Saturday 4th February 2017 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

We're Re-Aligning to Retake Power in 2019, Says PDP Nigerians suffering under the scourging and suffocating mis-governance of the APC

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Ahmed Makarfi says the opposition party is very much

alive and is working assiduously with well-meaning Nigerians to ensure its return to power in 2019, with good governance. Against the background of reports that alleged that he described PDP as broke and

cannot pay rents or meet other financial obligations, Makarfi said that PDP was intact and not in any financial crisis “as was being alleged by detractors.” Makarfi, in a statement issued yesterday by the PDP

Spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye, further said that no amount of distraction would stop it “from defending the people of this country from the maladministration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Makarfi said: "We want to assure all our members and teeming supporters that the PDP is intact and is rebranding to remain stronger. We are strategising and working with well-meaning Nigerians to return

the reign of true democracy and good governance to the people." On the report that it is unable to meet its financial obligation to staff at the research and Continued on page 6

Presidency Denies Plans to Stop Tuface Protest, Police Insist it Can't Hold ...Page 6 Saturday 4 February, 2017 Vol 21. No 7962. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

EU Launches €44bn Economic Development Fund for African Countries Targets Nigeria’s digital industry

Crusoe Osagie

The European Union (EU) yesterday, announced that it has launched a €44 billion Africa economic development fund aimed at helping Nigeria and other African countries

drive economic growth and development. The Vice President, EU, Digital Single Market, Andrus Ansip, said EU is already developing a strategic framework for the implementation and disbursement of the fund,

maintaining that the EU is also designing security measures to ensure the fund is effectively and efficiently disbursed. Ansip during a press briefing in Lagos explained that the fund which would be made available for disbursements

in first quarter 2018 as credit money, was designed to help developing economies cover identified risks to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs). The fund is also going to help the digital industry in Nigeria which the EU sees as one of the

areas with the strongest growth potential. He said: "Our aim is to help developing economies. We have decided to create the European external investment fund which is targeted at covering main risks to attract private investment. This

kind of fund was really efficient in the European union (EU) where we created investment for strategic investment and we believe this fund will go a long way to help the African Continued on page 6

Nigeria 'Cited Most Dangerous Place for Christians in the World', Says US Congress Impunity of those responsible for killings seems widespread ...

Yemi Adebowale The United States House of Representatives says Nigeria has been cited as the most dangerous place for Christians in the world and that impunity for those responsible for the killing of Christians in the country “seems to be widespread.” The Chairman of its Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Human Rights and International Organisation, Christopher Smith, stated this in a letter inviting former President Goodluck Jonathan to make a presentation to the SubCommittee on the challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria and the Niger Delta issue. Although, the event held on the 1st and 2nd February, the actual content of the letter is only just revealed with its labelling of Nigeria as the most dangerous country to be a Christian. Smith, in the letter made exclusively available

to THISDAY, said: “My subcommittee has broadly investigated the crises facing Christians in Nigeria today. My staff director, Greg Simpkins and I have made several visits to Nigeria, speaking with Christians and Muslim religious leaders across the country and visiting fire-bombed churches, such as in Jos. Unfortunately, Nigeria has been cited as the most dangerous place for Christians in the world and impunity for those responsible for the killing of Christians seem to be widespread. “In fulfillment of your foundation’s mandate to promote democracy, peace and transformational change, I invite you to come to the United States next week to share your views on this matter, including the alleged Islamisation of government under the current administration and the actions Continued on page 6

the obamas savour vacation...

Former President Barack Obama flips his hat to the back as he enjoys a laid-back holiday on Richard Branson's private island with wife, Michellle ...The Obamas have returned from vacation to a rented apartment in Washington DC SOURCE: Internet

Four Skye Bank's Executive Directors Resign... Page 15

T H I S D AY SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2017

saturDAY, february 4, 2017 • THI S D AY

page six

Presidency Denies Plans to Stop Tuface Protest, Police Insist it Can't Hold Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The federal government yesterday night denied speculations that it was planning to stop the planned protest by pop star, Tuface (Innocent Idibia) against the economic hardship across the country. The media assistant to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, dismissed the speculation, saying that government remained committed to the rights of Nigerians to protest. "We are not about to stop the protest, that will amount to violation of the right to descent. As a matter of fact, we are very well connected to

the people as you will recall, this is the only government in history that has created a social intervention fund of about half a trillion Naira to assist Nigerians. It is therefore wrong to say that this government does not feel the pain of the people." However, Police authorities in Abuja yesterday said it was currently in possession of credible intelligence reports that other interest groups were planning to hold a counter protest on Monday 6th, “same places, same day Tuface Idibia group planned to hold its.” The Force averred that clash of these two groups could lead to break down of law and order. This was contained in a

statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Jimoh Moshood, which was made available to the media late Friday night. According to him, if these various planned protests are held simultaneously, there may be breakdown of law and order, with attendant loss of lives and property. The statement reads: "The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to publications in the media on the planned protests slated for 5th and 6th February, 2017 in Lagos and other States by different groups, one to be led by the popular musician Innocent Idibia aka Tuface musician and other opposing groups.

"Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regard to the planned protest/demonstrations, and as the lead security agency in the country, is fully aware and recognizes the constitutional rights of every citizen (including Tuface and his group) to assemble and move freely in any part of the country. The Force PRO said Police is fully cognizant of its constitutional responsibilities of taking any proactive/ preventive security measures, adding that it is in the interest of public safety, public order, public morality or public health that the protest should not hold. “That Innocent Idibia (a.k.a

Tuface) and his group are hereby advised strongly to shelve their planned peaceful protest/ demonstration in the interest of peace and security. "That the other opposing groups are equally advised strongly to shelve its planned counter protest/demonstration in the interest of peace and security. "That the Nigeria Police Force is prepared to employ every possible legal means for the maintenance of law and order; and for the protection of lives and property." Moshood warned parents and guardians, religious/opinion leaders and other interest groups to prevail on their children and wards, followers and adherents

not to allow themselves to be used by any group to cause disturbance of public peace and break down of law and order. Also yesterday, a civil society organisation, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), advised the organisers of the February 6 anti-government rally and those who wish to join them that they are protected by the fundamental laws of the land. CSJ said: "Any attempt by any authority, no matter how highly placed to disrupt the rally will be ultra vires their powers, unconstitutional and a grave violation of constitutional rights which will found a good cause of action for aggravated damages in a court of law."

Drama at Centenary City Hearing, Anyim Accuses Hembe of Pursuing Personal Agenda Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

It was drama galore yesterday at the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) investigative hearing into the Centenary City project in Abuja, as the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim accused the Chairman of the Committee, Herman Hembe of pursuing a personal agenda with the hearing. Hembe’s committee is conducting investigations into alleged irregularities surrounding the Centenary City project. It was however overshadowed by more drama between Hembe

and a former Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, and also between Hembe and another committee member, Linus Okorie. Hembe, according to Anyim, is bent on extracting a pound of flesh for his, Anyim's refusal, to sack the former Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, after a public spat. Oteh, at an investigative hearing by the House into the activities of SEC in 2011 had publicly accused Hembe, who was chair of the committee, of demanding a bribe from her, and other corrupt practices. The spat, which was beamed

live, led to the suspension of the hearing. Anyim, at the hearing yesterday said Hembe had pushed for Oteh's sack. "You have told everybody that cared to listen that when the former DG of SEC accused you of demanding bribe from her, you pushed for her to be sacked and I refused to sack her while I was SGF, and so this is an opportunity for you to pay me back. Mr. Chairman, I will not allow you to use the National Assembly platform to pursue personal vendetta," he said. Anyim also alleged that Hembe has been sending

messages to the Managing Director of the Centenary City Project PLC, Dr. Odenigwe Ike Michael, to come and see him privately. "It was after all your efforts to get the MD to come and see you privately failed, that you confirmed this date (after several postponements). I want you to know that nobody will see you privately, rather we are ready for the hearing," Anyim said. The former SGF had earlier noted that the committee did not follow the right protocol in the process of inviting him as a former Chairman of the National Assembly. Anyim was Senate President

EU Launches €44bn Economic Development Fund for African Countries economy." According to him, the fund would go a long way in reducing the number of refugees who seek greener pastures in European countries, saying that in the last two years, Europe has experienced the greatest mass movement of people since the second World war. He pointed out that more than 1 million refugees and migrants have arrived in the EU, adding that EU has agreed on a range of measures to deal with the crisis. "This fund meant for supporting development in African countries will be

beneficial to the European countries as you know today that most people in Africa prefer to leave African countries to seek greener pastures in European countries. We are faced with lots of refugee crisis. To tackle this menace, we can provide some help to those countries to help build their economies instead of seeking refuge in Europe," he said. He said, "Our aim is to support digital development in Africa and also help to build healthy economies in developing countries. The EU is the biggest donor of digital development

aids. We believe the fragment of digital aid is little in developing countries, this is where we are. The European Union wants to support digital development in Africa. We will like to provide financing to build strong and healthier economies in developing countries in Africa." He said digital development in Nigeria and in other African countries has grown rapidly, noting that internet penetration has grown to over 80 per cent where 100 per cent of Nigerians now has access to Internet services. "The development was much

more rapid when compared to Europe. I believe in digital development for the bright future of Africa," he said. He said funds are important for economic development, but stressed that ideas and how to cooperate with other African countries is even more critical to get more assistance of development funds. He said African countries must create the right environment for digital development, create an effective regulatory environment that would have a much bigger influence than funds in the future of African countries.

Nigeria 'Cited' Most Dangerous Place for Christians in the World, Says US Congress your foundation is prepared to take in pursuit of religious freedom.” The sub-committee also congratulated the Nigerian former President on the establishment of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, adding, “Your timely concession after your electoral loss in 2015, demonstrates a commitment to democracy and the stability of your nation, which was acknowledged by current President Muhammadu Buhari.” Jonathan, who was invited by the sub-committee in his capacity as Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, first addressed the sub-committee on Wednesday, and was invited to a closed-door session on Thursday, during which he said that the implementation of the resolutions of the 2014 National Conference was the

panacea for ethnic and religious tensions in Nigeria. The former President also identified impunity as a factor contributing to the recurrence of violence, such as the one in Southern Kaduna, noting that if those behind previous crises were not prosecuted, “then like-minded individuals and groups would be emboldened to repeat the same acts.” Jonathan also talked about his efforts to end impunity, specifically citing the case of Kabiru Sokoto, the mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing of Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, who was arrested, prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned by his administration and was the first successful prosecution of a terrorist attack on a place of worship in Nigeria’s history. He said: “That promise was

fulfilled on the 20th of December 2013 when Kabiru Umar, aka Kabiru Sokoto, was sentenced to life imprisonment after my administration investigated that crime, identified him as the mastermind, arrested him, and diligently prosecuted him and some of his associates.” The former president also noted that his administration’s prosecution of the perpetrators of the deadly bombing of an office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also in Madalla on April 8, 2011 was the first successful prosecution of terrorists in Nigeria. While supporting the National Conference’s recommendation for an independent Religious Equity Commission to be set up to apprehend and arrest perpetrators of ethnic and

religious violence, Jonathan maintained that ending impunity would also ease tensions. On the Niger Delta, the former president said he fully aligned with the views of the 2014 National Conference, which called for true and fiscal federalism as the way out of agitations in the region and in other parts of Nigeria. The meetings were attended by Smith and other influential staff of the sub-committee. Others were Congressman Tony Hall, Ambassador Frank Wolf, Gregory Simpkins and Elijah Brown, who is Vice President of 21 Century Wilberforce Initiative and other stakeholders in Washington. Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi and Reno Omokri, a former media aide to Jonathan were also at the briefings.

from August 2000 till May 2013. “The proper protocol in inviting a former Senate President is to have the Clerk of the National Assembly sign the invitation letter,” he said. He added that the Senate had already conducted a hearing into the Centenary City. "The two chambers are not independent of each other, rather, they are interdependent. If any chamber takes a decision, the other can just concur...I submit that you have no reason not to consider that the Senate considered this matter, and you shouldn't go ahead to consider it again except for any other motive," he added. At this point, several members of the committee protested with some shouting "who is he?" Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba (Kaduna APC) said: "We invited you as former SGF, not former Senate President." Hembe retorted, "as far as this hearing is concerned, I am chairman here, and I will not allow you to usurp my powers." Anyim however maintain his ground and urged Hembe to disqualify himself, for having "a deep seated personal interest and bias in this matter and “not in a position to guarantee fair hearing to myself and the entire subject matter." Hembe declined to disqualify himself and proceedings continued. The drama however continued when Bala Mohammed also vocally trashed

the committee chairman, accusing him of being childish. He had initially refused to take an oath saying he would not testify but would rather adopt the position of the FCDA on the Centenary City project. Mohammed, who is also a former Senator, said he would only speak when asked specific questions. Hon. Diri Douye (Bayelsa PDP) however insisted Mohammed and any other person for that matter is required by law to testify before House investigative committees when called upon to do so. This however did not go down well with Mohammed who said: "you are behaving childishly." The statement miffed the members who rose in arms and asked him to withdraw the statement. He refused and lashed out at the committee: "I will not take it back. Do your worst, my privileges are infringed by this show of childishness. Go to Court, do your worst." Hembe however scolded Mohammed: "We expect as an elder, as a Senator and a former Minister, your conduct should be above board." More drama again occurred between Hembe and Linus Okorie (Ebonyi PDP) as the latter continued to demand to speak, during the proceedings. Continued on page 53

We're Re-Aligning to Retake Power in 2019, Says PDP training institute, the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI) in Abuja, PDP described it as outright falsehood . "The entire allegation in the publication represents outright falsehood and only exists in the imagination of the writers and their collaborators. The PDP is not broke and does not owe rent on the property being used by the PDI located on Wuse II, Abuja. "Let us place on record that the PDI's financial responsibilities are being met accordingly. Just last week, the Caretaker Committee approved monthly imprest for the Institute, and its staff salaries are paid at the same time with that of the PDP staffers. "For emphasis, all staff of the

party and that of the Institute have received their January 2017 salary last week which the secretary of the Staff Welfare Committee confirmed in that publication. The statement accused the estranged former national chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff of embarking on blackmail and outright falsehood to tarnish the reputation of the party and the National Caretaker Committee. "We cannot be distracted and again, we advise Sheriff and his cohorts in the ruling party, the APC to let the PDP be. Nigerians are suffering under the scourging and suffocating mis-governance of the APC and our duty as opposition is to hold the government accountable to its promises."

T H I S D AY SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2017

February 4, 2017 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Governor Okorocha’s ‘Imo Air’ Escapade 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

onders will never cease in Imo State. Actions and inactions of Governor Rochas Okorocha often leave me disheartened. This governor has persistently complained about inadequate fund to pay workers and to run this state efficiently. As a result, civil servants have gone without salaries for months (in some cases, years), while the level of infrastructure decay in the state is terrifying. Retirees are also wallowing in poverty, due to enormous unpaid annuities. All these have resulted in so much poverty in this largely “civil servant” state. Then, Okorocha suddenly crops up with a commercial aircraft, said to have been acquired with the funds of the suffering masses of the state. He then goes about celebrating, and creating a dubious impression that this is capable of turning around the fortune of the state. I doubt if there was any consultation with the people before Okorocha made this acquisition. The amount paid for the “Tokunbo” aircraft is also still a closely guarded secret. I really can’t fathom the sense in this investment. The whole arrangement is looking suspicious. For example, the state has no commercial airline licence. As a result, the aircraft has been transferred to Dana Air, to be used as part of its fleet, to run the LagosOwerri and Abuja-Owerri routes. I can’t see any dividend accruing to Imo State from this arrangement. All the domestic airlines are struggling to survive. So how will this third-party arrangement bring dividend to Imo State? This is

Okorocha

clearly a “one chance” investment. Again, it is unfair to invest the limited funds of the traumatised people of Imo State in this aircraft. Okorocha’s statement that Imo indigenes will get 10% discount on this aircraft is outlandish. Obviously, the struggling masses of Imo State have no business with air travel. So sad that funds that ought to have gone into improving the lives of the masses of the state have been diverted to the acquisition of an aircraft. It is heart-warming that concerned citizens of this state are already tackling Okorocha over this hilarious investment. Former Permanent Secretary, Imo,

Dino Melaye Vs Governor Yahaya Bello All is not well in Kogi State, as Senator Dino Melaye tackles Governor Yahaya Bello over unpaid civil servants. The Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress is backing Melaye. They have jointly given the governor four weeks ultimatum to reconcile the ongoing staff audit in the state and pay the distressed workers or face the rage of the people. “About 80 per cent of workers’ salaries and entitlements have not been paid since January 2016,” remarked Dino. This Senator and his gang are threatening a statewide protest against Bello if things remained as they are. No doubt, the strategy adopted for the staff

audit is causing so much pain among the genuine civil servants, with many of them going without salaries for almost a year. I know that there is a lot of politics here. Governor Bello should come up with pragmatic tactics that will reduce the time spent on this staff audit. Spending over a year doing staff audit is outrageous. This governor should also provide empirical evidence on how the N30 billion bailout fund and N11.2 billion Paris Club refund from the federal government were utilised. This will help reduce the heat in Kogi. For me, Dino and his clique are surely making sense.

Efritin.com Storms out of Nigeria The storm of departure of foreign investors from Nigeria has continued, with leading e-classified advert player, Efritin.com shutting its office in Nigeria. This is coming just about 17 months after its official launch. Workers are already being sacked at the head office in Ikeja, Lagos, while office properties are being auctioned. Nils Hammar, CEO, Saltside Technologies (owners of Efritin) confirmed the decision to close down its Nigerian office, blaming harsh economic conditions in the country as the primary factor. He also fears that the current economic recession in the country may remain the same up to last quarter of 2017. Cost of data in Nigeria was furthermore cited as a challenge for Efritin. com. “We are reducing our investment in Nigeria. That effectively means we are reducing our staff; everybody has to go. But in terms of using the site, it will continue as before. By investment, we mean the investment we made from the

launch, it will be reduced,” Hammar said. Hundreds of jobs have gone down again. Our unemployment crisis is compounded daily, as these investors pull out of Nigeria. There is an urgent need to rejig our crooked forex policy. I am also worried that Nigeria’s capital imports slumped to a nine-year low in 2016. Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed this week that capital importation into Nigeria fell 47 per cent last year to $5.12 billion, largely because the weak currency meant fewer dollars were required for the same naira investment. It said $9.64 billion was imported in 2015. “This was the lowest value since the (data) series started in 2007, which reflects the numerous economic challenges that afflicted Nigeria in 2016,” the statistics office said. Any government that is genuinely interested in the welfare of its people should take pragmatic steps to reverse this trend. This economy is in a big mess.

