana won the competition in 1993, 1999 and 2009.

The Young Pharaohs goes into today’s finals with a 100% record so far having won all their matches from the group stage to the knockout stage, while Ghana on the other hand lost to the Egyptians 1-2 in their first group match before recording 1-0 and 2-0 victories respectively against Benin Republic and the host nation, Algeria to gain a ticket to the semi- finals where they recorded a victory against fellow West African country, Mali.

Meanwhile Egyptian Coach, Rabie Yassin says that they will not underrate their opponents in today’s finals, not minding that they defeated them at the group stage of the championship.

“We are determined to win today’s finals to show that our good run in the championship was not a fluke.

Black Satellites of Ghana looking set to battle Junior Pharaohs of Egypt in today’s AYC final in Oran, Algeria.

“My players are thrilled to have qualified for the U-20 World Cup finals to be played in Turkey, but we are even more determined to win today’s finals and come out from Algeria with the African title.

“We also understand that the Ghanaian team is a good side that should not be underrated not minding that we defeated them in our initial group match,” he said.

Yassin, who described their semi- final clash against Nigeria as their toughest match in the competition, noted that they understand their opponents very well and will prepare the best strategies to overcome them.

Also speaking, Ghana’s Coach Sellas Tetteh noted that his team will not allow their earlier defeat from the North Africans have any psychological effect on them.

According to Tetteh who guided the Black Satellites to victory four years ago in Rwanda, stated that the finals will be a repeat of the previous edition where they lost their opening match against Cameroon, but went ahead to put up a good performance at the tournament.

“We respect our opponents because they are a good side that passes the ball very well and like to play offensively and do so in numbers. Apart from this, they are renowned as a football powerhouse in the continent, but we want to win this tournament and we are ready to overturn our initial defeat from the Egyptians.

“This final is going to be like the previous edition when we lost the first match against Cameroon, but still put up a good performance at the championship, and the progress we have made since that loss shows we have character as a team.

I am sure we are going to cart away the trophy at the end of the full 90 minutes,” he concluded.

Although, it will be very difficult to predict the winner of today’s encounter

considering the pedigree of the two nations in African football, but the odd favours Egypt who have been having a good run at the championship. The Egyptians who have not allowed the political situation in their country to affect them following the popular uprising that forced Hussein Mubarak from power, have shown from their performances that they are the team to beat.

The team parading such players as Mahmoud Abdel-Monem Kahrab, who got both goals against Nigeria in the semi- finals, as well as Mossad Awad, Omar Bassam and Ahmed Samir who are ready to spoil the day for any team.

However, this assessment could not be used to judge today’s encounter because the Black Satellites over the years have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in youth football in the continent.

The team boosts of such talented players like Jeremiah Arkorful, Attama Joseph, Lawrence Lartey, Richmond Nketiah and Francis Narh who have all done very well in the championship.

It is true that the team has not been too fantastic in this year’s championship especially when one considers their performance against Mali in the semi- finals in which their opponents could be said to be unlucky, but the two finalists’ parade formidable teams that can withstand their own in any championship of this magnitude.

Both teams having gone this far in the championship has shown character, good football possession and ability to score goals at the slightest opportunity as well as good counter attack and defensive network which will make today’s finals an epic one. But experience has shown that winning this type of encounter depends on the technical abilities of the coaching crew and it is believed that the coach with the best approach among the two sides will definitely carry the day

and be crowned African champions for the fourth time.

PAST WINNERS OF U-20 AFRICAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Nigeria:

1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011

Egypt:

1981, 1991, 2003

Ghana:

1993, 1999, 2009

Cameroon:

1995

Algeria:

1979

Morocco:

1997

Angola:

2001

Congo:

2007

AYC 2013 ROAD TO THE FINAL GROUP STAGE 03-16-2013

Algeria 0 – 0 Benin

03-16-2013

Ghana 1 – 2 Egypt

03-19-2013

Benin 0 – 1 Ghana

03-19-2013

Egypt 1 – 0 Algeria

03-22-2013

Algeria 0 – 2 Ghana

03-22-2013

Benin 0 – 1 Egypt

03-17-2013

Nigeria 0 – 1 Mali

03-17-2013

RD Congo 0 – 0 Gabon

03-20-2013

Mali 2 - 1 RD Congo

03-20-2013

Gabon 0 – 1 Nigeria

03-23-2013

Nigeria 3 – 1 RD Congo

03-23-2013

Mali 0 – 2 Gabon

SEMI-FINALS 03-26-2013

Egypt 2 - 0 Nigeria

03-26-2013

Mali 2 - 3 Ghana

THIRD PLACE 03-29-2013

Nigeria 17:30 Mali

FINAL 03-30-2013

Egypt 17:30 Ghana

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SPORT

March 30, 2013

Clarke fed up with Odemwingie W

Odemwingie

Manchester United injured trio set for comeback

M

anchester United have received a triple injury boost with Nani, Phil Jones and Paul Scholes all back in training as they prepare for two games in 48 hours.

The Premier League leaders will travel to Sunderland today before facing Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter-final replay on Monday with a fully-fit squad-apart from the long-term absentee Darren Fletcher.

Nani has been out since the 2-2 draw with Chelsea on March 10, when he suffered a hamstring injury, while Jones was hurt in the previous round of the FA Cup, sustaining ankle ligament damage in February’s 2-1 win over Reading.

Scholes has not played for more than two months because of a knee injury suffered in the fourth round victory against Fulham and has not appeared in the Premier League in 2013.

But manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Nani, Jones and Scholes are all doing a little bit of train-

ing. Hopefully it will give us a good strong squad to approach the two games on Saturday and Monday.

We’ll try and keep the momentum going with the run we’re in at the moment. If we do that, Monday will take care of itself.”

Ferguson is pleased his players have returned unharmed from representing their countries, although several had long journeys and United used private planes to get some back to Manchester sooner.

He added: “I don’t think there are any injuries from the internationals which is really good news.

There’s a fair bit of tiredness and the answer to that is to make sure we get the energies back in their bodies. So there’s the recovery side to it with not much training.

“There was a fair bit of travel – Chicharito and Antonio Valencia only got in on Thursday afternoon and the English players got back at 5am. Other than that, we’re very satisfied.”

est Brom head coach Steve Clarke believes Peter Odemwingie’s Twitter outbursts are in danger of overshadowing the club’s success this season.

Odemwingie complained on Twitter about being out of the starting line-up after the goalless draw at Stoke, hinted team-mates were talking about him behind his back and conceded “his wish” was to be sacked.

It followed on from his previous social networking attacks during January when his transfer request was rejected and he failed to secure a deadline day move to QPR. Clarke, whose team is eighth in the Premier League table, admitted he was fed up of talking about the 31-year-old when facing the media ahead of today’s visit to West Ham. “I haven’t made very much of it. I don’t read

Twitter. I understand there were some more comments on Twitter.

“I told Richard Garlick (sporting and technical director) and the club to deal with it in the manner they see fit. I think if he (Odemwingie) has got something to say to me, he should come and say it to my face. He is the one who has the grievance, not me.

“But I’m not interested in what he said. The club will deal with that side of it.

“I’m just disappointed I have to spend so much time talking about one player (Odemwingie) when I’ve got a squad of players who have made a fantastic contribution this season.

“I’m fed up talking about Odemwingie.

You’ve asked about it, I’ve answered it, let’s move on. I’m not answering any more questions on Peter.”

Clarke did confirm though that Odemwingie would be in his squad for today’s game at West Ham.

Eriksen linked with Liverpool

EURO BRIEFS

No rush with Wilshere –Wenger

J

R

over the French club’s Champions League quarter-final opponents.

Mourinho, 50, scored back-to-back wins over the Catalan club in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and La Liga around the turn of the month, and

ack Wilshere will return to outdoors running on Monday but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will refuse to rush his star man’s return from injury.

The England international is currently recovering from an ankle problem which has sidelined him since the defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on March 3.

Wilshere

Cabaye relishes midfield battle with Toure

N

ewcastle United star Yohan Cabaye will relish his midfield battle against the best player in the Premier League when he takes on Manchester City’s Yaya Toure.

