New telegraph saturday, february 13, 2016 binder1

News

EFCC arrests NAMA MD, declares GMs wanted

lMilitary court may try Jonathan’s Pg.46,54 ADC, 11 others

News

Why we nullified Wike’s sacking by Supreme Court Pg.41

Magu

News

Buhari: Late Olubadan left enviable legacies

lGovs, politicians Pg.54 eulogise Odulana

CJN Mahmud

SATURDAY Saturday, February 13, 2016

Vol. 3 No. 724

/newtelegraph

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40 years after:

N150

murtala, taiwo, gomwalk’s children open up

lDimka, Bisalla’s families keep mum lMy mum didn’t commit suicide –Wya’s son lI dodged bullets for over 20 Pgs. 3-16,42,43 hours –Rosaline Ogunro

Rita Dominic It’s tough producing movies in Nigeria Pg.21

DSS combs North for ISIS recruiters

lArmy releases 275 Boko Haram suspects Pg.41,48

...to inaugurates court martial in Jos

2

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

SATURDAY

Comment

Setting the records straight T here is no greater pain than living with lies and half-truth in a situation that should indeed evoke emotion or even compliment. It is said that those who do not know history are forever condemned to repeat it. The case of Mrs Marie Wya is an example of history being turned upside down.

She got married to Abdul Wya, a young Nigerian Army officer in the early 1960s.

Originally from outside the African continent, it was probably because of her that the husband’s promotion to the rank of Captain was facilitated by his then Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Alexander Atta Madiebo of the Artillery Corps.

By 1976, Wya was a Colonel and commanding the Artillery Corps. On February 13 of that year, there was military coup led by Lt.Col. Bukar Sukar Dimka of the Army Physical Training Corps.

The Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, was assassinated in Lagos, on his way to work. The governor of Kwara State, Col. Ibrahim Taiwo also lost his life.

Col. Wya was picked up and in his wildest of imaginations did not believe that he would not come back to his wife and children. In a letter he wrote from detention, the officer assured her that there was nothing to worry about since he was not involved. Wya said it was routine investigation, explaining that possibly because he was close to one of the plotters, Lt.Col Ayuba Tense, the investigators only wanted to find out how much he knew. Unfortunately, he was found guilty by the military tribunal and faced a firing squad.

Three months after the execution, precisely in June 1976, Marie was involved in a car crash. Reports said she ran her vehicle under a truck and was crushed.

And the verdict was suicide because she could not live with the fact that her innocent husband was killed for a crime he did not know anything about.

The suicide story stuck.

However, 40 years later, the world now knows the truth. Mrs Wya did not commit suicide as widely believed. She was involved in a crash quite alright and that was what happened. The family has come out to correct the impression

that the woman took her life. The report was so dishonourable that the Roman Catholic church to which the Wyas belonged was almost not going to accord her a befitting funeral.

It was a terrible situation for the family especially the four children. A few days after Col. Wya’s death, his younger brother , a naval officer also died mysteriously. The family was ejected from their official quarters in Lagos by the Military Police. Even in death, Mrs Wya knew no peace. Now the records have been set straight. She could not have contemplated suicide when she had four young children.

This is also the kind of misinformation that has condemned Yakubu Danjuma as the man who killed General Johnson Aguiyi -Ironsi. Of course, Major Danjuma led troops to abduct his Commanderin-Chief. He lost control as the ill mannered subordinates reprimanded him for playing gentleman with a man who ‘at the strike of his crocodile staff could disappear’ to Umuahia Ibeku.

The same misinformation that credits Ibrahim Babangida as the man who dislodged Dimka from Radio Nigeria in 1976. The man who did the job, Chris Ugokwe, is less known by various accounts. Babangida met Dimka quite alright and they had time to chat. Dimka even taunted the former not to play the game of Chukwuma and Nwawo apparently referring to the January 1966 coup when Nzeogwu’s teacher, kinsman and confidant , Col. Conrad Nwawo, was used to effect his arrest.

Forty years after the Wyas lost their parents, it is now clear that Marie did not commit suicide. She was involved in a traffic accident. We hope that this true position of what happened will let her soul rest in peace and also save the family the stigma imposed by distorted history.

It also moves to the fore, the need to bring back the study of history in schools across the country. Truth is constant and history bears testimony to truth.

Our future lies in our past and if the younger generation does not understand how we came to where we are today, the task of building a united Nigeria will get more difficult.

DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief

Funke Egbemode

Managing Editor, Business & Strategy n Yemi Ajayi

Managing Editor, Publication & Operations n Emeka Obasi

Managing Editor, South n Emeka Madunagu Managing Editor, North & Abuja n Laurence Ani

Editor n Ayodele Ojo Editor, Sunday n Juliet Bumah Editor, Saturday n Waheed Bakare Deputy Editor n Vincent Eboigbe

Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam News Editor, Saturday n Ndubuisi Ugah

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed Sales/Circulation Manager n Oyebanji Abiodun Head, Arts & Creatives n Ugochukwu Nnakwe Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

Contents | 13.02.16 Valentine’s vibes

INSTYLE

Valentine’s Day is here again. No matter how you look at it, it is that time specially set aside for love, although it is said that love should be celebrated every day and not pigeonholed. Couples looking to raise the romance level, can decide to go for a romantic dinner date while not forgetting the gifts which should be reflective of the mood

}19

Dominic dabbles into production

SHOWBIZ

Nollywood star, Rita Dominic, has long graced the silver screen to widespread acclaim, but these days the actor, as she prefers to call herself, has veered into the production aspect of the business.

She talks about her latest movie and the challenges of being behind the camera rather in front of it, her hitherto accustomed place

}21

Bamgboye’s dreams

SPORT

Although getting a red card at the quarterfinals stage of the U-17 World Cup last year still hits at a sore spot, Funsho Bamgboye all but made up for that when he scored the winning goal at the cadet championship. That goal is still the stuff of dreams for the youngster who is also dreaming of playing for English Premier League side, Arsenal

}31

Farewell Eldorado hits the stage

THE ARTS

Farewell Eldorado tells the story of a struggle to break free from the shackles of poverty. The play, set in the heart of Urhobo Kingdom in the ’30s, goes on stage at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos on Sunday, February 21

}34

Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

40 years after Murtala Muhammed's memory lingers

3

General Murtala Ramat Muhammed died at 38 on February 13, 1976. In this report, OLALEKAN OSIADE and ISIOMA MADIKE recapture his unique life and what many consider his outstanding regime in his short but dynamic 200 days in government

M

urtala Ramat Muhammed meant different things to different people. For many Nigerians, he paid the ultimate price for a nation he fought for, and is considered a national hero. To others, the late General represented one of the greatest tragedies of Nigeira, a measure of the extent to which the nation has been unlucky with leaders much of its history.

He was assassinated on Friday, February 13, 1976, the eve of a Valentine’s Day, when lovers were perfecting plans on how to surprise their mates. Muhammed’s sudden death left many Nigerians groping for explanations. The nation would not recover - not even 40 years after the tragedy. Before that incident, Nigerians very rarely shed tears for their leaders, but all that changed in Muhammed’s episode as he evoked so much emotion and pity.

His loyal and devoted ADC, Lt. Akintunde Akinsehinwa, died with him. He defended his boss to the very last and remained the first in Nigeria’s history to die while protecting a Head of State. He hailed from Ondo town in Ondo State.

His orderly, Staff Sergeant Otuwe was lucky. Not so for driver, Sergeant Adamu Minchika, who was also killed. Otuwe continued in the army until the late 1980s and rose to the rank of Warrant Officer.

His last known unit in the 1980s was said to be the Second Mechanised Division Garrison headquarters. Also killed during the period was the then Governor of Kwara State, Col. Ibrahim Taiwo, and a number of other officers. Taiwo was abducted, shot dead and his body found much later in a shallow grave outside Ilorin.

Many held the opinion that Muhammed had certain attributes, which distinguished him from many young men of his age both within and outside the Armed Forces. He was seen to be tough, dogged, and fearless.

He was said to be frank to a fault and like all those who are cut out for greatness, Muhammed was, according to informed opinions, constant and unchangeable in his resolves. Whenever there was contradiction in his dictates, he readily acknowledged his faults with dignity and without any show of fawning regret.

He became the first Nigerian ruler to dispense with the colonial “madness” of long convoy of escort vehicles with armed escorts who often caused traffic nuisance on the roads. He left his defence in the ‘army’ of people he ruled and continued to move around without armed escorts.

It was during one of those unguarded movements that he was ambushed and killed. It happened at Obalende, Ikoyi in Lagos. It was the fourth coup in the country.

While some said he gave himself away to the conspirators by opening his flanks in an unnecessary show of patriotism, others are of the opinion that his style of governance was a practical demonstration of how leaders should be close to the people.

Colonel Bukar Sukar Dimka of the Nigerian Army Physical Training Corps was the leader of the plotters. His major grouse was the way he was left in the cold when some of his colleagues were promoted. He found a soul mate in the then Minister of Defence, Major-General Illiya D. Bisalla.

Bisalla was Muhammed's course mate and the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Theophilus Danjuma, was his (Bisalla's) junior officer when he was a General Officer Commanding (G.O.C.).

In the promotion which was previously done by the Army high command after General Yakubu Gowon was overthrown, Muhammed was promoted a full General, Danjuma, a Lieutenant-General and Bisalla, a Major-General. Bisalla was livid. Even if Bisalla was going to accept the leadership of Muhammed, he was not ready to answer 'sir' to Danjuma, who was hitherto, his junior in rank.

So, the machinery was set in motion and Dimka was chosen as the arrowhead.

In fact, his house was allegedly used as the meeting point by the coup plotters. Their first target was well known; it was Muhammed. They knew they were going to succeed in killing the Kano-born General, given his low-profile status.

There was pandemonium after the assassination as drivers left their vehicles to escape from the scene. Vehicles were all over with no drivers. In a few minutes, the whole area was deserted.

Muhammed's

car after the at

tack

Dimka's plan was to go to the NBC in his SUV to make the broadcast but there was no way for his vehicle to move. Since the radio station was only 300 yards away, he simply ran the distance with his two bodyguards.

However, Muhammed became Head of State and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces on July 29, 1975. As soon as he assumed office, all the 12 military governors under Gowon were sacked and retired, and a probe ordered into their conduct in office. 10 of the 12 governors were found to have illegally enriched themselves while in government, prompting Muhammed to declare that they had “betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in them by the nation, and betrayed the ethics of their profession.”

Muhammed did not stop there. He excluded the new military governors from the Supreme Military Council (SMC) as a way of curbing their excessive powers. This action, in itself, achieved greater separation of powers, which the people applauded.

After describing his government as a “corrective regime” that would tackle the corruption that was increasingly infecting government institutions, Muhammed began the reforms that made him perhaps,

the most popular, people-oriented leader ever in the history of Nigeria. To restore public confidence in the federal government, he unleashed an onslaught against public sector corruption and inefficiency on a scale, perhaps, never seen before in Africa.

This led to a wave of dismissals and retirement of over 10,000 public officials who were summarily dismissed or retired on grounds of either inefficiency or corruption. They were dismissed without benefits.

The purge affected the civil service, judiciary, police and armed forces, diplomatic service, public corporations, and universities. Some officials were brought to trial on charges of gross misconduct in office.

Muhammed also began the demobilisation of 10,000 troops from the swollen ranks of the armed forces. Twelve of the 25 ministerial posts on the new Federal Executive Council went to civilians, but the cabinet was secondary to the SMC. He initiated a comprehensive review of the Third National Development Plan, singling out inflation as the greatest danger to the economy. He was determined to reduce the money supply that had been swollen by government expenditures on public works.

He also announced that his government would encourage the rapid expansion of the private sector into areas dominated by public corporations.

His regime reappraised foreign policy, stressing a ‘Nigeria First’ orientation in line with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) price guidelines that were to the disadvantage of other African countries.” By that Nigeria became “neutral” rather than “nonaligned” in international affairs. The shift in orientation became apparent with respect to Angola.

The country had worked with the OAU to bring about a negotiated reconciliation of the warring factions in the former Portuguese colony.

But late in 1975, Muhammed announced Nigeria’s support for the Soviet-backed popular Movement for the Popular Liberation of Angola (MPLA).

He cited South Africa’s armed intervention on the side of the rival National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) as reason for that action. The realignment strained relations with the United States, which argued for the withdrawal of Cuban troops and Soviet advisers from Angola.

In response to national debate on the military’s continued hold on governance, Muhammed announced plans CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

4

Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Murtala Muhammed as a family man M Isioma Madike

uhammed might have been a strongheaded soldier but he was also said to be an amazing family man. His Yoruba wife, with partly Fulani roots, Mrs. Hafsat Ajoke, recollected the fond memories in 2006. She said: “At home and at work, my husband was one and the same person. His behaviour at work and home were the same. He was a firm person, upright and had a great sense of humour.”

Ajoke said they met in 1961 while she was studying at the School of Dental Hygiene in Lagos. Muhammed was then a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army.

Both of them were introduced to each other by his cousin. They hit it off, fell in love and when they met in Kaduna later, he proposed to her and they got married in Kaduna in 1963 after her studies, the same year Muhammed became a Captain. Their marriage was a blissful and peaceful one. In 1965, the marriage was blessed with a baby girl, Aishat, now Mrs. Aishat Oyebode, who later attended the Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.

On January 22, 1966, they had their first son, Zakari. When he was made the Head of State, Ajoke would stay awake for days, weep out of fear and anxiety, remembering the bloody coups and countercoups, knowing how unpredictable life in the military could be. She resigned her job as a dental therapist and became a full-time housewife, to cater to the needs of the family, especially the kids, who were actually very young then.

When Muhammed was killed and the news was relayed to her, she broke down and wept. Her shock doubled when she heard of General Iliya D.Bisalla’s involvement and kept asking, ‘oh, even you?!' She was also said to have asked an ambassador how her husband would be buried, and she was stunned by

his response: ‘Oh, he has been buried’. She could not believe that her own husband was interred in her absence.

Today, Mrs. Ajoke Muhammed is ageing gracefully and widely respected for her charitable activities and calm demeanour. Her pet job – tending to her beautiful garden at her Cooper Road residence in Ikoyi keeps her busy. She does not joke with her botanical garden and she salvages plants going into extinction and plants them. Even as a First Lady, she was said not to have been unnecessarily flamboyant. Her marriage was blessed with six children.

Aishat, the eldest of the family, now married to Oyebode, was 12 years when her father died. She is a lawyer and graduated from the Kings College, University of London and also bagged a masters degree in Business Administration from the Imperial College, University of London.She runs an asset management company and has been the Executive Secretary of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF).

Zakari was 10 in 1976. He later died in a shooting incident in 1993 in circumstances that are still very unclear. Fatimah, who was nine when her father was assassinated, trained as a horticulturist; she is also a qualified accountant. Risqua Abba, the only surviving son, got a business administration degree from the University of Lagos and later did his postgraduate programme at the University of Cardiff, United Kingdom. He was a Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Privatisation.

Zalihatu was two when her father died. She is based in Lagos, where she works for a real estate company. She is also an Economics graduate from Nottingham University, United Kingdom while Jumai, the baby of the house, was less than a year old when her father was killed. All the daughters are married.

...with wife and children

He was criticised for being 'unnecessarily brutal' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

for the military to disengage from politics.

Some officers were also genuinely concerned that military rule had a corrosive effect on professionalism. He, therefore, laid out the framework for the return of Nigeria to democratic rule on October 1, 1979.

Although, several “new” political parties emerged as clones of the parties of the 1960s in the end, he also stressed that the military did not intend to stay in office “a day longer

Taiwo

Akinsheinwa

Opinions on the short period he ruled hold that he did more for Nigeria than his predecessors, in those 200 famous days of dynamism

Dimka

than necessary.” He created more states, bringing the number from 12 to 19, and announced government's plan to develop a new federal capital city. The plan was to move from the crowded and crime-ridden Lagos to a location within the Abuja territory, seen as central to other components of the nation. He held office for only 200 days.

But opinions on the short period he ruled hold that he did more for Nigeria than his predecessors, in those 200 famous days of dynamism. In that short period, he and his colleagues were seen to have been decisive and courageous.

He had literally electrified the mood of the nation, and sacked the empire-building governors and their commissioners, forced them to refund their ill-gotten wealth, and virtually cleared the Apapa Wharf, which was choked by uncleared goods. The gross inefficiency of the ports authorities was given as the reason.

But while some believe a few of his de-

Bisala

cisions were wrong and ill-considered, many saw them as sound, patriotic and reasonable.

He was believed to have given the country a government that kept promises; one with a disciplined team that tried to listen to public opinion and exposed and punished abuse of office.

Those who believe that Muhammed was completely wrong, even rash in some of the decisions he took, often point to the allegation that he was the mastermind of the coup-d’état that overthrew General Johnson Thomas Umunakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi’s regime and brought General Yakubu Gowon to power in July 1966. It was a bloody affair.

He was also said to have liberated a large part of Midwest State and Onitsha in the then East Central State during the Nigeria/ Biafra Civil War and caused the massacre of defenseless citizens. Muhammed was the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Infantry Division and led federal troops to victory in the area under his command. He was, however, criticised for being “unnecessarily brutal'' in that campaign. Some account said too many lives were needlessly lost. But, in all wars, criticisms of this nature are common.

However, Asaba became the legendary centre where Muhammed was said to have set a record of war crimes. In a rain of blood, tens of thousands of innocent youths, some of them just six-year-old were allegedly lined up on the streets of Asaba and executed in cold blood on his orders. The Asaba massacre was the first of its kind in Africa and remains one of the bloodiest to date in the history of the continent.

As a further testimony to the bloodlust and depravity allegedly demonstrated by Muhammed and his forces, a few kilometres away in Onitsha, another barbaric massacre was said to have been unleashed in the Apostolic Church. In that episode, over 300 civilians, devout Christians, including women and children, who had stayed back and continued in their prayers after the fall of Onitsha, were brutally allegedly murdered in cold blood.

Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2015

5

Doubts dabble in Dimka's demise eagle eyed bus driver Mathew Nga, although police credited their man n the next days, official records will Jika Iyah with the deed. Taken to One infantry Brigade headquarters Enugu, mark 40 years of the execution, by firing squad of Lt. Col Bukar Suka and presented to the public by Lt. Col Dimka. The death was as a result of Danjuma Dyeris and state police comthe February 13, 1976 mutiny that con- missioner Kafaru Tinubu, Dimka was flown to Lagos. sumed Gen. Murtala Muhammed.

Then things began to happen. Police However, I want to be convinced that Dimka was really shot the day he officer James Danbaba, condemned to was reported to have died. My doubts death, was set free. His offence? For stem from the fact that Dimka's execu- being Dimka's friend. Bisalla was shot, tion was the second batch of the journey and he blamed Dimka. " I would have to the great beyond.The first round in- been set free yesterday, but for this boy volved such high profile names as Gen. Dimka who implicated me. God knows Iliya Bisalla,Defence Commissioner, I knew nothing about it. Allah sarki", Col. Abdul Wya, commander Artillery were Bisalla's last words.

There were allegations that some of Corps, Lt. Cols Ayuba Tense, Ahmadu Aliyu, A.B. Umoru and T.K. Adamu. those who died might not have been That was on March 11, 1976 at the La- part of the plot. Gomwalk, for instance, would have been saved. There was gos Bar Beach.

50-50 deadlock by members of the SuThe Dimka group faced the bullets preme Military Council, but the power on Saturday May 15, 1976. Seven of them,Compol Joseph Dechi Gomwalk, of veto nailed him, just like Wya. Tense first governor of Benue Plateau state, talked about 'fair justice'.

There were those who really owned Lt.Col Isa Bukar, Maj. Kola Afolabi, Lt. Sabo Kwale,Warrant Officer Two E. up. Maj. J.W. Kasai was brave in death.

Bawa and Mr. Isaac Shayen of the Police. "No regrets whatsoever, we thought of It was a Saturday, yet it was not a changing the social order", he said. Adfree show for Lagosians, unlike the first amu added," I ask forgiveness of any batch that was free for all at the beach. body I have offended. Let them sell my The second batch faced death in Kirikiri, property in Kaduna, so that my wife and only journalists were allowed in. who is carrying a ten-month-pregnancy can at least, live in peace."

Not even the grass was given a face-lift.

Maj. K.K. Gagara was so interested Dimka was all smiles as he was tied to the stake."My only regrets, I have no in his wife."I ask for pardon from my will'" were his last words. At the end, wife, because she has been good to me.

She should be free to remarry." That was his head was bowed. Curiously, there the man who led two subalterns, Obawere no bloodstains on diah Zagmi and Sunday him. Quite unlike the rest.

Wayah to arrest Kwara Photographs of the execuThere was State Governor Ibrahim tion have not convinced And he took Serme yet.

50-50 deadlock Taiwo. geants Ahmadu Rege and To add to my confuby members of Bala Javan to their grave. sion, twenty five years "Oga say make I shoot, I later, the Nigerian Trithe Supreme shoot now," Rege pleaded. bune of February 11, 2001 Deaf ears took his plea. wrote "several weeks afMilitary The officers and men of 26 ter execution, their bodies Council, but the Brigade Ilorin were shot. were removed from Atan Their commander Joseph cemetry in two trucks at power of veto Madugu survived, thanks night." nailed him to a 15-year jail term.

I do know that such Dimka was not known bodies are not always for his bravery. He gained handed over to family and friends. Gen. Mamman Vatsa's chil- attention in July 1966 for murdering dren are still asking for his remains.Of- his brigade commander Lt.Col Israel ten, such bodies are given mass burial Okoro. He chased Maj. Samuel Ogbemudia from Kaduna to Kogi through in unmarked graves.

It sounds helpful that the first batch jungles and rivers in the bid to kill. It of executions did not take place until was also because of Dimka that Abdul Dimka was arrested. After the coup, he Karim Zakari, a journalist was executhad escaped, through the help of one of ed.He was not really Mrs. Victoria Gothe soldiers, who should have arrested won's brother. One account said he was him.While a massive search was on in adopted by the Zakaris, having been Radio Nigeria Ikoyi, the soldier spoke born to a Sierra Leonean dad and an in Hausa,'maza maza'[fast,fast].The Issele Uku Igbo mother.

Dimka's arrest nailed so many ofcoupist escaped into Ikoyi Cemetry from where he disappeared to the unknown. ficers. Maj. Clement Dabang, one of The manhunt began. 'This those who killed Gen. Thomas Aguiyiman is still wanted. Phone Lagos Ironsi, was bundled from the hospital 23711,5687852797'. Police authorities bed to detention. Dimka outwitted him. were fully at work. It got so bad that Capt. Malachy Parvwang refused to fall Dimka's father even asked government to bullets. He was beaten to death by soldiers, after the executions. to deal with his son.

Gomwalk, was five months old in March 4, one Mr. C. Godwin checked into Friendship Hotel Afikpo. He drove the Police force when Ironsi was killed in his Renault car with registration in July 1966. Zoology graduate of the University of Ibadan, and holder of the number ECC 6253. Godwin said he Queen's Badge of the Boy's Brigade, he worked with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Enugu. He asked for fe- was one of the detectives that retrieved male company and got one in Beatrice Ironsi's body.He maintained innocence Agboti. Mr. Godwin turned out to be until the guns boomed.

With all these, it appears to me that Bukar Suka David Musa Dimka.

Information filtered in, security op- it was Dimka's word against the otheratives went after him. Smart soldier, ers. And his word was death. Generals after all, he was head of the Army's Yakubu Danjuma and Hassan Katsina Physical Education Corps. Dimka es- escaped Dimka's fiery tongues. And his caped through the bathroom window, manner of death has not helped matleaving the lady to receive the beating ters.Although he did not disappear like Clement Yildar and Dauda Usman, his of her life.

His plan to escape through the manner of death has not disappeared border to Cameroun was foiled by an from my radar.

Emeka Obasi

I

The refurbished Murtala's car

Muhammed’s Mercedes Benz: A fading legacy?

T

Andrew Iro Okungbowa he assassination of former Military Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, no doubt bequeathed a number of legacies to the nation. One of such is the official Mercedes Benz car the late General rode in the day he met his gruesome death.

The car has since been declared a national heritage and monument, which over the years is housed at the National Museum in Onikan under the management of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

It is kept in a specially created section of the museum, which is tagged as ‘Nigeria government – yesterday and today.’ Given the high esteem in which the Nigerian government and its people held and revered the late General for his nationalism and forthright leadership within the short span of his reign, many had expected that the location of this car, which ought to be treated as eternal memorabilia should occupy a place of pride at the museum and also attract huge interest and following on a daily basis.

But this appears not to be so as the section in which the car is kept is almost nondescript and uninspiring as well as unattractive just as the entire museum itself.

The long range black Mercedes Benz on display bears no comet nor the room, which is almost bare, but for the framed write-up on the walls of the room.

As the name of the section suggests, these are mere historical documentations of the political and administrative history of Nigeria from its pre-colonial days to the present day. They chronicle the various rulers -both military and democraticthat have at various times held the reins of powers in the country.

For many, this is not an exciting, inspiring and colourful exhibit to spend valuable time with especially when you realise that the late head of state that ought to be the centre of focus is merely a footnote with no special attention paid in elevating and immortalising him above others.

Interestingly, the black Mercedes Benz still looks quite clean and neat and not decrepit and as explained by the lady on duty at the section on the day of visit, they occasionally clean up the car. The four tyres too are new and in good con-

dition as one was made to understand that the old and original tyres that came with the car were recently removed and kept at the boot of the car.

The front windscreen is still the original windscreen and quite visible still is the shattered section from the hail of bullets while the three side glasses on the left hand side are no more but on the right hand side of the six-door car only two are left. The back screen is also off and at the back of the car is the coat of arm.

At the front are two flags, one of which is the national flag while the second should be the armed forces flag.

Placed on top of the car is a plaque with the inscription: ‘The state car in which General Murtala Ramat Muhammed was assassinated.’

According to the lady attendant at the section, the room is opened to the public on both weekdays and weekends between the hours of 9am and 4pm. More of the visitors to this section are said to be school pupils on excursion to the museum.

There is no register of visitors at the section for one to know exactly the number of visitors to the section and perhaps feel the pulse and reactions of these visitors to the exhibit on display or even to the man, Murtala Muhammed, as there is no record of their comments.

Even a peep into the attendance register at the reception of the museum also fails to show any column or records of comments by visitors to the museum except their names, address and date of visit. Therefore, it is actually difficult to know the number of people who specifically visit the museum to reconnect with this heroic late head of state and ascertain their reactions to the poorly legacy of the fallen hero.

But a general record of visitors to the museum last year shows that it recorded over 90, 000 visitors with the month of March said to be one of the highest for visitors. Wait for this, the month of February recorded one of the least visitors with less than 5, 000 visitors calling, which perhaps is a pointer to the fact that not many people reckon with this national relic because if they do, the month of February where the late head of state is remembered and celebrated should receive more visitors.

So much for how not to keep the legacies and memories of our departed heroes and heroines or those adjudged to be icons of the nation.

6

Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Ogunde, Sunny Ade, others went lyrical for Muhammed

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Lanre Odukoya he assassination of former Nigerian military Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, reverberated throughout the entire country and the entertainment industry was no exception. Some of the top entertainers at that time captured for posterity the agony and anger of the nation in their various works in music and films. Some of those who did tributes in honour of Muhammed were Apala maestros, Ayinla Omowura and Haruna Ishola; juju exponents, King Sunny Ade; Ebenezer Obey; legendary actor and singer, Chief Hubert Ogunde; veteran filmmaker, Eddie Ugboma; to mention a few.

In his opening tribute album to late Gen. Muhammed, Sunny Ade employed fine percussion to play the Nigerian Army’s last respect orchestration (known as Jalid by the Nigerian Military). King Sunny Ade and his African Beats group in volume 4 of the album entitled ‘Afemi Afemi’ (Self-centredness) recounted in lyrics how the country was busy going about its usual daily duties when the sinister news forced students, market women, elite, all and sundry to tremble at the national disaster. KSA’s lyrics say that 9am on the fateful day of February 13, 1976, was when Lt. Col. Suka Buka Dimka announced that he’d taken over government, but by the evening of the same day, some soothing news broke that the assailant (Dimka) had lost out in the ensuing power struggle to Gen.

Olusegun Obasanjo. The country, according to him, went into a wild jubilation.

Meanwhile, the state of Muhammed remained undisclosed until the following day. The lyrics further reveal that Governor of Kwara State Ibrahim Ogunde Taiwo and Lt. Akintunde Akinseyinwa were also some of the casualties of the coup plot. So, the country’s jubilation became tainted with the knowlUgboma edge of the monumental loss. He concluded the song with emotive admonition to successive governments.

Similarly, iconic actor, singer, and doyen of the Nigerian theatre, Chief Hubert Ogunde, in an untitled track eulogised late Muhammed, while raining curses on Dimka both in his dialect, Ijebu, and in standard Yoruba language: “Dimka, o l’aya, o s’ika, epe Ijebu

Olushola Ricketts

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ome people are forgotten so soon despite their heroic efforts. Every year, February 13 precisely, the country celebrates the anniversary of the death of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed like it was yesterday. Muhammed is immortalised and his legacy is passed from generation to generation. For instance, I wasn’t born when Murtala was brutally assassinated. I was born in the 80s but I have read many literature that enriched my knowledge of the man and the coup that took his life. But I struggle to find any literature about Lieutenant Colonel Akintunde Akinsehinwa, a gallant soldier, who was said to have laid down his life for his master. He had some chance to live to see the next day, but he chose to combat the assassins when he knew he stood no chance. He died a fearless man, but not many people remember him. No structure that immortalises him because perhaps his position was not as esteemed as that of the Head of State.

Akinsehinwa

d’ori re, egun araye d’ori re.”

He shared more sentiments by saying death took away Murtala as though he wasn’t the same warrior who emerged unscathed from the civil war.

In the tribute single which lasted for six minutes and 40 seconds, he described the day as one of tears and of blood. He labelled Dimka as an acutely wicked person. He concluded the song by offering advice to Nigerian leaders to think Nigeria above other selfish considerations.

Veteran filmmaker, Chief Eddie Ugboma, also captured the coup story in his high-budget film shot in 1983 which he entitled, ‘Death of a Black President’. Ugboma shared his thoughts on the significance of that era, obstacles on the way of making the film, his relationship with the late Head of State and his wife, Ajoke and other issues.

“That movie would cost more than N500million today. One of the

challenges was that the army, the police and the relatives of those who planned the coup were threatening my life. But they didn’t know that I grew up with Murtala and his wife, Ajoke. I attended City College, Yaba, Lagos, before I left for Europe. But before I could send for Ajoke to join me, they’d married her to this young army officer who was in India then called Murtala Muhammed. Coming back on holidays, Murtala and I became good friends. So, it was a great shock that before we could really get to know the kind of person he would be in government, he was murdered. I felt so bad as a filmm a k e r, so I deSunny Ade cided to tell the story because I was able to get the facts of the coup, the judgment and every other thing.

I was threatened by the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police not to do the movie. I remember when I went to Jos to show the film at the cinema, Plateau boys who were relatives of those who planned the coup tried to kill me. I escaped about 2am and drove from Jos to Kaduna. I’ve always shown the film in Europe and sometimes in Nigeria, but unfortunately I lost some of the materials because the film was shot on celluloid. I’ve lost over N800million. The military wasn’t encouraging at all. I had to import all the military uniforms from abroad, the guns and everything I used were imported. I was told I wouldn’t be able to stand the reaction from the military when I went to meet them to support the film. It was a film I shot out of personal sentiment in favour of a brother that was murdered.

He’d not spent up to 100 days before they started judging him wrongly.”

Akinsehinwa: ADC who paid the ultimate prize Julius Akinsehinwa, the immediate elder brother of the late soldier in 2008, expressed sentiments to the effect that his brother had not been fairly treated.

He said: “Asking the government to immortalise my brother may not in any way compensate me fully for the agony we have passed through over the years. The main grouse I have with government is its failure to acknowledge his contributions as a gallant officer, who served his country meritoriously in many capacities. I believe that if the late General Muhammed whom he served and died in active service for could be immortalised, then he as a loyal officer to the late Head of State, must be remembered in order to serve as an encouragement to others especially those that are still in active service.”

Recalling the events that led to his death on February 13, 1976, he was indeed a brave man.

On that dark day in the history of Nigeria, Akinsehinwa was with his boss when their car was attacked by coup plotters. They were in a Mercedes Benz that had no bulletproof exterior and they didn’t have outriders. The Head of State died immediately so also was the driver of the car, Sergeant Adamu Michika.

The orderly, Staff Sergeant Michael Otuwe, was reported to be seriously injured and recovered afterwards. Akinsehinwa survived the first bullets, came out of the car to return fire at the attackers. He was however overpowered and that signalled his end. A post-mortem examination showed six-bullet wounds in his back. He was the very first ADC to die while protecting a Nigerian Head of State.

The late ADC was born in Ondo, south western Ni-

geria, on November 11, 1944. He was with the Nigerian Army Signal Corps as an officer and served under Muhammed before he became Head of State in 1975. When Muhammed took over, Akinsehinwa was made his ADC. The Commander-in-Chief settled for him specifically for his hard work and intelligence. At 31, he became the youngest ADC in the nation’s history.

Julius described his late brother him as a gentle and amiable person.

“He was also very brilliant in school and would always fight against injustice. He was very hardworking and brave. Perhaps this was what made him to join the army after his education in Owo under the tutelage of our cousin, the late Mr. Tiamiyu Kuteyi.

“The late Akintunde was a self-made man who believed in hard work. He passed the General Certificate of Education (GCE) before he joined the army in 1968. He was promoted Second-Lieutenant and Full-Lieutenant before his demise in 1976. He was also Commander of the 24 Battalion and a Signal Officer under the late General Murtala Muhammed.”

He explained that the death of his brother had affected the family greatly, leaving a huge void till date “I personally have found it difficult to bear it. This is so because the late army officer was the rallying point of the family, who sought his assistance because of his humane nature. He was somebody who enjoyed helping others irrespective of tribe or religion. I recall the day he played a prominent role in my life. It was during my marriage.”

In his memory, the Akintunde Akinsehinwa Foundation was established. In 1983, the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari gave him an award posthumously - the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

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Finding the spot where Ibrahim Taiwo died The late Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo was a former military governor of the old Kwara State, he was reputed to be a right-hand man to the late General Murtala Muhammed. He was gruesomely murdered during the 1976 coup, but there is nothing to commemorate the late Colonel at the spot of his untimely death on February 13, 1976. Although the popular Taiwo Road is a major artery of the commercial life of Ilorin, capital of Kwara State, where the deceased ruled as military governor until he was cut down by the Bukar Dimka group, the spot where he was killed at Amberi Village, along Ajase-Ipo/Offa Road today has nothing with which the villagers or even Nigerians can remember the former governor. BIODUN OYELEYE reports.

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any people often miss the spot where the former governor was murdered because the official record is that it occurred along Ajase-Ipo/Offa Road and many often see Ajase-Ipo as only the portion of land you pass when travelling the Ilorin-OmuAran Road. But Ajase is a vast land starting after Omupo town all the way to Ijagbo which shares boundary with Offa.

The spot we are looking for is at a point on the way to Offa. You branch right at the popular Ajase-Ipo Junction and some four kilometres or so, you are at Amberi Village.

It is a small community whose major occupation is potato farming. And it is even young considering the fact that it was more of a outpost for farmers around the area until the then ‘new road’ was constructed and it became an attraction that led to its transformation into a proper settlement.

As you approach the village, you see the

signpost of Junior Secondary School, Amberi, on the left hand side. If you look to your right, because it is dry season now, you will see a marsh land and cattle grazing as few egrets join them on the field. There is nothing in that direction to show that those who murdered the former military governor actually did the act few metres away from the now busy road.

Yet just few metres away is the spot where he was killed and hurriedly

The abandoned structure over grown with weeds

The school used in commemorating the death, now abandoned

buried after the act. Traditional head of Amberi, Alhaji The late Taiwo Usman Opeloyeru, whose official title is Baale Aberi Orisunbare AjaseIpo, said it was a very thick forest at that time. “You have to use cutlass to cut your way through to the spot”, Opeloyeru recalled saying the fact that it was a thick forest then might also have hindered the coup plotters from going farther than the spot.

The Baale, who said he was well of age during the period recalled that all of them were still then at their village, about three kilometres from the present location of Amberi but that they heard terrible gunshots that made them knew something was wrong among the military.

He recalled: “Because that time only very few people had guns so when we kept hearing the repeated gunshots we knew something had happened but we couldn’t come there until the third day.

For me it was on the third day that I came here and came to see the spot. By that time the corpse had been removed. “ “There were some big trees here”, he said, pointing to a spot where a dwarf

It was on the third day that I came here and came to see the spot.

By that time the corpse had been removed Baale Opeloyeru pointing at the spot where Taiwo was killed

palm tree has grown. A small mound of soil, overgrown with weed beside the palm tree might have been the exact spot but there is nothing to prove it. Under the palm tree, the villagers had dug a small pond for water such that you descend a small slope from the mound of soil to fetch your water. But when we visited the water was little and dirty. It is probably shared between the villagers and herds of cattle who parade the vicinity with their shepherds looking for grass and water.

With nothing to show, we crossed the road and moved to a set of structures that was used by the then Kwara State government to mark the spot. Why the structure was built opposite the site no one could explain. But even at that the structure has been abandoned for about 25 years now according to the Baale.

It was used as a centre for adult education, training villagers on agriculture and home economics but today it is inhabited by rodents and rabbits. Our visit actually disrupted a ‘meeting’ of some rabbits who took to their heels as we made our way clearing shrubs with our hands to find a place inside the structure.

The only portion of the structure that is still useable has been converted to an arm of the Junior Secondary School at the request of the villagers but even at that the tell tale signs of neglect are there in the form of a portion of the roof that is blown-off and left unrepaired.

Baale Opeloyeru recalled that the agriculture and home economics centre became totally desolate after series of armed robbery attacks on the few personnel that were left to man the centre. “After series of attacks by armed robbers they all left, including the security men”, he told our reporter but assured him that the community has now engaged the services of vigilante men who patrol the road to ensure safety of travellers of their safety.

I asked him what he wants from government: they need a structure to help locate the spot where the former military governor was killed to serve as tourist point in the village, they want the junior school upgraded to a senior secondary school and they need an hospital. Perhaps it is not too much for a community that hosts an historic spot but has been left to wonder about its value to them.

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Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After

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13 FEBRUARY 2016

I can't hold children of those who killed my father responsible –Abba Muhammed As the Murtala Muhammed Foundation celebrates the 40th anniversary of the late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, his son, Mr. Abba Risqua Murtala Muhammed, in this interview with JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM, states that he has nothing against the sons of those that assassinated his father in the 1976 coup. Excerpt.

What are the arrangements for the 40th remembrance of your dad?

The family under the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, which is managed by my sister, Mrs. Aisha Oyebode, normally organises yearly events to remember the late Head of State and this year, we are having prayers at the Murtala Muhammed Mosque, which would be led by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II. Also, the Foundation in conjunction with the Museum in Lagos, will be displaying his memorabilia items on the 13th of February (today). We are also going to have the 40th anniversary of the Murtala Muhammed lecture. The event will be chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Your father was killed 40 years ago in a failed coup, how old were you then and how did you receive the news of his assassination?

Forty years ago, l was six years old, so l didn’t really know what happened. All l could remember was that things were not well. There was a lot of panic and the way l was taken out of school and taken Your dad was assassinated in an aborted coup. How old were you then?

I was a child then; just nine years old.

What memory of your father can you still recall?

Well, a lot of them, even though I was just a child then. As busy as he was, he had time for the family. Every Sunday, he will take us to the Federal Palace Hotel, and places like Ikoyi Club among other places. I also remember that every evening, he had to talk to all of us, and in the morning, he would come downstairs to have breakfast with us. He was a lovely dad.

Where were you when the incident happened?