State Ministry of Works, Dr. Cletus Nnorom, was apropos when he called on the House of Assembly to commence impeachment process against the Imo State Governor over this acquisition. “Enough is enough, the governor thinks everybody is a fool in this state and we must stand for our rights. We have kept quiet for a long time and I am personally going to make it official with the lawmakers,” remarked Nnorom. The Imo State Coordinator of True Ambassador, an NGO, Mr. Kingsley Ibe, agreed that floating an airline by the governor was an impeachable offence because it was never captured in the 2016 budget: “We are calling for the governor’s impeachment because he never followed due process in floating Imo Airline. The governor should limit his projects to the budget approved for him by the lawmakers and since he decided to run the affairs of Imo State as a private business, he should be impeached.” The tenure of Okorocha has no doubt been horrendous. The people of this state have never had it so bad. Imo has become a failed state, with its government unable to meet its basic responsibilities to the citizens. Civil servants and retirees are now walking corpses. The level of infrastructure decay in this state is frightening. Facilities in the health, education and other sectors have collapsed. For me, with over two years left of his second term, Governor Okorocha still has enough time to put some smile on the faces of the disturbed citizens of Imo State, by being people-oriented in his approach to governance. If this governor is conjecturing about how to do this, then, I am suggesting that he should go back and read the “love letter” written to him last year by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. The letter

encompasses all that is required to put a bit of smile on the faces Imo people. The section where Ohakim criticised the “senseless” demolition of buildings in Owerri is germane. With this action, the Imo State governor has simply compounded the agony of the people. Just as Ohakim noted, the hapless people affected “were neither given adequate notice nor was compensation discussed/paid before bulldozers were sent to destroy their properties.” Ohakim added: “There is so much unruliness in the state with government officials showing the lead. But the truth is that they are like the proverbial young goat which watches the mother while it chews cord. Your Excellency, there is a built-up anger over the way the people are being displaced from their business locations, more so as this reminds them of the indiscriminate revocation and reallocation of lands in Owerri for which several complaints have been made in the last five years. Right now, there are over 250 cases in court against the state government by the very citizens you are governing. What an irony! “You and I know that given the current economic situation in the country, this is the most inappropriate time to destroy the houses of people or destroy structures that house their means of livelihood without adequate alternative arrangement. Agreed, multiple lane roads are desirable but it should not be achieved by suddenly throwing hapless citizens into homelessness, joblessness and excruciating economic pains from which they may never recover.” My dear Governor Okorocha should reflect deeply on Ohakim’s message, implement the suggestions and take pragmatic steps to ameliorate the suffering of the people of this state. As a first good logical step, he should auction this unnecessary aircraft and use the money to reduce the agony of Imo civil servants.

Memo to Chief of Defence Staff Dear General Gabriel Olonisakin, this is to remind you of the pending appeal of 30 out of the 38 senior officers compulsorily retired by the Army Council in June last year. According to the Army, they were retired for reasons ranging from alleged money laundering and arms procurement scam, to illegal sale of military vehicle and professional misconduct in election matters. Thirty of them have appealed against their retirement and are asking for reinstatement. Some said that they were not granted fair hearing, while others claimed that they were falsely accused and wrongfully retired. Unfortunately, seven months after these men filed their petitions, they are yet to get feedback. The last seven months have been harrowing for these retired officers, while waiting for the result of their appeals. Most of the affected officers are believed to have been retired without query or indictment by any panel. This is preposterous and a contravention of Army rule. Some were not even in the country when the alleged offences were committed. One of the affected officers remarked: “I did not participate in any elections, was not invited anywhere for investigation, was not mentioned for defence contracts scam but yet I was retired without being queried.” I wonder if you know that one of those waiting for the result of this appeal, Lt Col Ojecho Adah Baba-Ochankpa‎ is dead. Baba-Ochankpa was the Commanding Officer 343 Air Defence Regiment‎, Elele, during the 2015 general elections. He was alleged to have been involved in electoral malpractice and appeared before the army panel in 2015. However, he was not court-martialled and had appealed his summary retirement. His family has lost a husband, father and son

Olonisakin

who was not found guilty of committing any offence by a competent court and was not granted fair hearing by the army. Similarly, his appeal is yet to be treated. How would his young wife and kids feel? Doesn’t he deserve justice and fairness even in death? The Army authority clearly breached its own laws by ending the careers of these brilliant officers abruptly. They are looking forward to getting justice through you. They want to be reinstated into the army. The story in town is that their appeals have been passed to the President. Kindly do everything within the ambit of the law, to ensure that they get justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

super saturday Praise Sam Ogan

I Will Beg God to Reduce My Boobs – They are Too With velvety dark skin and curvy body, Praise Sam Ogan, can pass as a sexy screen goddess. But, the young and vibrant Nollywood actress portrays beauty and brain in a straightforward manner. Unequivocal and candid, Ogan talks about issues that many would only mention in whispers. In this interview with Oge Ezeliora, the gifted actress takes a look at her personal life, her challenges, her family and various roles in movies. She also reveals what she will ask God if she gets a chance to appeal to Him. Her big boobs top the items in her wish list I Started Acting as a kid in Anglican Church

Why did you choose acting? have always had the passion for acting; I was born in the Anglican Communion, taking part in the church’s drama group. So the passion has been there. I didn’t just wake up one morning to be an actress. What did you study in school? I have a certificate in Foreign Languages and Literature (University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State); I also studied Mass Communication at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. State Why didn’t you practise journalism? I practise journalism and I still act. I am a freelance presenter. I used to co-anchor a programme – Personality, Places and Event – on Africa Independent Television (AIT). It is aired every Sunday. I also did my internship with Wetv (Wazobia) in Lagos. I was one of the anchors at the 2016 Lagos Carnival. How did you combine acting and journalism? Then, I rarely took up movie jobs. Because of time I couldn’t be on a set for a week when I have events to cover and prepare for the week’s airing. But now I am a freelancer. So it’s no longer a problem. What movie brought you into the limelight? I acted in about three movies four years ago before I stopped and went for my studies. Then I came back to the industry last year. I starred in a movie, ‘Assassinator’, (directed by Austin Fanni), ‘Warrior Sisters’, (directed by Micheal Jaja), ‘The Hustlers’, (King-size production), ‘Secondary Schoolgirls’ (1 & 2 production), ‘Hot Pants’, ‘The Virgin’s First Night’, (Pcollions production ), among others. The movie that brought me fame is ‘My Prophecy’. It was challenging and I acted with Yul Edochie and Ken Erics. It was very challenging because I played the role of a Ghanaian interior decorator, and as an upcoming actress playing a sub-lead with senior colleagues, you have to be at your best and trust me I was bold and focused, to the extent that I got commended by Yul. I spoke like a Ghanaian and behaved like

one on set. How did you get to act that role successfully? As an actor you should be able to interpret any role given to you. In terms of languages, character, display and the rest. You just have to deliver. Although, I speak like them, my accent naturally sounds so. People ask me every day if I am a Ghanaian. So everything worked for good in the movie. I have been to Ghana. I watch a lot of their films, coupled with the love I have for Jackie Appiah. Are your parents in support of what you do? Yes, they are. Every member of my family is in support though I had issues convincing my dad. But now he appreciates and encourages me to put in my best. I am a preacher’s kid. I can’t forget my lines when begging him them: ‘Daddy, actors are like ministers too’. Can you act nude? I cannot act nude. But can you kiss romantically in a movie? Oh yes. I can, if the script says so. But people see you as a preacher’s daughter; after watching your movies don’t they criticise you? Yes, they do. It’s normal. I don’t think I am the only preacher’s kid in the industry. The truth is that people will talk. It is my responsibility not to drag my family’s integrity through the mud. Can you have sex in a movie under bed sheet? (Laughs) Everything we do on set is makebelieve. Who wants to be having sex in a room filled with crew members and shots being taken? Come on! It’s not done. It’s not professional. I have never seen that happen. What is your view about sexual harassment in the movie industry? This question is too popular. The truth is, sexual harassment happens in every sector of the country. I don’t have a personal view, though it hasn’t come my way. If you have to change anything about you in life what will you change? Oh my boobs! I would (love to) reduce it. I am

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

saturday My Boobs Are Too Big and Attractive

Every member of my family is in support though I had issues convincing my dad. But now he appreciates and encourages me to put in my best. I am a preacher’s kid. I can’t forget my lines when begging him them: ‘Daddy, actors are like ministers too too busty for my liking. It causes unnecessary attention. If God comes now and says ‘my daughter what do you want me to do for you?’ I will beg God to reduce my boobs. Though they look so beautiful but there are dresses you want to wear but because you are busty you will not be able to do so. The worst part is anytime I enter a place the first thing people will notice are my boobs. That is annoying and so embarrassing. But so many women wish they have big boobs? Well, that is what they want. But I am not too comfortable with my big boobs. It is just too big and attractive. The only issue I have with my boobs is that I cannot wear a dress I love. When you are busty you have a limit as to what you can wear. I find that annoying. Who is your celebrity crush? Hmmm. Joseph Benjamin and Mercy Johnson; they are my crush for life. I love Mercy Johnson because she is a very good actress. I respect her a lot and I can’t wait to be on set with her. I recently missed a job that I was supposed to act alongside her. I was on set for another video, ‘Professor Johnbull’, the Globacom series. Anytime I watch her movies, I am speechless. She gives me goose bumps. I send her direct message always on Instagram. Did you go into acting because of money? No, I didn’t go into acting because of making money. I went into acting because of the passion I have for it. I am so passionate about acting. There is no much money like you think in acting. But truth should be told everybody wants to be paid for time invested in a venture or project. Even the Bible says every man should be paid his or her wages. But for me, the passion comes first before other things. I even forget to eat when I am working. How did you feel the first day you faced the camera? Wow! Without sounding boastful, I was bold before the camera that my director was so impressed. What are some challenges you have faced in Nollywood? Life itself is full of challenges. You know it’s not easy sailing through in any field as long as

you are a fresher. Nollywood particularly is an industry filled with a lot of competitions. I strongly believe your ability to stand your ground will take you higher. In life, people tend to discourage you maybe because you are still a greenhorn. They try to stop you from becoming what you want to be unless you are determined. But I bless God for life. I am always focused. Nobody can discourage me. I know what I want in life. So no matter the challenges I pass through, I can never be discouraged. Can you describe your childhood? Growing up was fine; I grew up in Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Trans-Amadi, to be precise. I went to Seashell Nursery and Primary School and several secondary schools because my father was an Anglican priest. If you know the Anglican Communion style, they are always being transferred after two years. So it affected my education and that of my siblings. What is your ambition? I want to become great woman; successful in my field and celebrated beyond expectations. Are you engaged or single?

I am not married. I think that’s all you should know for now. Have you ever been embarrassed by a fan of yours? I won’t call it an embarrassment but a surprise. I was a crazy local girl in the movie ‘Hot Pant’. I was sleeping with virtually every man that came my way – even pastors. Afan that watched it on YouTube ran into me at an airport and exclaimed: ‘Wow! Oh my God! Are you the girl in ‘Hot Pants’?’ I said yes. She hugged me so dearly and everybody was just starring. I was embarrassed though in a way. I never knew the movie was on YouTube. That experience made me to check the movie out on YouTube. What do you cherish most in life? My family. What are your dislikes? I dislike craftiness, dishonesty and embarrassment. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? I see myself being a great, successful woman

and married with beautiful kids. What is your advice for young ladies who are aspiring to become actress like you? They should believe in themselves. Put God first. They should be focused in whatever they are doing. They should also be straightforward. The sky will be their starting point.

I Want to Be a Successful Woman and Great Mother

FEBRUARY 4, 2017• THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper

commentary

NCC, Danbatta And Public Intellectualism Umar Danbatta is giving free rein to his intellect at NCC, writes Yakubu Musa

istinct commonalities often stand out in bold relief about most academics and intellectual heavyweights who find themselves in public service. They are usually transformational, out-of-box thinkers who swiftly roll out comprehensive blueprints, which encapsulate their vision and mission for new challenges. Exuding supreme confidence is another trait they share, which perhaps explains why they could be daring in decision making. Nonetheless, they won’t shy away from chipping in quality contribution to public discourse - which their intellectual cutting edge enables them to do rather effortlessly. Prof. Charles Chukuma Soludo probably shocked the nation’s banking industry with his audacious consolidation policy. Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s out-of-box strategy provided the shield we badly needed as a nation during the 2007 global financial meltdown. Akinwumi Adesina boldly attempted to revolutionalise our agricultural sector with his business model. And, Malam Nasiru el- Rufai was fearless both as the Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and as the Minister the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, while Soludu as the number one banker in the country chose to consolidate, El-Rufai as the man spearheading the privatisation of the nation’s public utilities was busy unbundling the behemoth energy corporation that was supplying meagre amount of megawatts of electricity to the giant of Africa. He also midwifed the telecom sector reform we currently enjoy. We now have Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive ViceChairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who announced his entry into the telecom industry with yet another “big bang” decision. No sooner had President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him than he wielded the big regulatory stick in the nation’s telecom sector. He would follow that with his eight-point agenda, a road map of aligned strategic management policy of NCC. Interestingly - like Soludo or other intellectual giants mentioned above - that Danbatta has managed to mix his time-consuming assignment at the NCC with public intellectualism is something worth underlining. Indeed, it is not only the nation’s broadband that is witnessing a quantum leap in terms of expansion under Danbatta’s leadership of the NCC - growing from 10% to close to 21% as revealed by ITU-ENESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, but his contribution to public discourse cannot go unnoticed. Danbatta received a standing ovation of respected colleagues last year when he presented a lecture titled, “The National Broadband Plan as a Catalyst for Social and Economic Transformation: The NCC Mandate”, at the Nigerian Academy of Engineering. It wasn’t the first time though that he would receive this kind of appreciation. It is on record that the professor of telecommunications engineering was the first NCC boss to address the executive course

It is in our national interest to harness potential that exist in the informationdriven age through the deployment and exploitation of ICT to facilitate socioeconomic development and improvement of the human condition

of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Just last week, Danbatta wowed the academic community of University of Nigeria, Nsukka after joining the league of eminent Nigerians like former President Olusegun Obsanjo to deliver the convocation symposium of the revered varsity. He spoke on the role of ICT Infrastructure in Tertiary Education in Nigeria: NCC Intervention. However, it was much more than what the title suggests. Danbatta referenced the works of renowned economists and social scientists to buttress points. He would intermittently quote from Joseph Eugene Stiglitz, Rodrick or Joseph Schumpeter. Indeed, while the presentation was generously spiced intellectually, in terms of statistics and academic citations, Danbatta chose to draw the curtain on it with a clarion call for all and sundry to begin to see the role of digital transformation beyond the realm of statistical figures churned out by the industry. “We talk about the benefits of ICT and we normally do this by dishing out e-readiness indicators. We say broadband penetration is 21%, internet penetration 97%. All these are ICT-readiness indicators that do not tell the entire story,” he observed, adding, “We can go beyond that and explain how ICTs have impacted to provide shared and sustainable prosperity; how ICTs have succeeded in reducing poverty; how they improve learning and make the society more open, more mobile and cohesive. And, above all, how they encourage the economy to be more competitive and innovative. These are the ends of digital transformation and not the input-output figures we normally reel out.” For Professor Danbatta, “It is in Nigeria’s national interest to harness potential that exist in the information-driven age through the deployment and exploitation of ICT to facilitate socio-economic development and improvement of the human condition.” He said the less developed countries (LDCs) are now grappling with a broadband divide in addition to infrastructure, knowledge and information divides. “Of the world’s over five billion broadband subscriptions, North America and European Union control over 50% while South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigeria belongs, account for only 3% of this global share,” he lamented. Yet as Danbatta continues to use the platforms of different public forums to spray us generously with his intellectual perfume, we must not lose sight of the fact that the industry he superintends over has also shown remarkable performance during his tenure. Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (BPE) show that in spite of the challenging waters of economic downturn the nation is waddling through, the telecom sector was, last year, contributed between N 1.4 trillion and N1.5 trillion to the GDP, the highest it has recorded in its history. The industry is hoping that the trend will be sustained for a very long time. And it has Danbatta who is not short of both the passion and the blueprint to ensure that. Musa, SA (Media) to the EVC-NCC, wrote from Abuja

Ambode’s Quiet Revolution (2)

Taiwo Ogundipe writes that Akinwunmi Amdode is committed to creating wealth and securing Lagos State

he Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, expressed optimism that the fund would have multiplier effect with the capacity to create 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs while about 200,000 new tax payers would be added to the state’s tax net. He said that the LSETF board, in order to ensure sustainability of the fund, has set its target to raise a minimum of N25 billion from domestic and international donors, in addition to the N25 billion already committed by the state government. He stated further, “Once the pilot phase is completed, we will roll out our loan schemes in all 57 LGAs and LCDAs across Lagos State. The full rollout will see us visit all LGAs to hold stakeholder sessions, where our staff will educate applicants on the application process, and the eligibility criteria for our various schemes. We are also in the process of setting up liaison offices in 20 LGAs, to bring the fund’s activities closer to the people, and increase our points of representation to serve Lagos residents.” Mr. Oyebode was corroborated by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Dr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, who said Governor Ambode’s administration was committed to ensuring the fund impacts on the lives of Lagosians. The Chairman, House Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Sola Giwa, assured that members of the House would give the operational guidelines of the fund expeditious passage. “This is one of the pivotal promises of Governor Ambode and I can assure you that the House would do its best to ensure that we do it right,” Giwa said. Also during the 3rd Quarter 2016 Town Hall meeting (5th in the series) designed to render accounts of stewardship of Governor Ambode’s

administration at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, the governor announced, “We will roll out all our empowerment programmes immediately to assist all our youth, artisans and the needy. The funding for the N500 million Lagos State Persons Living with Disability Fund has been provided and beneficiaries will start getting support from this quarter.” Governor Ambode also disclosed plans to recruit at least 5,000 Neighbourhood Watchers with new recruits expected to earn at least N25, 000 monthly with other allowances. The goal of this scheme is to beef up the security in the state, especially at the community level. He said the neighbourhood Safety Agency Bill which he signed into law on August 15, 2016, was part of efforts to institutionalise and deepen community policing in the state. No doubt this is also enhancing the employment profile of the state. The governor pushes his employment agenda at every relevant forum. At the One Lagos Fiesta which recently held in Epe area of Lagos, Ambode urged youths in the state to cultivate the habit of working hard in order to be successful, to embrace peace and shun violence. Noting that he set out like most of the youths and became the governor of Lagos State through the grace of God, he promised that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for the youths to aspire to be who they want to be. While speaking on the facilities provided for youths in Lagos State, the governor referenced the Employment Trust Fund. “Those of you who are out of school or are graduates now and you do not have jobs; the ETF is available for all of you. Between now and November next year, we are providing an Arts Theatre in

Epe. It is going to be a 500-seater Theatre and we will also have a modern cinema here in Epe. “We are bringing a shopping mall to Epe also. We will create more jobs but I want you to be the best. I will support you and I pray that all the things that I have gained from here, you will gain better ones than me,” he said. During yet another outing while referring to his efforts in the area of job creation, Ambode recalled that an MoU for the Lagos Smart City was signed with the operators of the Dubai Smart City, while the agreement is expected to bring multi-billion dollar investments to the state, create employment opportunities and transform the Ibeju-Lekki axis and the entire Lagos State. He also recalled that another MoU was signed for the Lagos State Medical Park, adding that the initiative would bring more investment which in turn will create jobs and make Lagos a destination for medical tourism. The outing was the town hall meeting, which took place at the Muslim Community Praying Ground in Badagry. The governor recalled during the occasion the recruitment of a total of 1,300 teachers for primary schools. He also disclosed that in the next two weeks, the state government would start recruiting another 1,000 teachers for secondary schools across the state. He also seized the occasion to intimate the state on his future plans, revealing that his administration was working round the clock to build an economy beyond oil, adding, “The future of Lagos is about tourism and services.” In line with this vision, Governor Ambode made a declaration at the official commissioning of ‘The George’, a hospitality centre in Ikoyi‎, Lagos, that his administration will take

advantage of the huge potential available in the hospitality sector to create jobs for youths in the state. At yet another forum, Ambode declared that Lagos is home to those who can dream big. The governor spoke at the unveiling of the Eko Pearl Towers, a 24-storey state-of-the-art residential building, located within the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island. He said the state has the capacity and wherewithal to accommodate those who can dream big and realise their potential to the fullest. In his words, “Lagos is the land of opportunities and many investment opportunities abound in transportation, entertainment and tourism. Our commitment is to create an environment where your investments are secure and profitable,” he said. He said the Eko Atlantic City Project, when completed, would go a long way to create employment and wealth for the people of the state. Governor Ambode is also on record as having donated N5 million seed funding to students under the state’s Ready Set Work (RSW) programme. The RSW is an entrepreneurship and employability training programme for final year students of tertiary institutions in Lagos State aimed at preparing them for economic productivity as value-creating employees or employers of labour. He has approved the sum of N15.5million as seed funding and grants for the programme. At the end of the programme, the top performing students in the employability track will be placed in six-month internship positions with various organisations. The governor said the state was proud of the graduates, adding that his administration believes strongly that the future of the country lies in the hands of the youths. Ogundipe wrote from Lagos

FEBRUARY 4, 2017 • THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper

insight

What next?

