Deizani Alison Madueke arrested in London

C M Y K

2 —SATURDAY

C M Y K

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

SATURDAY

C M Y K

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 3

4 —SATURDAY

C M Y K

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 5

Diezani Alison-Madueke arrested in London *Released on bail after several hours *EFCC seals her Abuja house *Presidency keeps mum *Okorie, Ngige, Gbagi, others react

By Soni Daniel, Clifford Ndujihe, Charles Kumolu & Ikenna Asomba (with Agency report)

IMMEDIATE past Petroleum Resources Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, was yesterday arrested with four other people by the UK National Crime Agency.

She was however granted bail after she had been detained for several hours.

According to London Police she will be charged to court for money laundering.

Regarded as the most powerful minister in the Dr Goodluck Jonathan Administration, Alison Madueke was arrested yesterday morning for alleged offences relating to money laundering, bribery and corruption being investigated by the UK National Crime Agency, according to Premium Times report.

This is coming as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last night sealed off her house in Asokoro area of Abuja.

The identities of the four other people arrested along with her could not be immediately ascertained as at press time.

Two top British officials in London confirmed the development on the condition of anonymity because they had no permission to speak on the issue. When contacted, the British High Commission in Nigeria confirmed that some arrests were made Friday but declined to disclose the identities of those involved.

Joseph Abuku, Press and Public Affairs Officer, said, “This morning, five people between the ages of 21 and 60 were arrested on suspicion of bribery and corruption offences. The crimes are being investigated by the National Crime Agency.

“The National Crime Agency does not confirm identity of any arrest nor provide information that could be used to corroborate the identity of an arrested individual.”

Vanguard sources at the UK National Crime Agency also confirmed the arrest and added that the identities of those arrested would be officially disclosed at the point of being charged to court.

EFCC operatives invade Alison-Ma-

dueke’s Abuja mansion

Late yesterday evening, heavily armed EFCC operatives had invaded the former minister’s mansion at Frederick Chiluba Street, Asokoro, Abuja. They stormed the house in three white Hilux trucks and two Hilux buses. Two of the trucks were unmarked while one belonged to the Nigerian Police.

The EFCC operatives cordoned off the house and did not allow vehicles to stop in front of the duplex. Some were inside the premises and others were outside.

It was not clear whether Alison-Madueke was arrested based on request from the Federal Government given that President Muhammadu Buhari had on September 27 hinted that those who misappropriated billions of naira belonging to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC would soon be prosecuted.

Mr. Buhari said at a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China in New York that his administration was determined to fully sanitize Nigeria’s oil industry and make it totally free of corruption and shady deals.

Before now, Mrs. Alison-Madueke had been alleged to be involved in many corrupt dealings that have not been proved. The allegations included keeping $700 million in her house and losing the sum of N2billion in various foreign currencies to her domestic staff on June 3, 2014.

Under her tenure, the NNPC was rocked by a missing $20billion scandal, over which the new General Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has promised to invite foreign auditor for a full forensic audit of the corporation’s accounts. Former Central Bank Governor and now the Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi alleged that NNPC could not account for $20billion although the initial allegation was that $40billion was missing.

Presidency keeps mum over AlisonMadueke’s arrest

The Presidency, yesterday, declined to comment on the arrest of Alison-Madueke in Lon-

don as well as the invasion of her Asokoro, Abuja residence by operatives of the EFCC. Asked to confirm if the EFCC’s invasion of Alison-Madueke’s house and her arrest were based on the request of the Nigerian Government, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said: “No comment for now. You can confirm from the security agencies.”

It was gathered that some vital documents were removed from the former minister’s Abuja home, reportedly ransacked earlier by the anti-graft operatives.

She will get justice —Ngige

A renowned lawyer, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, said: ‘’Since it is the British agency that arrested her, she must have issues to settle with them. Whoever that is alleged to have done something wrong will be arrested. I am sure she will be treated according to their laws. Her arrest is not a big deal. If they arrest her, she should explain herself. She will get justice.’’

Her interrogation long expected – Okorie National Chairman and Presidential Candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) in the 2015 elections, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said Alison Madueke’s interrogation had been long expected following the avalanche of allegations against her.

*From left, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole inspecting guard of honour during 55th Anniversary of Independence yesterday in Benin City.

Photo by Barnabas Uzosike.

He said: ‘’It is an interrogation that has been expected for a long time.

There have been speculations from many quarters and insinuation from the President in the United States of America where he said that $150 billion had been stolen by people in government. During the same visit, Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said that $6billion had been traced to an account that is operated by a former minister in Nigeria. ‘’Coming from the President and Oshiomhole, there is no ministry in Nigeria that has that kind of money apart from the Petroleum ministry.

And Diezani was petroleum minister for many years. One expected that she ought to have been investigated. She boasted at one time that she

will never run away from Nigeria. Having relocated to London since President Buhari took over suggests that she may have something to hide.

She has not been pronounced guilty but she should explain herself.

When I led UPP leaders to President Buhari after the presidential elections, one of our three demands was that he should recover all recoverables. He was pleased and promised to do so.”

I am vindicated —Gbagi

Former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi said: ‘’I am only vindicated. I have said it before that the fact that Nigeria is a nation where people are millionaires without credible sources of income leaves one worried. It makes Nige-

ria a kangaroo nation where anything goes without being challenged. We have only just begun in the fight against this malaise that has brought so much shame to Nigeria. I said it earlier that unless we do something urgently Nigeria will not be safe for anyone. And the day of reckoning is coming, when people will be made to be responsible for their actions. When people with so much money are allowed to flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, Nigeria is in trouble. It could even lead to coup because they are very powerful.

We have a long way to go in this fight against corruption.”

Meanwhile, Alison Madueke remains innocent until a court of competent jurisdiction proves otherwise.

The allegations against Alison Madueke

By Clara Nwachukwu

M

RS. Alison-Ma dueke has stayed away from Nigeria since President Buhari was sworn-in.

She was first appointed into the federal cabinet in 2007.

A former director at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, she was appointed Minister of Transport by late President Umaru Yar ’adua. In December 2008, she was redeployed to the Mines and Steel Development ministry.

After former Vice President Goodluck Jonathan became acting president, Alison-Madueke was appointed Nigeria’s first female petroleum minister in February 2010, a position she held till May 29, 2015 when Mr.

Jonathan left office.

Alison-Madueke’s tenure as petroleum minister turned out one of Nigeria’s most controversial, amid unending allegations of corruption.

Under her watch, dubious oil marketers stole trillions of naira of oil subsidy money. She retained her position after the House of Representatives investigated the scandal and indicted the minister.

Probes by independent audit firms, including the KPMG and Pricewaterahousecoopers, confirmed billions of dollars of oil money were missing, the most notable being $20 billion in 2014.

Other corruption allegations Long before her stint in the oil and gas sector, Alison-Madueke was in-

vestigated by the Nigerian Senate on allegation she paid N30.9 billion to contractors while she held office as transport minister.

In 2009, the Senate also indicted Mrs. Alison-Madueke and recommended her for prosecution for allegedly transferring N1.2 billion into a private account of a toll company without due process. The former minister consistently denied any wrongdoing.

In June, after leaving office, she rejected all allegations of embezzlement, saying she never stole from Nigeria.

In March 2014, the House of Representatives mandated its Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the alleged squandering of N10 billion over a twoyear period on the arbi-

trary charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft for unofficial use by Alison-Madueke.

Such act was said to contravene the “Fiscal Responsibility Act and all other laws on fiscal discipline” Acting on what it termed reliable evidence, the House said it learnt that Alison-Madueke had allegedly sunk at least N3.120 billion into the maintenance of a private jet dedicated to the service of herself and her family.

A breakdown of the money, showed that the sum of 500,000 Euros (N130 million) was spent every month on the maintenance of the airplane, which amounted to N3.120 billion for the two years in question.

Continues on Page 10

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

BRIEFS

FG begins revival of national carrier

By Favour Nnabugwu

T

HERE are indications that the establishment of a new national carrier may become a reality soon with the submission of the report by a Federal Government committee with the mandate to work out modalities to restore the national airline.

Submitting its report at the Ministry of Aviation, Chairman of the committee, Capt.

Abdulsalami Mohammed, said that the committee had wide consultations and received a number of memoranda in the course of its sittings.

According to him, “the creation of the committee on the establishment of a national carrier has generated a lot of excitement and comments both in the print and electronic media as well as in social media networks since its inauguration.

“It was therefore not surprising that we received a lot of memoranda from interested stakeholders within and outside the country.

“We consulted with a total of 74 stakeholders, ranging from airline operators to aviation agencies, service providers, financial consultants, institutional investors, aircrafts and parts suppliers and former staff of Nigeria Airways Limited.”

Mohammed noted that the committee has given what he described as far r e a c h i n g recommendations, which if accepted and implemented by the Federal Government will have positive impact on the aviation industry in Nigeria.

Receiving the report, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello, explained that the inauguration of the committee was based on a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari, to advise government on appropriate modalities for the establishment of a national carrier.

She declined to give a timeline within which the proposal will be implemented arguing that, “the report has just been submitted to me and I have not even opened it.

“Until I open the report and see the recommendations, I cannot say exactly what we are going to come up with.”

The committee was inaugurated in Abuja on

August 25 and given four weeks to complete its assignment.

The Federal Government had made several failed attempts in the past at floating a national carrier after the demise of the Nigeria Airways which was established earlier in 1971 following a buy-out of the equities of Elder-Dempster and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).

Reports indicate that for over 40 years, the airline served as link to various destinations not only in Nigeria but also across West and Central Africa and also operated intercontinental flights to Europe, USA, Middle East and Asia.

According to an Aviation Consultant, Chris Aligbe,

Federal Government’s Structural Adjustment Policy of Former President Ibrahim Babangida in the in the 1980s dealt the Nigeria Airways a devastating blow which may have eventually led to its grounding.

According to Aligbe, “the Structural Adjustment Programme came with a huge devaluation of the Naira and stoppage of annual subvention to Nigeria Airways.

“This twin policy action quadrupled Nigeria Airways problems as it multiplied the airline’s debt in terms of the quantum of it required to meet its foreign debt obligations which at the IATA Clearing House stood at US$42 million, among others.”

NDLEA arrests man with 3.920kg of methamphetamine at Lagos airport

By Daniel Eteghe

O

PERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday arrested a South Africa based Nigerian, Mr. Ayoola Ayodeji Adebayo, with 3.920 kilogrammes of methanphetamine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The suspect was apprehended during the outward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian airline flight to South Africa at the departure hall when the anti-graft officials found the drug that was concealed in false bottom of two bags he wanted to check-in at the departure hall.

Confirming on the arrest, NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Ahmadu Gar-

ba, said that the case was being investigated by the agency.

Ahmadu said, a Nigerian living in South Africa by name Ayoola Ayodeji Adebayo was found in possession of 3.920kg of methamphetamine on his way to South Africa. The drug was found in a false

bottom of his luggage while he was trying to check-in the luggage. The case is being investigated” Meanwhile, chairman of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said that the agency had taken additional measures to detect hidden drugs at all exit and entry points in the country.

Insecurity: Army warns on use of uniforms A statement from the

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja

F

OLLOWING new tac tics and strategies employed by criminals and other hoodlums including kidnappers, the Nigerian Army has banned the wearing of unauthorized Army uniforms, accoutrement and kits by ex-students of Nigerian Military School Zaria, in civil institutions.

Army headquarters said, “the illegal practice of wearing Nigerian Army uniforms and kits by Ex-Boys apart from obvious security implications, impacts negatively on the image of Nigerian Army.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that wearing of military uniforms or kits on campus by anyone is absolutely unlawful.

Power supply: Apapa residents protest

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

A

CTIVITIES at the office of the Eko Distribution Company, Apapa were yesterday paralyzed by residents of Ijora-badia/Amukoko, protesting against hike in electricity tariff and estimated billings of consumers.

The residents who defied the scorching sun stormed the office of the distribution company to express their displeasure over the persistent increase in electricity tariff even in months when they did not supply electricity to the communities.

The residents who carried placards some of which read: “Stop killing us with high electricity tariff,” “FG call EKO Disco to order,” “Give us prepaid meter and stop this estimated billing,” “Stop this estimated billing; “Mr. President rescue the masses;” “Stop giving us deadline for payment;” and others.

The protesters lamented that the persistent increase in electricity tariff has often caused animosity between tenants, adding “this is an area where the electricity bill per room is higher than the monthly house rent.”

Lagos Assembly denies fighting Ambode over cabinet list

By Ebun Sessou

T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly has denied fight ing Governor Akinwunmi Ambode with the setting up of an adhoc committee to screen the proposed members of the cabinet.

Addressing the press yesterday, the chairman of the committee who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House, Wasiu Eshinlokun stated that the process was constitutional.

According to him, Section 192 (4) of the constitution provides that nobody should be appointed as a commissioner of the state government unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Assembly.

“The reason for the screening is to confirm the authenticity of the certificates of the nominees rather than embarrassing them on the floor of the House.

“We want to do the necessary things because if we call the nominees to floor of the House and ask them to just take a bow and go, that would make it to be business as usual. The whole thing borders on the provision of the Constitution,” he said.

The lawmaker stated that the House has a very good relationship with the Governor, pointing out that if the relationship was messy, they would not have given the Governor’s request for budget re-ordering an easy passage.

SATURDAY VANGUARD OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 7

B-R-I-E-F-S

Fayose begins construction of Ekiti Airport, meets teachers ...Govt recruits 100 health workers

BY ROTIMI OLALEYE

E

KITI State Govern ment yesterday began the construction of the multi-billion naira Airport, as it commenced the clearing of 4000 hectares of land for its effective take off .

The Airport project which was approved by the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration in 2009, had suffered set back due to lack of political will for its implementation by previous administrations in the state.

Meantime, Governor Ayo Fayose, at a meeting with the principals and headmasters of the State public schools in preparation for the World Teachers’ Day coming up on Monday, pleaded with them to ensure that students’ performances in West African Examination Council and National Examination Council improve in the interest

A

NXIETY gripped the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Headquarters in Abuja over the fate of about 100 corps members participating in hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Also compounding the situation is the rumoured death of one of its staff from the FCT secretariat.

ILD drama played M out before the Rivers State Governorship

Election Petition Tribunal yesterday, as the Nigerian Police Force, which earlier testified that the April 11 gubernatorial election in the state was marred by violence, reversed itself, saying the poll was peaceful and credibly conducted.

Police went ahead to disown the testimony of previous officers that were brought to testify before the tribunal by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

Those that testified for the police yesterday were an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, Mr. Akugbo Kenneth and Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP,

T

HE out going Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Hospitals Management Board Permanent Secretary , Ministry of health , Modupe Olurin has defended the free health policy of the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, saying, there was nothing wrong with it. Olurin who said, though, the policy might be facing some challenges, the government was in the process of perfecting the programme. “I know this administration categorised the people that would have access to free health care.

Essentially, they are the under-5, pregnant women and the elderly over 70.

“I think that categorisation is okay because it is going to eat deeply into the resources of government if everybody would be treated free.”

T

•From left: Acting Consul General, United State Consulate, Rehab Dhebreab; Senior Pastor, House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin and Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a media briefing on Hollywood Drama Captive" at House On The Rock Church in Lekki Lagos. of the State.

The meeting which took place at the Governor ’s office yesterday, the Governor promised that his government would continue to celebrate teachers through prompt payment of all benefits , so that the feat

achieved in his first term in education can be replicated.

Meanwhile, the State Government yesterday began the screening and interview of over 2,000 applicants who applied for various health positions with the Health

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the scheme granted about 100 corps members permission to embark on pilgrimage.

An impeccable source yesterday confirmed that the management was worried about the welfare of its corps members, adding that they had been taking necessary steps to reach them.

It was further learnt that since the management’s efforts at reaching

the corps members directly failed, it has resorted to calling their next-of-kins.

The source said: ‘’About 100 corps members are participating in this year ’s hajj. They were given permission but the management is concerned about their wellbeing. The management started contacting their relatives to get first hand information about their well-being.”

Management Board for the recruitment of 100 health personnel into consequential vacancies in the State Ministry of Health.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Kolawole Aina, said those to be appointed among the job seekers will be strictly based on merit and competence because of the sensitivity of the services they render to the society.

Ekiti State Commissioner for works, Mr. Kayode Oso, who supervised the clearing of Airport site yesterday, told newsmen that Governor Fayose had set up a planning Committee for the project a month ago, adding that the Committee had consulted widely with relevant consultancy firms and professionals on the project and also visited several airports in the country for assessment.

Rivers tribunal: Drama as police make U-turn, say poll was violence free yesterday was overruled by held, he was the Divisional

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

By Daud Olatunji, Abeokua

Okotie hails Nigeria @ 55

Hajj Tragedy: Anxiety in NYSC over 100 corps members in S/Arabia

By CALEB AYANSINA

Amosun’s free health policy on course —PS

Mr. Uche Mike Chukwuma.

In his evidence-in-chief yesterday, ASP Kenneth, who is currently at the force intelligence Unit in Lagos, told the court that he was incharge of police officers that monitored election at Gokana and Eleme Local Government Areas of the state during the election.

He insisted that there was no form of violence or ballot box snatching in all the polling units his team patrolled on the election day, saying it was not true that armed thugs carted away election materials meant for the two local government areas under his supervision.

Spirited attempt by counsel to the petitioners, Chief Akinolu Olujunmi, SAN, to stop the witness from testifying before the tribunal

the Justice Suleiman Ambrosa-led panel.

Olujunmi had argued that ASP Kenneth was not a proper witness, noting that the subpoena that was served on him by the tribunal was not properly addressed.

Meantime, the DW-13, CSP Chukwuma, in his own testimony yesterday, told the tribunal that as at April 11 when the election

Police Officer, DPO, incharge of Ahoda East LGA. According to him, “I played a major role during the election, as a matter of fact, my role started on April 10. In the morning of that day I had a lecture with my men and tutored them on the role they were expected to play as security agents monitoring election.

HE Chairman of Fresh Democratic Party, FRESH, Rev Chris Okotie has urged Nigerians to redouble their efforts to develop the country.

In a statement issued by the Director, Media and Publicity of the party, Mr. Ladi Ayodeji, the Pastorpolitician lamented that most of our peer nations have left us behind because of their collective will to develop their nations. ‘’Every nation faces some daunting odds at some point; the important thing is for them to overcome such hurdles and move on. In Nigeria’s case, we have not been able to do that because of the perennial plague of bad leadership,”he stated.

Rev Okotie said, having voted for change, the onus is now on the APC led federal government to shift the governance paradigm and move the nation forward, in order to close the gap with other progressive nations. ‘’Nothing short of effective, quality service delivery and fast pace of governance would make the needed difference,”he said, adding that once the federal government settles down fully, Nigerians would not accept excuses for poor performance by our elected officials.

MTV Base to broadcast Dance with Peter – Glo

G

LOBACOM has announced that the popular urban youth music television channel, MTV Base, has joined the league of top broadcast stations that will be showing the Globacom-sponsored Dance with Peter Reality TV show currently ruling the airwaves.

In a statement issued in Lagos, MTV Base will broadcast the show on Sundays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. starting from Sunday, October 3.

The coming of MTV Base to the show makes it the fourth stations contracted by the next generation network, Globacom to broadcast the show as Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Africa Magic are already running the programme. While Africa Magic Urban (Channel 153 on DSTV) airs the show on Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., AIT broadcasts it every Sunday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The first episode of the show, highlighting the auditions held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Accra, Ghana, was broadcast last weekend, just as Globacom disclosed that the second episode showing this weekend would feature Port Harcourt and Benin auditions.

The company assured that it would be a highly entertaining and action-packed hour, showing the battle by hundreds of dancers to convince the judges, Peter Okoye, Kafayat Shafau Ameh, popularly known as Kaffy, and Don Flexx, that they have what it takes to make the finals of the competition.

Hajj stampede: Saudi Authority opens ID office for missing

By Victoria Ojeme persons

T

HE National Hajj Commission has said that the Saudi Arabia Authority had opened an identification office for missing persons. This followed the recent stampede which claimed over 700 pilgrims in the hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

The Public Relation Officer of the commission, Mr Uba Mana said yesterday that the commission said the injured were still receiving medical attention.

According to him, “ this is a good development, because it will ease a little tension of a lot of pilgrims across the country.” Mana further maintained that “the authority of Saudi Arabia has since taking responsibility for the medical bill of the victims.”

