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Female Drummer Ara: People thought I was promiscuous } 19 because I was always with boys

FEB. 14

the game

changers } 45

l20 powerful Nigerians who’ll influence outcome of polls

OBASANJO

TINUBU

7

days to go...

Nigeria Nigeria votes votes

2015

2015

DANJUMA

SULTAN

AKPABIO

EKWUEME

OYEDEPO

ATIKU

ADEBOYE

ANENIH

BABANGIDA

ORITSEJAFOR

Jega’s hidden agenda, by Southern Nigeria People’s Assembly } 5, 51 & 52 lINEC to take crucial decision on elections today lOkupe: Why polls date not feasible

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Contents | 07.02.15 CONVERSATION

Toughened by the Barracks Growing up in the barracks exposed Amy Oyekunle, executive director of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, to troubling socio-economic issues she has resolved to fix as an adult

}13

INSTYLE

Timeless Moccasins Moccasin slip-on shoes are elegant pieces every man should incorporate into his fashion wardrobe for that formal or dress-down look

}16

TV & RADIO

Gauging Your View Morayo Afolabi-Brown’s Your View on Television Continental has earned her stripe as an influential breakfast TV host

}18

SHOWBIZ

D’banj’s Ambivalent Comeback Amber Rose’s appearance may have given D’banj’s 10th year gig a corporate lift, but the show itself has nonetheless left a bitter aftermath

}20

SPORT

Oshoala’s Dream Living the dream is an often overused cliche in football, but for 20-year-old Asisat Oshoala it fits the bill

}27

DESTINATION

Ondo’s Tourism Reboot There is a quiet transformation taking place on the tourism turf in Ondo State. A Saturday Telegraph correspondent gets a first-hand experience

}42 Plus: Street Diary 10 | Love&Living 35 | TV&Radio 18

SATURDAY

Comment

Attacks on the president’s convoy

L

ast week Thursday in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, some irate youths stoned the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan.

President Jonathan and his entourage were in the state in continuation of the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential rally.

His convoy had before last Thursday’s despicable act been attacked in Katsina and Bauchi states when the president went to campaign in those states.

During the Jalingo incident, it was reported that the windscreens and windows of some of the vehicles on the convoy were destroyed before security operatives waded in using tear gas and horsewhips to disperse the belligerent youths.

The impudent attacks on the president’s convoy had drawn the ire of some Niger Delta exmilitants who had vowed to retaliate by attacking the convoy of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari, whenever he visits any part of the region.

Specifically, Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo of the Niger Delta Volunteers Force told reporters in Abuja that carrying out similar attacks on Buhari would checkmate Northern youths whom he accused of having penchant for instigating election violence.

Attacking the president’s convoy is immoral, irresponsible and completely unacceptable. It is an invitation to anarchy and could endanger the relative peace in the country. It will also portray us as a country that has no respect for constituted authorities and the constitution.

It is within the ambit of the constitution that every citizen of the country is entitled to freedom of

movement. Specifically, Section 41 (1) states, “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exist therefrom.”

It adds, “Nothing in sub-section (1) of this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justified in a democratic society.”

Also, the Electoral Act provides that the constituency of a Presidential candidate is the entire country and in that wise, the presidential campaign must take place in every part of the country, including the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

While the contemptible acts of the Northern youths should be condemned by all men with good conscience, it was equally wrong for the ex-militants to threaten to carry out similar attacks on Buhari more so, when there is no evidence linking the ex-head of state to those attacks on Jonathan’s convoy.

It is also instructive to note that the spokesman for the PDP in Taraba State, Napoleon Adamu, attributed the Jalingo incident to some youths who were protesting their non-inclusion in the preparation for Jonathan’s visit.

It is high time we learnt from the mistake of the past whereby pockets of violence in the ‘60s in the South-West code-named ‘Operation Wetie,’snowballed into a major crisis, which climaxed into the 1966 coup that truncated democracy of the First Republic.

There are civil and better ways of expressing one’s grievance if one is not satisfied with any tier of government rather than recourse to violence and doing acts that are not in consonance with the basic tenets of democracy and rule of law.

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7 FEBRUARY 2015

INEC decides on Feb polls today Onwuka Nzeshi, Ndubuisi Ugah, Onyekachi Eze, Temitope Ogunbanke and Camillus Nnaji

F

ollowing the resolutions reached at the National Council of States (NCS) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it is yet to decide whether next week’s presidential election will hold as scheduled.

The commission, after briefing the NCS meeting on its preparations for the general elections, said it was ready to hold the elections as scheduled.

But clarifying further on the conduct of the election, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, in a statement yesterday, said the Commission had scheduled a consultative meeting with chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties, as well as the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for today.

l Meets parties, RECs l Oritsejafor, Mbu, NANS caution politicians l APC Governors Forum hails Council of State decision The statement reads: “On Thursday, February 5, 2015, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, was invited to brief the National Council of States (NCS) on the preparedness of INEC to conduct the 2015 general elections. He made a presentation titled “Preparations for the 2015 General Elections: Progress Report.’ The National Security Adviser (NSA) and Armed Services Chiefs also briefed the Council on the current security situation.

“As a follow-up to that meeting, the Commission has scheduled a consultative meeting with chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties, as well as a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Saturday, February 7, 2015.

“Thereafter, the Commission will address a

press conference to brief the nation on its decision with regard to whether or not the general elections will hold as currently scheduled.”

In another development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged politicians to shun hate speeches and any other act capable of inciting violence during and after the general elections.

President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who spoke at a retreat organised by the National Christian Elders Forum in Abuja, argued that if the intention of politicians is to serve the people, they should eschew activities capable of causing harm to the same people. Oritsejafor urged politicians to play the game of politics according to the laid down rules in the interest of the nation.

“If the essence is for you to serve, who you are going to serve when the people

you want to serve die in the process of election. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our politicians again that it is not a do or die affair," he said.

Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to critical stakeholders in Nigeria to place national interest above self-interest to prevent the general elections from tearing Nigerians apart.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, NANS National Vice-President (External), Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, urged Jega not to succumb to the pressures of some elements, who wanted the general elections to be postponed.

Also, the APC governors, under the aegis Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), have expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the NCS meeting in Abuja.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman and Gover-

nor of Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha, the forum expressed satisfaction with the assurances given

by INEC and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), on the state of preparedness for the February 14 and 28 general elections.

“The chairman of INEC had assured Council that INEC is ready to proceed with elections as scheduled,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in-charge of Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun States Police Commands, Mr. Joseph Mbu, has warned politicians not to bring their thugs close to polling booths on election days, threatening to arrest and prosecute them alongside their sponsors.

Addressing officers and

Why February date not feasible –Presidency Anule Emmanuel

T

L – R: Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers’ Council, King Alfred Diete Spiff; Ere III of Ogboin Kingdom, King Jones Oweipa; President Goodluck Jonathan, the state Governor, Seriake Dickson; King Joshua Igbagara of Oyiakiri Kingdom and the Senate President, David Mark, after the president’s visit to the traditional rulers’ council in Yenagoa…yesterday

Osun guber: Tribunal upholds Aregbesola’s election Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

O

sun State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Osogbo yesterday declared Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the state.

Delivering its final judgment on the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyiola Omisore, challenging the victory of Aregbesola, the tribunal dismissed Omisore’s petition and subsequently declared Aregbesola as winner in the contest.

Chairman of the panel,

Elizabeth Ikpejime, who led other two other members into the court room, sat at exactly 9.a.m. to determine the case before them.

Ikpejime in her ruling pointed out that the petitioner had refused to prove his case before the tribunal convincingly that the election was characterised by fraud, irregularities, harassment and intimidation of voters with clear evidence.

She, however, struck out the petitioner’s petition against the victory of Aregbesola and upheld the result of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where the APC polled 394,688 votes as against 292,747 votes polled by the PDP.

Ikpejime added that there was no proof on how voters were chased away from voting centres as alleged by the petitioner, adding that, the petitioner's claim that, there were multiple voting on the day of the election was not substantiated and that no single reference of who perpetrated multiple votes could be referred to during the cross examination of his witnesses.

On the petitioner's allegation that there were cases of under - aged persons used by the APC to perpetrate electoral fraud, the panel’s chairman maintained that nobody was mentioned or pin-pointed as an under - aged person before the tribunal.

It will be recalled that the petitioner was contesting the election results of 17 local governments out of the 30 where election took place in the state on August 9, 2014 and called for its cancellation, saying the exercise was fraudulent and should be declared null and void.

Omisore argued that the election was not conducted according to the electoral law in the local governments.

The local governments in contest were Ayedaade, Atakumosa, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo, Ifelodun, Ilesha East, Ilesha West, Irepodun, Irewole, Iwo, Obokun, Olaoluwa, Olorunda, Oriade and Osogbo.

men of the Lagos State Police Command yesterday, Mbu appealed to the Police to be professional in the discharge of their duties on election days, stressing that the election was a great assignment and an opportunity for them to write history.

The AIG, who warned policemen not to allow themselves to be used or intimidated by any politician or political party, before or during the elections, threatened to hold Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders responsible for the misbahivour of their subordinates.

According to him, “if a DPO is good, his subordinates will emulate his good virtues but if he is bad, his men would equally be same. Any DPO found wanting would be made to face my wrath.”

he presidency has given a number of reasons why the date slated for the conduct of the 2105 general elections in a week’s time tends not to be feasible and have the tendency of throwing the country into turmoil and confusion.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja, said although President Goodluck Jonathan was not interested in engaging in any form of subterfuge to pressurise the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to change the dates of the elections, it was necessary for Nigeria to have a rancour free and fair exercise.

He said the presidency was concerned particularly on the level of preparedness of INEC regarding how the rights of every citizen that has fulfilled the conditions to vote during the elections is guaranteed and not disenfranchised from the process of voting.

“The interest of this government is to ensure that we don’t have a rancourous and poorly conducted general elections that will throw the country into turmoil and confusion, with the likelihood of an unnecessary and external rejection and condemnation,” Okupe added.

According to him, as it stands presently, INEC is

still in the process of providing, distributing and printing of ballot papers and other sensitive materials for the conduct of the polls.

He claimed that “many states are yet to receive the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for those who registered newly in November. "This number is in several millions. In some states, (names withheld) a polling unit is recorded to have distributed 1200 cards. But the actual voters registered from the headquarters indicated that only eight people are affected.”

The presidential aide said: “In Sokoto, nine local governments were yet to receive PVCs for the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) nine days to the election. Most of the states of the federation are yet to receive full compliments of the required card reading machines, most of which have been tested or tried.

He also said: “INEC has directed that should any Card Reading Machine fail, the voters are to return the next day while the result of the elections is frozen at the polling station.”

Speaking further, Okupe wondered that under this tensed and highly competitive situation where 500 voters have queued up to vote and after initial 100 voters, the Card Readers fail and 400 people are told to return the next day to start the accreditation and voting process all over again.’’

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Court dismisses case against Ondo PDP

DAMATURU Seven Yobe PDP leaders, supporters defect to APC

l 2, 000 APC members defect to PDP Babatope Okeowo Akure

T

he Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the application of some members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State seeking the nullification of the list of the party’s candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The verdict of Justice Adeniyi Ademola put to rest the controversy over the list to be recognised by the INEC for the forthcoming general election.

There had been parallel party primaries in the state chapter of the party with two lists of candidates emerging from the primaries.

Delivering judgment in the suit number FHC/ ABJ/CS/1006/14 instituted against the party by the group led by Dr. Olu Ogunye in alliance with Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim and Dr. Olu Agunloye, Justice Ademola

held that it would not interfere with the powers of the leadership of PDP to decide which person to sponsor for the elections.

In court to witness proceedings were Agunloye, who had earlier led the aggrieved group on a protest on Thursday.

Meanwhile, over 2,000 leaders and members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) dumped their party for the ruling party at the PDP mega rally held in Oka, headquarters of Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.

The decampees were led by two House of Assembly aspirants of the APC, Mr. Taju Epe and Mr. Balogun Arogunjo.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Epe said he and his team has come to join the winning team of PDP as he declared that there was no road again in his former party.

Fashola: Lekki/Epe Expressway toll collection stays Muritala Ayinla

L

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday said no amount of pressure would force his government to rescind its policy on concession and toll collections on the Lekki-Epe Expressway and Ikoyi link bridge.

There have been accusations and counter-accusations from the opposition parties and some residents in the state over the continued collection of the toll on the roads, especially the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Announcing the government's stance on the toll collection, at the NigerianBritish Chambers of Commerce (NBCC) business round-table held in Lagos, Fashola said the concessions are in consonance

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

with the global investment community, and bothering on integrity of Nigeria.

Fashola, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said: “It has always being an issue of trust and our integrity. The global investment community is a very small one; you hurt one, you hurt all of them.

Because the word would go round very quickly (should there be a breach of trust), you cannot go there again.

“So, it is not only Lagos you will hurt but the whole of Nigeria. Our credit will be reappraised and borrowing cost will go up. So, when people say they want to rule this state and the things they largely talk about is to cancel concession and agreements, then we have to be very wary."

NEWS IN BRIEF

ST

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State said yesterday it received into its fold an estimated 26,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Dogo, who is the Chairman of the Contact, Mobilisation and Reconciliation Committee of the Yobe APC, said these numbers cut across seven of the 17 local government areas of the state.

He said the defectors were from Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Yunusari, Nangere, Gulani, Geidam and Bursari local government areas.

Dogo said: “I am happy you now realise and denounce membership of the PDP by shifting your loyalty to the APC."

0.8%

The annual rate of population increase in Northern America in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

BOSSO Boko Haram attacks Niger Republic

The Boko Haram insurgents for the first time launched an attack yesterday in Niger Republic against the town of Bosso, just across the border from Nigeria, witnesses said.

“We can hear the sound of weapons all around the town, often very near our windows.

There is the noise of heavy weapons and of light arms, making our houses shake,” one resident told AFP. It was not immediately clear whether the Nigerian armed Islamists were battling against Niger’s security forces or troops from Chad, also stationed at Bosso.

37,375

OGBA Anti-democratic forces still on the prowl –Ideh

Secretary of the All Progressives Party (APC) National Convention Committee and an Itsekiri leader, Dr. Alex Ideh, has said despite the insistence of the Nigerian leaders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the election time-table, the campaign for the postponement is yet to abate.

In a statement yesterday, he said: “Nigerians should be wary of the antics of anti-democratic forces clandestinely still pushing for the eventual postponement of the February 14 election under whatever guise.”

According to him, a section of the political class is working assiduously in concert with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to surreptitiously drain the financial resources of the APC through the postponement, thereby weakening its effervescence and optimism to winning the presidential election.

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Andorra in 2008.

Source: Itu.int

Warri

A

member of the President Goodluck Jonathan campaign team, who was kidnapped recently in Delta State, Chief Frank Okwofa, has regained his freedom.

An unspecified amount, Okwofa said, was paid by his family members to his abductors as ransom to effect his release.

Okwofa, who was taken hostage by his abductors on a bad portion of the Warri/ Sapele Road, had called on the government to fix bad

portions of the road.

The politician, who said his abductors were armed with sophisticated weapons, said if portions of the road had not been bad, his abductors would not have succeeded.

He lamented that armed robbers often laid siege on such portions of the road for their victims.

However, efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Celestina Kalu, to comment on the issue proved abortive as calls placed on his mobile phone did not get through.

7,800

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Azerbaijan in 2008.

Source: Blatantworld.com

Nigeria’s woes deepen as CBN missteps on naira CONCERN

Investors express apprehension over the forthcoming general elections.

A

Ayodele Aminu

s if the collapse in crude prices, forthcoming elections and insurgency weren’t enough, investors in Nigeria have another matter to worry about: deciding whether the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, is his own man.

Emefiele, who was appointed in June 2014, after President Goodluck Jonathan had suspended his predecessor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had focused on

l Election spending to raise bond yields –Reuters stemming currency decline that could damage the government of Africa’s biggest oil producer and economy ahead of February 14 election.

Now the Emir of Kano, Sanusi had called on Jonathan to investigate billions of dollars of oil revenue he said were unaccounted for.

But Emefiele, who took over in June, days before crude prices began their 50 per cent plunge, is “putting off painful and inevitable adjustments” in the exchange rate until after the vote, Bank of America Corporation’s economists, Oyin Anubi and Turker Hamzaoglu, in London wrote in a January 21 report.

“It’s only natural to think there’s less independence at the central bank,” Kevin

Daly, a fund manager overseeing $13 billion of developing-market debt at Aberdeen Asset Management Plc, said by phone from London on January 27.

“He replaced arguably the most effective and outspoken central bank governor that we’ve seen in African emerging market for some time,” he said.

Daly said he hadn’t hold government bonds in naira since about October, partly because of concern he might not be able to easily sell assets in the currency.

“The CBN remains a very independent institution, just like it was under my predecessor. We have never been influenced by any political consideration.

No politician talks to us to try and influence us,” Eme-

Kidnapped Jonathan’s campaign team member regains freedom Joe Obende

7

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike (left) and his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, after the signing of a ‘Peace Accord’ in Port Harcourt…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

fiele said on the phone from Abuja on Thursday.

The re s t r i c t i o n s prompted JPMorgan Chase & Co. to warn January 16 that it may remove Nigeria from bond indexes tracked by more than $200 billion of funds. Foreign holdings of domestic debt have fallen by half since 2013, according to Standard Chartered.

“It’s difficult for policy makers to ignore that political backdrop,” Ayodele Salami, who oversees about $200 million of Nigerian equities as chief investment officer of Duet Asset Management, said by phone from London on Thursday.

Investor caution had helped drive yields on local government bonds to 15.4 per cent, the highest since August 2012 and steepest among 31 emerging markets tracked by Bloomberg. The stock market is posting the world’s worst losses this year.

The naira strengthened 1.8 per cent to N188.90 per dollar as at yesterday in Lagos to pare losses over the past six months to 14 percent, the most among 24 African currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Nigerian bond yields could rise next week spurred by election spending as Africa's biggest economy hold presidential election on February 14.

Spending by politicians to woo electorate according to Reuters News could spill over into the fixed market.

“The expectation is that yields should be on the upward trend as we move toward election.

We are expecting to see an increase in liquidity levels and some of it coming into the bond market,” one dealer said.

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7 FEBRUARY 2015

FCT Advocates of election shift unrelenting -APC

N EWS I N BRIEF

ST

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that in spite of the commendable and patriotic decision by the National Council of State that the general elections must go on as scheduled, proponents of election shift have not given up on their desperation to scuttle the elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the desperadoes would always fail in their evil machinations, because no power is strong enough to defeat a determined people.

It said the provocative call by the bogus Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) for the postponement of the elections and the arrest of INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega is one of the new antics of the election postponement campaigners."

13%

The percentage of the population of women above 60 years in Mauritius in 2012.

Source: Un.org

FCT Accord Party adopts Jonathan as candidate

Accord Party has adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate in the February 14 presidential election, thus expanding his support base ahead of the poll.

The party said it would not field a presidential candidate on its platform in the election but would support President Jonathan to win the election.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Nureini Adisa, in company with members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), said Jonathan remained the best candidate for presidency.

FCT Okorie: Call for Jega’s resignation ill-advised

The presidential candidate of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chekwas Okorie, has described as disturbing the recent call for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Presidential Campaign Organisation (COPCO), said: “A group that calls itself the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, led by Chief Edwin Clerk, gave a press conference yesterday in which it accused Jega of a conspiracy with “northern leaders” to rig the February 14 election against President Goodluck Jonathan."

N3.42bn The total capital importation value of the Shares sector in 2008.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

803

The number of deaths from probable cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Liberia as at October 19, 2014.

Source: Who.int

Protest over killing of 200 Nigerians in Indonesia Appolonia Adeyemi

W

ith the killing of over 200 Nigerians through capital punishment in Indonesia in recent time, hundreds of Nigerians under the auspices of Youths for Greater Nigeria (YGN) have protested Indonesia’s use of death sentence as punitive measure and called on the Indonesian Government to stop the approach.

Also, the protesters who included contemporaries, family members, friends and relations of capital punishment victims in Indonesia and those awaiting execution, have called on the Federal Government to intervene, by joining global call to end the use of capital punishment.

In the alternative, the protesters suggested that the Federal Government should urge the Indonesian Government to commute

death sentences to life imprisonment. The pursuit of prisoner exchange approach is also put on the card as a strategy to avoid capital punishment, they added.

So far, over 200 Nigerians have been killed in Indonesia, said Nathan Ezenwa, chairman of the Association of Businessmen in Asia (ABMA).

He added that yet, the Indonesian Government still wants to kill 21 Nigerians.

These are besides Nigerians on death row there. “Why can’t they temper justice with mercy? Why are they handing convicted persons capital punishment,” he lamented.

While presenting the position of the protesters to an unidentified official of the Indonesian Embassy on Victoria Island, Lagos, Ezenwa presented a list of 16 Nigerians who are presently at the Nusakambagan Island Prison in Jarkata, the capital of Indonesia.

Glo-sponsored African Voices to feature Nigeria's Farida Bedwei

T

Deputy Director, Centre for Women Empowerment and Community Development, Bauchi, Alhaji Musa Moda (left) and the Deputy Director General, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, at the presentation of PDP manifesto 2015 to 2019 in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

2011 post-election violence: 'Buhari has case to answer before ICC' COURT CASE

Less than a week to the presidential election, a group intensifies effort to bring Buhari before ICC. Tunde Oyesina

T Abuja

he Northern Coalition for Democracy and Justice (NCDJ) yesterday insisted that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, has a case to answer before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged complicity in the 2011 post - election violence.

The group, however, added that it had submitted additional information

to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, linking Buhari to the alleged crime.

Speaking in Abuja, through its secretary in charge of Documentation and Research, Dr. Ibrahim Baba, the group stated that the submission of additional evidence at the ICC became imperative in view of the Federal Government’s inability to prosecute Buhari over the alleged issue.

Counsel to the group, Prof. Sluiter Goran, a partner at Prakken d’Oliveira Human Rights Lawyers in Amsterdam, who spoke to journalists from The Hague via video call on Skype, confirmed that he had filed the supplementary evidence at 3pm on Thursday.

The group insisted that the 2011 post-election vio-

lence was not spontaneous “but was orchestrated and the direct result of General Buhari’s inflammatory speeches.”

The group had further accused the Federal Government of lacking the political will to stop electoral violence in Nigeria.

Baba also noted that the much the Federal Government did after the 2011 post-election violence was to constitute a commission of inquiry.

He added that government’s lack of will to move against the sponsors of electoral violence accounted for why political actors has continued to instigate violence.

He said the government had refused to act on the report of the commission because it (the government) remained insensitive to the

plight of victims of such violence, and was comfortable with the culture of impunity in the land.

The secretary, who denied the argument that his group was being sponsored, said the action was not politically motivated.

He said the suit being handled by a foreign lawyer; Prof. Goran Sluiter, was filed in 2011, adding that the lawyer only filed some supplementary evidence on Thursday at The Hague, to further fortify the suit.

“The complaint (suit) sets out in detail, the background to the 2011 Nigerian electoral violence and discusses the available evidence against Buhari.

In addition, the complaint analyses the crimes within the ICC Statute and the modes of liability applicable to Buhari,” he said.

he inspirational story of Nigeria’s Farida Bedwei who conquered the challenging disease, Cerebral Palsy, to become one of the most respected technologists on the African continent will be featured in this weekend’s edition of CNN African Voices.

A statement from programme sponsor and telecommunications operator, Globacom, said the Ghanabased software engineer, will be the star guest on the 30-minute magazine programme which will run on CNN International at 4.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Saturday and at 12.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Sunday.

Viewers could also watch the show during the repeat broadcasts on Monday at 11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday

at 5.30 a.m.

Globacom said Bedwei is coming on African Voices in line with the programme’s philosophy of showcasing successful and high-profile personalities who are shaping the African continent.

The engineer whose full name is Farida Nana Efua Bedwei was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1979 and spent most of her childhood in Dominica, Grenada and the United Kingdom before her family moved to Ghana when she was nine.

She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when she was 10 days old. The disease is a medical condition usually caused by brain damage before or at birth that causes the loss of sensation or control of movement in the arms and legs.

'APC’s audio clips on Ekiti poll fake' Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

E

kiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has described the audio clip released by the All Progressives Congress (APC), through an online media, SaharaReporters, as fraudulent show of desperation, saying he never held any meeting with anyone to rig the June 21, 2014 election.

He said his voice and those of others were faked using technology like natural voices.

He said the audio clip was APC's new calculated attempt to discredit the election results, having failed woefully both at the poll and the tribunal.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Idowu

Adelusi, said in a statement issued yesterday, that the APC would have used the audio clip as evidence at the tribunal if it was genuine.

He said: "Nigerians should be reminded of how the APC people lied in 2007 that they recorded how the governorship election was rigged even in the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, but the party could not produce a single photo evidence at the tribunal because their plans to do what is known as Morphing and Syncing were exposed.

“Nigerians should also be reminded of the existence of a technology called speech software, which is good at reproducing the sounds, inflections and intonations of a human voice."

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Jang inherited N80bn debt profile, says Pwajok Musa Pam Jos

T

he governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Senator Gyang Pwajok, has said the present administration under Governor Jonah Jang inherited a debt profile of over N80 billion.

Pwajok, who spoke at a media forum organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, said this did not mean that funds accruing to the state had been mismanaged.

He said politicians using the debt profile of the state as a campaign strategy were just being sensational as the said debt, which was put at about

N100 billion, would have been accumulated over the years before the present administration.

The PDP governorship candidate said the state had established a Debt Management Office (DMO), where official debt profile would be officially declared.

He said: “The existence of debt does not mean mismanagement of fund as it is evident in the kind of infrastructure and development in the state that funds are not mismanaged.

“Some may have forgotten that we inherited a government which people had lost confidence in, 13 months unpaid salaries and over N80 billion debt but the fall in price of oil affected all states, including Plateau State.”

Ogwuche, others face fresh charges over Nyanya bombing

T

he Federal Government has filed fresh charges against 29-year-old Aminu Ogwuche and six others with whom he allegedly carried out the April 14, 2014 bombing in Nyanya, Abuja.

The accused were brought before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a Federal High Court in Abuja but were not arraigned because five of them had yet to get lawyers.

The other six accused are Akhmad Rufai Abubakar (aka Abu Ibrahim/Maitirare), Mohammed Sani Ishaq, Ya’u Saidu (aka Kofar Rama), Anas Isah, Adamu Yusuf and Nasiru Abubakar.

Meanwhile, the person, who allegedly drove the explosive-laden Volkswagen Golf, used for the bombing, Ahmed Abubakar (aka Dr. Tsiga), was said to still be at large.

Another judge of the

Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, had earlier in November 2014, struck out the charges initially filed against Ogwuche by the police.

The charges filed by police were part of the requirement for extraditing Ogwuche from Sudan, where he allegedly fled to after the bombing.

But the charges were struck out by Justice Ademola for want of diligent prosecution after the police failed to produce the accused persons in court months after the charges were filed.

The seven accused persons in the newly filed charges are accused of conspiracy, engaging in act of terrorism, belonging to Boko Haram, an outlawed group, and refusal to disclose to security agencies information that would have helped to prevent act of terrorism.

Bird flu: Benue impounds truck conveying eggs from Plateau Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

T

he Benue State Government has impounded a truck load of eggs being conveyed from Plateau State as part of preventive measures to check any outbreak of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in the state.

Director of Livestock Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Roland Kparevzua, who disclosed this in Makurdi, said government was working with poultry farmers in the state as well as other stakeholders in that regard.

He highlighted the symptoms of bird flu to include massive deaths of birds, swollen legs, swollen combs, discharge of copious

News

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

NEWS IN BRIEF

ST

FCT

OWERRI

DSS arrests, release Sylva

Buhari-Osinbajo alliance deceptive -Group

Operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS), yesterday arrested and released the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Timipre Sylva, in Abuja over undisclosed offences.

The spokesperson for the DSS, Marilyn Ogar, however, denied knowledge of the arrest when she was contacted for confirmation.

“Why would he (Sylvia) be picked up? I am in the office, I don’t have such information with me,” she said on the telephone.

National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Lai Mohammed, however, confirmed the arrest, promising to issue a statement on Sylva’s arrest soon.

A group, Christian Citizenship Network International (CCNI) has described the choice of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential running mate of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) as a premeditated plot to hoodwink the Christian community in Nigeria.

Speaking at a news conference in Owerri, Imo State, the group’s Executive Director, Rev. Emmanuel Ihim, said the choice of Buhari and Osinbajo as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the APC in the February 14 election was at best unholy.

9

ABEOKUTA Ogun PDP empowers youths

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward2Ward Initiative, Ogun State chapter, has embarked on a project aimed at alleviating poverty among youths of the state.

Tagged ‘Jonathan Ogun State Youth Empowerment Programme’, the initiative which is expected to begin on February 9 at the Abeokuta Sports Club, Ibara-Abeokuta, has at least 3,000 beneficiaries to begin with.

The state Coordinator of PDP Ward2Ward Initiative, Bashorun Babatunde, said beneficiaries would be picked across the wards and local government areas in the state from 18 to 50 years old.

He said the beneficiaries would receive vocational trainings and lectures from appointed professionals before being given financial and material support to start their own business.

15.8m

1.28

The total population of Oceania region in 1960.

Source: Un.org

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Benin Republic in 2008.

Source: Itu.int

£6,760 The average yearly salary of Nigerian League players in 2013-2014 season.

Source: Soccernet.com

Nine ex-African leaders, NDI team to monitor Feb polls OBSERVER TEAM

Former African leaders to lead others to monitor Nigeria's general elections.

Ndubuisi Ugah

N

with agency reports

ine former African leaders are among other officials from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), a United Statesbased non-partisan body that will be in Nigeria for the general elections on February 14 (Presidential and National Assembly) and 28 (Governors and States Assemblies).

In a statement signed by Kathy Gest and Raymond Esebagbon on behalf of the organisation yesterday in Abuja, said members of

the delegation would be drawn from nine countries and would be co-led by some former African leaders and officials of the U.S. government.

The former leaders, who are on the international observation mission to Nigeria are Rupiah Banda, former President of Zambia; Navin Ramgoolam, former Prime Minister of Mauritius; Mahamadu Danda, former Prime Minister of Niger Republic, and William Ritter, former Governor of the U.S. State of Colorado.

Others are Johnnie Carson, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; a senior advisor at the U.S. Institute of Peace and a member of the NDI Board of Directors.

The mission’s findings, according to the statement, will be presented at a press conference in Abuja on February 15.

The statement said: “The delegation’s purpose is to provide an accurate assessment of the conduct of the elections and demonstrate the international community’s continuing support for democratic processes in Nigeria. NDI’s observers will have briefings in Abuja from candidates, election officials, and representatives of political parties, civil society, the media and the international community.

“The delegation’s work will be informed by recommendations of a pre-election assessment mission conducted jointly with the International Republican Institute in January.”

The statement explained that teams of NDI’s observers would be deployed in locations around the country after the briefings.

It said the teams would meet with local electoral authorities, party and me-

dia representatives, citizen election monitors and candidates to assess the electoral environment.

“On election day, the NDI observers will visit polling sites and counting centres.