Lagos and the Anti- Kidnapping Law

t is no longer news that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode recently signed the Anti-Kidnapping Law, which stipulates death penalty for kidnappers. The law recommends death for kidnappers in whose custody victims died and life jail for those who kidnapped for ransom. Espousing the importance of security to his administration, the governor said: “Security is of utmost importance to our administration and we are confident that this law will serve as a deterrent to anybody who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos”. The anti-kidnapping law is comprehensive as it prescribes punishment for the actors, the collaborators, the aiders and those who saw the kidnapping being perpetrated and did nothing about it. Speaking on the motivation behind the new law, Governor Ambode disclosed that the wave of kidnappings had got to a stage where the government could no longer fold its arms and watch. Thus, the law is meant to send signal to kidnappers that an end has come to their criminal game. Aside the law, Ambode makes known other measures being put in place by the state government to stem the tide of kidnapping in the state. This includes renewed security mechanism in schools and other soft targets, especially popular public places to check kidnapping and other security violations. It is not surprising that the Lagos State Government is paying deserved attention to security issues. Lagos, being the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, and indeed West Africa, has enormous security challenges bearing in mind its burgeoning population, its ports and waterways, its border with Benin Republic as well as its numerous banks, industries and other commercial enterprises. With this peculiar status, the rate of crime in Lagos, over the years, has been relatively higher than other parts of the country. Kidnapping for ransom is becoming a major crime in Lagos. Kidnapping was ‘invented’ in the creeks of the Niger Delta by militants as a way of coercing government to meet their developmental demand. Later it was ‘perfected’ in the South East for commercial purposes. Today, the crime is a money spinning industry. According to a Freedom House report, Nigeria recorded one of the highest rates of kidnapping in the world in 2013. Similarly, the US Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013 indicates that kidnapping and related violence were “serious” problems in Nigeria. Today, in Nigeria, kidnappers spare neither the old nor the young. Their victims cut across age grades while hitherto considered sacred men have been touched. Father of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Pa Ebele Jonathan was kidnapped while his son was the Vice-President. Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Chief

Olu Falae, and a traditional ruler in Lagos, Oniba of Iba, Yishau Goriola Oseni, among other high profile personalities which included parents of footballers like Joseph Yobo and Mikel Obi had all been kidnapped in the recent past. Last year, three school girls were seized from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, but were later freed by the police. And recently, students and staff of Turkish International School, Isheri, Ogun State, were kidnapped and later released. Just in the same manner society has always used punishment to discourage prospective criminals from unlawful act, the signing of the anti-kidnapping law is understandably aimed at checkmating the spate of kidnapping with stiffer penalties, including death sentence for offenders. With the enactment and signing of the law, government has read out the riot act to kidnappers and their collaborators that the game is over. Currently, the pain that the spate of kidnapping is causing the country is enormous. We are a nation in recession and, therefore, in dire need of fresh investments that could boost the economy. Naturally, no sane investor would want to put his money in an unsafe environment. So, kidnapping grossly undermines the country’s economic prospect. Not only this, it is an embarrassment to the image of the country. It doesn’t do our nation much good to be viewed in the comity of nations as a haven of rogues and criminals. Jeddy Omisore, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

orshippers of the two predominant religions in the country Christianity and Islam - believe in Heaven and Hell. Heaven is for those who did not sin before they died while hell is for those who committed sin and did not repent before their death. Heaven is for enjoyment. Hell simply means suffering. The hardship in Nigeria can be easily equated with hell in the mist of plenty. I am simply referring to the unprecedented suffering many Nigerians are passing through in the face of the prevailing electricity power supply. The problem has defied solutions in the past as well as the present administration. The federal government sometime ago increased electricity tariff in defiance of the court and criticism by majority of consumers. When the electricity companies wanted to increase tariff, it was argued that they should be allowed six months to judge their performance. But it went ahead to forcefully impose exorbitant tariff on electricity consumers. In spite of this they have not lived up to expectations. For now entire neighbourhoods are plunged into darkness for weeks. Yet the exorbitant electricity bill keeps coming for payment, worse for those without meters. The amount payable is purely on assumption which is unfair. Lack of electricity supply in many homes has started to produce sad effect on the lives of many consumers. Mosquitoes are having field day. Children and women are most vulnerable. The cost of treating malaria in the hospital is now astronomical. The electricity distributing companies are partly to blame for the death of many children and pregnant women. It is high time the electricity companies gave 48 hours uninterrupted light to its numerous consumers in the country. In the first place, it will justify the increase in tariff. Second, families will have access to proper ventilation in their homes and offices. Electricity is one of the basic needs of life. Sunday Suleman, Lagos

TH E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

editor SHAKA MOMODU Deputy Editor YEMI ADEBOWALE Managing Director Eniola Bello Deputy Managing Director Kayode Komolafe Chairman Editorial Board Olusegun Adeniyi EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THIS DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M IT E D

Editor-in-Chief/Chairman Nduka Obaigbena Group Executive Directors Eniola Bello, Kayode Komolafe, Israel Iwegbu, Emmanuel Efeni, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU Group FINANCE DIRECTOR oLUFEMI ABOROWA Divisional Directors PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY Divisional Director OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. Associate Director ERIC OJEH Associate Directors HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO cONTROLLERs ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI General Manager Patrick Eimiuhi Group Head Femi Tolufashe Art Director Ochi Ogbuaku II DIRECTOR, printing production CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND Email: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Hell in the Midst of Plenty

Incessant Strikes in KADPOLY

want to draw the attention of the federal government, particularly the Ministry of Education, to the internal strikes in Kaduna Polytechnic before it gets out of hand. Kaduna Polytechnic is known to be the largest polytechnic in West Africa, both for academic performance and infrastructural development, coupled with her size and population of students. I am afraid the ranking of the polytechnic in the country may soon decline due to incessant strikes. I call on the concerned authorities to quickly address this problem. Barely few days after its resumption from the Yuletide’s break, the students were hit with yet another indefinite strike embarked by the lecturers for the non-payment of five months arrears for hazard allowances. This is not the first time this kind of strike is happening. According to information, the management of the polytechnic has failed to disburse to the lecturers the funds released by the federal government for this purpose. Any time the polytechnic goes on strike, the reason is always the non -payment of their allowances and this is affecting the students, making them to spend extra year (s) in the institution. The time to solve this problem once and for all is now. Ifeoma Nmeregini, Nyanya, Abuja

Polscope

FEBRUARY 4, 2017 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

The Beautiful Ones are Not Yet There (2)

ast week, we examined some sectors of this administration that indicate that we are not yet where we ought to be, even on the shortterm time line. A lot has happened, and still happening, that seeks to interrogate whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari is the messiah or the forerunner to the messiah. Given the decrepit past, many, including this reporter, had had a great expectation for a restoration government, which was what the Buhari administration seemed to have set out as its prime task. But nearly two years down the line, which is almost 50 per cent of the tenure, not much has happened to buoy the hope of the masses that indeed, a new sheriff is in town. The truth must be told that the past administrations (not only Jonathan’s) may not have helped matters by way of really moving the country beyond these teething stages of our development. Yet the lethargy and go-slow syndrome of this administration has helped to worsen the woes of Nigerians. The experiences of the masses, seem to be dropping from bad to worse. Life is getting shorter, more brutish and even nastier. To believe otherwise is to suffer grand delusion. Everybody is feeling the pinch, including even those whose bills and burdens are borne by government Perhaps, what seems even more disturbing is that the administration does not seem to have a clue on how our captivity can be turned around. There is no where this is more evident than in the following areas: Economy: Volumes of books could be written on the strange Buharinomics which is spinning Nigeria out of control. Many have shouted themselves hoax about the administration not having an economic team. I do not think it is so much the lack of such a team. It is more of the incompetence of those running the economy. The economic policies they have continued to apply are quite hurting. I may not be an economist, but I know that running a government at the inflationary rate of 18.55 per cent (as at beginning of January) clearly shows something is very wrong. Recent statistics show that inflow from Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) dropped by $4,5 Billion last year, one of the reasons we slipped into recession. Right now, Nigerians are choking. From the housewife to the mini-business woman by the road side up to construction contractors, businessmen etc…, they are all groaning. The price of things seems to be climbing higher and higher as the hours go by. No quotation is ever reasonable as the market prices are ever changing. How healthy can an import-dependent economy be when one United States dollar is exchanging for N500??? This is coming at a time that the price of crude oil in the international market is not only climbing higher, but also getting a little more stable. Our foreign earnings should therefore be increasing. The fiscal and monetary policies are in discord and so cannot even guarantee that the slide of the Naira will not continue. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in voting to retain the same hurting MPR and interest rate is to literally snuff life out of the economy. This explains why fuel importers are fainting under the yoke of huge unpaid loans made worse by the “ungodly” interest rates from banks. And the CBN does not seem to know how we can get out of the woods. Manufacturers are shutting down their factories. With the increasing supply of darkness and diesel selling for N260 or more per litre, how can manufacturers remain in business? Workers are being laid off. The unemployment population is rising. And the corollary of it: crime rate, is rising too. Little wonder the menace of kidnapping has picked up again. These are signs that all is not well with our economy. The promised palliatives are slow in coming. I don’t know whether the promised jobs are already being offered. The school feeding scheme is to run in some select states. What happens to the other states? When will it be their turn? How were the benefiting states selected? Same questions go for the N5,000 stipend for the very poor members of society. With the economy in such anaemic state, we have all become miserable. Some call it the democratisation of poverty. The managers of the economy are still reading and applying the old economic books. They do not seem to be thinking out of the box. Yes, there is no such easy way out, but we cannot be so hapless and helpless as it seems now.

A Growing Disenchantment

If the government in Abuja had been so impervious and disconnected with the groaning of the people, the fact that otherwise campaign partners of this administration, led by Tu Face Idibia, a popular musician, has offered to lead a protest match against the hardship in the land, should send a clear signal that this government is fast losing its mass appeal. The hungry are angry. And this has no party line.

populated by Christians. And despite the loud outcry by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the presidency has been rather quiet or seeming to be speaking with tongue-in-cheek. And that explains why both southerners and Christians suspect that the Fulani herdsmen have an ulterior motive in the attacks. Already, there are campaigns against the consumption of beef in the south, as a way of seeing what the herdsmen will do with their cattle which they seem to value more than human lives. Yes, the Kaduna State government may have held some peace-seeking meetings, many believe that it is lacking in sincerity given the past utterances, actions and body language of the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai. Clearly, all these do not show that the beautiful ones are yet there.

The DSS :

Buhari Hunger does not know APC or PDP or APGA. If the same musicians who played during the campaigns that heralded this administration are now going to file out to protest the hardship and suffering in the land, then the government should know that the tolerance belt has snapped. Far less suffering experiences have triggered massive protests in other climes.

Herdsmen as New Terror Agents

The volume and content of conversation that goes on among the masses, oftentimes, is indicative of the people’s perception of any government. Some of the things I have heard among the people are as unimaginable as they are unpatriotic. Surprisingly, even among the elite, these ill sentiments and commentaries are strong. Little wonder the social media has been an active vehicle in driving down the plethora of misinformation dominating the public space. Matters have however not been helped by the I-don’tcare attitude or criminal silence, if not indifference, of the government, especially as it concerns the menace of the killer squad called Fulani herdsmen. Suddenly, Fulani herdsmen have become a frightening terror stock, killing and maiming innocent people across the land. Fulani herdsmen are not new to Nigerians. They used to be migrant herdsmen moving from place to place with their cattle in search of pasture for their flock. Such pasture was just green grasses, not crops being nursed on farmlands. Those days, their only weapons were a short stick with which they flog erring cows into line. They also had bow and arrow and catapult, possibly to attack wild animals which threaten their flocks. And they co-existed peacefully with indigenes and farmers. Not anymore. Today, they use their cattle to destroy farmlands and forbid the owners from saying anything, since they have become sophisticated warriors, armed with all kinds of weaponry including AK 47 rifles, daggers, charms, pump action riffles, etc. And they kill and destroy with reckless confidence, as if to say, “If the president be for us, who can be against us?” President Buhari is a Fulani man. Is that why Fulani men will become the new terror agents of the land? The criminal silence from the seat of power over the many cases of attacks on communities have left many wondering if indeed the killers have state backing. It took a lot of huge public outcry for the presidency to issue a statement condemning the sweeping attack on Agatu community, which left hundreds of people killed and houses burnt down in Benue State, last year. After that, the same menace had spread unchecked to Enugu, Anambra, Delta States, etc. leaving in their trail blood, death and destruction. It is bad enough that none of the killer herdsmen has been arrested or prosecuted for all the killings, yet it is worse that government is intensifying efforts at pushing a grazing Bill in the parliament so the herdsmen will be allocated grazing lands across the country. It is a move that is considered as adding salt to injury. Perhaps the more recent and very devastating rounds of attack by Fulani herdsmen is the mindless killings in Southern Kaduna in Kaduna State, an area largely

One other public institution that seems to be chipping off the goodwill of this administration is the Department of State Services (DSS). More and more, it is becoming more controversial than professional. And this is dangerous. The DSS cannot be seen as being an instrument of harassment and terror to the Nigerian citizenry. If the accusation of partisanship had been in doubt in the past, the attempted arrest (at 2 a.m.) and later invitation to Apostle Johnson Suleiman, the General Overseer of Omega Ministries over alleged inciting comments, cleared such a doubt. Apostle Suleiman was said to have told his congregants at a crusade in Ekiti State that any herdsman seen around his church should be killed, having heard that the herdsmen were planning to kill him. The operatives of the DSS were to storm his hotel room at such an ungodly hour of 2 a.m. to arrest him. But for the intervention of the state governor, Ayodele Fayose, Suleiman would have been arrested that night. This foiled attempt was followed by a formal invitation to the DSS headquarters last Monday. Nigerians waited to see what the DSS would do to Suleiman. Messages had circulated earlier calling out Christians to march out in solidarity with Apostle Suleiman. As it turned out, the invitation ended up as dialogue and not detention, apparently seeing the mood/tension in the nation. The question has been running: why is the DSS worried about a threat to kill and not bothered by the rounds of actual killing itself? Which one is more dangerous? How many herdsmen have the DSS arrested or invited for questioning? Or is it also because the DG of DSS, (Mr Lawal Daura)—from the same town with Mr President is a Fulani man? Those who believe the DSS is slipping into being an attack dog against anti-government voice describe it as Department of Selective Suppression (DSS).

What has Happened to Farouk Lawan?

One expectation that many had with the coming of the Buhari administration was that with his advent, all the lowhanging fruits in Nigeria will be dealt with and Nigeria will begin to have a breather. But almost two years, many of such low-hanging fruits are yet dragging down the weight of the tree. One such example is the Farouk Lawan case. Here was a lawmaker who demanded and received bribe from Mr Femi Otedola, so he (Lawan) could give Otedola’s company, Forte Oil, a favourable report in a major probe of oil marketing companies. Otedola had blown the whistle. In this case, the giver agreed, the receiver agreed. Yet, no prosecution. Or is receiving bribe no longer a crime? Why is Farouk Lawan not being prosecuted despite the avalanche of evidence (including recorded telephone conversations) against him? Yes, this happened under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, but is government not a continuum? Would the Buhari administration allow the police to kill the case just like that? Didn’t the Federal Government just announce a policy on whistle-blowing with reward? Or does the Buhari administration also lack prosecutorial capacity?

What happened to the Budget Padding Case?

The suspicion that the Buhari administration chooses who to do battle with was reinforced with the silence that followed the budget-padding saga where Abdulmumin Jibrin, a suspended member of the House alleged that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, along with some other leaders of the Lower House had padded the 2016 budget to the tune of over N200million. Jibrin had given several instances and examples of the alleged fraud. But he seemed to be the lone voice in the desert. Not even a probe was instituted to investigate the matter, so Dogara and co could be said to have been cleared by the probe panel. It was a complete case of inertia. Jibrin was sent on one year suspension and ever since then, nothing has happened. Yes, there is no perfect government in the world, but as the people would say, the morning tells the day. The beautiful ones are not yet there!

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •FEBRUARY 4, 2017

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

N'Delta Crisis: Top Defence Chiefs from 20 Countries Converge on Bayelsa, Seek Peace Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa A conglomeration of more than 30 security experts from over 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, Japan, Germany, Pakistan, France, Angola, South Sudan and Italy yesterday converged on Bayelsa State to proffer solution to the crisis in the Niger Delta region. The 31-man delegation of Foreign Defence Attaches which also included countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Iran, Brazil, Niger, Turkey, Senegal and Zambia, said they were in the state to seek first-hand information concerning the protracted security challenges bedeviling the oil-rich area. Speaking during the event, the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson called for concerted efforts from the political leadership in the country to muster enough will to tackle the issues once and for all. To end the problems, Dickson called for the provision of economic opportunities and infrastructural development as a veritable means of mitigating issues of insecurity across the country and in the Niger Delta in particular. Specifically, the governor stated that the environmental degradation and insecurity in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country could be halted if people saw that the opportunities for survival were expanding. He also identified physical underdevelopment and environmental pollution, mainly caused by oil and gas production, as some of the underlying factors giving rise to security challenges in the Niger Delta. While re-emphasising the need for law and order in the region, Dickson reiterated his call on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to show more understanding and collaboration in their efforts to resolve the issues. He lauded the international community for providing as-

building infrastructure...

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Governor and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello; the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye and Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo during the foundation laying ceremony of the new model school building at Angus Memorial High School, Somolu on Friday... recently

sistance to the country's military in fighting insurgency and other security challenges in the north east, noting that his administration would continue to give support to the law enforcement agencies to sustain the existing peace in the state. “All countries have their own fair share of challenges, so security challenges are not peculiar to

Nigeria. As you are all aware, all countries deal with their concerns and challenges from time to time. "But, it is the duty of leadership, especially political leadership, to rise to the occasion and devise non-violent ways of addressing the security concerns and challenges. “Be they challenges of economic inclusion, or environmental degradation and the need to redress

it or be they challenges of more physical development on ground", he said. In his comments, the Director, Foreign Liaison of the Defence Intelligence Agency in the country, Brigadier General Augustine Agundu , explained that the visit was organised by the Defence Intelligence Agency to enable the foreign attaches to have first-hand

knowledge of the issues. He added that they needed factual information with a view to changing the stereotypical perception about the Niger Delta and the nation as a whole. The team leader added that much of the logistics support Nigeria receive from friendly nations, was facilitated by the foreign defence attaches who

were on the entourage. Also in his remarks, the Dean of the Corps of Defence Attaches, Col. Marc Humbert expressed joy that the security situation was improving in the Niger Delta. Humbert however called for synergy between the political leadership and the military in the fight against insecurity in the region.