The pair will go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon and it could be a contest which decides the outcome of the match.

Cabaye

Injured Diaby out for nine months

A

bou Diaby will be out for up to nine months after tearing a cruciate ligament.

A statement on the Arsenal website confirmed the midfielder, who has a long history of injury problems, damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in training on Wednesday.

Diaby

Ferdinand shocked by racism claims io Ferdinand has ex-

R

pressed shock at alleged racist chanting directed at him and brother, Anton, by England supporters during the 8-0 victory over San Marino. An offensive song was said to be aimed at Manchester United defender Rio, who pulled out of the England squad, and QPR Eriksen

M

arc Overmars has confirmed Liverpool have been ‘frequent visitors’ to Ajax this season amid reports Christian Eriksen is Brendan Rodgers’ top summer transfer target.

Eriksen has long been regarded as one of the brightest talents in European football and the Denmark international only has one more season to run on his Ajax contract.

The 21-year-old confirmed last week that he was uncertain about his long-term future at the Amsterdam ArenA as he had not received a ‘de-

tailed’ offer of a contract extension.

Reports in the Dutch and English media have subsequently claimed that Liverpool are favourites to snap up Eriksen in a transfer worth around £16.9 million.

Ajax technical director Overmars would not comment on the transfer rumours, but acknowledged that Liverpool have regularly had scouts watching their games.

Eriksen has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal, Manchester United and

has reportedly given Ancelotti, a close personal friend, an edited package of the two victories and told the Italian of the weaknesses he has detected in the Barça game.

Speaking to the press on Thursday, however,

Ancelotti cast doubt on how much success PSG would have in trying to copy Madrid when they play host to Tito Vilanova’s men in the first leg of their last-eight tie on Tuesday.

“We’re not Real Ma-

Rio Ferdinand

centre-back Anton.

Azpilicueta backs Benitez

C

esar Azpilicueta insists Rafa Benitez retains the full support of the Chelsea squad, with focus locked on the present. Interim Tottenham Hotspur among the other clubs to have a reported interest.

Meanwhile, speculation has also suggested that Shakhtar Donetsk’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa are alternatives for Rodgers if the Liverpool manager fails to land Eriksen.

Mourinho offers Ancelotti winning tips against Barca

eal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has provided his Paris Saint-Germain counterpart Carlo Ancelotti with the inside track on how to beat Barcelona after masterminding a brace of recent victories

45

drid, we have different characteristics,” he said.

“I still haven’t thought of the strategy I’m going to use against Barcelona, because I’ve been focused on Friday’s match with Montpellier for the last 15 days.”

boss Benitez has endured a tough time at Stamford Bridge since filling the managerial void created by Roberto Di Matteo’s exit.

PREMIERSHIP TABLE Team

P

GD

PTS

1. Man Utd

29

38

74

2. Man City

29

25

59

3. Chelsea

29

28

55

4. Tottenham

30

14

54

5. Arsenal

29

23

50

6. Everton

29

11

48

7. Liverpool

30

18

45

8. West Brom

30

2

44

9. Swansea

30

2

40

10. Fulham

29

-4

36

11. Stoke

30

-8

34

12. Norwich

30

-18

34

13. Newcastle

30

-11

33

14. West Ham

29

-11

33

15. Sunderland

30

-9

31

16. Southampton

30

-10

31

17. Aston Villa

30

-25

30

18. Wigan

29

-21

27

19. Reading

30

-22

23

20. QPR

30

-22

23

46

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Every business has its own system’

Recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced a policy to encourage adding 20 to 40 percent of cassava flour in bread baking. What is your view about the development as a baker?

I will say that, there is a reason for such policy in your country Nigeria, because most time the government or the leaders know the best for the development of the economy and they involve everybody to carry on the policy so that the aim and objective will be achieved. For us, wheat has been what we are used to, nevertheless if there is an alternative, why not, we will try it, and if it is better, we will go for it having the consumers in mind. There is reason for any government policy. Government cannot just wake up one day and introduce policy without knowing the in and the out. Although, in most cases, the people will resist the policy, with a strong and political will, things will fall into place with time. If the government of Nigeria discovers that it can save the economy through developing its own materials that work for the system, the people should welcome and embrace the development so that the country will maintain its position as the fastest growing economy in the continent.

Ms. Anelen Mosaso is the Managing Director of a catering and baking firm, Annie Bake Shop, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). She spoke with STANELY IHEDIGBO on the business of catering, baking and other matters. Excerpts:

W

hat brought about your passion for catering and baking business?

I will say that is something I was born with, because my mother was into the same thing. And when I was younger I had this passion for cooking and helping my mother. You know when young girls have interest in what their mothers are doing; it always resulted that the girls will take after their mothers. That was my case and when I finished my high institute, in our country Philippines, I worked little to be able me make some money and do something else. Also, I have this entrepreneurial spirit that I wanted to do something for myself.

You will not believe it that I never attended any training or school to learn how to bake. Rather it was the little knowledge I had from my mother. Before coming to Dubai, I had been to Bahrain and Hong Kong, because any where my services are needed, I will go there. I came to Dubai on April 26, 2010 and since then, things have been going well with my business.

How can somebody start such a business?

It is very simple if the person has passion to prepare a good palatable thing for people to eat and enjoy. You must have passion that you want to prepare something that when people taste it they will appreciate your effort. It is not about the money. And I will advise anyone who really wants to venture into catering and baking business to have passion for it first before thinking of making money.

Again, what people need from you as a caterer is experience, not about the quality because everybody talks about quality. What matters is the experience people have when they pick up

Will Nigeria being regarded as the fastest growing economy in Africa make you expand your business operation to the country?

I don’t think I have such power to expand my business to Nigeria. There are big and better catering and baking companies in there, doing fine and great. I cannot be everywhere. I have heard of Nigeria being a very big and good market. I am okay here and the next step will be to my own country.

Mosaso

your food and taste it. That is the secret of catering and baking, if you want to be ahead of competitors. It is easy to begin, if you are serious and know what you want.

How rewarding is operating a catering and baking business in Dubai compared to your country of origin, The Philippines?

You should know that Dubai is like a central hub in the Mid East and Asia, where many people from different countries come and go. I will say that busi-

ness is thriving and the experience also is there because if you are able to locate your office in one of the shopping malls, it is a big advantage. The shopping mall is like a tourism centre where people come without any particular thing in mind to buy but just to experience the environment. With that, we are able to get customers and meet clients who want our services for different occasions. Actually, I didn’t stay long in my country and I believe that I will still make my name in my country if I am there.

How do you see the business of catering and baking globally?

It is an important business which is thriving every day in every corner of the world. People must eat bread, eat cakes and other related foods. For me, it is moving on greatly and has a future.

What advice do you have for Nigerians in the same business with you?

I have not been to Nigeria and don’t know the area where they need to improve on, but what I know is that every business in any country has their own system. Maybe the Nigerian system is the best, you have not told me. Also, I wish to visit Nigeria one day, if I have the opportunity, because I love travelling and meeting people.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

March 30, 2013

Setting up a tissue paper/serviettes production plant

P

reamble

Looking carefully into the 2012 budget presented by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Federal Government will pay much attention on manufacturing, local industrial developments and agriculture. Any investor into any of these sectors will benefit from various government incentives.

Any type of manufacturing engaged by individual or groups of individuals or corporate organizations will go a long way in contributing towards the growth of the nation’s economy. It will generate employment opportunities and add to the GDP. The purpose of this write-up is to educate Nigerian businessmen and enlighten potential investors on the commercial viability and profitability of tissue paper/serviettes production.

Product market Most Nigerians consume toilet roll.

Its demand is influenced by population explosion, rapid urbanization and social

awareness. It is generally used for cleaning and sanitary purposes in households, restaurants, hotels, canteens, social gatherings, parties, maternity homes, clinics, hospitals, educational institutions, churches, night clubs, shops, fast food centers and offices.

Research findings indicate that Nigeria alone now needs over 950 million tonnes of tissue papers per annum, while our total local production output is still less than 150 million tones; the supply gap offers a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria investors.

