Lawam Farouk, Emenalo docked : to spend 7 days in Kuje prison by Vanguard Media Limited

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Appeal court affirms death sentence on Rev. King •King’s lawyer set for Supreme Court BY BATHOLOMEW MADUKWE & MICHAEL NWOPOKE,

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, yesterday, affirmed the death sentence passed on the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Reverend King by Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Lagos State High Court. ’’I hereby rule that the prosecution effectively discharged the burden of proof on it. This appeal is devoid of any basis and accordingly fails. The judgment of the High Court is hereby affirmed, and the conviction imposed on the appellant, (which is death by hanging) is also affirmed,” Justice Fatimo Akinbami who read the judgement held. The two other members of the panel of Justices, Amina Augie and Ibrahim Saulawa concurred with the lead j u d g e m e n t . Ezeugo was sentenced to death by the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on January 11, 2007 for the murder of one of his church members, Ann Uzoh. Ezeugo was arraigned on September 26, 2006 on a sixcount charge of attempted murder and murder but he pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The prosecutor had said that the convict poured petrol on the deceased and five other persons and that Uzoh died on August 2, 2006; 11 days after the act was perpetrated on her. Counsel to Ezeugo had filed a notice of appeal on January 16, 2007, containing 16 grounds of appeal against the j u d g m e n t . On June 10, 2008, the Court of Appeal granted him leave to argue the additional 16 grounds of appeal through an amended notice of appeal filed on June 15, 2008. Rev. King’s Counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo however criticised yesterday ’s judgement, saying that his client will appeal the decision at the Supreme Court, as according to him, the judgment did not meet the expectation of the appellant. In a unanimous

judgement read by Justice Akinbami, the Appeal Court dismissed the appellant’s claim that the case of the prosecution was clustered with doubt and held that all the issues raised by the appellant failed, and resolved same in favour of the p r o s e c u t i o n . On the issue of dying declaration by Miss Uzoh, the Justice Akinbami said that there must be the belief in the danger of approaching death, and this belief is subjective rather objective and upheld the view of the lower court and held that the declaration of the deceased cannot be admitted as a dying declaration, since there was no immediate apprehension or fear of approaching death. On the defence of alibi raised by appellant counsel, Justice Akinbami ruled that the evidences adduced by prosecution witness (Pw) 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10, clearly pinned the appellant to the scene of the crime. She said, “The import of alibi is to show that the accused was elsewhere other than the purported place of crime. It is the duty of prosecution to investigate such claims,” adding that “in the case of State vs Fatai Azeez, the evidence of the prosecution witnesses linked the appellant to the scene of the offence”. According to Justice Akinbami, “even the evidence of a tainted witness is admissible once it is material to the case. A tainted witness is one who may not be an accomplice, but whose evidence may be admissible without the necessity of administering any special warning. The prosecution witness in this case is an eye witness and so the evidence is material to the case”. Justice Akinbami further held that all evidence adduced by the prosecution witnesses, were unanimous, saying that they all pointed to the fact that the appellant actually used matches and petrol to set the deceased a b l a z e . “Each of the prosecution witness gave evidence as to how the victim was

beaten and burnt by the appellant. To my mind, there is no contradiction whatsoever and even if there were, it is immaterial, since all the witnesses are u n a n i m o u s ” . On the style used by the lower court in arriving at its judgement, the appelate court said the trial judge was at liberty to write his judgment in his own style, provided he/she set out the issue for determination, thus showing a clear understanding of the facts as stated. While pointing out that the evidence adduced especially by Pw 6, who performed the post mortem examination, revealing that the deceased died as a result of loss of fluid arising from the burning, Justice Akinbami said that the evidence of Pw 5, 8, 6 and 7, (doctors) all showed that the deceased died as a result of the burns. The judge stressed that the evidence of pw 2, who was the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, also

Widow of late Chief Adewunmi Adebgonmire,Chief Mrs Solape Adegbonmire; Chief Bisi Akande; Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the funeral service for Chief Adewunmi Adegbonmire at St.Thomas Anglican Church,Isinkan, Akure, Ondo State. revealed the items used in carrying out the dastardly act on the victim pointing out that the burden of proof in a criminal trial lied on the prosecution, and this was done beyond reasonable doubt. “Proof does not mean proof beyond scientific certainty or beyond any shadow of doubt, but only beyond reasonable doubt,’’ the Judge added. Condemning the attitude of some pastors towards

their congregation, the judge said that the c i r c u m s t a n c e surrounding the death of the deceased was so bizarre, adding: “the ingredient of this case is so bizarre. It is so devastating how some men of God will give out to their congregation, scorpion instead of fish, and stone instead of bread.It is indeed sad and u n f o r t u n a t e ” . However, Director of

Public Prosecution, DPP, Mrs. Olabisi Odugbesan, said there was no miscarriage of justice and that all the grounds for the appeal were misconstrued. “We are very pleased that justice has been done today. We know that the judgment will serve as deterrent to future and incident of this nature by church leaders that abuse and exploit their followers.”

CPC raises alarm over NEITI report on NNPC BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

HE Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, has expressed concern over the report released by the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative,

NEITI, on the state of affairs in the nation’s oil industry lamenting that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has become a cesspool of corruption in the last three years. According to the party, the

NEITI report unearthed the irregularities and arbitrariness that attended the operation of the corporation between 2009 and 2011, adding that the trend portend grave danger for the country. As part of the revelation

Ukiwe warns against dialogue with Boko Haram was no way a meaningful Union Congress, TUC BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

ORMER Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, rtd, has cautioned against any dialogue with the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram. Fielding questions yesterday in Port Harcourt from newsmen, Ukiwe who was Chairman of the fourth triennial delegates’ conference of the Rivers council of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC said the activities of the group had gone beyond the point where it could say it wants dialogue. According to him, there

resolution could come out of a dialogue with a body that was detonating bombs, maiming and killing innocent Nigerians. Continuing, Ukiwe said the decision to go into any dialogue with the group should be left to the federal government but as an individual he was strongly opposed to it. “I don’t know what they mean by dialogue because the sort of crime they are committing does not give much room for dialogue. I will not advise the federal government on what to do. My attitude does not go with dialoguing. How are you sure he is not coming with a bomb laden tummy” Meantime, Trade

has expressed satisfaction with the relationship between government and workers in Rivers state. President General of the body, Comrade Peter Esele in his address at the triennial delegates’ conference also tasked government at all levels in the country to promote the rule of law, adding the state Chairman of the body, Comrade Chika

Onuegbu said speakers were carefully chosen to come up with ways to achieving them for the conference “Building the Nigeria of our dream”. He said TUC would continue to take steps to promote the common good of the people.

contained in the report, the CPC said that out of the 445,000 barrels per day meant for local consumption, NNPC sells 356,000 barrels per day thereby making revenue amounting to about $35.6 million daily, despite the Nigerian people’s continued suffering from prohibitive fuel sales without any reasonable palliative or safety nest. In a statement sent to Saturday Vanguard and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Engr. Rotimi Fashakin, it stated: “we share the anguish of all Nigerians that the NNPC, in the last three years, has become a cesspool of audacious corruption. The burgeoning army of unemployed youths and the attendant socioeconomic implications arising from this development portend grave danger for the Nigerian state.” The party however called on the National Assembly to restore order through the constitutional provision by bringing “errant executive authority” to path of straightness.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

18 Nigerians languish in Indonesian prisons BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

O fewer than 18 Ni gerians are presently languishing in various prisons in Indonesia with the fear that some of them may be among 10 slated for execution soon. The18 Nigerians were condemned to death by the Indonesian courts in 2008 for their alleged various criminal offences ranging from drug peddling and other related offences. So far, the Indonesian government had condemned a total of 21 Nigerians to death, sentenced four to life imprisonment and eight others to various jail terms ranging from 11 to 18 years. Out of the 21 condemned Nigerians, two of them, Samuel Iwuchukwu Okoye and Hassan Anthony Nwaolisa were executed on June 28, 2008, while another, Augustine Ogbonna died under mysterious circumstances in the prison custody in September, 2008. Worried by the plight of Nigerians in Indonesian prisons, a human rights activist and an Onitsha based legal practitioner, Mr. Melly Eze, at a news conference in Onitsha yesterday urged President Goddluck Jonathan, as well as the senate president, David Mark and speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to prevail on the Indonesian president, Suuilo Bambang Yudhoyonoto, who is

visiting Nigeria today to revisit the case of the Nigerians. Eze had, in April 2010 written a strongly worded petition to Hon. Abike Dabire-Ewa, Chairman of

House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, urging her to mediate on behalf of the Nigerians. He said: “ There is a fresh threat to execute the prisoners on death

row anytime from now if no further diplomatic efforts and pressure are mounted on the Indonesian authorities. “I have it on good and reliable authority that offi-

Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; leader of delegation, Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) and chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu and member, PCFRR, Mrs Folorunso Alakija; during the visit of the committee to Anambra for the donation of relief materials to flood victims, held in Onitsha, Anambra State on Thursday.

HE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to display convincing strongwill in fighting corruption, insisting that he should champion the move to get the National Assembly to amend the constitution with a view to removing immunity clause in order to underscore his seriousness in fighting corruption at all levels. The legal body which made the call in a communiqué it issued at the end of the 2-day Peace and Security Summit it organized in Abuja, yesterday, called for a comprehensive review and reform of the criminal justice system “to

OVERNOR God swill Akpabio of Akwaibom State yesterday assured Nigerians that ailing Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, who has been hospitalised in London since September 2012, will return to the country in the next two weeks. The development came even as Akpabio promised to make public any activity of the Governors Forum, which negates the principles setting it up by the governors even as he insisted that the forum would continue to work in tandem with the

Blame Jonathan for insecurity— Obj •Says Achebe is living in the past

N an exclusive interview published in the February issue of the pan-African magazine, New African, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has accused President, Goodluck Jonathan of mismanaging the security issues engulfing the country. He blamed Jonathan for the deteriorating situation caused by the insurgent Boko Haram. "If the

President is the chief security officer of the country and there is a security problem, where do you go for the solution? And if that solution is not coming from the chief security officer, who else inside and outside will get a solution? He has the responsibility to solve the problem, and nobody else should be blamed but him.” In a wide-ranging interview, the former

•calls for removal of immunity clause

play of unseriousness on the part of Nigerian government over the diplomatic move already initiated by Nigerian government officials.”

Gov Chime will be back in two weeks —Akpabio

General also challenged claims made by Nigerian literary giant, Chinua Achebe, regarding the country's civil war in the 1960s. Obasanjo rebuffed claims that successive Nigerian administrations have marganalised the Igbo ethnic group within the country. "Maybe he is making those remarks because he is not living in Nigeria. If

Anti-graft war: Show more seriousness, NBA tells Jonathan BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

cials of Indonesian government who opened discussions with the Nigerian delegation are now expressing disappointment over an apparent dis-

eliminate anachronistic provisions and refashion the statutes in order to adequately address the new and threatening crimes of today.” Citing the recent slap on the wrist sentence that was handed to the convicted pension boss, Mr John Yakubu Yusufu who was given a twoyear jail term with an option of N750, 000, fine, in exchange for over N23billion he stole from the Police Pension Fund, the NBA, said it has become imperative for the National Assembly to review the Criminal/Penal Code. Speaking through its National Chairman, Chief Okey Wali, SAN, NBA said it has noted that: “There is no noticeable strong will on the part of government to fight corruption and

there is no effort either to find out why citizens suddenly ring them-

selves about with bombs, or bear arms against the society, to kill and be killed.

he was living in Nigeria, when I was the president of this country, an Igbo lady was my Minister of Finance, and Igbo man was the Governor of the Central Bank; an Igbo man was one of the military service chiefs. The permanent representative to the UN was also an Igbo person. What more do you want? For someone to say the civil war has not ended, 40 years after its conclusion, that person is living in the past.” *You can read the full interview in the February issue of New African.

Federal Government. Speaking with airport correspondents on arrival from London, United Kingdom at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Akpabio, who was among the three other governors who visited the sick governor in his hospital bed in London recently, declared that Chime was hale and hearthy and capable of ruling the state upon his arrival. Akpabio who insisted that Chime would return to Enugu State Government House in the next 10 days visited the sick Enugu governor in a London hospital in the company of Governors Gabriel Suswam and Dr Rotimi Amaechi of Benue and Rivers States respectively. Akpabio admonished Nigerians to always trust their representatives and warned against playing politics with people’s health. His words: “I was a part of the delegation that visited the governor in London and I brought a message of goodwill to His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State and like I said, we must learn to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. We should not play politics out of people’s health”.

Five injured, eight trailers burnt in separate accidents eyewitness, the first acci- The source further said scription “Federal AssistBY DAUD OLATUNJI Abeokuta

IVE persons sustained injury in an accident that occured in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, yesterday when an 18seater Toyota Hiace Hummer bus somersaulted and ran into a fence. Also in another incident, not less than eight trucks got burnt in a fire incident that gutted the premises of the Gateway Portland Cement factory at K6, Abeokuta-Lagos road Abeokuta. According to an

dent occurred about 11:35 am at Oke- Ilewo, Abeokuta leaving five people seriously injured.

that the bus with registration number (Abuja) BR437GWA and the in-

ed Mass Transit Scheme” was coming from Ibadan heading to Ota in Ogun State before the incident.

Nigeria’s Bosede Afolabi on Glo/CNN African Voices

NN African Voices sponsored by Globacom will this weekend profile Dr Bosede Afolabi, a Nigerian obstetrician who has dedicated the best of her time researching and teaching the effect of sickle cell anaemia and helping pregnant women to bring new life into the world. Dr. Afolabi is a female gynaecologist, and also works

as an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as well as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos/ Lagos University Teaching Hospital. This week on African Voices, Dr Afolabi sits down with Vladimir Duthier, CNN Nigeria Correspondent, to recount her experi-

ence. She speaks about her passion for helping pregnant women by advancing the knowledge of sickle cell anaemia which affects both women and their children before, during and after childbirth. Sickle cell anemia is the world’s most common hereditary blood disorder and its effects on pregnant women.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 7

$3m bribery scam: Farouk, Emenalo docked, remanded in Prison •Duo to spend one week at Kuje prison BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

ESPITE their passionate plea for clemency, an Abuja high court, yesterday, ordered the immediate remand of the erstwhile Chairman and Secretary of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy probe, Farouk Lawan and Boniface Emenalo in prison c u s t o d y . The court presided over by Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi ordered the accused lawmakers to be remanded for one week in Kuje Prisons, Abuja, pending the determination of their bail application on February 8. The order was made shortly after the duo pleaded not guilty to a seven-count criminal charge preferred against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. Specifically, the lawmakers were accused of demanding and collecting bribe from the Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Femi Otedola, as an inducement to remove the name of his company from the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy regime. They were said to have collected an aggregate sum of $3million, with a view to ensure that Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd escaped prosecution even though the committee had ab-initio found it culpable in the fuel subsidy fraud, an offence that was contrary ‘’to Sections 17 (1) (a); 8(1) (a) (b) (ii), and 23 (i) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 8 (1) 17 (1) and 23(3) of the same Act. Besides, the commission further alleged that Emenalo, while being a public officer, an Assistant Director and Clerk of the Committee on Education of the House of Representatives sometime in April 2012, and while acting as the Secretary of the Ad-Hoc Committee, was offered gratification

by Otedola but failed to report the offer to any officer of the ICPC or any police officer. Whereas both accused persons were charged together in the first count of the charge, however, count two, three and four were preferred against Farouk alone just as count five, six seven 6 were preferred against Emenalo alone. Meanwhile, shortly after they took their turns to plead their innocence of the crime, Counsel to the ICPC, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, implored the court to remand them in prison custody pending their trial. Awomolo told the court that the accused persons served him with their consolidated bail application yesterday morning, adding that he had anticipated such move and prepared legal authorities he said would guide the court into deciding that it was in the interest of justice for the duo to be remanded in prison. Relying on Section 8, 10, 17 and 23 of the ICPC Act 2000 and the decided case-law in Asari Dokubo Versus Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2007, 12 NWLR, he said: “We are opposing the application for bail and urge your lordship to refuse it. The accused persons are charged with an offence punishable by two to seven years imprisonment and therefore not ordinarily bailable. An application for bail is an application in equity which requires my Lord to exercise your discretion judicially and judiciously. ‘’The principles that guide the court in granting bail have been well enunciated in the case of Bamaiyi Versus the State, 2001, the nature and gravity of the offence and the likelihood of the accused committing another offence while on bail... “The offence by which the accused persons are standing trial is the case of corruption by a public officer at the highest lev-

el, particularly in the legislative arm. The accussed persons, in the affidavit did not give an undertaking that if they go back to the National Assembly, they will not be members of another committee and that they will not demand or obtain bribe in the discharge of their official duty. “Your Lordship needs to be assured that what prompted them to demand $3million will not also prompt them to demand $10million.The accused persons were part of the making of the ICPC Act; they knew the intention of the lawmakers and deliberately violated the law, on that ground alone, I urge my lord to deny them bail.” Earlier, the accused persons had through their counsels, Chief Ricky Tarfa, SAN, and Chief Mike Ozokhome, begged the court to either grant them bail on self recognition on liberal t e r m s . Moving the motion for their bail dated February 1, and filed pursuant to section 35, 36 (5) of the 1999 constitution as amended, and section 340 and 341(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chief Tarfa urged the court to take cognizance of the fact that the first accused, Farouk, had in the course of investigation into the matter, reported to the Police on 37 different occasions, noting that the duo never violated the administrative bail given them by the police. “The first accused has had cause to travel out more than four times since the commencement of the investigation, the second accused has had cause to travel to the USA more than two times since then. My Lord, the first accused has been a full time member of the House since 1999; he is also a member of the ECOWAS parliament and has been a member for the last 12 years. “He is one of the founding members of the said ECOWAS parliament and he is presently chairing the committee on Administration of Finance.”

From left: Cross River State Special Adviser, Investment Promotions, Gerald Adah, Chairman and global CEO of GE, Jeff Immert, Cross River State Acting Governor, Efiok Cobham and Mr Nzan Ogbeh, SA, Governor’s Office during the unveiling of plans by GE to built manufacturing and assembly facilities in Calabar held in Abuja Thursday Tarfa then relied on decided case-law in Owudalu Versus the State, 2008, AFWLR, and Ebute & Others Versus the State, 1994, 8-NWLR, arguing that not only did the accused persons fail to abscond when they had the opportunities, they had voluntarily submitted themselves to the police for investigation. “The accused persons are willing and ready to face their trial. My Lord should also take cognizance of their status and positions in the society and grant them bail on self recognition. The constitution says they should be considered innocent until proven guilty,” he i n s i s t e d . In his short ruling, Justice Oniyangi, said he would need time to consider the application, saying the accused persons should be remanded in Kuje Prisons till February 8, when the case would come up. The number two of the charge against them read: “That you Hon. Farouk Lawan (M) while being a member of the House of Representatives and chairman of Ad-hoc committee on Monitoring of fuel subsidy regime sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this honourable court did while acting in the course of your official duty corruptly obtained $500,000 for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola, chairman Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd as an inducement

to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy regime, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 17 (1) of the Corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 17 (1) of the same Act. ”That you Mr. Emenalo Boniface (M) while being a public officer, an Assistant Director and Secretary of the House of Representatives’ Ad-hoc Committee on Monitoring of Fuel Subsidy Regime sometimes in April 2012 or thereabout at Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, under the jurisdiction of this honourable court did while acting in the course of your official duty as Secretar y...corr uptly asked for $3,000,000 for yourself from Mr. Femi Otedola, and thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 23 (3) of the same A c t . ” Shortly after the Farouk Lawan- led panel released its report that exposed astronomical fraud perpetuated by various companies under the subsidy regime, Mr Femi Otedola, released an audio tape with a view to proving that the probe panel demanded cashfor-clearance from him. Otedola specifically ac-

cused Lawan of demanding for $3million to exonerate his company, emphasizing that the lawmaker even went to the extent of stuffing monies in his cap on one of the occasions he came to receive bribe on behalf of the panel. However, Lawan, through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozokhome, SAN, refuted the allegation that he stuffed money in his cap, stressing that contrary to insinuation that he travelled to Lagos to collect the bribe as alleged, he only received money from Otedola on two separate occasions at his room at Protea Hotel, Apoin Abuja and at Otedola’s house at Aso Drive Asokoro also in Abuja. Describing the audio tape which was released to media houses as “a devilish caricature”, Lawan then urged Nigerians to give him the benefit of doubt, insisting that he would not rest until he proved that the primary intention why he collected the money was to uncover the level of corruption within the oil sector of the Nigerian economy. In a bid to further puncture the probe report, Otedola alongside his company, Zenon Oil and Gas, filed a suit before the High Court, seeking N250billion against Farouk and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, as exemplary damages for alleged oppressive and arbitrary actions allegedly meted against him.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Police arrest three kidnap suspects BY CHINENYEH OZOR Nsukka

HREE suspects were yesterday arrested at the university town of Nsukka, Enugu State who allegedly kidnapped an old woman and collected about N700, 000 as ransom from the children before releasing her. The suspects had last Sunday abducted Madam Benedicta Abonyi at her country home in Ogbozalla Opi, in Nsukka Local government Area of the state and asked for N30 million ransom. Saturday Vanguard gathered that as negotiations for Madam Abonyi’s release were going on, the kidnappers reduced the ransom to about N700,000 which the children paid.

However, nemesis was said to have caught up with the suspects when one of them instead of freeing Abonyi asked her children to send him a recharge card worth N750 and they complied. It was at this juncture that the Police Anti- Kidnap Squad Unit swung into action by tracking the number. It was said that soon after receiving the N750 recharge card, the leader of the gang forwarded same to one Nneka, his girlfriend at Enugu metropolis. The police however apprehended the said Nneka, after tracking her telephone line. Police sources said that it was through Nneka that detectives were able to unravel the identities of the

kidnappers who were then subsequently ‘’smoked out’’ of their hideout behind a popular private mass transit motor park at Nsukka.

The operation for the arrest of the suspects yesterday was led by the state anti kidnap Commander Stephen Oseghale, a police superin-

tendent and assisted by his Nsukka counterpart, Moses Esene, ASP. The security operatives were alleged to have cordoned off the suspects’

Shoprite berths in Anambra *Project to cost $30m BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

HOPRITE, the world leading retailer is set to open shop in three cities in Anambra State, starting from Onitsha, where the governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi yesterday laid the foundation for the ultramodern shopping mall. The project, expected to cost $30 million, is being executed in partnership with African Capital Alliance under Private Public Partnership, PPP. It will have 15000 sq meters of shopping and retail spaces. Obi during the ceremony, said the project was in line with his administration’s commitment to the transfor-

mation of Anambra State, which, according to him, included returning Onitsha to its past glory as the number one commercial city in Nigeria and hosting the biggest market in West Africa. The shopping mall, located beside the multi million naira Onitsha Hotel and Convention Centre under construction, has a very large space for commercial activities. According to the governor, government would provide infrastructure aimed at boosting activities in the area, including the dualization of Park Road in the area to enhance movement into and out of the complex.

Gov. Peter Obi, with other stakeholders, while laying the foundation for Shoprite Shopping Mall at Onitsha yesterday

hideout at wee hours of the day. The leader of the gang whose name was simply given as Abuchi, reportedly tried to escape by jumping out through the back door and throwing away his mobile phone but was over powered by the police. A Senior Police Officer who pleaded anonymity told Saturday Vanguard that the suspects were monitored through network tracking devices from the point they opened discussions with Madam Abonyi’s children, explaining that when police recovered the telephone set which Abuchi threw away while trying to escape, the name of the said Nneka, the kidnappers contacts with Abonyi’s children were found just like Abuchi’s text message which forwarded the recharge card was found in the ‘’sent messages box.’’

JTF bombs Boko Haram training camps in Borno *Kills 17 sect members, loses one BY NDAHI MARAMA

HE Military Joint Task Force, JTF, Operation Restore Order, in Borno State yesterday said it has bombed training camps allegedly used by members of the Boko Haram sect in the state. In a statement signed by Lt Col. Sagir Musa, spokesperson of the JTF, it said the agency used a Nigerian Airforce Helicopter Gunship to dislodge ''Boko Haram Terrorists’ Camps located in Sambisa Game Reserve in Bama Local Government and Farin – Ruwa Forest South West / East of Demboa Local Government Area of the state between Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday January 31, 2013.” According Musa, “the

camp was properly sighted, fortified and had training facilities; armoury, accommodation, drugs store/medical, kitchen, vehicle holding area, latrine and water points, River.'' The JTF further said the camp was used to conduct

training for members as well as carry out recent attacks, killings and bombings in “Maiduguri, Musari, Konduga, Biu, Bama, and Demboa communities.” The statement also said efforts by JTF troops to destroy the camps led to

Lottery Commission lacks power to issue lottery licence —court BY INNOCENT ANABA

Federal High Court sit ting in Lagos, yesterday, ruled that National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC, lacked the powers to issue further lottery licences to firms interested in lottery business in the country in view of an

existing exclusivity right granted a firm, Secure Electronics Technology Plc by the Federal Government. The court also restrained the commission from issuing licences to any other person, pending the expiration of the exclusivity right granted Secure Electronics. Trial judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke,

Sultan urges beggars to desist from polygamy themselves by marrying said. However, Sultan BY ABDALLAH ELKUREBE, Sokoto

ULTAN of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has asked beggars in the society not to compound their problems by marrying many wives. Abubakar said that it was wrong for people who had problems they cannot solve to add more burden on

fierce exchange of fire that resulted in the death of 18 people including one of its operatives and 17 Boko Haram members. Lt Col Mr. Musa stressed that the camps were completely destroyed just as the area was still being monitored.

many wives. He spoke in Sokoto yesterday during the inauguration of districtlevel committees of the State Zakkat and Endowment. The Sultan spoke as the state Governor, Aliyu Wamakko said that begging was anti-Islamic and should be discouraged. ”The act of begging is not allowed in Islam and this is tarnishing the image of the religion,” Wamakko

Abubakar challenged Islamic preachers in the country to continue to preach to people on the prohibition of begging by Islam. Wondering why begging was still prevalent in the state in spite of the N6,500 monthly allowance paid to 6,739 physically challenged persons by the state government, the Sultan advised them not to over burden themselves as it was difficult to sustain them.

nullified all lottery licences issued by NLRC since its establishment. The court held that the exclusivity licence granted to Secure Electronics Technology Plc by the Federal Government was still subsisting. Delivering judgment in the suit by Constant Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Shehu Malam Mikail, Oyetunde Olaitan, Sosanwo Sinai and Sonibare Waheed against the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria,Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, NLRC and Secure Electronic Technology Plc, the court noted that according to the exclusive right granted Secure Electronic by the Federal Government, the firm was entitled to exclusive rights on lottery licensing for 15 years beginning from December 19, 2001, to December 18, 2016, when it will expire and entitled to renewal.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 9

Pension scam: Judiciary aids corruption — Sani •Dismisses Boko Haram cease fire •CSOs now contractors—Oyovbaire •Not all politicians are corrupt—Anenih BYJOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU Abuja

NE of the most vocal human rights activists in the country, Mallam Shehu Sani has accused the nation’s judiciary of aiding and abetting corruption, saying that the judges are completely cut off from the masses and resisting war against corruption. Sani who stated this in an interview with Saturday Vanguard, while reacting to the recent Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment that sentenced the former Director in the Police Pension Office, Mr. John Yakubu Yusuf for two years or pay a fine of N750, 000.00 for stealing N32 billion said that such judgment encourages thieves in government to continue to loot the nation’s treasury. He said, “Even though it is said that law is an act, what is evidently clear in Nigeria today is that judiciary has been aiding and abetting corruption. The corrupt people and thieves in government and out of government have continuously and consistently exploited the weakness of the judiciary as to continue to perpetuate the act of stealing.

Dismisses Boko Haram cease fire The Human rights Activist who attended the public presentation of the book, ‘Nigeria Yesterday, Today’, written by Professor Godwin Sogolo, a member of the National Open University of Nigeria Governing Council dismissed the claim by Boko Haram sect that it has ceased fire noting that it was a ploy to deceive the people. “ Well, what I have always said is that whichever way we use to get out of this violence , we have to use the opportunity. I am in support of dialogue, I am in support of peace, I am in support of anything that will end violence but I do not believe that there is a cease fire. “The only way I can believe that there is a cease fire is only when the leader of the group sheik Abubakar Shakau comes out openly and say that we have just decided to bring down our arms and we are not going to fight again because he has always been the person that has always owned up to the act of violence.