ACF Laments FG's Slow Pace on Boko Haram: Beam Searchlight on All Families, Including Mine, Says Shettima Projects, Erratic Power Supply John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concern over the slow pace of work on some federal government projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people. In a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Kaduna, the forum lamented the non-completion of projects like Baro Port Terminal, the Mambilla Power Project, the Kano-Maiduguri Dual Carriage Way, Kano-Lagos Railway, and many others. The communique signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, called on the government and the National Assembly to appropriate adequate funds in the 2017 budget for the completion of

these projects. The forum also lamented "the abysmally low power generation and erratic power supply being experienced nationwide" and questioned the wisdom behind the privatization of the National Power Holding Company (PHCN) and the capacity of the private entrepreneurs that bought the power generation and distribution outfits. "The regular excuses of shortage of gas supply, low water level, vandalisation of installations, lack of spare parts etc which have continued to be given as reasons for poor power supply over the years are no longer tenable. "The new owners of the generation plants and the distribution outfits were expected to have complimented Federal Government huge investments

by injecting more funds and expertise that will improve performance at minimum cost to the consumers. "ACF therefore calls on the Federal Government to take necessary and practical steps that will improve the power supply including reviewing the privatization. Government should also put in place policy framework that will encourage investments in the renewable energy sector, (solar and coal) to compliment the thermal and hydro generating plants" the ACF said. The forum further expressed dismay over the recurrent ethno- religious and farmers- herdsmen clashes in Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa and other states and resolved to visit the affected communities to commiserate with them over the unfortunate

Michael Olugbode Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has called on military and security agencies to throw their searchlight on every family, including his, in the ongoing efforts to unravel persons with links to Boko Haram. He said that in the ongoing war against terrorism in the country there must be no sacred cow and the military should know the war against Boko Haram was far from over. The governor who said the capture of the Sambisa Forest, the notorious base of the insurgents, did not mean that the struggle against terrorism was over in the country, warned that this may rather be an opening of attack on soft targets by the "cowardly" Boko Haram. Shettima, in a state-wide broadcast on Friday, said since

"our gallant military and other security agencies have now denied them (insurgents) the use of their former high command, however, we must remind ourselves that the recapture of Sambisa Forest and the flushing out of the terrorists from most of their former enclaves does not mean that our struggle is over. "Instead, the terrorists have resorted in their usual cowardly fashion, to stepping up attacks on soft targets. Cowardly and vile attacks such as those on schools, places of worship, markets and other soft targets are signs of the terrorists’ weakness and of their desperation to tell their terror co-travelers around the world, that they are not yet finished." The governor while acknowledging the sacrifice of his people towards arresting the insurgency, asked them to be more vigilant now more than ever before.

He said: "I know the sacrifices many citizens have made and it is because of your devotion that I am urging all the people of Borno State to rise up as one and increase our community vigilance, especially around soft targets. "We must remobilise ourselves and step up vigilance and community policing around all our population and community centres like mosques, churches, markets, schools, hospitals, shopping complexes, football fields, social gatherings and motor parks. "We must watch out for strange and suspicious faces, not for the purpose of taking the law into our hands but for reporting these suspicious persons to the nearest security agents for prompt action. "I urge you, the good people of Borno State, not to despair but to rise as one and stand up to this murderous gasp of a dying insurgency.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

the alternative with Reno Omokri Jonathan’s Prophecy, Buhari’s Heresy and Tuface’s Bravery

Reno Omokri

n December 11, 2014, then President Goodluck Jonathan accepted the presidential nomination of the Peoples Democratic Party to contest the 2015 Presidential elections as its candidate. At that occasion, the former leader made a statement which, in hindsight, can now be seen as a prophecy. On that day, Jonathan said: “The choice before Nigerians in the coming election is simple: A choice between going forward and going backwards; between the new ways and the old ways; between freedom and repression; between a record of visible achievements and beneficial reforms - and desperate power-seekers with empty promises.” When the Naira crashed to N500 to $1 on Monday January 30, 2017, it hit me that Dr. Jonathan’s prophecy had been fulfilled. I remember (and I am sure you can too) the giant bill boards the APC erected all over the country saying, and I quote: ‘Is N216 to $1 okay? It is time to act now. Buhari-Osinbajo’. Well both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have ‘acted’ for almost two years now and today it is now over N500 to $1. It is time for the duo to answer their own question. On the 20th of November, 2014, a certain young Nigerian named Mohammad had tweeted the following on Twitter; “Today a dollar is N180 and a pound is N280, hope you have a family....this is really the transformation agenda..!! GEJ has finished Nigeria...” This tweet went viral because the APC through its agents on Twitter retweeted it until it trended online. Flash forward to Monday the 30th of January, 2017, the day the Naira crossed over the N500 to $1 Rubicon and the now sober Mohammad tweeted three times and I will quote each of those tweets below: The first tweet: “GEJ should please forgive me!!!” The second tweet: “N500 even when they claim they are fighting corruption, #bringbackourGEJ” The third tweet: “GEJ a true definition of the word HERO ...!!!” This time around, though the APC refused to retweet Mohammad’s who tweets from the handle @deee009, his last tweets are even more popular than the first because Nigerians retweeted them, storified them and blogs celebrated them. On Tuesday 31st of January, 2017, another young Nigerian named Uchenna tweeted through his twitter handle, Uchez2 this: “@Uchez2: How did the dollar stay at N175-N200 for 4yrs under “massive looting”? How is it now at N510 in 2 years

There is no Nigerian that is not affected and that is all the more reason why the multiple awardwinning singer and rapper, Innocent Idibia, a.ka. Tuface has said he is going to lead a nationwide protest against the policies of this government which are impoverishing Nigerians. Of course very predictably, the administration, either directly or indirectly, has come out guns blazing against the much-loved entertainer. Government surrogates and jealous rivals have sought to disqualify and disenfranchise him from leading his protest by saying that as a father of seven children from three different mothers Tuface lacks the moral authority to protest against government policies!

Jonathan

under “massive savings”?” What Jonathan’s 2014 quote and Mohammad’s 2014 and 2017 tweets as well as Uchenna’s question have shown is that, no matter how far and fast falsehood has travelled, it must eventually be overtaken by the truth. Everybody is affected by the failed promises of the Buhari administration. The richest African and Black man in the world, Aliko Dangote, has seen his fortune depreciate by more than 50% from $25 billion under former President Jonathan to $12.4 billion today. We pray it does not shrink to $1.2 billion before 2019! There is no Nigerian that is not affected and that is all the more reason why the multiple award-winning singer and rapper, Innocent Idibia, a.k.a. Tuface has said he is going to lead a nationwide protest against the policies of this government which are impoverishing Nigerians. Of course very predictably, the administration, either directly or indirectly, has come out guns blazing against the much-loved entertainer. Government surrogates and jealous rivals have sought to disqualify and disenfranchise him from leading his protest by saying that as a father of seven children from three different mothers Tuface lacks the moral authority to protest against government policies! First of all, the problem many of this celebrity haters have with Tuface is not the protest itself per se. They are really angry that they were not the ones who thought of it! If having children from many women is their grouse, then they would have had a grouse about many Nigerian leaders. Which Nigerian leader has children from only one woman? And it almost became comical when the Presidency asked to debate with Tuface on live TV. Really? A President who refused to debate with his opponents at the Presidential Debates during the elections now wants Tuface to debate live on TV. I mean just negodu! When some musicians and actors gathered at Ojota with Nasir El rufai and Dino Melaye against then President Jonathan in February 2012, nobody cared how many children they had but suddenly they care about Tuface’s baby mamas! I guess both El-rufai and Dino Melaye have all their children from one woman! In the new and improved Federal Republic of Double Standard, if you have more than one baby mama you can be a President, a Governor or a Senator, but you cannot lead a protest! It is haram! You are not morally fit to protest! And it was so disappointing to see an official of the All Progressives Congress Twitter handle mocking the protest. APC News TV tweeted and I am quoting: “@APCNEWSTV: JUST BEFORE YOU JOIN THE SENSELESS PROTEST, NOTE THAT! Godswill Akpabio bankrolled the posh wedding of 2face” What rubbish! First of all, this is a desperate lie. But even if this were true (it is not) didn’t Nigerians vote for President Muhammadu Buhari despite the fact that former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Bola Tinubu bankrolled him? If the Presidency and the APC want us to believe that Tuface Idibia’s planned protest is “senseless” because his wedding was bankrolled by former Governor Godswill Akpabio then they are inadvertently admitting that President Buhari’s Government is “senseless” because its election was bankrolled by Amaechi and Tinubu. That will explain a lot! It will explain the Presidency’s senselessness in the matter regarding Supreme Court Justice Walter Onnoghen who has been denied what should have been his privilege by political tradition as well as by judicial precedent. Ibrahim Magu is accused of corruption, yet President

Muhammadu Buhari insists on confirming him. Justice Walter Onnoghen is free from corruption, yet President Buhari refuses to confirm him! All this from a so-called anti-corruption President. Is it because Magu is a Muslim from the North, while the other is a Christian from the South? This is yet another example in the series of double standard that is the hallmark of this administration. A Government that publicly urged accused justices to immediately step down yet wrote copious and even verbose letters to justify why the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, who has been proven to be corrupt should continue to retain his post. In Nigeria, it seems there is one law for the 97 per centers and another for the 5 per centers. Again I say, welcome to President Buhari’s new and improved Federal Republic of Double Standard! What President Buhari is doing to Justice Walter Onnoghen is nothing short of judicial heresy. He is placing his parochial bias above a well-established doctrine that seniority at the bar and bench is the major requirement for upward mobility in the legal profession. And as an aside, I am noticing that the rapidly shrinking army of the cult of Buhari is also set against the new U.S. President, Donald John Trump. And it got me thinking. I have a hunch that the problem Buharists have with Donald Trump is not his policies but the fact that a politician is actually doing what he promised to do during his campaign. They are so used to President Buhari, who promises one thing and does another thing, that when they finally see a leader who says what he will do and does what he says, they go into shock. In his first day in office, President Trump has already started fulfilling his promises. He has not blamed Obama, he has not blamed the state of things he met on the ground. He has rather began his tenure by focusing on his promises rather than focusing on the alleged wrongdoings of his predecessors. This is why many people who supported Nigerian President Buhari cannot stand Trump. Because he exposes the hypocrisy of someone who promised change and is delivering more of the same. This is why they are so heavily invested in blame gaming the system and blaming every negative occurrence on previous administrations while waiting to give President Buhari credit for the few things that have gone right under his government which are, ironically, the handiwork of the very administrations that he denigrates. Two days ago (January 31st of 2017) the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that foreign investment into Nigeria has dropped to a 10-year low. I am waiting to see the creativity with which the Buhari administration will come up with reasons to blame Goodluck Jonathan for this! Perhaps Jonathan went around to all the nations of the world to convince them not to invest in Nigeria! I thought that the Buhari government said Nigeria was a pariah state under Jonathan. How could a pariah government attract more investment than an acceptable government like the Buhari administration? You see, like I said previously in this piece, no matter how far and fast a lie has travelled, it MUST eventually be overtaken by the truth. And it is silly of the Lagos State Police Command to say they would stop Tuface’s protest! This is the sort of impunity that has become the norm under President Muhammadu Buhari. Doesn’t Tuface have the constitutional right of freedom of assembly? Does he not have the right to free speech? The same security forces that cannot bring the killers of Pastor Eunice Elisha to book, or give justice to the beheaders of Evangelist Bridget Agbahime have now found their voice when it comes to stopping the harmless Tuface. Is it not silly that at a time when the Department of State Services (DSS) has not been able to utilise its manpower to make any discernible impact in the war against terror, they have the men to storm Apostle Johnson Suleiman’s hotel room in Ado Ekiti? At a time when we have a governor confessing that he paid money to killers of the citizens he has constitutionally sworn to protect, at a time when Nigeria has overnight become the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian, at a time when the dollar goes for N500 to $1, is it really Apostle Suleiman that is the problem of Nigeria? The Presidency called Apostle Suleiman’s speech hate speech! puh-leeze! What hate speech can be worse than President Buhari’s 97% versus 5%? That a Presidency headed by a man who threatened that the “dog and baboon will all be soaked in blood” has the guts to ask the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to condemn Apostle Suleiman is the joke of the year. If those guys in the Presidency are looking for someone to condemn, let them go to London!!! The father did not give Jesus a name that is above all names because Jesus is intelligent. No. Lucifer is also intelligent. God promoted Jesus because of two qualities: loyalty and humility. When people ask me why I am loyal to former President Jonathan, they do not realize that I do not live my life for anybody whether it is Dr. Goodluck Jonathan or President Muhammadu Buhari or even Donald J. Trump. My life is a test and upon my death the father will mark my test paper. I am loyal to ex-President Jonathan just as I try to be loyal to all my friends whether high or low because a disloyal and proud person is like Lucifer who tried to take the father’s throne. A loyal person is like Jesus who had the opportunity to do the same yet chose to remain loyal and humble. If I do not follow the Messiah’s example, then my Christianity is questionable!

Plus

Loud Whispers maritime Bits Auto Tributes Fashion File Interview

pg. 20 pg. 22 pg. 26 pg. 35 pg. 41 pg. 44

Laff Doctor

I Went into Comedy Because of Hardship

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper Feberuary 4, 2017

Plus

How Alibaba, AY, Basketmouth Inspire Me But for providence, he would have ended up as unknown talent. Known as Laff Doctor, Daniel Maduka was born in Ilaje, a ghetto neighbourhood to Ebute-Metta in Lagos State. Maduka is one of the few who defied the odds to carve out a niche for himself in comedy. On January 1, he emerged winner of the Spontaneity Comedy, a talent show organised by Atunyota Akporobomerere, popularly known as Alibaba to encourage young Nigerian comedians. In this interview with Ugo Aliogo, the Imo State-born comedian speaks about his career and the comedy industry

ou won the best comedian in Alibaba Spontaneity Show. How did the journey start? I contested last year. I made it to the semifinals. But I decided that I would not participate in the show again. But this year, when the audition started, I participated. I scaled through from the preliminary rounds to the finals. The journey has not been easy, but I thank God. To win, I did what was required. The show is about being spontaneous. I was asked to do a one-liner on Donald Trump. It was spontaneous. To prepare for the show, I researched on major events that had taken place in 2016. When I was asked to do a one-liner on Trump, I told the guy: “Be like say dem jus deport you?” and the audience was in awe. As the winner, I was given a brand new Hyundai Accent, one year salary from Alibaba, an opportunity to perform at his shows, work with him directly in comedy and mentorship as well. Why did you decide to go into comedy? I decided to go into comedy because of hardship. I lost my father at an early age. We were eight children in the family; catering for the family was left on the shoulders of my mother who was a cleaner. She could not meet the needs of everyone. We gained our independence early in order to cater for ourselves. In the neighbourhood, it was not easy for me; choosing comedy was the best option. It was something I have always wanted to do. At first, my mother was sceptical about my success in this venture. She insisted that I secured a paid job because comedy shows doesn’t come always. Though I secured

a job, but I was sacked because I gave much of my work time to performing at comedy shows for free. I thank God I chose comedy. The environment didn’t influence my passion for comedy. However, the neighbourhood was like an inspiration to me. But it was not a major factor for going into comedy. The neighbourhood is a ghetto which offers a good comedian materials. Who are your role models in the industry and what do you find unique about their style? My role models are Alibaba, Basketmouth, AY, Buchi and Akpororo. These individuals have been able to carve their own line of creativity. For instance, Buchi has the ability to be spontaneous; Akpororo has a crazy grace which inspires me. For AY, his brand personality in the industry and the business acumen which he brings to bear are things that set him apart. Honestly, it is something to emulate. He is someone that knows what he wants. Basketmouth is somebody I respect because of his international influence. He has brought it to bear in the industry. He has given the industry international recognition and I love his doggedness and passion. His style of comedy is also very stimulating because he talks about ladies, and his gesticulations are unique. He is one act I like watching because of his stage movements and the delivery. Alibaba is a father in the industry. He has stood the test of time. He was responsible for the transformation of comedy to what it is today. He brought a corporate face to comedy. This has brought a lot of financial fortunes to the industry. Before now, comedians were known as jesters or jokers. Every successful comedian in Nigeria has gone through Alibaba.

Laff doctor expresses appreciation prize of the Alibaba Spontaneity

to the audience after emerging the winner of the star

He has mentored many comedians. Again, the winning of the Alibaba Spontaneity marks a new beginning in your comedy career. What specifically are you bringing to the table for fans and the industry? Basically, I’m bringing new jokes. I want to have my own style of comedy and make sure I do very well at shows. Comedy is not about cracking jokes only but leaving something in the minds of the people. What stands you out as a comedian is your ability to be different; your jokes need to play up in the minds of people even after they have left your shows. I want to aim at originality because it stands you out in the industry. I want to do more reading, and gain more knowledge on different topical issues.