We were all in school. At my age, one doesn’t seem to understand what death is. That happened to me. I thought he went somewhere and would return in a while, something like that, until I came of age before I realised what had happened to me and the entire family. I believe his death would have more impact on my elder sister because at her age then, I believe she would understand better than any other person in the house except my mum.

How were you able to cope with the vacuum created by his death?

Well, the fact is that no one teaches you how to cope and adapt at such circumstances. It is just something that with time, things will naturally take care of itself. Again, when you experience something like that, a lot of people will be around you, talking and petting you and

to my uncle’s house and people were crying. There was just so much pandemonium. I didn't know what happened, but l knew that things were not alright and l grew up not really knowing what it was to have a father.

Could you recall your relationship with your father?

Well, l remembered that the last moment that l spent with him was at the dining room. I came into the dining room and he was eating and he asked me to sit down and he shared his food with me and left me there eating and went to the office. That was the last moment l had with him. So, as l said l was six and l was very young and my memory was not as strong as somebody who was older.

How has the family being coping with the loss of its breadwinner?

It has been very difficult. It has not been easy. My mother was the one who raised six of us. For a woman to raise children both in terms of their education,

their well-being was not easy for her.

She has never relented, she has always been there and ensure that our interest and our discipline and upbringing were of utmost important to her.

There is belief in some quarters that your father, the late Head of State was from Auchi in Edo State. Have you heard such a thing?

Yes, people say that my father had strong relationship with Auchi but I think they got that from the fact that during the war he built a mosque in Auchi and l think that was where the relationship started from.

It would be interesting to know if you have encountered the children of those that assassinated your father in the 1976 coup and your feelings towards them.

I think I have met with a few of them over the years and I am sure you are wondering what was my reactions to them.

You cannot visit the actions of the fathers on the children. If we visit the ‘sins’ of their fathers on them, some will also hold us responsible for the actions of General Murtala Muhammed which they did not like. Whatever relationship that their fathers had with my father was between my father and theirs. Although my relationship with them is restricted, I cannot hold them responsible for the actions of somebody else.

Almost all the children of the Generals and past

Abba

Heads of State are going into politics and occupying positions. Why are you not there?

Well, I am not shying aware from politics. I have tried to contest twice in the past. I contested for the House of Representatives in 2003 and I contested for governorship in 2015 on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Since you didn't win any of those positions, what is your next political action?

Well, I don't know what God in His infinite wisdom has for me but I know that one of my beliefs is that we all need to be part of the political process if we want to contribute our own quota towards nation building. We need to ensure that we choose good leaders who will represent our interest and the followers need to ensure that they play their part. Also, those who are opportune amongst us to lead should also ensure that we lead in a way that is just, fair and equitable. Leaders should promote honesty, peace and progress.

40 years after, would you say that what your father stood for are being accomplished?

Well, 40 years ago my father did what he thought was in the best interest of this country. He tried to address fundamental issues that had debarred our progress and one of those issues bothered on corruption.

He fought corruption and l think it was one of his major policy agenda and achievement while in office. But unfortunately, he did not live that long to instill those principles of anti-corruption which have brought us to the level we are today. However, we are very glad that we now have a real fight against corruption because corruption is the major problem that led us to this sorry state.

He was a lovely dad – Daughter Mrs. Fatima Muhammed-Yesufu is the third daughter of the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. A graduate of Accountancy from Cardiff University in London, she was nine-year-old when her father was assassinated in 1976. In this interview with ISIOMA MADIKE in 2014, she recalled the love her dad showered to his family trying to take your attention away from the realities of the time. At the same time, one realises at a point that one's father is no longer there; one feel bad because of the things one would need from him. But then, life continues. The family just had to move on.

You look so much like your father. Do you usually get embarrassed when people tell you that you have the looks of your father?

Oh, I am used to it now; a lot of people say that to me and I just feel good with it. It makes me proud to know that I look like my loving father. In fact, I get good reactions often from people who know my father or have read much about him.

I can’t remember any bad reaction whatsoever from any quarters.

Have his friends been supportive since his death?

Like I told you earlier, as a nine-yearold, I was not really familiar with the friends he had. A lot of people visited and tried to support in their own little way, but I could not point to any as his intimate friend then because I was still young when he died.

How did all these affect your mother?

My mother has always been a very strong woman; she has been playing the role of both father and mother perfectly. Though, it has not been easy and sometimes you feel, oh, how I wish he’s around! There are some peculiar things that only fathers can handle. All the same, my mother has played a good role in bringing us up without my father. She did everything she could to make sure we get the best of education in spite of that circumstance.

What class were you when your father was killed?

I was in primary two then.

What is the special thing you missed from him?

A lot! You know at times there are things you would only like to confide in your father. That fatherly thing, you know; I missed his fondness and fatherly advice.

Sometimes I assume it’s all a dream; that he will return back home someday.

Muhammed

How has the government been helpful to the family?

Well, government at some point came to help, especially in our education. The foundation has also been wonderful. It has been very supportive.

Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

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Murtala Muhammed and figure 13 jinx

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Emeka Obasi t was barely 13 years into Nigeria's status as a Federal Republic, the cycle of bloodletting continued to rotate.

And it was the 13th day of February.

General Murtala Muhammed, Head of State and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces, was on his way to work that morning in 1976, when some of his troops turned their guns on him.

February 13, 1976, was not a Night of the Long Knives. It was not a red letter day either for many Nigerians. Everything red about the day was blood. The tale was not all about Muhammed and Lagos. Ilorin also shed blood. Kwara State Governor, Col. Ibrahim Taiwo, was not spared. Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Head of State, Lt. Akintunde Akinsehinwa, died with his boss. Army Ordnance boss, Col. Reys Dumuje, also saw red. Mistaken for General Olusegun Obasanjo, hot lead was pumped into his system. Death eluded him.

General Muhammed was 38 when he died. His first son, Zakari, was 10 at the time. On August 13, 1993,the young man was shot dead, allegedly, by a friend. The younger Muhammed was 28. It was indeed a bad year for the family as they had earlier lost the elderly Mama Sariyu Akanke Lanval. That was also the year one of Muhammed's daughters lost her husband in a road crash. The deceased, a pilot, was Joseph Tarka's son.

The spot where Mohammed was assassinated on February 13, was just about the same area where Brigadier Zakari Maimalari was killed in 1976.

Zakari was indeed named after Maimalari by the then Major Murtala Muhammed.

On October 13, 1993, the late Zakari Mohammed's friend appeared in court, charged with culpable homicide. Till date, the puzzle surrounding the demise of the promising first son of the General has not been unravelled. Some of those tried over the February 13 plot had something to do with the number 13.

Compol. Joseph Dechi Gomwalk was born on April 13, 1935. One of General Yakubu Gowon's younger brothers, Isaiah, an army Captain, bagged a 15-yearsentence. When Capt. Gowon passed on in 2010, his Nigeria Military School (NMS), Zaria, 1966 mates chose November 13 to put up an obituary advert in the papers. One of the NMS'66 boys, Ibrahim Rabo, was part of the 1976 group. Another, Helpus Dimka, shared same surname as the man who led Lt. William Seri to ambush Muhammed. In Zaria, Helpus Dimka's number was NMF 130. Remove the last digit. What you get is 13.

Exactly 13 years after Muhammed's departure, on Monday February 13, 1989, President Ibrahim Babangida dissolved the 28-member Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC). Babangida was one of the young Colonels that enthroned Muhammed in 1975. He was also active on February 13, 1976. Sent to flush out Bukar Dimka from Radio Nigeria Ikoyi, Babangida fished out his target but failed to smoke him. Much later, some fellow officers called it an act of bravado for confronting Dimka without arms.

The February 13, 1989, dissolution of

the AFRC by Babangida threw up one Brigadier Abdusalami Abubakar. Like Muhammed, he commanded an army division. The newcomer was one of the 19 members of the new-look AFRC, and Abubakar had something to do with 13.

Born on June 13, 1942, he would later become Head of State a few weeks after the man who owed much of his wealth to Murtala Muhammed, Chief Moshood Abiola, died in detention.

General Obasanjo stepped into Muhammed's shoes on February 13, 1976.

Most of those who were executed fol-

lowing the coup were from Plateau State.

The Balogun of Owu returned to power in 1999. In 1976, Obasanjo's predecessor was killed on the 13th. In 1999, Obasanjo's predecessor, was born on the 13th. So, on November 13, 2006, Obasanjo descended on the Plateau.

Governor Joshua Dariye was impeached and removed with impunity.

And that was 13 years after the death of Murtala Muhammed's first son.

Red blood flowed on the 13th. It began with the coup of 1976. Many more Nigerians were executed for plotting a coup in 1990. And their day of annihiliation was fixed for the 13th. On September 13, 1990, the second phase of executions following the Gideon Orkar coup, took place under the cover of darkness in Ogun State.

The answer may not be in us. But indeed, there is something between Murtala Muhammed and number 13. When he picked his Supreme Military Council in 1975, there were 13 army officers.

Among them was Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, who was in his 13th year as an officer. Danjuma was commissioned in 1962, Muhammed was ADC to a Yoruba, Dr. Moses Majekodunmi, Administrator of the Western Region, that same year.

The young officer's fiancé was a Yoruba lady named Ajoke.

In the next 13 years,1975, Muhammed became Head of State. His fiancé had become Mrs Mohammed and assumed the position of First Lady. Murtala chose a Yoruba ADC. Lt. Akintunde Akinsehinwa and both of them died on February 13.

1976 coup, stigma on the Gomwalk family – Son How was life without your father in the past forty years?

Actually 13th February, 1976 was when General Murtala was Assassinated, but my dad was actually killed in May of the same year. Well, in the family setting, losing the head of the family, which is the man, the husband or the father. It is a very traumatic event, even when death comes normally or naturally through a cause that is not an intentional thing, it is very tragic, how much more when it comes in a case like that of my late dad who was executed for his alleged role in the assassination of General Murtala.

So my father's death was a double tragedy for us, first we lost our dad, and our mothers lost their husband because my father had two wives, my mother and our step mum. Secondly, all shame and stigma was attached to it because our father was labelled a coup plotter, so that was a double tragedy which I would called death and dishonour. But right now, God has helped us, I am going to be 48 in November, I was eight-year-old when I lost my dad, I'm the third child, I just had six weeks gap with my elder brother who is six weeks older than me.

How did you survive the hardship?

God has really helped us and we are growing in our various fields, God has been good to our family, but at the initial stage, things were very tough and quite challenging because we lost everything all our family assets and my dad's property were seized, so my parents had to go back to their own profession to sustaine us, my mum being a nurse and my step mother an educationists and teacher. So those few years were very rough and we

Pastor Dunka Joseph Gomwalk is the second son of the former Governor of Benue/ Plateau State, late Commissioner of Police, Joseph Deshi Gomwalk, who was implicated in the coup that killed General Murtala. In this interview with MUSA PAM in Jos, he speaks on how the coup has turned out to bring shame and stigma on his family, amongst other issues. Excerpts...

Murtala was a very dynamic personality, we have never had any problem with him as a person or his family. It wasn't his family that killed my dad, though the event was terrible

Gomwalk

survived by the Grace of God, but now we appreciate God because we are grown up and doing well.

If your family meet with the Murtala family, will that create opportunity to ask for forgiveness?

Well to the best of my knowledge, we

don't have a problem with the Murtala family, the best I know was when I lost my dad, General Murtala was a very dynamic personality, we have never had any problem with him as a person or his family. It wasn't his family that killed my dad, though the event was terrible, but to the best of my knowledge, we never had a problem, I never heard it in my family circle till date.

What is your advise to those that are still pained over the execution of your dad?

As Christians, forgiveness is mandatory and we don't have a choice about the matter, I keep telling people that, that is one of the greatest things that can hinder relationship with God, if you nurture it for

long, it could destroy an entire relationship with God and then you can miss out the reward of eternity. As a Christian and Minister of the Gospel, I say that forgiveness is something we need to go and receive grace from God to do it, though is not an easy task, but it is something that God has commanded us to do and he will sufficiently provide us with the Grace to do it, since he has instructed us to do so. I am so sorry for the Murtala family, its not easy for them, the way and manner he was killed, but I want to just pray that God will continue to strengthen and comfort them. As for what happen, I have personal regret about it, I wish that it never happen to them, I pray that whatever pain it has caused them, God will wipe their tears. However I want to advise Nigerians that mistake has been made, let us keep our personal judgement and unite ourselves for the betterment of Nigeria and take away selfish interest.

Any advice to Nigerians?

What I will advise is that the nation is greater than our personnel sentiment, mistakes and decisions have been made in the past, but most importantly, is that God has put us together as Nigerians, let us learn from the past to get wisdom and forge ahead for the future of a better Nigeria. I personally believe in Nigeria, no matter what happened with my father, I still believe God has a good plan for the country.

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Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Son of the man who killed dad was my classmate –Col. Taiwo Ahmed Ibrahim Taiwo is a Colonel in the Nigerian Army. He is the third of the four children of his late Colonel Ibrahim Adetunji Taiwo, the Military Governor of Kwara State who was killed in the 1976 coup along Ajase-Ipo-Ofa Road in Kwara. In this interview with SOLA ADEYEMO, 46-year-old Ahmed spoke on his father's life, his death and why he joined the military.

Could you give us your family background?

We were a family of six, father, mother and four kids. One of us, Adebayo, is dead, remaining three of us: my elder sister, Mrs. Adenike Olujembola, and my younger brother, Abdulazeez Taiwo.

My dad died at 38 when my mother, Mrs Margaret Alamere Taiwo was just 24. She lives in the US, but won't be able to come home for this celebration.

My dad had a ‘senior wife,’ whom I was calling my mum. She is late now.

She was Mrs. Olubunmi Femi Pearse.

She was very good and a wonderful mum to me. She had one child.

How has it been since the demise of your father?

It is now 40 years since his death, and it has not been very easy, but the family has been able to weather the storm due to the help of his siblings, especially people like Uncle Sunday Taiwo who took care of the children and the family my dad left behind. He had only Uncle Sunday as his brother.

His sisters also of course tried very well, and the wives tried their best.

How old were you then?

I was just six years then.

At six, how did you feel when you heard of your father's death?

In all honesty, I did not really learn about the coup per se. We only learnt that he had been killed. Of course, they came and took us from school. I was at Ideal Primary School in Ilorin then, my mother cried. We were just in the dark. After his body had been recovered, taken to the mortuary in Ilorin, we went there. Then the funeral took place here in Ogbomoso.

Sincerely, I wasn't able to discern what was really happening, only that growing up, reading the literature and getting to know things, I was then able to discern that this was what happened.

Other first-hand information from witnesses and friends and relatives enabled me to form an opinion later.

How did you feel about Nigeria or the military regime that was supposed to have been responsible for the killing of your dad?

No, it wasn't Nigeria or the military then that killed my father, rather a coup was staged and they abducted

him from his office as the military governor then, and they killed him. It was not as if he was a coup plotter or one of the coup plotters found guilty and executed. It was the other way round.

From all that have come out after, it was shown that he was targeted. He was actively targeted.

He wasn't the only military governor then. Why target him?

Perhaps, from what I read, it had its root in the 1975 coup. His role therein, and his closeness to the then Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.

With this kind of harrowing incident, what propelled you into stepping into your father's shoes, professionally?

I did not step into his shoes per se. I only followed my aspiration. From time, I have always wanted to join the Army. If you see my pictures as a kid, you will see me always standing at attention. I have always been attracted to it. In fact, I later went to Command School before getting admission into the University of Ilorin in 1987 to read Political Science. After a year, I left for the Nigerian Defence Academy. That has been the case.

Though coup is no longer fashionable in Nigeria, did it ever occur to you that you could be caught in the same web as your father?

In fact, I have never considered it until you mentioned it now. Like I told you earlier, 'all die na die'. The fact that someone drowned would not mean others will not go near the river again. Something will kill somebody one day. It is not because that unpleasant incident happened, then others will not join the Army or pursue one's love. It is just like having an opportunity to marry the woman one loves, but unable to marry her, one will never have a fulfilled life throughout.

How has the family been since the passing on of your father?

It has been harmonious. One unit; one big unit. We are very lucky. In fact when I learnt of your being around, I knew you wanted to interview me.

I immediately called my people who asked me to go ahead. We are very lucky. I think it was the upbringing from our great grandparents that is responsible for the unity. How they brought up my father, his siblings and also the mothers, wives and everything has really worked for us. It has been

Col. Taiwo. Inset: The late Ibrahim

very harmonious. There is no rancour.

Before my stepmother died, she was so close to me and I was very close to her. In fact she was the dearest person to me. If I wanted anything done, and I was refused, it was just a matter of calling her attention to it to help talk to my uncle. Even when I was at the University of Ilorin and I wrote a list of what I needed for my uncle and he was over-vetting it, it was she I would run to, and once she confronted my uncle, believe me, my case was settled. We have been so closely knit that all of us come to do what is right for the family.

They all really tried for me and others.

They did not go begging government; looking for contracts up and down.

Some of my father’s friends also stood by us and were helpful. Friends like Generals Buba, Wushishi, Aduloju, Mamman Vatsa, Abdullahi Muhammed. And the moral of the story is that if you die or die young, pray you have good siblings that will take care of your family and friends that will support even in death because it is not

Obasanjo gave us a twobedroom flat to live-in, on Queen's Drive, Ikoyi.

But Major Mustapha Jokolo (I think he is now the Emir of Gwandu) came and ejected us.

There and then, we ended up being homeless

the culture in Nigeria. Well, things are moving on. Thank God. What is the relationship between you and your father's friends?

Anytime they see me, it appears to them they see my father reborn in me.

One of them sometime said 'you have his eyes', and things like that. They recall the time they spent together with my father. From what we heard from them, my father had a sense of humour, was witty and very intelligent. That has always followed us. If one gets 90, some of them would say if it were your father, he would score 100. They have been very pleasant to us.

What preparations are you making towards the 40th celebration coming up on Saturday?

There is going to be a memorial on Friday; there will be prayer at his graveside.

The Nigerian Army is honouring him.

The Kwara State Governor is expected to be there. We have not got feedback from the Oyo State Government. A reception will follow thereafter at the Nest Hotel in Ogbomoso, where everybody will talk about my father, their encounters with him: good or bad. It is going to be a day of reminiscence. On Saturday, there is going to be a Golf Tournament in Ilorin.

He built the Golf Club in Ilorin. He was an avid golfer. So, it is going to be more of a Founder's Day celebration. c o n t i n u e d o n pa g e 1 1

Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After

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Dimka, Bisalla’s families: Mum is the word Musa Pam

F Jos

orty years after they were implicated in the coup that led to the death of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed on February 13, 1976, families of the late Col. Bukar Suka Dimka and General Iliyasu D. Bisalla have declined to comment on life without their breadwinners.

Saturady Telegraph made several efforts and visited the house of an elder in the Dimka's family in Jos, the Plateau State capital, but the man, who doesn't want his name in print said the family has decided not to make any comment on the issue, as such can bring back bad memories and remind them of the ugly incident which could also affect the family psyche.

According to him, they have forgotten the issue and have also promised not to grant any interview and that stands to be a decision of the family, while refusing to respond to a question put to him by our correspondent on how the family has been doing all this while in the absence of their breadwinner.

Our correspondent also visited the house of the late General Iliyasu D. Bisalla, but the wife of the late General was not in. She was said to have travelled, however a close family source told our Dimka

c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 0

Could one now say that the demise of your father was not so much of misfortune then?

No, it was a great misfortune. He was the leading light and first son of the family. It was like sun setting at noon. But because of their resilience and can-do- attitude, the family members were able to overcome it. I give kudos to them. Even the promises that were made, there was a little bit of difficulty because they abandoned it all together. Things like scholarship. Well, promises end at the graveside.

How did you perceive your father when he was killed, and what was the reminiscence of the time?

Anyone who tells you he can see very clearly at six or how he can perceive his father is lying. I was not up to six then really. I was 5+ then. Maybe one or two memories flashback, but not detailed. For example, the first day I played golf in Ilorin was during harmattan season. While approaching the holes, I stumbled on a rock formation and I saw those yellow leaves of dongoyaro or so. The picture took me back to the Government House in Ilorin. I told someone there on that day that this was what took place then. It was later I made the connection that the time we were there in the Government House was during the harmattan season. But when we were growing, that it was difficult, was not in doubt. We moved from the Government House to Olodi Apapa. That was where my uncle had his house. When we left the Government House, my father didn't have any house anywhere. I think the government of Baba Obasanjo gave us a two-bedroom flat to live in on Queen's Drive, Ikoyi. But Major Mustapha Jokolo (I think he is now the Emir of Gwandu) came and ejected us.

There and then, we ended up being homeless.

If it were to be during the military era,

Bisalla

correspondent that the family has not been finding it easy since the killing of their breadwinner.

Investigations revealed that the wife now lives in Jos somewhere on Naraguta Avenue, in Plateau State, but family sources said she has rented out the main family house and now stays in a small flat she built with the proceeds acquired from the sale of some of their property in Lagos.

"Her children are living abroad.

Musa is doing well in the United Kingdom while the second son is in the United States. Their only daughter, Salamatu is married to a prominent person from one of the Southwest states", the source added.

Meanwhile at the house of the late commissioner of police, Joseph Dechi Gomwalk, they said since their father was executed in 1976, they have never granted interview until now.

Gomwalk was the military governor of then Benue- Plateau State. Many doubted his role in the coup, but his property were all seized by the government and later returned with his full rank as commissioner of police restored.

The family is living a relatively quiet but comfortable life unlike others who are still seeking for state pardon. The family said they would not want to remember those traumatic years.

'Why I joined the army after my father was killed' one could have said that you decided to join the Army so that you could take vengeance. Or was that not?

Truly, I won't lie to you that I have heard that, but I do say it would be the most stupid thing for me to think or do. In the coup, there was the bad side and the good side. Those who died on the right side of the law like my father, the Head of State, the ADC Lt. Akinsehinwa, the driver of General Muhammed and the Orderly that was injured, ironically have been forgotten by people. Then, on the other side, that is those who did not die on the right side of the law like Lt. Col. Bukar Zuka Dimka, Major Clement Dabang, Gagara- all of them, the irony is that through the journey of life, I have had interactions and I grew up with some of the children of those people when we

were in the secondary school. Even one of the children of the person that was directly responsible for my father's death was my classmate. K. K. Gagara Abdul, Isa Baakar, Iliya Bisala family and even Dimka's nephew were all my very good friends. All that about vengeance did not come up and will never. What happened then was the mood of the country and no less would have been done then.

Many people would have shouted 'they must die', but you see, time is a funny thing. It waned and people were even saying 'was it really that bad.'

So, we have had a very good relationship. Even those of us whose people died on the right side of the law suffered. You can then wonder what would have befallen the children of those on the other side. I know there was a time some names were not fashionable, be-

coming almost stigmatised over the action of one man who even the rest of the family did not know about. To me, there is nothing in life that is worth mortgaging one's soul for.

What was the relationship of your father to the Soun of Ogbomoso?

They were friends. The Soun really tried for us. When my father was killed, we stayed with him. He gave us a part of his private house to live in for some time before relocating to Lagos.

He provided land for us. He really did well. I do enjoy being with him because, honestly, you won't know he is 90. He remembers events and even the circumstances whenever we discussed my father. Without doubt, he has been with the family. It is not everybody that will do that.

Ibrahim Taiwo's tomb

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Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After

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My mum didn't At the tender age of 12, Mustafa Wya was a student when his father, Col Abdulazizi Wya, was killed for taking part in the coup plot in which the then Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, was killed in 1976. In this interview with IBRAHEEM MUSA, Mustapha speaks on how the family has been fairing 40 years after the sordid incident.

Mustafa. Inset: Col. Abdulazizi Wya

Where were you in 1976, when the Dimka coup which subsequently led to the death of your father 40 years ago, occurred?

Actually, when the coup happened, I was at King’s College, Lagos. We were all in class when the news broke out and of course everybody was devastated. It was a general tragedy for the nation and you could feel it on the streets.

How was the news broken to you when your father was executed?

At that time, he was under house arrest at an Airforce Mess on Victoria Island. As far as he had told me, the arrest was about inquiries; they were conducting enquiries on events that led to it. And since Col. Ayuba Tense was our neighbour and was a frequent visitor in our house and vice versa and my father was said to be at a party in Tense’s house a few days before the incident. So, he was helping them in the inquiries. I used to go and visit him. In fact, every outing day they used to come and pick me up; he still had his driver, his ADC and everything. My mother and everybody never knew that it will end up that way.

As a young man of 12 years, how did you take the incident when it ended ‘up that way’ at that impressionable age?

(Long pause) On that day that they were actually executed, my father wasn’t amongst the people who were executed at Bar Beach. He was in the other batch that was executed at Kirikiri, if my memory serves me correctly. (He was actually executed at the Bar Beach). On that particular day, the day of the execution, King’s College had a football match against CMS or one other school in the Principal's Cup. My father actually sent his driver, Ade, to come and take me for the match. Of course, we were already going on the school bus. So, the driver followed us to

the football match. Afterwards, we took permission and the driver took me and four of my friends out. My father had already told him what to do, that he should take me out for a special treat. We went to Falomo Shopping Complex, the Ice cream shop, had ice cream with my friends. Then by the time the driver dropped us at school, the news had already broken. Thank God my school fathers and friends, people like Femi Doherty, Gbegi Ojora and Daniel Gwani, were waiting to receive me. You cannot imagine my state of shock. They consoled me. Of course, it was a very sad day but people really treated me well. I was very fortunate. The driver re-appeared and took me home to Mhyoung Barracks to join my devastated mother. Maybe because of my father’s nature, there were people that stepped in immediately to look after us. At that time my uncle Nuhu, my father’s younger brother, was a student at the ABU Zaria, his immediate younger brother Daniel was in the Navy. And then, due to circumstances still unknown to me, my uncle Daniel also lost his life about a month and half later. That was two down in one and half months. But the most tragic event was still to come shortly, which is even one of the reasons why I agreed to grant this interview so that I can correct a misconception. Barely three months later, while my mother was driving on her way to Kano to visit family friends, my mum did not commit suicide, she had an accident and died on the spot. Before you knew it, some newspapers started speculating that she committed suicide because she lost the love of her life. So, from that day, people started assuming that the poor

woman committed suicide which she didn’t. This speculation made it difficult to even bury her; the church said that she was a Catholic and she committed suicide. But no mother will go and drive off the road that she wants to kill herself and leave her children behind, at least not my mother as I knew her. So, three months later, my mother too died while I was once again at school. The shock was so much that my relatives and family friends didn’t even let me know about her death till I came back to Kaduna on the day they buried her. I arrived to a house of grief and despair.

So, I never witnessed my father’s or mother’s burials. But, that is life. It was a very traumatic experience, especially for a child of 12. My younger sister was 10, the other was eight and my younger brother was four. That is why I will like to use this opportunity to advise people that we shouldn’t take for granted the time we spend with our children when they are growing up.

The greatest influence that we have on our children is between the age of their birth and 12 years old. By the time they are 13 to 14, they have already been formed.

So, most of my motivation is what I have learnt in those 12 years. That’s what made me what I am today. I had a solid foundation of love and guidance from my parents and this is something that nobody will ever be able to take away from me.

The coup made the situation in the country dicey and tense at that time. Everybody was being monitored and my father's friends had to be very careful. If they bonded too much with us the authorities will say that maybe they were part of the coup. But people like Haruna Zego Azeez, Jonah Jang and Clement Ugah stuck out their necks. They were in the Air force but for the remaining three years of my life at King's College Lagos they were my guardians. By the time I came back home, of course I had Danladi and Tasala Nyam to look after us; he was the late Sarkin Yakin Jaba and a very dear friend of my father. Then there was my uncle, Nuhu Wya and his wife Lydia, his elder sisters Mrs Rifkatu Ayeidun and Kande Gwani. They took care of us till we were ready to start our lives as adults and we will always be forever grateful for the sacrifices they made for us.

The Dimka coup was a power struggle amongst friends. So, like I said, we were just collateral damage

How did these tragedies affect you emotionally? Did they affect your studies?

Of course. I even have the report card of that year. Honestly, it didn’t turn out too badly. Even my teachers and principal noted that I missed about a term and when I sat for my end of year exams they commented that I put in a very good effort considering the circumstances. So, I didn’t miss a year or anything. Like I said, it was a very terrible time because all of a sudden you were on your own surrounded by a deep dark cloud of pain, grief, hurt, anger and disbelief. At first you will not believe it is happening to you. All the while, you will think that your parents went somewhere and they will come back. For my father, it took me sometime to accept his death but my mother’s case was immediate. But like I said, I was very fortunate with the people that surrounded me.

We also received a lot of support from my father’s and mother's friends. But we also lost a lot of friends due to the circumstances of what happened, some people didn’t want to be associated with us. It was a terrible experience but then, if you have faith in God it overcomes everything. Once you know that God is there for you, no matter what, there is nothing to worry about.

Of course I will not lie, as I grew older, when I reached the ages of 15, 16 and 17, issues came up. At that stage you don’t really have anybody. So, as a young person you can get distracted and before you know it, you are drinking and smoking and living life on the fast lane because there is nobody to control you. But at the end of the day, like I said, if you have a good family, it will ground you. You straighten up and realise that that is life.

You just have to do your best, work hard because hard work is always rewarded.

Is it true that your father was exonerated from the coup post-humously?

No, he was never officially exonerated. At least as far as my family is concerned, nobody ever wrote us to say anything like that. In fact, it is even good that you asked me. One of my most traumatic experiences, was that growing up in the barracks made me comfortable with the military. They were my family. From 10 to 12 when my father was at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), I learnt how to horse ride there. I learnt how to box there.

I learnt karate there. So, the military was always like part of my family. Then after my father died, the army came to collect his ceremonial dress and sword. Soldiers came in a Land Rover fully dressed, demanding my father’s ceremonial sword and uniform. My mother was terrified because she didn’t know whether they were coming to carry her too, she actually kept me behind her while they were there. She handed over to them what they came for and they went away.

I must commend the then Brig. Domkat Bali. I have an official letter which he wrote to my mother before she died, where he enclosed a cheque of 5,000 pounds from the unit, in appreciation of my mother’s efforts. But as for exoneration, there was none. Right now, several of the characters have written different accounts of what happened in their respective memoirs so that's that, maybe the real truth will never be known.

Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After

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commit suicide –Col. Wya's son Why did you write a petition to the Oputa panel? Did you want to get some kind of restitution or exoneration?

Exoneration didn’t come into this matter. The coup plot had nothing to do with me. It had nothing to do with my mother, my sisters and brother. We were a collateral damage. So, as far I’m concerned, the coup was a workplace incident, an occupational hazard; a fallout within colleagues. This is what power does. Nigerian Civil War started when they were in their early 20s.

They were drafted to war, survived it and it was a terrible experience for most of them. Some of them committed suicide after the war; they were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which nobody was aware of in those days. We heard of broken marriages, alcoholism and suicide. So, those that survived, you can imagine how they felt. They now came into power; at the age of 25-26 some were governors. They had the destiny of this country in their hands. So, there was bound to be fallouts here and there. Everybody saw what their colleagues were doing with power and everybody felt they could do a better job. But the same problems have been behind every coup in this country from 1966 till date The Dimka coup was a power struggle amongst friends. So, like I said, we were just collateral damage. So, exoneration was not in my mind when I wrote the petition.

It was the least of my problems. I wanted the Oputa panel to make the army identify where my father’s remains are so that our family can collect them and bury him in his village, Ankung. It is about two kilometres from Kwoi (the headquarters of Jaba Local government in Kaduna State). That was my only reason for going to Oputa panel.

Now of course you will ask me why I withdrew the petition.

The petition was never read before the Oputa panel. What happened?

After I had presented the petition, a lot of people were concerned that the issues I had brought up would be a logistical nightmare. I was approached directly by a late junior colleague of my late father also from Kwoi who reasoned with me that even if they were able to give me his remains, which to them was virtually impossible due to the time that had elapsed and problems of identifying his remains; what about the hundreds of other executed coup plotters over the years?

So I decided in the interest of peaceful coexistence to let it go. After all, nobody knows tomorrow. Maybe one day, one of my children will be able to retrieve him and give him his rightful burial and allow him to finally rest in peace.

Some of your late father’s course mates later became the leaders of Nigeria. Did they help you?

No. Don’t forget, by the time these people were in power, they had to take care of their own. Let me tell you this; nobody will come and look for you. That is why family units are very important. Apart from your family, don’t expect anybody to do anything for you. They have their own children, relatives and hangers-on and people they have to appease. Why in God’s name are they going to look for you? To bring back memories or what? Nobody wants to remember that past. And on my own part, I blame my father’s situation on his friends. Or let me not generalise, I blame his situation on his bad friends. And that has always guided me too in choosing my own friends. Even today when people tell me that ‘’your father was my friend’’, I tell them that I’m not aware of that. You were his friend but not his family’s friend.

Because going for naming ceremonies,

Marie Bernadette nee Carr and Abdul in 1971

My mum did not commit suicide, she had an accident and died on the spot parties and so on together, doesn’t mean friendship. I don’t think most of them were his friends. They were just professional colleagues. And on my own part, why should I look for government contracts? Thank God, through scholarships, I went to King’s College and Ahmadu Bello University. I graduated from ABU at the age of 19. Finished NYSC at the age of 20. Started working in New Nigerian in 1985, moved to United Bank for Africa (UBA) in 1986, remained there till 1990 when I set up my own business. So, I really have no business with government.

What is your line of business?

I’m a marketing consultant, which is what I studied in school. And I’m into printing and publishing.

You mean that you don’t seek for government patronage in anyway, be it contract or what have you?

No, no, no. Don’t make that mistake.

You will get patronage when you go and look for it. Government will not come and look for you and say take this contract. You have to register with them and I

L-R: Fatima, Marie, Omar, Mustafa and Fiona

have never gone to look for contract from any government agency. So, the blame is not on them; if there is to be any blame at all it is squarely on my shoulders. I’m very content. I’m 52 years, I graduated in 1983. I should be able to take care of myself and my family. To date with the exception of those tragic years I have had a pretty wonderful life all thanks to God.

one day work in government and serve their country to the best of their ability.

Not much is known of your other siblings.

You mentioned that you have a younger brother and two younger sisters. Who are they and where are they now?

There are four of us. Myself, Fiona, Fatima and Omar. My immediate younger sister Fiona retired over a year ago; after years of services with Unity Bank.

She is doing very well. She is in Kaduna now and into IT Consultancy. Fatima is also very okay and she is based in Yola.

She is into her business. My younger brother Omar is into human resources consultancy and he has been based in the UK for over 20 years now. So, they are all doing very well, thanks to God. We have a total of seven grandchildren now so things haven’t turned out too bad.

Is any of your children contemplating joining the army? And will you encourage him or her if he or she shows interest?

To be honest with you, when you look at even the para-military generally, who will like to join any of them the way that they are today? I wouldn’t encourage any of them. To go and join the army for what?

There are retired soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for this country yet they have problems receiving their pensions up till now. There are widows who cannot collect their late husbands’ gratuities.

What benefits do you get from joining these organisations the way they have become today? In those days, yes. But I will not encourage my children to join the army now, definitely not. That is why I’m training them to be professionals.

My son studied Human Relations and he graduated from Ghana. My first daughter is in the United Kingdom studying Mechanical Engineering. My second daughter is also in the UK studying Law. My last son will be ready for university next year. Things are becoming more professionally oriented now in this country and hopefully they will

Bromide of Abdul's letter to his wife, Marie

How will you describe your late father?

Strong and once he made up his mind, it’s made up. Gregarious, he liked to laugh a lot. In fact that was why he and his colleagues had a good time together.

He was out going and he loved his games and music. All his life, in any compound that we lived in, he always kept a patch of land aside for farming. And physically, he will do the hoeing, planting and harvesting because as a child growing up, he walked two kilometres to school from Akung to Kwoi. When he returned, he joined his father on the farm. My father used to wash his own personal items, that was who he was.

Content of the letter Lagos - 15 Feb '76 My dearest Bibi, Darling you must be so worried about me about the latest events in the country. You can (be) rest assured that I am not involved in anyway whatsoever, however, Col. Tense has been called for questioning. This of course surprise (sic) me because I never knew that he is connected in anyway because he has never mentioned it to me. Perhaps he is being questioned because of the fact that he is from the same area with Lt. Col. Dimka as his frequent visits to our houses. But then if it is because of his visits then I should have been called - however, lets wait and see.

The truth is the government would like to find out the route (sic) of the thing which I support naturally be-

cause what good is it for one not to know what will happen to him the next day etc. For this reason a lot of people will be called in for questioning etc.

The detail of death I presume you know, is the former Head of State, his ADC, his driver, Col. Taiwo (Governor Kwara State), one 2/Lt. which the NBC house was re-captured, I think those are all.

Lagos of course is still full of rumours because Lt. Col Dinmka has not been captured. So the normal road checks go on.

Darling you cannot imagine how much I love and miss you. I'll phone tonight if the line is through.

All my love, Abdul

PS:Your camera is loaded.

Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

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Vincent Eboigbe or those who had the ‘misfortune’ of witnessing the brutal assassination of former Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, silence has been a refuge all these years, a comforting cocoon.

Talking about the events of that day is like reliving them all over, dredging up old horrors; so they pushed the memory deep into the subconscious, where it might only bubble to the surface in the occasional nightmare.

Top broadcaster, Soni Irabor, belongs in the small group of people who saw it all ‘live’ that fated day on February 13, 1976. Exactly 40 years to the day, Irabor is still very reluctant to talk about what he describes as a horrendous day. That is understandable.

But a combination of wheedling and the knowledge that the story needs to be told, prevailed ultimately. Of course, the story of the Murtala’s assassination has been told repeatedly, but like all the great writers constantly exhort: the story never ends.

Irabor often went to the Radio House where he did a programme with Patrick Oke even though he was not yet a full employee. He was actually employed by the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in 1977.

So on February 13, 1976, the 24-year-old Irabor was on his way to work with a friend when one of the most horrific days in the history of Nigeria began to play out in a terrifying slow motion. Irabor tells his story: ''I was working with the Nigerian Prison Service on Alagbon Close, which is directly opposite Ikoyi Road where the assassination of the Head of State took place.

The incident happened exactly in front of the National Secretariat that is now badly abandoned.

There are so many things I really don’t want to talk about; it is very sad. They were putting finishing touches to the secretariat then. Traffic was so severe on the day of the coup; Murtala Muhammed used to drive alone without security patrol, no sirens. Unfortunately by trying to be a man of the people, some people had a different agenda for him.

I had not joined the NBC (later known as Radio Nigeria) when the coup took place on February 13, 1976; I joined in April 1977. But I was always going to Radio Nigeria for programmes.

I was doing a programme with Patrick Oke who was the anchor. I was the one reading the letters sent in to the programme.

Radio Nigeria is very close to Alag-

I had refused to talk about my experience that day all these years because my heart bleeds anytime I recall the incident

Irabor

It was a horrendous day –Soni Irabor bon. I was coming from my house on Brown Road, Ikoyi, heading to Alagbon Close, Ikoyi and I came through Bank Road. The incident happened in front of what used to be BP Petrol Station later known as AP. The petrol station is still there, that design is still there. The only difference is that the highway used to be two lanes, but it is now a dual carriageway, four lanes.

I had refused to talk about my experience that day all these years because my heart bleeds anytime I recall the incident. Those soldiers were horrible people. My friend, Okpoh Imetu, and I were going to work that day. I was working at the Nigeria Prisons while my friend was with Internal Affairs.

We were just chatting along when we observed that the black car on the road with the national emblem on it looked like the car of the head of state because

of its designs. From the position we were, we could see everything, it was like we were watching a horror movie.

The man (Gen. Muhammed) was reading a newspaper and a car came from behind. There was traffic; Lagos traffic had always been notorious. Dodan Barracks was not far from the scene.