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

B-R-I-E-F-S

Independence: Ugwuanyi picks N2m bill of ailing motherless child

BY FRANCIS IGATA

G

OVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed immediate medical attention to a motherless child, Master Uchechukwu Nwachukwu suffering from an ailment suspected to be hydrocephalus.

Ugwuanyi spoke when he visited Holy Child Motherless Babies’ Home, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu as part of Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary celebration and saw the child. He directed the state commissioner for Health Dr. Samuel Ngwu to ensure that the child is taken to the University Teaching Hospital for the needed surgery as government would foot the bill of two million naira, N2,000,000.

The Governor who also visited a Cheshire home inhabited by the physically challenged, noted that he is committed to the service to humanity which has prompted his desire to meet the less privileged in the state to mark this year ’s Independence anniversary.

He said, “Today is anniversary day, I have come to identify with your plights, to let you know that you are part of this government. The government of Enugu State has you in mind; my due is to serve you well, to render selfless service to people of the state irrespective of their social strata. “Government will always do the needful to ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt in every part of the state”.

Governor Ugwuanyi at all of the centers visited, addressed the crowd that gathered on sighting him, singing and dancing, expressing their joy as they said that they have never had it so memorable in the recent past.

The Governor reassured the people of his resolve to serve the people of Enugu with the fear of God, adding that they will get the best

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, with his predecessor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, when Tambuwal paid a condolence visit to the families of the victims of Hajj stampede in Wamakko LGA, Sokoto State, yesterday. from the present administration in line with his campaign promises.

Responding, the Chairman of Cheshire Home Skills Centre, Enugu, Mr.Uzodike Vincent praised Governor Ugwuanyi for his hu-

mane nature and commitment to the general good of all in the state.

He noted that the Governor has been into such charity work over 15 years ago, adding that the state is in for better days.

Governor Ugwuanyi also presented cash gifts to the centres he visited which included the Red Cross and Holy Child Babies Homes, Mother of Christ Specialist Hospitals and Enugu Cheshire Home Skills Centre.

Obiano to FG: Refund Anambra’s N25bn spent on federal roads stakeholder ’s forum to

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

G

OVERNOR Wille Obiano of Anambra State has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to refund the N25

billion debt which the state government spent in reconstructing federal roads in the state.

Obiano who made the call at the Governor ’s Lodge, Amawbia during a

Anambra: IGR consultant drags council boss to EFCC

T

HE Chairman of Ide mili North Local Council of Anambra State, Chief Emma Obi Idemobi, has been dragged to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over alleged financial fraud by Mr. John Onyemaechi Anikwe, a consultant on internally generated revenue (IGR).

In a petition to the EFCC, Anikwe alleged that Idemobi fraudulently awarded multi-million naira contracts to close associates and family members from the IGR without adherence to due process and without the input of the council, Head of Service (HOS) and Treasury Officer among other important officers.

Other allegations include payment of moneys

generated from sanitation fees and some internally generated revenue valued at several millions of naira into the chairman’s personal bank accounts.

However, the council chairman reportedly dismissed the allegations as baseless and an act of desperation from a jobless man.

According to him, he engaged the said John Anikwe to coordinate and streamline collation, probity and accountability of all IGR in the council but noted with regrets that sooner than later, after the consultant’s engagement came the flooding of his office with petition and complaints from the masses on the consultant’s manipulations, irregularities, high handedness and fraudulent activities.

mark his 18 months in office, said the amount if refunded would be channeled towards other pressing needs in the state.

He noted that while some other state governors, are cap in hand seeking federal govern-ment’s bailout over their inability to pay salaries, Anambra is being owed such a huge sum of money in the midst of dwindling federal allocations to the states and internally generated revenues. He however expressed optimism that the federal government would look into the matter as according to him, his last discussion with Buhari last week showed that efforts were being made to refund the money to the state.

Obiano said on assumption of office, he discovered that many cheques issued in the twilight of his predecessor’s tenure were flying about, prompting him to streamline them, adding that a forensic audit he ordered in the state public service exposed about 520 ghost workers According to him, the amount recovered and his creative approach to revenue generation, as well as investment inflow accounted for the buoyancy of the state and its ability to pay salaries and meet other obligations.

He said prior to the federal government’s directive on Treasury Single Account, TSA, his administration had already operated a single account as against 150 accounts in operation in the state when he assumed office barely 18 months ago.

Ondo chocolate factory takes off April

A

S part of its Cocoa Revolution drive, the Ondo State government said a modern factory that will utilise and process premium quality cocoa beans produced in the state will begin production of chocolate bars in the state by April next year.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kayode Akinmade while speaking with newsmen in Akure on Friday, incompanywiththeChairmanOndoCocoaRevolutionproject, Dr Jibayo Oyebade, said the factory will utilise the facilities of the Cocoa Catalytic Factory in Idanre .

He said the factory would be run by the state’s Cocoa projects foreign technical partner, Spagnvola Chocolatier of Spain, and would have the capacity to produce enough for local consumption and for export.

According to the Commissioner, the partner visited the state last week preparatory to commencement of work at the factory.

Speakinginthesamevein,the CocoaRevolutionChairman, Oyebade said Government has identified the Cocoa Catalytic factory at Idanre suitable for chocolate factory in the state, maintaining that it will soon become operational.

NEMA set to relocate IDPs to home town

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

T

HE Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA) and its federal counterpart, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have concluded plans to further relocate some internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Maiduguri to their hometowns.

Speaking after a courtesy visit to Alhaji Mohammed Kanar, the Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, the Chairman of BOSEMA, Mr. Ahmed Satomi said arrangements have been concluded for the building of IDPs’ camps in Bama, Monguno, Dikwa, Konduga and Damboa to facilitate the relocation of the displaced persons from Maiduguri.

He said the state government was ready to work with the Federal Government to see that most of the facilities especially schools in Maiduguri, presently accommodating IDPs, are vacated by the IDPs. Satomi said he was in NEMA office to seek areas of further assistance to the displaced persons, noting that NEMA has been of tremendous help to the state in the care of the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

IPMAN begins clampdown on adulterated petroleum products dealers

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

T

HE fight against adulterated petroleum products in the country received a boost yesterday as theNationalMonitoringTeam,NMTsetupbytheIndependent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN stormed Anambra State, clamping down on dealers of adulterated petroleum products.

Consequently, the team arrested a filling station manager andatthesametimesealedthestationdieselpumpforallegedly selling adulterated diesel to unsuspecting customers.

Coordinator of the team, Chief Clement Mgbechi who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday shortly after the arrest of the manager and sealing of the diesel pump, in collaboration withthepersonnelofNigeriaSecurityandCivilDefenceCorps, NSCDC, said their renewed clampdown followed a recent Save Our Soul, SOS tip-off received from aggrieved members of the public.

Employers urged to release Batch ‘C’ corps members

BY DAYO ADESULU

E

MPLOYERS of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members have been urged to release the 2014 batch ‘C’ corps members in their organisations or establishments on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 to enable them participate in job creation and awareness sensitization programme before disengagement on October 15.

In a statement by the Lagos State Coordinator, Mr Cyril Akhanemhe, sent to Saturday Vanguard yesterday, it stated, “activities preparatory to the passing-out have since commenced with job creation awareness and sensitizations of corps members on job creation opportunities after service.”

According to him, the Batch ‘C’ corps members who are expected to attend the mandatory parade rehearsal beginning on October 12 at the NYSC Lagos State Orientation camp, Iyana Ipaja, must also attend the job creation training.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 9

B-R-I-E-F-S

Bayelsa poll: PDP mocks APC, says Sylva not electable ...Sylva says ‘’I “ll make Dickson history’’

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State yesterday described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress ,APC, Timipre Sylva, as unelectable.

But the APC in a swift reaction declared that the PDP led administration in the state would be sent packing from Creek Haven.

The PDP in a statement by its Secretary, Mr. Keku Godspower frowned at the choice of Sylva, saying that it meant that the APC is not prepared for any serious outing at the election.

Godspower alleged that since Sylva’s emergence, there had been tension and apprehension among Bayelsans, which he attributed to Sylva’s alleged poor human rights record.

While asking the people to vote for the PDP in the election, he also called on the Federal Government to direct its security agencies to take urgent steps to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.

“With the December 5 governorship election around the corner, we call on the people to outrightly reject Sylva’s candidacy.

Everybody in Bayelsa knows that Sylva is not electable,” he stated.

Responding, the APC

said: “We know the PDP game plan was to prevent the emergence of a strong and popular APC governorship candidate so that they can easily repeat their trademark shenanigan of aborting democratic competition

and stealing victory without a contest.

“With that deception, they stole the mandate of the people in 2011, when both Chief Timipre Sylva and Mr. Ndutimi Alaibe were dubiously excluded. All the frenzied disparagement of

T

WO Chiefs of OkereUrhobo in Warri Kingdom have been ordered to be arrested by the Warri Magistrate Court I over a case of alleged bribery and evasion of arrest at the B Division of the Nigeria Police, Warri.

This was contained in a warrant order issued for the arrest of Chief John Eravor and Chief Victor Okumagba by Magistrate I. Okonta of Warri Magistrate I on September 30, 2105.

The duo were alleged to have evaded arrest after unsuccessfully trying to bribe the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Eyoh Anietie to secure the bail of Chief Kesiena Okumagba, who was arrested for declaring himself Orosuen of OkereUrhobo Kingdom on August 15.

Police sources said that Okumagba and Eravor were allegedly involved in the deal to secure the release of Chief Kesiena Okumagba.

In a swift reaction, OkumC M Y K

T

HERE have been multiple bomb blasts in Abu ja, with two explosions recorded in Kuje, a suburb of the city. The first occurred in front of the police station, while the second occurred at the town’s main market, 15 minutes apart from the other.

The number of casualties were not known as at press time.

The attack on Abuja came at the time the Nigerian military had made tremendous impact in routing out the insurgents in the North East.

Abuja, a bit remote from the frontline of Boko Haram war had seen several bombings, beginning from the attack on Police Headquarters in June 2011, UN Headquarters in August 2011, Nyanya Bus Station, April 2014 and Barnez Plaza in June last year.

Suspected cultists machete three to coma in Rivers

By Jennifer Emengo

S

USPECTED cultists have invaded Chinda Street in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, inflicting machete cuts on several residents.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the suspected cultists, who attacked their victims invaded the area in the early hours of yesterday with cutlass and other dangerous weapons.

A source in the area who pleaded anonymity disclosed that the hoodlums ambushed three of their victims on a lonely path along Chinda new road.

As at press time, it was gathered that the three victims was lying unconscious in an undisclosed hospital emergency unit.

Meanwhile, a senior police officer in the area, who confirmed the incident alleged that the victims were attacked while returning from an independence day celebration party.

NIGERIA @ 55: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the detachment of the Nigeria Police during the 2015 Independence Day celebration held in Asaba yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini

Don’t succumb to blackmail, community leaders tell Okowa

PCN seals 160 medicine shops in

By Emma Amaize EADERS of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Warri South West A-Ibom L Local Government Area, Delta State, have asked the patent shops.

By Chioma Onuegbu, has sealed a total of one State Government not to yield to an alleged plan by some Uyo

HARMACISTS P Council of Nigeria, PCN yesterday said that it

The Deputy Director and Head of Enforcement, PCN, Abuja Mr. Stephen Esumobi disclosed this during a press conference held at the PCN zonal office, yesterday in Uyo. Esumobi said the medicine shops were sealed during the one week N50million suit against the enforcement exercise DPO B Division for alleged carried out by the unlawful arrest and deten- enforcement team of the Council in eighteen (18) tion. local government areas including Uyo the state capital for various offenses.

He listed the local government areas visited to include Itu, Uruan, Abak , for the development of the Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Etinan, Etim Ekpo, Eket, area to personal purses.

Speaking to Saturday Esit Eket, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Vanguard, yesterday, at the Ubium, Ikot Ekpene, Ibiono court premises, the counsel Ibom, Mkpat Enin, Ikot to the group, Barr. Chris Abasi, Onna, Ikono and Ojobeagu said the group Uyo. He said, “According to is challenging the reason the exercise, a the youths of Niger Delta totalenforcement of two hundred and are been deprived of their Eighty-Four premises were rights, adding that the visited. One hundred and youths are not carried sixty of them comprising along in the programmes five pharmacies and one of the agency. hundred and fifty five Ojobeagu said, “The patent medicine shops substance of the matter is were sealed for offenses because of the injustice ranging from dispensing perpetuated on the youths poisons without the of Niger Delta by the board supervision of a of administration of pharmacist, poor storage NDDC. So many conditions, selling programmes have come medicines above the from the federal approved list for patent government for the benefits medicine vendors, and non of the youths but got registration of premises with PCN. diverted.” hundred and sixty (160) medicine shops in Akwa Ibom state comprising five pharmacies and one hundred and fifty-five

Court declares two Warri chiefs wanted

By Akpokona Omafuaire

Sylva now by the PDP is an understandable manifestation of fear and frustration over their impending defeat at the December 5 election. That frenzy is understandable.

We will make Dickson history.”

Scores feared dead as multiple exploisions rock Abuja

agba in a telephone conversation, debunked the allegations against him insisting that he had filed a

Aggrieved N/Delta youths drag NDDC to court

By Davies Iheamnachor and Jennifer Emengo A group in Niger Delta has dragged the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, before a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt over alleged injustice against the youths of the region.

The group under the platform of Aggrieved Niger Delta Youths, ANDY, with case file FHC/PH/CS/ 141/2015 is challenging the alleged failure of the board of NDDC to give the youths of the area their entitlements from the Federal Government.

The group is accusing the NDDC board of diverting the money allegedly meant

desperate citizens to blackmail it over the installation of a new Amakosu (traditional ruler) of the community, His Royal Majesty Couple Oromoni, Monbene III. Chair of Ogbe-Ijoh Governing Council, Hon Lucky Oromoni, who addressed journalists in Warri over the controversy generated by recent protests against the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, accused the Mr. Aribogha Johnny and his group of misleading the public, saying the process of selecting the new Amakosu of OgbeIjoh was concluded before Otuaro assumed office.

His words, “The petition against the Deputy Governor is a strategy to blackmail the government of Delta state.

The people of Ogbe Ijoh, Warri kingdom, are happy with our Pere, His Royal Majesty, Couple Oromoni, Pere, Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, Mobene III, who has since assumed the throne and is ruling our people peacefully…Government should not succumb to blackmail under any circumstance.”

Ndokwa youths vow to shut down Agip operations if...

By Festus Ahon & Ochuko Akuopha,

Y

OUTHS of Ndokwa nation, Delta State have vowed to shut down operations of the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, in their area should it fail to step down its Independent Power Plant at Okpai, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, to boost electricity supply in the Ndokwa nation within 21 days.

Handing down the 21 day ultimatum during an interaction with the member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ossai N. Ossai, in Umutu, Ukwuani Local Government Area of the State on Sunday, the youths decried that they had borne the pains of living without electricity for many years and held that they have no more choice than to shut down the company’s installations in the area.

The youths from different groups noted that communities which do not produce oil and gas were enjoying electricity supply, reiterating that the communities from which the oil is produced have nothing to show for it.

10 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Nigeria now more united than before — Oshiomhole Simon Ebegbulem, Benin City

G

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state says for Nigeria to remain united despite the poverty, insecurity and tension witnessed during the last general elections shows that the nation will overcome all its problems and become a stronger nation.

The governor said this at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, during the celebration of the nation’s 55th Independence Anniversary.

According to the governor, “We have every reason to celebrate this occasion. Our great country has experienced ups and down over the past 55 years. Some of us were fairly old enough, 55 years ago to witness the celebration of our Independence in 1960. Since then, we have experienced civil war, we have enjoyed oil boom, we have witnessed oil crisis, military coups and counter coups.

“Wehavehadgovernments elected and over thrown and over the past 17 years Nigeria has returned happily to a democratic rule in which our people now determine who governs our country at various levels. In all of this, it is my view that our country is stronger today than it was 55 years ago. Regardless of what some commentators may say, I believe that our country is more united today than it was 55 years ago.

“In 2011, in demonstration of our unity, Nigerians across all primordial sentiments, elected a President that presided for four years.

Earlier this year, Nigerians across all divide, also exercised their right as a free people and democratically elected the current President.

“I believe for all of us, who had opportunity to review both electronic and print media, many had predicted that we would not survive as a nation 2015. Infact many predicted that the last election will mark the end of Nigeria as a country. In the process some questioned the wisdom oftheamalgamationbetween

•Governor Ifeanyi Okowa commiserating with Mrs Susan Onosode, widow of late Gamaliel Onosode when he visited the family yesterday in Lagos.

Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria. As we can see the unity of our country its not at the mercy of our detractors. “ The commitment of our people to live together cannot and will not be weakened by

narrow political calculations of individuals. When we look at what we have passed through these past years and the fact that we are here today as one united country, I believe that we are on the right path. There is no nation

Onosode was a gift to Nigeria, Delta —Okowa •Govt to participate in funeral activities

BY Charles Kumolu

D

ELTA State governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa has described the late industrialist and boardroom guru, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode as a gift to Nigeria and Delta State.

He stated this yesterday in Lagos when he paid a condolence visit to the residence of the late Onosode, who passed on recently.

Okowa, who poured encomiums on the man popularly called Mr Integrity, admonished the widow, Mrs Susan Onosode and other members of the family not to weep for too long but to give thanks to God. His words: ‘’The demise of our beloved daddy, no doubt is painful, but I would advise that this is not the time to cry

but rather a time to give praises and thanks to God for giving us somebody like him.

“His name will continue to resonate in the mind of all Nigerians as a man of integrity. The corporate world will continue to remember him.

He is a vessel of honour and we are all proud of him. So we thank God for his life and for giving him to us”.

Okowa, in a response to the family’s request for an enablingenvironmentwhenthe funeral rites would commence, assured that the state would not only provide adequate security but also be part of the funeral activities.

In the condolence register Okowa wrote: “Our Daddy, an accomplished technocrat, man of integrity, and a gift to Delta and Nigeria. He was a vessel of honour to us all in Delta State. Adieu, our good father.”

He was accompanied by the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly,RtHon Monday Igbuya; Delta State ChairmanofthePeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP), Chief Edwin Uzor; Commissioner for Environment, Mr. John Nani and the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Hilary Ibegbulem.

FRSC docks 36 over traffic laws in Rivers rest all road users who fail to

By Davies Iheamnachor & Gift Nwankpa

T

HE Federal Road Safety Corps,FRSC, said it arrested 36 persons in Rivers State for violating different traffic laws.

FRSC disclosed this at Ahoada axis of the East-West road while observing its Zonal Intervention Special Patrol and the Official flag-off of its special ‘Ember Month’ patrol on the Federal highway in four states of Niger Delta region.

Briefing newsmen, the Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Zone 6, comprising of Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, Mr. Bulus Darwang said the corps is out to check and ar-

C M Y K

without its own fair share of challenges.Thereisnonation that is perfect and of course we have our own problems.

Infact when you watch the electronic media you will find that we are much better than some countries in Europe.

comply with the stipulated traffic rules.

Darwang said the special operation would continue till the end of this year. He stressed that the operation would help reduce the level of road mishap experienced during the Ember months.

He said 36 people have been arrested on issues bothering on road worthiness and other rules.

Thetrafficbossalsocharged road users to ensure that all the traffic rules and regulations are adhered to strictly to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and property.

His words: “The major focus is speed violation, the issue of overload, rickety vehicles road, traffic violation and issues of tyre and wipers.’’

The allegations against Alison Madueke Continues from Page 5

The minister denied any wrong doing.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation immediately denied it chartered any jet for the exclusive use of Alison-Madueke, adding that it is empowered by law to own or charter aircraft for its use.

It said, “In consonance with the legal instrument which establishes the corporation as a commercial entity to engage in the oil and gas sector, the NNPC in the course of discharging its statutory and commercial functions engages third parties for the provision of services outside of its core business.”

It added that the practice is common and acceptable in the local and international business environment in which it operates.

It also said: “NNPC has always availed itself of the use of owned or chartered aircraft for the purpose of its business, which includes the transportation of its top functionaries. In this regard, it is pertinent to note that the international oil companies operating in joint ventures with NNPC, regularly charter aircraft as dictated by the exigencies of their business.

