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NEWS

WE WON'T ACCEPT RIGGED ELECTIONS, APC INSISTS }7

SUPREME COURT SACKS TARABA ACTING GOVERNOR }5

I'VE FORGIVEN MY ASSAILANT - DAVID MARK }6

HOUSE OF WAR INSIDE STORY OF REPS/POLICE SHOWDOWN

}47

CLASH OF CHAIRMEN

TUKUR MOVES TO SACK MU’AZU

ARINOLA ADENIYI I wish I had the courage to quit banking earlier }13

Tukur

} 48-49

MU’AZU

Jonathan’s administration below average, says Obasanjo

Tony Okuyeme ormer president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has rated the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan as below average, a move that is certain to worsen the ap-

parent cold war between the former and the present government. Speaking at a book chat in the ongoing Ake Arts and Book Festival in Abeokuta, Obasanjo said he considers insecurity as the greatest challenge facing the nation. The theme of the chat hosted by

Patrick Okigbo was, “Defining a Legacy”. He recalled the efforts he had taken to end the insurgency in the country stoked by Boko Haram, especially after the UN bombing. According to him, he had succeeded in convincing members of

the sect to lay down their arms after giving them assurances that grievances will be addressed. He said it’s unfortunate that nothing was done to build on that. He also described the late Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu as a “patriot and nationalist”,

but added that he was “naive”. “Part of our problems in this country is that at independence, we did not have a national leader. We had leaders of three different countries within Nigeria,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Contents | 22.11.14 INSTYLE

SHOWBIZ

Chic Midi Skirts Call it the middle ground between two extremes, the midi skirt is for ladies without the well-toned legs for a mini and who can’t stand the thought of wearing a maxi either

}15 Stars Unusual

Suddenly the music industry is witnessing the rise of stars whose parents’ wealth and status would normally have dictated a career away from showbiz

}22

THE ARTS

Colours of Revolution Mind Revolution, an exhibition of paintings by Olawunmi Banjo depicting Nigeria’s socio-economic issues rounds off tomorrow at the Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos, after a three-week run

}17

INVESTIGATIONS

Beyond the Crutches Most adults with paralysed limbs were more often than not victims of polio. But there is usually a story behind their ordeal that is seldom told

}24

SPORT

Taste of Defeat Former Nigeria internationals - Henry Nwosu, Garba Lawal, Emeka Ezeugo and Waidi Akanni - push for the sack of Eagles coaching crew and the entire team after they failed to qualify for AFCON

}25

DESTINATION

Away from Politics Attention in the Federal Capital Territory will shift away from politics - albeit temporarily - to tourism and culture between November 24 and 27 as the city hosts the annual Abuja Carnival.

}40 Plus: Street Diary 10 Love&Living 35 | Faceoff 50

Comment

Tackling ‘crazy’ bills by electricity firms

lectricity distribution companies in the country are enriching themselves corruptly through the issuance of estimated bills to consumers, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This is following complaints by consumers who decried the over 100 per cent rise in their bills for the month of October, a development which was not commensurate with the actual supply of electricity. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, said the distribution companies were being mischievous by not metering customers but extorting them. Amadi said: “We talk about estimated billing, which has now become a synonym for corruption among the Discos, the truth of the matter is that some distribution companies are still indiscriminately inflating the bills of consumers and that is part of what we are tackling. Because they’ve not metered these consumers, they use the opportunity to extort their customers. The bill for last month increased and there has not been significant improvement between the power supply of last month and that of this month. Also, NERC has not increased tariffs; so, clearly, something is happening. What is happening is that the Discos are now moving higher to make more revenue by overcharging unmetered consumers and that is one area we are going to be tackling them. It is not going to be easy because we don’t have an empirical formula of knowing who has been exploited, but we will find a way. That is why we say consumers should complain to us through our forum offices for we are ready to get to the heart of this.” Sadly, this is the terrible situation electricity consumers in the country are subjected to. After the privatisation of NEPA, people thought they would heave a sigh of relief, but the situation on ground today is far worse than what it was before the privatisation and this is having deleterious consequences on the economy of the country. It is evidently clear that the power firms are desperate to profiteer at the expense of the public. There are still cases of crazy bills, people without meters still pay money to power firms officials and there is no evidence of remittance to government coffers. It is appalling to note that majority of Nigerians and companies in the country still rely heavily on generators. In fact, electricity by power firms are standby for the general public. Unfortunately, there is no silver lining in the horizon that the situation of things will improve, yet, the power firms are bent on foisting a higher tariff regime on hapless

Nigerian people. The power firms in the country ought to know that Nigeria provides a huge market for good returns on investment, but first, these firms must render credible, verifiable and invaluable services that will endear them to the hearts of Nigerians and not unnecessary rip them off, thereby diminishing the economic fortunes of the country. The power firms are killing industrial growth and development as well as capacity utilization of industry, as many companies are downsizing, while several others have been driven out of business. Sadly enough, many have relocated to other countries for better economic fortunes. The power firms have helped in no small measure to enhance the economic downturn of the Nigerian economy. The government can ill afford to allow the power firms to under perform as well as fix arbitrary rates through any agency. They have a responsibly to the public which is to provide uninterrupted power supply and not milk the country dry under the guise of non-existent service. It will be recalled that when the telecommunication industry was privatised, the great impact was immediately felt, but in the power sector, nothing has really changed, it is the old story of lamentation. In neighbouring West Africa countries, there is constant power, yet Nigeria, that prides itself as the giant of Africa, is wallowing in unseemly darkness. Constant power supply in the country is so germane to the all- round development of the country, but the power firms are foot-dragging and holding the country to ransom. The government should, therefore, declare an emergency in the power sector to provide a realistic and pragmatic roadmap of making constant power a national priority and reality within the short possible time. After all, it is not rocket science. Nigeria is a country that is very investment friendly and does not discriminate against people and business interests, but the magnanimity of the country should not be taken for granted. The power firms are not reciprocating Nigeria’s kind gesture, so far, they have performed far below expectations, hence, the exigent need for them to go back to the drawing board to re-strategize and look for creative ways of providing constant power supply to the public, without any further delay. Therefore, the government must take closer look at the operations of the electricity firms and deal decisively with erring firms as their negligence constitutes economic sabotage.

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22 NOVEMBER 2014

Supreme Court sacks Taraba acting governor ...reinstates impeached deputy governor as AGF directs compliance Tunde Oyesina, Abuja, Sabiu Mustapha, Jalingo

he Supreme Court yesterday sacked acting governor of Taraba State, Garba Sanni, after declaring that the impeachment of the former deputy governor of the state, Sani Danladi, was illegal. The apex court however ordered that Danladi should be reinstated as the deputy governor immediately. By implication, he is now the acting governor of the state. In a judgment of the full panel of the court delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, the court held that the deputy governor was denied fair hearing. Other justices in the panel are Samuel Onnoghen, Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Kumayi Aka’ahs, Kudirat KekereEkun and John Okoro. “In effect, at all material times, the appellant, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi remained and still remains the deputy governor of Taraba State and he is to resume his interrupted duties of his office forthwith,” the court ruled. The court noted that the

appellant was denied a fair hearing right from the composition of the seven-man panel that probed allegations against him. It also declared the sitting of the 19 members of the state House of Assembly at a guest house owned by the majority leader to prepare the impeachment notice as illegal. The court held that the sitting should have been at the chambers of the House, noting that the lawmakers breached Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution in doing so. Justice Ngwuta observed that there was a conspiracy between the impeachment panel and the legislators. He held that Danladi was denied the opportunity to prepare his defence or present his case before the panel. “The impact of what happened in the panel on the country’s impeachment jurisprudence is too alarming to contemplate,” he said. “Here is a panel that had three whole months to investigate the serious allegations of gross misconduct against the appellant, a deputy governor of the state. For no apparent reasons for the indecent haste, the panel completed

its sitting and prepared and submitted its report to the Taraba State House of Assembly between September 28, 2012 and 3rd October, 2012, a period of six days inclusive of the first and last dates. “In my view, the respondents, in their purported investigation of the allegation made against the appellant merely played out a script previously prepared and handed over to the panel. “Impeachment of elected politicians is a very serious matter and should not be

conducted as a matter of course. The purpose is to step aside the will of the electorate as expressed at the polls. It has implications for the impeached as well as the electorate who bestowed the mandate on him. “Whether it takes one day or the three months prescribed by law, the rules of due process must be strictly followed. If the matter is left at the whims and caprices‎ of politicians and their panels, a state or even the entire country could be reduced to a status of banana republic.”

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has meanwhile directed the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar to hand over power to Danladi. In a statement signed by the Solicitor-General, Abdullahi Yola, after Friday’s judgement, the AGF said the order was necessary to prevent vacuum in government. “The Honourable Attorney-General calls on the Inspector-General of Police to take necessary steps

towards the provision of adequate security in the state within this transition period by the police force in order to prevent any breach of the peace and ensure the sustenance of law and order,” he said. Also, in Taraba the verdict has elicited celebration among Danladi’s supporters, most of whom danced on the streets with placards emblazoned with his photograph. There was however visible security beef-up at strategic locations in Jalingo, the capital city.

L-R: Council Coordinator, Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC), Baroness Lynda Chalker, President Goodluck Jonathan and Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, at the 17th meeting of the HIIC, in London …yesterday

Boko Haram attacks lead to drop in school enrolment in the North Ndubuisi Ugah, Muhammad Kabir, Ibraheem Musa and Dan Atori

ttacks carried out by Boko Haram insurgents and targeted at schools have taken a huge toll on the enrolment of students in both public and private schools, particularly in the North-East. The situation has severely hampered the federal government’s resolve to actualise the girl-child education policy in the north. However, investigations reveal that some state governments, despite the attacks have intensified measures to check the impact of the attacks particularly on students’ enrolment. In Yobe State, for instance, some parents are said to have withdrawn their children and wards from schools due to the impact of the attacks on schools. Although some parents had faulted the state government’s decision to close down the schools, some argued that similar in-

cidents had happened in the past, where government had failed to take adequate measures to arrest the situation. A parent, Abdurrahman Gashua, said the closure of schools was tantamount to submitting to the wishes of the Boko Haram insurgents, who see western education as an abomination. “What these people want is to stop people from acquiring western education and by closing the schools, government may be helping their plans come true,” he said. But the state government has defended the closure of the schools, arguing that it was to enable the military and other security operatives to review their strategies on how to protect schools and ensure safety of students and teachers. Yobe State commissioner for education, Alhaji Mohammed Lamin, said: “If we don’t close the schools and God forbid something happens again, the same parents will blame us for not doing enough to protect their children. So we cannot afford to take that risk.” However, the situation

appears to be worse in Kano State where higher institutions of learning have witnessed massive withdrawal of students, with most of the students said to be from the country’s south. At the Federal College of Education, in Kano, a large percentage of non-indigenes have withdrawn from the school while students from the north were said to be shunning classes. A lecturer, who not to be identified, told one of our correspondents that after the third bomb blast that killed several students who were receiving lectures, many parents quietly removed their children from the school even without notice. There is a similar trend at the Kano School of Legal Studies and School of Management, which has been attacked twice. Mallam Tijjani Danazumi of the Department of Islamic Legal Studies, told Saturday New Telegraph that many parents withdrew their children from the school because of fear of being killed in the frequent bomb attacks. A student, Shehu Shehu,

told Saturday New Telegraph: “I cannot allow myself to be killed because I want to obtain higher education. This does not mean I will not still go back to school; but for now I want things to settle down.” When contacted, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Tajudden Gambo, declined to comment. However, the state Director General, Special Service, Col. Abubakar Usman Garun Mallam, told Saturday New Telegraph that the administration of Governor Rabiu Kwankawso had taken steps to improve security at schools across the state. Although Kaduna State had not experienced any attack on schools since the insurgency started in the north, the spate of attacks have however affected school administration and enrolment into boarding schools. Speaking to our correspondent, Malam Jibrin Zakirai, who runs a non-profit organisation named “Back to School Programme”, said most parents preferred to enrol their children in day secondary schools.

A teacher at the Federal Government College, Kaduna, who does not want to be named, said the school authorities had taken extra measures to check and scrutinise visitors, who visit the school. “The students themselves are gripped with fear and anxiety whenever reports of such attacks reach them,” he added. Another parent, Malam Zakari Musa, said he was not bothered by the attacks as he had allowed his two daughters to continue as boarders at the Federal Government Girls College, Zaria, in spite of the agitations from his wife to relocate them to another school in the state where the family lives. According to him, “if you are destined to die one way or the other, there is nothing that can stop it.” But despite the foiled bomb attempt at the Maryam Babangida Girls Science College, Minna, Niger State, schools in the state have remained open as security had been beefed up. When our correspondent went round some of the

schools in Minna, the state capital, students and pupils were checked by either their teachers or private security men with scanners before they were allowed into the schools’ premises. The state Commissioner for Basic Education Alhaji Adbulhammeed Danladi, explained that the state government had met with security chiefs and schools’ management to ensure conducive environment for learning. However, some of the private schools in Minna explained that they had devised their own security measures by using “metal detectors” to screen anybody entering their schools. One of the head teachers of a private school in Minna who gave her name simply as Mrs Anthonia, said: “If the police commissioner sends men to us, I will be very happy. But as I am talking to you, since yesterday I have not set my eyes on any security personnel. I was even thinking of asking parents to come for their wards when there was a rumour in town of a planted bomb.”

News

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Tambuwal collects APC N’Assembly crisis: Sambo, governorship form House leaders meet at Aso Rock T Ndubuisi Ugah, Philip Nyam and Steve Uzoechi

ollowing yesterday shutdown of the National Assembly due to the invasion of some policemen, the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, yesterday met behind closed doors with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, and some leaders of the House at the State House, Abuja. The meeting, Saturday New Telegraph gathered, was convened by the vice-president to ascertain the true picture of what happened at the National Assembly, where some policemen and women had blocked the entrance of the National Assembly complex to prevent lawmakers from accessing their offices and chambers. Among those at the meeting believed to have dwelt on the crisis rocking the National Assembly were the House Leader, Mulikat Adeola-Akande; Deputy House Leader, Leo Ogor and Chief Whip, Though the House Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, was conspicuously absent, it was gathered that the speaker may not have been invited to the meeting as those in attendance belong to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The House was reconvened by the speaker to deliberate on a letter from President Goodluck Jonathan requesting the approval of the House to extend state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Tambuwal had recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), creat-

l Why I went to the Green Chamber-Mark l IG summoned as Tinubu, Gbajabiamila, Tsav comment l PDP demands full probe l Police arrest seven suspects l APC Governors’ Forum says crisis a slap to democracy

ing ripples which reached a head yesterday, when the police and operatives of the State Security Service initially barred him from entering the House, sparking chaos. However, Senate President David Mark, who doubles as Chairman of the National Assembly, yesterday gave clarifications on his visit to the Green Chamber of the House of Representatives in the heat of the pandemonium that rocked the National Assembly on Thursday. In a statement from his office, Mark said he was in the House “to ascertain the safety of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and his colleagues having received reports that canisters of tear gas were detonated at them. “I also went to confer with Mr. Speaker on the need to suspend plenary in both Chambers in order to restore sanity to an environment that had turned restive and becoming uncontrollable." President Goodluck Jonathan is currently out of the country for an investment meeting in England. In the same vein, Sambo has summoned the Inspector General of Police (IG), Sulaiman Abba, to the State House, Abuja, to explain what transpired at the National Assembly complex. After about one hour behind closed doors, the IGP emerged from the meeting and parried most of the questions thrown at him by journalists. The Police have announced the arrest of seven

suspected thugs. Briefing reporters yesterday, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, said the hoodlums assaulted and injured the Aide-deCamp (ADC) to the Senate President, David Mark. Already, Tambuwal and Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, have appealed to Mark to forgive Hon. Abdulmalik Usman Cheche (PDP Niger), who assaulted him on the floor of the House when he went to sympathise with Tambuwal and others. Equally, the PDP national secretariat has called on the IGP to institute full enquiry to unravel the circumstances and facts surrounding the development within the next 72 hours. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Friday, said the, “sanctity of the National Assembly as an arm of government and citadel of democracy must be upheld at all times, adding that the matter should not be shrouded in controversy, sinister plots and mundane accusations.” Reacting to the incident, the National Leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu; the Minority Leader of the House and APC caucus leader, Femi Gbajabiamila and a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, all insisted that the incident was an embarrassment to the nation. Tinubu, in a statement he

personally signed, said: “By deploying hundreds of police to prevent the Speaker of the House from entering the National Assembly, the President has revealed his hand to be a devious one. Having asked the Speaker to convene the House to consider extending the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, the Jonathan government then deployed the nation’s Police to stop the fourth ranking citizen of the nation from entering his place of work.” Equally, Gbajabiamila expressed sadness over events that led him and other members into scaling the National Assembly gate before gaining entrance into their duty post on Thursday. Gbajabiamila in a statement signed by his research and media assistant, Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, said: “What happened in the National Assembly yesterday will forever live in infamy.” Tsav told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi, Benue State, that the police trying to prevent Tambual from entering the House, was “most unfortunate.” The APC Governors’ Forum also reacted to the incident, describing the ugly development as unfortunate. Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, said the incident was a disgrace to the country’s growing democracy and the worst known act of infamy in the history of the country’s National Assembly.

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambawal, on Friday collected his governorship nomination form at the Sokoto State office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a resolve that if given the mandate, he will continue from where Governor Aliyu Wamakko stops. The Speaker and other lawmakers were on Thursday locked out from the National Assembly complex by policemen that invaded the place. Tambawal, decked in his usual complete white attire, stormed the party office accompanied by lawmakers

and associates to formally pick the form. He said: “My presence here today is in response to call by the good people of Sokoto State for me to come back home and serve them in the capacity of governor and I formally present myself as an aspirant and to purchase an expression of interest form for governorship election. “I also assure them that if given the mandate, we shall carry everyone along and in tune with the value system by ensuring the peace and stability of Sokoto State.” “We and the entire north are proud of you,” Tambuwal stated.

'Jonathan’s administration below average' c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1

Asked whether he would describe the late Nzeowu as a hero or a villain, Obasanjo said: “There is nobody who knows him who will not tell you that he wasn’t a nationalist. And in that my book I said that yes, Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu was a nationalist, a patriot, a committed Nigerian. But he was naïve. “Whatever you want to take from that, you can say. But I know him: he was a

good friend of mine. I came from a trip a day before the coup but he never told me that he was planning a coup. “After the coup, he told me that (the question) whether to tell me or not was one of the hardest decisions he had to make, because if he told me and I said ‘no’, he shouldn’t, it was too late for him not to go ahead with it; if he told me and I said ‘yes good idea’, it was too late to find a role for me. So, he then decided not to tell me.”

The Week Ahead BJAN conference ends tomorrow The second edition of the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (BJAN) annual marketing conference in Osogbo, Osun State, ends tomorrow. The event, which started on November 20, is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer/Registrar of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi.

Okorocha declares for presidency Nov 25 Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has said he will declare his ambition for the 2015 presidential election on November 25. Okorocha, who is Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, said contrary to reports in some quarters that he had shelved his ambition: “I am going to declare on November 25.” The governor, who said this at the Government House, Owerri, noted that: “There is need for me to be President.” He said: “My vision is driving me crazy. If I see anyone who can do the job better, God is my witness, I will not run for President.”

INEC begins issuance of PVCs Nov 28 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will begin the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from November 28 to 30 in Kaduna State. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Halliru Tambuwal, said the exercise, which was earlier scheduled for November 7, was postponed to enable the commission to prepare adequately for the exercise. He said the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) had also been shifted to December 3 to 8.

PDP fixes governorship primaries Nov 29

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, displaying the APC gubernatorial nomination and expression of interest forms at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat in Sokoto…yesterday

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed November 29 and December 6 for its governorship and presidential primaries respectively, ahead of the 2015 general elections. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, said the primaries for the National Assembly would be held on November 22, adding that the dates were proposed by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

22 NOVEMBER 2014

We won’t accept rigged elections, APC insists Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday justified the comment by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, that the party would form a parallel government if next year's elections were rigged. Amaechi made the comment at a rally the party held Wednesday in Abuja. The governor’s statement was, however, condemned by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency which described his comment as treasonable. “This statement is clearly a further evidence of Amaechi's penchant for lawlessness and anarchy in his unbridled pursuit for power,” Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said in a statement. But the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohhammed, had insisted that APC would not accept anything short of credible elections.

News

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

According to the party, Amaechi's comment was simply to reiterate the stand taken by the party before the Osun State governorship election held few months ago. “Those who are fretting about this statement are those who are planning to rig the elections. And they should be warned that Nigerians will no longer accept the outcome of any fraudulent polls. Those who incite the people are those who steal their mandate. “What we made is a conditional statement. If A happens, then B will follow. That means if elections are not rigged, there will be no problem. It is, therefore, laughable that anyone will call that statement treasonable; there is no higher treason than the subversion of the people’s will," APC stated. The party added that rather than issue threats, the Presidency should ensure that the forthcoming elections are free and fair, noting that the process leading to the 2015 polls are already flawed with crisis.

FCT PSC promotes 233 police officers

NEWS IN BRIEF

The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday approved the promotion of 233 senior police officers. The promotion of the officers was one of the decisions of the 9th Plenary Meeting of the Commission held in Abuja. In a statement issued by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the Force, Ikechukwu Ani, said 55 of the officers were promoted from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to the next rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP), while 177 were promoted from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to that of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

FCT Army promotes three officers

The Nigerian Army has announced the promotion of three officers of the rank of Captain to Major for outstanding display of courage and gallantry in the on-going counter insurgency operation in the North East. The affected officers are Captains IA Manga, AH Ali and Y Michah. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Olajide Laleye, gave the hint during a press briefing on the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference, schedule to hold at Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital from December 1 to December 6. He said the automatic elevation of the three officers to the next rank of Major was part of the efforts of the Nigerian Army to reward its personnel for observed strict adherence to military ethos and a display of uncommon courage and bravery in the face of enemy attacks.

14%

The percentage of population under 15 years in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2012. Source: Un.org

ENUGU Mu’azu condoles with Nwobodo The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, has described the former Governor of the old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo as a leading father of the party and one of the pillars that have made the party very great in the annals of Nigerian political party history. The chairman made the remarks when he led a delegation of the party on a condolence visit to the senator who lost his son, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, after a very short illness in Enugu, a fortnight ago. “We received the news of the death of your son with shock, and on behalf of the National Working Committee of our great party, we pray that God gives you the strength and courage to bear the loss,” Mu’azu said in Abuja.

582

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Ascension in 2010. Source: Itu.int

17,000

The total number of internet users in Vanuatu in 2007. Source: Blatantworld.com

PDP holds repeat ward congresses in Lagos, C’Rivers, Oyo Monday Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ordered a repeat of the cancelled November 1 ward congresses held in Lagos, Cross River and Oyo states on November 24. The party also called on the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, to institute enquiry into the circumstances that led to the shutdown of the National Assembly last Thursday. PDP on Thursday cancelled the results of the ward congresses in the three states following the controversies trailing the outcome of the congresses. The party in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, announced the lifting of suspensions on members of the party in Cross River State, noting that “all members of the party in the state are now free to participate in all party activities

resident Goodluck Jonathan on Friday expressed Federal Government’s commitment to linking all the state capital cities to the rail service in order to boost the country’s economy through rail transportation. Jonathan who was in London at the 17th Honorary International Investment Council (HIIC) said with such a nationwide rail coverage, roads and highways

including our congresses.” On the crisis in the National Assembly, Metuh noted that the sanctity of the legislature as an arm of government and citadel of democracy must be upheld at all times. He said the matter should not be shrouded in controversy, sinister plots and mundane accusations. “We, therefore, believe that there is no need to shroud the development in controversy. In this regard, we call for a full investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident within the next 72 hours. Nigerians deserve to know the truth at all times,” the party said. PDP, however, added that due to the security challenges in the country, "The security agencies are within their constitutional powers to search individuals and ensure that only responsible and duly accredited persons gain entrance into the National Assembly complex".

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Emmanuel Bwacha; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Chief Executive, Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Sunny Echono, at the inauguration of the cassava-wheat composite flour premix in Abuja…yesterday

Mediate in Ekiti crisis, Fashola tells Jonathan Biyi Adegoroye and Muritala Ayinla

he G19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers from the Ekiti State House of Assembly and civil society groups, yesterday protested in Lagos State over the impeachment of the Speaker of the House, Dr. Adewale Omirin. This was even as the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said

l APC sues Fayose, PDP President Goodluck Jonathan has a moral duty to play on this issue now, saying the conflict is formed on partisan confrontation. The state Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had endorsed the impeachment of the speaker and congratulated the new speaker, Pro-Tempore, Dele Olugbemi the “Deputy Speaker”, Mrs Abeni Olayinka, who were elected by the seven PDP

'FG to link all state capitals by rail'

would be better maintained. “If we do not link state capital cities by rail, our roads will not last,” he said at the occasion, whose theme is ‘Rail Transportation’. While speaking on the upgrading and expansion of the country’s public infrastructure, the President said: “Infrastructure plays a critical role in the economy. We cannot mould the

economy of the country without good infrastructure. Quite a number of companies have had to create roads to their sites, and this is not supposed to be so. But we are committed to addressing this. We have been working hard and we have improved significantly with our road network. Within the next three years, we will be

able to resurface all roads in the federal road network across the country.” Jonathan said his administration intended to do more by initiating some new road projects. “These are roads that are very critical to our economy, to link Port Harcourt City and Bonny, the major gas exporting terminal of our country,” he said.

lawmakers in the state. But the embattled lawmakers, who stormed Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja Secretariat at 6 p.m. over the development in their state, handed a letter to Fashola for onward delivery to President Gooodluck Jonathan. The lawmakers were also joined by their Lagos State counterpart led by Adeyemi Ikuforiji, to condemn what they called act of impunity in their state. Speaking on behalf protesting lawmakers who were armed with a big banner with inscription, ‘Democracy in Danger,’ was the majority leader, Mr. Churchill Adedipe, said the crisis started with the incumbent governor, who ‘blackmailed’ them in public. Reacting, Fashola said: “There are rules in the house about how the leader emerged and how he could be removed. Sometimes this context gets intense. But the truth must be the

truth. I think that Jonathan has a moral duty now to play on this issue." Meanwhile, the crisis rocking the state took a new turn yesterday when the APC approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to invalidate the impeachment of Omirin and to reverse the approval of the list of Commissioners by the seven-man House of Assembly. In two separate suits, filed on behalf of the APC and Omirin by their counsel, Chief Tunji Abayomi, the plaintiffs stated in affidavits in support that the actions taken on November 17 and 20 by the House was illegal, unconstitutional null and void. According to the first suit initiated by Omiri and his deputy, Adetuyi Orisabomi, with number FHC/ABJ/ CS/88514, the plaintiffs argued in a 13-point affidavit that having adjourned last week, the House could only reconvene at the instance of the Speaker.

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22 NOVEMBER 2014

ASABA Delta HoS: I’ve a mandate to reposition the civil service

N EWS I N BRIEF

The newly-sworn in Head of Service (HoS) in Delta State, Mr. Patrick Origho, has said he has been mandated by the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to reposition the civil service no matter whose horse is gored in the process. Origho, who was recently promoted to HoS from permanent secretary, Government House Annex, Warri, spoke to Saturday New Telegraph in Warri about his new mandate. The HoS, who had earlier held a thanksgiving mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Asaba, promised to clean the Augean stable which the state civil service had become.

8.6m

The estimated number of people in the US that have at least one serious illness caused by smoking. Source: Smokingstatistics.org

FCT YENAGOA 'Probe killing of infants' Court delivers judgment in The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) C’River PDP dispute Monday The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed judgment in the case filed against the Peoples Democratic Party PDP for allegedly tampering with the results of the ward congresses conducted in Cross River on November 1st, 2014. About a week after the congress was held, Hon. Jones Tangban and others approached the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/824/2014 and asked that the PDP, its National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, the National Secretary, Prof Wale Oladipo, the party’s NWC and the INEC be restrained from taking any step on the result of the ward congress.

100%

The percentage of the urban population of Hong Kong, China in 2012. Source: Un.org

yesterday called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sulaiman Abah, to set up an independent probe panel to investigate the alleged case of police shooting of tear gas canisters into the crowd of women during a rally organised to flag off the distribution of economic empowerment items and commodities to indigenes of Bayelsa State by the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan. According to the CLO, though the crowd control at the event was noticeably poor with one exit available at the Samson Siasia Stadium, “the attempts by the policemen deployed in the venue to disperse the crowd and shoot tear gas canisters into the crowd in which two infants died should be investigated.”

5.1%

The percentage share of Servicing to Nigeria’s capital importation in 2007. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

PDP clears Suswam to contest Benue North East seat Cephas Iorhemen and Steve Uzoechi

…clears 16 Senate, 76 House aspirants in Imo

Makurdi and OWERRI

give automatic ticket to 40 out of 70 serving senators for which Gemade was a potential beneficiary. Suswam, who expressed optimism that he would contest and win on the platform of the PDP, said he had submitted himself to the screening committee to ensure that the right thing is done. He added that if President Goodluck Jonathan whom he described as a genuine democrat is practicing true democracy, the controversial issue of automatic ticket to some senators should not be allowed to see the light of day. He boasted that with

enue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has been cleared and issued with certificate of clearance to contest the Benue North East senatorial seat by the five-man screening committee constituted by the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Ambassador Emmanuel Otiotio, to screen senatorial aspirants in the state ahead National Assembly primaries. The governor is contesting for the position against sitting senator and former National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Barnabas Gemade, whom Saturday New Telegraph gathered had also been screened and cleared by the Alhaji Shehu Turaki-led committee. In Imo State, the party also cleared 92 National Assembly aspirants in Abuja. Presenting the certificate of clearance to the governor in Makurdi, Otiotio said Suswam had met the necessary conditions of the committee and was qualified to run for the primaries and congratulated him for sailing through. Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the certificate, Suswam implored all other aspirants for the position to come out and submit themselves to the committee for screening, and dispelled the widespread insinuation of his plan to dump the PDP for Accord Party (AP), following a purported arrangement to

the experience he had acquired while in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly for eight years, coupled with his experience as governor for another eight years, he is no longer a novice and would dwell on the knowledge so acquired to ensure that his constituents feel the impact of the federal government. “The way things are going, if we are not careful, the state will go comatose. I mean it will be closed down by early 2015, because the state’s share of the federation account has also dropped by 75 per cent and this has nega-

tive impact on the state's economy. So, I believe that if the trend continues, government will fold up,” Suswam warned. Meanwhile, Chairman of the screening committee, Danladi, said he was impressed with the conduct of politicians in the state, stating that out of 96 National Assembly aspirants, 92 were successful, while four persons have outstanding cases to answer. He stated that while 16 senatorial aspirants were successful, 76 aspirants for the House seats equally sailed through the screening exercise.

Hunters,Vigilante groups didn’t retake Mubi, others - Army Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Nigerian Army has maintained that local hunters and local vigilantes under the aegis of Civilian JTF, have never been involved in military operations that culminated in the retaking of Chibok in Borno State, Mubi in Adamawa State, as well as other towns in the North East, that were hitherto overran by Boko Haram elements. The clarification was made in Abuja yesterday, by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig. Gen Olajide Laleye, during a Pre-Conference media briefing for the 2014 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) annual conference, which is slated to hold in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital, between December 1 and 6. This is as the Army, in its determination to reward discipline, commitment and patriotism, has announced the elevation of

three "brave" officers leading counter-insurgency operations in the North East. Speaking against the backdrop of claims that hunters and vigilantes, have contributed substantially to the recovery of many territories in the troubled region, Laleye stated that operations undertaken in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, have been strictly undertaken by the military. He noted that the military only involved the local vigilantes, for local and on the spot intelligence gathering. “Operations undertaken by the Nigerian Army and by extension, the Armed Forces, are purely military operations. If the Civilian JTF are used, they are used purely to get local intelligence and on the spot intelligence. It is absolutely not true that the Nigerian Army, carries out mass burial in mass graves. The Nigerian Army does not bury it's soldiers without the nextof-kin,” Laleye said.

Synagogue: TB Joshua asks court to stop inquest Shola Adefuwa and Cynthia Johnson

he founder, Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua, has asked a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja to put a complete stop to the coroner’s inquest into the September 12 building collapse that killed about 116 persons. In the application marked ID/188MJR/2014, the prophet also asked the court to declare that the invitation on him to appear as a witness before the coroner was a breach of his right to fair hearing, as no case had been established against his person before the coroner. According to Joshua’s lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, Justice Lateefat Okunnu

had slated December 3 to hear the application. Pursuant to this development, Joshua through Ojo, therefore asked the coroner, Magistrate O.A. Komolafe, to suspend further proceedings pending when Justice Okunnu would either uphold or reject his prayers. Announcing the application, Ojo said: “My Lord, most respectfully, we have applied for a judicial review of the proceedings of this honourable court so far. We may be right, we may be wrong, but what we are saying is that this coroner court has been extending and it is still extending its inquisitions into areas outside the statutory jurisdiction of the coroner court. That is our complaint, My Lord."