That car just came and parked on the other side, it came from the oncoming lane which was free. I think the car was a Mercedes, though I am not too sure anymore. There were two of them in the car, one was driving while the other was on the passenger side. Both men came out.

One was wearing “agbada” but we observed something strange about the man. The boot he was wearing was soldier’s boot. How can a man wearing “agbada” be in a soldier’s boot? We both wondered. But then he removed

the “agbada” and we saw that he was dressed in military uniform. We were curious but took our eyes away momentarily and the next thing we heard was the sound of gunshots. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the sound of a gun so close before. It was so loud and metallic. It was horrendous. I asked my friend what was going on and we started running for dear lives.

We didn’t know where to run to and then the strangest thing was that the traffic that refused to move earlier disappeared in seconds. All the cars beat a mad retreat, reversing and colliding against one another.

The area got cleared of all the vehicles in seconds.

There was a palm wine tapper riding bicycle on that lane too.

The poor man just fell down when the thing happened and remained there. He was petrified. I ran in one direction and my friend scampered in another. I started running towards Bank Road. I didn’t know where my friend ran to.

Minutes later, all the cars were gone and the man (shooter) went back to his car with the other man and they just drove off as if nothing happened.

I was too young and afraid to open my mouth, I couldn’t say that I saw anything. I had never witnessed anything called a coup talk less of seeing one of that nature. I was so afraid, I didn’t know whether to go back to Alagbon Close. The head of state’s car was there alone with the bodies inside. The saddest part is that the car was there for like two hours or more. There were builders around there then because they were putting finishing touches to the National Secretariat. So many of them must have seen it from their end but I am yet to see anyone come out to say ‘this is what he saw.’

I managed to cross into Alagbon. I was shivering. Nobody wanted to move near where the sound came from, everyone ran away. Later, some people told us there was an announcement of a coup on radio. That was when we started having an idea of what happened. Also, the coup announcement was so strange because instead of the usual restriction of movement from dusk to dawn, the announcement was for dawn to dusk, which means daytime curfew. We found that to be a bit weird.

I was 24-year-old then and I would be 64 in March. God knows my heart; that was what I saw. What saddens me is the way Nigeria has squandered its opportunity. An average Nigerian thinking has been badly bastardised. I am yet to know why we are not really concerned. Things are just going from bad to worse; it is very said.''

Quotes from coup plotters I ask for forgiveness of anybody I have offended.

My wife should please check with my bankers about my house in Kaduna and clear all debts even if by selling my things

– TK Adamu

My only regret is that I have no Will

– Dimka

Judgement has been passed, I have no comments. I want the rope around my neck to be slackened. I am being choked before the time

I was to be set free yesterday, but for this boy Dimka, who implicated me. God knows I didn't know anything about it

– Rabo

– Bisalla

Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Could you recall the events of the coup that claimed the life of late General Murtala?

I was caught up inside it right from the beginning actually. In 1976 I was staying at Okesuna Street, Lagos Island. I left that Friday morning, February 13, to the broadcasting house but I decided around 7:15am to go straight to central store of the FRCN. It was then called Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC); the name FRCN came in 1978 but it is popularly known as Radio Nigeria.

I went straight to Radio Nigeria central store, which was located behind the Federal Secretariat. I went to collect materials such as tape recorder, batteries, among others. I was a senior reporter then.

Alagbon Close used to be a terrible place in those days especially on Fridays. This was why I went to the store first thing in the morning so as to beat the traffic. On my way back from central store by 8am, I saw an army officer stood at the junction between Alagbon Close and Ikoyi Road, controlling the traffic.

Immediately I turned into Ikoyi Road, I heard gunshots. I looked back through the rear mirror of my car and I saw people running helter-skelter.

My initial reaction was that somebody had offended the soldiers and they were after him or her. But I later saw that one of the two cars behind me was the vehicle of Murtala Muhammed and it was the car under attack. I didn’t know it was a coup because it was the first time anyone planned a coup in broad daylight.

While driving to Radio Nigeria, I was still hearing gunshots. But when I got there I saw the soldiers who were manning the gate playing cards; they didn’t even panic so I thought things were normal. I drove in, parked my car and went to my office.

But the gunshots kept coming closer until they got into the broadcasting house. We heard soldiers running up and down; it was later we found out that they were looking for one of our colleagues called Abdulkareem Zakari.

From what we gathered, he was the only civilian and Radio Nigeria employee involved in it. They col-

Dimka looked frightened when he stormed Radio Nigeria – Egbuna Ben Egbuna retired as the Director-General of Radio Nigeria, the station where Bukar Dimka announced the coup that claimed the life of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed. In this interview with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, Egbuna gives a horrifying account of the events of that ill-fated day of February 13, 1976. lected the Marshall music from him and started playing it on air.

Some moments later, I looked outside my window and I saw a Peugeot car with a Nigerian army number plate.

The car was parked directly in front of my widow and somebody came out from the owner’s corner. He was wearing “babariga,” but after removing it I saw a military uniform. He put the “babariga” inside the car, put on his cap and buckled his belt.

The person was Buka Dimka. He went into the broadcasting house and made the announcement. He then imposed a dawn to dusk curfew on the country, which mean at that point no movement from morning till night. Later, we were told he left the premises to the airport to see what was happening, went to the British High Commission, among others. But around 12 noon we saw two armoured tanks driving into the broadcasting house; we didn’t know who brought them. It was later a Colonel came out and spoke with Dimka.

Where it concerned me the most was that one of the tanks was parked directly in front of my car.

I couldn’t move out, in fact nobody was allowed to move out.

I thought of dashing out because my house was closeby and I

didn’t want to leave my car there. Around 2pm when it became very sunny, the fellow inside the tank decided to move under a mango tree. I told an officer that I wanted to go and eat. After asking someone to search my car, they let me go.

The coup failed; it was foiled about 30 minutes after I left the premises. On my way home, at the Ikoyi Cemetery, I saw some armoured tanks heading towards the broadcasting house and some infantry men who were also heading towards that place. I was stopped actually by the commander of the infantry group who asked me where I was coming from. I told him where I was coming from and he asked if there were soldiers there. I told him they were many soldiers and probably looking at them from the fence. He checked my identity card and let me go.

I got home, I put on the radio and they were still playing the Marshall music. But two minutes after, I started hearing gunshots. That was the end of that coup actually because the station went off air and we heard the next day Dimka escaped. Dimka was later caught that same month in Abakaliki.

Murtala would have escaped if not for the traffic jam. You know Murtala was not using patrol; he was just like me and you.

What was the general comportment level, disposition of Dimka that day?

We had an encounter with him before I left the office that day. At a point we (employees) ran into an office and locked ourselves there because we were feeling unsecured. We heard a voice that we thought was that of our then Director General, Christopher Kolade. We opened the door to let him know we were there, but it turned out to be Dimka and one Major Rabo. Dimka looked frightened.

He didn’t know we were inside the office.

Did you see signs that Dimka was under any influence?

Not Dimka! The man I suspected or who behaved like he was under the influence of something was Major Rabo. That was my second encounter with him; the first was when they came into the broadcasting house. When he came to my office, he said no telephone, no talking and no movement. We laughed at the way he said it, I mean myself and my friend, Clement Akintomide.

We didn’t know there was a coup, it was our colleagues who were yet to get to the office that called us that there was a coup. People inside the broadcasting house didn’t know until the announcement by Dimka. We were feeling unsecured.

Egbuna

15

So the soldiers threatened you?

Not directly, but when you see soldiers and armoured tanks all over the place you cannot feel safe. Many people left Radio Nigeria because of the trauma; they looked for job elsewhere. It was an unpleasant experience; there was tension. We were all in our offices, but they warned us not to move around and make calls.

I was the only one

who managed to escape that afternoon.

When the counter operation came there were some of our staff whose cars were damaged, but no member of staff was killed.

What do you remember of Abdulkareem Zakari?

He was among those executed on March 11, 1976. He was in the programmes directorate while I was in the news directorate, but I knew him well.

He was part of the coup because he came into the newsroom with swagger.

He announced that they had killed him.

I asked who they killed and he said the head of state; he was the first person to announce the death of Murtala to us in the newsroom.

He was a gentleman until the incident; we all worked together with harmony. He didn’t show any sign of frustration that I can lay my fingers on.

What do you think was his motivation?

I cannot really say, but there was some speculations that he was related to former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon’s wife, Victoria. If you remember there was an attempt to link Gowon to the coup. It was never established that it was money or anything because I covered the trial, announcement of the execution and the execution itself at Kirikiri.

Did you see when Ibrahim Babaginda came into Radio Nigeria?

Yes, I told you earlier that a Colonel came in with two armoured tanks and had discussions with Dimka. Then, I didn’t know it was Babaginda and he was among the people that dislodged Dimka. But at that point I didn’t know it was Babaginda.

How did the staff handle the whole situation?

Some people left because of the fright we suffered. Some people remained because there was no job, but I was one of those who remained there until I retired.

For me, it was a different kettle of fish because I came out of the civil war some years earlier. I had some military background When exactly did you leave Radio Nigeria?

After spending some years in Radio Nigeria, I left the broadcasting house on transfer to Voice of Nigeria in 1990. I returned there in 2006 and I retired in 2008.

How would you describe your years there?

Since I spent all my life in broadcasting, it means I enjoyed my stay there. I have no regrets; I joined the broadcasting house in 1973 and left in 2008.

What do you do now?

To tell you the truth I am into full-time retirement; I resolved not to do anything for the government anymore. You know what journalism is all about since you are a journalist yourself. Having served for 36 years in that position, I thought I needed some rest to stay with my family and give some service to my community. I started a magazine, Digicast, but I found it to be very financially consuming. I went online, but I got tired finally.

My family is still in Lagos and I come around once in a while, but Iam now based in Anambra State.

16 Murtala Muhammed: 40 years after

I dodged bullets for over 20 hours –Rosaline Ogunro Rosaline Ogunro was the duty continuity announcer on that fated day of February 13, 1976, when Bukar Dimka stormed Radio Nigeria to announce his coup. This placed Ogunro directly in the crosshairs of fire. Even when all employees were allowed to go home, Ogunro was forced to remain in the studio for some 20 hours. She recounts the terror of that day to Vincent Eboigbe. Excerpts…

You were the presenter on duty when Dimka stormed the NBC to announce his coup on February 13, 1976. It must have been a most traumatic experience; could you recollect the events of that day… did you at any point think ‘oh, this is it’.

I was the duty continuity announcer on early morning duty on the day of the military coup. My shift commenced at 5:30am and would have finished at 11:30am or thereabouts.

Things were going on smoothly until about 7:20am when a rather scruffy man in army uniform and armed with a gun, another officer and one of my colleagues, a producer in the Hausa Service of Voice of Nigeria, walked into the continuity studio. The scruffy officer who I later learned was Bukar Dimka said as they came in, ‘any resistance, shoot’. He then demanded to use the microphone. He said there had been a coup and that the Head of State had been killed. He proceeded to make the infamous ‘dawn to dusk curfew’. He read from a scrap of paper. After the announcement he asked if I had military (martial music) to which I said no. The colleague who accompanied the officers left immediately and returned quite quickly with a compilation of martial music records possibly from the music library. He seemed to have pre compiled them.

I was commanded to play them after Dimka’s announcement.

I was not overly scared at this point. I thought to myself, ’just do as you are told’ especially as the man was armed.

Dimka left the studio and returned 15 minutes later to repeat his announcement. As he walked out of the studio after the second announcement, I followed him and his accomplices to see if I could find any of my bosses to report that there had been an incident in the studio. We met the then Director General Dr. Christopher Kolade at the door. He had been in his office upstairs, had heard Dimka’s announcement and had come down to investigate. Dimka happily announced that the then Head of State had been killed and that he Dimka would be returning to make further announcements. He was advised by the Dr. Kolade to record his statement on tape instead of saying the same thing live every 15 minutes. I believe that advice saved many lives that fateful day because this removed him from that area of Broadcasting House. The recording was subsequently played at 15 minutes intervals and bridged with martial music as commanded.

must have been a lot of panic on that day and the three of us inside the studio were unaware of the evacuation; no one came to inform us and we were left behind as a result.

We were taken to a sand-filled area away from the building where we found all members of staff lying on their stomachs and soldiers with their guns were standing over them. There was a sigh of relief when colleagues and bosses saw me. My two colleagues and I were made to lie face down like the others.

Later that evening all other members of staff were allowed to go home. The afternoon and evening duty announcers did not show up because everyone had been advised in Dimka’s broadcast to stay at home. I was the only continuity announcer available so I was made to go back to the same studio to continue broadcasting to the nation. The two studio managers who went through the ordeal with me did not return to the studio with me so I worked from 5:30 am till close down just after midnight. I was well taken care of by the soldiers who provided me with dinner. Armoured vehicles accompanied our staff car home.

About three hours after being dropped at home the next day an armoured vehicle and the office car returned to take me back to Broadcasting House to open the station. So at the

13 FEBRUARY 2016

crack of dawn the next morning on February 14, 1976, I was in the same studio at 5:30 opening the station. My very brave and courageous colleague and very good friend Siene Allwell Brown who was not on the roster to work that morning risked everything and drove down to take over from me. She made it possible for me to go home to rest from the ordeal of the previous day.

Did he (Dimka) attack, molest or physically assault anybody at the Radio House?

I would not know if anyone was molested or physically assaulted because as I said I was in the inner part of the continuity studio and apart from hearing the shooting which, by the way sounded like bombing I did not know what else was happening.

What kind of person did he strike you as in those hours that you observed him? Was he under the influence of something, say alcohol?

Although Dimka wore his army uniform he looked scruffy and did not have his army cap on. His eyes were red but I could not say if he was under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. He did not look to me like a serious man especially as he read his announcement from a little scrap of paper. Also his curfew was ‘dawn to dusk’ instead of dusk to dawn.

How was he eventually removed from the Radio house? A former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, was reportedly the one who dislodged him although other accounts suggest something else. Did you see Babangida? Do you have any idea of what really transpired between him and Dimka?

I later heard that the command from high up in the Army ranks was to raze the entire building, but that another thought of the innocent civilians in the building and advised otherwise.

I cannot say for sure who was involved in these decisions.

Dimka obviously escaped capture on that day but not the other accomplice officer who came to the studio with him. I understand he was shot dead.

When you later heard that the Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, had been killed in a gruesome manner in the coup, how did that make you feel?

I knew there was going to be trouble but not the magnitude of what followed that day.

Was going to work afterwards a difficult thing given the ordeal you had to endure on that day? Did you contemplate quitting your job at NBC? I loved my job. It never crossed my mind to quit. Besides I had only been on the job for about three years. I was frightened no doubt on the day of the coup but I kept my cool. I was later told by colleagues and listeners who heard me after I returned to the studio to get the station running again that at no time did my voice betray any fright or discomfort.

When you finally left radio, was it a significant reason?

I left after 15 years of a most rewarding and fulfilling career, rewarding not in monetary terms but the joy of knowing that millions all over the country welcomed me into their homes by listening to the National Network News, the World News, linking programmes whilst on continuity duty and presenting music and various other programmes. I felt grateful that on that fateful day, Friday 13, February 1976, I did not let my nation down at its most critical time. Most of all I felt grateful to God for sparing my life.

Did you have any idea that a coup was underway when Dimka and company appeared at the NBC? At what point did the realisation strike you?

I realised this was a serious matter only later that afternoon when the announcer who was supposed to relieve me failed to turn up and the loyal troops to the Head of State had surrounded Broadcasting House, unknown to those of us ( two studio managers and myself) in the sound proofed continuity studio. When the shooting started I instantly turned off the martial music that was playing. (My mum and dad were listening to the radio that morning and when that music stopped they thought I had been shot). It was as though the building was being razed. The firing was directed at the studio where I was. The soldiers who were firing must have thought Dimka was making his announcement live. My two colleagues and I hid under the consul. Some bullets tore through the heavy doors and the glass partitioning separating me from the studio managers and struck the records rack where fill-up records were kept.

How did you survive the ordeal; did you hide somewhere or did the coup plotters herd staff of NBC into a room and lock up everybody?

When the shooting subsided about 30 minutes later; we attempted to come out of the studio. This was when we realised that the entire building was surrounded by soldiers with guns pointing at the building from the metal railings outside. The first time the soldiers caught sight of us we thought we heard ‘fire’ and ran back. We tried calling out to staff in offices to see if we could hide there but no one answered and the offices were locked! I said to my two colleagues ‘we have to get out of here; the studio is being shot at’. We tried one more time and heard ‘hold fire, civilians’. We were led by some soldiers down the bullet ridden staircase. They asked harshly where we were when members of staff were being evacuated. There

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

Who was Abdulkarim Zakari, the Radio Nigeria employee implicated in the coup? Did he at any time show signs of discontent that could explain his action?

Abdulkarim Zakari was the producer in the Hausa Service of Voice of Nigeria who came into the studio with Dimka and the other officer. Mr. Zakari was a good man and a good producer. I had no idea he was involved in the coup until much later. He must have compiled the martial music in advance.

He provided the records so quickly!

Dimka was arrested a few weeks after the coup and sadly Mr. Zakari was executed along with him and the other coup plotters.

You must be happy now that it appears the era of coups is finally over in Nigeria…

I pray for peace and stability in our country and in the whole world.

You live in the UK now; what do you do these days. Are you still involved in radio in any way?

I have worked in various establishments since arriving in the UK in 2001 but not on Radio. I worked part time in an arts organisation, the Barbican Centre as Customer Service Assistant for about six years, full time with Arnold Fooks Chadwick Solicitors for one year, the London Symphony Orchestra as Customer Service and Office Coordinator for seven years. In between all these I studied part time for my Bachelor of Laws degree and then went to Law School. I currently work part time with the RCJ (Royal Courts of Justice) Advice Bureau in London.

Ogunro

See pictures on pages 42,43

WeekendBliss

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

CLOSE UP ON

impacted the world. Bob Marley was 36 when he left, Fela Kuti wasn’t up to 60. So, it’s not so much about the age but the accomplishment.

This is my philosophy of life- live and let live. Do your thing, I do mine. I don’t work for anybody. I sleep when I want to and I got up from bed about 9am this particular (interview) morning. I could go to bed 3am or 4am and I would switch off my phone. No phone call wakes me up even if it’s from Aliko Dangote (billionaire businessman). I must be alive to pick calls. GSM only came to Nigeria 15 years ago and it shouldn’t disturb my sleep. I should control GSM. These are the factors that enhance my health. I do what I want within the ambit of the law because I know what is good for me. I don’t have to wake up 4am and start running into traffic to meet appointments or work schedule. That was what I told God- whatever I want to do all my life should come from within me. My body is my industry and my office. I decide when I want to work and when I don’t want to work.

YEMI SOLADE

It’s not true I've been married three times

Would you say at 56, you’ve covered the miles you dreamed of covering?

Professionally, I have. This is because I’ve been in my field for close to 40 years and I’ve done so much.

I don’t think I should begin to count, my followers know what I have done and I’m yet to sit down and look back to say ‘fine, I’m fulfilled.’ I still have a lot to do. I’m still in the game. I still conquer and make exploits, but at my age I select what I do because experience comes with age and that’s an attitude of purpose. An actor never quits until he breathes his last. As I speak with you, I’m expecting to hit a location anytime. People like me don’t rest on their laurels. I actually have a covenant with God and my profession that I just want to live my life as an actor. I’m sure if people can recall, they know a little that I’ve done. In my private life, I will only say that I’m still looking at what my environment can offer me. Every time I thank my creator for the gift of life; I sleep and I wake up- these are not the kind of things you control.

Cerebral and unapologetic about his perceived arrogance, Yemi Solade’s remarkable feats in acting for about four decades now remains a resounding testimonial. The handsome actor who turned 56 on January 31 speaks to LANRE ODUKOYA on his marriages, leisure and sundry controversies. Excerpts…

What was your earliest dream in life before you chose acting?

I grew up in Surulere and it was fashionable and conventional for parents to advise their wards at that time to go into one of the four notable and dignifying professions like medicine, law, engineering and accountancy. That has changed now. Then I was looking in the direction of architecture really. But as I continued my education, I found out that I was weak in the sciences and mathematics. And I quickly discovered my strength in the humanities. I didn’t want to sit, start chasing after shadows by writing exams and not getting what I wanted. So, I quickly decided that I was going to do the arts. Even when I was admitted to study law at the then University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, I changed it to Performing Arts because I projected where I would rather be. All of that is history today. I have no regrets because I am where I am, living my dream. Even today as we speak, those other professionals, doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants, make incursions into my profession.

Even Femi Adebayo who has a master’s degree in law, what is he known for now? He’s an actor and a filmmaker.

It tells you about the beauty of projecting into the future which I was privileged to have had then. God just opened my eyes to see the future of entertainment.

What are the significant periods you recall when looking at life these past 56 years especially in a country where life expectancy is said to be below 50?

Well, let’s start from that aging index; we are all in the book of God, so no white man will come from the western world and talk to us and we digest it. I think that is wrong, you know too much of these postulations are swallowed hook, line and sinker in Nigeria; until the white man says anything, the African will not want to do what they should do. Talking about life expectancy in Nigeria, it is not about the age it is about the quality of life we all live and again how endowed we are medically, health wise, socially and economically - these are the factors that either promote or affect one’s health. Then the kind of lifestyle too, some of us are just blessed with good health; some inherit poor health from their parents- genetically you will just realise that the family tree has crisis. Some live over 100 without doing anything meaningfully in this world, while others come and in no time they’ve achieved so much and don’t live long. Jesus Christ didn’t live up to 34, Mohammed didn’t live up to 60. And these men

Instyle

Alluring look for Valentine outings © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

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The Arts

Farewell Eldorado goes on stage

p.34

Hospitality

MUSON Centre: The quintessential home of entertainment

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Close Up

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'A call from Dangote won’t make me abandon my sleep' C o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 1 7

It is the belief that you’re very shorttempered; is that one of the things you’d like to do away with as you advance in age?

Well, I leave people to conclude on what they feel about me. Whether I am short tempered, temperamental or not the will of God will always prevail. I have worked with a lot of people who did not think the way I did and they wanted me to change to their lifestyles.

I wonder why anybody would want to force me in to all that when I know professionally certain things are not supposed to be and they feel that is how it should be around them. These are set of people that I presided over when I was president of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association. At least I started the association with Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko and the rest. I headed it until I left office in December, 2014. Dele Odule is the current president; if Yemi Solade could do that to stabilise the industry especially among the core Yoruba professionals, anybody can continue to say that I’m temperamental.

If you give me a schedule to work with you, you didn’t honour it and you expect me to keep quiet, not complain so that you try it with me another time, I don’t work like that. I was trained by Professor Wole Soyinka and I think people still don’t understand principles.

They take this to mean that you’re being temperamental. Till Gani Fawehinmi died, he spoke eloquently about the state of Nigeria and his profession. It took interference for the Federal Government of Nigeria to accord Gani Fawehinmi the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) when Obafemi Awolowo University had already given him the title of Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM). My own is how do I work? What is the statement I’ve made professionally? You won’t invite me for a job at 8am and come at 9am. You want me to be loafing and hanging around and you want me to smile at you? It won’t happen. I’m a thoroughbred professional.

I’m not one of those who were taken to join troupes where there’s no discipline.

I’m not the ankara-wearing, Fuji-loving or red carpet actor. I work, go home and my works speak for me. I don’t befriend actors like me. I don’t have a single industry friend as an actor. Those are the things that make people feel (o j’ora e l’oju), ‘he’s too proud’. (Se oun nika lo k’awe ni?) Is he the only well-read actor in the industry?’ I hear all these things but I ignore them and just do my work.

More so, I don’t have to be a cultist to survive in the field. I have a certificate to practice my profession and that’s specifically what I’m doing. You won’t force Wole Soyinka to put on a cap, he has an identity. He won’t wear your ‘agbada or aso-ebi’ to attend (owambes) parties. He would just wear his shirt and sandals and that doesn’t take anything away from him.

This is the man who trained me and that I look up to, and not the generality of practitioners that dance around red carpet and go after politicians, prostrating for local government chairmen Solade and family and their allies.

What kind of man are you at home when you’re done with jobs?

I’m a very domesticated person.

Most times you’d find me in my home.

That is where comfort is for me. I have a very small family and I do the best I can for them. When I’m not working at home, once in a while I step out to socialise with my friends who are not artistes like me. I have to mingle with people from other professions so that I can learn from what they also do. A lot happens like that for me because I apply all those things when I work. I’m not your regular celebrity that you read about on the pages of newspapers or celebrity magazines. I go to the market, buy pepper, onions, and grind them.

And I take foodstuffs home. I eat in restaurants when I have to have meals.

I’m not your regular celebrity; I’m just popular by hard work and grace of God. I cook and sweep when I have to though not regularly. I just live a normal life the next door neighbour lives.

You are reported to be in the third marriage. If this is true, what broke the two previous ones?

I don’t know why people would want to design my life for me. I’ve never been married three times. This is my second marriage. The first one I had didn’t work because we didn’t live together. My former wife relocated to the UK; I’m too Afrocentric to live abroad, so that ended the marriage just under two years. I would not deny the fact that I was married. Anybody would want to say that it wasn’t marriage because we didn’t live together. This marriage I’m in at the moment is the one that was ordained. I’ve been in it for 15 years with this wonderful woman who the whole world sees because I celebrate her often. You would see her everywhere I am on social media, Facebook especially. I don’t know why people create so much pain to want to stay on it. This isn’t a big deal. The president of Nigeria today was married to somebody who had five kids with him before she died. The man is in his second marriage. I tried once, it didn’t work. Should I then remain single?

I just told you we never lived together. I was in Lagos here and she lived in Ibadan.

She was a student,

This marriage I’m in at the moment is the one that was ordained

a much younger person, I married her because I was marrying late and couldn’t marry someone close to my age because I was looking at the factor of making babies. And that didn’t work. I would not erode that from my experience. We just went to the registry and were still in the process of finalising everything but it never worked out. We had a certificate to the fact that we got married, but we never married in the true sense of it. One funny colleague of yours who wanted to keep his job wrote that story and it went viral. But today, I always warn people when they go around brandishing false stories about people who don’t even bother about them, the guy today doesn’t have one leg. I was angry and went to fight him but who I was to fight? I couldn’t talk anymore. When I saw he had only one leg (Won ti ge ese re kan). One of his legs had been amputated. Just as journalists have their private lives, we have ours too. It doesn’t matter who is popular or not. I know some of my colleagues- okay, Akin Lewis in particular - wouldn’t want to go into details about his marriage and all of that. I know him very well, he’s my good friend; Akin won’t open up.

For me, I have a wife, even when she tries to stay away from the public, she still gets bothered. I don’t think you’d sit down with Yinka Quadri and he’d be answering these questions. It’s Yemi Solade that they choose to make a subject of ridicule sometimes.

Are some of your children showing traits of becoming artistes

already?

Those things don’t bother me. I did sports and a lot of things when I was much younger, but today, everybody knows where I stand and what I do.

Kids would always engage in extracurricular activities. My kids have acted, they model, but they are still very young. When they get older, they’d decide what they want to do.

Mine is just to guide them together with their mum. They play music, use instruments and model.

I once overheard you say you had stopped drinking, if you did, what else do you relax with as a sociable man?

No, I drink. I’m just a social drinker.

I take champagne and I do the herbal stuffs because I believe strongly in taking roots. I have them at home and sometimes in my vehicle. I’m no longer a regular drinker. I used to drink lager beer until I gave that up in 2004. And looking at the fact that my health has to be in check, and the fact that as an actor the world keeps an eye on us- I don’t fall into the booby trap. I used to smoke; I stopped it in 2000, 16 years ago. I’m okay with a few glasses of champagne, any kind of brand- Moet, Andre, Cliquot, but I also take the Rose variant, the Brut is too harsh. When I realised alcohol wasn’t good for me anymore, I stopped taking lager beer and for a year I didn’t taste alcohol at all. So, I went into red wines, but because I have a very sensitive system, it purges me after taking it, I went into white wine, but a bit of headache resulted from that too. I found my body rejecting alcohol so I had to moderate it.

Of all the enchanting movies you’d featured in- Madam Dearest by Tade Ogidan and Thunderbolt by Tunde Kelani- still earn you compliments…

I would use this medium to thank Tade Ogidan, a good friend and brother for believing in me when we had to shoot MD, that’s what we call ‘Madam Dearest’. In 2002, we had done a project entitled ‘Ayo Mi Da’ produced by Sola Sobowale, another good friend of mine.

And Richard Mofe Damijo featured for the first time in a movie shot in Yoruba language. So, it was from there the idea of doing something bigger started. And then, Tade wanted me to be in a movie he was doing, ‘Dangerous Twins’, but I was busy. Those were the years I was hopping from one location to another most of the week. I couldn’t afford the eight-week engagement that Tade wanted. So, after Dangerous Twins came MD. He actually wanted to shoot MD in English language but I didn’t think the storyline would make much impact if done in English. We moved into location for the job, I acted ‘Koffi’, I call Madam Dearest a West African movie because we actually shot it in three countries- Nigeria, Ghana and Republic of Benin.

The cast was from these countries too.

The memory I have of Madam Dearest would live with me forever. It was a good outing. One of those evergreen moments- I enjoyed every second onset and offset. I still feel so proud that I was part of the picture and it really did a lot in my bolstering my rating as an actor.

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13 FEBRUARY 2016

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Instyle 19

Deborah Makoji

t is a time to celebrate the romance you share with your spouse by enjoying a sentimental evening together. No matter which way you look at it, Valentine’s Day is a day for love while the best gift you could ever give is just being together and loving each other unconditionally.

If you are looking for a way to raise the romance factor of the evening or make him feel like the luckiest dude alive, you may decide to make this year ’s Valentine celebration a remarkable one by going out for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Ensure you look sexy and alluring for that special person without been too exposed. You will definitely turn heads when you dress sexy, casual and alluring.

Alluring look for Valentine outings Tips

A red gown is traditionally perfect for a Valentine night out but don’t be afraid to try other colours. The most important thing is to keep it sexy.

When dressing for Valentine outing, don’t wear anything that will cover you completely, ensure you show some skin for a youthful and alluring appearance.

If you have a great bust, try a low-cut

V-neck top, but that’s it. Don’t wear a mini skirt with that top. Wear a regular skirt, like a knee-length pencil skirt and put all the focus up top. It’s all about balance.

Your clothes should be fitted, but they shouldn’t look or feel tight.

Sexy is not simply about baring skin or going for the tight fit! You can look alluring in other ways. For example wearing something red or any other kind of bright hues

will instantly bring out the regal in you.

Plus size ladies have fuller stomach and hips; in that case they must go for the size that flatters their figure. Keep the dress size a little loose.

Wearing accessories are a must with the dress. Keep the jewellery very minimal. A good pair of earrings is a must for an elegant look..

20 Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Acc e s s o r i e s to l i v e f o r

V

Deborah Makoji

alentine's Day is the day specifically set aside for expressing affection to loved ones. It is traditional to do this with a special romantic gift that reflects the feelings of the sender.

Finding the perfect gift for your loved one this season can be tricky with so many variables at play. Finding that perfect gift can take a lot of time; to help you narrow your search, here is a list of the very best gifts for him and for her.

Some women love fashion accessories while other ladies are foodies who would rather have edible gifts like chocolate and all that than fashion accessories.

Well, always note that the best things to give the woman you love for Valentine’s Day is not something she needs, but rather, something she wants.

You may consider fash-

Valentine gets more romantic with gifts

i o n accessories such as jewellery, perfume, watches, shoes and clutch. You can even throw in something truly sexy by going for lingerie for that “hard to please” woman in your life but don’t forget to add a pack of chocolate. I can assure you that most ladies like chocolate and will appreciate it.

Valentine’s Day is all about showing that special person in your life how much you love and appreciate them. Ladies should try to surprise that special man in their lives with any of these.

Customised cufflinks, belt, tie, statement shoes, bracelet, wallet are gifts to consider. You may also decide to go further by replacing his underwears; it is all about love, so feel free and show love through your choice of gift.

Note that you are not getting your loved one any of these gift items for the reason that they cannot afford them or feel it is needless since they have a lot of it. It is more about telling your special one that you care very much about them.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Tope Alabi

I won’t blend gospel just to make it appealing to people

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Showbiz

It is tough producing movies in Nigeria — Rita Dominic The ever charming Rita Dominic still remains one of the most sought-after Nigerian actors.

Her second movie, Surulere, hits the cinema this weekend. In an encounter with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, she speaks about the movie, challenges of being a producer and working with Mildred Okwo, a business partner.

When did you decide to venture into production?

I am still an actor, l like to call myself that. I started acting in 1998; after studying theatre arts I came into the industry. I always wanted to try different aspects of filmmaking. I wanted to be a producer, I wanted to be behind the camera to see how things are done and how I could contribute to that. So some years ago, Mildred Okwo who manages my career as an actor, told me about her ideas for the movie industry. To be quite honest with you, I liked where she was coming from, I liked her idea and what she wanted to do. I wanted to do what she had in mind. I then decided that I would partner with her and this is where we are today.

It has been good so far; at least we have been able to produce the second film, Surulere. The Meeting was our first and it was highly celebrated.

Tinie Tempah, Azuka make case for bread hawker turned model

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we would need my face to sell the movie. It is my movie, but I don’t have to play the lead role. I would only play the roles I fit into.

Do you want to give us an idea of the amount that went into the movie?

No, I won’t say anything about that. I just want people to go and watch the movie; it was released to the cinema yesterday across the nation. Some of the cast and I would be going round to relate with the audience and sell tickets. We are making plans on some other projects too, but we’d like to keep the details to ourselves for now.

Were you not concerned about the global meltdown?

The truth is that the Nollywood audience is still our audience. They still love what we do; that alone encourages producers to keep on putting movies out for them to watch. Regardless of any situation, the audience really like what we are doing.

Actors complain a lot about being cheated, underpaid among other things. How would you react to this now that you are a producer?

To be quite honest with you, anyone who goes behind the camera and is able to get a film out for the public to see should be celebrated.

Handling, organising the whole set thing is challenging. But for me I believe that once your cast and crew are happy they would give you their best, though you have to be firm at the same time. It is like finding the balance to make sure that your cast and crew are comfortable and getting the job done too.

I don’t do this alone; my business partner is very much involved in all these things. It is a team work really.

Your first effort in movie production, The Meeting did well and claimed many awards. How did you feel about that?

I felt elated and that really encouraged me to venture into another project. I mean the success of the first one encouraged me to go ahead to produce Surulere, a romantic comedy.

How do you intend to spend this year’s Valentine’s Day? It is for me to know and for you to guess.

Being a romantic comedy did you deliberately push the release of Surulere to the Valentine celebration?

It was the date we got and we felt it was great because it is a romantic comedy coming out during a love season. So we expect lovers to spend their time watching it.

What message are you trying to pass with this new movie?

It is just a story a lot of people can connect with because I know we have many young people out there who are struggling to make ends meet. What makes Nollywood exciting is the simple story that we tell and that is what we try to do at the Audrey Sliver Company. We tell those simple stories in a bigger level; this is what Surulere represents.

We thought that a lot of young people would be able to relate with characters in the story.

Nigerians have that hustling spirit; that is what Seun’s character tries to project. We also have other hilarious characters that make the film a movie everyone must watch.

What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur?

That is why I am so grateful to God and my business partner. She encouraged me to go on this journey with her. Inasmuch as I wanted to be a producer sometimes you need people to push you or tell you that it is okay to take risks. Who knows what I would have done without her? I am just grateful she encouraged me to pick up production, though it is not easy to produce films in this country. Every day we learn, every day we keep pushing and we are hopeful we would take the industry to the place it should be in no time.

How long did it take you to put the movie together?

The production proper took us 10 days, but we spent months for preparation and planning. We were sure of what we wanted to do before we set out for the production of the movie. It then took a year for it to come out.

Why did you play a bit role in the movie?

That was what the Director wanted me to play. She asked if I would love to play the role, reasoning that

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Dominic

How do you intend to make sure your film won’t be pirated?

This piracy thing is really a big deal. The government needs to enforce some of these laws and create an enabling environment for the industry to thrive. If this industry is well structured, it can generate a lot of revenue for this country. There are laws against piracy; all we need is enforcement.

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Tope Alabi: I won’t blend gospel just to make it appealing to people Nigerian leading gospel singer, Tope Alabi, will be holding the fourth edition of her “Praise The Almighty” concert on February 21. In this interview with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, she speaks about the concert, having her husband as manager and moving on after the death of controversial Prophet Elijah Iretiola Ajanaku. Excerpts…

What are your plans for this year concert?

God is going to work mightily more than ever before and we would praise Him like never before. We improve every year, we change things yearly so people should expect changes this year too. With the calibre of artistes and ministers of God coming this year, the experience will definitely be new and fresh. This is the fourth year; expect innovations in all the areas of the concert.

We are expecting Pastor Wole Oladiyun, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Boiz Olorun from Ibadan, Big Bolaji from Ibadan, Goke Bajowa from Ibadan. Our hosts are Sako and O My God. Are you satisfied with the impact of the concert since its inception?

This “Praise The Almighty” concert is what God told me to start doing four years ago and we have been experiencing the power of God in the lives of people. The very first edition was a wonderful experience for me because God brought me out of some troubles. For the second edition, God gave one of our ministers a bouncing baby after years of waiting. This year, we would take about five minutes for testimonies so that people would get to see what praises do in our lives.

Why did you stick to Lagos Television (LTV) premises as the venue?

We are using it because it is spacious; I think it is the only big place accessible to me now. I don’t want people to struggle doing the concert; I have no intension of inconveniencing our guests. The Blue Roof at LTV is big, but we are believing God about move to another venue that is bigger. The outcome of the year’s edition would determine our plans for next year.

Are there plans to take this out of Lagos?

We are planning for Abuja next year, but we want to be led by God. We don’t want to do things on our own because the will of God is the ultimate.

Only few people knew you started as an actor; why did you quit acting?

I was an actor for like 18 to 20 years but it didn’t give me what God is giving me now. I didn’t walk out on my own; God asked me to stop. It does not mean that actors are not working for God as well, but this is the area God wants me and I am glad I answered Him. But I still see myself as an actor because

Old things have passed away and all things have become new. I don’t have anything to say about Prophet Ajanaku because that is not the gospel.

I feature in Christian dramas.

How were those days as an actor?

It was okay, depending on how you lead your life. I enjoyed myself then, but I couldn’t reach out to people and preach the gospel like I am doing now.

Do you miss your life as an actor?

I don’t really miss it because I feel I am still doing something similar like I said earlier; we are still on the same line. I am still a comedian, I am still an actress and a singer.

I am more fulfilled the way I am now because it is the Lord’s calling. I am not missing anything; God is even adding more value to my life.

Have you thought of blending your music to appeal to a larger audience?

The Bible says, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set ye free.” When you know the truth you don’t deviate from it.

Even though it is not giving you anything at that moment. If you believe in the truth, it would pay off in the long run.

As far as I am concerned, I see preaching the gospel as a wonderful thing because God has given me the grace to be a worker in His vineyard. I had never thought of it one day to change my music or blend it to look attractive to people. I see it as a rare privilege that God called a sinner to work for Him. Since I know the truth, the truth has set me free and I am free indeed. I can tell you boldly that I love the way I am in God now (preaching, singing) than the way I was.

If people refuse to accept gospel music like secular music they would still come back to God whether they like it or not. They would still get to know that Jesus is the only way, the truth and the light. I now know the truth and nothing is taking me back by the grace of God. You used to be very close with the late Prophet Elijah Iretiola Ajanaku, though it was reported that you had a fallout

with him before he passed on. What are your fond memories of him?

Old things have passed away and all things have become new. I don’t have anything to say about Prophet Ajanaku because that is not the gospel. It is not the gospel that I can preach or for me to preach; that is not my Jesus Christ to talk about. There is a closure between my past and I. Reports have it that you had a child before marriage; how true is that?