Can you say there is a sort of reformation in Nigerian comedy from 1999 to date? What is responsible for this? Yes, I think there is a reformation in Nigerian comedy because the way Nigerian comedians are accepted and appreciated is quite different from the past. Factors responsible are new trends, endorsements, skits, and other things. Comedians of this age are very educated. We were seen as jesters, but due to education we are now respected. I’m optimistic that soon, comedy will be seen in every sphere of life; it will be an industry that others will lean on. I foresee a big growth in comedy already. Some of the individuals behind these transformations are Alibaba, Buchi, Basketmouth, and AY. If you monitor closely the efforts they are

Feberuary 4, 2017 • THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper

Plus

laff doctor performing at a

putting into the industry, you will realise that Nigerian comedy has come to stay. Appearances and shows, how has it been for you? It has not been easy for me. I attended shows where as young comedians we have to start off the show. Sometimes you attend shows uninvited, then you’re asked to start the show because the invited ones have not arrived. For now, I think that will change with the winning of the Alibaba Spontaneity. I believe this year has great plans for me because the perspective people viewed me from last year has actually changed. So events will not be a problem for me. In 2016, I was at Night of a Thousand Laughs, Akpororo vs Akpororo, Standup Nigeria and others. I anchored couple of weddings last year. I

show

Because of hardship. I lost my father at an early age. We were eight children in the family; catering for the family was left on the shoulders of my mother who was a cleaner. She could not meet the needs of everyone. We gained our independence early in order to cater for ourselves. In the neighbourhood, it was not easy for me; choosing comedy was the best option. It was something I have always wanted to do. At first, my mother was sceptical about my success in this venture… travelled to about six to eight states. As a comedian from another state, I was accorded much respect. How would you rate the support of senior comedians to up-and-coming talents? Honestly speaking, I think if you’re original and doing well, they will support you. They have always supported me. The senior comedians cannot do without the junior ones. Therefore, there is a sort of strong relationship and support between the two generations. The senior ones are really supportive in terms of getting younger ones to work with them in the aspect of mentorship. What is the support of your mother towards your career? My mother has been very supportive. She encourages you to chase whatever you think is

your dream. In the areas of prayer and encouragement she has always been there. Who provided the initial platform for you? I started performing from my church and my school, but the major platform that brought me out was Nigeria’s Got Talent. It was after that show I gained a little recognition; a lot of people got to know me. It opened the door for me to start competing. I was the only comedian in the final though I didn’t win but people were rooting for me. I was in the top-ten list. Where do you see the industry going in the next five years? In the next five years, I foresee the comedy industry in that epicenter of entertainment; in other spheres of life. It will be an indus-

try that will be reckoned with and the comedy acts in the industry will go beyond the level they are presently. What are your challenges? Well my challenges have been starting shows when the crème de la crème in the industry are not seated, most times when you perform, the camera is not ready. But I just keep pushing and remain original because I believe it will pay off some day. Where do you see yourself five years from now? I see myself becoming an established comedian, having my own television show and organising my own comedy shows. I want to mentor youngsters in the industry. I want to mingle with the best in the industry.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • February 4, 2017 with Joseph Edgar (09095325791)

Loud Whispers

Kashamu

Buruji Kashamu: NDLEA, a note of warning You see, it has been alleged that at least three people must die before this extradition is carried out. Now, this gets me worried because my childhood friend, Ben Uche is a top officer in your midst and I would not like to lose him even though the big head has not sent me drink all these years. All the same, I pity im mama so I will render my consulting services for free. You see, to carry out this kind of dangerous work which may lead to the loss of at least three of your gallant officers, you will need at least six months of intensive training. Kindly do not attempt this extradition any time now or it will lead to a disaster. You must select at least 200 of your top-notch officers, all of them from Akwa Ibom, but must be led by a retired Fulani herdsman. The simple reason is that they can be effectively trained. They must be sent to Syria to watch and learn from the Syrian opposition. They will be trained in the art of both jungle and concrete warfare. They must be trained in armed combat, taught how to fire surface-to-air missiles and given nuclear-warfare training. After this, you will also bring dem back to the forest of Ijebu where the soft skills of juju warfare would also be implanted in them. All these will take an average of six months, under very strict confidentiality. It is after all this training is over that the two hundred well-trained extradition experts will be unleashed on our distinguished senator. But wait a minute, I forgot to add that you must kit them well o. So I suggest you get their uniforms from the Iraqi army, boots from the Biafran people and weapons from the Russians. They must also be kitted with infrared goggles that can see through the night and must be taught how to jump down from planes and helicopters. Finally, insure their lives and let them have one last night with their wives and mistresses before they swoop on the senator. On the night of the extradition, they should be divided into three groups. One will go by air towards Ijebu, the other will go by sea towards Lekki and the third will go by road towards Abuja. These will be coordinated by the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force reporting per second to the Commander-in-Chief. Once one team locates his whereabouts, the other two will immediately join it, to complement its efforts. They will now surround the house and using a megaphone, call out, ‘Your Excellency, we are here, can we negotiate the number of soldiers to die before we move in.’ The senator must be engaged in a meaningful dialogue with the sole aim of not losing any soldier. If the doesn’t work, the troops will now hold a brief meeting at his doorstep to choose three, according to tribe that will make the ultimate sacrifice for the country. My take is that all major tribes in the federation, that is Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo must be represented in the sacrifice. After all, we in the minority tribes have not really enjoyed anything in this country. Once

Governor Okowa

Tuface

Apostle Johnson Suleiman: Please Calm Down This is my honest opinion. As a God-fearing, Bible-thumbing Christian, I make this appeal to you simply because at this point, what we need is a calm and mature approach to this matter of the Fulani herdsmen. From my little observation and my long discussions with my former classmate, Tanko, I have come to the realisation that the issue here is not that of Muslims against Christians but that of a rampaging band of illiterate herdsmen whose main prerogative is to feed their cattle. As far as they are concerned, they do not care whose farm or whose ox is gored in their quest to keep their cattle nourished. See, Apostle even the Sultan himself would not be spared if he decided to put a maize farm on their path. So let’s stop all this latter-day quest for relevance using this issue as a vehicle. At your level, I think you should be joining hands with others to seek for peaceful resolutions to an issue that has been with us for over a hundred years instead of jumping around the country, making inciteful and hateful speeches. The

fact that our leaders especially the governor of Kaduna State have not handled the matter responsibly does not give you or anybody the right to continue to throw fuel into the already consuming fire. The issue is education of the Fulani Herdsmen, responsibly engaging their leaders and seeking a mutually beneficial solution to this matter once and for all. I do not think the herdsmen in their rampage usually stop to ask their victims if they are Muslims or Christians before mayhem. I do not even think you have seen one herdsman in your life sef. So my dear Apostle, please go back to the Bible and read the book of....... Kai, I don forget the Bible passage sef, but just look for where Jesus talked about the peacemakers. No be kill and be killed o or is it a different Bible I have been reading? I beseech you to use this your new-found fame to seek dialogue with the leaders of the other side with a view to reaching a peaceful resolution of this matter. It cannot be that difficult na.

the decision has been made, the three soldiers should be stripped – we have to return the uniforms – you know there is recession – and left at his doorstep and then we all run away. Laugh wan kill me as I dey write sef. Oga, abeg just quietly go face your matter, you never can tell, you just might be able to prove your innocence. No distract us abeg, we get more serious issues in this country.

to Governor Okowa. With that kind glasses, he can never get girlfriend na, talkless of sending $10m to her to start a make-up business. I have just read the statement from the Delta State Government dissociating the governor from such terrible news. I repeat, with that kind glasses, it can never be him. He looks like my friend Uche when we were in the University of Ibadan, Uche was tall like the governor and very academic, those people you call effico. Those ones na book dem know, no be woman o. So mischief makers should be very careful

Governor Okowa : I Believe You Look, when they talk about governors with mistresses, my mind never goes

and do their homework very well before they start making unfounded allegations. Governor Okowa is my friend, although I have never met him, I like his humble mien and his approach to the business of governance. I have taken a very close look at Delta State because I have a son whose mum is from Ebu in Delta and whose village needs a lot of infrastructural development. So my dear governor should not be distracted with this kind of news. When you scan the remaining governors from the South-south you will immediately know who the culprit is if you look closely at the kind of shoes they wear. No be Okowa, he too gentle. He looks like person wey dey fear woman sef. But that mistress is really sharp o. Well done madam, you try. Tuface Idibia : Final Advice This multiple award-winning and baby-growing guy has decided to come out on the sixth of February to lead a protest match against, according to him, the mismanagement of governance by the Buhari regime. I want to salute his courage especially in these perilous time. But when the hits have stopped coming what else do you do? You look for government trouble. You see, my only fear for him is that, anybody that government deals with always comes out with grey hair. You no see Olisa Metuh and Raymond Dokpesi. You wey no get hair for head how will you now grow the grey hair? This area you are going into, I hope you are ready for the imminent consequence o. This one no be fight with Kenny Ogungbe for royalty. You are going into a turf meant for men, real men o. I hope you are ready. One professor has already come for you, citing your dexterity at baby-making and your sexual exploits, admonishing you to stick to what you know best. I think he is correct. You see, if this your protest catches the attention of the authorities, let me warn you, there are no conjugal visits in Nigeria’s penal system. The only conjugalism you will get is the one within the system and carried out by your colleagues. Your Davido and the rest who are shaking now will suddenly have shows in Zimbabwe when they come for you. Your children will be looking for school fees and that your beautiful wife will be wondering what she put in the Afang soup that turned your head. Yes, times are hard and we all need to stand up and fight. Me I love you too much to dey see you dey jump down from Black Maria. Instead of leading street marches, do Bob Marley style, dey sing about am. Yes, dey record strong lyrics and dey sing about am. Finally, please go watch one documentary on Fela after the invasion of his Kalakuta Republic and see the beating for him back. If after that you still feel like going ahead, no problem, just give me Annie number so I go fit give am moral support in case you have to spend time in government’s custody. My brother leave matter for Mathias, you are not cut out for this.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

SPY GLASS

Tales of a Former First Lady, Mariya Yuguda

These are indeed turbulent moments for Hajiya Mariya Yuguda, one of the wives of the former Governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda. Spyglass learnt that the exit of her husband from power might have started taking its toll on her. Unlike when her husband was at the helm of affairs, there are insinuations that she is currently going through financial constraints to run her pet-project, A .D Rufai Foundation, which was created to pursue issues that are germane to the survival and progress of the society. Virtually all Yuguda’s friends and beneficiaries of his government who had been of financial assistance to the foundation have since abandoned Mariya to grapple with the trauma of a financially incapacitated pet-project. Sources of funding the foundation include fund-raising activities and partnership with government and donor agencies. ‘’So terrible is the financial crisis at the foundation that almost all the workers have left because their salaries and allowances could not be paid. At the moment, the corporate headquarters of the foundation located a few metres away from Bauchi State Government House stands empty with only a gateman,’’ a source revealed. Few months after her husband’s tenure, some official vehicles of the state allegedly being used for the foundation were retrieved from Mariya on the directive of the state Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar. As if all these are not enough, reliable sources disclosed that Mariya, who enjoyed a long vacation from her official duties when her husband was governor has been finding it difficult to adjust to her job in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as an assistant director without all the paraphernalia of governor’s wife. Mariya, a graduate of law from Ahmadu Bello University, who was once rumoured to have been divorced by Isa Yuguda founded the Senator A. D Rufai Foundation to immortalise the philanthropic ideals of her father. Mariya is a professional administrator; she was commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Bauchi State between 2001 and 2004.

Moses Osarieme Aito’s Doleful Experience

In the ‘90s, Moses Osarieme Aito, owner of the defunct Earth Airlines,

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 was a top player in the nation’s aviation sector. In those days, he made headlines in major newspapers and magazines, especially because his airline ran daily scheduled flights from Lagos to Abuja. Accordingly, as managing director of the independent airline, his name opened doors for him. Indeed, not a few believed that the future looked so bright for him, as he enjoyed government patronage, which made many of his competitors green with envy. But like joy that has a slender body, the thriving business suffered a setback owing to the inclement business environment then. As a result, he reportedly battled with huge accumulated staff salaries and other unpaid debts running into several millions of naira. In the face of it all, the Edo Stateborn businessman tried his best to salvage the situation, but his efforts came to naught. After due consultations, he later ventured into the oil and gas business. But surprisingly, the move only offered him a temporary relief, as he soon ran into debts. Faced with this killing challenge, he relocated to Ghana for survival. Today, the story has not changed for the better. The once respected socialite, it was gathered, only sneaks into the country once in a while to stave off harassment from numerous debtors.

OGD, Buruji Kashamu’s Drama

When Wesco Bet boss, Adewale Osinubi, was sending out invites to dignitaries to grace his wedding last weekend, little did he imagine the drama that would play out on that day. The day had begun on a good note from the church service to the Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, venue of the wedding reception. But the drama, as captured by a source, had played out when a former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, aka OGD, suddenly made a tactical exit from the hall. How? Like some others, the top politician was also savouring the music of Kolade Onanuga, a popular Fuji music star, while also acknowledging greetings from guests. For some inexplicable reasons, his mood was said to have changed immediately the master of ceremonies announced the arrival of Senator Buruji Kashamu in the hall. Not one to hide his feelings, the former governor was said to have walked out of the hall. “In fact, many were surprised about the swift ‘disappearance’ of the Krestal

Laurel boss,” the source said. Though both OGD and Kashamu are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, they belong to different factions of the party. Their disagreement has polarised the party in the state and their fans have reportedly been at each other’s jugular. With the latest development, it appears the two political gladiators are fast becoming sworn enemies and it may be almost impossible to bring them back, as they wouldn’t want to see eyeball-to-eyeball. It will be recalled that the duo used to be good political allies until after the 2015 general elections when their relationship fell through and efforts by the national body of the party to reconcile them have proved unsuccessful.

Billionaire Businessman Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi’s Daughter Weds

Today, renowned businessman, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Group Managing Director, Obijackson Group, will play host to eminent personalities, as his eldest daughter, Chinazo Isabelle Azudialu-Obiejesi, weds her heartthrob, Dr. Mekam Tochukwu Okoye, at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. The church wedding, which will be followed by an elaborate reception at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, is coming about three months after the traditional marriage held in Okija, Anambra State on Saturday, November 12, 2016. The founder of Obijackson Foundation, the organiser of the ‘Face of Okija’, an annual music and cultural festival targeted at youth empowerment and rejuvenation of the Igbo culture, is known for his uncommon sense of hospitality; and he has promised his guests a swell time at today’s event. Over the years, Azudialu-Obiejesi, has been involved in community development, scholarship awards, healthcare provision and welfare programmes for the less privileged in the society.

Senator Grace Folasade Bent’s comeback

Though many had foreseen her comeback to the political scene, what was not known, was the finer details of her moves. In 2007, Senator Grace Folasade Bent made history when she defeated many of her opponents in the senatorial election to represent Adamawa South, the largest senatorial district in the state, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). When the Ilesa, Osun State-born politician failed to secure the party ticket in 2011, her fans could not wait to see her return to politics, where she had impacted positively on the

lives of people in her constituency. As source informed Spyglass that after wide consultations, Bent has now made her intention known to go back to the Senate; and she is said to be receiving the blessings of the powers that be and the masses, who have missed her good representation at the Senate. “It has dawned on the people of her constituency that they need her. She is good politician with human face and a good grassroots person,’’ a source said. Before her election into the Senate, Bent was a political adviser to the then PDP National Chairman, Audu Ogbeh. Apart from being a strong advocate of inter-tribal marriage, the elegant lady, who is the author of Women in Inter-Ethnic Marriages in Nigeria, is at the forefront of women participation in government. Bent, who holds a Ph.D in Public Administration from the Indiana State University, USA, cut her teeth in politics at the University of Calabar where she was actively involved in students’ unionism.

Ademola Oyefeso: Profile of a Visioner

All his life, Ademola Oyefeso, CEO, New Genesis, has literally been worshipping at the temple of the god of entertainment. Indeed, many who know his exploits in the showbiz world will readily confirm that the Staten Island, New York- based showbiz advocate has done so much for the Nigerian entertainment world. In the past years, the Ikenne, Ogun State-born impresario fondly called “Alase” has used his promotional skill to popularise the music of a number of artistes, including King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, K1 De Ultimate, Abass Akande Obesere, Gen. Kollington Ayinla, Salawa Abeni, Lagbaja, the late Orlando Owoh, Adewale Ayuba, Abass Obesere and Kola Ogunkoya. A man of the people, Oyefeso is also busy promoting the cause of the Yoruba abroad. As president of Egbe Omo Yoruba in New York, he has demonstrated a rare leadership quality, which has endeared him to the hearts of the group’s members. In his capacity, he has been promoting peace and progress among the members. He is recognised more for his efforts to put up an edifice fittingly named ‘Yoruba House’, which has become a rendezvous for the Yoruba living in that part of the world.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

MARITIME BITS

WITH

JOHN IWORI 08057763164

R-L: Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command (WMC), Comptroller Yusuf Umar taking the Zonal Co-ordinator, Zone A, ACG Monday Abueh round the facilities of the command during the maiden official tour of WMC by Abueh in Apapa, Lagos…recently

R-L: Immediate past National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Ernest Elochukwu presenting a gift to the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), ANLCA, Chief Henry Njoku and his wife, Lady Kate Chika shortly after the marking of Njoku’s 55th birthday at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt…recently

More Vessels to Berth in Lagos Port Vessel traffic in Nigerian ports has increased since the beginning of the year, THISDAY checks have revealed. To this end, more vessels are calling in the nation’s seaports, especially the ones situated in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos. Already, vessel traffic to the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, for the first week of February 2017 has shown signs of improvement with no fewer than 31 ships expected to berth.

Regarded as the busiest in the country, the premier port is host to several terminals designated for various commodities. The 31 ships remain the highest number of vessels calling at the port in a period of one week since April 2016. Data prepared by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and obtained by THISDAY revealed that the vessels include 13 containerised ships expected to call at APM Terminals and two vessels laden with general cargoes expected to berth at ENL Terminals this

NCS Boss Lists Benefits of non-importation of Vehicles through Land Borders The Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retired) has listed the benefits the Federal Government policy on nonimportation of vehicles through the land border. This is coming on the heels of the furore generated by the implementation of the policy since January 1, 2017. Ali argued that apart from being a statutory function of NCS to implement government fiscal policies, as Nigerians, the advantages and opportunities inherent in the policy is a motivation to ensure compliance. He listed the merits of the policy to include channelization of motor vehicles to Sea Ports will enable suppression of smuggling; and creating business and job opportunities with the eventual emergence of bonded car parks for vehicles around the country. This will also lead to the emergence of bank branches and mechanic villages around the bonded car parks, with job opportunities for Nigerians. Others are high volume of vehicle cargo for shippers will boost capacity and optimize use of facilities at our ports and car parks; higher revenue for the three tiers of Government to discharge their responsibilities to Nigerians; facilitate the recent collaboration among NCS, FIRS, Motor License Office, Police and Bureau of Statistics; assurance of duty payment for vehicle buyers giving more confidence on the road without Customs interception; and the high volume vehicle cargo can lead to government/ port handlers engagement that will reduce handling charges. He directed operatives of the Headquarters Compliance Team and Federal Operations Units to compliment the resident officers of land borders to effectively beef up security and enforce the Federal Government policy on nonimportation of vehicles through the land border. He expressed regret that despite Nigeria’s bigger and more equipped port facilities, statistics has shown that more than 90 per cent of vehicles imported to neighbouring countries are normally on transit to Nigeria market. “Though duty rates chargeable for motor vehicles at both land borders and seaports remain the same, importers of these vehicles exploit the informality of land border trade, since they are not usually manifested for Nigeria ports to either smuggle through the porous border or compromise some Customs Officers and that of other agencies to short change the nation”, he said. The retired military officer charged the antismuggling squads to ensure total blockage such that no desperate vehicle importer gets his or her to smuggle in the trapped vehicles.

weekend. In the same vein, the jetties will receive 141,807 metric tons (MT) of the premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol from five vessels. The delivery of petroleum products has put a lie to the speculations in certain quarters that Nigerians would soon experience scarcity of petrol in the weeks ahead. Already, four more vessels with PMS are waiting to berth in LPC early next week. ABTL and GDNL terminals are expected

Rivers Governor, Norwegian Ambassador, Others to Grace Charkin Maritime Centre Unveiling The governor of Rivers State, Chief the basic dynamic positioning class.

Nyesom Wike and the Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jens-Petter Kjemprud will join other stakeholders in the maritime industry for the formal for the unveiling of Nigeria’s land ship, MV Rivers Pride, Port Harcourt. Situated at Ozuoba, along the EastWest Road, Port Harcourt, the land ship was built by an indigenous and privately-owned maritime training institution, Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre which has Sir Charles Wami as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). According to a statement issued by the centre, the land ship comprises full mission navigational bridge simulator; ECDIS Simulation Room; GMDSS (Navigation) Simulation Room which conforms to the 2010 Manila Amendments by the global maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO); and

Other components of the land ship are advance dynamic positioning and examination class; nautical institute examination room; and the drilling system crane simulator. Wami disclosed that the centre has the approval of local and international regulatory agencies across the globe. These include the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), OPITO, United Kingdom, and the International Well Control Forum (IWCF), United Kingdom. Others are the Nautical Institute (NI), Oil and Gas Training Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), International Association of Safety and Survival Training (IASST), United Kingdom, and the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigerian (PETAN).

Transporters Hail NSC New Initiative Transporters in the country have hailed the new initiative of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to bring sanity to the nation’s seaports as it pertains to the clearance of goods. The transporters under aegis of the Road Transport Employers’ Association (RTEAN), Tin Can Island Port Chapter, Apapa, Lagos which has Alhaji Isiaka Olalere as Chairman commended the NSC over its planned consolidation of the trucking companies operating in the nation’s maritime industry. RTEAN position was in response to a statement credited to the Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello over the council move in collaboration with the World Bank to erect electronic gates at the nation’s seaports so as to operate a call-up system for the truckers operating in the nation’s seaports. The transporters recalled that the government had earlier proposed the consolidation of trucking companies nearly two years ago, which he said would have not less than 50 trucks. They argued that if they had reduced the number of trucks that would form a fleet to five or six, it would be the best as two people could easily come together and have a fleet of six trucks.