“Indeed some have moved from owning their own aircraft to using the charter option. Other national oil companies, such as Sonangol of Angola, have also chosen the charter options. The advantages of the charter option include zero capital and maintenance costs resulting in a lower financial outlay and thus an improved cash flow.”

But the House was not convinced by NNPC’s defence and continued with the investigations, until in June 2014, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, aborted moves by the House of Representatives to commence hearing on the allegation that AlisonMadueke, spent about N10billion on chartered private jets.

In a ruling, Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, ordered the legislative house to shelve its plans to flag-off probe into the allegation on June 25.

The judge further directed all the parties to maintain status-quo till July 3, a date the high court slated to hear the substantive suit that was challenging the powers of the Public Accounts Committee, PAC, of the House of Representatives to investigate such allegation.

In August 2015, she was fingered in a transaction that involved the purchase of three 40-feet mobile rostrums at $6.9 million, paid by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Besides the fact that the sum for the stages had been incredibly inflated according to mobile stages industry experts, government investigators said there was no evidence that any stage was purchased.

The process of procurement of the three mobile stages was neither known to extant Nigerian laws and due process regulations, nor were the offices of the Auditor-General and the Accountant-General in the know, according to investigators.

An ongoing investigation into the conducts of officials of the immediate past administration indicate that Mr. Jonathan instructed Mrs. Alison-Maduekwe to release funds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to the defence chiefs to rent 13 House Boats to fight oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The boats were hired for N2.4 billion, an amount experts believe is more than enough for the country to buy the boats outright.

Authoritative security sources investigating alleged financial misdeeds of the Jonathan administration said their market surveys showed the boats rented for that princely sum could have been acquired for keeps at N100million each, bringing the total cost to N1.3billion.

Book launch

A

COLLECTION of two books by Juliana Ezeoguine Akunnaya, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Yaba, Lagos will be launched today in Lagos. The books are titled: “Home Economics Education” and “Entrepreneurship for Self-Reliance.”

The book launch, to be held at the new Multi-purpose Hall of the Federal College of Eduation (Technical) on Finbarr’s Road, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, will be powered by Santo Christo Ltd, and chaired by Chief Gerry Ofor, the Ukpaka Umuchu, while the chief launcher is the CEO of Pheg Bathrooms Ltd, Mr. Hilary Nwawulu.

The books are to be reviewed by Dr. Patricia Etuna, associate professor of home economics and Head, Department of Home Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuhia, Abia State; and Professor Emmanuel Chibundu, a World Bank consultant in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME).

SATURDAY

BY EVELYN USMAN

K

idnapping which started in the Niger Delta region of the country during the era of militancy witnessed cases of abduction of expatriates ,with ransom , both in foreign and local currencies reportedly paid for the release of the captives.

The worrisome situation orchestrated by these perpetrators of the twin evil of oil bunkering and kidnapping for ransom, was blamed on government’s neglect of their region. This was followed by a brazen agitation for resource control.

Consequently, expatriates from oil and cargo-laden vessels coming in and out of the country via the vast creeks in the region ,were ready preys for the kidnappers. Activities of these militants attracted the attention of the international community, with some of the countries issuing constant travel warnings to their citizens about Nigeria .

This action did not only affect tourism in the country , it also dented the image of the country before the international community .

But a quick move by the late President Umaru YarĂ dua, saved the sorry situation , with the declaration of amnesty for repentant militants on June 25, 2009, thereby paving the way for the return of a large cache of weapons by militants and the C M Y K

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—11

Why armed robbers are taking to kidnapping relocation and reintegration of the former warlords from the vast creeks of the Niger Delta region, into the society.

Ripple effect in the South East Unfortunately, what started in the Niger Delta region has now become a booming venture in

all parts of the country. Cases of kidnap shifted from the Delta region to the South East region , with idle youths finding it as a ready means to make quick money. Some of the kidnappers were alleged to be under the pay roll of some politicians and business men , who use them to terrorise their rivals. Sadly, many victims have to grapple with post-

kidnap trauma even years after being released.

Deadly mission Ironically, there have been cases of stage-managed kidnappings where people have colluded with kidnappers to effect their own abduction and later share the ransom with the supposed kidnappers.

These kidnappers go for their victims either in their homes, places of worship or on the road. While most of the victims regain their freedom after the payment of ransom, some others are murdered, even after ransom was paid.

One of such heart rending situations was that of the murder of a former Deputy Governor of Anambara State, Chudi Nwike by his abductors. After his abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded for N30 million ransom, which they directed should be brought to a designated place somewhere in Edo state. But the distraught family members were said to have taken only N5 million down.

Apparently expecting to see their bread winner alive, a call was reportedly put across to them to come and take the corpse of Nwike for burial. Reason? The

Continues on page 12

12— SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Continues from page 11 kidnappers claimed that their demand was not met in spite of several warnings to the family.

They also sarcastically told the bereaved family to use the balance of N25 million they failed to bring, for the burial of their bread winner.

Unfortunately for two of the former deputy governor’s errand men, they were also gunned down by the kidnappers for daring to bring what they described as a paltry sum to them.

Three suspected members of the kidnap syndicate who allegedly participated in the kidnap, were however arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in August 2014, where they gave starling revelations on how Nwike was murdered and further disclosed their culpability in high profile kidnap cases in the country.

Another case was that of a 75year -old woman, Mrs Theresa Adaku Edid, who was abducted right in front of her house at Ohoba-Ohaji /Egbema local government area of Imo state, on April 14 2011. As if her abduction was not devastating enough for members of her family who were asked to pay N1m for her release, the kidnappers reportedly contacted them on the phone and casually informed them of her death while in their custody. This was however , one month after payment of the N1 m ransom.

One of her children, Pharm.

Edidi Micheal who spoke with Saturday vanguard then, said “When I spoke with my mum while in their custody and asked her how she was faring, she told me she was finding things difficult over there and pleaded that I should do all I could to get her out of there. “ I managed to rally round and I got N1million with a promise from them to release my mother in six hours but I waited in vain without any sight of my mum and when I called again, the phone was switched off.

“A month later, they called to inform me that my mother was dead and that they have buried her. They also told me that my 1 million was gone”.

Victims of kidnap One of Nigeria’s most respected actors, Pete Edochie was on August 16, 2009 abducted on the Afor-Nkpor road, near Onitsha, Anambra state , after his car was ambushed by some gun wielding men, while on his way from his Enugu home to an event in Onitsha. He was however released later.

Shortly after, Nollywood actress , Nkiru Sylvanus was added to the list of numerous victims of kidnap. Ms. Sylvanus C M Y K

•Olu Falae

Mrs Toyin Nwosu

Children as targets in Lagos who was in the company of three others was reportedly whisked away around 8:30pm, penultimate Saturday, in Owerri, Imo state.

Her abduction occurred barely one week after the kidnap of Prof. Kanene Okonjo, mother of former Nigeria’s Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. The list is countless.

At a point, the alarming rate of kidnapping forced most easterners to avoid their home towns, while the aged and the young ones back home, fled , to stay with their relatives in other parts of the country.

However, others who had no where to go to, resigned to fate.

Re-emergence of kidnap However, security operatives in the region with the support of government at both state and federal levels managed to put the situation under control.

For a while, there had been a lull in kidnapping in the South east. But Nigerians are currently witnessing its reemergence . Kidnap cases that indicate the re-emergence were those of renowned Vanguard columnist, Ms. Donu Kogbara, Mrs. Toyin Nwosu, wife of the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun newspaper, Mr. Steve Nwosu and former acting ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Prof. Emmanuel Ogun- wolu.

Others include that of brother of a former senior officer of the Department of State Services,DSS ; son of the ViceChancellor of the University of

Port Harcourt, Prof. Ndokwa Lale, Ejira Lale and Mrs. Esther Uzoma, wife of a university don and social critic, Prof. Nath Protus Uzoma.

Surprising , this time around, it has snowballed into the South West region with both the old, young , rich and average income earners as targets. One of the recent kidnap sagas that further affirmed the spread of kidnap in the South West region, was that of the abduction of elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Fa- lae, by gun men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen , in his farm at Ilado , along Igbatoro road in Akure, Ondo state , last Monday.

It came on the heels of several other kidnap in- cidents in different parts of the South West region, with that of wife of the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Newspaper, Mrs Toyin Nwosu , barely a week earlier.

In the case of Mrs Nwosu, her abductors suspected to be robbers , raided her Ago home at the wee hours , penultimate Monday. Rather than leaving with their loot, the gunmen whisked Mrs Nwosu away, right in front of her helpless family members . Thereafter, they contacted her family demanding for N100 Million naira ransom. She has also been released but her family did not disclose whether any ransom was paid.

A week before her abduction, the Chairman of Cometstar Manufacturing Company, Sir James Uzochukwu Uduji, was also abducted by unknown

Before the emergence of high profile kidnappings, there had been several others in the South West region,where children were the major focus

gunmen at 7th Avenue, Festac town, in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos.

Like the case of Mrs Nwosu, his abductors reportedly pretended to be robbers . They were said to have first hit his vehicle on reaching a bad portion on 72 road junction. When the driver alighted to ascertain the level of damage done to his master’s car, he was reportedly shot, while his defenceless boss was whisked away.

In his case, his abductors reportedly insisted on collecting $1million, equivalent of N220 Million .

It was gathered that his family had paid the sum of N100million . But the abductors insisted on having N220m failure of which they threatened to kill Uduji.

Children as targets in Lagos Before the emergence of high profile kidnappings, there had been several others in the South West region,where children were the major focus. One of such was the popular case of the kidnap of the Orokoyas children; , Demola, 6; Adedamola, 4, and Aderomola, 11 months, five months ago, by no other than their maid, Mary Akinloye , 24 hours after she resumed work at the Children’s Lawanson, Lagos home.

Kidnappers have devised different methods of carrying out their sinister Continues on page 13

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—13

Continues from page 12 motives. They go as far as even visiting churches and mosques pretending to be worshippers, only to strike at the slightest opportunity .

Barely eleven days after the kidnap of Orekoya’s three children by their new maid who was however arrested by operatives of the Special anti Robbery Squad, Ikeja , a 3 year-old girl, Oluwwabunmi Ajelero , was kidnapped from the Surulere Baptist Church, on Ojuelegba road, while service was ongoing . Also in this case Oluwabunmi was later released.

Also in September, a fouryear-old girl was reportedly kidnapped from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Lagos,by an unidentified man who stormed the church’s premises while her father and other members of her family including the church members were sleeping.

Just three weeks ago, the Itire Division of the Lagos State Police Command foiled an attempt by a woman to kidnap three children who were returning from a mosque.

Again, policemen at Sururlere division recently arrested a kidnap suspect who abducted an eight-year old boy who was returning from a summer coaching last month. The list is endless.

Priest, reagent not spared Three months ago, the parish priest of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Rev Emmanuel Akingbade was kidnapped by a three-man kidnap gang from his house in Ido-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, with his abductors demanding N20 million ransom. This happened barely a month after some health workers were also abducted in the state.

Also in June 2015, a female reagent in Ondo state was abducted by gunmen,along Owo-Akure road, on her way to the Federal University of Technology,Akure ,FUTA , where she was officially invited to attend the university’s inaugural lecture .A month earlier, in Oyo state, the executive secretary of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Segun Adewunmi, was abducted at his residence in Aawe, Afijio Local Government Area , but was later released after seven days in the kidnappers den, with four of his suspected abductors arrested. In Ogun state, the Police Command uncovered several dens of C M Y K

•Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase

IGP rises to the challenge kidnappers with some victims rescued and some arrests made.

The discovery of kidnappers den in Ibadan as well as many other cases of kidnapping in Ikere Ekiti , Akure and other parts of South Western States underscores the growing apprehension over a menace now on the rise in some parts of the country.

Armed robbers switching to Kidnapping From the foregoing, it is obvious that many armed robbers are taking to kidnapping. The reason for this is not far fetched as some suspects who were arrested attributed the recent focus and subsequent switch from robbery to kidnap to the less risk and huge amount involved. For instance , a kidnap suspect had in his confessional statement disclosed that he got N2. 5 million out of the ransom paid for the release of a victim, an amount he said he never made in his five years as a member of a robbery gang.

Again, suspects have revealed that kidnapping had less risks than armed robbery who have had to clash with police in some cases. Robbers are not sure of all their operations. Sometimes they succeed in their operations but most times they fail.

Kidnapping appears to be more lucrative.

From confessional

statements of some kidnap suspects, it was discovered that some of them quit robbery for kidnapping because they made more money. Other factors some arrested suspects attributed to their indulgence in kidnap included unemployment and poverty.

International connection Investigation at Saturday’s Vanguard’s disposal revealed that some of these kidnappers come all the way from neighbouring West Africa countries to perpetrate this heinous crimes, after which they return back. It was also discovered that some kidnappers in Nigeria have other homes in neighbouring country where they flee to after a successful kidnap operation,thereby making investigation by security operatives difficult.

A ready case in mind was that of the arrest of a suspected kidnap kingpin popularly known as Kelvin China, in Ghana , in year 2013. The suspect had confessed during interrogation to be behind several high profile kidnaps in Nigeria.

Domestic workers connection Saturday Vanguard’s investigation further showed that some of these kidnappers sometimes go to social media to peruse profiles of their intending

Their choice of victims as revealed by some arrested kidnap suspects depend on the type of cars driven by the individual. Such individual as gathered, would then be trailed to his or her house, from where they would be monitored for some days before the kidnappers would strike

victims. Thereafter, they would trail him or her to a designated place where they would abduct the person.

It was also revealed that sometimes, domestic workers work hand-in-hard with kidnappers, by giving them information on the financial status of their bosses .

Also, security hints at Saturday Vanguard’s disposal showed that exotic cars, sometimes easily give intending preys away, as kidnappers have been discovered to go round areas per time , in search of ready victims driving in posh cars. Their choice of victims as revealed by some arrested kidnap suspects depend on the type of cars driven by the individual.

Such individual as gathered, would then be trailed to his or her house, from where they would be monitored for some days before the kidnappers would strike .

IGP rises to the challenge However on assumption of duty as the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, deplored anti-crime defectives to Ondo and other states of the federation , with a view to checkmating activities of kidnappers and other forms of criminality .

He has also assured Nigerians that the Police would do its best to stem the tide. Speaking to journalists during a condolence visit to the Awolowo family over the death of their matriarch, Arase dismissed report that kidnapping was on the increase, stating rather that the Police had recorded successes in abduction cases.

According to him : “Let me debunk the impression that there has been a tremendous increase in kidnappings in Nigeria.

Kidnapping has [always]been there and we are doing our best to stem the tide. Comparative figures outside Nigeria show that ours is still within manageable levels.

Whenever it happens, we are able to arrest the kidnappers and deal with them. “Criminals can’t overwhelm Nigerians.

Definitely, it will not happen under my watch and leadership. We should not get apprehensive about this.

I can assure Nigerians that we are on top of the situation and will make sure that we have a secure environment.” he said.

14—SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, ANAYO OKOLI, FRANCIS IGATA & PETER OKUTU

I

ncidents of killing, robbery, rape, maiming and kidnapping by the cattle herdsmen have inflicted pains on most farmers, even as farm produce have been drastically affected. Farmers, leaving in fear, have scampered to safety in desperate bids to avoid being hacked down by the rampaging herdsmen.

CATTLE rearing and cattle rearers have over the years contributed their own quota to the economy of the South-East and the country at large. The place of Fulani herdsmen is inevitably important as they have sustained the production and sales of meat in markets across the country. However, despite their diverse importance, the recent activities of Fulani cattle rearers in the South-East obviously threaten the life and existence of those living within their areas of grazing, especially in the rural areas.

It is not in doubt that there is hardly any community in the South-East geo-political zone where you will not find Fulani herdsmen. What is however most disturbing to farmers and land owners is the way they forcefully colonize, kill, maim and allow their cattle to destroy farm crops wherever they set their feet. They have sadly transformed themselves into law.

The stories trailing the rampage of Fulani herdsmen and their cattle in the SouthEast are therefore as ugly as they are most discomforting.

The activities of these herdsmen in some communities in Abia State, for example, have become a source of great worry to the people. This is because of the huge damage the cattle inflict on crops and farmlands in these rural communities which the breeders illegally and

MENACE OF FULANI HERDSMEN:

Tales of woes from the East brazenly colonize as grazing grounds. That the herdsmen dare them for a showdown when challenged is most provocative to victims of this menace!

Saturday Vanguard investigations revealed that, besides the damage on crops and other farm produce, the aggressive nature of the Fulani cattle guards is more of concern to any community they invade. They are always

armed to the teeth with dangerous weapons, including AK47, charms and deadly sharp daggers and machetes and are often ready to attack the farm owners at the least confrontation.

Tales of woes There have been reports of clashes between the herdsmen and farmers across the region.

For instance, in Abia communities of Uzuakoli in

Last year, the same Fulani herdsmen killed two of our brothers, Matthew Aniugo and Chiagha Chigbo, in their farms

Bende Local Government Area, Ebem and Akanu in Ohafia and Umuchieze in Umunneochi, there have been cases of deadly clashes between rural farmers and these cattle breeders.

In Uzuakoli, a man popularly known in the area as Ajambele sometime in the past received a deadly attack when he met cattle destroying his farm in the Over Rail area of the community and confronted the Fulani cattle herdsmen who had invaded the farmland with the cattle.

The herdsmen were said to have used sharp dagger to rip open Ajambele’s stomach, forcing the intestines to gush out. He was said to have been rushed to a hospital and was lucky to have survived.

Cases of invasion of farmlands in Ebem and Akanu communities nearly resulted in bloodbath but the wisdom of the leaders in the community who timely reported to the authorities saved bloody clashes.

Some of the cases were so serious that Abia State Government had to intervene, preventing the youths of the communities from retaliating. It set up a peace committee that quelled the then imminent doom.

The story is not different in Enugu State. Saturday Vanguard investigation revealed that attacks unleashed by Fulani herdsmen are a recurring decimal in the state. Of the 482 communities in Enugu State, one cannot boost of one community that has not had its fair share of Fulani herdsmen’s barbaric activities which leave in their wake,perennial tears of sorrow. Indigenes of

Continues on page 22

THE INDEPENDENCE SPEECH:

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—15

Reading the mind of the President

By Dr. Ugoji Ebujo

I

t’s been 55 years since the colonial masters left. We took freedom and lost our way.

Asober and critical reflection on our journey thus far will be disheartening. We cried for change , change fell in place and we have aPresident passionate about rectitude . Shall we now jubilate?

Our president is blunt by nature, but he wants us to be joyful.Should we merry? Perhaps there is something good, something consolatory, about our largely unpleasant past. Malaysia and Singapore may have left us behind but we haven’t ended up like Somalia or Syria.

The president perhaps wants the celebration to be a thanksgiving of sorts. For while our progress may have been slow , for while we may be faced with greatdifficulties, we can recognize that we have the potentials for greatness. From our population to our diversity to the abundance of natural resources, we are divinely endowed.Spare and austere, not an owambe president, but perhaps his sense of piety encourages gratitude to God in all things The presidentrenowned for forthrightness, would serve brutal frankness where others may have inundated us with customary platitudes. So even the celebrations we are called to had to be tempered with some reflective sobering stock taking. We are supposed to be the Giant of Africa, he reminded us .

But we deserve a collective rebuke, and he didn’t spare it. Some of those perceived as less endowed, ‘poor dwarfs’, have had much better progress. He believes we have held ourselves back , stagnated, because we have lacked unity , cohesion and purposefulness. Such an acute awareness of our avoidable self inflicted national drift that cannot be numbed by jollity is the reason many placed their hopes in president Buhari to rescue the country.

The president , however, invites us not to dwell on our past failings but to take solace in the fact that despite the setbacks we have remained one potentially great country. If we have missed expectations, if we had veered off paths designed by our fore fathers, we can have some cheer, we are now back on track. We teetered on the brink of collapse many times but we have turned a page now. He extolled for the umpteenth time thelegendary nobility and statesmanship of ex president Jonathan who conducted a free and fair election , lost and opted for the path of honour. That seamless power shift to the opposition , a watershed in our political development , is the foundation of true multiparty democracy.

The president knows he was hired to fight corruption.And he also knows from experience that arbitrariness, disdain for rule of law, perceptions of vindictiveness will ruin the war. He vows to embrace openness , objectivity and legality to fight corruption and enthrone probity and good governance. He is grateful for the confidence the public has in the government and is eager to keep their trust. He must know that he is fortunate because the masses had been pushed by hopelessness into apathy and cynicism . They will hold onto his words but judge him by results and the actions of his law enforcement agencies.