Anybody can go online and write anything he or she feels.

I don’t go online like my husband; I don’t go to Facebook or any social media platform. I don’t know anything about what you are talking about; I am just hearing this for the first time. I should be careful to speak of what I don’t know about; truly I don’t know about it.

We are in an age where marriages don’t stand the test of time anymore and it applies to the men of God too; how have you been able to keep your home?

Nobody can achieve that if God‘s hand is not in it. Like I said, I see God in everything that happens to me; it has been Him all through and it would be God till eternity.

Is there anything you wish you had done better?

The best is yet to come, but I still expect more from all my albums. In making songs, I never write anything down or go to the studio without the consent of God. I still regard them (songs) as the voices of the Lord. I am believing God my albums will still speak to people and make a greater impact in the society.

What are your desires?

I plan to have a school and an auditorium for praises; I am on that already. Also, I intend to bring up upcoming artistes; I want to let they know what music ministry is all about. I love to be remembered as a child of God.

Your manager is your husband; how do you draw the line between family and business?

We got married before he became m y manager.

He Tope Alabi

A FAN DID TO ME

S

ome years ago a fan kissed me in front of my wife. It wasn't funny at all and I was confused at that moment. I didnt know what to say before my wife, but she didn't take it seriously. She just laughed over it, she understood. I was relieved she didn't react to it.

Yul Edochie and his wife

was not the person that did my first album; I had two albums before I married my husband. I normally visited the studio then and he worked there as a producer. We met at the studio.

It is God I see in everything that happens to me. Though we work and move around together, we also take care of the home together. We take care of our family, children among others and we have no problems doing that. We know when we are free and when we are not. God has been helpful; we’ve seen God working in our life and in our work.

Marrying at 22 is still the best decision I had made in my life. I am 33 years old now with 3 kids, the last one will be 8 years old this year. I would do it all over again if given the chance and with the same person. Once she has her first degree and she's done with youth service, she can get married. She would be about 21 or 22 by the time she completed her NYSC and if she wishes to get married I would give her hand in marriage.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

TURNING P INT

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cannot really say. I am very sure that you want to hear the moment I joined MTN. I want to thank and appreciate MTN for giving me the opportunity. But theater profession is like building a house. When you are laying the foundation, mounting blocks and outing the roof, nobody knows.

But when you put the finishing touch everybody would now see that there is a house there. What I am trying to say is that I have been working. Saka character has been there before Etisalat and MTN. It was the Saka character that MTN took advantage of, but I thank MTN because they actually brought Saka out. I have made as much as the favour of the Almighty Allah. I am still am ambassador of MTN and I am proud to say that. It is three years now and I feel useful, blessed and privileged.

People misunderstood the whole Etisalat, MTN thing. If you read what my agency put out then and my previous interviews you would know that Afeez Oyetoro was never an ambassador of Etisalat. I just did commercial for an agency who was handling Etisalat’s account at a time. It didn’t stop me from doing any other job. There was never any contract between Etisalat and I. I have paid my bills and I am enjoying it now. My children are going to good schools. I don’t have so many children; I have three children. I eat what I want to eat.

I got the name Saka in 2004. I and my friend Gbenga Windapo conceived the idea of a television comedy series and we told our friend Mr. Grey Odutayo.

Then, they had a production company and they were very much interested in the concept. We wrote the script, I played the role of Saka while Gbenga played the role of Sule. The first episode of this television series was put in major stations in Nigeria and Ghana. The series became very popular and when a series is popular the actors become popular too. The title of the series was House Apart produced and directed Royal Roots Communication.

Saka

Showbiz 23

Fighting Kennis Music was a big mistake –Marvelous Benjy When Benjamin Ukueja aka Marvelous Benjy came to limelight in 2006 with Suo, he lit up the Nigerian music scene. But his tussle with Kennis Music and other issues had kept him out of spotlight for a long time. He tells OLUSHOLA RICKETTS about his regrets and how he intends to make amends. Excerpts…

It seems you are not doing music anymore?

As I am talking to you now, I am in the studio working. We are working on many songs; I am working with Daddy Showkey, Solidstar, among others. I have been busy with other things behind the scene for some time now. I do a lot of production and talent development projects; we’ve been working with the Bayelsa State government in developing and discovering talents. We are putting all our experience into developing the entertainment industry in and around Nigeria.

When was the last time you released a material?

I have not really done any major album, but I have singles. I put out singles almost every month; if you go online you would see my songs.

Music generally has more to do with production, promotion and marketing. When you engage in all those processes and you don’t have the ability to do them, it doesn’t mean you are doing it well. You would just continue to do your best.

Do you still stay in Ajegunle?

I don’t live in Ajegunle anymore, though I still have a property there. The only thing constant in life is change, so sometimes when we experience change we must learn to live with it. Musicians from Ajegunle are in no position to run from the storm that they might be going through; we have mastered the art of dancing under the rain because that is the only way we’ve been surviving. What I am trying to say in essence is inasmuch as there is change in the music trend in Nigeria, it doesn’t really stop us from doing music.

What Ajegunle musicians need to do is to redirect their music to match what is obtainable in the industry now. We’ve experienced changes in other kinds of music before the wind blew to our kind of music. So, it is just a trend that goes round like a cycle.

You talked about coming back strong; how do you intend to achieve this considering that the music industry is now highly competitive?

To be sincere with you, if you have my kind of talent, ability and the experience I have gathered over the years, you won’t be scared of a comeback. A comeback is not an illusion; it is a possibility, so Nigerians should sit back and watch.

Ajegunle artistes are missionaries in the industry; music to us is a mission and it would be very difficult for the entertainment community to forget people like us.

Certain people argued that your decision to leave Kennis Music was responsible for your decline. Do you regret leaving the label?

Obviously my fallout with Kennis Music was a very big mistake from my side and I have tried to make up by apologising in person and I wrote to the company also from the bottom of my heart. The effect the fallout had on me is very obvious too, but I don’t want to go too deep into it. When you make mistakes since no one is perfect and you have the ability to apologise, it is an excit-

ing feeling. Everything about my setback is a thing of the past. I am looking ahead to tomorrow and I believe it would be better.

Does that mean you accepted blame for the fallout?

It was a mistake for me to have that disagreement with my record label at that point in time. I was still very young and there was no advice from anyone. I made a decision to get controversial, thinking that as reggae artiste cont ro v e r s y would get me to the highest level. I am beMarvelous Benjy ing sincere with you, I am a straightforward person. I am very sincere with what I do and what I say. If I was advised well or I was thinking well, I don’t think I would have left the label the way I did. I was not professional enough, I was not experienced enough. Like I said, the effect on me is very obvious for all to see, but I am happy we’ve resolved things amicably.

How would you advice younger artistes about relationship with their record labels?

If by the grace of God I get back musically I would set up an organisation to take a look at young artistes and how they go about the profession especially when it comes to discipline. You know, we were not trained as musicians; we are musicians by talent and the grace of God. Musicians have to understand the rudiments of music and attach humility to what they do. There is need to be professional with the way we sign contracts too; one shouldn’t just jump into a contract. My advice to younger artistes is to take out time to look into their contracts, make sure they see out their contracts and exercise patient at all times.

You are also a producer?

Like I said, I have been more involved in talent development projects lately. In Bayelsa, we have what we call the Talent Development Centre; we identify and develop talents there. I have been able to develop a lot of talented producers and I work more with the younger generation. We try to see how we can bring experience into what they do and in achieving what we want. The production part of the industry is now diversified; some people make beats while others only mix and master.

You speak so fluently; how did you develop yourself growing up in Ajegunle?

My development started from my family; I grew up in a home of intellectuals. We all had to go through the process of studying but music took me away from school for a while.

Also, I was used to conversing with my

parents in English language. We were raised in the western way because my father travelled in and out of the country a lot.

Did you have a higher education?

I did to some extent and I am still pursuing a programme in business management. But between 2006 and 2008, I did a diploma programme in music at the Lagos State University.

How would you react to the Blackface, Tuface rift over theft of materials?

Inasmuch as those guys are my colleagues, I am not in a good position to comment on that. We are all colleagues and I don’t want it to look like I am taking sides.

All I know is that they are ‘brothers’ and they came to Lagos to make music. I haven’t been able to ask Tuface what went wrong.

Do you still rock the stage like before?

You know I am not young anymore, though I still apply energy on stage because that is the unique thing about me and you cannot take that away from me. The more experienced I get, the better I am. I am a blend of modern touch and the old; I have refused to be labelled an old school.

Do you believe in taking ‘weed’ or any stimulant to get inspired?

At my age? I don’t do that. It can make one go mad.

How come most artistes derive pleasure from it?

I have heard that it gives them inspiration or confidence. People close to me that take ‘weed’ don’t behave normally.

What has marriage changed about you?

It is all about raising up children and living happily even though there is no true happiness in marriage. We must learn to live with women and their challenges.

I married a white woman, I married a Nigerian. In Africa, once you have children you are married.

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Social Media Craze

Trending

Omotola’s headache

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t is one thing to give birth to a child but raising one is a different ball game. When veteran actress Omotola’s 17-year-old music producer son, Captain E, showed off his new hairstyle on snapchat, she was quick to speak her mind.

She said, “But this dude wasn’t born ‘Dada’ now? I mean warrisdis? @iamcaptaine is this cute?”

Her show of concern instigated the attention of her followers on Instagram. ademidunn - Lol African mothers they are all d same. At least let him get home and ask him what it is naa. Not on IG or Facebook. iamcheedah – this got me laughing pls let the boy freestyle himself jhare. @iamcaptaine but seriously is this cute? Dunn osha. naijamedia – Who’s actually born dada?

Just because they won’t comb a child’s hair owing to some religious beliefs. funtomosoba – He’s handsome but I think he’d more handsome without it. oluwafunmidacreme – Youthful exuberance is allowed Mrs. E..hewould cut it later when done being a boy and ready to marry the King’s daughter…just pray and they will turn out well.

Omotola's 17-year-old son

Gist

Photos Controversies

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his is appearing like one of those scenes we see in movies. While actress Toyin Aimakhu’s new romance with millionaire socialite and Nollywood filmmaker Seun Egbegbe has been trending for some weeks, Adeniyi Johnson, her ex-husband, might also be having the fun of his life.

He shared a photo of himself and an unknown lady on his Instagram page on Wednesday, though he wasn’t specific about what is happening on February 27.

He wrote, “FEB 27th loading. Just for the sane minds…love u all. Thanks @shegunmi for this jersey.

Bless up bros. Barca for life.”

Meanwhile, the picture divided followers of the actor on Instagram. Below are some selected reactions. teemitea – What makes you all think that is not Toyin herself in that picture?

And what makes you all think / believe he has an affair with the lady in the picture? So he isn’t free to take pictures with women again? teyazeal – They all have their lives to live. Toyin took things too far. No perfect marriage. okikinyi – It’s a free worldwide live ur life nd

Adeniyi Johnson taunts with unknown lady

Toyin Aimakhu’s ex-husband and his mystery lady make urself happy…God knows best. lupey_d - What I know is that without Toyin, you can’t be this famous…life goes on sha. folakemi01 – the guy fall my hand seriously, I don’t wanna see the pix. mikky_35 – Na this time u will enjoy ur

life, those artists ladies are the worse ladies on earth, nothing to learn from them but only they make us smile in film. just_paddle – See those actresses are nothing to write home about…All of them live irresponsible lives. You can’t just wife them.

Kanye West under attack

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Olajumoke Orisagun 'the bread seller 'and Tinie Tempah

With Olushola Ricketts

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Source: Instagram

he rapper caused an uproar on Twitter Tuesday, when he tweeted: "BILL COSBY INNOCENT !!!!!!!!!!" West gave no explanation as to how he got to such a conclusion or any context as to why he made such a controversial comment. In fact, he moved on and posted about another hot topic -NBA star LebronJames new NIKE sneakers.

West's declaration of innocence for Cosby, who is charged in a sexual assault case in Pennsylvania and has been publicly accused of assault by more than 50 women, did not go well with many people, including celebrities like actress and comedian Sarah Silverman.

"Kanye!! You can't be for real. FIFTY WOMEN. With nothing to gain thank to a statue of limitations ON RAPE. Oy," Silverman wrote.

Host of TruTV's "Billy On The Street" also weighed on the controversial tweet. "Are we sure Kanye isn't just a character from Zoolander?"

Billy Eichner said.

More people took to Twit-

ter to vent their displeasure with the artist. @dishwalsher97 - Awh man. This isn't good. Don't... man... You're putting me in a weird position here," one user wrote to the artist.

Kanye West

@snaxkid - you're really upsetting me and all women pls stop Some people also saw it as a stunt so that the spotlight can be on West's next album, "T.L.O.P.”

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Global

Arsenal, Leicester tangle in title clash p.28

Sport Splash

News

25

Uncertainty over NSC’s status

p.30

Nigeria's Ogenyi Onazi (left) being tackled by an unidentified Equitorial Guinea player

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Ajibade Olusesan espite the strained relationship between their coach, Sunday Oliseh, and the Nigeria Football Federation, Super Eagles players remain upbeat ahead of the double-header African Nations Cup qualifying matches against Egypt.

The build-up to the matches have been marred by controversy after Oliseh accused his employers of insensitivity to the welfare of his players which led to the home-based Eagles’ elimination in the first round of the just concluded African Nations Championship. The coach compounded the situation when he also hit out at his critics whom he labelled insane.

There have been fears in some quarters that the latest development may affect the team’s chances in the AFCON qualifying series especially as their next opponents, Egypt, have intensified preparation ahead of the ties.

The Pharaohs played two friendly matches last month as part of build up and Coach Hector Cuper had declared earlier in the week that they were ready for the Eagles.

Skipper Ahmed Musa told our correspon-

The Team

Vincent EboigbelAssistant Editor Ajibade Olusesan l Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

We will shock you, Musa, Onazi tell Egypt coach dent in an exclusive chat that they were not moved by the comments of the Argentine coach.

He said that it was unnecessary to think about their opponents or what they do rather the Eagles need to work hard and shock the Pharaohs when the two sides clash on March 24 in Kaduna and in Cairo three days later.

“I think the coach has the right to his opinion. We are not going to get ourselves bothered about whatever he or any members of the Egyptian team say, rather we have to stay focussed and determined to do well in those two games.

“They are a good side, they are on top of our group now but we are also improving as a team and at the end of those two games I am optimistic we are going to be on top,” he said.

The match against Egypt is certainly going to be the toughest for us; I mean no disrespect to other teams in our group

“The match against Egypt is certainly going to be the toughest for us; I mean no disrespect to other teams in our group,” midfielder Ogenyi Onazi said. “But we are capable of defeating them. We are a top side; although we have a young team, we have the ability to go out there and make our fans happy. They have been supporting us, and we are aware of the confidence they have in us, so we are going to do our best to make them happy.

“The first match in Nigeria is critical, we have to win that one, and we can do that because it is going to boost our morale and confidence for the return leg over there.

Nigeria had four points from two games after beating Chad 2-0 on match day one and drawing goalless with Tanzania on match day two. Meanwhile, Egypt top the group having won their first two games.

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Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Nigerian League Rendezvous

Prospect for newly promoted teams W

Stories: Charles Ogundiya

Ibenegbu

Enyimba reunion excites Ibenegbu, ThankGod

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ewly signed Enyimba players, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and Ike ThankGod, have both expressed excitement at meeting again after they were both signed by the Nigeria Professional Football League champions.

The duo played together for Heartland before they later reunited in Warri Wolves when ‘Mosquito’ as Ibenegbu is popularly called joined ThankGod who had earlier left Heartland for the Seasiders.

While Ibenegbu remained with Warri Wolves, ThankGod had a stint outside the country playing for Omar side, Fanja FC, before joining Abia Warriors last season.

They were both signed by Enyimba at the beginning of the season as the team continues to boost their ranks ahead of the new term and their onslaught on the continent.

While speaking with League Rendezvous, Super Eagles midfielder, Ibenegbu said it was interesting joining his 'brother ' again in Enyimba.

“I am happy to be reunited with him,” he said.

“We have shared a lot together as players and brother because he is my brother and we have been together for a long time.

“When he left Heartland for Warri Wolves, he usually came to visit me in Owerri whenever he was free while I also did same by visiting him in Warri before my transfer to Warri Wolves.

“I hope and pray we can win laurels together with our new club as our target is to win the CAF Champions League, the NPFL title and the Federation Cup.” While also expressing his happiness to be in the same team with Mosquito again, ThankGod said he actually joined Enyimba because of their persistence.

According to him, he was courted by not less than three other clubs but he decided to move to Enyimba because of Champions League football.

ith the kick-off for the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League season drawing close, four clubs that gained promotion from the Nigeria National League will be looking forward to making impact in the new season.

Two privately owned clubs, MFM FC and Ikorodu United from Lagos gained promotion at the end of 2015 NNL season and were joined by government sponsored Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United.

League Rendezvous looks at their chances in the elite division especially their prospect of retaining their top flight status at the end of the campaign.

MFM FC

The club founded in 2007 will be looking to make a mark in the NPFL this season.

They will be looking forward to following the step of clubs like Giwa FC and Abia Warriors who have been waxing strong since their promotion to the NPFL. The chairman of the club, Godwin Enakhena, recently said the target of the club would be to finish among the top 10 at the end of the term.

“Our target in the Premier League is to finish among the top 10 and then play good football,” he said. “We want to play football without violence and these are the key areas.

“At the end, we want the players to look back and say 'thank God, if not for MFM we won’t be where we are today.'

“Our real target is to stay in the league and give opportunities to Nigerian footballers and also assure the future of the players.”

The club will play their home matches inside the Agege Township Stadium and will be banking on their fans to achieve their target.

Definitely, MFM have what it takes to succeed and achieve their target but it is hoped, lack of funds will not affect the club in the new season.

Ikorodu United

Despite making entry into Nigerian football just a year ago, Ikorodu United have shown their determination to make it big by gaining promotion from the NNL to the NPFL within few months of their existence.

The club is ready to make a statement according to its chairman, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, who doubles as the chairman of Multichoice Nigeria.

The former chairman of the League Management Company, Nduka Irabor, recently described Ikorodu United as “the closest to the model the LMC

has been talking about –a truly privately owned and run club.”

This is a reference to the way the club is structured and organised, although this does not expressly translate to success in the new season.

The head coach, a former international, Edema Benson, is mindful of what is ahead of him and his wards.

But he is not cowed by the challenge.

“We are aware of the challenge ahead of us and I will say that we are ready. This is our first season in the top flight but we are not scared of any team as big

names don’t play football,” he said.

He added that the big boys in the topflight should be ready for a shocker as they have big plans for them.

Ikorodu Utd will play their home matches at the Onikan Stadium, a venue that might pose a threat to their top flight status.

COD played at the venue for three seasons in the NNL and were relegated before regaining promotion last term.

Fans are not used to coming out in their numbers to watch games at the stadium but hopefully, Ikorodu United case would be different.

Niger Tornadoes

With a young and energetic coach in Abdullahi Biffo, Niger Tornadoes look set to excel in the NPFL after gaining promotion.

Biffo was in charge when Giwa FC were promoted few seasons ago and the club has been waxing strong in the NPFL. Speaking about the immediate future of the club, the coach said the target would be survival in the elite division.

"We have to make sure we are able to sustain our status first in the league," he said.

"Maybe after the first round we might re-assess our position and go for a more demanding target like winning the league or qualifying for continental championship.

"The players are very dedicated and hardworking, so I don't envisage any problem in the new season."

If the club does not experience funds crisis like it happened to the majority of clubs in the NPFL last season, then they will definitely achieve their target of retaining their top flight status and probably finish in the top 10 at the end of the season.

Plateau United

Among all the four clubs that gained promotion, the chances of Plateau United remain the most dicey after getting rid of all the coaches that helped them gain promotion from the NNL. Coach Patrick Mancha and his assistant, Mansur Abdullahi, were relieved of their positions after helping the team in the lower division last term.

The club recently named Coach Zachary Baraje as their new Technical Adviser with a mandate to help the club sustain its top flight status.

The seasoned tactician, after his appointment, said handling Plateau United is a difficult task but expressed confidence that he would make the club strong enough to compete with more illustrious opponents in the league.

“I am always accepting difficult assignments because I am in love with new challenges. When you face a difficult task and you execute it successfully, you feel fulfilled.

“I want to commend the past handlers of the team. They did a good job by assembling quality players. All I am doing now is to reduce the number.”

Baraje rescued Akwa United from relegation on the final day of last season before leading the club to the Federation Cup title.

Hopefully he can help the club to the Promise Land.

Last season, out of the four clubs that gained promotion to the NPFL, Wikki Tourists, IfeanyiUbah (Gabros FC), Shooting Stars and Kwara United, only Kwara United failed to retain their top flight status.

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

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Ajibade Olusesan resident of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, at the unveiling ceremony of Sunday Oliseh as Super Eagles coach in Abuja, gleefully labelled the tactician the African version of Barcelona legend, Pep Guardiola.

The coach, donning well-tailored blue suit, over a sparkling white shirt and a complementing blue tie beaming with smiles at the ceremony, also spoke glowingly of his employers and the professional manner they had handled the deal. But the obvious display of affection by the two parties did not convince some cynics who firmly believed the union was doomed.

Oliseh spoke in almost flawless Queen’s English, his eloquence, elegance and expression of depth knowledge of football during his unveiling could have marked him as the right man for the job despite his lack of experience but many still feared appointing the coach with irritable temperament was too much of a gamble for a federation peopled by equally egotistic individuals.

Obviously, these pessimists won’t be surprised at the plethora of controversies that have trailed the national team since Oliseh took over last year. Less than eight months in charge, the coach has had confrontations with people in virtually all segments of Nigerian football. His players, employers, former teammates, the fans and even some members of his back room staff have all had some rants directed at them from the former Juventus of Italy player.

Oliseh’s first outburst came as early as his maiden assignment. Incidentally, Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, was the first receiver of the coach’s peevishness. For a coach planning for his first match, lambasting one of his players could not have been a clever way of building up to such an important tie.

Sports journalists enquired as to why Mikel was not listed for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Tanzania last September, but instead of tactically handling the question, the coach was quick to pour invectives on the 29-year-old for ignoring his calls.

“He should not have handled it that way, “former Eagles defender, Sam Sodje, told our correspondent. “You don’t need that kind of ‘bad press’ going into your first game and an important match for that matter. It was a huge distraction that affected his plans.”

Although he recalled Mikel for the subsequent assignment, which were the friendly matches with DR Congo and Cameroon slated for Belgium, the build-up to those friendlies were not also without fuss.

The coach, wittingly orchestrated another controversy when he clashed with the then captain of the team, Vincent Enyeama, a conflict that shook the team to its foundation. He stripped the Lille of France goalie of the captaincy in a manner that got Nigeria’s most capped player whirling with anger. The disagreement between the duo snowballed into verbal attacks which almost degenerated into exchange of blows but for the intervention of other players and officials.

Bereaved Enyeama who arrived the Belgium camp of the team a bit late after burying his mum, claimed the coach insulted him and his late mother, although the tactician repudiated the claims and although NFF managed to restore peace, dark cloud of uncertainty still hung over the team. Striker Emmanuel Emenike’s shock retirement shortly after that incident is a testimony to that.

However, less than three months down the line, came the turn of the NFF to be at the receiving end of Oliseh’s diatribes. There were high expectations as home-based Eagles headed for African Nation's Championship. The team further raised Nigeria’s hope with their 4-1 trouncing of Niger Republic but still capitulated to an early elimination from the tournament after drawing with

27

NFF and the burden of a querulous coach

Super Eagles defender Jamiu Alimi (right) in action against Niger at the CHAN in Rwanda

Tunisia and losing to Guinea.

Oliseh was swift in absolving himself of blame; he instead pointed accusing fingers at the NFF for not supporting his team enough.

His vague excuse and diversionary methods did not sway many Nigerians who called for his sacking, but he had a shock message for them. He released two videos via his Youtube channel where he labelled those calling for his head “insane” while making critical remarks about his former teammates who he advised to pick up coaching forms and handle the national team instead of finding loopholes in his work.

“The job of a coach is one that is always in the public eye and I don’t see why he is averse to criticism. Oliseh was one of the biggest critics of Stephen Keshi when the latter was in charge. As a coach, you are bound to face criticisms. What you do is to take them in good faith and make use of the good ones,” former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Joe Erico said.

Oliseh

“Oliseh went too far in his comments.

It shows that he is not mature. You don’t insult a whole nation because people criticised your team. Criticisms make you a better manager. There’s no way everyone would like what you’re doing with the team and if it happens, then there is a big problem.”

But for former national team handler and respected FIFA and CAF instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde, the coach’s rants showed he was the wrong choice for the position in the first instance. He said Nigeria is paying the price for mismanagement on the part of the country’s football administrators.

“I watched the video and at a point was shedding tears for Nigerian football but we deserve it. Also talking about his experience, has he not shown inadequacy in this? For instance, see the way he handled Enyeama’s case. If Oliseh was intelligent enough, he could have commiserated with him first on the loss of his mother and Enyeama would have been worshipping him,

Pinnick

but he wanted to be a boss,” he said.

“Oliseh is currently confused, and it will be hard for a confused man to think right or act well, and I want the people at the helm of Nigerian football to do something because of the Eagles’ next two ties,” another ex-Eagles player, Felix Owolabi added.

Although voices against his continued stay appear to be drowning that of those against his sack, the embattled coach may remain in charge of the national team, at least for now following the intervention of the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, who pleaded with the NFF to pardon him.

“I am not really very disappointed with Oliseh about his comments but allowing him stay on as the coach of the team up till now is what I don’t understand. Somebody insulted Nigerians, calling us insane and you are yet to fire him, I think that is not right.

“The minister should not have intervened. He is not the federation; he should have allowed the NFF to sack the coach that is the price he has to pay for tarnishing the image of this country with that unguided comments. He is paid by tax payers and he had the gut to insult them and a minister asked us to forgive him,” another ex-Eagles midfielder, Moses Kpakpor said.

But his former teammate, Austin Eguavoen, Oliseh is outspoken in nature and Nigerians should try to understand that he means no harm. “(Jose) Mourinho was still talking even when Chelsea was not doing well. There are people you cannot stop from talking.

If we cannot change Mourinho, we cannot change Oliseh. Since it is in Oliseh’s nature to talk, the federation and the entire Nigerians must forgive and tolerate him,” he said.

The coach has apologised for his rants and may have escaped the axe this time but he would need more than luck to stay long on this job.

24 13 12 12

Serie A 1 G. Higuaín Napoli 2 P. Dybala Juventus 3 Eder Internazionale 4 C. Bacca AC Milan

Neymar

mix in third place, but it is Leicester, not Chelsea, not Manchester City, not Manchester United not even fellow traditional big guns Liverpool, that lead the way.

Along the way there have been numerous occasions when, as against Arsenal, their bubble was supposed to burst. In the space of just over a month between late November and the New Year, Leicester played Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City. A team that had been bottom of the table for much of last season would surely be found out during that stretch.

Instead, Claudio Ranieri’s outfit emerged top of the table, level on points with Arsenal. Still, the fairy tale was finally expected to end during their current trio of fixtures, at home to Liverpool and away to Manchester City and Arsenal. Yet so far Leicester have only enhanced their position. While the big-hitters continue to stumble, the East Midlands club have excelled in beating Liverpool and then brushing aside the winners of two Premier League titles in the last four seasons, Manchester City, on their own turf. Their lead atop the Premier League is now five points, with just 13 games remaining.

Sunday presents yet another hurdle for Leicester to overcome, one where once again a defeat will be seen not just as a loss of three points but as evidence that the idea of them winning the title belongs in the realm of fantasy. The players, though, don’t seem too concerned.

Chelsea to keep the Magpies quiet

hen Arsenal humbled Leicester City 5-2 at the King Power Stadium last September, it was seen by most as an accurate reflection of the gulf between the two clubs. While Leicester, in fourth place going into the fixture, had made a strong start to the season, they would inevitably slide back to reality.

Arsenal, having taken over fourth spot, were the team with realistic title ambitions.

It’s fair to say the script hasn’t exactly been followed in the time between that meeting and Sunday’s rematch at the Emirates Stadium. Sure, Arsenal are right in the title

W

As Arsenal, Leicester tangle in title clash

No love in London

Kickoff: 1:00 pm

SUNDAY Milan v Genoa 12:30pm

LA LIGA

SATURDAY Sunderland v Man Utd 1:45pm Bournemouth v Stoke 4pm Crystal Palace v Watford 4pm Everton v West Brom 4pm Norwich v West Ham 4pm Swansea v Southampton 4pm

EPL

BUNDESLIGA

No Clubs P Pts 1 Bayern 20 53 2 Dortmund 20 45 3 Hertha 20 35 4 Schalke 20 33 5 Leverkusen 20 32 6 M’gladbach 20 32 7 Mainz 20 30 8 Wolfsburg 20 27 9 FC Cologne 20 26 10 Ingolstadt 20 26 11 Darmstadt 20 24 12 VfB Stuttgart 20 24 13 Hamburger 20 23 14 Augsburg 20 21 15 Frankfurt 20 21 16 Bremen 20 19 17 Hoffenheim 20 14 18 Hannover 20 14

No Clubs P Pts 1 Barcelona 22 54 2 Atletico 23 51 3 Real Madrid 23 50 4 Villarreal 23 45 5 Sevilla 23 37 6 Bilbao 23 35 7 Celta Vigo 23 35 8 Eibar 23 33 9 Deportivo 23 31 10 Malaga 23 30 11 Sociedad 23 27 12 Getafe 23 26 13 Real Betis 23 25 14 Valencia 23 25 15 Vallecano 23 23 16 Sporting Gijon22 22 17 Espanyol 23 22 18 Las Palmas 23 21 19 Granada 23 20 20 Levante 23 17

FIXTURES

P Pts 24 56 24 54 24 46 24 45 24 44 24 40 24 34 24 34 24 33 24 30 24 30 24 28 24 28 24 27 24 26 24 25 24 24 24 19 24 19 24 15

SATURDAY Empoli v Frosinone 3pm Chievo v Sassuolo 6pm Juventus v Napoli 8:45pm

Serie A

No Clubs 1 Napoli 2 Juventus 3 Fiorentina 4 Inter 5 Roma 6 AC Milan 7 Sassuolo 8 Empoli 9 Lazio 10 Chievo 11 Bologna 12 Torino 13 Atalanta 14 Udinese 15 Palermo 16 Genoa 17 Sampdoria 18 Carpi 19 Frosinone 20 Verona

SERIE A

TABLE

No Clubs P Pts 1 Leicester 25 53 2 Tottenham H 25 48 3 Arsenal 25 48 4 Man City 25 47 5 Man United 25 41 6 West Ham 25 39 7 Southampton 25 37 8 Everton 25 35 9 Liverpool 25 35 10 Watford 25 33 11 Stoke City 25 33 12 Crystal Palace 25 32 13 Chelsea 25 30 14 West Brom 25 29 15 Bournemouth25 28 16 Swansea 25 27 17 Newcastle 25 24 18 Norwich 25 23 19 Sunderland 25 20 20 Aston Villa 25 16

Premier league

TABLE

Sport

return focus

Barcelona

20 19 18 16 15

18 16 15 14 14

La Liga 1 L. Suarez Barcelona 2 C. Ronaldo R/Madrid 3 K. Benzema R/Madrid 4 Neymar Barcelona 5 B. Basten Eibar

EPL 1 J. Vardy Leicester 2 R. Lukakau Everton 3 H. Kane Tottenham 4 R. Mahrez Leicester 5 O. Ighalo Watford

TOP SCORERS

Global Football Special www.newtelegraphonline.com

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

28 SATURDAY

13 FEBRU

C

Jordan Spieth

SPORT BRIEFLY

underland will be hoping to claim a vital victory in their battle to beat the drop when they play host to Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.

The Black Cats came from 2-0 down to pick up a precious point against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend and Sam Allardyce will be looking for similar spirit from his side when they line up against Louis van Gaal’s men.

Manchester United ran out as 3-0 winners when the two teams met at Old Trafford back in September and the visitors can take all three points from their trip north.

Six of Sunderland’s last seven home matches in the top flight have produced fewer than three goals, while Manchester United have scored more than one goal in just one of their last six league matches away from home.

The visitors have had a poor campaign, but there are signs of gradual improvement for United, who have lost just one of their last nine matches in all competitions and are playing with much more freedom in recent weeks.

S

Man United to heap more misery on Sunderland

After competing in various tournaments across the world recently, Jordan Spieth returns to the PGA Tour for this week's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California.

The world number one played in tournaments in Hawaii, Abu Dhabi and Singapore in recent weeks and has not finished lower than tied for seventh place in any of his last seven events.

Rooney

arcelona returns its focus to the race in the Spanish league with its top players rested after the reserves advanced the team to the Copa del Rey final and secured the club record of 29 consecutive games without a loss.

The reserves drew at Valencia 1-1 in the second leg of the Copa semifinals on Wednesday to achieve the milestones. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar were among those rested who will return to action when Celta Vigo visits on Sunday, to try to maintain their league lead over Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

"We can enjoy what we achieved for about 10 minutes and then we are thinking about La Liga again," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said.

"We have to leave the Copa aside for now."

Barcelona has won five games in a row in the league, and hasn't lost since October, when the unbeaten streak began. It has a game in hand and three points more than Atletico Madrid and four more than Real Madrid.

"We have to keep this going," said Ivan Rakitic, the only Barcelona veteran who played in Valencia.

B

to La Liga SevillavLas Palmas 4pm Eibar v Levante 6:15pm Getafe v Atletico 6:15pm

Valencia v Espanyol 8:30pm Deportivo v Betis 10:05pm

try not to give him space.

It's never easy to defend against a striker like this over the whole 90 minutes, but when we get chances against Man City we have to score and it's also possible that we'll win there," Wimmer told Ham & High.

"With strikers like [Robert] Lewandowski or Aguero, maybe over the course of the 90 minutes you think 'they are not so dangerous today', but they only need one action in the game to score, and that always shows the big quality they have.

"I think it's like that with Aguero. You always have to be careful, you always have to mark him well and defend well over the whole 90 minutes because when he gets one opportunity the chance is very high that he will score.

She’s celebrated as the greatest female athlete of all time and tennis champ Serna Williams has been directing that athletic ability into the building of a primary school.

With the use of her non-profit, the Serena Williams Fund, the ace has partnered with Helping Hands Jamaica to build the Salt Marsh Primary School for Jamaican youth— from the ground up, reported The Root.

Serena Willaims

Aguero

Bavarian derby for Bayern

ayern M u nich's quest for a treble in Pep Guardiola's final season in charge remains firmly on course after reaching the German Cup semifinals this week.

Next up is Augsburg for a Bavarian derby in the Bundesliga, nine days before the Champions League showdown with Juventus in Turin.

The games provide welcome distraction from the off-field issues that led to some turbulence at the club, with questions over Guardiola's ability to lead a successful campaign for Bayern while preparing for Manchester City next season, and both sporting director Matthias Sammer and chairman KarlHeinz Rummenigge accusing the media of a lack of respect.

Augsburg, which is fighting for Bundesliga survival, is unlikely to show too much respect on Sunday.

Markus Weinzierl's side was unbeaten in seven league games until last weekend's 2-1 loss at Ingolstadt left the side just two points above the relegation zone.

Guardiola

B

Barcelona v Celta Vigo 8:30pm

Sociedad v Granada 12pm

Real Madrid v Bilbao 4pm

SUNDAY

Villarreal v Málaga 6:15pm

SATURDAY

Chelsea v Newcastle 6:30pm SUNDAY Arsenal v Leicester 1pm Aston Villa v Liverpool 3:05pm Man City v Tottenham 5:15pm

La Liga

Palermo v Torino 3pm Sampdoria v Atalanta 3pm Udinese v Bologna 3pm Fiorentina v Inter 8:45pm

y e k o r e u g A g in p p Sto r e m im W m a for Tottenh

point for Chelsea against Manchester United last weekend but the home side will be targeting all three points when they line up against the relegation-threatened Magpies on Saturday evening.

Newcastle clawed their way out of the English Premier League’s bottom three with a hard fought win against West Bromwich Albion last weekend, but it is their away form that will be causing concern for McClaren.

The Magpies have picked up just seven points from their 12 top flight fixtures away from St James’ Park this term, while their tally of just six away goals is the lowest total of any side in the Premier League.

ottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Wimmer says that Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero only needs one chance to score, but insists that Spurs can win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Second-place Spurs are a point ahead of Manchester City going into Sunday's crunch clash, and key to a fifth successive league victory for the 23-year-old Wimmer will be stopping Aguero, who has scored seven goals in his last five appearances, and boasts 18 in 25 outings this term.

"Aguero is one of the best strikers in the world and we will

T

Costa

helsea will look to preserve their unbeaten run under the stewardship of Guus Hiddink when they welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Diego Costa’s lastgasp goal secured a

at Stamford Bridge Y TELEGRAPH

UARY 2016

Sport 29

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Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Uncertainty over NSC’s status

LMC proposes incentives for new season Charles Ogundiya

A

s a way of encouraging clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League to embrace a robust youth football development in the 2016 season, the League Management Company has introduced financial incentives for players 18 years and below.

This was the major highlight of the communiqué of the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the LMC held at the Le Meridien Ibom Golf Resort and Hotels in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday, February 5.

The approval formed part of an 18-point resolution contained in the AGM Communiqué which also included the adoption of an LMC proposal for the restructuring of the league’s sponsorship structure to allow for increased participation of qualified corporate organisations.

The new bonus/incentive structure to be implemented by the LMC in the new season includes payment of N500, 000 to any club that wins away from home while an away draw will earn the visiting club N200, 000. This represents 100% increase from the N250, 000 and N100, 000 paid respectively for the same results last season.

• Commission not in 2016 budget

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Ajibade Olusesan ational Sports Commission may have finally gone into extinction as there was no provision for the NSC in the 2016 national budget, Saturday Telegraph can report.

There were fears about the future of the commission after it was merged with the then Ministry of Youth and Social Development by the administration of President Muhammed Buhari last November.

The current Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, also fuelled the speculation when he said in one of his interactive sessions with the media that the commission might be scrapped. Although Dalung said it was not a plan that would be actualised soon, the 2016 budget suggests it would take off this year.

In the Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly, Saturday Telegraph discovered that the NSC was not captured in the

Yakmut

Summary of the allocations given to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Other major parastatals in the ministry such as Nigeria Football Federation, National Institute for Sports, Citizen and Leadership Training Centre and National Youth Service Corps were appropriately captured in the budget with no mention of the NSC. This development also throws question mark on the future of the current Director General of the NSC, Alhassan Yakmut, who may be drafted to another ministry.

Yakmut has been playing a bit-part role since the formation of the new ministry, with the Permanent Secretary, Christian Ohaa, taking charge of so many things.

However, the total budget for the ministry is N75.5billion with the NYSC taking the largest chunk. The Corp will take N66.9billion while the ministry’s headquarters will manage N5.9billion N1.2billion is appropriated for the NFF while the NIS will get N478.5million Leadership Centre gets N906.7million.

Continental clubs on the march again Charles Ogundiya

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igeria Professional Football League sides representing the country this year on the continent, will this weekend begin their quest for glory in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Enyimba and Warri Wolves will be campaigning in the Champions League while Nasarawa United and Federation Cup winners, Akwa United, will be playing in the Confederation Cup. Two-time winners of the Champions League, Enyimba, kicked off their quest for third title with an away match against Vipers of Uganda on Friday. (The result was unknown as at the time of going to press).

On Saturday (today), it will be the turn of Akwa United who will be making their debut on the continent against a tough opposition in Vita Club Mokanda at the Pointe-Noire Stadium, Congo Brazzaville.

Nasarawa United and Warri Wolves are at home and will be play-

ing their games against Praia Cruz from Sao Tome and Principe at the Warri Township Stadium and AS Academie Generation Foot of Senegal in Abuja respectively. The two games will be played on Sunday.