CSOs are now contractors

Speaking at the book presentation, Chairman of the occasion and former minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire said that he was worried that there was lack of debate in the country and that the people had decided to quarrel on matters that should have generated debate for the development of the country. He said that the book which contains 230 articles created avenue to engage on debate on issues that border on the existence of the country, noting that in few days, the country will be celebrating its 100 years of amalgamation, that it will be an avenue to raise issues and not to quarrel. “I am worried because we do not have debate. It was argued that after 100 years, we are supposed to re-negotiate,” he stated, adding that another great under current in the articles was that they captured the under development in the country. “A few people have the gadgets of technology of Europe. Very shameful we assume we are developed. It is a challenge to the three tiers of government. We should take up policies that will lift us a

Prof. Festus Adesanoye of the University of Ibadan (m) after delivering the 5th English Language Clinic Lecture of the University. With him are Prof. Arinola Sanya, DVC Administration (Right) and Mrs. Bamitale Adesanoye, his wife (Left) at Ibadan, Tuesday

bit from under development. “Civil societies have become contractors, they are no longer interested in experimentation that can help us tackle national challenges,” he said.

APTAIN of a boat trav eling the Yenagoa to Brass route in Bayelsa State, Sun Ebi, was yesterday said to have been murdered in an attack by armed men suspected to be sea pirates, Bayelsa eyewitness reported. Reacting to the attack, the Chairman of Brass chapter of the Maritime Workers’ Union, Mr Magnus Angel, described the attack as “shocking.” He said the passenger boat was attacked at about 6 p.m. “The boat was traveling from Yenagoa to Brass when the pirates attacked it. ``And in the confusion that ensued, passengers jumped into the water, while the pirates ransacked their belongings. After the pirates left, the passengers resurfaced to continue their trip when they discovered that the captain was missing,” Angel stated. Boat union members and

others entered the river to search for the body. Meanwhile, sea pirates also attacked another boat along the Ogbolomabiri area of Nembe waterways

HE alleged mastermind of the October 1, 2010 bomb blast in Abuja, Henry Okah, now has three days to convince a South African Court to reduce a planned sentence after he was found guilty of the bombing. Justice Neels Claassen

by sea pirates. Bayelsa Police spokesman, Mr Fidelis Odunna, confirmed the report adding that the captain’s corpse had been discovered floating on the river.

Delta Council boss uncovers N6m fraud BY FESTUS AHON Ughelli

HAIRMAN of Ughelli South Local Government Area Transition committee, Chief Ovis Uto, yesterday said the council has recovered over N6m being paid as salaries to ghost workers by the council. Uto who disclosed this during a media chat with select journalists in the area, vowed that; “I will fight corruption to a standstill in the council,” adding that; “I am here to make a positive change in the lives of

my people and the local government council.” On the strategy he adopted to discover the ghost names, he said; “ we decided to pay workers by hand instead of paying into their bank

given positions in the country based on political patronage and not competence. Chief Tony Anenih said that it was not correct to say that all politicians in the country are corrupt.

Henry Okah guilty of Independence Day bombing

Pirates murder Captain of passenger boat in Bayelsa C but no casualty was recorded. Angel then called on the state government to save the indigenes of the coastal communities of the state from the frequent attacks

Responding to the allegation by the chairman, Safari Books Limited and publishers of the book, Chief Joop Berkhout that corruption had retarded development in the country and that people are

accounts. With that, we were able to discover that some persons who are working somewhere else still have their names on the payroll of the counci.Some of them are even in Overseas.”

of a Johannesburg High Court yesterday adjourned the pleading for mitigation of sentence in Henry Okah’s trial to February 28. Mr. Okah was found guilty, on January 21, by the court of masterminding the bombing which caused deaths and injuries to several people. His lawyer had told the court after the ruling that his client plans to call witnesses including Niger

Delta leaders who would make a case for a reduced sentence for Mr. Okah. He also said the convict was willing to use his popularity in the Niger Delta to help restore peace to the oil rich area in Nigeria. The judge said the adjournment to February 28 would be the final to allow all the witnesses called by Mr. Okah to testify in the pleading for mitigation of sentence to ensure that justice is done.

Vanguard ex-staff for burial

IRST Circulation Manager of Vanguard Media Ltd, Chief Donatus N. Chukwu, who died on December 26 2012, will be buried on the 22nd February 2013. According to a statement signed on behalf of the family by Mr Obioha M. Chukwu,the burial will start with a Christian wake on February 21

while the burial comes up on February 22 in his home town, No 8, Clinic Road, Umuifechi Umuechi, Alienyi Mgbidi autonomous community in Oru West Local Government of Imo State. Chief Donatus M. Chukwu is survived by wives, children, brothers, sisters and grand children.

Pension Fraud: Police declare Maina wanted KINGSLEY OMONOBI

HE Nigeria Police Force yesterday declared wanted, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina of the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO), indicted of large scale fraud in the multi-billion naira Police Pension

fraud for failing to appear before the Senate Joint Committee on the Investigation of Pension Funds. It will be recalled that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had on 13th December, 2012, issued a Warrant of Arrest, mandating the

Inspector-General of Police to arrest and produce Alhaji Maina before the Senate Joint Committee on the Investigation of Pension Fund. Since then, the subject has gone into hiding, making it difficult for the Police to execute the warrant.

Late Donatus Chukwu

10— SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Police Pension Fraud: A chronology of plea bargain compromises in the Nigerian Judiciary

•Tafa Balogun

• Cecelia Ibru

•James Ibori

BY JOHN BULUS

billion Naira. Justice Thalba said: “The court has a duty to do justice for not just the convict, but for the society at large. Today Nigeria is bedeviled with the cankerworm of white-collar crime which has subjected the citizens to abject poverty. It is not in doubt that the standard of living of an average Nigerian is declining day by day. “Consequently, on count-18, I hereby sentence the convict to two years imprisonment or fine of N250, 000, on count19; I sentence him to two years imprisonment or fine of N250, 000, likewise, on count-20, I also sentence him to two years imprisonment or fine of N250, 000. The sentence will run concurrently and I further make and order for final forfeiture of his assets to the Federal Government.”

• Lucky Igbinedion

• Diepreye Alamieyeseigha

Director in the Police Pension office.

e was accused of complicity alongside 8 other civil servants in the illegal diversion of over N40 billion from the Nigeria Police Pension Funds and has been standing trail since mid last year. But on Monday, he confessed to have connived with the others to steal the Commission’s N23 billion. Consequently, Justice Thalba in the exercise of his discretion sentenced the accused for 2

HE N750, 000 awarded to former Director in the Police Pension office as fine against the embezzlement of N23 billion by an Abuja High Court raises questions on the relevance of plea bargain concept in law in the now criminally infested society. Saturday Vanguard’s JOHN BULUS in this special report compiles some controversial cases of plea bargain in the Nigerian Legal System in the recent times. Is Justice for sale in Nigeria? Does plea bargain still have a place in the Nigeria legal system? Does stealing “big” attract insignificant punitive measures and vice versa? Should Judges in the temple of justice give verdict on the templates of law or just on their discretion? In any case, how relevant is our penal code to the realities of the modern times vis-à-vis criminal tendencies of some Nigerians? Outside the legal issues, what happens to the moral contents of both the Judges and the jailed in the light of the “huge” offence committed? Indeed, these are some of the avalanche of questions that have been agitating the minds of many Nigerians in the wake of the judgment handed down by the Justice Abubakar Thalba of an Abuja High Court to Mr. John Yakubu Yusuf on Monday, January 28, 2013. Mr. Yakubu was a former

We are surprised that the accused, who was found guilty any way, did not only receive a presidential handshake as appreciation for such act of patriotism and national service. What a shame! What a descent from decency we have slid to! years on a three count charge he pleaded guilty to which he said was equivalent to N250,000 fine each, adding that the sentence would run

concurrently. Put in another language, Mr. Yusuf outside the seizure of his property was asked to pay only N750, 000 for stealing a huge sum of 23

ut since the judgment was made, a conflagration of wild protests and outcry from the members of the public has trailed it. Even though, opinions have differed on the issue, many Nigerians still believe that such punitive measure is not commensurate with the offence committed. In any case, some have recalled the plight of some pensioners who have had to contend with the artificial burdens such diversion of monies meant for their pension caused them. Yet Continues on page 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—11

Powerful Nigerians have hijacked criminal justice — Falana •It's a mockery of our judiciary, says Oyegun

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

O so many people, the

conviction of Mr John Yaku bu Yusufu for two years with the option of a paltry sum of N750,000 is more of a tasteless joke than a bitter reality. While Yusufu diverted N23 billion Police Pension Fund, Adepoju Jamiu, 23, living in Ondo who was accused of stealing a China Blackberry phone worth N17, 000 was not so lucky as the Ikare Magistrate Court sentenced him to three years imprisonment without an option of fine. Like Yusufu, Jamiu also pleaded guilty to the charge. Just last year, somebody stole a bush meat in Edo state and he was sentenced to three years imprisonment. But how can we compare that with the pension thief who stole billions and denied pensioners from their benefits and yet got his freedom after paying a paltry sum from his wallet. Recall that the former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion who was found guilty by a Federal High Court in Enugu of embezzling N2.9 billion, got his freedom after paying a fine of N3.5million. Although he was made to refund about 500 million and forfeited three of his properties to the government. Similarly, the former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank got a six-month jail term having been found guilty of fraud. She was also made to forfeit over N150 billion in assets and cash. As a result of the biting public outcry on the judgement, Saturday Vanguard sought the opinion of all classes of people on the issue. For those who have studied the trend and how lawyers manipulate the technicalities of the law, they are not stunned by the development. To them, it only proved further that the much talked about fight against corruption by

•Umeh this administration is only a fluke and a mockery of the judiciary system.

•Oyegun means, you cannot execute the judgement because it offends the right to dignity of the person because if you put a rope on his neck, it is barbaric and unconstitutional and it is illegal. So, also the 2011 law on terrorism which is stringent to include life imprisonment. So, we don’t need new laws to deal with terrorism,” he

any case, I think the judge would have insisted that the man goes to prison. I think something is wrong with our laws and it is bad that we make a mockery of our judicial system.

line Front lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana said the development did “There are so many not come to him as a surprise technicalities that make because it followed the pattern of everything laughable. Other peoprevious sentencple are watching es on most of the and it is in the big scam in the same society country. Accordthat somebody ing to him, “This was discussing a Front line lawyer and a Senior development death penalty follows the for kidnappers. Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi particular pattern Somebody who Falana said the development did of treating the kidnaps can rich with kid have a death not come to him as a surprise gloves while other sentence while people are being somebody who because it followed the pattern of railroaded to jail. stole billions of previous sentences on most of the In previous casnaira or es, it has always facilitated the big scam in the country been light sentheft of money tences for the belonging to rich, like the case pensioners who of former Governor Lucky Ig- stated. couldn’t send their children to binedion who was asked to pay a The former governor of Edo school because they are not getfine of N3million; Cecelia Ibru was State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, ting their pension as and when due asked to forfeit to the government however expressed shock when can get two-year jail term with an hundreds of millions of naira.” he heard about the judgement. “I option of fine of N750,000? It On the penal code which the was shocked when I heard the doesn’t make sense. We must look House of Representatives has judgement. Somebody first threw at our laws again and make necesvowed to change, the human a joke to me saying it pays to be a sary amendments. We should also rights lawyer said the Senate thief. He said the person who create special courts for corrupwould have reduced the stole the police pension fund will tion charges. Again, the judicial punishment for the offence not go to jail but he only got a procedures must be changed to essentially to guarantee a safe N750,000 fine. I was shocked. make it more simplified.” landing for the offenders. “All the Commenting on the judgment, senate has done essentially is to he next morning, it was Falana blamed the court stressing “T produce a safe landing for the confirmed when that it implies that the court offender which is a problem.” newspapers published the story. I displayed solidarity in this case. He Querying the rationale behind felt so concerned that I had to call maintained that a few Nigerians new law, he stated that there is no a friend who is a lawyer. But the have hijacked the criminal justice need for a new law on criminal lawyer told me the offence to which system in the country. “The justice. the man was charged has a powerful rich in Nigeria have hi“There was a judgment of La- maximum of two years impris- jacked criminal justice in Nigeria gos High Court which has said onment.” with connivance of the bar and the that while the death penalty may The former governor maintained bench. So, it is important for be said to be guaranteed or rec- that some aspects of our laws as Nigeriansnottoisolateafewofthese ognised by the constitution, the they relate to the penal system cases, but they have to be exammanner of execution of any must be looked into adding that ined holistically.” human being either by hanging there was need to create special On the new charge against Yusuor electrocution or by any other court for corruption charges. “In fu, Falana said the commission will

•Falana

do better this time in seeing that justice is done adding that the punishment for the new offence which is failure to declare assets attracts five years imprisonment. Abia State Attorney-General, Barrister Kalu Umeh, explained that the judge must have related the offence under the law which the man was charged. “Why it is generating so much outcry is because so much has been talked about the amount involved. But one can say it is abysmal and it does not reflect the seriousness of the offence but I think it was as a result of not having good penal system.

“However, I will say that everybody knows that there is a needforustofightcorruptionand if people are found guilty of this kind of offence and let go with this kind of judgment, then that doesnotshowthatwehaveproper penal system. Something is wrong with the system. I understand that he was asked to forfeit some of his property but apart from property forfeiture, there is the need to set example as a deterrence to others.” He stated that the judge may be absolved of blame in the sense that he interpreted the law the way it is. “If the judge is found to be right meaning that he rightly interpretedthelaw,whatweneed to do is to go back to the drawing board to amend those things that are wrong.” On the option of fine, he added that it all depends on the facts before the judge adding that the prosecution has the right of appeal as a remedy to the situation if unsatisfied. “Justice is not only for the few, it is for the society. The money the man diverted is public money and that is why we have this outcry. It is also a challenge to our lawmakers to go back to the table in a bid to strengthen our penal system so that anybody found guilty of corruption will be appropriately dealt with.”

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

A judgment without a sense of justice — Odumakin, Ezeilo, others react of underdevelopment and human insecurity, we should respond with appropriate and effective punishment. The crime of corruption must attract a minimum sentence of at least 10 years without option of fine. This would also limit the discretionary powers of the court and the judge,” she concluded.

BY EBUN SESSOU & OLAYINKA AJAYI.

•Ajayi Olusegun,

Youths leader

PDP

•Prof Ezeilo

•Yinka Odumakin

thorough and total cleansing takes place in our country. Asked if the technicalities of the law could allow such judgment, he said: “The

only mocks justice. It is perfidious. The essence of punishment is to dissuade, serve as a deterrent and it must be proportional to the crime

IXED reactions have continued to trail the light sentence imposed on John Yakubu Yusufu, who was convicted for diverting N23 billion Police Pension Fund. Against this backdrop, Saturday Vanguard sought the opinions of Nigerians and reports: To Yinka Odumakin, spokesman, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the judgment is devoid of justice and a mockery of criminal justice administration. According to him, “the pronouncement of that court casts a spell on the justice system in Nigeria and presents the anti-graft war as a monumental joke. Eminent jurists like Justices Kayode Eso, Ayo Irikefe, Akinola Aguda et al must be weeping for the bench in their different corners for this new and ugly development. This must be a huge joke in all respect of judicial administration. “This is a judgement without a sense of justice. We have enough laws to deal with crimes in Nigeria but there is a problem with judges who cannot focus on the law and ignore the faces of criminals. Was it not in the same country and under the same law that a man who stole a telephone handset was sentenced to three years imprisonment 24 hours after a big thief who stole N23 billion was fined N750, 000? “The judge obviously exercised his discretion in favour of the thief most probably because there was a lot of package in the plea bargain. We don’t need a soothsayer to tell us that some water passed under the bridge for this type of miscarriage of justice. “The anti-graft war has been rendered worthless even before this shenanigan. What the judgment has done is only to show that the situation is beyond redemption until a

We all know the travails of pensioners in this country, especially those in the lower cadre of security sector. Many have lost their lives on the long road to obtain what justly they have worked for. So where is the justice in this judgment for Nigeria and Nigerians

Technicalities of the law means no more than the dark lines where agents of injustice affecting the temple of justice complicate the simple truth and confuse the unwary in a bid to deny justice. It is the art of calling a dog a monkey.”

r. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons who is also the founding Director, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) in her contribution said: “the sentence

•Chuke Louis, Pensioneer

committed. “Obviously, this sentence of two years imprisonment with option of fine not even in addition to a fine is ineffective to deal with the hydra headed corruption that plagues Nigeria today. The backlash is that it will encourage white collar crime and undermine Nigeria’s efforts in fighting corruption. “I understand that the Judge has discretion since there is no minimum sentence under the law but such discretion must be exercised cautiously in any way that it doesn’t ridicule the

•Iyabo Balogun, Lecturer, LASPOTECH

system of justice bearing in mind that justice is for all and not just the accused but also the society at large. “We all know the travails of pensioners in this country, especially those in the lower cadre of security sector. Many have lost their lives on the long road to obtain what justly they have worked for. So, where is the justice in this judgment for Nigeria and Nigerians? “Consequently, I am of the view that the Court should not have given him that option of fine, although, the hands of Court was tied by the maximum sentence prescribed under the law for which the accused, John Yusuf Yakubu was charged. It nevertheless, ridicules justice. Judicial discretion must be exercised judiciously. “The Penal Code, including the Criminal Code is overdue for reform or legal overhaul and the EFCC should have charged under the EFCC Act. The question is why EFCC charged him under the Penal Code? We have to hold all the parties here to account. This judgment should spur the legislators and the executive if they’re really interested in combating corruption to act and revise our laws accordingly. “Given the fact that corruption is implicated in our current state

•Olufemi Samuel, Civil servant

•Olusola Ajayi, Civil servant

thers react Ajayi Olusegun, a PDP Youth leader in Amuwo-Odofin area opines that the Judge who handed down the judgment should be probed. “The Judge should be seriously investigated because the judgment makes mockery of our fight against corruption. It also makes nonsense of the EFCC’s effort towards fighting corruption. For me, the forfeiture of property is just a flimsy excuse and diversionary attempt from the appropriate punishment,” he stated. A pensioner, Chuke Louis opines that the judgment is unbecoming of some members of the bench. It is obvious that some people are pulling the strings behind the stage. Such punishment would not deter other public office holders who are desirous of doing the same. Iyabo Balogun, a lecturer in Lagos State Polytechnic said: “What do you expect in a country like Nigeria where the rule of law is for the few rich. He who pays the piper dictates the tune. Both the pension thief, John Yusuf and their collaborators should be dealt with.” Olufemi Samuel, a civil servant said in the past, good number of members of the bench were role models. He laments that today, it is so disheartening that a judge of such estimable status could not use his discretionary powers to punish a thief and give a stiffer penalty commensurate with the offence committed in order to serve as deterrent to others. “It is unfortunate we are sliding further in our fight against corruption,” he stressed. Olusola Ajayi, also a civil servant described the judgment as “a pure judicial miscarriage and disappointment. The peculiarity of Nigeria situation warrants the re-introduction of capital punishment. The only language most leaders in Nigeria understand is corruption which is destroying the fabric of our society. The coming generation most probably will save the situation through a revolution,” he stated.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013, 2013—13

A chronology of plea bargain compromises... dollars, including moneystashed in banks, shares in blue chip companies and 14 luxury buildings.” But the jail term served by Tafa Balagun was nowhere closer to the wishes of many Nigerians who eventually could do nothing at the discretion of the Judge in her ruling.

• CJN, Aloma Muktar

again, some analysts say it encourages theft and embezzlement of public funds. In a protest in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of AntiCorruption Network (ACN) and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dino Melaye group alongside the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Association of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (AUYN) said, “We are collaborating now with Nigerian students and others interested in fighting corruption and part of our strategy is to ensure that we shout ‘barawo’ in the North; ‘ole’ in the South-West and ‘onyeoshi’ in the East of this country among others on corrupt people.” A petition which the group claimed it submitted to the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, and copied to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke on the matter reads in parts: “How else can we describe a situation where Mr John Yusuf, a man involved in over N27 billion pension scam was let off the hook with N750,000 only as fine option of two years jail term? We recall that a Magistrates’ Court recently sentenced a man to two years jail term without option of fine for stealing a goat worth five thousand naira. You will also agree with us that China is the largest economy today, yet it punishes cases of corruption to serve as deterrent with capital punishment (death). “We once again call for eradication of plea bargain. It is evil, nonsensical, archaic and detrimental to our avowed fight against corruption. We

advocate the China option of capital punishment for corruption, in which the family of the convicted and executed persons pay the bill for execution”. Similarly, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University of Agriculture (FUNNAB), Abeokuta, also condemned the judgment on the police pension fund. The association, in a statement issued on Wednesday said: “The union weeps for a nation where a person can be accused to have stolen over N20billion in pension funds. The accused pleads guilty and agrees to have stolen N2bn and the court judgment is only a fine of N750, 000. “We are surprised that the accused, who was found guilty any way, did not only receive a presidential handshake as appreciation for such act of patriotism and national service. What a shame! What a descent from decency we have slid to!” Meanwhile, the judgment has recalled to mind some other controversial verdicts of apparent insignificant jail terms given by the judiciary in the recent times which did not go down well with majority of Nigerians due to the volume of the offence committed. Some of the judgments and the jailed or acquitted included: Tafa Balogun Tafa Balogun was the former Inspector General of Police, IGP, during the President Olusegun Obasanjo era. He could be rated as the first Nigerian official who was prosecuted by the Economic and FinancialCrimes Commission (EFCC). In the charge preferred against him by the anti-graft agency under the Money Laundering Prohibition Act in 2005, Balogun was said to have

Continued frompage 10

We once again call for eradication of plea bargain. It is evil, nonsensical, archaic and detrimental to our avowed fight against corruption

incorporated some companies to loot the police treasury through bribes and kickbacks on contracts. Billions of naira were fraudulently withdrawn by him from the police account and transferred to the companies to buy shares and landed properties and foreign currency. Consequently, he was forced to resign. During his trial, the Judge, Justice Binta Nyako in her judgment said she considered the fact that Balogun was a “first offender ” and had “shown remorse” throughout the trial. “I hereby sentence the accused to a term of six months’ imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 naira (3,846 US dollars) on each of the eight charges against him,” said Nyako. The Judge also went ahead to say that the six months will run concurrently and according to her, 67 days already spent in detention during the trial was deducted. Justice Nyako also ruled that “he will forfeit all his assets, shares and landed property acquired with the fund stolen from the police treasury. The assets totaled 150 million US

Cecilia Ibru She was the former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank International Plc, Dr. Cecilia Ibru. She was found culpable of embezzling billions of Naira with which she acquired property at choice places almost the world over in 2010. Mrs. Ibru was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in a plea bargaining arrangement. Like Balogun, Ibru spent only six months in the prison as she was convicted six months each on a three-count charge after the withdrawal of all the charges with the exception of the three charges which were counts 14, 17 and 23 to which she pleaded guilty. And the sentences also ran concurrently. Her lawyer, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), pleaded that she was coming from the hospital to the court and the trial Judge, Justice Dan Abutu, while delivering his judgment also directed that she should be returned to the hospital. In other words, Mrs. Ibru served her jail in the hospital and not in the prison. Lucky Igbinedion Lucky Igbinedion was governor of Edo from 19992007. He was charged with embezzling 2.9 billion naira and he pleaded guilty to one count of corruption in a plea bargain at a Federal High Court in Enugu. He was fined to refund about 500 million and forfeit three properties, including one in the capital Abuja according to the Judge, Justice A. AbduKafarati that presided over the case. The then spokesperson of the EFCC, Femi Babafemi who was not at home with the option of fine said “”We are quarrelling (with) the option of a fine. Such options would not serve as deterrent to others who might want to commit such crimes”.

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha He was a former governor of the oil-producing state of Bayelsa. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was sentenced to two years in prison in July 2007 in a plea bargain, but spent only a few months in jail as he had been in detention since December 2005. Alamieyeseigha was arrested with almost 1 million pounds in cash in his London home in 2005. He was charged by British authorities with money laundering but skipped bail and returned to Nigeria where state governors have immunity from prosecution. Most Nigerians are not happy with the period he served and how he served it. James Ibori Like Lucky Igbinedion, James Ibori was governor of Delta State between May 1999 and May 2007. He admitted 10 counts of conspiracy to fraud and money laundering. Southwark Crown Court where he was tried was told the amount he stole from the people of Delta state was “unquantified”. Ibori, who evaded capture in Nigeria after a mob of supporters attacked police, was arrested in Dubai in 2010. He was later extradited to the UK, where he was prosecuted based on evidence from the Metropolitan Police. One of the counts Ibori admitted related to a $37m (£23m) fraud pertaining to the sale of Delta State’s share in Nigerian privatized phone company, V. Mobile. Sentencing him, Judge Anthony Pitts told Ibori: “You lived modestly in London in the 1990s and no-one I think hearing at that time would imagine the multi millionaire high profile governor that you became some eight or nine years later.” Judge Pitts said: “It was during those two terms that you turned yourself in short order into a multi-millionaire through corruption and theft in your powerful position as Delta state governor.” It could be recalled that before Ibori’s conviction in UK, a Nigerian Court in Asaba, Delta State headed by Justice Marcel Awokulehin had dismissed all the charges brought against the former governor only for him to be found guilty of the same charges by a court in the UK.