They will then return to Abuja for debriefing and to prepare a preliminary statement, which will be released at the press conference. The delegation will conduct its activities in a nonpartisan manner in accordance with Nigerian law and international standards for election monitoring set forth in the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation,’’ the statement added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that NDI is working to strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizens’ participation, openness and accountability in government.

waste from the nose among others, and appealed to farmers to report suspected cases, and assured farmers those affected would be compensated.

A poultry farmer, Mr. Tertsegha Ikyaabo, said apart from the mortality of birds, poultry has a multiplier effect on farmers and the economy.

He stressed the need for farmers to strengthen security around their farms to restrict the number of people on them. see news extra on page 54

CHANGE OF NAME EZEJINKEYA: I formerly known as Ihediwa Chukwunyere Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezejinkeya Chukwunyere Favour. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

L-R: Board member, Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Dr Chris Asoluka; Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Martins Adewale; United States Congressman, Mr. Jerry Waller; Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; Chairman CVL, Prof. Pat Utomi and his wife, Ifeoma, at the 12th CVL annual lecture and symposium on leadership and the challenges of ultra –poverty to mark Utomi’s 59th birthday in Lagos… yesterday

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

SATURDAY

Voices Would you rather go on a Valentine date or stay back to monitor your vote? p.12

Street Diary SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015

10

‘I cheated death by whiskers' If any one had suggested to Pastor Ike Maduka, a Lagosbased evangelist, that he could be penned with rapists, killers and ordinary felons, he might have laughed it off as a sick joke, writes DOMINIK UMOSEN

• Unbelievable escape by pastor accused of kidnapping One of the arresting policemen even said, I should count myself lucky that I was not shot or killed in the process of arrest

B

ut in the vortex of despair after being confused with a notorious kidnapper and subsequently arrested, the gangling young man might have had ample opportunity to reconsider his original suggestion that whoever made such a suggestion was overdue for an appointment with his shrink. Not being on the side of the road that he is familiar with, Ike Maduka has invariably accepted this as a valid and possible collateral inconvenience in the life of a believer.

This was the situation the young man found himself in penultimate week when he responded to a distress call, urging him to hurry down to Anambra State where his darling wife had reportedly fallen ill and urgently required his attention. Because life was involved, Maduka naturally suspended every other business and hurried down to Anambra State where the roaming ghost of death narrowly missed him by the whiskers.

Upon arrival in Awka, the state capital, Maduka did the needful by first going to ascertain the status of his supposedly sick wife before checking into Grace Royal Hotel in the Opuno area of the town since he disliked the idea of going to the home of any of his friends or relatives to constitute a nuisance or source of inconvenience.

Although he did not have any reason to suspect anything, this move, in retrospect, marked the genesis of his problems, as he narrated to Saturday Telegraph.

"Maybe they arrived earlier and waited while I was doing my morning devotion but at 5.30am, five stern and hefty-looking men claiming to be policemen and armed with all kinds of guns barged into my room, saying they came to arrest me. The only explanation they offered was that information at their disposal indicated that I was a dangerous kidnapper and should be bundled to the police station wherever and whenever am seen", he told our correspondent soon after a thanksgiving service at the Royal House of Faith Ministries in Lekki last week.

Maduka said that in order not to create too much of a scene, he submitted and followed the policemen to the B Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Awka. "There, I was told to strip, remove my shoes and trousers before being detained. Of course, I resisted this order because up to this point, I was yet to be told who I had supposedly kidnapped or who peti-

Maduka

tioned the police alleging that I was a kidnapper".

According to him, this argument over whether he should strip or not persisted, with the suspect not willing to concede an inch since none of the cops was allegedly willing to entertain any of his questions. Maduka said one of the arresting policemen even said, I should count myself lucky that I was not shot or killed in the process of arrest because the Anambra State Government had given strict instructions that all kidnappers should be dealt with summarily."

According to the Lagos-based evangelist, whose joy over his miraculous escape remains effusive, "we were

still in the middle of this argument when the Divisional Police Officer of the B Division, Akwa walked in and demanded to know the cause of the uproar. "After listening to his men, the elderly man then asked me to recap my story, reminding me against feeding him with any form of lie.

"I went over my story again for the benefit of the DPO. And at the end of my story, the DPO said, to the consternation of his men, that after spending over 30 years in the police force, his haunches informed him that I was telling the truth. He even insisted that the story about my wife being ill and my being summoned from Lagos be properly investigated and their verac-

ity ascertained".

Maduka added: "After the veracity of my story had been ascertained, the DPO summoned every party to the fray and reaffirmed his original impression that his experience in the force convinced him that I could have been anything but a kidnapper. Even when some other policemen reminded the DPO that other supposed pastors had been caught in past aiding abetting kidnappers who are manipulating a multi-billion naira business in the state, the DPO maintained his ground".

"Again, in the middle of this enlarged argument, another group of policemen arrived. They were obviously in very high spirits, even jubilating that at last, they had arrested a notorious kidnapper whom they were now leading into custody. I was to understand later that the criminal being escorted by the second group of policemen was the criminal I was obviously mistaken for", Maduka further said.

"To say that I was ecstatic at this point would amount to employing unnecessary understatement. ‘At this point where the truth became selfevident, the DPO and I exchanged knowing glasses. And he advised that instead of wasting time suing the police for wrongful arrest and all that, I should go and thank God because other innocent people might have lost their lives through similar circumstance like mine. I reasoned with him, collected my personal items and quietly left the police station, not after thanking and praying profusely for the DPO who demonstrated that there are still some God-fearing men in the force".

"I could have been killed because in Anambra, no one asks any question if a suspected kidnapper is killed by the police’, an obviously wiser Maduka told Saturday Telegraph.

11

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

SaturdayLetters You have a right to be heard. Send your letters and photographs to saturdayletters@ newtelegraphonline.com. Letters should not be more than 150 words and must have the name and address of the sender.

Q uotes of the week

‘I will not vote and I will not encourage anyone to vote for the continuation of this government, simply because your colleagues numbering over 200 were kidnapped.’

- Prof. Wole Soyinka.

‘When PDP took over power in 1999, they promised to fix the power challenge of Nigeria in six months. Now it is 16 years, yet we have no light.’

- Adams Oshiomhole.

“The call for the postponement of the general election is, therefore, a call orchestrated by one of the political parties which has continued to invest huge sums of money to ensure the elections do not hold as scheduled, out of fear of losing power for the first time since 1999.”

- Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim (National Chairman of the PDM).

Students walk along the Ojota-Maryland link bridge in Lagos. The absence of side rails is a huge risk.

The need for peace before, during and after the elections

Recurring communal clashes caused by boundary disputes

Dear Editor, I have observed recently that there is an increase in the level of violence these days between APC and PDP thugs/ supporters especially now that the elections are very close.

In Lagos State, PDP and APC thugs have clashed several times in Mushin and other parts of the state resulting in loss of lives and property. If this trend is not curbed, we would witness worse violence during and after the elections. All authorities concerned should take note and ensure we have peace before, during and after the elections!

John Jeremiah.

Ugly plight of volunteers in the NSCDC

Dear Editor, It is a shameful thing that members of communities across Nigeria still fight and kill one another as a result of boundary disputes. This is a major sign of backwardness and under-development. It also shows that the agency of government in charge of boundaries and boundary adjustment still has a lot of work to do. They should take immediate steps to end all cases of boundary dispute so that Nigeria can become a modern nation which it ought to be.

Toyin Ade.

Stop using religion to divide Nigerians

Dear Editor, I will like the federal government to seriously consider the plight of volunteers in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and do something urgently to see that volunteers are treated fairly and have their appointments regularised. The management of the NSCDC may have failed to do the right thing by integrating the volunteers fully into the corps and the federal government has the responsibility to see that justice is done.

Wisdom James.

Dear Editor, I want to use this medium to revisit the issue of the so-called Muslim/Muslim ticket that Nigerians were so frightened about recently, especially before Muhammadu Buhari picked his running mate. If I may ask, what is so bad about having a Muslim/Muslim ticket? What we need in this country is good governance, regardless of where the candidates come from or which religion they profess. So let our so-called men of God and politicians stop using religion to blind us from seeing the truth.

Destiny Ajaiyi.

The high cost of rent in Lagos Dear Editor, I want to appeal to the Lagos State Government to intervene with the aim of reducing the high cost of rent in Lagos.

Everybody knows that looking for accommodation in Lagos is a Herculean task.

However, the Lagos State Government recently introduced a law limiting the

PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Provide adequate grazing land for Fulani nomads Dear Editor, I want to sensitise Nigerians and remind the government to provide adequate grazing land for Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria instead of leaving them to roam about without any means of feeding their cattle. It is out of desperation that these Fulani cattle rearers enter people’s farms in order to feed their cows and keep them alive - otherwise they die. It is for this reason that farmers think they are a nuisance and cthis leads to onflicts. But if government steps in to assist the cattle rearers with a permanent land for grazing, for example in each of the 36 states, the conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers would become a thing of the past.

Abdullahi Mohammed.

number of years for which a tenant can pay for rent to one year. Therefore, I think the government should go a step further by limiting the amount of money that a tenant can pay for renting an apartment in Lagos. Government should draw up a list of the different categories of apartments and houses in Lagos and set a legal limit or a maximum amount of money one can pay

for renting any of such apartments or houses in any of the categories. It can be done and should be done.

If the Lagos State Government can indeed put a ceiling on the amount of money one should pay for an accommodation in Lagos, it would go a long way to reduce suffering and improve the welfare of the people.

Oladele Thomas

“We are talking about transformation not change. Change takes place everyday.’

- President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I, Buhari and some others had the best results during our final examinations in secondary school back then.”

- Justice Umaru Abdullahi.

“From all indications the only person who is not prepared for the election appears to be President Jonathan who has seen defeat staring him in the face and is pulling all the strings to re-enact the June 12, 1993 scenario.”

- Malam Garba Shehu (Media and Publicity Director of the APC presidential campaign office).

‘We still stand by our words that whoever in any way would want to interfere or interrupt the peace that prevails, he or she would definitely be dealt with.’

- Marilyn Ogar (DSS Spokeswoman).

‘Recent intelligence reports indicate that some unscrupulous Nigerians have perfected plans to surreptitiously collect, buy or steal the PVCs of female voters.

They will then hand over same to female suicide bombers and create access for them into polling centres where they will detonate bombs and kill unsuspecting voters.’

- Mike Omeri, Coordinator, National Information Centre.

“Prof. Jega should do everything to ensure that Christians that have been displaced from the Northeast cast their votes. We have churches that had their headquarters, like the EYN in Maiduguri. They have been displaced with over three million people scattered all over the country.”

- Sunday Oibe (Director of National Issues and Social Welfare of CAN).

SATURDAY

Voices

SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2015

12

Would you rather go on a Valentine date or stay back to monitor your vote?

I will vote then go back home for Valentine Of course, I will vote on that day, but to monitor it is not in my power to do because it will just be a waste of my precious time knowing too well that when it comes to election issue in Nigeria, what will be will always be no matter the close marking. So I will rather just vote, then go home to relax and enjoy Valentine with my family.

I would rather go on a family date What is my business in monitoring my vote, since I am not among INEC observers? As far as I am concerned, I will rather go on a date with my family. It doesn't matter whether I am there or not, election will take place and votes will be counted. Being there also places me on certain danger.

If I think my vote will not count, I will prefer to sleep at home. I may vote if the queue is not long. I don't think picking a Valentine's date over monitoring my vote is possible.

– Temilola Esho, PRO personnel

– Mary Owoseni

I will go on Valentine’s

I will vote and also monitor my vote come February 14. The truth of the matter is that I can always take my woman out on any other Valentine’s Day and even other days on a date because I believe the consequences of not voting is weightier than the consequences of going out on a Valentine’s date.

– Gbolahan Fasehun, hotelier

I can take her on a date another day Definitely, I will be there to vote and also monitor my vote.

Everybody wants change and I also want change. I can take her on a date another day.

– Yomi Tugbobo, civil servant

I will spend the time with my family I will not even vote let alone monitor the vote, I am not just interested in voting. This is Nigeria, INEC already knows the winner of the election, so what’s the essence of voting? I won’t also be going on a date with anybody, but I will spend the time with my family.

– Joseph Olaide, student

I will definitely monitor my vote

I will monitor my vote I will monitor my vote.

– Mrs. Angel Ogunlana, businesswoman

date another day

– Jimmy Akintunde, civil servant

I can’t choose a Valentine’s date over monitoring my vote

No time for Valentine There is fire on the mountain and no time for Valentine because Nigeria is about to collapse. There will be time to show love when we have a good country, God says there is time for everything. This is time to stand for what will stabilise this nation, time to vote for God's own elect, so I will monitor my vote.

– Okiki Jesu, artist

I will stay at home to monitor the result I would stay back at home and share love with my wife if I were married. But since I'm not, I will stay at home watching TV for the result. And if I am married, my family and I will be home enjoying Valentine while monitoring the vote.

– Adeniyi Odigie, businessman

Valentine can wait for another day

Valentine what? I will stay back to monitor my vote o!

After all, I will always love my wife whether Valentine Day or not. But the future of my great nation lies in the decision I make today and how I follow it up.

– Olorunyomi Olaniyi, civil servant

I will monitor my vote; that is for sure. If I could have both, that is, vote during the day and go for my date later in the day with my partner, it would be really nice. But if I have to pick one over the other, I will definitely monitor my vote.

– Ojugbele Oyinlola, PRO personnel

I prefer to stay at home with my partner I would prefer to give myself a treat, because I don't have faith in our electoral system. With the insecurity in the country, I don't think it is safe for anyone to go anywhere. I prefer to stay home with my partner.

– Isioma Uduh, student

I will stay at the polling booth I am quite concerned about the need to give this country a fresh start. But I am not married, neither am I in any serious commitment. But I will like to be engaged. So I'll rather choose to stay at the polling booth than to go on a date. Maybe if I was into any serious relationship, then my answer would have been different.

– Akerele Oluranti, journalist

compiled by

john edu, AYILARA DAYO, EZEKIEL ADESAWE and CHIAZOR PEACE UDUH

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015

SATURDAY

WeekendDelight 13

C o n v e r s at i o n

Instyle

Amy

Styling your blue skinny jeans p.15

oyekunle

TV & Radio Different shades of Your View p.18

Love & Living ‘I had a one-night stand with a lesbian’ p.35

My barracks background inspired me to help women At the tender age of 13, Amy Oyekunle, Executive Director of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) knew that she wanted to be a voice for women and young girls. With a bachelor of science degree in sociology from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a master’s in development studies with focus on gender studies from the University of Leeds, UK, the mother of three talks about growing up, her passion and forthcoming elections in this interview with ANGELA DAVIES. I grew up into I didn’t know any different. But yes it affected me in a little way because I didn’t really have friends. When you make friends, it turns out that is when you are moving to another state and another school and you have to go through the whole process all over again. We always had to adjust to a new culture, environment and school and it took time. So for me and my brothers and sister, we tended to just take it instead until we got to secondary school when it became more permanent. At that point we were in boarding school so we didn’t have to move.

Hospitality De Meros Hotel & Suites: A devotion to quality service p.39

OYEKUNLE

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

What was growing up like?

I grew up in a close knit family of five children and my parents. I am the first girl. My father was in the military so we moved around quite a bit. One

year we were in this state and next we were in another state. It was a very enjoyable time in the sense that we got to experience different cultures and places. We lived mostly in the North and

then Lagos. My father was rarely around but it was fun and nice.

Did moving from one state to another affect you in anyway?

Well, because that is what

Vices are said to be quite common in barracks. Did they affect you while growing up?

Barracks is a government unto itself. And maybe because most of the time my father was in high ranking position, we were opportune not to experience a lot of the negative features of the barracks. But there were many stories of young girls my age in the barracks that were either abused, started sexual intercourse pretty early maybe due to pressure or no authority figure, unwanted pregnancy and many women having more children that they could cater for. They were all those things that came into play, but I think most importantly was sometimes the unruliness of the military officials especially the soldiers. When they were on duty, they behave themselves beautifully but when they are not, it was something else, they will drink and become unruly. However, as I grew older, I noticed it even more. But like I said, we had the umbrella of the fact that my father was a senior officer in the military so we were shielded quite a bit, but we still saw the amount of suffering that many of the women and young girls went through.

Looking back will you say you regret CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14

Weekend Delight

| Conversation

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

‘Of course, women too abuse men’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 3

growing up in the barracks?

No, I would not say that at all. I have learnt early in life that you don’t regret anything. No matter what you go through, you make the best of the situation. I think the fact that I was exposed to that kind of life made me appreciative of certain things. I don’t take certain things for granted. So living in the barracks has made me have the best of both worlds so to speak. A regimented life but I can see it from another side.

Will you say that inspired you into activism especially being a voice for women who are violated?

I would say yes, it had a very strong influence in where I am today and what I have become. Like I said, I grew up to see many negative elements and my questioning quite frankly even at a very young age was how these women can be helped. Also, I ask myself why women occupy few limited positions in the military and not key positions. I also saw the power many military men had over their wives and what not. So it guided me so to speak, it formed in my mind that when I grow up, I want to push and fight for the rights of women. Then, I used to call it the ‘emancipation of women’.

I believed that women should be able to speak when they want to speak even at a very early age. I remember the first time somebody asked me what it was I wanted to be, I told the person that I have always had this idea that I would have a camp or a facility where women can come to and be helped. I think I was 13 years old then and he looked at me and said, “Wow! You are going to be a very staunch advocate for women.”

Then I didn’t understand what it meant.

I think my early days formed what I am doing now.

What were the lessons you learnt from your dad?

My dad died last year. But what I learnt from him was his hardworking nature. My father never took anything for granted and he didn’t believe in laziness. He didn’t encourage laziness and he rewarded hardwork. Also, he encouraged his children to be anything they wanted to be. I also learnt from him that it is important to stand for what you believe in.

Is the 35 per cent affirmative action given to women in politics sufficient to make the voices of women heard?

Thirty-five per cent affirmative action is what women were pushing for and it is the acceptable number as given by international organisations of which Nigeria is also a signatory to. But at the moment in Nigeria, we don’t have 35 per cent. What we have is less than eight per cent. In fact it is six per cent of currently women representation in elected positions. In appointive positions, it might be slightly higher. Countries like South Africa and Rwanda are already hitting 50 per cent. In many of the political parties, they don’t even have 15 per cent of women representation.

But is it achievable?

No, not with the current structure we have in place. Thirty-five per cent is the acceptable standard and currently in many parties we have less few women being fielded as contestants.

Many women lost even before they got to their primaries and that already have withered out a certain number. If you currently have a party that is fielding maybe only 11 per cent of women as contestants for elections, remember

this is elective positions and by the time we get to the polls, it might reduce. So, you might end up having less than the six per cent that we currently have. So, already the statistics is not adding up.

So, what will happen is that by the time the elections are over, they will now be left with appointive positions because already women are losing out in elective positions and that has already limited the numbers.

Since the 2007 and 2011 elections, many organisations have been pushing for appointive positions for women and I am happy to say that KIND was one of the organisations. What we want is for political parties to want women candidates not to make up the numbers but to actually win elections. So, it is not achievable because this current structure doesn’t have it.

Do you intend to go into active politics later?

It is not so much as politics per say but more of leadership. My take is that politics is one way to be in leadership position, but there are many other ways you can be in leadership position.

I would like to be in a position where I can give back to my people because I’m from the Niger Delta but married to Yoruba man so either which way, I wouldn’t mind an opportunity to serve.

So maybe I will, but I don’t know yet.

Now that the elections are close, what is KIND doing to mobilise women to come and exercise their right?

In 2007 and 2011 elections, KIND as an organisation identified, trained and builds a capacity of young women to become interested in politics as political aspirants, media to be able to report, cover and support women as political aspirants. But this, we said since Nigerians are more in tune with the elections and want to come out and vote, we will just monitor and observe elections. So, this year we are working with other organisations to observe elections in 10 states and KIND is the state coordinator for Lagos State. We will be deploying about 30 women to go and monitor election with a gender lens. That means looking at things holistically in terms of whether there were gender-based violence targeted at women whether as aspirants or voter. People think election is just to come out and vote but it is a process. They say statistics shows that women are more in terms of voters but that is debateable. So, we will be looking at all that to better enable us to prepare for 2019.

Being into full activism, obviously you would travel a lot. But how do you balance the home front and work?

I wish I could say that I do balance.

In the early years of my career, I didn’t balance at all. In those days, I had help, I have a very supportive husband who wishes me well and want my career to flourish and he is also very hands-on with my children. My mother-in-law and mother are always there when I need them. But as time went on, I had to prioritise. So, now I can say I balance a little bit better because now I know that I can’t take work home. It is a conscious effort I make not to take work home.

When I get home, I spend time with my children and that is when I have to de-stress myself. Sometimes, my phone is on silent and I spend the whole day watching cartoons and television shows.

I learnt last year that one of the things that affect many women activists in developing world is burn out. We take on everything and we burn out so fast and we are of no use to our families, com-

munities and ourselves. Now and only now can I say I am balanced but it is a continuous work in progress.

What do you do at your leisure?

I love to read a lot, cook and travel too. So, sometimes when I have trips lined up, I have to enjoy it because I enjoy going to different places. Right now how I unwind is, when I do have to travel, I make the best of that opportunity, but when I don’t, I’m with my family playing games, or reading. But I’m working on being sportier.

What values drive you in life?

I think the most important values that drive me is integrity. The second value that pushes me is hard work.

There is nowhere that you work hard in an honest manner that you will not be rewarded. It is a principle of life. The third I think is justice, in terms of doing what is right.

How can women prevent genderbased violence?

Well, you must look at it in different context. Preventing violence is something that needs a political will at the state level. When I say at the state level, there must be laws and policies in place.

So, once those laws are in place, then, you are one step closer to preventing violence. It is not enough to say we have domestic violence law and there is no action. So law is one thing and implementation is another. At all levels, there must be those laws. At the implementation level, there must be agencies that carry through and implement these laws.

“ But there were many stories of young girls my age in the barracks that were either abused, and who started sexual intercourse pretty early maybe due to pressure”

To prevent gender-based violence, I think the most important thing is accepting the fact that you are a human being first of all, you have rights, feelings and blood flowing in your vein.

When you know that, you will not allow yourself to be ping-pong or bag for somebody to batter. When you have a sense of self-worth, it will propel you to say enough when you are abused and look for help which could be at the church, community or state level.

And in the past, many people stopped at the church level but today, there are different organisations you can go to.

Today more women are waking up to the realisation that they don’t have to be killed in their matrimonial homes.

Sometimes, what the man need is counselling to bring him to his senses. But a culture of silence is what aggravates gender-based violence. So, until we all come to the realisation that I need to be my sister or brother keeper, we won’t get there, so that is the problem with gender-based violence.

But I should also stress that genderbased violence does not necessarily affect only women, men too experience violence in the hands of women. But like I tell people until we have a situation whereby they start coming forward to speak we cannot help them. Many men don’t come out to speak because culture tells you that you are to be a man. Even if you go and report to the police that a woman abused you, they will laugh at you. So many men suffer in silence, so it is both ways. They should also understand that the law protects both men and women and they need to utilise that. They need to know that there is no gain in keeping quiet. But thank God with an organisation like KIND and other organisations that fight violence against women, there are more women coming forward and there are more structures that are put in place.

I am not saying that we are there but we are getting there and people need to know how to use it and tap into it. But quite frankly we are not even half way there.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Instyle

Styling your blue skinny jeans

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fashion etiquette Wisely blend trendy with basic

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ome people tend to buy clothes they consider trendy, which is alright. But, it is also appropriate to also have some basics in your closet as well to blend them with.

If you prefer pieces like pencil skirt which hugs and stops on the knee, then, you may have to blend it with a classic white shirt or lovely top.

If you have a trendy belt with embellishment, then a great basic to wear it with would be a classic black dress no matter the colour of the belt. Likewise, if you buy trendy accessories especially statement necklace, then you should have a wide variety of basics like dress, pants or skirt and top or even traditional outfits to blend it with.

If you are a bit confused on how to achieve this, you can also look at fashion magazines to get ideas on how to creatively mix trendy with basics to create your own style that makes you comfortable. That is really what fashion is all about.

O

Angela Davies ne staple that always makes its presence felt in every woman’s wardrobe is the blue skinny jeans. This timeless denim shape that firmly hugs and accentuates a woman’s silhouette can be styled in different ways to stand out as well as make your fashion statement.

Skinny jeans are suitable for all body types. But you have to style it appropriately to flatter your figure and also look right for the occasion whether it is a weekend casual outing or even to the office on Friday.

To pull off this body-hugging jeans that flatter figures, it is what you wear as top that matters. Your top will either make or break your outfit.

Tips

l Wear it with a statement print: You can dress up your blue skinny jeans with a print top which could be peplum, mullet or any other print style top to give you that sassy look. l Wear with tailored jacket: You can also style your blue skinny jeans with a tailored jacket worn over a beautiful tank top for that smart casual

look. But the jacket should fit perfectly; emphasize your shape and end around your hips for a flattering and stylish look. l Wear with solid tops: Another way to dress up your skinny jeans is to pair with solid colour tops in various styles. It could be sleeveless, spaghetti or button-down shirt. l Pair with sequins: Adding a little sparkle to your dressing will not hurt. You could pair your jeans with a nice sequin piece to add a little sparkle especially for an evening event which could be a top, jacket or even accessory for that glam look. l If you decide to wear a loose top, ensure it is cinched at the waist with a thin belt in a complementing colour to flatter your figure. l Accessorise: Accessories are a great way to dress up any look. However, a statement necklace is a great way to add glam to any look. l Skinny jeans go well with a variety of shoe styles ranging from flats, strappy heels, and pointy toe pumps to platforms for a sleek look.

Remember that wearing the blue skinny jeans is all about flattering your silhouette, so style appropriately.

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Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Accessories to live for

You'll never go wrong with moccasins

Moccasin slip-on shoes are elegant pieces every man should incorporate into his fashion wardrobe for that formal or dress-down look, ANGELA DAVIES writes.

M

occasins have become increasingly popular in recent times. Although they look like loafers, they are not the same. This slip-on shoes sometimes called driving shoes comes with laces which are primarily for decorative purposes.

They are semi-formal in style when compared to loafers; hence, they are best paired with formal trousers and shirt for a classic Friday office look.

You could also wear them with jeans and shirt or T-shirt for a smart casual look at weekends.

Sometimes, black colour moccasins can also act as a smart alternative to your black leather shoes.

To wear this style of shoes, you should opt for a colour that suits your personal style. Although, moccasin comes in a wide variety of colours, the basic colours are black, brown and blue. You could also opt for a colourful patchwork style for a more striking and bold look.

Moccasins are made with one piece soft leather which can be leather or suede and have the bottom and sides stitched together at the top. They also have a soft and flexible sole.

You should not forget that moccasins are versatile, practical and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Instyle

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

MY STYLE

The torch-bearer's 'swag' Musician, Zakky Azzay, literally wears his roots on his head. The singer tells ANGELA DAVIES the thoughts that define his style.

How would you define your style?

My style can be defined as African swag because of the traditional cap I wear with my outfits.

What determines the kind of outfits you wear?

My comfort comes first and then looking good in the outfit. I am not the kind of person that would want to wear something because it is in vogue. I will only wear what looks good on me.

What kind of outfit take up the most space in your wardrobe?

I would say natives in different colours and designs and Jewelleries as well. I just started wearing jackets, it is a 2015 decision.

Is there any outfit you will never

be caught wearing?

I don’t like babariga because it’s too tasking to wear as you have to adjust it from time to time. And I don’t like wearing anything that has starch on it.

Best colour My best colour is green. There is just something about green that makes me want more. Even if I see an ugly man or woman in green, I just fall in love with the person.

Fashion item you cannot do without My traditional black and white Benue cap which represents where I am from and my torchlight.

What kind of shoes do you like?

I like shoes that are comfortable. But I don’t like high shoes, I love low shoes.

Signature perfume I like Boss and Versace a lot.

They are harsh but in a very calm way.

Can you recall the most expensive fashion item you have ever bought?

That will be my wristwatch.

I don’t compromise with my wristwatch and shoes.

Favourite designer My best designer will be Kings Apparel. He likes trying his hands on unusual things, things that don’t exist before and I like new grounds.

Do you have a fashion role model?

Yes, Jay Z because he looks very simple the way he dresses.

He is simple but very calculating and that is what I like about him.

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

T

Facts

Asake Agoro launched her fashion label AsakeOge Couture in February 2009 at the London Metropolitan Fashion and Dance Charity Show when she was invited to come up with a collection for the fundraiser. As a young girl, growing up around the creative energy in a couture household enabled her to design and make garments for herself from the age of 15.

Denim jeans originated in Languedoc-Rousillon in the city of Nîmes, France. Denim jeans were then imported to California by Levi Strauss to supply gold miners with hardwearing pants.

Fashion Week was originally called “Press Week” since it was when designers showed off their newest fashions to journalists.

All trousers were pull-ons until the 19th century, when front closures using buttons were introduced.

Blue scuba asymmetrical dress

he fashion showdown this week is between On-AirPersonality and Vlogger, Toke Makinwa and chief executive officer of Faspa, Honey Ogundeyi.

And the outfit in contention is a blue scuba asymmetrical dress.

Makinwa wore the sleeveless asymmetric dress with dramatic waterfall detail on January 14 to a dinner date. She accessorised the dress with a statement necklace, earrings and Christian Louboutin peep-toe pumps. She completed her evening look with her side part bouncy curls and subtle make-up. However, she left her arms bare.

Ogundeyi also rocked the same outfit from her retail store, Fashpa. She wore the dress to The Future Awards held at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island on December 7, 2014.

Ogundeyi harmonized her look with a teardrop statement necklace, stud earrings, silver ankle strap sandals, print box clutch and gold wristwatch. For her beauty look for the evening, she opted for blue eye shadow and nude lips.

She styled her side part locks in a ponytail.

So who in your opinion wore the blue scuba asymmetric dress better? Is it Makinwa or Ogundeyi?

Makinwa

Ogundeyi

17

TV & Radio with Angela Davies

SATURDAY, 7 FEBRUARY, 2015

18

This weekend STV

L-R: Yeni, Tope, Nyma, Morayo, Jumoke, Sandra, Uwa

Different shades of Your View

Y

Timothy Akinleye our View is a talk show hosted by seven brilliant women of different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences. The show’s main host is Morayo AfolabiBrown but she is assisted by a panel of six other vibrant ladies which include Yeni Kuti, Osayuwamen Peace Saleh, Jumoke Alawode-James, Tope Mark Odigie, Sandra Eze and Nyma.

On a daily basis they lead discussions on the views of Nigerians about everything and anything that affect our socio-economic and political reality with live phone-in from viewers to express their views on the issue of the day. It's indeed a slice of life.

The anchor and originator of the show, Afolabi-Brown, who is also deputy director of Programmes at Television Continental (TVC) sees the show as a platform to orientate people and pass positive message across to the public. The objective of the show is to get women to engage in interesting topics especially those that affect women directly or indirectly and by so doing, reflect how women think and respond to issues.

There are usually four ladies on set but Morayo remains constant, being the anchor person and the brain behind the programme. Each speaker brings to bare on the show their personality traits which reflect in their comments, views, style, swags and sometimes beliefs. Sometimes, depending on the topic being discussed, the studio could become really volatile as the ladies discuss animatedly and frankly regardless of whose ox is gored. This is attested to by the fact that the Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation have on a few occasions advised the producers

The anchor and originator of the show, AfolabiBrown, sees the show as a platform to orientate people and pass positive message across to the public to tone down. A topic that readily comes to mind is whether Lagos State government should allow the wearing of hijab

by Moslem secondary school girls.