Edo renames varsity after Tayo Akpata Cajetan Mmuta benin city

L-R: Businessman, Mr. Emeka Offor; Kenyan born para-Olympian, Anne Wafula Strike and former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jeta Howard, during the MBE Investiture of Anne by Queen Elizabeth 11 of England in London…recently

do State Government has immortalised a onetime Executive Secretary of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and Commissioner for Education in the defunct Bendel State, Chief Tayo Akpata, by naming a university after him. At a funeral service in honour of the late Akpata, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who made the announcement said the College of Education, Ekiadolor, which was recently upgraded to a university status would now be known as Tayo Akpata University

of Education, Ekiadolor. The late Akpata was also the first Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (Mid-West State) in 1975, and acting Registrar at the University of Ibadan, before he retired in 1975. He died on October 14 at the age of 83. He is survived by a widow, Olabisi and children. Speaking at the occasion, Oshiomhole said: “We feel the pain of the loss of our elder statesman, a man whose life symbolised the fighting spirit, the resourcefulness, the intellectual capacity of the Edo people. One who has shown that the average Edo person is not contented at looking after himself alone."

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Gay Marriage: Anglican Primate berates U.S, others Tony Okafor Awka

rked by open support for same sex marriage by Western countries, the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, yesterday warned the United States and Europe not to impose their loose moral values on the world. Okoh, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the annual conference of the Knights of St. Christopher of the Church of Nigeria, at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State, alleged that the US had blocked Nigeria’s purchase of fighter jet recently because of its stance against same sex marriage. He expressed regret that homosexuality and lesbianism had been elevated to political and human right issues by Western countries so much so that any country that oppose it would be somewhat sanctioned ,

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internationally. The Primate restated that the stand of the Church on gay marriage remained unchanged, insisting that no amount of international conspiracy would make the church to change its stance on the issue. The cleric, who said he just returned from a conference in Rome, Italy, expressed displeasure on Western countries’ views on homosexual, stating that homosexuals and lesbians don’t marry for the purpose of procreation but for fun. “They would insist that they have the right to adopt a child, that they want family, that they have a legal right to have a family, not that they want to give birth but they want to adopt another person’s child, a child that is brought up by a homosexual and a child that is brought up by a lesbian, tell me what type of child he will be, a child without future,” he said.

UMUAHIA Kidnapped The Nation journalist regains freedom

NEWS IN BRIEF

The abducted Umuahia, Abia State Correspondent, of The Nation newspapers, Mr. Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, has been released. The News Express, which reported that Eke was released last night at 9:30 p.m., after spending four days in captivity, had since rejoined his family. The journalist was abducted last Sunday around 7:30 p.m. in front of his residence in the Ovom area of Aba. It was gathered that his abductors had laid ambush for him and wasted no time in dragging him out of his vehicle when he stopped in front of his gate. Chairman of the state Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), John Emejor, in a telephone interview, glorified God for being faithful.

7.5m

The total population of Bulgaria (rep. 0.11% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

FCT NGO to construct 20, 000 housing units

To bridge the gap in the housing deficit in the country, a non-profit organisation, the Institute of Empowerment and Strategy, has unveiled plans to commence the construction of 20,000 housing units valued at over $4 billion across the country. The gesture is to address the housing deficits in the country. Other empowerment programmes that the Institute will embark upon according to the Director-General, Dr. Boniface Afifia-Oru are: Manufacturing and processing integrated agricultural programme; Distribution of economic empowerment materials; and facilitating credit and loan to micro, small and medium enterprises.

ADO-EKITI Fayose's aide accuses Omirin of parading fake lawmakers

The Chief Press Secretary to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, has faulted the claim by the former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin, that 18 lawmakers are on his side in the ongoing power tussle in the Assembly. In a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, the CPS challenged Omirin to prove the identities of those he is taking around Lagos and calling them members of the Ekiti House of Assembly. He was reacting to the claim by Omirin that 19 members of the Assembly were on one side, while only seven were on the side of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He accused Omirin of parading All Progressives Congress (APC) members from Lagos and Osun states as honourable members of EKHA.

1.85%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Republic of Benin in 2008. Source: Itu.int

702.8m

The total population of men in China in 2012. Source: Un.org

NGO partners bank on sexual violence Isioma Madike

ccess Bank Plc has partnered a NonGovernment Organisation, Project Alert, on campaign to end all forms of violence against women and young girls, particularly sexual violence. Speaking at an interactive session with journalists on Thursday in Lagos, the organisation’s Executive Director, Mrs. Josphine Effa Chukwuma, said the partnership had broken the silence by the banking sector on sexual violence against women and young girls. She said: “Today, Access Bank is commencing on a journey that will endear the bank to the hearts of families, women and children, especially young girls. This bank is declaring that it cares for the teeming Nigerian youths being sexually abused by people they ‘know’, ‘love’ and ‘trust’."

Chukwuma expressed regret that sexual abuse had become a silent epidemic, which was currently spreading across the country. She added that hardly does any day passes that “we will not read or hear about the crime. The perpetrators in 95 per cent of cases are people known to them and they are comfortable with.” Given the NGO’s documented analysis in 2012/13, about 70 per cent of victims of sexual abuse in Nigeria are children and young persons below the ages of 18 years. She noted that schools and homes including orphanages, motherless babies homes have become breeding grounds for paedophiles, who sexually abuse children and young persons, adding that her NGO could not fight the scourge alone.

L-R: (Front row) Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Ndi-Obi; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Chief Hycinth Ohazulike, at a ceremony organised by Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN), to mark late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Remembrance Day, in Lagos…recently

Orji’s alleged move to impose governorship candidate will fail –PPA aspirant IMPOSITION Alleged imposition of aspirant in Abia State to be resisted.

Camillus Nnaji governorship aspirant under the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in Abia

Amaechi out to ruin Nigeria’s democracy -NYAPC Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

ollowing comments made by Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, where he had threatened that there would be anarchy if the All Progressives Congress (APC), loses in the 2015 elections, a group, Nigerian Youth Arise for Positive Change (NYAPC), has described the governor's comment as provocative

and undemocratic capable of ruining the nation's democratic system. The governor had threatened at the party’s salvation rally in Abuja on Tuesday, that there would be violence if APC did not win the 2015 elections. But while addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, President of NYAPC, Charles Ubani, carpeted Amaechi over the statement, noting that he had demonstrated the high-

est level of undemocratic character undeserving of a governor. He said the governor should tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians for calling for war at such a delicate time the country is passing through serious security challenges. Ubani said Amaechi was talking like an ingrate for trying to destroy democracy which made him what he is today.

State, Chief Ndukwe Iko, has warned that the state Governor, Theodore Oji, will be disappointed come 2015 if he goes ahead with his alleged moves to impose a governorship candidate, who will succeed him. He said his argument was premised on the fact that the people of the state, especially those from Ukwa Ngwa, would not accept any imposition of candidate from any quarter. Besides, he said the move would only boost his governorship aspiration as his people were already gearing up for a political change in the state come 2015. Iko, who stated this while addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday, said: “Any act of imposition of a governorship aspirant by Orji will be to my advantage. In the first place, zoning is against the tenets of true democracy. In Abia State, if Orji thinks Abia and specifically Ukwa Ngwa people will be happy with him for choosing his successor that will be a great

mistake. The people’s choice may not be the governor’s choice, the Abia people are looking for someone who will change their situation, who will liberate them from unemployment, unpaid salaries and empty political promises. If he shortchanges them and they know his choice will not perform, then I am at an advantage.” The aspirant also cautioned those championing the zoning policy to have a rethink, warning that the move only makes the masses to become spectators rather than participants in choosing their leaders. “Zoning is against the tenets of democracy, democracy should be all inclusive and participatory instead of having a choice of where a leader comes from before elections are conducted,” he said. On how he will transform the state if elected in 2015, Iko stated that just like his party’s ideology, he would take governance to the grassroots. He added that he had

been able to map out series of strategies to actualise this through his robust campaign policies, which were geared towards improving the lives of the masses. “I believe I will make a reasonable change when voted into power,” he stated. As a technocrat, Iko said he would place more emphasise on job creation and industrialisation, thereby making use of the state’s wide expanse of land and providing an enabling environment for worthwhile investors in the state.

CHANGE OF NAMES I formerly known and addressed as MISS ABUGU COMFORT .N now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBONNA COMFORT NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid, German Embassy, Lagos and the general public should take note I formerly known and addressed as MISS DAFE AMANDA CHINEZELUM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANUMBA AMANDA CHINEZELUM. All former documents remain valid, the general public should take note.

Voices When last did you visit the post office? p.12

Street Diary SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

Conspiracy of hope

hildren are often seen as the leaders of tomorrow. Yet, most governments rarely accord the relevant and necessary attention they deserve to prepare them for this very important task ahead. Millions of them across Nigeria suffer. They are, in most cases, treated with reckless abandon and impunity; in some instances, sold into child slavery. They also appear to be constantly in conflict with the law. There are reasons for this. From poverty, social inequality to failed educational system and family problems; peer pressure, social and religious bent, all conspire to rob the Nigerian child of its deserved innocence. The privileged in the society used them as foot soldiers to achieve their selfish ends. They are used as political touts, for instance, and dumped and left to the lurch after the realisation of political ambitions. And, whenever children offend the law, they are treated like and mixed with adults in detention facilities and prisons. Many are convicted and jailed without making contact with a social worker or getting the opportunity to be heard. It is worse in the northern part of Nigeria where there are issues of child bride. However, it thus appear that this kind of scenario could be why the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989. The then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) followed suit to tap from the accruing benefits as its Assembly of Heads of States and Governments adopted the Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CRCW) in July 1990. Nigeria later signed both international instruments and ratified them in 1991 and 2000 respectively. Both protocols reflect children as human beings and as subjects of their own rights. The CRC outlines the human rights to be respected and protected for every child under18 years and requires that these rights be implemented. By this, a draft of the Child Rights Bill aimed at principally enacting into law in Nigeria the principles enshrined in the CRC and the African Union (AU) Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child was prepared in the early ‘90s. In 2003, Nigeria adopted the Child Rights Act to domesticate the CRC. Although, this law was passed at the federal level, it is only effective if state assemblies also enact it. According to the Assistant Director, Research and Programme Development Department of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Godwin Morka, about 26 states only have adopted the Child Rights Act as their state laws. “Unfortunately, most states have neglected to implement it. In the

Last Thursday, the world marked the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the child. However, many factors, including poverty and government’s neglect, have continued to deny the Nigerian child its inalienable rights, writes ISIOMA MADIKE

Hawkers on ACME road

Kid hawkers

North, most of the states have adopted it and they put up all kinds of reasons to continue to enslave our children,” she said. Even for the states that have passed the Act, the landmark legislative achievement has not yet translated into improved legal protection throughout the federation. To date, Nigeria has been unable to deal with several issues hindering the protection rights of children such as children living on the streets, affected by communal conflict, drug abuse, human trafficking and the weaknesses of the juvenile justice system among others. Although, there have been intense advocacy for improvement. The most recent report to the AU on the rights and welfare of the Nigerian child showed that about 6,000 children are in prison and detention centres across the country. Girls, according to informed statistics, make

PHOTO: SULEIMaN HUSSaINi

PHOTOs: sunnewsonline.com and lindaikeji.blogspot.com

This is not the best time to be born in Nigeria. We just have to face the reality

up less than 10 per cent and they mainly come into contact with the law as a result of criminal acts committed against them such as rape, sexual exploitation and trafficking. However, increased participation of children in issues affecting their lives has had positive and far-reaching effects on their health and socio-economic conditions. Because of this, they, at present, tend to be more creative, positive and energetic, offering ideas devoid of prejudices and stereotypes. When children are unable to fulfil their potential, they are not the only ones that suffer the consequences. This is understandable. Their well-being is a direct reflection of the well-being of society as a whole. The Federal Government inaugurated the Children’s Parliament in 2003 to enhance their participation in the scheme of things. Since then, 26

states have inaugurated children’s parliaments. The main challenge though, has been to make these parliaments truly representative of the broad categories of Nigerian children, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. There has also been an increased participation of children in the media and their opinion at the public domain is now sought and publicised to give them some measure of participation and responsibility. Yet, the Executive Director of CEE-HOPE, a non-governmental organisation, Mrs Betty Abah, said: “This is not the best time to be born in Nigeria. We just have to face the reality. What can we do to be able to arrest some of these evil trends? To be able to ensure that every Nigerian child, no matter the socio-economic background, is given the best, at least, there should be a reasonably sane environment because there is a lot of insanity around.” For a child advocate, Taiwo Akinlami of the Gilgal Partners, Solicitors and Public Interest Advocates, the first step at acting in the best interest of the child is the destruction of the myth of the child vulnerability. According to him, the vulnerability of the child occurs when adults do not understand that a child requires attention from the first day of birth. Last Thursday, even as the world marked 25 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, has a child born in Nigeria better prospects in life than one, who was born at the time the convention came into being? Put differently,is Nigeria a better place for children at present? To some, it is largely a better place. For others, it is still a long walk to freedom for all children. In almost all areas of the advanced world, there has been substantial progress in the number of children under five years old, who die each year, according to available statistics. This is even as more children now have access to improved sources of drinking water, and fewer children out of school, while there are now more opportunities for many of the children to participate and express themselves. But, in most developing world, it has remained a contradiction of sort. Currently, the environment in which to realise children’s rights has been quite challenging. The alarming number of humanitarian crises these countries are facing at present, which imperil the rights and wellbeing of millions of children, cannot be overlooked. This year alone, millions of children’s lives are at stake in complex emergencies like those in the West African countries nowbattling the deadly Ebola virus. Others also face humanitarian crises outside of the world’s spotlight, particularly those in the North-East region of Nigeria, who daily face the threat of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

We caught 150 pipeline vandals in six months – NSCDC Camillus Nnaji and Shola Adefuwa

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had arrested 150 oil pipeline vandals in the last six months in Lagos. The former state NSCDC Commandant, Donatus Ikemefuna, said this while handing over to his successor, Gabriel Abafi, yesterday. He said that those with minor charges had been freed while 103 were arraigned and were at various levels of prosecution. Ikemefuna thanked the Lagos residents for assisting the corps by providing useful information which consequently aided the NSCDC in carrying out its core mandate of protecting government infrastructure and critical assets, fighting vandals in the creeks, mountains, pipelines,

managing disasters and supervision of private guard companies. He recalled that during his six and half months stay in Lagos, different units of the NSCDC had done successfully well. “Many vandals involved in various forms of economic sabotage of the nation’s resources have been arrested. The Disaster Management Unit has worked with other agencies in the management of disaster scenes such as auto crashes, fire incidents, collapsed buildings and other man-made and natural disasters within Lagos metropolis. “The command sealed 50 private guard companies operating illegally within the metropolis while the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit has handled over 100 cases ranging from tenant/landlord conflicts to marital, breach of public peace, land disputes, relationships, assaults, monetary dis-

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

NSCDC boss, Ade Abolurin

putes and child abuse,” he added. The commandant said security and intelligence reports gathered by the corps had assisted in checkmating some activities of terror organisations. He said: “In the area of training and capacity building, a series of trainings have taken place in arms’ bearing, parade drill and code of conduct, while the corps has deployed about 2,000 officers in various strategic locations in

Lagos for security surveillance and intelligence gathering.” In his own speech, Abafi, who until his appointment was the commandant in charge of training at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja, promised to build on Ikemefuna’s achievements. He also promised to ensure security of lives and property in Lagos State, especially during the Yuletide.

NB, FRSC take awareness on drink-driving to Markurdi Shola Adefuwa

Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Waku Silvanus. Mr.Ema Edison, a consultant to Nigerian Breweries, advised motorists on the dangers of drink driving and noted that the ‘one for the road’ practice, common among some commercial drivers, should be stopped. He also encouraged them

across the state, which is still in force. He equally observed that it was disappointing that some drivers still find their way to neighbouring alcohol selling joints to get high before embarking on a journey. He warned them to desist from such act and adopt responsible consumption as a habit.

to adhere to the ban placed on alcohol retail and consumption at motor parks as well as adopt responsible consumption of alcohol. The Benue State FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Habu Dauda reminded the motorists that the governor placed a ban on the sale of alcohol in motor parks

igerian Breweries in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) extended its ‘Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign’ to drivers and riders in Markurdi. The campaign was well attended by commercial drivers as well as okada and tricycle riders, NURTW officials, some para-military organisations like the NDLEA, NSCDC and other stakeholders in the road transport sector. The day’s event was preceded by a motorcade around key routes in the town alongside distribution of handbills to stakeholders. During the campaign, drivers checked their blood pressure free of charge at the venue. The Don’t Drink and Drive campaign is to promote responsible consumption of alcohol among drivers and other road users as well as to help reduce alcohol-induced road crashes. The Benue State govern- R-L: Mr. Kelvin Kpum, State Coordinator, Special Marshal FRSC, Benue State; Corps Comdr. Habu Dauda, Sector Commander, FRSC, ment was represented by an of- Benue State; Mr. Ema Edison, Consultant to NB; Mrs. Chinyere Obijuru, NDLEA Commandant, Benue State; and Mr. J. A. Adamu, ficial from the Bureau of Local representing State Commandant of NSCDC during Don’t Drink and Drive Rally at Makurdi

NDLEA destroys N65m hard drugs in Oyo Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, has destroyed Indian hemp, cocaine, heroin and psychotropic substances that weighed 20,784 595 kg, valued at N65m. The drugs burnt at the Akilapa Village in the Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan, according to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, comprised 20,769.125 kg cannabis sativa, 15.370kg of

psychotropic substances, 100g of cocaine and 1.5g of heroine. Noting that the essence of the public burning was to avoid the recycling of the seized drugs, Giade, who was represented on the occasion by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Mr. Olugbenga Mabo, said the various illicit drugs were burnt in line with the agency’s strategic plan towards having a violence free general elections in 2015. He recalled that a total of 14,632.386 kg of narcotics were also burnt in Oyo State in No-

Street Diary 11 Police arrest ex-soldier, four others for kidnapping

vember 2013, adding that the items comprised seized and intercepted illicit drugs in the state. The NDLEA boss said that the destructive impact the drugs would have had on humanity if not for the timely intervention of the NDLEA could better be imagined. “We have a duty to reverse the ugly trend. We must collectively put an end to poppy farms, cannabis plantation and new psychoactive drugs produced in clandestine laboratories. These sinister activities are fanning the

embers of global insecurity and criminality,” Giade said. “We must stop them from tarnishing our image, turning our young men to drug couriers and inducing violence,” he stressed. Represented on the occasion by his deputy, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, of Oyo State, said that his administration would continue to complement the efforts of NDLEA through the provision of mobility in the fight against hard drugs and building of a standard rehabilitation centre.

ive suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising some parts of Ogun State have been arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, said this in Abeokuta, said the suspects have already confessed to the crime. The suspects include an exsoldier, Akinyele Jaiyesinmi. Others are Adeyinka Olusoji, Gbadamosi Dada, Taiwo Ayoola and Sulaiman Kalejaiye. Saturday New Telegraph gathered reliably that the suspected kidnappers were responsible for the abduction of the mother of a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs. Rachael Hazzan, and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Professor Olukoga Olusanya. The suspects were said to have also plotted another kidnap attempt on a politician, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, before they met their waterloo. Parading the suspects on Thursday evening, Okoye said their arrest was a breakthrough for the state command. He said that two operational vehicles, an Astra Opel and Renault, as well as arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. According to the police commissioner, the suspects had been responsible for the recent spate of kidnappings in the Ijebu axis of the state. He stated that the suspected kidnappers were nabbed during an operation led by the Officer-in-Charge of SARS, Mohammed Tijani.

UNICEF lifts child rights with project Ezekiel Adesawe

he United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) unveiled the IMAGINE project in celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child during a musical event held at the United Nations General Assembly, New York, on Thursday. The IMAGINE project is a global event aimed at creating a unique moment in music history where challenges faced by children around the world will be showcased through a new interactive digital experience that will allow participants to record their own version of John Lennon’s iconic anthem of hope and peace, alongside their favourite stars. According to the UNICEF Executive Director, Anthony Lake, the project is a global initiative meant to lift the rights of every child in the world with the support of people across every nations of the world.

Voices

SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

When last did you visit the post office?

Post what? As long far as I’m concerned, post office is no longer in existence. When there is internet now and all the online buying stuff and transfer, fax etc.

– Adeniyi Odigie Oluwarotimi, entrepreneur

The post office to me is not different from making use of your legs, so I think the internet and other communication medium are faster. The post office is the last option on my list of my mode of communication. – Mary Idowu, businesswoman

– Edegan Frank, student

– Agbana Peter Tolulope, student

The post office is far from my home The distance of the post-office and where I stay is like earth to heaven. Besides, I don’t know if people still go there. –Wanapere Akpos, student

I visited recently I visited the post office just yesterday (prior to the interview day) to collect a parcel. – Obanla Adedotun, student

I have never

I don’t visit o! The internet has shifted my preference for the post office. I sent letters through mail or fax now. – Blessing Kyakaspa,

I have no business there

Not that post office is not a better means of communication if not for the fact that the way it has been handled. Here in this part of the world is with so much levity, causing so much dissatisfaction to the preferred users. So when the internet comes into being people have no choice than to go with it. – Danboyo Niel, student

You mean post office? I have never been there before because I have no business there; nothing to do there at all. – Uzozie Sandra, student

I visited a month ago

civil servant

It has been poorly handled in Nigeria

student

I pass through the post office every blessed day. But I don’t think I have for once stepped my foot on the premises.

I have never visited a post office before, moreover it is outdated, social media, cell phones, email have all taken over.

I have never visited a post office before because I have nothing to do there. – Atunde Adeoluwa,

I have never stepped into post office

It's outdated

Long time ago! I have not visited the post office now for quite a long time particularly since when the social network and telephone have taken over its place. These have made sending and receiving of messages faster and smarter. – Timmy Amadi, businessman

I have never in my life

Post office is the last option for me

Post office is non existence

I visited the post office a month ago not to post anything but to collect some parcels. – Oni Ayoife, photographer

I had a bad experience the last time I did I visited last in 1997 The last time I visited the post office was in 1997 when I was offered a scholarship after my primary school. Technology has improved so I have nothing to do there anymore. – Dada Tosin, student

compiled by

JOHN EDU, AYILARA DAYO AND TOPE DADA

The last time I used the post office was a bad experience because the message got to the bearer at the time it was not of any use again. But with the internet and other social media now in use communication means is faster and better.

– Glory Esekaigbe, fashion designer

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014

WeekendDelight 13

C o n v e r s at i o n

Instyle

Arinola

Girly, Chic Midi skirts p.16

Adeniyi

The Arts

Sketches of revolution on canvas p.33

TV & Radio

Listening to De-Don’s Comedy Happy Hour p.43

Love&Living ‘I found my soul mate at the office’ p.35

Venivici boss

‘My business began from my bathroom’ When the owner of Venivici Health Club and Urban Spa, Arinola Adeniyi, left her banking job 17 years ago, it seemed like a suicidal decision. But the move has paid off, as she sits as the director of a luxury spa that attracts people from all walks of life. Arin, as she’s fondly called by friends, takes OLUSHOLA RICKETTS through the uncertainty, courage and triumph that define her journey in the world of wellness. PRELUDE TO A DREAM I am a corporate wellness coach, a colon hydro-therapist and aesthetician. I worked in the bank for seventeen years before I went to start my passion which is all about helping others to achieve optimal well-being. I attended the University of Ife where I studied economics and I did my MBA at the University of Lagos. So it was just right for me to join the banking industry and I am also an associate of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. I was the secretary of the Association of Professional Bankers for several years and was second vice chairman till 2002. I humorously tell people that my vision was to become a bank’s managing director and I worked towards it. But my passion is to help people achieve optimal well-being and I felt I would be more fulfilled doing that, which I am right now. I would say I was privileged that things went well for me easily early in life. I just went through my schools smoothly and felt it was the responsibility of my parents. But I didn’t really appreciate what they did for me until I met people who were either trying to get their school certificates or having to work for a while to send themselves to school. LEAVING THE BANKING HALL I don’t miss the banking industry. I even wished I was more courageous to have taken the decision I took earlier. I got to the peak of my career as the deputy general manager of a bank. So I just had to go because Venivici came out of a personal need. I needed to achieve a work balance for myself. I got to know that there must be more to life than just getting to ladder of one’s career. What next after all the promotions? So it arose out of a personal need and I needed a balance because of the very busy schedule and the kind of lifestyle I was living. Since I didn’t know any spa in Nigeria at that time, the idea came up. I am talking about the ‘90s because we started our company in 1999. I didn’t walk out from the banking industry; I planned it carefully. Before I had the courage to even write a resignation I had already engaged in discussion with consultants. So there was a clear vision already. It was a very long process setting up the business and even when it started I got people I felt were professional to run it. I was also a customer there, but I later realised that the business would not go anywhere if I didn’t give it full attention. So two to three years later I CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

ADENIYI

Weekend Delight

| Conversation

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

‘I wish I had the courage to quit banking earlier’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 3

quit my job to concentrate on the spa. STARTING AFRESH I tell people that my business began from my bathroom. Anytime I travelled out of the country I came with a mini version of any equipment you see in the company today. I found out that anytime I do a massage or any treatment I felt much better. Sometimes I would get people that do home service for me, but it was not the same. You know going out has the special feeling that comes with it and connecting with your body and soul within that period is a different experience. I felt that they would be other people who are in need of the services too and the beauty of it is that they are natural. Some people think wellness is about glamour; it has more to do than that. I try to preach it whenever I have the opportunity to speak at conferences or training programmes. Our first office was at Victoria Island in Lagos. We are now in Lekki, also in Lagos. A HUNGER FOR LEARNING I didn’t just wake up one morning and venture into wellness without any knowledge. When it was clear that I wanted to be part of the wellness industry I started doing courses. I tell people I have done more courses in the last 15 years than when I was in the banking sector. You know the industry is still growing, so there is always something new and you have to keep in touch with the development. I went to school abroad to learn how to do all of these things, but we now have our own academy where we train people. And we have other schools also doing something related. When I started I didn’t even know there were beauty schools in Nigeria, so I would say things are getting better. I had a beauty diploma in Cetuem Academy in 1999; I am a member of International Association of Colon Therapists, a member of the Global Professional Association for Colon Therapist (GPACT), among others. I am still improving myself. SILENCING CRITICS Of course, some people saw it as a business that cannot excel in Nigeria, but 15 years later I am happy to tell you that they see it differently with what we have been able to achieve. I was even advised to stick to a business around my profession since I was familiar with the terrain already. This is what people are doing all over the world. We might not have a good structure as it were then, but it is not new to Nigeria. Some hospitals even have massage unit. There was even a report I read that people who undergo massage after surgeries heal faster than people who do not get it. Complimentary therapy is one of the oldest therapies in the world. Spa has been around for thousands of years and it would not have survived the test of time if there had not been proven results. Some people think it is because people want to feel pampered that is why they engage in it. It is not that; it actually reduces the possibility of getting cancers and other deadly diseases. Our problems are what we drink, eat and lack of exercise. Also, it is not a luxury; it is cheaper than the “aso ebi” people buy here and there. It is even cheaper than the amount some people use to make phone calls daily. If your health is important to you it should be given top priority. We work very hard in Nigeria and if we could create an hour to take care of ourselves it makes us to even perform better. When you do this too you are in a way reducing your medical bills because you are not going to fall ill.

f charitable “We do a lot o ich I don’t wh gestures too, t. I believe u o b a lk ta to like is worthless what you do you start the moment it... I am talking about r public no not a politicia t is a an person; all I w d.” Go reward from

FINDING A NAME It is Italian and it means “I came and I conquered”. We ensure that our clients do not leave the same way they came to us; we must do something about your health or well-being. When you date it back to history also, the Romans were the first to imbibe the use of public places for wellness. So they have their public spas where the rich went to get massage. So we thought a Roman name would represent what we do better. AHEAD OF THE GAME What we have working for us is our clients. They trust us and we are passionate about what we do. We deliver on our promise and we understand what our clients want. Our relationship with clients is like that of family ties and we are growing. We don’t also cut corners and people know us for excellence. So, we are very passionate about what we do, we deliver on our promises, we are very professional and we give

excellent treatment. We provide solutions to Modern Day Living Syndrome (MDLS). The ambience, aesthetics, cleanliness of our ultra modern facility lends credence to this. Our treatments include weight and stress therapy; aromatherapy, stone and G5 massage; facials; body polish, mud wrap; waxing; foot and hand treatments; colon hydrotherapy; corporate wellness coaching and bio-energetic resonance testing. All treatments are therapeutic, natural and non invasive. They can also be custom-made to suit the needs of individual customers. BIGGEST SATISFACTION I’m happy when people are leaving here and they are giving me the “I feel good song”. Some people come with their walking rod and they forget it in the massage room. Even when the person doesn’t come with a rod you would see that he or she is going back a better person. GAIN OF MASSAGE It improves physical and emotional well-being; circulation and detoxifies. It also reduces stress hormones in the body and induce relaxation; eases bloating caused by water retention; weight Loss; among others. So it is what people need to get into regularly. EYE ON GREATER HEIGHTS It is a growing industry and we would continue to give our clients what they would see anywhere in the world. We would ensure that people cope with the demands of their profession, family life, society, etc. That is why our focus is on lifestyle behavioural changes. I also write for some lifestyle magazines like Genevieve. I had a column in Thisday’s Style section and I used to write for Sunday Punch. We write when the need provides because we share how people could be well. So we are making a conscious effort to reach many Nigerians as we can. It is our personal responsibility to take charge of our wellbeing and we intend to share as much information we can with the populace. A LIFESTYLE, NOT A HOBBY I like to read. I also work the talk. When you came I was taking care of my body. So I look forward to the days I would have massage or do my facials. It is a lifestyle for me; it is not just a hobby and I love it when I can create time to do it. I love travelling too because it affords me opportunity to learn different things. GARNERING RECOGNITION I get surprised that somebody somewhere is noticing that we are doing what we do. Though it is rewarding to be awarded for excellence, it also reminds you not to sleep. Since more people are watching you, you need to be on your toes all the time. I think we have gotten more than 20 awards so far. I am talking about the ones I can remember. EXERCISE, AN IMPERATIVE Our body talks to us. It either it tells you that there is pain here or you have a sort of headache. When you get those signals don’t ignore it. You must also be able to cultivate your body; most of us are too busy that we don’t have time to exercise. You must as well enrich your mind with the book and knowledge you get. GIVING BACK TO THE SOCIETY I believe we are giving back to the society through our academy and some people come here for internship. We do a lot of charitable gestures too, which I don’t like to talk about. I believe what you do is worthless the moment you start talking about it. Some of the awards we have here are from organisations we have supported one way or the other. Even before I started my business I gave people who were in need. Giving back is not something you need to announce to the world. I am not a politician or public person; all I want is a reward from God. We are a socially responsible organisation. Through Venivici for Christ, we reach the less privileged homes, orphans and widows. SHOWING YOUNGER ONES THE WAY There is nothing like being diligent. Be disciplined and imbibe the spirit of excellence. You must also have a clear vision of what you want and where you are headed to so that no one will mislead you. Go ahead with it once what you want is articulated and clear; don’t look back. But when most people hear that something is trending they join the train. You cannot grow by jumping from a business to another.

Instyle

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

fashion etiquette Leave your suit bottom button unfastened

egardless of what kind of suit you wear as a man, it is important to know that there are some rules governing how the suit should be worn. Specifically, you should button a suit in a certain way. If you are wearing a single button suit, when standing, you must button the only button and when sitting, you must unbutton. If you are wearing a two button suit, the top button must always be fastened when standing while the second button should never be fastened. However, it should be unbuttoned when seated. When wearing a three button suit, you have two options. When standing, you could fasten the top two buttons and leave the third unfastened or fasten only the middle button for a more relaxed look.

Girly, chic midi skirts

Angela Davies adies, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have well-toned legs to wear a mini or stand the thought of wearing a maxi skirt, then, you could opt for the in-between which is the midi skirt. What defines midi skirts is their length. A skirt is usually considered midi when the skirt length falls from just below the knee to a few inches above the ankle. It is usually made with a high waist line and compliments almost all body types. These universally versatile, flattering, and chic feminine pieces make a lady

look elegant and classy and are perfect for any occasion and at anytime. Midi skirts can be paired with virtually almost any kind of top. But to get a sexy silhouette, your top should be tucked in for that chic and girly appearance and paired with a pair of lovely shoes like heels, pumps, platform sandals or flats. But bear in mind that "full midi skirts" paired with flat shoes, might make you look short. Midi skirts come in a wide variety of styles like pencil skirt, pleated, floral print, organza overlays, slit, full, A-line, scuba, lace, leather and more in different colours to select from according to your style preference.

Fitted midi skirts are sexy as it highlights the wearerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silhouette. Flared midi skirts are girly and are usually made in fabric that has more layers like tulle and taffeta. The mermaid and scuba silhouette combines fit and flare; this skirt is fitted at the top and flared at the bottom creating a sexy and youthful look. This girlie skirt is perfect for different events like bridal showers, wedding, fashion show, birthday party and other events when paired with a lovely top and accessorised appropriately Whichever way you prefer to style your skirt, make sure it is stylish. Remember that the key point is the length.