14 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

*with respects to ezekwesili *in tribute to omatsola

were like peas matured in one pod. They had imbibed the art of the correct delivery of the English language as a profession and, with it, the curtly manners of well-bred men and, oh yes, women - I almost totally forgot the distaff side of that formidable group. There was, of course, Christine Clinton who came straight from “Ibadan”, that is, the university college, as it was in those days some six decades ago. Then there was Winifred, “Winnie” Asolo”, who spoke with an unabashed tinge of affectations, and there was Enoh Irukwu, nee Etuk, who used to play a fierce netball game at Queen’s College. Add to that regal group Toun Adedoyin, a princess in every inch, and there you have a gorgeous back-up that provided a perfect match to its male counterpart at every point. These ladies and gentlemen had emerged through a thicket of interviews woven together by some employees of the British Broadcasting Corporation who came to lay the foundation of professional broadcasting in Nigeria. They were out to procure the best, and so the set purpose seemed to ensure that no candidate succeeded. I eventually attended one of such which I was assured had been toned down, but in which I was sure I could not succeed. But somehow I went through to join that sterling ensemble. And after a period of less than nine months of wholesome interaction, out went my former ambition of taking up a legal career. I have always accepted the fact that it was the mere idea of being separated from that glittering company that turned me away from considering any other profession than broadcasting, rather than the lure of the

profession itself. But then, the profession certainly had its own special attractions. If you were accepted on the air, you suddenly became a star. Your name opened doors to favours. You became a spoilt child of the community. You were pointed out in a crowd by perfect strangers, whispered about to your hearing, mimicked to your knowledge, pampered, flattered, adored, almost deified! But one thing prevented your getting swollen-headed— the men and women among whom you walked. Surrounded by the almost suffocating cloud of adoration, that first batch of broadcasters never lost its modest attitude towards life in general. They each referred to it as having “a sense of proportion.” We who came immediately after them quietly had this trait ingrained in our character without really noticing it. It must have been part of the English temperament which seeped into the outlook of the young Nigerians from their BBC mentors. The leader of the expatriate teachers was Tom Chalmers, OBE, a gentleman of impeccable disposition who led the team of broadcasters though himself an engineer by profession. But “Uncle Tom” was a man of many parts. He was also a musician—an accomplished organist, to be precise, and a stickler for the correct pronunciation

he early rains have arrived here in some parts, or shall we call them the threatening return of the f1oods so soon in the year? It would seem that this thing called “climate change” may be right after all. It did not rain so much in the month of January in the past, but those who know about these things assert that these rains are merely the harbingers of the harmattan, and not a part of the rainy season. The downpours and “rumours of downpours” around the coastal areas in the past weeks have nevertheless set up high hopes for the carpenters, you know, those who came last year to repair your roof ... permanently. They are gradually appearing again, smack in the wake of the first rains. It is their season, the harvest time of the fraudulent work they did when their services were required last year at the visitation of leaks through the roof. Then they hammered away for some anxious hours and swore, after collecting their payment for the repairs, that such horrible incidents were done with for ever. They were smooth, oh so smooth, that you believed them and the leaking had actually stopped then. But you have now noticed a slight discoloration on the ceiling and that has left you wondering if everything had indeed been as “kosher” as they promised. You need not wonder, actually, because it will soon become clear that you are in •Dr. Ezekwesili their hands, once again. They are aware of exactly what they several other “fixed” on your roof last year, demonstrations against and they know you are going to patent injustice like that in need them again this year. That the future. is why they are gradually But what should incite emerging to “fix” it again this even more public protests year. are the horror cases that You may call them rogues, or are allowed to pass muster. extortionists and the like, but These directly affect high then what do you call others in functionaries of the same class who perform government, and they such services in Nigeria today? sometimes run into What would you call the man trillions. They are seldom who maintains, or repairs, or discovered or find the generally services that most public domain and, when necessary item of household they are, usually too equipment, your generator? He wearisome to pursue ... has to come and upkeep the more wearisome than the plant periodically but, at the case of that man who stole same time, does he not also “fix” a goat and was sent to jail it for you? Of course, you resent for two years. such bare-faced dishonesty but My compliments to Dr. what choice have you got? Ezekwesili. Wish this country had two or three n any case, all of that is mere more like her. piffle when the real action surrounds you in the open acts of thievery involving billions of They were the first herd naira of the people’s funds. in the now massive flock of Officials of the government who radio broadcasting in are in enviable positions of Nigeria: Mike Olumide, Joe responsibility have now Atuona, Sam Nwaneri, developed a culture of helping Emmanuel Bello Fadaka, themselves to money entrusted Sunday Young-Harry, John to them and, in many cases, Edyang, Obi Ebo, going scot-free. Or, in other Emmanuel Omatsola, and cases, they merely get a swift Christopher Oyeshiku .. slap on the wrist and are turned They had no rivals as lose to enjoy the slimy proceeds newsreaders, thus each of of their crimes. They call it them was indeed “as lovely “ plea bargaining ”. The as a star, when only one is stench of a recent case is yet to shining in the sky” (if you disperse. The man stole, and will pardon my confessed that he stole, more Wordsworth.) than twenty million naira of I remember them today as public funds. He was fined less clear as daylight. They than a million naira, were distinctive as a group dispossessed of a street of in many ways, and yet each houses, and sentenced to two was special also in his own years imprisonment. He was on way. Most of them have his way to freedom to the passed on to eternal chagrin of the prosecutors, but stardom now, the most was said to have been re- recent being Emmanuel arrested on other charges. The Omatsola who was buried judgment that set him free in yesterday. the first instance, provoked a One could hardly public demonstration which remember one and not may be the fore-runner of remember all of them. They

another matter. Emmanuel Omatsola (I as yet can’t call him ‘late’) presented these musical pieces with great aplomb like the best of his peers. But he was a true all-rounder, as fortune\forced him sometimes to show. When football became a nationally acclaimed game, it was found desirable to broadcast commentaries, and Omatsola was selected to be trained among some five other people. He was found proficient, but a certain gentleman came on the scene by name of Ishola Folorunsho, and almost edged out everybody. But football and sports were only a part of the outside broadcast package.

nother and more prestigious side was commentaries for Special Occasions like National Day Parades, Opening of Parliament and other ceremonies. Here was the forte of Emmanuel Omatsola. He excelled in such an impressive manner that it was decided that he should be attached to the BBC in London to perfect his art. However, as such things would happen, the post he would have returned to fill was given out before he returned. As a way of compensation, he was deployed to the Nigerian Newsreel Desk. And guess who was acting there as the editor at that time? I had managed to find my niche in Newsreel and

If you were accepted on the air, you suddenly became a star. Your name opened doors to favours

of words —English or European words, in particular, but the spoken word in any language, generally. He cared passionately for the correct rendering of Italian names and words which featured profusely in the classical music which were presented on gramophone records in those days. He almost fainted at the slightest breach of the proper vowel, correct consonant, judicious inflexion, or accurate accent. He had a very willing class of ardent pupils who filled the air with symphonies, and fantasias, arias, and operas, by Bach, and Handel, and Rachmaninoff, and Sibelius, and other “masters”. No one can hear anything like that on any radio station in Nigeria any more, but that is

Feature Writing in which 1 was bedded to make a journalistic career. Omatsola was my senior and his transfer to my section meant an automatic setback to my own progress. But he had always been a pleasant comrade and 1 sympathized with his own raw deal, so we decided to rub each other’s back and get on with job. He had never been seriously involved in production till then, but he handled the situation in his normal cool manner like a real ‘pro’. It was just around this time that National Television was inaugurated, and Omatsola went for the audition as a newscaster, and so became one of the first news readers also on national television, as he had on radio. God grant him eternal rest. Time out

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—15

Fanning a fflic lic ker int o fflame lame Something good is happening (I) lick into

he song haunts when I see acci dent victims on the road and people speed off, not wanting to get involved. Or worse, when there is an

Okada victim and we walk by, looking the other way. It haunts when a defenceless lady is attacked in broad day light and we look away. Or when a neighbour’s house is being robbed and we quickly call our children in and lock the door . I know there are arguments to support why our hearts have become this calloused and our survival instincts this heightened. Stories of

nfortunately, this selfish, self centred survival instinct has eaten into other social fabrics, and is often masked—to salve our conscience —as righteous indignation. We see it when we are on the line in a supermarket or a pharmacy store and the person in front of us is taking longer than usual with the cashier, forgetting that all of us have needed clarification or assistance at one time or the other. We see it even in the church when we are so much in a hurry to leave the car park that we refuse to allow a car to get in front of us. Or we hoot so self righteously, when a car in our front stops to pick up another worshipper. We forget that we have been in that position before, and will most likely be in the position again. We see it— this lack of empathy, masked as righteous indignation — when a public official falls and the long C M Y K

ll these came to me very forcibly a couple of weeks ago when an Indian Priest delivered a powerful homily on the life of Christ based on Isaiah 42 vs 3 which says ‘a bruised reed he will not break, a flickering flame he will not quench’. He described Christ’s mission as that of a nurturer. Ordinarily, a bruised reed is something you remove to make space for stronger plants. But Jesus did not see anybody as half empty to be drained off but as half full to be topped up. He came to give life, to build, and not to destroy. When the Priest mentioned that it was easier to pull down than to build, I remembered my country. The Priest described a flickering lamp as next to useless. You can not read with it neither can it light your path. Again, for many, its better to quench it than waste precious oil. But not Jesus; His purpose was to fan every flicker into a flame. What about us? How many times have we seen a good in our society and encouraged it? How many times have we seen a flicker of hope and fanned it into a roaring fire?

We see it even in the church when we are so much in a hurry to leave the car park that we refuse to allow a car to get in front of us

sympathetic helpers that have been made suspects by the police abound. Or good Samaritans being turned away with accident victims by hospitals, leaving the Samaritans to carry what is not really their cross. These precedents have made us to believe that the situation can not be helped.

knives come out, determined to make sure that he does not rise again. We see it when a leader suffers a moral failure. The darts we throw — in words and in deed— are fast and furious. None of us is humble enough to admit that we might fare worse in the same situation. St Paul warns us to be aware of our vulnerability when we witness the moral weakness of others by saying ‘let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls’.Oswald Chambers buttressed this about a century ago, when he said, ‘always remain alert to the fact that where one man falls, is exactly where many will fall.’ David Macstand offered another reproach to moral failure in others when he said ‘the head shake in response is a common response to public sin. More helpful is the head that nods ‘yes, I am capable of that’ then bows in prayer for the one who has fallen and the one who thinks he stands’.

e condemn, maybe rightly, our institutions of learning and their young products. But how many of us bother to look for the rough diamonds that must exist?; the unpolished gold lurking in every pile of dust? Maybe its time to stop moaning and cursing and start building. According to Bishop Ajakaiye of Ekiti archdiocese, ’when we continue to moan, we continue to mourn.’ Nigeria needs all of us irrespective of tribe and religion, to come together to help fan every flicker of hope into a flame.

elcome to this new exciting series from the anointed word of God. It will surely bless you, encourage and challenge you to know that God has not forgotten you but that He who began a good work in you shall faithfully complete it. Remember, God never fails, and so He will never fail you.Sometimes in life it may seem as if all of hell is against you at the same time and you begin to wonder what is going on. Where is God, where is Jesus, and where is the Holy Ghost? Sometimes you turn to your friends and they all turned their back at you.

ong before Millie Jackson veered into those raunchy, sexual songs that made her famous—or infamous— she had sung thoughtful, social songs. The celebrated singer of the all time ever green song: ‘if loving is you wrong, I don’t want to be right’ had earlier in her career, awakened people’s social conscience with some powerful songs. One of them, titled ‘I cried’ haunts still, some 4 years after I first heard it. The lyrics of this verse, in a way, summarises the song. ‘I saw a man lying on the street. I couldn’t figure out why people pass by without seeing that the man was about to die. When I cried out for help, no one came cos they don’t want to get involved. The problem seems that no one believed that the situation can be helped. And I cried. Oh lord, I cried.’

Thank God, there is always a way out of every situation

Then you remember to fast and pray, you sow seeds into God’s kingdom, you do all that you know how to do, and yet nothing seems to happen. Hear the word of the Lord, something good is happening even right now. When a farmer plants a seed into the

soil, he may decide to wonder what is happening with the seed he planted but do you know, his wondering won’t do him any good. Because wondering won’t bring out the fruit that the farmer desire. This is why all farmers know that when they plant a seed that definitely something is happening to that seed that will cause fruits to spring forth out of the ground. You may be saying, brother Johnson, you don’t know how long i have been waiting to get married, or to have children, or to be gainfully employed, or to be promoted etc. Yes I may not know, but the one whose plan for your life is good and not of evil, knows all about you and that is why He is Ominiscient, the God that knows all things. He said He will bring you to an expected glorious end (Jer. 29:11). Don’t worry, your end shall be glorious, says the Spirit of the Lord. People may be laughing at you right now, making mockery of you and it is hurting you so badly, please listen my God will comfort you with supernatural miracles this year in Jesus Name. Do you remember, the bible says that at the beginning in Gen. “1:2 that the earth was void, dark and full of confusions. Well at this time the enemy may have thought it was all over but God brought creation

out of nothing. What about when Satan robbed man of his divine inheritance in the Garden of Eden. At this point, Satan and his hosts must have been rejoicing that the purpose of God for mankind has been destroyed and that there could be no way out. But thank God, there is always a way out of every situation. This is why I boldly say that in your life right now, something good is happening that will prosper you tremendously. While Satan was rejoicing God said in Gen. 3:15 “that the seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent”. From generation to generation God kept Satan so busy guessing when this will be. Surely Satan must have thought that God must be a joker. Listen to me. God is not a joker, but He always has a joker to defeat the enemy. Finally, Jesus (the seed of the woman) came into the scene and destroyed the works of the devil and gave us absolute victory over all the works of Satan. Don’t ever think that God is not doing something for you. He is working things out for your good. If you will just hold on a little bit longer, you will surely see Him. I prophesy that your business will not collapse and your marriage will advance forward beyond your imagination for something good is happening to you right now. Do you want to experience fulfillment of promises of God in your life? The starting point is you receiving Jesus Christ in your life as Lord and Saviour, if you have not already done so. Pray this simple prayer. Father, you said that whosoever shall call on the name of Jesus, shall be saved. I call on the name Jesus. Thank you for saving me and giving me the gift of eternal life. I praise you and give you all the glory.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407. Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

16—SATIRDAU Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

CAN/ Catholic Church crisis,

politically motivated —Apostle Suleiman zSays lifting ban on Dana Air is a crime against humanity

postle Johnson Suleiman is the President and Founder of the

Omega Fire Ministry. He is one man of God that does not hesitate to bare his mind on serious national issues no matter whose ox is gored. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, he reacted to the prevailing crisis in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the lifting of the ban imposed on Dana Airline, describing it as insensitive to the plight of the family of the victims. He also spoke on other national issues and why he advised President Goodluck Jonathan not to run for a second term. Excerpts: The disagreement between the Catholic Church and the leadership of CAN is creating a lot of tension among Christians in Nigeria, what is your view on the crisis because the Catholic Church has pulled out of CAN? Nobody is stopping them, they can pull out. When you are tired of something, you pull out. It could become Catholic Association of Nigeria, so we now have CAN 1, CAN 2. The truth is that those who are crying for a breakaway are not really good Catholics because every good Catholic should know the power of unity. The problem we have is that when the Catholics are leading, they expect everybody should follow but if somebody else is leading, Catholics will have issues. It has always been like that, this superiority mindset. They said Pastor Ayo Oritshejeafor has now politicized CAN. If you are to talk of those that fraternize with politicians, it is the Catholic Church. Most Cathedrals were built by politicians. If you go to Catholic events, the highest donors are politicians. When Archbishop Oyenaikan was the head of CAN, he was a frontliner at every national event. Rev Father Kukah said that right from the time of Shehu Shagari, he has had one on one with all the Presidents, so why are they crying? I do not see any animosity in this. This man (Oritshejafor) has tried. There has never been any time apart from the time of late Archbishop Benson Idahosa where a man cried out for believers in the North when they were being slaughtered. There has never been any season in this

country where a man cried out for Christians in the North like this time. This man has always cried out. Recently, I was talking to him personally, about the killings in the north. We were seated together and he was crying and I was looking at him and I was confused. In as much as I am emotional, I was overwhelmed for a man who is leading and he is still telling us to take things easy. So, they are just making noise and crying over nothing. Pulling out? Why? Just because they are not leading, that is the underlying factor and don’t forget it is political. The next CAN election is close and they are screaming and presenting the bad side of the man so that everybody sees the bad side of him. CAN is a spiritual organization and when they want to address issues, they do that spiritually. If the man does not see the President once in a while,...he went to the US and advocated that Boko Haram should be

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

Apostle Johnson Suleiman...CAN is a body of Christians sitting leader of CAN has ever gone to the North in the midst of the crisis? None of them but this man has gone there alone to donate relief materials. They heard he was coming and he knew his life was on the line. He flew to Maiduguri in the heat of it, gave them money and relief materials, prayed for them and flew back. Some of them sit in Abuja and send letters, some of them sit in Abuja and grant press conferences. So in as much as I am against disintegration in all its totality, when push comes to shove, people have to know the truth. CAN is a body of Christians and we are happy at the level of leadership we are getting now. They should point out the politicking they are talking about; they should quote what they claimed is politicking, if they are able to give us, we will confront this man. I am not a Jonathan fan, I am not against him though. I am not against his person but I am against his style of leadership. I am against the lack lustre style, lackadaisical attitude, this lethargy…this slow movement. There are issues that should be tackled, I feel we should address issues and move on; not always deliberating on issues that can't move us forward. Nigeria is one country you deliberate. After deliberating, you now have another meeting to discuss what you discussed on that meeting and all of these are being funded and at the end of the day, the man is out of power and everything is stopped. In as much as I am not for disintegration, I am against certain people who feel they have superiority mindset.

The truth is that those who are crying for a break away are not really good Catholics because every good Catholic should know the power of unity

tagged a terrorist group, the President was angry with him but he was saying the truth. A man who they said was supporting everything the President says would not say such a thing because if Boko Haram is tagged a terrorist organisation, it is a snag on Nigeria. It means you are actually inviting troops and that will put us on watch list but the man is trying to make sure that the country is safe. So, why don’t they focus on his good sides? In life, you may not be where you ought to be but it is obvious you are not where you used to be. If they say they want to pull out, quietly they can do so, we can now have two CANs; Christian Association of Nigeria and Catholic Association of Nigeria. So you are not worried? I am not worried at all. No Christian will fault a man who is raising his voice against the killings in the North. There have always been killings in the North and Pastor Oritshejafor has been crying and condemning it persistently. Which

Dana Airline We live in a lawless country, we live in a degenerate nation, a nation where conscience has been trampled upon, a nation where evil is being amplified and

orchestrated where black is white and white is black. It is appalling and abuse to the dead that Dana is operating. Infact, this is wicked and a crime against humanity. Any organization that has no value for conscience is bad. Dana Airline should have at least given the dead a year's respect, at least one year to mourn them before coming back to operation. I have no personal animosity against Dana but what I am saying is that some people became widows, today we have widowers, some of the people that died in that air crash were dependants, some of them were highly placed elites in the society and all of that were forgotten in seven months? Another issue is that some of these people have not been adequately settled, some of those who were on ground when this thing happened, some of these people who were in their houses when the crash happened, some of these people built these properties they have been crying to Dana Air and they have not been answered. I know a few of them who have not been answered. Some of them have been threatening to go to court and people like us men of God have been appealing to them to calm down, some of them who are at the helms of affairs of religious organization are feeling pained. I know two families who have been practically down because of this and now Dana is on air.

Late last year, Dana was given an award after the crash, a leading airline?

Can you imagine that? I personally do not see why they should fly now at least for the sake of conscience and respect for the dead, one year is good enough and let them come with a publication that everybody have been paid, when that is complete then people will fly Dana with open mind. Its Political Everything in this country is political I will not be surprised if there are power brokers behind Dana when you talk about law, laws are regulated when violated. While people sit down at the National Assembly to make laws, other people sit down and plan how to break it.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—17

18 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

I can’t talk to girls Dear Julie, I am a University graduate who has always had trouble finding a girl to have a romantic relationship with. I have had only one real relationship during my early years in the university and it ended before the point in which we would have had sex. I am still a virgin! The other day, my elder brother and I were talking about this and he advised me to be more aggressive. I am somewhat shy. However, I fear that it may be something more

basic than that. I used to not think that my brother was that much better looking than me but seeing girls walk across a crowded room to talk to him on more than one occasion while I stood right beside and watched has changed my mind and affected the confidence I have in myself. I’m starting to realize that all the girls I am interested in don’t see me as attractive. Without even asking, I can see it in their eyes. If my problem is lack of physical charms, maybe I should set

my sights lower. Desmond, Lagos Dear Desmond, There are no generic standards for attractiveness , different people are attracted to different features in other people. Physical looks, charm, quietness or outgoing–ness, sense of humour, long hair or short hair, it’s impossible to determine which qualities might attract a potential mate. The women who are attracted to your brother are not necessarily the same women who would be attracted to you. This is not a bad thing. You and your brother are different; you’ve already acknowledged that. In spending all your time watching the women who are attracted to your brother, you may be missing the women who might be attracted to you. It seems as though you may be struggling with your selfesteem. This is the thing that has perhaps been diminished somewhat by comparing your-

self or your experiences to your brother’s. Stop for a moment and take a look at yourself. Think about and recognize all that you have to offer a potential partner. Write these qualities down. If you are having a hard time coming up with this list, ask someone you trust. When you start to notice that you’re dwelling on your shortcomings or otherwise feeling down on yourself, take a gander at that list. Read and study it, and add to it, until you believe it with every fabric of your being.

Then think about the qualities you would enjoy in someone else. Next time you go out dancing or are in another public place, as you’re looking around, remember that you’re a good catch for the right person, and be discriminating about who you choose to socialize with. Talk to lots of

women, knowing that you will not have a relationship with all of them, but that you’re open

My need for sexual attention is getting out of hand I am afraid my need for sexual attention is getting out of hand. The past several weekends I have wound up kissing guys in bars, and I find myself less interested in flirting or having interesting conversations with them than I am in getting that rush of meeting someone new. Recently, I had sex with a guy I had just met and I have no idea why. Making matters worse is that he was much younger than I am and I don’t think we had anything in common whatsoever. I feel like I am devaluing myself and I don’t want to lose my self-respect. How can I find the cause of my behaviour and how can I stop? Claire, Port-Harcourt

Dear Claire While some people consider casual kissing or an occasional one-night stand no big deal and/or fun, others aren’t interested in that at all. Many people may feel differently about casual encounters at different points in their life as well. It may help to consider why you get such a rush from meeting new people right now. Are you bored with your current social circle? Does it make you feel good to know others are interested in meeting and/or kissing you? These and other feelings are valid to have. Exploring them may actually help you discover some new things about yourself and what you want from your life. However, it sounds as if you’re concerned about your recent flings. Maybe exploring your intuition would bring up some behaviours or feelings that you would like to change. Is it possible you have been using alcohol or other substances differently these past few weeks and feel that this is contributing to your actions? Or are you using this string of striking strangers to soothe a broken or lonely heart? It’s true that encounters such as these can serve as a harmless, and even valuable, boost to one’s self-esteem, particularly post-heartbreak.

However, as you mention, if the reasons behind the actions don’t mesh with your personal values, your self-esteem and self-respect could suffer. A healthy self-esteem and self-respect are essential to our well-being, physically and psychologically. Self-esteem is, simply, how good we feel about who we are and can come from many places, most importantly from inside yourself. However, the impact of self-esteem, or the lack of it, is complicated and far-reaching. Self-esteem and respect affect the choices we make in our lives, whom we choose to be involved with, and our ability to take action to change things we feel need changing. If you feel as if your behaviours are atypical, and you are worried about harming your self-esteem, being aware of your feelings and looking for potential solutions are positive next steps. The need for sexual attention is normal, but if or when you feel as though your choices or behaviours are getting out of hand, it might be helpful to look at what else is going on in your life at the moment. Your actions may be your way of dealing with recent changes or stresses. Maybe you’ve moved, are looking for work, are dealing with a difficult family circumstance, or are going through some other kind of transition. Or, perhaps there are unresolved problems that are now resurfacing. As for the age issue, what does matter is that you are comfortable with yourself, that your actions make you feel good about yourself and those around you, and that you are protecting yourself and partners from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unwanted pregnancy.The process of self-realization may help you figure what is behind your

to exploring the possibility with a select few — your selection! Try not to fear rejection though it happens to everyone at some point. That’s part of the process of finding someone compatible. It may also be helpful to explore why a relationship is so important to you. Of course, having intimate human connection is an experience that many people seek and value, but what else about it appeals to you? What meaning do

you attach to being attached? What meaning does being single have for you? Society sends a lot of messages that single–dom is undesirable and these messages can make single people themselves feel undesirable, which may in turn make it harder to trust that there is someone out there for you. But your minimal dating in the past is not evidence for your future.

It’s hard to break up with him Dear Aunty Julie, I have been going out with a guy for over a month and it’s just not working, but the problem is, I don’t know how to dump him. Tracy, Port-Harcourt Dear Tracy, It’s best to recognize and deal with your relationship problems now, rather than letting them linger for too long when they can become harder to handle. Of interest, however, is your choice of words. Do you want to: “Dump” your boyfriend like yesterday’s rubbish, with no explanation; trash him with a phony blackmail plot or end the relationship cordially with minimal reasoning? In a situation such as this, it is important to remember that kindness and respect are what count. Of course, you have options. You can let him know over the phone, through an e-mail, or you can see him one last time. If you choose to meet, a quiet place (rather than a restaurant or party) shows caring, and allows for fewer interruptions or opportunities for humiliation or even a dramatic scene. In the end, you simply have to tell him what you mentioned in your question: “It’s just not working.” You don’t have to blame him, and you don’t have to justify yourself. Keep your message short and clear. You may be doing him a favour by breaking up, that is, saving him from wasting any more time or energy in an unsatisfying relationship that just cannot work. Thinking on the bright side, you are even giving him the possibility of meeting someone new. And as you give him this option, you also give it to yourself. After the break up, it might be helpful to spend some time with friends, whether old or new.

C O C K - T A L E S * A couple whose marriage was going on the rocks sought the advice of a marriage counsellor. The counsellor pleaded with them to patch up their quarrel, but they were adamant. ”So,” said the counsellor, “ you know the consequences and you want to part. Remember this. You must divide your property equally.” The wife flared up. “You mean the $4,000 I have saved up? I must give him half? My money?” “Yes,” said the counsellor. “He gets $2,000. You get $2,000.” ”What about my furniture? I paid for that.” “Same thing,” answered the counsellor. “Your husband gets the bedroom and the living room; you get

the dining room and the kitchen.” There was a challenging gleam in the wife’s eye. “What about our three children?” That stumped him. Shrewdly he assayed the situation, then he came up with a Solomonic answer. “Go back and live together until your fourth child is born. Then you take two children and your husband takes two.” The wife shook her head. “No, I’m sure that wouldn’t work out. If I depended on him, I wouldn’t have the three I got.” *On their way to a justice of the peace to get married, a couple has a fatal car accident. The couple is sitting outside heavens gate waiting on St. Peter to do the paperwork so they can enter. While waiting, they wonder if they could

possibly get married in Heaven. St. Peter finally shows up and they ask him. St. Peter says, “I don’t know, this is the first time anyone has ever asked. Let me go find out,” and he leaves. The couple sit for a couple of months and begin to wonder if they really should get married in Heaven. St. Peter returns after yet another month, looking somewhat bedraggled. “Yes,” he informs the couple, “ you can get married in Heaven.” “Great,” says the couple, “but what if things don’t work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?” St. Peter, red-faced, slams his clipboard onto the ground. “What’s wrong?” exclaims the frightened couple. “Geez!” St. Peter exclaims, “It took me three months to find a priest up here! Do you have any idea how long it’s going to take for me to find a lawyer?”

SATURDAY

Vanguard FEBRUARY 2, 2013—19

HEN Eunice got married some nine years ago to her sweetheart of four years, it was with the belief the marriage was a first for both of them. But, according to her, “His sister recently told me that this is not his first marriage, as I thought, but he and I haven’t discussed it. It was in his early 20s, fresh out of the university when he had to marry his girlfriend because she was pregnant. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and they divorced within three years, with the only child of the marriage living with her mother. “My first problem is a legal one; on our marriage certificate it says he’s single, but should say divorced. To my knowledge, he never declared this or produced his decree absolute when we applied to get married. Do you think it is illegal? Second, he has lied—he told me ‘I never wanted to marry anyone before I met you. He is anti-religion, but I have since discovered that his first marriage was in church. He denied me the chance to get married in one as he said it would be hypocritical of him. I’m not all that religious, but it would have been nice to get married in the same church as some of my family members.

When your spouse forgets his first marriage! sibling relationship, I know he will be mad at me for finding all this out. I’m afraid of mentioning it to him and opening a can of worms. May be I should just forget it and get on with our happy family... “ I told Eunice she already has what she termed a happy family in spite of this dark cloud hanging over the relationship. Unfortunately her problem is in no way unique.Yomi, a 43-year-old lecturer admitted he married his wife of 10 years without telling her he’d been married

before. According to him, “I foolishly thought that she wouldn’t want me if she knew. Some few months into the marriage, I told her my story and naturally she was surprised, but she accepted it. We discussed it in details at the time, then never talked about it again. I felt released, stopped having bad dreams, and loved her even more! Eunice should try to understand why her husband didn’t tell her of his first marriage. If she’s happy with her husband she

should sit him down over his favourite drink and tell him straight out that she knows about his first marriage and doesn’t give a hoot about it. Reassure him that she accepts what has happened and loves him regardless. A reasonable man will appreciate this. Life is too short to be hung up on the past..” “Eunice shouldn’t be concerned about spoiling her husband’s relationship with his sister. The only people who can harm the relationship are the two of

e has always been deep and seldom talks about his past. He isn’t in touch with his many full and half siblings, apart from this sister of his. He is the type of man who would clamp up and probably accuse me of snooping if I asked about his past, rather than explaining why he has never told me that he was married before, let alone had a daughter. His sister felt I had a right to know. If he finds out she’s told me, he will probably never speak to her again and I don’t want to spoil his only good

them.” Linda, a psychologist had the final say. “Eunice believed her husband lied when he claimed he never wanted to marry anyone before her, and that he wasn’t being straight when he explained why he didn’t want to get married in church. If she confronts him about this, she’s liable to miss the chance to talk through what is really important.

nyway, it may be true he never wanted to marry anyone but her. Perhaps he felt duty bound to marry his first wife when she discovered she was pregnant. He therefore thought it would be hypocritical to marry in church, even if he didn’t give her the reason why. “Trust is the crucial issue here and Eunice should focus on this. Her husband might even argue that he didn’t lie to her, but merely withheld the truth. But that, in itself, can be construed as setting up a potential lie as it increases the likelihood that it will become necessary to lie in order to keep the secret. In the meantime, Eunice should consider the possibility of asking her sister-in-law to tell him that she’d already spilled the beans. This looks the most appropriate option because her sister-in-law should have insisted that Eunice’s husband talked to her in the first place, rather than telling her herself... If she won’t talk to him, then, Eunice must do so.

he may prefer to write him a letter first, so she can be sure of getting across what she really wants to say. It would also give him time to consider his response. If, however, she prefers to talk directly to her husband, she should arrange to do so when the children are elsewhere. She should be direct but reassuring, and keep in mind her overall aim to start forging a real sense of trust between them.”