He knows he has been referred to

C M Y K

•President Buhari as “baba go slow” and some say he has not hit the ground running.

Thepresident seeks an understanding of his methodology, his style. The government , he says has a masterly panoramic appreciation of the challenges facing the country and has, not just a firm grip but, the dexterity and nimbleness needed to steer the country out of the woods and navigate it a place of pride. He is principled and would engage criticism rationally. But he wouldn’t trade his meticulous , diligent , systematic, purposeful approach to governance for anything lacking in thoroughness and order even if some speed has to be sacrificed. Speed is nothing he says without order, control.

Speed and thoroughness may have come together in the war against Boko haram. By rejigging the military and forging a robust coalition of foreign powers and our neighbours , he put boko haram to flight. Boko haram that was once inmajestic advance, taking territories and hoisting flags are now in disorderly retreat, abandoning camps but cowardly throwing bombs on soft targets. He pleads for understanding and co operation. The death toll amongst innocent Nigerians is still unacceptably high but full sovereignty has been restored.

He knows that Nigerians have heard many stories about electric power but had remained in darkness. He knows that the country can neither initiate sustainable economic progress nor can he retain any significant public support in the near future without reasonably tangible progress in power supply. His pronouncements on power have lacked the definiteness of those on the war against the insurgency. Is that an admission that so much lies with the private sector after the unbundling and privatization of the power sector? Power has improved markedly and he promised better and sustained improvements.

The fuel scarcity has been solved.

He wants local refineries to reduce the burden of fuel importation . It would appear the subsidy regime has been retained, it would be interesting to know how much of public funds will be used to support the subsidy regime going forward and how that impacts on our dwindling resources

and diminished capital budgetary votes.

If the President is tensed it has to be because of the economy. It is obvious the state of the economy is worse than he imagined before assuming office and the outlook appears even more perilous. But clearly he knows that lamentations and recitations of woes will neither help his reputation nor feed suffering Nigerians. Our incomes from crude oil have dipped and are disappearing. The economy must nowbe diversified , we cant afford a crippling economic recession. A lid on spendings must not occasion severe social tensions. Wastefulness and profligacy are simply unaffordable now. He wants to improve internally generated revenue, stop all leakages and improve efficiency. So his emphasis is on the revamping of the FIRS, CUSTOMS,NCC , NNPC and running a tight shift.

The president emphasized ‘consultations’. And that is interesting. For with Buhari, no one fears lasciviousness, permissiveness and unbridled corruption but severity and high handedness. So for this born again democrat , this love for consultations must be the manifestation of the new man. He seeks inclusiveness. Single mindedness may be needed to initiate change but enduring sustainable transformative democratic change would need deliberation, consensus, and mass participation.

The president is conscious of his strengths, our strengths and is sensitive to his perceived weakness.

He knows where we are coming from, where we are , and why we are where we are. He knows where we should be headed. And perhaps how to get there.

And he couldn’t have ended without CHANGE. And this change, his change , written in capital letters, sounded much like 1984 war against indiscipline. “Change doesn’t happen”. I like the sound of the change that starts with us behaving better, controlling our impulses, obeying the laws, refusing to offer bribes and to litter the streets and to cheat and steal. This change is a social crusade. I expected the crusade from the beginning but it can as well start now.

Perhaps we can truly begin to celebrate a national rebirth.

If the President is tensed it has to be because of the economy. It is obvious the state of the economy is worse than he imagined before assuming office and the outlook appears even more perilous

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

13 Nigerians who shaped the last 55 years

•Balewa

• Aguiyi-Ironsi

•Gowon

•Shagari •Muhammed

BY OGHENE OMONISA

W

hen the British Union Jack was lowered in the morning of Saturday, October 1, 1960 and the Nigerian Green, White, Green flag was hoisted, signifying the birth of an independent state, the Nigerian people had a supreme political leader in 47-yearold Alhaji Tafawa Balewa.

In the federal preparatory elections the year before, no party had won a majority. Balewa’s Northern People’s Congress (NPC) had formed an alliance with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Thus on independence, Balewa, whose party had the highest number of seats, retained his Prime Ministership, and Azikiwe was appointed GovernorGeneral. Power actually lied with the former school teacher as Azikiwe’s role was largely ceremonial.

Fifty-five years down the road, 12 other Nigerians have joined Alhaji Tafawa Balewa as the privileged few who have had the opportunity to determine the fate of the nation with the largest number of black population in the world.

Balewa the Urbane History does not remember Alhaji Tafawa Balewa as the firebrand political radical who desired sudden C M Y K

•Obasanjo developmental changes. He was clearly a major product of Northern Nigeria’s anxiety to avoid a political upstage by the Southerners. And he was sought as an educated Northerner to serve in political posts.

Nevertheless, nobody can accuse him of political ignorance. He had helped found the Northern People’s Congress (NPC). Beginning with a call to political service as the Bauchi Native Authority’s representative to the Northern House of Assembly, the House eventually selected him to become a member of the Nigerian Legislative Council.

Ironsi the Naive In his keynote lecture during the Guardian newspaper ’s silver anniversary celebration in 2008, world-acclaimed writer, Professor Chinua Achebe best captured the first military coup of January 15, 1966 as “a naively idealistic coup” which proved “a terrible disaster ”, and that to many other Nigerians, “it was interpreted with plausibility as a plot by the ambitious Igbo of the East to take control of Nigeria from the HausaFulani North.”

But if the idealistic coup-plotters were naive to assume it would be tolerable to summarily execute corrupt politicians and senior military officers mainly of Northern extraction, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army and most senior

military officer who emerged the Head of State following the failed coup, crowned this naivety with his mismanagement of the coup’s aftermath.

Gowon the Bridge-builder Following the counter coup six months after, and the reprisal assassinations of General Ironsi and other military officers mainly of Ibo extraction, Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon was made the new Head of State by the Northern-dominated coupplotters. Though not the most senior military officer, especially from the North, Lt. Colonel Gowon’s choice was greatly informed by the fact that he was strictly a career soldier with no involvement whatsoever in politics, and had the background of a Northerner who was neither of Hausa or Fulani ancestry nor of the Islamic faith. His choice was to unify a nation seething with ethnic and religious tension.

General Gowon, as he later attained, is best remembered as the Nigerian leader who led the country to make Nigeria one by averting the secession attempt of the Ibodominated Eastern Region. But the general derailed when, in 1974, he reneged on his transition promise to hand over to an elected civilian government in 1976 by postponing the handover date indefinitely.

Continues on page 17

Fifty-five years down the road, 12 other Nigerians have joined Alhaji Tafawa Balewa as the privileged few who have had the opportunity to determine the fate of the nation with the largest number of black population in the world

SATURDAY

•Buhari

•Babangida

•Shonekan

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—17

•Abacha

13 Nigerians who shaped the last 55 years Continues from page 16 Mohammed the Revolutionary General Murtala Mohammed who was mostly regarded as a mastermind of the July 1966 counter coup, and was considered to have reluctantly given up his ambition for the unifying choice of Gowon, took advantage of Gowon’s decision to execute his own coup and emerge the Head of State exactly nine years later: July 29, 1975.

Unlike Gowon, Mohammad had a vision before his emergence: he craved for a revolution to clean the nation of corruption and indiscipline, and to attain international respect and recognition for Nigeria in the comity of nations with principled and dynamic leadership. He is mostly remembered for cleansing the Augean stables by dismissing more than 10,000 public officials and employees, even including cleaners and messengers, without benefits, on account of age, health, incompetence, or malpractice; some officials were brought to trial on charges of corruption; and he began the demobilization of 100,000 troops from the swollen ranks of the armed forces.

By the time he was assassinated in a coup attempt seven months later, Gen. Murtala Mohammad had attained the status of a folk hero.

Obasanjo the Faithful Following the assassination of Gen. Mohammad, Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, de facto second in command, easily emerged the new Head of State. He faithfuly executed the policies of his late boss, especially the transition to civil rule programme scheduled to terminate on October 1, 1979 and the continued relocation of the federal seat of power to Abuja, the new Federal Capital Territory. Gen. Obasanjo attained international statesmanship with his successful transition of power to a civilian government.

Shagari the Gentleman Alhaji Shehu Shagari, like his civilian predecessor from the North Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, was only a school teacher when the drive for educated Northerners to take up leadership roles saw him elected into the Federal House of Representatives in 1954, and in 1958 appointed the Parliamentary Secretary to Alhaji Balewa. Though other higher offices, including Minister of Economic

C M Y K

Affairs and later of Finance in Gowon’s government ought to have prepared him for the leadership of Nigeria, he certainly did not aspire to that exalted position in 1979.

Thus when he was chosen as the candidate of the North to fly the presidential ticket of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the party with the most national appeal, it was a seemingly reluctant Shagari who emerged the first Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This frame of mind reflected in his leadership style, as his in-law and Transport Minister, Alhaji Umaro Dikko, a more astute politician and administrator was known to be the most powerful figure in that government.

Buhari the Radical Right from the start, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari who overthrew Alhaji Shagari did not leave any one in doubt that he was set for radical changes in the polity. Politicians were arrested all across the land and tried for corruption charges, with some getting over 100-year jail terms. His War Against Indiscipline (WAI) policy was a major vehicle to instill discipline in Nigerians. And none of his ministers or any other appointee had been known to have corruptly enriched himself.

Together with his equally no nonsense deputy, Brig. Tunde Idiagbon the duo led Nigeria with such high-handedness not before witnessed by Nigerians. But it was clear that Nigeria needed such strong characters as leaders. As they garnered praises and adoration in few quarters, so also did they attract criticisms and condemnations in many for their inflexibility, perhaps because they lacked the beguiling traits Nigerians associated with their leaders. And the duo forgot to smile.

Babangida the Fox Twenty months later, the duo were overthrown in a bloodless coup led by their Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the gap-toothed general who knew how to smile, smiled often and smiled his way into the hearts of millions of his compatriots. Babangida released some of the politicians incarcerated by Buhari, and ordered a re-trial of a few others.

Gen. Babangida brought so much panache to the office and leadership style not exhibited by any Nigerian leader before, nor those after him.

Dropping the traditional military title

of Head of State, he chose President, making him the first and only military president Nigeria ever had. With a complementing wife who institutionalized and glamourized the Office of the First Lady, and who became Nigeria’s “‘first’ First Lady”, the general took Nigeria on a speedy train Nigerians never realized was moving until it was the 8th year, and he survived two coups: one, the only coup nipped at the bud before it was executed, the other the bloodiest.

But no matter his reasons, Gen. Babangida will be remembered most as the Nigerian military leader who truncated his own transition to civilrule programme by annulling the presidential election, the final stage of the programme, bringing his government to the kind of ending neither he nor Nigerians ever envisaged.

Shonekan the Technocrat A trained lawyer who took to the boardroom of the corporate world, Chief Ernest Adekunle Shonekan had had a successful career as a business manager, culminating in his appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive of United African Company (UAC) of Nigeria PLC, the largest conglomerate in Nigeria.

In preparation to vacating office along with other senior military officers, President Babangida had come up with the idea of a Transitional Council, made up of civilian ministers, and appointed Chief Shonekan as Head on January 2, 1993. But following the tension generated by the annulment of the presidential election, President Babangida had to leave office in a hurry and established an Interim National Government (ING) to oversee government activities preparatory to another presidential election whose winner would be sworn in by Chief Shonekan.

But that was not to be. Gen. Sani Abacha who Babangida ironically appointed into the council of the ING as Minister of Defense, and the only military officer in the ING, was alleged to have forced the technocrat to resign after 83 days in office.

Abacha the Strong On assumption of office, many Nigerians, especially from the civil rights community had expected Gen. Sani Abacha to move in a direction to de-annul the cancelled presidential election, announce the remaining

Continues on page 18

Gen. Babangida brought so much panache to the office and leadership style not exhibited by any Nigerian leader before, nor those after him

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

13 Nigerians who shaped the last 55 years

• Abubakar

•Obasanjo Continues from page 17 results, declare the winner, presumably Chief Moshood Abiola, and swear him in. But that was not to be. Abacha had stamped his authority by disbanding every political party and association. He also dismantled all elected institutions, terminated all national and state assemblies, putting an end to the Babangida transitional programme.

And when the mettle of the general was put to test by Chief Abiola who declared himself president and announced the setting up of a government of national unity, Abacha quickly arrested him and later put him to trial for treasonable felony. Like Abiola, every single individual who stood in the path of Abacha in his fiveyear reign as well as in his desire to transmute to a democratically president, was brutally dealt with.

The list of those Abacha dealt with is almost like that of who is who in Nigeria. Some did not live to tell the tales, especially Yar ’Adua who died in prison and Abiola who, though he died after Abacha, never came out from detention alive. It was therefore a shocking relief for many when the goggled-general passed on mysteriously on June 8, 1998.

Abubakar the Humble The retirement letter of Lt. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, then Chief of Defense Staff was alleged to be on the desk of Gen. Abacha, awaiting his signature when the former Head of State passed on, and Gen. Abubakar assumed leadership of the country. An epitome of humility, Abubakar quickly announced the release of all political detainees, requested all political refugees to return home and drew up a one-year transition to civil rule timetable.

Ever unassuming, he adhered strictly to the timetable, conducted generally acceptable general elections and handed over power a year later to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, he won the presidential election; and Gen. Abubakar expectedly assumed the status of an international statesman, playing inter-mediating roles worldwide.

Obasanjo the Bold It was a totally different Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that Nigerians confronted in 1999, not the Gen. Obasanjo who meekly followed the transition timetable of his late predecessor and handed over power as scheduled. Apparently to secure the new democracy from military incursion, but subtly to safeguard his own presidency, President Obasanjo

C M Y

•Yar’Adua came up with the policy of retirement of some category of military officers who had held political posts in previous military regimes, especially those who had served as state governors and above.

And as the end of his first term got closer, revelations emerged that Obasanjo, like a few other Southern presidential aspirants, had signed an agreement with some Northern leaders that for him to get their support, he should promise to do one term and relinquish power for a Northerner in 2003, an allegation which he vehemently denied, nevertheless admitting that he actually was given the agreement but that, unlike a few other Southern aspirants, he did not sign.

He went for a second term and not surprisingly, he won. But surprisingly, as he was rounding off his second term, he started dreaming of an unconstitutional third, going to the extent of wanting to amend that section of the Constitution for his personal benefit. And the Nigerian nation strongly rose against him, defeating his third-term agenda.

It was vintage President Obasanjo who vented his legendary vengeance on every major force that had stood against his ambition, especially Gen. Babangida, whose ambition to return to the seat was openly challenged when the EFCC was used to haunt his first son, Mohammed, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who was haunted out of the PDP. And Obasanjo singlehandedly picked his successor, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Yar’Adua the Clean The presidential victory of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua did not come as a surprise to many Nigerians as the PDP was the party to beat, and Obasanjo was determined to decide his successor, especially one who he could manipulate. Though the Yar’Adua presidency was short-lived, he is best remembered for his uprightness. He kept to his electoral promise of publicly declaring his assets on assumption of office, and also admitted that the election that brought him to office was fraudulent, promising to undertake a major reformation of the electoral process.

After the election, Yar’Adua proposed a government of national unity, and eventually had ministers from the opposition parties.

His poor health condition denied him his four-year term by leading to his death after 2 years on the throne: May 5, 2010.

Jonathan the Meek Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will be

• Jonathan remembered as the Nigerian leader who brought ‘reluctant ambition’ to the office with the singular honour of being a deputy governor, state governor, vice president and eventually president without much ambition. The first Southern minority to lead the country, he no doubt, would have been comfortable serving out his two terms as deputy governor, and await his political fate as determined by his former boss, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former governor of his home state of Bayelsa.

But thrust on by fate and guided by his meekness, he emerged the governor following the impeachment of Chief Alamieseigha. Judging again by his meekness, President Obasanjo who had set his eyes on picking Yar ’Adua’s deputy from the SouthSouth, easily chose him as somebody he could manipulate, just as Yar’Adua.

And when Yar ’Adua passed on, Obasanjo was again at the forefront to ensure Jonathan had a smooth succession into the office as president.

Two years later, emerging as the presidential candidate of the PDP was most challenging, as he was seen as usurping the slot of the North. But victory was sure after he got the ticket.

The ultimate test for his winning meekness was ironically brought by his godfather, Chief Obasanjo with his overbearing nature. This became unbearable for the university teacherturned politician. And he stood up to Obasanjo – a mistake. With the North seeking their pound of flesh for allegedly usurping their slot, the South-West believed to be against him for not living up to their expectations with favourable political slots and patronage, combined with Obasanjo’s feeling of betrayal, the conspiracy was just too much for Jonathan’s traditional South-South and a collaborative South-East. He could not win reelection, losing to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buhari the Convert President Muhammadu Buhari brings on board a reputation of an astute manager of resources and anticorruption crusader, a reputation he made for himself during his first outing as military head of state. But this is a democratic dispensation, and he is being guided by checks and balances.

So far, he has not displayed any autocratic tendencies and he is not expected to as they will not fit in.

Though now a converted democratic, those tendencies, however, are expected to guide his every step on the way to usher the changes he so vehemently promised.

President Muhammadu Buhari brings on board a reputation of an astute manager of resources and anticorruption crusader, a reputation he made for himself during his first outing as military head of state

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—19

Nigeria missed her way thrice —Edebiri •Wants

Zik, Awolowo, Sadauna, others burial sites converted to tourist centres

By SIMON EBEGBULEM

C

hief David Edebiri is the Esogban of Benin Kingdom and chairman Benin Forum, the umbrella body of all Binis both in the country and in the Diaspora.

He was a staunch member of the Zikist Movement between 1946-50 before he joined the Action Group in 1958. He was appointed the administrative secretary of the AG in the Midwest region. In this interview, Edebiri, who is popularly referred to as the ‘Oracle of Benin Kingdom’ regretted that 55 years after independence, the nation has found itself in a political quagmire until the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari.

His words: “It is true that our nationhood is 55 years old, which is still young in the life of any nation.

All the same, it was the expectation of most Nigerians at Independence that this country will move forward and will copy the best of democracy from our masters, the British people. But somewhere along the line, we missed the point on three occasions. First at Independence, people who did not canvass for freedom during the Independence suddenly found themselves holding political power, meanwhile they did not canvass for it. The people who came to power at Independence worked against achieving independence at that time. As a result the country was denied the services of a crop of nationalists and politicians who devoted their entire life to the freedom of this country. Sadly enough, three years into our Independence the new people in the saddle without any convincing reason suddenly changed from our traditional way of democratic practice, which is the Westminster pattern of government that we had practised for over 100 years, they suddenly changed and adopted the Presidential system being practised in America.

“The people who adopted this system were not used to its practices, the result was that what was practised in Nigeria was neither the American type of presidential system nor a truly Nigerian pattern.

This hastened the demise of what we refer to as the First Republic, when some elements in the military struck in 1966, to dismantle the existing structure. It is expected that the young military officers who staged the coup of 1966 had some idea of what they wanted to achieve but they were short changed and a new crop of military leaders emerged. This leaders of the military headed by Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi did not plan for any participation in civilian democracy, so Ironsi attempted to foist on the country

•Chief David Edebiri unitary form of dictatorship. This again was another place where we missed it. Those who conceived the idea of a military revolution were not the people who came to the saddle. Again, Ironsi’s idea of foisting a unitary form of government in the country led to the early demise of his regime when he was toppled in a violent coup by the same military. This led to a long period of military dictatorship during which the country failed to move forward.

“Again, after a very long time of military rulership in the country patriotic nationalists all over the country got together to wrestle the military and finally got democracy in 1999. This again was another point where we missed it. The civilian government that emerged in 1999 was headed by a party that was predominantly controlled by military leaders. As matter of fact, the PDP that took power in 1999 was controlled by military dictators.

Again we missed it.

“I want to say now that the first and truly government of the people of Nigeria is the one installed through the people’s revolution in an election held on the March 28 and April 11, 2015. From the pattern of vote, it can be seen by anybody who wants to know that the government that emerged from this two elections is the government of the people of Nigeria.

I have high hopes for the government of President Muhammadu Buhari because four months into the government he has shown a lot of political will to rule

the country under democratic setting. I want to appeal to all my compatriots to give Buhari the chance to rule the nation so that this country can progress.