Instyle

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Comfort and simplicity He may see fussy with regard to books, but when it comes to fashion there's no such luxury for writer and editor, Anthony Onwordi popularly known as Toni Kan. ANGELA DAVIES writes. How would you define your style? My style is simple but comfortable. I am a jeans, shirt and T-shirt person. Once I wear these with a nice pair of shoes, I am good. What determines the kind of outfit you wear? On a good day I will be wearing my jeans and shirt or T-shirt. But for events, I wear outfits that are more age appropriate, stylish and comfortable. What kinds of outfits occupy a larger part of your wardrobe? I will say jeans and T-shirts. What fashion rule do you live by? To be simple but comfortable. Clothing item you will never be caught wearing? That will be red trousers because I cannot stand it. It makes you look like a magician. Signature perfume Paul Smith, I just like the scent. Someone gave it to me as a gift and since then, anytime I see it, I buy it. Although, I have not bought perfume in five years but if I have to buy, it will be Paul Smith. Is there a fashion accessory you cannot do without? I love wristwatches, but I cannot

do without clean underwear. If I am travelling, I might go with just one shirt and trousers, but I will take along underwear for like six days. I just love to have something clean next to my skin. Style signature Jeans and my glasses which look sporty but they are medicated. If they are fragile, they will break easily and I like to be active. What type and colour of shoes do you love? I like black shoes and I am sure I have like 10 of them. Black shoes are easy to wear and they go with everything you wear. I like boots as well. Most expensive fashion accessory you have ever bought? Designer shoes. Do you follow trend? No, I don’t care about fashion that much. I just like something that is comfortable, clean and age appropriate. Best designer I don’t do designers. When I see any outfit that I like, I buy it. Best colour For clothes, I like grey, brown and black. But my favourite colour is purple. It is cool and depicts royalty.

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

Ball Gown

he fashion challenge this week is between exbeauty queen and Tinsel actress, Osas Ighodaro and Nollywood actress, Moyo Lawal. The outfit in contention is the ball gown. Ighodaro stepped on the red carpet at the 2014 Genevieve magazine Pink Ball dressed in an eyecatching ball gown which took place at The Dorchester, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, October 18. The asymmetrical black with pink floral design on one side of the full skirt extended to the fitted bodice. The custom made ball gown by Toju Foyeh also featured v-neck and small sleeve. Ighodaro styled her lovely outfit with a pink clutch, pink peep-toe pumps and minimal jewelry. Her makeup was light but beautifully done while her half part bouncy locks was styled to a side. On her part, Lawal wore a black and white scallop ball gown to the Encomium magazine Black and White Ball event which held at Ruby Gardens, Lekki on Sunday, August 10. Lawal coordinated her elegant outfit with a simple bead necklace, earrings, bracelets and a pair of pumps. She styled her braids upwards with hair accessories and wore dramatic make-up for the evening. Although both ladies wore different styles of ball gowns, however, who in your opinion wore it better? Is it ex-beauty queen and Tinsel actress, Ighodaro or Nollywood actress, Lawal? Lawal

Ighodaro

Facts Bubu Ogisi creative director of Iamisigo established the fashion label in 2009. It started off as a small independent company based in Ghana and Nigeria. The brand seeks to create a striking awareness of how African culture can be fused with an audacious but yet minimal design aesthetic.

French designer André Courrèges introduced the mini skirt with his four inches above-theknee futuristic Space Age styles from his “Moon Girl” collection in 1964.

Women used to pinch their cheeks to give themselves rosy cheeks before blush was invented.

In the old days, make up was used to frighten enemies, show a social rank or make magic.

The Arts SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

Sketches of revolution on canvas From just attending art shows, workshops, watching cartoons, Olawunmi Banjo has created a body of works she calls "Mind Revolution", an exhibition of paintings which opened Saturday, November 1, at Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Lagos. MOSES KADIRI writes.

o many, it is amazing how a self taught artist who studied entrepreneurship at the Pan African University, Lagos, is able to exhibit realistic paintings with embedded message in each of the pieces, from mental depiction of the real world and the realities of some aspects of life, among others. "l did not study art; l go to art shows to see art works and workshops, and l will go back home and practice. It was a gradual process for me," Banjo said. She seems to have found surrealism and realism useful in depicting her ideas. The emphasis in the pieces are enormous, ranging from colours to figures, large canvas, and fascinating concept. "The whole idea started from when l was young. l enjoyed drawing, watching cartoons, animation and reading colourful books," she said. "Then l will draw and paint my object. l thought it was just my hobby, it was years later that l realized it was not just a hobby but my talent, and l was able to develop it over time." Banjo spends about two months, sometimes less, on a particular work before she certifies it perfect and moves to another work with different concept. The standard of the exhibition, her first solo two years of constant work, reflects the amount of preparation put in. Her exhibition highlights the psychological state of breaking free, and seeks to reorientating the mindsets of people

Ilumine 1 & 2

Banjo

towards progressive thoughts, and how creative minds and ideas in Nigeria and Africa could be empowered. Banjo notes that when every individual starts to develop the initiative of thought to invest adequately in creative mind resources and ideas, then attention will be a bit deviated from focusing mainly on natural resources. "From my observation as an artist, I have discovered that many creative talents are discouraged and frustrated in attaining their creative potential due to the lack of adequate structures and sufficient support. Our best export is human resources and capital. On a daily basis, we export our best and finest minds that we sorely need for our overall." She continued: "Africa should quit being the largest consumer

Hidden Potential

"Africa should quit being the largest consumer of global innovations"

of global innovations, our ideas should be developmental in order for us to contribute our own quota to global consumption. Many intellectuals and creative minds have left, and some are even still leaving the continent due to a lack of appreciation of their creativity in their home countries. They are adding enormous value to other continents. People from other continents observe us, create basic solutions to our problems, and then they eventually sell those solutions back to us." Some of her works remarkably illustrate hope in the young and living in a world steeped in constant streams of negativity. Work-

ing in dark tones with a contrasting gleaming ray of light, she leads the viewer deep inside determination against the ropes of setbacks, hurdles and discouragement. The work, "Illumine 1 & 2.â&#x20AC;? depicts a child in a failed system but looking beyond the failed system and reaching towards achieving his potential. Banjo states that regardless of the societal depravity, the child still makes conscious efforts to have a positive mindset, which will enable him to make his environs relevant, and eventually to have a ripple effect. "The exhibition, Mind Revolution, is to make us see that we are more than a consuming continent, particularly when we stop focusing mainly on natural resources and channel our mental productivity towards creative ideas and innovation that are globally relevant. Self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-appreciation, self-support along with love for our own, need to be engraved deep in our hearts. I will instill the message in my own little way, but more needs to be done." The piece, Hidden Potential, dwells on people who do not explore their inner mind abilities, having built a barrier around their potential. They have found comfort and solace in this self-built barrier, breeding mediocrity. "They feel limited by their environs and do not bother to explore their inner potential and abilities. People with this mindset find it hard to see this potential waking up to reality. It gets recycled from generation to generation. Many centuries ago, people learned to summon inventions from within, and from available resources and generation." With Mind Revolution, the artist has demonstrated that art can also help promote and propagate an ideology as government formulates policies.

Books

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Nigeria through a columnist's lens

Reflection with

Burden of Life (2) A Skybird kisses the skies gracefully, A missile, deployed, same sky apart torn Wrecking havoc without a warning; Desecrating Ukranean fields with human flesh Ripping apart, the souls of many nations. Chai, life is far from fair.

At the presentation of Dr. Chidi Amuta’s new book, Writing the Wrong, on Tuesday politicians, intellectuals and diverse professionals voice their feelings about Nigeria. OLUSHOLA RICKETTS writes.

hrough the pen and paper, Dr. Chidi Amuta, a renowned writer, has indicated his displeasure with the ways the political class is ruling the state and has no time swallowed his words. His new book, Writing the Wrong and its public presentation, presented a rare opportunity to bring all those issues he had written about into limelight. And it even achieved more than that. The chairman of the occasion held at Southern Sun, Ikoyi, Lagos, former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, admitted that he got scared when he first saw the book due to the volume (1065 pages). “We are here to celebrate an oracle, commentator and an individual who is passionate about Nigeria. I read him a lot and his writing his compelling. I am happy he has written and I want to appeal to you all (journalists) to write more.” Osoba however used the opportunity to urge journalists, including Amuta to get involved in politics with immediate effect. “Get out of the newsroom and move into the government. You all say politics is dirty; why can’t you move in and put some sanity? We should stop allowing people with no ideas rule over us,” the former governor stressed. While congratulating Amuta for putting his book together, the guest speaker, Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe, said he knew Amuta is no great admirer of his party, PDP. But, according to him, there is a loyalty bigger than the PDP which is the existence of Nigeria. “And that is why I accepted today’s role as guest speaker. So for the emphasis of this moment, at the launch of Writing the Wrong, the only person that will be matter will be Nigeria,” he added. The former minster feels bad that the two mainstream political parties are demonising each other on a national security challenge (Boko Haram insurgency) which has become an existential threat. He regretted that rather than joining hands with the president to fight insurgency, some politicians were castigating him. Observing that the insurgency was worse than the civil war, Maduekwe said castigating the president despite his efforts to end insurgency was not a responsible political behaviour. He said, “A common thread running through my remarks will be that in a fragile, democratic state like Nigeria, if we as leaders cannot diligently and

Tim Leye

Scores of passengers: Truly Asia and diverse tongues, From radar did fade. The sea, the land even the air? And a conglomerate of modern tech Offers no clue!

consistently push for a common ground that can inspire national unity, we could inadvertently end up with the unintended consequence of a killing ground that can consume all. History is full of examples of how nations that were determined to commit national suicide by failing to locate a common ground were allowed their wish.” Borrowing the words of Albert Einstein, Maduekwe said there was no way a nation could solve problems with the same kind of thinking that created them. He noted that if the polity of today was characterised by results that nobody wants, there was the need for people to change how they think. To Maduekwe, the country must begin to address the wide disconnect between the conduct of politics and the goals of governance, while insisting that no one party can do that alone. “We critically need a common ground, indeed a covenant of decent and civil behaviour that will inspire style and substance across the aisle. What we are doing currently is not sustainable. It is not even politics,” he added. The book reviewer who is also the chairman of Thisday’s editorial board, Olusegun Adeniyi, described Amuta as a man for whom he has tremendous respect and admiration. He described the book as an enriching collection that speaks to both our past and the promise of tomorrow. Describing the book as “collection history in-a-hurry,” he noted

"We hear about great journalists, but as soon as we write it ends there. The least we can do is to keep records"

that the real message of the book is that “we live in a country where history repeats itself again and again.” “Arranged in thematic order rather than by the period each of the pieces was written, if there is anything that Writing the Wrongs demonstrates, it is the fact that when the quality of content of a book combines with tight editing and brilliant production, the resultant collection becomes more than the sum total of its parts. Spanning 1065 pages, it is a huge collection that will task many readers but to the extent that the contents provide useful resource materials for those who want to know more about our country and its challenge,” Adeniyi added. Also, the former special adviser to the late president Umaru Yar’Adua commended the writer’s attention to details, his curiosity and his sense of humour which most often reveals the foibles of the subjects, especially when dealing with political personages. But, he noted that book comes with the flaw generally associated with collections of essays written over a period of time. “The major drawback in the book is that while some have dates of publication, many of them don’t. In all, Writing the Wrongs is a fascinating collection that reminds us about where we are coming from as a people, the mistakes we have made, the lessons we have refused to learn and the consequences of the choices we make on a daily basis.” In addition, he said Amuta wrestled over some of the challenges confronting the country and proffered his own solutions to some of them. “At the end, what the author says most clearly is that as bad as things may seem, if we embrace a more productive and cooperative form of engagement, the Nigerian project is not a lost cause,” Adeniyi said. The author, who is also the chief executive officer of Wilson & Weizmann Associates, said the book was his legacy for coming generations. “I want a testimonial of what we have been saying. We hear about great journalists, but as soon as we write it ends there. The least we can do is to keep records,” Amuta said.

Life, in connivance with Fate Took them away afar Far removed from every prying eye And the longings from bruised hearts From the warm embraces of loved ones That never may again be felt. Ever! A small rural community Content with life's simple offers, Wakes to the rude shock of guns The fanatics on the prowl And there goes their daughters Condemned to minister as mistresses Heartless butchers in the name of God. Life is neither fair When a sole breadwinner Is taken away by death And his orphans left to beg for bread. Nor good when a chaste virgin Seeks in vain, the fruit of the womb With the only man ever known. Life is not fair When peter is robbed And Paul makes a gain. When basemen of the underworld Pay a nocturnal visit Loot his goods and then his estates taken. Life seeks the headless Offers him a cap To a quiet man She offers a noisome maid. The beggar on the roadside A triplet she gives at birth While the womb of the rich a seed repels. I ask therefore, Life art thou fair Or art thou good Thou art neither But an aged drummer Who make us dance to its listlessly tune.

Kids of rich and famous Nigerians in showbiz speaks

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Stella Damasus in studio for another song

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Jahbless: My music appeals to youths and older generation With the success scored by songs like Jooor, Owambe and the rest, Jah Bless has won the hearts of many music fans. He has also signed a deal with Jagged Edge Records. In this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA, Jah Bless shares his experiences so far and plans for the future.

SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

On being away for so long… I had to go and work on myself and create more connections to my music. The kind of music I do now can sell even internationally. I needed that platform that will put me there. I was always in the studio, working, recording, doing videos, keeping my sound up to date and right now my new album is ready. It will be released before the year runs out and maybe when you listen to it, you will know why I have been away for a while. Expanding artistic frontier… If I can have about one million fans for two years without releasing an album, I think it’s an awesome work. And my market is not focused on just a direction alone. May be Olamide has the youths, but I could relate with the older market and the youths. I am always doing a kind of music that can sink into any market. I can stay in Nigeria, do music and sell in America because I am able to put myself in that position where I can sell across everybody. So, getting to that point, all I needed was to concentrate and make it work. My fan base is there. No shaking. I am on a one-year contract with JE Records which is favourable to me and the label. In the period of this one year, I am expected to release two albums. However, the albums are ready with extra albums. JE Records is an indigenous record label saddled with the responsibility to continually promote and sustain the spirit of creativity in Nigeria. Right now I have two albums recorded. Personally for me, in my own portfolio, I have four albums recorded and mastered for me. So, if I am done with them, I could pick another record label and give them another two comfortably without going to the studio. It takes a lot of work to write those songs, putting them together and getting a producer. Most of these songs are done internationally. I worked with international producers. While I was doing that, I was able to get so many market skills abroad. Nigeria at pres-

'I may not be doing what others are doing as a result of maturity... I don’t have to strip myself just because I want to pull crowd'

ent is witnessing a lot of progress in entertainment across the world, vastly growing into what is currently regarded as Africa’s home of entertainment. The industry here has in recent times, drawn the attention of outstanding foreign entertainment bodies, organisations and talent agencies to our humble country. We’ve shot four videos already… My new album has 15 tracks and we’ve shot four videos already. We are going to be shooting some new videos in a couple of months and I think the only major artiste on that album is Reminisce and Olamide. The new album is titled I am Me, which is just about me. I featured a couple of new breed artistes that I think are okay. That is me. In every album that I do, I always bring up a new breed. On my song, Camera, Light, Action I have learnt that people will always be around you when you are famous or when they have something to gain from you. The moment you are out of the scene, they will leave you. There are no loyal friends. So, that particular track rather tells my story in a concise form. My love life Well, I've had to avoid discussing this but it keeps coming back to me from everywhere. I have two kids with a young woman, Abimbola Kinoshi who hails from Lagos Island and she is a medical doctor presently living in New York. We've been dating since our school days and we've had our traditional marriage with only the white wedding left to do. Fear for new musical movement If you know how big the industry is, you’d understand that there’s a space for everybody. The fact that Jay Z signs Kanye West or Joe Cole on doesn’t mean his music won’t sell when he releases his own album because he’s got his fan base. And that’s the same thing with me, when I release my album, I’m still going to sell. In fact, I’m still going to get from their fan base on my side by the time my works are out. Fatherhood and my career I may not be doing what others are doing as a result of maturity. My kids already know that their dad is a musician and they see what I do. The only thing I won’t do is the same crap I didn’t do when I was still a bachelor. I don’t have to strip myself just because I want to pull crowd. Being a father doesn’t affect my business, in fact, it helps me more because it keeps me focused. Attracting endorsements We don’t have too many good artists yet. If your music is good, you’d attract endorsement on a platter. I’m not bothered about endorsements, I’m comfortable the way I am and if it comes, it’s a plus for me. Shooting Owambe We’re shooting Owambe video which is just an elaborate display of African culture. We’re mainly talking about all the glitz, the headgears, cuisines and beautiful melodramas at parties staged by Africans. It’s being produced by Clarence Peters.

Showbiz

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

Unveiling Chinyere Adogu, the new kid on the block

eant and Miss Caribbean Society pageant. After passing on her crown in 2013, she set her sights on competing in Most Beautiful Girl Pageant in Nigeria which she had been considering for a few years. Chinyere has recently been humbled with the title of MBGN Tourism 2014. She believes her reign would give her the opportunity to promote the beauty of Nigerian women, while also using the platform to reach out to young girls. Chinyere's passion is the youth. She has always been driven by issues that relate to the development and growth of the youth. She wants to be a positive role model for young ladies and show that having high self-esteem and confidence is very important. At the age of 16 she got her first job as a youth counsellor, where she taught African dance for three years. She plans to start a non-profit organization that promotes the importance of child education; spend her time giving empowerment seminars to young girls in primary school, secondary school, universities, and student union societies and youth groups. Chinyere would also like to sponsor young girls into the pageant of their dream because she is a firm believer that pageants builds character. Aside from pageantry, she is also a runway model, having been part of a few shows like the recent Lagos Fashion and Design week in Lagos, New York Fashion Week, Brooklyn Fashion Week, Africa Fashion Week in New York, Harlem Fashion Row, Face2Face Africa and Small Boutique Fashion Week. She has also worked with Teen Vogue, Essences Magazine and The New York Post. At her leisure, Chinyere enjoys music, dancing, singing, spending time with her family and friends and travelling. She looks forward to making Nigeria proud in an international pageant.

ou probably have seen her on the red carpet and maybe on the runway too. But this new kid on the block is more than just a pretty face. In her new photo shoot, MBGN Miss Tourism, Chinyere Adogu shows she is ready to conquer the world, and make an impact during her reign while revealing a classy, yet playful side to her personality. Chinyere Adogu hails from Anambra State but was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She has an associate degree in accounting and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in business management at Long Island University. Chinyere has had the pleasure of being crowned America's Perfect Teen in 2012, becoming the first AfricanAmerican to win a national title in the pageant system. During her reign, she had the pleasure of being a judge at Miss Nigeria Independence pag-

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Psquare releases new video amid controversy

ast Tuesday, the Okoye brothers - Paul and Peter - who both comprise the group, PSquare, completed a fresh video dubbed Shekini. The video is off the Double Trouble album, Peter and his brother Jude Okoye took to Instagram to post the behind-the-scene exclusive photos of the video shoot. The song which is the second track of the album is being shot in Lagos by Clarence Peters. This is coming at a time the music empire is still said to be torn against itself as Peter has already gone ahead to float a record label, P-Classic Records with the first sign-on, Obinna.

Sprinter, Blessing Okagbare’s honeymoon ruined by U.S Embassy

hese are not the best of times for Nigerian sprinter, Blessing Okagbare who recently got married to her footballer hubby, Igho Otegheri. Okagbare and her husband, planned to travel to Los Angeles where the sprinter is based. But Otegheri was denied a visa, a situation that has left her distraught and confused. She was hoping that her husband who won four caps with the Super Eagles will be around at her weakest moments. Okagbare is billed to resume training for next year’s World Championships in Beijing, China. “I feel so bad that American embassy would turn down the visa request by my husband to travel with me to Los Angeles. I

have resumed training for the season and I have to go back to my base (Los Angeles) with my husband so that I can concentrate. I have sent copies of my documents, including my Resident Permit in Los Angeles to them so as to facilitate my husband’s travelling with me to the States, but they refused. Help me appeal to them to grant him visa because it won’t be easy for me to shuttle between Nigeria and the States every time. I have to concentrate on my training and the only way to do so is to have my husband with me in the States. I have been so sad since my husband returned from Abuja with this bad news. They have to do something about it,” she pleaded.

SOLUTIONS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE S A L V A G E

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Stella Damasus in studio for another song

tella Damasus who now resides in the US with her partner, Daniel Ademinokan, is currently in the studio recording another song. Stella is working with Grammy award winning engineer, Mike Wilson, to give her fans the best of what she

has taken time to grow. After months of denying an affair with movie director, Ademinokan, who has a son with Doris Simeon, Damasus has found a safer haven to express love for the man she’d taken several public swipes for.

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Showbiz

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Tunde Ednut: Music is less stressful than making jokes When exactly did you start comedy? I started comedy in 1996 while I was a secondary school student, but it became something I took serious as an undergraduate at the University of Lagos. I used to mail Tee-A a lot because I really enjoyed his jokes. My first major moment was at the Dynamix Awards in 2007. After my performance, I received a standing ovation. I would never forget that experience. I later performed alongside Konga, Tuface, Danfo Drivers, Basket Mouth, among others at the Nigerian Independence Jam 2007. Why the switch to music? I have always wanted to do music and I was a choir member at a tender age. Even my comedy then was always around Nigerian music. People actually encouraged me to combine music and comedy together. So when I got back to Nigeria, I met Samklef and he did a song for me. People embraced it and I enjoyed the experience too. My followership increased and I started getting more shows which is basically the wish of any entertainer. So I felt it was lucrative and less stressful for me unlike cracking jokes for different shows.

ers Awards.

Tunde Ednut, a comedian and musician, speaks with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS about his new single Baby Boo and his plans to make music and comedy work. What were the initial challenges as a green horn? I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know much people in the Nigerian media, but the fact that I knew most of the artistes helped me to grow. It was along the way people I knew started introducing me to one person or the other and things started getting better. Now that you are back, what should your fans expect from you? I just dropped Baby Boo two weeks ago and I am dropping Jingle Bell before the end of this year

How has the music business been? It has been good, though I have not really done much lately. I have been working and trying to put resources together. I recently dropped a new single, Baby Boo, and a video for it. The song was produced by Popito and the video was shot in Cape Town, South Africa. We thank God that we are able to still do music. We are already making another video and I promise that 2015 will be a different story for my fans.

for Christmas. We planned to release Jingle Bell last year, but we could not get sponsor for the video and there were other delays too. So we had to postpone it till this year. On January too, my birthday, I will be dropping another song. Are you satisfied with your accomplishment so far in comedy? Things can only get better, but I think I am doing well for myself. I won the Naija vs. Jamaica comedy competition together with another Nigerian some years ago. I am the first Nigerian to be nominated at the prestigious Black Entertainment Comedy Awards in the United Kingdom. I have been nominated twice at the Nigerian Future Awards in 2007 and 2008 as well as Dynamix Youths Awards in 2007 and 2008. I finally won Dynamix in 2009. I was also awarded as the Best Nigerian Comedian in the UK and Young Achiev-

Are you satisfied with the growth recorded in the music industry at present? We are improving our skills and the videos we put out. We are always collaborating with top celebrities across the world and that is a good omen. And if you pay attention to the development you will see that some other countries, especially African countries, are using us as standard. Artistesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pay for shows has increased; we are getting more endorsement deals and bringing more awards home. Who would you say is your biggest fan? My mum I would say. She knows the lyrics of all my songs. My parents never had problem with me doing comedy or music despite being academics. What they wanted was that I should finish school before I could go into music or comedy. I started music like three years ago when I moved to Nigeria. I used to live in London and I actually spent eight years there. How do you handle female fans? We have been doing this for a while and we are getting used to it. Though it could be hard sometimes, this is what we used our hands to buy so we need to face it. What are your long term plans? I want to be a household name in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a comedian and musician. And I want to have more endorsement deals.

The industry is getting more competitive; how do intend to remain relevant? I will still be doing my same style, my same music that I have been doing. It is just that next year I will be combining music a lot with comedy. I am not competing with anyone; I am just doing what I love to do best. So how was your first experience on stage as a musician? Everything happened so sudden. It looked funny to me because before then I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dance on stage. I just do jokes and make people laugh. I must admit that I was a bit shy, but I got used to it later on. What kind of music do you do? I do afro-pop. How was growing up like? I have two siblings and I was born in Katsina State. I later moved to Lagos at the age of five. I am a Yoruba boy from Kogi State. My parents were university lecturers and I had a comfortable upbringing. My parents provided us the basic things we needed.

Wande Coal, Olamide, Oritsefemi, others for 2014 Lasgidi All-Stars Some of Nigeria's finest musicians have been confirmed as performing artistes for the Lasgidi All-Stars concert billed to take place December 5 at the Vantage Beach Resort, Lekki in Lagos. MTV Base's VJ Ehiz and Cool FM OAP Shine will both anchor proceedings. The talented duo now joins an impressive line-up of artistes such as Wande Coal, Wizkid, Olamide, Oritsefemi,

Orezi, Chidinma, Cynthia Morgan, Rayce, Samklef, Erigga, K Switch, JJC, Fricker, Monica Oga, iMike, Flex, Mr 2kay and Solidstar. The executive producer of the concert, Akpor Donell Gbemre, said more established artistes will be confirmed for the concert in the coming days. Also, the spokesperson for the concert, Ahmed Boulor, revealed that "fans and lovers of great music are in

for an exciting time-out on December 5. With Ehiz and Shine now confirmed as hosts of the event, it is surely going to be a memorable night looking at the artistes set to grace the concert." The company behind the Lasgidi All-Stars concert, 411 Entertainment, is the organiser of the Green White Green Carnival in 2009. The annual All-stars Concert Franchise has been introduced since 2007.

Chidinma

Wande Coal

Showbiz

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

How we crossed the Rubicon

– Kids of rich Nigerians in showbiz Their stories are enigmatic given the status of their parentsnone of whom earned fame and fortune from an industry as glitzy as showbiz. LANRE ODUKOYA chronicles the names of the kids of the rich and famous Nigerians whose parents surprisingly released to pursue fulfilment in entertainment.

REAL NAME- IFEOLUWA FLORENCE OTEDOLA SHOWBIZ NAME- DJ CUPPY This hip disc jockey is British-trained and the daughter of Forte Oil chief executive officer, Femi Otedola. She started disc-jockeying at the age of 16 and has just floated her own entertainment company called ‘RVMG’. DJ Cuppy is currently run-

REAL NAME- CHUKIE EDOZIEN SHOWBIZ NAME- LYNXXX

e’s the son of John Edozien, the first deputy governor of old Bendel State. He’s the chairman of Mercedes Benz Automobile Services Ltd. Nigeria, among many other companies he sits atop. Syndik8 Records recording artist and CEO of the label, Lynxxx, is the originator of Jollof Music, Africa’s first Pepsi brand ambassador and is one of the most exciting new artists on the African music scene. After 10 years of observing the industry from behind the scenes, he invaded the scene in December 2009 with the release of his first official single, Change your Parade, produced by Syndik8 in-house producer and partner ‘IKON.’ The single was an immediate hit, taking over the airwaves, dominating clubs and cultivating a significant following through online media. In December 2010, Lynxxx released his debut studio album ‘This is Lynxxx.’ The album boasts a rich combination of different musical genres from urban hiphop to contemporary RnB and infusions of Funkyhouse. This combination of diverse styles was fondly dubbed “Jollof Music” by Lynxxx which means the art of blending various genres to make good music. In 2010 Lynxxx became the first Nigerian artist to be endorsed by the global brand Pepsi, which set in motion his dream to become a global ambassador for Nigerian music. His endorsement sets him alongside Akon, the first African artist to be endorsed, as well as Rihanna, Madonna and the late Michael Jackson. And since that endorsement by Pepsi, many have argued that debutantes don’t clinch such mega deals and that Lynxxx’s dad must have facilitated it. The singer was to later respond in an interview with BellaNaija: “I’d like to clear that up. My father didn’t even know about me doing music or anything about Pepsi until I had signed the deal. I made sure my album was almost ready and had done the ground work before I told him. My father is an economist, so you have to display a cer-

DJ Cuppy and Otedola

Lynxxx (Inset: Edozien)

tain level of seriousness in what you’re doing. So, I made sure I had gotten to some level before I had a meeting with him to say this is what I want to do. Does my father work at Pepsi? No. Does my father know anybody in Pepsi? No. People will always talk. I might come from a well-to-do background but if people know my family, they’d know that it’s a family where you don’t get handed out things.” Aside from his musical career Lynxxx is also an entrepreneur who has established various lucrative businesses prior to the launch of his musical career. These

include his clothing line (Syndik8 Denim), a digital recording studio (Red Room Studio) where various Nigerian artists like Sasha, MI, Ikechukwu etc have recorded), and a media company Happy Teddy Media (HTM) & Syndik8 films. Albums- This is Lynxxx, Dec 2010 (available on iTunes & Amazon) Singles -Change your Parade feat Ikon, Dec 2009: produced by Syndik8 in-house producer, Good Luvin feat Wizkid, Jul 2010, International feat Dj Caise, Aug 2010 Change your parade feat R2Bees, Dec 2010, Alabukun feat Banky W, Feb 2011, Ice Cream Factory Nov 2011.

ning a master’s degree in Music Business in New York City University. She’s one of the characters in a Nollywood child animation movie titled ‘Secret princess.’ Interestingly so, when she has old school events to perform, her father (Femi Otedola), as busy as he seems often, helps her with the music selection. As a child, she loved and still loves ‘cupcakes’, hence her showbiz moniker, ‘DJ Cuppy.’ It might well interest you how her billionaire father, Otedola, and wife reacted to her choice of career after graduating from the King’s College, UK. “I have to say that I’m very lucky because I have the most supportive parents in the world. I think generally, what stops a lot of young people from following their passion is not having support. I mean moral support not necessarily financial. My parents push me to be a better person and be myself. I feel very fortunate to have parents that believe in me and are challenging me constantly. They just wanted me to pass my exams with a good grade which I did.” She launched her debut body of works which featured a galaxy of Nigerian star singers dubbed House of Cuppy on July 25. Her debut single, I Love My Country.

'He’s a strict dad who doesn’t bend rules and that made the whole story quite disturbing. In fact, he warned Mr. Olisa Adibua of Beat FM not to play my songs'

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

REAL NAME: NAETOCHUKWU CHIKWE SHOWBIZ NAME: NAETO C Naeto C is from Owerri in Imo State, born to former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ireland, Dr. Kema Chikwe and Chief Herbert Chikwe. His mother was a former aviation minister and a politician of note. He spent his early years in Owerri, particularly in a household very influenced by music. His fondness for music grew fast and was articulated into other creative art forms, most specifically poetry, which took him to various competitions and earned him accolades as a young poet. But the 32-year-old didn’t just coast home with ease; he got a score to settle with his parents. He was quoted from previous interview with HipTV: “My parents didn’t take the idea of me getting into music when I first started. They didn’t think it was a sustainable job, a sustainable career. The music industry wasn’t this advanced back here at that time as well, so it was something I wasn’t encouraged to pursue because the prospects were not attractive at that point in time based on the opportunities I already had...Now they’re cool with it actually.” He was working as an in-house producer with his newly discovered production team ‘ET-Quake’ (consisting of TY Mix and VC Perez), Naeto was able to display his production skills working with Storm artists like Sasha, Dare ArtAlade, GT the Guitarman, Disconnect, Saro-Wiwa and Nkiru. Within a year of working with the aforementioned artists, Naeto had successfully recorded

over 60 songs including his most recent album material (a bulk of which he coproduced with ET-Quake). A notable production achievement is the I Believe song Naeto C wrote and co-produced with VC Perez (member of ET-Quake) in which he featured an up-coming R&B/Gospel artist, Sheun and Hugh Masekela from South Africa. Within the same year Naeto C garnered a lot of experience performing from Ikechukwu’s album launch to Chanel O awards to the ‘I Believe Tour’ to ‘Always’ promo tour with Sasha and many more gigs, in preparation for the phenomenal MTN Homecoming Concert, headlined by a popular friend, Nigerian pop sensation, D’banj. Naeto C has recorded over 50 songs for his debut with production that transcends today’s hip hop sound according to MoHits Records in May 2008. From the Fela inspired ‘Lagos City Hustla’ the most articulate reflection of Hip-Hop/Afro-beat till date to the down-south-melody-stricken first single, ‘Sitting on Top,’ Naeto C has broken all boundaries and surpassed more limits than any up and coming artist, lyrically and production wise, MoHits Records was to later admit then. His debut album You Know My "P" was released in May 2008. He won at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2008 as the Best New Musician and his video won the Video of the Year in 2009 at the Channel O Music Video Awards. He got nominated as the Artiste of the Year at The Headies 2012 and his album as the Album of the Year at the same time.