Akwa United will be banking on their recent victory during the NPFL organised Super 4 in Uyo as they begin their journey on the continent.

The chairman of the League Management Company, Shehu Dikko, recently charged the four teams to be good ambassadors of the league even as he expressed satisfaction with their preparations for the CAF club championships.

On Thursday, Nasarawa United FC chairman, Isaac Danladi, told thenff.com that his boys were in great shape to earn a heart-warming win that will stand them in good stead in the return leg.

“We are not taking this campaign with levity. The Government of Nasarawa State is very keen on the team doing the nation proud, so nothing is being left to chance.''

Osinbajo (left) and Amusan after a race

Nigerian athletes invade UTEP Charles Ogundiya

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t least three Nigerian athletes have joined the University of Texas at El Paso, USA, as they continue to hone their skills and improve their educational qualification.

All Africa Games 100m hurdles gold medalist, Tobiloba Amusan, is the recent addition, joining her rival, Temidayo Osinbajo, who enrolled at the school in 2015.

While Oshinbajo is studying Economics, Amusan settled for Kinesiology.

Speaking with Saturday Telegraph, the former junior internationals in separate interviews said studying and training would afford them the opportunity to become better athletes.

“I am happy that my dream is coming true with my admission,” Amusan said.

“It is a good thing for me that I met Dayo (Osinbajo) here in UTEP to help me through. We have been together since our days as junior internationals and this is an opportunity for us to renew our friendship.”

In her own words, Osinbajo said she was glad with the latest development in her career. She said she missed the last All Africa Games because of her admission and is now looking forward to the Olympics with her friend and rival.

Osinbajo said: “We are going to renew our healthy rivalry here and work together to become better athletes.

“The target will be to be ready for the Olympics and help our country to achieve greatness at the games later in the year.”

The duo joined Ada Benjamin, a 400m runner, who has been in the school for more than two years.

Wrestlers celebrate Ambode with tourney Ajibade Olusesan

P Akwa United striker, Ubong Ekpai, takes on Warri Wolves' Joseph Eyimofe during the NPFL Super 4...recently

lans are underway to stage an intercontinental professional wrestling championship in Lagos to celebrate the Governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode.

The championship tagged A+A Intercontinental Wrestle Force is being packaged by Nigerian Wrestling Federation in conjunction with Current World Wrestling Federation.

Initiator of the tournament, Prince Olarenwaju Mohammed, who is the President of the NWF said that the competition would take place to celebrate the one-

year anniversary of Governor Ambode in office this May He said the bout was being staged to further project the good strides of Ambode administration.

"Our plan is to project Lagos to the outside world that the state is peaceful despite all the negative reports in international media. I always tell people that we can't quantify the benefits of staging international competitions in our community like the recently held Lagos City Marathon.

“We have invited renowned wrestling champions, Hulk Hogan and Undertaker to be part of

the show. Hogan specifically told us that he would like to come to Lagos once in his lifetime to see how the city looks like," he said.

Prince Mohammed, a former Nigerian and Intercontinental Wrestling Champion disclosed that wrestlers across the world would be in Lagos for the show which will hold in about 14 centres across the three senatorial districts of the state.

"These centres include Epe, Alimosho, Badagry, Ojo, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Ifako Ijaiye, Agboyi Ketu, Eti Osa, Oshodi Isolo, Yaba-Mainland, Lagos Island, Surulere, while the grand finale will hold in Agege," he said.

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Rio 2016: Aminu targets Olympics medal in Rio N

Aminu

igeria may not rank among the favourites at the Rio 2016 Games, but that hasn't prevented Al-Farouq Aminu from dreaming big.

The Nigerian ace has revealed bold goals for the Western Africans who qualified for the Olympics for the second consecutive time. Back in August, in Rades, Tunisia, he averaged 12 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in helping Nigeria win AfroBasket 2015 for the country's first-ever continental title.

Now, with that historical achievement taken care of, the Portland Trail Blazers forward insists Nigeria, as the best team on the African continent, have the duty of reaching the podium at the Olympics, a feat that no African team has ever achieved.

I know it's a big goal as every team that goes there want a medal. I think we improved since the last Olympics. - Aminu Talking to FIBA.com in Brooklyn, New York, the 25-year-old set out clearly Nigeria's goal at the upcoming Olympics: "We didn’t have all the success we wanted in 2012 but we learned a lot from that experience. Now we are going back to the Olympics being more mature, having better things in place. I think we should compete for a medal."

The US-born player has become a regular as well as an emblematic figure for the D'Tigers' success in the past few years. He made his international career debut at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Caracas, Venezuela, where Nigeria stunned the basketball world by beating Greece, Lithuania and the Dominican

Republic to reach the London Olympics.

His continuing commitment to represent Nigeria, Aminus says, is indicative of his desire to help grow the game in the most populous African country, where basketball trails football amongst the most popular sports.

"I think it’s important to help grow the game back home in Nigeria. The contribution that I make by playing with the national team is a big part of that," said the 2.06m forward, who is averaging career-highs 10.6 points, 1.6 assists in 29 minutes per contest in his sixth NBA season.

"I like to be involved. I am going to start an annual camp, a youth camp for different kids back there, with the support of other African players that are in the NBA. We are proud of who we are today and I’d like to see way more Nigerians kids being able to fulfil their dreams and try to help back their families and community through sports.

That’s our goal. We want to bring Nigerian basketball to the highest level and try to bring the spotlights as much as soccer in my country. This is going to be our second Olympics in a row, and that’s interesting for us as the country starts to pay attention to us. Kids are starting to look at us and saying now “oh man! I can play another sport than soccer now”. I feel like it’s our job in order to show that kids can play basketball and show them that everything is possible - Aminu Over the course of the past two decades, Angola - a team that Nigeria defeated in the Final of AfroBasket 2015 - dominated African basketball, winning 11 of 13 titles.

But for Aminu, African basketball may be about to live a new chapter in its history.

Scoring Chile 2015 winning goal still a dream – Bamgboye Golden Eaglets attacking midfielder, Funsho Bamgboye, in this interview with Saturday Telegraph’s PRINCE OBIAKU speaks on his winning goal that the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile and his dream move to Arsenal.

Bamgboye, you had a great exploits in the under-17 world cup in Chile…

Well it was a great experience considering there were many good players and teams in the competition but we went into the tournament with the belief that we could do it because we knew we also had a great team and individual players which we were able to show the world in Chile.

How did you feel when you got the red card in the quarterfinal?

I felt bad, horrible and alone. My teammates called me and encouraged me even my coach called me not to let it pull me down that I should just focus my mind on the next game.

You returned back and scored the winning goal in the final?

I was very happy and proud considering I had always been looking for such opportunities and finally it came. It was an unbelievable feeling. It was like a dream to me.

How will you describe Coach Emmanuel Amuneke?

Well, he is wonderful person. He is like a father figure to us and got us playing the simple football like the Spanish team. So it was great working with him and I hope to do same in the future.

There are no offers on ground now from any team home or abroad

So what team were you playing for before you went to the World Cup? I was playing for Aspire FC before going to the U-17 World Cup but there are no offers on ground now from any team home or abroad.

What team do you hope to move to?

I think that would be Arsenal FC because of their policy of giving youths a chance. So, I would prefer the Gunners as I believe I would have a better chance of playing.

Recently, you played alongside players like Obafemi Martins, Babatunde Micheal, Sylvester Igboun at an exhibition game. How proud does that make you feel?

I was happy to have played with a top stars like Obafemi Martins and others. I want to keep playing alongside such calibre of players week in week out either in club football or in the national team.

Where are you from?

I am from Ile Ife in Osun State.

What is your best food?

That would be Amala with Gbegiri and Ewedu.

What is your best drink?

That is Malt.

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Bamgboye

32

Lifestyle of Sportsmen Onazi shows off another Porsche Panamera

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13 FEBRUARY 2016

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Onazi

t seems Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has acquired another Porsche Panamera.

The Lazio midfielder last month shared a photo of himself and his Porsche Panamera with the caption "Everyday is a blessing to me, Lord thank you for waking me up this morning strong and healthy to do my job."

The 23-year-old midfielder has shared another photo of himself with another Porsche Panamera which is green in colour.

Stunning model

Schweinsteiger to marry Ivanovic in secret ceremony G erman publication Bild has apparently reported that Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will marry tennis superstar Ana Ivanovic in a secret ceremony next month.

Though not much is known about the event just yet, it is claimed that it will be held in either Spain or Serbia, and men’s tennis star Andy Murray is said to be on the guest list.

A number of world football’s biggest and best names will also likely be in attendance, though it is also unclear

“Who cares about your opinion. I can't just help it, always happy no matter what. Grace of God,” he wrote alongside the photo where he is sitting on a bicycle.

Pulse Sports could not confirm if the midfielder added this green one to his fleet or if he just repainted the other one.

Onazi in a 2015 interview revealed his favourite cars and that did not include the Porsche Panamera.

adopts Barca

which of his United and former Bayern teammates will be watching him walk down the aisle.

Reports of a wedding has been doing the rounds for several weeks now, after Australian tennis player Angelique Kerber made the following comments: “Ana Ivanovic and Bastian Schweinsteiger sent me a photo with a congratulations message.

“Ana is one of my closest friends during the tournaments. Those two are so cute, I am looking forward to their wedding.”

S

ome football fans can’t help but attract attention to themselves, not in a bad way, but thanks to Instagram fans have been able to become more acquainted with Livia Gullo, who just happens to be Barcelona crazy.

The stunning model has set pulses racing all over the world with a series of sext snaps on her social media account and has understandably amassed quite a significant following.

And not only that, she’s good pals with the current Miss BumBum, Suzy Cortez.

And she’s not afraid to nail her colours to the mast either, and frequently displays her support for the Catalan giants.

Cortez

Stories courtesy : Dailymail

Meet Torales , the Brazilian doctor sexier than Carneiro

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layers at Brazilian football club Boavista SC make sure they eat well because if they don’t then their gorgeous nutritionist Dr. Rossana Torales will give them a stern ticking off.

Up until last year former Chel-

Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic

sea doctor Eva Carneiro was seen as the sexiest doctor in football, but after stepping down from her position it now seems that crown can be passed to Torales.

Originally from Paraguay, Torales is a qualified he health profes-

sional who has been working for Boavista at their training complex in Saquarema, located south-east on Rio. To be fair to Boavista’s players, though, they must get distracted by her stunning hourglass figure.

Torales

Showbiz 33

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

Tinie Tempah, Azuka make case for bread hawker turned model

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inie Tempah has broken his silence on Olajumoke Orisaguna, the popular bread seller who has been making the headlines lately after she inadvertently interrupted a photoshoot that was taking place on the street of Lagos courtesy TY Bello.

Amazing story one will say of this 27 year old lady who had to struggle for her family with her 14 months old daughter while her husband was also trying to make ends meet in Osun state.

Recently, the singer whom the bread seller disturbed his shoot, Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah, decided to speak out by stating that for one to make it in life, one just have to be at a particular place at the right time.

In his words, “this woman went from Photobombing my photoshoot in Lagos for Thisday style to landing her own modeling contract! She went from selling that bread to getting that bread real quick lol! So happy for her, she is most definitely blessed and this goes to show that ANYTHING can happen you just have to be at the right place at the right time. Hopefully this is the beginning of great things for her."

Tinie Tempah is an English rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.

He has been signed to Parlophone Records since 2009, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Similarly, famous columnist with Thisday newspapers, Azuka Ogujiuba, has reacted to what may begin to smear the sweet story. “I'd learnt that anything you do for the praise of self will most likely fail, and it explains why I advise that we should only trust God for divine elevation. And even when avid fame hunters go after it in the forest with a torchlight

and a cutlass, they're always brought to the realisation that except God builds, the builders labour in vain. I don't like to involve in social media wars or crossfire, but I had to do last night on Facebook when a lady started raining curses on Olajumoke's husband. I’ve been reading and seeing so many nasty comments that he appeared after her story went viral. When will people stop hastily concluding about other people's lives? The Olajumoke l saw the first day while Ty Bello shot Tinie Tempah didn't look like that to me. She had a calm smile and a happy look even if l didn't know what was running through her mind. Whilst thanking you all for sharing the riveting story of a young lady who trekked from the lowly street of Agege to the exalted cover of Thisday Style- you'd agree with me, it can only be God! But as the enchanting story begins to travel at the speed of light, a growing concern stems from a widely held but erroneous view about Jumoke's nuclear family make-up, in particular, the reputation of her husband. For the information of all who should know, Jumoke and her husband just sought fortune from different lands, they never had a fractured marriage. Poverty struck them hard, so they decided to till different grounds- one in Osun, the other in Lagos.

It was misconceived that Jumoke's husband resurfaced when fortune has finally beckoned- this is cruel. The young couple has everything but no money and formal education and this is where they need our love. They're nowhere near where fate is taking them, so it will be grossly unkind to stir controversies to distract them. This family needs your love and support and if you can't afford it, at least don't hurt them,” she shared.

Ice Prince’s Showbiz Newest Landlord

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hocolate city rapper, Ice Prince Zamani, is one of the few Nigerian singers who considerably avoid public knowledge of whatever goes on in his private life, but of course, some prying eyes had oftentimes caught whatever he had in the closet and spread across the cyberspace.

Recently in the news on matter bothering on his girlfriend, the singer still does not talk much because he wants to avoid bad press and whatever is capable of having negative effects on his career.

The affable music star has been investing his money where not many of his contemporaries probably consider. Now he’s having the last laugh and proud to announce that he has just acquired a new home.

His words read in part: “My new home got me overworking myself, so what’s good about the morning?”

08059296445 lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

Shapeera wins Tecno Own the Stage contest

A

frican continent's first Karaoke competition 'Tecno Own the Stage' produced its first winner last Sun-

day.

Shapeera who represented Nigeria emerged winner after an intense battle with the other top contestants.

Sikin from Kenya emerged 3rd runner up while Pascal from Kenya and Nandy from Tanzania came third and second respectively.

Speaking at the finale, the Head of Public Relations and Talent for M-Net West Africa, Mr. Efosa Aiyevbomwan, said: “It’s been an exciting 12 weeks as Africans watched the amazing contestants battle for the grand prize and the honour of being

the inaugural Own the Stage winner.”

He noted that at M-Net and Africa Magic they were committed to investing in the African entertainment industry, adding that "Shapeera is the latest talent to be unraveled, courtesy TECNO Own the Stage.”

The finale ended with an exciting after party at Nigeria’s leading nightclub Quilox in Lekki, Lagos.

In his reaction, Deputy Marketing Manager, TECNO Mobile, Mr. Attai Oguche, said: “Tecno remains resolute in rewarding and encouraging talent across Africa and the Own the Stage competition is a testament to this fact. Shapeera now has a chance to show the rest of the world what she is made of.”

Waje remembers old folks

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or Nigeria’s Nightingale, Waje, it’s a time to visit the old register and sing the unsung in the journey to her stardom. The singer recently disclosed that attaining stardom was not easy for her as she would attend events to perform but wouldn’t get the rousing applause to encourage her, but two people always made her feel she was worth something great.

She disclosed that the only two people who got her back while coming up were TV personality, Ebuka Obi Uchedu and Noble Igwe.

Waje was prompted to make this revelation while celebrating Noble Igwe, who got a year older as she disclosed that he really

stood by her and helped her smile to the bank.

“I swear there was a time only these two will stand up at a show to cheer me (laughs) but my shout out today is to my brother Noble Igwe. I don't think I have successfully shown him how much I appreciate the sleepless nights on my matter. The drives to gbagada to make sure a song we both love was produced, or how many meetings he had on my matter for investors to drop money. How many times we have gathered and celebrated JUST BECAUSE. I love you brother and I see where God is taking you and so you know I got your back. Happy birthday noble Igwe 1 of ima kwa Ndi anyi Bu community where I am a full member of the congress,” she added.

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The Arts

Moses Kadiri

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Blessing

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Farewell Eldorado goes on stage

Actress Blessing celebrates Valentine with widows ollywood actress, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, is set to celebrate this year's Valentine day with widows through her project, Queen Blessing Foundation.

The event is tagged Northern Edition.

The yearly event which is the third in the series will hold on Sunday, February 14, 2016, at Doctor Jesus Na Baba Global Ministry Inc, Niger State.

The talented Edo State-born actress said the event was her own way of giving back to the society.

Previous editions were held in Ikorodu, Lagos and Okpella in Edo State respectively.

She further disclosed that, though it has not been easy funding the project due to lack of sponsors, it is a project she is passionate about and that with God on her side she will continue to do it annually.

The six hours event will feature music, comedy, dance and presentation of cash and gifts items to widows in the community.

A native of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Queen Blessing was born in Benue State; she grew up in the Northern part of Nigeria. She attended The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State where she studied Mass Communication. Her movies and television credits included Super Story, This Life, Eldorado, Girls Next Door, Moment of Joy, Sweet Love, Pretty Angels, Romantic Touch, Evil Genius, Romantic Attraction, Borokini, Lori Ere, T.N.K, Ejomiko, Power of Trust, Lost Love, Empty Coffin, Omo Butty, Aje Ni Mope, Back 2 Back, among others.

As a producer, Queen Blessing has produced some notable hit flicks which included Borokini, Lori Ere, T.N.K, Ejomiko, Ibaje Dewa, Asise Nla, My Fate among others.

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Tony Okuyeme arewell Eldorado, a play set in the heart of Urhobo Kingdom in 1930 goes on stage at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos on Sunday February 21, at 4pm.

Written and directed by Lekan Adeniyi, Farewell Eldorado is produced by

Fourth Party, a theatre company that seeks to propagate good morals and godly values through visual and performing arts.

Farewell Eldorado tells the story of Omokiniovo who was born into a loving family. They had everything aside farmland and cattle.

The two things that drew the line between the “Haves” and the “Have nots”. His father worked tirelessly on other people’s farm in hope that one day he would own his own land. Omokiniovo was deterAdeniyi mined to break the poverty.

The ray of hope came with the arrival of the white-man’s education. This was a lofty dream even for the nobles of his days, but Omokiniovo swam against the tide. If working for four years would secure him a seat in the class, then that was what he would give.

This young man’s desire was met by a rude shock. His father, Oghenerho, had borrowed money from Olowolagba many years before and the consequence

of defaulting on repayment meant Omokiniovo would be in servitude for years. The years that he hoped would fetch him education was now for amnesty for his family. He is faced with the greatest dilemma of his life.

Omokiniovo’s journey into a Yoruba culture in a bid to serve Olowolagba reveals many twists. Unknown to him, his master that he sought mercy from needed also to be free from generational stigma. The complexities of choices and stakes became more than what any mortal could juggle and the final outcome is nothing but a mind-stirring puzzle.

It would be recalled that Fourth Party made the headlines first in a collaboration for the production of Roll of Dice in 2014, and later in another play in 2015 tagged Casablanca Blues.

Adeniyi, the director of the play who is also the brain behind Fourth Party, is an avid storyteller that expresses his passion for the art by writing scripts that are simply attention-grabbing.

The performance will be preceded by a red carpet which starts at 3.30pm, according to Adeniyi.

Koffi, others for Buzopat Charity Ball Moses Kadiri

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igerian entertainer, stand-up comedian Koffi Idowu-Nuel has registered his interest to be part of Buzopat Charity Ball to raise funds for less privileged homes in Lagos.

The maiden edition will hold on Sunday March 6, 2016 at Golden Tulip Hotel, FESTAC Link Road, Lagos.

Several artistes from the comedy industry, music, and Nollywood have also indicated interest to grace the occasion to make appeal to save the lives of the less privilege Nigerians.

"Buzopat Charity Ball is an occasion to raise funds, and increase awareness and empower less privileged homes, namely Moyinoluwa Rainbow, Down Syndrome Foundation, Beth Torrey Mentally Challenged Home, Evergreen Less Privileged Children Ministry, Grace Orphanage Foundation and to also to continue our struggle reinstating, the disadvantage intelligent school drop outs, by paying their school fees, and other needs," Mrs. Patrick said.

The Charity Ball is the new baby from the stable of Meljenstin Youth Empowerment Initiative, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that has since positioned itself to raise funds, provide technical and professional support in a self-sustained effort to help youths, and special children to overcome challenges associated with disability and assisting them with what will make their lives comfortable, functional and less dependent. "We belong to the group of people who despite the negative noise in the world still find ways to step up and do our part to make a positive contribution to the society," she said.

Asked what motivated her to start

Mrs. Patrick

the project given her numerous empowerment programmes, the singer, actress, motivational speaker disclosed that Buzopat Charity Ball came from the conviction that the answer lies in three, adding that "everyday choices that we make in live, whether we are consciously aware of them or not. Clearly we cannot control everything that happens to us; life hits like the waves of the ocean as one event rolls in after another. Some events in our lives are accidental causing us little or no impact, others virtually pummel us, but each day we make the choice to look around us and ask?

Will we be as drift wood that passively float with the tides and currents of the day or will we instead take proactive responsibility for touching other lives and determining their actions and destinations?" she said.

On what she hope to gain from the project, Mrs. Patrick noted that the gain of the Charity Ball to the society. "The gains are enormous and unquantifi- Koffi

able, there are numerous foundations that are faceless and nameless meaning that people don't know them but they are the ones on ground helping, struggling, borrowing to assist immediate communities and because they are not known, they get little or no assistance.

It is terrible how they manage, it is not because I have but I like to approach life with the belief that most important work is always ahead of me not behind me, my personal motto is live life in crescendo, as a result I feel a persisting desire to stretch myself in new directions, to look for worthy ways to make a difference?

"We appeal to people to assist them with financial donation, material donation, mosquito nets, wheel chairs diesel, food stuffs, provision, clothes, pampers, electronics, creams etc. We can only achieve and accomplish this feat with help from individual and corporate partners while the awareness we create for such NGO's will make people to be aware of them and eventually go to them on their own to assist them even after our event."

She disclosed that apart from Buzopat Charity Ball, Meljenstin Youth Empowerment Initiative (MYEI) also engages schools to bring back reading culture through free youth essay competition and award. "It’s a total educational package to return reading culture and encourage learning. More than 430 secondary schools in 9 Local Government in Lagos have participated in the programme, we reward N100,000, N75,000, N50,000 to 1st, 2nd and 3rd with lots of consolation prizes, it is a kind of carrot stick approach and it’s been very rewarding," she said.

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Travel & Tourism

CHEF'S CORNER

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TRAVEL BEATS

Bench Events to host AviDev Africa The inaugural edition of Aviation Development in Africa – AviaDev Africa, organised by Bench Events is to hold on October 4 at Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda and run parallel with its box office annual event, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), which is billed for October 5 and 6.

AviaDev Africa is a platform designed to bring together airlines, airports, hotels and hospitality investors for the first time. The forum on aviation route planning and development is to provide government and industry with a valuable opportunity to take a strategic approach to the expansion of travel across the continent.

Leading airline, airport and hotel executives, alongside government representatives, will be able to explore the crucial link between aviation and hotel investment and discuss potential new airline routes in exclusive oneto-one meetings.

The event will include workshops on the rise of the airport city in Africa, organised by leading expert WiedemannConsultants GmbH and the environmental factors needed for success. International consultants, InterVISTAS, will also run a route development master class.

According to the Chairman of Bench Events,

COUSCOUS

A nice meal on Val's Day L ove is pervading the air as Valentine’s Day celebration and festivities climax tomorrow with people taking to different leisure and entertain homes as well as eateries for dining, wining, colourful and exciting celebration with choice and savoury packages.

Rather than spend so much on outdoor dining while don’t you for once look inward and have special home cooking to celebrate the day with your date or family members. Just in case you are one of those inclined in this direction it would not be a bad idea to try something new such as cooking couscous, a special North African dish, cooked with either lamb or chicken and vegetables and served with cooked and crushed-crached wheat.

Ingredients • Three cups of cooked couscous • Three carrots (peeled and thinly sliced) • One small cup of butter or margarine (softened) • Four tomatoes (seeded and cubed) • Two cups garbanzo beans (chick

ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA Editor, TRAVEL&TOURISM iroandy@ymail.com

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

• • • • •

peas) with juice Half teaspoon of ground cinnamon Half teaspoon of black pepper One quarter teaspoon of saffron Chicken pieces One cup dark raisin

Jonathan Worsley, “AviaDev Africa will be a valuable opportunity for leading executives from aviation and hotel development to have some serious and fruitful discussions on how to develop the future connectivity of the continent.”

While the Chief Executive Officer of Air Djibouti, Mario Fulgoni, said: “We need to get at a high level, the airline community and hotel investors and brands together to have a co-ordinated response. Africa is a little different to Asia, Europe and the States, because the hotels are really not in place. My view is that if you build it they will come. The hotel owners would say if we had the services, we’d build the hotels. So, we’ve got to get past the chicken and egg situation. Build a co-ordinated investment programme so we can develop the two things side-by-side.”

The Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, Belise Kariza, also said of the event thus: “We want to showcase Rwanda as a key destination to do business. The AHIF conference is a vital part of that, and the addition of a forum focused on aviation developments, AviaDev, provides an important platform for the aviation and hotel sectors to discuss future development projects and forge new relationships.”

Woodstar Hospitality Group opens All Purpose booking site Woodstar Hospitality Group, an indigenous hospitality management and marketing company, has launched a new global reservation website for hotel booking, called woodstarhotels.com.ng The company founded by seasoned professionals in the hospitality sector is aimed at assisting both leisure and business travellers to have access to the cheapest hotels around Africa and beyond.

The new site offers cheapest fares and provides

easiest way to lodge with options for travellers to either pay on check in at the hotel, pay with their credit or debit card, or pay at the bank The Chief Executive Officer of Woodstar Group, Ekene Nnabuihe, said, “Our mission is to constantly provide the cheapest and easiest accommodation in corporate hospitality by adopting old fashioned values, going extra mile and using cutting edge technology. We hope to bring to travellers an affordable hotel booking and reservation system.”

Preparation: • Wash, chop the chicken into desirable pieces and carefully placed in the pot, sprinkle the onions and carrots on the chicken, douse with butter and allow to cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre.

• Cover the raisins with warm water in a small bowl and drain after some minutes. Pour over the chicken, adding tomatoes, garbanzo beans, cinnamon, salt pepper, saffron and seasoning salt to taste.

• Cook until very hot, stirring once as you cook. Then mould the couscous in a large serving platter. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the heat and arrange around the edge of couscous and serve with fufu, eba, semovita or amala.

Travel Personality Paul Kavanagh: From humble beginning to top p.36 echelon

Ekene Nnabuihe, CEO Woodstar

Hospitality

MUSON Centre: The quintessential home of entertainment p.37

Destination

Chad Basin National Park: Entices with best p.39 wetlands offerings

36 Travel&Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

PAUL KAVANAGH

From humble beginning to top echelon

Paul Kavanagh, an Irish-born hotelier, is the general manager of Westwood Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. He has travelled round the world exploring the beauties of the world of hospitality. He speaks with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on his odyssey in the world of hospitality

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The beginning rowing up in his ancestral home, Dublin and Irish as a whole, it is not unlikely that he would be engaged as either post boy or bar boy because it was the prevailing culture then. At age 12, Kavanagh decided for the bar, which years later defined his engagement with humanity and the course of his entire life.

“Growing up in Ireland, the local bar is sort of central focal point of society and of the culture in Ireland. So, when you are a young boy in Ireland your first job is usually either helping the post man or work in a bar.

“When you work in a bar all you are really doing is going around picking up the glass cups and cleaning up and clearing off because obviously Irish bar has large turnover, high volume, very loud sort of environment.

“So, that was my first type of job in a hotel but over the years I have done every job in a hotel except accounts,” he reveals.

Shaped by his early beginning He takes one down memory lane to his early beginning and those factors that have helped to shape his career. “I started in London and I worked for a hotel company called Forte Hotels and Lord Forte is a legend and he is passed on now. He started his empire selling ice cream and built one of the greatest hotel empires that the world will ever see. I grew up in that world.

He also recalls his stint at two other London hotels, which according to him imbued him with the philosophy that he lives by as an hotelier. “That was the place where competition amongst ourselves, amongst the head of departments, and amongst the young hoteliers were ignited in me. Competition was a daily part of life and it would not be unusual to come to work by 8am on Monday and leave at 8pm on Friday.

“That was how competitive it was and although it was that competitive and we were all trying to outshine one another, we all wanted to be the general manager’s favourite, we all wanted to shine in front of him and all senior executives.

“Although we worked competitively but we became the ultimate team. We all appreciated that we needed one another and that we needed to have other people around us to achieve what we wanted to. I never forget that as a concept that you can be a team player.

“For me, I grew up in that world and what that world taught me which I will

never forget is commercialism. What do we do to make money because we are in business, we are here to make money, we are here to make money for our owners, we are here to make money for all the stakeholders and we are here to generate jobs for young Nigerians and from making money we are employing more Nigerians and that is fundamentally very important to me.

“So, from those early days I think it very much the commercialism element and the team element and the individual desire to succeed element, those three things are the kind of things that have stuck with me throughout my professional career.”

Another experience that has made him the hands-on general manager that he is today can also be deduced from the six years he spent travelling round the world, in fact to over 127 countries.

According to him, he learnt how to be a hotel guest because he virtually lived in the hotel as guest all those years.

“From that time I remember what it means to be a guest and the difference of being a guest to working in a hotel. We live with them (guests), they are our lives but the moment you forget what it is like to be a guest you have a problem. Because guest behaviour is changing, life is changing and society is changing.”

Thrust into a general manager position Kavanagh rise to the position of a general manager came out of the blues, not following the normal line of promotion. At the time, he was a sales executive for Hyde Park Hotel, London, but after a year into the job, the hotel owner approached him with a somewhat funny proposition.

“I think after about a year the owner

As an hotelier you literary get to live a life within life. You get to see all of life within your own building and I just found that fascinating

Dutta Kavanagh

came and said, look you seem to have the easiest job in the hotel, selling the hotel,” he recounts, adding, “why don’t you become the general manager? Why don’t you control what you sell?

“Although I had the schooling and qualifications and all that but it was never something that I thought too much about. So, I went to think about it for a couple of days and I said ‘yes, why not?’ That is how I became a general manager.”

The world at his feet Kavanagh could have taken to any other profession if he so wished but his outspoken and outward nature and not just his Irish background alone swayed

BACKGROUND Educated at Middlesex University, the Irish-born hotelier, Paul Kavanagh, first worked as a bar boy at age 12 in Dublin and fascinated by the enchanting world of hospitality he has taken to a career in hospitality rising through the ranks to the top echelon. He has worked in every conceivable departments of the hotel thus acquiring the much needed skills and expertise that have stood him well in all the positions that he had held at the various hotels that he had worked in.

“I am an international hotel general manager, with copious years of experience”, says Kavanagh, adding that “I started my hotel life in London, working for Forte Hotels, and have worked my way through the ranks concluding my time in London in 2009, as the general manager of the Hyde Park Towers Hotel.”

Kavanagh has in the course of his career traversed the West, Europe, Asia and Africa. In 2009, he came to Nigeria to work as the general manager of Obudu Mountain Resort under the management of African Sun. The Irishman has since then made Nigeria his adopted country and Cross River State his adopted state as he admits that Obaniluku, which is the home of Obudu, his local government area.

He reminiscences on his stay at Obudu with such a nostalgic feeling, describing Obudu as perhaps one of his most memorable experiences in a career that has spanned many decades. “I am very proudly Cross Riverian. Obviously, Obudu in a way is my ultimate home that will always be my adopted state. Obaniluku is my local government area and that is just the way it is”, he says.

He left the employment of African Sun in November 2011, reluctantly bidding farewell to his adopted home and a place he so much wished to visit again. Leaving the serene and magical setting of Obudu, Kavanagh found himself in Lagos, perhaps to a familiar and exciting setting as he is so much of a centre hotel general manager and worked briefly at Victoria Crowne Plaza Hotel, Victoria Island and The George Ikoyi before berthing at The Westwood Hotel, Ikoyi, which was formerly a Protea property.

Kavanagh has also at some point in his career notched up experience as a lecturer of hospitality management and hotels for years, Web development consultant, communications and advertising as well as sales expert. He is a motivational speaker of some sorts and great inspiration to younger hoteliers especially the employees working under him who he has taken under his tutelage to mentor.

him into signing up for hospitality at the time he did. Kavanagh is obviously extrovert and full of energy and brightens up the room or scene whenever he comes around because he is not shy about expressing himself.

A good conservationist and good natured as well as good company, the type to share a glass of wine or cup of coffee with and even a cigarette with if you are the type that smokes because he relishes them all while conversing with you in virtually all subjects under the sun.

“Talking to the world, getting their perceptions and what they think about the world or different countries and people,” he says to you of the motivating factor of him taking up a career in hospitality because the hotel provides the platform to meet with people of all sorts.

“So, the interactions with people the world over is one of the beauties of the hotel and one of the other things that has always kept me involved is just that every spectrum of human life occurred in this building (hotel). I have had a situation once where I helped give birth to a baby.

“The young man now lives just outside New York and he is called Paul and every year I get a Christmas card from Paul and his family. He is about 19 years of age. Then the other extreme, you see every element, dealing with super stars, dealing with celebrities, dealing with very powerful people.

“As an hotelier you literary get to live a life within life. You get to see all of life within your own building and I just found that fascinating. I am really into the whole psychology of hotel and the whole mental interactions that happen on a daily basis.

“The human element, we want to care for our guests, we want to hear our guests talk, see them smile and laugh and is really a nice element of the hotel life.

Lastly and here in Nigeria, is that sense of responsibility towards the country and towards the people of the country because we represent our country.”

This is one aspect of the hotel life in Nigeria that Kavanagh is really passionate about as the Irishman, who has taken Nigeria as his own adopted country and zone, preachment this days is for hoteliers to see their hotel as a true reflection and representation of Nigeria.

Coming to Nigeria By 2008, boredom has set in and Kavanagh had become weary of the Unitcontinued on page 39

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MUSON CENTRE

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TRAVEL BEATS

Jovago, AIG get $84 million investment boost

The quintessential home of entertainment

Jovago.com, which is Africa’s number one leading hotel online booking platform and AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, have announced a partnership for the expansion of Jovago, attracting $84 million funding for its business in Africa and Asia.

With this funding, AXA has acquired eight per cent share capital of AIG, the mother company of Jovago. As a result, AXA has become a shareholder of AIG alongside MTN, Rocket Internet and Millicom.

Jovago with this new investment hopes to further strengthen its leading position in the sector, as the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Paul Midy, said that “It’s amazing for Jovago to partner with such a strong group as AXA who will allow us to strengthen our ability to build the first platform for travellers in Africa. Jovago wants to break the barriers to travel and make travel more easy and affordable in Africa. The support of AXA will be key to succeed.”

“Since the funding is well-timed and the amounts invested significant, this makes for one of the top investments in the history of start-ups in Africa. It also strategically positions Jovaog and Africa Internet Group to further build e-commerce in Africa,” he added.

This investment will allow AXA to build on the strength of AIG companies to further develop its activities as the company becomes the exclusive provider of insurance products and services throughout AIG.

Andrew Iro Okungbowa

he Musical Society of Nigeria Centre, popularly called MUSON Centre in Marina, Onikan, Lagos, is your vantage and quintessential home of entertainment and hospitality of some sorts. It plays home to a blend of traditional and contemporary entertainment of all genres, ranging from musical concerts, drama, poetry rendition, art and crafts. Besides, the centre serves as venue for hosting high profile social events and business conferences.

Established in 1983 by a group of Nigerians with passion for classical music including the late Ayo Rosiji, Louis Mbanefo, Akintola Williams and Emmanuel Francesca, the Musical Society of Nigeria, is a non-governmental and non-profit oriented organisation funded by public spirited persons and corporate organisations.

It sets out among others to promote, firstly classical music and the performance art, development and promotion of Nigeria culture as well as engagement with the international communities.

Other avowed missions include: promoting the understanding and enjoyment of classical music; promoting the education of children in the performance and theory of music; promotion of interaction between Nigerian and non-Nigerian musicians; promoting the performance of serious music with emphasis on classical music; provision of facilities for the realisation of the above mentioned objectives and raising funds from persons and organisations for the realisation of these objectives.

But over the years, the centre has over reached itself and has become the number one venue for hosting of different events both by the public and private sector. In fact, any event hosted at the centre bequeaths on it a rich and colourful status as the venue is seen as a place for the aristocrats and not for the commoners.

The complex itself exudes a rich and colourful ambience lending credence to it rich symbolism. The architectural pull and aesthetics are something of delight to behold while its serene, luxuriating and attractive nature appears to be a throwback to the years when the location once served as love garden for the people.

A time was when it was actually the only centre of note in the city of Lagos and even became the home of live theatre given the fact that the National

The centre's facade

HOSPITALITY Theatre in Orile-Iganmu over the years has become a dead end and only fit for miscreants and others due to its abandonment by the government.

Even so, it has continued to be one of the richest and most colourful homes for entertainment in the city with its promotion of popular art form and traditional culture. A time was in its rich and glorious history when it hosted musical concert by the late legendary Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Despite serving as centre for popular and public events, MUSON has not forgotten about its main mission of promoting music as it runs a musical school for the training of young talents and also maintains a choir and symphony orchestra, which at regular intervals entertain the public.

Along this line, it also engages in cultural exchanges by having renowned musical artistes especially musical professional, opera singers, instrumentalists and ballerinas as well as dancers perform with its resident group and other Nigerians professional acts of note. Every year, it holds a season of art festival known as MUSON Festival of Drama, Art and Dance, which made its debut in February 1999.

Despite serving as centre for popular and public events, MUSON has not forgotten about its main mission of promoting music

Hotel Royale offers free party for guests As Valentine’s Day celebration climaxes tomorrow, Hotel Royale is enticing guests to its Valentine’s broth with a free party incentive as part of ensuring that the hotel guests and residents have a taste of its savoury treat.

According to the Executive Chairman of the hotel, Ogbuefi Tony Ike, who was represented by the hotel’s manager and spokesperson, Ezekiel Olarewaju, guests will be treated to a unique event during the celebration with its club, discotheque, bush and pool bars primed for the day’s exciting and colourful event.

The Isheri Berger-based hotel is a 32 affair boasting a banquet hall, night club, swimming pool, bars, and restaurant and offering internet facilities and such live entertaining events as ladies nite, celebrity nite, club days and all nite party.

It also has a place for culinary art with the presence of Scala Restaurant, which offers savoury African and continental dishes for the delight of diners who regularly patronise the centre for rich dining and wining. Expect a special treat at the restaurant during week days, festival occasions and when the centre is in session playing host to some of its popular events for the year.

Located within the environs of MUSON Centre are such places as Onikan Museum, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), City Mall and Onikan Stadium and the now defunct Pec Theatre among others where you can catch some fun and excite your soul at any time and day of the week.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS 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, e-mail: iroandy@ymail.com

ABA

FESTAC, LAGOS

LAGOS

Panda Hotel Suites & Lounge

CAPITOL HOTEL, AGEGE

REE DANIELS HOTEL AND SUITES

38 Travel&Tourism

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DESTINATION

T

he Lake Chad Basin is common to many people in Nigeria particularly in the northern part of the country with specific but the same can’t be said of the Chad Basin National Park, one of the eight national parks in the country, which has some bearing on the popular Lake Chad Basin.

The park spans a landmass of 2, 258 square kilometres covering both Borno and Yobe states with three distinct sectors thus making it the most widespread and diverse when it comes to it resources as this park is said to house rich and abundant wildlife resources.

A clear pointer to its rich nature and unique possessions is the presence of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, a highly regarded ecosystem and home to Nigeria’s only Ramsar site.

And wait for this, the park attracts one of the richest birdlife that one can ever boast of anywhere in the world with the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands serving as home to migratory birds from across Europe and other parts of the world. Unfortunately, this rare offering is only known to few ornithologists and conservationists unlike the incident of the migratory elephants and wildebeests annually between the Mara Massai National Park in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

This phenomenal occurrence is heavily celebrated and attracts huge following from the rank of tourists and conservationists, thereby bringing huge financial inflow to both countries and increasing economy activities. Whereas in Nigeria, hardly is the occurrence of the migratory birds, which happens around March is promoted or celebrated either by the people or the park management, with the huge economic inflow from it untapped.