Otherwise, the movement so far, 55 years after Independence is nothing to write home about. 55 years after we are still largely dependent on other nations in respect of our economy. Any nation that is not economically independent cannot claim to be independent. I advise those in the saddle now to learn from the mistakes of past leaders.

“I will like to call on President Buhari, after clearing the mess of previous administration, it is my advise that he should pay posthumous’ respect and recognition to those already recognized by the country as founding fathers of modern Nigeria.

If you go to Ghana, you will see that the burial place of the late Kwame Nkrumah is now a tourist haven in the heart of Accra. One of the rulers of Ghana exhumed the body from where it was buried and brought him to the city centre and gave him a very conspicuous and responsible burial that today people go there as tourist attraction.

The present Government headed

by Buhari can also do a similar thing to Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmedu Bello, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Aminu Kano and others. The Federal Government can make the burial sites of these heroes tourist centres.

I will like to call on President Buhari, after clearing the mess of previous administration, it is my advise that he should pay posthumous’ respect and recognition to those already recognized by the country as founding fathers of modern Nigeria C M Y K

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Our clerics killed Project Nigeria—Hon Nkeuruka Onyeajeocha left the way they were from the sixties. And I can tell you not many

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

H

on Nkeuruka Onyeajeocha, former Chairman House Committee on Aviation, represents Abia state in the House of Representatives. In this chat she spoke on how Nigeria became comatose barely ten years after independence in 1960, how the church, the mosques and traditional institutions failed Nigerians.

Excerpts.

In 1960 we got it right, but now we are back to the bad days that nothing seems to be happening in Project Nigeria. What went wrong?

The things that went wrong are too many. Number one is that we left our values; we decided to go to other gods just like the Christians would say they abandoned their God and began to follow idols. When the traditional institutions began to honour those who have stolen funds and when the Church abandoned the Bible and decided to honour people who are known criminals and are giving them front row seats in the Church.

In the old days prior to the sixties, people who committed crime which the Bible would call sin, they would suspend the people from the church and they would give them back seats.

Ask yourself, in our churches today how many people do they suspend?

How many people are taking back seats because they have done something that is wrong in the eyes of men and in the eyes of public and also in the eyes of God? And so the church has failed in following the dictates of Jesus Christ. So also are the Muslims. They have failed by not upholding the teachings of Islam; that is why some people can come up and they brand themselves one kind of name and they begin to fight their fellow brothers and sisters based on one issue or the other. And also the society, the government also has failed when they refused blatantly to offer leadership to the country. When they refused or neglected the constitution and they began to do things that are contrary to the constitution.

How do we get out of this debacle?

One, it is mandatory that the government should provide for the welfare of its citizenry. Unfortunately, they are providing for their welfare.

They started enriching themselves.

When individuals began to be richer than the government; when those people who stole so much money were the people who came back to form government at all cost; when electorate are being given money to vote people who are hoodlums and 419ers; when those who are supposed to be in jail are the people presiding over issues in the local government, in the state government and of course in the federal level too what do you expect?

That was when and how we got it wrong. The system refused to reject bad people, the church refused to call people to order.

The traditional rulers are custodians’ of laws, who are custodians of customs and traditions left those laws and started to give people with questionable character Chieftaincy titles.

Some Nigerians said we abandoned agriculture and embraced crude oil to survive.

In our days we got most of our food items from school farms when we were in the boarding houses. Our food were

C M Y

•Hon Nkeuruka Onyeajeocha brought from the Agric department or from the Agric section. So when the oil started coming out and people started sharing the oil boom, agriculture was neglected and those ridges were abandoned.

People do not to go to school again to study agriculture, you now have less teachers in agriculture. You now have teachers in ICT, you have teachers on oil and gas and so we neglected agriculture, the groundnut pyramid was neglected, cocoa was neglected, the palm oil, the cassava, we left them and then decided to come to Abuja and share excess crude money and so on.

A nation that does not produce will not prosper economically. If you don’t produce and take to other countries, you are not going to bring in foreign exchange and we started even importing tooth picks. Our woods that were suppose to export and others were abandoned.

I know in the 1990’s if you come to

work, you have a section that they export woods, now people import furniture. Now if you look at it that was when our economy started collapsing and instead of even sharing this excess crude money and use it to develop or import technologies, people were sharing it and they were pocketing it into their own accounts. In that way when you check money that you were supposed to put back to education, the schools had become dilapidated, you would ask yourself.

If you go to the school where I went to, they still have the buildings that were there when I attended school years back and you would ask yourself the people who built those schools then were they stealing money? They weren’t. The Nnamdi Azikiwes the Okparas, Awolowos and so many of them. And so you bring in people who are supposed to be the custodian of the policy trust of government to protect lives and they start looting funds, what do you get? The result is what we have as Nigeria.

And even when they share it to states, the people who get the money convert it to their personal use. They neglected our schools, they neglected our hospitals. If you go to LUTH today, you will know that the people who initially built LUTH had good intentions, with so many structures, and those structures were left unattended to.

Those structures were not maintained; those structures were

structures after sixties or seventies, eighties, including nineties had been rebuilt till date .

If you go to University of Nigeria Nsukka you will see the old buildings, you will see the old hostels. I was in hostel. You will see even our secondary schools now. They don’t have hostels, so what has happened? And we have money now more than before. It is simple, the people who are now custodian of the government trust, of the money of the people have diverted them to some other use and this is why when you come you will see somebody, an individual, having hectares of lands, having so many houses, having so many airplanes, cars, you name them and yet the states are not having anything to the extent that they cant even pay salaries.

If you could not able to pay salaries of workers, is it roads that you built, is it schools that you built, is it hospitals that you built? What you are simply telling the whole world is that you have not done anything because salary is first line charge, so if you couldn’t Pay your workers what have you done?

What is the way forward?

The way forward is for all of us to come to ground zero, begin to obey the laws of the land, begin to be accountable, begin to make sure that anybody who is given position of responsibility becomes accountable and responsible, begin to answer questions that would be asked and begin to be ready to submit to the authority of anybody that has employed you. Going back to civil service days because when people say oh, politicians are corrupt, I know that there is no one single politician who is corrupt without the aid of a civil servant. There is no one single politician who has stolen money without the aid of a civil servant.

So both the down trodden, the upper level, the bottom and top should come to ground zero.

People are neglecting our institutions because their children are not there.

People are neglecting the institutions because they have security problems.

I am soliciting that these days we should not all third class materials or people who came out from the university with a pass as teachers.

When JAMB sets a score, they will say two hundred and something, three hundred and something for certain courses, then once you don’t make up to a hundred and fifty, you will go and do education English, education Physics, education Economics and end up being a teacher. There have been a defect and so it is not going to be right.

So our institutions must be overhauled and that is why I said everybody must come to ground zero.

In the budget that is coming, I said yes, I believe that we should forget about foreign trips, let us declare emergency on infrastructure in our country.

We want a situation where the UNTH in Enugu, people from Gabon, will come there because of the quality of professors, quality of surgeons, the quality of those people who are working in those hospitals and the equipment. These days Nigerians go to Ghana, these days Nigerians go to India, these days Nigerians go to all sorts of countries because we have neglected our institutions.

So I believe that what we should do now is to make sure that we revamp our institutions, health, education, schools etc.

There is no one single politician who has stolen money without the aid of a civil servant

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—21

Change does not come easy •Joseph Wayas says of Nigeria at 55

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

D

r.

Joseph Wayas was the Senate President during the Second Republic. In this interview, he says Nigeria has made considerable progress, 55 years after independence, in spite of the nation’s ethnic and sociocultural diversities.

Nigeria at 55 I think we have made some level of progress but within these

C M Y K

•Joseph Wayas 55 years, we have not enjoyed free democratic movement as we have had to make compromises here and there. In a country like Nigeria with all its diversities, it is not easy to get everybody to come on board and participate in everything that is going on. It is not easy to rule a country with such diversities. But in spite of this, what is more important is that

we have made progress and we pray that as we continue, we will make substantial progress. We need to be together and be united and we ought to turn our diversities into our strength.

A man at 55 years is supposed have become mature and grown-up person but Nigeria at 55 appears to be facing many problems. When you talk about a man at 55, he is a single individual but when you talk about Nigeria with people, men and women of different diversities and a population of well over 100 million people, so to settle and agree on those things that will make growth, we have tried. We have tried really to be together and I pray that we do more and in another 50

years it should be one of the best countries you have in the world. Already we have shown signs by overcoming most obstacles on our part of growth. So, I am very optimistic that we will do better as we progress.

Human growth itself does not happen in one day. As people move along, they make progress and improve on the way they do things.

For instance, take yourself, yesterday, when I say yesterday, I mean figuratively. Yesterday, you were doing certain things, today you look at the way you handled problems, you say to yourself no, I would have done it better this way or you were totally into a problem and now you say I don’t want to know about that problem. But today you say, I think I should look at it again carefully, I think there is an answer for it.

So, life must be subject to changes, changes must come around.

Change does not come easy.

My message

For Nigeria at 55, let us look at other countries that are older than 55 and see whether they are so perfect because as long as there are human beings there, there will be no perfection. We learn to do things better by experience. If something happened this way last time, I should not repeat the mistakes of yesterday. For instance, if a 55 years old person makes a mistake, we choose to compare it with say, when he was 35 years old or 25 years, and you say when he was much younger, he did have enough experience.

Nigeria is making some progress and I think that there is no question about that. The question is, are we making progress that will satisfy everybody?

So, as long as we have the patience, to make amends, by the time Nigeria will be about 150 years, it will be a different country, one of the best in the world.

22— SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Continues from page 14 Ezeagu tell stories of not only destruction of their farms but also rape of their women in their farms.

Over 70 percent of the people in the state who are domiciled in rural areas, engage in subsistent or commercial agricultural activities as their mainstay. But the recent increasing threat posed by Fulani herdsmen is rocking the fabric of their fundamental existence.

Incidents of killing, robbery, rape, maiming and kidnapping by the cattle herdsmen have inflicted pains on most farmers, even as farm produce have been drastically affected.

Farmers, leaving in fear, have scampered to safety in desperate bids to avoid being hacked down by the rampaging herdsmen.

Last March, suspected Fulani herdsmen allegedly killed Tamgbo Ogueji, a member of the traditional rulers’ cabinet at Eke Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. The deceased, aged 85, was shot in his house in the early hours over an undisclosed issue with the herdsmen.

President-General, Eke Town Union, Mr. Anthony Enu, told Saturday Vanguard that the community was irked and the youths restive. He said: “Last year, the same Fulani herdsmen killed two of our brothers, Matthew Aniugo and Chiagha Chigbo, in their farms. The town is boiling with anger now. We have reported the matter to the Police. We are calling on all relevant authorities to prevail on these Fulani herdsmen to ensure justice for our people.”

The sleepy town of Nkpologu Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State was, last January, thrown into mourning following news of the death of a young woman on New Year eve, during a Fulani herdsmen’s robbery attack on a commuter bus.

The deceased, Veronica Ezugwu, 20, from Agum Village, Nkpologu Community was pronounced dead at Annunciation Hospital, Emene, Enugu.

She had sustained several gunshot injuries during the robbery attack on the commuter bus conveying the victim and three other passengers home for Christmas on December 24, 2014.

The incident occurred at Camp Bus Stop, Nkpologu Community at 12.54pm.

According to an eyewitness, three Fulani herdsmen, armed with short pump action doublebarrelled guns, sprang from the bush and started shooting at the bus.

The bus driver escaped into the bush with gunshot wounds, while the two other passengers sustained minor injuries.

According to the eyewitness, “Veronica was hit on the head and eyes and her brain tissues severed.”

Contacted, the cousin to the C M Y K

Menace of Fulani Herdsmen

deceased, Chinedu Ezugwu, said: “She was rushed immediately to University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu.

But we could not get medical attention following the industrial action embarked upon by health workers.

“We then took her to Annunciation Hospital on December 25. She was operated on and the bullets removed. Eventually she died on New Year eve. We are yet to come to terms with the sad development. She was coming home for Christmas and had got to the bus stop to her village. I do not think we will ever recover from this”, Mr. Ezugwu lamented.

In Ebonyi State, people are usually uncomfortable with the activities of Fulani herdsmen simply because of their tendency to become violent at the slightest provocation. And due to their level of education, exposure and background, many people in the state tend to avoid them but only react to their misdemeanors whenever situations get out of control.

However, the complaints of those in Ebonyi border mainly on the ease with which the cattle rearers go into both private and public farms without permission to allow their cattle to graze in the area.

Farmers and villagers in Imo State also have gory tales to tell. Emotions ran high and tension was electric recently as scores of angry youths of Irete Community in the state, blocked the ever busy OwerriOnitsha dual carriageway to protest the damnable activities of Fulani herdsmen in their community.

Obviously, the Hausa-Fulani herdsmen were at it again in the community, harassing the people who tried to resist efforts to turn their cassava,

yam and vegetables farms into grazing fields for cattle.

Some affected villagers told Saturday Vanguard that they now feel helpless and defenceless in their own communities, especially as the Federal and State Governments appear not ready to come to their assistance.

Presently, most farmers are now scared to go to their farms, while it is also true that they are afraid to move about in the night!

Many South-East sociopolitical leaders perceive the menace of these Fulani herdsmen as a threat to every Nigerian as their activities are nationwide. Following the recent abduction of Chief Olu Falae, a group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Stakeholders called on President Muhammadu Buhari to “cage the Fulani herdsmen now.”

The group, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Chukwudi Ibegbo said: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Stakeholders’ Forum was alarmed by the recent abduction of a Nigerian statesman and Yoruba leader, Chief Olu Falae, by Fulani herdsmen. This abduction, one too many, could have led to a national chaos if he was not released later by the marauders.

“Nigeria and her government should no longer keep quiet in the face of this Fulani terror in the Middle Belt and South of the country. The open grazing acts of Fulani herdsmen are now outdated and should be phased out in Nigeria. We warn of future consequences of unchecked Fulani herdsmen attacks on innocent Nigerians.”

Panacea Perturbed by the herdsmen’s activities, the immediate past

Incidents of killing, robbery, rape, maiming and kidnapping by the cattle herdsmen have inflicted pains on most farmers, even as farm produce have been drastically affected.

Farmers, leaving in fear, have scampered to safety in desperate bids to avoid being hacked down by the rampaging herdsmen

Enugu State House of Assembly led by Eugene Odoh, began public hearing on a bill to make provisions for the control of nomadic cattle rearing in the state, and which passed second reading.

Represented by the Leader of the House, Mr. Udo-Okoye of Awgu-North Constituency, the Speaker said: “Yes, it’s true that our women, both young and old, have been raped, maimed in their farmlands by cattle rearers in the state. These cattle rearers send their cows into the farmlands of our people where they destroy all their farm produce. They block the highways with their cattle, rob and kidnap our people. They abduct them and keep them captives in the bush and demand for ransom. That is why as a House elected to serve, represent and make laws for the good governance of our people, we can no longer fold our arms and watch our people being killed and maimed.”

The bill provides for the establishment of grazing areas in each of the three senatorial zones of Enugu State and the nomadic cattle rearers shall ensure that the cattle are confined within the grazing areas as provided.”

It further stipulated: “Any person who permits cattle to graze in an area not designated as grazing area in the state, shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a sixmonth imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 or both.

“Cattle found grazing in an area not designated a grazing area in the state shall be impounded by the pound master or any other person duly authorized by the commissioner. Any cattle impounded under this law, which is not claimed within one week of the impounding shall be sold in accordance with auction law; the proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the government revenue.”

And in Ebonyi State, reacting to the menace of the Fulani herdsmen, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Uchenna Orji condemned the illegal activities of cattle rearers in the state and called on them to be law abiding and avoid all forms of vices while carrying out their activities.

“They need to keep tenets governing the state and they have not been complying; their actions have been devastating and

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, OCTOBER 3, 2015—23

I

own a green passport. In the days around Independence, this I was told, was a great privilege.

A story was told to me—and I can vouch for its authenticity—by a man who was a student in England at the time of our Independence. He was to travel to a couple of European countries for some projects and a UK passport would have meant a visa free, and therefore a hassle free travel. But he declined. He wanted it known that he was a Nigerian and a proud and sovereign one even if it entailed the inconvenience of having to get a couple of visas. That was what independence did to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora. It swelled their hearts and filled them with indescribable pride. Many there were, who dumped their UK passports as soon as the Nigerian passports became available to them.

Many people who travelled abroad at that time went mainly for the Golden Fleece. Very few went for business or pleasure, and soon as the business of studying was over, they came straight home. Those who stayed behind to form the core of the first generation of Nigerian born British were those who were too ashamed to come home without the proverbial Golden Fleece: not that they were ashamed of Nigeria.

Nigeria was a decent country with a decent and a bright future. The green passport at the time represented that decency and hope.

I became an adult during the oil boom and was a first hand witness to the swagger that went with it. The oil wealth meant Nigerians could now travel in droves for business and pleasure. Those who had scrimped and slaved to get through college education in Europe, especially in the UK now went back to buy houses and live big. I was on an inaugural flight with a prominent Nigerian in the middle 70s. He was one of those who studied abroad, came back and became a major beneficiary of the oil

I

The green passport boom and Indigenization Decree which handed foreign companies to some Nigerians on a platter of gold. I was right behind him at the point of entry and he let it be known during the course of the interview that he owned a home in an exclusive part of London. He was asked how long he was going to stay and he said ‘until I am broke’ confidently and loudly enough for many of us to hear. The officer smiled sheepishly and stamped the passport.

That was Nigeria in the 70s when the green passport meant wealth. It also unfortunately, signaled the decline of our values. We became boisterous, loud and prodigal. Each time we took over a club or a restaurant with our noise and swagger, the most often asked question was ‘ where are you guys from?’ to which we answered proudly ‘we are from Nigeria’.

We expected looks of envy from the waiters and onlookers; gradually, these however became sniggers of derision at our lack of taste. Those were the days when we took cabs to Oxford Street of all places and asked them to wait while we went shopping. These were some of the things we did that even the richest and most stupid Englishman would not do. Apart from the crawling speed which made walking more sensible, Oxford Street is always so awash with cabs that there

C M Y K

Nigerian travelers. We also became the first set of countries to require visas in order to visit other commonwealth countries. I suffered what I consider humiliations at least twice on account of the green passport in the 80s. The first was when I was travelling on a one-hour trip from France to Germany, and was probably the only black on board. The fellow passengers hardly broke their strides as they flashed their passports and walked through immigration. When it was my turn and my green passport came out, I was asked to step aside while those behind me walked through. I became very noticeable in a very humiliating way.

The second was in Bangkok, Thailand where I was flying to Europe. My hand

We fell from being a sleeping giant to a comatose one

n the last 14 years, my wife and I have been sponsors to 10 couples getting married. The job of the sponsor in the church has nothing to do with giving financial support to the couples marrying, although no be crime if sponsors give. The sponsors’ job is to encourage, guide and advise new couples to make their marriages successful. Ordinarily new couples are advised to work out their differences and avoid bringing third parties into their marriages. But sometimes things boil over, especially for young couples, and it is the responsibility of the sponsors to ensure that the situation is resolved amicably.

Being a sponsor places enormous weight on you.

You cannot give what you do not have, so you are supposed to make your own marriage work and give advice based on experience, unless you want to be hypocritical. Being a sponsor is also like parenthood. You should sponsor only the number of couples you will have time for. At 10, I have hit my peak. In fact, I have to confess that I am not in touch with three of the couples we sponsored in our earlier years of matrimony, which is a failing on my part.

Anyway, our last “babies” are Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Oliver Otite. These two brilliant Nigerians of Urhobo extraction are among the legion of young Nigerian professionals holding their own in the United States. Incidentally, the parents of Onoriode, the bride, Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Michael Arienmughare were our sponsors 16 years ago.

The American-style wedding with heavy Nigerian flavour took place in Boerne (pronounced Bernie), a town near San Antiono, Texas. It was a simple but very impressive, colourful and fulfilling ceremony. Nigeria was literally transported to America. Majority of the family members and guests were in Urhobo attire of wrapper and flowing tops with bowler hats and coral beads to complement, not forgetting adjudju(traditional hand fan) and okpo(walking stick). Many parishioners

is never a need to retain one. I once witnessed a Nigerian who liked a particular pair of shoes that he bought all the colours on offer. Of course the attendant was happy and offered champagne but I cringed where I was because it was not a compliment to our taste or sensibility.