On a typical day, after introducing herself and warmly welcoming viewers, Morayo equally introduces the ladies. Each one talks about her personal experience in the last 24 hours which are usually interesting and humorous. Some of these initial pet talks could be so personal that you momentarily forget you are watching a live show on television.

After this, the newspaper review follows. The headlines are read, and Morayo asks anybody who has read the stories to comment on any of them.

They usually get to the studios early to dress up and read the papers ahead, and of course, to make the hot steaming tea that has become an indispensable part of the show.

After this, the topic of the day is announced and all the drama starts almost immediately. The interesting thing is that these debates are usually animated, interesting and sometimes humorous.

Each lady takes turn to air her views

on the topic of the day. There may be heated arguments and disagreements between the ladies on the topic discussed but at the end of the day, they realise that they all have different backgrounds and beliefs.

As the programme progresses, the phone lines are opened so that viewers’ can phone-in and air their views, make suggestion or even criticise the topic being discussed.

However, some viewers channel their views via the different social media platform which are also read on air.

After this segment, the guest of the day is introduced and the topic he or she is to discuss is announced.

The sitting arrangement is altered in such a way that Morayo and one of the ladies sit down on a couch with the guest while the remaining two ladies remain on the studio table.

Morayo introduces the topic and enlightens viewers on this segment called “Let's Talk”. On Monday, February 2, Dele Alake, director of communications for Buhari’s Campaign Organization, was the guest and the topic discussed was, "Standard of political campaigns". The ladies asked him a couple of questions to which he gave interesting answers. Also, some tweets from viewers were read intermittently.

Your View which features segments like Front Page Review, Hot Topics and Let’s Talk airs Monday through Friday at 9:00am on Television Continental (TVC). However, there is a rebroadcast at 11:30 pm for those who missed the morning live broadcast. So, if you want to know how women think, sympathize, adjudicate and sometimes love, then watch these ladies every day.

Programme summary

Ignite

STV Saturday @ 3:30 pm It is an inspirational talk show anchored by Ibukun Awosika. The programme focuses on empowering the youth by showcasing achievements of their role models as well as interact with experts in different business.

Arambara

The Classic Morning Show

Arambara is a programme presented by Tunde Oladimeji in Yoruba Language. The programme which is set in different Yoruba towns profiles such town’s people and culture. It also celebrates Yoruba movie stars.

The show which is hosted by Sly and Bukola comprises a unique blend of music genres ranging from Jazz, RnB, Soul, hip-hop and more with key elements on information and entertainment.

ONTV Saturday @ 9:00 am

Classic 97.3 FM Mon to Fri @ 6:00 am

TELEVISION

Saturday 8:00 Nickelodeon 10:00 Brights 11:30 UAC Soccer Lafflines 12:00 Music, Video and More 1:30 Boom Town Specials 2:00 London boy 2:30 Boom Town 3:00 Dawn in the creeks 3:30 Ignite 4:00 Face 2 Face 4:30 Beautiful Liars 5:00 Family Ties 5:30 Two Sides of a Coin 6:00 MTV Base 7:00 News 7:30 Secrets and Scandals 8:00 Head 2 Head 8:30 Local Movie 10:00 News Sunday 8:30 Brights 9:30 Gospel Rhythms 10:00 Truth 11:30 Body Works 12:00 Walking with God 1:00 The advantage 1:30 Love, Dating & Marriage 2:00 Mountain Top Life 2:30 Gospel Symphony 3:00 Quantum leap 3:30 Singles and Married 4:00 Chapel of Uncommon Grace 4:30 Elevation Church 5:00 Glam squad 6:00 WWTBAM

7:30 Salvation ½ Hour 8:00 Real woman 9:00 The Remaking 10:00 News 11:00 Smooth DJ mix

TVC

Saturday 8:00 Your health Portal 8:30 Boombox 10:00 On The Town 11:00 Between The Lions 11:30 Sports Week 12:00 News 12:30 Video Fashion 1:00 The Big Issue 3:30 Boom Box 4:00 News 4:30 Sports Week 5:00 Arts Express 5:30 Stand by Me, My Beloved 6:30 Dawn in the Creeks 7:00 Nollywood Yoruba 8:30 Stand Up Nigeria 8:00 Nollywood English

9:00 Silent Noise 9:30 Events Diary 10:00 News 11:00 Wrap Up 11:30 Nollywood English Sunday 7:00 Hosanna Hour 10:00 News 10:30 Nollywood English 11:30 Sports Week 12:00 News 12:30 Nollywood English 2:30 Stand Up Nigeria 3:00 Chapel of Uncommon Grace 3:30 Golden Chance Lotto 4:00 News 4:30 Excellent Leadership 5:00 PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge 2014 6:00 Stand Point 7:30 Nollywood Yoruba 8:30 Ignite 9:30 Mission to Rebuild

RADIO

Ray Power 100.5 FM

Saturday 7:00 Breakfast Show 7:30 Newspaper Headline 9:00 Mega Sports 10:00 World News 10:30 Family Affairs 11:00 Young World 12:00 UK TOP 40 2:00 Saturday Jamz 3:55 News Trip 4:45 BBC/EPL 6:00 Nigeria Today 6:55 Saturday Nite Groove 10:00 Tonite@10

Sunday 7:30 Newspaper Headline 7:35 Sunday Morning Bliss 9:00 Ward Rounds 10:00 World News 12:00 Ray Power Cruise 2:00 News in Retro 3:55 News Trip 4:00 UK TOP 40 6:00 Nigeria Today 6:15 Sports Tonic 7.05 Watch & Pray 8.00 Jazz Hour 10.00 Tonite@10

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

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

SATURDAY

Rasqie

For D'banj

'Older artistes deserve some respect'

A not-so-riveting 10th year party

p.22

p.20

ShowBiz SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2015

19

‘I was always with boys, so people thought I was promiscuous Nigerian drummer and musician, Ara, recently clocked 40, which attracted accolades from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Wole Soyinka and a host of others. Surprisingly, after over 25 years as a performer, Aralola Olamuyiwa is just set to drop an album this year. In this conversation with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, she spoke about marriage, Kefee’s death, romance with movie industry and a mother’s love for her son.

At 40, are you satisfied with your accomplishments?

I am thankful to God for the celebration, though I am not there yet. I just started and like they say ‘life begins at 40.’ The new age means I have to double up my effort and work harder. I will release my debut album this year too, which is the first time in my entire career.

So, this is a critical time in my life and a lot is happening.

Considering you’ve been around since 1987, don’t you think you’ve delayed an album too long?

That is the beauty of a performer. When you are a performer, you never go out of fashion or demand and it explains the reason we last longer. I am more of a performer than a recording artiste. King Sunny Ade is still valuable till date. I don’t want to go to the international scene, but performers are evergreen. It is not too late; I would rather say I am highly favoured and blessed to have come this far without releasing a single album out there.

How would you describe the reception of your recent birthday gig at Oriental Hotel, Lagos?

An Evening with Ara was awesome and everything I dreamt of. I just wanted to hang out with friends, but unfortunately a lot of people could not make it because we had problem in getting the invitation cards out early. My mother, family, friends in the entertainment industry, the media among others were all in attendance.

At the gig too, former President Obasanjo, Professor Soyinka and few others lauded your contribution to development of culture in the country. Does that add anything to you?

I was really glad. We are blessed to have a man like OBJ and Wole Soyinka in this country. Nigerians are a peculiar people and we must know for a fact that once a president is always a president and Baba still has a great pool in the political arena. Wole Soyinka also is respected in the society. I feel they still appreciate and understand our culture.

Obasanjo’s endorsement of me as a cultural ambassador and one worthy of emulation is an icing on the cake.

Most people know you as a drummer, but you had a screening of your movie (Osunfunke) at the ceremony too. What is that about?

It is my first movie under Ara Entertainment productions. I delved into movie productions for one reason -to further expose tourism potential in this country and

exhibit our culture to the outside world. It is not enough for me again to get on stage and play drums, as I need people to also see the beautiful part of us and to know our history because it is who we are. I need people to see the tourism potential that we have in this country that are yet to be tapped into.

We have some countries in the world that do not have what we have, yet they make money from tourism. We have potential and we are not riding on the advantage.

I was so surprised when few people who saw the movie and from Osun State too didn’t know that Ijoko Ogedegbe and Odofejegboju still exit. The scene where the peace treaty was signed by different kings after the Kiriji War is still there too. If these places were to be outside the country, they will attract tourists and bring money. It is high time we started looking inward in this country. There is so much tourism potential that we are not tapping into. I am opened to do everything to project my culture and tourism potential of the country. It could be through music, movie or poetry.

It seems you know much about culture and heritage; could this be as a result of your background or education?

It is my passion.

It has nothing to do with my background or education; it is about my love for my country, culture and my root. Bob Marley says if you know where you are coming from you will know where you are going to. This is who I am.

We have many black Americans, who don’t know their identity or root, but I am privileged to be here and I appreciate what motherland has

continued on page 21

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Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

LANRE ODUKOYA

SHOWBIZ TODAY

08059296445 lanre.odukoya@newtelegraphonline.com

For D'banj, a not-so-riveting 10th year party Ten years on, Dapo Oyebanjo known by the showbiz moniker, D’banj still makes the headlines for the good and bad reasons.

LANRE ODUKOYA writes.

F

ame and fortune are but substances of a fleeting fancy, but not many are lucky enough to imbue their lives with such vague realities. So pop star, Dapo Oyebanjo otherwise known as D’banj has been here for ten solid and eventful years? Love or loathe this stage rocker, D’banj’s entry into Nigerian showbiz industry is era-defining. From the hit songs, ‘Tongolo (debut), ‘Mobo low won’ to the multiple award winning album, ‘The Entertainer’ and the fluke that was to later top the chart, ‘Oliver Twist’, D’banj silenced cynics and seamlessly became hurricane Africa.

D’banj, it was who made the craftsmanship this rewarding in Nigeria by first negotiating a mouth-watering deal with telecoms giant, Glo. And from that moment on, the industry has never remained the same.

Though, he was an exceptional brain in art and enterprise, he wasn’t pulling through without his equally creative partner and producer, Don Jazzy. Typical of humans, divergent interests finally wrecked the professional marriage spanning seven years.

And the rest today is history.

Ironically, as D’banj’s popularity soared especially after the deals with Kanye West’s GOOD Music and Beat by Dre, his creative factory began to experience a downslide.

He’d made frantic efforts to secure Davido and when that failed, he reached out to Olamide. Sadly, that was also deadlocked.

Consequently, he resorted to commissioning a music family, The Lee Family comprising five burgeoning singers from all of whom no single is released till date.

Suddenly, D’banj started trending again, but now premised on an interview he granted Olisa Adibua in a programme dubbed, The Truth. He indicted Dr. Sid and insisted that the relationship got so sour that Don Jazzy said, “If I’m listening to the radio and I hear D’banj, I change the station.” This interview done in parts, whipped up sentiments in favour of D’banj as he supposedly told the whole long hidden truths about the Mo Hits split.

Little did the public know that the Koko Master had a game plan. He’d completed an enchanting commercial for his 10th anniversary in the Nigerian music industry, but wasn’t willing to engage the Nigerian press to achieve publicity for the show.

The stunt worked magic as the interview perhaps achieved more publicity for the show mostly online than if he opted for paid adverts.

The print and broadcast media sought invitation to the show, more so that it was to be headlined by America’s famous strip-

...with some of the artistes

D'Banj and Amber Rose

per, Amber Rose. When the media had exhausted all means to access the ‘press pass’, many resorted to buying the N20,000 regular ticket in anticipation of the mother of all shows.

The soiree held at the Oceanview, Victoria Island, Lagos last Saturday was captured, almost blow by blow by a fan, Chinwe Opara, who’d braved all odds to see the show live. Below is the lady’s account of the show sponsored by Diamond Bank.

“Don’t you just feel bad when you already had your day planned and circumstances take a better part of it. These things just never go as planned. Things such as a D’banj’s event.

It should have been noted in my subconscious when we were told the event was slated to start at 7pm. Maybe I was giving them the benefit of a doubt? What was wrong with that? After all, it’s his 10th year in the industry, everyone should be eager to celebrate him enough to be early? No? That's was what I thought when I arrived the scene and it was scanty. Typical, so it wasn’t such a big deal. In an hour or two or three, things should get better and people should turn up?

So I thought. I’m sure at this juncture a lot of people are wondering what I was expecting, this is what is obtainable at Lagos events. Right?

You’ll know in a bit. The choice of event is still bewildering to me.

"The vast majority of the crowd were made up of media crew. At a point, they started interviewing co-presenters. Do you blame them?

They have to make up for content somehow.

With one guest by the hour, it was impossible to work with. The red carpet became more active by 12am. And when I say active I mean, the number had increased from one to two and three.

When I heard a 10-year anniversary celebration, I pictured an O2 Arena kind of gathering for a kick off. Even made better and confirmed when it was revealed ex-stripper, Amber Rose was headlining the event.

So imagine my surprise.

Every other thing went in a blur as time passed with nothing going on except a lot of bored people showing off their frustrations at 1am standing around doing nothing.

The interior, though small looked really well decorated with dazzling ornaments. The stage well lit in anticipation of what should be happening but isn’t. People littered the corners sipping on drinks provided with the exchange of a voucher going for 3,000naira. For a 10-year anniversary apparently D’banj didn’t want a mammoth crowd hence his choice of venue.

Then the moment came when people started leaving. Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie probably didn’t stay up to 11pm before he took his leave. Followed by some other people. First in their twos, then threes. Just as they had come. Then somewhere between 1:50 and 2am, there were loud sirens and a lot of chaos and we knew the hosts for the show had arrived and finally too.

The moment Amber Rose arrived on the red carpet much to the delight of the photographers who didn’t eventually get a good shot and swore under their breathes later, the show had begun for some and ended for most as they had finally achieved why they came.

All this while, no one noticed Sheyi Shay arrive in the midst of the ruckus.

Even at that the show didn’t really kick off till much later into the morning. What baffled me though was that aside some celebs such as Teebillz and Tiwa Savage (who arrived the venue separately by the way), Ice Prince, Wizkid, Davido and some new acts, no one from the beginning of his 10-year professional career showed up to celebrate the supposed icon in the industry regardless of any existing rift. That’s how the cookie crumbled for Bangalee.”

The real reason D’banj would rather not churn out invitation to journalists is simple.

Lately, more than any other A-list artists in Nigeria, he’s been constantly knocked over

his alleged litany of debts.

One of such debt allegations was levelled against him by a firm, Mindhub Technologies situated in Lekki Phase One, Lagos whose vice chairman, Henry Ojogho wrote to D’banj’s company, The Kings Men Media Limited to offset USD 300,000 and another N15m on or before January 2013. He premised the demand on facts contained in the MOU the companies signed on an investment deal on October 19, 2012.

And according to reports published by the Netng, D’banj also has an axe to grind with two other contenders.

These debt scandals went viral with no defence whatsoever from the Koko Master, barring some words by his friend, the entertainment lawyer, Ayo Shonaiya: "D’banj is an artiste and also a businessman. In business there’s bound to be disputes about money, investment, shares, partnership and ownership etc. And yes some cases do go to court. What I don’t understand here is why all the stuff I’ve been hearing is playing out on the pages of blogs and magazines."

Artists around the world get fair share of good and bad press, but the Koko Master appeared to have vented his angst in a manner that further injures his battered image. He forgot too soon those who contributed one way or the other to the eagle’s altitude he soars today. How on earth will Bangalee rationalise calling the bluff of publishers, journalists and showbiz pundits who literally saw the grass to grace tale of the superstar? Not now particularly because he’s currently awaiting a brand endorsement from Ciroc, one of the leading vodka brewers of this era and the role of the media, he cannot over-emphasise.

D’banj made grave errors. He would have had the noblest 10th anniversary celebration if he allowed younger artistes, many of whom his career had positively affected to share the beautiful testimonies at the said event. Many would also ask what contribution Amber Rose brought to Nigerian showbiz? The ‘queen of twerks’ couldn’t even do Nigeria any honour by announcing his expedition on Twitter whereas our dear Eja Nla has swarmed the social media with photos from the drab called 10th anniversary.

SOLUTIONS TO CROSSWORD PUZZLE O L U Y O L E P T

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10. EELS 11. MAUL 12. AD 16. AT 17. BARB 5. ANAL 6. PIG 13. IGBO ORA 14. KANURI

18. TOWN 22. UBA 23. UNO 24. ERR 25. BIN 26. IBARAPA 15. KADUNA 19. OMEN 20. BABA 21. TAB

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Showbiz

21

'I dropped out of university twice' continued from page 19

given me. My brothers and sisters are out there in Diaspora and they have no-one to look up to, but I dare to breach that gap. There is so much happening in Nigeria and either the world likes it or not, we are the giant of Africa. We might not be doing everything right, but we are doing some things right because we cannot all go wrong.

I believe strongly in this country and I know that one day we would right all our wrongs.

But don’t you think demands of movies will clash with your music?

Both are interwoven and they come naturally to me. I don’t see myself having any major challenge in combining music and acting. Osunfunke will be in the cinema soon, this year.

Of all the awards you’ve bagged, which do you consider priceless?

I would say the Key to the City of Miami in 2004. It meant a lot to me because it was a liberty key given to me for breaking a major traditional barrier and for being the first female talking drummer in Africa. It really encouraged me and gave me the authority to speak to the Nigerian girl child that sees herself as a limitation to achieving greatness in life.

How challenging was it to push the talking drum into limelight?

I would say that the timing was right for me. At about the time Ara emerged, the world was already waiting for something different. You know anywhere in the world where a woman wears a man’s cloth it is always appealing and people want to ask questions. And of course, with the support of everyone who stood by me and encouraged me to go further, I was able to make a statement.

I thank God for that.

You recently signed a management deal with Akinwale Oluwaleimu’s Event and Entertainment Consult.

What does that really entail?

I am signed on to Aremo Segun Oniru’s ‘D Prince Is Here Entertainment’ record label and we had a meeting on most suitable management outfit that could help push and project the Ara brand to greater heights . Though I had option of different management outfits, I went for Akinwale because he has a passion for music and he has been around for years. If there is anyone who understands the music industry better in Nigeria, it is him. He was also there from inception and creation of the Ara Brand. Since I didn’t want to place my career in the hands of any mediocre, I went for him.

You speak so well and with outstanding confidence; could you tell us about your formal education?

I don’t know everything; I am just informed and I wish every Nigerian youth will be informed so that we will know our rights.

After my elementary education, I went to the University of Ilorin to study law but left to do music.

I later went back to Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, to study English and I was there for like two

years. I was even the vice president of the department and was doing well before destiny called.

been able to impact young girls.

Who would you say was your greatest influence in life?

That is my father. I'm from a polygamous home, but my dad was a father like a mother. He didn’t joke with his kids and we meant everything to him. My career started when I was six and my father encouraged me. I was a very troublesome child and I did all the wrong things as a kid because I grew up in the surrounding of boys. I did everything the boys did and I got into loads of trouble. People said negative things about me being promiscuous and all sorts because I was always with the boys a lot. It was how I grew up; no girls to play with. But my father understood me better than anyone. While everyone else was tearing me apart, my father would tell me to always raise my heads up. He also gave me the opportunity to defend myself each time they reported I did anything wrong. So, that means a lot to me as a kid and I transferred that to the way I treat my son too. If he is accused of something, I would hear his side of the story and warn him if he manages to defend himself properly. And if I see that he is intentionally naughty, then I deal with him.

My father instilled a lot in me and he was a very loving man.

So you were a dropout?

I am not a dropout because I had a choice. I see it that I heeded to the higher calling.

Could you tell us more about your debut album?

It is a 12-track album with the title, Arade! My management will inform the public when it would be out. On the album, I featured Pasuma, MI, Poffy T and few others. To my fans, with the album, you will get a real feel of Ara. It is just way of saying thank you for walking along with me through all these years.

Do you have any favourite track?

For me to have waited for almost 25 years to release an album, you should realise that every single track in that album is very important to me. So I would tell people to take time to listen to each track when it comes out.

You occasionally bring your son to events. Are you consciously preparing him for entertainment?

Have you seen traits that he might want to follow your steps someday?

At my birthday celebration, there was no way I would have done that without my son by my side. So, it is natural for him to accompany me once in a while to shows, though it is his choice. He is just six years old and whatever he decides to be in life I would only guide him. He plays the talking drums well. Naturally, he likes the drums and music. He knows virtually all the artistes. Now, I cannot really say if he would take after me because he is still young.

Did your father play drums too?

He was a banker for over 30 years. But From my maternal side, I have the blood of the Alaafin of Oyo. My cousin and my great uncle play talking drums. I think it is genetic for me. On holidays, I spend time with them and watch.

It has been a while since you left your husband; do you plan to give marriage a second shot?

Marriage is not my priority now. When the time comes, I would face it.

How is the relationship with your ex-husband?

That is a forgotten issue; let’s face the present.

I think it would only be right to hear from the horse’s mouth. After the death of Kefee’s, it was in the news that you predicted her demise. Was there anything like such?

I didn’t predict Kefee’s death. I had a dream, and I told her about it and the need to be careful. Her death was painful because Kefee was like a baby sister to me. When I heard the prediction news, I was not surprised. I have been in the industry for years and I know how they turn things around to sell papers or blogs. Though I didn’t like the fact that it had to do with somebody’s demise, it wasn’t a problem to me and there was nothing I could do to control it. There are certain things we don’t have control over.

Could you share with us an incident that almost broke you down?

Most definitely I have and I think every human being has been through those paths in life. I am

I'm from a polygamous home, but my dad was a father like a mother.

He didn’t joke with his kids and we meant everything to him

no different. I don’t want to dig up holes that I had forgotten. It is okay with me to let them go, but I have been there and I sailed through. I thank God I live to tell my story. I came, I saw and I conquered them.

What legacy do you love to leave behind?

There are many young girls today that will testify to fact that they’ve been able to go a little bit further in life just because Ara made something of the talking drum. So, I believe I have been able to impact the Nigerian girl child by telling them that being a girl should propel them to work harder and remain focused. I think the legacy is already set and the most important thing is that I have

We have few days to elections and everyone is involved. How would you advise Nigerians, especially youths?

They should be asking the right questions. Since the youth comprises over 60 per cent of the population, they are the problem and solution. We should be asking questions on why we elected President Goodluck Jonathan and why we must re-elect him; why Ambode and why Agbaje.

Are we asking the right questions or selling our destiny? If we get it wrong this time, we should not point fingers to anyone but ourselves. So we should ask the right questions and put the right person there because the power is in our hands. The earlier we realize how powerful we are, the better for us. We should not be carried away by advert or the glamour because that is not the essence of political positions. It is about getting in there, serving the people and making life a better place for the populace. I really feel sorry for youths that will sell their mandates during these elections.

CORRECTION In an interview published on Saturday, January 31, 2015, with the headline 'Artistes should flaunt bling with discretion,'(Page 22), we erroneously used a wrong photograph in place of Foster Zeeno's.

The error is regretted.

– Editor

22

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

'Older artistes deserve some respect' Former Kennis Music singer, Rasaq Lawal aka Rasqie, has given hint of a comeback with his new release, Na You. After three albums, he took a break from music in 2008. He speaks with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS.

You used to be a household name; what actually went wrong?

I am still a household name because once you mention my name people know it. Everything we do in life requires a break. You cannot be doing the same thing non-stop for 16 years and you won’t need a break to refresh. If you used your computer system for too long, it would definitely crash someday. So, one needs that break and I took it to monitor the little businesses that I was able to run such as a concept creating company and a bit of oil and gas. But we are back; music is what I love to do and we cannot stay away from our passion forever. Recently, at the end of December, I dropped a new single, Na You, and it is already attracting airplays.

I am happy about that. We are already strategizing for the video and we are waiting for the elections to be over for us to continue our usual business.

Could you recall when you had your last hit song?

It depends on your definition of a hit song because I was still able to drop good songs for my fans till 2008. After Ati Ready, I did Dapada, Mukoko and Hands in the Air. So, in 2008 I took a break and in 2014 I dropped two singles (Telemondo and Woman's Worth) and a video to complement it. My recent single is Na You, which was produced by K Solo.

Which of your songs gave you prominence?

I would say Soji in 1999 and Ati Ready in 2004.

What is still the apparent challenge?

It is still quite challenging and every business has a challenge. Basically, the difference now is that you need a huge amount of money to do music unlike those days.

But was music what you really wanted to do as a kid?

While I was young, I was very inquisitive and wanted to know everything. I have been following a lot of artistes and I discovered a particular day that I was singing a song that doesn’t belong to anybody.

I was still in the secondary school then. That was how it started and it became bigger gradually.

What is the craziest thing people say about you?

It was when people said I ran to America and I was no more singing. I just laughed. Though I traveled out of the country and I still do, I didn’t run away from music. I didn’t feel bad because it is normal for people who are dealing with the public.

How do you cope with ladies?

I am married, so I don’t think that is an issue anymore. But it is about understanding this is what you do. I won’t allow fame to get into my head. I see music as my job as a banker sees banking as his job.

The only reason women shout and want to be around us is because they see us on television or hear our music. I got married since 2005 and the experience has been awesome and fantastic.

It makes you more focused, serious and responsible.

Rasqie

But would you agree that fame gets into the head of most entertainers?

It is natural and this is not in the en-

tertainment industry alone. We have people who were nothing and suddenly became managers in companies.

It is possible for those people to change. It depends on one’s orientation and how the person chooses to deal with it. Some artistes even try to protect themselves with bodyguards. I do that sometimes too, but it shouldn’t get into one’s head because there is nothing like a permanent champion.

It seems present artistes are more united compared to your days. What could be wrong then?

We were united and good friends during our peak too. Some of us are still friends till date. It is just that the business is now bigger than what he used to be. When something gets big, there is tendency for more people to start having a sort of coalitions or break into groups.

Considering how lucrative music is now; has there been a time you wished you belong to the new generation?

How about if I wished I belonged to this generation and I didn't last for a year before I die? So, everything has time and nature has its plans. We were there that time and we still try to make sense now. Soon, people will know that I am back. Once the creativity is there, the sound is right and the music good, everything other thing is settled.

What are those things that influence your music?

It is basically my society, things I hear and see, and experiences of people. My style of music is more like afro-pop but we now have bit of highlife, fuji and other genres in it. It is really hard to define my music because I might be inspired to do reggae today and RnB tomorrow.

What was your background like?

I am from Ondo State. I went to St. Kizitos Primary School, Lagos, and later I proceeded to Iju Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos. I then went to Yaba College of Technology where I studied business administration.

Was there a time you didn’t want to sing again?

Yes, there was. I realised that music is not a job where you could be certain of your old age. So, the thoughts came and I asked myself if I was doing the right thing.

I decided to take a break and do one or two businesses because a lot of artistes had been there but are now struggling since they stopped singing. In a situation where we have proper structure and artistes are well paid, you can make plans. Even in countries where royalties are paid too, things get bad. This gave me worries. As a civil servant, you will collect some particular money after retirement for the rest of your life. We are recording artistes and the moment people don’t hear us again it is over. But we have people who are just performing artistes; they don’t have songs anywhere and they move around the world. A recording artiste needs to do videos, singles and albums. Since I studied business administration, I thought the money I make from music I should invest it. It serves me when I cannot do active music anymore.

How do you feel when you hear the likes of Davido, Olamide, Wizkid, etc?

I feel good that what we started could be this big. You know we were basically doing it for the passion then and we never thought it could go this far. There were no corporate bodies ready to buy into music and some radio stations were only playing foreign songs. I want to appreciate Kenny Ogungbe who believed in the vision that we are all enjoying today.

Have you had an experience where a young artiste disrespected or spoke to you rudely?

I have not really experienced direct cases, but it is happening. It is really bad and I think the industry as a whole encouraged that. They don’t make them to see what these people had done, so they don’t appreciate them. Today, we cannot talk about this industry without what Kenny Ogungbe did and I think the man is not being celebrated properly. Everyone just turned to the new thing, the current champion and forget those people who worked hard for things to come alive. If Ogungbe had followed the trend of some people who only listened to and encouraged foreign music, we may not have an industry like this. For whatever contribution one has done, we should celebrate such person. We shouldn’t wait until he or she dies. The last two or three Grammy ceremonies in United States was hosted by LL Cool J, one of the old-time artistes. But we don’t do that in Nigeria. How do you expect new artistes to respect those people?

7 FEBRUARY 2015

The facade of Niteshift Coliseum

T

he sun has set in its prime blossoming into alluring fantasies of men who spared no cost in savouring the glitz of a nocturnal life. And this they did after the strenuous pursuits of the day. One pub, famous for charming the best brains across creed and age, Niteshift Coliseum birthed in 1988.

Since 1988 when it began full entertainment operations on a rented premises along Opebi road, Ikeja, the club hurriedly became the melting pot of professionals, entrepreneurs, opinion leaders and expatriates who craved and eventually had uninhibited fun. And for long, it remained the leading fun spot anywhere across the country. His patrons included past and serving presidents, governors, senators, captains of industries, professionals, monarchs A-list artistes and celebrities.

In December 2003, a mysterious fire gutted the fun haven with the most prestigious grand house patrons. But impressively, by January 2004, the new Niteshift Coliseum, a 1,400-seater hall had begun re-construction and it was opened in grand style on August, 2005.

The Coliseum comprises the Baby Coliseum (Security Tower), The Summit (Multi-purpose Conference/Banquet Hall), The Arena (Club Floor) and the Dacha (a 12-room Bed and Breakfast Guest Lodge).

It continued to retain its pride of place as the night club and events centre with the most influential patrons until 2013 when some (game changers) new generation pubs emerged on the scene with more vibrant night life. On the same route arrived Page, Peckas, Option, Club Vegas to mention just a few of those whose entry altered the status quo.

At the Niteshift Coliseum, for all the years it retained its allure, its

Showbiz

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

photo: godwin irekhe

The Coliseum losing its allure The proprietor's age plus the emergence of a few zany clubs that caters to youthful tastes, have combined to write a painful but inevitable epitaph for the beloved Niteshift Coliseum, writes LANRE ODUKOYA conservative nature wasn’t compromised. The head honcho, Ken Caleb Olumese (a.k.a Guv’nor Ken) wouldn’t sway his style to suit what now trends. In the hay days of the Niteshift Coliseum, access to the fun haven was mainly by membership and it was grouped in cadres. For the Glamour Boys, we’d be looking at VVIPs like Jerry Rawlings, Atiku Abubakar, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Adolphus Wabara, Ken Nnamani, Bola Tinubu, King Sunny Ade, Sir Victor Uwaifo and many other stellar guests. The Platinum card-carrying members are the accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs and some showbiz stars like Mayor Akinpelu, Lanre Ogunlesi, Yomi Obileye, Captain Najomo, Onyeka Onwenu, Sir Shina Peters, Stella Damasus Aboderin, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Monalisa Chinda and many others.

The gold card is for the young men and women with immense prospects while the ordinary member cards are held by those who didn’t fall in this category but had patronised the club with appreciable propriety.

But as the years went by, as much as the membership was a mark of honour for patrons, it caused apprehension in those who intended to fraternise there but lacked this

There are times my children and my wife wish I retire so that I can spend more time with my grand children

23

qualification. And in no time, clubs like The Page, Peckas, Options and others sprang up in quick succession around the same axis.