When a friend gives you the cold shoulder ave you fallen out with a friend who is now keeping their distance? Or maybe someone who’s normally happy to speak to you is giving you the cold shoulder? Whether it’s your mum, partner, sister or a pal who is refusing to talk to you, you have to find a way to confront the person who is ignoring you without making things worse. Start by looking at the reason you fell out. Was it something you said? Maybe you accused them of something or turned down a request for help. Did you do something wrong or behave badly? Whatever it was, non-talkers can take control of the relationship and the situation by cutting you off. They are also punishing you. And if they feel vulnerable, it will seem sensible to stop communication so you can’t hurt them again. So what can you do? Here’s a three-point plan giving by a psychologist for getting

back on speaking terms. Take responsibility and apologise: This doesn’t mean taking all the blame or suggesting that it’s completely your fault. Simply admit that you could have done things differently and say you’re sorry it happened. For example, ‘I was angry and shouted —I’m sorry 1 lost my temper over

us?’ Acknowledge what they say about how they feel. Explain how you feel, but be careful not to find fault or lay blame .. Explain what you can do to put things right: You could, for example, say: ‘I know that when I get angry and shout, you don’t get a chance to have your say. In

When a friend gives you the cold shoulder

it’ or ‘I didn’t do what you asked me to do — I’m sorry 1 let you down’. Find out how the other person is feeling: Do they feel hurt or frustrated? Maybe they simply feel let down. Try asking: ‘How do you feel about what happened between

future if 1 feel I’m losing control, I’ll leave the room until I feel calmer,’ or ‘I know I let you down. Can I make up for it in some other way?’ If you still cannot get through to them,

you may have to find another way to communicate. One method is to put what you want to say in writing. Again, take responsibility for what you could have done differently. Remember not to find fault or lay blame but do acknowledge how you think the other person is feeling. Saying, for example: ‘I can see that you are angry,’ shows that you’re taking their feelings seriously. Explain how you feel and what you are willing to do to put things right.

nother possibility is to ask someone else to help patch things up between you — a friend who could step in and explain how much you want to get back on good terms. If, despite all your attempts to break down the wall of silence, you cannot get through, you will know that you have tried your best. You just need to decide if you are willing to leave the door open for the other person to come through once they feel like talking again.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

hen Bubu noticed that her hubby was getting less intetested in intimacy, she attributed it to stress and did all she could to make him feel at ease without achieving results. But what Bubu thought was stress was much more than that.Her hubby was entangled in a relationship with another woman and even though that also crossed her mind, her biggest suspicion was that his current workload was affecting his libido. When you get suspicious that your significant other is cheating, be careful not to appear to be paranoid. You have to walk a fine line , you don’t want to make false accusations. So, while I’m sharing this list of cheating red flags, I concede that it’s a tricky situation. It’s hard to be sure if someone’s cheating, but protect yourself: Be vigilant, and pay attention to your mind and spirit within the relationship. But, at the same time, be careful not to let anxiety lead the way because unnecessary paranoia will just drive your lover away. There are usually some red flags that may signal that your significant other is cheating: Less intimacy Unless he’s Superman, he can only have so much intimacy. So, if he’s getting it from another source, you might notice. Whether it’s another woman or a porn addiction — even if he’s not cheating , a decrease in intimacy signals serious issues in the relationship. Jumpy cell phone habits In a perfect world, we’d be

Is your beau cheating on you? ing. There’s a problem if he’s not laughing or seeming as passionate as usual. It’s hard to spread love/passion between two people, so the person who used to have it will feel it slipping away if it’s being given to someone else. He’s pulling houdinis If he’s disappearing, traveling, or unavailable to the point where you are starting to wonder, then he could be cheating. Also, these times tend to take on a pattern because it’s tough to synch up schedules, especially in secret. open about sharing our correspondence with our significant others. Most of the time, we trust that we don’t have to worry about who is texting or calling them. But, if you notice that he is getting protective and/or nervous when he gets calls or texts, it may be cause for alarm. Gushing or talking about someone suddenly You know that exhilarating feeling you get when you meet someone new and excit-

My room-mate is nosy

just gained admission to the University and I’m in 100 level and I live in a room with three other girls. We are all best friends, except for one girl. None of us like her because she says anything that pops into her head .She told one of my roommates, who is battling an eating disorder, that she looked pregnant, and she is constantly trying to find out gossip about us. After a night of fun, she will come into our room, and pump us for info. She hasn’t gone out with us yet this year. She thrives on knowing gossip about anyone and everyone. My question is: how can we tell her to mind her own

business and shut her mouth? Also, how can we tell her that we don’t want her to live with us next year? Thanks for your help! Edwina, Lagos Ans: What you and your roommates are struggling with is likely to sound familiar to many. Living in close quarters, perhaps with someone you don’t know very well, can cause all kinds of stresses and communication breakdowns. In thinking about how to remedy your situation, there are a few things to consider. The cohabiter in question may simply be annoying, without much

ing? You want to tell the world about him. When someone begins talking about a guy/ babe a lot and gushes in the process ,know that something is in the offing. Disconnect Even though relationships ebb and flow naturally, if you’re sensing that he’s drawing away from you, then there may be someone else. Emotional disconnect should be investigated regardless of whether it’s caused by cheat-

chance for change, but is there anything about the way you and your best friends are acting that might be exacerbating your roommate’s nosiness? Your roommate’s behaviour could be motivated by all kinds of things. Perhaps one of them is her disappointment at recognizing that she is not counted among your group of best friends. Imagine how lonely and frustrating it might feel to always be excluded. Sometimes it can be difficult to hide when we feel left out, and this might be part of the reason behind her over-eagerness to hear everything she missed. There also may be ways in which you and your best friends act clique-y — creating a situation in which your roommate’s

Friends acting strange His friends will certainly remain loyal to him in most cases. They will not let you know what’s going on, but they will definitely be racked with guilt, and their behaviour may change slightly when they are around you while protecting his secret. Caught in other lies about other things If you catch him in a lie, your trust will naturally be damaged. Don’t hold a grudge. Forgiveness is a good

gotta beg for information or say rude things so as to act as though she really doesn’t like you. Showing some interest in her life and picking some comfortable topics to talk with her might go a long way in satiating her thirst for information and to be involved. It’s difficult and draining, but if you and your friends make a concerted, honest effort to be more inclusive of your roommate, perhaps she will lay off a bit. What bothers you the most about your roommate’s behaviour? Her desire to be included in your activities? Her tendency to gossip? Comments she’s made that seem tactless? Of course, the responsibility doesn’t lie completely with you. Your roommate also needs to

thing. You can forgive, but don’t forget. If he consistently breaches your trust, it’s establishing a pattern of behaviour that leads to cheating. Do yourself a favour: If he keeps lying, whether these lies are big or small, get out while you can and don’t let him talk his way back in. Been there, done that I always say: “Once a cheater, always a cheater.” If he’s done it before, he’s definitely capable of doing it again. It has nothing to do with you, which is why you can’t say that he cheated on his previous lover because she didn’t keep him happy. Cheating is a self-serving act in which the cheater doesn’t take his significant other into consideration. If someone is upfront with you that he’s made mistakes in the past, maybe give them a chance but make it a long probationary period before you let your guard down. Your gut tells you so Don’t ignore your sixth sense. People are gifted at sensing when something doesn’t feel right. Whether there are red flags in your relationship that are clueing you in or not, if something feels off, don’t ignore this feeling. Usually that feeling is right, and something intangible may have led to you figuring it all out. Do you have any red flags that you’d add to this list? Would you say that you’re generally good at figuring cheaters out, or do you seem to find yourself getting cheated on often? What sorts of behaviours do you think are characteristic of someone who could be a cheater?

adjust her behaviour. How do you tell her this? For some people, simple, consistent messages work. For example, one of you can take her aside and quietly explain, in private, that it hurts you to hear her say things about your friend and that you’d really appreciate it if she’d try to be more understanding. The key here is being clear and yet sensitive. If the more subtle approaches are ineffective, you may need to sit down with her and simply explain how her comments and behaviour make you feel. While it may be tempting, avoid the urge to confront your roommate all together, ranting about all the things she’s said that piss you and your friends off. Make sure to give her a chance to respond.

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SATURDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 21

ike many atrocities that take place in Nigeria that are not dealt with properly or brought to a logical conclusion, the dilapidation of most of our infrastructure and government institutions have experienced so much rot and damage that it evokes a cry right from deep within one’s belly. The latest on the burner is the Police College. Monday,14th January, 2013 was the day Channels Television (one of the very few truthful stations we have) revealed the unimaginable rot in the Police College, Ikeja. The appalling

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Deep rot state of the facilities or total lack thereof raises concerns as to the quality of individuals who pass through the college and are then handed weapons to safeguard the security of the citizens. Tattered training outfits, rotten and germfilled toilets, rusty bunk beds that are best thrown on the scrap heap and food worse than that fed to dogs are just a part of the daily existence of the trainees there along with their struggle for the N150 daily feeding allowance. Is it therefore surprising that some of our policemen and women have little or no regard for the society they

their families? Are the amenities any better? Do they get paid on time? Is their well being of paramount importance? I hear the President was angry at the time of the visit to the college. I wonder if he still is. I pray he sustains his anger long enough and way past the front of the cameras. I pray he uses this as an opportunity to finally do something worthwhile and give us hope. I am surprised that he saw it as a personal affront to his government and wondered why cameras had access to film the rot. Should it have continued to be the best kept secret? If the Police College, Ikeja is not the only training institution that has been left to rot to this extent, where are

t is often said that evil acts continue to thrive not because bad people refuse to turn a new leaf but when good people stand by and do nothing. Classic example in our society was the ALUU 4 killing and burning of young boys cut short in their prime last year. Where there are no good people who could have put a stop to the brutal carnage we all were privy to? Was there no voice of reason and sanity that could have shouted, enough? Of course, there was. Most importantly, mothers, aunties and sisters; who knew what it took to not only conceive but to bring forth a child into the world without complications and incident, who could have put themselves in the shoes of the mothers of those poor boys, stood by and watched silently as the hopes and dreams of the boys’ mothers were ended with a deadly finality. The guilty were not only those who committed the acts but also those who folded their arms and did nothing. Nothing more has been heard so far. All the condemnations have been made. Moving right along, no?

They shoot first and then ask questions later

live in? Is it surprising that having come through that rot, they become demoralised, frustrated and bitter? They shoot first and then ask questions later. Someone has to pay for the grime and filth they emerged from. That however is the training college. How about the places where they live with

the good ones located? The rot shown in the college is a mirror of the Nigeria we all live in. The rot in the police college is child’s play compared to those which lie in several other sectors of our nation. It runs deep, way past the physicality of a building but in a system that has thrived on falsehood, corruption and selfish interests. The former Federal Capital

Territory Minister, Nasir el-Rufai put the total budget for the police sector this year at N309.65 billion according to his analysis. Needless to say that almost 80 percent of that money will find its way into the pockets of some very unscrupulous individuals within the sector while the remaining 20 percent will be allocated sparingly to those who need it the most. Like the people in the community of ALUU that played host to the evil acts meted out to those four young boys, all past administrators, be it military or civilian; all past ministers and the police service commission should be held accountable for this evil. No one can claim or feign ignorance. The stench has finally sailed through to our nostrils like a bad smell. No nation can thrive on falsehood forever, sooner or later, the truth will out.

he National Assembly and our lawmakers should stop thinking of their bellies and fighting with chairs. They should take this as a call to represent the interests of every police officer out there on the streets and even those who protect them. These policemen see them in their big cars, help them carry their “Ghana must go “bags, protect their families but are not looked after themselves. It stands to reason then that they have every reason to watch their backs. Surely it did not have to take the President’s visit to show the enormity of the situation else he should get ready to make many more trips around the nation. Nigerians are really not in the dark about goings on in the nation. The deep rot exists in the very fabric of our nation.

assage which comes in the form of pinching, chopping and kneading has been known to bring about improved physical well-being. Some people seem to register a decrease in tension in the body after a massage. The relief that follows makes the next and spine more supple and flexible. Remember, it is along he spsisssnal column from the nape of the neck to the scral region just above the buttocks that most people store tension. But this is the massage that is given to one by another on the outside of the body. The Yogis who devised the various postures for man’s health had the wisdom to know that the internal organs which you cannot touch directly with the hands also needed gentle but efficient massage. To be able to massage the innards, the great men devised the Peacock Posture – Mayuras Sana in Sanskrit. A little digression. We see men with pot bellies everywhere; women who have reached menopause, from a cursory observation of women-folk the world over, also register a high incidence of increase in the girth aside of

Massage for the internal organs fatty deposits elsewhere in the body. The pot belly according to a report I picked up from the cosmopolitan magazine was indicative that all was not well with the condition of the heart. People with pot bellies it said were very likely to suffer heart attacks. Of course, the connection

between a protruding belly and heart’s condition is that by the time the stomach grows from a position of being trim and flat to big, the lack of exercise and the extra helping at the table at each meal, have given the body extra

mass and weakened the heart. Remember, the heart is a muscle. If it does not get exercise like other muscle it grows weaker and weaker.

The experts say an overweight person is likely to be hypertensive, have a dangerous level of cholesterol. With these, the person is set up for a heart attack. This information is not intended to scare our fat brothers and sisters; it is meant to awaken in their minds the disadvantage, the handicap they put themselves at by not resolving to do something to bring about a trim form. In Yoga, the reasoning is that by the right mechanical manipulation of the body, (which is what the postures are), one gets a wonderful response practised along side sensible eating and breathing exercises. Medical science is almost poised to declare a connnection between sufficient oxygen in the system and an increase in the body’s ability to burn up more calories.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Ex-BBA housemate wins election in Kenya

ORMER Big Brother Amplified housemate, Millicent Mugadi has won a political primaries election to represent her party, The National Alliance (TNA), in the forthcoming Council elections in Kenya. The slim and beautiful actress who was part of the sixth edition of the Big Brother reality show in 2011 had been causing a lot of stirs in the local political scene in Kenya since her participation in the show. Local media in Kenya say she’s had her share of the entertainment industry and now feels she can be of greater help to her people politically. Speaking shortly after her victory at the primaries, she said ‘I will be battling out with other political parties come March 4th this year. I could not believe that politics and movies are different ball games entirely’. At various forums Milly, as she is fondly called, does not hesitate to say that she was inspired to delve into politics because of the suffering that she has seen among her people which has compelled her to struggle for change.

Tony Grey’s son set for the top

ew kid on the block, Houston Grey, son and heir to the music gladiator, Tony Grey a.k.a “The Ozimba of Africa” has set out to write his name in gold as far as the nation’s music terrain is concerned. The handsome song writer and composer recently released his two new videos to stay on top of his game. Working in concert with his brother, Dreybeatz who doubles as his producer, Houston is surely proving to be one of the promising young artistes who have what it takes to redefine the nation’s music setting. With a striking resemblance with his father, Houston has a strong drive and passion for music like his dad. His venturing into music principally signalled his desire to sustain the record set by his father as a great musician. He started singing while he was 12 years with the children’s choir till he became the choir master of the church senior choir. He is a graduate of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt. Nigeria. At the age of 18, he decided to take his music career more seriously by gaining more experience in the stage craft and the musical instruments.

Kanayo, Ibu, others to storm Mr. Fans for Lovers Day spill over

un seekers and devotees of Lovers Day are in for a refreshing moment as a sensational groove tagged “Lovers Day spill Over ” berths at Mr Fans, an entertainment outfit located in Ejigbo area of Lagos. The event holds on February 15, 2013.

The event, Showtime gathered is being put together to take care of lovers Day faithful and other social crooners who either missed the February 14 action or want to continue the grooving. Expected to grace the occasion, are Nollywood actors including, Kanayo O Kanoyo, Mr Ibu, Uncle O, Die Wait Ikpechukwu, Dede One Day, Shama Melody among others. According to the Managing Director, Mr Fans, Ifeoma Nwachukwu, ‘our aim at Mr Fans has always been to make our customers and all who have one thing or the other to do with us happy. The month of February is usually a special one for lovers all over the world. In a matter of days, the all important feast of Lovers Day normally observed on February 14 will be around the corner. To celebrate the occasion, we at Mr Fans will fete our customers and other fans with an entertainment show called Lovers Day spill over billed for February 15, that is, a day after the Lovers Day celebration’.

Surprises as six contestants emerge in Nigerian Idol BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

t was a day of mixed reactions as the first set of contestants to make it into the top twelve of the third season of the on-going Nigerian Idol show were chosen by the viewers. Of the first ten of the top thirty contestants who slugged it out last week on the stage Sadeeat, Vicci and Debbie Rise were the three contestants to make it through based on the votes from viewers. Speaking on the results, one of the judges on the show, Jeffry Daniels said that he was impressed by the way Nigerians voted and urged them to keep voting for in order to keep the best talent in the competition. Also speaking on the results show, Head of Events and Sponsorship, Modupe Thanni said, “On behalf of Etisalat, we congratulate those that have made it to the next stage of the competition and encourage them to step

up their game in order to progress in the competition”. She also encouraged those that did not get as much votes not to give up hope as the wild-card segment was still there and if they take the judges advice and work on their performances they could still be among the top twelve. One of the major surprises was the case of Obinna Michael A.K.A Mr. Byno who did not make it through this stage of the competition. Widely regarded as a favourite, he cut a sorry figure as the results were announced. But that was the first surprise, as the duo of Moses ObiAdigwe and Okafor Angus Sunday A.K.A Dani Angus also lost out in the voting, leaving the audience at the Dream Studio venue very disappointed. This season is bigger and better as winner will go home with N20 million worth of prizes, including N7.5 million in cash, a brand new SUV, and a recording contract with a record label. The first runner–up will receive the sum of N1.5 million and a saloon car which will be presented by Etisalat. The show airs on STV, NTA network and AIT.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 23

Charly Boy shocks wife with second honeymoon BY AYO ONIKOYI

opular entertainer and publisher, Charly Boy and his wife, Lady Di are in the news again. This time around, there is no stink of scandal but the spirit of love on spree as the couple are presently enjoying the bliss of second honeymoon, touring various cities of the world. Showtime caught up with the couple in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when the Area Father replied a text sent by Showtime to reveal where he was and what he was up to. “ I am in Addis Ababa, on my way to Dubai, en-route Jamaica. I am on my second honeymoon. I will return next week to Lagos

before the 14th of February,” he replied. Charly Boy’s publicist, Ali, also confirmed the development, saying that the couple are enjoying their second honeymoon prior to celebrating their 36 years of marriage. He revealed that Lady Di was never aware of the whole idea until she got to the airport. “The couple spent a couple of days in Abuja before embarking on the honeymooning trip. Lady Di had no inkling of Charly Boy’s plan and nearly fainted at the airport

when she realised she was embarking on a second honeymoon”, said Ali. The Area Father is known for doing odd things and Ladi Di of all people, knows her husband could spring surprises at will but according to Ali, this second honeymoon after 36 years of living really knocked her off her feet. It would be recalled that Charly Boy and Lady Di, started off together in Oguta, Imo state in the early 80’s, as pepper soup sellers to make ends meet. Then relocated to Lagos to squat in Charly Boy ’s father, retired Justice Chukwudifu Oputa’s Ikoyi home. They are probably the most scandalised couple in Nigeria with their marriage entirely at the

Tonto Dike completes ‘H i’ video

BY CHARLES MGB OLU

gainst all odds, To nto Dike has finish ed shooting the video of her single ‘Hi’ an d she is proud. Tonto defied the bo os and shoos that erupted from fans, late last year, after audio ve rsion

of her singles H i an networking sites tw d It’s Ova hit social itter and facebook ; she vowed then that sh e would put togeth er a big budget video of th e songs and she ha s. According to prod ucers, the Hi vide o tries to show the differe nce in her dual char acters Tonto Diko and Po ko. The video dire ct ed by Gbemi Phillips sh ow energetic Tonto, da s scenes of a very ncing sensually an rigorously almost d at the same time. The video is shot in high definition an is reported to have d gulped millions of naira on set expenses an d ex In the twitter war, th tras. at lasted days, Tont had been condemne o d by fans for doing the si ng le s w hi ch th ey satisfactory. Tonto wo al le ge w as be lo w ul and retorted with wo d have none of that rds of her own. It wa the abuses reached s a simmering point that the actress turned singer stopped mak ing comments, ultimat ely ending the war.

mercy of the media whims. There isn’t anything about them that has escaped the

media but the couple seem to have gotten stronger with each knock.

Musicians from 12 countries for 2013 Cape Town Intl. jazz festival B E N J A M I N NJOKU

HREET I M E Grammy Awardwinning singersongwriter, New York Times bestselling poet and critically acclaimed actress, Jill Scott will join the bill for this year ’s annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) as one of the headline acts. Scott, who had to withdraw from the festival last year due to filming commitments, joins nearly 40 other world-class acts from 12 countries for a line-up of diverse live-music from traditional jazz to funk, pop, soul and more. This year’s stellar event takes place in Cape Town between Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Speaking in Johannesburg, Rashid Lombard, Festival Director and espAfrika CEO said, “Jazz and popular music luminaries from every continent will be represented at this year’s event in keeping with the CTIJF’s ever-growing standing as one of the world’s major music gatherings, and Africa’s premier lifestyle event. We are also extremely proud that this year half our line-up hails from Africa.” Kicking off the line-up announcement Lombard said, jazz aficionada’s can look forward to a top quality selection of US greats, including Grammy Award-winning jazz guitarist Norman Brown, Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum and renowned jazz trumpeter Rick Braun, who together will perform as BWB, an act that has been described as astounding. In addition, Kirk Whalum Romance Language, Whalum’s modern day recreation of a collection of duets recorded in 1963 by iconic jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and vocalist Johnny Hartman, is also on the bill, as well as undisputed master of jazz and rock violin, Jean-Luc Ponty (France), a graduate of the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris who has performed across the globe and Steve Turre, one of the world’s preeminent jazz innovators, trombonist and seashellist who has worked with Ray Charles, Stephen Scott, Woody Shaw and Blakey.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

HEALTH TIPS

Food and Health Diseases are associated with unhealthy eating and preventions. The body relies on the nutrients it gets from food to keep it fit. This day, the abundance of over-processed, high-calorie, low-nutrient foods are responsible for a range of illnesses and diseases. Coronary Heart Disease eople who eat too much an imal fat, especially saturated fat, are at risk of coronary heart disease, as consuming too much fat causes the excess to block the passage ways of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Blood Pressure lood pressure is a measure

of the force of blood produced by the heart as well as the condition of the arteries. When an individual has high blood pressure, undue stress and strain is being placed upon the heart to enable it to pump blood throughout the body. Foods that are high in sodium and saturated fats, as well as a lack of adequate hydration in the diet, can all lead to high blood pressure. Diabetes D iabetes is often caused by diets that are too high in calories and sugar. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the blood has too much glucose in it that the body cannot process. Cancer P oor nutrition causes the im mune system to be weakened, a poor diet can often prohibit the body from fighting off certain types of cancers. Those individuals who do not get enough vitamins and nutrients in their food are at risk of cancer caused by immune deficiency. Foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats lead to obesity, which can open the door to a number of other diseases, including heart problems and diabetes. Obesity is a common problem in today’s society, in which inactivity and poor diet is rampant.

Why I protect my stomach jealously —Avoseh Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Suuru Avoseh, is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. He explains why he protects his stomach jealously. What kind of food did you indulge in as a child? I was born and bred in the village. My foods used to be fresh local foods from the source and I have grown up with it. If I wake up in the morning, my first assignment is food. Often times, I depend on solid food because of the nature of my job. I eat once a day. I don’t toil with my stomach and that is why I protect it jealously. I prefer my local foods including semovita, eba, eko, yam, potatoes, plantain (boiled or fried) and tuwo as a Badagry boy. And most often, I prefer beans to rice. I prefer solid food too. If I travel out of the country and there is no

solid food to eat, it means I am punishing myself. Can you prepare tuwo ? I’m good cook. I cook with style. Tell us Grind your dried maize, sieve the corn flour. Boil water. Put cold water by the side. Pour corn flour in a bowl and mix with cold water. Pour in the hot water, stir immediately so as to avoid lumps, and leave to cook, then pour dried corn flour into the tuwo and continue to stir. What goes with tuwo? Vegetable with snail, fresh fish. It can also be eaten with other soups. What i s the nutritional value of tuwo? It is energy- giving food. The taste is irresistible. How often do you exercise? Occasionally. Fruit? My best fruits are berries, apples, guava, oranges, banana •Hon. Suuru Avoseh

TITS BITS

Why caffeinated drinks and junk food are harmful — Avoseh

hairman House Committee on Health, Lagos House of Assembly, Suuru Avoseh has described excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks and eating of junk foods or fast foods as not only harmful but dangerous to people’s health. In an interview in his office, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency II who responded to the motion to ban energy drinks by House of Representatives recently said the development was timely. “Such motion by the members of the House of Representatives is a positive one. They have done that in good faith looking at the adverse effect of these energy drinks and the health of the people. “I believe people are already drinking it in excess which is very bad.

I believe the development is to safeguard the health of the people. “I support the ban of caffeinated drinks for the betterment of Nigerian because excessive drinking is harmful”, he explained. Asked if he would replicate that in Lagos,

Today's Menu

he said, “There are certain laws that do not fall under our jurisdiction but if the national assembly has taken such step, I believe all the States in the country should follow suit. The task forces designed to monitor this trend must be empowered so as to get those drinks out of market,” he added. Responding to the study that shows that there are health related issues traceable to junk foods, he said, “Fast foods are not food to be taken on a regular basis. They should not take the place of fresh food that we prepare in our homes. Everybody should watch out for what he eats. The painful thing is to eat bad food. We should not depend solely on junk or fast food”.

Vegetable Rice: My best local food — YINKA LATONA Most people seem to be losing interest in eating rice, although it is one of Nigeria’s staple foods. However, a slight change in its preparation can make a difference. Families can stay healthy and fit eating rice with scent leaf (Efinrin), pumpkin (Ukwu), bitterleaf and palm oil or groundnut oil. Scent leaf cures colds, bronchitis amongst others as well as bitter leaf.

carrot, bitterleaf. PREPARATION •Parboil rice in water, drain the rice, return drained rice into the pot over medium or low heat. Add all the ingredients except the scent leaf. Add seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir and cover the pot to cook for a few minutes . Stir in sliced and washed scent leaf and well diced carrot. Turn off heat. Ready to eat.

RECIPE Rice, Cray fish, grounded crayfish, palm oil or groundnut oil, seasoning, dry-fish, stock or smoked fish (picked Choose Your Best Local Food of the Week and rinsed thoroughly in warm water) or chicken, salt, Send BLF to 08094888834 or email: pepper, scent leaf (sliced), lettuce, pumpkin (Ukwu), ebabalola@yahoo.com and get your best of food menu, recipe and preparation ready. Start sending now, Terms and conditions apply

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 25

Beyoncé opens up on miscarriage tale, slams surrogacy rumors A

lthough she’s often se cretive about her personal life, Beyoncé is opening up about her journey to mothe r h o o d . The Grammy winner reveals she suffered a miscarriage and slams rumors she used a gestational surrogate in her upcoming HBO documentary, Life Is But a Dream slated to air on February 16. While her husband Jay-Z referenced the miscarriage in “Glory,” a track released shortly after the couple’s first child, Blue Ivy, was born last January, this is the first time the singer, 31, has publicly addressed it. ”About two years ago, I was pregnant for the first time. And I hear the heartbeat, which was the most beautiful music I ever heard in my life,” she says. During the pregnancy, Beyoncé says she “envisioned

what my child would look like” and was feeling “very m a t e r n a l . ” She also says that, “being pregnant was very much like falling in love. You are so open. You are so overjoyed. There’s no words that can express having a baby growing inside of you, so of course you want to scream it out and tell e v e r y o n e . ” But there were complications in the early stages of the singer ’s pregnancy. “I flew back to New York to get my check up – and no heartbeat. Literally the week before I went to the doctor, everything was fine, but there was no heartbeat,” she says. Turning to music, Beyoncé says she “ went into the studio and wrote the saddest song I’ve ever written in my l i f e . ” ”And it was actually the first

song I wrote for my album. And it was the best form of therapy for me, because it was the saddest thing I’ve ever been through,” she says. In the documentary, the Super Bowl halftime show performer’s excitement over her pregnancy with Blue Ivy is made clear. In one scene, she confides, in bed at night, “I felt the baby kick for the first time. Kicked five times.” After going public with her pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards, she soon faces rumors that she had used a gestational surrogate.

Lohan seeks $1m from company over fashion line

• Lohan

indsay Lohan sued her former collaborators on a clothing line on Thursday, seeking more than $1.1 million and renewed control of the brand’s trademarks. The lawsuit claims a clothing manufacturer who previously worked with Lohan continues to sell items under the actress’ 6126 Collection, which started out as a legging brand and had ambitions to expand into other clothing items. The breach of contract, fraud and trademark infringement lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles federal court

seeks royalties and other payments from D.N.A.M. Apparel Industries LLC. The suit c l a i m s D.N.A.M. has failed to pay Lohan more than $1 million in royalties and has not abided by an agreement to seek the “Liz & Dick” star ’s input on merchandise. D.N.A.M. also agreed to promote and expand the 6126 into swimwear, cosmetics and other apparel and open a showroom in New York, according to the lawsuit. The case asks a judge to order the company to stop using the 6126 name and trademarks. Lohan named the clothing line after the June 1, 1926, birthdate of her idol, Marilyn Monroe. A phone number for D.N.A.M. Apparel was unanswered on Thursday

morning and other attempts to reach the company for comment were unsuccessful. “Lindsay’s very passionate about her apparel line and about designing,” her attorney Perry Wander said. “The purpose of this suit is to wrest control of her trademark away from this company that’s been selling items overseas and online under the 6126 trademark.” He said Lohan is looking forward to designing a new line and will negotiate with a new company to license her trademarks. The actress, who faces possible jail time over charges she lied to police about a car crash, briefly appeared in a criminal court on Wednesday. She has sued several times over alleged misuse of her name and image, including a lawsuit she settled in 2010 against E-Trade over a Super Bowl ad that featured babies talking about a “milkaholic” named Lindsay.

•Beyoncé

Kim Kardashian shows off her baby bump! K im K showed off her baby bump while visiting a Los Angeles gym during the week. The 32-year-old singer was wearing spandex pants, a tight T-shirt and an open hoodie and trust the paparazzi to capture her growing belly as she walked in the parking lot. ‘She’s been doing amazing,’ celebrity fitness guru, Tracy Anderson told newsmen about Kardashian’s pre-baby workouts. ‘She’s doing it with caution and she’s listening to her body; she’s not overdoing anything. She’s such a great example — I’m so proud of her ’, she added. Kim K and boyfriend Kanye West announced they’re expecting their first child a few weeks back.