Gradually, the green passport became symbols of irresponsibility, licentiousness and even fraud as many Nigerians in an attempt to continue living big, abandoned the traditional work ethics for which our forefathers were known, for lives of crime. Places where just showing the green passport used to suffice now wanted to screen

Wedding Americana

of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, where the wedding took place, had apparently not seen such a spectacle before. And did they like it? They were wowed. The parish priest, Fr. Norman Ermis, mentioned it again to the congregation at the 9a.m. Sunday Mass the next day.

The reception was also very Nigerian, even though it followed American tradition with pre-dinner cocktail. The cocktail was a combination of fruits, veggies and small chops with assorted drinks.

Dinner was totally Nigerian: egusi soup and pounded yam, yam porridge, fried rice, jollof rice, chicken and fish stew, goat meat pepper soup, moi moi, etc. I saw some American guests taking jollof rice and pounded yam.

Do not ask me how they combined them. I was aching to find out, but I thought that would be rude and not dignifying of a sponsor. But when I watched from afar later, I saw empty plates, half eaten pounded yam and untouched pounded yam wraps.

Music too was 95 per cent Nigerian.

It was apparent our “exports” are very much abreast of Nigerian music and dance steps. Watching the young

Nigerians as they danced away, I had mixed feelings. I was proud and happy to be a Nigerian because many of them are well educated professionals in the US doing decent jobs, not washing toilets, sweeping streets or doing dishes in restaurants, no disrespect to people who do these jobs. I was also happy that they are not drug pushers, pimps, prostitutes or exconvicts. I celebrate these 11 apostles who are flying our national flag rather than worry about the Judas who has decided to betray us and drag us in the mud.

I was, however, sad because I know some of them to be the brightest and best brains in their generation who would have been very useful here, especially now that CHANGE is in the air, no politics intended. Lest I forget, there was spraying o! How the ceremony for take complete without spraying?

At least, it is not a crime to spray in America.

The coming together of the Arienmughares/Ovadjes and the Otites reinforced some of my beliefs in family and matrimony. One, the extended family system is good. It was heartwarming seeing uncles,

luggage was a pilot case which I considered to be very cute at the time.

But the officer who was checking me in thought otherwise. For reasons best known to him, he thought it had a false bottom and was going to rip it apart until I pointed out that the pilot case was sitting on studs. I also made it clear that he would bear the full cost of an immediate replacement. Ordinarily, the fact that I was travelling business class should have earned me some respect. But I had to insist on seeing a superior officer in addition to an apology. Oh! the descent of the green passport.

But the free fall of the green passport came when our leaders—military and civilian—decided on massive corruption which brought disrespect and odium to every carrier of the green passport. Some of the leaders were even placed on travel restrictions because of their untoward activities in government. We fell from being a sleeping giant to a comatose one. Now the swagger is long gone and when people ask ‘ where are you from?’ many try to avoid answering the question. Many with dual passports claim American or British citizenships.

Yet Nigerians have every reason to be proud of their country. It has abundant, and the key word is abundant, human and natural resources. It has a people with a ‘can do’ spirit. We can very easily be one of the most prosperous countries in the world. But first, we need to get rid of the class system. We need to get rid of the rent seeking elite. We need to get rid of government by patronage and run a truly inclusive government that recognizes neither religion nor tribe.

Only merit.

As we celebrate another National Independence, let us as a people think of how we missed the turning. Let us remind our religious and ethnic warlords that all they have done is promote mediocrity and divisions. The task to bring our green passport to its pre-eminent positions will require the collective goodwill of every Nigerian.

It can be done. aunts and other relatives of the bride and groom from all over America, Europe and Nigeria. But the extended family is better when prosperity and accomplishments are spread. Being a lone big tree is not good enough. If you are one of such, try to water the other trees. If they are unresponsive, plant new trees, if possible. A lone tree will never make forest. And if a tornado, hurricane or storm comes, it can easily get blown away. A family of many heavyweights/middleweights is far better than a family of one heavyweight and many Lilliputians.

God has given us all various talents.

Family members should be encouraged to develop theirs for their own good and the good of all.

Two, it is good to be good. The goodwill of the parents was apparent.

The Urhobo and Delta State communities in America came to rejoice with the families. Some travelled four hours by air; some spent two days travelling by road. By the way, Texas road network is the best I have seen and they are building more as if it is a virgin city. They sure know how to anticipate and plan for the future.

Three, the best legacies you can bequeath to children remain good education and integrity. It was nice running into old family friends who inherited no houses, shares and large bank accounts from their parents. All they got were a good upbringing and education, which have been sufficient for them to conquer their worlds. This is a lesson to all who are pursuing careers, money and other mundane accomplishments to the detriment of proper upbringing of their children.

You are simply building on sand. God first, your family is second. Every other thing is number three, four and so on.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

By AYO ONIKOYI, Entertainment Editor

I

t is said that the only constant thing in the world is change, and nothing defines the history of evolution of music genres in Nigerian than change. Even Change, as constant as it seems, is never sudden, it is a gradual process, that may involve a lot of intermingling elements and situations. The history of Nigerian music and its ever-changing genres have never travelled one road, it is harmonious, arduous journey through many overlapping pathways.

It is almost impossible to trace the origin of music genres in Nigeria without recourse to earlier years which influenced pretty much of the scene from 1960 to date. Attempting to do so, is like studying the anatomy of a man without the head and neck.

No doubts various cultures in Nigeria have always had their folklore music but earliest styles of Nigerian popular music were palm-wine music and highlife, which spread in the 1920s among Nigeria and nearby countries. By the 1960s, with infusion of Cuban, American and other styles of imported music into what was palm-wine music juju evolved just as highlife was enjoying appreciable prominence alongside it.

Juju music

I

t is believed that Babatunde King, one of the earliest palmwine musicians coined the word ‘juju’, making him arguably the founder, after infusing Caribbean and American styles into palm-wine music. However, there are others who believed ‘juju’ may have developed as an expression of disdain by the colonial leaders as any native tradition was apt to be dismissed as ‘mere joujou, French for “nonsense”. After Babatunde King, names like Ojoge Daniel, Tunde Nightingale, Speedy Araba, Irewole Denge and the Blind minstrel, Kokoro also became popular.

By 1950s and 1960s following World War II, Nigerian music started to take on new instruments and techniques, including electric instruments imported from the United States and Europe. Rock n roll, soul and funk became popular in Nigeria, and elements of these genres were added to jùjú by artists such as IK Dairo. At the same time, highlife had been slowly gaining in popularity among the Igbo people and their unique style soon found a national audience.

Concurrently, Apala music championed by Haruna, a pseudo juju music that requires two or three talking drums (omele), a rattle (sekere), thumb piano (agidigbo) and a bell (agogo), was also taking the southwestern Nigeria by storm.

By early to mid 1970s three of the biggest names in Nigerian music history were at their peak; Fela Kuti, Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade. Although popular styles such as highlife and jùjú were at the top of the Nigerian charts in the ’60s, traditional music remained widespread. Traditional stars included the Hausa Dan Maraya Jos who was so well known that he was brought to the battlefield during the 1967 Nigerian Civil War to lift the C M Y K

•Fela Kuti

•Sikiru Ayinde Barrister

55TH INDEPENDENCE D AY SPECIAL: DA

Battles of music genres in Nigeria since 1960 morale of the federal troops.

Juju began its upward spiral growth with Tunde Nightingale and IK Dairo who introduced more Westernised pop influences to the genre. In 1963, IK Dairo became the only African musician ever honoured by receiving membership of the Order of the British Empire, an Order of Chivalry in the United Kingdom.

Then in 1964 and 1966 respectively Commander Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade arrived the scene to change how juju is played. So legendary was their rivalry that juju music was catapulted into a national conscience. They both increased their bands to 30 and over, a long way from Dairo that increased the original 4 performers ensemble to 10.

With Shina Peters and Segun Adewale the scene changed completely. While Segun Adewale introduced Yo Pop, Shina Peters introduced Afro-juju which influences can be seen in today’s Afro hip-hop

Apala and Fuji

In the 21st century, Afrobeat is still one of the most recognized genres in Nigeria with more artists joining the music scene, such artists include D’banj, PSquare, Wizkid, Davido and many more

Apala music became very popular in the 1960s through Haruna Ishola, Sefiu Ayan, Kasumu Adio, and Ayinla Omowura but it soon metamorphosed into Fuji. Fuji grew steadily more popular between the 1960s and ’70s, becoming closely associated with Islam in the process. It is closely related to juju. In fact Fuji has been described as jùjú without guitars.

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Sir Kollington Ayinla were the forerunners of fuji music in Nigeria.

Their rivalry in no small measure added to the hype that heralded then in the 70s and 80s. Soon after them King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Akande Obesere followed suit. Then came Pasuma Alabi and Saheed Osupa rivalry. Curiously enough, with these duo fuji has seriously dwindled in popularity as much of their audience now seek allegiance in Afropop and hip hop.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 25

Reggae, Afro Hip-Hop and Afro Pop

M

•2Face Idibia

•Victor Olaiya

Highlife and Afrobeat

W

hile juju is predominantly a Yoruba kind of music, highlife is more African in nature and mostly accepted and played by the Igbo people. Though it is thought to have originated in Ghana, the music gained popularity as far back as 1950s in Nigeria. Earliest proponents of the genre in Nigeria were Bobby Benson, Jim Lawson, Victor Olaiya, Stephen Osadebe, Celestine Ukwu, Mike Ejiagha, who all took a thing or two from Ghana’s Mensah. There were many others too.

After the civil war in the 1960s, Igbo musicians were forced out of Lagos and returned to their homeland. The result was that highlife ceased to be a major part of mainstream Nigerian music, and was thought of as being something purely associated with the Igbos of the east.

Highlife’s popularity slowly dwindled among the Igbos, supplanted by jùjú and fuji.

However, a few performers kept the style alive, such as Victor Olaiya, the only Nigerian to ever earn a platinum record, Stephen Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque, Celestine Ukwu, Oriental Brothers, Sonny Okosun, Victor Uwaifo, Orlando Julius and others. Most of them reigned from mid 60s down to early 80s.

Afrobeat is a style most closely associated with Nigeria, though practitioners and fans are found throughout West Africa, and Afrobeat recordings are a prominent part of the world music category. It is a fusion of American funk with elements of highlife, jazz and other styles of West African music.

Fela Kuti began performing in

1961, but did not start playing in his distinctive Afrobeat style until his exposure to Sierra Leonean Afro-soul singer Geraldo Pino in 1963.Although Kuti is often credited as the only pioneer of Afrobeat, other musicians such as Orlando Julius Ekemode were also prominent in the early Afrobeat scene, where they combined highlife, jazz and funk.

By the end of the ’80s and early ’90s, Afrobeat had diversified by taking in new influences from jazz and rock and roll. Lagbaja became one of the standard-bearers of the new wave of Afrobeat, especially after his 1996 LP. Following a surprise appearance in place of his father, Fela, Femi Kuti garnered a large fan base.

In the 21st century, Afrobeat is still one of the most recognized genres in Nigeria with more artists joining the music scene, such artists include D’banj, P-Square, •The Remedies Wizkid, Davido and many more.

UCH of early 80s to late 90s saw the rape of the Nigerian music scene by foreign influences, mostly from the United States. Then, the youths craved for foreign funk, pop and to a lesser extent reggae music. Juju, fuji and highlife, though fading out in prominence was only appreciated by the older folks.

Even at that, the Nigerian music was undergoing a change and it was hip hop that was trying to find expression and acceptance among the youths.

In 1988, Sound on Sound was the first Nigerian group to compete for the hearts of the Nigerian youths with what can be called true Nigerian hip hop and rap music.

When talking about reggae music in Nigeria, this brand of music was started by a musician simply called “Terakota”.

By the 80s, leading Nigerian reggae stars included, The Mandators, Ras Kimono, Majek Fashek and others and they enjoyed their share of public glee from mid to late 1980s and early ’90s. Later prominent reggae musicians included Jerri Jheto and Daddy Showkey who started inculcating the Jamaican patois, pretty much around the period ragga music was romancing true reggae . This style has influenced the likes of Duncan Mighty, Timaya, Orezi, Burna Boy, Patoranking and lately Cynthia Morgan, who will bring some smiles to the face of Jamaican Patra.

After the Sound on Sound bold effort of 1988, Emphasis, Ruff Rugged and Raw, SWAT ROOT, De Weez and Black Masquradaz followed suit. By 1990s to early 2000, Trybesmen, The Remedies, Plantashun Boiz have climbed the stage.

Other prominent Nigerian hip-hop musicians include, Ruggedman, Eedris Abdulkareem, Weird MC, Naeto C, Styl Plus, Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Davido, Olamide, Vector, Ice Prince, MI, Reminice and many others.

Whatever the history tells us it is obvious Nigerian music genres are an offspring of our cultural folk songs with help from other cultures abroad. The true progenitors are the ancient palm-wine music which gave birth to juju, and from juju to afro juju and from afro juju to afropop which is pretty much afro hip-hop. So, is highlife.

Highlife still exists in its purest full but much of it has been swallowed by hip-hop and concocted to a blend of afropop. Do we hear much of juju, fuji or highlife today?

They have all been swallowed and reborn as afro hiphop and afropop.

Nevertheless, it is a win win situation for the country.

At 55 Nigerian music industry can thump its chest that it is far ahead of others in Africa in quality and quantity of its production. Someone has said the industry is worth billions in dollars and has actively engaged many of the youths. We may still be a long way behind US and some parts of Europe but Nigerian music industry is one Nigeria can be proud of at 55.

C M Y K

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

After 55 years, the movie industry still crying for help

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

W

HEN the likes of Hubert Ogunde, Jab Adu, Ola Balogun, Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala), Eddie Ugbomah and other great filmmakers of yesteryears began what is today known as the Nigerian movie industry, otherwise called Nollywood in the 60s, not many people envisaged the boom that greeted the industry over the years. But it was the production of the film, “Palaver” by the British government that actually set the pace for the evolution of the nation’s movie industry.

The production of that first ever film in the country, which premiered at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, 23 years after the film was shot in 1926, marked a new dawn in the nation’s movie industry.It was

recorded that the success story of the film paved the way for the emergence of indigenous film makers like Herbert Ogunde, Dr Ola Balogun, Eddie Ugbomah among others who moved from the then vibrant theatre tradition to the big screen. It also put paid to the “hitherto monopoly enjoyed by two film redistribution organizations of the Federal Film Unit – W. Hewston in 1961, shortly after independence.

However, despite the initial challenges faced by the early film makers which bothered on high cost of producing films, lack of exhibition centres and funding as well as the unending political and economic crisis that was the order of the day then, the industry has over the years grown in leaps and bounds. It is not only reckoned

Tunde Kelani on a movie set today as one of the fastest growing sectors in African economy, but also, it’s a major player in the area of generating employment for the teeming population of youths as well as boosting the once battered image of the country at the international scene.

But even in the face of despair,

the early film makers maintained a unique standard by telling the undiluted African story using their various works.

Ogunde, who wrote both in English and in Yoruba, more than any one else, created the awareness of the modern theatre tradition in Nigeria, operating a travelling theatre company, and

taking his plays to various parts of the country, via cinemas and also to other West African countries, particularly Ghana and Sierra Leone, for about 40 years. He was referred to as the father of the Nigerian theatre because of his great contribution to the birth of the Nigerian film industry. But the nation’s film industry could not take off properly until 1970, when the first

New dawn in Nigerian movie industry!

B

UT many make reference to the 1992 release of “Living in Bondage”, a film about a businessman whose wife died due to his dealings with a money cult, as the first Nigerian blockbuster. Since then, thousands of blockbusters have been released into the market.

One of the early movies to hit the international market was “Osoufia in London”, released in 2003, and starring Nkem Owoh (Ukwa), the popular comedic actor. Since then, the Nigerian film makers have not looked back in their quest to produce quality films. In recent years, Nollywood had set its standard to meet other film sectors in the world with the emergence of notable film makers such as Kunle Afolayan, Tunde Kelani, Lancelot Imasuen, Zeb Ejiro, Zik Zulu Okafor among others.

The late 90s and early 2000, saw the industry producing films that mainly celebrated such bizarre themes as violence, witchcraft, nudity, rituals, and other themes that portrayed Nigeria, and indeed, Africa in a negative light before the international community. But this ugly trend was quickly addressed with the emergence of firebrand filmmakers in the late 2000, who were eager to produce bar-raising films that

are speedily making inroads into the international film market. These emerging film makers did not only raised the bar, they also rescued the industry from the stranglehold of mediocrity by returning to the cinema as it was the tradition during the time of Hubert Ogunde.

However, the boom recorded in the industry started few years ago, precisely in 2009, after Kunle Afolayan released his award-winning classic, “Figurine” which starred the likes of Ramsey Nouah, Omoni Oboli, Funlola Aofiyebi, Jide Kosoko, Wale Adebayo, amongst others.

The movie gulped over N50 million in the cinemas. It also received 10 nominations and won five awards at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2010, including the award for Best Picture, Heart of Africa, AMAA, Achievement in Cinematography and AMAA Achievement in Visual Effect.

This was followed by the production of the blockbuster, “Ije: The Journey by Chineze Anyaene, starring Nigeria’s two leading actresses, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jolade-Ekiende, Jeff Swarthout, Clem Ohaneze and Ulrich Que. A NigerianAmerican drama film, Ije

received several nominations and awards including the awards for Best Editing and the Treasure Coast International Film Festival and Best International Student Film at the Swansea Bay Film Festival 2010. The film gulped N70 million during first 12 weeks of its showing in the cinemas to become the highest gulping Nigerian film.

Also, Obi Emelonye’s “Mirror Boy” which was released in 2011, made similar feat in the

•A scene from Girls in the mood

cinemas. Starring Genevieve Nnaji, Osita Iheme, Edward Kagutuzi and Fatima Jebbe, the film, a Nigerian fantasy adventure drama was shot in England and The Gambia. It reportedly gulped over N12 million, and up till date, the movie is still winning awards and showing on AfricaMagic.

Others were “Maami” by the veteran film maker, Tunde Kelani which starred Funke Akindele, Wole Ojo, Tamilore Kuboye, amongst others with

special appearance by Yinka Davies, Kayode Balogun, Fatai Rolling Dollar and released in 2012, “The Return of Jenifa” produced by Funke Akindele and Stephanie Okereke’s “Through the Glass” which was produced in 2008. “Anchor Baby,” directed produced by Lonzo Nzekwe and Jeremy Hood also was another blockbuster that helped to raise the bar in Nollywood.

Interestingly, the past few years have been eventful in the Nigerian movie industry with most of the films produced within this period making incisive impacts on the international film market. Our local film makers are equally getting involved in collaborative productions with their counterparts from Hollywood, Bollywood and other parts of Africa.

From every indication, Nigerian films have become very popular among

“Öctober 1” which was released last October to commemorate the Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary has not stopped winning awards.

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 27

Govt support for the industry D

Hubert Ogunde

Kunle Afolayan indigenous feature film, “Kongi’s Harvest”, written by Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, was produced in the country.

Directed by an American with many of its crew members being foreigners, the production triggered off a momentous revolution in the Nigerian movie industry. This effort saw more talented Nigerians who had their training during the CFU

Baba Sala Africans in diaspora.

Till date, Lancelot Imasuen’s historical film, “Invasion 1897” which was released last December is still receiving accolades across the world, having premiered in over 20 cities of Europe and America. The same thing with Kunle Afolayan’s “Öctober 1” which was released last October to commemorate the Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary has not stopped winning awards.

The big-budget film, which is unique for its historical values, has become a reference point for many historians, scholars and students of African studies. The epic movie, based on historical events in the Benin Empire in the 18th century, premiered on August 27, 2014 at the Toronto African Film and Music Festival and since then it has toured major cities in

era, getting involved in the production of indigenous films.

Between 1962 and 1977, films such as “Born in Lagos”, “Child Bride”, “Son of Africa”, “Golden women”, “My Good Friends”, “Count Down at Kusini and ShehuUmar” were produced.