Unlike the Niteshift Coliseum that rendered its songs mostly to suit "old school" taste from 1am to 3am before the disc jockey transits to contemporary jams, other new generation clubs around would begin to blast "today’s hits" from 12pm mostly without entry prerequisites. The young people got really bored at the time the older men and their allies were waltzing to the many old tunes. So, naturally, all comers could throng other pubs with just as much fun as they’d have if they had access to the Niteshift Coliseum if not more.

While this was going on, for poise and class, many still stuck to the conservative night life in the Niteshift Coliseum, but understandably, it lost more vibrant guys who would rather pay a token entry fee at Club Vegas, The Page or at Peckas where no dime is required to engage the girls of easy virtue. Besides, drinks and finger fruits don’t cost as much in these new joints.

So, by 2013, Guv’nor Ken Caleb Olumese, who was already advanc-

Guv’nor Ken

ing in age began to wind down, his tenacity began to wane particularly because the pub was already doing pro bono services to those who’d shown it loyalty for many years.

There were times when Guv’nor Ken would fill the glasses with expensive cognac free of charge to appreciate some loyal patrons who probably couldn’t afford so much at that outing. Though, Guv’nor Ken, was once quoted as saying: ‘There are times my children and my wife wish I retire so that I can spend more time with my grand children. Age of the proprietor may have played a marginal part, but it’s an open secret what dimmed the allure of the pub we all once coveted.

But whatever happens, its ambiance is still one to beat, it’s fast becoming a relic but for occasional events like the "Grand House Reception" held last Saturday in honour of Jimi Agbaje, Lagos gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party another planned for this evening is in honour of the APC candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode. For a fact, once, he engaged one of his sons to succeed him, but apparently, their dreams are divergent, so the young man couldn’t do much to sustain his dad’s legacy.

The septuagenarian club owner, Guv’nor Ken forged a synergy with upwardly mobile guys and corporate organisations to stage events at the venue and that’s what’s left of the former entertainment hub that shone for about three decades.

Investigations SATURDAY TELEGRAPH 7 FEBRUARY, 2015

Widowhood:

The story of invisible women (3)

Women and children are the two most vulnerable groups affected by harmful traditional practices.

These beliefs, according to ISIOMA MADIKE, who concludes this three-part series of the dilemma widows face in the South-east region, reflects the values held by members of a community for periods spanning generations

F

rom Adaobi Okeke of Trans Ekulu community in Enugu State and Mercy Iwuala of Umukaran-Umudurugho neigbourhood in Isiala Mbano, Imo State, come the same tale of woes and pains. Like those other widows, Okeke and Iwuala were denied their rights and were subjected to other inhuman treatment after they lost their husbands.

“When my husband died, his family asked me to marry one of his younger siblings. And when I refused, they ordered me out of my matrimonial home along with my little kids.

Since then, I and my children have remained refugees in our supposed homeland,” said Okeke, who lost her husband in 2012.

Iwuala’s story is not any better. She was, since her husband died in 1998, logged in a legal battle with in-laws over her husband’s property. The family had, before now, accused her of killing their brother.

“They forced me to sleep with their brother’s corpse for days. That was the instruction from the native doctor they brought in to perform some rituals. It was after my innocence was proved that they conspired to deny me and my children what rightly belonged to us. We were forced out of my husband’s home and his property confiscated,” Iwuala said amid intermittent sobs.

Isioma madike

Editor, INVESTIGATIONS isioma.madike@newtelegraphonline.com © Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

In another instance, a woman from Ezeagu community was ejected from the family home and all her late husband’s land and property were taken by her brothers-in-law. Another along with her children were ostracised by her husband’s people because the woman did not shave her hair after the death of her husband.

Also in Nenwe, a widow who lost her husband in 2011 is currently fighting to save her late husband’s property, which she is about to lose because she is childless. She was locked out of her husband’s house in the village since his death. In like manner, another widow from Awha neighbourhood was forced to kneel in front of her husband’s community members on allegations that she killed her husband.

Incidentally, the consequences of not catering for children the dead left behind usually come back to the society. This may be why some advocate for special intervention through sustainable policies, in terms of rights and other issues that would enhance the widows’ physical well-being.

For instance, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, condemned these traditional harmful widowhood practices in the region. He called it "pagan and satanic cultural practices", which, according to him, the body of Christ is not relenting at seeing becoming a thing of the past.

He confirmed that in most communities in the East, widows are subjected to several inhuman treatments including but not limited to accusing them of killing their husbands.

"This is inconceivable, unthinkable and unbelievable lies. That a woman would kill her husband only for her to inflict perpetual pains upon herself is simply an infantile and demonic reasoning. In some cruel cases, the corpses are washed for them to drink; they do this without minding

Stella Ndukaku and children in front of her house in Akabo, Oguta LGA, Imo State

Okeke's home at Trans Ekulu in Enugu

24

SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2015

SATURDAY

FREE

Sport Splash 25

Feature

Blame us not govt for our woes, say Ex-stars

La Liga

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Canada 2015

Okpodu laments lack of preparation p.26

Oshoala living the dream p.27

Ronaldo returns for Madrid rumble p.28

Feature

Bridging the gap between Nigerian and European leagues p.30

The Team

Vincent EboigbelAssistant Editor Ajibade Olusesan l Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya l Correspondent

© Daily Telegraph Publishing

Charles Ogundiya ome former ex-internationals have absolved government of blame on the unflattering state of welfare and health conditions of Nigeria’s past heroes.

The ex-stars argue that the blame should rather go to them for their inability to plan properly for their lives.

This is a sharp contrast to the view of many Nigerians and some other ex-players who heap the blame on government with regard to the misfortunes of former players.

Former Eagles winger, Clement Temile, who was part of the Super Eagles 1984 Africa Cup of Nations’ squad to Cote d’Ivoire, said the players should be blamed for their current state.

The apostle of a united players’ union while speaking with our correspondent in Warri recently said he wanted the warring factions to come together soon hopefully.

"We the players should take the blame for our misfortunes.

Some people blame the Nigeria Football Federation and government, but I won't accept that because the NFF is an independent body so also is the players union.

"I will agree with you if you blame the players union. We need to take care of ourselves.

“While we were in active football we were paid so it all depends on how you plan your future. Sincerely the NFF has nothing to do with the welfare of players," Temile said.

He further said he met two factions of the players union when he returned to the country from Europe and that he had been working on uniting everyone since.

He said: “I heard there were two players union bodies and yet they were not doing enough. I met with heads of the two unions: Harrison Jalla and Austin Popo and I asked questions.

"A lot of ex-internationals are sick yet no one is helping them out.

"I started the journey along side another ex-international, Emeka Ezeugo; even though

Adepoju

Temile

Afejuku

Ezeugo

it's obvious the two groups headed by both Popo and Jalla never wanted to meet but we are already making headway.”

For former international, Mutiu Adepoju, a member of the Nigerian team that qualified the country for the first ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994, admitted that the

players needed to take care of themselves.

The former Real Sociedad star said: “As former players, we should take care of our health and not wait until it degenerates badly before attempting to do something. We should also be mindful of the fact that football is not forever,

when we are making the money, we should remember the future and prepare for it.”

Also reacting, former Green Eagles star, Prince Afejuku, said the players union has the bulk of the blame.

“Let us not deceive ourselves, at the management level we got it wrong and as players too we are responsible for our problems because we don’t speak with one voice.

“We must have a body that can work as a unit so that we can fight our cause. The truth is we should stop putting the blame on the NFF because they don’t even have the wherewithal to monitor players from in respective homes,” he said.

Afejuku added that as players, there was the need to come together and fight the cause of all players both active and retired.

He said: “If we look at the spate of deaths in recent time, people keep putting the blame on the government, they are wrong, if we can come together then we can fight our battles ourselves and move forward.

“We need to organise ourselves and put football on the right footing.”

A former Eagles midfielder, Emeka Ezeugo, said the inability of the players to have a united body has denied them of some benefits from the international players’ union Fifpro.

Etim Esin also weighed in.

He called on the players union to unite and work as a body to protect the interest of everybody.

“As footballer, I think we should come together now as one body to forge a common front for all the footballers both active and retired.

“Our football union has been in shambles for a while now and it is time we did something about it. Let the union be more vibrant; at this stage I don’t think it is good for our colleagues to be crying out for help and we cannot reach out to them.

“We cannot continue to wait on the NFF to come to our aid, if the players union is vibrant, those are things that should be taken care of easily,” he said.

26 Sport Nigeria’s Onwunze for Special Olympics NBA Game

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

ThankGod targets league, Asian Cup with Fanja SC

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pecial Olympics Nigeria’s athlete Miss Chidalu Onwunze, has been invited to participate in the 4th Annual NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game. The NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Sports Basketball Game will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York, for the first time on Saturday, February 14, in conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend.

In 2014, the 3rd edition of the annual NBA Cares Special Olympics Games were held in New Orleans with Special Olympics Africa Athletes from Egypt and Senegal participating, but Nigeria’s Onwunze will be participating in the event.

The Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game will feature NBA and WNBA Legends who will play with Special Olympic basketball athletes from all over the world in a 5 by 5 tournament.

This is done to showcase the power of Special Olympics’ Unified Sports which helps unite communities and foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion.

The National Director, Naomi Saliu-Lawal in her statement mentioned that this is the first time Nigeria is being invited to this prestigious event. She also stated how unforgettable the event will be for the Nigerian athlete Miss Chidalu Onwuze, playing on the same court with NBA and WNBA legends/players, including Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Andre Drummond, Victor Oladipo amongst others.

She ended her statement by thanking Orangeline Development + Design Company and Cordros Capital Limited for their contributions to Special Olympics Nigeria towards this event.

Onwunze

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Super Falcons player, Onome Ebi (left) clears the ball during the AWC in Namibia

Canada 2015: Okpodu laments lack of preparation

F

Stories by Charles Ogundiya ormer Super Falcons coach, Sam Okpodu, has lamented the poor preparation of Nigeria women’s national team, Super Falcons, for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada in June.

Speaking with our correspondent, Okpodu said while other countries were busy preparing for the competition, Nigeria was yet to call the players to camp.

According to him, inability to prepare well for the competition will lead to the country failing to make any impact in Canada.

“I don’t really have much to say concerning the team, but the

fact remains that the rest of the world are preparing but we are not doing anything.

“World Cup is the biggest event in football and you can’t afford to make up the numbers.

But if we just want to participate without making any impact, then we can carry on the way we have been doing,” he said.

Speaking further, the newly appointed assistant coach of Warri Wolves said to win the World Cup something extra must be done.

Okpodu said: “If you want to win the competition, then you must put in extra effort compared to other teams going to Canada.

“If right now we are

not preparing, then we are not preparing to do well at the competition, you cannot give what you don’t have.”

The seven-time African Women’s Championship winners will face Sweden, Australia and the United States of America in the 2015 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place from June 5 to July 6 in Canada.

Nigeria have participated in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1991 but they would be hoping to emulate their junior counterparts, the Falconets, who made it to the finals of the under 20Women’s World Cup also played in Canada in 2014.

Association chairmen hail Ibile Games 2015

I’ve forgiven abuse at Indian Wells - Serena

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zSet z to return after 14 years boycott

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orld number one Serena Williams has buried the hatchet and will return to Indian Wells to play in the tournament she has boycotted for 14 years after suffering racist abuse.

The 19-time Grand Slam singles champion said she had discovered the "true meaning of forgiveness" and would go for a third title in the Californian resort in March.

"It has been difficult for me to forget spending hours crying in the Indian Wells locker room after winning in 2001, driving back to Los Angeles feeling as if I had lost the biggest game ever- not a mere tennis game but a bigger fight for equality," the 33-year-old Williams wrote.

"I'm fortunate to be at a point in my career where I have nothing to prove. I'm still as driven as ever, but the ride is a little easier. I play for the love of the game.

"It is with that love in mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015."

Williams won her second title at the showpiece event in 2001, beating Kim Clijsters in a final marred

by the behaviour of some fans who booed and heckled the American and her family, apparently in response to sister Venus withdrawing injured from their semi-final.

In her autobiography My Life: Queen of the Court, Williams describes the events that prompted her boycott: "I could hear the shouts of "Nigger!" here and there.

"I even heard one angry voice telling us to go back to Compton.

It was unbelievable."

Williams made her main draw debut at Indian Wells as a 17-yearold in 1999, beating Steffi Graf in the final.

"I have thought about going back to Indian Wells many times over my career," Williams, who won the Australian Open last Saturday, said in the TIME interview.

fter sealing a move to Oman Professional League campaigners Fanja SC, Former Warri Wolves defender, Ike ThankGod, said his target now was the Oman PL title and the Asian Cup. Speaking to our correspondent from his new base, ThankGod said he was looking forward to more laurels with the club after winning his first trophy, the Oman League Cup Final some days after joining the club.

He also helped his new club to a 3-2 away victory over Mussanah Club in his first league game for the club.

Having been linked with a number of clubs in the Nigerian topflight in the closed season, Fanja SC pulled off a transfer coup by landing the signature of one of the most experienced defenders in the Nigeria Professional Football League at zero-cost.

"I have signed a fourmonth contract with Fanja SC. I have played two games already for the team, and I will be playing again this weekend.

"I chose to join Fanja SC because the deal they offered me was more than what I would have received with any NPFL team.

"I have been treated well by the management, players and the fans since I arrived. By God's grace, I'll do well here,” the former Heartland defender said.

Serena

hairmen of sports associations in Lagos State have lauded the organisation of the just concluded Lagos State Secondary Schools Sports Festival tagged Ibile Games 2015.

Some of the chairmen who spoke at venues where their sports took place commended Governor Raji Fashola for ensuring that the Ibile Games, which hitherto had been an open tournament for athletes from local government areas in the state, is now strictly for secondary schools students.

“This is a good development for schools sports in Lagos State.

It is good that we are now having a competition that will involve only athletes from our secondary schools. The target of sports associations in this kind of games will be to focus on catching them young,” said Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed, chairman, Lagos State Fives Association.

“I’m so happy that we were able to discover some young athletes from the secondary schools who we’ll now groom to represent Lagos in future national competitions,” he said.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

L

iving the dream is a cliche often overused in football, but for 20-year-old Nigerian Asisat Oshoala it fits the bill.

Within the space of just five months, she has won the Adidas Golden Ball and Golden Boot award at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, the Golden Ball at the African Women's Championship, the African Women's Youth Player of the Year and then rounded it off with the African Women's Footballer of the Year award. And those are just the individual awards. Add to that picking up a runners-up medal from the U-20 World Cup in Canada last year, a winning medal at the African Championships and signing a professional contract with Liverpool Ladies FC, and Oshoala is truly living the dream.

Oshoala is well on the way to taking over from Nigerian woman's footballing legend Perpetua Nkwocha, and she revealed that the fourtime winner of the African Women's Footballer of the Year award, who also won the African Championships four times and participated at three FIFA Women's World Cups™, is her role model. “She is a very good person and a very good player and has encouraged me a lot. She helped my game. I have tried to emulate her style of play, but it is not only on the field that I have learned from her, it's also off the pitch.

I look at her character and see that it is something that young people can aspire to.”

Nkwocha, repays the compliments. “[Oshoala] is a genius. She is a brilliant team player who is willing to carry the responsibility of the team on her shoulders. I have not seen any weaknesses in her game. If there is any advice that I could give, it is to remain focused.”

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Oshoala in action for Super Falcons during the Africa Women Championship

Oshoala living the dream

Meteoric rise It seems likely that she will do just that, as success has not gone to her head. When asked if she would exchange her Golden Ball award from Canada last year with a winners medal from the same tournament she laughs. “That is a tough question,” she says with the honesty that makes her so likeable. “It is not an easy choice, and I don't know what I would do.”

Oshoala started playing football in good, but I use her mainly as a secondary school. “I was always into striker.” For Oshoala, it makes sport and was an athlete at first. I used no difference where she plays. “I to run home from school. I then started have no favourite position. The playing football with my friends and coach often uses me on the wings classmates. Mainly boys and that is when and I am fine with that. I just love I became really interested. I did not think playing, but it makes no differabout becoming a professional then, ence where.” though. I also did not have the supGoing back to Canada port of my parents, who did It is likely that Osnot want me to play. It was only when they hoala will spearnoticed that I was head the Super serious that they Falcons' atstarted suptack at the Wo m e n ' s porting me.”

World Cup Oshoala in Canada joined FC later this River Internationals in year, where Lagos, bethe Africans fore being are hoping signed by to finally arRivers Angels rive on the big from Port Harstage. Although court. Just a few they have long weeks ago, Oshoala been a global player With CAF award in youth football – with signed a contract with three semi-final appearances Liverpool Ladies. “That was something special, and I am sure it in a row at the U-20 level, they will give me a lot more experience. have not managed to bring that I will have a chance to play in the success to a senior women's levChampions League." el and have only once, from six Super Falcons coach Edwin Okon appearances, made it out of the says she can play anywhere. “I could group stage. “We have huge numeven use her in defence, she is that ber of talents at the youth level,

but we need to properly harness them as they graduate to the senior team,” says Nkwocha. “But with good preparation surely our team will excel. We have the players and experience to do well in Canada.”

It is a view that Oshoala shares. “I am confident that this year we will

...In Liverpool Women's colours

see Nigeria doing well. We have the players and many of them have already played together at youth level.”

Whether or not the 20-year-old will team up with the 38-year-old depends on Okon, who took Nkwocha to Namibia for the African championships at the end of last year. “Whether she makes the squad for Canada is up to the coaching staff. We will look at the players and then take the best squad.”

Nkwocha, who has just signed a contract as player-coach at Swedish lower league side Clemensnas IF, would like to be in Canada. “If they call me up I should be grateful to serve my country.”

It could well be the only opportunity that the two players – the one an African footballing legend and the other a potential legend in the making – have the opportunity of parading their skills together on the global stage.

Courtesy: FIFA.com

Following in the footsteps of his father and also uncle Ralf, 15-year-old Mick - who has raced karts in recent years under the pseudonym 'Mick Junior' - is reportedly about to tread into the world of single-seater cars.

Dutch reports say he is close to signing for Van Amersfoort's Formula 4 outfit. Last year, Max Verstappen - only two years older than Mick - leapt straight from a F3 campaign with Van Amersfoort into a Toro Rosso race cockpit for 2015.

Michael Schumacher

ATP World Tour commentator Robbie Koenig believes that World number one Novak Djokovic would be at his peak and dominate the world tennis for at least next three years.

The former South African tennis player said that Djokovic would win at least two majors for the next three years, adding that two majors a year from the start of 2015 would give him 13 majors in total, Sport24 reported.

Djokovic clinched his eighth Grand Slam of his career in Melbourne after the Serbian trounced Murray in the Australian Open final last Sunday.

Novak Djokovic

Unified world heavyweight champion Klitschko has revealed that he is keen to face WBC title holder Deontay Wilder later in 2015.

Klitschko is currently preparing to fight Bryant Jennings in his first appearance in the United States for seven years, but the Ukrainian, who hasn't suffered defeat since 2004, is hoping to secure a blockbuster showdown with the knockout specialist.

At a press conference, the 38-year-old said: "We need to do it and we have to do it. There is certainly a reason why I'm back here and why I'm fighting on US television live on US soil.

"Wilder is the most valuable opponent for me to fight and the price is the title that he has."

Wladimir Klitschko

SPORT BRIEFLY

www.newtelegraphonline.com

NEW TELEGRAPH

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eal Madrid will hope Cristiano Ronaldo's return from suspension will be enough to overcome a spate of injuries when it visits Atletico Madrid on Saturday in another rematch of last season's Champions League final.

James Rodriguez joined Madrid's list of injured players when he broke a bone in his right foot on Wednesday. Sergio Ramos is also likely to be out after injuring his leg.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to look to his bench to field a starting 11 against an Atletico side that has bet-

this season.

While Madrid leads the league with Atletico seven points behind in third, second-place Barcelona enter the weekend four points behind the pacesetters and will wait until Sunday to visit Athletic Bilbao.

Madrid's 2-1 win over Sevilla on Wednesday proved costly when both Rodriguez and Ramos went down in the first half.

Rodriguez had surgery on Thursday, while the club was still waiting to determine the extent of Ramos' thigh injury.

Madrid was already without midfield-

Pepe (ribs).

Marcelo also saw his fifth yellow card against Sevilla. Ancelotti said the club would appeal the booking and that he will rely on center backs Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez to anchor his defense.

"We lose some experienced heads but sometimes an injection of enthusiasm is a good thing," Ancelotti said. "I'm not worried."

The derby at Vicente Calderon Stadium will be the sixth time the city rivals have met since Madrid prevailed 4-1 in extra time in May's Champions

Ronaldo returns for Madrid rumble

undesliga champions Bayern Munich are used to winning, and after two matches without victory, are hungry for three points at Stuttgart.

Still searching for their first competitive win of 2015, Bundesliga champions Bayern Mu-

B

their trip to the Allianz Arena.

The nature of the match and the fact Bayern played for so long with 10 men put a gloss on the result, but the Bavarian giants are used to success and lots of it - putting the importance of this clash at a

Bayern seek winning return at Stuttgart

he second and final leg of this season’s North London Derby is upon us. With both sides currently sitting outside the top four, winning this match becomes much more important.

The Spurs are coming into the match following a 3-0 dismantling of West Brom. The win added to their current form which has seen the side lose only once in their last nine matches. However, Tottenham have not defeated Arsenal in their last four meetings, and have only won once in the last seven.

Spurs will be looking to utilize their supreme striking ability in the match. Coming into this weekend, Tottenham have three players in the top 15 for goals scored this season.

Harry Kane leads the way for the squad with 10 goals to his name. Christian Eriksen (9) and Nacer Chadli (7) sit close on his heels, making this Spurs side one of the most dangerous in the Premier League.

The Gunners will look to continue their current dominance of Tottenham and extend their current three game winning streak. As dominant as Arsenal have been offensively in their last three matches — scoring 10 goals — they have been even more superb at the back. Arsenal have not conceded a goal in all three matches, including a superb 2-0 win at Manchester City.

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London quake as Spurs, Arsenal clash

Global Football Special

P 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 NO TEAM 1 Juventus 2 Roma 3 Napoli 4 Lazio 5 Sampdoria 6 Fiorentina 7 Palermo 8 AC Milan 9 Genoa 10 Torino 11 Sassuolo 12 Udinese 13 Inter

P 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Serie A

NO TEAM 1 Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 3 Atletico 4 Sevilla 5 Valencia 6 Villarreal 7 Malaga 8 Eibar 9 Espanyol 10 Celta Vigo 11 A. Bilbao 12 Rayo 13 Sociedad 14 Deportivo 15 Getafe 16 Almeria 17 Cordoba 18 Granada 19 Elche 20 Levante

La Liga

NO TEAM P 1 Chelsea 23 2 Man City 23 3 Man United 23 4 Southampton 23 5 Arsenal 23 6 Tottenham 23 7 Liverpool 23 8 West Ham 23 9 Swansea City 23 10 Stoke City 23 11 Newcastle 23 12 Everton 23 13 Crystal P. 23 14 Sunderland 23 15 West Brom 23 16 Aston Villa 23 17 Burnley 23 18 Hull City 23 19 QPR 23 20 Leicester 23

TABLES PTS 53 48 43 42 42 40 38 36 33 32 30 26 23 23 22 22 20 19 19 17

PTS 50 43 39 34 34 32 30 29 29 28 28 28 26

PTS 54 50 47 42 41 38 35 27 26 24 23 23 22 21 20 19 18 18 17 16

Premier League

28 Sport SATURDA 7 FEBRU

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ew Roma signing Nicolas Spolli says he’s joining the Giallorossi to win trophies, and discusses his altercation with Mario Balotelli.

Spolli joined Rudi Garcia’s side on transfer deadline day on a €1.5m loan deal from Catania, with the option of making the move permanent in the summer for a further €1.5m.

“I was fine at Catania, and refused offers, but when Roma call you it’s impossible to say no,” the 31-year-old said as he was officially presented.

“It’s a quantum leap [from Serie B], being here is a dream come true. I’m very happy and proud to be wearing this shirt.

“That’s the beauty of football, a week ago I was playing in Serie B, now I’m here.”

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Spolli: I'm at Roma to win’

League final.

this season - is expected to again be on the sidelines as Lyon welcome a PSG side gathering momentum ahead of their trip to the Stade de Gerland.

PSG have won six on the bounce, with their 1-0 victory at Lille on Tuesday securing a place in the Coupe de la Ligue final against Bastia.

And, after starting the month with a win, defender Marquinhos feels February could be crucial in their quest to win five trophies this season.

"It's a very important victory," he told PSG's official website.

starting just three games under new coach Mauricio Pochettino.

However, Martinez has assured Everton fans that the England international is raring to go and he could start in the derby against Liverpool this weekend.

"Aaron is an incredible performer at this level. He has beaten some landmarks in the league already and has incredible international experience," said Martinez.

rsenal have been told they will have to pay in the region of £37million if they wish to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti.

The Gunners, along with the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United, have all been credited with an interest in Verratti, but it would seem PSG have no intention of allowing the 22-year-old Italian to leave.

Verratti signed an extension with the French champions last year and is under contract until 2019, and his agent Donato Di Campli believes it would take a huge bid to tempt PSG into a sale.

He told Tuttosport: "Why would PSG sell him? This is the most important player they have in their midfield. We do not talk to anyone anyway. Marco is currently worth no less than 50m euros (£37.51m)."

Arsene Wenger is keen to add another top quality midfielder to his ranks in the summer, but it looks as though he will have his work cut out trying to lure Verratti away from PSG.

Verratti

24 23 20 19 18 15 9

NO TEAM P 1 Bayern 19 2 Wolfsburg 19 3 Gladbach 19 4 Augsburg 19 5 Leverkusen 19 6 Schalke 19 7 Hoffenheim 19 8 Hannover 19 9 Frankfurt 19 10 FC Cologne 19 11 Bremen 19 12 Mainz 19 13 Hamburger 19 14 Paderborn 19 15 Freiburg 19 16 VfB Stuttgart 19 17 Hertha 19 18 Dortmund 19

Saturday Köln v Paderborn Mainz v Hertha Freiburg v Dortmund Stuttgart v Bayern Wolfsburg v Hoffenheim Hamburger v Hannover Sunday Bremen v B' Leverkusen Augsburg v Frankfurt

Bundesliga

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

PTS 46 38 33 33 32 31 26 25 24 23 23 22 20 19 18 18 18 16

anchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to hand flying winger Jesus Navas a rest at the earliest opportunity.

Sources have been told the Chilean chief is highly-conscious of the Spaniard risking burnout, having been a virtual ever-present in this campaign.

The 29-year-old is yet to win over all of his critics but has been one of the Citizens' stand-out performers in recent games. Navas has made 33 appearances this term, the majority of them in the starting XI. The former Sevilla winger is seen by Pellegrini as a vital component in also helping to get back and handle his fair share of the defensive responsibilities.

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Jesus set for a rest

Córdoba v Almería Getafe v Sevilla Espanyol v Valencia Bilbao v Barcelona

Sunday

Atletico v Real Madrid Villarreal v Granada Levante v Málaga Sociedad v Celta Vigo

LA Liga saturday

Burnley v West Brom Newcastle v Stoke West Ham v Man Utd

Sunday

Tottenham v Arsenal Aston Villa v Chelsea Leicester v Crystal Palace Man City v Hull QPR v Southampton Swansea v Sunderland Everton v Liverpool

21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Bundesliga

14 Verona 15 Atalanta 16 Empoli 17 Cagliari 18 Chievo 19 Cesena 20 Parma

FIXTURES Premier League saturday

Guardiola

premium.

And Bayern should find it far easier against a Stuttgart side who sit 16th, in the relegation play-off spot - but only on goal difference.

Agent says no to Verratti deal A

Lacazette

nich travel to Stuttgart on Saturday.

A 4-1 defeat at second-placed Wolfsburg was a wake-up call for Pep Guardiola's leaders after the mid-season break and they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Schalke on Tuesday.

Bayern were reduced to 10 men after just 17 minutes when Jerome Boateng fouled Sidney Sam inside the area, but Eric Maxim ChoupoMoting saw his resulting penalty saved by Manuel Neuer.

The champions then took the lead through Arjen Robben midway through the second half before Benedikt Howedes levelled for Schalke, as they took a point from

Sport

Lennon

oberto Martinez is backing new signing Aaron Lennon to be a huge hit for Everton and says he is ready to start this weekend's Merseyside derby.

The winger moved to Goodison Park on deadline day, arriving from Tottenham on loan until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old had struggled to nail down a first-team place at White Hart Lane this season,

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Martinez ready to unleash Lennon on Liverpool

igue 1 leaders Lyon face the imposing challenge of a crucial title clash with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday without top scorer Alexandre Lacazette.

Lacazette picked up a thigh injury in the 2-0 win over Metz last month, forcing him to miss the 0-0 draw at Monaco, a stalemate that allowed Marseille and PSG to pull within two points of Hubert Fournier's side at the top of the table.

And the France forward - who has netted 25 goals in all competitions

L

lyon's Lacazette missing for Psg clash

er Luka Modric (left leg) and defender

Spolli

arlos Tevez has warned Serie A leaders Juventus to be wary of Milan when they welcome Filippo Inzaghi's struggling side to Turin on Saturday.

Despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Udinese in their last league outing, Juve are seven points clear at the top of the table as they seek to clinch a fourth consecutive Scudetto.

Tevez has been instrumental for Juve this season, netting 18 goals in all competitions, and will be expected to add to that tally against a Milan team that sits a disappointing eighth, five points adrift of the UEFA Europa League places.

However, Milan recruited extensively in the January transfer window, bringing in six players - including Roma forward Mattia Destro on loan - and Tevez is not taking the visitors lightly.

"It's true that this isn't going to be the best Milan side, but it's a Clasico, in Italy it's always a game," he told JTV. "I think this game is different from the other, it's an Italian 'Clasico' and we can't let go of it.

"We know they're going through a particular moment but we've got to do our job. In the first round I scored [against Milan], let's hope I can repeat myself on Saturday."

Tevez warns Juve against Milan

tered his team in three competitions AY TELEGRAPH UARY, 2015

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

31 JANUARY 2015

Bridging the gap between Nigerian and European leagues F

Ifeanyi Ibeh ollowers of the Nigerian league in the past can name the line-up of their favourite teams with ease.

Players like Segun Odegbami, late Muda Lawal, Christian Chukwu, Best Ogedegbe, Henry Nwosu, Inuwa Rigogo, Nwabueze Nwankwo were all popular in the league. That was then when football held dreams of a greater future for kids who are today adults.

But with kids these days allegiance now lie with European clubs.

Those in support of the Nigerian League are doing so on patriotic grounds and not from any qualities emanating from the games. Thus our streets are filled with kids wearing jerseys of foreign clubs with the names of foreign players.

The fans who are the base support of every thriving football club are now feeding their passion with football from Europe. They turned away because their lofty expectations have been bogged down by the seemingly intractable challenges of the professional football industry in the country which range from unstable administrative framework, outdated stadium infrastructure, poorly structured clubs’ administration and its attendant poor revenue base and most recently, the bleak national economic outlook occasioned by rapidly dropping export oil receipts.