Tillaman (Inset: Oba Adeyemi)

REAL NAME: DAMILOLA AFOLABI SHOWBIZ NAME: L.A.X

After Wizkid’s breakup from Banky W led Empire Music, his first sign-on on his new record label, Starboy Records in 2013 was L.A.X, the son of Taiwo Afolabi, the chairman of SIFAX Group and SAHCOL, a frontline player in shipping. L.A.X was featured by Wizkid in his popular single, Caro. For L.A.X, it has rather been a smooth ride as his dad, though pretty busy attending to his vast business interests, loves showbiz. “It’s actually not been hard to get my dad’s support because he was sure I won’t disappoint him. He wanted education first and we were able to pass that stage without rancour. So, he’s supporting me all the way now.” For Naeto C, who bragged about being the only Nigerian singer with a Master’s degree, the record has been broken as L.A.X has completed a master’s degree programme from the University of Manchester. Though relatively new on the scene, his claim to fame is the collaboration with Wizkid and his debut single dubbed, Ginger. The pop singer is 21 years old.

L.A.X (Inset: Afolabi)

Naeto C (Inset: Chikwe)

REAL NAME: ADEYEMI ADETONA SHOWBIZ NAME: TILLAMAN

This pop artist is a prince to the throne of Oyo kingdom. His father is the current monarch, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo. Recently, Tillaman was appointed the Music Ambassador of Oyo State by the state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, at the International Youth Day celebration organised by the state. Tillaman is an international recording artist known home and internationally for his sensual and melodic voice, engaging lyrics and exciting genre of R&B/Pop music. This Nigerian bred artist began to cultivate his knack for musical expression at an early age. In 2001, after he moved to the U.K., Tillaman decided to unleash the talent in him and share his passion and gift to the waiting world. Tillaman who is a singer, song writer, producer, arranger and music video director has had the honor of working with several established producers and artists. In addition, Tillaman has written and produced with artist such as Bouqui, JJC Skillz and his co-label owner, Dolla Billz. He has also performed with fellow A-list recording artists like Lloyd Banks, Montel Jordan, MoHits stars, Dotstar to mention but a few. The liberal nature of the kingdom from where he had an early breeding before he travelled to the UK made his story incursion into music really effortless. His father, Alaafin of Oyo is one who believes in modernity while not jettisoning old values. Though he’s yet to mention the circumstance of his foray into music and how smooth the transition was, one could readily tell from the happenstances around the royal home. As at press time, Tillaman couldn’t be reached.

Showbiz

REAL NAME: DAVID ADELEKE SHOWBIZ NAME: DAVIDO Born to Dr. Deji Adeleke and late Vero Adeleke on November 21, 1992, Davido, is an American-born Nigerian recording artist, performer and record producer. His father is the founder of Pacific Holdings Limited, a company with investments in banking, steel, power and energy across Nigeria and Pro-chancellor, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State. In 2011, he co-produced and released ‘Dami Duro,’ a song well-received throughout Nigeria. Along with his elder brother, Adewale Adeleke, Davido is the co-owner of HKN Music, a record label home to Sina Rambo, B. Red and DeeKay. He has produced for numerous artists, including Naeto C, Skales, Tiwa Savage and Sauce Kid. In April 2012, he signed an endorsement deal with MTN Nigeria. On October 23, 2013, Davido partnered with Guinness for the ‘Guinness World of More’ concert. Davido has won a BET Award, a Kora Award, a Channel O Music Video Award, a Ghana Music Award, a Nigeria Music Video Award, two MTV Africa Music Awards, two African Muzik Magazine Awards, three The Headies Awards, seven Nigeria Entertainment Awards and two Dynamix All Youth Awards, among others. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Davido relocated to Lagos at a young age. He released his debut album Omo Baba Olowo in 2012, which includes the singles, Back When featuring Naeto C, Dami Duro, All of You, Overseas featuring Sina Rambo, Ekuro, Gbon Gbon and Feel Alright featuring Ice Prince. Davido has released the singles, Gobe, One of a Kind, Skelewu, Aye, and Tchelete (Goodlife) from his upcoming album slated to be released some in 2015. His was a fierce battle with a disciplinarian father who never saw light in a child without university degrees. “It was at first tough between my dad and I because he wanted me to complete whatever I started. He’s a strict dad who doesn’t bend rules and that made the whole story quite disturbing. In fact, he warned Mr. Olisa Adibua of Beat FM not to play my songs. He wants the family legacy protected. Even my manager, Kamal Ajiboye and some others had to beg my dad, but I think the acceptance and success of my debut single, Dami Duro, changed the equation. He even supported my first concert, O.B.O. (Omo Baba Olowo) and I’m grateful for his true love.”

Davido and Adeleke

ISIOMA MADIKE

Editor, Investigations isioma.madike@newtelegraphonline.com

Investigation SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH 22 NOVEMBER 2014

A child being immunised against polio PHOTO: DAILYPOST.NG

Paralysed with fear: The story of polio They may not have had the opportunity to go through the immunisation trips. They grew up to often navigate through hard terrain and the scorching weather, over rickety bridges, and through slums. They dealt with bedbugs, numerous bumps and scrapes. In some more volatile locations, there is also the threat of violence. That was punishing, both physically and emotionally. This is the story of polio, a medical condition that has dealt a devastating blow to humanity without boundaries. Isioma Madike, who encountered many sufferers from the streets and those that survived the scourge, tells the story of a bug that has hounded human race with impunity

Polio victims navigating a difficult terrain

PHOTO: NIGERIABESTFORUM.COM

very day, there is pain. Abuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right leg is an inch and a half shorter than his left, causing him to limp. His feet are misshapen, while his joints and muscles ache so badly. It is usually tough to go to sleep by the end of the day. Abu developed a fever and began stumbling dramatically. "My mother recognised the symptoms, and within a few hours she rushed me to the hospital," says Abu. However, the damage was done. Within days he was paralysed from the waist down. The full paralysis lasted only a few weeks, but his largely dysfunctional legs remained in pain. For more than a year, his mother massaged his son's limbs every three hours, even in the middle of the night, to keep his muscles from weakening. Eventually, Abu endured eight surgeries, many of which were unsuccessful. "In those days, doctors didn't always know what they were doing," he says. He regularly wore a leg brace,

and he was confined to a wheelchair after each surgery. Abu realised that he was not the same as other children. When he lost his balance and fell over, his four older, healthy siblings would rush to pick him up. "But other kids could be very mean. They would imitate the way I walked," he recalls. "I remember that in form six, I decked a girl for doing it. She never made fun of me again." The social ostracism grew worse as he got older. During a dance in the junior school party when Abu was about 13, students were playing a game in which the boys each tossed a shoe into the middle of the party. "A girl, who liked you would pick it up and bring it back to you and ask you to dance," says Abu. "My clunky orthopedic shoe was the only one that didn't get picked up. I was sitting in the benches with one bare foot and couldn't walk down to get it. A girl fiCONTINUED ON PAGE 33

SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

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AFCON

I was sad despite my goals, says Aluko p.27

EPL

Rumble at the Emirates as Arsenal, Man Utd clash

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My dream is to play in Spain someday – Mfon Udoh p.31

LifeStyle

Ideye in paternity row p.32

Emenike

These Eagles must go! • Lawal, Nwosu, others cry out

Vincent Eboigbe

The Team

Vincent EboigbelAssistant Editor Ajibade Olusesan l Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

ollowing Wednesday’s failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the African Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea next January, a clutch of former Nigeria internationals Henry Nwosu, Garba Lawal, Emeka Ezeugo, Waidi Akanni - are disposed to not just the sacking of the coaching crew, but the entire team. Nigeria’s campaign in the qualifiers has been at best jerky and the final coup de grace came on Wednesday when the Eagles laboured to a 2-2 draw against South Africa on home soil, a result that condemned coach Stephen Keshi and his players to missing the biennial championship. Nigeria managed a total of eight points from six matches, losing two, one at home to Congo and another away to Sudan, drew both encounters against South Africa and beat Congo away and Sudan at home. “We must admit that we don’t have the quality of players, most of these guys cut corners to get to the global stage and it has become very obvious. They didn’t go through the rigours that would have prepared them for action at this level,” noted ex- Eagles

midfielder Ezeugo. “These are players who cannot chase or fight for the ball for three minutes. Even small opponents bash them off the ball. In our time, Emmanuel Amuneke and Austin Okocha were about the smallest, but you couldn’t collect the ball from them. We had individually talented players who would rise to the occasion during tough times, but it is not so with this team. They are not talented and also don’t have the strength to compete with opponents. “Ogenyi Onazi, the only player who will fight for the ball, gives it away after winning it. Look at Efe Ambrose, I wonder where they got him from, despite my age at over 50 and as unfit as I am, I will play better than Ambrose. Mikel Obi will stroll for all of 90 minutes without any intensity. It goes without saying that many of these players have no place in that team.” “The coaching crew is also not up to the task. Given the quality of players that we have, we need a tactically sound coach to get the best out of them, make them do the simple things, unfortunately CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Ambrose

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22 NOVEMBER 2014

Nigerian League Rendezvous

Giwa FC relish successful season G

Ogunjobi

Ogunjobi associates with 3SC’s success

hairman of Prime FC of Oshogbo, Taiwo Ogunjobi, has congratulated Shooting Stars of Ibadan for regaining promotion to the premier league. The Oluyole Warriors gained promotion on the final day of the season after a 1-0 victory over promotion rival Akwa Starlet. While congratulating the two promoted sides from the Nigeria National League Group B, Shooting Stars and Gabros FC of Nnewi, Ogunjobi said both teams deserved the promotion going by their outstanding soccer display during the season. The former Nigeria Football Federation’s chairman of chairmen was also incidentally a former chairman of the two clubs. “I would like to congratulate Shooting Stars and Gabros’ chairmen/general managers, technical staff, players and supporters for winning promotion tickets ensuring that they will be competing in the Nigeria Premier League 2014/15 season. “I must applaud them for putting up spirited performances towards securing promotion,” he said.

Crown’s Charles Etuwe (right) battling for the ball with Akwa United’s Aniekpeno Udoh

Intrigues, suspense on season’s final day

o much drama trailed the final day of the Nigeria Professional Football League as the 2013/2014 league season finally came to an end last Sunday. Before the final match of the season, Kano Pillars' the defending champion' had already confirmed their position at the top of the league while the trio of Nembe City, Crown FC and Kaduna United were already relegated. With a home game on the final day against Abia Warriors, Gombe United were the favourite to escape relegation. The duo of FC Taraba and Bayelsa United were however given a daunting task of an away game against Sharks and Heartland respectively. Gombe United were able to do their part of the bargain by defeating their guest 4-1, but a rare away victory by FC Taraba and Bayelsa United condemned the Savannah Scorpions to their first relegation in almost 20 years. Sharks could be excused for losing their game considering the team’s build up to the game, but Bayelsa United’s victory in Owerri leaves room for some questions. Immediately after the game, the Naze Millionaires coach, Kelechi Emeteole, came hard on the

Esieme, Udoji to leave Enyimba

here are strong indications that Enyimba’s duo of Bright Esieme and Chinedu Udoji may be playing their club football for another club next season. Speaking with our correspondent, Esieme said discussion was ongoing with the trio of Heartland, Warri Wolves and another northern club. “Enyimba have been good to me, but it is time I sought another challenge because the game is all about new challenges. “I have not been playing regularly in recent time and the only way for me is to look for another club where I will be given opportunity to play more,” Esieme said. On his own part, Enyimba

captain, Chinedu Udoji, said he was not sure where he would be playing his club football next season. Udoji said: “I still have one more game to play for Enyimba this season, the Federation Cup final against Dolphins, and after the game I will be going for vacation with my family. “After the game I don’t know where I will be playing next season, but I will sit down with Enyimba to discuss my future, if we agree on a new contract then I will be here next season. But if not, then I will look elsewhere.” He however said some clubs had already opened discussions with him and hopefully something concrete will come forth soon.

centre referee for openly cheating his team. “It was sheer conspiracy on the part of the referee to openly cheat us in the encounter against Bayelsa United. The centre referee dealt with us as shown in Bayelsa United’s second goal that was a glaring offside but the referee shockingly allowed the goal. “At a point, I asked myself what kind of football we’re playing in Nigeria that the referee will be openly biased and unfair with his calls and at the end of the day his decision still stands. “It was quite a disgraceful act on the part of the referee. We’re not against any team coming to Owerri to win fairly but not to be aided by the referees,” Emeteole, called Caterpillar in his playing days, said. Warri Wolves also secured qualification to play on the continent after a hard fought 2-2 draw away to Nasarawa United in Lafia. Champions Kano Pillars and Enyimba will represent the country in next year’s CAF Champions League while Warri Wolves and Dolphins will play in the Confederation Cup.

iwa FC of Jos are basking in the euphoria of their first outing in the Nigeria Professional Football League as the club ended the season on a high, finishing fourth on the final log, a spot shy of continental ticket. The privately owned club took the league by storm and for sheer bad luck would have finished in third position ahead of Warri Wolves who claimed the last continental ticket. Speaking with League Rendezvous, the club’s first choice goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo, said it was a glorious season for the club. “Nobody gave us any chance in the league this season, but they were all surprised by what we have been able to achieve this season. “It is not our making but God’s and hard work. We work and pray together as a family irrespective of religious beliefs and family background, we are one here. “Our chairman, Chris Giwa, has always been supportive financially to ensure the team achieves its aims,” he said. The captain of the side, Charles Henlong, said they had surpassed their target this season. He said: “Our target at the beginning of the season was to stabilise in the league, but I am happy we actually surpassed people’s expectation. “Everybody should look out for us next season as our target will be to win the league next season.”

Glo league table No.

Team

Kano Pillars

Enyimba

Warri Wolves

Giwa FC

Pts

Nasarawa Utd

Lobi Stars

-6

Abia Warriors 38

-7

Rangers

Dolphins

Heartland

Sunshine

Taraba

-6

Sharks

El-Kanemi

Bayelsa Utd

-4

Akwa Utd

-7

Gombe Utd

Crown

-26

Kaduna Utd

-22

Nembe

-50

Henlong Top scorer 1. Mfon Udoh Enyimba 23 2. Emem Eduok Dolphins 20 3. Peter Ebimobowei Bayelsa United FC 18 4. Ighodaro C. Osaguona Rangers Int’l FC 16 5. Salami Gbolahan Warri Wolves FC 16 6. Christian Pyagbara Sharks FC 14 7. Adamu Hassan Kano Pillars FC 14 8. Ibrahim Shuiabu Giwa FC 14 9. Rabiu Ali Kano Pillars FC 12 10.Peter Onyekachi Abia Warriors FC 11

22 NOVEMBER 2014

AFCON ouster

Ajibade Olusesan uper Eagles striker, Sone Aluko, has said he is not a happy man despite hitting both goals in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with South Africa in the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifier on Wednesday. Nigeria went down 2-0 and Aluko came off the bench to level up and save the country from falling to the Bafana Bafana for the first time in a competitive match. But those goals could not help the team book a ticket to the tournament. Incidentally, Wednesday was the first time the Hull City winger would score for the country since he got full international call-up in 2012. He said what should have been a proud moment for him sadly turned to a nightmare because the team failed to grab the three

Vincent Eboigbe x-internationals that went for President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration for the presidency rally last week were left stranded, New Telegraph can reveal. Several of the retired footballers that were conscripted to add spice to the event in Abuja were not immediately paid the money they were promised by those who organised the programme. A photo that had former goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, and midfielders Dahiru Sadi and Austin Okocha as well as strikers Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Agali went viral on social media after the Abuja event. The number was not however limited to these players. Taribo West was said to have been furious over the whole episode. An authoritative source who doesn’t want his name in print said that Kanu who invited friends just like Okocha

Charles Ogundiya

points. He said he would have been on cloud nine if the Eagles had won the match but he could not believe that they would struggle that as much as they did. “Ordinarily, this should have been a proud moment for me, scoring my first international goals but as you can see I can’t celebrate because they were not good enough to qualify Nigeria for the Nations Cup. We wanted to qualify, we fought for ourselves but I can’t say what really happened,” he said. He apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the team to make it to Equatorial Guinea saying that: ”What can I say than to tell Nigerians to forgive us? We love them, we appreciate their support for this team but we let them down. I will urge them to leave behind this pain and look forward to the future.”

Jonathan’s rally: How ex-stars were left stranded in Abuja and Rufai also did, was originally supposed to coordinate the ex-internationals, but was upstaged by Okocha as soon as the retired midfielder arrived Abuja. This situation, the source added, was no big deal compared to the way the footballers were left to their own expedients after they had held up their own end of the bargain. “The ex-players were left stranded in Abuja after the declaration. The money (N1m) that was promised each of them was not forthcoming. It was a classic case of use and dump,” said the source. “It is sad that we can treat our national icons in such an embarrassing manner. I do agree that the players themselves do not often cover themselves in glory with the way they frolic with politicians, but that is not enough for the Peoples Democratic Party to besmirch the image of these guys in this way. It is a big shame.”

NTF looking forward to Rio Olympics, says Ashiru

resident of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, George Ashiru, has described the success of Team Nigeria at the 6th Commonwealth Taekwondo Championship in Scotland as a precursor of good things to come ahead of the Rio Olympics in 2016. “It is firstly a morale booster for Nigerian Taekwondo as we have discovered new stars. Each of the medalists won important ranking points. It is still a long road to qualifying for Rio because other African countries' athletes are all over the world competing regularly and packing up points,”said Ashiru. “2015 big events like the African Games, the World Champions, the World Team Cup, and the Rio Continental qualifying tournaments are event we must attend. The athletes are there, so, with the right resources, we can achieve whatever we put our mind to do.” On the performance of the team to the Scotland meet, Ashiru was similarly excited “Team Nigeria made the biggest impact at the Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships. We won 10 medals with only 15 athletes, a success rate better than teams with much larger numbers. We placed top five at the events, we won "Best Referee" award via Ms. Margaret Binga (NTF Vice President).

t is certainly the most glamorous, historical and traditional game in Nigerian football. The 2014 edition of the oldest competition in Nigeria, the Federation Cup will be coming to a grand finale on Sunday. Enyimba will be looking to clinch their third title in six years when they take on Dolphins in the final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday. Both teams will likely be relieved that this game comes up after the Premier League season ended. The Aba giants secured their position on the continent while Dolphins ended their season in mid table after an indifferent season. The game will be about the two teams but a sub plot will be the matchup between the two most outstanding strikers in the just concluded season, Mfon Udoh and Emem Eduok. Mfon recorded a whopping 23 premier league goals for Enyimba during the season while also scoring two goals in the Federation Cup. On his part, Eduok got 20 goals in the premier league and another three goals in the Federation Cup. In the women’s category, another Port Harcourt -based side, Rivers Angels, will be taking on Sunshine Queens in the final. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has set aside N4.5 million as prize money for the eventual winners of this year’s edition of the Federation Cup. The state Commissioner for Sports, Enitan Oshodi, said: “The winner of this year’s final competition would get the sum of N2m, just as the runners up would also get the sum of N1m. We have also set aside the sum of N1m and N500,000 respectively for the winner and runners up in the women’s final.” The commissioner also revealed that arrangements have been put in place to honour some heroes of the Federation Cup like Aloysius Atuegbu, Sunny Dankaro, Ogidi Ibeabuchi and Ayo Ositelu who are all late. Those still alive to be honoured are: Jonathan Nwaiwu, George Hassan, Herbert Omokhaye, Kadiri Ikhana, Henry Ogboe, Peter Fregene, Yomi Peters, Festus Okubule and Peter Anieke.

2014 Federation Cup semi final between Enyimba and Giwa FC in Abeokuta

These Eagles must go! CONTINUED from PAGE 45

Ex-internationals from left: Peter Rufai, Dahiru Sadi, Austin Okocha, Victor Agali and Nwankwo Kanu...they were part of President Goodluck Jonathan's declaration in Abuja last week

Federation Cup: Enyimba, Dolphins set Lagos on fire

I was sad despite my goals, says Aluko

Sport

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

that has not been the case.” For former Super Eagles midfielder, Lawal, South Africa despite the fact that they have qualified still bullied Nigeria as if their lives depended on it. “The Bafana Bafana were aggressive from the very beginning. We gave them the chance to take not just the first goal but the second as well and at home That is suicidal. The team’s backline was terrible, in fact the entire team was poor. It is a team sport and the entire side should be held responsible,” said Lawal. “The players may not be the best you can find, but another coach can take this set of players and achieve success. It all depends the coach’s approach and what he wants, but that sadly was lacking.” Another ex-international, Akanni, noted that football was about winning and losing but that

the way a team loses was important. “If a team loses gallantly, the fans won’t complain, they can take that in their stride. Our players and coaches were just not there on Wednesday and the result tells the story,” Akanni said. “We have to go back to the drawing board and find a way to get the kind of players that can do a good job going forward. The current players have not shown the determination and hunger required at this level.” Nwosu was similarly dismissive of the output of not just the players but of the coaching crew. He however added that the call was for the Nigeria Football Federations and Nigerians to make with regard to the coaches. “The players didn’t do well, they didn’t play with any focus. I blame them entirely for the dilemma we find ourselves. I think we have players everywhere that can step in. We can invite them to get a better Super Eagles. As for the coaches, I can’t say much; the NFF should decide their fate,” Nwosu said.

NO TEAM

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PREMIER LEAGUE

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anchester United put the bitter taste of their derby defeat to Manchester City behind them with a gritty 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. They can make it two wins in a row this Saturday when they face archrivals Arsenal who are coming off a shocking upset loss to Swansea over the weekend. Both teams have had a poor start by the high standards set by clubs of their size, however a win for either side will take them into the Top 4 if other results go their way. It will also be a big game for former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie who will no doubt be jeered by the home fans, and will want to prove he still merits a starting spot in this United side. Arsenal will have to make do without Mathieu Debuchy, Mesut Ozil, Vassiriki

Diaby. Players close to returning are David Ospina, Laurent Koscielny, Mikel Arteta and Serge Gnabry. Strikers Danny Welbeck and Oliver Giroud are both a small doubt but have a good chance of featuring. United are reported to be without Rafael, Marcos Rojo and Jesse Lingard, while there are concerns over the availability of David De Gea, Luke Shaw, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Angel di Maria, Daley Blind, Ashley Young, Michael Carrick and Radamel Falcao.

Head-to-head ARSENAL MAN U Played 177 177 Won: 60 76 Drawn: 41 41

Alexis Sanchez is the man to watch in the Arsenal shirt, he has almost singlehandedly kept Arsenal afloat in recent matches, with six goals in the last four games, therefore contributing 75% of the Gunner’s goals with a total of eight scored by the team. He had a slow start when he arrived at the London club, with huge expectation following three fantastic seasons at Barcelona and an impressive World Cup performance for Chile, but he has sure made an impression now. With a several potential major absentees for United, like Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao, it will lie on the captain, Wayne Rooney, to provide a match-winning performance, as he has for his country during international duty, to carry this possibly weakened team and keep up United’s fine record against Arsenal.

Rumble at the EmirateS As Arsenal, Man Utd clash

La Liga Saturday Atl. Madrid v Malaga Eibar v Real Madrid Barcelona v Sevilla Deportivo v Real Sociedad Sunday Vallecano v Celta Vigo Levante v Valencia Elche v Cordoba Villarreal v Getafe

Serie A Saturday Atalanta v Roma Lazio v Juventus Sunday Torino v Sassuolo Cesena v Sampdoria Napoli v Cagliari Parma v Empoli Udinese v Chievo Verona v Fiorentina AC Milan v Inter

Bundesliga Saturday Bayern v Hoffenheim Hannover v Leverkusen Mainz v Freiburg M’gladbach v Frankfurt Paderborn v Dortmund Schalke v Wolfsburg Koln v Hertha Sunday Hamburg v Bremen Stuttgart v Augsburg

Premier League Saturday Chelsea v West Brom Everton v West Ham Leicester v Sunderland Man City v Swansea Newcastle v QPR Stoke v Burnley Arsenal v Man United Sunday Crystal Palace v Liverpool Hull v Tottenham

FIXTURES

Global Football Special

orussia Dortmund will be keen to string together a good run of form after ending a seven-match winless run streak the Bundesliga last time out. The Signal Iduna Park outfit has endured a dismal start to the season and had even momentarily slipped to the foot of the German top flight prior to beating high-flying Borussia Monchengladbach before the international break. Next up for Jurgen Klopp's men is a trip to Paderborn, who have acquitted themselves well since winning promotion at the end of last season, but come into Saturday's clash on the back of a 3-0 loss to Augsburg. Dortmund are boosted by Marco Reus' return to the side following an ankle injury this week, while Nuri Sahin is also nearing a first-team comeback after missing the start of the season due to knee surgery. "I am pain free and just happy that I can be on the pitch again," Sahin told Bild. "I hope that I might get a few minutes playing time in our test game this week. I want to finally help the team again."

Dortmund look to build form, Bayern host Hoffenheim B

Reus

Sport

Serie A

Moyes

Saturday. The former Manchester United manager was appointed on an 18-month deal in his first job since being sacked at Old Trafford in April. Moyes has been welcomed by Sociedad players, with the team sitting 15th having upset Atletico Madrid last time out. Sociedad midfielder Markel Bergara, who insisted the language barrier was no issue, has been impressed by the Scot. Eibar face the daunting task of attempting to stop Real Madrid's 13-game winning run at Estadio Municipal de Ipurua on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti's side has soared to the top of the Liga table on the back of a run of eight consecutive victories in the Spanish top flight and will be expected to extend that sequence in their first league encounter against Eibar. Real have also taken on all comers in the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey and Ancelotti will be eager for his side to carry on where they left off before the two-week international break.

Moyes, Sociedad visit Deportivo La Coruna avid Moyes takes charge of Real D Sociedad for the first time in a key La Liga trip to Deportivo La Coruna on

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28 SATURDAY N 22 nove

11 28 11 25 11 21 11 20 11 19 11 19 11 17 11 17 11 16 11 14 11 13 11 13 11 12 11 12 11 10 11 10 11 10 11 8 11 7 11 6

Bundesliga

Juventus Roma Napoli Sampdoria Lazio Genoa AC Milan Udinese Inter Milan Verona Fiorentina Palermo Sassuolo Torino Cagliari Empoli Atalanta Chievo Cesena Parma

11 29 11 25 11 21 11 18 11 18 11 17 11 16 11 16 11 15 11 14 11 14 11 14 11 13 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 9 11 9 11 8 11 7

oberto Mancini has been handed a baptism of fire on his return to Inter - starting with a crucial Serie A derby against Milan on Sunday. Mancini - who replaced Walter Mazzarri at the helm of the Italian giants last week - is not afforded time to settle into the top job. Instead, a meeting with their city rivals and a clash with Roma are up first domestically for Mancini, who led the club to three successive titles and two Coppa Italia successes in a four-year tenure that ended in 2008.

Nico Rosberg has told title rival Lewis Hamilton to keep his racing clean as the two go head-to-head for the championship at the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Rosberg is 17 points behind Hamilton, but in with a shot at the title if he wins Sunday's race and his team-mate finishes outside the top two positions. Mercedes has been the dominant force this year, with 11 one-two finishes, meaning Rosberg needs an unusual result to stand a chance of winning his first title. "Lewis can do something to keep it clean, which is drive cleanly himself," he said. "So it's not like he can't do anything."

Nico Rosberg

Mohammad Hafeez is confident he will overcome the scrutiny on his action but added that he had never viewed himself as much of bowler and would continue to focus on his batting at international level. "I never considered myself an offspinner," Hafeez told reporters at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore following his release from the Test squad in UAE. "I am a batsman and honestly I never even rated myself as a bowler. I just bowl naturally, bowl straight deliveries and some spin. It's not like I do it myself to control the variation.

Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka left the ATP World Tour Finals feeling wrecked last weekend but said he had fully recovered for the Davis Cup final against France. The world number four wasted four match points in losing a tight semi-final to Roger Federer in London last Saturday when he fumed at his team mate's wife for heckling between serves. "Clearly on Saturday night I was destroyed. It was difficult to accept that loss. I did everything I could to win that match," Wawrinka told a news conference on Thursday after the draw ceremony fort this weekend's Davis Cup final. "Sunday was also a difficult day. It's always difficult to take. I was hurt."

Stan Wawrinka

The 49-year-old has since managed Manchester City and Galatasaray and takes over an Inter side languishing in ninth - 12 points adrift of leaders Juventus after just 11 matches. Inter have won just four Serie A games this term and trail the seventh-placed Milan by a point. Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari knows just how much the match means for players and supporters, having played for both sides, and believes victory at San Siro could kick-start his current employers' Mancini season.

San Siro boils as Mancini begins Inter reign

Milan Derby

SPORT BRIEFLY

NO TEAM P PTS 1 R'Madrid 11 27 2 Barcelona 11 25 3 Valencia 11 24 4 A'Madrid 11 23 5 Sevilla 11 23 6 Malaga 11 21 7 Celta Vigo 11 20 8 Villarreal 11 15 9 Getafe 11 14 10 Eibar 11 13 11 Bilbao 11 12 12 Espanyol 11 11 13 Vallecano 11 11 14 Granada 11 10 15 Sociedad 11 9 16 Almeria 11 9 17 Deportivo 11 9 18 Elche 11 9 19 Levante 11 9 20 Cordoba 11 6

La Liga

1 Chelsea 2 Souton 3 Man City 4 West Ham 5 Swansea 6 Arsenal 7 Man United 8 Newcastle 9 Stoke City 10 Everton 11 Liverpool 12 Tottenham 13 West Brom 14 Sunderland 15 Hull City 16 Aston Villa 17 C' Palace 18 Leicester 19 QPR 20 Burnley

Mohammad Hafeez

NO TEAM P PTS 1 B' Munich 11 27 2 Wolfsburg 11 23 3 M’gladbach 11 20 4 Hannover 11 19 5 Hoffenheim 11 17 6 Leverkusen 11 17 7 Augsburg 11 15 8 Mainz 11 15 9 Paderborn 11 15 10 FC Koln 11 15 11 Schalke 11 14 12 Frankfurt 11 12 13 Freiburg 11 11 14 Berlin 11 11 15 Dortmund 11 10 16 Bremen 11 10 17 Hamburger 11 9 18 Stuttgart 11 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

incent Kompany has an outside chance of facing Swansea City on Saturday after returning to training ahead of schedule with Manchester City today Saturday following a recent calf injury. Kompany has been sidelined since sustaining the injury during City’s Champions League defeat at home to CSKA Moscow earlier this month. The City captain also missed Belgium’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Wales in Brussels last Sunday after coach Marc Wilmots revealed that the defender would be out of action for ‘10-12 days’ with the problem. Kompany has undergone intensive treatment at City’s new Etihad training centre since returning to Manchester on Monday, however, and he was able to participate in training alongside the rest of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.

Kompany in fitness race for Swansea clash

Kompany

Pato

ormer Milan man Alexandre Pato is the latest name linked with a move this January to Fiorentina, as they continue their striker search. Without Giuseppe Rossi and Federico Bernardeschi until into 2015, La Viola are strongly expected to reinforce their attack this mid-season. A host of names have been linked with the Artemio Franchi, including Sebastian Giovinco and Ciro Immobile, and La Nazione has thrown Pato into the mix. The Florentine outfit believes that he is set to end his Sao Paolo loan deal and that his parent club Corinthians are likely to be willing to temporarily send him out again from January. The suggestion is that a return to Italy is on the cards and that Fiorentina are considering a bid. However, club directors are also keen to first realise the player and his club’s intentions before moving forward with any offer.

Fiorentina tracking Pato F

arseille will try to maintain their grip on top spot in Ligue 1 versus Bordeaux amid controversy surrounding president Vincent Labrune. Labrune was among four people arrested on Thursday as part of an investigation into Andre-Pierre Gignac's transfer to the club in 2010, with judicial officials said to be attempting to establish whether members of Marseille's hierarchy received illicit commissions at the time of the striker's switch from Toulouse. Marcelo Bielsa's men could be forgiven for being distracted by the off-field issues enveloping the club, however, Marseille and Gignac – who has 10 Ligue 1 goals this sea-

son – cannot afford a slip up versus a Bordeaux side that sits just four points behind them in fourth position. The Provencal outfit could have dropped off the top by the time they take to the pitch at the Stade Velodrome on Sunday, with second-placed defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon in third both having the chance to leapfrog Marseille with their games taking place earlier in the weekend. PSG kick-off the French top flight's return from the international break with a trip to the Stade Saint-Symphorien on Friday to take on a Metz team that has surprised many with their strong form upon promotion to Ligue Marseille's Andre-Pierre Gignac 1 following a six-year absence.

Marseille face Bordeaux amid off-field chaos

Martinez

oberto Martinez has several injury concerns to contend with ahead of Everton's Premier League clash with West Ham at Goodison Park. Midfield duo Gareth Barry and James McCarthy sustained ankle and hamstring problems respectively in the Merseyside club's 1-1 draw at Sunderland last time out. Leighton Baines then pulled out of the England squad after suffering a hamstring injury in training during the two-week international break, while Darron Gibson complained of pain in his knee after playing for the Republic of Ireland against Scotland last Friday. Steven Pienaar (knee) and Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) will also be assessed along with Seamus Coleman (Achilles wound), while Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone (both knee), Antolin Alcaraz (dislocated shoulder) and John Stones (ankle) remain sidelined. Martinez is hopeful that his squad will not be significantly depleted when Everton attempt to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions on Saturday.