Other were Ajani Ogun and Ija Ominira by Ola Balogun, Aiye Jayesimi and Ayanmo by

Jab Adu the United States including Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, New York, Dallas among others. Last year, the American government adopted the film through its agency, Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C, following its historical perspective. But like “Invasion 1897”, AY’s “30 Days in Atlanta” which was shot in the United States and starring some of Hollywood’s leading stars last year remains one of Nollywood best films . The film amazingly grossed N76million in 7 weeks of showing in the cinemas across the country. There is also this prediction that it might as well gross over N100 million after Christmas.

More and more emerging filmmakers are taking the centrestage just as our local

Ogunde, The Rise and Fall of Dr Oyenusi and Death of a Black President by Eddie Ugbomah, Kadara by Ade Love, Orun Mooru and Mosebolatan by Moses Olaiya, Efusetan Aniwuray by Ishola Ogunshola and Ireke Onibudo by Ayo Rasak among others. Though these films were not commercially successful, they were indeed excellent productions which the producers used then in mirroring the Nigerian society.

Ola Balogun films are getting international recognition. Our stories are being translated into film across borders. A case in point is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” which sees renowned actors such as Thandie Newton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, O.C. Ukeje, Onyeka Onwenu, and Genevieve Nnaji among others bringing the story to life. Jeta Amata has since hit the international scene with his “Black November”, an action drama that narrates the story of a Niger Delta community’s struggle against their government and a multi-national oil corporation to save their environment which is being destroyed by excessive oil drilling.

Being Africa’s largest movie industry in terms of both value and the number of movies produced per year, Nollywood has become a global brand, overtaking Hollywood to emerge the second largest in the world after Bollywood.

ESPITE the overwhelming progress recorded in the nation’s movie industry since independence, government support for the industry has been nothing to right home about. Except for the former president Goodluck Jonathan whose administration was reputed to be the only successive administration in the country that heavily invested in the industry. Before now, funding has been a major factor that is undermining the growth of the industry. The celluloid practitioners contrary to reports dumped their passion for the less tasking endeavour -home video-” after the launch of the National Film Policy in 1992, not simply because of the danger posed by video culture to the survival of a virile film industry, but importantly, because of the increasing cost of producing films on celluloid. The industry is growing at an alarming rate, and this welcome development inspired the decision of former president Goodluck Jonathan when in 2010, he created the initial $200 million loan scheme to support filmmakers in boosting the quality of their production. The industry is growing at an alarming rate, and this welcome development inspired the decision of former president Goodluck Jonathan when 2010, he created the initial $200 million loan scheme to support filmmakers in boosting the quality of their production.

However, following complaints of inaccessibility that trailed the loan scheme, the former president, in 2013, announced a N3 billion ($115 million) grant called “Project ACT Nollywood” to develop the competencies of filmmakers and actors, with an ambitious target to trump India as the world’s second largest film nation after Hollywood.

To many, Jonathan’s support made a huge difference to the industry. Since launching the Project Act Nollywood last year, which was supervised by the then Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the industry is growing by leaps and bounds.

But despite showing genuine commitment towards growing the industry, one wonders whether Buhari-led administration would be magnanimous enough to sustain the legacy left behind by the past president.

Though Mr. president recently directed the law enforcement agencies to step up efforts to curb piracy in the country’s entertainment industry, there is still palpable fear among the stakeholders over the willingness of the present government not only to sustain the Project Nollywood Act which is supposed to be a yearly grant, but also, its readiness to adopt the industry.

It would be recalled that the American government through its Assistant Secretary of State on Economic and Business Affairs, Ambassador Charles Rivkinrecently announced its readiness to the nation’s film industry, particularly in the areas of co-production treaties, protection of Intellectual Property rights and distribution, among others. This, however, shows how much foreign governments are recognizing the impact our films are making across the globe. But all in all, the good news is that after 55 years of achieving self rule, Nigerian film industry has recorded a significant progress and can only continue to grow.

According to Frank Ikegwuono, about 1,200 films are produced in Nigeria annually, and the average film in Nollywood costs anywhere from $17,000- $23,000 and sells up to 150,000 -200,000 units nationwide on a daily basis.

As part of the welcome development, onlinenigeria.com at a time was the only online portal that Nigerians in diaspora could watch Nollywood movies and for free. But today, there are several portals like IrokoTV, IbakaTV, OgaMadamTV, even YouTube giving onlinenigeria.com a run for its money. IrokoTV launched on December 1, 2011 and is currently the largest licensor and distributor of Nollywood movies whose founder Jason Njoku was listed on the Forbes Ten Young African Millionaires to Watch list in 2012. It’s believed that to consolidate on the progress the industry has recorded in the past 55 years, there is need for the industry operators to continue to raise the bar and insist on maintaining the reopened link between the past and the present, by taking their movies back to the cinemas as it was the case in the past.

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

What fame has done for me — Hilda Dokubo

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

H

ilda Dokubo is one of the top actresses who ruled the screen in the early 90s and 2000. She disappeared from the screen for some years and now, she's back to reclaim her rightful place in the nation's movie industry. And to show her readiness to do so, the beautiful actress last weekend was adjudged Best Actress( in a comedy category) in Africa at this year's AMAA, for her role in her comeback movie, Stigma.

Showtime Celebrity cornered her while she was on the set of Kunle Afolayan's new movie, The CEO, recently. In this interview, she talks about her absence in the industry, her impression about the emerging trend in Nollywood and the secret behind her ageless looks among others Your fans have been missing your face on screen.

What has been happening to you?

Before now, I made a promise to Nigerians that I would not be part of a production that has no substance. So, the first movie I did last year was Stigma and as I speak with you now, Stigma has 9 nominations at the just concluded Africa Movie Academy Award, AMAA, and other platforms. The film was awesome. I still insist on maintaining the standard.

That's why it looks as if I have not been regular on screen.

Hilda Dokubo C M Y K

At a point you dumped acting

for politics?

I never left the industry. I was doing other projects. I shot a documentary for educational purposes. A lot of things happened at a time, I needed to go back to school and pursue my masters degree. I also needed to give back to my society. But that does not mean that when I see a good script, I won't grab it.

But there was this rumour that you delved into politics?

I wouldn't respond to this question. Let's talk about the movie, The CEO What role are you playing in the movie?

Chief Superintendent of Police.

How challenging is the role?

It is good, it is different from the previous roles I have played in movies. People are used to my playing good mother or the crying sister in movies. But this is totally a new experience for me.

Did you need to understudy the role of a police officer?

Yes, this is because you are working as a team where you have other professionals. I have to understand the character and what is expected of me. “ Tell us about the movie that brought you to limelight?

The first movie I shot was Jezebel, but Evil Passion was my first movie to be released into the market. It was released in 1992 during my youth service.

What's your impression about the emerging trends in Nollywood?

Nollywood is the biggest brand in Africa

Before now, I made a promise to Nigerians that I would not be part of a production that has no substance

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 29

at the moment. It's the third largest in the world. So, it can only get better. The industry is big and if you have been following the trend in the industry, you would notice that there are three different kinds of movies that are currently being shot in Nigeria. We have the films that are shot for the open market. We also have the films that are shot for cinema screening and cable stations as well as the ones that are shot for travelling and export like what Kunle is doing right now. So, Nollywood is expanding and practitioners are fitting into the different categories.

But are you comfortable with the new development, where Nigerians are preferring to watch foreign programs like Telemundo in place of our local productions?

When I was young, we used to watch soaps like Telemundo. We also had our local soaps that were equally captivating. But why would our local television station buy foreign content for what ever amount like Telemundo, instead of empowering an independent producer to produce similar television series?

Telemundo is a TV series. That's why we need to hold our TV stations responsible for not encouraging our arts and culture. They should try and fund this type of production.

What has been your greatest moment as an actress?

Seriously, I have not giving that a thought. But I think my best moment is usually those moments when you are working on a production and you know that you have hit your mark as an actress.

And that has happened several times in my productions.

presents its self. This is because I know I do not only represent myself, I represent the rest of Nigeria and Africa at large.

So, I can't let them down. I must give my best shot all the time.

Now that you have been off screen for some time, do you still get scripts often?

Even for the period I didn't act, I have a pill up of scripts in my office.

Scripts might be coming my way but the question is: are they the kind of scripts I want to be part of. When you get to a certain level, you have the audacity to reject some scripts. So it does matter whether the scripts are coming your way ir not. Rather, what matters was what you wanted to do and what meant something to you. So. I do not think it is about scripts not coming my way. I don't know, but for me, I get scripts every week.

But when I see a good script, I don't hesitate to grab it.

Have you ever had a low moment too?

No, I have never had a low moment. In fact, I have never had moment of regrets. Rather, I have always had fulfilling moments. I have enjoyed people's love and patronage.

Sometimes, I say to myself, I haven't been around for a while, yet people still recognize me more than the way they recognize those whose faces have been regular on screen. It means there is something good that I have done in my career as an actress.

When you look back from where you started, would you say the culture of storytelling has been eroded by the advent of western cultures?

Personally, what you consider to be good, may not be so to another person.

If you look at the way the world is going, you would probably understand why we have the things that are making the rounds. If you watch at least 70 percent of the musical videos we have today, they sell only three things: sex, alcohol and glamour. And that's what people are interested in watching, and so it is not about patronage. Those who produce visuals are also towing the line. They are saying, if sex is selling in audio, it might also sell in video. That's why you see this dovetailing of sex, glamour, drugs and alcohol thriving in our musical videos.

Unfortunately, fans are not rejecting this ugly trend. In fact, if they do, then those who are selling them wouldn't continue to be in business. Like I always say whenever I'm opportune to comment on our local music.

Nigerian music at the moment have no lyrics.

Instead, it is only rhythm and noise. And then the next thing you see is the video selling sex, alcohol and drugs. I think, it is the global trend that is affecting the local market. This is because people seem to go with a particular trend and I don’t like that personally.

What has fame done to you?

I have enjoyed a lot of love, goodwill, favour, open doors and warm reception. I am one of the very few people who have actually enjoyed so much as a result of what they do for a living. And so, I do the best I can every time the opportunity

I don't know what is responsible but I think basically, I look the way I look because right inside of me, I am extremely thankful and a happy person

What was the experience like working in the office environment?

I started working at the age of 7. At 15, I was already a continuity announcer on RSTV. So, I have always been around the office environment. I am not one of those entertainers whose offices are in their houses. I drive down to my office everyday.

Hilda Dokubo

Watching your films especially when you are playing the role of a widow or a depressed mother where you have to face a lot of traumatic moments, you interpret such role excellently that one is tempted to conclude that you have faced similar ordeal in real life.

Nobody prays for those experiences. God forbid, I am not a widow and I have never been a widow. I am happily married and I am enjoying my children. “ You look ageless, what the secret?

I just live a healthy life. I don't drink and I don't smoke. I don't eat unhealthy food. I only eat what my body needs and not what is available for me. Meaning that if at any particular time I'm hungry and all I can eat is very little, I eat that little and I don't force it. Again, I take a lot of liquid and plenty of water. I don't know what is responsible but I think basically, I look the way I look because right inside of me, I am extremely thankful and a happy person. “ Is any of your children taking after you?

My eldest son was into acting too before he went back to school to study ICT. At the moment, he's trying to blend digital craft with film making.

C M Y K

30—SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 IYABO AINA 08184172548

How my relationship with Kan hanged e ything anyye cchanged evver erything — Kim Kardashian

T

op screen diva and expectant mother, Kim Kardashian recently took to CNN style to disclose her love life with Kanye.

Kim told CNN Style that her hubby, Kanye West changed everything about her.

Kim who used to call herself a fashionista said when she met Kanye her story changed.

In her words: “I really think that my relationship with my husband Kanye really changed everything,” “I mean, back in the day I thought I had the best style. I look back at outfits and I’m, like, mortified. Kanye sees what’s out there on the streets and just knows how to translate that into something that would look good on me, ‘Just helping me push my limits a little bit and trying new things.’ I remember one day, he brought me former Vogue Paris editor and current CR Fashion Book editor Carine Roitfeld’s book and was like, “You should be, like, studying this book, this is, like, the fashion bible.” And I was like, “Who is Carine?” I knew nothing. And he said, “Watch, one day she’s going to style you” Kim added.

Justin and Selena

Lessons I learnt dating Selena Gomez — Justin Bieber

I

t is no-longer news that young and vibrant artist Justin Bieber, has broken up with his sweetheart Selena Gomez after a long romance.

But report reaching us has it that the superstar who recently emerged the cover star for Complex magazine’s latest edition, has finally opened up on why they broke up, lessons learnt from the relationship and other sundry issues.

Bieber said “We were so in love. Nothing else mattered. We were all about each other.

But when it’s like that and you get your value from that, people will always disappoint you.

Your girl or your dude, they’re always going to disappoint you. Your full identity can’t be in that person. My identity was in her. Her identity was in me.”

“Don’t fall in love” the singer said when

Kim Kardashian

asked about the lessons he learnt from the relationship.

He quickly added, “No, I’m just kidding. I learned a lot. I moved in with my girlfriend when I was 18.

Started my own life with her. It was a marriage kind of thing. Living with a girl, it was just too much at that age. When stuff would happen, I would lose my freaking’ mind, and she would lose her mind, and we would fight so hard because we were so invested in each other.

“Love is a choice. Love is not a feeling. People have made it seem in movies that it’s this fairy tale.

Sky TTV V penalised ffor or Nic ki Nicki Minaj’s raunchy music video S

ky TV has been slammed for inappropriately screening Nicki Minaj’s raunchy music video Only on MTV. The video which also features Canadian-born rapper Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown, portrays Minaj suggestively dancing, gyrating and “torturing” her costars.

Despite originally being classified MC, mature content suitable for a mature audience, the BSA have argued the video should have instead been graded 16LC,

C M Y K

content suitable for viewers 16-years and over, due to the video’s explicit nature, language, content and visuals.

The BSA issued a statement saying: “We are not saying that the video should not have been broadcast, only that it should have been broadcast in a 16LC viewing environment that would have adequately informed viewers of the nature of the video and allowed them to avail themselves of filtering

technology”.

“While MTV viewers may expect some music videos, especially for a song by Ms Minaj, to contain challenging content, the classification and warning given to the Only video did not indicate this high level of adult content.”

Sky TV have since apologised for their lapse in judgment, which the BSA described as a “reasonably serious breach of broadcasting standards”. Sky TV were later ordered to pay a fee of $1,500 to The Crown

Nicki Minaj

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 —

C M Y K

31

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Jane Mbagwu is Miss Pearllook 2015 J

ANE Mbagwu has emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Pearllook Beauty Contest 2015; she beat 17 other aspiring beauty queens at a keenly contested event, held penultimate Sunday September 12, at the Havillah events center, Victoria Island.

The event witnessed by a number of celebrities and fashion enthusiast, saw the girls make three appearances on stage; from swim, evening to traditional wear, each trying to outdo one another as they strut their stuff on the runway.

High point of the evening was the question and answer segment which saw the elimination of five of the final ten contestants who flunked their questions..

At the end of the competition, the judges’ team made up of Nigeria’s prolific fashion designer, Frank Osodi of House of Bunor, Celebrity photographer Reese Bona and Tana Adelana gave the crown to Jane Mbagwu for her poise, dexterity on stage and overall look.

By her win, Jane gets a free trip to Europe on tour.

She will also be representing Nigeria at the Miss Africa Continent Pageant in South Africa later this year.

The Pearllook Beauty Contest organized by Tokad International is an offshoot of the annual Pearllook Model contes,t which was born out of the desire to give back to society. For Doyin Olatokunbo, Chief Executive of Tokad International, the event which welcomes every girl, tall or short without age restriction, was created for their teaming fans who otherwise do not qualify for the usual beauty pageants, but really want to be beauty queens, to fulfill their dreams. “What we look out for is her ability to carry herself well, a standard educational qualification, and for her to be able to express herself in English” she said.

Also, unlike the normal beauty pageants, the Pearllook Beauty contest gave designers an opportunity to showcase their creativity on the runway, as the contestants were styled by designers, with all clothes and accessories provided by the designers. The event was spiced with musical Performances and comedy by EmmaOhMaGod, Young •Contestant on stage Starz of Africa, MC Shakara, Pastor and Lolo of Cool FM. C M Y K

•Jane Mbagwu Miss Pearllook 2015

•Jane Mbagwu Miss Pearllook 2015 with her runners up on stage

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 33

Sunshine ent er W olv es enter Wolv olves den for title hunt

A

Enyimba

Double Oriental derby in Umuahia, Owerri Stories by

JOHN EGBOKHAN

T

he league title seems destined for the east of the Niger is the current positions of teams stay the same till the end of the 2014-2015 season.

If that happens, then Enyimba, may well be crowned Nigerian champions, in what has been a remarkable year of amazing and unpredictable feast of football on the domestic front.

What a season it has been for watchers of the Nigerian game and what a weekend it will be for proud fans in the eastern region of the country as the first of its kind double oriental derby takes centre stage this weekend in Owerri, the capital of Imo State and Umuahia, Abia State capital.

Tomorrow at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Heartland welcome eternal

enemies Enyimba in what promises to be an explosive fixture.

Heartland’s ego have been badly bruised this season, accounting for their 12th position on the log, with 42 points and are desperate not to be dragged further down the table with a home loss to title-chasing Enyimba, who will be bidding to pull further away from the likes of Sunshine Stars, Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourist and Giwa at the summit.

But preceding that fixture

is today ’s derby between Abia Warriors and Rangers in Umuahia.

Abia Warriors, with 46 points, are seventh on the table and still hopeful of a possible CAF Confederation Cup ticket if results go their way in the remaining seven games of the season.

And for them to realsie that tall ambition, Aia Warriors must start winning games, beginning with today’s oriental derby with Rangers.

Sharks

Eunisell seeks Shar ks sur viv al Sharks surviv vival S Wolves

HOW THEY STAND

C M Y K

fter unceremoniously falling off the top four on the table, Sunshine Stars of Akure are back in the top two and now seriously contending for the title against leaders Enyimba.

The Coach Kennedy Boboye-tinkered Sunshine side had for the most part of the season looked like the runway champions of the league, having been on top for most part of the ongoing season. Despite enjoying a sizeable lead over Enyimba, Sunshine started showing signs of lethargy when te fixtures piled up, with teams having to play two matches in a week, an occurrence which saw teams with lean squad suffering from the long trip and dropping points. Sunshine, with their lean squad, were major casualties of the fixtures pile-up, losing away matches at will, and allowing Enyimba to upstage them to the top position.

And their woes were compounded by the invitation of their key players to the national U-23 team for the All Africa Games in Brazzaville. It even got worse for them when some of their players were invited by Coach Sunday Oliseh for the camping for the 2017 AFCON qualifier with Tanzania last month.

Of the five teams in the top five bracket, Sunshine Stars are incredibly the only ones to have lost 10 of their 31 matches, followed by third—placed Warri Wolves, who have been beaten nine times, Wikki Tourist, who lost on eight occasions and Giwa, who have seven losses recorded against them.

Remarkably, Enyimba have shown why they remain the team for the title, courtesy of their five losses in a season that has seen home teams lose on their previously hallowed grounds.

And as the title race enters its business stage this weekend, Sunshine Stars will hope their poor away run does not catch up with them when they enter the wolves den to battle Warri Wolves at the Warri City Stadium tomorrow.

Coach Paul Aigbogun, with eyes primed on a Champions League ticket is aware that a victory over Sunshine Stars is the only way for them to have their destiny in their hands but his stars must come to the party as the race to the title gets testy and messy.

Team

P

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

Enyimba Sunshine Stars Warri Wolves Wikki Tourist Giwa Nasarawa Abia Warriors Kano Pillars Shooting Stars Rangers Ifeanyi Ubah Heartland El Kanemi Lobi Stars Akwa Utd Sharks Dolphins Kwara Utd Taraba Bayelsa Utd

31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

16 16 15 14 13 13 14 13 13 12 12 12 11 8 10 8 8 9 7 6

10 5 7 9 11 7 4 6 6 8 7 6 7 13 7 12 10 5 9 11

5 10 9 8 7 11 13 12 12 11 12 13 13 10 14 11 13 17 15 14

43 48 46 36 35 36 32 39 32 35 32 35 31 28 26 23 30 25 26 23

24 28 26 29 33 34 35 32 31 33 31 32 48 33 34 31 33 40 38 36

+19 +20 +20 +7 +2 +2 -3 +7 +1 +2 +1 +3 -17 -5 -8 -9 -3 -15 -12 -13

58 53 52 51 50 46 46 45 45 44 43 42 40 37 37 37 34 32 30 29

harks sponsors, Eunisell Limited has urged the team to ensure they escape the drop to the Nigerian National League.