Government owned clubs It is difficult to present a perfect chronology of how government took over the ownership of football clubs from groups and individuals but some schools of thought link it to the long period of military rule which eventually impoverished a greater number of the citizenry. There are also some views which held that government saw sports as a vehicle for social cohesion and youth engagement hence it elected to fund football and other sports. Ideally, government’s role should have been to provide infrastructure and enabling environment for the business of football to thrive as private initiative. But we had situations where government became deeply involved in the funding of the clubs and the stadiums that were built lacked the facilities that are hospitable for the football fans.

The wrong approach of government to football funding has contributed to the apathy of fans and the switching of allegiance from domestic clubs to European clubs. This in itself is a product of the comparatively poor spectacle of the Nigerian game both on television and at the venues. Some of those who compare the broadcast quality of domestic league games and those of Europe fail to take into account the quantum and quality of equipment deployed to broadcast those European games that have become hot buns for corporate sponsors. A typical Nigerian stadium lacks mere television stand leading to broadcast partners to improvise and in some cases bring in their own scaffolds whereas modern games’ arena come equipped with broadcast production suites with over 24 cameras and properly fitted editing suites.

We may watch 90 minutes of games of the prosperous European leagues but football business does not start and end

Zikiye Jonathan of Nembe City (left) with Olabisi Samuel of 3SC during a league match in Ibadan

Liverpool's Mario Baloteli contesting the ball with Chelsea's Nemanja Matic

with the ball-chasing on the pitch. A visit to most of the venues in England is a life changing experience especially for first time callers and we can dream to have our own Theaters of Dreams, Stadium of Light and Camp Nou. A football stadium is a business arena that thrives on a daily basis but comes alive more on match day and towards having the quality of football we dream of and desire, now is the time to rethink our stadium designs.

Poor club funding In the twilight weeks of the just ended 2013/14 league season, several embarrassing scenes were witnessed at training grounds, match venues and seats of government when players openly threatened to boycott sessions and marched in the streets to demand payment of wage debts. These clubs save for one were government funded, and in the wake of imminent budget slashes, it is not expected that football will benefit from increased allocations.

A recent report in the London Mail disclosed that the Labour Party is already thinking ahead on the transition of club

ownership from the present billionaire owners’ model to fans’ empowerment.

Labour Party Member of Parliament and Shadow Sports Minister, Clive Efford, announced recently that the party will introduce a legislation to give voice in the boardroom to Supporters. His proposition has been adopted by Chi Onwurah, another MP for Newcastle and who is honorary director of the Newcastle FC Supporters Trust. Onwurah, a British Nigerian, said: “We’ve got to give power back to the fans if we’re going to reclaim the beautiful game.” Adding strength to this declaration is the head of Labour Policy Review, Jon Cruddas, who said: “But football is more than a business.

Football clubs are part of people’s identity and sense of belonging”.

Over the years, the clamour for government to relinquish control of football clubs has yielded no results, not because governments do not see the potential for football development in private hands, but due largely to the absence of a framework to achieve this transfer. The League Management Company has developed such a framework document that can assist states and clubs achieve community

ownership and free government funds to be channeled into infrastructure development.

This involves membership funding initiatives such as membership subscription and crowd-funding. It usually entails individuals making even minimal monetary contributions that earn them membership or other benefits such as discounts, stadium entry, voting rights, etc. Such funding initiatives could be the basis of membership – there could be uniform membership platform with members each contributing the same amount and having equal rights; members contributing varying amounts with varying degrees of benefits (e.g. COD United FC membership program). Membership funding initiatives are non-complex revenue sources without recourse to the stock market and in addition to mainstream revenue sources. The document can be accessed at the LMC website.

The operative LMC governance structure consists of a seven-member board structure composed of an independent chairman, two other Independent members, three club representatives and the company’s managing director or chief executive officer or anyone acting in that capacity. The members or shareholders of LMC are, principally, the 20 clubs of the League and the NFF. It is heart-warming to note that a deliberate effort has been made to create checks and balances between the clubs and NFF, by this governance structure, in order to ensure a broad-based decision making process in the operation of LMC and the administration of the League.

This will no doubt lead to the hitherto elusive stability in the administration of the elite professional football league in Nigeria resulting in sponsors’ and investors’ confidence.

“Now that we have a properly constituted board of the LMC in place, it is expected that the desire of well-meaning stakeholders will be met to rekindle interest in the domestic league. I believe we have hope of having a better league,” Samuel Johnson, a keen follower of the league said.

The board structure will also allow the clubs to focus on building technical capacity in their clubs and pursue revenue generation to improve the welfare package of players.

“There is no better time than now for clubs to shift focus from state ownership and funding to community ownership or supporters’ ownership as it is being called in England,” an official of Shooting Stars told our correspondent.

Political governance will be the greatest beneficiary of a stable and thriving football industry which cuts across ethnic, religious, economic, gender and demographic divides.

Sponsorship There is also the need to address the corporate community which has been exploiting the passionate love of Nigerians for football to increase their earnings and, rather than build domestic football to create more jobs and improve existing capacity, export the funds to foreign leagues and clubs.

The Federal Government must also see football as an industry and a national asset that deserves rescue funding as was done for the aviation, banking, insurance and entertainment sectors.

Sport

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Ronaldo strips down for new underwear campaign

31

Messi enjoys a day in the snow with family

T

he debate may still be raging over whether Lionel Messi could do it on a cold, wet Tuesday night in Stoke... but the Barcelona star has proved he is certainly capable on a cold, snowy Tuesday afternoon in Andorra.

Messi took to Instagram to upload a picture of himself in the mountain's of UEFA's whipping boys with his girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo and his young son Thiago.

The 27-year-old is enjoying a rare midweek break from playing, with the Catalan club not back in action until they travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Messi most recently featured in La Liga against Villarreal at the weekend, where he scored a superb winner as Barcelona twice came from Messi and family behind to secure victory.

C

ristiano Ronaldo stripped down—literally—to his unmentionables in the spring/summer 2015 campaign for his underwear line, CR7. To say he looks good is putting it so lightly. The ab-tastic athlete is bronzed, toned and pretty much perfect in the pics from his new campaign.

Donning red, black and blue undies, Ronaldo poses among different pieces of athletic equipment, furthering that he's one of the fittest athletes of our time. On his new line, Ronaldo says, "I love vibrant colours and underwear is a great way to experiment with different looks. The bright pink and red in the new collection and the bold patterns gives it a distinctive look for Spring/Summer.

"I like to make sure that the collection stands out!

I'm really proud of it," he adds.

Along with the debut of his new campaign, which was shot by fashion photographer Rankin, Ronaldo also gave some of his most important fitness tips. If these pieces of advice are followed, maybe everybody can all look like him! (In our dreams...)

Lifestyle A vigorous fivemile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world - Paul Dudley White

Hamilton

Scherzinger, Hamilton split up… again!

T

hey just can’t seem to stay on the same page, and Nicole Scherzinger has sent her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton packing.

Per an Us Weekly report, the “Boomerang” babe got tired of waiting for

her Formula One race car driver beau to commit to her- “She wanted to get married now, he didn’t. It was a problem caused by their age gap, not because he didn’t want to be with her.”

Nicole began dating Lewis way

back in 2007 and in 2013 Scherzy shared, "We've been together for five years, which is quite a milestone, really. [We will get engaged] hopefully in the near future... maybe before we get to six years."

Sanchez enjoys a dog's life as he recovers from injury A

Sanchez and dogs

rsenal sensation Alexis Sanchez is in the dog's house after being ruled out of the game against Aston Villa, although the Chilean star seems to be enjoying it!

The Gunners forward was rested for the 5-0 demolition of Villa at the weekend - his side's seventh win from their last eight games - as he recovers from slight hamstring strain.

The 26-year-old chose to recuperate in the company of two canine carers - before posting an image of himself with his two pet dogs, one of whom has a penchant for peculiar hats, Atom and Humber.

Sanchez is expected to return to the side for the north London derby against arch rivals and fellow top four challengers Tottenham on Saturday.

Theo Walcott, who scored on Sunday as he continues his own rehabilitation from injury, is excited

by Arsenal's prospects now that players are returning to full fitness.

Balotelli hooks up with ex-girlfriend, daughter

L

iverpool striker Mario Balotelli was never going to leave Anfield during the winter transfer, so he didn’t bother getting into the deadline day spirit.

Instead, he went out for a

meal with ex girlfriend Raffaella Fico and their daughter Pia. The former couple dined at San Carlo in Manchester.

Mario and Raffaella dated briefly in 2011 and 2012.

Stories courtesy Dailymail

32

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SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

the medical implications, particularly when one is not sure of what might have killed the man.

"But, the Catholic Church is not sleeping over this. The church is doing something because we never and cannot, no matter the intimidation, succumb to fetish practices. As a church, we do not believe this and cannot be part of it. We encourage our various women societies that have taking it upon themselves to fight this injustice," the Bishop said.

Ezeokafor told this reporter that the Catholic Church has done a lot in this regard. According to him, the church has, over time, stood for the widows and has been firm in its resolve to constantly fight these obnoxious traditions.

"It has not been easy because the Igbo culture does not encourage women to own property. But, I am also happy because various governments in the region, especially Anambra State, is doing something about it. The state Assembly is very serious about this and that is encouraging enough. Unfortunately, nobody accuses the man when the wife dies. It is, regrettably, a patrilineal society. They see it as a man’s world," he said.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Development, Senator Helen Esuene, echoed the same sentiment. She said that it is natural that whatever a couple achieves be available for their children after their death and urged traditional rulers to put an end to the hateful practices surrounding widowhood that offer no value to the society.

According to Esuene, “cultural and traditional practices constitute more than 70 per cent of the problems of widows in Nigeria, particularly in Igboland. Marriages contracted under the Native Law and Custom encourages the brother of the deceased to administer the estate of the dead, a duty, which surviving relatives often carry out to the detriment of the widow and her children.

“Even where marriages were con-

Elechi

Okeke

Nnadozie

33

Okorocha

tracted under the Ordinance, cultural practices will be experienced, especially, where the widow is ignorant of her right or is financially incapacitated to fight the legal battle. Unfortunately, It is the conflict in the marriage law that is at the root of the inheritance problem of widows,” she said.

In like manner, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio said that “our plural legal system, which encourages the application of statutory law side by side with customary law, only undermine efforts to achieve fundamental rights for women.” She added that “as a signatory to global charters on fundamental human rights, we must ensure that all laws in our country measure up to those charters.”

They forced me to sleep with their brother’s corpse for days

Investigations

Iwuala

It was such context that made a Lagos-based rights activist and lawyer, Emmanuel Nwaghodoh, to advocate for an urgent need to provide for widowhood rights in the Nigerian Constitution.

“The Constitution did not specifically provide for the rights of the widow, not even in the human rights section of it. That is not good enough.

I think it’s time for a radical revolt against these devilish practices. We can’t allow it to continue in this 21st century. It is high time we realise that this gruesome treatment is generally unfair to women, who suffer it,” Nwaghodoh said Coordinator, Women in Peace and Communication Initiative (WOPEC),

a non-governmental organisation, Grace Nnadozie, said that the stories of these hapless widows are distressing.

“Working with them has really opened my eyes to the unbearable traditions in various Igbo communities, especially in Anambra State. Though, the state promulgated laws in 2005 during Dr. Chris Ngege’s tenure as the governor of the state, it has not, in my opinion, been very effective. I said this because I am yet to see anybody convicted via the law.

“The natives would always argue that their culture is superior to the law, which is really strange. Apart from that, the umu ada’s are not helping matters. They are the ones implementing these awful practices as a way of getting back at their brother’s wives, particularly if there was a strained relationship with the woman before the husband’ death. Again, those that claimed to be educated are the worst culprits,” Nnadozie said.

A retired Supreme Court Justice, Niki Tobi, was unequivocal when he said that “though, both the widow and the widower experience basically equal pains for the death of the partner, the Nigerian widow suffers many deprivations, some of which are inhuman, barbaric and uncouth.

This discriminatory and parochial approach in the practice of widowhood in Nigeria destabilises and vexes Nigerian women and rightly so.

He did not stop at that. But said, “apart from the fact that the discriminatory practice violates the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the traditional practices are a taboo in the civilised world and should not find a place in any decent society.

“It is difficult for a human being in this day and age to believe that a wife is forced to drink the water used in bathing the corpse of her husband, all in the name of custom. This and other widowhood practices are repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and should be thrown out from society as they do much harm to womanhood,’’ he thundered.

The erudite retired justice made it necessary and compelling for laws to CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Investigations

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7 FEBRUARY 2015

‘Natives argue that their culture is superior to the law’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 3

be enacted at all levels banning harmful traditional practices in the society.

Perhaps, his was an awakening call as it did not take long before some states latch on it.

Enugu and Anambra states, for instance, have taken the lead on this. While Enugu passed its Law Prohibiting the Infringement of a Widow’s/ Widower’s Fundamental Human Rights on March 8, 2001, under Chimaroke Nnamani as the state governor, Anambra, on the other hand, promulgated hers in 2005 during Ngege’s stewardship.

The laws of the two states are similar in content and nature. They stipulated that no person for whatever purpose or reason shall compel a widow/widower to permit the hairs on the head or any other part of the body to be shaved. The laws also prohibit victims to sleep either alone or on the same bed or be locked in a room with corpse of the husband/ wife. They equally specified that such individuals should not be prevented from receiving condolence visits from sympathisers during the period of mourning.

Apart from all that, drinking of water used in washing the corpse of the husband/wife and weeping and wailing loudly at intervals at any time after the death of the husband/wife, except at one’s own volition or involuntary action were also banned. Besides, they empowered Magistrate Courts in their domain with jurisdiction to try summarily any offence under these laws. Regrettably, implementation of these have been everything but operative.

This may be why the Federation of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) urged women to continue to fight against widowhood practices in Nigerian society for their psychological and emotional well-being. National coordinator, Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), Mrs. Funmi Falana, has also called on Nigerian women not to sleep on their rights, a position shared by chairperson of the Caring and Uplifting Widows and Orphans Foundation, Mrs. Comfort Attah.

Imo first lady, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha’s pet project Women Of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) and its various arms such as She Needs A Roof Project (SNARP) and Nneoma Kitchen, has been commendable in her quest to help ameliorate the sufferings of widows in Imo State.

Her counterpart in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Josephine Elechi, also has her pet projects, Mother and Child Care Initiative (MCCI) among others, which equally has been affecting the lives of women and children in the state. Unfortunately, their efforts have not been able to bring the needed change of attitude in this regard.

According to findings, the widow’s mourning of her departed husband in Igboland is viewed as a very important tradition, which the living spouse must observe in honour of the dead. When the husband of the woman dies, the mourning begins at that moment of his final breath. The bereaved wife runs about wailing at the top of her voice.

A prominent feature is the intensity

Widows suffer deprivations, which are inhuman, barbaric and uncouth

Dilapidated residence of Iwuala in Umukaran-Umudurugho, Isiala Mbano, Imo State

of wailing, weeping and hysteria, which death generates or is expected to generate. The children would join in the wailing, together with other friends and relatives of the family. In their bawling, they would regret a big loss as they recount the deceased’s life achievements, his love and faithfulness, a good, honest, reliable brother, husband, father or uncle. After this stage, the wife becomes the main focus in terms of mourning the departed husband.

Much demand is made of the wife in terms of mourning to show her concern for the man’s departure from earth. The wife must be made to tie cloth on the body of the late husband (ijebo di akwa).

In some part of Igboland like Onitsha, the divorced wife of the man must return to mourn the man and do posthumous reconciliation with him in the presence of umu ada; otherwise she is believed to be in danger of the ghost of the deceased man.

The umu ada are the enforcement agents and decide how sever the mourning should be. They would surround the widow, commanding her to make sure she obeys the rules of mourning rites.

They may sit her on a mattress with pillows and cushions around her or sit her on a plain mat or even the bare ground.

Umu ada accept that she is crying loud enough for their brother or they may sneer and jeer at her and in serious cases of dislike, beat her up.

From that moment, the widow is believed to be unclean, and likely to contaminate herself and others. Therefore, no one touches her except her fellow widows, who are equally believed to be defiled. She is given a piece of stick to scratch herself in case of natural body irritation, and oil palm chaff (avuvu nkwu) to wash her hand periodically in order to reduce her uncleanness. She is also not allowed to eat any food bought for the funeral ceremony. It is feared that she will die if she eats such foods. Hence, her food during the funeral ceremonies is cooked separately.

The days before the burial of the man are always horrible for the widow as she is made to stay in the same room with the corpse where she is required to be waving away flies from perching on the fast and progressively decomposing corpse.

She is mandated to sit down and raise an early morning cry before anyone is awake and this continues till the day the husband will be buried. Her most painful ordeal, however, occurs at night before her husband’s burial.

Additional reports by Uwakwe Abugu (Enugu) and Steve Uzoechi (Owerri).

Tobi

Ezeokafor

•

CONCLUDED

SATURDAY

Dear Love Doctor,

I had sex with my son-in-law and I can’t stop thinking about it

p.37

Life Experience

'I live with my husband and my lover'

p.36

L ve&Lv ng SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2015

35

'I had a one-night stand with a lesbian' Confession

Whenever I went to her house to visit her, she would tell me that she wanted us to be very close friends

In this story, a female Youth Corps member serving in Lagos decides to pay a visit to a big business woman. She enjoys the woman's company so much and begins to nurture a close friendship with the woman, which eventually leads to an unforgettable experience.

M

Michael Uchebuaku y name is Stephanie and I'm 32 years old.

I'm happily married to a lawyer in Port Harcourt and have two children.

However, although I'm happily married to a good man who makes me forget my sorrows, there is one experience I had during my youth service in Lagos five years ago that I can never forget.

Then, I had just graduated and luckily, I got posted to Lagos. I gladly joined my colleagues at the camp at IyanaIpaja and soon settled to the military routine of camp life.

I made several friends while at the camp and it was during that time I met a big business woman.

She had come to visit her younger sister at the camp, who happened to be my closest friend in camp.

Immediately this woman saw me, she developed an instant liking for me and promised me that she would use her connections to get me a good company to work in after camp.

True to her words, she secured a space for me to serve in a well-paying company after my three weeks at the camp.

However, I noticed that this lady liked flattering me by telling me how beautiful I am and how beautiful and shapely my breasts look. She was always complimenting me as though she were a man complimenting a woman.

At first, I didn't think much about her compliments. I felt that maybe she was jealous of me because I was much taller than her.

However, her flattery and compliments continued and she kept on inviting me to her house.

Whenever I went to her house to visit her, she would tell me that she wanted us to be very close friends.

I used to wonder what she meant by that statement until one Saturday that she asked me to spend the night at her place at Ikeja. She said she was not

feeling fine, that I should help her cook dinner and do a few house chores.

I obliged and spent the night in her house. That night, she took me into her bedroom to 'gist'. We gisted till late into the night, then she started telling me that she had fallen in love with me from the moment she set her eyes on me at the NYSC camp.

She told me that she is a 'sis-

ter' and before I could ask her what she meant by 'sister', she started kissing and touching me all over my body.

I protested, but she begged me to give in to her.

The woman told me about how she became a lesbian.

She said to me: 'I became a lesbian while I was in secondary school. I attended an all-girls secondary school where some girls who missed having boys

around to have sex with them resorted to experimenting with their fellow girls.

'I had a female friend in the hostel of the school who was sexually attracted to me. I was “straight,” by the way. I was just a young, wild girl, fooling around, and it wasn’t serious.

But it was. Because I loved her too.

'That girl gave me the most sexually-crazy experience of my life. I can never forget her, even though we lost contact not too long after we finished secondary school.'

We sat next to each other, and giggled. “Are we really going to do this?” I laughed. She laughed. I told her I had never done this before.

Eventually, I gave in, and she satisfied herself throughout that night with my body. Everything was so disgusting to me, but I did it to please her.

The following morning, I said goodbye to her and swore that I would never have anything to do with that woman again.

For weeks after that, she kept on putting pressure on me to remain her lesbian partner but I rebuffed all her entreaties.

When she sent her younger sister to me, I told my friend that I now know why her elder sister is not yet married at 38.

Months later, I married the man who is now my husband.

But for as long as I live, I can never forget the one night stand I had with that rich lesbian woman, because it was an eyeopener and a bizarre experience for me in Lagos.

Many people believe that it is a sin for two women to kiss. I believe so too. But beyond that, I also believe that there is a man for every woman, especially for those women who claim that they became lesbians because they couldn't find the perfect man for them.

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Love&Living

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Love News

Love Songs

Beauty queen dies after fiancé suddenly postponed their wedding

A

beauty queen fell to her death from the roof of a five-star Caribbean hotel after her fiance suddenly postponed their marriage just four months before their wedding day, an inquest has heard.

World championship dancer Shakara Taylor, 31, was 'distraught' after partner David Ravenscroft delayed their wedding saying they should 'wait and see where we are in six months time', it was said.

Miss Taylor, who is originally from Blackpool, had lived on the island of Grand Cayman for three years and was due to marry Mr Ravenscroft on July 6, 2013.

He told an inquest into her death that in March 2013 he said he wanted to postpone the wedding.

Two months later he said she dropped him off at a health

club and gave him a hug and kiss goodbye before promising to pick him up later.

But when he later sent a text message to be collected he received no reply and got a taxi home.

Police then arrived to tell him she has died after falling from the roof of the Caribbean Club hotel in Seven Mile Beach.

Mr Ravenscroft told an inquest on the tropical island: 'She seemed to be down in the dumps and struggling to deal with it.'

The inquest heard how Mr Ravenscroft only found out after her death that his fiancée - a former gala queen - was bipolar and had twice attempted to kill herself.

He added he did not know why she was at the Caribbean Club as she had no friends staying there.

Daniella Clarke, who has

Sacrifice It's a human sign When things go wrong When the scent of her lingers And temptation's strong Into the boundary Of each married man Sweet deceit comes calling And negativity lands Cold cold heart Hard done by you Some things look better baby Just passing through

been Miss Taylor's best friend for 25 years, said: 'At least now Shakara can rest in peace.

'She had a few demons, but she is desperately missed by everyone who knew her.'

Miss Taylor spent 15 years performing as a morris dancer with the Crusaders Morris Dancing Club, led by Daniella's mum, Julie McShane, and was runner up at its World Championships.

Miss Taylor also performed in a Spice Girls tribute act, the 'Naughty But Nice Girls'.

Post mortem tests on Miss Taylor's body showed she died from serious injuries to her head and body sustained in the fall.

Queen's Coroner Eileen Nervik said no one witnessed her fall, with no evidence of anyone else present when she died.

Courtesy: Daily Mail.

Life Experience

'I live with my husband and my lover' Michael Uchebuaku

I

was adopted as a baby. During my teens I decided I wanted to find my biological mother and wondered if I had any brothers or sisters. Searches were unsuccessful and with time my teenage angst passed and I stopped thinking about my birth mother as I was busy with career, relationships and social life.

I met my husband Adam while working in a remote mining community. We married, travelled the world and finally settled down. Our attempts at baby-making were futile and eventually after much discussion we decided to live a childless life. My sister had a bunch of babies. I was already their favourite auntie and Adam and I felt we could express our parental urges on members of our extended family. I worked as a personal assistant in the city and Adam flew in and out from his mining position in the outback — his roster was six weeks on and two weeks off.

Materially we had everything we needed, a beautiful house in a leafy suburb, luxurious holidays at five-star locations, new cars and an ever-increasing art collection. It seemed to everyone we were happy.

But the truth was that I was lonely, very lonely during those six weeks and at night I was scared. I hated being by myself at night. Adam had an expensive alarm system installed and tried to convince me that it would make me feel safe. I tried lamely to agree but my fears still bubbled beneath the surface.

As the years passed I resumed the search for my birth mother and any siblings I may have had. I was not having much luck and one day after yet another dead end, I picked up my purse and car keys and decided on some retail therapy at an art gallery I had been meaning to visit for some months.

Elton John

As soon as I stepped into the gallery I could feel someone looking at me. A tall, dark-haired man, casually but stylishly dressed, was behind the desk and his eyes were firmly on me.

"Do I know you?" I asked curiously.

"Not yet," he replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

And that is how the affair with Oliver began. It wasn't long before Oliver moved into the guest bedroom, where he lived for six weeks at a time, returning to his flat above the gallery for the two weeks that Adam was at home. Nights of fear and loneliness were over for me; I slept safely in Oliver's arms and moved back to my marital bedroom when Adam returned home. I finally had it all.

Then one evening as Oliver and I were finishing dinner, Adam appeared in the doorway — he was home earlier than expected.

"I'm sorry I couldn't phone, everything conspired against me today, it was a sudden change of plans, I only had an hour's notice I was to come home, then I thought I would give you a surprise." he said, looking at Oliver and me curiously.

"You certainly did that!" I said, trying to hide my shock. "But now that you are here, I have a surprise for you.

I have been meaning to tell you all

Nights of fear and loneliness were over for me; I slept safely in Oliver's arms and moved back to my marital bedroom when Adam returned home

week, but it has been such a emotional rollercoaster ride for me, well, both of us really," I said, indicating to Oliver with a wave of my shaking hand, "I have found my long lost brother."

Oliver coughed and looked a little alarmed, then said, "No! No! Not brother! Half brother! I am your half brother."

"Oh y-y-yes, s-s-s-sorry," I said stuttering with nervousness and fear at the enormity of the lie Oliver and I were telling. "Adam, I would like you to meet Oliver my half brother. Oliver, this is my husband Adam..." and then I burst into tears!

The lie was told and by the look on Adam's face, it was believed.

"Adam, I was going to tell you but I only found Oliver this week and it has been, well, confusing and exhilarating all at once!" I said between sobs.

Oliver interrupted and suggested he make us all a cup of tea.

"So much has happened," I went on, "I asked Oliver to move into the guest room while we get to know each other. He is the only blood, well, half-blood relation I have now, since my birth mother's death. I want to see as much of him as possible."

"I understand," said Adam as he hugged me firmly in a familiar way. "It is a great idea that Oliver lives here for awhile."

Oliver brought the tea, "Yes," he said holding my hand, "Now that I have found Sis I never want to let her go. We both just want to make up for lost time."

That was five years ago and my "brother" Oliver still lives with Adam and me. We all share an interest in art and our collection has grown beautifully. Adam and Oliver are great mates. I move into the guest bedroom when Adam flies out and back to the marital bed when he flies in. I live with both my lover and my husband. No more lonely nights. It is the perfect arrangement.

And it's no sacrifice Just a simple word It's two hearts living In two separate worlds But it's no sacrifice No sacrifice It's no sacrifice at all Mutual misunderstanding After the fact Sensitivity builds a prison In the final act We lose direction No stone unturned No tears to damn you When jealousy burns

Love Poem

Lauran

The hardest thing about love The hardest thing about dreaming about someone you love is to wake up but if the only place I could see you was in my dreams I would sleep forever

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

Night Romantic Joke First Together On their first night together, a newlywed couple go to change. The new bride comes out of the bathroom showered and wearing a beautiful robe. The proud husband says, "My dear, we are married now, you can open your robe." The beautiful young woman opens her robe, and he is astonished."Oh, oh, aaaahhh," he exclaims, "My God you are so beautiful, let me take your picture.

Puzzled she asks, "My picture?" He answers, "Yes my dear, so I can carry your beauty next to my heart forever".

She smiles and he takes her picture, and then he heads into the bathroom to shower.

He comes out wearing his robe and the new wife asks, "Why do you wear a robe? We are married now." At that the man opens his robe and she exclaims, "oh, OH, OH MY, let me get a picture". He beams and asks why and she answers, "So I can get it enlarged!"

Love&Living

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Love Education

Odd News

Hackers posing as beautiful women sent 'selfies' to Syrian rebels on Skype

... and stole battle plans with hidden viruses

H

ackers targeted Syrian rebels with online 'honey traps' by posing as beautiful women to steal battle plans and the identity of defectors, a security firm has said.

A report by U.S. cybersecurity firm FireEye tracked hacking operations in late 2013 and early 2014 that targeted Syrian opposition fighters, media activists and humanitarian aid workers.

FireEye said it was unclear whether the information stolen from the Syrian opposition had been passed onto the Syrian government and who the hackers were working for.

But the hacked material included a detailed opposition military plan for an attack in 2013 on the town of Khirbet Ghazaleh, strategically located in southern Daraa province.

The town had been under rebel

control but was seized by regime troops in May 2013. Rebels have been unable to recapture it since.

Despite the high-tech tools used in the cyber attack, the hackers relied on a well-worn tactic: the 'honey trap.'

Targets were contacted on the chat and online phone service Sky-

Relationships & Love Advice

I had sex with my son-in-law and I can’t stop thinking about it Dear Love Doctor, I’m 53 and my husband is 65.

We have been happily married for 22 years and have two grown-up daughters. My eldest one, who’s 23, was around at our house the weekend before her wedding. I was helping her to sort out last-minute arrangements.

Her fiancé came with her. He’s 28. We had a lot to get through and my daughter went to bed saying she was tired from all the organizing. I stayed up talking to her fiancé.

We’ve always got on really well.

I poured us a glass of wine each and we sat chatting. My husband was out.

The more wine we consumed the more flirty the conversation became. I was really enjoying his company. The next thing I know he’d leaned over to kiss me.

I know I should have pushed him off but he was the youngest, sexiest man to have made a move on me for years. One thing led to another and we had sex. He certainly knew how to satisfy me, unlike my husband who’s very disappointing in bed.

Afterwards I did feel ashamed.

The wedding went ahead but I’m still worried what would happen if my husband were to find out. I’m also concerned about my daughter.

She’s now pregnant and they appear to be happily married, but I can’t put the thoughts of what happened out of my mind. How can she trust a man who could cheat on her so easily?

What do I do now? I’m tempted to confess to my husband and daughter.

Shall I tell the truth and risk losing my daughter and my marriage, or keep quiet in the hope nobody will ever find out?

Love Doctor’s Advice: It’s better to keep silent. That

37

pe by hackers posing as pro-opposition women.

They would ask the target whether they were on a smartphone or computer, apparently in a bid to tailor their attacks.

Then they would send their victim a photo of themselves loaded with malware that penetrated their personal files and stole information.

The method was particularly effective because Syrian opposition members were often sharing computers, meaning one machine yielded information from multiple victims.

The material stolen covered extraordinary levels of detail, including the blood types of fighters and the timing of a handover of antitank missiles.

*Send your comments/stories to Love Doctor. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo. com. For free marriage/relationships counseling, call Love Doctor Mike 07031028714, 08131161840. Visit lovedrmike.blogspot.com

etting is actually a term that covers a broad range of sexual behaviors, including giving/ getting a hickey, deep kissing, and sexual touching of one's partner. The touching, caressing, massaging and kissing of another person's body can take place through the clothing or under the clothing, and 'heavy petting' usually involves removing some clothing and touching BELOW the waist.

Petting generally means stimulating another person's sex organs or breasts - usually with your hand or mouth. However, some people do use it in a slightly less ‘rude’; sense, simply to mean ‘cuddling’ or ‘snogging'.

It's actually an American word – originally meaning to stroke or caress (as one would stroke a 'pet' cat).

There was no equivalent word in 'polite' (British) English, so the US word 'petting' gradually became used worldwide during the late 20th Century and is still employed – particularly by middle-aged people.