• Kim Kardashian

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Susan Peters lambasts bloggers M

ultiple award win ning Actress, Susan Peters was not a happy woman recently when she descended heavily on some bloggers who use their blogs to disparage the image of Nigerian celebrities. The actress vented her anger while speaking to newsmen during the week. According to her, Instead of using their blogs to celebrate the achievements of these celebrities, the bloggers are busy peddling negative stories about them. For the Idoma, Benue State born actress, these negative stories never

do any good to the individual celebrities. Susan’s comment however, was not unconnected with the ugly experience she had few years ago when she engaged in a bitter war of words with a certain ace blogger who posted a picture of the actress posing with her new black berry porche on her blog. Many of her fans who visited the blog rained abuses on the actress, calling her names, for posing with a mere black berry phone. The issue did not go down well with the actress who in return lambasted the blogger, as she later apologised to her.

Also, the actress experienced a situation where an unknown person impersonated her by sending disturbing and insulting messages via a popular blog. The impersonator reportedly replied to issues posted on the blog in an insulting way and left the name and twitter address of the actress who people were very quick to attack after reading the reply posted in her name. While she's yet to erase memories of that ugly incident, from her heart, the actress is more concerned about what will help to boost the image of the celebrities, and not dragging it to the mud.

I’ll always be a politician — Okey bakassi BY ANOZIE EGOLE & LAJU ARENYEKA

or some time now, the tal ented actor, writer, producer and stand-up comedian, Okey Bakassi has been off the big screen because, he took a break to serve his father land as the Senior Special Adviser on Entertainment Matters to the past Imo state Governor, Ikedi Ohakim. The Imo State born actor is fully back on the trenches.He was spotted in recent new films and has also been participating actively in the affairs of the industry. Speaking recently with HVP, the television and radio presenter said, he prefers showbiz to acting as that will give him what he needs in his career. “ I will prefer to go more into showbiz because, that is what will give me what I need.

I am not saying that I cannot act, I can act but it depends on the script. I cannot just jump into any script I see. It is not the quantity of movies you have acted, it is the quality that matters”. The Agricultural Engineerturned-entertainer attributes his success in acting to his background. Being somebody that grew up in the barracks, he was opportuned to meet different people from different tribes and he was able to learn how to adapt to such condition thereby building his acting career. He also didn’t deny his intentions of jverring into politics. “Every man is a political animal. If the need to serve my father land comes up again, I will not desist from doing that. I am still much willing to serve if the time comes again for me to do so”. The father of three

Okey Bakassi

applauded Nollywood’s development and contributions in the country’s economic development. He said the that

the industry has tried so much by giving job to so many Nigerians who would have been jobless roaming the street. He

Susan Peters therefor assures his fans to expect more from him especially, more from showbiz.

Night Nollywood stood still for Mama Rainbow I

t was a night of music, dance and comedy last Sunday when veteran actress, Esther Idowu Philips a.k.a Mama Rainbow bagged the prestigious O’jez Entertainment Award. Held at the celebrity restaurant, O’jez, inside the National Stadium complex, Surulere, the event later became a full blown concert with the O’jez band holding both the award recipient and guests spell bound for hours. The 70-year old actress alongside her son and daughter, Bisi, rocked non stop to highlife, juju and Afro hip hop sounds from the band. The night climaxed with comedian Elder O, who doubled as anchor, went on rampage, evoking prolonged laughter from the large crowd in the belly of the well lit restaurant. When Mama Rainbow’s turn to stormed the venue with a large crowd of

family members, colleagues and well wishers, the mood of the evening changed. Ejike Asiegbu read her robust citation and also helped in directing proceedings alongside actor, Hakeem Rahman. Mama Rainbow in her brief acceptance speech thanked the organizers of the award, O’jez Entertainment Limited for the honour done her and pledged to remain a role model for the younger generation. “I am so happy this evening that I was singled out for this

award. As you people have honoured me, God will also honour you. I will continue to do what I do that has earned me so many recognitions and honour and be role model to this generation, old and young. I thank you all.” Then all hell was let loosed when two of Nigeria’s fast rising stand up comics, Elenu and MC Shakara, took turns to thrill the audience. It was laughter non stop.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—27

Clash of titans as AMVCA unveils nominees T

he stage is set again as South African film, “Otelo Burning’ battles Nigeria’s ‘The Mirror Boy” in the inaugural AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs). Though the former scored 14 nominations, with the latter garnering 11 nominations. The popular opinion is that the battle is between Nigeria and South Africa. Following “The Mirror Boy” is another Nigerian production, Man on Ground which scored 9 nominations. Other titles scoring multiple nominations included, Ghana’s Perfect Picture (8), Two Brides and a Baby (7), Maami (5) and Skeem (5). In total, there were 110 nominees chosen from 43 different productions from countries as diverse as Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zamb i a . Meanwhile, some of the much awaited categories also boasted high profile nominees. In the category for Best Actress in a Drama, the nominees are Bubu Mazibuko, Genevieve Nnaji, Nolwazi Shange, Funke Akindele and Jackie Appiah, while in the Best Actress in a Comedy category Funke Akindele, Lilian Esoro and Mercy Johnson are all in the race. In the Best Actor in a Drama category, the nominees are

Fabian Adeoye Lojede, O.C Ukeje, Kenneth Uphopho, Edward Kagutuzi and Jafta Mamabolo. Nominees for Best Actor in a Comedy are Hafiz Oyetoro, Kunle Bamtefa, Bovi Ugboma, Francis Odega and Ikhide Isaac. And in the Best Movie Overall category are Skeem (Tim Greene), Man on Ground (Akin Omotoso, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Rosie Motene), Jozi King (Jamie Ramsay), Otelo Burning (Sara Blecher) and The Mirror Boy (Obi Emelonye). T h e nominees were revealed during a special edition of M-Net AfricaMagic lifestyle programme, 53 Extra. Announcing the nominees were stylish presenters, Eku Edewor and Dolopo Oni, joined by Jara cohosts Uti Nwachukwu (Big Brother All Stars winner) and Helen Paul, Biola Alabi (MNet Africa MD), Femi Odug-

Jackie bemi (AMVCA Executive Judge), Lizz Njagah (Kenyan soap and reality star) and Edem Vindah (Media and Public Affairs Manager, Nigerian Breweries PLC). Encompassing 28 awards in 26 categories, the AMVCAs includes six categories where viewers will vote for winners and 18 more technically fo-

Funke Akindele

Genevieve Nnaji cused categories where winners will be selected by an expert industry based judging panel (judges will be announced at a later date). This judging panel will also select the rising star TrailBlazer of the Year, and the Industry Merit recipient, a veteran industry professional whose long term contribution will be

Kate Henshaw lands Samsung’s mouth-watering deal S

amsung Electronics West Africa during the week unveiled its 2013 brand ambassadors for its Mobile Division. Among the ambassadors unveiled were Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw and star musician, Banky W. The two entertainers will be working together to raise awareness for Samsung mobile products and ulti-

mately contribute to making Samsung phones the preferred brand in the West Africa sub-region. Henshaw was officially unveiled as brand ambassador at a media breakfast meeting organized by Samsung. Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim stated that Henshaw and Banky W represent the values that Samsung has stood for over the years. “The Samsung brand stands for qualities of innovation, change, discovery, self-expression and excellence in performance. And these very same qualities are epitomized by Banky W and Kate Hen-

shaw, whose quality and depth of work as well as versatility as artistes have endeared them to Nigerians today. We are indeed very proud and privileged to have them as our Brand Ambassadors.” Kim further described signing on of Kate Henshaw as an opportunity for Samsung to reach out to its numerous customers through the nation’s movie industry. “We want to further connect with our customers at all touch points, especially through film as it is one of the passions of people in West Africa,” he explained. Samsung plans to leverage Henshaw in its brand adver-

Mercy Johnson h o n o u r e d . And ensuring the awards specifically recognise outstanding achievement, the AMVCAs did not name nominees in two categories (Best Documentary and Best Online Video) as the nominee selection team had preferred to award certificates of encouragement instead to all entrants. M-Net Africa MD Biola Alabi says: “We want the AMVCAs to be transparent, credible, respected and fair. So we selected people to the nominee selection team who embrace this philosophy. We will do the same when selecting the industry judging panel that will pick winners in certain categories. We know that everyone associated with these awards must be diligent and conduct themselves with integrity during what are challenging, tough processes. At this time, I must also say that we are truly delighted with the list of nominees and we wish them all well. Roll on March, we couldn’t be more excited about the big night and promise TV audiences an event to remember The award, being organised in association with continental pay-TV operator MultiChoice and headline sponsor Amstel Malta, is billed to hold in Lagos on 8 and 9th of March. It recognises and rewards excellence in African film and TV.

28 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, FEBRUAR 2, 2013

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, FEBRUAR 2, 2013 — 29

Did you approach the Bank of Industry or NEXIM bank for funding? I tried to approach the banks but I couldn’t succeed in getting the level of support I wanted from them.

two friends who returned home from abroad to join a special programme in the Nigeria Police as detectives and they are assigned to haunt and track down notorious criminals who wreak havoc in the city of Lagos. We just finished shooting the movie about three weeks ago in Lagos. It is a Nigerian movie with all Nigerian cast and crew. But the lead actor is a Nigerian-American, Gbenga Akingbade. He has acted in a number of TV series aboard,including “The Wire” produced by HBO TV. He has also featured in a lot of Hollywood films. He’s a well established actor. This is his first Ni-

gerian film ever. How did you do your casting? I did the casting myself because I wrote the script. Apart from Gbenga Akingbade, other actors that featured in the film include, Wale Ojo who played the lead role in Kunle Afolayan’s “Phone Swap” and also, “The Street of Calabar” which was released in December, last year. He also featured in this popular British TV series called “Meet the Adebanjos”. There is also Omoni Oboli who featured in Figurine and also played the lead role in “Anchor Baby.” We also have Kalu Ikeagwu, Bimbo Manuel, Dede Mabiaku, Kehinde Bankole, and Chris Iheuwa among others. The casting is unlike in most Nollywood productions where the actresses dominate the set. It is a bit of a muscling story . Is there any glamour in the movie? There is a lot of glamour in the film, even though it is a crime thriller. It’s got some elements of action and even Omoni herself had to man up as she did some stuff bravely.

What happened? he bane of film industry in terms of raising fund is collateral. What the film industry needs is specialized funds which take into cognizance what the film makers have to offer in terms of collateral and security. This is because film makers don’t actually have access to that kind of collateral that banks are used to. So, what we are looking for is a fund that takes into consideration, the copyright in the film or whatever work you are producing as adequate security. But what confronts us in most cases is that when we approach these organizations, they want collateral and security beyond one’s copyright in the film. And many film makers cannot afford to provide such collateral, thus making that channel of financing to be closed to 99.9%.

•Desmond Ovbiagele

f you are talking about the technicality , you are also talking about the commercial aspect of the movie. There are some popular female faces that boost the marketing of some movies? I agree with you, but we can’t have one type of movie in the industry. We must have different types of productions. I’m not trying to play to what is existing. It has its own part, but I also want to introduce different concepts in Nollywood. I want to produce a film that both men and women can identify with. That’s my mission. You didn’t study Theatre Arts, how were you able to write the script? Yes, I didn’t study Theatre Arts, but I have read a lot of books on scripting. This is not my first script, I have written a number of other scripts. But this is the first one that I’m producing for Nigerians. It is my sev-

enth script. I haven’t produced other scripts which are big-budget films that are meant for international audience. Render to Caesar is a film that focuses on Nigeria. Obviously, you didn’t grow up in Nigeria? I grew up in the country. I had my primary, secondary and university education in Nigeria. I attended Kings College, Lagos, as well as University of Lagos. I have been here all my life. How were you able to con-

tact some of the big names you featured in the movie? I had met Omoni Oboli and her husband at a social function. I have also watched some of her films and I was impressed with her acting prowess. When I was through with the script, she was my first choice in terms of femalelead. I also met Wale Ojo at a social circuit where I approached him to be part of the cast. But Gbenga Akingbade was someone who joined the production lately because I had already casted another Nigerian actor, who un-

fortunately pulled out at the very last minute. We were left to scramble for a lead actor. It was suggested that we should approach Gbenga Akingbade who is still based abroad and at that time, he was shooting a TV series. We approached his agent and negotiated with him for a while before he finally came on board. He had been looking forward to doing a project in Nigeria. So, when he read the script, he was happy and was very much willing to be part of the production.

Do you think the movie has what it takes to become ‘a must watch’, considering the interest of Nigerian movie buffs who are addicted to watching certain popular faces on screen? I’d hope so. We have done our best to raise the standard in terms of the plot, casting, crew and we have the Director of Photography who flew into the country from Canada to shoot the film. And it wasn’t as if we don’t have the manpower herebut because I have a desire to cross boundaries and not just to shoot a film in Nigeria. I want to shoot a film that meets international standard. That’s why I went the extra mile to ensure that I produced a film that will make Nigerians proud and also to say that this is our movie, it is our Nigerian film. So, when is the film hitting the cinemas? We are aiming at late April or ear-

Have you really given out your time to look for one? Of course, I have received a few close calls. Just a normal journey of a young man. But I wouldn’t say more than this.

I feel privileged in terms of the early exposure I had in life and some of the good schools I was privileged to attend.

scripts need to be tighter and something that meet the international standard. As for our actors/actresses, they should know that no one is above learning new things. Have you acted before? N o, I know there are people who can act better than myself. So, I want to stick to what I know how to do best. I feel like I can write and also, I feel I can produce movies. Why did you decide to take a different path in life? I like to align myself to where I feel I have the strongest passion. I started working in the banking sector in 1995. If I were still a banker, I would have put in 18 years in the industry this year. I felt there were some aspects of what I thought I could do that was not developing in the banking sector. So, I felt I wanted to explore that. But I was still not ruling out doing things that are related to rendering financial service. Indeed, I still have my financial firm which I still operate till date. But entertainment is a key focus area for me right now. I want to explore the potentials of showbiz. Would you like to go into writing like your mother? I am already writing. I never taught I could write well today

How was your childhood ? I feel I am privileged in terms of the early exposure I had in life and some of the good schools I was privileged to attend. I am not from a very rich family, but a middle class one. Certainly, I was not like someone who was traveling every year. To some extent, I suffered like every other Nigerian in terms of lack of basic social amenities; irreg-

ular power supply, and so many other things. I think it has also helped me in terms of my writing because, I am not writing from the perspective of someone who has just returned from abroad. I write like someone who has lived in Nigeria and went through all the fuel crises, NLC, PENGASSAN and all those agitations for a better living. These informed some of my experiences in Nigeria. Did you travel abroad after your education in Nigeria? Yes I did. That was in 1998. I was out of the country between 1998 and 2000. I came back and joined the banking industry. I worked in Citizen bank.

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2SHOTZ

•2 SH OT Z

Why can’t the devil just swallow his pride & beg God for forgiveness so we can all go back to the Garden of Eden & live happily NAKED?

Annie Macaulay

Forgive easily,not because they are weak,but because they are strong enough to realize you are not even worth their anger. Beautiful is the woman who is satisfied with her life, embraces her inner beauty, and frees her mind from hate. Life is too short!Try to be happy!!

•ANNIE

I like to align myself to where I feel I have the strongest passion. I started working in the banking sector in 1995. If I were still a banker, I would have put in 18 years in the industry this year.

What’s the budget like? The budget was about N100 million.

For the first time you are doing movie in Nigeria, what are your experiences? We have very experienced practitioners not just in the actors and actresses, but the crew as well. All the equipment you need to shoot an international films are all available here in Nigeria. Our crew who came in from abroad were extremely surprise at the quality of the equipment they saw in the country. Before their arrival,they were concerned about laying their hands on quality equipment here. However, they were overwhelmed by the kind of equipment that are availability in the country. That was an eye-opener for them as well as myself. I was so happy that all the equipment we needed were found here in the country. The only problem confronting us is the quality of our writing. Our

because I never had any passion for writing. But like I said earlier, about four years ago, I started feeling the urge to go into the entertainment industry to fill up whatever gap that exists there. I said to myself, if there were some gaps in the industry that needed to be filled, why can’t I sit down and put things together. I started having the feeling of becoming a contributor to the entertainment industry. Are you married? I am still single. What kind of woman do you want, a virgin? Who told that? Do you think there are still virgins? Definitely, they may not be hanging on the trees. I know if you search intensely enough, you may find one. I still believe there are virtuous women who have kept themselves.

Halima Abubakar

Smile defeats pain. Forgiveness defeats bitterness. Trust defeats doubt. Changes defeat failure. Change for the future. No matter the twists and turns,no matter the tears,no matter how the wind blows, it’s forward ever and backward NEVER

•HA LIM A

Why are you in the entertainment business? he entertainment business is an area I have consumed as a normal member of the public. But just some four to five years ago, I started to develop interest in not just consuming it but also contributing to producing entertainment as well. Nollywood was an industry that I hadn’t encountered much of its products because of some of the qualities which are not what I would like to see in films. And I felt that if I can do it better, why can’t I go out there and prove the stuff that I am made of. That was what inspired my decision to go into the entertainment world. You are just debuting as a film producer? Of course, yes. Have you produced any film at the moment? I just produced my first movie titled “Render to Caesar”, a crime thriller. The story essentially revolves around

BENJAMIN NJOKU

Why I dumped my lucrative banking job — Desmond Ovbiagele

ly May although, post-production of the film is on-going in Toronto. Hopefully, that will be done in the next three months. We are planning to premiere the film in Nigeria, Accra, South Africa, London, New York, Toronto and other parts of the world.

is quiet disposition cuts a true picture of a Priest but at the same time can easily pass for every woman’s delight. He’s reserved, articulate, cool and loving. A real encounter with him only confirmed that appearance indeed is deceptive. Desmond Ovbiagele, son of one Nigeria’s celebrated columnists, Helen Ovbiagele is a chip off the old block. His innate artistic quality which lies dormant in the inside forced him to dump his lucrative banking job few years ago. Today, aside the numerous movie scripts he has written, Desmond’s latest movie project, Render to Caesar seems to be dragging him close to his dreams which can only be completed when he gets a virgin for a wife. This is his story...

Tonto Dikeh

As I walk, through the valley of the Shadow of Death,I begin to wonder, what took me there in the first place.

•TONTO

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Ranking the best transfers of January so far in the BPL

espite not having quite the same “wow factor” as its summer cousin, the January transfer window still makes for very intriguing watching and reading as we approach the half-way point of the season. Huge deals have gone down in winter over the years, including Wayne Rooney’s move to Old Trafford, as well as the now infamous Fernando Torres £50 million switch from Liverpool to Chelsea. Already this January we have been

treated to a plethora of transfers; some good, some bad, which will have a drastic impact on the second half of the Premier League season. As well as out-and-out moves from one club to another, several loan deals have also been struck across the division, with younger talents getting the chance to play some first team football away from their mother club. This list will rank the most notable moves of the window, from the worst to the best. So lets get started!

Dembe Ba to Chelsea (£7.5 Million, Newcastle

n somewhat of an oddity for this year ’s January window, Demba Ba’s move to Stamford Bridge is an example of a Frenchspeaking player moving away from Newcastle. The Senegalese striker needs no real introduction to most Premier League fans, having been one of the driving forces in their heroic fifth-place finish in last year ’s table. Chelsea have been severely lacking any kind of world-class striker since Didier Drogba’s exit this summer; with Victor Moses still in the early stages of his career and £50 million man Fernando Torres still not hitting the form he once did, despite now being at the club for over two years.

Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool (£12 Million, Chelsea)

his is probably a

controversial transfer to have topping the list •Daniel especially as it is also by far the steepest price paid by any club for a player during this year’s winter window.

Once again this is a wise buy on the part of Newcastle, who are taking a leaf out of Arsene Wenger’s book in building a squad of predominantly he signing of French-speaking A l f r e d players. N’Diaye is a W h e r e a s relatively standard Gouffran has one from Martin come in to replace O’Neill. A lowerthe exiting Dembe middle tier Premier Ba, Sissoko has League side •Alfred been brought into snapping up a the side in much relatively obscure player from one of the “lesser” more of a role to make his European leagues and seeing own. Playing as a box-to-box if they have what it takes to midfielder, who isn’t afraid to make it. N’Diaye certainly has the have a pop at goal, Moussa ability to do that, but like has the potential to swing seemingly all French-African games for his side if he is in footballers has a tendency to the right form. become erratic, as well as showing inconsistency within his game. Leroy Fer to Still, that aside £3 million for a player of his abilities is Everton (£8.6 certainly not a price tag to be Million, FC scoffed at.

Alfred N’Diaye to Sunderland (£3 Million, Bursaspor)

T •Dembe In truth, it’s more what Sturridge brings to Liverpool, and Liverpool give back to Sturridge, that makes it the best move this January. Having already scored three times in just four appearances for the Reds, Sturridge has already fought his way into the good books of the Anfield faithful. Whereas at Chelsea, Danny was continuously overlooked and ignored, B r e n d a n Rodgers is giving the E n g l a n d striker the opportunity to get regular first-team football at a club pushing for a place in Europe next season.

Moussa Sissoko to Newcastle (Undisclosed Fee, Toulouse)

here isn’t much more to say about Moussa Sissoko than was previously said about his France and N e w c a s t l e teammate Gouffran.

football in the Premier League. That being said, the 23-yearold Fer is being touted as one of the next big things in Dutch football, and this could be yet another one of those fantastic transfers from the legendary Everton boss David Moyes.

Joe Cole to West Ham (Free, Liverpool)

oe Cole may not be the player he once •Joe was, b u t t h e fact that the Hammers managed to sign him completely free of charge from Liverpool Twente) means that he earns a relatively high spot on If it weren’t the list. for the Cole has certainly Dutchman’s taken a dip in form hefty price over the past few tag, this years, but its transfer •Leroy unquestionable that w o u l d the not-so-young man h a v e still has a lot of talent featured left in him. considerably higher During the 2006 World Cup up on the list. I remember watching and However, any way thinking that Joe Cole was you slice it, £8.6 one of England’s most deadly million is a lot of assets. money to be That was six-and-a-half splashing on a years ago, but that talent player who has never •Moussa doesn’t just stop existing. so much as kicked a

Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 31

Picking teenagers in world football

TENNIS

•Roger Federer

Roger Federer’s plan for more rest in 2013 will net him another grand slam

isappointment struck early in 2013 for tennis legend Roger Federer. But, it won’t last long for the Swiss phenom after he adds another Grand Slam to his record-setting 17 titles. Federer, who lost a five-set marathon to Andy Murray in the Australian Open semifinals, was rested and ready to go in Melbourne. His serve was in prime form, prompting him to go unbroken through the first four rounds of the tournament. Murray simply got the better of him. He returned and broke Federer’s serve better than anyone, and it resulted in a decisive victory for the emerging Scotsman.

GOLF NEWS

Vijay Singh admits guilt but unknowingly

COTTSDALE, Ariz. – In golf, as in life, cheating and breaki ng the rul es are two ver y diff ere nt act ion s wit h ver y sim ilar consequences. Kick your bal l from the rough into the fair and you’re subject to penalty. way Ground your putter only to see your ball oscillate slightly and you’re also subject to penalty, even if the intent wasn’t the same. In the aftermath of revelations tha spray that contains IGF-1, a che t Vijay Singh has used deer-antler mical banned under the PGA Tour ’s Anti-Doping Policy, observers will be trying to differentiate between whether he cheated or simply broke a rule. It’s a major distinc tion as far as the Hall of Fame memb er ’s public image, but mere sem antics when it comes to the letter of the law.

Attacking Midfield: Zakaria Labyad

e take a look at the best teenagers in World Football right now. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar very much in their pomp, fans of world football are already looking for the next generation of superstars to see who will light up future World Cups and Championship Leagues. 2013 has a fine crop of talented y o u n g teenagers ready to make their mark on the football w o r l d . Here, we’ve selected the best teenage footballers the world has to offer, selected in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Some of these stars like Romelu Lukaku and Raphael Varane are already household names, but others like Timo Horn and Gerard Deulofeu are only starting to make their way in the game.

CentreForward: Romelu Lukaku

•Vijay Singh

European Under 17 Championships with Spain and was even voted player of the tournament in this summer’s edition in Estonia. The young forward scored two goals in a hotly contested 3-3 draw with France, before striking the winning penalty

ost Chelsea fans have wondered on occasions this season why Romelu Lukaku was farmed out on loan to West Bromich Albion when his parent club were struggling to get •Romelu the best out of Fernando Torres. While Torres has improved and has been joined by Demba Ba, Lukaku has still done enough at The Hawthornes to suggest he might be the long-term No.9 at Stamford Bridge.

ike Adam M a h e r, Zakaria •Zakaria Labyad was able Labyad to pick between the Netherlands and Morocco. But unlike Maher, Labyad opted for Morocco, earning one full cap and representing them at the London Olympics last summer. Labyad is an exciting player, who has a quick turn of acceleration and an eye for a long-range goal, making him the perfect attacking midfielder.

Right Wing: Raheem Sterling

n what’s been a n o t h e r nightmare season at Anfield, Raheem Sterling has been a rare success story for B r e n d a n Rodgers.

•Raheem Sterling

The Jamaicaborn 18-year-old has already played for England and has 35 Liverpool first team appearances to his name already. The young winger has often played on the right of a front three this season and has impressed pundits and fans with his lightening pace and quick feet. Centre Midfield: Adam Maher A dam Maher is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young players in Europe. The AZ midfielder made his début in 2011 and was a regular starter and goalscorer last season, hitting 11 goals in 52 appearances. He was named in the preliminary Netherlands Euro 2012 squad before eventually being cut before the start of the

tournament.

Left Wing: Gerard Deulofeu

erard Deulofeu may not have seen much firstteam action at Barcelona, but the young Spanish winger is still a very exciting prospect. Deulofeu has won two

•Gerard Deulofeu •Adam Maher

32—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, FEBRUAR 2, 2013

Kehinde Bankole, O.C Ukaeje, others feature in “Awakening” F

•Finnest

ROM the stable of Theresa Ananenu, the producer and James Omokwe, the director, comes this new and amazing flick, “awakening”. The dark thriller is the first of its kind intended to take Nollywood to the next level. The film talks about an advertising agency, which has recorded several deaths and sort the reasons behind that with the help of a journalist having noticed that all the deaths are connected in one way or the other. In the cause of the search, they noticed a young man who has the talent of seeing what will happen in the next few hours. The casts introduced some new and upcoming actors/ actresses with the intentions of introducing something new to the industry. It is a blend of new and more established actors like, O.C Ukeje, Kehinde Bankole, Deleke Aroleye, among others. The block-buster will soon hit the cinemas.

Finnest shoots Omege Video

•kehinde

Tinapa in search of co-anchor for “moment with Mo”

•Moment

HE African biggest tourist city, Tinapa, in Cross river State, Calabar is set to thrill the public. This time, they are in search for the co-Host on the internationally acclaimed TV talk show, Moments with Mo. The Africa’s first and only syndicated daily talk show is shopping for a young, charming, brilliant, exciting and dynamic person to co-Host the long-running, but now even more rejuvenated show, alongside its pioneering Host, Mo Abudu. C M Y K

on location for two straight days is expected to hit the airwaves by the end of this first quarter. Finnest disclosed he would also be working with Loud Mouth when his label okays the shooting of Despicable me abroad, later this year. The album All about the Finnest contains other tracks as Baby come back, Why like this and Why you dey form.

HE scintillating young singer that brought us Despicable me has shot the video of his new single Omege which would be part of his album All about the Finnest. The video was shot on location in Festac, Lagos with celebrity film maker Loud Fame who has also worked with Tuface and Banky W behind the camera. The shoot which kept Finnest

Group fetes orphans with video, gifts

RPHANS are a lonely people. No one wants to be like them as they have no families. For members of the Amaekpu Development Union ADU, Ogun State members and some of their children, visiting orphans at the Little Saint Orphanage Abule Egba, Lagos, last December 15, as part of their Year End / New Year celebration was both a way of providing entertainment and assistance to the needy and to appreciate their lifestly. The visit led by ADU President, Chief Uduma Nnate, his publicity Secretary Uche Ibe, the national VP, and

other executives such Sam Kalu, was a sort of eye opener on what happens at the orphanage. That afternoon, there was power outage in the area, including the only girls orphanage as the PHCN had thrown the community into darkness. But the orphans sat in their living room, a big hall, waiting for their guests. It was only when they arrived that the generating

set was switched on. And the entertainment began. The kids enjoyed the latest dance steps and videos in the country.

Xcape explodes with new singles

The talk show, which has become a household name for featuring the array of guests, from Presidents, Governors and Celebrities, to unsung everyday people who are doing extraordinary things, will in the coming months, wear a refreshingly different look as it is going to constantly feature a zesty co-Host alongside the good old, vintage appearance of the inspirational Mo.