Martinez faced with injury concerns

NEW TELEGRAPH emBER 2014

Sport

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Super Falcons in celebratory mood...recently

Women’s football treated like poorer cousins – Onyedinma

Comfort Chukwu igeria has never won the FIFA World Cup and does not appear likely to break into the small group of nations that have won football’s ultimate prize in the foreseeable future. In fact, the best the Super Eagles have achieved at the World Cup are three round of 16 appearances in 1994, 1998 and 2014. On the other hand, their women’s counterpart, the Super Falcons, have been to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup and won the African Women’s Championship a record nine times, with their most recent success coming at last month’s tournament in Namibia which also earned the side a spot at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, holding in Canada. Such is the immense dominance of the Super Falcons in Africa that many football pundits have even backed them to someday become the first side from Africa to win women’s football biggest prize. Only this year, the U-20 women’s team secured a second-place finish at the U-20 World Cup in Canada. It was the second time over the past three U-20 tournaments that the country would be finishing in second place. And as the Super Falcons get set to return to North America next year, Nigeria Football Federation board member, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, who is also the chairperson and coordinator of the country’s women’s football league, believes the reigning African champions have a good chance of going all the way in Canada, especially if the team is given the attention they rightly deserve from the nation’s sports authorities. “They have a very good chance,” Onyedinma told New Telegraph. “But all I will say is that they should try and

prepare them the way teams from other parts of the world are prepared for tournaments of such magnitude. “In Africa we know how to juggle it, but the countries we are going to meet at the World Cup are not countries that prepare haphazardly. They get their teams well prepared. So, if we know we are going to play and bring the World Cup back home, we have to prepare the girls. “And if we do that, it may surprise you to know that we may bring the trophy home.” Bold words from Onyedinma, who has for some years now been the most prominent female voice in the male-dominated NFF board. But in a country where preparations begin only a few weeks to the commencement of tournaments it is shockingly amazing how some of the country’s teams have been able to excel at major championships. The lack of preparations haven’t always translated into fabulous results. And it is for this reason that Onyedinma is hoping that, with the backing of both the NFF and the sports minister, Tammy Danagogo, preparations can commence in earnest for the World Cup, which gets underway in June 2015. “We need to prepare but preparations are twofold,” she continued. “You have to prepare your mind and your body; that is mental and physical preparation. We have commenced the mental preparation but the physical one will commence soon. “After Christmas I know that the NFF board will do nothing else but to prepare for this World Cup. And

Onyedinma

the sports minister will facilitate that because I know the love he has for the girls and what he did for them when he visited them in Namibia where he vowed not to relent in his support for the team.” A common trend among Nigerian teams at international tournaments, especially the country’s male teams, is the endless bickering over match bonuses and allowances. In Namibia though, during the AWC, the Super Falcons, despite the small budget allotted for the championship by the NFF and the sports ministry, never complained – at least not in the open – over bonuses or allowances. And Onyedinma, who was with the team at the AWC, attributed this to the high level of discipline within the side. “Our challenge is usually money, but the girls did not complain. That's why the president and the minister of sports were full of praise for the girls for behaving even without their entitlements. Everyone who came around praised the girls for their high level of discipline,” recalled Onyedinma. “Most of our teams will cause chaos when you don't give them their entitlements. But our girls were able to conduct themselves. They were always ready to listen and do the things we asked them to do. “They exhibited good attributes, such as respect and discipline, and they were well-mannered and focused. The team was also very prayerful, and you know that when you pray from your heart, God will answer your prayers, and that was what worked for us in Namibia.” One other factor that worked in

favour of the Super Falcons as they regained the AWC title they had lost two years earlier to Equatorial Guinea, was the fact that the core of the current side came from the country’s women’s football league. Even the six overseas-based players brought into the side prior to the start of the AWC – Perpetua Nkwocha, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Esther Sunday and Desire Oparanozie – all began their respective football careers in Nigeria and were already key members of the side before embarking on their sojourn abroad in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece. More players will likely head overseas in the months leading up to the World Cup but Onyedinma is not in doubt about the source of the team’s most recent success. “It is through the league,” she declared. “When we travel out for tournaments people often come around to ask how we are able to produce very good players because of the way our girls play. “When they are playing football you can't help but enjoy the game, so we are often asked how we are able to teach them how to play football in such an entertaining way. But the truth is that we don't teach them anything new; we just do our programme in the national camp and when they go out there they win. “When we failed in Equatorial Guinea, we restructured the Premier League and now they get to play more matches, and this prepares the girls physically and improves their technique and skill level. “With this kind of preparation in place, when we get them into the national camp, we only have to do a little training to get what we want. This is why we don’t call so many of our players who are based overseas. “Besides, these professionals from overseas all came out from our league, unlike the male professional players who are sometimes discovered outside the country.” The Nigerian Women’s League, despite the competition it faces from its male equivalent, and the fact that some match venues were relocated owing to the prevalent security concerns in the country’s North-east, has grown in leaps and bounds in recent times and is now regularly shown on national TV – on the NTA Sports network. In addition, for the first time in what seems to be ages, there were no cases of walkovers or abandoned matches. Obviously, these were no easy feats to accomplish, but asked how it has been managing the women’s league and overseeing women’s football in the FA at the same time, Onyedinma replied: “It has not been easy because I know that there are monies that are supposed to be coming to the women’s league that have not been coming. “I have cried out and I know I will not walk naked on the streets before people will hear me that I'm suffering." She added: “But I know ears are hearing me and eyes are watching, and I know that it will come to an end soon.” Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later for the sake of Nigerian women’s football which, for the records, had two referees in attendance at the 1999 Women’s World Cup in the United States – Bola Elizabeth Abidoye and Omoleye Adeyemi Adeola. Now, that’s another point to savour for the so-called weaker sex.

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

My dream is to play in Spain someday – Mfon Udoh

Sport

Mfon Udoh hit the limelight when he broke the Nigerian league record of 20 goals in a season that earned him an invitation to the national team, the Super Eagles. He tells Charles Ogundiya how that feat has impacted on his career in this interview. He also gives insight into his ambitions and plans for the future. Excerpts… How does it feel scoring 38 goals in two seasons for Akwa United and Enyimba? My job as a striker is to score goals and I am grateful to my teammates who have helped me to get the goals. At the beginning of the just concluded season, I was finding it difficult to get the goals for Enyimba, but my teammates kept urging me on, and the reward is the top scorer award.

because of their preference for education, but when they saw my persistence and how good I was, they decided to give me their blessing. I have put in everything I have because it is what I love doing. I have kept at it and now I am reaping the reward of hard work. I am grateful to God that it is paying off now. My parents are so proud of how far I have gone and what I have achieved in my career.

Before the game against Kano Pillars, you said you wanted to score one more goal but you ended the game by scoring two goals, what has been the motivation? Usually, I don’t like putting pressure on myself, so that was why I said I was looking at scoring just one goal. One thing though immediately the first goal came, I knew I would score a second goal. I would have scored more in the second half, but I took my foot off the pedal because I had a minor injury and I didn’t want to aggravate it especially with the Federation Cup final coming up on Sunday. All the same, I am grateful to God for how He has been helping me.

You played against Ghana in your first international match for Nigeria, do you see yourself getting more of such invitations? It depends on the technical crew. The most important thing for me now is to continue working hard to improve myself to make sure my best is good enough and be ready whenever the opportunity comes. I believe the coach has a system he wants to play and I believe I will be called upon if I fit into his plans. Coaches know the players they want in their teams.

Did you believe you could achieve this level of success in such a short time as a player? Although I am a dreamer, I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be so fast. My dream was to hit it big, but I didn’t know it would come as fast as this. I am really grateful to God Almighty for what He has done in my life. The dream came faster than I expected. I have been working so hard to be at the top and for me to become the league top scorer in my second season in the premier league shows that hard work pays.

What is your target for the Federation Cup final? The game is very important to us as a team. We would have loved to win double this season, but now that we have lost the league, our total focus will be on the game against Dolphins. The team is battle ready to confront Dolphins on Sunday in Lagos. This will be my first Federation Cup final, and I want to lift it with my team. I am looking forward to contributing my quota for my team to lift the trophy.

How did you start your career as a footballer? I started like many young children playing on the streets. I was born in Cross River State and I started my career right there on the streets of Calabar. My first professional contract was with UNICEM Rovers before moving to Akwa United from where I moved to my current club, Enyimba, at the beginning of the current season. What was your parents’ reaction to your career? At first they were not in support

Udoh

Udoh in action for the Super Eagles

Although it is not going to be easy because Dolphins are a very strong team, but I am confident that Enyimba will carry the day and win the trophy for the second year running. You started badly with Enyimba, was it because of the new environment? Coming into a new team will surely affect most players. It is not every player that will be privileged to fit into a new team immediately, it takes some time for players and mine was not an exception. Immediately I was got used to the team, I started getting the goals and that finally helped my team to achieve what we achieved this season. Outside football, who is Mfon Udoh? A young man from Akwa Ibom State, born and bred in Cross River State, Calabar precisely. Born into a family of eight, I love football something I chose as a career.

Every player’s ambition is to play abroad, what are your plans for next season? As a player, my ambition is to play outside the country, Europe to be precise. I have a dream of playing in Spain and I am sure I will achieve my goal soon. If you were not a footballer, what career would you have chosen? I would have been studying law because I have always loved to be a lawyer. If given the opportunity, will you still go for law? I don’t think I can do that again. I have to concentrate on my career as a footballer and as you know, law is time-consuming and very difficult. What has been the top scorer done for your career? It has made me popular and helped me in many ways. Let me just say it has given me fame as a young man. Who is the coach that has made the most long lasting impression on your career? I can’t mention a particular coach because all the coaches I have worked with have impacted greatly on my career as a player. They all contributed their quota to make me what I am today. I am very grateful to all of them. Do you now walk the street like a king or you are still your humble self? I am still a young boy trying to find his feet. I am yet to achieve anything in football that will now make me proud. I am still my humble self and I will never allow success to get into my head. Pride comes before destruction and I don’t want my career to be destroyed.

32 Sport Kaka ends nine-year marriage

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Lifestyle

New girl friend unveiled

“Learn to enjoy the way as much as you would enjoy when you reach the destination.” – Sakshi Chetana

aka has ended his nine year marriage to stunning WAG Caroline Celico. The news will come as a bombshell to the Brazilian legend’s fans. He has long been held up as a shining example of how a professional footballer should conduct his off the field life. Kaka and Caroline met each other as children and have been married for nine years. It is claimed that Kaka waited until they were married to lose his virginity to her – at age 23. They have two children together.

Ideye in paternity row

Celico

Swiss court has ordered Nigerian football star, Ideye Brown, to pay his former partner 216,000 francs in retroactive child support in addition to future monthly payments of 6,000 francs, Daily Mail reports. The striker who plies his trade with English Premier League team West Bromwich Albion, played for Swiss team Neuchâtel Xamax team from 2008 to 2010, where he began a relationship with a secretary at the club, the local newspapers L’Express and L’Impartial reported. The relationship continued after the footballer was transferred to Sochaux-Montbéliard, a second division French team, with his partner making regular trips to see him in France. Brown however broke off ties with the woman after she became pregnant with a baby boy who she gave birth to in January 2011. Brown denied responsibility for the pregnancy, but after three years of legal procedures, the boy’s mother gained a decision from a civil court, which ruled Brown is the child’s father, the newspapers reported. The court went ahead to declare that the woman had the sole right to care for the child while ordering the footballer to cough up the parental support. According to the ruling, the payments for the child are to increase to 7,000 francs a month when he turns six and 8,000 francs a month when is 12, payable until his studies are finished. Brown has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the decision or not. Brown did not show up at any of the court proceedings. The 26 year old joined the British Premier League at the beginning of this season although that has not prevented him from being dropped by Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi from the national team.

Why I slept with Courtois - De Bruyne’s girlfriend

he ex-girlfriend of Kevin De Bruyne, Caroline Lijnen, has explained why she cheated on the Belgian international with Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois back in 2012. The footballers are now no longer on speaking terms, but still have to work in close proximity with the national squad. Lijnen has claimed that she took revenge on De Bruyne with Courtois, because the goalkeeper listened, and cooked her a meal – something De Bruyne hadn’t done in three years! “Kevin cheated on me. I did not say anything for months because I couldn’t say anything, as Kevin’s parents said they would take legal action if I gave my story. I was under pressure and I could not have contact with Kevin. I respected everything. But in his book “Keep it Simple” Kevin wrote a passage about my affair with Thibaut. So, I decided to remain silent no longer.

Vucelic

Neymar’s new girlfriend flaunts bikini body

oraja Vucelic, who is the new girlfriend of Barcelona forward Neymar according to the Serbian media, hit the beach to show off her hot body in Montenegro this week. She apparently met Neymar in Ibiza and the couple kept in touch via Skype. The Brazil international recently sent a private jet to fly Soraja to Spain to spend some time with her.

Ideye and kids Stories courtesy Dailymail

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Investigations

We cannot and we will not stop fighting this disease until every child in Nigeria is safe from this crippling malady

An adult victim with his tricycle C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 4

nally handed it to me, but she didn't ask me to dance." Incidentally, Abu is not an isolated case. Kexter was six months old when he contracted polio. At age nine he was placed in a hospital until just after his first birthday. “I am not sure what type of polio I had, but I was never in an iron lung. Due to my illness, we travelled home by air and return back to Lagos by road,” he recalled. He had several surgeries to correct the muscle contraction that was occurring with his left foot throughout his childhood. Tendons were stretched, and a toe bone removed and inserted in the arch of his foot to try to keep it from curling. He always walked with a slight limp and could not stand flat on his left foot. A few years ago, he had another operation to stretch all the tendons and remove another toe bone to straighten the left foot, again. The gains made are already reversing. While never an athlete, he was always active. He could swim, ride a bike, walk and dance. He could never run no matter how hard he tried. His body simply could not accommodate running; his muscles could never figure it out. In spite of this extremely mild handicap, Kexter always participated in sports, trekking and swimming with friends. He always had friends, who encouraged him to participate with them no matter how pathetic his performance might be. He credits them with keeping him active with their “Just Do It Anyway” coaching. Since the age of 20 he has been doing yoga off and on. He now finds it to be the one physical activity that works well for him. By not having the abilities to be great physically, he turned to reading and mental pursuits, which have served him well. Excelling at school became his focus. He is today married, work full time in an executive position and gave birth to two children. However, Abu and Kexter are not

Photo: indepthafrica.com

alone. Musa came down with a raging fever when he was three years old. When his feet arched back to touch his head, his parents took him to the nearest hospital, where other people, who shared their techniques on dealing with polio, were quartered. He was put into an isolation ward and did not see anyone from his family for several years. Musa could still remember the masked figures in a large semi-circular room and the spotlights. He also remembered the smell of woolen blanket strips put into boiling hot water in washing machines and squeezed out before being wrapped on twisted limbs, which were abnormal. He remembered it now after being hypnotised as an adult because the memories were too traumatic for him for years, and he would remember them now only as nightmares. They moved to Lagos from Sokoto, where after much work, he was able to walk without crutches or braces by the time he was in junior high school. In his last years at school, post-polio symptoms set in, which he attributed to growing up. But, after a routine physical with his doctor, who referred him for further testing to a neurologist. It was the doctor that later diagnosed him with post-polio syndrome. Now he is fully grown and has had surgeries on both legs so that he can get around with limited help of a cane. Idayatu, a 38-year-old, is in that mould also. Today, she struggles to peddle her tricycle with her hands as she navigates the rain-lashed bylanes of Orile Agege, a suburb of Lagos. Idayatu contracted polio when she was three years old. Usually, riding the tricycle is not so strenuous. But, rains overnight usually sopped the paths in the area. When that happens, her handbreak is broken, making it even more difficult to maneuver. Yet, this mother of one, powers on, keeping pace with vaccination teams going house to house to administer the oral polio vaccine to children unChildren being immunised by community mobilisers der the age of five in her neigbour PHOTOS: POLIOERADICATION.ORG hood. If she comes across an open

drain that her tricycle cannot cross, she gets off and walks on her hands, or she takes a long detour around it and finds the path again. However, for anyone over the age of 50, polio still casts nightmarish shadows of babies entombed in iron lungs, hobbling in leg irons and adults confined in wheelchairs. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere in unstoppable epidemics, polio killed or paralysed millions, and mostly affected children. The disease grabbed headlines, stoked panic and drove massive fundraising campaigns. Doctors and scientists were powerless to prevent or treat the scourge at its early incursion. Polio, as Gareth Williams, one of the famous personalities that survived the blight suggests in his fascinating study, was one of the diseases that defined the 20th century. It is a disease that also defines the history of medicine. Polio was virtually unknown before the end of the 19th century. Although the disease was first noted in 1789, only isolated cases surfaced until the first epidemic struck a village in France in 1885. From then on, polio gathered strength; there were epidemics in North America from the 1890s, Scandinavia from the early 1900s and the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia over the following 40 years. Today, however, scientists blame sudden decline of the malady on better sanitation, which prevented babies coming into contact with the virus while they still enjoyed maternal immunity. Back here in Nigeria, the North is home to tens of thousands of polio victims. Inoculation efforts are all but free of the dreaded virus. But, the conservative North has deliberately, according to reports, trailed –behind, though, at its own painful cost. Ahead of October 24, 2014 observance of the World Polio Day, Rotary had announced $8.4 million in grants to help combat polio in Nigeria. The fund was part of Rotary’s broader contribution of $44.7 million to end the paralysing disease worldwide. The fund was earmarked to be used by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support high quality polio immunisation campaigns in Nigeria. The funding commitment comes as Nigeria celebrates a 90 per cent reduction in polio cases, with only six incidences cases recorded to date. Before now, Nigeria had reported the highest number of polio cases in the world. Along with Pakistan and Afghanistan, the country is one of only three countries where the wild poliovirus has never been stopped. “Our country should be incredCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Investigations

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

‘Polio cast nightmarish shadows'

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

ibly proud of the progress we have made towards ending polio in our borders,” said Dr. Tunji Funsho, Rotary’s National PolioPlus Chair for Nigeria. “However, even six cases are too many. We cannot and we will not stop fighting this disease until every child in Nigeria, and the world, is safe from this crippling disease.” In spite of this, experts have warned that Nigeria’s progress against polio, while significant, is fragile. The recent decline in polio cases in the country, according to those who should know, is due in large part to the attention of leaders at all levels of the Nigerian government in ending this disease. “High-level oversight of the polio programme must continue, even during upcoming presidential and state elections and during efforts to keep Ebola out of Nigeria’s borders,” said Funsho. Relief had equally come the way of Nigeria as the World Bank recently approved an additional credit of $60 million for its Partnership for Polio Eradication project. These funds are expected to help finance polio vaccines during the coming year as well as continue to support other aspects of primary health care in the country. This development, experts believe, is sequel to recent success the nation has achieved in combating polio vis-a-vis immunising children with oral polio vaccine. Making this known in a statement, Muhammed Pate, executive director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA), revealed that the achievement demonstrates the value of a unique model of performance-based development assistance and the commitment of Nigeria and its partners to a poliofree country. Pate stated that the result of this unique “buy-down” funding arrangement is the vaccination of the majority of Nigerian children with oral polio vaccine and a 95 per cent reduction in polio paralysis. The executive director noted that through the polio eradication effort, Nigeria has demonstrated it can deliver on new forms of development assistance and our partners have demonstrated their commitment to Nigeria. According to Pate, “the World Bank has recently confirmed, through an independent review, that Nigeria is succeeding. The development partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Unite States’ Centres for Disease Control and Rotary International have confirmed their “buy-down” of the loan, effectively converting it to a grant. “Other partners, including WHO and UNICEF, contributed to improved quality Immunisation Plus Days, (IPDs) helping Nigeria to reach the performance targets. The success of the 2003-2010 buy-down has paved the way for a new N9.3 billion ($60 million) World Bank credit for Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). The new credit will pay for the OPV required to vaccinate all Nigerian children under-five many times in campaigns, and rapidly stop transmission of the crippling poliovirus. Partners have pledged to pay off this credit as well provided Nigeria continues to reach the majority of children with OPV particularly in high-risk States,” Pate revealed.

Polio victim in a game of soccer PHOTO: POLIOERADICATION.ORG

y polio pled b OM ip r c s ND.C Adult IRALA O: NA PHOT

Binta, a volunteer community mobiliser with Sabiu and children

While expressing optimism that the new funding credit would provide a tremendous opportunity to eradicate polio in Nigeria, Pate disclosed that there is urgent work to be done in many northern states where crippling polio infections are still occurring. “These must be stopped through high-quality mop-up campaigns. To date, the polio virus has paralysed children in Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara states. This is because the quality of IPDs campaigns in some Local Government Areas is poor and routine immunisation is still low, leaving large pockets of children susceptible to the polio virus. One child paralysed with the poliovirus can silently infect 200 more unimmunised children, and rapidly cause explosive outbreaks,” he stated. For Onno Ruhl, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, “The few remaining cases of polio in Nigeria still represent a threat to global fight against polio, as the virus knows no borders and could still spread into more countries. Building on recent gains, the time is ripe to try to wipe out the disease from Nigeria for good through continued immunisation, and move a step closer to regional and global eradication.” The billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates, has warned that violence in Pakistan and Nigeria is threatening to derail his plan to eradicate polio in the world by 2018. He spoke as a number of polio workers and their protection teams were attacked and killed in Pakistan. Gates, who has poured billions of dollars into tackling the crippling disease, said that while polio remained endemic in just three countries, it was proving difficult to wipe out. "Nigeria and Pakistan are going to be tough. The Pakistan violence is evil," Gates said. The initiative, founded in 1988, spends about half a billion dollars annually to fight the virus around the world. The Gates Foundation pledged more than $300 million in

The few remaining cases of polio in Nigeria still represent a threat to global fight against the scourge

Another volunteer immunising a child PHOTO: EN.STARAFRICA.COM

2010, and Gates has promised the foundation will continue its support for years to come. Other money comes from Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the UN Foundation, the European Development Fund and the WHO. UNICEF is most often the power on the ground, training locals to administer the polio drops to children in their own villages. Among the international agencies that have commended Nigeria’s achievement in polio eradication is the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF). The organisation’s Executive Director, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, lauded Nigeria’s record achievement of over 83 per cent coverage on routine immunisation. In like manner, the Country Representative of the WHO, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz during 27th Expert Review meeting commended the effort of NPHCDA on polio eradication and affirmed that 2015 free polio in Nigeria is achievable following the achievement of the agency so far. He advocated continuous efforts in areas of information to the people and called on various communities to co-operate with health workers on this issue. Apart from these international donor agencies, there are also homegrown philanthropists and economic game-changers that have committed resources to the polio cause. One of such is Rotary International's Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor. Offor, who is the founder of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) is not just the leading African donor to Rotary International's polio efforts, he is also the Continent's most active and vocal advocate for the eradication of polio. A modest and self-effacing businessman, Offor, who is Executive Vice Chairman of the Chrome Group and Chairman of Kaztec Engineering Limited, has quietly steamed past his compatriots with an accumulated

total donation of $3.1 million to the polio eradication effort. Matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates 2-for-1 programme, an aggregate total of $9.3 million is now credited to Offor. Recognising these realities, Offor recently allocated considerable financial resources to establish a center for tracking polio cases in the country. The new office not only serves as a hub for advocacy but also a proving ground for polio related policies and inter-agency cooperation In fact, mega-philanthropist Ted Turner, the erstwhile owner of CNN and Time-Warner, in a recent article entitled "No Letting up Fight to end Polio", substantiates that over 75 per cent of all children in eight northern Nigerian states have been successfully immunised against polio in spite of a deadly insurgency and unprecedented insecurity in NorthEastern Nigeria. Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious virus that lives in the digestive tract and attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis in hours or days in one of every 200 children infected. It is marked by a severe and sustained high fever, muscle weakness and severe constipation. The child is highly infectious at this stage, and has, unknowingly, been so for days before the symptoms. The virus is easily transmitted through feces, dirty water and direct contact. There are two vaccines, oral and injected. They were developed by competing American virologists Albert Sabin and Jonas Salk in the 1950s-60s. Both were miraculous advances in public health: the injected Salk vaccine, which is largely used in the United States, where polio has been eradicated, and the oral Sabin vaccine, which is easier and faster to administer but will be effective only if it is kept cold. However, refrigeration is still a problem in the world's poorest communities, where electricity is unreliable.

Dear Love Doctor, 'I want to get my ex back!'

p.37

Life Experience 'My husband’s second wife tried to blackmail me' p.36

L ve&Lv ng SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

‘I found my life partner at the office' Confession They say that relationships are like trying on new dresses. You keep trying until you find the perfect fit. And in the game of love, it doesn't matter where you find your soulmate. In this moving story, office romance blossoms into a lifetime experience for one woman.

ROMANTIC QUOTES

’m Ibukun by name. IB for short. I met my man about nine months ago. He was working in our company’s head office, but he used to pass by the branch office where I worked once in a while. At first, he was like a complete stranger to me. But there was something inside of me, telling me something which I knew for sure, could never be wrong. I knew that someday, somehow, I’ll be able to know more about him. Maybe it was just wishful thinking. Or perhaps a dream within me finally came true. One day, the guy he was always coming to see at our branch office, invited me and our other colleagues for a quick snack at a fast food restaurant – Mr Bigg's. And that was it. We got each other’s numbers and from then on, we would text each other and then after quite some time, he decided to drop by our office andsee me. The moment I saw him again, there was really no extraordinary or special feeling that I felt. He was so gentle. He reached out for my hand and said “hi”. He was quiet though. He looked shy and very reserved. That night while lying on my bed, I knew that he would be the start of another chapter of my life. I just knew it and I was sure. The next time we met, I was surprised by the feeling I had the moment I saw him again. He might find it ludicrous that I still remember what he wore that night. He was in a yellow shirt and I found him so friendly and warm. We went to SilverBird Cinema and watched a movie. It was a long movie, and he took my hand and I laid my head on his shoulder. We stayed that way for the entire movie. And it felt good, really, to have his hands on mine. It felt like I’ve been holding his hands forever. After the movie, as we walked out of the movie house, I felt that my left leg had gone stiff and numb. It was so painful I couldn’t walk. Much to my surprise, he gently massaged my aching leg. And for a moment, I

looked at him and I asked myself, was he really touching me? Was he really the one rubbing my leg? His touch alone felt so good. It was like I had known him for so long. My leg felt better and I felt extremely good inside. And that was it. Before I knew it, he had stolen my heart. I decided that maybe there was nothing

“She had two lips like strawberries, and the seeds gave her kisses texture. I preferred kissing her over two scoops of vanilla ice cream.” ― Jarod Kintz

wrong if we give it a try. And from then on, he was everything to me. I would wake up each morning and sleep at night with him in my mind. Just the thought of him brightens my mood. There are days when I feel so lonesome but by just the mere sound of his voice, everything in me changes so fast. I’ve never missed someone as much as I missed him.

Ours is not the perfect type of relationship, I know. We sometimes argue and disagree about some things and it often takes me at some point to just decide to say goodbye to him and let go. I don’t know, but I just can’t. I need him still, and even as I wonder, the mere thought of letting him go kills me. What would become of me if I lose Ayo?

Peter S. Beagle “Your name is a golden bell hung in my heart. I would break my body to pieces to call you once by your name.” ― Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn

Love&Living

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Love News

Love Songs

'It makes us happy to be married'

'You're Beautiful' My life is brilliant.

l Angelina Jolie opens up about life after tying the knot with Brad Pitt at Unbroken world premiere

hey finally tied this year, almost a decade after they fell in love on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. And despite being together for so long before they got married, Angelina Jolie says her relationship with Brad Pitt feels different since wedding at their French chateau in August. 'I think we just feel that much closer,' she told Daily Mail Australia at the world premiere of the latest film the actress has directed, Unbroken, in Sydney. The 39-year-old explained that getting married wasn't a necessity, but they still wanted to do it. 'It makes us happy to be married, if that makes any sense. I don’t think we needed it but it feels … he’s my husband,' she smiled. Angelina added that she's excited for her six children, Maddox, 13, Pax, 10, Zahara, 9, Shiloh, 8, Knox, 6 and Vivienne, 6, to see the film. Courtesy: Daily Mail.

James Blunt

'Camilla squeezed my buttock!' l Kelsey Grammer reveals how the Duchess of Cornwall once grabbed his backside at the White House

elsey Grammer has revealed that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall once grabbed his backside. While speaking at the Spectator Cigar Awards Dinner, the Frasier star told the guests that he had mingled with the wife of Prince Charles while at an event at the White House when she allegedly stole the opportunity. The actor said: 'I was at an event at the White House and I felt a tight squeeze on my right buttock and I turned to a woman who I knew to be Camilla and she said to me in an impish way, 'nice to finally meet you… in the flesh!'' Also at the event was the Duchess of Cornwall's son Tom Parker Bowles, who hosted the decadent evening, which was held at the Boisdale of Canary Wharf in London. The 59-year-old actor, who was named the runner-up for the Spectator Cigar Smoker of the Year Award

2014, also managed to compliment fellow guest Nancy Dell'Olio during his acceptance speech. 'It has been a fantastic evening full of fantastic people and I am very honoured to be here,' he said. 'I would also like to add that Nancy Dell'Olio has done more for red lace than anyone in history.' Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the star guests of the evening, though, having beaten Kelsey to win the top prize on the night. The two actors appeared to be right at home during the cigar-aficionado soiree. Both actors were at the Spectator Cigar Awards Dinner as nominees for the 2014 Cigar Smoker of the Year Award. Since the 67-year-old former California governor and Kelsey have both enjoyed a smoke in the past, the nominations seemed fitting. Courtesy: Daily Mail.

My life is brilliant. My love is pure. I saw an angel. Of that I'm sure. She smiled at me on the subway. She was with another man. But I won't lose no sleep on that, 'Cause I've got a plan. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. I saw your face in a crowded place, And I don't know what to do, 'Cause I'll never be with you. Yes, she caught my eye, As we walked on by. She could see from my face that I was, Flying high. [ - video/radio edited version] F--king high. [ - CD version] And I don't think that I'll see her again, But we shared a moment that will last 'til the end. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. I saw your face in a crowded place, And I don't know what to do, 'Cause I'll never be with you. You're beautiful. You're beautiful. You're beautiful, it's true. There must be an angel with a smile on her face, When she thought up that I should be with you. But it's time to face the truth, I will never be with you.

Life Experience

'My husband’s second wife tried to blackmail me' Life is nothing without your love.

’m Wunmi and I’ve always considered myself as a wise woman. That’s why my friends call me Wunmi Wisdom because the ‘W’ in my name stands for wisdom. My parents died while I was still very young and I was raised by my grandmother. My relatives struggled to give me a modest education and I passed out with an NCE. After I graduated from the College of Education, I found it very difficult to get a white collar job. So I had to settle for a teaching job in a private secondary school where I was paid a meager N10,000 per month. My take home pay couldn’t take me home, so I had to start selling petty things in front of my one room apartment in order to make ends meet. However, even the money I made from selling biscuits and sweets wasn’t enough to sustain me. I had to start dating rich men for the money. I dated many rich men, both Muslims and Christians. That was how I met Alhaji at an owambe party. When Alhaji asked for my friendship, I agreed to be his mistress even

though I knew that he was married with two wives. I just wanted Alhaji’s money and I never dreamt of marrying him. But when I got pregnant for him, I asked him if I should abort it, but Alhaji bluntly refused. He insisted on my having the baby and asked me to become his third wife. I initially refused to become Alhaji’s third wife but Alhaji bought me a car to show that he is serious. But I wasn’t in love with Alhaji. I had a young boyfriend that I was dating in Lagos at the same time that I was dating Alhaji. In fact, I

used to support my boyfriend with some of the money Alhaji gave me because he was unemployed. So I decided to marry Alhaji for the money and at the same time maintain my relationship with my boyfriend who is very good in bed. I used to sneak out of my husband’s house in Abeokuta and go to Lagos to visit my boyfriend. Because my boyfriend does not reside in Abeokuta where I live with my husband, I was confident that no one would notice. How wrong I was! The problem facing me now is that my husband’s second wife has found out about my affair and is now trying to blackmail me. The woman is a devil and I don’t know how she got my boyfriend’s phone number and house address in Lagos. Now, she has given me a one month ultimatum to pay her N500,000 or she would report my infidelity to Alhaji. In order to get the N500,000 to pay her to keep her mouth shut, I now have to lie to Alhaji to give me N500,000 to register in a private university and complete my B.Sc. degree. But Alhaji is saying that he can only give me N400,000 which means that I have to combine it with N100,000 from my savings and give it to his devilish second wife to save my skin. To say the least, this is a terrible experience for me.

Love Poem

Mele Luhama Piutao

Can I keep you? Lives are for living I live for you Dreams are for dreaming I dream for you Hearts are for beating mine beats for you Angels are for keeping. Can I keep you?