The three distinct spatial sectors of the park when it comes to locations are Chingurmi-Duguma, which is in Borno State, Bade-Nguru sector and Bulatura Oases both in Yobe State. It is not possible to access or explore the three sectors on the same day because of their spread and the distance between them.

Perhaps the starting point for a visitor is Maiduguri where you have the head office of the park and then to the Chingurmi-Duguma sector and this would normally take a day or more depending on the interest of the visitor while both the Bade-Nguru and Bulatura Oases sectors can be explored in a day as they are both located not too far from each other.

Hadejia - Nguru wetlands

CHAD BASIN NATIONAL PARK

Entices with best wetlands offerings Chad Basin National Park with its three sectors offers not just only the most diverse wildlife experiences for people but host one of Nigeria’s richest and world most sought after ecosystem – Hadejia-Nguru wetlands. In continuation of the series on the eight national parks, ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA writes on the uniqueness of this park.

animals particularly elephants roaming freely between the two parks. With a landmass of 1, 228 square kilometres, the sector has what had been described as stratified topology with the northern end of the sector populated by the sahel vegetation while the southern end is home to Sudan-Guinea Savannah.

You are sure to see expanse of open savannah woodland and grassland at the sector with such threes as acacia and what is known as elephant grass and sorghum. You will also come across pockets of local communities, which are situated within the park’s environment and these enrich your experience, as you view the blend of human existence amidst wildlife.

Black It is said to have rich and crowned abundant fauna and flora crane life with some of the animal species including the resident black crowned crane, hel-

Chingurmi-Duguma sector The Chingurmi-Duguma sector is located in Borno State, boasting the Sudanian Savannah and grassland in most parts of the park. You need a four wheel drive to access the park as its terrain is quite rugged and tough and could be difficult to access during the rainy season because of bad roads.

This sector is actually located in Woloji and Gulumba districts in Bama Local Government Area of the state and shares border with the Waza National Park in Cameroon with

meted guinea fowl, white storks and elephants. I remembered be told on a visit years ago that the sector once housed giraffe but for years now it is rare and difficult sighting any during game viewing.

There is also the presence of rivers and streams in the park and these are said to flood the park when they overflow during the rainy season. Keeping the local communities living within the park from poaching its natural resources is a constant battle between the park’s management and the local people.

Bade -Nguru Wetlands sector The Bade-Nguru Wetlands sector is part of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, and covers an area of 938 square kilometres in the southwest of the Bade and Jakusko local government areas of Yobe State. This sector boasts a very rich and rare ecosystem with the presence of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, which is taken as part of the park.

However, the Dagona Waterfowl Sanctuary as the sector is sometimes or interchangeably referred to, offers a unique opportunity for you to explore the migratory birds of the park with

a viewing tower constructed for that purpose.

This is one of West Africa’s most important stop-over points for birds migrating from Europe. It has been listed as an IBA (Important Birds Areas) supported by Birdlife International. The park hosted prince Philip in 1989 when he was the president of WWF and the park was also visited by Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1990.

The last time one visited the park, there was a modest guest house operated by the park for visitors in this sector but whereby this is not available, there are one or two hotels in Nguru for visitors to pass the night once on safari of the park.

The month of March is said to be about the best month to visit the park because that is when the migratory birds from Europe visit in their numbers and it is fascinating sight to behold.

A most fascinating aspect of this sector is the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands, which is one of the listed Ramsar wetlands of international importance. Nguru Lake and the Marma Channel complex are designated a Ramsar Site. The wetlands are important for water birds, both for

Travel&Tourism 39

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SEE THE

WORLD The Gambia

F

GIraffe s in the park

or serene, captivating, lovely and memorable getaway weekend, The Gambia otherwise known as the smiling coast of Africa, should be high on your destination list especially for this weekend as the world celebrates Valentine’s Day. It is less than an hour flight from Lagos with a number of Nigerian airlines operating regular commercial flights to Banjul. So, you don’t really need to have a private jet to make the trip and I can also assure you that you don’t also need a big purse to give yourself and your date a treat of a life time at this smiling coast where its long stretch of Atlantic Ocean has been turned into a colourful and fascinating play ground for tourists.

It is essentially devoted to tourism activities with a number of hospitality homes located on the beach. This includes Sheraton Hotel and Kairaba Beach Hotel as well as Ocean Bay. The list is endless as you witness the rich interplay of nature and man as a number of the hotels and guesthouses located on the beach front afford you the opportunity to savour some interesting water relating activities from swimming, smooching, sunbathing to beach front party at night.

Its rich blend of offerings ranging from cultural entertainment, culinary treats with local delicacies high on the bill to nature as well as rich nightlife and musical entertainment from traditional to contemporary.

You can also explore offerings in

two of its biggest cities Serekunda and Brikama. And don’t forget that The Gambia has one of the richest colonial histories to explore with the legendary story of Kinta Kunte in the popular Roots based on the colonial and slave trade history of the country. It is indeed the ancestral home of blacks and a place of rejuvenation for The Diaspora and a reconnection with fatherland.

Its rich and luxuriating natural environment can also be savour as signified by the blend of offerings on parade in such locations as the Makasutu cultural forest, Kotu and Abuko areas with abundant and colourful wildlife as seen from the many flora and fauna resources, all tempered by rich cultural entertainment and art and craft of the people For this Valentine’s Day celebration, The Gambia is all primed to give a special treats to both residents and visitors with all the leisure homes and hospitality outfits in Banjul, the Senegambia area and other tourism circuit of the country offering fascinating packages for the people. The Executive Secretary of The Gambia Hotels Association,

breeding species and for wintering and passage Palearctic water birds. The estimated water birds population varies between 200,000 and 325,000. 377 bird species have been seen in the wetlands, including occasional sightings of the near-threatened pallid harrier and great snipe species.

Bulatura sector The Bulatura sector is in the Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State, and covering an area of 92 square kilometres, some distance from the Bade-Nguru wetland sector. This sector is mainly characterised by a series of swampy valleys containing potash, which is big business in the community and attract a number of the people to the park’s region.

There is also the presence of sand dunes, quite an expanse of it and this is the only park in Nigeria where you this unique natural occurrence. It reminds one of places like Dubai where its sand dunes has been turned into a leisure experience for visitors to the emirate but here at the park, the sand dunes is unutilised and left fallow.

It was a nasty experience conquering this sand dunes and even the swampy valley on foot when one visited with no four wheel drive car available for the trip unlike in Dubai where you are treated to a dreadful and adrenalin pumping four wheel drive experience on the sand dunes by the people.

Hundreds of people pay heavily for this after which a dinner and belly dance by beautiful Arabian ladies climax your journey.

This sector I was told shares border with Niger Republic and that it is not uncommon to witness human movement and trade across the two borders at certain periods of the year.

Camel is also another common site here.

One of the beaches in Gambia

Marion Nyan made a beautiful pitch for the country thus: “The Gambia is known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, thanks to the genuine warmth, spontaneous smiles and friendliness of our people, and our members have lined up special activities and made arrangements to cater specially for lovers visiting from around the world this Valentine’s Day weekend. Lovers would be spoilt for choice from the wide range of resorts and hotels situated on the fabulous palm-fringed coastline, and virgin golden sands along the beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Just contact your travel agent and make your bookings, from simple middle-market resorts to luxury accommodation, and from pleasant small properties to international five-star hotel chains with state-of-the-art facilities.

“When you need a change of environment from the comfort of your accommodation, you can make your stay in The Gambia even more remarkable by going on one of the numerous adventure trips available, including a boat cruise on the River Gambia, boat fishing or watch African wrestling,” she added.

All resorts and hotels in The Gambia have competitive night life entertainment events including live music in their gardens; fashion shows, beauty contests, discos, karaoke and a variety of cultural activities.

There are many art galleries with works of contemporary Gambian artists on display. The well stocked craft markets outside the main hotels offer a large variety of antique masks, carvings, batik products, hand-woven fabrics, leather works and jewellery, where the fun is in the bargaining and in the conversation with the local traders.

Hotels and restaurants in The Gambia serve both international and local cuisine, and like most African countries, The Gambia serves a variety of delicious dishes, which are prepared mainly with vegetables and rice.

From humble beginning to top echelon c o n t i n u e d F R O M pa g e 3 6

ed Kingdom environment and wanted a change. “I got to that point where I was thinking that look there should be more to life than this? Everything was in place, opportunities in the UK, it was challenging at the time. In 2008, you had the financial crash and London had become a bit depressing and it has become a bit less creative. I don’t mind pressure but you ought to have that balance.”

That led him to talking with an agent

in search of a new environment. Nigeria, Thailand and Bolivia were some of the countries with opportunities then.

Along the line, he had discussion with the people in charge of a hotel project in Nigeria. Obudu Mountain Resort was not in the picture then but it later cropped up.

This ignited his interest in Nigeria and therefore, he went in frenetic search of information on Nigeria and Obudu.

But according to him, he was not impressed by the outcome of the search.

Although not deterred by this, when

he was about deciding on Nigeria another agent approached him with an enticing offer of a five-star resort in the Maldives.

But as fate would have it, he decided for Nigeria and thus began his eventual romance with Nigeria. “But there was something about this that was going to be a real challenge and this was going to test me in every way I could possibly be tested and this was going to push me in every way I could possibly be pushed,’’ he says of his choice of Nigeria.

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Is Nigeria's 2016 budget sound enough?

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Emmanuel Omotayo Akande igeria knell over her economic performance and achievements between 80s and '90s as African economic giant. This success was in part, largely, due to discovery of oil in export quantity in 1970s and in partly due to conservativeness, accountability and selfless service of our past leaders who led with the scope of bringing better life to well-meaning Nigerians. As wave of oil income spread across the Economic spectrum, leadership and accountability quickly dispel to the thin air while leaders crave for financial opportunities to divert public funds to their private scoffers. Then national cake quickly degenerates into private pancakes; leaders vie for public positions not to serve any more but be served their pancakes. Unfortunately, oil revenues, a resource, from which Nigeria formally derives about 90per cent of her foreign exchange and Income become her woes and misfortune as the price of crude oil recently fallen to the 12th year low. The question then is not where Nigeria is heading but how it can cope with the dwindling oil revenue and its uncertainties. Even if the fall in price of crude oil has not taken Nigerian economy with great surprise but it is shocking that oil doom has come this early. Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, recently presented the 2016 budget to the national assembly in grand style.

The details of the budget appear to entails a truly devoted government that has the welfare of its citizens at heart but the lofty budget come with a great price.

Corruption pervades every spectrum of the institutions and it eventually became the fulcrum on which the economy was structured

Buhari

Where We Are!!!

Nigerians have savoured good governance in the past, her citizens have experienced what a better economy looks like, many know the consequences of financial disciplines in fact, accountability of leadership was once our logo. Unfortunately, the leaders lost the course of direction and throw the future of Nigeria to the bottomless pit of corruption. Corruption pervades every spectrum of the institutions and it eventually became the fulcrum on which the economy was structured. What then is the good about the budget? More spending that is strategic, focused driven and partially purposeful.

Perhaps, a thumb up for the president and his cabinets. A quick review of the budget through the simple principle of economics; N6.08tn budget in 2016 indicates about 21.6per cent increase in 2015 which seems plausible and reasonable.

For instance, N1.8tn in capital spending, indicating about 223per cent increase from the previous year and 30per cent of the entire budget, is a thank you every citizens owe to the president. Nigerians have the right to benefit from the milk and honey that flows ceaseless from the oil resources and the only way we can all partake is through capital developments.

A 223per cent increase in capital expenditure is plausible and welcoming; how do I pride myself as a Nigerian if there are no good housing for the less privilege, how do I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens of other country when topical issues like power and energy are discussed. Pot holes on the road that can conveniently contained an Elephants has characterised Nigerian roads and this problem has become banal to the level where it is no longer a concern anymore. So, a huge capital investment is not only good but required

Adeosun

to support innocuous citizens whose direct benefit from the national income is majorly limited to capital expenditure and the more investment on the capital heads, ruling out corruption, the more satisfaction people derive. However, the lofty spending plans come with a great price and sacrifices and it is not a rhetoric to conclude that the deficit spending is historic in nature the action has a dire consequences as well.

Borrowing to finance a budget should not be a new thing especially at this turbulence time when crude oil price has nose-dived by 61.2 per cent from December 2013 average and by over 70 per cent since 2014 when the decrease began.

A budget deficit of N2.22tn ($11.1b) is a record high deficit representing 36.5 per cent of the entire budget and 2.8 per cent of 2013 national income. Every oil dependent countries has record high budget deficit due to incessant collapsed of the oil price as well for instance, oil producing giant, Saudi Arabia proposed a record whopping amount of $98b in deficit for the year 2016 but where the difference lies is leadership, resource control, management styles, and overall production capacity. So, as the oil price crash continues, countries like Nigeria will continue

to resort to loans or debts to finance its deficits until alternative source of revenue is created.

Oil crashes in part due to low demand and largely due to oversupply.

China has ridiculously reduced its oil demands; the country is the second largest consumer, after United States, of oil and its consumptions greatly affects the world oil prices. This impact is now more pronounced as China’s economy is now weak and moribund thus, oil is no longer a “given” for China but a choice of commodity with lower expectations. United States is another reason for which oil price has collapsed, over supply of shale production floods oil market and thus driving the price down and while this might be good for the U.S, because there is alternative source of revenue like the Silicon Valley, but a bad idea for the oil revenue dependent countries. For these reasons, Nigeria has no better choices other than those that will be dictated by amount of foreign exchange it earns from it and this is also terribly hampered by the lack of production capacity and lack of focus economic diversification. Presently, our reserves has been depleted to a grotesque level such that it can barely support six months of import. How did we get here in the first place? Where were the Ivy League school technocrats who served in the governments at the time when Nigeria was going in this wrong direction? Nigeria economy has remained economic giant of Africa on paper but not in reality. Saudi Arabia in a standoff with the U.S. shale production has flooded the oil market with an effort to bring down the price. The Kingdom wants to prove that its leadership in the oil market will not go down without a fight but U.S. is poised to weather any storm and this is why oil prices has been on the decrease as well.

Way Forward:

To revive Nigerian economy and pay off her debts definitely requires a strategic plan that will refocus her attention to resources that appears unappealing or a change that will necessitate wooing of investors to areas of investment needs.

What does it matter anymore when every roadmap to foreign exchange has closed but one of the factors that dealt a deadly blow to its foreign exchange, aside the oil price decline, is the delisting of Nigeria from emerging market government bond index monitored by JPMorgan Chase. On January 16th, 2012 Nigeria was included in the JP Morgan Emerging Market Government Bond Index (GBI-EM), considering the existence of a vibrant and effective domestic market for Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds. The GBI-EM indices consist of regularly traded liquid fixed-rate domestic currency government bonds. It was expected that Nigeria would have at least a 0.59per cent weight of the $170 billion of assets under management of the index. Whereas, Nigerian bonds yields were offering up to 16per cent compared to the GBI-EM Index yield of 5.8per cent.

Nigeria was initially placed on negative watch due to liquidity problem caused by oil price decline and finally delisted In October, 2015. What are the implications?

First, Foreign investors were forced to sell off their FGN bonds worth of $12bn, as a result, capital flights loom until Naira was inadvertently devalued due to pressure. Secondly, cost of borrowing has increased and to win back the investors’ confidence, interest rate has to increase.

Presently, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is adopting unorthodox and unwholesome way of controlling foreign exchange and that policy did not only cause a demand management problem but also create loopholes in the foreign exchange market. Rationing foreign exchange and withholding its use for importing some items might only work in the short time but in the long time, when alternative by those in dire need might have been sought, it will backfire and Naira will be greatly depreciated to keep up with the pressure. This is exactly what is currently happening in the FOREX market. Government should deregulate the exchange rate and allow the price to allocate the necessary resources in this market. It will be a costly mistake if Nigeria turn to redenomination of Naira in other to save it from continual decline.

The monetary system needs to function to make the economy more competitive; the restriction of the foreign exchange has stifle the economy to the level where interest increase no longer attract investors. Moreover, with the dwindling oil revenue, attention should be shifted to productive sectors of the economy like manufacturing and service sectors but the major hindrances to this goal is the condition of our roads, power and other infrastructural facilities. The more Nigeria realises that capital investment on these areas the better it is for investors to be attracted to our economy and the more revenue we get but right now, investors are distracted by the unsound monetary policies that has skewed the economy to the left.

The research at CAPE Economic Research and Consulting Ltd (CAPE ERC) reveals that after Iran sanctions have been lifted by the West and Its oil is added to the already flooded market, the world crude oil price will further decline by about 32.3per cent. It is expected the economic growth rate to further compress larger than what was proposed in the budget as the decline continues deeper in year 2016. It is time for Nigeria to foster research into alternative energy unfortunately research institutions are badly funded. For instance, education receives N369.6 billion in 2016 budget but the question is so simple; how far can this go? Nigeria needs to build its research base to be competitive in today’s global village but meager allocation of this magnitude will render the economy scope so miniature until a drastic change is invoke.

The world will get to the point where fossil fuel will be redundant as the remnants will only be useful for history in the research institutions. Although, year 2016 budget is great however, implementation remain obscure but if judiciously managed and adequately appropriated, consequent economic growth will be impeccable.

Contact the author, Emmanuel Omotayo Akande, CEO/Principal Economist @ CAPE Economic Research and Consulting Ltd. eakande@capeeconomicconsult. com

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

41

Why Wike’s sacking was nullified –Supreme Court Tunde Oyesina

T Abuja

he Supreme Court yesterday explained why it nullified the decision of the River State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and that of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier nullified the April 11 governorship election which produces Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the governor of the state.

The apex court while giving its reasons held that the judgment of the appeal court affirming the judgment of the election petition tribunal sacking Wike was a nullity because the governor did not get a fair hearing as the facts he presented were not considered by the tribunal.

It further held that the tribunal was improperly constituted, explaining that Suleiman Ambursa, chairman of the tribunal gave judgment in error because he did not sit over the initial hearing of the case.

Justice Ambursa replaced Justice Muazu Pindiga, who was removed in the middle

...says tribunal not properly constituted of the hearing of the state’s governorship election petitions.

It held that Dakuku Peterside, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship poll and respondent in the appeal, was unable to prove that an election did not take place in Rivers State on April 11.

The apex court explained that the burden of proof was on Peterside to prove that the election was marred by wanton violence, and that it did not take place.

It had upturned the judgment of both the election petitions tribunal and the appeal court nullifying his victory at the April 11, 2015 poll.

In October 2015, the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja nullified Wike’s election, and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh poll.

On behalf of the threeman panel, Justice Ambursa,

who is the chairman, said Wike was not duly elected governor of Rivers State, adding that the election was flawed based on evidence presented to it.

The tribunal held that the testimonies of Wike’s

witnesses were weak, and as such could not prove the governors case beyond reasonable doubt.

It also held that Wike's witnesses made contradictory statements, further complicating the defendants’

case.

It dismissed the governor's petition over the power of the tribunal to entertain the case.

Not satisfied, Wike appealed the judgment, but he again lost two months

Army releases 275 Boko Haram suspects in Borno Ahmed Miranga Maiduguri

T

he Nigerian Army yesterday released 275 detainees after they had been cleared of being members of the Boko Haram terrorists group in Borno State.

The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.Gen. Hassan Umaru, handed over the detainees to Gover-

nor Kashim Shettima at a ceremony in Maiduguri.

Umaru said the detainees included 271 Nigerians and two nationals each of the republics of Cameroon and Niger.

“Today we are releasing 275 persons who have been in detention over suspicion of being involved in terrorism.

“Our crack team of joint

investigators has screened and cleared the persons that are in the process of being released here today,” he said.

He said the detainees included 142 males, 49 females, 22 under-aged and 50 children of cleared females.

“The persons being released comprise 142 males, 49 females, 22 under-aged,

Budget: Reps walk-out NTI boss, Ladan Sarahu Philip Nyam Abuja

T

he House of Representatives committee on basic education yesterday walked-out the executive secretary of the Nigerian Teachers Institute (NTI), Mr. Aminu Ladan Sarahu, over poor presentation of the 2016 budget proposal.

Chairman of the committee, Zakari Mohammed (APC, Kwara), said the lawmakers were concerned with the poor presentation of proposal by the NTI boss and decided to ask him to go and do a proper budget to be presented to the committee within the next two weeks.

The lawmakers were par-

ticularly angered when the NTI boss told them that his institute was tagged basic education, hence it was denied funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He complained that this singular development has denied his commission the much needed funds to make it more functional.

The lawmakers baffled by Mr. Sarahu's disposition during the presentation, accused him of having bias mind typical of an unprepared chief executive and therefore ordered him to explain lineby-line what he enumerated in his proposal, since they (lawmakers) couldn't make any sense of his document.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi (left) and Senator Robert Borofice, during the senator’s courtesy visit to the monarch, at Ile-Ife…yesterday

Reps queries N7bn VP’s residence contract Philip Nyam Abuja

T

he House of Representatives has declared that it will not appropriate any fund for the completion of the contract for the building of the vice president’s residence by the ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chairman of the House committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Herman Hembe (APC, Benue) who disclosed this yesterday, during a budget defence session

with the minister for FCT, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said it was mind boggling that the N7 billion awarded five years ago was still uncompleted after 88 per cent of the contract sum had been paid.

He said until the committee is given cogent reasons as to why it should endorse any further expenditure on the project, they will not appropriate funds for it.

Hembe wondered why the mini- Mosque in the residence, which is meant to contain only about 20 persons was awarded at the cost N95

later, when the appeal court unanimously dismissed all the seven issues he raised, and upheld the decision of the tribunal on the conduct of a fresh governorship election in the state.

Still not satisfied, Wike approached the apex court where he finally got his election upheld.

million; a chapel of about the same capacity at the cost of N84 million; while the gate house was awarded at N55 million.

According to the chairman, the ADC’s house is to cost N258 million, the chief security officers house at N228 million, boys quarters at N288 million, gate house, N55 million and security quarters, N114 million.

Hembe noted with dismay that in spite of the fact that Julius Berger, the company executing the contract after collecting N6.215 billion

out of the N7 billion contract sum, vacated the site since 2012.

“Julius Berger is being owed only N850 million and if you go to the site you will be shocked. Honourable minister, we all live in Abuja and we build houses too.

“What kind of gate house would cost as much as N55 million and a mosque N98 million and church N84 million? This is unacceptable.

“So, until we are convinced, we cannot approve any money for this project again.

50 children of cleared females, two Nigeriens and two Cameroonians,” the theatre commander said.

He said they were being released in line with the principles of justice and fair play.

“In line with the principles of justice, equity and fairness, we deem it fit to release them to their families,” he said.

He expressed sadness over their detention and urged them to consider it as their contribution to efforts to return peace in the country.

“Their stay in detention had not been palatable due to restrictions imposed on them and loss of freedom.

“However, I see it as their sacrifice and contribution toward the return of peace in our country,” Umaru said.

He said the army had transferred eight other suspects to the police for further investigations.

“Eight cases that are criminal in nature will be transferred to the police for further action. We wish to assure Nigerians that no individual will be unjustly or unduly incarcerated.

“We remained committed to the protection of fundamental Human rights of every citizen of Nigeria and foreigners alike”.

Receiving the detainees, Shettima commended the military for a job well done.

“Today bears a sense of professionalism, justice, equity and fairness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.''

A’Court declares APGA candidate winner in Bayelsa Assembly poll

T

he Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Belemote Watson, the winner of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly seat in Brass Constituency 2.

In a ruling, the court upheld the earlier ruling of the State House of Assembly Tribunal and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, to issue Watson his certificate of return.

Also, the appellate court

upheld the ruling of the Tribunal nullifying the election of Dr. Michael Awoli Anapurere of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Ogbia Constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly.

The appellate court then declared Mr. Gibson Munalayefa of Labour Party as the winner of the election having scored the highest valid votes cast.

By the latest judgment, the number of opposition members in the House has risen to five in a 24 member State Assembly.

42

Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

These picturesque depicts the events that occurred after the gruesome murder of the late Head of State in the 1976 coup

The cenotaph at the spot he was killed

General Murtala Muhammed

Muhammed's car after the attack

As news of the attempted coup spreads, some people in Lagos became panick and ran for their lives

A cleric leading others during prayer in kano before Muhammed's burial

Murtala Muhammed: 40 Years After 43

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Dimka, in handcuffs after his arrest

Major Rabo's residence, where the finishing touch was put on the coup plan

Dimka before he was executed

A police constable Jika Iyah who spotted Dimka and immediately arrested him

R-L: Capt. Malachy Parawang (reportedly beaten to death after rain of bullets missed him), unidentified soldier, Abdulkareem Zakari, Paul Mshelip, Clement Dabang, J. W. Kasai at the stake

The then Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo during a condolence visit to Ajoke

Alleged chief coup plotter, Major-General I. D. Bisalla at the gallows

Soldiers set for execution of the plotters

44

City & crime update

SATURDAY, 13 FEBRUARY, 2016

Suspected kidnapper: Gang members always phoned during my prayers…

M

Juliana Francis

r. Ugochukwu Gabriel Mbah, 33, is perhaps asking himself today what he was thinking when he took to kidnapping like duck to water.

He said he could have been a pastor, but kidnapping found its way into his life and held it in a vice grip.

He was arrested by the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase’s Special Intelligence Response Team (SIRT). The team was led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Mr. Abba Kyari.

He said he was now a born again Christian. He is often seen clutching a bible and preaching to other detainees.

Before his arrest, he was like a lion during operations; but now he’s as docile as a lamb.

According to him, he was destined to be a pastor, but he had repeatedly refused to heed the call of God. He said that sometimes, he would be having his morning devotion with his family and his gang members would call him for an operation.

He would quickly run through the prayer session and set out to kidnap another victim for ransom. He said that those times that his gang members called while he was praying with his family, God was actually calling and warning him to quit crime.

His words: “It was when they arrested me I realised God was warning me to quit crime. That’s why he allowed Onyema to always call me whenever I was praying with my family. I’m destined to be a pastor; it’s just that I have not accepted my calling.

Come to the police cell today; you’ll notice that all the inmates are gradually giving their lives to Christ.”

Mbah is one of the five people arrested for kidnapping in Imo State. Detectives attached to SIRT, described the gang as, “notorious Imo State Kidnappers.” The gang members were arrested in Imo, Anambra and Abia States.

Other members now in police custody are; Kenneth Levi, 32, Onyema Uzodinma, 31, Udochukwu Nwanguma, 37 and Nduka Nwankwo, 25.

Two AK47 rifles, two magazines with 52 rounds of live ammunition, one Beretta pistol and one pump action gun were recovered from the gang.

Mbah, the only son of his father who has three wives and 15 children, said that part of the troubles that led him into crime is traceable to his uncles.

His words: “My uncles are against me.

They want to take my lands. It got to a point that I was poisoned and it took me months to recover.”

He explained that in 2012, he travelled to Angola in search of greener pasture but was deported. He said that he was deported because the authorities said he didn’t have up to N1million in his bank account.

He said: “I genuinely wanted to do business there, but they refused. Back in Nigeria, I was dead broke and all my efforts to live a decent life were frustrated. I decided to survive by any means.”

It was during this tough time that his friend, Richard, gave him accommodation.

•Inmate plans kidnapping from prison

The suspects

Richard brought him to Owerri and later told him that his source of livelihood was kidnapping for ransom. Mbah joined the business and was introduced to Nduka.

To show commitment, Mbah assisted the gang in raising money to buy guns.

“My initial duty was to stay in the bush with victims, but I refused because as a married man, what would I tell my family was my reason for switching off my phone? I ended up picking the simplest job; to sell all the stolen cars. I did that several times and was given my share. I was able to save enough money to buy a Lexus Jeep and to show my friends in Lagos that I was doing well,” said Mbah.

One of his friends, Ade, after seeing the Jeep, was immediately onto Mbah. Ade asked him if he could get him cheap cars.

Mbah told him that most exotic cars that were sold cheaply were stolen. Mbah asked Ade if he was still keen on doing business.

To show that he was interested, Ade gave Mbah a pump action rifle as a gift. Mbah was stunned and thrilled.

Mbah said: “In this business, such a gift is priceless. I told the gang in Owerri of my specification; Lexus 330. They got it in less than two days. I warned Ade to remove the tracking device, but he was careless. The owners traced the car to Lagos and Ade was arrested.”

Immediately he got information that Ade had been arrested, Mbah went underground. He was still in hiding when he heard that police had arrested Richard.

When he came out of hiding, Mbah decided to start organising kidnapping operations. He called Nduka and told him of his intention. Mbah volunteered his car to scout for victims.

He described his first operation as a flop.

He said they got a Toyota Highlander from the deal, but not money. He said they kidnapped a female teacher. She turned out to be one of those owed salaries by Imo State Government.

“We trailed her till she got to the gate of her house. I used my car to block hers, while others jumped down and forced her into our car. They took her to our camp in Urata, while I drove the Highlander to Abia State where it was sold for N300, 000. I was still waiting to collect the money when my boys called. They said they could only get N17, 000 from her and that her husband, a pensioner, couldn’t raise any money. When I heard she was a teacher, I asked them to release her,” Mbah stated.

One day, Richard called him from Owerri Prison. Richard told him life was tough in prison and that he needed Mbah’s assistance. Richard told him to join forces with some specialists from Aba. Mbah initially refused, but later agreed.

Mbah recalled: “I ignored Richard for some weeks till I received a call while I was praying. I was praying with my family one morning and I got a call from Onyema. I told him I would call him back. I refused to call back, but Onyema later called me.

They convinced me. I invited Nduka and some of my boys to join since I didn’t trust these specialists.”

They told Mbah that they needed his car for the operation they wanted to carry out.

On January 7, 2016, the kidnappers struck.

“We spotted a man with an exotic car.

We followed him till he got to the gate of his house. He was waiting for someone to open the gate when we pounced and overpowered him. His wife saw us, but we simply told her to keep her phone close. I wanted to take over the car but I discovered that it had a tracker. We abandoned the car and used my own,” Mbah recounted.

The man they kidnapped, right in front of his house with his wife watching helplessly, is Victor Ogadinma. The man was just returning from South Africa. Ogadinma paid N1million ransom before he was released.

Ogadinma said: “I’m based in South Africa. I came back during Christmas pe-

riod to see my family. I was on my way home, in-front of my house, waiting for my family to open the gate when three armed men accosted me. The time was around 7.30pm. My wife came out while they were struggling to push me into the car. She was pushed down.

“They asked me if the car had a tracker, I said yes. They transferred me into another car. They took me to Port Harcourt Road.

They asked me if I had money. I told them there were N220, 000, $2000 dollars and some European currencies. They blindfolded and took me to a house. They later moved me to another house in a village around 4am. They dropped me inside a dirty kitchen and demanded that my family should bring N30million. I told them my family could only afford N5million. The next day, my family was able to give them N1million. I was kidnapped on January 7, 2016 and released on January 10, 2016. They offered me food, but I preferred water.”

When the ransom was paid, Mbah gave his wife money to cook and went to prison to see Richard and gave him his share of the loot.

Another suspect, Nwankwo, said he was selling fairly used clothes in Aba until Richard paid him a visit.

Nwankwo said: “He asked me if I wanted to make real money. I told him that I was ready to do anything to make money and extricate myself from poverty. To test me, he took me into the bush where they held a man hostage. They gave me N80, 000 just for observing. I later did a lot of jobs with them, especially in Imo State until police arrested Richard.”

Nwankwo confessed that the first operation he did was the kidnap of the teacher who was owed salaries by the Imo State Government.

Nwankwo said: “She didn’t have CONTINUED on PAGE 45

City&crime update 45

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

CONTINUEDfrom PAGE 44

money. I even checked her account with her ATM and discovered it was empty. We found books, jewellery and N17, 000 she just withdrew. Her husband, a pensioner, tried his best but couldn’t raise anything. I gave her N1000 and released her since they took her highlander. After the South African returnee kidnap, police came and raided the area. They found me with cocaine.”

Levi, another suspect, had a sorrowful look on his face. He said his girlfriend was heavily pregnant. He regretted he wouldn’t be there for the birth of their baby.

Narrating how his life of crime started, Levi said he dropped out of junior secondary school and started doing menial jobs.

He raised money and started operating a chemist store.

He said: “I did well until fire gutted the shop in 2010. During those days, I had friends who were into bad things. Most of them ended up in prison. They are Chima and Obinna. They are still in prison. They are my village brothers. They were arrested for car snatching. When they got to prison, they met Richard. He told them he had guns. They too said that they had a gun somewhere and that Chimakpa their brother would show them where the guns were hidden. My brothers called me from prison and convinced me that they needed that gun to raise money to pursue their release. They asked me to go and wait for a call from Chimakpa.

“I met Chimakpa at an agreed venue.

B

He was drivside. He was He said: “I did several jobs with them. ing a Range the one who in- I was very important to the group because It was when they arrested me I realised Rover. He told troduced me to they used the bush in my area as the place God was warning me to quit crime. That’s Ugochukwu.” where all the persons that we kidnapped me that he just came back ar- were held. The game came to an end when why he allowed Onyema to always call me rest,Onhehissaid: from prison. one of our members refused to abide by He showed “I was in my the rules. We kidnapped a woman and whenever I was praying with my family me the guns house when her son and kept them in the bush. It was and said that one of my my responsibility to send food to them, friends called but the guy that was asked to watch over we would use them for KP. KP means kidnapping. I agreed me wanting to know where to buy ammu- them, decided to come out of the bush. to work with him, not just to help those in nition; that was when police arrested me.” He was not known within the area. The prison but because I needed money.”

Uzodinma, whose girlfriend is also villagers immediately knew something Chimakpa however said he wouldn’t heavily pregnant, said his journey into the was wrong. I guessed that was why police work with Levi because he didn’t have a car. criminal world dates back to 2007. stormed the area.”

Levi went to meet his father.

His words: “After dropping out of secNwanguma, married with five kids, “I had to convince my dad to sell one of ondary school, I learnt how to wash cars said that after secondary school, he rehis lands to raise money for me. My dad had and gradually established my own car located to Benin where he learnt to be a no choice because he had already lost two of wash centre. I had one generous customer, mechanic. According to him, financial difhis sons to death. I was special to him. I used Chief Chiemezie Eze. We became friends. ficulties and many kids forced him into the money to buy a car.”

He told me one day that he used to buy crime. stolen cars. I told him that I was willing to He said that it was in the midst of the Levi said that after he got the car, Chido anything that would help me grow fi- trying times that somebody from his town, makpa gave him the guns to keep and they embarked on a series of kidnappings. After nancially. He asked if I was willing to help Ugochukwu became very close to him. a while, Chimakpa introduced Levi to some him transport stolen cars from Owerri to The friendship started with Ugochukwu of his gang members.

Aba. I said yes. We agreed that he would asking him to drive one or two cars, after He noted: “That was how I met Onyema. pay me N15, 000 for each car I success- which he paid him.

I also assisted them to buy AK47 rifles from Then in January 2016, about 11pm, he fully transported to Aba. Unfortunately, Calabar. I realised Chimakpa and his friends the first day that I tried, I landed in police received a phone call. Ugochukwu told were cheating me because they owned the net. I was on my way to Aba when police- him about a man they kidnapped and guns. I started making excuses whenever men stopped me along Aba-Port Harcourt they needed a place to house him. Nwangthere was an operation. I wanted to start my Road. I told them the car belonged to my uma suggested his mother’s kitchen. own gang. Luckily, Chimakpa was arrested chairman. It was a black Toyota Corolla.

“I was the one taking care of the man. and since I had access to those guns, I startTo further convince them, I called Chief. The man was even scared that they might ed looking for my own gang members. My He told them that he would come the next kill him, but I assured him that as long brothers in prison linked me up with Richard. day. He didn’t. The police concluded that as he was with me, nobody would hurt it was a stolen car. I was sent to prison. I him. The man said that if I could help him Richard is an inmate with several links outwas remanded in Owerri Prison for seven escape, he would find a way to give me months and within those months, Chief money. In the evening, Ugochukwu and Eze was also arrested and sent to the same others moved him. I was so happy that I prison.” had money to settle my debt. On the night Uzodinma was later granted bail of January 14, I was with my family when through the help of his mother’s lawyer. I saw the headlight of a car. I saw UgoTo ensure he didn’t go back to crime, his chukwu sitting on the passenger’s seat. parents bought him a motorbike for com- I asked him how far, he said there was mercial purposes. Uzodinma ran into a trouble. We were later arrested. I’m worguy who sold the idea of kidnapping for ried about my kids. Government should eventually got married on the December forgive me because of them,” he pleaded. ransom to him and he bought it.

31, 1969, barely a month to the end of the Biafra War. After the end of the war, he attended institute of management and technology Enugu (IMT) where he graduated with a diploma in accounting.

Eddie and his wife relocated to Kaduna where they began their family. He started working with Peugeot Automobile Manufacturers (PAN) while his wife was employed at General Hospital Kaduna. He later left PAN to start up a Construction Olushola Ricketts Company, (Eddico contractors Ltd) with his best friend, George Okoye. minent Nigerians and loved ones have Having nursed a long time ambition of described Pa Vincent Ojutiku, the forbecoming a lawyer, Eddie in 1984 enrolled mer Chief Accountant of Lagos State, a Law Degree programme at Ahmadu as a man who dedicated his life to the service Bello University, Zaria, from where he society. graduated in 1989 and proceeded to the Ojutiku, who left the civil service 32 years Nigerian Law School Lagos after bagging ago and died in January last year, was buried an LLB Hons degree. He was called to the recently at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos bar in 1990. He was also the Principal PartChief Olusola Ogunsola, Permanent Secner at E.A. Mbaso and Co. Law Firm from retary Office of Civic Engagement in Lagos where he retired in 2013.

State, Mrs. Elizabeth Adekanye and other top Mbaso albeit not a diehard religious personalities, described the late accountant man, he was nonetheless a member of as a pious man who worked passionately for the Catholic Church. In Kaduna, was a the development of the state and dedicated member of Catholic Men's Organisation his life to impacting others after retirement. through which he contributed his quota The first son of the late accountant, Dr. in the service of God and humanity.

Olukayode Ojutiku, described his father as said that her father always wanted the educaBecause of his belief in God, he ensured a pious man who would be missed for his tion sector in Nigeria to be the best in Africa. that all his children were christened in the dedication to religion and his belief in “eduShe noted that the late accountant left a good church. cation for all.” legacy for everyone to treasure.

As a mark of honour to him and recogHe said, “Papa’s commitment to educa“We would hold on to his time on earth nition of his sterling qualities as one of the tion was without parallel and was quick to because he has left an indelible mark. He was leading lights in his community, he was commend every laudable effort achieved in a man who believed that whatever post one admitted to the exalted membership of education. He will be remembered for his held, one should use them to serve the comAGBALANZE in the OBI’s Cabinet, OZUpassion for education and his love would munity.”

BULU, he was given the title of Agbalanze be missed by all.”

Ayandele added, “the last moment I will Ononenyi. He also acted as the life-long Olukayode noted that he was a knowlhold on to tenaciously was when he sang legal adviser for the Peoples Club, Kaduna edgeable, honest disciplinarian who didn’t my birth song. I recorded it, kept it where Chapter and was a member of the Nigericondone illicit acts. it could never be deleted, even as I shared it an Bar Association Kaduna chapter. He is "Difficult moments with papa was his with my phone." survived by his wife, Mrs. Bridget Mbaso, constant admonition for my carelessness.