Production technology Nigerian investors can now go into this lucrative business using locallymade machines. Though there are imported machines, our local investors do not need to waste their scarce foreign exchange for the importation. The writer will assist you in procuring and installing quality machines that will stand the test of time at moderate and affordable prices. The attractiveness of

this project is that both the raw materials and equipment are locally available and the technology involved is very easy to understand and master. The essential equipments are: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Core making machine Rewinding System Band Saw cutter Embossing Unit Perforating Unit

These equipments are portable, simple to operate and durable. The machines will be procured from highly experienced local producers of such machines The machinery being introduced here is rugged, reliable and high performing with a capacity of 5,000kg per day. Operating on a single shift for a minimum of 250 days per annum, a total of 1,250,000 MT of tissue paper will be procured and processed into quality tissue products (toilet rolls & serviettes).

Raw materials/profitability Raw materials include jumbo reels, and glue. Packaging materials include printed labels and nylon rolls. All these are 100 per cent available locally. Since the machine will process 1,250,000MT

per annum, the total projected sales revenue is N437.5 million from which we deducted the total inputs of N315.

5million thus realizing a gross profit before tax of N122.5million in the first year.

Many Nigerians have burnt their fingers while sourcing local machinery from some inexperienced and dishonest fabricators who produce machines with very low efficiency. Many investors have been deceived. The issue of availability of raw materials should not disturb a prospective investor because we have so many options to handle it.

On the whole, a toilet roll project is a very good small-scale industry, which can launch a small investor into the world of millionaires within one year.

Space/personnel requirements A three-bedroom flat garage or warehouse may serve as accommodation, while staff strength of eight is required for effective production, marketing and administration. Bigger or smaller plants are also available at competitive prices.

Courtesy: Uba Godwin, ubagodwin@yahoo.com

48

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Location is vital in Cyber café business’

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON

T

here is no doubt about the fact that Nigeria has grown technologically and the need to explore the cyber world is becoming more by the day. For those who cannot simply afford the luxury of a personal computer and a modem, the last resort is always to opt for a cybercafé.

For this reason, cyber business can still be said to be viable.

Cyber café business is a sort of a rental business that involves the letting out of airtime (slots of minutes or hours to customers) for use in accessing the internet.

In Lagos, there are countless number of cafes with many of them rendering very unsatisfactory services. They are often crowded with many slow and not so functional computers and servers that render anything but satisfactory service delivery.

However, there are still a few who go the extra mile to put smile of satisfaction on the faces of their customers.

Victor Onwuka the Managing Director of Vicuka Ventures located in the heart of Ikeja who has been into the cyber business for about eight years says it takes a lot to be in the cyber business.

Initially, when the business started to be popular some 12 years ago, it was a very viable business, in fact a booming one. It was so because it was relatively new and quite a lot of people had no computers to themselves unlike the way it is now where almost everyone has.

According to Onwuka, the business became popular because of the need for people to interact with friends over long distances.

“In that regard we find many internet users seeking to access the services of social networking media such as Facebook, hi5, MySpace and so on. Also, that has

given room to many small scale entrepreneurs who have identified the need for people to surf the web and realise that location is a very critical factor that must not be overlooked.

“In areas with predominantly large student population, cyber cafes tend to have a large and steady stream of customers, “he added.

Onwuka further told Saturday Mirror that like every other businesses in the country, there is a problem with electricity supply. Cyber cafes cannot operate without power and yet with epileptic power supply from PHCN, they must as a rule supply their own power using generating sets and also have to cater to other expenses that are incumbent to the business. These factors put together make the business a little capital intensive.

Apart from the capital intensiveness of the business, the various developments in the cyber world and numerous atrocities being committed by quite a lot of the internet users who take advantage of innocent hearted ones online who genuinely want to make friends to defraud them has also severe the business terrain, noted Onwuka.

“The business is no longer the way it used to be moreso with the various atrocities internet users commit on the internet. Cyber scammers are so much on the rampant and if one is not vigilant and also take safety precautions, it could put an end to one’s business because the law enforcement agents will be after the business and turn the plavce to a raid joint,” he explained further.

In terms of basic needs for the business to commence, Onwuka disclosed that one needs to do some formal registration with some bodies.

“You have to register with some bodies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, Association of Cyber Café Operators of Nigeria, law enforcement agencies such as EFCC, NDLEA and ICPC and you must also have an account

ON A SMALL SCALE, ONE CAN START THE BUSINESS WITH ABOUT

N500, 000

EXCLUDING THE

SPACE. ON A LARGE SCALE, ONE MAY NEED AT LEAST

N1.5M

with a reputable internet service provider,” Onwuka added.

He further pointed out that among the needs is a large room which is largely dependent on the scale of operation one wants. Computers, servers and other devices are also needed for a start. All of these cost money. On a small scale, you can commence the business with about N500, 000 excluding the space while on a large scale, you may need up to at least N1.5 million to commence the business excluded of the space. This of course does not include contingency just a rough estimate of acquiring computers and may be one year subscription.

He also notes that location is key in the business.

“Getting a good location to do the business is also a very vital one. A busy environment or somewhere close to a higher institution is good location for the business,” he stated.

On the other hand, Onwuka noted that the influx of blackberry phones and modems from various service providers has drastically reduced the use of many cyber cafes but that notwithstanding, it is still viable business because there are still percentage of people who may not have a computer of their own and there are limi-

Onwuka

tations to what can be done on blackberry phones, so for such ones, they resort to using the cafes.

“As a means of safety measures, we also have stickers around our cafe to tell those who may have evil intentions of scamming people on the net that scammers are not welcome and so they should beware. Also, because the cafe is also registered with the law enforcement agents, it makes it safer for us to operate and play safe. As a matter of rule, we don’t sell air time to under-aged children which is one of our preventive measures,” he further stated.

Onwuka also noted that in this business, there is a limit in terms of profitability and growth as many factors work against those possibilities. Cyber cafes are good as businesses that provide side income as a result it favour small scale entrepreneurs. However, opportunities abound for exceptional cases.

Crime Watch Crime Watch

P. 51

Eternal triangle: Man sets friend ablaze over girlfriend

BRIEFS

Police arraign man, 25, for trespass, theft

T

he police on Thursday arraigned Victor Gabriel, 25, of Apo Village, Abuja, in an Abuja Chief Magistrates’ Court, charged with trespass and theft.

The prosecutor, Phillip Akowgu, told the court that Tony Uba of Asokoro District, Abuja, reported the matter at the Asokoro Police Station on March 21, 2013.

He said that the accused trespassed into Uba’s room and stole his DVD player and a camera.

The prosecutor added that the accused was nowhere to be found until he was deceived on phone to come and collect a message sent to him by his uncle in the U.S. Akogwu said the accused was arrested when he showed up at the Asokoro General Hospital, where he was told to come and collect the message.

The prosecutor said the accused is charged with trespass and theft in line with sections 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge, insisting that he did not trespass into the complainant’s room.

“I did not pick anything from his room.

I don’t even know how his room look like because I have never entered,’’ the accused said.

March 30, 2013

49

From bed to morgue: Who killed mother of two in her sleep?

Moyin, as she was fondly called, was a nurse with two children. A squabble with the mother of her betrothed was causing a drag in her planned wedding. Suddenly she was found dead in her bed in a pool of her own blood. How did this happen?

2 men charged with allegedly assaulting retired Judge

F

or allegedly assaulting retired Justice Moshood Olugbani, two unemployed men, Saidi Oyekunola and Abiodun Owoade, were on Thursday charged before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Oyekunola and Owoade, who reside at Okera-nla, Ajah, are each facing a four count-charge of conspiracy, unlawful entry, assault, and breach of public peace.

The prosecutor, Osaro Okoro, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 22, 2013.

He said that the accused recruited armed thugs, who broke into a fenced property-- comprising two plots of land- owned by Olugbani at Okera-nla Ajah, Lagos.

According to Okoro, the accused had claimed ownership of the property and committed the offence in a bid to repossess it.

The prosecutor said that the accused told the police that their action was aimed at repossession of the land, which they had sold to another person.

“The accused, who mobilised several armed thugs, forcefully entered the complainants compound by breaking down the fence.