•Xcape

LATUNJI Olarewaju Abdulazeez a.k.a Xcape, an evolving Yoruba rap artiste has released his much anticipated singles: Shalaye and No Stopping. Xcape who sings in the same genre as the late Da grin pushed his singles two weeks short of the Valentine season. Xcape; a hard core Yoruba rap artists first came on headlines in mid 2011, shortly after Da’Grins passing, he’s been working his way up ever since. The singles mirror the brick-

strong resolution of many aspiring young artists who try to push through boundaries and emerged in the music scene. Xcape describes his forray into music as a fight he is winning. He re-stated that he can prove this to the world. “With time people will realise that I’ve got the talent and not just running in someone else’ shadow. I know that music fans are going to love me.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—33

Desire Differences: Find an intimacy frequency that works Researchers surveyed 1,709 men over 40. As exercise increased, intimacy problems decreased. Women also reported improved intimacy with regular exercise. Exercise increases blood flow into the genitals. It boosts testosterone, which fuels libido in both genders. It also elevates mood, reduces insomnia, helps control weight, promotes deep relaxation, minimizes menopausal discomforts, and contributes to self-esteem, all of which enhance libido and sexual satisfaction. How you exercise doesn’t matter. Do anything you enjoy: walking, swimming, yoga, dancing, golf, gardening— whatever. Just do it at least 30 minutes a day. Regularity is more important

than intensity. It’s better for health and intimacy to take 45-minute walks daily than to hike five miles twice a month. Eat more fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidant nutrients that contribute to cardiovascular and neurological health. In contrast, meats, cheese, fast foods, junk foods, and wholemilk dairy products are low in antioxidants and high in cholesterol and saturated fat that narrow the arteries, limiting blood flow into the genitals. University of South Carolina researchers checked the cholesterol levels of 3,250 men, and then surveyed their intimacy lives. As their cholesterol increased, so did their re-

PERT X E S E H T ASK Ques: I am a 30-year-old married man. I got married a year-and-a-half ago. A month prior to that, we got our baby aborted. Now, she is unable to conceive. I drink a glass of whiskey daily and chew tobacco. My intimacy life is normal. The doctor says I am infertile. Please help. Ans: If the sperm are absent or lower than twenty million, you are unlikely to have a baby. Besides, if you correct your lifestyle habits, give up tobacco and alcohol, your chances may improve. Since she has conceived once, try a course of Rejuspermin capsules twice a day for three months. Ques: I have been married for over a year. I just wanted to know about perfect intimacy timings. Is the best time only during night or day also? Ans: Intimacy doesn’t work on time. Anytime is a good time. For those on night shift, daytime is best, Sunday

afternoon for a restful episode. If it is conception you

ports of intimacy problems. Include fruit with breakfast. Eat at least one salad a day. Snack on fruit. And one night a week, dine on vegetable soup. Make a big pot and you also get a few lunches. Maintain recommended weight Many overweight adults enjoy intimacy. But the research is clear: Weight loss improves sexual pleasure. A group of researchers surveyed the sexual impact of weight loss among obese adults. Moderate loss, 10 to 30 pounds boosted their libidos, sexual function, and satisfaction. Another group surveyed 32 seriously overweight adults starting a weight-loss program. After losing an average of 56

pounds, most reported more intimacy and greater satisfaction. It’s tough to lose weight, but guess what helps? Daily exercise and a diet full of fruits and veggies. Exercise burns calories, and plant foods are filling but low in fat and calories. Avoid crash diets. Instead, embrace modest changes for life, for example, daily walks, fruit with breakfast, and once a week, vegetable soup for dinner. A reasonable goal is two pounds a month, which means 24 pounds in a year. Manage stress Stress often contributes to intimacy problems. It reduces blood flow into the genitals, and releases hormones that depress testosterone. It contributes to cardiovascular disease, and raises risk of anxiety and depression, all intimacy killers.

Proven stress relievers include: exercise, pets, massage, laughter, meditation, hot baths, gardening, music (playing or listening), and time with loved ones. Ideally, combine them: Exercise with friends. Garden with your spouse. Quit smoking Many studies show that as smoking increases, sexual satisfaction decreases. Smoking accelerates growth of the arterynarrowing deposits that reduce genital blood flow. If you smoke, your doctor can help you quit. Limit alcohol Alcohol is the leading drug cause of sexual impairment. As Shakespeare wrote in Macbeth, it “provokes the desire, but takes away the performance.” Health authorities advise limiting alcohol to no more than two drinks a day. A “drink” is one 12-ounce beer, one shot of 80-proof spirits, or five ounces of wine, a standard wine glass half full.

Sleep soundly want, intimacy throughout the cycle can give the best results. Ques: I am a 30-year-old man. My wife is four months pregnant, and the gynaecologist has advised us not to have intercourse. I have two female colleagues whom I drop on my way home from office every alternate day. One is married, while the other is single and has recently broken up with her boyfriend. She has a crush on me and shares her feelings with me too. I am planning to take her to my home when my wife goes to her parents’ place for the delivery. Should I use a condom? Ans: Before buying the condom , think about

your wife’s feelings. However, if you are still adamant to have sex with your colleague, do not use your home. Also, it’s best you don’t leave your colleague with false hopes.

Sleep problems reduce sexual energy and depresses libido and testosterone. Half of adults experience occasional insomnia, and millions suffer chronic sleep problems. Sleep problems typically increase with age. Sleep needs vary, but experts agree that to function optimally, most adults need at least seven hours a night. Regular exercise improves sleep. Quitting

smoking also helps—nicotine is a stimulant. Limiting alcohol helps, too—alcohol disrupts sleep. Of course, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t guarantee great intimacy, but it definitely helps and it contributes to longevity so you’re likely to enjoy better inimacy for more years .

34—SATURDAY Vanguard FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Birth control: How to decide W

ithout using any form of birth control, 85 percent of sexually active couples will get pregnant within a year. Even the least effective birth control options reduce that number considerably. Although barrier methods, such as the condom or diaphragm, are moderately effective with typical patterns of use, hormonal contraceptives have a better track record for effectiveness. With so many options, choosing a form of birth control can be daunting. Do you need to protect against STDs? How important are convenience and cost? What about effectiveness? Only abstinence is 100 percent effective, but other methods come close. Which options are best for you? The following guide is designed to help you choose.

•Most effective birth control methods percent for women who have never had children and 30 percent for those who have. Pros: Can stay in place for 48 hours, inexpensive. Cons: Must be fitted by a doctor, can’t be used during period. Birth control sponge Made of foam and contains spermicide. It is placed against the cervix up to 24 hours before sex. Has failure rate of 16 percent for women who have never had children and 32 percent for those who have. No fitting by a doctor is required. Pros: No prescription, effective immediately. Cons: Difficult to insert correctly, no STD protection. Can’t be used during period. Birth control pill The most common type of birth control pill uses the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent

Natural family planning Avoid sex when the woman is most fertile by watching for changes in cervical mucus and body temperature. To use this method correctly,it’s best to get training from a health care professional. Pros:No drugs or devices, inexpensive. Cons:Limits spontaneous sex,25 percent of typical users get pregnant. Spermicide Contains a chemical that kills sperm. It comes as foam, jelly, cream, or film that is placed inside the vagina before sex. Pros:Easy to use, inexpensive. Cons:May increase the risk of STDs,29 percent get pregnant. Male condom The latex condom is the classic barrier method. It prevents sperm from entering the woman’s body, protecting against pregnancy and STDs. Of couples who rely only on male condoms, 15 percent get pregnant in a year. P r o s : W i d e l y available,protects against STDs, inexpensive. Cons: Only effective if used correctly every time. Female condom The female condom is a thin plastic pouch that lines the vagina,and can be put in place up to eight hours before sex. Pros:Widely available, some protection against STDs, conducts body heat better than a male condom. Cons:Can be noisy,21 percent of users get pregnant, not reusable. •Success rates of contraceptive methods Diaphragm A rubber dome that is placed over the cervix before sex. It is used with a spermicide. Effectiveness compares to the male condom — 16 percent of average users get pregnant, including those who don’t use the device correctly every time. Pros: Inexpensive, long-lasting. Cons: Must be fitted by a doctor, no STD protection. Can’t be used during period due to a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Cervical cap The Fem Cap slips into place over the cervix, blocking entry into the uterus. It is used with spermicide. Failure rate is 15

ovulation. When taken on schedule, the pill is highly effective. About 8 percent of typical users get pregnant, including those who miss doses. Requires a prescription. Pros: More regular, lighter periods, or no periods, depending on the type of pill. Less cramping. Cons: Expensive, no STD protection. May cause breast tenderness, spotting, serious blood clots, and raised blood pressure. Birth control patch The Ortho Evra patch is worn on the skin and changed only once a week for three weeks with a fourth week that is patchfree. Patch releases the same types of hormones as the birth control pill and is just as effective. Pros:More regular, lighter periods with less cramping, no need to remember a daily pill. Cons: Expensive, may cause skin irritation. Vaginal Ring The Nuva Ring is a soft plastic ring that is worn inside the vagina. The ring releases the same •Birth control device hormones as the pill and patch, and is just as effective. Pros: Lighter, more regular periods, only replaced once per month. Cons:Expensive, may cause vaginal irritation or other side effects similar to pills and the patch. Doesn’t protect against STDs.

Birth control shot The birth control shot, known as Depo-Provera, is a hormonal injection that protects against pregnancy for three months. More effective than the birth control pill — only 3 percent of users get pregnant in a year. Pros: Only injected four times per year, highly effective. Cons: Expensive, may cause spotting and other side effects. Doesn’t protect against STDs. Birth control implant The birth control implant is a matchstick-sized rod that is placed under the skin of the upper arm. It releases the same hormone that’s in the birth control shot, but the implant protects against pregnancy for three years. The failure rate is less than 1 percent. Pros: Lasts three years, highly effective. Cons:Very expensive, may cause side effects, including irregular bleeding. Doesn’t protect against STDs. IUD

IUD stands for intrauterine device, a T-shaped piece of plastic that is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. Makes it more difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg. Fewer than eight in 1,000 women get pregnant. Pros:Long-lasting, low-maintenance. Cons: Irregular or heavier periods. More expensive upfront, may slip out, may cause side effects. Tubal ligation Permanent birth control. Traditional method for women is called tubal ligation or “having your tubes tied.” Pros: Permanent, nearly 100 percent effective. Cons: Requires surgery, may not be reversible, expensive. Doesn’t protect against STDs. Tubal implants A newer procedure makes it possible to block the fallopian tubes without surgery. Small implants of metal or silicone are placed inside each tube. Pros: Permanent, no surgery, almost 100 percent effective. Cons: Takes a few months to become effective. May raise the risk of pelvic infections, irreversible, expensive. Vasectomy Besides condoms, a vasectomy is the only birth control option available to men. It involves surgically closing the vas deferens— the tubes that carry sperm from the

testes to the tubes.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—35

Everybody in the world is a prospective client of LWI due to the scope of the programme. We have programmes for every segment of the society

rs Bisi Bright is a seasoned Pharma cist and Chief Executive Officer of LiveWell Initiative, LWI. She is one of the women in Nigeria who has taken the challenge of managing people’s health. In this interview, she speaks on the challenges faced in most corporate organisations while taking healthcare to their doorsteps. Excerpts What informed LiveWell Initiative? At the time, we were going to start LiveWell Initiative, there were one or two health incidences that happened around me and I felt concerned. One of them was the death of an Engineer who was a younger sister to one of my friends. She had a heart attack, she was hypertensive, she knew nothing about the use of low dose asperin in preventing heart attacks and strokes. And her family was very angry that she died. And because it wasn’t our tradition in Nigeria for people to sue for this type of issue, it fizzled out. Another incident was when an International Organisation wanted me to register an office for them in Nigeria. But, instead of registering the company’s name, I registered my own organisation. But, that would have amounted to deceiving the organisation and stealing an idea from them? The idea was mine originally. The organisation’s name is “The Micro-credit Summit”, and until today, they are yet to be in Nigeria. They have a Ghana office but a representative in Nigeria. At that time, I met their president who was running the Micro finance for beggars by the roadside. I met him in the United States at World Health Congress in 2004. He wanted me to represent them and I agreed. I had different ideas about poverty and health all along and I had designed a concept called ‘Illness,Poverty Alleviation Programme which is to take care of people who are within the poverty bracket and an episode of illness leading to death or permanent disability. So, I gave the idea to the Micro-Credit Summit people and I agreed to start an office for them in Nigeria with my idea but maintained that it would remain my intellectual property. And I will be given credit for it and if the programme succeed, there were negotiation on how I would be given grants. But, my son objected to it

There are more health challenges in corporate organisations— Bright BY EBUN SESSOU and instigated me that since the idea is mine, I should register it in my name rather than it becoming a problem in future. That was how I registered it in my own name. Today, it is one of our major programmes which is called, Illness Poverty, Alleviation Programme, IPAP. Then, we thought of a name to stabilise that concept and that was how the name LiveWell Initiative, LWI emerged. The IPAP was the first programme of the LWI. There were other programmes designed to match up the IPAP. At inception, we started with five programmes, including the Illness Poverty Alleviation Programme, the Executive Health Enlightenment

Scheme because we find out that health literacy is very low in the society and it has nothing to do with educational or functional literacy and that was how we evolved the Executive Health Enlightenment Scheme to take care of

gramme was the Malaria Eradication Programme. We had five when we launched the organisation and two projects including Advert Drug Reaction Programme and Medicine Project. All the programmes are still functional and we have added so many more. We never dropped any. We started test running the programme in the year 2006 and we applied for registration in Corporate Affairs Commission. We didn’t get response until July 2007 and it was inaugurated in September the same year. What are the challenges, you have been facing in the course of this programme? In life, there are challenges. Challenges sometimes strengthen and help you to grow. The major challenge we had, has to do with finances. We don’t really feel bad

In life, there are challenges; challenges sometimes strengthen and help you to grow. The major challenge we had, has to do with finances the executives, while the IPAP takes care of the lower income people. We have the Drug Use and Abuse Enlightenment Scheme for school children and youths who spend their past times smoking and doing things that are reckless. And we married it to another programme which is HIV/AID Enlightenment Programme and the fifth pro-

about it because he know that multi-million dollar projects have challenges. We have been very lucky because the programme has strived and survived. We run most of our programmes free of charge. We have training a academy launched by the CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the academy is established for sustainability of the programmes. We applied for a few grants but there was no response so, we were discouraged. I can tell you confidentially that we are a selfsustained organisation. Who are your target audience? Everybody in the world is a prospective client of LWI due to the scope of the programme. We have programmes for every segment of the society. The IPAP is targeted at low income people and the informal sector. This programme is taken to the markets, taxi parks, mechanic villages, the programme is free to people who have little or no access to healthcare. We also run a major healthcare centre every year. The major challenge with the IPAP programme is that, it is a high cost programme for us. We have a major financial challenge running this programme. Every IPAP programme costs N500,000.00 including drugs. It is a rewarding programme that we have been able to impact the health of the people in markets and the poor places.

36 — SATURDAY, Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Is hair coloring safe?

n this day and age of social conscious ness, where youth and inner and out er beauty are re vered, where image is considered very important, hair coloring has become a widely accepted cosmetic aid. Many public figures and media celebrities, especially women, have benefited from the practice. “In general, hair dyes include dyes, modifiers,

antioxidents, alkalizers, soaps, ammonia, wetting agents, fragrance, and a variety of other chemicals used in small amounts that impart special qualities to hair (such as softening the texture) or give a desired action to the dye (such as making it more or less permanent).

The dye chemicals are usually amino compounds, and show up on hair dye ingredient lists with such names as 4-amino-2-hydroxytoluene and m-Aminophenol. Metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide, are often used as pigments as well. Other chemicals used in hair dyes act as modifiers, which stabilize the dye pigments or otherwise act to modify the shade.” –

eNotes. What are the types of hair dyes? About 80 percent of hair coloring agent used today is the permanent type, which does not wash out. The other types include the so called progressive or gradual, which is applied over a period of time until the desired shade is reached, semipermanent, which stay through multiple washings, and temporary, which can be shampooed out. This includes the touch-up solutions. Does hair coloring damage hair? Any chemical applied to hair can damage it. Permanent hair dye binds to hair, weakening the shaft, making it dryer and brittle. Bleaching hair (like the use of hydrogen peroxide) which removed color also makes hair dry and brittle. Use of hair conditioner after shampooing, or leave-in condition with silicone can minimize the damage. Hair color changes can cause irreparable hair damage, like “dry weathering” and split ends, so hair coloring should not be done more often than once

every 4-6 weeks, when the roots have grown about 8.5 mm to 11 mm (about a 3rd of an inch). Limiting exposure to sunlight and water (especially chemically-treated swimming pool) can reduce damage and fading to color-treated hair. How does one choose hair color? Cosmetic experts note that the skin becomes more transparent as people age, so hair color that is too dark tends to make one look paler and hair that is too light can wash out the complexion. In view of these observations, they recommend that those with black hair go one shade lighter than their base colour, and those with brighter hair colour go one shade darker. Do hair dyes cause cancer? Lead acetate, which is found in some gradual or progressive hair dyes preparations usually used by men, is classified as “probable carcinogen (cancer-causing agent)” based on laboratory studies in animals. The US-FDA, however, says that these products, which carry the warning about lead acetate, “can be used safely. It appears today’s hair dyes are generally safe. Can hair dye be used in eyebrows or eyelashes? No, hair dyes should never be used for eyebrows and eyelashes, since these are toxic to the eyes. The US-FDA legally prohibits its use for these, even in salons. There are pencils, powders, or gels, etc. specially made for the eyebrows which are available.

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SATURDAY, Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D;37

Eriegwa Itsekiri Ladies Society Holds New IT was celebration Year Thanksgiving galore and occasion for reunion for members of

L-R:Mrs Bose Clarke, Mrs Patricia Arawore and Mr Folabi Oyeyemi

Eriegwa Itsekiri Ladies Society and their spouses when they gathered at the St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos for their New Year thanksgiving service. Reception followed at the Windsor Park, Magodo GRA, Phase 11. Some of the dignitaries at the event include Prince Sir Murphy Akpieyi,Chief (Mrs) Rita lori-Ogbebor, Chief Adolo OkotieEboh, Action Congress of Nigeria, Chairman, Delta State, Otunba Gboyega Odunuga and many others. Photos by Shola Oyelese

hief Madu Nwayobuije, the Ihama of OnichaUgbo and Soludero of Amuwo, Lagos hosts traditional rulers of Of Anioma-Oshimili/ Ika Federal Constituencies at his country home in Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State some days ago. Photos by Nath Onojake

L-R:Dr A . M . Lori,Chief Mrs Rita lori-Ogbebor and Mrs Gbubemi Fadare

R-L: H.R.H Obi Henry Ezeagwuna1 Obi Of IsseleUku, Chief Madu Nwayobuije,the Ihama of OnichaUgbo, H.R.M. Dr.Ezeagwu Ezenali 1,Obi Of Umunede and H.R.H Obi Of Onicha-Ugbo

L-R: Barr. Lady (Mrs) Uwala Akpieyi, Mrs Alice Okoro and Mrs Roli AtieneIbanga

L-R:Sir Murphy Akpieyi,Chairman of occasion, Sir Duncan Ogunniyi and Mrs Rosaline Boyo Amusa

Madu Nwayobuije hosts traditional rulers

L-R:Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh, ACN Chairman, Delta State, Prince Murphy Akpieyi,Chairman of occasion and Sir Duncan Ogunniyi

Chief Madu Nwayobuije (in red) with the traditional rulers

R-L: Barr. (Mrs) Kachikwu,Chief Madu Nwayobuije and Chief Mrs Kate Nwayobuije

Oil and Gas parle furun parleyy in Ef Effurun

elta State Government organized a stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conference on oil and gas industry during the week at the prestigious Wellington Hotel in Effurun, Delta State. Dignitaries from all over the state came to the parley to jaw-jaw and unwind.It was thrills and frills galore as guests, including the Deputy Governor of the state, Prof Amos Utuama who represented his Chief Executive Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan,Commissioner of the Oil and Gas Ministry,

Mr Omamofe Pirah and others

Participants during the stakeholders forum C M Y K

Participants during the conference

Cross section of Traditional Rulers

SATURDAY, Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201D;37

Eriegwa Itsekiri Ladies Society Holds New IT was celebration Year Thanksgiving galore and occasion for reunion for members of

L-R:Mrs Bose Clarke, Mrs Patricia Arawore and Mr Folabi Oyeyemi

L-R:Dr A . M . Lori,Chief Mrs Rita lori-Ogbebor and Mrs Gbubemi Fadare

R-L: H.R.H Obi Henry Ezeagwuna1 Obi Of IsseleUku, Chief Madu Nwayobuije,the Ihama of OnichaUgbo, H.R.M. Dr.Ezeagwu Ezenali 1,Obi Of Umunede and H.R.H Obi Of Onicha-Ugbo

L-R: Barr. Lady (Mrs) Uwala Akpieyi, Mrs Alice Okoro and Mrs Roli AtieneIbanga

L-R:Sir Murphy Akpieyi,Chairman of occasion, Sir Duncan Ogunniyi and Mrs Rosaline Boyo Amusa

Madu Nwayobuije hosts traditional rulers

L-R:Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh, ACN Chairman, Delta State, Prince Murphy Akpieyi,Chairman of occasion and Sir Duncan Ogunniyi

Chief Madu Nwayobuije (in red) with the traditional rulers

R-L: Barr. (Mrs) Kachikwu,Chief Madu Nwayobuije and Chief Mrs Kate Nwayobuije

Oil and Gas parle furun parleyy in Ef Effurun

Mr Omamofe Pirah and others

Participants during the stakeholders forum C M Y K

Participants during the conference

Cross section of Traditional Rulers

38—SATURDAY VANGUARD , FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Lagos commences removal of abandoned vehicles

HE Lagos State Government has commenced removal of all abandoned vehicles

BMW 4 Series becomes a reality

MW calls it a concept, but late next year it’ll be real: it’s the 4-Series coupe. The number 4 is for the cars that will replace the 3Series coupe and cabrio. But it’s not just a change of number. The 4-Series are wider, lower and slinkier than the 3-Series saloons. Not just a four-door with two doors blocked off, then. Walk around the car, and it’s more than halfway to a 6-Series - it has a similar relationship to the 3 as the 6 has to the 5. Chief of design at BMW, Karim Habib told TopGear the metal surfaces of the concept car and its dimensions are exactly the same as the production version. It’s not just lower and wider than a 3 saloon (which, as already mentioned, won’t get a coupe version any longer). The surfaces are fuller and the light-catching lines are amped up. The most interesting of these is the negative surface that runs back through the doorhandle then narrows over the rear wheel to make the wings look wider. Some of the details will change - the size of the front intakes in the bumper,the rear air out-

lets, the flush doorhandles, the mirrors’ aerofoil surrounds. But others will make it to production, including the new headlight graphics and, interestingly, the vents behind the front wheels. These vents exhaust air from the wheel arches, not the engine

bay, creating a turbulence-reducing ‘air curtain’ past the front wheels. The same idea is used to cut drag on BMW’s i cars. Inside, the trim has been taken care of by BMW Individual. Depending on your viewpoint, it’s either a love-

ly use of handcrafted and woven leather, or an OTT homage to someone’s midlife-crisis Harley-riding fantasies. You can expect the 4Series to emerge with BMW’s usual run of engines, from the 418i to the 435i, and diesels, too.

But, of course, the one everyone will want is the M version, the one powered by a mightily turbocharged straight-six powerplant. From now on, the M3 name will be reserved for the narrower four-door car, and the sports coupe version will be the M4.

Toyota Hilux 4X4 drivers, De Villiers, Von Zitzewitz join Dakar Elite G INIEL de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz have secured their place in the history books of the world’s longest and toughest motor race, the Dakar Rally. In the five South American editions of the iconic event – it was held in Africa up to 2007 and cancelled in 2008 because of political unrest and terrorist activity – the 2009 champions have achieved four topfour placings – an achievement unequalled in marathon rallying history. Their latest achievement in finishing second in the 2013 edition in Santiago, Chile, on Saturday behind defending champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France came

after an 8 500-kilometre haul through Peru, Argentina and Chile. It was a supreme demonstration of reliability for their South African-built and developed Imperial Toyota Hilux 4x4 and of the dedication and commitment of a wholly-South African team with South African sponsors. De Villiers, 40, from Stellenbosch, and Von Zitzewitz, 44, from Karlshof in Germany (although regarded by the team as an honorary South African), have contested six Dakars together since 2007 and enjoy a finishing record unequalled by anyone: 11th in 2007, first in 2009, seventh in 2010, second in 2011, third in 2012 and second in 2013. They

have always made it to the finish. Peterhansel, who has now won 11 Dakars (six on a motorcycle and now five in a car), and Cottret started the 2013 edition

as rank favourites. While they came up to expectations, De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz in Imperial Toyota #301 far exceeded expectations by beating several more favoured competitors.

on Lagos Street as the three day ultimatum given to owners of such vehicles expired last week. Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who gave the warning in his office at Alausa, Ikeja, said that owners of abandoned vehicles especially in Surulere, Mainland, Mushin, Agege, and other Local Governments in the State should remove their vehicles immediately as members of the Committee on Abandoned and Disused vehicles will commence a state wide removal of abandoned vehicles with effect from Monday, 28th January, 2013 starting from Surulere Local Government, Itire – Ikate and Coker - Aguda Local Council Development Areas. He said that the State Government will not hesitate to remove any vehicle which could serve as haven for criminals, impede the free flow of traffic or threaten the safety and security of the people. Opeifa urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) and residents in the State not to hesitate to contact the committee whenever there is any abandoned or disused vehicle in their communities. The Commissioner also appealed to mechanics along Third Mainland Bridge up to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) office at Sura, Ilubirin to vacate the entire stretch of the road within three (3) days. He said that at the expiration of the ultimatum, any mechanic found operating on this axis will be appropriately sanctioned. Opeifa implored individuals who have their vehicles in these illegal mechanic villages to remove them immediately as owners will bear the cost of vehicles towed.

SATURDAY Vanguard FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 39

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40 — SATURDAY Vanguard FEBRUARY 2, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 —41

Gunmen on rampage in Gombe Transport firm set to launch cable car mass transit system •Kill a Prison Warden, another BY JOHN BULUS

ARELY 24 hours after unknown gunmen killed two Policemen at a popularly round-about in Gombe town , a Prison Warden and another individual have been brutally murdered by yet to be identified gunmen yesterday. The incident happened around Amadu-Kaffi area of Gombe town. An eye witness said that the gunmen were three in number, came in a black Honda Accord, met the Prison Warden who went to visit his blind friend, Mallam Ali and shot him in front of his house in Amadu-Kaffi area of Go-

mbe town. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Gombe state Police Command, DSP Fwaje

Atajiri couldn’t confirm the incident, saying he had not received the report but promised to investigate.

•Signs agreement with Lagos State Govt

OR the first time in the history of Nigeria, a cable car company,

Dangote reopens Gboko cement plant

anagement of Dangote Cement Plc has announced the reopening of its Gboko Cement Plant in Benue State. The factory which is to operate at half capacity was closed down last year as a result of the glut in the domestic cement market. The decision to reopen the plant was reached immediately after a meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chairman of Dangote Cement Alhaji

Aliko Dangote in Abuja yesterday. Giving reasons for the reopening, a source from Dangote Cement said, “Since the shutdown of the Gboko Cement Plant, Government has been engaging local cement manufacturers in discussions, trying to find solutions to the challenges facing the industry. According to the source, Aliko Dangote was in an upbeat mood after the meeting with the president and in appreciation of the President’s con-

cern and willingness to intervene; he gave immediate directives to restart operations at the Gboko Plant. When contacted, Group Head, Corporate Communications, Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina confirmed the reopening and said, “We are confident that in the days ahead, we will see positive developments and actions that will address problems of local cement manufacturers in Nigeria.”

Ropeways Transport Limited, is set to launch a cable car mass urban transit system in the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos. This followed the signing of a 30-year Franchise Agreement between Ropeways Transport Limited, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Lagos State Government recently. Under the terms of the Agreement, Ropeways Transport will this November begin the construction of towers, stations and connecting network cables

along various routes covered in the first phase of the project, namely, Ijora – Iddo, Iddo – Adeniji, Apapa – Oluwole, Oluwole – Adeniji, Adeniji – Obalende, Obalende – Falomo, and Falomo – Victoria Island. The project is expected to be fully completed and commissioned by early 2015. Speaking on this development, the Chief Executive Officer of Ropeways Transport Limited, Capt. Dapo Olumide expressed his belief that the Lagos cable car transit system would provide an alternative means of mass transportation in the city and it will help ease the current transportation hassles in Lagos.

Why Cross River has become investors’ haven — Adah

ROSS River State’s Special Adviser on Investment Promotion, Mr Gerald Adah has attributed the recent upsurge in investments in the state by multinational companies to the deliberate policies of the Senator Liyel Imoke-led administration in the state. Speaking on the sidelines of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Government and General Electric, which on Thursday in Abuja unveiled plans to establish a manufacturing and assembly facilities in Calabar, Adah said the enthronement of a tranquil environment, provision of first-class infrastructure and the setting up of a One-Stop Shop for business has made the state one of the most attractive to investors. According to him, “one major focus of the present administration in Cross River State is the development of a service economy with emphasis on growing the private sector. This propelled the establishment of an Investment Promotion Bureau with an embedded State level One-Stop Shop with the primary focus on increasing the level of FDI as well as facilitating business entry for incoming investors.

42— SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Pray against serious bloodbath in 2013,

Reverend Eze Chukwukamadu

Pastor advises Nigerians B

efore the demise of a former Senate P r e s i dent in 2003, he told his worshipers that a great Iroko tree will fall in the country. Specifically, he predicted the death of the renowned politician and stated unequivocally that the Almighty God said he must go back to his creator and it came to pass. Since then, Reverend Eze Chukwukamadu has not stopped surprising his worshipers with predictions that usually turned out to be true. Unfortunately, such predictions were not publicized, hence little was known about them. In this encounter with Saturday Vanguard, the 35year-old father of five came out with another shocking predictions for the year with a proviso that only serious prayers by Nigerians will avert them. He advised that President Goodluck Jonathan should pray seriously. He also advised that the country should be careful to avert serious bloodbath, urging Governors to take care of their health this year. Excerpts : My name is Rev. Eze Chukwukamadu. I am a prophet of God in Adonai Faith Assembly, Nsukka, Enugu State. I started serving God from my childhood when I was 11 years old. The sign was there when I was born. My father gave me a name, Tobenna. God went to one of his servants in Orlu named Ukozo (now late) and God spoke to him to go to Owerri, to the family of E. C. Eze and tell them that they had a son and that son is His own, that they had given him a name Tobenna but they should change it to Chukwukamadu. That God is giving him that name; that I am His own and will serve Him all my life. That was in 1973. Then, my father was a lecturer in Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri. My father died on April 26, 1986. Before then, in November 1985, I had a revelation and I told my father. I saw his car parked but nobody was driving it and

I could see the car rotting in the village. The next morning, I came and told my father that I could see this house burning and nobody could put off the fire. My father called my mother and asked me to repeat what I said and I repeated it. They prayed and said that the blood of Jesus covered the family. So, my father went back that November asking us to stay at home, that he would come and take us back to Awka after the Christmas. Then, he was a lecturer in Awka College of Education, now part of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. But that Christmas, he couldn’t come back because he fell sick. In January, 1986 he managed to come back, still feeling very sick and he died. Two years after his death, my mother started taking me to Church to see how I can develop my gift of prophecy. So that was how I started. PREDICTIONS I predicted the death of a former Senate President. We

cannot remember all of them now. I pre-

dicted how many plane crashes that would occur during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, and they all came to pass. Right now, I’m having serious messages concerning this country and the message is that if this country is not careful, there will be a major civil crisis. President Goodluck Jonathan should pray seriously concerning his administration. He should be wary of sycophants and those around him. People are going to deceive him and people are going to betray him; people who are very close and dear to him will betray him from now to 2015. Again, so many prominent

By Arji Donald

President Goodluck Jonathan should pray seriously concerning his administration. He should be wary of sycophants and those around him

were praying on the mountain

in the night, myself and my friends, in Igboeze South,

Enugu State. I got a revelation about the Senate President at that time. I asked my friends if they know someone called by that name. They said yes. I told them that he would die and that there was no mercy. Then, before the plane crash which claimed the life of a prominent northerner, I predicted that a great man from the North would die in a plane crash. Everything was written in a 20 -leave exercise book. There were many of such predictions which came to pass but I

Nigerians are going to experience mysterious deaths. The

country must be careful to avert serious bloodshed all over the country. This is because God’s wrath is upon this country. So, the leaders of this country must make peace with God to avoid the calamity that is to come. Our leaders must sincerely address the problem of corruption and injustice in the country. The idea of diverting public funds into private pockets, while millions of Nigerians are dying in poverty and hunger should be tackled. So many Governors need prayers to survive. Many others will fall into se-

rious sicknesses immediately after leaving office on account of evil things they did. Some of the Governors who are planning to have a second term may not realize it. Again, President Goodluck Jonathan must be very careful because many are planning seriously against him. They are planning clandestine operations against him and his government. So, he must be very careful. He should also pray for his health. He should be careful and not trust anybody. The North, if they do not pray to God and ask for forgiveness, the wrath of God will be upon them and their land will be cursed. The produce of their land will be a blessing to other nations but a problem to them. They should therefore go and ask God for forgiveness for the innocent blood they have been shedding. A very influential person in the North is sponsoring Boko Haram and the wrath of God is going to fall upon him and the people who would be around him that day. These are the people who have been working with him in killing innocent people. This prominent Northerner is a politician and God has planned to disgrace him. Again, about five prominent Nigerians are colluding

with another country to import massive arms and ammunition into the country to kill innocent people, especially Christians. And if these people do not repent, they will face the wrath of God. One of them is well known all over the country, but God knows him. Right now there is an industry producing ammunition, preparing seriously for crisis against the country. This industry is not in this country but abroad. The enemies of Nigeria are waiting for an opportunity to flood this country with these weapons to destabilize this country. The way out is that the country should pray fervently for God to expose these enemies. People who call themselves citizens of this country are her major enemies. They desperately want power, but they will not get it because God’s anger is against them. Nigerians should pray against a major crisis in this country. Most of the predictions given to me for this year are natural occurrences which are bound to happen. Therefore, those in government must be very careful as the wrath of God is kindled against them.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 43

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44â&#x20AC;&#x201D;SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Swimming into the jaws of death

inal moments of penguin, inches from leopard sealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gaping mouth. Graphic photographs capture the fate of a young penguin stalked by an enormous leopard seal in waters off the Antarctic Peninsula. The predators lurk the in shallow waters of Port Lockroy where the birds come to play, oblivious to the danger lying beneath the surface.

Meet the wolfman! x-paratrooper, 79, who is so close to his pack of 29 wolves they eat E meat from his MOUTH. Werner Freund, 79, has raised more than 70 wolves on his sanctuary in Merzig, Germany. To maintain his alpha male position in the pack, he ensure he always feeds first

The hippo who wouldn't take his medicine welve (very brave) vets forced to sedate and blindfold huge beast to treat T him. Images show a team of 12 tackle the powerful creature in Zimbabwe. Hippos are deadly and can bite a man in half. Vets forced to sedate and blindfold the hippo to give it medicine

Elephant Death

ygmy elephant calf desperately tries to wake up dead mother who was one of ten animals found poisoned. A total of ten of the creatures have been discovered in the Gunung Rara Forest Reserve, Borneo, over the past three weeks Conservation officials believe the endangered animals had been poisoned. Estimated to be fewer than 1,500 Borneo pygmy elephants in existence. 'Great loss': A three-month-old elephant calf attempts to wake its mother; one of ten pygmy elephants found dead in Malaysia's Sabah state. 'Sad day': A total of seven female and three male pygmy elephants have been found in the forest over the past three weeks.

Missing Tortoise amily discover missing pet tortoise in locked store room THIRTY YEARS after F she vanished... and she's still alive. Manuela disappeared from her home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1982. Found when owners finally cleared out store room after father died. Vet believes she survived by eating termites from the wooden floors

Rice farming

eally fast food Taiwanese farmers break world record for rice planting. The 1,215 competitors in Taoyuan County, Northern Taiwan transplanted an incredible 2.1 hectares of rice in just 16 minutes and 20 seconds. It beats the old record set in Thailand in 2010 when 904 people transplanted rice in 1.6 hectares in 35 minutes and 35 seconds.

14 year Wonder-Chef 14-year-old wonder-chef, who started cooking 'because he didn't like his mother's food', to takes helm at $160a-head Beverly Hills restaurant Flynn McGarry started cooking in his family home in San Fernando Valley at the age of 11 He has since launched his own popup restaurant as well as guest cooking at restaurants across the country On Wednesday he will lead a soldout evening at BierBeisl, Beverly Hills

SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 45

46 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Untold stor y of how guard was murdered •Fish out his killer s, f amily urges police By EVELYN USMAN

•Late Solomon Thomas

Solomon who at that time was changing into his security uniform, was reportedly arrested by the policemen said to be at the site to provide security for an unnamed land grabber contending ownership of the parcel of land. He was reportedly taken to Idimu Area command but was released shortly afterwards , after a lawyer to his employer, Mr. Leo Ikeagwu contacted the Area Commander. Tragedy, however, struck after he made his way back to the parcel of land . He was said to have called his colleagues to return,saying, that the police had released him. But no sooner had Solomon and his colleagues got back to their duty post than an armed group allegedly swooped on them, firing sporadically, in the process of which Solomon was gunned down while others who were hit by stray pellets in their hands and legs respectively, managed to escape. Policemen at the nearby Shasha police station reportedly raced to the scene only to meet Solomon in the

pool of his blood.He was rushed to a nearby hospital but unfortunately,died moments later. Narrating in tears how he received the news of the death of his elder brother, Samuel Thomas, a university undergraduate said:“It is difficult to believe that my elder brother, Solo, is dead. As he was about leaving for work that Saturday, I asked him to give me some money with which to go to Badagry with our mother, over a land issue. He gave us what he had and left. When we came back, I dialed his number but there was no response and I became worried. Next day, we received a letter from one Isiaka Adedokun, the Chief Security Officer in charge of Coker Estate, to come to Shasha Police Station, that Solo was with them. Initially, we thought there might have been a fight between him and somebody else. But again, I said to myself that Solo is such a gentle man and therefore, could not afford to fight with anybody for whatever reason. It was later we were told that he was shot dead by some thugs hired by a man that is contending the land with Solo’s boss, Engineer Adetokunbo Olowole Coker. Solo had told me that there had been an age-long scramble for ownership of the land where he worked and that in 2007, a Lagos high court sitting before Justice L .A. Okunnu gave an interlocutory injunction restraining the contender from the land until the determination of the substantive suit last year. But the contender too got a counter ruling by another Lagos high court , granting him access in and out of the said parcel of land. He said since then , the man had been using thugs to harass and intimidate him and his colleagues. He was planning to resign and look for another job because of the matter. It is painful that, the land matter has claimed the life of my brother.

Brother of the deceased

or Solomon Thomas, a 36 year-old security guard who was murdered at his duty post on a parcel of land situated at Coker Estate, Shasha, Lagos ,by an unknown assailants, fate couldn’t have been more cruel. The Eket, Akwa-Ibom State born father of two, who could not further his education to tertiary institution because of his humble background, took a run-off-the- mill job as a security guard for a paltry sum,to take care of his two siblings and an aged mother. He had envisaged giving his siblings the best within his capability until Saturday morning of January 19, 2013 when he was shot dead at his duty post by unknown persons. Investigation revealed that Solomon and his co-workers had resumed for duty that fateful morning , only to be allegedly confronted by a twotruck load of armed policemen from the ‘Area M’ Command, Idimu,Lagos. While others were said to have taken to their heels on sighting the policemen,

As I speak to you, I do not know how to break the news to our mother

We learnt that his assailants even trailed the corpse to a private hospital in Shasha with a view to snatching it, until Policemen from Afoka were alerted. Trying hard not to betray his emotion, Samuel Thomas continued: “As I speak to you, I do not know how to break the news to our mother because she may collapse. Each time she called to know

the whereabouts of Solo ,I would simply lie that the Police case he had was over and that Solo just went out” But again, I must confess that I am not happy with the way and manner the police are handling the matter. One week after his death, I went to the Isolo General Hospital where his body was deposited only to discover that he was not even embalmed. He was just dumped on a platter and left to decompose; ostensibly again, to kill evidence” Crime Guard investigation showed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police , Mr Umar Manko has mandated the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigations Department to investigate the murder, following a petition by the bereaved family. “ All we are asking the police to do for us is to fish out killers of my brother and prosecute them. That is only way his departed soul will rest in peace.” Thomas stated.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—47

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

obody envisaged that a usually peaceful annual hunting festival of Otukpo clans would degenerate into a bloody conflict between Idoma farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Otukpo, an area of Benue state that hardly records such unfortunate incidents in the history of the state. Before the outbreak of the bloody conflict, there had been an outcry by farmers along that axis of the state, of uncontrolled pollution of water sources and destruction of farmlands of host Idoma communities by herdsmen and their cattle who grazed repeatedly in the communities. Despite the outcry, the unwholesome development continued unabated which perhaps culminated in a conflict that left three persons dead and many properties and farmlands destroyed. To say the least, last weekends conflict would have gotten out of hand but for the quick intervention of the Otukpo local government council chairman, Dr. Innocent Onuh and the Benue State Police Command who were alive to their responsibilities and wasted no time in nipping the crisis in the bud. Athough peace has finally returned to the affected villages, especially Amla in Otukpo Icho, security personnel have been drafted to the area to stem further break down of law and order while a manhunt for the masterminds of the devastation has commenced. Conducting newsmen around the crisis zone and the displaced persons camp in Otukpo, the council Chairman, Dr. Innocent Onuh in company of top security personel disclosed that no fewer than 550 persons were displaced in the bloody conflict. Onuh said, “The total number of persons displaced by the crisis is a little over 550, and of this number, children are over 150 while women are about 50”. The chairman who used the opportunity to donate relief materials to the affected persons said, “We have also provided them a makeshift camp here in Otukpo, and we have been able to avail them these relief materials to help them resettle themselves pending further assistance.” Onuh who lamented the shed of blood and destruction of property and farmland in the belligerent villages assured

Some of the displaced persons moving to their new abode

Hunting festival turns bloody

zIdoma farmers and Fulani herdsmen conflict claims three lives

that he would personally do everything possibly to ensure that the crisis did not degenerate and that there would be permanent peace among the feuding parties who hitherto had lived as brothers and sisters. “Meanwhile, we have ensured that security is beefed up in the entire community consequent upon the decisions we reached at the councils security meeting we held

on Monday. “Aside that, we have also directed security personnel to embark on a manhunt of all those behind the crisis in order to ensure that they are made to face justice”, he said. While appealing to public spirited individuals, Non Governmental Agencies and donor agencies, Benue State and the Federal Government to come to the assistance of the council, Onuh however ap-

Fulani and Idoma Chiefs at the peace meeting in Otukpo

pealed for calm between the Fulanis and the host communities assuring that government was on top of the situation. In a peace meeting at the palace of the Sarki Hausawa in Otukpo, Alhaji Bala Dahiru, which had in attendance the paramount ruler of Otukpo (Ochi Otukpo) Chief John Enyimonye, the Ardoo (Chief) of Fulanis in Otukpo, Alhaji Isah Sule and other Fulani leaders in the state, Onuh lamented that the conflict was a strange phenomenon in that part of the state which should not be allowed to persist in the interest of the teeming populace. In his speech, the Sarki Hausawa sued for peace, stressing that Hausas and Idomas were known for their peaceful coexistence in the history of the country; pleading that the spirit should be sustained despite the unfortunate crisis. Responding, the Ardoo (Chief) of Fulanis in Otukpo, Alhaji Isah Sule who lost a 15 year old son in the crisis said he had taken the

development in good fate and thanked the Council Chairman and the police for quickly stepping into the matter to avert further loss of lives and property. In his remarks, the paramount ruler of Otukpo, (Ochi Otukpo), Chief John Enyimonye said, “this type of unfortunate crisis is strange in this part of our state; but I plead that we all take what has happened in good faith and ensure that peace reigns amongst us”. While the Area Commander of the Otupko Police Command, Assistant Commission of Police Sam Dra-Koji who spoke on behalf of the Benue State Commissioner of Police disclosed that the Police had commenced a manhunt for the masterminds of the crisis,the Commissioner of Police assured, “We have started a thorough investigation of the crisis and from information gathered, we are already on the trail of all those behind the killings and we are positive that all the masterminds of the crisis will be apprehended; we plead for calm”, he said.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Those who are displaced should return to their homes now —CP Nasarawa State

Mr. Abayomi Akeremale, CP Nasarawa State

Can you tell us the role your Command played in the crises that bedeviled the state in recent times? The role of the police so far is to be neutral and to allow the law to take its course. What we do is to investigate whoever may have committed or gotten involved in one crime or the other, and to make sure such a person or persons are brought before the court for the law. We don’t want to get involved in the political, religious or ethnic issues of the crisis. That is why all those found with AK 47, locally made guns, those who used offensive weapons, those who attacked their fellow human beings during the crises have been arrested and some charged to court while some are still under investigation. There is never a crisis in

the state that the police did not make arrest of suspects. At Asakio, suspects were arrested and charged to court; in Agyaragu, 19 suspects were taken to court. Most of the suspects were even remanded in police custody for a very long time, but when the court and the DPP found some of them were not directly connected with the crisis and because we didn’t have sufficient evidence

n view of the recent communal clashes that have displaced over 12,500 persons in four villages in Nasarawa state last week, many displaced are still living in apprehension of possible reprisal attacks though the governor assured them of adequate security while urging them to return to their respective domains. Our correspondent in Lafia, ABEL DANIEL sought the view of the Commissioner of Police on how many people were arrested so far and the command’s readiness to provide security to those who are willing to return to their homes.

started at Agbashi but escalated to other villages. Though the root-cause is traced to Agbashi in Ekye development area, based on the allegation of a particular farmer who inflicted a machete cut on somebody’s arm, the people involved were all arrested by the police. The crisis further spread as far as Bassa where people took it upon themselves to kill their fellow human beings. We made

In many societies, you have people who are simply non conformists; no matter what you do or tell them not to do, they will still go ahead. Those are the kind of people we are after in the society

to link them to the cause of the crisis, their release was granted. Those that were found guilty after investigations and linked with the offence of causing public disturbance were charged appropriately. I can boldly tell you that the police in Nasarawa state have been playing their role of investigating and arresting of suspects, but we don’t want to be involved any form of political, ethnic or religious colorations as some people are trying to drag us into . In the Agbashi clash, how many suspects did you arrest? The Agbashi crisis actually

arrests and two herdsmen were apprehended and found with AK 47 riffle with 60 rounds of live ammunition we strongly believe must have been used in that particular locality. In all, over 22 suspects were arrested and are still at the CID custody for further investigation. Some of the suspects arrested were in possession of guns, machete and locally made guns. Some groups have alleged that the police are not proactive enough, and that was why the crisis spread easily; in view that, do you think your command has suffi-

cient officers and all the logistics to be combat ready? As Shakespeare said, there is no way that one can read a man’s heart on the face. No human can be so proactive as to act in advance to what has not happened. We cannot read people mind, nobody told us that somebody was going to cut another man’s hand at Agbashi on that fateful day, so if people are saying that we are not proactive enough, it means they want to stretch us to go beyond our limits to act to what has not happened. But I think from what has happened, we have acted well within our capacity. Don’t forget that in the course of the crises, the IG sent troops from Kogi, Benue and Niger to assist us. In some of the places where these crises happened early last year, our officers are still stationed there till now. To say that the police is not proactive enough to stop the crises from escalating is not right. We have held peace meetings with people on several times and yet they still go ahead to do what they have in mind to do. In many societies, you have people who are simply non conformists; no matter what you do or tell them not to do, they will still go ahead. Those are the kind of people we are after in the society. So what has not happened, we cannot measure it or prevent it until it happens. What has not happened, we cannot judge or use any barometer to measure or determine anything.

What is your message to warring parties, the injured, displaced, and communities affected? My counsel and advice to such people as you have mentioned is in line with the appeal made by his Excellency, the Governor asking those who are displaced to return to their homes and settlements. I want to also add that eight security base have been created by the government to provide adequate security to villages that are evacuated. The government has equally urged the people to resume their normal businesses. My advice now is that the displaced people should go back to their places in line with the government policy as adequate security is being put in order for the safety of the people in those areas. We will make sure that nobody or community is attacked. Nobody should exercise fear of reprisal attack; the police is out to protect lives and properties. The police is working hard to make sure fear is eradicated so that people can move around freely. Further more, people should have the courage and confidence on the government to go back to their respective homes. Anybody who knows about any sect or persons threatening the existence of their community should not hesitate inform the police nearest to their domain. We are equiped to ensure adequate security for all these people. For the warring parties, the governor while ad dressing the people who are involved said that they have lived together for years, and what is bad is bad. We should therefore not hide under any guise to cover what is bad by trying to trigger off communal clashes here and there. We should fish them out of our society because they don’t mean well for you. If people have been living together for so long a time and all of a sudden they started to kill and destroy themselves, it suggests that some people are definitely behind that act. Nobody should allow himself to be used to cause confusion in the community. Anybody who uses his head to break coconut may not live to eat that coconut. Don’t allow anyone to use your head to break coconut either. Do not allow yourself under any circumstance to go and make trouble that can expose you to danger and you may not live to tell the story again. Life is precious. Have any of your officers been affected so far in the crises? Yes. At Agyaragu, one of our inspectors was shut on his arm but we have not lost any one yet.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—49

office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that the objectives of the centenary project are not derailed.

The centenary city

zPresident Jonathan

z Pius Anyim

z Bala Mohammed

CENTENARY PROJECT:

Window for job creation

When the Federal Government first announced plans to build the centenary city, critics were quick to conclude that it was another avenue for government officials to enrich their pockets with government funds, but the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim during the week at a forum, said the proposed project, apart from making Nigeria an investment destination, will also serve as a window for job creation for the teeming unemployed Nigerians and a monument that would serve as a symbol of our unity.

ome Nigerians per ceive the proposed centenary city being proposed by the Federal Government as another white elephant project which only reminds the people of their bitter colonial experience. But Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim had at different fora dismissed insinuations that the project will be sponsored by the Federal Government. At a recent gathering during the week, Senator Pius Anyim stated that the centenary project provides a window for Nigeria’s vast trade and economic potentials to be promoted through trade and investment shows. The SGF who disclosed that the centenary project was conceived as a private sector initiative as it will be largely

self funding, said that this explains the compelling need to mobilise all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to identify with and participate actively in its process and management in order to attract sponsorship and investments from the corporate and investing community. Anyim who disclosed that the proposed centenary city will be a multi-faceted and multi-location event, assured that the project will provide unique opportunity for corporate organizations to properly present themselves.

BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

“With the support and active participation of the private sector, the centenary will provide 5,000 jobs directly and over 10,000 jobs indirectly besides providing an economic boost especially to the informal sector, the petty traders and hospitality sector service provider,” he said. Under the arrangement, the SGF said that the sponsorship engagement strategy will run on a partnership model where brand will enjoy the flexibility of adopting the programmes and implement

“With the support and active participation of the private sector, the centenary will provide 5,000 jobs directly and over 10,000 jobs indirectly

same in accordance with laid down principles. As part of the road map to the actualisation of the project, Senator Anyim said government will not hesitate to partner with interested corporate organisations which demonstrate commitment and capacity to organise and manage a well packaged Nigerian centenary project. He said government will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the company or consortium of companies selected to organise and manage the centenary project. The SGF assured that the company will register and own the exclusive right to the centenary activities in all aspects and areas, and may subsequently sub-grant such rights in specific areas if it so desires. According to him, the company will be liaising with the

he SGF who gave a graphic picture of the centenary city to be located in Abuja, said the city which was conceived to focus the attention of the investing world to Nigeria will replicate the successes of such cities as Dubai, Monaco, Shenzhen, Singapore and lately Songdo would serve as the strongest social, political and economic tool to securing foreign investment and signal new national economic awakening. “The centenary city is a new “smart city” to be built from the scratch on more than 1,000 hectres of virgin land along Airport road in Abuja, making the second but largest “private city” development on history after Songdo International Business District in South Korea,” Anyim disclosed. He further stated that the land for the centenary city would be acquired in accordance with the FCT Land Swap Agreement, adding that being private sector driven, the government would not invest any money in it. The SGF said the need to create a new city was predicated on the urgency to build a modern urban centrality for sustainable development where national beauty and architectural icons fuse together to create an environment that is alive and productive. Senator Anyim said that the centenary project which is anchored on three pillars, was conceived to be an event to hold in Abuja, all state capitals, some historic towns and cities in Nigeria will among others, institute legacy projects, create job opportunities, assured enterprise development, boost tourism and promote sports development. The SGF however assured that by the end of its five years development cycle, the innovative and vibrant centenary city would have created over 50,000 construction jobs and 5,000 permanent well-paying jobs. He disclosed that the city is planned for a residential population of about 100,000 people and will host no fewer than 500,000 visitors on daily basis. Senator Anyim said that the project is targetted at promoting world class multinational and domestic businesses in a world class and master planned environment which gives meaning to life, energy for work and pleasure for play as well as contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth, diversity and greatness into the next centenary.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Jonathan is deviating in his promise to women —Anenih zSays PDP crisis is a family affair

ormer

National

Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs Josephine Anenih was in Benin City last Monday for a sensitization training on rights of persons living with HIV/ AIDS. She spoke passionately about the rights of victims and women in politics. Saturday Vanguard in this interview discusses the rights of victims. She also speaks on the PDP crisis and other national issues. Excerpts: Let’s talk about this training programme It is important to have this seminar. What we are doing is actually to inform the general public that it is wrong to discriminate against those living with HIV/AIDS. That is abusing the rights of the victims. They have rights like every other human being. We are also introducing the national Human Rights Commission, we are trying to tell people that they are not just there to bark, they have been empowered to bite. So if they get complaints from people living with HIV/AIDS, they are going to take it very seriously. We are also encouraging those living with the ailment to come out and if they are being discriminated against, they should make complaints because we are aware that the National Human Rights Commission has not received any official complaints from victims even though a lot of people talk about discrimination but no body has officially complained. We hope that with this sensitization, the level of discrimination will come down. HIV/AIDS is like cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure that people manage. Yes, there is no cure

for now but the virus can be managed in such a way that it will not affect the lives of the people affected. But what are you doing to sensitize girls in our higher institutions who take to prostitution in order to survive in school? What we are doing is training the trainers and we have people from all spheres of life participating in the training. We believe that as they all go back to their various states, they will carry the message to our schools. We are also appealing to the media to help sensitize the people because the media is more powerful than any other organ in terms of sensitization of people. We are coming back in few months time to assess the impact of this training and

SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

zMrs Josephine Anenih

organizations by the day. Let’s start with the BPE, she has gone; FIRS, Omoigui, she did not do her full eight years tenure , she was dropped and replaced by a man. Immigration was also replaced by a man. Just start naming them, they are so many. So, we are fast losing all our women, we are losing the count. We used to count the number of women that are in

...we should grow out of this primordial ethnic mentality and be more progressive. If we find any body that is worthy whether man or woman, it does not matter where they come from

we will also evaluate the level of complaints that have come up. Talking about women, are you impressed so far with the policies of President Goodluck Jonathan as regards women empowerment? President Jonathan promised us that he was going to give us 35 per cent in his cabinet which he has done. But I want to say that there are other areas that the 35 per cent has not been achieved. I am worried about the recent trend where we are losing women we have in the

top positions in this country and it’s very worrisome and I m telling you we are not happy about that. If you must remove these women, we expect that they should also be replaced with qualified women. We have many other qualified women in this country, it is not that we don’t have the pool of women to choose from. So we are saying that if you remove a woman , replace her with a woman. PDP crisis I am a founding member of the PDP and from my experience, I know all about the PDP and its mode of

operation. So I can tell you confidently that I am not moved with the current crisis in the party. The PDP is an organization that has an in built mechanism of solving its problems. It may sound crazy to you who is an onlooker from out side but at the end of the day, PDP has the answer and they have the solution because in PDP, you find every body, you find all the experts. They are in PDP and for us, we don’t see PDP only as a political party, we see it as a family. Even when there is a problem ,we also find solutions to it. So we are not scared at all. But are you not worried that with the formation of the proposed mega party, the PDP may be kicked out due to its internal crisis? I have been praying for a mega party because we are democrats and I know that for our democracy to be strongly entrenched, we need a viable, constructive opposition because they say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. So we don’t want to fall into that trap of being the only national party. We need a strong opposition to keep the PDP in check but that will not stop the PDP from being incharge. We will still be incharge but we want all hands on deck to help sustain our democracy. We want people who will correct our mistakes, who will serve as a check. The mega party is good for our nation and it is healthy for our democracy. Woman President in 2015 I have not heard of any woman that has interest . If a woman comes out, we will

look at her. If she is acceptable, why not? There are so many women that are qualified to be president of this country including myself but we have to show interest and declare first and once they are cleared and acceptable to the party, we will present the woman. Agitation between the North/ South and the President Jonathan quest for a come back in 2015 My take is that this North South, West ,East thing is a sad creation and it’s a very very sad situation. We should be thinking of Nigeria and see ourselves as Nigerians and so any body who is a Nigerian citizen and he is acceptable should be voted for as President. This North South dichotomy is encouraging and entrenching division, raising up invisible boundaries that are not there but are just made up in our minds and it is a sad thing for this country . I want merit and acceptability to be the yardstick and not where you come from, that is what I want. If we say we are copying American presidential system, then we should copy it properly. Have you ever heard the American people say that this person is from North Carolina or Washington during elections? It does not happen. We are all Nigerians, that is why a Kenyan boy Obama is President of America. I mean we should grow out of this primordial ethnic mentality and be more progressive. If we find any body that is worthy whether man or woman, it does not matter where they come from.