In fact, the expression 'petting' and 'to pet' have now become a little old-fashioned - so that in the UK it's now much commoner to speak of: • 'touching someone up' • 'frigging someone' • 'rubbing someone up' • 'bringing someone off' (if petting proceeds to climax).

All these are still slang expressions, and the only non-slang English expression is 'masturbating someone'. In practice, this phrase is hardly ever used because of the fact that most people only employ the word 'masturbation' to mean self-stimulation.

Courtesy: Daily Mail

CONTINUED on PAGE 38

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is because your daughter might be even more devastated to learn that she has a mother who would behave like that.

You and her fiancé were lucky in that you got away with your cheating and were undisturbed.

As long as their marriage proceeds happily, why would he risk spilling the beans?

Confessing to your daughter or your husband would have such devastating consequences, so you should keep your guilt secret. I don’t think that your son-in-law might come to you if he broke up with your daughter, but there is no way that would be the outcome of your owning up.

Prepare to be a loving grandmother but tell your husband that it’s time you two spiced up your love life. Even grandparents can have great sex. You know what works for you, so help your husband get it right.

What is Petting?

P

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38

Love&Living

True Story

I

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

‘I gave away my baby'

t was to be the trip of a lifetime. My boyfriend Connor and I were to spend two years travelling around Europe after finishing school. We had spent six months saving so we could do some travelling before settling in London to earn some pounds to fund our future travels.

Three weeks into our trip, somewhere on the train between France and Switzerland, it all went wrong.

They say travelling together helps you decide whether you are meant to be together, and it became clear that we weren't. Little disagreements turned into big fights and by the time we reached Zurich, Connor was going on to Italy and I wasn't going with him.

The next day I scraped together some precious euros to fly back to London, and straight away I found a share flat with a French girl, Leticia, and a Scottish bloke, James.

We soon became close friends. I found plenty of temp work with my great administrative skills and within a couple of weeks was earning quite good money.

I was so busy socialising, working, discovering all the new things London had to offer, that it took me a few weeks to realise that my period was late. Very late. The tests showed that I was nearly three months pregnant, and it was clear that it was Connor's, as I hadn't been with anyone else since we broke up. I had received a few e-mails from Connor. He was partying hard in Greece and

planning to go to Turkey the following month. I knew he didn't want kids for a long time yet and telling him about the pregnancy wasn't going to accomplish anything.

The deadline for me to have a termination came and went, and I realised that, although I wasn't ready to have a baby, I had to give

Wedding Traditions

Substituting the Bride: Russia

B

efore the wedding the groom’s family will visit the house of the brides family. After paying a dowry the bride is supposed to be presented to the groom. However, if the dowry is considered to be insufficient, a substitute bride will be

presented (this could well be a cross dressing friend). If this happens then more money needs to be handed over, unless of course the groom is happy with the substitute.

Courtesy: Irish Central.

it a chance at life. I contacted some adoption agencies and received plenty of advice and information.

Leticia and James were really helpful throughout my pregnancy, helping conceal it from my family back in Australia and covering the rent for the three weeks I had off work. Leticia held my hand as my daughter was born, two days early, healthy and beautiful. I held her, kissed her gently and cried as I handed her over. I knew she was going to a family who could give her far more than I could.

A year later I returned to Australia with enough pounds to put a deposit on a house and memories to last a lifetime.

Connor and I got back in touch a few years ago and he confided that he had needed a couple of years travelling and seeing the world before he settled down. He had always known I was the love of his life and our break-up was one of the hardest things he had ever done. We married three years ago and I am now pregnant with our third child. I always count our first daughter to myself when I think of my children, although I have never told Connor about what happened in London — he still thinks we only have our son and another baby on the way.

Perhaps one day I will tell him, but for now I plan to make the most of the family I have got.

Courtesy: nine.com

What is Petting?

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 7

Instead of saying 'petting', many of today's couples talk about 'love play'.

'Heavy petting' is an American expression that usually implies petting below the waist - rather than just involving the breasts.

What does petting involve?

The idea of petting is to stimulate your partner's body, in order to give them sexual excitement.

Fortunately, this activity is also usually nice for the person who is doing the petting!

Petting (love play) very often continues until the partner who's on the receiving end actually climaxes.

Bringing someone to a climax by petting is often referred to as: • 'bringing them off' • 'fetching them off' • 'tossing them off' (only used when the recipient is male).

Petting is often referred to in older books as 'foreplay' – meaning that it's something you can do before starting intercourse.

Doing it before intercourse is actually an excellent idea, because it prepares the body for actual penetration.

Indeed, nearly all women need plenty of petting before intercourse - in order to get their genitals 'ready'.

To be specific, petting before intercourse will: • make the vagina open up • make the 'love juices' flow • get the woman excited so that she really enjoys intercourse.

Failure to give enough petting before intercourse is one of the commonest male mistakes - and very often leads to sex becoming unsatisfactory for the woman.

Source: nwh.org; Wikipedia.

SATURDAY

Travel &Tourism SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2015

Chef's Corner

39

HOSPITALITY

With love from Mexico

Travel Personality Sunny Odogwu: Hotel investors can’t succeed without professionals’ inputs p.41

One of the rooms

Hotel's exterior view

Destination

Ondo State: Easing gracefully into a tourism hub p.42

Gynasium

De Meros Hotel and Suites: A devotion to quality service

D

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Swimming pool

e Meros Hotel and Suites on Celestial Church Street, via Agidingbi, on the Ikeja axis, Lagos, is yet another boost to the city’s hospitality sector. It presents exciting option for residents and visitors to the city with its array of upscale facilities and professional services.

For Olawale Bello, group general manager of Meros Hotel group, owners of Meros Villa (apartment hotel) in Omole Estate, besides the architectural appeal of the hotel, part of its unique feature is the high standard of its facilities.

Also, the hotel's strategic location is an added advantage. With less than 10 minutes drive to the Lagos airport, the hotel's proximity to Alausa, the seat of the Lagos State government is a feature many bureaucrats find appealing. ‘‘We are very accessible to all the places in Lagos because accessibility is very strategic in hotel business. Our security system is also top notch as we have internal and external security mechanism manned by both human and technological factors. This is because safety and security of our

A new entrant makes a debut on the Lagos hospitality industry with a few creative offerings, writes ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA guests are very important to us as every business man and tourist take their safety and security serious even more than the comfort sometime,’’ said the general manager.

The target market of the hotel, Bello said, includes high net individuals seeking for comfortable and a quality hide out, corporate businesses, expatriates and newlyweds looking for a perfect place for their honeymoon while event planners and conference organisers are also on the radar of the hotel.

All of these, he said, is informed by the fact that the hotel is a full service hotel and has over the years acquired enough experience and professional skills to deliver on its promise given the success that it has made of Meros Villa in Omole Estate, the precursor to De Meros Hotel and Suites.

On the occupancy level, Bello said ‘‘it has been high and impres-

sive,’’ adding that the hotel continues to improve on its processes and product offer in order to attract more guests. ‘‘I think we are getting somewhere, as the patronage has not been bad. We go out to market everyday and I think it has been yielding fruitful result.’’

Accommodation The hotel has 35 rooms comprising deluxe, standard, executive, royal suite, royal executive suite and presidential suite. All these are beautifully furnished with various levels and qualities of hospitality amenities for guests' comfort with the presidential suite boasting a high brow status with a link to the master bedroom, a living room, dining area and some privacy added to the mix.

Dining/wining It has a well–equipped restaurant, offering a la carte and buffet in African and continental cuisines. It offers complimentary

breakfast and parades a posh bar, including an upscale VIP lounge dedicated to hosting business talks with a high level of privacy and, also, a pool bar.

Leisure/entertainment The hotel has a large size swimming pool and offers different levels of entertainment package for its numerous guests, especially during weekends and festive periods.

There is also a gymnasium with basic facilities for both in–house and walk-in guests of the hotel.

Conference It has a wide range of conference facilities with its conference hall sitting over 180 persons with complementing conference equipment such as projector, flip chart and writing pads and materials, among others.

Other services Other forms of services provided by the hotel, according to Bello, include airport drop-off and pick-up of guests, especially corporate guests from their offices and business engagements, laundry, un-interrupted power supply, ample car park space with a basement and Wi-Fi services.

NEW TELEGRAPH PARTNER HOTELS B E N E F I TS

FESTAC, LAGOS

ABA LAGOS

ABA

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

40

Travel & Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

CHEF'S CORNER

With love from Mexico Eugene Amuro, chef at Swiss Spirit Hotel, Asaba, has flair for Mexican foods, having worked as an understudy of masters for years. He shares with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA the recipe for one his specialties alongside an indigenous Nigerian soup.

Chicken cassadilla (Mexican cuisine) Recipe: • 200g of diced chicken • 62 ml of vegetable oil • 2 pieces of chopped jalapeno • 2 pieces of chopped green chilli • 2 pieces of fresh tomatoes • I tea spoon of tomatoes paste • 1 whole chopped onions • ½ tea spoon of fasita spice • 4 pieces of tortillas • 1 whole diced green pepper • 1 whole diced red pepper • 500g grated cheddar cheese Method: • Warm hot pot • Heat oil lay 2 totillas • Add chicken – cook for three minutes. Spread

• • • • •

cheese over in high heat then spread chicken Add onions, green chilli the cheese to finish Cook for two minutes cover with tortillas Add tomatoes paste, fresh tomatoes baked in oven Jalapeno, green pepper, red pepper cook for five minutes Add all spices to taste, salt and stock cube

Vegetable soup (Edikang ekong)

The local delicacy, edikang ikong soup or simply put vegetable soup is native to the Efiks of Cross River State. It is a general notion that the edikang ikong soup is very nutritious and this is rightly so.

Prepared with a generous quantity of pumpkin and water leaf, it is very nourishing.

Mexican offering. Inset: Chef Amuro

• • • • • •

Recipe: • 1 kg pumpkin leaf 500g water leaf 600g beef, hide, shaki and fry fish Pepper, salt and grinded crayfish to taste 200ml of palm oil 2 medium bulbs of onions 2.3 stock cubes

Preparation: Step 1: Wash and cut the pumpkin and water leaf into tiny pieces; put them in sieves

TRAVEL BEATS

Wozniak

Ghana to host African Business Travel Association workshop The Ghanaian travel community is to host the first training workshop by African Business Travel Association (ATBA) for the year in Accra schedule for February 10. According to the founder of ATBA, Mrs. Monique Swart, the workshop will deliver definitive and formalised training while providing delegates with certificates on completion of the one day course.

For operators in Ghana, the one-day event is welcome development, as it would provide the much needed expertise skill for the industry workers: "As an industry, we welcome the training that ABTA will be delivering for those working within the business travel sector in Ghana. Staff development and training is of great importance to us,’’ said the protocol officer of Ecobank,

Directions: Step 1: When the meat is cooked, add a generous amount of palm oil, crayfish and leave to cook for about 10 minutes.

The palm oil serves as water in the edikang ikong soup. You should try as much as possible

TRAVEL TIPS

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel appoints new general manager Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Lekki, has appointed Marc Wozniak as its new general manager. He was formerly the general manager of Sheraton Adana Hotel a position he has held since June 2013.

Marc has over 29 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has gathered extensive management experience in a variety of hotels in Germany, China, Kazakhstan and Nigeria.

to drain out all the water as much as possible.

Step 2: Cut the hide into small pieces; cook the beef, hide and dry fish with the two bulbs of onions and the three cubes of seasoning with a little quantity of water as possible.

Ghana, Ebenezer Mpesum.

He added that: ‘‘ABTA's offering will help companies to better manage their staff travel programs and will also help travel agents and suppliers to raise the bar in better understanding best practice across various topics, including customer service."

While for the general manager of Delta Air Lines, General Sales Agent (GSA), Ghana, Petra Asamoah, who will be facilitating one of the training sessions says: "There are very few opportunities for staff training within the business travel industry in Ghana and we are excited to finally be offering this training to assist local businesses in developing higher levels of knowledge for their staff.

This will truly give companies a competitive edge, especially within our strong customer service environment."

Institute of Hospitality UK – Nigeria chairperson for Dakar summit As preparations for the second edition of the annual Africa Hotel Expansion Summit holding in Dakar, Senegal, intensify, the chairperson of the Institute of Hospitality UK – Nigeria, Mrs. Kehinde Daniel (FIH), has been nominated as one of the key participants at summit, which scheduled for February 12 and 13.

Daniel is to moderate a discussion session on Optimised Guest Experience. Panelists at the session include Mr. Jorgen Jorgensen (General Manager – Radisson Blu Dakar), Mr. Karl De Lacy (International Development Manager – Best Western) and Mr. Joachim Ologunleko MIH (Country Director Nigeria – Swiss International Hotels).

The two-day summit will feature developers, investors, regulators, construction companies, architects, solution providers, financial institutes and associations in a focused programme designed to enhance business.

Panel discussions and presentations will dwell on future investment strategies and funding, operations efficiency and updated technologies required for guaranteeing customer satisfaction and success.

to make it the only liquid in the soup.

Step 2: Add water leaf and leave to cook for another five minutes; you may have to cook for less time at this stage so that the water leaf is not over cooked.

Step 3: Now add the pumpkin leaf and salt to taste; stir the contents of the pot very well and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and leave on the fire stand for about five minutes.

Step 4: The edikang ikong soup is ready to be served with eba, semolina, amala or pounded yam.

Managing Barotrauma

Barotrauma is physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between a gas space inside, or in contact with the body, and the surrounding fluid.

This condition occurs when the organism is exposed to a significant change in ambient pressure, such as when a scuba diver, a free-diver or an airplane passenger ascends or descends, or during uncontrolled decompression of a pressure vessel. This can also be caused by a shock wave.

For many travellers using airplane, this condition occurs to many passengers and it is referred to as ear barotraumas and this condition causes ear discomfort due to pressure changes in the aircraft.

In each ear, there is a tube that connects the middle of the ear to your throat and nose and helps to regulate ear pressure. This is called “Eustachian tube,” named after the 16th century anatomist who discovered it.

When the tube is blocked for some reason, you may experience barotrauma.

Occasional ear barotrauma is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in some people, frequent cases can cause further complications. It is important to understand the differences between acute (occasional) and chronic (recurring) cases so you know when to seek medical treatment.

Symptoms The symptoms include: ear pain; general ear discomfort; stuffiness of ears; and decreased hearing.

Causes Altitude changes are the most common cause of this condition. In fact, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, ear barotrauma is the most common medical issue on airplane. Other causes are: Scuba diving; hiking; driving through moun-

tains; ear infections; and eardrum ruptures.

Ear barotrauma is believed to be most common in people with allergies and suffers from colds or active infections. Infants and young children are also particularly vulnerable to the condition. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller than an adult’s, and it can be blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during the moment of take-off, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.

Treatment There is nothing to worry about as it usually goes on its own but when it persists for hours then a medical examination is recommended.

Otherwise most cases generally heal or ease without medication treatment and some of the actions recommended to relieve the air pressure include: Yawning; chewing gum; using breathing exercises; and taking antihistamines or decongestants.

Complications Complications may arise in some patients, especially in chronic cases if left untreated and could lead to: Ear infections; ruptured eardrum; fever; hearing loss; recurring pain; and chronic dizziness and feelings of unbalance (vertigo) bleeding from ears and nose.

But you actually can decrease your risk of experiencing chronic barotrauma by taking antihistamines or decongestants before scuba diving or flying on a plane.

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

Travel & Tourism

41

TRAVEL PERSONALITY

Sunny Odogwu: Hotel investors can’t succeed without professionals’ inputs ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA shares the thought of Chief Sonny Iwedike Odogwu, a Nigerian business mogul with substantial investment in the tourism industry – owner of Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, Asaba, and the yet to be completed Le Meridien Grand Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos – on the hospitality sector in a presentation entitled ‘Between the Known and the Unknown’ at Akwaaba 2014 event.

T

Hospitality attracts a wide range of investment he thrust of this year’s event is: ‘Investing in hospitality business: between the known and unknown. I intend to illustrate how players in the hospitality industry on the continent can keep their heads well above waters and ahead of competition by raising their standard of operations. When there are low standards, abuse is inevitable and destruction is imminent. My presentation is underscored by my experience as the founder of the Grand Hotel Convention Centre and Resort, and I shall be using my experience to shed light on various points.

Hospitality is a very wide field, and attracts a wide range of investments. We can relate the subject to all aspects of human endeavours –business and economy, politics and governance, social, religious and cultural activities, leisure, etc.

Making investments in hospitality, therefore, could relate directly to hotels, restaurants, entertainment of various types, theatrical shows, shopping malls, public relations, parks and beaches, etc.

Talking about hotels, we would concentrate on hotels within Africa South of the Sahara. Our concern is West, East, Central and Southern Africa. In terms of tourism and hotels, North Africa is quite advanced and what obtains in parts of that sub region could be at par with Europe and the United States. The future of hospitality business is in Africa south of the Sahara. Europe and other developed parts of the world are saturated, but Africa is still waiting to be fully discovered.

Hotel investment in Africa is still largely unexplored Hotel development through investments in Africa is still largely unexplored. Most of what we have around are boutique hotels, which are not economically viable in some cases. This type of hotels give two major indications: (1) that individual investors are financially constrained especially because of the fear of the unknown; (2) the precarious nature of the social and business environment in most parts of the continent – poor infrastructure, low levels of education especially as it relates to tourism, poor communication network, etc.

Though countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and the Gambia are of primary tourist attraction on the continent and have thus arouse a lot of interest in tourist business, we cannot confidently say

that these countries are developed enough. African countries need huge investments in big hotels that offer comfort, convenience and security to customers, and good returns to investors. I classify a big hotel as a one-stop shop with 100 or more rooms. It is the type of hotel where you can stay for two or three weeks and concentrate on your business or leisure without stepping out in search of anything.

It must have all the facilities you would wish for and be run by a top class management team.

Hotel business requires optimum investment to break even For an investor, if you have a big hotel of 100 rooms or more, if your facilities and services are world class, and you can achieve 60% guest occupancy with competitive room rates, you will break even within a short period though it is possible that you may have to use your capital for operations in your first year. But if you have a small number of rooms – 20, 30, or thereabout, even if you have top quality facilities and services, you will have to really struggle to break even. You actually could be running at a loss. The implication of the foregoing is that there must be optimum investment in every hotel project for it to be worth the while of the investors, the managers and the customers.

Hoteliers should employ the services of competent management team The original concept of running it on my own: Typical of many businesspeople, I had thought that I could run the business on my own. I later got to realize that to achieve 60% occupancy, I needed the inputs of professional hoteliers and a top-class management team. We had to enter into contract a g re e m e n t

Odogwu

BACKGROUND

Hotel development through investments in Africa is still largely unexplored.

Most of what we have around are boutique hotels, which are not economically viable in some cases

Chief Sonny Iwedike Odogwu, the Ide Ahaba of Asaba (Pillar of Asaba), Delta State, an industrial and entrepreneur of note whose business interests straddle different sectors of the economy is the chairman of Odogwu Group of Companies, Robert Dyson and Diket Limited, SIO Properties, SIO Industries and Grand Hotel Asaba, among others. A man of panache and style, started out in the insurance world as a sales man with a stint in such firms as Pearle Insurance Company, London C. T. Bowring and Company Limited (Brokers at Lloyds).

Odogwu who is known for his sterling qualities and statesmanlike disposition is a community leader, philanthropist whose foundation has contributed to many humanitarian courses across the world with special interest in education, youths and leadership. He is also a recipient of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and different honourary awards in recognition of his diverse and profound contributions to human and societal developments across the world. A devote Catholic who sometime ago celebrated his wedding anniversary in Rome was not too long ago conferred with the Anabel leadership Academy’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Award of Excellence.

A graduate of Management from the City University London, he is also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (A.C.I.I) and Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Brokers (F.C.I.B). He is the founder of the Nigerian-Southern African Economic Development Consortium, a group dedicated to the improvement of the economy of Africa.

with technical partners. Grand Hotel is presently managed by seasoned managers, and we have a 15-year management and technical agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resort Worldwide Incorporation.

I can categorically say that with the hands-on experience of our partners, the hotel boasts of virile and efficient sales and marketing team. Hoteliers should be wary of doing it all alone as this may lead to distraction, fatigue

and inefficiency in the long run.

We should note, however, that the leader does not succeed in isolation, irrespective of how personal and compelling the vision is. You will always have to work with people.

Grand Hotel’s success story Grand Hotel started as a 5-star hotel with 100 rooms. As at date, the hotel has over 200 rooms.

‘When you create demand, people will patronise you especially when you offer good services.’ This mantra has been our guiding principle at Grand Hotel. I could remember when we started initially, I decided to call the hall a resort because it provides a panoramic view of activities in the commercial city of Onitsha. Hoteliers operating in big cities like Lagos, Accra, Dakar, Nairobi etc. should leverage on the large population and the beautiful scenery environment that the cities provide. When building your hotel, attractive sceneries - both physical and human - should be one of the critical factors to consider.

Redefining the socio – business life of Asaba To run a successful hospitality business, you need to create demand. “When you create demand, people will patronise you especially when you offer good services”. I can confidently say that Grand Hotel redefined general social and business activities as well as hotel business in Asaba, Delta State. The hotel became a centre of intellectual and cultural activities. In order to enliven the cultural life of the city, we brought in musicians, cultural troupes, comedians and other entertainers and artistic performers to the hotel on a regular basis. The hotel also serves as a good venue for intellectual activities like conferences, seminars and workshops. As I speak now, Grand Hotel has become a victim, sort of, of its own success. As we could no longer accommodate the crowd we attracted, new hotels began to spring up to meet the demand that we created. But that is also how colourful success can become. Asaba after the establishment of the Grand Hotel is completely different from Asaba before Grand Hotel. The capital city now has an unprecedented vibrancy; the whole place is full of life. Hotels drive all forms of tourism, and tourism expands the scope of business for hotels.

Tourism should serve as alternative to oil If the benefits inherent therein are adequately harnessed, tourism could become a strong alternative to crude oil as revenue earner. In a well-organised tourist country, the labour force in the sector alone can constitute more than 50% of the entire national labour force. Tourism is one of the cardinal stones for achieving economic development in Africa, and it also serves as a veritable platform for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

42 Travel & Tourism

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

DESTINATION

Ondo State Easing gracefully into a tourism hub ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA who traversed parts of Ondo State for days writes on the quiet transformation taking place on the tourism plane.

T

Travelling to Akure he Journey to Akure last week was a smooth one.

However, it came with many surprises and discoveries. The last time one was in Akure and Idanre town, just as it turned out again this time around,was when the late Olusegun Agagu was the governor of the state.

One was part of the team from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments with the former director-general, Dr. Joseph Eborieme, leading the team, which consisted of officials from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and others on a study and sensitisation workshop, as part of the move to enlist Idanre old settlement atop Idanre hills as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

A New look Akure – a pleasant discovery Perhaps the first indication that one was entering into an entirely transformed environment was the smooth road into Akure, the state capital from Ondo town. Interestingly, basically all the roads, at least the major roads one rode through were all tarred and well paved.

The pleasant surprise for me riding through the city was the level of transformation and development.

The roads breathe life, were liveable, devoid of the chaos that characterise most of our cities. You could feel some level of calmness which is no surprise though given that Akure is a laid back city.

The long stretch of Oba Adesida road, one of the most popular and busy roads in the city, especially within the vicinity of the Oba Adesida Market has now be transformed and maintains a peaceful rhythm with all the nuisance and unhealthy undertakings completely out of the way.

No more street trading, pedestrians’ path ways are now clearly market, there are water fountains and beautifully laid out roundabouts while the taxis and okada riders (though the crash helmets rule seem lax) obey traffic and keep to the regulations with even parking and drop off areas. Also, the traffic lights work, giving the night a welcome glow.

The city for me has more than ever before become friendly and inviting with a number of hotels, eateries and other relaxation spots in operation.

I recalled in those days that only one eatery existed around Alagbaka area and one had to walk all

the way from the Nigerian Union of Journalists guest house to the eatery. But there are over three eateries along that stretch of the city. Vicky Restaurant where one had lunch is said to be one of the most patronised eateries by the cream of the city, particularly government officials. The speciality here is pounded yam and it is the best in the city, I was told.

And it is also the place where many deals are wrapped up including those secret dates.

Mechanic village There was also a visit to the Mechanic Village off Ondo road constructed recently by the state government to accommodate all the artisans in the city. A good and creatively executed concept, it is a one–stop village with all the sections, from mechanic, auto-electricians to panel beaters and spray painters accommodated, making it easier for car owners to maintain their vehicles.

But not all the stalls have been occupied while the spare parts section is still under lock. Ajewole Kehinde who is head of the mechanic section commended the government for the gesture. While business isyet to pick up as expected, he however said the environment is quite conducive as they have all the facilities needed to make life easier for them but he wants the spare parts section operational as quickly as possible.

International conference centre/ dome One area where the state is also making a giant stride is in business tourism as demonstrated by the international conference centre under construction in an expansive land, which also features a dome. Both are expected to be delivered this year.

Located in Igbatoro road, Alagbaka quarters of the city, a helipad is also in the offing within the vicinity while a resort in later years would be built in the complex making it a full tourism service complex.

And not too far from this centre is Shoprite under construction as well.

Also to be delivered this year, the centre would enhance the shopping and leisure experience of residents and visitors.

Tourism development area As part of the tourism revolution taking place in the state is the creation of a Tourism Development Area, stretching over 20 kilometres from a spot along Ondo road to Idanre town. It is the first in the country and when completed, it is

One of the tree houses at Idanre Hills Resort

The Dome

expected to drive traffic to the state.

The first part of the TDA is what is called Habitat 1, a spot by the highway, very close to the Owena Military Barracks. It is a large expanse of land where travellers and visitors to the TDA can relax before beginning their exploration of the TDA. Among the amenities here are sleeping tents – well laid out and secured, playground with facilities for badminton, table tennis, and basketball.

There are also a number of shops or kiosks where local delicacies such as ofada rice, pupuru, amala, eba, white, fried and jollof rice, dodo, boli, ipekere, and akara are offered. There is also a palm wine and relaxation hut and a stage for live performances.

The spot at night is well lit and as revealed by the state tourism authority, Habitat 1 would be developed into a full service leisure spot where people travelling along the route and visitors as well as residents in Ondo town and Akure and its environs can stop by and experience the best of leisure activities including live performances.

The TDA’s office is located a few distance from Habitat 1 and is currently undergoing renovation. It is expected to accommodate among others tourism office, land bureau, board of internal revenue and Public Private Partnership (PPP) offices.

The entire project is conceived as a private-driven one with the government only providing the enabling environment and land.

Also to be constructed along the route are jogging tracks and resting spots where people can stop over to relax and refresh with mostly local snacks and delicacies. The tour guide, Bidemi, explained that the TDA would also encompass an industrial zone with such industries as cocoa factory, which would serve as live station workshop for teaching people, especially children, how to grow and process cocoa into a finished product.

For the state government, the zone would play host to all facets of tourism-related facilities and activities. These include hotels by top international brands, shopping malls, cinemas, eateries, African theme parks and amusement parks and theatres, among others.

The next stop on the route was Idanre town at the foot of the ancient and magical Idanre hills. The special adviser to Governor Segun Mimiko on tourism, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, is the brain behind the attempt to turn Idanre hills into a tourist destination. He calls it a conference of mountains and rocky hills. We were ushered gingerly to the newly constructed Idanre Hills Resort.

The foot of the hills and its environs, which once served as a ne-

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Mechanic village

Children's playground

A secured tent in Habitate I

glected dump site has now been transformed into a beautiful and busy site with the resort playing host to visitors and different activities daily. It is an African themed resort, which is said to be the first of such resort built on rocky hills. To underscore this fact, the state government is said to have initiated a process of getting it enlisted on the Guinness Book of Records while at the same time it has also intensified effort at enlisting the old Idanre town settlement atop the hills as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a process that was started years ago but abandoned in the Nigerian fashion of not paying attention to the nation’s tangible and intangible cultural and historical materials.

What first bids you welcome to Idanre Hills Resort complex is the reception or Ekaabo area, which among others boosts a sit out area, some games facilities and a mini – theatre.

Other facilities are tree houses built on rock, all tastefully furnished with a blend of African and modern hospitality amenities, and attached to the resort’s chalets are hammock, private balcony/terrace, dining area, massage and spa area, and bar.

Other features within the complex include playground, sports facilities, restaurant and bar, WAD 11 - traditional hair making salon, kiosks and eateries for local snacks and delicacies, office complex, amphi-theatre and VIP stage, sleeping tents and sit-out areas

around the resort. While the 660 steps leading to the hills have been reconstructed with the five resting points along the route also to undergone transformation with the first resting point already constructed and consist of a bar and sit - out area and games facilities.

Visitors to the resort are welcomed with live cultural performances by the cultural troupe at the resort. Also, as a part of entertainment for visitors who make it to the old Idanre settlement atop the hills, is what is tagged Idanre Ana (A re-enactment of life in the 17th and 18th centuries Idanre).

The live dramatisation includes wedding, burial, child naming ceremonies and court sessions.

Besides overnight stay at the resort and live performances, other day activities advertised include excursions for children and adults, swimming, video shoots, camping’s/retreats, private parties with and without DJ. Elizade University, Ilara Mokin The destination on this afternoon was the Smokin’ Golf Course in Ilara Mokin, which is part of the tourist facilities of Ondo State but it is a privately owned and managed facility.

But first, we had to make a detour to Elizade University, which is just a few distance from the golf course. The school is owned by Chief Michael Ade Ojo of Elizade Motors.

We had the fortune of being re-

ceived on arrival by both the school’s vice chancellor (Professor Valentine Aletor) and registrar (Omololu Adegbenro). After exchanging pleasantries and a brief introduction about the school, we went on a tour of some of the school’s facilities, these included the school’s theatre and the school of communication's recording studios.

The university is beautifully laid out and enjoys attractive natural environment with undulating and valley – like landscape, which imbues the school with a picturesque feel. And the buildings too exude classic and appealing architectural aesthetics.

The smokin’ golf course Just before exploring the golf course, we stopped over at the resort, which plays host to the guests of the golf course. It is a 14-unit two bedroom apartments with living rooms, all finely furnished with a kitchenette, guest toilet, dining area, a reception and bar as well as Wi–Fi, among others.

The golf course itself was a beauty to behold. An 18-hole course enjoys naturally pleasing and exciting landscape with a mix of undulating and valley – like plains with a natural lake to the mix. It also has a well – furnished golf house with bar, reception area, offices and other amenities.

The captain of the golf course, Michael Ashe, a noted landscape architect who once held sway at IBB Golf Course, Abuja and Prince Bayo Aderinto who is the marketer of the golf course were on hand to give us a guided tour and regale us with the sweet tales of the golf course as well as their programmes and plans to expose it to golfers and tourists.

Aderinto who described himself as an avid golf player who have travelled widely and played all the golf courses in the country, said Ilara Mokin Smokin’ Golf Course is the best around as it can’t be compared to any in every respect. It natural beauty is quite inviting and attractive. The reason why it is referred to as Smokin Golf Course, he said is as a result of the rising smoke or mist from the rocky ranges, which covers the course in the early hours of the mornings and late evenings most of the days.

Birthing Sunshine State Getaway Given the transformation and development ongoing in the state with particular reference to infrastructure and tourism-based amenities, for the Special Adviser to the governor on Tourism, Wanle Akinboboye, the time is now ripe to introduce the world to the tourism market of Ondo State.