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Moyin

SEGUN ADIO

P

olice authorities in Ekiti State are currently investigating the gruesome murder of a nurse in the hands of yet-to-identified assassins. The nurse, identified as Moyin Oluwa, was recently reportedly hacked to death while having her siesta.

MoyinOluwa lived with her parents at Ayedun area of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and worked as a nurse at a hospital in Ise Ekiti. Already a mother of two kids, she was betrothed to one Abayomi Osire, the prime suspect in her murder.

Though engaged to Abayomi, since they were yet to be legally married, they still lived separately. Both would have been weeded, it was learnt, but for a major quarrel between the deceased and her would-be mother in-law.

It was reported that sometime last year; MoyinOluwa allegedly sent an

abusive text message purportedly from her phone to the old woman. This did not go down well with the woman, who swore that her son would not marry MoyinOluwa. The deceased, it was gathered, denied being the brain behind the controversial text message, but Abayomi reportedly pressured her to own up to her crime, which the latter vehemently declined.

It got to a point between the two lovers that Abayomi allegedly threatened to do anything in his powers to his wifeto-be if she refused to own up. The lovers were still in the thick of this crisis when MoyinOluwa met her untimely death.

On a Sunday not long ago, Moyin, as the woman was fondly called by family and friends, had a professional examination to write at the teaching hospital in the state capital. Upon returning from the examination centre, the deceased was asked to join the entire household for morning service in the church.

She reportedly declined going for the service on account of fatigue after a rigorous examination she just finished writing. She was left alone while other members of the family proceeded to the church. Unknown to them, however, that was the last time they would see their daughter and mother alive.

Hours after the church service, the family returned home not to find her in the house.

MoyinOluwa’s adopted father, Mr Ogundare, told reporters that the death of his daughter was hard to swallow and called on security agents to investigate the prime suspect because of his past actions and utterances about the deceased.

“It was on a Sunday and we were all supposed to be at the church, Moyin loved to go to church and she never liked missing Sunday services particularly. But on this fateful day, she had an examination to write in town and she left the house quite early. She later returned and when we were ready to go to church, she said she wanted to sleep well because she read all through the night,” Ogundare said.

“When we returned from church, she was supposed to open the door for us but when she was called upon there was no response from within. Surprisingly, the doors were left widely opened.

“I went through the back door to check her in room thinking she was still sleeping up to that time. But I was shocked to see her in an awkward position. I then ran to the front door. The door was already opened. As we entered we met her in the pool of her own blood. She was dead,” he added.

He also told law enforcement agents that the family’s cutlass usually used to weed the compound was used to carry out the dastardly act. The man claimed that they hurriedly placed a call to MoyinOluwa’s fiancé but his mobile phone was switched off.

Ogundare claimed that his step daughter’s fiancée only called him the third day with a different number claiming he had been away from town.

Ogundare also claimed that after she was gruesomely murdered, MoyinOluwa’s mobile phone and N250, 000 she withdrew from the bank some days earlier and kept in her room were all carted away.

Spokesman for Ekiti State Police Command, Victor Babayemi, confirmed the incident to reporters, but the prime suspect is currently being detained at Oke Ila police station while awaiting the autopsy of the deceased.

Babayemi said that upon completion of investigation, the perpetrators of the act would be made to face the full weight of the law.

Do you have a story for us? Contact 08138773277 or crimewatchmirror@yahoo.com

50

CRIME WATCH

For some time now, residents of Enugu State have not been sleeping with their two eyes closed. Reason: fear of armed robbery and other criminal activities. They have, however, heaved a sigh of relief. The most dreaded of the bandit gangs had been burst by the police.

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How highway gang met waterloo in Enugu

SEGUN ADIO

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ome suspected armed robbers and a detachment of the Enugu State Police Command recently engaged one another in a fierce gun duel. The superior firepower of the law enforcement agents proved vital at the end of the day as some of the men of the underworld dropped their weapons and fled into the bush.

Two of them though, were not as lucky. Kenneth Ndubuisi Omeh, said to be the kingpin of the notorious gang, and Chinedu Remigius Ezeagu could not escape the dragnet of the law enforcement agents as they were both rounded up.

When the news of the arrest of Omeh, popularly referred to as WOROP, filtered into Nsukka and some surrounding towns and villages, residents trooped to the streets dancing and praising God. He was perhaps the most sought-after robber in the state.

Both Omeh and Ezeagu reportedly met their waterloo on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Lejja community in Nsukka.

Omeh was reputed to be an expert highway car snatcher as well as a professional assassin.

Before his latest arrest, Omeh was reported standing trial at an Nsukk High Court for the alleged murder of one Brendan Amu of Amube Lejja, which he reportedly carried out on Thursday, October 18, 2012.

Back in time on a Thursday, June 12, 2008, he reportedly escaped from the hands of law enforcement agents on his way to court after he was charged with snatching of an Igboetiti Legislative

Ezeagu

Council bus.

He was subsequently declared wanted and was arrested some months after his escape.

It was reported that after his escape from detention, Omeh did not lie low but grew in his crime. It was after the escape that he allegedly murdered Brenda Amu for which he was charged to court and he is still facing trial.

Since he was granted bail, Omeh used his freedom to continue to terrorise the people of Nsukka and its environs.

He was said to have soon formed another gang which he superintends over where Ezeagu is his trusted aide. But on the day he would meet his waterloo, he and his gang were reportedly sighted at the town apparently to carry out their heinous crime. But for a resident who quickly put a call through to law enforcement agents at Nsukka, hell would have

Undergrad steals colleagues’ 11 GSM handsets

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n undergraduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka has been arrested in joint operations by men of the Enugu State Police Command and security department of the institution.

The undergraduate, Henry Elebisi, 22, was alleged to have specialised in stealing students GSM handsets at the school’s gate and other public places in the institution.

Elebisis was reportedly arrested with his partner-in-crime, Ojimba Randy Chinonso, 20. The two suspects were arrested on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Elebisi is a fourth year student of Agricultural Extension of the university, while Ojimba was said not to be a student of the institution.

Upon the arrest of the two suspects, 11 different handsets were recovered from

them and other items that were identified not to belong to them but to some other students of the institution.

When nabbed, Elebisi reportedly feigned ignorance of the offence for which he was arrested. He reportedly claimed that he was in no way connected with the said handsets found in his possession. But his defence however could not sway the suspicion against him as some students also reportedly gave evidence against him.

Speaking before policemen, Elebisi later confessed to his crime and begged for clemency. He was quoted as saying, “All I can say is that my colleagues should forgive me because I just don’t know what came over me to do what I have done.”

Omeh

been let loose by Omeh and his gang.

While he was reported to have confessed to his crimes after his arrest, Ezeagu was said to have tried selling a dummy to the security operatives when he claimed he was not part of the gang but a victim of circumstance.

“I do not belong to any robbery gang. I was just trying to assist this man (Omeh) fix his broken down vehicle when the police approached where we were and opened fire on us,” Ezeagu was quoted as saying.

But the law enforcement agents would not be fooled by his antics. He was promptly arrested alongside Omeh.

Speaking on the arrest of the notorious robber, Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the suspects are currently helping the command in its investigations into the crimes allegedly committed by their

gang before their arrest.

He claimed that Omeh’s arrest could not have come at a better time than when Commissioner of Police, Tonye Ebitibituwa, just read riot acts to criminals in the state to either have a rethink, relocate from the state or get themselves caught.

“The state commissioner of police Tonye Ebitibituwa has expressed his happiness over the performance of his men as well as members of the public for their timely and useful information leading to the arrest of the suspects. He noted that with the cooperation already established those at large would certainly be arrested,” he said.

While the two suspects were being paraded, Ebitibituwa urged members of the public to assist security agents with useful information on criminal activities in their domains assuring them that their identities would be protected.

We lied against Atuche –Bank workers

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wo employees of a new generation bank, Keystone Bank Ltd. on Thursday said they were coerced to make false allegations of forgery against Francis Atuche, a former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc. Joachim Nnosiri and Uguru Onyike, both of Central Shared Services(CSS) Centre of Keystone Bank Ltd., made the claims in separate applications filed before an Ikeja High Court.