SATURDAY VANGUARD,

SMEs, local manuf acturer manufacturer acturerss are dying of faulty credit system — OKEKE O

ver the years, investigation had re vealed that apart from the epileptic power supply that has affected business operation at every level in this country, poor credit facility has been a major challenge of local manufacturers. In this interview with Saturday Business, Managing Director, ENGASOD Logistics Limited, a company that specialises on dredging, logistics, oil field services and location preparation among others, Tobia Okeke, said, the reason why SME’s, local manufacturers are dying in Nigeria, thereby leading the economy into comatose is because of faulty credit facility. Excerpts: As the Managing Director, Engasod, Logistics Limited, what is the activities of ENGASOD Logistics and its contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy? The name Engasen is coined from core areas of the business interest of the company. But at this moment, we are actually involved in dredging activities as a flagship for the company and I can tell you, the four core business areas are the business of the future in this country. It has a lot of potentials. For instance, Energy which is electric power and when you look at electric power, it comprises production, generation and distribution. Then Gas, we are on the marketing side but we are looking at the service sector, that area of gas, extraction, exploration etc. Then we talk of Oil, we are not also looking at marketing of finished product but looking

at the service sector of the oil industry. Dredging, you know of course within Lagos and the south-south, that is Niger Delta areas, most of our construction work both road and building constructions involve dredging activities one way or the other, land and reclamation, sand filling and so on. All are businesses that have potentials in this country. So, at the moment, we are really working on dredging and the area of dredging, you have reclamation, sweeping, filling, stock piling etc. Stock piling is about pumping out sharp sand and sell to the public, building industries and also supply to construction companies. That is what we are involved in for the moment. And it’s a business that can generate employment for skilled labour. Our major challenges What we are lacking is government support. The lack of government support I’m talking about is not just government giving us money. But it can support through creating policies that foster local businesses. For instance, Nigerian banks today, are not actually supporting small and medium enterprises in this country. The CBN is the agency of the FG, so it’s the policy of the Federal Government that look into the interest of the small and medium enterprises, supposed to be carried out by the Central Bank. How can that be done, for instance, like my own type of business, - dredging - , what is hampering us today is capital and when I said capital it doesn’t necessarily require liquid cash, but in Ni-

FEBRUARY 2, 2013—51

Okeke: We need a workable credit system for l o c a l manufacturers to thrive.

geria we don’t have workable credit system as obtained and sustained in developed economies of the world. And if we don’t have workable credit facility in this country, I doubt if small and medium enterprises would survive and develop this economy. Now how would credit system favour small and medium enterprises? If for instance there is a kind of a cover, guarantee to banks from the Central Bank which is the agency of the FG, the local bank now through the guarantee of the CBN will provide also guarantee for small and medium enterprises. For instance, what I’m doing, I have a site where I pump out sand, but my company doesn’t have capital right now to buy a dredger which is high capital intensive and other equipment that would give you a complete dredging work, but they are very expensive. But if we have workable credit system in this country, that should companies that would hire out this equipment since I have the site and the market is there, I can reach to these companies through guarantee by banks then my company can hire these equipment from these companies that own these equipment. And my company would use these equipment to work out cash and pay back to bank. Therefore, all these businesses can be done without much cash exposure. We

don’t have that here. What we do have especially with the new CBN policy on security. Asking you to bring all manners of collateral. For instance you need bank guarantee, there are different types of bank guarantee – bank guarantee with cash exposure and the one without cash exposure. The CBN has not been able to separate the two. Bank guarantee without exposure, does it require collateral? Bank guarantee with cash exposure requires collateral because the case that is involved you don’t know whether those involved are fraudulent. Most small and medium enterprises in this country are home made that don’t need much of foreign input. The SMEs are about turning what we have in this country into money and at the same time use it to create wealth and generate employment. Unfortunately, the system of operation in this country favours importation. Banks are more interested in funding importation. With what I have at hand now, what I

Getting the best of snail farming for health and wealth(I) I

t has been discovered that animal farming such as grasscutter, piggery, rabbit, snail etc. is the easiest way to reduce the

rate of unemployment biting the country. On this publication of snail farming, you would learn how to become self-employed with

snail farming. Managing Consultant/ Chief Executive Officer, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne, said that thousands of Nigerians can get out of poverty and become employed if our local governments can set up snail farms in our localities. He enjoined job seekers, retirees and all businessminded people to focus on snail business because it can put food on their tables since government can’t create all the jobs needed for its citizenry. According to him, snails are very cheap and easy to rear. They do not bite, kick, bark, sting or harm and don’t mess up the environment like other livestock. Snail farming is a business that does not require millions of naira before you achieve results. If land/space like one room apartment is available, then you don’t have problem. With N120, 000 anyone can start it, he said.

already domesticated snail breeders to enable them to get used to their new environment as they grow to adult. Wild adult snails caught and immediately confined may die severally because of the environmental change, the confinement and the food. In addition, you do not buy food for

Point of lay snails (Archachatina Marginata specie) breeder (suitable for rearing) is sold for N350. They are reared in pen or in free range system. Not all snails grow to a large size; some are dwarf, others are giant sizes in various ages. The best are garden snails and Archachatina Marginata Species widely known as ( African Giant Snail), he said. Onebunne stated that, it is better for a starter to stock

snails like you do in fish farming, pig farming, poultry farming, and the rest; because they feed on shelter plants and vegetables already planted inside their pen, although supplements are required periodically. They are hermaphrodites having both male and female reproductive organs and this means that all snails in the farm will be busy laying eggs year in year out. He noted and advised that any one can start snail

farming and make good profit within one year. At the end of the day, one giant snail can produce 60-100 young snails in a year. Snails are noiseless, odourless and very cheap to rear. Projecting the profit, Onebunne said each Archachatina Marginata snail under suitable environmental and climatic conditions can produce at least 100 eggs in a year and small scale farmer can keep at least 300 snails breeders and make profit. Therefore 300 snails can produce about 18,000 eggs in a year with at least 50 per cent success, 9,000 hatched eggs can grow to adult snails within 18 to 22 months with 9,000 adult snails suitable for consumption at N200-N450 per snail depending on the size. Snail farming is profitable and millions of jobs can be created through snail business alone. Sadly, Nigerian preference and rush for oil money has led to the utter neglect of this lucrative agricultural enterprise. People can raise snails for their own consumption or for commercial purposes. The time is right to utilize a natural food resource that is literally at their feet. Pen or freerange snail farming is not a hobby, it is a serious business that yields good financial reward, he said.

52— SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Battle of Rustenburg:

Iroha remembers Eagles of 1994

zMikel

zSays Ivorians have always proved tough zAs Mikel warns Drogba, others

ith 24 hours to the quarter fi nal match be tween the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, tension seems to have gripped all soccer loving Nigerians, including ex national team players, all of whom have expressed reservations on the Eagles chances against their star-studded opponents. Most Nigerians who have been speaking on both radio and television stations across the land have all given the Eagles little chance against the Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure propelled Ivorian side, stressing that the Eagles still lacked cohesion. One of the ex internationals and former Eagles’ defender Benedict Iroha, who played a huge role in that 1994 Nations Cup semi final match where the Eagles beat the Ivorians on penalties after a 2-2 draw, who is here in South Africa, said during the week that, “The Ivorians have always been tough customers. I played against them several times. I can never forget that 1994 semi final clash in Tunisia. Most of their players were my team-mates at ASEC Mimosas, including Michelle Bassole who scored their two goals, as well as Abdoulaye Traore and Aka Kouame.” Continuing, Iroha said, “We got back into the game when Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) scored and I then exchanged passes with Jay-

zDrogba

Jay Okocha to score the equalizer. We had chances to win it in the second half but their goalkeeper, Alain Gouamene, was something else. We eventually won on penalties and beat Zambia in the final to lift the trophy.” Despite apprehension among Nigerian fans, Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, who was earlier rumoured to have bagged two yellow cards and would miss the quarterfinal cracker, has warned Drogba and his team-mates not to write off the Nigerian side as they (Eagles) were capable of proving all the doubt-

zMoses

ing Thomases wrong tomorrow. Mikel who missed a penalty against Burkina Faso said the media(he didn’t specify whether Nigerian or foreign media) have always reminded them that the Ivorians are very tough and unbeatable, adding that tomorrow’s match was a knock-out match and anything was possible. “Playing against Ivory Coast is going to be both tough and exciting and some of our opponents are my friends, especially Didier Drogba,” said the 25-year-old Chelsea star. “People who write off Nigeria do so at their peril. This is

a knock-out match that we can definitely win. “The media keep reminding us that Ivory Coast are unbeatable - we shall see. “Ethiopia was a do-or-die game for us and we did really well, especially in the second half. “Having conceded late equalisers against Burkina Faso and Zambia, we told the defence to improve their concentration and they did.” Ivory Coast hold a slight edge over Nigeria at Cup of Nations tournament clashes, winning two and losing one of five meetings that produced a meagre seven goals.

z Yaya

Toure

zIroha

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013—53

Super Eagles stand-in captain, Vincent Enyeama stood between Ethiopia and goal to help Nigeria qualify and make up the WAFU quintuplet in the quarter-finals.

We won’t underestimate Super Eagles —Elephants T

HE Elephants of Cote rance of it as they never talked about d’Ivoire have vowed not to it in camp.”We’re concentrating on underestimate the Nigerian Su- our game”. Coach Lamouchi paid glowing tribper Eagles when they clash in the quarter finals of the African utes to the reaction of his team against Algeria when they were two Cup of Nations tomorrow. The Ivorians with a squad of goals down. “I love their spirit and intimidating names play Nigeria fight-back in the team. I don’t know tomorrow in Rustenberg but said if Drogba will play as we have many that they wont be carried away players on our team. But they are by the favourites tag bestowed on united and respect each other. They have a common goal of winning and them by pundits. Coach Sabri Lamouchi, howev- whoever finds himself wearing the er, said that the Nigerian team jersey will represent his country very was a talented team with very well”, the coach said. good players. “It’s a good that can surprise any team any day. We respect the Nigerian team and will put in our best against them”. He also dismissed Nigeria’s finishing second in their group as nothing to take away their strength. KIPPER Joseph Yobo has a “It means nothing that Nigeria frightening credential of playfinished second in their group ing in his six Nations Cup here in and Cote d’Ivoire finished first. South Africa. Out of the six outings, The Nigerian team are a good he has suffered humiliation in the team and we respect them. We hands of Cote d’Ivoire twice. Sunknow that any team that loses today would afford him an opportunity morrow will go home. We’ll try to get even with the boastful Elenot to go home at this stage”, he phants who said that they are going emphasized. to fry the Nigerian Eagles and conThe coach brought two players sume them in the open in South Afrito the World Conference – Ya ca. Konan Didier and Max Gradel. “It’s true that I have lost twice to Asked about the mockery pur- them in the cause of my many apportedly made of the Nigerian pearances. But I think that winning team on twitter by Emmanuel is more important to us than paying Eboue, the Ivorians claim igno- them back”, he said. Today 1. Ghana v Cape Verde 4pm 2. S/Africa v Mali 7.30pm

Winning is more important than vengeance — Yobo

West Africa too strong for Africa By Patrick Omorod ion

Verde, Morocco an d Angola, may they est Africa has prov ed its the would have joined Cape Verde to qualify stronghold of Afric an foot as did other WAFU teams like Gh ana and ball producing seve M al i in Group B, Burkina n of the eight quarter-finali Faso and Nigeria in Group C as sts in the 29th Afric well as Cote d’Ivoi a Cup of Nations. On re an d ly ca is the odd country host, South Afri- Gr Se yi Ad eb ay or-in sp ire d To go in ou of p D. ly, its regional body the lot. IronicalFrom the quarter-f , WAFU which has inal and semi final always fluttered seem pairi s oblivion following str to have gone into se ngs, it’s likely the Nations Cup will e an all West Afric uggle for power by an final. From the its administrators permutations, Sout h Africa, the outside Incidentally, the re rs in th gi of the 16 countries on produced half m e equation now, are likely going to eet either Cote d’Iv which qualified to oire in the semi fiplay in the 2013 ed ition of the Nations nal if they are able to overcome the Mali Cup, the first in od hurdle in today’s qu d number years. Th e arter-final duel. only country that The winner of toda failed to reach th y’s Ghana/Cape Ve e quarter-final is Nig rde encounter will er meet either Burkin in Group B along Gh who were drawn Fa a so or Togo in the ot ana, Mali and DR her semi final duel Congo. If Niger ha d been drawn in to produce the Nations Group A with host, Cup first WAFU South Africa, Cape final in history.

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Tomorrow 3. Cote d’Ivoire v Nigeria 4. Burkina Faso v Togo

4pm 7.30pm

Semi-finals Winners Q/final 2 v winners Q/final 3 Feb 6 4pm Winners Q/final 4 v winners Q/final 1 Feb 6 7.30pm Third place play-off Semi-finals losers Feb 9 7pm Final Semi-finals winners Feb 10 7pm

54— SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

Protests mar National School Sports festival BY BEN EFE

IGERIAN sports administrators have always clamoured for a return to grassroots sports. This is with the notion that it will aid the country to win back its glorious days. But what happened at the National Schools Sports Festival in Port Harcourt during the last seven days made mockery of that clarion call. Though enthusiasm among the participating

•Yusuf Alli

states ran high, the local organizing committee and the National School Sports Federation, NSSF, failed to balance the equation of ‘administrative and technical mathematics’. The competition billed to start on January 26 was held up as officials failed to screen athletes even as the hosts, River State, did not help matters with regards to providing the logistics of running the schools sports fiesta. Things came to a head when the officials of the participating s t a t e s demonstrated against certain decisions that were taken by the l o c a l organizing committee and the NSSF. “It is such a shame that in 2013 we are s e e i n g things like these. This is o n e competition we must

take seriously because of our retarded sports growth. We must do all the right things now, otherwise we will not be going anywhere,” said Cross River grassroots sports development consultant, Dr. Bruce Ijirigho Delta State Commissioner for Education, Professor Patrick Muoboghere buttressed the point made by Ijirigho. “I almost walked away with my team. We were here for three good days and nothing was happening. “They made a mess of the screening process and the hosts Rivers weren’t even ready for the competition. And it is apparent the National Schools Sports Federation, is not serious about organizing a credible festival,” Also commenting former African long jump champion, Yusuf Alli who was at the athletics venue, lamented that the schools sports festival was worst than a joke. “I am really disappointed with what I have seen. I participated in the school sports festival in 1978, 79 and this is not what we witnessed. Look at what we have here, there are no running bibs, there are no starting blocks, they start the races with a whistle and there is no timing device and who is going to accept any time that was done here? “I think we must have to do better than this if we need to revive our sports. It was from the school sports festival most of Nigeria’s former elite athletes emerged. What can we say about it now,” he queried. However, NSSF boss Alhaji Ibrahim noted all the short comings, but submitted that he was glad the competition ran its full course.

CFN kicks off 2013 activities with Port Harcourt tourney BY OSARETIN EMUZE

HE Cycling Federation of Nigeria, CFN, will kick start its activities this year in Port Harcourt tomorrow with the River State Cycling Association sponsored annual Cycling Championship which is open to all the states. The Federation will also be attending the Confederation of Africa Cycling Congress in Cairo, Egypt on February 16 and the trip will be funded by the Federation’s president, AlhajiMohammed Nur C M Y K

Sheriff. In March, the cycling federation will attend an invitational tourney in Egypt as the Eygptian Cycling Federation has invited Nigeria to participate in the 45th edition of Tour of Egypt. The CFN President has also approved the nomination of the Rivers State cycling team to represent Nigeria in the tour. This is as a result of their impressive performance at the last two National Sports Festivals in Port Harcourt and Lagos. Later in the year, the CFN will be having the International Track

Cycling Championship which will take place at the Velodrome in Abuja. The federation in consultation with the Confederation of Africa Cycling (CAC) and the International Cycling Union, UCI is to ensure the certification of the Velodrome is carried out before the event comes up. Meanwhile, the federation has sent a memo to the National Sports Federation, NSC requesting that the Velodrome is made functional, provision of basic track equipment as well as assisting it to procure Track Racing Cycles and racing equipment.

Race for AFN board membership overshadows 2013 programmes I

T is almost certain that the 2013 season of athletics events will start in June as the race for who gets into the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,AFN and who becomes president gets underway. The National Sports Commission, NSC last week published the elections and eligibility guidelines for all the national sports federations and there has been an increase of activity by those who have ambitions. At the AFN, athletics officials are mute about their programes for the year particularly the World indoors in March, golden league and the world championships billed for August. However, the AFN president, Solomon Ogba and his kitchen cabinet are bent over backwards, as they strive to host a successful maiden African Youth Championships in March. “From the look of things, I don’t think we will have a proper direction till the elections

•Ogba are over in April. It is an election year and you know that everyone who is interested is taking territories for now. We only hope that the programmes we have early in the year will not be affected,” said a member of the AFN in Port Harcourt. It was gathered that the Ogba is interested in going for a second term in office and has been

reaching out to all parties and constituencies. “For now he is the man to beat, if he does not step down from the race. He did his best for athletics in difficult circumstances. I don’t know of any candidate that has signified his intention to challenge Ogba. He has really pushed on with athletics,” added the AFN member.

C/River maintain stronghold on grassroots athletics C

ROSS River State continued to demons-trate that they are the champions when it comes to grassroots athletics development.

•Olusoji Fasuba... Looking for his likes from the grass-roots

The state’s young athletes dominated the National School Sports Festival, which ends today in Port Harcourt. Though it wasn’t like a stroll in the park for the Bruce Ijirigho inspired athletes, the difference that was made is the professional training the Cross River athletes have received from the coaches that have been working with them for three years. “Cross River is spending money on grassroots development programme and it is not a surprise they are dominating. My only wish is that other States will follow suit so that we can have a keener competition in school sports,” said coach Johnny Igboka who runs a sports academy without any support from his state government

Anambra Dr. Ijirigho who was happy with the development stated that Nigeria was way down in global athletics and to redress the situation more states should start their own developmental programmes particularly athletics endowed States like Delta, Edo, Imo, Anambra and Rivers. “If we have four states doing what we are doing in Cross River, we will be getting somewhere. I have checked on the IAAF rankings and I noticed that Nigeria is way down in grassroots performances. “It is only in the 800m we have an athlete measuring up to world standards. “We have talents everywhere, but if we don’t train them, we will continue to go down,” he said.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 2, 2013 — 55

Algerian ref for Eagles T

HE Organising Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rose from its meeting yesterday after appointing Algerian Referee Haimoudi Djamel to be at the centre of the match between the Elephants of Cote

d’Ivoire and the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Djamel will be assisted byAchik Redouane of Morroco, Dos Santos of Angola and Al Ahrach Bouchaib of Morocco while the designated Match Commissioner is Anjorin Moucharafou of Benin Republic. In another development,

It’s a shame if Nigerians don’t believe in Eagles — Keshi S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has hit out at the love lost relationship between his team and Nigerians yesterday describing it as “shameful and a pity”. The coach was asked if he feels under-appreciated by the fact that his countrymen do not have confidence in his team. He paused, looked up to the ceiling and said; “it’s a shameful thing if my nation do not have confidence in their team. I think it’s a pity. I have confidence in this team and we are ready for Sunday”, he said There have been a cocktail of opinions regarding the Super Eagles outing in the Nations Cup here in South Africa with many terming the Nigerian team’s performance as average. Speaking also yesterday in a World Press Conference in Rustenberg, the venue of the quarter-final match that has been termed Super Sunday, Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo said that they would fear no foe on Sunday. “We respect the Ivorian team

Ivory Coast are beatable – Lawal BY EDDIEAKALONU

E •BLOCKED … Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi blocking an opponent from reaching the ball. CAF yesterday cleared to play against Cote D’Ivoire in tomorrow’s quarter-final match at the Africa Nations Cup. because they have got big names in their squad. But this is football where big names

have no impact on football. Our team are young and have got determination to excel. We

are focused on moving ahead and I believe in this team”, he said.

CAF clears Mikel to confront Elephants T

HERE was a big relief and cheery news for the Super Eagles of Nigeria when Confederation of African Football, CAF, confirmed Chelsea’s Mikel Obi eligible to play against Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday in the quarter finals of the Nations Cup. There has been so much apprehension in the Nigerian team that Mikel had gotten two yellow cards and stands suspended in the crucial game against Cote d’Ivoire. CAF co-ordinator, Emmanuel Maradas cleared the air yesterday when he said that only

Bassey blasts ref’s rumour A call has gone out to media practitioners and professionals to be thorough in the dissemination of information. ” The public swears by us, they believe us and we should be careful how we handle the trust” this was the view of Veteran journalist Paul Bassey while reacting to the news that a referee that handled Nigeria’s match in the current Nations Cup has been sent packing from the competi-

three Nigerians will be on duty when South Africa meets Mali in what is expected to be an explosive quarter final match in Group A based in Durban. Paul Bassey, the General Coordinator of the group will lead a team that comprises General Dominic Oneya, Match Commissioner and Peter Edibe second assistant referee. The match will be handled by Alioum Neant of Cameroun, assisted by compatriot Evarist Mekouande andJanny Sikaweze of Zambia. The third quarter final involving Ghana and Cape Verde will be refereed by Seechurn Rajinjapasad of Mauritius while Yeo Songofolo of Cote d’Ivoire and Jean Claude Birumushashu of Burundi will be first and second assistant respectively.

tion. Two days after the news broke, Paul Bassey in an interview with a local television station said there was no truth whatsoever in the story. ” I am here in South Africa, Linus Mba is here, there is a Nigerian Peter Edibe in the referees camp, the Chairman of CAF referees Committee Mr Tarek Bouchamaoui is accessible. There was no hurry rushing such a sensitive issue to the media without cross checking,” he said. The CAF General Coordinator in

charge of Durban Centre said normally referees are disengaged after the first round of matches, but it will interest you to note that Ghead Grisha of Egypt is still around and will be the fourth official when Ghana host Cape Verde in Mbombela Bay today. It will be recalled that the Nigerian media was agog with news that Grisha had been sent packing when he awarded a controversial penalty against Nigeria during her match against Zambia.

Fegor Ogude from the Nigerian team would miss the quarter final match due to two yellow cards he got during the preliminaries. Speaking on Ogude’suspension, Keshi said that it was a shame that he would not be on duty but quickly added that he had enough fire power that would make up for his absence. “We would have been happy for him to play but we have good players, 23 of them registered to be on duty on situations like this”.

Eko 2012: Two athletes fail dope test BY BEN EFE

OPING results of the 18th National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012 are out and two athletes (names withheld) are said to have ran foul of the doping rules. National doping officer, Femi Ayorinde confirmed the development on Friday stating that inquiries will be made to find out why the athletes violated the rules. “The doping results are out and two athletes have tested positive. We are going to find out from them why they took the banned substances. We want to know if they took it for medical purposes or they took it to enhance their performances”.

X-INTERNATIONAL Garba Lawal has submitted that it is possible for Nigeria to move beyond the African Cup of Nations quarter finals with a win over one of the tournament’s favourites, Ivory Coast. He however, added that for the Eagles to overcome the “Elephants”, Stephen Keshi’s wards must give their best by way of total commitment, full concentration, commit less offences, endeavour to make accurate passes and play as one whole unit with strikers shooting to target. “To beat a big side that we have in our hands it’s not about outplaying them but making the decision to play with a big heart. For the team to have come this far, I like to salute them but they must realise that we are up against a great side - Ivory Coast. And for you to face such a side, you just must bring out the best in you. It is possible to overcome Ivory Coast only if they decide to put in their best effort,” he said, adding, “that means they must agree to play well and win, give the game full concentration, play as a unit, must commit less offence such that your opponents lack any loopholes to exploit, especially in front of goal. We all know our opponents parade very great strikers and players who can exploit situations and they have the ability to shoot from anywhere.” Lawal recalled the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games where he said the Eagles faced the likes of Brazil and Argentina, two of the world’s greatest football playing countries and still won. “It was not about us outplaying those countries but about the fact that we made a commitment to raise the level of our game and in both semi final and final we beat them. In like manner, if the Eagles decide to raise their game than what we have seen thus far, Ivory Coast would fall.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 2, 2013

We’ll hold our heads high if…. Keshi S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi said yesterday that in the event of the team losing to the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, his boys would hold their heads

Eagles, Elephants in royal showdown

high in defeat. “Everybody claims that Cote d’Ivoire are the best team in Africa. They have been together for long and my team are a young team that am putting together. This is not an excuse anyway. If we are beaten by them, we will walk with our heads held high. You said they are the best. Also, remember that the defending champions of this competition could not cross the preliminary stage. Also, if Nigerians have decided that we are failures, they wont be surprised to see us beaten”, he said. Asked if he was under pressure from the Nigeria Football Federation

EST African heavyweights Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire clash tomorrow in the headline game of the quarter finals of the 29th Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Both nations have met five times previously at the Cup of Nations with honours evenly shared – two wins each way and a draw. The Ivorians won the most recent match-ups – 1-0 in the semi finals of the 2006 finals in Alexandria, Egypt and a 1-0 win in SekondiTakoradi in the group phase of the 2008 finals in Ghana. Nigeria triumphed on penalty shoot-out after 2-2 draw in a famous 1994 semi final showdown in Tunis and also pipped their West African rivals 1-0 in a group phase affair in Algiers in 1990. The draw was in a group phase match in Lagos in 1980, with the Eagles going ahead to win the Cup. At other levels, Nigeria came out the stronger in a quarter final clash at the 2008 Olympic Games Men’s Football Tournament, beating the Ivorians 2-0 in Chinquadao. Former Super Eagles’ defender Benedict Iroha, who played a huge role in that 1994 semi final, and is here in South Africa, said on Wednesday: “The Ivorians have always been tough customers. I played against them several times. “I can never forget that 1994 semi final clash in Tunisia. Most of their players were my teammates at ASEC Mimosas, including Michelle Bassole who scored their two goals, as well as Abdoulaye Traore and Aka Kouame. “We got back into the game when Rashidi Yekini (of blessed

to win to meet his semi final mandate, Keshi smiled and said that there was no external pressure on him. “Like I always say, if there is any pressure on me, it is my own pressure to excel in the competition. It is called Stephen Keshi’s pressure. The atmosphere in my camp is good and there are no distractions or injuries. We are looking forward to Sunday. Sunday will determine our faith. You people say we are underdogs. It is well for us”.

SOMERSAULT.. Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose (2nd R) celebrates after they defeated Ethiopia 20 last Tuesday in their last Group C match of the 2013 African Cup of Nations at the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg. Photo: AFP memory) scored and I then exchanged passes with Jay-Jay Okocha to score the equalizer. We had chances to win it in the second half but their goalkeeper, Alain Gou-amene, was something else. We eventually won on penalties and beat Zambia in the final to lift the trophy.” Nigerians are also unlikely to have forgotten the two teams’ clash in the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifying race. Algeria, which represented Africa at the World Cup in 1982 and 1986, were favourites when lumped in the same final qualifying group with Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. The Ivorians came from one goal behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan but were turned back 40 in Lagos. The Eagles flogged Algeria 4-1 in Lagos and held out for a 1-1 draw in Algiers to reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals. Tomorrow at the Royal

Bafokeng, the royal showdown between these two teams will definitely come with plenty of fireworks and inferno. “The Super Eagles are like the underdogs in this match,” said Chief Emeka Inyama, chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity

•Keshi

Committee. “But it is good for us because the players will not feel any superiority complex and will approach the game with the right mentality, to prove bookmakers wrong. “I feel that something good will happen on Sunday. The Eagles will fly.”

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 State in Nigeria Known as “The Coal City State”? – (5) 4 Italian “Serie A” Premiership Club Side – (7) 7 Telecommunications Outfit in Nigeria – (3) 8 Former Name for Adamawa State – (7) 9 L.G.A in Osun State – (7) 10 Liverpool, Midfielder and England International, Steven – (7) 13 L.G.A in Cross River State – (4) 15 L.G.A in Akwa Ibom State – (6) 18 Flying Eagles Winger, Harmony – (6) 22 Giant – (4) 24 Indonesian Capital City – (7) 25 Form er Newcastle United Striker, Alan – (7) 26 Country in North America – (7) 27 State in Nigeria Known as “The Heart Beat of the Nation”? – (3)

28 Fruit – (7) 29 Town in Edo State – (5) Down 1 L.G.A in Delta State – (7) 2 Super Eagles Striker, Ejike – (7) 3 Abia State Capital – (7) 4 L.G.A in Kano State – (6) 5 Country in Africa – (7) 6 African Antelope – (5) 11 Traditional Ruler of Katsina – (4) 12 Colour – (3) 14 Fasten – (4) 16 Beverage – (3) 17 Former Enugu State Governor, Chimaroke – (7) 20 Spain & Sevilla FC Striker, Alvaro – (7) 21 Delta State Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Dr. Peter – (7) 23 France “Les Bleus Assistant Coach, Jean-Louis – (6) 24 L.G.A in Katsina State – (5)

SOLUTION on page 15

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