To this end, he and his team have devised a plan, known as Sunshine State Getaway (SSG), tour packages, which are targeted at getting, in the first instance, tourists from Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos to visit Ondo State. It is a multi – layered packages with partnership from Arik Air, Jojein Hotels and Resort, Akure, Smokin’ Golf Course and the government of Ondo State among others.

The project, which would be driven by the office of Akinboboye, is soon to be officially launched. Going by the plan, the packages, which cut across board – families, corporate bodies and the individuals, target 300,000 tourists in a year and this certainly would translate to huge economic benefits for the state and other partners.

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Forget it, religion is politics p.49

Cover Extra

Southern leaders to Jega: You have hidden agenda p.51

Perspective

Election time, marketgoing politicians and the electorate p.53

© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

Presidential poll: The Game Changers

In Nigeria, personalities and institutions and not issues, shape the politics of the nation at all levels. Largely, the two leading political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), all promise more or less the same things: jobs, improvement in the education and health sectors, including agriculture.

However, the parties are short on specifics and for this reason, the electorate is left to the devices of strong men or the most dominant institutions in their area. In the February 14 presidential election, the following personalities will, to a large extent, shape the way and manner some sections of the country will vote next month. obasanjo: Oracle of sorts

One Nigerian and, indeed, voter that has been frantically courted in the run-up to this month’s general elections is former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Having served as military head of state for about three years and civilian president for eight years, Obasanjo towers above other political figures and wields tremendous influence in the nation’s polity.

In spite of his marked political differences with President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, the former president has continued to be the “beautiful bride” of both the PDP and APC candidates as the February 14 presidential poll approaches.

Recently, the two presidential rivals took their campaign trains to Obasanjo’s home state, Ogun. The celebrated visits came in quick succession. Jonathan was the first to storm Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to canvass votes. Expectations were high that the president would pay homage to Obasanjo notwithstanding his perceived frosty relationship with the ex-president.

This visit did not, however, materialise on time as Obasanjo reportedly “sneaked out” of his Hilltop mansion when information filtered in that the president was in town. The president tarried till night and “succeeded” in meeting behind closed doors with Obasanjo. Two foremost clerics, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Bishop David Oyedepo, reportedly attended the secret meeting which was ostensibly to broker truce between the president and his predecessor.

Obasanjo’s scathing public comments against the Jonathan administration had given an insight into the depth of animosity between the two. He recently took the president to the cleaners over the management of the nation’s economy. He deplored the depletion of the external reserves and the continuous downward slide of the naira under Jonathan’s watch.

Miffed by the manner at which the expresident had ceaselessly impugned the image of his administration, the president reacted, saying that some politicians parading themselves as statesmen and senior citizens were actually “ordinary motor park touts.”

Amidst the raging no love lost, Buhari called 24 hours after Jonathan’s secret meet-

Obasanjo

ing with Obasanjo. The APC presidential candidate was accompanied by his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and notable party chieftains. The high-level party delegation was a bold statement.

During the visit, Obasanjo gave a clean bill of health to Buhari on his management of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). He said the APC presidential candidate never soiled his hands when he superintended over PTF between March 1995 and May 1999. He dis-

closed that the investigation conducted by his administration never found the Dauraborn retired general wanting.

Obasanjo said despite being a card-carrying member of PDP, he wished Buhari well in his presidential ambition. While further making a case for Buhari, the ex-president pooh-poohed the allegations that the APC CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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Presidential poll: The Game Changers

Babangida

C O N T I N U E D f r o m PA G E 4 5

candidate is surrounded by certain corrupt politicians.

Though Obasanjo has not categorically endorsed any candidate for the Presidency, his body language during the recent visits by the PDP and APC standard bearers may have tacitly revealed where his interest lies.

At the state level, most of his loyalists have pulled out of the PDP and defected to the APC. Ditto at the national level.

Obasanjo has already endorsed Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for a second term in office. To many analysts, the endorsement is a veiled support for the APC. This has indeed galvanized support for the party. In addition, Obasanjo’s leaning has invariably given impetus to the opposition party’s drive to clinch the nation’s Presidency.

Ibrahim Babangida: Beautiful bride

Former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) is certainly one personality who wields a lot of influence among the political elite in Nigeria. As President for eight years, Babangida superintended over the longest political transition programme during which he experimented with a lot of political models. It was he who decreed into existence, a two-party system of democracy in the country. The two dominant political parties in Nigeria today – PDP and APC are almost replicas of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) of the Babangida era.

In other words, the former military ruler is at home with what is happening on the political turf today.

He has also been a presidential aspirant on at least two occasions after quitting military service.

Babangida has played host to the two main contenders in the forthcoming presidential election. The numerous reactions that trailed his

Tinubu

comments during those separate encounters with the candidates show that a lot of Nigerians particularly from the North would rely on his judgement when they go to the polls.

Like Maradona, the soccer legend known for his dribbles on the pitch, it is difficult to know which direction Babangida would be leaning towards in this election. He is a member of the PDP and would be expected to support Jonathan and his party. But he is a prominent northerner and also a retired military officer like Buhari. Most people in the North would expect him to dump his party and join the "Sai Buhari" bandwagon but the elder statesman might just be content with a credible and peaceful elections no matter where the pendulum swings.

Tinubu: A formidable opposition leader

After serving out his second term in 2007 as governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, became a power broker that cannot be ig-

Anenih

In other words, the former military ruler (Babangida) is at home with what is happening on the political turf today

Jega

nored in Nigerian politics.

From then, there was no looking back for the APC National Leader.

He calls the shot when it comes to opposition politics, and his grip on South-West politics is tightened regardless of the opposition against him.

His contribution and influence to the emerging opposition fervour in the country is extensive and the weight he had on the emergence of the APC presidential candidates, Buhari and his running mate, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, was quite notable.

If there is any leader especially in the South-West who understands the process of who gets what, when and how, then it is the man Tinubu.

He is at the centre of politics in the thick of things and ready to invest his time, energy and resources in the 2015 general elections.

In 2011, it was said that his silent approval was responsible for the victory of President Jonathan in five of the six states in the SouthWest, but for the 2015 elections and his dominant influence, Tinubu is

in a good stead to sway and influence South-West votes in favour of Buhari and this has been the headache of the PDP. Tinubu’s role and influence in the forthcoming election cannot be ignored because to a considerable level he is going to define the voting pattern for the over 14 million votes in the South-West. He has the groundswell of support and his political machinery and structure will come through for him for the election.

For a strategic and tactical politician like Tinubu, the political calculation of how the polls will go rests in his bosom and it only needs time before he starts to tick his victory base. But how long his political dynasty would continue is another riddle that time will tell.

But for now, he still remains a formidable game-changer.

Tony Anenih: ‘Mr. Fix It’ Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, is a political heavyweight who means different things to different people. Some analysts refer to Anenih as a fox while others say he is a political dinosaur. He is more popularly known as ‘Mr. Fix It’ due to his dexterity in creating or resolving near-impossible political logjams.

Though Anenih is a retired police officer, he is also veteran of many political wars, the most memorable being leading the SDP to victory in the historic June 12, 1993 polls.

As National Campaign Adviser of the PDP, Anenih is surely an invaluable asset and will deploy his wide political network to ensure that the ruling party achieved victory. Although Anenih has lost Edo State to the APC, he is still a powerful political force in the South-South geo-political zone.

No doubt, Anenih will pull all the right strings to sway the vote to CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

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Presidential poll: The Game Changers C O N T I N U E D f r o m PA G E 4 6

Jonathan's box during the February 14 presidential election.

Attahiru Jega: All eyes on him

Prof. Attahiru Jega, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is one man who will play a very important role in next week's presidential election.

Though, an umpire, Jega wields a lot of influence, and all eyes are currently on him and the institution he heads, the INEC. The INEC chairman supervised the 2011 general elections, which was adjudged as the best so far in the nation's electoral process. Even though there were pocket of protests in some parts of the North after the April 14 presidential election, the protests were not because there were flaws in the conduct.

Rather it was out of frustration that the person they expected to win did not win afterall.

This year, it is expected that INEC will up the ante in this year's general elections, and the commission is just doing that. A lot of innovations have been introduced to ensure free, fair and transparent polls.

INEC under Jega introduced Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs). This is to eliminate fraud, multiple voting and other electoral offences usually perpetrated through the use of manual voters' register.

But then, Jega is not finding things easy. There have been hard tackles here and there.

The INEC chairman and the commission have run into problem in the distribution of the PVCs. Out of over 68.8 million PVCs to be distributed, INEC was able to distribute slightly over 44 million. This leaves a balance of over 24 million. This is quite a significant number.

Jega is also accused of partiality in the distribution of PVCs. It was alleged that the North was favoured in the distribution of PVCs than the South where Jonathan is expected to harvest more votes.

TY Danjuma: Roaring General

General Theophilous Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) is one of Nigeria's most influential political and business leaders. He is one of Nigeria's oldest retired generals whose views on national issues are taken seriously. Not known for frivolities, though General Danjuma bares his mind when it matters most without any equivocation, his silence all the same is as potent as a troubling suspense which every politician might want to unveil to his or her advantage.

He is the rallying point of the Northern minorities – he is a Jukun from Taraba State. Succinctly, his influence transcends his home state, having an infectious impact on Benue, his paternal ancestry.

Danjuma's desire, according sources close to him, was to see the emergence of a Christian minority as president of the country in 2015. With that seeming probably impossible, his support for President Jonathan would have been of advantage to the incumbent. However, albeit a clear statement on his support direction in the forthcoming presidential contest, his recent verbal attacks on the President Jonathan-led administration as well as his condemnation of ex-militants' threat poses an obvious possibility that he is most prob-

Atiku

Danjuma

His Role:Atiku is going to play the role of a mobiliser and galvaniser. Using his wide contacts, Atiku can influence millions of votes in favour of Buhari.

In the North-East where he hails from, Atiku looks certain to give the PDP a run for its money, particularly in his home state of Adamawa. Atiku will do everything within his power to stop President Jonathan and former EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is the governorship candidate of the PDP. Ribadu is indeed Atiku’s nemesis as he contributed immensely in creating the baggage of corruption that hangs on Atiku’s neck till tomorrow. He is well respected in the zone and couple with the whirlwind of change blowing across the zone titling towards Buhari, Atiku will cash in on his popularity to deliver for the APC. Besides, his men have been integrated into the Buhari Presidential Campaign as seen in the director of media and publicity, Mallam Shehu Garba and others. Atiku will be of immense help to the Buhari’s ambition and can sway votes in different parts of the country using his network of friends and associates.

Ekwueme: Silent power

Ekwueme

ably uninclined to the second term bid of the president.

Regardless, the General's decision on 2015 will be a product of many considerations. If he wants his godson, Mr. Darius Dickson Ishaku to win the governorship election in Taraba, he has a duty to prepare the ground for him by working for the president. If he cares less on the other hand, that a Jonathan's continued presidency was undesirable and decides to work against him, Ishaku's governorship ambition might as well be sacrificed on the altar of national exigency. It will be recalled that both President Jonathan and the leadership of the PDP had conceded the party's governorship ticket to Danjuma in the run up to the nomination process.

State permutation or national interest?

Whatever choice of decision the former Chief of Army Staff who later served as Minister of Defence under the Olusegun Obasanjo makes will make or break someone's chances. Who will be victim of the old general's direction – Ishaku, Jonathan or Buhari?

Atiku: Powerful Turaki Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Turakin Adamawa is unarguably the most flamboyant and influential politician in Nigeria today. He is indeed a phenomenon and a recurring decimal in the politics of Nigeria. His network of political friends and associates cuts across the six geopolitical zones. He remains the most powerful Vice President ever in the history of Nigeria and perhaps one of the few

Mark

individuals to have fought former President Obasanjo to a standstill. Although, he lost at the APC presidential primaries to Buhari, Atiku wields enormous powers and is a force to reckon with any day any time. His political clout is intimidating.

In the South-South, Atiku is recognised as the biggest employer of labour with his company Intels, located at Onne in Rivers State. To the people of South-East, he is their son-in-law one of his wives, Mrs. Jennifer Abubakar, is an Igbo woman. In the North-West he is the pseudo leader of the political machinery set-up by late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who was a political institution of sort in Nigeria and for the North Central, Atiku is a trusted ally and as such holds the chieftaincy title of Zege Mule U Tiv; that is the umbrella of the Tiv, the largest ethnic group in the zone. In his North East, Atiku is at home with the people and the traditional institution, having married from the Adamawa Emirate. Most importantly, Atiku has a robust and massive financial war chest.

A team player, Atiku had shortly after the primaries congratulated Buhari for emerging victorious in the keenly contested election and declared his support for him. While congratulating Buhari, Atiku, conceded that Buhari ran a spirited campaign, and that since the delegates have spoken, he deserved the victory.

Atiku subsequently made a personal donation of N50 million, an aircraft and 12 Land Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) to facilitate Buhari’s campaign.

Former Vice President of Nigeria and one of the brains behind the formation of the PDP, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, is one of those politicians in the South-East whose opinions or leanings on political issues carry a lot of influence.

Ekwueme is not given to many words or to frivolities; which is why his political views are largely sought around the South-East. When he talks, though he may not push his opinions, very many people run with it.

Not too long ago he advised President Jonathan not to take for granted, votes from the South-East warning that the President may not get block vote from the region if he does not redress some prevailing realities.

Politicians understand the weight of Ekwueme’s utterance which immediately prompted the PDP Governors’ Forum and the South-East Zonal Vice Chairman of the party to react to the comment.

In spite of efforts to dismiss the comments of Ekwueme by the Governors’ Forum and Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd.) who went into a fit of tantrums; the impact of the utterance stuck. The presidency recognising the clout Ekwueme wields, despite not being too visible or loud in his brand of politics took time to consult with the elder statesman when President Jonathan visited Ekwueme’s home in Enugu during his campaign visit to the state.

But most importantly, Ekwueme has consistently proved himself to be a loyal and disciplined party man who has stayed with the PDP since 1998 in spite of the challenges, deprivations and humiliations he had suffered in the party.

If Ekwueme calls to mind the events of the past especially how he was sacked from office by Buhari who at the time sent him to prison while merely subjecting Alhaji Shehu Shagari to house arrest, it may be tough finding any justification to support Buhari.

Consequently, Ekwueme may be more inclined to vote for Jonathan and his influence would to a large extent tilt the presidential election in favour of the president in the South-East come February 14.

Ekwueme hardly involves himself in confrontational politics, yet he is easily one of brightest lights in Igbo leaderCONTINUED ON PAGE 48

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Presidential poll: The Game Changers Jonathan would be disgraced in the presidential election in Rivers State.

The truth is that with Amaechi on the side of Buhari, the APC will at worse get 25 per cent of votes cast in the presidential election unlike in 2011.

As a sitting governor, Amaechi has financial muscle that could sway the electorate to the side of APC in Rivers State and outside.

The PDP had alleged that he is one of the major financiers of the APC and the presidential campaign. Given the fact that Nigerian politics involves money, Amaechi would have people’s ears when it comes to whom to vote for the general elections.

C O N T I N U E D f r o m PA G E 4 7

ship today and rallying point of sort in the region.

David Mark: Formidable leader

Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark is the incumbent President of the Senate and a member of the PDP. Mark, a former Military Governor of Niger State and erstwhile Minister for Communications, has been a member of the Nigerian Senate since 1999, making him one of the longest serving parliamentarians.

He became President of the Senate at the commencement of the 6th Session of the National Assembly in 2007 and has set an enviable record of being the first President of the Senate to have been on the seat for two terms of eight years without stepping on the proverbial “banana peels” and getting impeached by his colleagues.

In the forthcoming elections, Mark is one of PDP's most reliable stalwarts in the Middle Belt region where he enjoys the respect of almost all those who matter in politics.

He will be deploying all the tactics that has made him a stabilising factor in the National Assembly and will be building bridges of political understanding on behalf of the ruling party.

Emir of Kano

Mu'Azu

Akpabio

Amaechi

Sanusi

Mu'azu: Will he change PDP’s game?

Adamu Mu'azu, the National Chairman of PDP is nicknamed 'Game Changer' because he has been able to reverse the misfortune of the party shortly after he took over the leadership of PDP. A native of Bauchi State, Mu'azu served two term as governor of the state. His attempt to represent his people in the Senate in 2007 was unsuccessful.

The PDP National Chairman has lost touch with politics since he left office in 2007. But with his new position, Mu'azu will be hoping to tap on his old connections to attract votes for PDP. His great challenge however, is the current crisis in his home state.

The state governor, Mallam Isah Yuguda and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed are accusing each other of sponsoring the attack on the president during the PDP presidential campaign in Bauchi State. Mu'azu biggest challenge is to unite the warring factions so as to secure victory for the PDP. The PDP National Chairman is not known to have a firm grip on the electorate in the North East where he comes from. He will therefore have very little impact in convincing the people from the region to vote for PDP during the presidential election. But as PDP boss, he wields tremendous influence to boost the fortunes of his party in the elections.

Akpabio: President’s man

Governor Godswill Akpabio is not just the governor of one of Nigeria's richest states-Akwa Ibom but he is the chairman of the PDP

Governors' Forum which was hurriedly formed as a counter-force to the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-led Nigeria Governors' Forum in the heat of the 16/19 saga.

Akpabio is a close confidant of the president and one of the financiers of the presidential campaigns. He is one of the few governors in the South whose desires were all met by the ruling party in the contest for the party's elective positions late last year. His influence on his colleague governors is also not in doubt.

Also of note is the fact that Akpabio's firm grip of the politics of the state cannot be disregarded.

The presidential rally of the PDP which held in Uyo with the largest crowd so far is a testimony to this effect. With a voting strength of over one million, Akpabio's Akwa Ibom looks better than any state in South-South in terms of support base for President Jonathan.

Amaechi: Enfant terrible

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is the Director General of the All Progressives Congress

Ekwueme hardly involves himself in confrontational politics, yet he is easily one of brightest lights in Igbo leadership today

(APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation and he is expected to play a major role for the success of the party on February 14.

As the head of Buhari’s campaign team, the success or otherwise of Buhari in the election to a large extent depends on Amaechi.

He defected along with four other governors from the PDP to APC in 2013.

After his defection to the APC the political landscape in Rivers State and by extension in the South-South changed with many people accepting APC as a national party. His membership of APC also scaled up the commitment of the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other South-South politicians to the party.

Amaechi has grown the APC in the South-South that today it is seen as a formidable party and its presidential candidate acceptable.

In 2011 presidential election, Buhari scored 13, 183 votes against 1, 817,762 of President Jonathan. So it was in all the South South and South East states. But today Amaechi is bent to deliver Rivers State's votes to Buhari. He said President

Perhaps, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, represents the philosopher-king of this era. Urbane, articulate and brutally frank, the Emir is versed in both western and Islamic education. In particular, he has been a lecturer, having taught Economics at the Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria. At ABU, Sanusi belonged to the Dr. Bala Usman radical school of thought.

Thereafter, he left the ivory tower for Sudan, where he studied Islamic Law. Subsequently, the then Prince returned to the banking hall but broke away from the conservative norm of the profession. In 2009, Sanusi became the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In February, 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan suspended Sanusi in controversial circumstances. As CBN Governor, he had alleged that $20 billion had disappeared from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) account. Expectedly, Sanusi’s ouster was widely seen as government’s way of getting back at the apex banker. Naturally, Sanusi went to court to challenge his suspension.

Four months later, Sanusi became the Emir of Kano and President Jonathan, according to reports, pulled strings behind the scene to frustrate his coronation. Consequently, the new Emir was holed up in Government House and soldiers were posted to the palace to arrest him when he shows up.

Somehow, a rapprochement was brokered and Jonathan withdrew the military from the palace.

However, the president did not congratulate the new emir but General Muhammadu Buhari, the APC presidential candidate, described Sanusi as "God sent."

In 2003, Sanusi had written that Buhari was the best president Nigeria never had. Now that the Emir has the influence to make him one, Sanusi will cast his royal lot with his people who love Buhari with fanatical fervour.

Kano is the second largest state with regard to voting strength. He can use his influence to mobilise support for his preferred candidate, which could be Buhari.

• Reports by: Onwuka Nzeshi, Donald Ojogo, Felix Nwaneri, Ibraheem Musa, Philip Nyam, Onyekachi Eze, Johnchuks Onuanyim, Temitope Ogunbanke, Kunle Olayeni, Wale Elegbede and Steve Uzoechi.

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49

Presidential poll: The Game Changers The Mosque In Islam, the mosque is not just a place of worship but a centre that unites Muslims. Mosques play crucial roles in sociopolitical mobilisation. Consequently, the “Minbari”, the Islamic equivalent of pulpit, is not just a place to preach about good and evil. Politics, leadership and governance issues in both Islam and contemporary times are discussed on that platform.

In the north, Sultan Bello Mosque, which was built by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late northern Premier, is perhaps the most notable in this regard. For over 30 years, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, an author, former jurist and notable preacher, interpreted the Qurán at the mosque.

Somehow, that mosque is seen as the headquarters of the Izala Movement, which is somewhat the most dominant sect in Nigeria.

Right now, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, the son of the late cleric, has continued in his father’s footsteps. Every Sunday, Gumi lectures from Siyasatu al Sharíyyah fi IslahirRa’i, a book of politics in Islam, written by the great Islamic scholar, Shehul Islam IbnTaymiyyah. In addition, he has been preaching against a repeat of the 2011 postelection violence. Significantly, the cleric is ready to match words with action as he has floated a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), named 'My Choice, My Pride Foundation.' In the main, the NGO will not just monitor elections, it is also advocating a violence-free poll, as well as issues-based campaigns by all the political parties.

Like always, the mosque will play very crucial roles in the coming elections. As things stand, the killings in the North East, poor state of the economy and the high level of corruption have tilted the mobilisation towards the opposition.

Anglican and Catholic churches

Since Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th Century through Augustinian and Capuchin monks from Portugal, religious leaders have been playing significant role in the country. In fact, from the pre-colonial era till date Catholic and Anglican churches have played and are still playing crucial roles in Nigerian politics, especially during general elections.

Catholic and Anglican churches have the largest Christian denomination in Nigeria. With their numerical strength and influence in public decision, the two churches will play a major role in the choice of whom to vote for among the 14 presidential candidates during the February 14 election.

In every major towns and villages in Nigeria, especially in the Southern part of the country, there are millions of Catholic and Anglican members. Unlike SouthWest geo-political zone, where different other denominations thrive, the Christians in South-East and South-South are predominantly Catholic and Anglican faithful. The Igbo account for over 70 percent of the Nigeria's Catholic population. So, if religion will count in the presidential election, the people of the two geo-political candidates may back a Christian candidate for the presidency.

Adeboye

Sultan Abubakar

Forget it, religion is politics In the February 14 presidential election, the church and the mosque will also play critical roles. So are prominent personalities in the religious groupings Curiously, Sultan Abubakar is close to government but generally, Muslims do not see him as being pro-government. In fact, he has been the permanent Amirul Hajj, leader of Nigerian Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, since Jonathan assumed office.

However, from time to time, the Sultan delegates the position to other traditional rulers, especially the Shehu of Borno. Significantly, during the standoff between Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II and the Federal Government, it was the Sultan that reached out to Jonathan, leading to a truce after Sanusi's selection as the Emir.

On the other hand, the Sultan is also close to APC chieftains, including Governor AliyuWamakko of Sokoto State, House Speaker Aminu Tambawal and Alhaji Inuwa AbdulKadir, the APC’s North-West Vice Chairman. In fact, each of them is Sarkin Yamma, Mattawalen Sokoto and Magatakarda Babba respectively; all powerful titles in the Sultanate.

No doubt, the sultan is adept at getting the best bargain for his people without compromising their collective aspiration.

As a retired military man, Abubakar is used to obeying constituted authorities and the government. Right now, his peo-

ple are largely in APC and as their leader, Sultan Abubakar will likely align with his constituents and not the government in the coming elections.

Pastor E.A Adeboye Pastor Enoch Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). At the last count, there are over 5,000 parishes of the church across the world. Of this figure, over 2,000 are in Nigeria, while the rest are in almost all the nations of Africa, Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

Pastor Adeboye, who was named one of 'The World’s Fifty Most Powerful People' by U.S-based Newsweek Magazine in 2009, is not known to have any political leaning, but there is no way his influence would not be felt in the presidential election as the vice presidential candidate of the APC, Prof.YemiOsinbajo, is one of his pastors.

Some analysts had reasoned that the APC opted for him as its presidential running mate to gain the support of the Christian community, particularly RCCG’s teeming population.

Adeboye’s influence is beyond members of his church, and Osinbajo is said to be very close to him. It would therefore not be surprising if other Christians, particularly members of the Pentecostal movement go for the APC in the presidential election.

The opposition party’s vice presidential candidate claims he consulted Pastor Adeboye before accepting to be Buhari’s running mate. This, and perhaps, the RCCG General Overseer’s directive at the end of the 2014 edition of the church’s Holy Ghost congress that all faithful should come to church on the first Sunday of 2015 (January 4) before he and other pastors will release the New Year’s blessings, may have informed the assumption in some quarters of his approval of the Buhari/Osinbajo candidacy.

The cleric who displayed his voters’ card while giving the directive, said: “Every eligible voter should ensure they get their voter’s card since this is the only ticket that would ensure that they vote in the candidate of their choice. Nigerians must begin to realise that their vote is their power, and it must be the concern of every Christian to decide who rules them as they are under covenant obligations to respect and pray for their leaders.”

David Oyedepo: Clergyman with high stakes

No doubt, Bishop David Oyedepo is one of most respected clergymen in Nigeria and beyond, but his disposition and body language ahead of the presidential election suggests that he is on the side of President Jonathan.

Oyedepo is the presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State. He is also the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University. Reputed to be the richest Pastor in Nigeria at a time, Oyedepo has a cult-followership across the nation and beyond, as the Winners' Chapel network of churches is located in over 300 cities in the country, as well as, in over 63 cities in 32 African nations and beyond.

Sultan of Sokoto Among Muslims, Sultan Muhammad SaádAbubakar is not just a traditional ruler but Commander of the Faithful. Consequently, the Sultan plays a dual role in Nigeria and Sultan Abubakar, more than his predecessors, has recognised this twin responsibility. Since his accession, the Sultan has been reaching out to Muslims outside the north and all traditional rulers across the country.

Oritsejafor

President Jonathan with Adeboye

Adeboye with Buhari

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Presidential poll: The Game Changers Ex-militants/ Ijaw Youth Council This group cuts across Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Ondo states. Although there are various layers of leadership, the apex and most influential collegiate leadership is embodied by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Amnesty coordinator, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, Chief BibopereAjube (Shoot at Sight), Victor Ebikabowei (Boyloaf), Ateke Tom, Farah Dagogo, 'Generals' Ogunbos, Africa, Reuben, the Comrade Udengs Eradiri-led Ijaw Youth Council and others.

The complexity of the configuration is that these once-dreaded warlords control thousands of youths in the riverine areas of the six stateswho are under them through the instrumentality of the Federal Government amnesty programme. As youths, they undoubtedly control over 60 per cent of prospective voters even as they carry the potency of swaying voting direction in favour of President Jonathan in whom they have reposed confidence and vowed to work for.

Apart from this, the war chest of individuals in this category is enormous, hence they do not need any financial support from Jonathan's PDP to do the needful. This is further strengthened by the fact that so many of the ex-militants themselves are candidates for various elective positions in their respective states. Where they are not directly involved in some cases, their cronies are involved. A case in point is Delta where Tompolo is in charge of the governorship permutation as well as selected legislative positions all on the platform of the PDP. Giving their all is the least Niger-Delta ex-militants can do to deliver Jonathan in their respective domains.

Shuffling the ethnic card

The influence of ethnic groups on the presidential election will to a large extent determine the outcome of the poll, especially various organisations battle to endorse the presidential candidates

Asari-Dokubo

Coomassie

Afenifere: Battling for relevance

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)

As a policy, the Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF) always supports a northern presidential candidate. In 2003, it threw its weight behind Buhari but in 2007, when Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, the then Katsina State Governor emerged as PDP presidential flag bearer, the forum was in a quandary.

Buhari and Yar’Adua, two northerners to boot, contested the presidency and ordinarily, ACF should be happy. Heads or tails, a northerner will emerge president of Nigeria but somehow the forum was divided over the duo. Like Buhari, the late Yar’Adua was from Katsina State and a scion of the caliphate.

Last December, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, the forum’s chairman, gave an unqualified support to Buhari.

Coomassie, in a congratulatory message, had praised the All Progressives Congress(APC) presidential primaries.

The election, according to him, was held smoothly without rancour and all the aspirants have accepted the results. In addition, the former Inspector General of Police said ACF is “going to support the northern candidate. APC has voted a northern candidate, so we are going to support him 100 per cent.

So, Buhari is our candidate for the 2015 election.”

Significantly, the NEC met on January 14 and ratified Coomassie’s endorsement of Buhari. So, ACF will use its goodwill and campaign for the APC in the coming elections, especially at

sense of solidarity for the president in arriving at its decision.

The Ohanaeze President General also stated that despite that the SouthSouth had largely sustained the economic development of the country, the region had paid terrible price of environmental degradation. But some elements in the group believe that an outright endorsement of the president amounts to Ndigbo putting all their eggs in one basket.

They also opined that there is more than meets the eye to the matter despite Enwo-Igariwey’s explanation, which makes it difficult for him to be trusted. It was alleged that the Ohanaeze leadership was financially induced to take the position, as there was no need for such support when the Jonathan administration is yet to fulfil his 2011 campaign promises to the South-East.

According to them, Ndigbo need not give a blanket endorsement to any presidential candidate when it is evident that no deal was reached as regards the general interest of the people of the zone.

Against this backdrop, the thinking of most Ohanaeze chieftains is that the people of the South-East should be encouraged to vote according to their conscience to avoid exposing their kith and kin, especially those living in the North to danger, whichever way the result of the presidential election goes.

The dissenting positions, and the fact that Ndigbo unlike their counterparts in the North or South-West lack a central political figure who commands so much respect that the rest would be willing to rally round him, will certainly affect the bloc votes the president would have garnered from the zone.

Enwo-Igariwey

the presidential level.

There is no doubt that the ACF is influential in the North, but the February 14 presidential election has brought about several northern groups with some rooting for Buhari and others rooting for Jonathan. The support of the group is a major boost to any candidate, particularly Buhari.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo The apex Igbo body, no doubt, is one of the socio-cultural groups expected to shape the outcome of the presidential election, but the rift within the association’s rank over the purported endorsement of President Jonathan's bound to whittle its strength.

While it is evident that the Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey-led leadership of Ohanaeze is tilted towards Jonathan on the premise that he is one of their own though he hails from the South-South geo-political zone, and has gone ahead to endorse his re-election, the Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi-led Ohanaeze Elders’ Council insists that the tenure of national officers of the group elapsed in January and so they cannot speak on

Fasehun

There is no doubt that the ACF is influential in the North, but the February 14 presidential election has brought about several northern groups with some rooting for Buhari and others rooting for Jonathan behalf of the group.

Enwo-Igariwey had explained that the endorsement of Jonathan followed several months of consultations with the council of traditional rulers and the leadership of major Igbo groups at home and in the Diaspora. He also added that Ohanaeze considered the pragmatic reasons of continuity and

At the advent of the Fourth Republic, Afenifere, the pan Yoruba sociopolitical group commands the solitary role as the only voice of the Yoruba people. Not satisfied with being only a socio-political group, the organisation floated a political party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD). With its daunting backing for the party, the AD produced all the governors in the SouthWest geo-political zone, virtually all the senators, House of Representatives and Assembly members and chairmen of local governments.