They however lament the absence of truck terminal at the ports, saying that if they could have a befitting truck terminal as well as the call-up system where people could easily come and book their trucks, in turn, hand the drivers so booked the documents that would enable them gain entry through the gate, it would be the good news of the year. Olalere however wondered whether the fresh initiatives would change the present poor state of things in the nation’s seaports. His words: “But is that going to stop extortion at the port gates? Because what they told us before we started the truck registration and standardization exercise as conducted by the NPA last year, they promised that after issuing us with the stickers, they will introduce electronic gate. We have gotten the stickers, we started last year. We are going to renew it this year but let us see if they will install the electronic gate system. They are yet to erect the electronic gate system; the gate is still wide open both at Apapa and Tin Can. I do not know when they will be effective. Let us wait and see”.

to receive five of the bulk carriers that berth in LPC. The vessels are laden with 205,484 MT of bulk wheat. In the period under review, two vessels laden with 50,000MT of steel products are also expected to berth at the ENL Terminals within the period. Similarly, ABTL will receive two vessels carrying 10,500MT of base oil. Two vessels, each laden with about 33,000MT of bulk salt and 46,000MT of bulk sugar are expected to arrive at GDNL Terminals.

MWUN Decries FG Economic Policies The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has decried the economic policies of the Federal Government, saying that these policies have impacted negatively on the lives of its members. The association which is the umbrella body of those who work in the nation’s seaports expressed dismay over the deplorable state of the port access roads, the ban on the importation of vehicles through the international land borders, inability of importers and manufacturers to access foreign exchange among other ills. President General of MWUN, Comrade Anthony Emmanuel Nted who stated this in Lagos on the heels of its just concluded central committee meeting urged the Federal Government to suspend implementation of the January 1, 2017 ban placed on the importation of vehicles through the land borders. Nted said in recent times, importers and manufacturers have found it extremely difficult to access foreign exchange and even when it is available, the cost is outrageous. According to the unionist, the negative effect of these Federal Government inimical policies include massive loss of job, closure of industries/factories, relocation of companies including shipping to neighbouring countries which culminate into loss of revenue to the Federal Government and compound insecurity in the land. On the importation of cars through the land borders, MWUN said: “We want to use this medium to commend the Federal Government on the recent ban on importation of cars through the land borders. We believe this policy will increase traffic in the port, create jobs and revenue for the government. However, the Union would like to appeal to the Federal Government to give a month grace to importers whose vehicles are trapped because of the policy to clear their vehicles. After the one month grace, the government should commence full implementation of the policy”. The union also appealed to the Federal Government to have a stakeholders meeting with assembly plants and indigenous auto-manufacturing companies to identify and address the challenges of manufacturing of cars in the country. The union also took exception to the activities of those it described as “disgruntled elements and non-card carrying members”. According to MWUN, these persons have been spreading malicious, fabricated, libelous and unfounded insinuations about the union and its leadership. The aim of these disgruntled elements is to create an impression of crisis in the union where there is none. The union recognizes every card-carrying member right, freedom of speech and association as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The same constitution provides the avenue for redress when the rights of individuals/organisations are infringed upon.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2017

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

VINTAGE

Dozie Nwankwo, Lawmaker with Midas Touch Chike Okeke

here are legislators and there are legislators. In the various State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly, many members merely warm their seats. Although, the 1999 Constitution stipulates a minimum of 180 sittings in a year, a number of legislator attend to their various businesses regularly and only attend sittings to make up the number, fulfill the requirements for minimum number of sitting days and collect their huge salaries and allowances. However, there are a few members who have genuine reasons to be in the Assemblies to serve their people. They see politics as a call to National Service. They may be very successful in business but since they are in politics in the interest of the generality of the citizenry, they give it their best endeavours. One such public spirited politician is Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo who represents Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In the past six years, this household name in Anambra State has gone through the mill in politics. He has experienced the various twists and turns in his political career, winning every election he contested but denied his hard won victory through machinations and intrigues. It was same experience in the 2015 General Elections where, though he won convincingly, defeating his opponents in every polling boots with very wide margins on votes, his opponent was declared winner. It was only through the instrumentality of Almighty God that the Elections Petition Tribunal gave him his deserved victory. A man with a transformation agenda to provide service to humanity, his quest for professionalism and specialization routed him to many trainings, conferences and exhibitions round the world which included value world conferences in Amsterdam, value engineering exhibition in China, Buffaloes fire fighting equipment exhibition in the USA, Oil and Gas exhibition in Germany, Chemical spill cleaning pump exhibition in Sweden, etc. Educationally, Hon. Nwankwo is no neophyte. He holds a BSc in Accounting from the University of Port Harcourt and is currently studying for MSc in Business Administration (Leadership Option) in the University of Liverpool, UK. A giant stride towards excellence has earned him series of awards including Peace Ambassador Award from Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Award of Excellence from Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, Igbo Youth Congress Award, etc. At the Iguaro ceremony in his home town, Enugwu Ukwu, Anambra State on January 7th, 2017, he was conferred with the Chieftaincy Title of Onyendozi (The Reconciliator) of Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri. Since his swearing in, he has moved three motions in the House. The first was a motion to mandate the House Committee on Environment and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Environment to include contracts to control gully erosion in Enuagu, Uruogbo and Osili Villages in Enugwu

Dozie Nwankwo presenting empowerment goods Ukwu in Njikoka LGA, Udu Donka (Agulu Nanka) and Haba Agulu erosion sites, Adazi Nnukwu gully erosion site, Enuabo village, Obeledu erosion site, Dunukofia Nkwelle Umunnachi and Ukpo erosion sites in the Supplementary Federal budget for 2016. The motion was unanimously carried and the House resolved accordingly. The House further urged the Ecological Fund Office to take measures aimed at controlling the menace, urged the National Emergency Managing Agency (NEMA) to, as a matter of urgency send relief materials to victims of the erosion. The House further mandated the Committee on Environment and Habitat to urgently visit the affected sites. He also called the Nation’s attention to the fact that the health centres and facilities in his constituency have been abandoned and are in bad infrastructural state. They include University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Health Centre, Abagana, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Centre for Community and Primary Health Care Ukpo and the UNIZIK Community Medicine/ Primary Health Care Centre and Diagnostice Cemtre Neni. Having moved the motion to this effect, the House urged the Committee on Health Care Services to ensure the rehabilitation and equipping of the Medical Centres and that the three (3) Federal Health Centres in the Constituency are functioning with

adequate staff and personnel. His Dozie Nwankwo Foundation has become very popular for its far reaching impact on indigenes and inhabitance of Anambra State during its Medical Outreach which is held every year, the most recent being on December 12th, 2016. Free medical consultation and treatment, ophthalmology examination and treatment including surgery and provision of medical glasses and dental treatments /surgeries are regular features of the outreach. However, the most enduring impact this builder of men and monument has made in his constituency was witnessed on Saturday 10th December, 2016 at Obu Umunri Palace, Enugwu Ukwu. This was his Women and Youths Empowerment Programme. Politicians usually organize empowerment programmes for different segments of the population in their various constituencies but that of Hon Dozie Nwankwo that day was unique, spectacular, far reaching and unprecedented. He said he wished to thank members of his campaign organization who worked very hard for his electoral victories and the generality of the less privileged in his constituency. Six (6 no)salon cars, over 150 tricycles (Keke napep) and Hundreds of Sewing machines, grinding machines, textile fabrics, hair dryers, motor cycles were distributed among many indigenes and inhabitants of all the towns in the three local governments that constitute his federal

constituency. A number of wheel chairs were also distributed to the physically challenged. It was generally confirmed that this very empowerment programme was the most far reaching in scope in Anambra State and that never in the history of the state had such number of such number of poverty alleviating facilitates and equipments been given to such number of beneficiaries. The atmosphere was electric, the ovation was thunderous and the crowd stood in wonder and bewilderment. It looked like a movie scene tales by moonlight but real. It needed to be seen, to be believed. There is no doubt that the Hon. Dozie Nwankwo Empowerment Programme has put food on the table of thousands of people, made equal number of people bread winners in their families, thereby improving the social status and economy of the three local government areas in the state in particular and Anambrarians generally. If service to the people is a major yardstick with which a politician’s role in the society should be accessed, then Hon. Chief Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo (Onyendozi) has surpassed expectations. Does he really belong to the political class in Nigeria? Or a different genre in politics. Here come their genre leader, the leader of our dreams. A better one is yet to come or may not even have being born. May we have more of his kind. –Okeke is a political analyst.

Portugal Reopens Consular Office in Lagos Bayo Adeoye

istory was made last Tuesday when the Portugal Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr António Pedro da Vinha Rodrigues da Silva and other representatives of Portugal stormed the CBC Towers ,Lekki, Lagos State for the official lunch of Five Thousand Miles initiative and the Office of the Consular for Portugal in Lagos. While declaring the place opened the Ambassador re-affirmed his country quest to tighten the bond between Nigeria and Portugal to enable a business friendly environment inspite the current economic recession. While addressing members of the press,Mr

Antonio, spoke on the need to reopen a new consular office at the CBC Towers, Lekki Lagos; where he describes as the ‘New York’ of Africa. “I am very happy on this occasion because it’s important for Portugal and Nigeria because we are re-opening our consular office in Lagos. We are making a statement and willingness to develop and strengthen the bilateral relationship we have with Nigeria” The well -travelled envoy also used the occasion to introduce the Newly appointed Honorary Consular in Lagos, Mr Pedro Hipolito, who is also the CEO Five Thousand Miles to the media, his duty according to Mr. Rodrigues da Silva is not only to serve the Portuguese community in Lagos or

South-west Nigeria, but also to work toward strengthen the economic and trade relationship between our two countries. Mr Hipolito in his acceptance speech expressed his pleasure in working in Nigeria as Honorary Consul for Portugal. “As a business man, and C.E.O of Five Thousand Miles, I have been doing business in Nigeria for seven years ; despite the economic recession, I am still optimistic about the future of Nigeria. I will say I am the number one European fan of Nigeria, I can give my testimony. Nigerians are hardworking, truthful and honest people, I can guarantee that with the new development, I and the Embassy, will woo companies from Portugal and other European to invest

in Nigeria as a way to create more jobs for Nigerians’. He added. Mr Pedro, further spoke about his company that was used as a tool to facilitate the new bond between the two countries, He said ‘Five Thousand Miles (5TM) is an international business development agency that dedicates itself to providing a range of diversified services intended to support companies who wish to enter the African market. 5TM has five business areas: advisory, development, networking, trading and investment. 5TM has among its clients major companies in several business areas. 5TM also promotes networking events and pursues trading and investment opportunities.’

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

Expression

MEDIAGAFFES by

Sauce for The Goose…

AILY Sun Front Page of January 30 welcomes us today with this infraction: “Oba of Benin reads riot act (the riot act) to…” “…to stimulate employment, build more roads and other social amenities or solve one social problem or the other.” Going by the contextual pluralism of the extract, the right expression should be: one social problem or another. “Group assures on rancour free PDP Congress” Still on this recurrent blunder: who did the group assure? And this: rancour-free…. “Adewusi condemns do or die politics” This way: do-or-die politics. “The race to Government House in Anambra has began in earnest as….” (THISDAY POLITICS TODAY, December 28) Without any effort: The race has begun…. “The non Passage (sic) of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) did not help matters….” 2016 Review: The non-passage (take note of the hyphen and lower case ‘p’)…. “I seize this opportunity to express gratitude to my readers for their commitment and patronage.” I take (not seize) this opportunity to thank Mr. Bayo Oguntunase for updating me on the latest trend with regard to ‘infrastructures’. Last week’s edition of this medium offered our teeming readers copious goofs: “Expresident Umaru Yar’Adua was on his sick bed….” No eavesdropping: in his sick bed. One of the clerics who allegedly visited him sat on his sick bed. Got the point? “…a gubernatorial aspirant in Ogun State under (on) the platform of….” “After all, as they say, ‘what is good for the goose is good for the gander’ ’’. What is

sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. “Knowing what to wear and how to compliment (complement) it goes a long way….” “Ibru attempted murder: Court frees Al-Mustapha, others” (DAILY SUN Bold Headline, December 2) I just hope that the Voice of The Nation is not being mischievous: the publisher of The Guardian newspapers could not have attempted suicide, let alone murder, as DAILY SUN ignorantly insinuated! A rewrite: Murder attempt on Ibru: Court frees Al-Mustapha, others. Please, let us not premeditate murder in the name of journalism. Vanguard of December 29 sent out the following errors: “The state, therefore, does not deserve the treatment being currently meted to it”. Classical expression: being meted out to it. “Chief of Naval Staff advocates for increased productivity via industrialization” When used as a verb, ‘advocate’ does not admit ‘for’. Let us avoid verbiage in headline casting: Naval Chief advocates increased productivity. “For the university to recommend that students should pay for the damages while they have….” A common mistake: except in legalese, ‘damage’ cannot be pluralized. “…rather than investigating and finding out who were involved and check against future re-occurrence: Beyond recurrence, can an event yet to take place happen in the past? “…the university is pointing its accusing fingers in the direction of the lecturers.” True idiom: point a/the finger. No inclusion of ‘accusing’ or inflection of ‘finger’. “It is our belief that we members of the alumni association of our alma Mata (Alma Mater) have unique roles to play in the restoration of sanity on our university

campus.” It is…restoration of sanity to (not on) our campus. “Isn’t it funny that it is the beak with which a bird builds it’s (sic) nest that it uses to scatter it.” Possessive: its “…the OAU summiteers concentrated almost exclusive (sic) on the political independence and liberation of countries in (on) the continent.” Vanguard of December 4 contained two putrid lines: “Monday’s action, which started at dawn, was as a result of the breakdown of series of negotiations…” An agendum: a series of negotiations. “According to investigations, the deceased was said to be resting alone in his room at about 9.p.m….” Every reporter should be decisive based on timing which description to use: either at or about 9 p.m. The two cannot co-function. “According to the source, the institution has a very high percentage of failure in the last academic year.” Reported speech: the institution had (not has). “… that the authorities of the institution was (were) still waiting the result of the police analysis of the bomb”. “…in the next three years, its per capital income would have ...” This way: per capita income.

FEEDBACK

Lest we forget, CELEBRATER or Celebrator is reserved for someone having a good time while “celebrant” is reserved for someone who conducts a religious rite. If “celebrator” becomes overworked/over – used or becomes obsolete, then “celebrater”, the original word, will take over (Look it up in The New International Webster’s Comprehensive Dictionary of The English Language, page 214 and The Associated Press STYLEBOOK, page 36). “Inquire” is the preferred spelling, NOT

Ebere Wabara

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“enquire” and “inquiry” is preferred to “enquiry” (DICTIONARY OF USAGE, page 91). Besides, in American English, the general preference is to use “inquiry” (GOOD WORD GUIDE, page 99). The debate continues. Well done, brother! (Bayo Oguntunase, Language activist, Adoro62@yahoo.co.uk) MR. Wabara, I have always enjoyed your every Saturday tonic—Media Gaffes. Keep it up. I wish to draw your attention to our discussion on the word ‘about’ in one of last month’s editions. You inadvertently repeated what was required to be corrected as the correction. Secondly, one of your contributors to that edition should have said, ‘about 1,720 or 1,700’…rounded to the nearest 10 or 100 (sic) would have read rounded up or down to the nearest 10 or 100. And this: 1,729 or 1,700 (to the nearest 10 and 100 respectively). For instance, 1,755 can be rounded up to 1,800 (not 100). Thank you. (Surveyor J. O. Amayo, Benin City, 08051646227) THE next two contributions by Mr. Kola Danisa (07068074257) are from THE NATION of August 24: “Over four months after their abduction, the girls are yet (have yet) to be located.” “Liberia is (has) yet to return to….” And this: “…untapped heroic potentials (potential)….” DR. Stanley Nduagu (08062925996) sent in the next faulty extract from Aba: “The Nigerian nurses as endangered specie (species)” (Nigerian nurses and midwives’ advertorial) ‘Species’ is both singular and plural. The word ‘specie’ has no place in English language. “Then it was catalogue of misses for the Super Eagles.” In the spirit of qualification: a catalogue of misses. “The home of the chairman…was vandalized and most of his properties littered outside.” No chaos: most of his property.

vintage

Olumodeji,KidneyFailurePatient,NeedsN12mforTransplant Godwin Ifijeh

nless aid comes to her quickly and she gets the N12million needed to immediately travel to India to replace her two ruptured e kidneys, Mrs. Olumodeji, a brilliant middle aged woman of academic excellence, stands to die prematurely any time soon, reports ----Mrs. Titi Juliana Olawoyin Olumodeji had worked variously in different capacities in some private businesses in the SouthWest region of Nigeria, Lagos in particular. She was agile, loving and loved. Neighbours described her as extremely quiet, easy going and kind. As one petty trader next door to her house, Mrs. Bisi Sowemimo, said of her, Mrs. Olumodeji will only not give you what she has put in her mouth to eat. “She completely took over my family’s care after I lost my husband some 5 years ago and I could not cater for my children and pay our rent any longer. Apart from ensuring that my little kids, who had stopped school, returned to school, she took me and my three kids into her house, fed and took care of us. In fact, she made it possible for me to stand on my own by facilitating the process that made it possible for me to raise the money with which I started this little trading business I am into today. She guided me through the business and I ensured that I could fend for myself and kids, she was a teacher and a counsellor, in this little neighbourhood, she was in her young age a mother to all, she was gentle, kind and loving but our jewel is down today sick, we don’t have the where withal to help her, we are appealing to the world, Christians, Muslims, corporate institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), churches and mosques, governments and government institutions to come to the aid of this

Olumodeji

godly woman and save her life for us and humanity,” Mrs. Sowemimo, a widow of over six years, who sells fruits and food stuffs in the Meiran neighbourhood of the Olumodejis, a Lagos suburb, pleaded in tears at the Olumodejis’ house during the week. Now lying helpless in her hospital

bed, the 47-year old Mrs. Olumodeji is suffering from a chronic kidney disease, which her doctors say will require her to undergo renal transplantation in India. Her two kidneys are reportedly affected In a letter of appeal dated October 13, 2016 and signed by her doctor, .A.O. Banjoko of the Dialyzer Specialist Medi-

cal Centre, Lagos, where she has been undergoing hemodialysis sessions, the hospital stated: “Mrs. Olumodeji Titi, aged 47 years, a patient with renal function impairment, was diagnosed with chronic kidney Disease a year ago in LASUTH and has been on follow up here. Due to worsening renal function, she started hemodialysis on 8.10.16 and has had two sessions thus far. “Mrs. Olumodeji is currently scheduled for twice weekly hemodialysis sessions and intradialysis blood transfusions. However, it is advisable for her to have renal transplantation done because the quality of life and survival outcomes of post-transplant patients is greatly improved by the procedure. This can be done in India. Any financial assistance in this regards will be greatly appreciated.” Mrs. Olumodeji, with her husband, Mr.Biodun Olumodeji on her bedside in hospital, pleaded for public help, stating that she requires N12million to successfully carry out the kidney transplant in India. She said she has been undergoing hemodialysis twice weekly at a cost of N56, 000.00 per session, making N112, 000 a week. Her husband, who joined her in the appeal, pleaded with all good spirited people, governments, politicians, businessmen and women and religious bodies to come to their aid to help save the wife’s life. According to him, he has spent all they have on her medical care with their children now thrown out of school as he is unable to pay their school fees anymore and feeding as well has proven to be difficult for them. While he gave his telephone numbers as 08023680469, 08023205665 and 08174108037 for the benefit of those who would want to reach them for enquiries, he said donors could make payment to Mrs. Olumodeji Titi Juliana through her First Bank Account No. 3050576796. He wishes all donors and contributors God;s blessings, guidance and replenishment.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •FEBRUARY 4, 2017

auto

2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom

2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom Overview Stories by Bennett Oghifo

he Phantom comes in four body styles. The standard Phantom features four doors and seemingly acres of room in the interior--it is an ultra-luxurious take on the 4-door family car. Those buyers who employ a driver may prefer the Extended Wheelbase version, which adds additional luxury and legroom to the rear-seat occupants, and its extended wheelbase offering even more rear leg room. The Coupe and its convertible version, the Drophead feature only two doors. These two models represent the ultimate in personal luxury transportation, designed in every way to cater to owners who want to experience driving in one of the most exclusive cars ever built.