The duo and Atuche were on March 26 arraigned for alleged forgery before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the defendants had on March 4, attempted to smuggle forged board resolutions of some companies into Keystone Bank’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The commission claimed that docu-

ments on the board resolutions, purportedly emanating from Futureview Securities Ltd., Tradjeck Ltd. and Extra Oil Ltd, were addressed to Keystone Bank, the successor of Bank PHB. However, the bankers, in the affidavits attached to their summons for bail, maintained that they found the documents in the possession of Keystone Bank.

According to the applications filed by their counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor and Bamidele Adewunmi, they alleged that they were forced by the bank to make the allegations against Atuche.

Nnosiri claimed that he found the board resolutions in the bundle of documents that were being rearranged in the CSS department and forwarded them to Onyike, who was his supervisor.

Crime Extra

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

March 30, 2013

51

SEGUN ADIO

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andemonium broke out at Ajibode community via Oja-Odan in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State recently, when a Beninese trader, identified as Moshood, allegedly set his childhood friend from ablaze.

Saturday Mirror’s investigations revealed that the Beninese’s action was triggered by alleged suspicion that his best friend was having an amorous affair with his girl-friend.

Moshood was reported to have poured petrol on his friend, Rasheed Ijaola, while the latter was fixing his car tyre beside a vulcaniser, which immediately ignited fire and almost consumed the man.

Moshood, 41, was born in Cotonou, Republic of Benin but his parents relocated to Oja-Odan while he was still a youth.

Moshood has since lived at Oja-Odan where he reportedly dropped out of school when his father died and his mother could not finance his higher education. While in secondary school, however, Moshood reportedly established a strong link with the man he would later almost set on fire.

Ijaola, 38, on his part, lived with his uncle in the community also from infancy after both his parents died in mysterious circumstances. While growing up, Ijaola never showed any interest in schooling but soon opted for trading.

Sometime in 2001, the two friends reportedly rented a room at the border town while they worked as sales boys with different major distributors of essential commodities.

The two friends reportedly lived together until 2011 when Ijaola got married and left his friend in the single apartment they rented together in 2001.

Moshood, on his own part, is yet to get married. It was reported that a lady he was interested in travelled overseas with another man back in 2008.

Since then, all entreaties from friends and neighbours to Moshood to pick another woman and settle down did not register in his mind. During the wedding ceremony of Ijaola, Moshood was said to have played a no mean role. It was reported that Ijaola’s marriage did not last a year as his wife went away with their two months old baby for reasons best known to her. Ever since, Ijaola has been living alone.

But Moshood moved a step closer towards settling down with a woman in early 2012 when he met a Benenoise lady, identified as Paulina, and the two of them started a love affair. With plans to eventually get married, both Moshood and Paulina intensified their love life and Ijaola was reported to be the only gobetween in that relationship.

The romance between Moshood and Paulina is reportedly usually interspersed with squabbles over complaints from the former that Paulina refused to come to spend more time with him as he always demanded.

Expectedly, anytime the two lovers had misunderstanding, Ijaola, being the

Eternal triangle: Man sets friend ablaze over girlfriend Two friends, Moshood and Rasheed Ijaola, are now at daggers drawn over their relationship with a lady, Paulina. What could have infuriated one so much that he had to turn the other into a burning torch? closest person to them, was usually the one the lady would run to come appease his fuming friend.

It was reported that sometime in October 2012, Moshood and Paulina also had a disagreement and the man sent the lady out of his house well into the night. Pauline, who lives with her parents in Ilaro, could not return to her base that time of the day. She reportedly put a call through to her lover’s best friend who asked her to come to his house.

Because of the time of day she arrived at Ijaola’s house, the man prevailed upon Paulina to pass the night before she returned to her parents at Ilaro the following day.

It was reported that about an hour after Paulina left her boyfriend’s house for Ijola’s house and while the two of them were sleeping, Moshood headed for Ijaola’s house, apparently to go report the quarrel he had with Paulina to his friend.

Moshood was shell shocked to find his girl friend on the same bed with his best friend. Though he did not see them doing any untoward thing, Moshood grew suspicious. Moshood reportedly descended

on the lady and beat her heavily almost to a coma.

While Ijaola tried to explain to his friend that he only allowed the lady to pass the night in his house because of the time she got to his house, Moshood reportedly turned the fight into his friend’s.

The resulting pandemonium was not enough to stop the enraged man from inflicting a deep cut on his friend’s face. By that time, Paulina reportedly fainted on the sofa she fell into. Upon realising that the lady had fainted, Ijaola ran outside to start his bus with which he works to rush the fainted lady to the hospital.

But he discovered that one of the tyres of the vehicle was down. Ijaola rushed to a vulnaniser close by who was still attending to supposed smugglers to help fix the tyre to convey the lady to a nearby hospital.

He joined the vulcaniser to work on the bad tyre but Moshood, still fuming, reportedly grabbed a petrol-laden keg belonging to the vulcaniser and emptied it on his friend.

While doing that, flame from the vulcaniser’s machine reportedly engulfed Ijaola who was only rescued by the vul-

caniser and the smugglers standing by.

Ijaola was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital while Moshood fled the scene to his house.

Some vigilance men in the area who reportedly chased him to his house did not see him at home. It was reported that Moshood only entered his room, parked some personal belongings and ran out of the house. Investigations revealed that the man is currently hiding at his Cotonou ancestral home.

Speaking to our reporter on the matter, a co-worker with the vulcaniser but who would not want his name in prints claimed that Ijaola was brutally burnt in the inferno.

According to the commercial bus driver, “Initially, we did not know what went wrong between the two men. It was later we understood that the man met his woman in the burnt man’s house.

But what people in the house said was that the man only tried to save the lady from night hazards. All I can also say is that the man was burnt severely because the man poured the petrol on his entire body and unfortunately Semiu (the vulcaniser) had already set up fire to patch the tyre while the incident occurred. That was aggravated the situation.”

Investigations revealed that Ijaola is responding to treatment at an Ilaro hospital, while Moshood has not been seen since the incident.

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REGIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SOUTH SOUTH

Rainstorm destroys houses, crops in Delta community AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

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roperty including houses, electric poles and agricultural crops worth millions of naira have been destroyed by heavy rainstorms that swept across Igbodo community in Ika North East Local Government Area

of Delta State.

The disaster, which occurred yesterday, had roofs of some houses blown off and others collapse completely.

When our reporter visited affected areas, it was gathered that the areas worse hit were Ndobu, Anikpeku, IdumuObior and Idumu-Ozie villages of the agrarian

community.

Residents, who spoke with our reporter, said the storms started at about 4pm when many were still in the

farms.

The President-General of Igbodo Development Union, Chief A. Ozili, said many have been

rendered homeless by the rainstorm. Describing the situation as pathetic, he appealed to the state government for immediate interven-

tion. He also appealed for the intervention of SERA and NEMA as well as well-spirited individuals and organisations.

CACOL condemns arrest of unemployed graduates in Bayelsa State

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he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) has condemned the arrest and molestation of 30 unemployed graduates by police officers in Bayelsa State.

The graduates arrested were among those that staged a peaceful protest in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital against the high rate of unemployment in the state and the state’s government neglect and insensitivity to their plight. The enraged graduates also gave a 30day ultimatum to Governor Seriake Dickson to lift the embargo on employment in the civil service.

CACOL, in a statement by its executive chairman, Debo Adeniran, said, “It is very disheartening that the government doesn’t about the plight of its citizens. What responsible government brutalises its citizens for peacefully demanding what rightfully belongs to them?

The action of the Bayelsa State Government is unconscionable and highly condemnable.”

Warning the government against fueling the

anger of the masses and calling for the protesters’ release, Adeniran added that “it is unfortunate that our leaders are not only clueless but morally bankrupt, incompetent and inept. Even if the state civil service cannot absorb all of them, the N5 billion raised for President Goodluck Jonathan’s country home church in just a service could have created employment opportunities if the President had decided to re-channel the ill-gotten funds for the Otuoke Church into creating job schemes for the teeming unemployed youths of Bayelsa State.”

L-R: Minister of State, Niger Delta, Arch. Ishaku Darius; Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and Elder Godsday Orubebe during the ministers’ visit to the Governor in Benin City, recently.