*Send your love poems along with your name and number to ireto007@yahoo. com

Romantic Jokes

The 'Horse'

A guy is reading his paper when his wife walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head with a frying pan. He asks, "What was that for?" She says, "I found a piece of paper in your pocket with Betty Sue written on it." He says, "Jeez, honey, remember last week when I went to the track? Betty Sue was the name of the horse I went there to bet on." She shrugs and walks away. Three days later he is reading his paper when she walks up behind him and smacks him on the back of the head again with the frying pan. He asks, "What was that for?" She answers, "Your horse called."

22 NOVEMBER 2014

H♥♥K UP...find your heart’s desire

Relationships & Love Advice

'I want to get my ex back!' Dear Love Doctor, I messed up with my ex boyfriend and he left me. But now I want to get my ex boyfriend back. We dated for almost one and a half years. We had a very healthy relationship, shared lots of interests, just like a perfect match to each other. We broke up after he accused me rightfully of cheating on him, and then he said he had lost his feelings for me. I tried to bring him back but failed. How can I succeed in bringing my ex back to me? From Bimbo. Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Bimbo, This is the best way to achieve your goal of getting your ex back. First and foremost, do NOT make him feel that you are trying to twist his arm or change his mind regarding the break up. If he feels pressured by you, he’ll go the other way. So you have to be resigned to not getting him back before you approach him again. When you do approach, your first order of business is to apologize. You need to tell him that what you did was game playing and wrong. He needs to hear that you totally understand why he

Love&Living

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

Women SEEKING relationship/ marriage ♥ Chinasa, 41, a single mother of one, from Imo, in PH, needs a loving, Christian man for marriage. +234 9094061656. ♥ An Igala woman, a civil servant, graduate, masters student, needs a honest and gainfully employed Igala man for marriage. 08053528041. ♥ Chii wants a sincere Pentecostal Christian man of God from Owerri/Mbaise, of 40-48 years for marriage. He must be a graduate, tall, never been married and willing to relocate. 08142060051.

was furi-

ous with you. Tell him that you have become aware of your actions and their negative effect on your relationship. Tell him that you are on the path of improving yourself. You’d like him to do you a favor and please tell you what you did or didn’t do in the relationship. When you take this position, he will see that you are truly different. If there is anything left to salvage here, you will be creating the soil that will save the relationship. Good luck. *Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo. com. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08131161840. Visit lovedrmike.blogspot.com

♥ Busola, 27, graduate, responsible and homely, needs a graduate, working man of 32-50 years for marriage. 07068263247. ♥ God's Time, 29, Igbo, orphan, final year student, needs a serious, educated truthful, humble, Christian widower, not a divorcee, of 35-38 years for marriage. 08169279907.

♥ Osas, 49, widower, from Edo, works in Abuja, with grown up children, wants a mature Bini or Ishan lady of not less than 36 years for marriage. 08065900513. ♥ Williams, 48, businessman, from Edo, in PH, needs a good, working, caring and loving woman of 35-50 years for marriage. 09032076714. ♥ TK, 42, dark, from Ogun, in Lagos, needs a responsible lady of 27-42 years for marriage. 08068957914. ♥ Peter, 32, from Delta, works in Warri, needs a busty, fat lady with a big backside for marriage. 08169397376, 08077670406. ♥ Chris, 37, HIV Positive, businessman in Lagos, needs a caring, sweet, HIV Positive lady for marriage. 08056576819. ♥ Chidera, 40, from Ebonyi, civil servant in PH, needs a good Christian lady between 23-31 years with a nice shape and very big breasts for marriage. 08037317375.

Lovers’ Answers Game: The rule: Ask the opposite sex one question about love, and choose your lover from the top 3 answers. Faith, 23, in Akwa Ibom, is asking all men: "Between a man and a woman, who stays longer without having sex?" *Call Mike: 07031028714 to send questions or issues.

Odd News

How cannabis can treat cancer l Study finds compound in the plant can help shrink aggressive brain tumours

annabis can have a dramatic effect on aggressive forms of brain cancer, a new study shows. The new research, conducted by specialists at St George's, University of London, studied the treatment of brain tumours in the laboratory. It found the most effective treatment was to combine active chemical components of the cannabis plant, which are known as cannabinoids. Two of these - called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) - were tested as part of the research into brain cancer. This is particularly difficult to treat and claims the lives of about 5,200 patients each year. It also has a particularly poor prognosis as the rate of survival after five years of patients' diagnosis is around 10 per cent, The new research is the first to show a drastic effect when combining THC and CBD with radiation. Dr Wai Liu, Senior Research Fellow and lead researcher on the project, said: 'The results are extremely exciting. 'The tumours were treated in a variety of ways - either with no treatment, the cannabinoids alone, and radiation alone.

MEN LOOKING FOR RELATIONSHIP/ MARRIAGE

'Or, with both the cannabinoids and radiation at the same time. 'Those treated with both radiation and the cannabinoids saw the most beneficial results and a drastic reduction in size. In some cases, the tumours effectively disappeared in the animals. 'The benefits of the cannabis plant elements were known before. 'But the drastic reduction of brain cancers - if used with radiation - is something new and may well prove promising for patients who are in gravely serious situations with such cancers in the future.' Here, writing in The Conversation, Dr Lui describes his work in detail... Widely proscribed around the world for

its recreational uses, cannabis is being used in a number of different therapeutic ways to bring relief for severe medical conditions. Products using cannabinoids, the active components of the cannabis plant, have been licensed for medical use. Sativex, for example, which contains an equal mixture of the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), is already licenced as a mouth spray for multiple sclerosis. In the US, dronabinol and nabilone are commercially available for treating cancerrelated side effects. Now, in a study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, we’ve also shown that cannabinoids could play a role in treating one of the most aggressive cancers in adults. There are more than 85 cannabinoids, which are known to bind to unique receptors in cells and which receive outside chemical signals. These receptors feed into signalling pathways, telling cells what to do. Recent studies have shown that some cannabinoids have potent anti-cancer action. For example, both THC and CBD have been shown in a number of laboratory studies to effectively induce cell death in tumour cells by modifying the faulty signalling pathways inside these cells. Depending on the cell type this can disrupt tumour growth or start to kill it. The psychoactivity associated with some cannabinoids, principally THC (which gives people a cannabis high), is also mediated via the same receptors. Because these receptors are found in the highest abundances in brain cells, it follows continued on page 38

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• Connect with Mike on WhatsApp or BlackBerry Pin: 7ab29e22 or 21978F71 for details on how to send your BlackBerry or Smartphone Connect request. • Call Mike on 07031028714, 08131161840 or 08023700641 to link up and for direct hookup.

Love Education

What is a Wet Dream? noun 1. an erotic dream that causes involuntary ejaculation of semen. A nocturnal emission or wet dream is a spontaneous orgasm during sleep that includes ejaculation for a male, or vaginal wetness or an orgasm (or both) for a female. Nocturnal emissions are most common during adolescence and early young adult years, but they may happen any time after puberty. A wet dream happens when a boy or man has a sexy dream. His penis will get hard and has a spasm expelling semen. Courtesy: Wikipedia.

Love&Living

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

True Story

‘I lied to get time away from my kids'

lease let me start by saying that I love my husband and kids. But the truth is I never had a yearning to be a parent. If I had not married Michael, who desperately wanted children, I doubt I would have become a mother. To complicate things, both my pregnancies were difficult, so I did not get to have the "glowing" period so many other mothers seem to go through. Then I had problems with breastfeeding, and my first child seemed incapable of sleeping. I felt like I was always grumpy and snapping at everyone. I felt guilty putting the children in day care when I went back to work, but we needed my full-time wage, and I needed the headspace. Suddenly I wasn't just "mum" anymore; I could have real conversations with adults that didn't involved childhood milestones and parenting tips. I could go out for coffee and not have to worry about what the kids were up to, or be constantly interrupted. It was bliss. Michael felt the guilt of "abandoning" the children more than I did, and he tried

desperately to get a job that paid more so I could go part-time. I told him I didn't mind working and he looked horrified. He said I was just saying it to make him feel better, "because a mother should want to be with her children" and he tried even harder to get new work. Whenever I could I offered to post his applications but I put them in the bin. Then my boss offered me a major promotion. The salary increase was significant, and my boss made it clear that it would not mean long hours in the office. She was a mother too and "knew what it was like to be away from the family". I'd like to say what happened next took a while to occur to me, but the moment I walked out of the office I called Michael and told him the good news, and suggested that he apply to go part-time. I also added that it would mean longer hours in the office, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the children. But I intended to take more time for myself. My first night out was to the movies. A group of us from the office went to see the latest blockbuster. It felt so indulgent

"I felt guilty putting the children in day care when I went back to work, but we needed my full-time wage, and I needed the headspace"

Wedding Traditions

and wonderful. After that it became an almost weekly event. I would go out for drinks with friends, or to a cosy cafe to read a book. I even went on a girls' weekend away, which I told my husband was a conference. I know it is deceitful, and my shame is compounded by the sympathy I get from my husband every time I come in at 10 o'clock from "the office". But since I have been doing this he has been happier than I have ever seen him, the kids are grounded and getting lots of quality dad time, and I am fulfilled and relaxed too. Surely such a secret cannot be a bad thing? Courtesy: msn.com

SEXUAL COMMUNICATION

Women above 50: 7 ways to improve your sex life l Overcome challenges and bring back pleasure to your sex life

The Breaking of the Glass: Israel

he Breaking of the Glass’ is a huge Jewish wedding tradition. After the ceremony, the groom steps on a cloth-covered glass. This has many meanings, such as the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, or simply a reminder of the fragility of life and sanctity of marriage. -The reception meal begins with Hamotzi, the Blessing the Challah, a

c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 3 7

that brain tumours also rich in these receptors may respond best to cannabinoids. We wanted to investigate the anticancer effects of Sativex in glioma cells. High-grade glioma is an aggressive cancer, with very low long-term survival rates. Statistics show that just over a third (36 per cent) of adult patients in the UK with glioma live for at least a year, while the five-year survival rate is 10 per cent. Depending on the individual, treatment can consist of surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy with the drug temozolomide. However, due primarily to the intri-

sweet, braided loaf of bread. -The Hora, or chair dance is a huge, and fun, part of Jewish wedding receptions. Brave guests hoist the bride and groom above their heads on chairs to the sounds of Hava Nagila as others dance in a circle around them. Courtesy: list.com

cate localisation of the tumour in the brain and its invasive behaviour, these treatments remain largely unsuccessful. However, as our study showed, combining radiotherapy with cannabinoid treatment had a big effect. FINDING THE RIGHT DOSE We first had to perform lab tests on cells to optimise the doses of the cannabinoids, and showed that CBD and THC combined favourably. We found that to achieve a 50% kill rate of glioma cells, a dose of 14mM (millimolar – a measure of amountof-substance concentration) of CBD or 19mM of THC would be needed if each was used singularly.

f sex has become a chore you no longer feel like doing, or worse, painful, you don’t have to accept this. There are ways to address these issues. For many women over the age of 50, these feelings are all too common, says Margery Gass, MD, a consultant for Cleveland Clinic’s Centre for Specialized Women’s Health. She says as you get older — particularly after menopause — you may face an increasing number of barriers to sex, including dryness and constriction of the vagina or medical conditions such as diabetes and extra weight. Dr. Gass says it’s important to be proactive. She offers seven tips to help you can overcome barriers and enjoy an active sex life well into your 70s and 80s. 1. Practice, practice, practice Sexual activity is a lot like physical fitness. If you want to stay in shape, you have to stick with it. Dr. Gass says the vagina can become narrower if you are not sexually active, so one of the most important things you can do to preserve the function of the vagina is to continue having intercourse. 2. Lubricate and moisturize If intercourse is painful, try using a lubricant during sexual activity. If that’s not sufficient, you can add moisturizer. Dr. Gass says there’s a distinction in how those two products are used. “Lubricants are used just for the purpose of intercourse, and a moisturizer for the vagina is like a moisturizer for the skin on the rest of your body. You use it on

a regular basis if you’re experiencing dryness. Some moisturizers are made for both purposes and will state that on the package.” 3. Don’t be shy “Ask yourself if there are things going on in your life or in your relationship that keep you from wanting to have sex with your partner. Be honest with yourself.” Some women may have trouble talking to their healthcare provider about sex. Keep in mind that problems leading to decline in sexual activity are very common. “You’re not alone in having these problems,” Dr. Gass says. “So you really should not have any second thoughts about bringing up any of these issues with your clinician.” A clinician may advise medications such as low-dose vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women if lubricants and moisturizers are ineffective. If the estrogen does not help, continue to work with your provider to seek a reason for your discomfort. 4. No libido? Therapy may help “Ask yourself if there are things going on in your life or in your relationship that keep you from wanting to have sex with your partner,” Dr. Gass says. “Be honest with yourself. A lack of desire is often related to relationship issues.” Dr. Gass adds that relationship roadblocks tend to affect women more than men when it comes to sex. If you cannot find solutions on your own, a therapist may be able to help you and your partner. To be continued

Travel &Tourism SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

Chef's Corner Uchenna Oke: Heavy on African delicacies p.42

Destination

HOSPITALITY

Cyson Hotel: A different proposition

Away from politics as Abuja Carnival beckons p.40

Frontview of the hotel

At Cyson Hotel, Asaba, there is no sense of that impersonal relation so apparent at the big hotel chains. Here, guests feel an avalanche of attention from staff, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA

yson Hotel enjoys the benefit of a serene and beautiful location, almost an exclusive location in Asaba - a quick getaway to Onitsha, which is a distance of two kilometres. It's also just a 10 minutes' drive from Asaba Airport. A weekend stay at the hotel some time ago was not a disappointing one, as one found the facilities and service delivery at par with many top-tier hotels. The doting staff made sure you got the full benefit of your stay in consistence with the hotel’s motto: "Your comfort is our concern." This point was further highlighted by the

A typical bedroom

hotel’s personnel manager, Mr. Okpara Ikenna. ‘‘We ensure that our guest comfort is our concern and we maintain the highest international standard,’’ he said. It offers a rich blend of African traditional flavour and a twist of modern sophistication, boasting 60 fully equipped and fitted rooms of different categories, from studio, superior, classic, executive, mini suite to royal suite. Some of the featured amenities include flat screen LCD, fridge, a bath and Jacuzzi, internet as well as work desk and chair.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS

FESTAC, LAGOS

ABA LAGOS

ABA

On the leisure and entertainment end, the hotel offers a mix with its restaurant, bush and executive bars providing good hunting grounds for exciting offerings, especially at weekend and festival periods when the hotel treats guests to special delicacies and packages, including live performances. There is also a large swimming pool with sit-out area and relaxation arcade while the gymnasium comes fitted with a number of keep fit facilities for the benefit of guests. For business offerings, conferencing tops the list with its wellequipped event hall, offering dedicated services for corporate bodies and others seeking an enhanced environment and good setting for seminars, workshops, retreats, parties and other social events. Other facilities and services include business centre, doctor on call, luggage storage room, 24hour security and power supply and laundry.

B E N E F I TS There are lots of benefits to derive as one of our partner hotels. For enquiries and details on how to join the programme, please contact Andrew Iro Okungbowa: 08023152195 (sms only), e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com or Chinyere Opara: 08063768131 (sms only) e-mail angela_curtis-2@live.com

40 Travel & Tourism DESTINATION

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Away from politics as Abuja Carnival beckons Abuja Carnival is billed to hold between November 24 and 27 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA previews the annual cultural feast, its highlights and the city's must-see locations.

Masquerades are a regular sight at the carnival

A dance performance from a past event

Prologue t is the time of the year again when the Federal Capital Territory comes alive with cultural feast as it plays host to this year’s edition of Abuja Carnival. It is a yearly gathering where the 36 states of the federation and FCT showcase the vast, rich and colourful elements of their respective cultures. The carnival itself was part of the agenda put in place by the Presidential Council of Tourism established in 2003 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Its responsibilities included charting a way for the development and growth of the country’s tourism to benefit the country and people. With its first edition celebrated in 2005 with fanfare, its objectives among others was to showcase Abuja as the nation’s cultural and tourism centre, to promote Abuja as a conference city, to develop and promote Nigeria's culture and tourism, to draw the attention of the world to the uniqueness and enriching nature of the country’s culture and tourism and promote Nigeria as a tourist destination as well as inculcate a holiday culture in Nigerians. To this end, the carnival has since its debut held without fail with each year coming with its thrills and frills. This year, the stage is set again for the cultural fiesta, which has grown to a communal gathering of some sorts, with preparation in top gear as November 24 has been fixed for the formal opening ceremony with the entire celebration spanning four days, ending November 27. A celebration of creative prowess Yearly, the celebration of the carnival is based on a central theme. Last year’s theme was based on the country's centenary anniversary. It was dubbed, A people for a Century, a People Forever. But this year, the focal point is on the creative impulse of the country and its people with the theme: Creating an Enduring, Creative Nation. Speaking on the carnival, the country’s minister of culture, tourism and national orientation, Edem Duke, said the event this year is devoted to the celebration of unity of the country as its seeks to promote cultural harmony and unity among

the people. Furthermore, he said it would be a building block and platform for building bridges and for the people to come together to express the diverse nature and beauties of their cultural essence while at the same time display the high creative impulses inherent among the different tribes and nationalities of the country. Duke emphasized that the carnival is all about promoting the Nigerian brand for both the local and international audience: "We should have a brand that celebrates Nigeria as a safe, warm and hospitable tourism destination. The carnival is a showpiece of the creative spirit of Nigerian people, our hospitality and passion for festivity. It will bring together both indigenous and foreign tourists to enjoy the remarkable sights and sounds of Nigeria." This, Duke said, is in tandem with the founding dream and vision of the annual carnival, which since its birth has given birth to other carnivals across the country, such as the Carnival Calabar, which unlike Abuja Carnival and the others, has earned a huge following even on the global stage. The minister is not the only one sounding upbeat about the carnival, which this year is a decade old. The artistic director of the national feast, Kester Abiodun Abe, has promised an exciting and colourful celebration. Abe, ex-president of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), said: "We want to deliver world class cultural extravaganza that is second to none, because we want to enhance friendship among our people through our heritage. It has equally strived to meet its objective of presenting and preserving the rich intangible cultural legacy of Nigeria and showcasing Abuja as a destination of choice,” boasted the former technical director of the carnival. The carnival, he said, has over the years grown and won acceptance and huge following among Nigerians and the corporate world. Therefore, he insisted that his reign will seek not only to uphold this enviable record and performance but add more value to it by seeking for a new and improved ways to staging, marketing and promoting the

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Abe...the carnival's artistic director

Art and Craft Village

cultural fiesta. “I want to build on the achievements of my predecessors, consider the various observations of principal stakeholders and industry watchers and take the carnival to the next level,” he said. Programme outline According to the programme schedule, all the traditional events of the carnival would hold at the various designated points. The carnival would open on November 24 with carnival floats and street parades by the participating states and invited foreign guests across the carnival routes (an eight-kilometre stretch) and culminate at the Eagle Square for the grand opening ceremony, which is expected to be attended by top government functionaries and others. Other events slated for the four days include masquerades floats, durbar, all night musical concerts, Nigerian cuisine, arts and craft display at the Art and Craft Village. There would be boat regatta, cultural night and command performance as well as carnival banquet, while the children would entertain the people at the Millennium Park throughout the duration of the carnival. FCT’s tourism offerings With the carnival, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory would once again be on focus, as part of the goal is to showcase Abuja to the world as a tourist destination. Here are a few attractions to explore: The Three Arms Zone: The “Three Arms Zone” is the magnificent seat of power of Nigeria, housing the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock), National Assembly and the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Other than the Presidential Villa, tourists are allowed access into the complex to explore and experience the space and even witness proceedings at the National Assembly, but it has to be conducted with the necessary approval obtained. National Christian Centre: An amazing and architectural masterpiece, it is an ecumenical centre for Christians in the country to hold worship and other functions. It is located on the Central Business District, a few distance from the National Mosque and the Central Bank of Nigeria building. National Mosque: Just like the National Christian Centre, it is another beautiful attraction and dedicated for use by Muslims across the nation. It comes alive on Fridays during the

Jumat prayers and any other festival and holiday period. It is opened to the public. Abuja city parks: Abuja from its inception was populated by an amazing number of well–manicured and lush gardens and green, all dedicated as leisure and relaxation spots by the city dwellers and visitors but over time, just like everything else, many of them were abandoned and turned into different use but of recent a number of them have be reclaimed and put into their original use. So when next in the city, go outdoors by visiting the city’s parks within the corner to have some groovy time. Millennium Park: This is an expansive and luxuriant open garden, very attractive and inviting and has become one of the most popular and sought after in the city by both individuals and families to catch fun, especially during festive and public holidays. Parties and picnics are allowed here apart from private and organized events. Arts and Craft Village: Located in Wuse area, adjacent Abuja Sheraton, the art and craft village built with indigenous and traditional material exhibits all the gamut of Nigerian art and craft. Apart from viewing the exhibits on display you can also buy any of them as souvenirs. Jabi Lake: This is one of the defining attractions of not just Jabi District but Abuja as a whole because it has over the years become a place for leisure activities, especially water related in the city. And it is the venue

Duke with his company at last year's event

for the Abuja Carnival's boat regatta. Abuja Wonderland and Park: It is Abuja’s sought after theme park for both adult and children to catch fun and is well apportioned with different facilities for relaxation. The rocky landscape of the park makes it a wonderful place to explore. It is located a few distance from the National Stadium. Abuja National Children Park and Zoological Garden: It's Abuja’s flagship theme park for eco tourism with a naturally attractive landscape and offers opportunity for people to explore and savour some natural elements. Located at the foot of Aso Rock on Murtala Mohammed Expressway, it is a good ground for relaxation. Julie Useni Park: One of the privately run eco-tourism spots in the city, it offers different options in flora and fauna alongside refreshment and relaxation spots within the park. Zuma Rock: It's unarguably one of Nigeria’s most recognized and appealing natural landscapes. It is actually part of Suleja, Niger State, however, it is a sight to be explored by visitors to Abuja as well. Nigeria Tourist Village: Located opposite the Zuma Rock, the tourist village is a privately run tourist spot where visitors are exposed to the culture and tradition of Nigeria with huts and buildings from the different cultural sections of the country and within this space visitors are treated to the various aspects of the culture they so hungered for. Arts and craft

are also on display just as theatre performances from dance and music are put on display regularly. Silverbird Cinema: It's also another spot in the city to harvest fun and see the latest movies from all corners of the world. IBB International Golf Course: One of the best 18-hole golf courses in the country, the centre is not only dedicated to sport tourism but also to leisure tourism. It offers different colourful and attractive leisure options to the public. Katampe Hill: Regarded as the centre of the country and the main reason, which lend credence to the choice of Abuja as the centre of unity and the new capital of the country. Abuja Amusement Park: Situated on Bumbuna Street, Zone 1, Wuse area of the city, it offers good spot for fun and relaxation. Maitama Amusement Park: This is another major spot for people in the city to enjoy the ambience of a theme park and relax. Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre: Located in Kwali area of the city, it is one of the finest home for traditional art and craft with specialization in pottery. A cottage and tourism village ought to have been created in Kwali to further develop and promote this art to a commercial level, but this has not been done over the years. Ushafa Pottery Centre: It received global reckoning when President Bill Clinton visited the craft centre during his official visit to the country during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. But the people and government of the region have so far failed to take advantage of this to develop the village itself and the craft centre to an attractive tourist location for visitors. Eating out The city offers a rich blend of eateries for diners to savour favoured local and intercontinental dishes. These include - Transport Hilton’s Zuma and Bukka restaurants as well Capital bar; Hotel Rosebud’s African kitchen, Shagalinku, Chopsticks, Wakkis, Jevinik, Dome restaurant, Clubhouse, Blake’s Place, City Park, Nkoyo and Obudu Drill (Abuja Sheraton Hotel). Others are Southern Fried Chicken, GT Plaza, Mama Cass, Mr. Bigg's, Sweet Sensation and Tantalizers. Shopping You could also explore the city’s shopping outlets from the traditional flea markets to modern shopping malls, such as Wuse Market, Garki Market, Amigo Supermarket, Grand Square and Grand towers, Shoprite and Ceddi Plaza.

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CHEF’S CORNER

UCHENNA OKE: Heavy on African delicacies BLESSING ORUCHE visited M8 Restaurant and Night Club where she encountered Chef Uchenna Oke who heads the kitchen.

muwo Odofin area, close to Festac Town is increasingly becoming an attraction for the hospitality sector with a number of outfits setting up in the area. Some of these hotels and eateries come with enticing and colourful features and services. M8 Restaurant and Night Club is one of the popular spots within the area for night-clubbing and savoury local delicacies. What easily attracts a visitor is the bustling nature of the eatery. A recent visit to the facility was not a disappointing one. The scenery was inviting with guests taking over almost all the available seats. Uchenna Oke, the head chef at the eatery and his stewards were kept busy for hours attending to the ever demanding needs of the seated and walk-in guests. It was a colourful atmosphere to behold, but not for too long as you soon begin to crave for the variety of local meals making the rounds at the behest of guests. It took a while to attract the attention of Oke and to take him off his beat. When he came around it wasn’t

for too long as he had to dash off again before some of the obviously impatient guests began to throw tantrums. “My area of specialty is our local delicacies,” says Oke as he responds to your first enquiry. It was quite evident. ‘‘Here at M8 Restaurant and Club, our menu spans from dishes like rice and stew, egusi soup, Ogbono, Oha, bitter leaf, afang and edikang kong soup, okro soup,’’ he added. It is not all chefs that are able to display the level of passion, devotion and professionalism as Chef Oke does. Watching from a safe distance you can easily feel the bond existing between him and most of the guests at the house. Innate love for the kitchen He tells you that his love for the kitchen is an innate one which he nurtured as he grew. His mum is a professional caterer, so he learnt from the feet of the mother growing up. He recalled abandoning the company of his male friends for the kitchen to assist his mum with the day’s cooking and domestic chores. ‘‘My mum is a very good cook,

she also cooks professionally, so cooking was an in-born thing for me. But I started learning the ropes from the kitchen where I used to assist my mum. As I grew, I became amazed that I could handle things very well in the kitchen. ‘‘So I began to nurture it from there and I began to see myself beyond just a male mirror, but as multi-talented male who could combine both worlds. Home cooking was a priority for me then. Looking back at the past, I thank God that I trained myself,” he said. Over the years, he has garnered a level of proficiency and experience having worked in such places as Justina Hotel, 04 Hotel, and Emglo Suite (all in Lagos), before settling at M8 Restaurant. Despite the impressive strides, he is humble to admit there is still a long way to the top. “I see myself working for the best of the best. I take my job very seriously because that is the only place I earn a living. So I always try to impress the management and the guests." According to him, the responsibility to satisfy the guests is entirely his and if anything goes wrong he would

be held accountable. So he gives full attention to every detail to ensure that nothing goes amiss. He offers insight into one of his culinary signatures - oha soup. Ingredients Oha and uziza leaf (optional), fresh pepper, Ogiri (local spice), stock fish, dry fish, meat and salt to taste. Preparation Season your meat with salt and preferred seasoning. Also ensure to add the stock fish with the meat then add enough water and cook. Blend your pepper and add to the cooked meat, also put your local spice, ogiri, and allow to cook for some minutes. Then add your dry fish, uziza leaf, salt and seasoning to taste, allow it to absorb the newly added ingredients before adding the oha leaf. This comes last because of its tenderness. Don’t overcook it, just bring down the pot shortly after adding the oha leaf and your soup is ready. You can serve with wheat flour, garri, amala or even fufu as you desire.

TRAVEL BEATS The hospitality introduce is fast riding on the back of the ever changing technology world, as Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), the award-winning loyalty programme from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, introduces SPG Keyless. It is the hospitality industry’s first truly mobile and keyless entry system that allows guests to use their smartphone as a key. This innovative technology debuts recently at Aloft, Element and W Hotels around the world. SPG Keyless represents a groundbreaking turning point in the traditional hotel experience by fundamentally redefining the way guests arrive and check in to their rooms. SPG Keyless – powered by the SPG

Starwood Hotels introduces SPG keyless app – enables guests to bypass the front desk, avoid waiting in line and ultimately unlock their stay with a simple tap of their smartphone. This innovation frees up hotel associates’ time, allowing them to engage with guests and transform the first interaction from transactional to personal. It’s high-tech supporting high-touch unlike ever before. “Innovation and personalization are at the forefront of everything we do at Starwood and SPG Keyless represents the perfect intersection

of these two pillars,” said the chief executive officer of Starwood, Frits van Paasschen. “We are excited to be the first in our industry to debut this new technology allowing us to further deliver on the wants and needs of our early adopter, hyper-mobile guests who use their smartphones for just about every aspect of their lives,’’ he added. Aloft Harlem, Aloft Cupertino, Aloft Beijing, Aloft Cancun, W New York – Downtown, W Hollywood, W Singapore, W Hong Kong, W Doha

and Element Times Square were among the first ten hotels to last week implement the technology. Starwood will rapidly expand rollout in the first half of 2015 and by the end of next year SPG Keyless will be in 30,000 doors in 150 hotels across the globe. SPG Keyless will be available to Starwood Preferred Guest members who book a hotel room through one of Starwood’s channels (hotel websites, SPG.com, the SPG app or call centers). How it works:

1. After booking a reservation at a keyless hotel, SPG members are invited to opt-in to SPG Keyless and register their phone through the SPG App. 2. Approximately 24 hours before arrival, the guest receives his/her room number and Bluetooth key via the app. 3. Upon arrival at the hotel, the guest can completely bypass the front desk (where available) and go directly to his/her room. 4. Then, after ensuring his/her Bluetooth is enabled, the guest simply opens the SPG App, taps the smartphone on the door lock, waits for the green light and enters the room.

TV & Radio with Angela Davies

Listening to De-Don's Comedy Happy Hour

he contemporary meaning of comedy is any discourse or work generally intended to be humorous or to amuse by inducing laughter, especially in theatre, television, film and standup comedy. As such, for people who want a dose of comedy laced with creative skit and music on radio, then, it is time to listen to Comedy Happy Hour. Comedy Happy Hour is a two-hour radio comedy show on Rainbow 94.1fm presented by Iruvwe Okeremute Don better known as the De-Don. It is the first stand-up comedy show on radio in Nigeria and has since gained acceptance. What makes the programme interesting and unique is that it is presented in Pidgin English which means it has a huge resonance on the street. The programme features comedy, music, chit-chat and drama. To add some life to the programme, De-Don invites different comedians and together they talk about different issues from women, men, politics,

copyright, music and so much more. They try as much as possible to communicate effectively with listeners in their own way to pass the message across. However, they make it funny, interesting and entertaining, enough to make listeners laugh. Ochuko Corner is a 15-minute segment on the Comedy Happy Hour. It comes up between 4:30pm–4:45pm on Mondays and Tuesdays only. Ochuko Corner is a compilation of various skits done by the presenter's alter-ego. The different original and funny skits touch on different things from beauty, communicating properly, etiquette, fashion and so much more. The skits are presented in a way that creatively convey every gestures so listeners could visualize them as if they were watching it on television or on live on stage. It airs Monday through Friday, between the hours of 4:00pm and 6:00pm daily. It is to make people have a feel of comedy on radio. Songs are played at interval and different styles are used to reach out to listeners and fans.

There's a unique edge even in the way phone numbers are read. Rather than call out the phone numbers straightaway for listeners, a song is formed with the numbers. Listeners as well as fans phone in to ask questions, make contributions, answer questions as well as request for their favourite songs to be played. Funnily, some listeners also call in to make their own jokes. The programme could be listened and enjoyed by all class of people because at least a majority of Nigerians understand and speak Pidgin English. However, it would be ideal if at least a segment is presented in English to strike a balance. For De-Don, comedy means life, in fact it is an elixir. His aim is to bring laughter to many hearts through his programme. He puts originality, creativity and fun into presenting the programme. So, if you are driving home anytime from 4pm and stuck in traffic, tune to Rainbow 94.1fm and listen to Comedy Happy Hour for a jolly ride home.

Channels, AIT win big at NBMA 2014

hannels television and Africa Independent television (AIT) were the biggest winners at the fifth Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) which held at the Ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday, November 15. Channels Television and AIT won eight and six categories, respectively, out of the 92 competitive categories. Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was crowned as the Best Governor in the North while Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, executive chairman of ATAR Communication, bagged The Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the growth of quality broadcasting in northern Nigeria. Also, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, Commissioner for agriculture and cooperatives, Lagos State was honoured for his outstanding performance in the development of agricultural sector in Lagos State.