All Phantoms come with a huge list of standard features and interiors are immaculate. Leather is used nearly everywhere and is available in a variety of colors, both monotone and 2-tone. In fact--the entire interior of the car is really up to the buyer, with a mind-boggling number of configurations available. Rear seats can be configured for either two or three passengers with unique bolstering and seat design for each. Various colors are available not just for the leather but for the thread used to stitch that leather together, headrests are available with or without the “Rolls-Royce” logo and the wood trimmed interior is available with four different types of wood finishes. Though it all sounds wonderfully old fashioned, the Phantom is obviously a very modern vehicle. A navigation system features full 3D maps and

topography, displayed on a large 8.8-inch screen. Front, rear and even top view cameras make maneuvering the car much easier than in years past especially while parking, as the Phantom is a quite a large vehicle. Power comes from a 6.75L V12 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic. The engine is extremely torquey and is powerful enough to make the Phantom pretty quick in a straight line. But anyone looking to race the Phantom have likely missed the point of this vehicle. Yes, the car is fast and handles pretty well, but that’s more of a byproduct of doing everything well than any specific design goal. Rolls-Royce achieves an impressive level of performance considering the Phantom’s weight, but where the Phantom succeeds in every way is in its pursuit of the ultimate luxury car experience.

FRSC Begins Enforcement of Speed Limiter

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has started implementing of the enforcement of Speed Limiters for commercial vehicles nationwide. It would be recalled that the Corps had embarked on advisory enforcement last year without apprehending motorists. According to the Unit Commander, Lekki Unit Command, Assistant Corps Commander Azubike Onyemeh, “the Federal Road Safety Corps in the last couple of months has been on a Subtle Enforcement of the Speed Limiter on Commercial Fleet. This is sequel to previous stakeholders consultation and public sensitization on the imperative for having speed limiting devices fitted on commercial vehicles. The Corps is poised to commence full enforcement of the speed limiter on all commercial fleet with effect from 1st February, 2017. The enforcement of the speed limiter is provided for in the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012, Section152 (4) which states that “A person shall not drive a vehicle on any public road which is not fitted with a speed limiter.” According to Onyemeh, “the essence of enforcing this provision of the NRTR 2012 is to mitigate speed related Road Traffic Crashes. Consequent on the foregoing, the unit hereby places on notice the general public and commercial fleet operators in Lekki-Ajah axis in particular that the Command shall begin full enforcement of the speed limiting device on

Wednesday, 1st February, 2017 as directed. The understanding and cooperation of the general public is highly solicited”. It would be recalled that the FRSC had met with relevant stakeholders before the enforcement of the Speed Limiter. According to the

Oyeyemi

Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, “the Standard Organisation of Nigeria has approved the standard of the device which is to help cut down the speed limit. No matter how you accelerate, you cannot exceed that speed limit of a 100.”

Volkswagen Overtakes Toyota as World’s Biggest Carmaker

olkswagen has overtaken Toyota to become the world’s best-selling carmaker, the first time the German company has held the position. Japan’s Toyota, which had topped sales for the past four years, sold 10.175 million vehicles globally in 2016. That fell short of the 10.31 million sales which VW reported last week. The milestone comes despite VW’s scandal over emissions tests cheating, which sparked a global backlash and multiple lawsuits. A spokesman for VW said: “2016 was a very challenging year for us.” The company “made strides in resolving and overcoming the diesel crisis” and initiated fundamental change in the company’s long-term strategy, he said. “Nonetheless, we managed to stabilise operating business in difficult conditions: the fact that we handed over more than 10 million vehicles to customers last year bolsters the group and its brands as we head for the future,” he added. Volkswagen, which makes the Audi, Porsche and Skoda brands, saw a 3.8% increase in sales buoyed by demand in China. And it has been making inroads in other markets too. In Sweden for example, the Volkswagen Golf was the most popular new car in 2016. Toyota’s sales grew by 0.2% - though it appears to have suffered from a slowdown in the US car industry. General Motors reports its figures next week, but it is expected to lag both the Japanese and the German firms.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •FEBRUARY 4, 2017

auto

Honda S2000 Successor Could be Coming Sooner Than We Thought Stories by Bennett Oghifo

replacement for the Honda S2000 could debut next year. According to Car and Driver, one source says Honda will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2018 by unveiling a successor to the Honda S2000, along with an RC213V-S superbike. Rumors of a baby Honda NSX have been circulating for quite some time now, and it could as a sports car offering in Honda’s lineup since the NSX is sold as an Acura in the U.S. Originally expected to use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Civic Type R, the source says that’s no longer the case since by 2018, that engine will be old news. “We need to take things forward,” they added. “As a celebratory model, the sports car must be special, so it must have a new powertrain and a unique chassis.” Japanese publication Holiday Auto reports the S2000 successor will feature a two-stage electric boosting system that is similar to a technology used by Mitsubishi. The system essentially uses an electrically driven supercharger, a conventional turbocharger, a bypass valve and other components typically associated with forced induction. Mitsubishi found that these sort of systems are more fuel efficient than current twin-turbo setups and

Honda S2000

feature little to no turbo lag. As an added bonus, they’re compact and lightweight. That means Honda could use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a twin-charge system to generate over 320 horsepower, while mated to an eight-speed dualclutch transmission.

Interested? Expect to see the model debut in 2018 at either the Paris Motor Show or the Los Angeles Auto Show. Given that it’s targeting the U.S. market, it’s more likely it will bow in Southern California.

(Source: Car and Driver)

Toyota Australia Announces Closure Date

oyota Australia has today announced that Tuesday 3 October 2017 will be its final day of vehicle production at its Altona manufacturing plant. As part of the shutdown process, the plant will stop building Aurion vehicles in August, Camry Hybrid vehicles in September and Camry Petrol vehicles in October. The company will continue operating both AM and PM shifts until the final closure date. This will ensure the total volume production of 61,000 vehicles for the year, made up of 26,600 domestic and 34,400 exports, is met. Toyota Australia President Dave Buttner reinforced the company’s commitment to supporting employees throughout the transition period and beyond. “Our priority over the remaining months is to continue to support our employees in every way possible so that they are well prepared for the future,” Mr Buttner said. “We remain extremely proud of our rich manufacturing history which spans over 50 years. Our employees are committed to producing vehicles of the highest quality as we work towards our goal of ‘last car = best global car’.” As part of Toyota Australia’s transition to a national sales and distribution company, the consolidation of all corporate functions from Sydney to Melbourne will take effect by 1 January 2018. As a result of this consolidation and closure of manufacturing, the number of employees will reduce from 3,900 people to approximately 1,300.

Hyundai Motor Sold 4.86M Units Worldwide in 2016

yundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, today announced its 2016 full-year business results. Sales volume and operating profit declined from the same period last year due to high production cost caused by series of labor strikes and continued economic stagnancies in emerging markets. For the year 2016, Hyundai Motor Company’s global sales totaled 4,857,933 units (Korea: 656,526 / overseas: 4,201,407), down 2.1 percent year-on-year. Despite year-on-year decrease in sales, Hyundai Motor’s sales revenue increased 1.8 percent to KRW 93.65 trillion (auto: KRW 72.68 trillion / finance and others: KRW 20.97 trillion) from a year earlier owing to sales increase of SUVs and GENESIS models.

Operating profit fell 18.3 percent to KRW 5.19 trillion and net profit showed a 12.1 percent decrease to KRW 5.72 trillion, for 2016. In the fourth quarter alone, global sales totaled 1,380,024 units while sales revenue posted KRW 24.54 trillion with operating profit of KRW 1.02 trillion. Hyundai Motor forecasts the business environment to be ever more uncertain due to continued sluggish global economy and possibility of increase in protectionist trade policies. Nevertheless, Hyundai Motor will continue its effort to focus on strengthening competitiveness and product quality in the global automotive market. To do so, Hyundai Motor will launch variety of new cars and boost sales of SUVs, GENESIS models and eco-friendly models.

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

Speed Limiter Verification Code- A Must Read For Commuters

erify your speed limiter with code 33811. Are you a regular traveler and like my friend Koffi enjoy patronizing the good and the ugly transporter because you have no alternative? Do you freak out each time you hear of road traffic crashes and near misses on our roads, resulting in avoidable deaths? Do you know we can collectively checkmate the madness and irresponsible driving behaviors and practices by some of these operators? Well the good news is that we have empowered you in our usual strategy to guard you against operators whose business principles are built on excessive speeding and reckless driving? You now have the tool to monitor best practice based operators so that you can always make the right choice when embarking on any trip. This is why I have chosen to focus on how you can do this in our quest to bequeath a safer road culture. When the speed limiter enforcement on the compulsory enforcement of speed limiter device for all commercial vehicles as endorsed by President Muhammadu Buhari, in October 2016 commenced on Feb 1 2017, it was with some drama and comic relief which has lately become a Nigerian novelty. Reports from across Commands within my Zone is in the first three days indicate that it has been smooth without

Safe driving with

Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

any form of hiccups as earlier envisaged by some people because of the typical penchant by some Nigerians to dismiss governments intervention no matter the novelty as a project doomed to fail. The synergy exhibited thus far between the Corps and sister agencies has been really outstanding. Despite this positives, I must state here that drama or comic relief as usual has helped to make the enforforcement truly Nigerian .I am yet to get reports of these drama scenes within my Zone but reports from other parts are worth noting. Lagos no doubt provides us with the first incident. At one of the toll gates in Lagos to be precise, the driver of one of the notable transport company thrilled both his passengers and operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps at no cost. The drama opened when the driver was stopped by the operatives in keeping with the ongoing enforcement. Despite being the assigned driver

for the vehicle which was heading to the eastern part of the country, the driver did not know that the vehicle assigned to him has been installed with the device. According to one of my big oga in the business of pushing pen who incidentally was in the vehicle at the time of arrest, there was confusion as the driver also could not explain what a speed limiter is. I know that one of the strategies being employed by some transport operators is to conceal the installation from the drivers to guard against tampering of the device, removing the device or resetting the device which is one of the hiccups confronting its enforcement in other climes. What this means is that we must sustain the level of engagement and advocacies to ensure that all operators buy in and also understand what the speed limiter truly is. While we worry over this kind of ignorance, we must commend the operating fleet company for this strategy which demonstrates commitment to guard against possible abuse by some drivers. I do wish other operators could borrow of leaf from this company While we remain hopeful on this development, it is crucial for commuters to shine their eyes like we say in the typical Nigerian parlance. I know that commuter passivity has remained a bane in trending road traffic crashes in the country. Over the years we have received reports and confession by drivers and other commuters on

how some engineer drivers to drive dangerously and speed excessively oblivious of the risk they expose themselves. This is why commuters must take keen interest on daily progress being made by the Corps .They can do this through keenly utilizing the crucial information on how to verify if a vehicle is installed with a speed limiting device. In keeping with our current practice and standard with most of our products such as the number plate and drivers licence, we have equally created a platform to ease enforcement by our operatives and other security agencies and to also aid commuters in whose interest the success of the current enforcement lies. This is because every time you hear of a road traffic crash, what you most time is that three commuters lost their lives while the driver receiving treatment. Even where he dies you get a ratio of one driver to five or more commuters. For simplicity sake, the same code currently being used for verifying drivers numbers is applicable for verifying speed limiting device .All that is required is to text the number of the vehicle to the short code 33811 thus: text,confirmsld plateno to 33811.The second option is to visit FRSC web portal (www.frsc.gov. ng); at the bottom of the home page click speed limiting device button or type “speedlimiter.frsc. gov.ng” on the web browser; enter the vehicle plate number at the middle-left of the home page then click submit button to verify.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper • February 4, 2017

Family Health with

Fertility Issues with Males

very man is born with a macho instinct , that increases with age from early puberty and is heightened mid twenty as young adult until mid-thirties , when it begins to taper off. At this time many things may have occurred with your seed. Many men do not know, because it may not give you any particular symptoms , unless you are very observant. If you are sexually active, this may expose you to STD, is you are a careless and carefree misguided Trojan horse. Reproduction (or making a baby) is a simple and natural experience for most couples. However, for some couples it is very difficult to conceive. A man’s fertility generally relies on the quantity and quality of his sperm. If the number of sperm a man ejaculates is low or if the sperm are of a poor quality, it will be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for him to cause a pregnancy. Male infertility is diagnosed when, after testing both partners, reproductive problems have been found in the male. It is estimated that one in 20 men has some kind of fertility problem with low numbers of sperm in his ejaculate. However, only about one in every 100 men has no sperm in his ejaculate. Sexuality in men is relative. This is so because as some are have very normal sexual drive, others do not have any at all, while some men sow their wild oats carelessly. Up to 15 percent of couples are infertile. This means they aren’t able to conceive a child even though they’ve had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In up to half of these couples, male infertility plays a role. Despite the relative importance of infertility due to the male, infertility evaluations have traditionally focused on women, because women tend to seek gynecological care and because men often are reluctant to seek advice. The testes (testis: singular) are a pair of egg-shaped glands that sit in the scrotum next to the base of the penis on the outside of the body. The testes make sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone. It takes about 70 days for sperm to become mature and able to fertilise an egg. When released from the testes, the sperm spend two to 10 days passing through the epididymis where they gain the vital ability to swim strongly (become ‘motile’), and to attach to and penetrate (get into) the egg. Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility. Not being able to conceive a child can be stressful and frustrating, but a number of male infertility treatments are available. The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes signs and symptoms. There are symptoms Although most men with male infertility do not notice symptoms other than inability to conceive a child, signs and symptoms associated with male infertility include: • Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) • Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area • Recurrent respiratory infections • Inability to smell • Abnormal breast growth • Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality Having a lower than normal sperm count • (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate) re are symptoms which may and not be obvious. You may need to see a doctor if When you have tried to get your wife pregnant , and you are unable after a year of unprotected sex, you should see a doctor. • Have erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function • Have pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area • Have a history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems • Have had groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery. A fertile man should be able to do these 1. You must produce healthy sperm. Initially, this involves the growth and formation of the male reproductive organs during puberty. At least one of your testicles must be functioning correctly, and your body must produce testosterone and other hormones to trigger and maintain sperm production. 2. Sperm have to be carried into the semen. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. 3. There needs to be enough sperm in the semen. If the number of sperm in your semen (sperm count) is low, it decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner’s egg. A low sperm count is fewer

Bobo Bode -Kayode

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

• Certain medications. Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal medications, some ulcer drugs and certain other medications can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility. • Prior surgeries. Certain surgeries may prevent you from having sperm in your prostate surgeries, and large abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and rectal cancers, among others. Environmental causes • Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm production or sperm function. Specific causes include: • Industrial chemicals. Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead may contribute to low sperm counts. • Heavy metal exposure. Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also may cause infertility. • Radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production, though it will often eventually return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced. • Overheating the testicles. Elevated temperatures impair sperm production and function. Although studies are limited and are inconclusive, frequent use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily impair your sperm count. • Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time also may increase the temperature in your scrotum and may slightly reduce sperm production.

Sperm production may also improve by taking clinically proven supplements. Anything that increases the number of healthy sperm increases the chances of conception. Many health food stores and vitamin shops offer male fertility supplements Artificial insemination is an option if the man’s sperm count is low. In this procedure, sperm is collected through multiple ejaculations. They are then manually placed in the female’s uterus or fallopian tubes

than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million per ejaculate. 4. Sperm must be functional and able to move. If the movement (motility) or function of your sperm is abnormal, the sperm may not be able to reach or penetrate your partner’s egg. 5. Causes include medical anomarlies and environmental causes. Male infertility has many causes--from hormonal imbalances, to physical problems, to psychological and/ or behavioral problems. Moreover, fertility reflects a man’s “overall” health. Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm. • Varicocele. A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It’s the most common reversible cause of male infertility. Although the exact reason that varicoceles cause infertility is unknown, it may be related to abnormal testicular temperature regulation. Varicoceles result in reduced quality of the Sperm Infection. Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include inflammation of the epididymis testicles and some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV. Although some infections can result in permanent testicular damage, most often sperm can still be retrieved. • Ejaculation issues. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out the tip of the penis • Antibodies that attack sperm. Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to eliminate them. • Tumors. Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland, or through unknown causes. Undescended testicles. In some males, during fetal development one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (scrotum). Decreased fertility is more likely in men who have had this condition. • Hormone imbalances. Infertility can result from disorders of the testicles themselves or an abnormality affecting other hormonal systems including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) and other hormonal problems have a number of possible underlying causes. • Defects of tubules that transport sperm. Many different tubes carry sperm. They can be blocked due to various causes, including inadvertent injury from surgery, prior infections, trauma or abnormal development, such as with cystic fibrosis or similar inherited conditions. • Chromosome defects. Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter’s syndrome — in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome (instead of one X and one Y) — cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. • Problems with sexual intercourse. These can include trouble keeping or maintaining an erection sufficient for sex (erectile dysfunction), premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, anatomical abnormalities such as having a urethral opening beneath the penis), or psychological or relationship problems that interfere with sex..