AP secretary petitions presidency, security agents over threat to life SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN CITY

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Gov Dickson

he discord threatening to tear Accord Party apart has taken a new dimension as the national secretary of the party, Dr. Samson Isibor, has petitioned the Nigeria Po-

lice Force and the State Security Services (SSS), alleging grave threats to his life and those of his family. He also copied the petition to the presidency, the Edo State Governor and the party’s national chairman.

In the widely circulated petition prepared by

Group condemns attacks on Akpabio

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group, Akwa Ibom Diasporan Network (AIDN), an organisation of Akwa Ibom State indigenes in the Diaspora, has condemned the personal attacks being unleashed against the person of Governor Godswill Akpabio by those the group described as mischief makers. The group therefore

urged all progressiveminded citizens of the state to rally round the governor to accomplish his vision for the state.

Deacon Jackson Udom, Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, claimed that AIDN, in a statement signed by its national president and secretary-general, Obong Clem Ikpatt and Barr.

Uduak Ukpe respectively, held that the agenda-driven assault against Akpabio since his emergence as the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, were by those opposed to his support for President Goodluck Jonathan and those uncomfortable with his rising profile in national politics.

Declaring their “un-

equivocal and unbending support for Jonathan and Akpabio, with an abiding faith and strong confidence in their leadership of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State, respectively,” AIDN added that their support of Akpabio “is rooted in his outstanding performance that is globally acknowledged as strategic and results-oriented.”

the law firm of Inegbeboh & Inegbeboh and made available to Saturday Mirror yesterday in Benin City, Isibor alleged that a founding member of the party, a former national chairman of the party and a female personnel of the SSS in Abuja (names withheld) were planning to kill him because of his intention to cause the ICPC to investigate and prosecute all those that allegedly embezzled about N91.8 million of the party’s funds.

It would be recalled that in a press statement that was issued last week in Benin City, Isibor alleged from hiding that a chieftain of the party and some others were planning to kill him. He also said their attempt to kidnap him in Benin City

through the use of an SSS official from Abuja under the guise of delivering a letter to him failed so he had to raise the alarm of the threat to his life.

Gov Oshiomhole

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REGIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

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NORTH

Insecurity: Nigeria risks foreign encroachment –Niger Gov PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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iger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has warned that if the security challenges confronting Nigeria are not quickly and adequately tackled, other foreign nations will

capitalise on them and encroach on the country’s domestic problems.

Sounding the warning at a three-day workshop of Chief Imams of North Central Zone in Minna, Niger State, he decried the spate of insecurity plaguing Muslim-dominated

areas and further warned that there had been disturbing consequences on countries like Algeria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Mali and Pakistan.

“The basis for this ugly trend could be attributed to greed and ignorance heightened by the socio-

economic inequalities in these societies. Therefore, we must arrest this situation before the problem engulfs the whole country,” Aliyu stated.

Saying that Muslims are supposed to be decent, humble and simple and that their actions should

be based on faith in Allah and the knowledge of Islam, he lamented that “unfortunately, many of us are ignorant of the very simple rudiments of Islam which is a religion of moderation and abhors extremism in all aspect.”

Also speaking, the

state’s commissioner for religious affairs, Alhaji Shehu Haruna, said what is being witnessed today in terms of insecurity, killings, destruction of property and degradation of human prestige are all against the teachings and dictates of Islam.

Easter: Jang calls on Christians to emulate Christ’s virtues JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State (l) with Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih at the Government House, Dutse during a courtesy call, recently.

Rainstorm leaves 500 homeless in Benue … property worth millions destroyed HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

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nother rainstorm yesterday wrecked havoc on the residents of Nyamatsor at Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, destroyed property worth several millions of naira and left houses submerged.

A visit to the area revealed that the rainstorm, which was the first of its kind this year, blew away roofs of houses and social facilities like schools and hospitals and also washed crops away.

Speaking to Saturday Mirror, former council chairman of Buruku LGA, Hon Tegh-Tegh Ankyambe, described the

situation as ‘very horrible and devastating,’ and added that efforts should be intensified by the council to ensure an immediate solution to the problem.

Also commenting, former commissioner for works in the state, Dr. Thomas Tuleun, emphasised the need for the third tier of government

to come to the rescue of the affected persons, saying that that is the only way it could demonstrate a sense of belonging to the people.

Tuleun further charged the state government to take concerted efforts towards ensuring that town planning is also extended to the grassroots areas in order to avoid cases of houses collapsing as a result of perennial rainfalls.

Jigawa CP tours LGs, meets monarchs, stakeholders ABDULLAHI ODEY DUTSE

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igawa State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Joel Theophilus, has advocated for joint collaboration of the state’s security agencies to ensure continuous peace in the state.

Theophilus, who is on a familiarisation tour of all police formations and local government areas in the state, made the comment during courtesy visits to traditional rulers.

Urged his men to be guided always by the Code of Conduct of the force, he commended the traditional rulers in for

the peace in the state.

On their part, the royal fathers recognised and acknowledged the effort of the police boss and unanimously gave him their blessing and absolute support.

At the place of the Emir of Ringim, Abubakar Sayyadi Mahmud, the royal father commended CP Theophilus for making the state free of terrorism by including the community in his polic-

ing work.

The Santurakin Dutse, Mustapha Lamido, said Theophilus’ tenure ended the indigene/settler crisis that caused disaffection in the past.

Also impressed by Theophilus’ efforts, Chairman of Dutse Local Government Area, Alhaji Yankofa, donated 54 motorcycles and three Toyota Hilux vans for appropriate use by the police command.

overnor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has called on Christians to use the Easter period, which signifies the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind, to reflect on their deeds.

In a statement signed by James Mannok, Director of Press and Public Affairs in the governor’s office, Jang urged Christians to re-dedicate themselves to the teachings and path of Christ so

as not to lose eternity.

He stressed that Christians must continue to promote peaceful co-existence and noted that the teachings of Jesus regarding love should be their guiding principles.

He also urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of respecting the dignity of lives and be full of gratitude for His gift of abundant human and material resources and re-assured Plateau State citizens that his administration would continue to honour its promise to transform the state.

Kogi PDP group decries harassment of aspirant WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state has raised an alarm over alleged plans by some people to harass and intimidate a chairmanship aspirant in the forthcoming May 4, 2013 council polls in the area.

The aspirant is identified as Funsho Olumoko.

The faction, under the aegis of Ijumu PDP Progressives, in a press statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, the state’s capital, alleged that some desperate politicians had employed the services of some security

agents to intimidate and harass Olumoko because of the fear that he may win the Ijumu chairmanship election.

The statement was signed by representatives of the three districts that make up the council: Lamidi Saliu for Ojumu Oke district, Dele Abiodun for Gbedde district and Hon Oladele Babalola for Ijumu Arin district.

According to the statement, all means, including frivolous petitions to the EFCC and other security agencies, are being employed to stop Olumoko from contesting.

The statement therefore called on security agencies and the EFCC especially not to allow their organisations to be used to settle political scores.

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REGIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NORTH

Share of resources: Kwankwaso accuses FG of sectional bias AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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he Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has said that the current federal budgeting system is tilted in favour of a particular section of the country and that it does not augur well for peace and steady national development.

He stated that a lot of the challenges currently facing the country today have to do with resources that are not evenly distributed among all sections of the country by the federal government and lamented that even appointments and political patronage are not as balanced as they should be.

“A situation whereby NDDC is working for a particular region, a ministry is dedicated to serve only a particular region and so many resources invested in SURE-P is directed towards a particular part of the country is

not in the best interest of all Nigerians,” Kwankwaso said.

The governor made his observations known while receiving the executive council members of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Government House in Kano, to sympathise with the state government over the series of security problems in the state capital recently.

Saying that he has consistently raised his voice on the onshore/offshore debate, and lately, the Petroleum Industry Bill, he added that efforts must be made to ensure that those parts of the country that have enough are not given priority over those that don’t. He advised federal legislators of northern extraction to strive to ensure that justice and fairness prevail in the country, especially with regards to the PIB. Advising the federal government to ensure impartiality among all sections of the country,

Members of Adamawa State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists sympathising with the Gangwari of Ganye, Alhaji Umoru Sanda, in his palace over the recent attack in the town in which many died.