Among those who also attended the event children, relations and in-laws, including But as I grew up, I began to appreciate his were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Maureen Ifeoma Nzekwe (Mrs.), Francisdecisions more. Three days before his death, Adebule, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Former ca Ebele Akpangbo (Mrs.), Theophilius I spoke with him on phone to wish him more Deputy Governor of the Lagos State, Mrs. Chijioke Mbaso, Chijioke Nzekwe (Barr.) years on earth.”

Sarah Sosan and the Head of Service, Mrs. amongst others.

Also, Mrs. Yinka Ayandele, his daughter, Olabowale Ademola .

Mbaso: A life of honour and integrity

arrister Edmond Azuka Mbaso was born on August 31, I942 in Kano, Nigeria to Chief John Festus Chukwudebele Mbaso and Mrs.Theresa Nwinyaya Mbaso. On the day of his birth, there was heavy rainfall and his father needed help from his brother, Chief Paul Uzuukwu Mbaso, to get his pregnant wife to the hospital. This made his father name him “Azuka” which means having people behind you is better than riches.

This indeed would characterise Mbaso’s life as he placed credence on relationships more than the pursuit of wealth.

Mbaso started his primary school at St.Theresa’s Catholic School Yola before transferring to St. Michael’s Primary School Eziora, Ozubulu, to complete his primary education. He later proceeded to Zickson Grammar School, Ozubulu, where he finished his secondary education.

Eddie started his working life as a Clerk at Onitsha, Anambra State, in the Ministry of Finance. In 1967, around the time of the outbreak of the civil war.

He was subsequently, at the heat of the war, recruited in Enugu into the Special Trained Force of the Biafra Army headed by lieutenant Colonel Onu Aguruchi.

Eddie was commissioned as a Lieutenant upon conclusion of his training. The Special Trained Force was renowned for their extreme dangerous missions and would be engaged in multiple combat missions’ throughout the war. However, in a counter offensive battle launched by regrouped offensive soldiers he was shot on the patella and he lost his knee-cap as a result and was transferred to a medical camp and treated for his injuries.

This, as faith would have it, was where he met his wife and the mother of five of his children. Bridget Ego Mbaso nee Oliagba was visiting a family friend- Captain Aghaabunam who was injured in the war and also recuperating at the medical camp when she met Eddie. Eddie confessed to his children years later that it was love at first sight and the love-birds

Eminent Nigerians, family eulogise former Lagos Chief Accountant

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Pictures that tell stories OLD AND NEW ELECTRICITY METERS

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here are two eras in focus with these metering systems. The old clearly represents the years when National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) took charge of the grid nationwide before the privatisation that ushered in different DISCOs (distribution companies) and GENCOs (generation companies) which are currently re-introducing the pay-as-you-go metering after incessant complaints mainly about epileptic service and arbitrary service charge.

Old meters

News Ndubuisi Ugah and Johnchuks Onuanyim, Abuja

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ndications emerged yesterday that a military court martial may be set up to try seven generals, four colonels and one Lt-Colonel over the handling of the $2.1billion arms fund coordinated by the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

The breakdown of the Generals set for trial include three serving Maj-Generals; a retired Maj-General; three BrigGenerals; four colonels and one Lt-Colonel.

They have already been handed over by the Nigerian Army to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation, according to a statement issued by the Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.

He said those indicted would face trial by a courtmartial.

In another development, Plateau State Governor, Simeon Lalong, has challenged the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, to name the lawyers aiding corruption in the country.

Lalong, a lawyer by profession, made the challenge in Abuja yesterday, when he spoke with some journalists.

Magu had on Wednesday alleged that some senior lawyers aided corruption in the country But in response to this, Lalong has asked the EFCC chairman to mention the names of the lawyers.

Lalong said: “If there are allegations to a profession like that, it is good to be specific. Each profession has a way of disDasuki ciplining its

New prepaid meter

Dasukigate: Military Court may try Jonathan’s ADC, seven Generals l Name lawyers aiding graft, Lalong tells EFCC

members. This means that there are members who are recalcitrant. So, it is better to name those lawyers, arrest, investigate and prosecute them.

“I also have been detained

by EFCC in 2005/2006 for more than 40 days before I was later prosecuted, discharged and acquitted by the Supreme Court. This is because I wanted to follow due process with regards to illegal impeachment when I was a speaker.”

Asked to explain how his state is fight corruption, the governor said: “I have said it several times that the fact that you are not hearing anything in that line does not mean that we are not fighting corruption in Plateau State.

“We have sent in several cases to the EFCC and ICPC. The accountantgeneral just came in today and he is from the EFCC. T h e y were called to come

and give evidences about some investigations that are going on. We have a lot of investigations going on and we have had a lot of arrests, many of them from the past administration are on bail. At the appropriate time, EFCC will prosecute.

“We formed a transition committee which came out and told the plateau people about their findings. We have submitted some of our reports to the EFCC, and also commissioned a reputable accounting firm, KPMG, to help in auditing the state. At the appropriate time when the results are out, you will see the outcome.

“Recently, we recovered about N2.7 billion in the state, money that was regarded as lost. We traced and recovered the money which was meant for teachers. Teachers, civil servants and the judiciary have gone on several months of strike, some nine, some 11 but now, since I came on board, we did our best. We now have arrears of salaries of only two months.

For teachers, we have paid all, they are back to work.

The judiciary is also back to work.

“So, for the Plateau State, we are moving well but in the area of corruption, we are putting pressure on the EFCC to hasten their investigations so that they can begin prosecution and we can also gain recovery of looted funds.”

The governor also

explained that out of the N10 billion the state applied for bail, only N5 billion had been given to the state.

He explained that with the balance of N5 billion that his administration would be able to clear all arrears of salaries.

Speaking on the bail-out money, the governor said: “We had already started

paying workers in the state and when the issue of bailout came, we applied for N10 billion which was supposed to be for the arrears of salaries for about eight to nine months and so far, we have only received N5 billion.

“Plateau was supposed to get N10 billion for salaries and N10 billion for infrastructure but all we have

got so far from the CBN is N5 billion. Even with that, we have been able to clear most of the arrears of salaries. We only have an outstanding of two months salaries not paid, that is for the state. We have paid all the outstanding salaries for all our local governments.

If I am able to get my balance of N5 billion, within a week, all the remaining salaries outstanding would have been cleared.”

EFCC arrests NAMA MD, declares GMs wanted Wole Shadare

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested the managing director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam.

The general manager, Finance, Mr. Nurudeen Segun Agbolade, was arrested alongside the managing director.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that they were whisked away by the operatives.

However, the general manager - Procurement, Olumuyiwa Adegorite and deputy general manager, Finance, Mr. Okon Davidson Akpan, were said to be at large. They were said to have been taken away at 9 pm.

Aside the provision of air traffic services, the trio’s roles are said to be very vital to the sustainability of NAMA in terms of disbursements of funds, provision and acquisition of safety related

equipment and the general running of the parastatal.

A top official of the agency who alerted New Telegraph of the arrival and subsequent interrogation of the top aviation officials said Abdulsalam was about holding a meeting with Human Resources Department when the EFCC officials stormed NAMA at about 11.55am.

The source further disclosed that the EFCC officials were seeking explanation into some ‘questionable’ contract awarded to some company which were said to no have followed due process.

Saturday Telegraph also learnt that a former managing director of NAMA (name withheld) is already reporting to the EFCC to answer to allegation particularly on total radar coverage of Nigeria, otherwise known as TRACON and other multi billion naira contracts.

In 2008, a Ministerial committee set up had indicted some top officials of NAMA,

but the contractor that handled the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria(TRACON) project officially reacted to the eyebrows raised by the committee which became the subject of controversy with allegation of N13 billion fraud.

However, contrary to the alleged fraud, Thales of France that handled the project in a response cleared the Management of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency of any under-hand dealings as all that were expected to be supplied as components for the continued maintenance of the equipment supplied and installed were duly supplied to the later according to what were contained in the contact agreement signed by all parties involved.

In the forward to to the response, endorsed by Mr John Armley, the Country Director (Nigeria) of Thales International of France, specially highlighted the following points contained in the full response.

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Fayose: I’m ready for EFCC, ICPC probe

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kiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, yesterday declared that he was ready to be probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Speaking during the flag-off of the proposed ultra-modern Oja Oba market, which was demolished last November, Fayose said: “men with good intentions fear no foes.”

The governor said this informed his strict adherence to due process and transparency in all his financial dealings and the way contracts were being awarded.

He called on the EFCC and ICPC to scrutinise the financial dealings of his government, because of his experience in the past where he had been detained for 45 days and

charged to court in a case that lasted for eight years.

“I know that I have so many enemies and that is why I have been following due process in all my dealings. There are enemies for me when I sleep and when I wake up, so I have to be careful. I don’t want my enemies to latch on technicality to get at me,” he said.

On rumours that some bigwigs in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fayose described it as mere ranting.

He assured residents that the market, which he said, would be a replica of Tejuoso market in Lagos, will be ready in 18 months.

“I am not scared by these defection threats. If you want to go, you better leave now. I always rely on the masses rather than politicians, because they don’t betray like politicians.

My father paid supreme price —Murtala’s daughter Ndubuisi Ugah

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with agency reports

he Chief Executive Officer, Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Lagos, Mrs. Aisha Muhammed–Oyebode, yesterday said the supreme price paid by her father (a former military head of state, late Gen. Murtala Muhammed) and others military officers who were killed in the February 13, 1976 coup plot would further strengthen the unity of the nation.

Speaking at the opening of an exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Muhammed at the National Museum, Lagos, Muhammed-Oyebode said the sacrifice would enable the country to attain full development and the scope of

UMUAHIA

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he Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has condemned the killing of some pro-Biafra prayer warriors who gathered at National High School, Aba, to pray for the release of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, “by elements of the Nigerian Army at Aba.” Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had threatened to defend itself against attacks by the security agencies, following the alleged killing of its members who had gathered to pray at Aba, Abia State.

The group alleged that over 50 of its members had been killed excluding the wounded and those in illegal detention.

A statement signed by the council’s national president, Mr. Okechikwu Isiguzoro and secretary, Mr. Okwu Nnabuike, OYC, warned that “The Nigerian Army is crossing boundary by this relentless and unwarranted killings.”

“Information at our disposal showed that the IPOB/MASSOB members were having a peaceful prayer with police permit at National High School Aba for the release of their leader Nnamdi Kanu when suddenly the Army swooped on them and started raining live bullets on them, killing many people and wounding others.”

The group also alleged that the police arrested their leaders and moved them to the cell, warning

that: “The Army High Command and the Presidency should rein in the elements in the Nigerian Army who want to put the nation on fire by the killing of innocent and unarmed citizens.”

“Even if we are not in support of the break-up of Nigeria, that is no reason why the Army should use life bullets on defenceless people. The Nigerian Army by its action is trying to make itself candidates for the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague for crime against humanity.

“The Army should stop using life bullet on unarmed people. We do not live in a Gestapo and criminal state. President Buhari should do something now before it gets out of hand and plunge the nation into an avoidable conflict.

“While the Ohanaeze Youth Council is making spirited move to douse the tension arising over the trial of Nnamdi Kanu with its tour of the nation on peace and unity crusade, it will be a calamity for the Army to be putting fuel on the already burning fire. Enough of this disregard for human life.”

The OYC leadership also appealed to the IPOB not to take up arms in the struggle but to maintain it nonviolent stand as efforts were being made through its Peace in Nigeria project to secure the release of Kanu.

The group warned that it was a treasonable offence to take up arms against the state.

potential that the country was capable of attaining.

She said: “It allows us to highlight once more the very ideals espoused by the late General and on which the Foundation is founded.

“It also allows us an opportunity to remind the younger generation of the rich heritage already laid down by heroes’ past.”

While commending the organisers of the public exhibition on the life and times of the late head of state, she said the foundation was pleased to be involved in the project because it allowed them to celebrate once more the contributions of late Muhammed to the project of nation building that he was very passionate about.

FCT Shekarau urges FG to release funds to Military

Igbo group flays killing of pro-Biafra agitators Igbeaku Orji

l Nigerians extol ex-head of state’s virtues

NEWS IN BRIE F

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Earlier, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had implored Nigerian youths and leaders to serve the nation with patriotic zeal to boost her economic and political development as demonstrated by a former military head of state, late Gen. Murtala Muhammed.

The minister said this at the opening of an exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Muhammed at National Museum, Lagos yesterday.

The exhibition tagged, “Our Hero Past: General Murtala Ramat Muhammed”, was jointly organised by the National Museum, Lagos, the IkoyiObalende LCDA and the

IKEJA 'Hijab not banned in Lagos'

The lawmaker representing Shendam/ Mikang/Quam Pan Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Mr. Johnbull Shekarau, has urged the Federal Government not to delay monies appropriated for security agencies to tackle Boko Haram insurgency.

Shekarau in an interaction with journalists in Abuja at the weekend said that it would amount to a constitutional offence to refuse to release monies approved by the National Assembly for execution of projects it was meant for.

The politician, who expressed shock at the revelation by the Service Chiefs, that there was not enough fund to tackle Boko Haram, said part of the 2015 Supplementary budget was meant to be released to the military to combat insurgency in the country.

Lagos State Government yesterday cleared the air on controversies generated by the use of hijab in the state, saying it has no plan to outlaw Hijab anywhere in the state.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that some teachers had begun to victimise students in the hijab in the state's schools following a purported statement that the state government has banned Hijab at Ansarudeen College, Okota in Isolo.

But the government described purported statement as rumour, warning against victimisation students and women in hijab.

The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulLateef, who made the disclosure, said the Nigerian Constitution allows for freedom of religion and that Lagos won’t act contrary to the dictates of the constitution.

Murtala Muhammed Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Muhammed was the military head of state between July 30, 1975 and February13, when he was assassinated in a botched coup led by the then Lt. Col. Bukar Suka Dimka.

The minister said it was pertinent to for public office holders to serve the nation`s with patriotic zeal to appreciate the nation’s past heroes for their social and economic contributions to the development of the nation.

The minister was represented by Mr. Ferdinand Anikwe, the Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC).

FCT Saraki’s CCT trial begins March 10

The trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on a 13-count charge of false assets declaration is to resume March 10 before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

It was gathered that the CCT had issued hearing notices and served same on parties to the case yesterday.

This followed a letter written on behalf of the federal government by the lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), intimating the tribunal of the recent judgment of the Supreme Court validating the trial.

It was learnt that Jacobs sent the letter with a copy of the Supreme Court’s judgment attached to it to the Danladi Umar-led CCT on Monday.

L-R: National Security Adviser to the President, Brig-Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd); Equatorial Guinea Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Job Obiang Mbengono; Special Envoy of the President of Equatorial Guinea, Mr. Juan A.B. Nchuchuma; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyema and Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari, during a courtesy visit by the Special Envoy to the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

5.66m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Greece in 2000.

Source: Itu.int

100%

The percentage of the urban population of Monaco in 2012.

Source: Un.org

£110,779

The weekly salary of Fernando Torres of AC Milan in 2014/2015.

Source: Paywizard.co.uk

48 News

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13 FEBRUARY 2016

DSS combs North for ISIS’ recruiters, sleeper cells Ndubuisi Ugah and Muhammed Kabir

F KANO

resh facts have emerged that the Department of State Services (DSS) may have extended its dragnet beyond Kano State to other northern states to check a possible influx of recruiters and sleeper cells for the dreaded terrorist group, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The outlawed terror group, Boko Haram, had recently declared allegiance to the ISIS. Saturday Telegraph investigations revealed that the development followed DSS’ arrest of one Abdussalam Enesi Yunusa, who is said to be the point man of the ISIS. Yunusa, a 400-Level student of the Federal University of Technology Mina, Niger State, was arrested by the DSS on January 17. He was said to be one of the recruiters for the ISIS in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by Tony Opuiyo of the DSS, other ISIS loyalists in the country, including 17-year-old Mohammed Aliyu Ndako, an undergraduate student of a tertiary institution in Kwara State; and a lady, Zainab Mohammed, were also arrested by the Service in January.

However, it was gathered

l Operation tagged ‘strict intelligence, investigative networking’

from competent sources that Saturday Telegraph sought for the recent order by the Presi- clarification on the developdency that extra security ment, neither the DSS office measures have been put in in the state nor any of its loplace inside Aso Rock, as a cal offices could volunteer proactive move to forestall to speak upon the enquiries made by our correspondent. any possible terror attack.

Investigations by Saturday This development, Saturday Telegraph gathered, had Telegraph also revealed that the resulted in the DSS establish- DSS has intensified its surveiling a ‘special squad’ to em- lance to spread other northern bark on a door-to-door opera- states across the north. tion geared towards combing An operative of the possible ISIS recruiters’ and commission, who pleaded sleeper cells across the North.

Although, the operation is said to have been carried out on a “strict intelligence L-R: Viceand investigative President Yemi networking”, SatOsinbajo; Oyo urday Telegraph also State Governor, gathered that the Senator Abiola “special squad” have Ajimobi and his expanded its dragnet wife, Florence, to ensure that wouldduring the burial be ISIS’ recruiters service for the and sleeper cells are late Olubadan not only arrested but of Ibadan, dismantled.

Oba Samuel For instance, it Odulana, at St. was gathered that Peters Cathethe Kano State opdral, Aremo, eration, which led in Ibadan… to the arrest of the yesterday. “recruiter” was carPHOTO: NAN ried out by a “special squad” from the DSS office in Abuja.

Though when

anonymity, told Saturday Telegraph that the anti-graft agency was on top of the situation with special emphasis beamed on flashpoint areas and hotbeds.

Similarly, our correspondents learnt that the DSS had also placed some suspects on their watch lists to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order.

The Presidency had, in a bid to forestall any terror-

Graft war: Police after Tompolo –IGP Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

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he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has said efforts have been intensified by the force to effect the arrest of Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), over allegations of diversion of public funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A Federal High Court in Lagos had recently issued the warrant of arrest as sought by EFCC to get the accused person to face justice for alleged

financial misdemeanours.

Tompolo, who is facing a 40-count charge, was to be tried alongside the former Director General of Nigeria Maritime Safety Agency, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, in connection with the alleged diversion of the sum of N45.9 billion in the execution of contracts.

Speaking during a tour of the Ekiti State Command yesterday, Arase said: “We are looking for Tompolo and my men are on his trail. We will arrest him anywhere we sight him.”

In respect of the warrant of arrest issued against the embattled secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr. Tope Aluko, Arase said the Force had not received any warrant, noting that necessary actions will be taken as soon as they were served.

Arase also warned against extra-judicial killings. He noted that the police had incurred more litigations as a result and that these ligations had gulped a sizeable amount of funds which could have gone into more beneficial projects.

He said: “I am complaining that I have no money to send you for training, why must we now incur more litigations? Because, when I am sued, the Police accounts will be affected."

FG gets AfDB’s $290,000 to fight health challenges Appolonia Adeyemi

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he Federal Government has received a donation of health equipment worth $290,000 from African Development Bank (AfDB) as support to address the current health challenges in the country.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) procured the equipment with funds from AfDB. This was made known in a statement issued yesterday by the Director, Media and Public Relations, at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Mrs. Boade Akinola.

While presenting the equipment to the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole in Abuja, the Country Director of WHO, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz, said the equipment was initially meant to curtail the spread of the Ebola epidemic, but since Nigeria had suc-

ceeded in curtailing the disease it could be used to address other epidemics.

The Items received include two ambulances, 30 Bajaj motorcycles, 34 safety boxes, among others.

Vaz said: “We are here to deliver to the Ministry of Health, the equipment that was purchased with funds from the AfDB as part of the Ebola response, however, since Ebola has been contained, we can use these items and supplies to help in response to any other epidemic.”

Also speaking, the Country Director of AfDB, Ousmane Dore, commended the Federal Government on the way and manner it handled Ebola epidemic.

“We would like, on behalf of President, AfDB, to express to you our sincere commendation for the way in which the Federal Government was able to arrest the spread of the Ebola disease for which the Bank had earmarked some resources to help you in the fight,” he said.

ist attack, ordered that extra security measures have been put in place inside the nation’s seat of power, Aso Rock.

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the President, Bashir Abubakar, who gave the directive in an internal memo dated January 26, said this was in response to sudden attacks in other parts of the world when terrorists hide inside tinted or hijacked vehicles to hit targets.

IKOYI

Duke, others decry cancer deaths in women NEWS IN BRIEF

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Abubakar directed that henceforth, all vehicles entering the Presidential Villa, Abuja including those of highly placed persons, must, be thoroughly checked.

The memo, titled: “Use of tinted cars around the Presidential Villa, Abuja” reads: “It has been observed that some staff of the Presidential Villa driving tinted cars, especially security personnel are in the habit of refusing to wind down their windscreens for security checks before driving into the Villa.”

JOS Group cautions FG on IDPs

A group, Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Communities Development AssoChairman, Child Survival and Development ciations (CONAECDA), yesterday said with Organisation of Nigeria, Mrs. Onari Duke, has the unfolding events in the North-eastern decried the number of Nigerian women and states, it had become imperative that children dying of cancer. the environment and communities in the Duke, who spoke at a dinner organised by CS- affected areas are made safe for the return DON, as part of activities to mark the World of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Cancer Day in Lagos, urged stakeholders to A statement signed by the Secretary assume collective responsibility in creating General of the group, Solomon Suleman awareness and providing support for cancer Sukukum and made available to journalpatients. ists yesterday in Jos, said: “We gathered According to Duke, the foundation has provided that some of our people are already free cervical screening and cryotherapy treatreturning to some of these communities ment for cancer patients in Lagos and Calabar. where there is no government presence, or In his address, a Professor of Radiology any other form of authority or aid.

Therapy and Oncology at the Lagos Univer“We, therefore, call on the government and sity Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Francis all authorities to please follow internaDurosimi-Etti, condemned the state of cancer tionally accepted standards in managing care facilities in the nation’s public hospitals. issues affecting the North-East.”

The density of Eastern Asia in 2012.

Source: Un.org

10,713

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of American Samoa in 2003. Source: Itu.int

Olu of Warri tasks FG on Trans-Itsekiri Bridge Olu James Warri

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he Olu of Warri, Ikenwoli I, has appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action in the construction of the Trans-Itsekiri Bridge as a way of linking the riverine communities and foster peaceful accommodation between the Ijaws and Itsekiris in the area.

The monarch made the appeal while fielding questions on his vision for the Itsekiri nation since he ascended the throne.

Shifting ground on the position of the It-

£462m

The estimated brand value of Arsenal in 2015.

Source: Goal.com

sekiris on the original plan of the bridge which was to pass through Ogbe-Ijaw community, he said: “Though our people said no before now, I am saying yes now.”

Speaking on the importance of the bridge to the riverine communities in the area, the monarch said: “The original plan was to take it through Ogbe-Ijaw and I don’t mind as far as it gets to Ode-Itsekiri, because through Ode-Itsekiri, it can link other Ijaw communities around.

“The first way to curb youth restiveness in our area is to make sure that roads link these areas together, and the government can do it. President Buhari should please try and though our people said no prior to now, I am saying yes now."

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Okorocha: Labour has done me great favour Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

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mo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday received a copy of the agreement reached between the organised labour and the state government to end the industrial dispute which arose over the suspension of workers of selected parastatals and agencies of the state.

A copy of the agreement as produced by a joint committee made up of leaders of the organised labour in the state and government representatives was handed over to the governor by the National President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba and the Chairman of the committee, Ikenna Emeh, at the Government House, Owerri.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the agreement took effect from January.

Receiving the copy of the agreement, Okorocha said: “My action, suspending the workers of the parastatals and health outfits was of no personal benefits to me or my family, but to save the

soul of the state and guaranteeing the future of Imo children yet unborn.”

On the issue of the 70 per cent and 30 per cent sharing formula for labour and government respectively, Okorocha said: “I have accepted the formula. And I promise with the 30 per cent given to me, I assure Imo people that I will make them happy with that. I am happy that the workers are satisfied with the 70 per cent. Before now I didn’t have up to 30 per cent to work with so labour has actually done me a great favour. To a large extent, I will only be accountable for the 30 per cent of the allocation assigned to me by labour.

“No worker in the state will be punished for participating in the protest. The agreement will reflect the truth in a practical manner because people never believed when I told them what we receive from the Federation Account. I enjoin all governors to copy the Imo formula as it will help to understand every government better.”

Tambuwal releases N903m for students’ tuition fees S

okoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday said the state government had released over N903 million for the payment of the registration and tuition fees of its students in various universities in Nigeria and the Republic of Sudan.

Tambuwal also said over N400 million out of the amount was for the payment of tuition and registration fees for its 180 graduate and post graduate students in the Republic of Sudan.

The governor, who said this in Sokoto, said the fees were for the 2015/2016 academic session.

He said: “We have how-

ever set up a technical committee to review the award of foreign scholarships to our students, henceforth.

“Some of the courses being currently pursued by our students out of Nigeria are being carried by various Nigerian universities.”

Speaking at a ceremony to welcome back the nearly 200 students from the state who recently completed their Master’s Degrees in Arts and Humanities at the Islamic University of Uganda, Tambuwal said part of the money released would also be used for the payment of upkeep allowances for the students in Sudan for the period under review.

Police arrest killers of Delta monarch in Sokoto, Adamawa DELTA MONARCH

Police make breakthrpugh, arrests suspected killers

Dominic Adewole

S ASABA

ix suspected killers of the Obi of Ubulu-Uku, Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, were yesterday arrested in faraway Sokoto and Adamawa states.

They are Jamilu Ahmed, Umar Abubakar, Usman Musbau, Suleiman Musa, Garba Abubarka and a female accomplice, Farida Abubarka.

The monarch was killed and dumped in a bush

between Delta and Edo states before his decomposing body was found three weeks ago.

The suspects had escaped to the northern part of the country before they were caught by the police.

Parading them at the police headquarters in Asaba yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, said the late monarch’s Samsung handset exposed the suspects.

According to him, the operatives swung into investigations shortly after the handset was recovered from Ahmed, who was promptly arrested at the popular Abraka Market in Asaba.

He said, “The suspect’s (Jamilu Ahmed) useful statement to investigators led to the arrest of one

FCT Buhari hails Rev Iloh at 86

NEWS IN BRIE F

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President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Reverend (Dr) Moses Iloh, General Overseer of Soul Winning Chapel, as he marks his 86th birthday today.

The President in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on media and publicity Femi Adesina, joined Iloh’s family, friends, associates and other wellwishers in rejoicing with him as he marks another notable milestone in a fulfilled life of service to God and humanity.

The President commended Iloh for his contributions to nation-building through his pastoral teachings, which have brought succour to the less-privileged members of the society.

President Buhari equally extolled Iloh’s endearing humility and integrity and for being a great inspiration to many Nigerians as a philanthropist, labour leader, humanist, footballer and cleric.

Umar Abubarka. The said Umar Abubarka thereafter claimed that one ‘MoneyDey’, who is presently at large, gave him the said Samsung phone to sell.”

While the kingpin in the kidnap saga, Usman Musbau, who deleted all the traceable information on the Obi’s phone before auctioning it was arrested four days ago, his second in command, Suleiman Musa, who confessed to the crime and mentioned his gang members, was arrested on January 16.

Farida, the only female suspect was arrested on January 29 in Ngurore town of Adamawa State with pink Nokia Asha 201 handset. The phone belongs to Pastor Afamefuna Chrales who was with the late monarch on the day he was kid-

IKEJA Adebule advises youths

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, has advised youths to be agents of positive change to drive national development.

Adebule gave the advice when the state council of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Youth Association of Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to her office yesterday.

According to her, being change agents will also foster positive transformations in individuals, communities and the nation at large.

She said: “The world is changing and we are faced with the task of managing change and helping others adapt to change, especially the youth who are the future of this nation.

“In this time of transition, our youths will need unique qualities in order to be successful in life and be ready to take up leadership positions in future.”

MAKURDI

A

Makurdi High Court, presided over by Justice Theresa Igoche, yesterday struck out the suit filed by the immediate past governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, against the revocation of a government lodge named after former military governor of the state, Brigadier General Atom Kpera, which he allocated to himself.

Ruling on the prelimi-

nary objection filed by Mr. Michael Assoh for the state government against the reliefs sought by the former governor, through his counsel, Mr. David Iorhemba, Justice Igoche stated that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

She stated that the former governor failed to produce the minutes of the state council’s 10th meeting of last year which contained the resolution of the revocation of the property in question.

OJO OPC leader counsels Benin chiefs

National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, has called on the Chiefs of Benin Kingdom to steer clear from making not historically balanced statement capable of causing problems. Adams, who made this observation in response to the lingering controversy stoked by a purported claim of the origin of Yoruba churned out by a chief from the palace of Oba of Benin, said: “Such poorly researched, lacking in historical credibility could be inflammatory and set the two nobles race against each other.

“Even, though some writers of historical documents about the relationship and chord of brotherhood between the two have allowed personal sentiments and pecuniary consideration to overrule their sense of judgement, clarity, fairness, objectivity and harmonious cohabitation."

A cross-section of some of the 275 detainees released by the Nigerian Army to the Borno State Government, after being cleared of belonging to the Boko Haram terrorists group, in Maiduguri… yesterday.

Govt lodge: Court strikes out Suswam’s suit Cephas Iorhemen

napped but escaped.

The CP said Garba Abubarka, a.k.a Dogo, who he described as the leader of the gang, was arrested seven days ago by detectives at a Fulani settlement in Alfarma village in Gangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed that $1,100 was collected from the late monarch.

While the CP said efforts had been intensified to round up other fleeing members, the state’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said additional breakthroughs, including arrest of suspected armed robbers, were also recorded by the command.

PHOTO: NAN

N7.99bn

The total value of Nigeria’s export from cigarettes containing tobacco in 2014 Q4.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

10.61m

The total number of installed capacity (CDMA) lines in 2008.

Source: Ncc.gov.ng

£8.71m

The amount of money received by Leicester City as merit payment for the 2014/2015 season.

Source: Goal.com

50 News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Tourism key to diversifying Nigeria’s economy-Minister Andrew Iro Okungbowa Calabar

M

inister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured the operators and stakeholders in the tourism sector that the sector is key to the ongoing diversification of the economy.

The minister said this yesterday in Calabar, Cross River State, where he was the special guest of honour at this year’s tourism conference and annual general meeting of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).

Also, the keynote speaker at the event, Prof. Pat Utomi, emphasised that the collapse of the oil economy is a blessing to the country as the leaders would be forced to focus on tourism among others as the next viable means of rebuilding the nation’s economy.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Nigerian Tourism: Exciting times ahead,’ the minister who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Domestic Tourism, Mrs. Ada Okoli, said: “If we get right, which

we must, indeed exciting time awaits us. There is no doubt that the tourisms sector is very key in our ongoing diversification of the economy.”

To this end, Mohammed said some of the steps, which he said this government had taken “in order to boost tourism and give it the required impetus in contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” to include: Ranking tourism among the six priority sectors of the economy; review of the national tourism policy of 1990; provision of attractive incentives for prospective investors; encouraging public-private partnership; and launching of the Nigerian tourism master plan.

To this end, the minister while encouraging tourism operators to look ahead with hope, called on “the private sector to invest in the tourism sector by taking advantage of the government’s favourable disposition and to assure you that the government is very eager to see that Nigeria benefits from the rich potential of the sector.”

Sterling Bank targets mid-sized banks for acquisition Tony Chukwunyem With agency report

Sterling Bank is aiming to buy one or two midsized commercial lenders as sharp falls in the value of the naira and increased regulatory pressure are forcing banks to recapitalize, its Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, said on Friday.

Reuters also reported him as saying that the bank expected a further 20 per cent devaluation in the naira, eroding capital ratios for several of Sterling's rivals exposed to foreign currency assets and potentially triggering mergers.

Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Yemi Adeola, told journalists in December that the number of local banks in the country could shrink further this year through mergers and acquisition.

A

P

lateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, yesterday said that the state government had recovered N2.7 billion through the implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the state.

Lalong made this known at the All Progressives Congress (APC) media roundtable in Abuja.

According to him, the money, which had hitherto been missing, was traced to some accounts in the state and have been recovered.

He said the recovery had enabled him to pay workers in the state, who had been on strike for months, at a time.

“Recently, we recovered about N2.7 billion in the state, money that was regarded as lost. We traced and recovered the money which was meant for teachers.

“Teachers, civil servants, the judiciary had gone on several months of strike; some nine, some 11 but now, since

He explained that the envisaged mergers and acquisition was a result of the impact that declining oil prices and the increasing level of non-performing loans was having on banks’ assets and balance sheet sizes.

He stated: “I think if the opportunities arise for banks to pursue further consolidation, we could see two or three. I also know that one or two international banks are interested in pursuing acquisitions in Nigeria and they are indeed having discussions already.

“So, you could see a combination of one or two international banks taking over one or two Nigerian banks or merging with them. And nothing also stops two or three Nigerian banks having merger discussions in 2016,” he said.

Benue South rerun: PDP accuses APC, Police of complicity head of the February 20, 2016 rerun election for Benue South Senatorial zone, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) of allegedly conniving with the police and other security operatives of plot to manipulate the process to favour the latter.

The PDP in a petition to the police command alleged that the APC has connived with the security operatives to arrest its coordinators and supporters on trumped up charges of Sundry crimes in order to put them out of circulation until the election

Plateau recovers N2.7bn from TSA implementation

is over.

The state PDP Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, in a petition to state Commissioner of Police in Makurdi and copied the Inspector General of Police ( IGP), claimed that: “Unfolding events have shown that there is a carefully orchestrated plot by chieftains of the APC to illegally use some police officers to effectively inhibit the legitimate rights of the PDP to campaign for votes from the electorate.”

The plot, he alleged, involves targeting PDP principal campaign coordinators and supporters on trumped -up allegations of sundry crimes.

I came on board, we did our best. We now have arrears of salaries of only two months.

“For teachers, we paid all; they are back to work.

The judiciary is also back to work. So, for the plateau, we are moving on well.

“In the area of corruption, we are putting pressure on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to hasten their investigations so that they can begin prosecution and we can also gain recovery of looted funds,” Lalong said.

He said several other cases had also been sent to the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), “which will yield results soon”.

He disclosed that like the Federal Government, there were pressures too on the state government to stop prosecution of some cases, while some people with concrete evidence refused to come out to testify.

He, however, said such antics did not and would not deter the government from pushing for the recovery of stolen funds in the state.

The governor said he was unsure why other governors were finding it difficult to implement the TSA, saying that the merits of the system outweighed its demerits.

“I am not an accountant but immediately I became aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of TSA, I gave the instruction that it should be implemented. I organised a committee immediately and today, TSA is being implemented.

“I don't know why some governors are finding it difficult to implement TSA in their states but out of the TSA implementation in our state, we have gained some dividends.

“We are now tracing some accounts that were not known to us before and we are seeing some excesses in those accounts, especially in

some of the ministries. So, I will advise other states that have not yet implemented TSA to do so,” he said.

Lalong said that in spite of the reduction in monthly allocation to the state, there would be no downsizing of workers in the state.

“It will be very difficult to downsize on the plateau; I don't intend to and I will not.All I want to do is to maintain what I have and also improve on it.

“That's why our concentration is on improving on the revenue so that we can, if possible, employ additional workforce.

“Downsizing in this present administration is going to be very difficult; the president has advised state governments and even corporate organisations not to downsize,” he said.

The governor said that although he was yet to pay all outstanding salaries, he would do so as soon as the Federal Government paid the bailout he applied for in full.

Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi (left) and the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, during a courtesy visit to the Corps Marshal in Abuja…Thursday

SUAssociation tasks DISCOs on staff recruitment

NEWS IN BRIE F

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National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Mr. Gracious Omatseye, yesterday called on the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to engage professionals in executing their work.

Omatseye, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, urged the DISCOs to step up their employee recruitment standards.

According to him, only engineers from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the NIEEE should be engaged by the Discos.

He said: “Any electrical engineering personnel without the basic theoretical knowledge of circuit diagrams and trouble shooting, is a disaster. This is why most faults linger on, for a long time.”

$1.8m

The total amount of endorsements of Joe Mauer (Baseball) for 2014.

Source: Forbes.com

IKEJA PolicebegintrainingofVigilante Groupmembers

Police begin training of Vigilante Group members The Nigeria Police are to train members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) to enhance their capacity in intelligence gathering for better security services.

The Lagos State Deputy Commandant of the group, Mr. Emanuel Ayirise, who made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, said the training would begin on Monday.

Ayirise said the training, being carried out in collaboration with the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) would be held from February 15 to 20, at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja.

“It is a five day basic intelligence gathering training and each of the states are having it in the various Police Colleges or Training Schools,” he said.

0.5%

The annual population growth rate of Micronesia (Fed. States of ) in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

OWERRI Eke passes on at 77

The family of Chief Charles Eke of Eziobodo in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has announced the death of their mother, Lolo Gladys Ugochi Eke (nee Nwachukwu), at the age of 77.

The deceased was born and raised in Minna, Niger State, on December 23, 1938. A statement signed by her daughter, Mrs. Grace Chizomam Alily, said Eke worked with Union Bank of Nigeria for many years in Lagos and Imo states.

13.58

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Azerbaijan in 2006.

Source: Itu.int

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

51

Task Force to court-martial officers for misconduct Musa Pam and Ola James

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Jos /WARRI

ommander of the Military Special Task Force, also known as Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Maj. Gen. Tagbo Ude, will

on Monday, inaugurate a General Court Martial to try some officers and men for official misconduct.

OPSH was deployed to restore law and order in Plateau State following several cases of ethno-religious crises in the state.

In a statement by the

Media and Communications Officer, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, said though the occasion will take place at the headquarters of OPSH in Jos, the court martial will conduct its sittings at the auditorium 3 Armored Division of the Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe

Bank robbery: Police kill three, arrest one in Osun Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

O

sun State Police Command yesterday killed three armed robbers out of about 10 that stormed two banks in Ikirun Local Government Area of the state.

However, it was gathered that four policemen and six persons died in the process.

Saturday Telegraph gathered that the robbers, laid siege to the banks around 4.30 p.m. with sophisticated guns.

Eyewitness account stated that when they first arrived these two

l Four cops, six others also killed banks that are close to each other, the gun men shot sporadically into the air to scare customers at the premises of the banks where they operated simultaneously.

It was learnt that, after gaining entrance into the banks, they beat the hell out workers of the banks who initially refused to cooperate with them and wounded many customers with their guns butts.

Informed sources pointed out that, they operated for about an hour before the arrival of police men whom they confront-

ed in a gun duel.

The shoot out between the robbers and the police said to have lasted about one and half hours before the police eventually overpowered them.

Speaking on the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kola Sodipo, said three out of the gang were killed by the police while one was arrested.

He, however, stated that some of them escaped with their loot while their operational vehicle’s wind screen was shattered with police bullets.

Property chief partners Anambra govt to develop 10,000 homes Ndubuisi Ugah

I

n his quest to solve the housing problems in Nigeria, especially in his home state, Anambra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LAC Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Chikelo Ejikeme, has promised to partner with Anambra State Government to develop about 10,000 homes for civil servants in the state.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Ejikeme, who is a property company operating in Lagos and Abuja, said his company had contributed immensely in reducing housing problems in Nigeria by providing qualitative and affordable housing units for Nigerians, especially in Lagos and Abuja.

He said: “Extending our service to my home state has CHANGE OF NAME

Ikutu

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EGBEBURU GLORY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IKUTU .E. GLORY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ATIMI

I, formerly known and addressed as JONATHAN BEASTER now wish to be known and addressed as ATIMI JONATHAN BEASTER. All former documents remain valid. Stanbic IBTC bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

always been my dream. I am from Anambra State, Nnokwa precisely. I have done some good works in my hometown, and I wish to extend this service to other parts of the state as well.

“I am looking at partnering with the state government to develop about 10,000 homes for civil servants in the state; low mortgage homes with three bedroom bungalows in a good and secured neighbourhood, coupled with good road net-

work and beefed with facilities such as children’s park, swimming pool, recreation centre and good security. I am looking at kick starting this project next year.”