Health, lifestyle and other causes • Illicit drug use. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well. • Alcohol use. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking also may lead to fertility problems. • Tobacco smoking. Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don’t smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility. • Emotional stress. Stress can interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including problems with fertility, can affect your sperm count. • Weight. Obesity can impair fertility in several ways, including directly impacting sperm themselves as well as by causing hormone changes that reduce male fertility. • Certain occupations including welding or those involving prolonged sitting, such as truck driving, may be associated with a risk of infertility. Treatments include : Taking medications to help increase sperm production Taking antibiotics to heal an infection Taking hormones to improve hormone imbalance Avoiding taking long hot showers, using hot tubs or saunas Wearing looser underwear such as boxer shorts versus jockey shorts Sperm production may also improve by taking clinically proven supplements. Anything that increases the number of healthy sperm increases the chances of conception. Many health food stores and vitamin shops offer male fertility supplements Artificial insemination is an option if the man’s sperm count is low. In this procedure, sperm is collected through multiple ejaculations. They are then manually placed in the female’s uterus or fallopian tubes. In vitro fertilization is another option that can be used to overcome male infertility factors. In this procedure, the sperm and egg are fertilized in a laboratory after which the fertilized egg is placed in the female’s uterus. If tests show that there is no sperm production or that other related problems are present, donor sperm can be used to help facilitate conception. In this procedure, donor sperm are obtained from a sperm bank and placed inside the female’s uterus or fallopian tubes through artificial insemination. Can male infertility be prevented? There is usually nothing that can be done to prevent male infertility caused by genetic problems or illness. However, there are actions that men can take to decrease the possibility of infertility. These include Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases Avoiding illicit drugs Avoiding radiation when possible Avoiding exposure to toxic substances Avoiding heavy or frequent use of alcohol Observing good personal hygiene and health practices Avoiding long, hot baths, hot tubs or saunas Wearing loose-fitting underwear.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

LONDON DERBY

PAGE. 29 04.02.2017

China: A New Haven for Eagles’ Stars

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Odion Ighalo's only Premier League goal this season came in the 4-2 away win at West Ham on September 10

China: A New Haven for Eagles’ Stars After managing to score just three goals this season and tumbling in the striking position’s pecking order at Watford, the English Premier League club was left no other choice than to ship Odion Ighalo to a Chinese Super League side–Chongchun Yatai. With Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi, now playing in the same league after failing to make the team at Chelsea and Nigeria’s female football sensation, Asisat Oshoala, also likely to head for China after the expiration of her contract with Arsenal at the end of the season. Kunle Adewale writes about Nigerian footballers and the Chinese connection

dion Ighalo will become English football's latest concession to the Great ‘Wad’ of China after Watford agreed a £20 million deal with Chongchun Yatai. The misfiring striker is set to follow his international teammate, John Obi Mikel, and hop aboard the Chinese Super League gravy train. “I am not surprised Odion Ighalo is doing what he is doing. I have chatted with him and played with him in the national team and I can see the talent he has, as even before I have the ball in those games, he is already making his run. He is a player who likes to exploit the space behind the defence and is a good finisher around the box,” Mikel had said of Ighalo

after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Watford in 2015/16 Premier league season. But all those abilities seem to be beyond Ighalo now as he seems to have lost his goal-scoring form Ighalo has gone from top scorer at Vicarage Road, and magician behind the 'Iggy chop' party trick, which left countless defenders on their backsides to a spare part in danger of missing out on a Premier League squad number. Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri admitted Ighalo's departure was imminent on Monday night, saying: “Every morning I ask the club what the situation is, and negotiations are now at an advanced stage, so it should only be a matter of a couple of days.” Ighalo was top scorer across all four divisions in 2015, when his 30 goals

fired the Hornets to promotion and Premier League safety. Even when the goals dried up for him in the second half of last season, Shanghai SIPD made a mind-blowing £37.5m bid for Ighalo last summer which the player rejected. His market value has however plummeted as he finished 2016 with just six goals in all competitions, and Watford's top brass agree a fresh start is the best solution for all parties. Another Chinese club, Shanghai Shenhua, were exploring the possibility of pairing Ighalo with Carlos Tevez, but they would not meet Watford's £27m asking price for a player their rivals SIPD had valued £10m higher only six months ago. Ighalo, who appeared to be waving

goodbye to travelling fans after the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth was left out of the squad altogether for the embarrassing FA Cup defeat at Millwall on Sunday. Speaking to THISDAY in Lagos, former Manchester United striker, Louis Saha, noted that the Chinese League would never be a threat to European leagues in spite of the ridiculous amount it is using to lure players to China. “I don’t see the Chinese Super League as a threat to the European big leagues. Leaving the top league in Europe for China is just a matter of choice. Moreover, aside from very few players, a number of players that are leaving Europe for China are those that cannot really command regular jersey in their clubs,” Saha said. Corroborating Saha’s stand on the Chinese League is Bayern Munich winger,

FEBRUARY 4, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Former Manchester United Striker, Louis Saha, with the Pupils of St John’s Catholic Primariry School, Bolade, during Kansai Plascon Schools' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Saha Reminisce Football, Dancing Skills as He Thrills School Children in Lagos

N Mikel Obi seeks refuge in China after failing to pin a regular shirt at Chelsea

Arjen Robben, who recently rejected an offer of a move to the Chinese Super League after he agreed to sign a one-year contract extension but admitted he had the opportunity to cash in on a big-money offer to move to China. "A transfer to China would be something else entirely. That is basically acknowledging your career is over. I want to keep playing at the highest level as long as possible," Robben said. "I do not understand players going to China at the age of 27 or 28. Those guys are at the peak of their career. That is a waste really. You only get one career. I sort of understand players who are already in their 30s.nIt is all about a certain madness that is ongoing in China right now. They are offering some crazy figures. I also got some offers. The money on show is so crazy that you at least have to consider it. They are offering maybe four, five or six times the amounts you get at a big club. But money has never driven me. That is why I have had such a great career. It is about football for me," he added. It would be recalled that some Nigerian players like Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins, Victor Agali, Garba Lawal and Anthony Ujah moved to China after a dwindling career in Europe. As a boy, Ighalo and his Olodi Warriors team-mates would hit the deck when they heard gun fire during training. The bullets didn’t know the difference between the young footballers and the drug dealers selling their narcotics on a corner of the pitch, which the police were targeting. Growing up in the Ajegunle ghetto, at the heart of Lagos, life can be like that. The pitch where he trained and played

as a child is called the ‘Maracana’ by locals, in the Tolu Area of the community. It is one of the most popular places in Ajegunle and has become known as the place that turns filth into gold. Some houses are even built on top of great mounds. But out of its depths have emerged footballers who would go on to make waves in Europe. Ighalo is one of them. His mother, Martina, worked day and night selling water and soft drinks to save up for his first pair of boots against his father, Paul’s wish, who wanted his son to go to school and study, so his parents would argue. Ighalo however chose a pair of adidas Copa Mundials, displaying a touch of class, even back then. Goalscoring was his primary function as his 28 league strikes in 2015 were more than anyone in English football’s top four divisions. In the top five European leagues, he was just behind Cristiano Ronaldo (35), Lionel Messi (33), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (29) and alongside Luis Suarez in joint-fourth. Ighalo was born on June 16, 1989 in Lagos. He played for Prime FC of Oshogbo and Julius Berger of Lagos from where he was discovered by FIFA agent, Marcelo Houseman, who recommended him to Atta Aneke, and was subsequently taken on trial by Norway's Lyn Football. On July 30, 2008 Ighalo signed for Udinese in Italy and agreed to a five-year contract. He was later loaned to Granada FC in the 2009 summer, as part of the partnership agreement between Udinese and the Spaniards. He scored 17 times in his first year and five in the second, as both seasons ended in promotion; this was interspersed with a brief loan stint back in Italy with A.C. Cesena.

ot many would have known that aside from his football skills, former Manchester United striker, Louis Saha, also has great dancing steps and that was what he displayed to the delight of teachers and pupils of St. John’s Catholic School and Temidire Primary School, Shogunle, Oshodi, Lagos on Tuesday. The former French international, who was in Nigeria as the Brand Ambasador of paint manufacturing company, Kansai Plascon, said he felt very good among the children. “It’s not every time you get this kind of opportunity to be among beautiful and loving children like this. I feel good to be among them. They are very loving and enthusiastic children,” Saha told THISDAY. His presence at the two schools indeed attracted several football-lovers to the axis as everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the former Everton player. However, for teachers and pupils of St. John’s Catholic School and Temidire Primary School, Shogunle, it was one moment they would take to their graves as Saha also reminiscence some of those skills that endeared him to fans of several clubs he starred for. Kansai Plascon, which is the official paint of Manchester United is a major innovation drive in the industrial and furniture coatings markets in South and Southern Africa, which is just entering the Nigerian market. Saha, who won the EUFA Champions League with the Old Trafford Club hailed the management of the company for its great foresight, saying, “What they are doing is in line with the vision of great footballers all over the world. Young players who believe in their dream should have something to do with Kansai Plascon because of their quality products.” As part of its strategic expansion into Africa as the continent’s number one coatings company, Kansai Plascon opened its Nigeria office bringing its innovative and excellent range of premium paints closer to Nigeria consumers. The launch which was held at the Kansai Plascon corporate office situated at Victoria Island Lagos on Monday had in attendance the representative of the minister for trade, commerce and industry, Mr Ibikunle Adams, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke and other dignitaries. The event also afforded guests the opportunity to have a feel of the company’s top quality premium paints produced with state-of-the-art technology.

The President, Kansai Plascon, Mr Hiroshi Ishino, said the company has been around for a while, but in 2012 it changed its name from Plascon South Africa to Kansai Plascon to further deliver top quality products to consumers around the world including Africa. Speaking on their choice of partnership, Ishino stated that “Kansai Plascon likes to enter into African countries with local partners to ensure that the growth and development within these countries is locally relevant and meaningful. We embrace the culture and unique aspects of each African country we enter, to ensure we develop our business with the utmost respect and consideration for each country and as the Power House of Africa, especially the West African Region, Kansai Plascon investigated the marketplace thoroughly before entering into the Nigeria market. It took three years of investigation, discussions, negotiations and development of understanding in Nigeria, before we found the right partners to join hands with to enter Nigeria. He further reinstated the company’s commitment towards investing in local communities and upliftment programmes by donating paints and educational materials to pupils of Shogunle and Temidire primary school in Lagos Nigeria through its brand Icon Saha.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 4, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Can Arsenal Stop Runaway Chelsea in Today’s London Derby?

In spite of dropping two points at Anfield on Tuesday, Chelsea still extend their lead on the Premier League table to nine points courtesy of Arsenal 2-1 loss to Watford, therefore condemning Arsene Wenger to carting away the maximum points in today’s London Derby at Stanford Bridge to keep the Gunners title dream alive

helsea’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in September was their heaviest against them since April 1997. They were previously unbeaten in nine Premier League games against Arsenal. This is plenty of motivation for Diego Costa and company to get their own back! Since the Arsenal defeat, Chelsea have only lost one other game as that day at the Emirates heralded a formational change. Chelsea are a different side to the one that arrived at the Emirates and they'll want to prove their mettle with a win. Arsenal have not done the double over Chelsea in the same season since 2003/04, the season in which they last won the Premier League. Like Chelsea, Arsenal have plenty of incentive and motivation in order to claim this London Derby. The defeat to the Hornerts typically explains why Arsenal may not win the title anytime soon. Around this time of year is where Arsenal start to crumble simply because Wenger fails to add extra quality to his fatigued

squad. How will Wenger turn this around? HIs job is made doubly hard since he still has to serve two more games in the stands. It does not take much of a downturn in Arsenal’s form to bring up the subject but Wenger’s future is under the spotlight again after the damaging defeat by Watford on Tuesday. A victory against Chelsea today is essential now, not just in keeping alive the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes but also in quashing another uprising against Wenger which rises and falls as the team’s fortunes fluctuate. There are no guarantees in this most unpredictable of divisions but a defeat at Stamford Bridge would leave Arsenal 12 points behind Antonio Conte’s table toppers and almost certainly resigned to lowering their sights on a top-four battle rather than a first league title success since 2004. Falling out of contention for the title by the first week in February would be a disaster for a manager who has repeatedly stated he will base his self-assessment on his ongoing value to the club based on their ability to compete for the game’s biggest prizes. Wenger’s contract expires at the end of

the season and majority shareholder, Stan Kroenke, is keen for the Frenchman to sign an extension. The decision rests solely in Wenger’s hands but fans will question whether that should be the case if Arsenal do, indeed, fall away. Arsenal’s season is in the balance. A romantic but eminently winnable FA Cup tie against Sutton United provides a degree of optimism but Wenger will be judged and will judge himself on Arsenal’s performance in the League and Champions League. This campaign is about Wenger, who watched on from the stands on Tuesday night as he served the second game of a four-match touchline ban, proving himself capable of breaking the cyclical failures of past years, that he is capable of creating new successes and not eternally defined by old ones. This campaign is about Wenger, who watched on from the stands last night as he served the second game of a four-match touchline ban, proving himself capable of breaking the cyclical failures of past years, that he is capable of creating new successes and not eternally defined by old ones. In that context, the familiarity of their shortcomings on Tuesday is especially

alarming. They started badly, perhaps showing a lack of respect for the challenge before them. Watford had won just one league game in nine before kick-off, scoring six goals during that period, but were 2-0 up inside the opening 13 minutes, courtesy of Younes Kaboul’s deflected free-kick and Troy Deeney’s close-range finish. The opposition were intelligent, disciplined and focused from the outset but Walter Mazzarri’s high-pressing tactics were nothing Arsenal have not faced plenty of times before. Yet the Gunners made a series of individual mistakes and gifted their opponents the initiative with an anchorless first-half display similar to that against Bournemouth at the beginning of the month. This was arguably worse, and that is saying the least. At Dean Court, Arsenal were able to salvage something but against THE Hornets, the damage proved irreparable. Alex Iwobi capped the Gunners’ best period of the game with a goal shortly before the hour mark but there was no late onslaught. The lack of urgency did not reflect well on Wenger, given Liverpool were

FEBRUARY 4, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Arsenal Partners MTN Nigeria

rsenal Football Club has entered into a partnership with MTN, which will become Arsenal’s Official Mobile Telecommunications Network partner in Nigeria. The partnership will see MTN offer a number of exclusive Arsenal related benefits to the club’s large following in Nigeria as well as to MTN’s vast subscriber base. MTN will offer its customers access to a range of match and player exclusive content including match highlights, club news, interviews and club imagery. Through Arsenal’s digital platforms, MTN will also be able to engage directly with supporters in Nigeria. Promotional and marketing activities featuring Arsenal first-team players and club legends will further enhance MTN’s engagement with Arsenal supporters. Arsenal will also send specialist coaches to undertake annual coaching clinics as part of MTN’s marketing activities in Nigeria. Arsenal has fantastic support in Nigeria, with the club’s largest website traffic outside the UK coming from the country. In addition to this, the club’s second highest number of digital members and third largest Twitter following comes from Nigeria. Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “Arsenal has huge support in Nigeria, in part due to Kanu Nwankwo and the recent emergence of Alex Iwobi into the first team. This partnership with MTN will really help us engage with these passionate fans on a regular and personal basis. We are expecting MTN’s Arsenal exclusive content to be very popular among our supporters, as well as followers of football generally. This is our second regional partnership in Nigeria and fifth in Africa. It really underlines our commitment and the level of support we have on the continent.” Also speaking on the partnership, MTN’s General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Richard Iweanoge

said that the partnership is another way MTN is connecting with the passion of Nigerians. “We are excited to announce our partnership with Arsenal and look forward to engaging with sports enthusiasts beyond the current traditional broadcast of matches. Not only this but also digitally with access to exclusive contents that will be delivered via our network. This partnership is a demonstration of our long-standing support of sports which fosters unity amongst Nigerians. “This partnership will also contribute to sports talent development across the country and we look forward to welcoming Arsenal-trained coaches to Nigeria soon in this regard. Football lovers across the country can be rest assured of an exciting partnership that will bring unrivalled money can’t buy international football experience to Nigeria,” he declared. Arsenal and MTN announced details of the partnership at a press conference in Nigeria this morning, with club legend, Kanu in attendance.

Premier League

TODAY Chelsea Crystal Palace Everton Hull City Southampton Watford West Brom Tottenham SUNDAY Man City Leicester

Alex Iwobi

Hot Shots playing Chelsea at the same time and the chance to position themselves on the heels of the leaders was clear. However, Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola said the 10-point gap between his fifth-placed team and Chelsea is too much to overcome. Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, watched from the stands and must have been impressed by City’s 4-0 demolition of West Ham, but the City boss is of the opinion that he should have nothing to fear. "He doesn't have to be too wor-

v v v v v v v v

Arsenal 12:30 Sunderland 15:00 Bournemouth 15:00 Liverpool 15:00 West Ham 15:00 Burnley 15:00 Stoke City 15:00 Middlesbrough 17:30

v v

Swansea Man Utd

Juventus Roma Napoli Inter Lazio Atalanta Milan Fiorentina Torino Udinese Chievo Bologna Sampdoria Cagliari Genoa Sassuolo Empoli Crotone Palermo Pescara

ried about what he saw. They are nine points in front. Only Chelsea can lose the Premier League," Guardiola said. "When you see how many games they lost in the last 16 games, normally you can expect they won't lose many more. In sport you don't know, but I don't think we can catch them. "It's a big mistake when you are 10 points behind to think of Chelsea. We have to qualify for the Champions League first. We have been inconsistent. After we win we have drawn or lost one or two games."

Diego Costa Zlatan Ibrahimovic Alexis Sánchez Harry Kane Jermain Defoe Romelu Lukaku Sergio Agüero Dele Alli Eden Hazard Sadio Mane Christian Benteke Michail Antonio Theo Walcott Roberto Firmino

Match Facts • Chelsea have won their last eight Premier League home matches . • There have been over 2.5 goals scored in nine of Arsenal's last 11 games in the Premier League. • Chelsea have been winning at both half time and full time in six of their last eight home matches. • Chelsea have scored at least two goals in their last seven home matches against Arsenal in all competitions. • Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight home matches in the Premier League. • Chelsea have won six of their last seven home matches against Arsenal in all competitions. • Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven home matches against Arsenal in all competitions. • Chelsea have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight home Premier League matches.

07/02/10 03/10/10 27/12/10 29/10/11 21/04/12 29/09/12 20/01/13 23/12/13 22/03/14 05/10/14 26/04/15 19/09/15 24/01/16

13:30 16:00

21 28 51 22 23 47 22 23 45 22 14 42 22 10 40 22 9 39 21 6 37 21 8 34 22 7 31 22 -2 28 22 -8 28 21 -5 27 22 -4 27 22 -14 27 22 -5 25 22 -6 24 22 -17 21 21 -17 13 22 -24 11 21 -26 9

Chelsea Man Utd Arsenal Tottenham Sunderland Everton Man City Tottenham Chelsea Liverpool Palace West Ham Arsenal Liverpool

Head to Head Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal

Madrid Barcelona Sevilla Atletico Sociedad Villarreal Bilbao Celta Vigo Espanyol Eibar Las Palmas Alavés Betis Malaga Valencia Deportivo Leganés Sporting Osasuna Granada

19 34 46 20 34 42 20 15 42 20 18 36 20 3 35 20 14 34 20 4 32 20 -2 30 20 1 29 20 -1 29 20 0 28 20 -3 24 20 -10 23 20 -6 22 19 -7 19 20 -7 19 20 -18 18 20 -19 13 20 -22 10 20 -28 10

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

Premier League

Seria A

La Liga

Chelsea 23 32 56 Tottenham 23 29 47 Arsenal 23 26 47 Liverpool 23 24 46 Man City 23 19 46 Man Utd 23 12 42 Everton 23 10 37 West Brom 23 2 33 Stoke 23 -6 29 Burnley 23 -8 29 West Ham 23 -11 28 Southampton 23 -5 27 Watford 23 -12 27 Bournemouth 23 -9 26 Middlesbrough 23 -7 21 Leicester 23 -14 21 Swansea 23 -24 21 Crystal Palace 23 -9 19 Hull 23 -27 17 Sunderland 23 -22 16

2-0 2-0 3-1 3-5 0-0 1-2 2-1 0-0 6-0 2-0 0-0 2-0 0-1

Arsenal Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Chelsea

15 15 14 13 12 12 11 11 9 9 8 8 8 8

TODAY Malaga Barcelona Atlético Valencia

SUNDAY Sevilla Sporting Sociedad Celta Vigo MONDAY Granada

v v v v

Espanyol Bilbao Leganés Eibar

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

v v v v

Villarreal Alavés Osasuna Madrid

11:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

Las Palmas

19:45

Bundesliga Bayern Leipzig Frankfurt Dortmund Hoffenheim Hertha Köln Freiburg Leverkusen Mainz Schalke Augsburg B’gladbach Wolfsburg Bremen Ingolstadt Hamburger Darmstadt

18 31 45 18 20 42 18 8 32 18 17 31 18 12 31 18 5 30 18 11 29 18 -6 26 18 0 24 18 -4 22 18 1 21 18 -5 21 18 -9 20 18 -9 19 18 -16 16 18 -12 15 18 -20 13 18 -24 9

Bundesliga Fixtures TODAY Köln

Wolfsburg