PHOTO: NAN

he blamed the security problems in parts of the north on poverty and collapse in family/ societal values and said the state governments and other stakeholders in the region have to do more collectively to address the crisis.

Kaduna civil defence corps parades four pipeline vandals A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he Kaduna State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded four suspected petroleum pipeline vandals in the state.

The command said the vandals were arrested in Kangimi in Igabi Local Government Area of the state following a tip-off by a member of the pub-

lic.

Parading the suspects before journalists at the NSCDS headquarters in the state, Commandant Zakari Ibrahim Ningi said the suspects were arrested with their Toyota Corolla car loaded with 27 jerry cans and other equipments used in breaking pipelines.

Speaking through the command’s public relations officer, Superintendent Michael Akin Oguntuase, Ningi added

that the fifth suspect was at large. He also warned vandals in the state to stay off petroleum pipelines and public infrastructures and encouraged the public to keep reporting suspicious movements of individuals or groups around public property for prompt action.

Meanwhile, three of the suspects confessed to the crime while the forth claimed he was only hired to convey the products.

Eze Boniface Ibekwe, the president-general of the Igbo Community in Kano, Chief Chi Nwogu also said 75 injured persons were recorded by the association through the management of the bus park.

He said they arrived at this figure following the mandate given to the leadership of the park by the community to carefully collect data of the affected victims, following conflicting casualty figures.

It would be recalled that in the wake of the attack, the Kano State Police Command claimed 22 people were killed and 62 suffered varying degree of injuries. The state governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, put his own record of injured persons at 25 and claimed that they were mostly northerners.

The Ndigbo leadership however said the attack was not targeted at any

Gunmen kill 9 in fresh Plateau crisis

JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

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unmen yesterday struck again in Ratas village in Fan district of Barkin Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing nine people and wounding scores.

More than 60 people have been killed by the gunmen in Riyom, Jos South and Bokkos LGA of the state within the past week.

The acting spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis, Lt. N. Akpa, who confirmed the killings to Saturday Mirror yesterday, said the attackers took the advantage of massive deployment of their personnel

to Bokkos to swoop on the villagers.

According to Lt. Akpa, the STF, on hearing the report, stormed the area, but the attackers had fled before their arrival. He added that STF personnel conveyed those who sustained injuries to hospital for treatment.

In the same vein, the management committee chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Lohman, who also confirmed the killings shortly after attending the mass burial of the deceased nine, said the same Fulani who attacked Bokkos attacked the people of Ratas.

Loham also raised an alarm over the movement of the same Fulani militia around Gashish area

of the local government, adding that if nothing is done urgently, they will unleash another deadly attack on the people of the area.

Meanwhile, Plateau State police commissioner, Chris Olakpe, said that normalcy has returned to the troubled villages of Mangor and Mantol in Bokkos Local Government Area where gunmen earlier killed 20 people in a midnight attack.

Olakpe spoke yesterday while giving an update on the areas under siege by the gunmen.

When asked whether there will be curfew imposed in the area, he said, “That is not my mandate.

I have no right to impose curfew. I am not in the position to tell you that.”

Kano blasts: Ndigbo releases fresh casualty figures Niger police assures of AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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wo weeks after the multiple bomb explosions that rocked a bus park in Kano, the leadership of Igbo community in the state has said that 37 persons were killed in the blasts. They also claimed that many of their kith and kin are still missing.

Addressing a press conference at the Palace of

particular ethnic group as perceived in certain quarters and appealed to the Federal and Kano State Governments to compensate the families of the deceased and injured victims as well as the owners of the burnt buses.

They also solicited for improved security at the park and in and around Sabon-Gari inhabited predominantly by an estimated 3 million non-natives and non-Muslims.

peaceful Easter PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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iger State police commissioner, Mrs. Desire Nsirim Diseye, has said that the residents of the state will witness a hitch-free Easter celebration as the state’s police command has deployed officers and personnel round the state for the period.

Urging the residents to go about their Easter activities without fear of molestation, she said, “Our two by two police patrols will go round the streets to checkmate any breach of public peace.”

She however added that “ though we have some black spots, I can assure you that we are going to police those places more.”

Saturday Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

March 30, 2013

55

of Jews in Germany N. Korea readies missiles after Exhibit raises interest, ire U.S. bombers fly over South N z As Russia warns of ‘spiral’

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orth Korea put its missile units on standby yesterday to attack U.S. military bases in South Korea and the Pacific, after the United States flew two nuclear-capable stealth bombers over the Korean peninsula in a rare show of force.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed off on the order at a midnight meeting of top generals and “judged the time has come to settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists in view of the prevail-

ing situation”, the official KCNA news agency said.

KCNA said North Korea and the United States could only settle their differences by “physical means”.

The North has an arsenal of Soviet-era short-range Scud missiles that can hit South Korea but its longerrange Nodong and Musudan missiles, which could in theory hit U.S. Pacific bases, are untested.

China, the North’s sole major ally, repeated its calls for restraint on the Korean peninsula at a

regular Foreign Ministry briefing and made no criticism of the U.S. flights.

“We hope that relevant parties will work together in pushing for a turnaround of the tense situation,” ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.

Tension has been high since North Korea conducted a third nuclear weapons test in February in breach of U.N. sanctions and despite warnings from China for it not to do so.

Russia’s foreign minister implicitly criticised the

U.S. bomber flights.

“We are concerned that alongside the adequate, collective reaction of the U.N. Security Council, unilateral action is being taken around North Korea that is increasing military activity,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

“The situation could simply get out of control, it is slipping toward the spiral of a vicious cycle,” Lavrov told reporters in Moscow when asked about the situation.

early 70 years after the Holocaust, there is no more sensitive an issue in German life as the role of Jews. With fewer than 200,000 Jews among Germany’s 82 million people, few Germans born after World War II know any Jews or much about them.

To help educate postwar generations, an exhibit at the Jewish Museum features a Jewish man or woman seated inside a glass box for two hours a day through August to answer visitors’ questions about Jews and Jewish life. The base of the box asks: “Are there still Jews in Germany?”

“A lot of our visitors don’t know any Jews and have questions they want

to ask,” museum official Tina Luedecke said.

“With this exhibition we offer an opportunity for those people to know more about Jews and Jewish life.”

But not everybody thinks putting a Jew on display is the best way to build understanding and mutual respect.

Since the exhibit — “The Whole Truth, everything you wanted to know about Jews” — opened this month, the “Jew in the Box,” as it is popularly known, has drawn sharp criticism within the Jewish community — especially in the city where the Nazis orchestrated the slaughter of 6 million Jews until Adolf Hitler’s defeat in 1945.

Two dead after Tanzania building collapse

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Crucified on Good Friday: During Holy Week in the Philippines, Christian devotees allow themselves to be nailed to a cross as a penance or to give thanks to God.

South Africa says Mandela in good spirits

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outh African former President Nelson Mandela is in good spirits and making progress, doctors said yesterday, after the 94-year-old antiapartheid hero was taken to hospital for the third time in four months for a lung infection.

The medical report was a relief to South Africans who had been anxiously praying and waiting for an update on the health of the

Nobel Peace Prize laureate, hospitalized before midnight on Wednesday. Global leaders sent their best wishes.

President Jacob Zuma’s government had already reported Mandela was responding well to treatment, and Zuma had sought to reassure the nation, recalling that the revered statesman’s advanced age meant he required frequent medical checks.

“President Nelson Mandela is in good spirits and enjoyed a full breakfast this morning,” Zuma’s office said in a statement.

“The doctors report that he is making steady progress. He remains under treatment and observation in hospital,” it added.

Mandela became South Africa’s first black president after winning the country’s first all-race election in 1994.

A former lawyer, he is re-

vered at home and abroad for leading the struggle against white minority rule - including spending 27 years in prison on Robben Island - and then promoting the cause of racial reconciliation.

In churches across South Africa, many included Mandela in their prayers on Good Friday, one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.

Bombs kill 17 in five Iraqi Shi’ite mosques

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ar bombs hit four Shi’ite mosques in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and another in Kirkuk just after prayers, yesterday, tearing into crowds of worshippers and killing 17, police and witnesses said.