Speaking on the high rate of unemployment in the country, Ejikeme said that LAC Properties Nigeria Limited has not only focused on ending the problem of housing but it is also committed to drastically reducing the annoying rate of unemployment in Nigeria.

Group sends SOS over non-payment of contract sums Muhammed Kabir KANO

T

hese may not be the best of times for some of the nation’s contractors under the auspices of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria (ICN) as they lament non-payment of their contract sum years after projects were executed.

Their lamentation is as a result of incessant harassment by the banks that extended loan facilities that enabled them to execute the various projects.

They claimed to have appealed to the authorities concern with little or no commitment from them to

paying up.

To this end, they have decided to send a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in their plight.

The contractors, according to a recent release by the group, have been living in perpetual fear as the various banks they are indebted to have turned them to a laughing stock, demanding and harassing them, their families as well as their employees at any given opportunity.

“The three tiers of government we executed these projects for have refused to settle us years after we have delivered as agreed.

Cantonment , Rukuba Barrack, Jos. In a statement issued yesterday in Jos, Iweha said the setting up of the court martial was pursuant to the powers conferred on the commander, Operations Safe Haven by virtue of section 131 of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

He said the court martial was to dispense with cases which could not have been dealt with by summary trials.

The statement reiterated the readiness of the task force to ensure that the peace currently being enjoyed in Plateau continues even as the dry season farming is ongoing and preparation for the next raining season begins.

It said: “The commander Operation Safe Haven Major General Tagbo Ude reiterates the call to continue to preach the gospel of peaceful co-existence

by members of the clergy, Imans and religious leaders , village and community leaders , Youth and Vigilante leaders ,” He equally called for the passage of timely and accurate information to Personnel of OPSH for timely response and prevention of breakdown of law and order ” The statement added: “OPSH also reiterates its readiness to respond to any act of breach of peace or security which is capable of causing possible death and destruction of property promptly.”

Meanwhile, six persons, who are alleged to be engaging in illegal crude oil activities from an illegally mounted valve on the crude line of Pan Ocean pipeline in Ogharefe, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State were yesterday arrested by men of the 19 Battalion, Nigerian Army on patrol.

It was gathered that four of the suspects are from Edo State, with two from Delta State were arrested at about 3.30am at Pan Ocean pipeline, Ogharefe, Delta State.

The suspects were arrested by the men of the 19 Battalion and their vehicles including two Iveco trucks with one having two different plate numbers of Edo at the front and Ondo at back, one Mercedes Benz truck, one Mercedes C. class car and one Jeta car were recovered to safety and later set ablaze by the security agents.

According to a senior military officer, who briefed journalists while parading the suspects in Koko, headquarters of the 19 Battalion, said: “The suspects quickly ran into the bush as soon as they sighted the uniform men who were working on a tip off leaving the items and the trucks but were promptly apprehended.”

CHANGE AND CONFIRMATION OF NAME ADEKOYA

LAWAL

I, formerly known and addressed as ODIA EJIROGHENE ESTHER now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKOYA EJIROGHENE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BAKARE HAMDALLAH KIKELOMO now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL HAMDALLAH KIKELOMO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

JACOBS

I, formerly known and addressed as RASHIDAT OLAYINKA now wish to be known and addressed as RASHIDAT OLAYINKA JACOBS. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note

NDUBUISI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. RITA AZU NDU, now wish to be known and address as MRS. RITA SIMINOR OKUM NDUBUISI. All document bearing my former names remain valid. General public please take note.

GBEINBO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EBIKIYE WARIPAMO HELEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GBEINBO WARIPAMO HELEN. All former documents bearing the first name still remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Akpati

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AKPATI, CHINYENUM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UKUDOLO, CHINYENUM. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

HAPPINESS

I, formerly known and addressed as ONOWUZOR TINA GIFT now wish to be known and addressed as ONOWUZOR TINA GIFT HAPPINESS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

Okolie

AMAMILO

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MISS NGOZI MARY NWANKWO now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. NGOZI MARY AMAMILO. All former documents remain valid. Ebonyi State University (EBSU), UBA, Access Bank and general public should please take note.

EKECHI

I, formerly known, called and addressed as MISS OKEH RACHEL EBERE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. EKECHI RACHEL EBERE. All former documents remain valid. Ebonyi State University (EBSU), NYSC, First Bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

EMERUWA

I, formerly known and addressed as HELEN ISIOMA GBANIYI now wish to be known and addressed as HELEN ISIOMA OKOLIE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Audu

I, formerly known and addressed as GLORY OJOCHENEMI AMMEH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GLORY OJOCHENEMI AUDU. All former documents remain valid. University of Ibadan, Osun State College of Education, Ilesha Campus and the general public should please take note.

OGHENEVWEDE

I, formerly known and addressed as RAPHAEL MACKSON UDUBRE now wish to be known and addressed as OGHENEVWEDE ISAAC OTERI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to confirm that the bearer of these names EMERUWA MICHAEL UCHENNA and EMERUWA MICHAEL GIFT refer to one and the same person. That henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as EMERUWA MICHAEL UCHENNA. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

adiat

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UMEANO IRENE UZOAMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADIAT IRENE UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

Fidelity bank Plc, First bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

joshua

I, formerly known and addressed as JACKSON EBIKEME now wish to be known and addressed as BETTER JOSHUA. All former documents remain valid. Sterling bank Plc and the general public should please take note.

SHITTABEY

PUBLIC NOTICE

I formerly known and addressed as MRS OLUWAFUNMILOLA IYABODE SHITTABEY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ZAINAB OLUFUNMILOLA SHITTABEY All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

SEAT YOUNG OF AMAZING FISHERSGRACE GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL NETWORK INITIATIVE MINISTRY

ADEYINKA I formerly known and addressed as MISS OJOMU MONSURAT ADEYINKA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUWAKEMI MONSURAT ADEYINKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

olugbenko This is to confirm that the bearer of these names OLUGBGENRO TAIWO COMFORT is the same person as Salami TAIWO COMFORT and OLUGBENKO TAIWO COMFORT. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Olugbenro Taiwo Comfort. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part c of the companies and allied matter’s act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Farinto Peter Adewale 2. Bayode Oyindamola Mariam 3. Prof Bamigboye Afolabi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

4. Onyemaechi Silas Adigo 5. Ilufoye Samson 6. Checke Abiodun 7. Adeleke Martins Olajiire

1.

2.

3.

4.

To be training youths to be dependent through fish farming To be establishing fish ponds in the secondary schools to catch them young To orientate the youths, life is a process through the growth of the fish To create interest of agriculture so that they can be employers of labour after university education 5. To have future leaders through dignity of labour by the schools fisheries

Any objection to be the registration should be forwarded to the registrar – General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Ajuiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: BAYODE OYINDAMOLA MARIAM

52

C

Perspectives

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

13 FEBRUARY 2016

Apologise to your spouse

heck your marriage and weigh the expectations of your spouse side by side with the best of achievements you can make as a human being to make your spouse happy. You would discover that there are many reasons for apology.

Cast your mind back to your wedding day and the positive plans you had for your spouse even before the wedding. As a husband, you married a wife that you planned to buy a choice car for. Years after wedding, she is still jumping from one commercial vehicle to another. You had the dream of a wife that would wear the best of jeweries and clothes courtesy of your funding. Years after wedding, she still wears just anything that she can afford with her own earnings.

On your wedding day, you took to the altar, an unemployed wife that you planned to establish a business for; a business you dreamt would after establishment, grow into something big. After years of marriage, she is still jobless and idle. In fact, she has of recent, given up on waiting for your promise. She now writes applications to organisations, requesting to do for them, just any job and get out of idleness.

You even promised her during wedding that you would send a certain amount of money or quantity of gifts to her parents on a regular basis. After honeymoon period, you have reneged on this promise and you have not sent anything after a long time, even though your business has been doing well and your career has been favourable.

I could go on with your many offences.

Your inability to achieve the above, might not have been your own making. It is even easy for you to claim that you are doing your best as a husband after all.

Your wife is not complaining because she is a godly, understanding and responsible woman. But don’t you think you owe her an apology? You even owe God an apology.

As a wife, you promised your husband before wedding using both action and

Marriage Clinic with Albinus Chiedu 08038117704 (sms only) marriagecanwork@yahoo.com words, that you would be a good wife and that he would never regret taking you to the altar or registry.

Today, he eats out most of the time. Most times, he cooks for himself not necessarily because you have any career constraints to meeting up with your marital responsibilities, but because you don’t just care about his feeding.

Contrary to your promise to obey and respect him as your husband, you now talk to him just like any other man on the streets.

You even offer respect to other men of lower status than your husband. You have refused to understand that there is a difference between ‘my husband’ and ‘this man.’ In fact, you argue with him on virtually every decision he takes as the head of your home. You disobey and disrespect him even in presence of your children.

You make demands for material things that cost much more than his income. This has affected him emotionally to the extent that it is telling on his health and office duties or business. You even make monetary demands as a condition for sexual pleasure.

Your husband is not complaining aloud because he is a godly, understanding and responsible man. But don’t you think you owe him and your God an apology?

In case you are wondering what I am

driving at, for a husband and a wife that have agreed to live the rest of their lives together, so many offences have been, and are still being committed against each other either by acts of commission or omission.

What this calls for is deliberate rendition of apologies through both attitudes and utterances. It therefore becomes confusing and laughable when someone finds it difficult to say SORRY to his or her spouse that expresses displeasure over a particular action or offence committed by the person.

Brother! Sister! Your relationship is more important than your ego. If your spouse is really your friend, your spouse should feel free to express to you, his or her feelings concerning your actions or utterances.

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:5-6).

You spouse should be the only person that can tell you the truth about any issue involving you without a resultant quarrel.

If you cannot trust your spouse’s rebuke or counsel, it could be that your spouse has a problem of unreliability or communication method. It could also be that you both need the help of a marriage counsellor. If you have a spouse that supports or encourages your sinful or criminal activities or behaviours, the trueness of your friendship is doubtful.

If you have been in a marriage or pre-marital relationship for years and you have never been wrong; if you believe you are always right after a quarrel with your spouse and you are always the one that deserves sorry, you are simply an emotional blackmailer, full of ego and self. Your relationship is just an experiment and if Jesus Christ is not invited to intervene in this matter, you might end up with a very bitter lesson.

No human being of flesh and blood is always right in a conflict. You can be wrong sometimes. In such situations, all you need do is to apologize. It does not reduce who you are or make you who you are not.

However, “I am sorry” can become meaningless and look fraudulent when you keep apologising over and over because you keep repeating the same offence without making efforts to change. If you keep failing the same exam over and over again, what will you think about yourself? That is what the person you keep giving the same hurt starts feeling about you after several deliberate repetitions.

In a quarrel between a couple, the first to apologise is the bravest. The first to forgive is the greatest. When apology is given to you, make sure you forgive. When you forgive, prayerfully try to forget. Forgetting is sometimes, not easy but if you can do it, you are the best.

So, apologise to your offended spouse.

Your marriage shall be a miracle and a testimony in Jesus name! Amen. Let us talk more via SMS or e-mail.

For questions, prayers, personal counselling, seminars, wedding ministration, etc, CONTACT: The Coordinator, MARRIAGE CAN WORK MINISTRY Mobile: +234-8038117704 E-mail: marriagecanwork@yahoo.com; marriagethings@gmail.com P. O. Box, 13188, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Thinking aloud; between Nigeria, Ndi-Igbo and Kalu’s senatorial candidature Agbaeze Noble

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istancing myself from ethnocentrism and tribalism but strongly considering pluralism and relativism. I still remember in my study of Ethnography of Nigeria, it was established that the polity known today as Nigeria was before the colonial rule made up of several independent states variously referred to as kingdoms, empires, chiefdoms, etc.

These states were gradually amalgamated and administered as one colonial entity known as the colony and protectorate of Nigeria and this colonial creation later became independent in 1960 and later a republic in 1963. From this background it is not in doubt that Nigeria is and will always remain a unilateral creation.

In my own terms Nigeria is simply a Nation of Nations and for the sake of sovereignty a (Nation-State) where every Nation in the Nation-state must have a leader before it can be able to assert its political and economic position in the multi ethnic entity, one united Nigeria on my mind, those from the south eastern part (Igbos) also on my mind.

Ndi-Igbo have been described by many scholars as independent in nature because of our traditional confederation system which was once described as village democracy while many have interpreted this wrongfully as “Igbo ewe eze” meaning that the Igbos have no king or leader, but the Igbos were able to disprove this during the time when Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu was alive and offered himself as Igbo leader. Everyone rallied round him and he lead well, but after his death a vacuum has been existing, it means the problem is not in those to be lead rather who can offer to lead us selflessly, I have been asking myself who among the notable Igbos especially from the political class can bail us out? Especially a time like

this when it is imperative that we assert our political position in Nigeria. I have searched within and around the political orbit and yet to see another with the kind of clout of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu so long as political will and resources remain fundamental in our polity.

It is now very conspicuous that Ndi-Igbo need a voice to speak, but the truth remains that those who speak from within the government system stand better chances of being heard and taken seriously to a reasonable extent. If we must be taken seriously by our sister tribes, we must present before them, those known to them as being respectable and strong in all ramifications, like kalu who is well known globally.

Now, an opportunity has presented itself in the Abia North Senatorial rerun which needs not be lost because of self-interest politics. Ndi-Igbo from all nooks and crannies should show serious interest in this election, those who do not have franchise in Abia North should persuade and counsel those that have franchise to consider the condition and position of the Igbos in Nigeria and act wisely by voting for Kalu under PPA. A call to Vote kalu into the senate is not partisan neither is it towards promoting him rather to make use of the gift given to Igbos

by God by using him to defend and achieve a general Igbo interest in the Nigerian political and economic space.

I was very glad when kalu’s campaign train got to Okoko Item and one Dr. Promise Okoro a member of the highest decision making body of apex Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the advisory council of Imeobi publicly affirmed the position of Ohanaeze, that the group has endorsed Kalu, this is indeed a step in the right direction which every Igbo son and daughter should follow suit, that we may improve our condition of living and safeguard our future.

Many now perceive other contestants

in this election and their sponsors who are not even from Abia North acting upon selfcentered interest as constituting cogs on the wheels of the general Igbo agenda, we have expected all opposition to write their names in gold by honorably stepping down for Kalu for the general interest of the Igbo nation.

Ndi Igbo on my mind, this is not a time to play the pull him down politics, so that he does not become more popular than us. If God has ordained someone to lead the Igbos it is reasonable that we eschew pride and personal grudges and work with him, sometimes in life the success and breakthrough we seek are tied up in the occurrence of another event.

Am earnestly looking unto a time when we shall speak and work in a consensus ad idem as a nation in this Nation-State and liberate ourselves.

We may be marginalizing ourselves more than we think others are marginalizing us in this Nation-state this is because we are equal to anything, Anyi zuru ka emee! We are populous and popular, wealthy and hardworking in nature to the extent that we can achieve anything in Nigeria while bearing in mind the peaceful coexistence of other nations in this nation-state only if we can do the right thing. Should we have the drum and struggle to beat rhythms out of our stomach?

We have the capacity to achieve anything in Nigeria while I maintain that we Igbos are too big and blessed to limit ourselves in the name of being marginalized, nobody can marginalize us. We only need to do the right thing by way of solidarity to an anointed and chosen leader, we need to use what we have then the sky is our limit.

Now that the Ojukwus, Azikiwes, Orizus, Okparas, Mbadiwes, Asikas, etc. are no more and whether we like it or not every Nation under this Nation-state must have a leader

before it can reasonably assert its political and economic position, this is where we need to change our attitude and everyone shall agree with me that we can never be marginalized.

The senatorial candidature of Kalu under PPA in Abia North stands as a determining factor, Abia North electorates should know that the election before them has a lot to do with the political future of the Igbos in Nigeria, should they vote massively for kalu they must have played an unforgettable role in liberating the Igbos politically because we know what someone like Kalu can do at the senate.

It is very sensible that all Igbos should give support to the candidature of Kalu knowing that it is an opportunity which has presented itself as a litmus test which if successfully handled shall open the door for better things for the Igbos in Nigerian politics.

For the people of Abia North, they should see themselves as the goose that lay the golden egg but this time around not to be killed by the greedy farmer, the Nazareth of Igbo land where the groundbreaker is coming from. Abia North should not go the way of Richard Joseph’s prebendalism, mediocrity, self-centeredness, no one except me, they should reason beyond Abia North by widely considering the interest of all Igbos as a nation by voting Orji Uzor Kalu under PPA during the forthcoming election, while they do so they must have been liberating all their Igbo brothers and sisters by bringing Kalu back into the mainstream of Nigerian politics to speak for the Igbo nation.

I remember an inscription on a T-Shirt wore by our Igbo teacher while we were in secondary school, IGBO GA-ADI and truly we concur IGBO GA-ADI. Agbaeze Noble wrote via comradeagbaeze@yahoo.com

Perspectives

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13 FEBRUARY 2016

53

TMG, APC, Supreme Court and Buhari’s foundation

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uring his life time, there were many things that endeared the late human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Gani Fawehinmi to me. But what I consider to be his top-most sterling quality was his belief in the rule of law, which saw him from time to time dashing to courts to test the efficacy of our laws and legal system. In the course of doing this, he had many foes and friends. But above all, Gani as he was fondly called contributed immensely to the legal system and he never wavered in his belief that courts remained the bastion of hope for the common man.

He demonstrated this when he chose to defend a factory worker, Bala Abashe, who alleged that the then secretary to the government of Benue-Plateau State, Andrew Obeya, had an affair with his wife. Abashe filed a suit against Obeya for assault and sought damages for adultery. Gani was Abashe’s lawyer. He was prevailed on to drop the case but when he refused, Obeya had to resign.

In 1981, the disciplinary committee of the Nigerian Bar Association queried Gani and gave him 14 days to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for “touting himself through advertisements in weekly publication contrary” to the NBA’s ethics. Through the instrument of law, the late lawyer was able to establish in 1985 that the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee’s constitution, which made the Attorney-General the chairman of the LPDC, the accuser, prosecutor and judge at the same time was faulty. The Supreme Court upheld that this breached the principle of natural justice and Gani’s right to fair hearing. Thus, it upheld the decision of the Appeal Court, which had earlier pronounced that the LPDC would not be fair to the late lawyer because of the composition of the disciplinary committee. The judgement later led to an amendment of the Legal Practitioners’ Act 1975.

This is the beauty of law. Perhaps, if Gani had not challenged the composition

W

hen trouble sleep yanga go wake am, wetin him dey find? Na palava him dey find! – Fela Anikulapo-

Kuti In recent days the sports media has been awash with the faux pas of Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, who used a U-tube video recording he made in his base in Belgium to castigate not only his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) but also his critics.

He was especially hard on some of his former national team mates, alluding that they were envious of his status as head coach of the most populous black nation in the world.

Of course being human, we will naturally not react too well to negative comments made about us or about our job performance.

On the other hand we will most naturally glow should we be on the receiving end of positive comments and commendations about our jobs.

These above observations are a given, but then; what is also a given is the flak or otherwise that comes with such a high profile job as the Super Eagles head coach.

And as such, one expects whoever is holding such an exalted position to comport himself no matter the criticisms, vitoric or otherwise that is thrown at him.

However, while Oliseh has clearly shown that he does not fit the this bill considering his reaction to the criticisms he has faced, especially in the wake of the Eagles meek CHAN 2016 ouster, he should not be the only one carrying the can.

I strongly believe that his employers should also share a large chunk of the

Waheed Bakare on Saturday

09056089320 (sms only) waheedbakare2003@yahoo.com of the LPDC, there are chances that the Legal Practitioners’ Act 1975 would have remained what it was uptill today.

Since judges are not Father Christmas, that is why aggrieved parties are encourage to seek help from courts instead of resorting to self-help or taking steps that are antithetical to the rule of law. Except our laws are subjected to test from time to time, we may never know their efficacy.

I have watched with keen interest the criticisms that have trailed the judgements of the Supreme Court on the Rivers and Akwa Ibom elections. The satisfaction of some people that the judgements, which favoured the Peoples Democratic Party, would sway us from the danger of a one party system also interested me except that such posture is more about morality and not law. If it is the wish of the majority of Nigerians that a particular party should monopolise political power, so be it.

A civil right group, Transition Monitoring Group, fired the first salvo against the judgements, describing it as “clear cut attempts at legalising electoral robberies.”

TMG added, “We make bold to say that while the legal premise behind these judgements is best known to the apex court, the open reward for electoral impunity does not resonate with the Nigerian people.”

If the TMG acknowledged that the “legal premise behind these judgements is best known to the apex court”, questioning those judgements on moral grounds cannot be validated based on the axiom that

“law is what it is and not what it ought to be.”

The position of the All Progressives Congress asking President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the Supreme Court’s judgement on Akwa Ibom election is insulting and akin to asking the president to muscle an independent arm of government.

When a party behave like a bad loser then our democracy is in dire danger. Making flippant remarks against the highest court in the land simply because the pendulum did not swing APC's way shows the level of its civility and disrespect for the rule of law. It is high time the APC stopped behaving like a chicken with a broken beak and prepare for 2019. APC’s suggestion is in bad taste and an attempt to stifle separation of power. In any contest, the pendulum either swings to the left or right and litigations are not an exception.

While it is within the ambit of the law for people to express their misgivings on judgements delivered by the Supreme Court, especially because of the sense of finality that such pronouncements carry, insinuating that the justices of the highest court in the land received gratification without corresponding proof is too weighty to be ignored. There is no point gratuitously antagonising the justices except there is proof that they did soil their hands in iniquities and judicial rascality. If there is such proof, it should be brought to the table without further delay.

The APC may have been emboldened by the foundation laid by the president when he advanced reasons why Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu, and former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, could not be granted bail despite court’s positions.

If court orders are to continue to enjoy the respect they ought to have, it is imperative for parties to obey their orders as doing otherwise could engender chaos and anarchy. There is inherent danger if disobedience to court orders persists.

An online news portal, Sahara Reporters, was bolder in its response to the judgement on Akwa Ibom in its report on Wednesday when it alleged that Governor Emmanuel Udom and his predecessor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, were the arrowheads of “a shady deal” with the Justices of the Supreme Court in which Justice John Inyang Okoro also allegedly played a pivotal role.

I am waiting to see how these three people and Justice Chima Nweze will react to this allegation as written by Sahara Reporters.

If they ask me, this is not the time to allow sleeping dogs to lie. If I were in their shoes, I would rather wake up the sleeping dogs to see whether they would bark, bite or fail to do either of the two. This I will do using the instrument of law at least to clear my name.

I am aware that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, had on Wednesday replied critics of the judgements by saying “the judiciary is duty bound to act in accordance with the dictates of the law as it stands and not as critics would like it to be.”

But beyond that, if I were the CJN, I will take a cue from the late CJN, Mohammed Bello, who along with eight other justices sued the defunct African Concord magazine for alleging that their lordships took a bribe from former military president Ibrahim Babangida when he was in power. I am waiting to see how their lordships will handle this beyond Justice Mohammed’s response at Justice Muhammad MuntakaCoomassie’s valedictory.

Oliseh: When trouble sleep...

TS from the Sidelines 08050498544 (sms only) tunsul2@gmail.com blame primarily for even turning to the former national team captain in the first instance!

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick will no doubt have his reasons for placing the destiny of the nation’s football in the hands of Oliseh, but had he taken pains to have done proper due diligence on Oliseh the person and not Oliseh the footballer, then perhaps he would have had a re-think.

No one can ever fault his abilities as a footballer; his screamer against Spain at the France’98 World Cup is still rated as one of the best goals ever scored in the final of the global competition.

However, there are huge question marks over Oliseh the person.

Incidentally, apart from his character, which a number of pundits were ready to overlook, perhaps more worrying was his obvious lack of coaching experience.

It is one thing to come good over the television reeling off facts and figures or writing wonderful prose pointing out

where the coach or player got it wrong or right and actually being a fantastic coach.

Examples abound of outstanding players failing to make it as coaches and average players becoming stand out coaches.

For instance Ruud Gullit, a former European and World Footballer of the Year, was one of the driving forces behind Holland’s Euro’88 success – but failed to make the grade as a coach.

Clemens Westerhof was largely an unknown quantity when he first appeared in Nigeria in 1989 but left in 1994 as a household name in the country following the exploits of his Eagles at both Tunisia’94 (where they won gold) and a few months later at the World Cup in the United States where they not only reached the second round in their very first appearance at the tournament; but were also voted the ‘most entertaining team’.

So while it is clear that there is no hard and fast rule as to who will turn out to be a stand out coach or a dud, the character

of the person saddled with the responsibility also has to be taken into cognisance when considering the person for such a high pressure job.

Thus while Bora Milutinović, Thijs Libregts, Jo Bonfrere; Shaibu Amodu and Christian Chukwu for instance were never able to take the Eagles to the heights Nigerians craved for they can never be blamed for publicly slanging their employers and their critics (of which they had a million and one) over their performances while in charge of the national team.

Sadly for Oliseh and Pinnick their gamble has not paid off with the Eagles not only playing uninspiring football but also on the verge of not making next year’s Nations Cup finals.

While this is not enough in itself to do away with the current set up; the fact that the main man (in this case, Oliseh) has obviously not left his youthful exuberance behind him, points to more gloomy days for Nigerian football under his watch.

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, of blessed memory, sang: “When trouble sleep yanga go wake am wetin him dey find...na palava”; this is the unfortunate situation lovers of Nigerian football have found ourselves – with the NFF’s decision to foist on us a man who was sacked by in March 2004,

by Dortmund after punching team-mate Vahid Hashemian while on loan at VfL Bochum!

Ironically it was the same football body, which Pinnick now heads which banned Oliseh from the national team following his role in the Mali 2002 debacle.

Thirteen years later he was put in charge of the same team he was banned from!

54 News Extra Sola Adeyemo

P Ibadan

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13 FEBRUARY 2016

Oba Odulana left enviable legacies —Buhari

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday offered praise to God on behalf of the people of Ibadan- Osun states-Senator Ibiland for the gift of forth- kunle Amosun, Akinwumi rightness endowed the late Ambode, Rauf Aregbesola Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba and Anambra State Deputy Samuel Odulana Odugade, Governor, Nkem Okeke. whom he said left enviable Others included former legacies for posterity. governors of Oyo State, The president, who was Dr. Victor Omololu Olrepresented by his Vice unloyo and Otunba AdePresident Yemi Osinbajo, bayo Alao-Akala, former said this in Ibadan, during military governor, General the burial service in honour David Jemibewon), former of the late monarch held at Inspector General of Police the St. Peter, Anglican Ca- (IG), Mr. Musiliu Smith; thedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

Minister of Health, Prof.

The interment was the Isaac Adewole; his Comhigh point of the week- munications counterpart, long activities lined up by Mr. Adebayo Shittu; Emerithe state government, the tus Prof. Olu Akinkugbe, family and other stake- Elder Wole Oyelese (forholders to give the royal mer Special Duties Minisfather a heroic burial. ter), the Otun Olubadan of Speaking further, the Ibadanland Senator Lekan president, who spoke at Balogun, Eddy Oyewole, the church funeral service among others. described the late monarch Also present as an epitome of honesty were the wife and dignity. of a former After a week-long burial Oyo State activities which saw the re- Governor, mains of the monarch be- A l h a j a ing laid in state at various M u t i a t places in Ibadan, the final Ladoja burial ceremony was yes- a n d terday witnessed by many C h i e f dignitaries, including the host governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, his counterparts from Ogun, Lagos, Odulana

l Govs, politicians eulogise late monarch Adeniyi Akintola (SAN).

Others were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo and members of the House; state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke; Senators, members of the House of Representatives and prominent Ibadan elders and high chiefs.

Opening his speech with a song of praise, Osinbajo said he brought a goodwill message on behalf of the president who was unavoidably absent, and that he came as one of the 'sons' of the Olubadan, whom he described in superlative adjectives.

He said: “The whole of Nigeria is proud to have the like of the late Oba Odulana because of his life of honesty and forthrightness.

“I hope we all can imbibe such Spartan life so that we can be celebrated like him. I’m proud to call him my own father. He was a king who earned the respect of all through his life of

dedication and service to humanity.”

He said God deserved passionate praise for endowing the monarch who died on January 19, 2016, at 101, with the enviable qualities and legacies he left for the present and future generations of his people, and Nigeria in general.

“For a man of such quality as Oba Odugade who contested councillorship election five times as an independent candidate and still won; who lived a life of integrity, unblemished character; who lived with forthrightness, honesty without soiling his hands; who has left for us a great

legacy; indeed, God deserves praise for these qualities,” he said.

In his remarks, Ajimobi paid glowing tribute to what he called the exemplary attributes of the late traditional ruler.

The governor said Oba Odulana left an indelible mark in the sands of time in the areas of politics, civil service, military and other leadership positions he was privileged to occupy before his ascension to the throne.

Ajimobi said: “Let us remember with pride that Kabiyesi was a quintessential patriot and nationalist who served meritoriously with dignity and transpar-

ency in all the positions that he was privileged to attain in his lifetime.

“Let me recall with nostalgia and affection how Kabiyesi supported our administration’s urban renewal programme and how he appreciated our efforts at improving on the beautification of Ibadan in particular and Oyo State in general.”

In his sermon drawn from the Books of Revelation 7: 9-17 and Acts of Apostles 13: 22 and 36, the Archbishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Revd Segun Okubadejo, deplored the maniac manner at which many Nigerians corruptly amass wealth to themselves at the detriment of the masses.

Halliburton scam: EFCC quizzes senior lawyer, Dodo Emmanuel Onani Abuja

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n a bid to dust up all pending cases, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, quizzed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Damian Dodo, over his alleged role in the Halliburton scandal.

Highly placed sources

at the headquarters of the EFCC, told Saturday Telegraph that the operatives interrogated Dodo for about eight hours.

Specifically, the lawyer was said to have been quizzed on bribery allegation against a former minister and some Senior Advocates, running into millions of dollars.

Saturday Telegraph recalls

that there had been growing concern among Nigerians over the Halliburton bribery scandal, which involved some highly placed Nigerians.

According to one of the sources, Dodo was also alleged to have withdrawn some huge amount of money "for purposes that are unclear, in alleged flagrant violation of extant money laundering regulations.”

Sport Extra 55

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13 FEBRUARY 2016

Ekeji: Oliseh brought problem upon himself

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Adekunle Salami former Nigeria international, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, on Friday said Super Eagles Head Coach,Sunday Oliseh, should blame himself for the current crisis rocking Nigerian football.

Oliseh released a video on his website last weekend where he insulted all stakeholders in the game including his excolleagues, journalists and the citizenry.

Ekeji said the outburst was an unnecessary distraction at a time the Nigeria Football Federation and Oliseh should be busy with the forthcoming Nations Cup qualifiers against Egypt.

The former Director General of the National Sports Commission said the tirade came to him as a rude shock.

Ekeji said: “He spoke like somebody who is alien to the game. Football is about commendation and criticism. If he wins against Egypt, nobody will remember what he has done now.

“I advise him to be careful with his utterances. At that level he should know that Nigerians are so passionate such that some die because of the game.”

The former Eagles defender however urged the NFF not to fire the coach but should rather work with him to record good results that will take the country to Gabon 2017.

Sport Slaming Adekunle Salami adekunles@yahoo.com 08050498539 (sms only)

Go Oliseh, just go!

O Oliseh

Niger Gov orders payment of LMC’s N25m surety bond Dan Atori Minna

T Mikel (right)

Nassarawa set for Confed Cup tie Adeolu Johnson Abuja

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asarawa United boss, Danladi Isaac, has said that they have antidote for Generation FC offensive in Sunday's Confederation Cup preliminary round.

Danladi said their technical crew had studied the Senegalese tapes acquired some weeks ago.

"We are ready for their assault and we believe we are in good shape for the championship," he said.

He said they hope to do better than last year ''when our representatives were beaten at the early stage," he said.

He said all the 16 local governments in the state had been mobilised to storm Abuja, the venue of the encounter with 16 buses to support the team.

He urged Abuja residents to come out in large numbers and cheer the team to victory.

"We played in the same tournament some years back and crashed out early but we hope to go further this time," he said.

he Governor of Niger state, Abubakar Bello has directed the immediate payment of twenty five million naira (N25m) surety bond to the League Management Company , so as to allow Niger Tornadoes participate in the elite league.

Governor Bello gave the directive when he received Tornadoes FC and other sports associations at the Government House, Minna on Friday.

He charged the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development and the Commissioner of Finance to ensure the quick payment of the money.

The governor commended Tornadoes FC for gaining promotion back to the Nigeria Professional Football League, the country’s apex league.

The Governor said: "I have been following the progress of Tornadoes keenly and I promise to give the team all the needed support to perform credibly well and make the state proud.

"Despite the economic challenges facing the state, the government will provide you with a bus for players' comfort considering the number of matches you are to play."

FIFA: Valcke gets 12-year ban

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IFA has banned its former secretary general Jerome Valcke from all football-related activity for 12 years.

The decision was made by the governing body's independent ethics committee following allegations of misconduct related to sales of World Cup tickets.

During the investigations, several other acts of potential misconduct arose, including travel expenses policies and regulations.

Valcke, 55, has also been fined 100,000 Swiss francs (£70,800).

In September last year Valcke was put on leave and released from his duties until further notice after FIFA had "been made aware of a series of allegations" involving him.

His dismissal was confirmed in January and FIFA recommended he should be banned from football for nine years.

Regarding the 12-year ban imposed on Friday, a FIFA statement said: "Amongst other things, the adjudicatory chamber found that a sports marketing firm had gained an undue advantage from the selling of World Cup tickets.

"In this respect, not only did Mr Valcke do nothing to stop these activities, he even encouraged the persons responsible to do so.

"By travelling at FIFA's expense purely for sightseeing reasons, as well as repeatedly choosing private flights for his trips over commercial flights without any business rationale for doing so, Mr

Valke

Valcke gained vantage for

an adhimself and relatives.

"In doing so, Mr Valcke acted against FIFA's best interests and caused considerable financial damage to FIFA.”

nly last week, I wrote on the topic “catalogue of crises in Nigerian football” and today, I have to again write on one of the problems highlighted in the piece. Eagles Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, shocked followers of football all over the world when he released a video on his website. In the video, Oliseh lambasted all the football stakeholders. He said his colleagues, ex-footballers, who are criticising him were warming the bench in the Eagles during their active days. Oliseh also alleged that sports journalists expected him to pay them to write positive stories. He labelled all other Nigerians criticising him for crashing out early in CHAN as insane people. To cap it all, the coach also stated that he was begged to take the job after rejecting it twice.

His outburst was not a surprise to me because Oliseh as a player was not only arrogant, he was a firebrand.

Oliseh at Mali 2002 Nations Cup abused everybody. He abused the Minister of Sports, the Director General and even journalists. The leopard does not change its spots.

After his appointment, I predicted that when things are tough, Oliseh will abuse everybody. That is his trademark.

He deliberately did what he did. It was not an error.

He was duly recorded on video and it was uploaded on his website. He was not under duress. Some people argued it was out of frustration but I disagree because some other coaches went through worse situations and yet they delivered. I am not in any way commending the football federation for not providing funds to run the national team but there should be decorum. A former international, Christian Chukwu, in a reaction says Oliseh is still a baby.

I quite agree with him because the coach lacks experience on and off the pitch. He has also been poor in man management because it was during his tenure that players started quitting the national team in anger. His arrogance is supreme. To handle the senior national team, there is need for maturity. Oliseh does not have that. He wrote a line on Twitter to apologise but ideally he should do another video recording to say sorry.

It is indeed a shame that the employee (Oliseh) is bigger than the employer (NFF) simply because the federation’s boss Amaju Pinnick has been pampering the coach even despite his rudeness to some board members and the technic al committee. The NFF has a way of doing things its own way. For example, the contract papers between the board and Oliseh remains a secret document even to journalists. Elsewhere, details of contract are made public so that anyone breaching the contract will be known to the public. Till date, NFF relies on government for funds but the body flaunts autonomy on other issues.

Oliseh went on twitter to apologise and the minister of sports, Solomon Dalung, ruled that the coach should be left alone. That was contrary to the decision of the technical committee that recommended sacking for the former international. From day one, Oliseh said he would not work with the technical committee and Pinnick endorsed it. Again what does the contract say on that issue?

The resignation of members of the technical committee was so ‘un-Nigerian.’ Rather than be in the committee without work, they took a bow honourably and warned that if Nigeria failed in the Nations Cup 2017 qualification, Dalung and Pinnick should take responsibility.

Nigeria is thus taking a risk by retaining a coach that has no respect for his players, his employers, his colleagues (past and present), journalists and the many football fans who frowned at the poor display at CHAN 2016.

Criticism is part of football. It happens all over the world. Not long ago, one of the most respected coaches in world football, Jose Mourinho, was under fire from all quarters following the poor run of Chelsea in the EPL. Luis Van Gaal of Man United is being attacked for the un-impressive run of the team. In Stephen Keshi’s era, Oliseh was one of the people who criticised him, so why is he taking things too far now? Football means so much to Nigerians, if Oliseh is not mature enough to take corrections, he should quit and save us further embarrassment.

In fact, we don’t need a coach who thinks he is doing the country a favour, he should go.

Egyptians are busy planning for the encounter with Eagles and in Nigeria, it is crises galore. It is a shame!

SATURDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2016

DESTINATION CHAD BASIN NATIONAL PARK:

ENTICES WITH BEST WETLANDS OFFERINGS

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SATURDAY

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PERSPECTIVE TMG, APC, Supreme Court and Buhari’s foundation

– Mary Lou Retton

•Mahrez, Vardy and Okazaki are deadly omorrow (Sunday) is the English Premier League defining day, when Arsenal host Leicester City and Tottenham pay a visit to Manchester City.

One of these four teams will likely win the EPL title this season, with Leicester in pole position at the moment, five points clear of Tottenham and Arsenal and a further point ahead of Manchester City.

But the Gunners can peg back the unlikely leaders when they host the Claudio Ranieri men and coach Arsene Wenger will need Mesut Ozil to be at his best for victory. The Gunners must win this match to remain in the title race.

Foxes lost 5-2 in their first meeting and striker Alexis Sanchez was the star of the show with a stunning hat trick.

Ozil has been Arsenal’s best player this season so far with incredible statistics and is a front runner to win the player of the year award.

Ozil has six goals as well as 16 assists in the EPL this season. The midfielder has also created 100 chances, the same number Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and the current Player of the Year managed last term to land the Blues the EPL title.

Ozil's goal was vital in helping Arsenal end a four-match winless streak with a 2-0 win over Bournemouth last Sun-

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- QUOTE OF THE DAY A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.

Ozil, Sanchez swoop on Foxes Ajibade Olusesan

Sanctity of Truth

day, and if the home team is to find gaps in a Leicester defence, which has stood strong of late – the league leaders have conceded just three goals in the last eight games – they need the German to be at his best.

Arsenal function well when Ozil is dictating the pace of play and attacks, and the key will be to ensure the 27-yearold gets into the swing of things right from the opening whistle.

Of course, Ozil alone will not be able to win a match against the best team in the division so far this season. He will need willing runners and players who can put the ball in the back of the net and that is where Sanchez will be crucial.

“Ozil and Alexis are the game changers. Both of them have the strength to win games, so it’s vital for the team’s title chances that they perform well,” midfielder, Tomas Rosisky, said ahead of this clash.

The visitors however have a deadly trio of Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardey and Shinji Okazaki. These three or any of them can wreck any defence in the EPL, hence the Gunners need to check them consistently.

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SPORTS WORD SEARCH Home-based players for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad (part two).

Rabiu ALI Igbinosa ESOSA Moses UBONG Henlong CHARLES Mfon UDOH Gbolahan SALAMI Joe OMALE Stanley DIMGBA Ezekiel MBAH Onoriode ODAH Azeez SHOBOWALE Ibrahim SHAIBU

Note: You are to search for their surnames writen in bold and uppercase letters.

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