Below is a list showing some winners: Best Campus Radio Station Unilag FM (Lagos) Best Online Radio Channel Praise World Radio Best Online TV Channel Ndani TV Humanitarian Award Isaac and Nneka Moses (Goge Africa) Producer of the Year Suleiman Aledeh (Sunrise Daily on Channels TV) Best Programme Director (TV) Ayoola Opere (EbonyLife TV) Best coverage of news story (TV) (Satellite/Digital channel only) Channels TV Best coverage of news story Radio - (National) Radio Nigeria TV Station with Best Creative Innovation Channels TV Radio Station with Best

Creative Innovation Inspiration FM Best Use of Branded Content (TV only) Who wants to be a millionaire? TV Channel with Best Station Imaging Channels TV Best Talk Show on TV Sunrise Daily on Channels TV Best TV Community Access programme KaKaaki on AIT Best Coverage of a Live Event (TV Only) AIT Best Sports program on TV Sports File (AIT) Best TV Station (REGIONAL) OGTV Best Radio Station (Lagos) City 105.1 FM Best TV Reporter Chukwuma Onuekwusi (Channels)

Best Newscaster (TV) Male Ayotunde Balogun (Channels) Best Nigeria VDJ DJ Spinall (Channel O Africa) Outstanding TV presenter (Male) Joseph Benjamin (Project Fame) Outstanding TV presenter (Female) Helen Paul (Jara) Actor of the Year Chinedu Ikhedieze (Johnson’s Family). Actress of the Year Kehinde Bankole Nigerian Broadcaster of the year (Male) Steve Onu Yaw (Wazobia FM Lagos) Nigerian Broadcaster of the year - Female Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi- (Beat FM) African Broadcaster of the Year –Male IK Osakioduwa (Nigeria)

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This weekend ONTV

TELEVISION

TVC

Saturday 8:00 Cartoon 8:30 Marco and Gina

9:00 Aramba 12:00 Soundcity Top 10 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:30 Nollywood English 4:15 Past Obessions 5:30 Headline News 6:00 Beautiful Ceci 6:30 Style 101 7:00 News 7:10 Disclosure 8:00 Pepsi top 10 music chart show 9:00 Spice Specials 9:30 Soundcity Party Mix 10:30 Omnisport Sunday 7:00 The last of the Mohicans 8:30 Farhat 9:00 Headline News 9:30 Nollywood Yoruba 1:00 Headline News 11:05 Hypochondraic 12:00 Soundcity Top Choice 1:00 Hitz 1:30 Pavitra Rishta 2:00 Sportsville 2:30 Omnisport 2:35 News 2:45 Nollywood English 4:05 Movie 6:00 Gabriela 7:00 News 7:10 One love 7:30 Gidi Up 8:00 House of Badmus 8:30 Husband and wives 9:00 On the Couch 10:00 Village Square Tv 10:05 Soundcity Greatest Countdown

Saturday 8:00 Your health Portal 8:30 Boombox 9:00 The Big Issue 10:00 TVC News 10:30 On the Town 1:00 Nollywood Yoruba 4:00 TVC News 5:00 Boombox 5:30 Stand by Me, My Beloved 6:30 Dawn in the Creeks 7:00 Edo Charles Show 7:10 Try My Job 7:30 Silent Noise 8:00 Nollywood English 9:30 Events Diary 10:00 TVC News Sunday 7:00 Hosanna Hour 8:00 Nollywood English

10:00 News 11:00 Boombox 11:30 Sports Week 12:00 News 12:30 Nollywood English 2:30 Top 10 Yoruba Movies 3:00 Chapel of Uncommon Grace 4:00 News 6:15 Stand Point 7:00 News 7:30 Nollywood Yoruba 8:30 Ignite 9:00 Nollywood movie 10:00 News

RADIO

Smooth FM 98.1 Saturday 6:00 Breakfast in Bed 10:00 Smooth Book Review 11:00 Total Football 12:00 Metro Life 5:00 Luxury Soul 09:00 Late Night Blues

Sunday 7:00 10:00 12:00 4:00 6:00 10:00

Smooth Motivations Music Mix Sunday Brunch Music Mix Soulfully Yours Music Mix

Splash 105.5 FM Saturday 5:00 Opening Formalities 6:00 News at dawn 6:35 Religious Belt 7:00 Yoruba Sports 8:00 Voices 10:00 Entertainment Splash 11:30 Strictly Comedy 12:15 Yoruba News 12:30 World Sports 2:00 Saturday Afternoon Jamz 6:00 News at Six 6:15 You & The Police 7:20 Religious Belt 10:00 Night Shift 11:00 Dj In The Mix

Sunday 5:00 Opening Formalities 6:00 News at dawn 6:35 Religious Belt 7:00 Yoruba Sports 8:00 Turn It Up 10:00 Wakati Iyin 12:00 English News 12:15 Yoruba News 1:00 Dj in the Mix 2:15 Editorial Review 3:00 Reggae Time 7:20 Religious Belt 9:00 Jazz Reel 10:00 Heart Matters

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SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2014

Politics 45

Politics

Beyond the drama at the House p.47

Politics

The banana peels haunting Mu'azu p.48-49

FaceOff

Dousing the Cross River PDP primaries fire p.50-51

Jonathan has no reason to rig 2015 elections – Oshiomhole Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, in this interview with FELIX NWANERI in Benin speaks on several national issues including the achievements of his government, the democratic process and the 2015 general elections.

You are in the last quarter of your administration, what should the people of Edo State expect in the remaining two years? We have to sustain the present tempo; there are a couple of projects that are ongoing and we will do everything to ensure that these projects are completed. We have the Benin City Storm Water Master Plan; a very auspicious project that has been designed to deflood Benin. We’ve made substantial progress, almost 60 to 65 per cent, and I am very hopeful that we will complete it. By the time we complete it, the flooding problem would have been substantially addressed. It won’t solve it completely because there are other basins that we have to do, so I hope the next government will take up that burden. If we had not embarked on the project, the people would have been under water this rainy season. We are also working on the Central Hospital and we are hopeful that we are going to complete it. We’ve been assured by the contractor handling the project that the emergency unit would be ready by January next year. My hope is that we will install the latest state of the art medical equipment. We want to have a signature hospital with modern technology and experts. We have Nigerians abroad who are ready to come home to work here. My conviction is that whatever anyone is doing in the 21st Century, that person should be working for the 22nd Century. He should ensure the best, so that 50 years down the road, it would still be useful. But when you build as I see in many places, a room and parlour hospital, which even by today’s standard looks archaic, two

years down the road, there are certain equipment that you can’t install there. The hospital that we are building has special units and it was designed to meet current technology in the healthcare sector. I am very proud of it and hopeful that we will complete it. If we complete that, then we would have good roads, good drainage system, world class hospital, beautiful primary and secondary schools. We wouldn’t have solved all the problems, but I believe that we would have laid a very solid foundation, which the future government can build on. Some of your colleagues are complaining of shortfall in revenue from the Federal Government. Is this not going to affect the projects which you intend completing before leaving office? It calls for serious worry, not just for the states but even for the Federal Government because it is not paying salaries as and when due. I just read that National Assembly workers are protesting nonpayment of salaries. These are federal employees, and no doubt some state governments do also owe salaries running into two to three months. By the time the issue of subsidy was dealt with in one way or the other and the consequent exposure of the fraud that some persons perpetuated in collaboration with some officials of government agencies in the name of subsidy, the character of the problem has changed from subsidy to oil theft. Government’s talk about oil theft appears to have coincided with the end subsidy scam. There are still issues with the amount that is allegedly paid as subsidy, but crude oil theft has become a national embarrassment. The last time we looked at it in the Crude Oil Committee made up of governors, officials of the Petroleum Ministry, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the JTF, we saw that sometimes we lose as much as 700,000 barrels per day. This is sometimes sustained for a period of two weeks. At times, we are told that not all are lost to oil thieves but sometimes to vandals. But those who vandalise pipelines don’t do it for fun. It is either CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

Politics

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‘I won’t run for presidency now’

CONTINUED from PAGE 45

they are doing it to steal crude oil or refined product, so all of these still fall within categories of oil theft. And you ask yourself the question: What has changed in Nigeria’s territorial waters that we didn’t hear about this volume of oil theft during previous governments? Though there was illegal bunkering then, it wasn’t much to affect what accrued to the federation account. We have never received 100 per cent of our share of the federation account even when oil was performing at $108 per barrel and the benchmark was $79 and later $78. So, we are supposed to have huge savings of about 40 per cent, and which means that the Excess Crude Account by now should be approaching $20 billion. As far as I hear, there is nothing in the account; not because we have shared any money, but sometimes we are told that they have used the money to fund Sure-P or subsidy whether petrol or kerosene. But as far as I know, the law is clear. You are not supposed to fund SureP with the Excess Crude Account; it is supposed to be meant for savings from the additional money that we are paying consequent of the marginal increases in the prices of petroleum products the last time. Excess Crude ought to be funds that have not been spent and can be spent only on the authority of the stakeholders of the account, which are the states and the Federal Government because for every dollar that accrues, the Federal Government gets 52.8 per cent of it, while all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory share 26 per cent. So, the Federal Government spends double of what all the 36 states and the FCT get. When you divide 26 by 37 because the FCT is treated as a state for the purpose of revenue allocation, what accrues to Edo State is .0001 per cent. So, if we have built roads, schools

and hospitals, paid salaries and provided water in Edo; that is what we spend. So, Edo people want to see more of federal presence in the state than the presence of the state government. For every one kilometre of road we have done, the Federal Government ought to have done two, because it is holding 52 per cent of the revenue accruing to Nigeria on trust, while the 36 state governors and the FCT administration share 26 per cent. It seems you are worried about this development. For me, there is bound to be shock because when you have a bumper harvest and your children are starving; only God can save you when you suffer famine or draught. But I have said to some people that because they say necessity is the mother of invention, who knows when the situation is such that there is no oil for thieves to take and you exhaust your instrument of Central Bank financing through bonds and others, you do not have to be an economist to know that if the price of oil drops, there will be crisis everywhere. Obviously, everything the Federal Government spends on capital expenditure is borrowed, and that is why the debt profile is very high at the moment. So, I see the CBN resorting to the so-called ways and means; that’s an economic jargon, but what it means is that they will print more bank notes, paper money to meet the naira illusion because the hard currency is not there. This means massive devaluation of the nation’s currency and that will trigger hyperinflation. When the cost of living escalates, workers are going to demand higher wages to compensate for falling purchasing power. Some attempt to deal with this contingency will lead to upward review of personnel cost and you will have effectively found yourself in a terrible vicious circle, and I am worried about that.

This issue of collecting signatories is also not new. One Daniel Kanu organised the infamous two millionman march

Your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently alleged that the shoddy distribution of the permanent voters’ cards is a precursor to the plot by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the 2015 elections. What do you think can be done to avert this and the crisis that may trail the polls if they are rigged? Under the NPN (National Party of Nigeria) in the Second Republic, the culture of rigging was entrenched and its leaders became boisterous and arrogant. They became so arrogant that they misled themselves into believing that ‘any state can fall’ to the then NPN. They tried this trick in the then Ondo State, where the late Akin Omoboriowo was proclaimed the winner of an election that he had lost. He had FEDECO (Federal Electoral Commission) proclaim him as the winner, but Ondo people said he was never known to the electorate. You know that Omoboriowo had a mandate but he has to honourably surrender because he never won it. I think Nigerians are sufficiently committed to democracy, so anybody who is working on a strategy of rigging would be a poor student of history. In any event, I think the president (Goodluck Jonathan) has been very fortunate. He has been a deputy governor, governor, vice president, acting president and president to complete late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure and elected on his own by votes cast across Nigeria. Any Nigerian who has been honoured with these positions has no reason to be desperate. So, I expect him, like I do myself, to look at where I am coming from and where God has put me and ask myself the question: What do I want now? Whether I govern for 10 years or two years, I was a governor or he was a president. What people want to be remembered for is not for how long they governed but for what they did while in government. In fact, people are respected for bowing to the wishes of their people than to be damned for holding on to power against the wishes of their people. We don’t need to go out of the country to find a very interesting and inspiring example. General Abdulsalami Abubakar is one. He took over following the sudden death of a head of state, General Sani Abacha, who came to office and allowed himself to be deceived by praise singers, who said that he was the only person the cap fits. Try and play back the advertorials on ‘Who the cap fits.’ All the five political parties then found no one within their folds to endorse apart from General Abacha. This is-

sue of collecting signatories is also not new. One Daniel Kanu organised the infamous two million-man march. Julius Berger constructed a big platform with a public address system in Abuja that when they blew it, Nigerians, wherever they were heard it. Every hungry political elite went into that game and it is on record that one of the most outstanding men who had the courage to dismiss that make-belief was the late Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige. He described the five parties then as five leprous fingers of the same hand, and therefore, no decent Nigerian should touch any of them. So what is your candid advice to President Jonathan on the 2015 general elections? To return to the issue of President Jonathan, I believe that he is uniquely placed and Nigerians have done him the honour of holding the highest office in the land; the first time by accident but the second time through the conscious votes of the people. Whether he wins or loses the next election, what will define his place in history is how the elections were conducted. Today President Robert Mugabe is in power in Zimbabwe without honour, whether at home or abroad. Like I said earlier, General Abubakar demonstrated how a leader can obey the people’s will. Some people said he should stay a bit longer, but he refused and went ahead to organise elections and left under one year. Though some people later tried to rubbish him at the Oputa Panel, but there is no village in Nigeria that he goes that he is not respected. Nobody cares what else he did; an African voluntarily relinquishing power. He was able to achieve a transition that was impossible in more than five years. Infact, a lot of people didn’t believe him, and that was why most progressives did not take part in the 1999 elections. Whatever anyone would say, the diversity of Nigeria was reflected in that election, as the three parties that took part in it won some states. Is General Abubakar not at peace with himself? He is referred to whenever issues of elections come up whether in Africa or Europe. His selling point is that he organised free and credible elections and allowed power to go. So, the place of a leader in the history of any nation is not how long he held on to power. If the president has good advisers, he must resist the hawks in PDP, who would be urging him to use the armed forces to rig the 2015 election because it is his place in history that is at stake. If he governs for the next 20 years in the way of Mugabe and lose the goodwill of Nigerians, what would be his place? If on the other hand, if Nigerians want him to leave and hand over power to whoever Nigerians want, his place in history will still be golden. He has to choose how he wants to be remembered; whether to submit to the hawks in PDP, who have no reputation, who just want power for their own good or he looks at his background and say: God has been so merciful, let Nigerians decide. He has no compelling reason to rig the next elections and I pray that God will guide him to play the statesman and not a petty politician. Nigerians and the world are watching.

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Beyond the Siege The defection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, from the PDP to the APC, ONWUKA NZESHI reports, climaxed in the invasion of the National Assembly by combat-ready policemen.

n the last two weeks, a cloud of anxiety and uncertainty had enveloped the green chambers of the National Assembly. Since the embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress( APC) and adjourned plenary till December 3, neither he nor the Peoples Democratic Party had had a good rest. The withdrawal of his security aides soon after he jumped ship was an ominous sign that the road ahead would be rough. This was why he promptly raced to the court to seek redress. He made a brief appearance at the House a few days later to declare open a public hearing and thereafter, remained in the shadows to monitor the trend of events. In the same manner, the PDP has been watching him and calculating what to do. They know that since the matter had gone to court, it had to be handled tactfully in order not to run foul of the law. Since the court had ruled that the status be maintained, each party had returned to the trenches to prepare for the real battle. Then came the letter from President Goodluck Jonathan asking the two chambers of the National Assembly to consider and approve a fresh request for an extension of the emergency rule in the North East. As protocol demands, the letter was addressed to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives . It was like a bait to lure a game out in the open where the hunter might be lurking in the surrounding shrubs. Tambuwal whose position in the House had become shaky on account of his defection latched on this opportunity provided by the letter to reassert his authority on the House. He announced a suspension of the recess and directed that the House reconvenes for an emergency session to consider the request of the President. The notice suspending the recess which was signed by Tambuwal read thus: "On Tuesday, 18th November 2014, I received a communication from the President,Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, requesting for the extension of the existing State of Emergency in Adamawa , Borno and Yobe States by the House of Representatives. "Pursuant to the powers conferred on me by Section 305 ( 2 ) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Members of House of Reps climbing the gate of National Assembly to gain entrance in to the NASS

Hon. Shehu Bawa

Some of the lawmakers with Tambuwal

Blockage at National Assembly entrance

Some of them greeting Tambuwal

Nigeria 1999, which requires me to "forthwith convene or arrange a meeting of the House" and in order to treat the extension before the expiration of the current state of emergency in accordance with Section 305 (6) (c) of the constitution, I hereby reconvene the House of Representatives, currently on recess." The statement enjoined all members of the House to attend the special session which will commence at 11.00 am at the House of Representatives Chambers. The Plots Although the special session has a single agenda which is to consider the President's request for extension of the existing state of emergency, New Telegraph learnt that there were at least two plots to use the session to resolve some pending issues . While a group of lawmakers loyal to the ruling party plotted to use the session to settle scores with Tambuwal over his defection, the second group had a counter plot to ensure that nothing happens to him. It appears that it was these plots that led to the whole drama that played outon Thursday morning. New Telegraph gathered that some legislators loyal to the PDP had vowed that Tambuwal would not be allowed to preside over the House but they were not sure how to go about it. The only option open to them was to shut out Tambuwal and prevent him from gaining ac-

"If the Police did not want Tambuwal to get into the parliament compound, they could have done it with better planning and a little more tact"

cess to the chamber because they feared that once he was present, it would be practically impossible to ask him to step aside given the kind of support he enjoys among members. But while this plot was going on, New Telegraph also learnt, those loyal to Tambuwal got wind of it. They then prepared to go for the kill. A source in the House disclosed that since his security was withdrawn by the police, Tambuwal had procured the services of a private security outfit linked to the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC). These private bodyguards are said to have been mingling with Tambuwal's loyalists and have formed a human shield around him. This was the team that led Tambuwal to the National Assembly. The Police How did the police get into the picture? There are two theories that could explain the role of the police. In the Tambuwal camp, the heavy deployment of policemen in the National Assembly was an invasion masterminded by the Presidency through the Inspector General of Police. The aim of the invasion was to lend support to the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives in their bid to oust Tambuwal whose defection has been interpreted as an affront to the ruling party. The idea was that fencing out Tambuwal and his loyalists would give the PDP Caucus a leeway to discuss his status and possibly get a replacement imme-

PHOTOs ELIJAH OLALUYI

diately. If that was the plot between the PDP and the security agencies, then it was poorly and unprofessionally executed. If the Police did not want Tambuwal to get into the parliament compound, they could have done it with better planning and a little more tact. If it was the plot, then the police bungled it when they allowed themselves to be overwhelmed by the lawmakers who forced their way into the complex in spite of the heavy security and the release of canisters of tear-gas. But the Nigeria Police has promptly denied that it had any plan to work with the PDP to fence out Tambuwal. Instead, the Force Headquarters has accused Tambuwal, of entering the premises of the National Assembly with a "motley crowd" of supporters, who it said, assaulted police officers on duty yesterday. Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, said that the reported blockade, was consequent upon "an intelligence report" suggesting the likely invasion of the complex by political thugs. According to Ojukwu, the action of the Police was a preemptive move to forestall the breakdown of law and order. The police expressed regrets that in the course of exercising their constitutional duties of crime prevention, Tambuwal arrived with a crowd of supporters, who allegedly "broke the cordon, assaulted the Police and evaded due process. In the ensuing melee, Ojukwu said "the Police had the duty to restore order and normalcy, using lawful means." It is ironical that a national parliament which had been called upon to help the country resolve the challenge of insecurity got itself enmeshed in what has become a siege . This might not be the end of this drama because nothing has so far been resolved. The matter is in court and only heavens know when the judiciary will dispose of the case once and for all. Between now and when the House resumes again, the two opposing forces will continue to plot on how to smart each other. The bone of contention is the seat of the Speaker and the argument is whether Tambuwal can continue to sit there as a legislator from the minority party. It is a hard nut that only the judiciary can crack and our learned justices must be encouraged to resolve this matter before the contending forces pull down the pillars of our democracy.

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Mu'azu, still dogged by banana peels

The proverbial banana peels at Wadata Plaza, the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that consumed many past chairmen, appears to be starring the party's national chairman, Adamu Mu'azu in the face. Will he be able to survive it? ONYEKACHI EZE reports

r. Adamu Mu'azu, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be praying that December 10 should be just the next day. PDP has fixed December 10 and 11 for its national convention. The first day is for the confirmation of the appointments of national officers who joined the party mid-way into its national elective congress in 2012 while the second day is for the nomination of the presidential candidate of the party for the 2015 presidential election. Mu'azu and two other national officers – Prof. Wale Oladipo, the National Secretary and Adewale Adeyeju, the National Auditor, who joined the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) after its last convention will present themselves for the ratification of their appointments on December 10 while congress delegates, the next day, will decide between President Goodluck Jonathan and Dr. Abdul Jhali Tafawa Belewa, son of the First Republic Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Belewa, who flies the PDP flag for the February 14, 2015 presidential election. ‎But Mu'azu's proposed ratification is facing a big challenge. For those following the trend of events happening in the PDP since his coming on board as National Chairman, it was akin to what consumed Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, the sixth national chairman of the party. Since the formation of PDP in 1998, only two of its national chairmen – late Chief Solomon Lar and Senator Barnabas Gemade, successful served out their tenures in office. The rest were either removed before the expiration of their tenure or came in mid-way to complete the tenure of their predecessor; some did not even ‎have the opportunity of serving out an inherited tenure. Mu'azu, the 10th PDP national chairman, may have perhaps, attracted more legal suits than any of his predecessors. The former Bauchi State governor who assumed office on January 17, 2014 has been in and out of the court since then. Courtroom as battleground Some weeks ago, two separate suits filed in the Federal High Court Abuja seeking his removal as national chairman were withdrawn by the plaintiffs. Before the withdrawal,‎ the plaintiffs, Emmanuel Onu and Louis Ndubuis, had, in their separate suits, told the court that Mu'azu's appointment as PDP national chairman was illegal, null and void, and in every material aspect, breached the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral

Act 2010 (as amended) and the PDP guidelines. Ndubuisi in his suit marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/678/2014 filed on September 26, asked the court to remove Mu’azu as the chairman of the party on the ground that his appointment is illegal, unlawful, null and void. He contended that Mu’azu’s appointment violated provisions of Articles 31(2) and 45(2) of the party’s constitution and asked the court to restrain him from further parading himself as the PDP’s National chairman. He also asked the court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately rectify its record by deleting Mu’azu’s name as the PDP national chairman. In his supporting affidavit, the plaintiff, in one breath, argued that the deputy national chairman of the party ought to have stepped in as an acting national chairman after Tukur’s resignation, and in another breath, sought an order reinstating the former national chairman pending when a national convention would remove him (Tukur) from office. Among other reliefs sought by the plaintiff was to declare that the continued occupation of the office of national chairman of the 1st defendant (PDP) by the 2nd defendant (Mu’azu) is illegal, unlawful, null and void as the 2nd defendant was not elected into the said office at the National Convention of the 1st defendant. ‎In the second suit filed on November 4 and marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/729/2014, the plaintiff, Emmanuel Onu, who is also a PDP member prayed the court for a declaration that the purported resignation letter of Bamanga Tukur presented by President Jonathan to the National Executive Committee (NEC) is in clear violation of sections 47(5) and (6) of the 2012 Constitution of the PDP. He also wanted the court to declare that appointment of Mu'azu as the chairman of PDP was invalid and was non-compliance with laid down procedure of sections 45(1) and (2) of the 2012 Constitution of the PDP. Onu begged the court to nullify the purported appointment of Mu'azu for non-compliance with the provisions of Section 85(1) and (3) of the 2010 Electoral Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 223(1) of the 1999 Constitution. He also asked the court to direct the immediate re-instatement of Tukur as the national chairman of the PDP or in the alternative order the deputy national chairman to pilot the affairs of the PDP until the due process of electing a valid national chairman is

The governors are even joining the enemies of Mu’azu now to see if he could be eased out of office. That shows the level of disenchantment within the leadership

complied with. The court was also asked to stop Mu'azu from parading himself as the national chairman of the PDP and to also order INEC to stop further correspondence with Mu'azu. The plaintiff had earlier asked the court to decide whether the purported swift resignation of the former PDP national chairman at the 63rd NEC meeting of PDP was in compliance with Section 47(5) and (6) of the 2012 Constitution of the PDP and to determine whether the process and procedure that produced Mu'azu was in compliance with sections 47(5) and (6) of the 2012 Constitution of the PDP to become a sudden valid chairman. Also, the court was asked to determine whether the appointment, emergence and continued stay of Mu'azu as the national chairman of PDP is in compliance with provisions of Section 85(1) and (3) of the 2010 Electoral Act and Section 223(1) of 1999 constitution. Withdrawal of suits The plaintiffs, later through their counsel, Elochukwu Nweke, said they were withdrawing the suits on the overriding best interest of the party "and in view of fresh evidence, letter and documentation from INEC confirming the validity of the appointment of Mu'azu as the acting PDP national chairman and the ongoing constitutional process by the PDP to ratify all the anomalies we have raised in our suits." Fresh suit stopping convention But before the national chairman could heave a sigh of relief, a similar suit sprout out, this time, seeking even to truncate the December 10 and 11 PDP National Convention where the presidential candidate of the party is expected to emerge. ‎The fresh suit filed by an aspirant for the House of Representatives from Adamawa State, Aliyu Gurin, said Mu'azu's appointment as the national chairman of the party was illegal and thus the national convention cannot be

held under his leadership. Gurin averred that Mu’azu’s appointment was in breach of provisions of Section 47(6) of the party’s constitution and Section 85(3) of the Electoral Act while the resignation of his immediate predecessor, Dr. Bamanga Tukur as the national chairman as announced on January 15, 2014 during a meeting of NEC of the party, did not follow the provisions of Section 47(5) of the party’s constitution. The plaintiff is seeking to stop the party’s planned delegates’ convention. In a motion on notice he filed, the plaintiff asked the court to stop the planned national convention of the PDP scheduled for December 10 and 11. He also contended that the resignation of Tukur did not comply with the provisions of Section 47(5) of the constitution of the party, which stipulates that a 30-day notice be given to the NEC by Tukur. PDP kicks But PDP through its legal adviser, Kwon Victor, asked the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that the plaintiff lacks the right to institute such suit. Victor added that the plaintiff in the suit did not indicate any injury he has suffered or would suffer by reason of which the suit was brought, adding that the plaintiff has not pursued or exhaust the domestic or internal remedies available within the constitution of the party prior to the institution of the suit. Tukur demands re-instatement What was being discussed in hushed tones, however, came to the open last week when Tukur filed a counter-affidavit in the suit filed by Aliyu Gurin seeking Mu'azu's removal. Tukur in his affidavit said he was forced to leave office to make way for the return of former PDP governors who defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

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He contended that, according to the party’s constitution, if he could not finish his four-year tenure as chairman, he was to hand over to the deputy national chairman as acting chairman, pending the holding of a national convention to elect his successor. He argued that the NEC of the party had no power to appoint his successor. According to the former National Chairman, the votes and proceedings of the NEC held at Wadata House on January 15 and 20, which deliberated on his resignation as national chairman and appointment of Mu’azu as chairman, were null and void. It was Tukur's contention that even if he had submitted a letter of resignation on January 15 to the party, the letter did not comply with Section 47(5) of the PDP constitution which requires

that a 30-day prior notice should be given, arguing further that the subsequent presentation of Mu’azu to NEC as the new chairman for appointment did not comply with Section 47(6) of the party constitution, Section 85(3) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and Section 223(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He stated that at the time of Mu’azu’s appointment, no vacancy existed in the office of the national chairman, and said that Mu’azu lacks power to preside over the planned convention as such will nullify its proceedings. He, however, submitted that it would be in the interest of all parties if the status quo ante bellum is maintained, pending the election of a new chairman via a national convention.

A recurring decimal In 2011, the PDP national convention was nearly truncated when a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Onuorah granted an order following a motion ex-parte in suit E/449/2010 filed by Mr. Collins Amalu, a member of the PDP in Enugu, which was supported by a written address and an affidavit of eight paragraphs he swore requesting that Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo be removed from the party on the ground that he was not a card-carrying member of PDP. But with the circumstance under which Mu'azu came in, and given the fact that he is the first former governor in the present democratic representation to become PDP national chairman, many people thought that the banana peels at Wadata Plaza that saw the exit of so many former PDP national chairmen have been cleared for good. ‎Unfortunately, they were mistaken. Nwodo and Mu'azu's immediate predecessor in office, Tukur owed their exit from office to the PDP governors. Mu'zau appears to be facing the same challenge. Governors’ gang up and the $3m allegation Few days ago, there were reported gang up against the national chairman by some state governors. The governors – Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River), were allegedly not happy with the position the national chairman allegedly took on the result of the PDP ward congresses in their states. These governors were reportedly angry that some people within the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) were helping their enemies to manipulate the result of the congresses at the party’s national headquarters against their interest. “The governors are even joining the enemies of Mu’azu now to see if he could be eased out of office. That shows the level of disenchantment within the leadership," a member of the NWC was quoted. Among the allegations levelled against the national chairman were a bribe of $3 million and some luxury buses from a governorship aspirant from Cross River State. He was also accused of doctoring the result of the ward congresses to meet the demands of the governor's opponents. But Tony Amadi, chief press secretary to the PDP chairman, blamed

Must we engage in character assassination to win election? Nigerian politicians are desperate. This is too bad, and it is not helping in our democratic development

the allegations on 'desperate politicians' who want to win elections by all means. "Must we engage in character assassination to win election? Nigerian politicians are desperate. This is too bad, and it is not helping in our democratic development. They should play by the rule of the game," Amadi counselled. He asked whether the governors have documented evidence to prove the allegation, asking: "what is the national chairman going to use the luxury buses for"? Perhaps, what the national chairman and the NWC did not understand was that some forces within and outside the party's national secretariat are working against Mu’azu. Nweke, while announcing the withdrawal of Onu and Ndubuisi's suits against Mu'azu, expressed fear over what he called "media propaganda being sponsored by people whose sole aim is to destabilise the party and sneak back to power through the backdoor using our suit which has since been withdrawn in a bid to frustrate the ongoing move by the PDP NWC led by the Game Changer (Mu'azu) to rebuild and strengthen in our party." Before Tukur filed a counter-affidavit to Gubrin’s suit, there have been rumours that the former national chairman was working his way back to office. Whether it was true or not, his counter-affidavit is ruffling feathers at the PDP national secretariat. The party had hoped to ratify the amended section in its constitution to allow appointed officers serve out an inherited tenure. Tukur’s congratulatory message Perhaps, the PDP legal team may also rely on a congratulatory letter he allegedly sent to Mu’azu on his appointment. In the letter dated January 20, which he personally signed, the former national chairman said Mu’azu should know that his appointment was a call to service. Although he was absent during Mu'azu inauguration, Tukur noted: “On behalf of myself and my family, I congratulate Your Excellency on your appointment as the National Chairman of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party. “Your emergence is a clear manifestation of your unique leadership qualities, visionary and purposeful disposition as well as your immeasurable contributions to the growth of the party."

UP CLOSE: Mu'azu...TUKUR

r. Ahmadu Adamu Mu'azu, the National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was born in Boto, Tafawa Balewa Local Government area of Bauchi State on June 11, 1955. He attended Gindiri Boy's Secondary School between 1971 and 1975 in the then Benue-Plateau State where he obtained a Distinction in the West African School Certificate Examination. Mu'azu later went to the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying. He worked as a Quantity Surveyor/Project Mu'azu Manager in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Welfare, Youth, Sports and Culture in Kano from 1986 to 1990. He was also a member of the State before returning to his alma mater in 1983 Bauchi State Scholarship Board during this period. Between 1987 and 1997, he served in a number for his Master of Science degree in Construction of capacities including director of the Nigeria Ports Management. He served as property manager of the Bauchi Authority (NPA) and a member of the Bauchi State State Investment and Property Development Com- Rural Development Council. He joined partisan politics in 1998 and was pany before attending Birmingham University in the United Kingdom and receiving a second Mas- elected governor of Bauchi State with 56 per cent ter degree, this time in the area of Construction of the vote in the 1999 gubernatorial election. He was re-elected for a second four-year term in 2003 Economics. Mu'azu later went into private business and but failed in his bid to represent his people in the between 1984 and 1987, he became chairman of the Senate in the 2007 general election. A devout Muslim, the PDP national chairman Federal Polytechnic in Idah as well as chairman of the Benue-Plateau Construction Company in Jos is a father of nine children

he former national chairman of the PDP was born on September 15, 1935. Between 1958 and 1959 Tukur was at the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study Accountancy and Public Finance. Thereafter, he proceeded to United Kingdom to NORTHWEST Polytechnic, London to study Marine Transportation and London School of Economics to study Transportation, Economics and Statistics. He also attended the Pittsburg University, United States for a post-graduate course in Public Administration and International Relations. Between 1975 and 1982, Tukur served as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). He served as governor of the now defunct Gongola State between October and December 1983. A prominent businessman and politician, Tukur also served as Minister for Industries in the administration of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s. He is the Executive Chairman of African Business Roundtable and Chair-

Tukur

man, NEPAD business group. Tukur was elected National Chairman of the PDP in January 2012 and later resigned on January 15, 2014 following internal crisis in the party. He is the chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and A devout Muslim, the former national chairman was married to Hajiya Fatima Tukur and has many children.