Sunni Islamists linked to al Qaeda’s Iraqi wing

have stepped up attacks this year and often target Shi’ite sites in a growing sectarian confrontation a decade after the U.S.-led invasion.

Police said blasts hit Shi’ite mosques in southeastern and northern Baghdad and another in Kirkuk, the ethnically

mixed city of Arabs, Kurds and Turkman 170 km (100 miles) north of the capital.

“We were listening to the cleric’s speech when we heard a very strong explosion. Glass scattered everywhere and the roof partially collapsed,” said Mohammed, a victim wounded in the Kirkuk

blast, his shirt still covered in blood.

Attacks in Iraq are still below the worst SunniShi’ite slaughter that erupted at the height of the war when insurgents bombed the Shi’ite alAskari shrine in Samarra in 2006, provoking a wave of retaliation by militias.

Tanzanian police official says two people have died after a building under construction collapsed in the country’s largest city and economic center.

Suleiman Kova, the police commander in charge of Dar es Salaam, said yesterday 17 people have been pulled out of the debris, with three seriously injured.

Kova says the building was in the final stages of its

construction and it did not have tenants. Most of the people caught up in the collapse of the 12-story building were passing by.

In recent years building collapses have become more frequent in East African countries. In neighboring Kenya, experts say because of high demand for housing in Nairobi, some property developers often bypass building regulations to cut costs and maximize profits.

British activists raped in Libya

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ibya’s Deputy Prime Minister says progovernment militiamen are suspected of having raped three British female activists of Pakistani origin in the eastern city of Benghazi.

Awsad al-Barassi says the women were part of an overland aid convoy bound for Gaza. The women were traveling with two male companions when they were kidnapped Tuesday on their way to the Benghazi airport after deciding

return to Britain.

Al-Barassi told Libya alHurra TV late Thursday that he has met with the women and they are in “very bad shape.”

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry condemned the incident and said Islamabad is in contact with Libyan authorities.

Britain’s Foreign Office said it is aware of an incident involving British nationals who were part of an aid convoy. It did not elaborate.

Two men die during police car chase in London

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wo men have died following a police chase in north Lon-

don.

The pair were killed when their Audi jumped a red light, clipped a van and collided with a bridge

in South Tottenham in the early hours of yesterday, police said.

The car’s 30-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Quote

of

the

day

Certain things have to be done to ensure that this nation is pulled back from the second round of what is leading towards a civil war and we cannot afford another civil war.

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently address the issue of insecurity in the country while speaking at the 5th edition of The Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Lagos on Thursday.

Saturday, March 30, 2013. www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taking the Atlantic Basin Initiative forward (III) T he hosting of the first event of the Atlantic Basin Initiative in Brazil reminds perfectly of Africa’s relative decline. A little over ten years ago, Anglo American came within a whisker of purchasing Vale, the Brazilian natural resource producer. Then Anglo was three times the size of Vale. The deal foundered on a combination of the contemporary Anglo fascination with London and the lack of appetite then on a ‘third world deal’ and the chauvinism of Brazilian nationalism favouring a local consortium.

Today Vale is worth three times Anglo’s market cap.

Brazil’s overall progress spells out the good lessons that can be leant: The need, foremost, for growth; the importance of parallel social reforms (including Bolsa Familia, the cash transfer scheme to those poor families whose children attend school and receive health checks); and the political management of painful economic reforms. With growth averaging over four percent in the 2000s, Brazil has now overtaken the UK as the world’s sixth-largest economy.

The origin of this performance is in the privatisations of the 1990s which not only ended the state’s dominance of commerce, but opened up space for entrepreneurs. Coupled with a growth in Chinese demand, agriculture and mining have taken off.

Agriculture and agro-industry now accounts for one-quarter of Brazilian GDP and more than one-third of exports. Brazil is the world’s largest producer of sugarcane, coffee, tropical fruits, and has the

with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com

HOW MIGHT AN ATLANTIC BASIN INITIATIVE CUT THROUGH AND NOT ADD TO THE INSTITUTIONAL CLUTTER OF OFTEN MEANINGLESS MEETINGS AND VACUOUS SUMMITS?

largest beef herd.

The result?

Most people in Brazil are now considered middle class, and less than ten percent lives below the poverty line. Its economy is now worth $2.5 trillion (for its 200m people) compared to sub-Saharan Africa’s $1.1 trillion for more than four times the number of people – where South Africa and Nigeria together account for half of economic wealth.

Brazil shows what is possible. Africa possesses extraordinary untapped agri-

cultural bounty, with the world’s largest reserves of arable land. A range of new opportunities through the digital revolution, not just mobile phones, but also internet connectivity in Africa, illustrates what might be possible in improving education and building banking and other services.

Latin America also usefully highlights the downside. Argentina’s nationalisation of the YPF oil company the same week as the inaugural Atlantic dialogue in April 2012 is not only an act of re-

SPORT EXTRA

AYAC 2013: Oduduru, Adewale grab 100m titles YEMI OLUS

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igeria dominated the 100m race yesterday at the ongoing African Youth Athletics Championships (AYAC) as tournament favourite, Divine Oduduru, lived up to his billing by racing to the title with a time of 10.62 secs at the Warri Township Stadium in Delta State.

Ethiopia’s Atsibeha Amanuel Abebe was second (10.86 secs), while another Nigerian, Ismaila Yusuf, finished in third position with 10.87 secs.

Deoborah Adewale and Cecelia Francis made it a double in the girls’ event

with times of 11.87 secs and 11.98 secs respectively. Pesse Prenom from Togo came third in 12.25 secs.

Nigeria also dominated the girls’ 400m event as Edidiong Ofonime placed first 54.46 secs while Abimbola Junaid followed closely in 54.81 secs. Galafele Moroko of Botswana was third with a time of 55.52secs.

In the 400m boys’ category, only Nathaniel Samuel made it to the podium with a bronze medal in a race that was won by Gambian, Tijani Keita (47.41).

Egypt’s Lina Omar Geber grabbed the 100m hurdles title with a time of 14.04secs. The Nigerian duo of Temidayo

Osinbanjo (14.73 secs) and Aderonke Ademosu (14.75 secs) followed in second and third positions respectively.

It was an Ethiopian double in the girls’ 800m as Aliyi Zeyituna (2.05:05 secs) and Olti Durets Edau (2.06:04 secs) placed first and second, while Nigeria’s Esther Oluwatobilola came third with 2.06.59 secs.

The host country felt the absence of National Sports Festival gold medalist, Ese Brume in the girls’ long jump as Egypt’s Esraa Mohammed Samir beat Nigeria’s duo of Abire Uyoyo and Amusan Oluwatobilola to second and third positions respectively with a leap of 5.63m.

markable economic value destruction, but an indicator that the more extreme debates around economic planning still have powerful followers. This is true in Africa, where the political terrain remains heated as with the debate around resource nationalism.

So how might an Atlantic Basin Initiative cut through and not add to the institutional clutter of often meaningless meetings and vacuous summits?

Its first strength is in inviting those with shared values as well as interests, and in being primarily non-governmental, less constrained by nationalism. It offers a place where sound politics and technical solutions could productively intersect, and where its members bring their personal influence to bear in realising solutions and opportunities. Its second great strength is that it is valuebased, as a result of which its members carry not only constituencies, but some clout. This is enhanced by the predominance of reformers within its ranks, with the technical and political experience of managing change.

The question is on what issue should it focus its efforts, distinguishing itself as a regional body from the myriad others?

From this African vantage, the eminent person’s format has distinct leverage in helping to solve seemingly intractable political conflicts, including state failure, and to help spur economic reforms.

Putting Failure and Success in Context Close to Home.

TO BE CONTINUED

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Today’s Matches Sunderland v Man United 13:45 Arsenal v Reading 16:00 Man City v Newcastle Utd 16:00 Southampton v Chelsea 16:00 Swansea v Tottenham 16:00 West Ham v West Brom 16:00 Wigan v Norwich 16:00 Everton v Stoke 18:30

AYC THIRD PLACE MATCH Nigeria 2-1 Mali

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