However, the AD fiesta could only last for four years as it lost its grip on the region in the PDP orchestrated political tsunami. Since then, the leadership of the group consisting of mostly elder statesmen between 76 and 90 years of age, has been battling to stay afloat in political rhythm, no thanks to the no love lost relationship between them and the metamorphosing progressives parties in the South-West, led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It was even inferred in some quarters that the splinter group from the body, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), which is a group of younger elements within the core progressive camp in Yorubaland, was the handiwork of Tinubu to decimate the original Afenifere.

The group got some bits of revival after one of its members, Dr. Femi Okunrounmu, was saddled with the task of providing a framework for the National Conference. Hence, the majority of those that represented the SouthWest were members of Afenifere.

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Southern leaders to Jega: You have hidden agenda zz INEC challenges SNPA to show evidence

Onwuka Nzeshi, Onyekachi Eze and Johnchuks Onuanyim

A

s the political elite in Nigeria haggled over the possibility of holding a peaceful and credible presidential election next week, the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) on Thursday raised the alarm on an alleged plot by the top hierarchy of the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC) to manipulate the elections to satisfy some regional interests.

The group said, it had uncovered regional bias in the preparations for the election and demanded the postponement of the elections and the arrest of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, alleging he has been compromised besides sundry offences.

The Southern Nigeria People's Assembly led by Chief Edwin Clark, also paraded other eminent Nigerians such as a former Minister of Information, Walter Ofonagoro; a former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chuwuemeka Ezeife; a former Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Chief Whisky Ayakeme, the National Vice Chairman of the PDP in the South South, Dr. Cairo Ojugboh and Senator Femi Okunronmu, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the 2014 National Conference .

Okunroumu who addressed journalists on behalf of the SNPA accused INEC of registering under aged voters in the northern part of the country. According to the group, there is an urgent need for the immediate postponement of the February 14 presidential elections to allow for the reconstitution,

Clark

repositioning and reprocessing of INEC to discharge its responsibility of conducting an impartial election.

He argued that Jega should resign his appointment as the chairman of INEC because, according to him, he had lost the requisite moral rectitude to organise a credible election.

The group accused Jega of "criminally" masterminding the procurement of PVCs for under aged pupils in contravention of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act, 2000. It also accused the INEC of awarding contracts for the procurement of PVCs without going through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). They raised issues about the secrecy surrounding the contract awarded for the production of the PVCs, stressing that neither the cost nor the location of the contractor has been made known to Nigerians. They further accused Jega of being an ethnic and religious jingoist as well as an unrepentant Hausa Fulani irredentist and a highly tribalised public administrator.

"We are not convinced that an INEC superintended by Jega would have any iota of impartiality to conduct a free and fair election in this country any more. Jega 's open romance, either directly or indirectly with elements of the opposition, has compromised his integrity, credibility and moral standing to conduct an impartial, free and fair 2015 presidential election. He has become a wolf in sheep's clothing, who is not only deeply repugnantly clannish but also brazenly corrupt and fraudulent. Because Jega was gravely intent on protecting the strategies to rig the election in favour of the Northern candidate, he circumvented fun-

Ezeife

damental and critical requirement in the Public Procurement Act", the SNPA alleged.

They said that the security situation in the country was already very dicey and warned that if the Federal Government failed to take decisive action on their grievances against the electoral umpire, they would mobilise every resources at their disposal to ensure that the people of Southern Nigeria boycotted the elections.

"We wish to remind Mr. President that the Federal Government has the sacrosanct duty to maintain peace and order and to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the country.

Therefore, government must not allow itself to be intimidated by any group.

Of persons to conduct the election under these uncertain circumstances that could culminate in the breakdown of law and order in the country. The consequences may be too grave for Nigeria to bear."

He has become a wolf in sheep's clothing, who is not only deeply repugnantly clannish but also brazenly corrupt and fraudulent

INEC has however, challenged the leaders of the Southern Nigeria People's Assembly to show evidence of underage registration in the North.

The commission's Director in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, in a telephone interview with Saturday Telegraph said he was not aware of such underage registration.

"I don't think that is true. But if they have evidence let them show it. Jega (INEC Chairman) is not responsible for registration", he added.

On the allegation that the commission is breaching the law by awarding the contract for the production of PVC without going through the Bureau of Public procurement, Osaze-Uzzi challenged those making the allegation to go to court if they have the fact.

APC fires back But the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed disappointment that while the National Council of State was meeting to take a final decision on the general elections , proponents of election shift have not given up on their moves to scuttle the elections.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the move to scuttle the polls will fail because no power would be strong enough to defeat a determined people. Mohammed described the call by the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly for the postponement of the elections and the arrest of Attahiru Jega as provocative and one of the new antics of the election postponement campaigners.

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Okunronmu

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Southern leaders to Jega: Forget it, religion is politics You have hidden agenda C O N T I N U E D f r om PA G E 4 9

C O N T I N U E D f r om PA G E 5 1

''It is shameful that those who should be working hard to promote peaceful elections as scheduled are the same ones doing everything possible to trigger violence. Those who should ordinarily be as elder statesmen have degenerated to dangerous partisans and shameless promoters of a narrow, parochial interest, at the expense of the national interest. ''Who does not know that wherever President Goodluck Jonathan's interest lies, therein you will find Chief Edwin Clark, whether or not it is in the national interest? Who does not know that the anarchic call by Clark and his cohorts are being made at the behest of a frenzied presidency?'' the party queried.

He also described the statement credited to the PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, as irresponsible, divisive and another indication that those working hard to sink the elections have not given up.

Mohammed expressed disappointment that Metuh could without any shred of evidence, state that the APC and INEC were working hand in hand to disenfranchise the supporters of the PDP by making sure they do not get PVCs. ''People like Metuh speak just because they could, not because what they say adds any value to purposeful democratic governance. Nigerians are undoubtedly confounded that the spokesman of a ruling party will be fanning the embers for ethnic discord, at such a sensitive time like this. There must be a limit to desperation,'' APC said.

The party also slammed the

Lai Mohammed

In spite of them, the elections will proceed without violence because Nigerians are ready, willing and able

Federal Government for striving to scare voters away from the polling booths during the election, through the so-called intelligence report made public

by Mr Mike Omeri, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency and Coordination of the National Information Centre. ''Saying that they got intelligence report that female suicide bombers are planning to attack polling booths during February elections is nothing but

Metuh

scaremongering and wishful thinking. In spite of them, the elections will proceed without violence because Nigerians are ready, willing and able to ensure that they cast their ballot in a peaceful atmosphere. ''Omeri, who is serving on the campaign committee of President Jonathan even as he is holding a sensitive national portfolio, should keep his intelligence to himself. No one but his masters will swallow his scaremongering, which is aimed at depopulating polling units during the elections,'' he said.

In the meantime, APC has called on the security agencies to ensure enhanced protection for all the presidential candidates contesting next week's election and urged Nigerians to ignore those who will stop at nothing to bring the nation crashing down instead of losing power through the ballot box.

The party appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and not to succumb to the antics of those who are bent on precipitating violence before, during and after elections.

Regarded to be an ally of President Jonathan, recently the faithpreacher alongside the president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Felix Meduoye, led other PFN pastors to Aso Rock for a meeting with the president.

In fact, he was part of the president’s delegation to Israel late last year and was conspicuous in the activities of the president while he was on a two-day visit to the Holy land.

Penultimate Sunday, Oyedepo had a slice of what politicking is all about after President Jonathan visited his church to worship. Even before the president left the service, news was already in the social media that Oyedepo urged his over 40,000 congregation present at the service to vote for Jonathan. Also, reports quoted the clergyman to have threatened to open the gates of hell to anyone standing against President Jonathan’s second term ambition.

With the purported quote going viral, the Resident Pastor of the Church, Pastor Ubong Ntia, had to quickly move to douse the tension and exonerate his principal from the said statement.

Ntia said the report that Oyedepo had an open declaration for the candidacy of the president by a prayer-call directed at the political opposition of the president, is not only far from the truth, but also intended to cause misrepresentation, adding that, "the president spent approximately six minutes while addressing the congregation and never asked for votes or impressed the congregation with any unsolicited advertorial to win their electoral minds."

Clearly, Oyedepo is one of the silent clergymen working assiduously for the re-election of

the president, but the difference would be obvious when and if he makes a categorical statement to show support for the president.

Would he defied the repercussions and use his network of churches and influence to sway votes for the president? What would be the reaction of his members to such endorsement?

In a few days, the posers would be sufficiently answered.

Oritsejafor Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the umbrella organisation for all Christians in Nigeria. He is one of the clerics known to be close to President Jonathan and has presided over many religious ceremonies at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

Papa Ayo, as he is fondly called, is a familiar face on national television whose crusade against religious extremism particularly the Boko Haram brand, is well known in Nigeria. He is obviously a supporter of the Jonathan administration and it's continuity beyond May 29, 2015.

Oritsejafor may not be found openly canvassing for votes for any of the political parties but the millions of Christians across Nigeria who have been following his statements on the political situation in the country are likely to be swayed to follow him.

However, Electoral Guidelines and the Abuja Accord prohibits the political parties from paying up religious sentiments on the campaigns but if any of the parties are looking for a man who wields a lot of influence and could attract the votes, the man to look for is Oritsejafor, the fiery, vocal cleric.

Despite that the Catholics are not working with his CAN leadership, he is a force to reckon with.

Shuffling the ethnic card C O N T I N U E D f r om PA G E 5 0

Recently, Afenifere, which on paper was supposed to be a non-partisan umbrella body for the Yoruba, sets tongue wagging when it endorsed the candidature of President Jonathan ahead of the February 14 election.

With its public solidarity for Jonathan, the stage is set again for the battle of wits between Tinubu, who is the arrowhead of the opposition in the region and the leadership of the Afenifere for the over 14 million votes in the region. Will Tinubu brush them aside again as he did in 2003?

How does the group intend to handle its credibility image as some see its endorsement of Jonathan as both for economic and relevance gain? Will the growing army of South-West youths who mostly take their decision on what they feed on from the social media bend backward to toe the line of the elders in Afenifere?

Answers lie in the belly of time.

But the reality is that Afenifere is not as strong as it was in 1999 that it could mobilise votes for any candidate. It only has moral weight.

OPC: Factionalised but Influential

Regarded as a child of circumstance when it was formed in 1994, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has grown in leaps and bounds after its formation as a militant arm of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba group and National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to consolidate the protest of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 general elections.

With its influence spanning across many Yoruba-speaking states of Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun, the group claims it has over six million members across the nation.

The aggressive conduct of the group differentiates it from other socio-cultural organisations in the

Afenifere is not as strong as it was in 1999 that it could mobilise votes for any candidate. It only have moral weight

country.

What began in 1994 as a formidable force in the region got disintegrated in the wake of the 1999 general elections. A division emerged in the group between moderates, who are ready to work with ‘mainstream’ politicians and led by the group’s founder, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, but the ‘militant’ faction, led by Gani Adams, are opposed to such stance. With the shift in ideology

and the ensuing altercation, the centre could not hold for the group as two notable factions call the shot in the group.

While it is believed that Adams commands the biggest chunk of OPC foot soldiers and his faction has record of membership orderliness, the elitists approach and connection of Fasehun cannot be wished away in any form, especially with his emergence as the chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

The position, no doubt, has expanded the political frontiers of the medical doctor turned politician. It is, however, believed in some quarters that what Fasehun is gaining through his UPN, he is losing in OPC. For the 2015 elections, a cynical scenario is on the table, for once in many years, the two factional leaders – Fasehun and Adams are on the same boat- rooting for the re-election of President Jonathan, but on different terms of engagement.

As it stands, the influence of over six million OPC members across the nation cannot be waved aside, especially when they are likely to have patronage from the PDP. But the recurring question is whether the OPC will employ its militant arm if the battle gets fierce, a development that may change the face of the election in the South-West, given the antecedents of the organisation and its impulsive approaches.

Though the two leaders of the group have never hidden their disdain for the APC and its leadership, it will be a theatre of war in the South-West as the OPC leadership moves to interrupt the flow of APC in the zone, regardless of the choice of the party in picking a Yoruba man as its candidate’s running mate.

With the confluence of the two factions of the OPC for the PDP and the active train of the APC on the move, the presidential election in the South-West will be a tough battle.

Perspectives

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53

Election time, market-going politicians and the electorate

G

overnor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State may be a loquacious politician. Some may even call him a gadfly. In the view of some keen observers of the polity, his brand of politics may have cast aspersions on the aphorism of a state that prides itself as ‘Fountain of Knowledge.’ But love him or hate him, you cannot call Fayose a Lilliput in Nigerian politics. Such description will be unfair and laced with malice for a man who has a unique political credential.

He defeated two incumbent governors at two different elections to become the governor of the state. This unique achievement cannot be brushed aside in a country where power of incumbency could be an expedient determinant in an election year.

According to his admirers, one unique selling point of Fayose is his closeness to the grass roots. Fayose is ready to use analgesic for their headache. He could go to old men playing ayo (a traditional game) under a tree and play with them.

He sometimes goes to markets in the state, buys things and asks after the welfare of the market men and women. In elections in the past, he provided foodstuffs for his supporters. For a man who has endeared himself to the grass roots, going to them during electioneering was a familiar terrain.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the then incumbent governor, who was accused of running an elitist government, also left his coterie to identify with the masses in his bid to get a second term. He even took his own grass roots campaign a step further. While Fayose was distributing raw rice and vegetable oil, Fayemi cooked his own rice. His wife was there to support him. Both oga and madam were chefs and even served the masses rice and plenty chicken just to woo them. But it was too little, too late. Maybe

Waheed Bakare on Saturday 08124877036 (sms only) waheedbakare2003@yahoo.com

Politicians will stop at nothing to capitalise on the poverty that permeates our ambience and turns ours into a land that is bleak and bare the Ekiti electorate did not find his kind of grass roots politics as natural and genuine as Fayose’s.

Fayose has since then continued with his grass roots politics. He now calls it stomach infrastructure. He fulfilled his promise of providing rice and chicken for the Ekiti people during the Yuletide.

Whether Ekiti people were happy or not after the exercise is a matter for another day. The governor even lined up policemen to benefit from the largesse and, trust politicians, such gestures cannot be done behind the camera. There were Paparazzi there and the photos went viral on the Internet and even in some newspapers.

Taking a cue from Fayose’s success story, Senator Iyiola Omisore also took his campaign to the grass roots in his quest to unseat Governor Raufu Aregbesola in Osun State. He also went to the market

to buy a few things. At another time, he was seen on a commercial motorcycle, and during one of his rallies he brought out his head from the open roof of his SUV, munching corn, one in his right hand and another in his left hand. He stirred up debate on social media as to whether it was morally and culturally right to eat with both hands at the same time. It worked for Fayose, but did not for Omisore.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Lion of Bourdillon and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not go to the market. Maybe he did not need to do that because he is perceived as a grandmaster at the grass roots, but he also personally distributed chicken during the Christmas celebrations. It does not matter if APC condemned Fayose for introducing stomach infrastructure in Ekiti.

General Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), also boarded the popular Lagos bus mass transit, BRT, the other time. He was seen discussing with some youths in the bus.

He has also been to the market to ask after the welfare of market men and women.

Dr. Alex Otti, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, has also joined the league of market-going politicians. He was seen in one of the photos posted by his campaign organisation buying boli (roasted

plantain) from a woman during his visit to the market.

Jimi Agbaje, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, also rode on okada (motorcycle) last week.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has not gone to the market in his turbulent state. That will be a risky venture in a state where Boko Haram controls some local governments. But Shettima, who is seeking re-election under the platform of the APC, has a penchant for lining up the children of the Talakawa and doling out money to them as if that is a holy thing to do in a rich and fruitful land flowing with milk and honey. I have seen two different photographs of the governor doing that, the last time being that of November 7, 2014.

Each time I see those pictures, I can visualise what William Blake’s 1794 ‘Holy Thursday’, a poem, talks about. The poem questions social and moral justice of parading children for charity in Cathedral in England. I can see the “cold and usurious hand” of Shettima doling out N500 to the children just like the aristocrats did in England in 1794.

Shettima’s generosity beggars description. It is meant to further impoverish the children who in their childhood innocence and even in the ignorance of their parents will see nothing wrong in the governor’s antithesis of charity. Politicians will stop at nothing to capitalise on the poverty that permeates our ambience and turns ours into land that is bleak and bare.

Now that the masses hold the aces since they will be in the majority on the election day, how I wish they will open their eyes like Argus, a god in Greek mythology, reputed to have over 100 eyes, most of which were opened at all times and separate the wheat from the chaff.

Why APC attacked Ubah Yahaya Abdullahi

A

statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) last Tuesday which centred on what it termed the failure of the PDP to prudently manage the nation's economy also berated the party for neglecting issues in the on-going campaigns for the 2015 general elections while trading on broadsides. Ironically in the same statement, the APC left the very issue it preached and subjectively descended on the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria TAN and its financer Dr Ifeanyi Ubah.

This furious detour by the APC to its usual stock in trade is not in any way surprising . The party has overjoyed time proven that its own meaning of issue-based campaign subsists in lies, deceit and campaign of calumny. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, the APC has thought Nigerians to denigrate the person and office of the president of Nigeria. For the first time in our chequered history, the APC has thought our children and posterity that the Presidency of Nigeria and the symbol of nationhood means nothing and deserves no respect. Is there any wonder that a sitting President has been stoned by touts in three Nigerian cities in a spate of two weeks on the instigation of some politicians? When the chorus of change rent the air next time therefore, please do not fail to ask if this change is back to the uncivilized and to the barbarian.

Now, the attack on the efforts of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria in the re-election campaign of President Jonathan is a crystal indication that the APC has exhausted and emptied its armoury.

For almost six months now, the APC has

been on the rampage, shouting, accusing, heckling, insulting and abusing everybody and everything that stand in its way. Such an unfettered attacking position is easily powered from an opposition flank since the acts and omissions of those in power provides an effortless weapon and the APC over exploited this. Having ostensibly run out of fuel, it is desperately searching for new angles to launch further attacks but the table is up-turning.

The forceful entry of President Jonathan's campaign in providing answers to many of the issues the APC had celebrated as failures has drastically helmed in a lot. The APC has also been serially buffeted in the past two weeks by the scandalous qualification shortcomings of its presidential flag-bearer, Mohammadu Buhari. Besides, what appears to be a tactical dodging of the national election debate to attenuate the yawning delivery incapacity of Gen. Buhari as well as shield the hollow content of the APC manifesto has not helped matters. Without no new flanks open for assault either in the presidency which has shut out leaking points such or in the PDP itself with the fractious and inflammable congresses long put behind, TAN, the most visible, efficient and most committed support group campaigning for the president is the best target for the APC. Pulling down TAN, demobilizing its bite and containing its ability to open up new avenues to sell the President to Nigerians is not just a soft target but one capable of yielding multiple dividends to the APC. The reasons are obvious. TAN is not a political party no doubt. It is however not just an ordinary support group but one with millions of Nigerians in all the states of the Federation as members.

Without the exploits of TAN, Nigerians would have taken as sacrosanct , the many lies of the APC that the Nigerian presidency is all about corruption and incompetence Even though it is in no way an elected structure of the Peoples Democratic Party, the group clearly studied and cashed in on the loopholes created by the failings of these statutory structures, created not just relevance for itself but pioneered the re-election campaign of the President. In doing this, it understood that asking for more term for the President must be backed up with convincing account of stewardship. TAN did not just bring to the consciousness of Nigerians and the international community, the numerous achievements of the present administration but has done it in manner that rattled the opponents. Without the exploits of TAN, Nigerians would have taken as sacrosanct , the many lies of the APC that the Nigerian presidency is all about corruption and incompetence.

Thus at the material time the virulent onslaught of the APC enveloped a helpless party in power, the in-depthness of the carefully packed advocacy by TAN came to the rescue. Beyond the media, it took firm steps to mobilize and educate the people on the

achievements of the government with stunning rallies that shook all the states of the Federation. While the APC was busy churning out lies and thinking the President has been done in, it opened its eyes to discover to its utter chagrin that TAN has mobilized over 20 millions real signatures asking President Jonathan to declare for continuity. This was at the moment the APC was also battling with its e-membership registration where accounts later had it that even trees and live stocks were enlisted to make up figures.

TAN's heroic exploits have no doubt made friends and enemies for it and its founder, Mr. Ifeanyi Uba. Even within the PDP itself, there are many who feel that constitutional roles of some structures of the party have been ceded out and there have been musings as to why presidential support should be accorded to such.

By and large , no one should be surprised the APC has chosen to broaden the battle to include the legitimacy of TAN in the re-election of the President. If you pull TAN down, a well fortified arm of the PDP campaign would be badly wounded. Dragging it into a moral burden is another way to besmirch the PDP presidential campaign.

To the APC, having a pending corruption allegation case in the court is now enough reason to disqualify support in the election.

Funny enough , among the saints in the APC presidential campaigns are also devils . Many of the leaders of the APC have one case or the other pending in the court. In fact the joke around town is that "Mr integrity " is surrounded by corrupt hawks waiting to devour the treasury of the nation should power cross their way.

• Abdullahi lives in Kaduna

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News Extra

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

FCT Polls: PDP accuses APC of sponsoring protest

N EWS I N BRIEF

ST

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the plan to stir up civil unrests ahead of the February 14 presidential election to scuttle the election.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, alleged that the text message being circulated by a nebulous group under the name, Save Democracy Youth Movement, calling on the Minister of Petroleum and the Minister of Finance to tender their resignations before the February 11 was being sponsored by APC to heat up the polity.

According to the statement, attack is aimed at demonising the women who have been playing key roles in the laudable achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

21%

The percentage of the population of Azerbaijan under 15 years in 2012.

Source: Un.org

ABAKALIKI Umahi: I’ll reduce school fees in one week in office

Ebonyi State Deputy Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Dave Umahi, has said he will reduce the school fees of students at government-owned tertiary institutions, within his first week in office as the next governor, without the dichotomy over indigenes and non-indigenes as “every child belongs to all.”

He also pledged to involved students in his administration on decision making that would uplift their welfare, stressing that “we can’t decide your fate in your absence."

12,173

The total area (in sq. km) of Falkland Islands.

Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

JOS Dasuki cautions politicians

The National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Mohammed Dasuki (rtd.), has cautioned politicians and their supporters to desist from making provocative and reckless utterances in public.

Dasuki, who said this yesterday at a workshop with the theme: ‘Promoting peace and security for sustainable governance in Nigeria,’ for stakeholders in Jos, said such utterances by some politicians and clerics were targeted at heating up the polity.

The NSA, who was represented by the state Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Bulus Dabit, said the workshop was organised in collaboration with the Federal Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

2.21m

The total population of Namibia (rep.

0.032% of the world’s population) in 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

Ohanaeze: Okorocha fueling leadership crisis Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

T

he leadership crisis rocking Ohaneze Ndigbo took assumed a new dimension yesterday as the organisation accused Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, of being the mastermind of the leadership crisis plaguing it so as to destabilise the South-East zone and make it impossible for the people to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Also yesterday, the apex socio-cultural Igbo organisation directed the people of the South-East zone of the country to ensure they stand up to the occasion and defend themselves against any aggressors who would dare attack them as a result of the effect of the coming elections.

President-General of the organisation, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey, who fielded questions from journalists yesterday, in Enugu, reaffirmed the endorsement of President Jonathan for second term, contrary to the position of the caretaker committee of Ohanaeze which had resisted the endorsement.

Apart from accusing Okorocha of fueling the crisis, Enwo-Igariwey alleged that those fighting his regime were doing so owing to pecuniary interest.

According to him, “a day before Ohaneze endorsed Jonathan, Okorocha met those impersonators. He is the main sponsor of the crisis with the aim of causing disaffection among our people. They think they are disgracing Enwo-Igariwey but let them bear in mind that what they are doing is a disgrace to Igbo nation.

On the tension across the country, Enwo-Igariwey said in the next two days, his delegation would be visiting the North to interface with the leaders of Ndigbo as well as engaging the political leaderships of some of the states with a view to discussing the safety of the people during and after the election.

He warned that the Igbo in the North would not allow themselves to be punch bags for no sin they have committed, directing them to defend themselves in the event of any attack from any aggressors.

Police parade fake VOA reporter, 43 others Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

E L-R: Wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano; Matron of Eziowelle Health Centre, Mrs. Monica Ekwealor and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Idemmili North State Constituency, Francis Mmegbuanaeze, at the handover of delivery bed to the centre…yesterday PHOTO: ANAMBRA GOVT HOUSE

Return illegal firearms in Rivers –AIG WARNING

The police want people in possession of illegal guns to surrender their weapons in order to prevent electoral violence.

Emmanuel Masha

T

Port Harcourt

he Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 6, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, has urged those in possession of illegal firearms in Rivers State to urgently surrender them before the general elections begin, warning that the police will go after those who violate the order.

Ogunsakin, who issued the warning at the Police Officers Mess, Port Harcourt, venue of a 'Peace Accord' signing by the candidates in the forthcoming elections, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate,

l Wike, Peterside sign ‘peace accord’ Mr. Nyesom Wike and his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said in the coming days, his men would embark on a stop and search operation to mop up illegal firearms in the state.

At the meeting, which was also attended by other security agencies, as well as the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Gesila Khan; the candidates seeking various offices filled a form handed to them by the police, which they later submitted.

The AIG said peace and order remain his major concern in the state, stressing that: “Political activities must effectively accommodate the interests of all without undermining the fundamental human rights of the citizens and without also compromising the peace, order, security and safety of lives and properties in Rivers State.”

Ogunsakin, who is the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the state, said he was not going to condone acts that were capable of disrupting peace and order in the state from any quarters, noting that the recent spate of violence in the state should stop.

He said he had the mandate of the Inspector General of Police (IG), Suleiman Abba, “to ensure that elections are peaceful and hitch-free in Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Cross River and Rivers states”, which are the four states within his official jurisdiction.

Ogunsakin said: “In view of the fact that arms proliferation has always been a major issue in Rivers State, I have directed the Rivers State Police Command to embark on intensive stop and search of all vehicles, nooks and crannies in order to nip in the bud any unwholesome act that may impede the peaceful conduct of the general elections.

“In this regard, I am advising those illegally in possession of firearms to surrender them to the Police or risk the full wrath of the law as there will definitely be no hiding place for them.”

Ogunsakin said he had instructed the commissioners under his jurisdiction to intensify raids on black spots, noting that he had opened dedicated phone lines, web site and social media for prompt reporting of electoral cases.

He said: “We shall on our part be objective, liberal, firm and non-partisan and perform our duties in the best possible professional manner as we owe no allegiance to any political party.

I want to emphasise the preparedness and readiness of the Nigeria Police to ensure free, fair, credible and violence-free elections as well as provide adequate security to lives and properties before, during and after the general elections.”

do State Police Command yesterday paraded one Mr. John Yakubu, who is a 35-year-old 2006 Mass Communication graduate of the Benue State Polytechnic alongside 43 other suspects.

Yakubu was nabbed by operatives of the command for impersonating as a reporter of the Voice of America (VOA).

Commenting on his arrest, the Nasarawa Stateborn fake journalist alleged that: “Actually, I came out as a journalist although I am not working with any media,’’ adding that he had a Higher National Diploma

in Mass Communication.

He confessed that he had been operating as a fake journalist in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he used Hausa language to transact in the illegal profession.

According to him, he was caught “for the first time” while interviewing an unnamed Alhaji in Hausa language, who was quick to discover that he (alleged VOA reporter) was not a trained expert in the pen profession.

He said: “I told him (the Alhaji and Hausa community leader in Benin) that I was freelancing for VOA; that I am a member of the fourth estate of the realm."

Obiano donates delivery bed to Eziowelle Health Centre Chiazor Uduh

T

he wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, has donated a new delivery bed to Eziowelle Health Centre in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The donation on February 5 was in fulfillment of a promise Mrs. Obiano made to the centre last year.

Speaking while making the presentation to the health centre, the governor’s wife said she came to fulfill a promise made in September 2014, and was pleasantly surprised that many women

turned up to receive her.

She said: “I remember that when I came sometime in September 2014 one of your complaints that touched me was that your facilities have gone bad and that you have resorted to undertaking delivery of babies on a bench. It touched me because I felt that should not be happening in this century especially in our state. That is why I promised you a bed and went ahead to procure a standard delivery bed, but didn’t find time to present it to you before now.

I am sure it will go a long way in ensuring safe delivery by women in this centre.”

SATURDAY TELEGRAPH

7 FEBRUARY 2015

55

DESTINATION

Sanctity of Truth

SATURDAY

Oshoala living the dream

Ondo State: Easing gracefully into a tourism hub

Merseyside derby

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N150

SPORT

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015

Reds bank on Sturridge to wreck Everton

Ajibade Olusesan

iverpool’s faithful will be keen to welcome their talismanic striker, Daniel Sturridge, in the starting line-up when the Reds travel to Goodison Park for the Merseyside derby clash with Everton today (Saturday).

The striker played for the first time in almost six months when Liverpool recorded a 2-0 win over West Ham last week and interestingly it took the player just 12 minutes on the pitch to remind the Reds fans what they have been missing when he scored the second goal of the match.

He was expected to start in midweek FA Cup clash at Bolton but Coach Brendan Rodgers only handed him a cameo appearance in the 2-1 win.

Sturridge proved what he was capable of doing if he was fit when he scored whopping 20 goals last season as Liverpool finished second on the table. His overall scoring record since arriving Anfield three seasons ago is remarkable having scored 37 goals in just 53 appearances.

But the former Chelsea player has a horrific injury history. He was supposed to have been the leading man for Liverpool after the departure of Luis Suarez last summer but he has managed just four matches this season so far due to injury.

Rodgers, although hinted that he could hand the player a start today, believing Sturridge must not be rushed.

"When he's fully fit, he [Sturridge] plays. It's as simple as that,” the coach said after the 2-1 win at Bolton. "He's not at that stage yet, but he is getting there every day. It's just managing that game time.

He's a top talent [and] he's a great player for us at the moment to come off the bench.”

Rodgers seems to have steadied the ship after a terrible start to the season and Everton will certainly worry at the prospect of having Sturridge partnering Raheem Sterling in the attack with Phillipe Coutinho providing the link-up from the midfield.

Sterling carried the scoring responsibility on his young shoulders up to this moment and the England international will be happy to have his partner lead the way once again.

Mario Balotelli was brought in to fill the void left by Suarez but the Italian has been a flop so far and many people feel the return of Sturridge might bring out the best in Super Mario.

Sturridge has not hidden his eagerness to get into action at the Goodison Park. He was the star man in the last Merseyside derby he was involved in. He scored a brace in Liverpool's 4-0 win last season at Anfield and he scored the late equaliser the last time the Reds visited Goodison Park in a game that ended 3-3 and has said he is ready to give his club the bragging right again this time.

His teammate, Adam Lallana, emphasises the importance of Sturridge when he said that his return would propel the team to challenge for at least a trophy this term.

"Having Sturridge back is a huge bonus because that's where he's at his best - in and around the box. In games where it's tight, you always look to him to poach the goal or get the finish," he said.

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by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: Laurence ani.