FaceOff SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH 22 NOVEMBER 2014

Ntufam John Okon is the Cross River State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with CLEMENT JAMES, he talks on the issues arising from the November ward congress in the state and controversies that surround it, among other issues. Excerpts: Since the ward congress in November, controversies have trailed the results, leading to accusations and counter-accusations. Can you tell us what really happened? On November 1st, a panel arrived from Abuja for the ward congresses to elect delegates in the 196 wards in Cross River State. We received them here in my office. That reception was a mixed bag because some interested party members raised issue about their nomination forms for the delegates. We had published, based on the party guidelines, the number of forms we received here. But some forms came from Abuja and the panel in its wisdom agreed that everybody should contest. We submitted to them, as usual, the names of all electoral officers that had to manage the elections in the ward. Normally, we use ward chairmen and secretaries. All we have to do is swap them. That has always been the tradition in the party here. And mind you, these ward officers have been in the party since 2012 even before we came. So, we have not had any reason to change anybody. So, returning officers were appointed and the panel looked at it and said it was ok. Because of their late arrival, materials were distributed and even went to the field. We started from the northern, the central and then the south. Some local governments were able to conduct theirs the same day but some had to do it the following morning. And on Sunday, we started having returns, and of course, we were interested to find out what was going on. Apart from some skirmishes here and there, everything went on very well. But we started having doubts about the panelists because there were some accusations. Especially the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was the secretary of the panel was said to be a lawyer to one of the new entrants in our election; that is Goddy Jeddy-Agba. And of course, when we asked them to compile the results based on what we had received from the field, that local government by local government, because these people had been announced in the wards as having won and they saw the result format, so all we needed was for them to compile the results, sign and leave it with us. But they said no, they will not be able to do that. Throughout that evening, we were working with them and insisted that we must get photocopies of

PDP panellists were compromised - Okon such a result? So what is the position of the NWC now? Of course, they have sent lawyers to first unlock the injunction. The state was not part of the case. The NWC has gone to the High Court to say it’s wrong. They set up a panel, the panel has not submitted its report and some people as saying they should not look into the report but accept it ab initio.

Okon

what we had, apart from the duplicates we have already. We wanted to be doubly sure that everything was ok so that nobody would accuse us of any intervention. We did all those things, but surprisingly in the morning, without giving us the summary of the result here, they left the state early in the morning with a chartered plane. When we got information about their movement, our secretary had to rush to ask them why and followed them up to Abuja. In Abuja, they abandoned him and went a different way. They did not go to the party secretariat to submit the forms so our suspicion was heightened and they were being monitored. They did not submit the forms until 9p.m. We went there on Monday to find out with our authentic results which they also had, we discovered some of the results we had here in the field were different from what was submitted. And the funniest part was that the forms they brought here, some had the logo of the party while some did not have it at all, and it became very obvious that there was a monumental fraud perpetrated by these people. So, what did you do after? By the time we were trying investigate what was going on, some interested party here had gone to court to obtain an injunction that the National Working Committee (NWC) should not even look at what was coming from the state. At this point, everything now be-

Of course, they have sent lawyers to first unlock the injunction. The state was not part of the case came very suspicious. The panel was set up by a body and it is supposed to submit its report to the body that set it up to see. But you now go to court to get an interlocutory injunction that nobody should receive anything other than that one. The suspicion became obvious. Why obtain an injunction over something that NWC had not seen? Of course, we made our case to the National Organizing Secretary, showed our papers and he saw that there was obvious fraud. And the NWC also sent in a lawyer to say, ah, we sent people on an errand, they have not reported to us, and you don’t want us to look at it. It is not done anywhere. I gave you a job, and you said I should not superintend over the job, I should just accept whatever you said. That’s where we are. People talk about the appeal committee. Even the appeal committee that came here had nothing to work with. No result was left for them to look at, so what would be the basis of their work. If they had seen the results, they wouldn’t have gone. The panel had carted away the results and everybody was waiting for them. So, that’s the

whole thing that happened. And we now found out that the people had been corrupted; they had been compromised. As the chairman of the party, I am to protect all the interest. If I sat down here conduct the elections and panel came, I gave them all the cooperation, I don’t think they have the right to go and change the people’s mandate. Even if it was one person that was shut out, we cannot accept that. That’s where we are. We have made our case; elections were conducted, and things happened, they left photocopies here only to submit something different from ours. There are rumours that the appeal panel had upheld the results. I don’t know anything about the appeal panel upholding the results. They came here and had nothing to work with because nobody had any results. Look at the sequence; you can only sit over an appeal if you see the result of an event. The committee did not leave anything for them. The appeal panel came and they went back to report that they had no issue because they had not seen the result. I want you to understand the depth of the fraud. You went away, you never left the result for the appeal panel, and this was not published. They used a sheet of paper and wrote what they wanted to write by hand, copied it and it never entered into any format. There was no supporting document, so how can you handle

But one of the panel members had said the congress they conducted was free and fair. What do you have to say about that? Well, I repeat that it was free and fair. But the difference between what we are saying and what he said is that they went and changed what happened on ground here. In the state here, everywhere, people knew who were elected. Delegates know they were elected. But the panel went out and changed what was done here and they refused to conclude the exercise here. Why did they leave Calabar without concluding and publishing the exercise? There was fraud perpetrated by the panel. We are saying this because we have facts. Is the suspension of key members of the party legal? Yes, we have the right to suspend. If we find out that some people are trying to put the party into disrepute, like what is happening now, we have the right to suspend. There are people we don’t have the right to suspend; like the Senate Leader, who is a National Assembly member, based on the party’s constitution, we have only referred the case to the national body. But those within the state, we have suspended them and we are going to refer the matter to the disciplinary committee to treat the case in detail. It was based on a petition. What will you do if the national body eventually accepts the results? The national body cannot accept the results because they are fraudulent. We have given to them the correct results. We have made our case. There were monitoring officers appointed. Returning officers were also appointed. The panel was just to collate. Did members of the panel go to the field? They did not go to the field. The detail of the 196 wards is at the national secretariat and they have gotten copies. So, why will they accept a fraudulent result? I don’t see the national doing that and it is not even contemplated.

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

FaceOff | Politics

They are crying wolf – Irek There has been a lot of hullabaloo about the ward congress. Can you tell us what really happened? For the ward congress, I get a little bit worried when people are painting gory pictures about what really took place there. If you recall, in September, the Cross River State exco of the PDP made it impossible for people to buy forms for the delegate election. It was in that regard that we quickly pre-empted what they wanted to do. We went to Abuja and bought forms for those who were ready to buy. So, everybody was now in the competition. When we came with the forms, we heard that they had met at the state caucus here and decided that they didn’t want to make the mistake they made in 2011 when Prince Bassey Otu was given a free run and came and defeated their favoured senatorial candidate. So this time, the best thing was to lock us out. And they thought that the only way to do that was to reject our forms and say the forms were not bought in Calabar and that we needed to buy the forms from them. So, when we brought our forms to be taken, there was that debate. Initially, I think they didn’t want to take the forms. Then, they said we should bring the forms later. They started defacing the forms, started imprinting their seal on it. So, when we came with our forms at about 4p.m., the time was going to lapse by 12 midnight, we came and delivered our forms to them and they accepted them. They were 198 forms because we did our own three per ward and that was for the central senatorial district because our concern was the Victor Ndoma-Egba campaign. There are 66 wards in the central. They had their list of candidates which was five per ward, but we trimmed our own to three and we wanted to face them in the field. So we took our 198 forms to them, they collected them and I think we were lucky that they didn’t burn the forms, and if they had attempted maybe, we would have relied on the photocopies. Then the next thing, the flip-flop story started. They said they will not accept, they will accept. So, when did the problem start? On November 1st, they published the list and made sure it excluded every other person, including those who bought their forms from them. They excluded every other person and went away. They were now set to do business. But they didn’t reckon with the panel coming from the national. When the panel came on that November 1st, although I didn’t see them until they came to the secretariat because somebody called when he heard that the panel wanted to meet with stakeholders. During the meeting, I was one of the first people who spoke. I was very bitter and I said we don’t play politics this way because I was the first deputy chairman of the party in the state. There was a time I was the acting chairman in 1998, when things were turbulent, even before we got into power in 1999. After we made our points and the panel insisted that everybody should go and run, they were playing games and the panel may not have known. They didn’t give out materials, waiting for time to lapse because they know that some of us would be travelling like six hours if you are going to Obudu. By that

Chief Earnest Irek is the Director-General of Victor Ndoma-Egba Campaign Organisation. In this interview with CLEMENT JAMES, he debunked allegations of compromise by the state party leadership.

Irek

time, they would have done what they wanted to do. So by the time we got into the field, I had suggested that we should postpone the congress till the next day; until those grey areas were properly addressed, but the panel, backed by the state exco said we should go ahead and that it could spill into Sunday. So, we went. They know what they are doing. Like right now, they are already compiling the list of staff that will handle the primaries. Now if those staff goes and handles the primaries and you win from there, they will come and tell you that you didn’t win. They are compiling the list, looking for their loyalists. Now when they go to the field and cannot manipulate the results, they will come and start talking about contentious issues. So when we got there, we now said there was need for us to have a harmonious list. We spoke to some people and at the end of the day we agreed to go to our different wards. Those who had their registers went to their wards and the results came out. By the time we got back to Calabar, the next day, around 5p.m., because we were now following our results since we wanted to be sure nobody played any game; they took the results to them, they were accepted. I was pleasantly surprised when they were talking about free and fair elections and I joined them because I was talking from the angle of my own local area. I didn’t know that they already started complaining in the south and all of that. Eventually, there were few discrepancies and I went to my principal to complain. You know in elections, you cannot run away from some discrepancies. But if you conduct an election and 70 per cent is free and fair, I think you would have scored a pass mark. You let it go at that point. We were now thinking of the national delegates’ election. Four days after, these chaps, who were singing free and fair, changed the tune of the music and said the lists were manipu-

lated. Some of us were taken aback. I was pleasantly surprised because I recall that the State Secretary was there with them, he followed the panel from here, entered the aircraft with them. It was their aircraft. It’s like your car, if anybody wants to enter, you could tell him get out. It wasn’t a public aircraft, it was a private jet. The people took him on and he joined them ostensibly to monitor them. But when he was giving his own account, he said when he got to Abuja airport they disappeared, as if he’s a man from another country. They disappeared in his country? If you told me that you went to Cameroon or Burkina Faso or any of those countries and you didn’t see them, one will appreciate that it’s another country; but in your country and you left here for that purpose. If I were the one, what would have stopped me from following one of the committee members? He said he didn’t see them so he ran to the national secretariat and waited. That’s the story. It was about 9p.m. on Sunday. When they were bringing the results, he didn’t see anything wrong about that. He stayed on until 9p.m. Then, like a magician he now brought out his own list that was written in Calabar and compared it with the panel’s list that was properly compiled, he saw the discrepancies and then started crying wolf.

"If I were the one, what would have stopped me from following one of the committee members?"

What is the discrepancy on the delegates’ list? On that day, 588 ad hoc delegates were elected. Granted that they (the panel) were the ones who handled the process, that means that they knew all the delegates. Even with my political knowledge, I cannot ascribe to myself the knowledge of all the delegates. I don’t know them. Out the 588, the Secretary of the party said he believed that they had tampered with 264 names. That means that 324 of those names had not been tampered with. That 324 are already in their pocket. They are now fighting for the 264 so that they can have all the 588. If they know that they

are strong and they can withstand it, you know 324 is bigger than 268. Why not go back into battle and say whoever is coming, we will defeat you with this 324. And that’s not all. Remember, these are ad hoc delegates; you still have statutory delegates who you can manipulate. So, what are you crying wolf for? Why are you putting all this tension in Cross River State? You said that 264 are missing and then you decide to suspend people. And then you went to the national television and lied and said you gave us time to appear before you and we refused. Goddy Jeddy-Agba, a preferred governorship aspirant arrived on Thursday and when they saw the crowd, they knew that they were in trouble. They reeled out suspension. They didn’t mind what was going to happen and in their haste, they almost included the Senate Leader and Chris Etta who is a member of the House of Representatives. It was when somebody drew their attention to it, then they moved a motion and they said it was seconded by one local government chairman, and the deed was done. The committee was supposed to stay for 48 hours but they stayed for 72 hours, three solid days and you had no complaints. Then in Abuja, you started making noise, casting aspersions on very respectable and responsible party members, that they took bribe. There was accusation that the secretary of the electoral panel was a lawyer to one of the governorship aspirants. How true is this? I can assure you that nobody on the committee had any vested interest. Leave that aside. The secretary of that panel, his name is Makiawo. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). I don’t know Goddy JerryAgba’s lawyer, whether is the secretary or not. But that is beside the point. The state exco were the ones who were supposed to raise the objection long ago. But they didn’t raise it. They said the thing was free and fair. I told you that because they have been outwitted, that is why they are throwing accusations around. What can you say about the court case? I can tell you about the one in Abuja. When they saw the result that came in, they started putting pressure and you know sometimes, pressure could yield some fruits. So, people who were elected delegates went there and said no, nobody should touch the result that it should be left the way the panel has brought it. The panel has submitted its report, it is now public, all of us know about the delegates, so please don’t touch the list. Because the next thing you will hear they will call it a political solution. So, they said don’t touch the list because people went to the field and keenly contested the election and they have won, so let the people be so returned. But they had also gone to a court in Akpabuyo to ask that the status quo be maintained. You see, they have suspended the people they say sued them in Abuja, but the ones who sued the panel here in Akpabuyo are protected.

52 Politics

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

How has policing been in Delta State? It has been as expected as the people of the state have been of immense assistant to our activities here. We are, indeed, very grateful to them as they have, in no small measure, helped to curb crime here. I am tempted to say that here in Delta, we are almost operating a crime-free society, apart from some pockets of hoodlums and their criminal activities here and there. At a point, the menace of armed robbery was traced to the itinerant Fulani herdsmen. What is the situation now? It has been contained, to a greater extent, as there are two sides to it. There are those who have settled down here. Those ones are not part of the menace, but there are those who pass by -- the nomads. The Serikis are involved in helping to stem the tide. We told them to alert us of Fulanis that are passing by, and they are doing just that, and it is helping out. I must commend them because the cooperation has really helped to stem that. Since the ban on commercial motorcyclists (okada), with commensurate sanity on the roads here, how do you cope with areas not covered by the ban? Where we have okada still operating in the state is where we still have pockets of crime. Like Agbor, for instance, people go and rob and okada is an easier escape means after committing crime. So the police mount different strategies to apprehend them. Most often, you will see three or two people on okada, and we flag them down. And most often, we recover local pistols from them. We are doing our best in such circumstances, and it is yielding appreciable results. What has been your relationship with the local vigilante? In Delta State, about 80 per cent of the successes we have recorded are from the local vigilante groups. Each of them are under the Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, who coordinate their activities. In fact, they are of tremendous help to Nigeria Police in Delta State.

Perspectives

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Christina Kalu, easily strikes a first-time visitor as a thorough-bred professional and a lady of steel. The Anambra-born cop told SONY NEME that politicians, criminals and thugs in the state should turn a new leaf because the game is up.

Recently, the new Inspector-General of Police, restated the ban on road-blocks, but that order seems not working here as check points abound, replete with unwholesome activities by some officers. What is your command doing in that regard? We don’t have checkpoints in Delta State. Checkpoint is where you have a barrier to stop the flow of traffic. We don’t have that here. What you have here is stop and check against crime. And you know we are in ‘ eber’ month, and it is a difficult period when everybody wants to make money and go to their village for Christmas to display. That is our own strategy to curb crime in Delta State. I am aware that you collaborate with Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, yet it is a common sight to see overloaded vehicles on major highways with passengers and goods. Doesn’t that compromise security? I have not seen that, and thanks for bringing that to our knowledge. Though those are purely the respon-

sibilities of the FRSC, I also do know that the present leadership of Delta State Police Command doesn’t joke with the synergy and operations with sister agencies in crime prevention and safety of people. We are approaching political primaries, a political time table that comes with lots of challenges. How prepared are you? The command is prepared, and we are ready to work with other security agencies to ensure a success of the primaries. We have been meeting and strategising with all the relevant stakeholders and contestants on the need to play by the rules. We have also commenced public awareness campaign, urging parents to get their children off trouble; not to be used to foment trouble before, during and after elections. They must not allow themselves to be used as thugs, because the children of these politicians are either schooling abroad or are in exclusive boarding schools. I am also seizing this

Kalu

medium to appeal to parents to monitor and ensure that their children are not used by politicians to foment trouble, because the consequences have not and will never be palatable, because anybody caught will incur the wrath of the law. What challenges do you have and what further help do you require from Deltans and the state government, in particular, to help the state police command? What we need is that they should continue helping us with useful information about crime and criminals. Their hiding places and they are sure of proper protection. They are sure of utmost secrecy as nobody will divulge the source of information. On the part of the state, they should help us with vehicles and other operational materials, because some of our vehicles cannot even chase armed robbers. They are dilapidated. Imagine a vehicle that is in use day in day out, and the only thing that change there is the manpower. As those on night duty closes, those on day patrol takes it over, and the vehicle has no rest. But when we have enough vehicles when those on night patrol closes, they will park it, and those for morning duties will take another one, and the vehicles will have less wear and tear to contend with. We really need more vehicles to police the state better, especially at this point in time. What is your advice for criminals in the state? My candid advice to those wishing to continue or come to Delta State for crime is that they should look elsewhere; they should pack their bags and baggage out of the state because we have a zero tolerance for criminals and criminality in Delta State.

On northern Nigeria’s quandary …

The Nation-State With Louis Achi

We don't have checkpoints in Delta – PPRO

achilouis35@gmail.com

eering through the dark prism of the human crisis that defined his era, former French president, Giscard D'Estaing once proclaimed that history is tragic. Born in the First World War, the plucky Frenchman fought in the second global conflagration. Perhaps, from an insight shaped by being a participant and witness to the triumph of the human spirit over unimaginable odds he counseled statesmen and world leaders: "There can be no response to history without effort." To effectively respond to one of the bloody flotsams of Nigeria’s history - the Boko Haram religion-tinged insurgency - indeed requires effort. The buck largely stops at the table of President Goodluck Jonathan. This is hardly debatable. Today, ahead of the 2015 general elections, Northern Nigeria is in a tail-spin. Its political intelligentsia is divided and its famous internal cohesion is in tatters. Former Minister of Defence, retired General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, last June succinctly captured this ‘quandary’ when he came down heavily on Northern elders and politicians, telling them to stop making noise about leadership direction in the region. He noted it was never in the character of the people to talk too much, but to

take action. With alarming frankness the lion in winter observed that, “It is not in our character as northerners to talk too much. We need to think more, pray more, plan more, work harder, relate better but talk less. Battles are better fought and won through wisdom and strategy than through inflammatory pronouncements and political tantrums. We urgently need to put our house in order so we can overcome our various challenges. This is the time for elders to be circumspect and temperate in their utterances.” The event was during his conferment with the title of Jarmai Zazzau. In a speech titled “Rebuilding a Harmonious and Hospitable NorthernNigeria,” the former defence minister noted that Northern leaders havebecome confused and scattered like flocks without shepherd, adding that it was an indication of leadership failure. Introspectively he recalled that he had taken many risks for the sake of Nigeria, observing that, “At the age of 75, I thought I have paid my dues. I just want to spend the rest of my life in quiet retirement, leaving the public arena for a new generation of leaders to improve on the modest achievements of my generation.” Right on target, Danjuma put his finger on the abject poverty, lack of functional education and the wide gap between the poor and the rich in the North, pointing out that there could never be peace and harmony where there is wide

disparity between the few rich and a multitude of the poor. This scenario subsists in sharp contrast to the fact that her sons have provided national leadership for almost four decades. In terms of sheer landmass, Northern Nigeria equates Zimbabwe and South Africa combined. It has the agricultural capacity to feed West Africa. From mid last century, by its sheer size, natural resource endowments and seeming astute brand of politics, it had dominated the rest of Nigeria. But without that mysterious chemistry of visionary leadership, the inherent promises, unfortunately for the region, are yet to be unlocked. Successive observers have asked again; do the leaders of this land of promise have the interest of their people at heart? Various statistics have sharply dramatized the dismal lot of the north. In the past and currently, political patronage had become almost the main source of wealth of its prominent players. But that era appears to have ended. This dismal scenario raises a laundry list of legitimate posers. Can the North claim, or reclaim the 21st Century? Is this exotic patch of real estate, shadowed by Caliphal history under a crisis of political thought or caged by the dilemma of a deformed leadership vision? The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the socio-political umbrella platform for articulation of Northern interests is unlikely to concede that an atrophy of vision exists. At press time, much of the Northern landscape is a human canvass seething with poverty and multi-hued crises. In a few cases, candles have been lighted in the

stark darkness of want and ignorance by a few progressive governors. But this pales into insignificance given the scope of intervention needed urgently. Clearly, the subsisting Northern quandary is linked intimately to Nigeria’s quandary. No amount of Southern huffing and puffing can erase this reality. The current security challenge confronting the country has linkages with the socio-economic and political condition of the north. Its resolution will – whether in the short, medium or long term – require the redressing of the condition of the region. President Jonathan’s educational programme for the Almajirai would appear to speak to an aspect of this regional quandary. But a lot more needs to be done. The survivalist power retrieval strategy apparently favoured by the region’s political intelligentsia, though a legitimate quest, is no substitute to a strategic intelligent reengagement with the Nigerian state. It is against this background that the imperative of a bipartisan consensus to fight the current Boko Haram insurgency must be appreciated by the country’s political intelligentsia. This pathway is now the global trend for confronting terrorism – in Europe, North America and large swathes of Asia. Nigeria cannot be different. This is because as D'Estaing proclaimed, “There can be no response to history without effort."

News

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Fashola: NJC lacks power to regulate judges in states

Muritala Ayinla agos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), yesterday queried the power of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to determine the number of judges to be appointed by the state government. Fashola, who described the ratification of judges needed by the state by the commission as unlawful and un constitutional, said the state which is responsible for welfare of the judges should determine the number of justice it wants in accordance with the constitution for timely dispensation of justice. Speaking shortly after swearing-in the four newly-appointed high court judges at the Lagos State Secretariat, Fashola said access to justice would not be guaranteed if the commission continued to limit the numbers of appointed judges without consideration for the population of the state and ability of the state to cater for their welfare. The newly-appointed judges are: Justice Iyabo Akinkungbe, Justice Iya-

2015: APC BoT member backs Kwankwaso

member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Nkire, has said Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, remains the best choice for the party, if the party is to win the 2015 presidential election. Nkire, who expressed this opinion while interacting with journalists, said although APC parades an array of competent aspirants, Kwankwaso seemed the most competent, energetic and ready to go at the blast of the whistle. He added that Kwankwaso did not only have age on his side but that he appeared to be the most electable of all the aspirants in all the parties as can be deduced from public reaction to his tours of both northern and southern states of the country. Nkire opined that days were gone when unwilling, unprepared and autocratic leaders were forced on Nigerians, adding that time had come when Nigerians must be allowed to choose a leader with both democratic and performance credentials. He also commended the leadership of APC for a successful salvation rally which according to him served as a wake up call to Nigerians against the maladministration of the PDP government.

own houses and it will not be different with the newly sworn-in judges.” The governor also lamented why most Nigeri-

bode Sonaike, Justice Jubril Bashua and Abdulfattah Lawal. He said: “In a federation, who should determine the number of judges that the states need? Is it the state that needs them or a national agency? I think it is a matter of serious consideration. My recent looking of the constitution did not suggest to me that it is the within the remit of any agency to determine for us the number of judges we can appoint. This is because the question of welfare and remuneration judges is a matter well within our control. All our judges in the state now own their

an judges could not attend International Bar Association Conference in Tokyo, Japan, where they could learn from global issues

that were discussed. He also queried why the judges in the country need to seek permission of the Chief Justice of the

federation before travelling out of the country, describing this as a lacuna in the constitution which must be addressed.

'Don’t impose 50% tariff on books importation' Sola Adeyemo

P Ibadan

resident, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Chief Ngwobia Okereke, has advised the Federal Government against implementing the proposal to introduce a new tariff regime of 50 per cent levy

on imported textbooks in Nigeria. He gave the advice in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the association’s annual conference and general meeting. The conference which drew stakeholders from all the states of the Federation had as its theme: “Nigerian Book Industry, National Development and Gov-

ernment Policies”, and it was presided over by the doyen of publishing in the country, Chief Joop Berkhout, Chairman of Safari Book Limited. According to him, the implications and catastrophic effects of imposition of tariffs on textbooks, will include but not limited to the following: “Tariff will impose high

tax on books and further deny our students, academics and the general public access to knowledge which is imperative. It will impose a prohibitive cost on universities, polytechnics, particularly their libraries in meeting universally acceptable accreditation and standards and further erode knowledge and education.

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54 Sport Extra

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

Look inwards to rebuild Eagles � Mashaba tells NFF

Adekunle Salami

ead Coach of the South Africa national team, Shakes Mashaba, has advised the Nigeria Football Federation to look inwards in trying to rebuild the Super Eagles for future competitions. Mashaba stressed that it was important to bring on players from the domestic league to play a role in the national team. He said that the bulk of his players were from the South African League and that it was easy to bring them together to achieve understanding and cohesion. The coach said: “You cannot ignore your league because it is easier to blend those at home than the professionals abroad. There is very little time for the pros to be in the team and so you need players from your home league. “Eagles are very strong but

they display more of individual skills than collective play. Nigeria needs more players from the domestic league in the national team. “The players might not be fantastic from the beginning but with time they will come good. “ On the exploits of the Bafana Bafana in the AFCON qualifiers, the coach said it was a result of hard work and dedication on the part of the players. “I am so proud of the players because they have been fantastic. They made sacrifices in many ways to get us to where we are today. We are still hoping to prepare better for the Nations Cup proper,” Mashaba added. The Bafana Bafana finished tops in the AFCON Group A qualifiers with 12 points from six matches ahead of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan. The team was unbeaten in the qualifiers.

Anele Ngcongca of South Africa challenging Super Eagles' Emmanuel Emenike during the African Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo

Bayern 's Allianz Arena costs paid off early

ayern Munich have paid off all the costs of their Allianz Arena more than 15 years ahead of schedule, meaning they have more money to make signings. The club moved into the £235m stadium, which now holds 75,000 fans, in 2005. Chief executive KarlHeinz Rummenigge told the official club magazine: "The revenues from the Allianz Arena can soon be invested

in the team." Former club president Uli Hoeness has previously said it would free up £20m more in their playing budget. Rummenigge added: "We have financed the entire stadium privately and for that we took exactly 346 million euros into our hands in 2005 with a financing plan to 2030, so 25 years. "Now we have paid off the stadium completely after nine-and-a-half years."

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, League Management Company, Salihu Abubakar, NFF Board member, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and Glo Premier League highest goals scorer, Mfon Udoh of Enyimba International, receving a symbolic cheque for N250, 000

Ibrahimovic ready for PSG return

triker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could make his first Paris St-Germain start in two months when they visit Metz on Friday. The 33-year-old, who has recovered from a heel injury, last started for the French champions on 21 September. PSG coach Laurent Blanc said: "He is going very well. After his match with the Sweden national team, he came back with a little stiffness. "He played the full 90 minutes so that's normal. But he has recovered well since then." Paris St-Germain would go top of Ligue 1 with a point, with leaders Marseille not playing Bordeaux until Sunday.

'Minister, SGF trying to influence electoral committee' Comfort Chukwu Abuja

van Persie

Arteta

Twitter heats up for Arsenal, Man United

he battle line has been drawn on Twitter as one of the most exciting English Premier League matches of the season between Arsenal and Manchester United comes alive. The famous rivalry between both teams usually unfolds on Twitter in the build up to the real match, with coaches playing mind games, team captains lifting the team spirits and supporters backing up their teams with enthusiastic comments on Twitter. Manchester United Manager Louis van Gaal and Arsenal Captain Mikel Arteta got the Twitter conversation going earlier in the week, with tweets on the showdown. Nigerian sports commentators and fans have also joined the Twitter talk, possibly to gain some psychological advantage. When both teams met last February, there was a lot of heat ups and expectations from football lovers across the globe most especially on Twitter. It was a high-tension match because much was expected from both ends but at the end of the day, it ended goaless.

arrister Iyke Igbokwe has accused the Minister of Sport, Tammy Danagogo, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, of attempting to subvert the operation of the Electoral Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation. Igbokwe is one of candidates that have appealed against the outcome of the November 30 NFF election in Warri and he told journalists on Friday that the two senior government officials are putting pressure on the committee to compromise its decision. He claimed the officials may have got wind of the impeding ruling of the committee and are doing so much to change the course of justice.

"After the two-day hearing where I presented even a video tape to back my petition, it was clear to all at the hearing that the Warri election was marred with irregularities against the statutes of the Federation. But the secretary General of the Federation and Sports Minister are putting pressure on the committee to influence it's decision,” he said. Igbokwe said he had even approached the minister via an SMS to advise him on the need to allow the committee do its job. "I sent a harmless text appealing to him and the SGF to stop mounting pressure on the Appeal Committee and allow them to take a decision, the SGF did not reply me but the minister replied me and said I am a mental case. I am not mental, I have the right to appeal the election,” he said.

Cote d’Ivoire could face sanctions over pitch invasion

ote d'Ivoire could face sanctions for a mass pitch invasion by fans in Abidjan after they secured their place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The incident came after the Elephants drew 0-0 with Cameroon on Wednesday to ensure they finished

second in Group D. The Confederation of African Football says it is awaiting the referee's match report on the incident. "The incident is likely to be addressed by the organising committee on 1 December," a CAF official said.

GAMES/CROSS WORD PUZZLE Rivers in the World-2

KEY WORDS

FRITZROY BELIZE BRADANO ANGARA BARTANG EUPHRATES

EDER CESMA CUANZA CANADIAN CHURCHILL BIGHORN COLUMBIA BLUE-NILE COLORADO ATBARA DRAVA BUZAU

H S C G H A U I R B C M H U I L L O L C G W

E L I N E U L B U Z A

T B O D A R O L O C T

A A V A R D F B F E B

R Y O R Z T I R F S A

H F G N A T R A B M R

P B L U E N I D N A A

U F A N G A R A H P U

E D E R C U A N Z A T

A R G N V N R O H G I

B C

B T

8 11

18 19 21

ACROSS 1 5 7 8 9 10 11 12

Sunday as a day of worship, (7). Place something, (3). Chew and swallow, (3). Laboratory, abbr., (3). Yoruba god of divination, (3). Strong cord, (4). Affiliate something, (4). Radio Telegraph, abbr., (2).

DOWN 1 Save from destruction, (7). 2 Globule within liquid, (6).

3 Within, (4). 4 Floor of fireplace, (6). 5 Discontinue, (4).

16 17 18 22 23 24 25 26

Tool for cutting, (2). Chaotic state, (4). Move past, (4). Tobacco smoke residue, (3). Nigerian Insurance company, (3). A strong feeling of displeasure, (3). Of poor quality, (3). Brown coal, (7).

15 20

U H

14 16

4 7

14 Pale in colour, (6). 15 Late Super Eagles' striker, (6). 19 Corrosive substance, (4). 20 Talk boastfully, (4). 21 Place for drinking, (3).

6 Indicating 'three', (3). 13 Fairness, (7).

See solution on page 20

SATURDAY NEW TELEGRAPH

22 NOVEMBER 2014

DESTINATION

SATURDAY

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Away from politics as Abuja Carnival beckons

These Eagles must go! - Lawal, Nwosu, others cry out

P.40

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2014.

N150

P.25

Welbeck

out to haunt man United D

Ifeanyi Ibeh anny Welbeck may have picked up a hamstring injury during England’s midweek win over Scotland but don’t bet against the 23-year-old taking to the pitch later today when Arsenal welcome his former club Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium. Against the Scots, Welbeck displayed over and over again, even after signalling to the bench that he had stretched his hamstring, that lively spirit that has endeared him to Arsenal fans. Such is the determination level of the young forward who has been Arsene Wenger's first choice striker since making a £16 million switch from Old Trafford on the last day of the summer transfer window. He has gone ahead to reward the veteran French-born manager with five goals in all competitions, including a late strike that helped Arsenal avoid an embarrassing defeat in a 2-2 draw against Hull City. Not only has Welbeck been scoring goals for Arsenal, he has been an unlikely creative force in the Gunners’ forward line as he has created 14 chances for his teammates in eight league appearances so far this season. A favourite among Manchester United fans after joining the club at the age of eight, his departure was greeted with almost universal dismay in the red half of Manchester with several club legends unhappy with the sale despite Louis van Gaal’s explanation that he had to let go of Welbeck owing to the plethora of stars ahead of him in the pecking order. Paul Scholes was “sorry” to see him go, Rio Ferdinand said the decision was “mad” while Gary Neville said he was “struggling to understand the logic of it.” Even Marouane Fellaini believes that it will be “strange” to see Welbeck play against Manchester United on Saturday. Such is the amount of respect former teammates have for Welbeck who, during his time at Old Trafford, was played largely out on the flanks instead of his preferred centre-forward position; a reason which explains why he was only able to score 29 goals in 142 appearances for the Red Devils. Under Wenger though, Welbeck has got what he wanted: a consistent run in his best position. And with United enduring a number of defensive problems, he may come back to haunt them with his speed and power. And what a moment it would be for him to score against the club that cast him out this summer.

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