The firm, who is the official shirt sponsor of Sharks also hailed the Port Harcourt side for their 1-0 win over Dolphins in the Port Harcourt derby.

In a statement by Communications Manager, Kunmi Balogun, Eunisell expressed commitment to the club following their well deserved victory and promised to support the players where necessary to ensure they stay above the relegation line.

The statement read in part: “We use this opportunity to congratulate the team and also commend coach Festus Allen for a job well done. We hope the team stay out of the relegation zone for good and we will continue to provide them the necessary support.”

TOMORROW FIXTURES Dolphins El Kanemi Wikki Tourist Heartland Shooting Stars Nasarawa Utd Kwara Utd Abia Warriors Warri Wolves Giwa

v v v v v v v v v v

Ifeanyi Ubah Sharks Taraba Enyimba Bayelsa Utd Lobi Stars Akwa Utd Rangers Sunshine Stars Kano Pillars

4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

•

34 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 3, 2015

I don’t want my players to look at me like Emmanuel Amuneke

Why Eagles lack world class stars – Amuneke *Backs Oliseh but warns Nigerians not to expect miracles

1

994 AFCON winner and former Barcelona winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, who leads the Golden Eaglets to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, starting October 17, has said that Eagles are lacking top class players because the country did not invest in our youths, reports JOHN EGBOKHAN. With less than 16 days to the start of Chile 2015, how are the boys doing?

They are fine. We are preparing for the World Cup, which starts on October 17 in Chile and our first match is against USA and we are working towards that direction.

How much do you know of the USA side.

We don’t like to dwell on what we know of our opponents but we know something about them and likewise they know something about us.

Football is no longer a hidden thing. It all depends on the ability and the mental approach of the team to each opposition.

As the defending champions of the tournament, all eyes will be on you, which leads one to want to know how you are coping with the burden of expectations and how you plan to deal with the teams you will face in Chile We are the defending champions because God helped us to win the last tournament in the United Arab Emirates and we are now back again. For us, it is a privilege, an honour and an added responsibility and we have to embrace the task. All 24 teams going to the World Cup have one objective - winning the trophy. Likewise, we want to go there and successfully defend our cup. But we have to work. This is just the reality. We are optimistic, we are working hard, we are pushing ourselves and believe that through God, through patience and by doing the right thing that we will achieve whatever we have set to achieve.

We have never successfully defended the trophy before?

Maybe, this will be the first time that God will make it possible for us to do so.

In our group, comprising Chile, Croatia and USA, who do you see as the biggest threat to our ambition?

It is not about whom do we fear but about being aware and conscious of all the teams . All the four teams in our group made it to the World Cup from their various continental competitions. All the teams are there to win the cup. We will respect all teams.

As the defending champions, you are the ones that other teams will be bidding to beat for obvious reasons.

For you to win that cup for four times shows that there is a pedigree in that category of football in Nigeria. We are the ones to beat and no team will make it easier for us. Those are the conveniences and inconveniences that surround the tournament and we are conscious of that and are working towards that direction.

•Amuneke C M Y K

Emmanuel Amuneke is more known than his players because of his remarkable achievements as a former

Barcelona player, Nations Cup winner and FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, your name alone is a big history in world football and that is what you are taking to the World Cup, Amuneke, the serial achiever. What will your name bring to the team?

It is not about Emmanuel Amuneke.

We thank God for giving us the grace and opportunity for us to be well known all over the world and in Nigeria.. What matters most is the players, who have to write their own history and if God made it possible for us to be with them, then God wants us to guide them to have their own history and become greater than us. We are just humans and we believe that God who gave us the grace, will also give them the grace to achieve their dream.

If you were a young player going for this tournament, what are those things to beware of?

There are a lot of factors. We should not forget that this is a youth tournament and the players are advancing to the stage of understanding what life is all about. They are maturing, so you will expect to see some naivety in them. That is why we are elderly people to them.

We are no longer their coaches but their brothers, constantly watching out for their best interest. We are their fathers, their mothers, always encouraging them. We have to make sure they follow the right path. I don’t want my players to look at me like Emmanuel Amuneke.

They should believe that I am here to help them and that is my philosophy and I stand on it, nothing changes it.

I remember the fatherly role you played to the players at the last World Cup in UAE. We saw this much when the scouts swooped on some of our players and you were one of those who stood their ground, telling the scouts to allow the players to be and one would be tempted to ask if anything has changed going forward?

Those who know me, can attest to the kind of person that I am. I am not depriving any player the opportunity to go to Europe for greener pastures. What I am emphasising on is for us to remain focussed and achieve our objective. If we achieve our aim, the players will have the freedom to go with whomever they want to go with. But as long as they are under us, I think, they should not face that distraction. I don’t want a situation where my team will be playing individual game, because a club wants to buy them. I don’t want a situation that when my player is supposed to pass the ball to his team mate, he fails because he is trying to score and we end up losing the match. I want my players to work for each other, so that we can win. What I am emphasising is to play collectively, play for each other, make sure you support your team mate and after the World Cup, if it is the will of God that

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 35

•Oliseh

each and every one of them will be in a better place, so well because that is our dream. The last U-17 that we took to Dubai, we are happy that some of them were picked by some top European clubs. And we are optimistic that in the next five to six years, that these guys will graduate to the Super Eagles and make people happy. It is the same process we are operating here.

We are not fighting anybody. We are not driving anyone away but what we want to do is to let people know that in any organisation, if there is no discipline, there would not be success. There has to be discipline in our football and the players should also realise the responsibilities that are being given to them. After all, we have over 170 million people in Nigeria and if a youth is privileged to be among the ones called to serve his fatherland, he should realise that a lot of people are looking up to him and he has to do his best.

Sometimes, your best would not be good enough but by doing the right thing, you can be rest assured that you are closer to success than not doing anything.

Why are you so attached to youths, rather that top clubs? Why do you like tapping into the youths? Is it because you have an academy?

It is not all about tapping into the youths. I believe that a nation that does not invest in its youth is a wasteful nation. We are all crying that there are no good players any more in the national team but had it been that we had invested in the young ones, not only in financial terms but in encouraging them, then they would have a sense of belonging and we would not be in this present situation. We need to make these players know what it means to represent Nigeria. When they put on the jersey, they must know what it stands for. We have to build our youths. We have to make them understand that they have a role to play in the remaking of our football. We need to make them realise that they are the ambassadors of our society. They are not just youths but one day, they will become adults, they will become responsible, they will have a family, they will have children, who will look up to them and if we don’t give them a sense of direction this early stage, then we are not going to get it right and continue to complain that there are not good footballers in Nigeria again.

Football is something that brings a lot of joy to people and if we are privileged that God has given us the talents, then we must harness them, so that in the nearest future, they will be bringing joy to us.

You mentioned something that some of these players played under me, well,

Are we expecting him to start performing miracles instantly?

it is not about who played under me but what can the player do. Does the player have what it takes to represent Nigeria?

Everybody is a good player. Mostly in this category, it is so complex that even a lot of Nigerians don’t know what it takes to be eligible. There is the MRI, there is the age factor and then there is the quality. Do you have what it takes to play or you have don’t have it when it comes to talent? And can you be better than the next man who is competing with you because it is a screening where all the players will be screened to show if they can play. These are the things we must teach our players, that they should not go with the idea of “I know somebody, there is a godfather” because the only godfather we have is God and it is God that gave you the talent and the day he was depositing it, nobody except the baby and God were there and when the baby comes out, people will start to know that this boy can play football.

We should let our youths grow in the right direction and stop depending on somebody. The national team is for everybody and people should stop thinking they must know somebody to come there. If you have talents and you are good, then all you have to do is to push yourself, encourage yourself and when the right time comes, you will get there. No good coach will see a good player and will not take him. Except that coach does not know what he is doing.

If you see very good players and you have to chose one, then you judge them by their attitude, do they have the right frame of mind to play as a player because there are some good players who don’t have the right attitude. Does the player in question has the hunger for success? There are a lot of qualities to look out for and if we don’t guide our youths towards that direction, then we will continue to complain that we don’t have players. It does not matter where anybody is coming from. Football does not recognise that. What counts is whether a player has what it takes to succeed.

What are your projections for these players in your team?

All I can do is to prepare them to do

•Iheanacho

their best at the World Cup and after that, only God knows where they will go. You can only speak on what you can see now. My advice is for them to remain focussed and even those who have graduated to the Flying Eagles are still in the process of growth and should not be carried away with the success of the moment because it comes and goes but what matters today in football is consistency and what’s good today in football is outdated tomorrow. It is our belief that they will stay on the track of success.

What is your feeling on the progress of Kelechi Iheanacho, who passed through the Golden Eaglets set of 2013?

I am happy for him. During the week, they showed the goals he scored at the last World Cup and the impact he has made at Manchester City so far. These are the sort of things we are looking for.

When a player passes through you and his progression continues, the coach feels fulfilled. We will continue to support him and urge him and others to remain focussed because in football, the glory can come now and if you allow it carry you away, it will leave you.

You started coaching at about the same time with your former Barcelona teammates like Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and years after you all graduated from coaching schools, they have gone on to coach top sides like Barcelona, Roma and Bayern Munich.

Do you feel you would have achieved more were you from Europe? Is it that Africans are a little disadvantaged in this profession, when it comes to progression?

Well, maybe and probably, if I were from Europe, I would be coaching one of those big teams like Barcelona but that is not the issue because everybody in life has his time and moment. Of course, I want to grow from this category to another category but I also know that due process is part of life. I have to wait for my time. The most important thing is for me to continue doing what I love, continue doing what is right and what is good in the sight of God. I can’t please everybody. I am a coach and it is not easy to please everybody. What matters is that as long as the decisions that I have made tally with my conscience, that is what counts for me. If it is God’s will that one day I will coach the Super Eagles, then so be it. Even if it is in another country, it will happen. Now, I am here and I must embrace it and do it with passion and all honesty.

What do you see coming out of the Super Eagles under Coach Sunday Oliseh, who happens to be your former teammate?

We have to be optimistic. Oliseh is experienced, in terms of playing the game and coached for a while in Belgium, even though this is the first assignment that he is handling in Africa. But we should realise that he once captained the team and is someone who has a lot of passion for the game. Are we expecting him to start performing miracles instantly? I don’t think football works that way. Of course, we have to support him, give him time and allow him to do his job. We must encourage him and allow whoever he invites to play to be.

The reality is that we have a lot of work to do because we are not there yet. The coaches and the administrators must adapt to the ever growing changes in world football for our football to rise again.

C M Y K

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

08 1 1 6759 759 081 6759759

An arresting sight!

W

ith a new role as resident police officer she's the latest addition to the Home And Away stable - and Pia Miller certainly proved to be an arresting sight as she hit the beach on Monday.

The sultry actress showed off her undeniably toned frame after trading her character's standard issue uniform for a colourful printed bikini during a welcome break between scenes.

Taking advantage of the rising temperatures, Pia, 31, splashed around in the lapping surf after wading into waters off the coast of Palm Beach, where the long-running soap is filmed.

The brunette - a mother of two - splashed salt water onto her body in an attempt to cool off before padding back onto the sand.

At one point Pia leaned into the surf, further revealing her already prominent cleavage as she made the most of the increasingly clement conditions.

The Chilean actress later wrapped her body with a lilac towel while relaxing on the picturesque beach prior

to shooting another scene.

Pia, who joined the show in August, plays police officer Katarina Chapman - a role she landed after two weeks of auditions.

She has since been praised by outgoing actress Esther Anderson, whose departure after four years as police officer Charlie Buckton paved the way for the actress to join the cast.

Despite her incredible physique, Pia previously spoke to OK! Magazine about her first few years in the modelling industry and how her body was perceived.

'I remember being told to my face that I wasn't right, that I was too fat, that my body wasn't right,' she said.

At 13-years-old, Pia won the

Father of the bride halts wedding so stepdad can join him walking their daughter up the aisle

G

rab the tissues. This is going to be emotional.

These wedding shots have now been liked on Facebook over 900,000 times since they were shared by Ohio-based wedding photographer Delia D Blackburn.

The photos are from Brittany Bachman’s wedding and show the father of the bride, Todd Bachman, halting the ceremony to go back and get his daughter’s stepdad.

Because he thought they should both get to walk their daughter down the aisle.

Brittany’s stepdad can be seen overcome with emotion as Todd pulls him forward. We told you it was a tearjerker.

‘Todd Bachman, father of the bride, brought his daughter to the beginning of the aisle… he stopped the procession while people were confused at his actions and he walked up to his daughter ’s stepfather,’ photographer Delia Blackburn writes in her Facebook post.

She adds: ‘Todd reached out his hand and grabbed Brittany ’s stepfather and pulled him down the aisle to walk their daughter down the aisle together. NOT A DRY EYE at the ceremony… including me!’

The emotional pictures, which include a black and white shot of the two dads with C M Y K

‘Now is the time to show what type of leader you are’

A

their arms round each other as they walk back to the aisle, have been shared thousands of times online.

Facebook user Lana Colquitt wrote underneath: ‘Now that’s class for the bride’s father to humble himself, to show this kindness toward the stepfather and to his daughter.’

Jackie Hinkle adds: ‘She’s one lucky girl to have these two men in her life.’ No, we’re not crying, but you are.

Brisbane schoolboy is petitioning for multi-millionaire Malcolm Turnbull to accept a modest salary of $1 for the good of the nation. Cheeky 15-year-old Corbin Duncan has launched a petition requesting the Prime Minister accept a measly $1 salary for Australia’s highest office or donate his wealth to charity. Launched on Change.org, the petition has attracted almost 3,500 people to implore Mr Turnbull to put the tax payer funded salary towards pressing causes that require more funding. The Australian Prime Minister earns $507,338 collectively including their annual salary and allowances.

However, they also receive an electorate allowance on top of this figure, which saw the previous two prime ministers, Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd, reportedly pocket $539,338, according to The Australian.

Mr Turnbull is the second wealthiest person in Australian politics, exceeded only by mining magnate Clive Palmer

Dolly Model Search competition - since then, she has modelled for Megan Gale's brand Isola and shot for Australian chain store Myer.

who has himself donated his parliamentary salary to his electorate.

The 15-year-old suggested a number of causes that the Prime Minister’s wealth could go towards, including: ‘schools, roads and hospitals, or more pressing issues such as reducing the incidences of domestic violence or supporting the 12,000 new Australian residing Syrian refugees’.

The Prime Minister with wife Lucy have an estimated wealth of $150 million and own a number of multimillion-dollar properties.

Their water-front mansion in Point Piper in Sydney's eastern suburbs is tipped to be valued at more than $50 million. The couple also own a $2 million waterfront penthouse in Kingston, Canberra, a property in the Hunter Valley, an apartment in New York, as well as Mr Turnbull's former office as Communications Minister in Sydney's Elizabeth Bay. ‘He obviously doesn’t need the salary, so could we be doing better things with this money and would Mr Turnbull be open to allocating this money to more pressing issues?’

When asked what cause was most deserving of the Prime Minister ’s money, Corbin said that Mr Turnbull was the best person to decide where to put his own money. And the 15-year-old was optimistic that he might consider it, too. Corbin said he follows politics closely, and seemed to have a niggling ambition to be a future Prime Minister of Australia. ‘Look, give it a few years and we’ll see. I won’t say no, that’s for sure.’

SA TURD AY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—37 SATURD TURDA

15 Akinale da 2015 dayy in Toyin Sanni celebrat es 50 amid pomp 20 celebrates Abeokuta

I

The Sannis : L-R: Toluwa, Segun, Celebrant, Oluwatoyin, Toye and Toni

L-R: Dimegun Fregene, Bimbo Yemi Sule and Ugonanaya Osi

t was a parade of corporate giants when Pastor (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sanni, the Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Plc, celebrated her 50th birthday at the Oriental Hotel and Suites in Lagos recently.

To commemorate the special occasion abook ‘You too can’ Maximise Your life, authored by the celebrant was presented by Mr Tony Elumelu to the chairman of occasion Oba Otudeko. Ee the moments in pictures

L-R: Mr. Tony Elumelu; Chairman, Oba Otudeko; Mr. Jimi Agbaje; Celebrant, Oluwatoyin and her beau, Segun Sanni.

L-R: Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi and Ms. Arunma Oteh

THE grand finale of Akinale day 2015 to celebrate agriculture and food Security held at Farmers market place, along Abeokuta -Lagos road recently.

It was an occasion for the royalties and the common people of the land. Photos by Wumi Akinola

L-R: Oba Rasaki Famuyiwa Onipapa of Papa Lanto, Olori Adenike Ogunleye Oba Olufemi Ogunleye,Towulade of Akinale, former PRM defunct Nigeria Airways and Chief Oluomo Bolaji Popoola

Oba Femi Ogunleye (m) and others inspecting farm produce displayed by farmers

Progressive women group on parade

Ho w CW AY liv en up Eid-el K abir celebration in Lagos How CWA liven Kabir CWAY Foods and Beverages through one of its brand ‘fizup’ recently lived up to its corporate social responsibility by providing free drinks to worshippers during the Eld -el Kabir Festival in Lagos. The ‘fizup’ team visited three praying centres in Lagos, serving its four flavours to more than 10,000 worshippers.

Chris Onah, Senior Sales Manager Cway Foods &BEVERAGES presenting gifts to Ansardeen Central Mosque, Ipaja branch led by Chief Missioner Alhaji Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, and others.

C M Y K

L-R: Media Consultant, Tayo Adeyemo,Chris Onah of Cway Foods presenting gifts to Abesan Muslim Community Association led Chief Imam Alhaji Muslimdeen Nojeemdeen

Chris Onah of CWAY Foods making presentation to representatives of Ipaja Central Mosque Biliaminu Agbaje &Shakirudeen Odumosu

38—SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

(Text Only)

•The Head to Knee

T S

he double vertical leg raise

Technique: it on the floor with the legs outstretched in front of you and the hands placed behind you with fingers facing forward. Breathe in deeply and raise the legs vertically. Retain the posture for 5 to 7 seconds and breathing out lower the legs to the floor. Repeat this three or four times.

Benefits: he leg raise strengthens the quadriceps— the muscles of the front of the thighs. The abdominal wall gets toughened. The digestive organs are stimulated. The shoulders and neck also get a good workout.

T

•The Triangle

The Triangle

Technique: tand with the feet wide apart. Lower the trunk to the left with the left hand placed on the left foot. Turn the right hand to the back and place the right hand on the left buttock. Now, breathe out and twisting from the navel, turn up the chest to align the shoulders. Change sides and repeat

S

Benefits: he Triangle gives gentle but effective literal stretch to the entire length of the spinal column. It also strengthens the chest and shoulder muscles.

T

The Head-to-Knee pose

Technique: it down, breathe in deeply as you raise both hands overhead and till slightly backward.

Now exhale and lower the trunk and hands down till you can make a ring around your big toes with the thumbs and forfingers. Rest the forehead on your knee with the elbow touching the floor.

The Head-to-Knee pose tones the hamstrings,and the spinal column becomes flexible, the abdominal organ gets massaged leading to their better functioning. Constipation is banished and painful periods in the womenfolk becomes a thing of the past.

S

•The double vertical leg raise

C M Y K

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

Benefits: This exercise stretches your back muscles and ensures free movement.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—39

My late fiancee’s family adopted me after her death – Dennis Ak agha, Ebola sur vivor Akagha, survivor

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA Dennis Akagha is the first Nigerian to have opened up after surviving the dreaded Ebola virus in Nigeria. It will be recalled that Justina Ejelonu, Akagha’s late fiancee was one of the nurses at the First Consultant Hospital, Lagos who admitted and treated Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian that brought the virus to Nigeria. Though Akagha has not been able to forget the demise of his would-have-been wife, he is picking the pieces of his life back and waxing strong. In a chat from his base outside the country, he talks about one year after he lost his fiancee, his present role as a social worker, helping humanity, amongst many other issues.

Excerpts: One year after suffering from Ebola and losing your fiancee, how has life been?

Life has been good and I want to thank God for that. I won’t say there have not been challenges but being able to face the challenges is what determines how far I am willing to go.

People do say I am a strong man but I want to also state here that everyone can be as strong as they choose to be, depending on how they have built themselves over time. Everyone is responsible for themselves; in other words, no one can have faith or believe in you. I would say that God has been faithful in my life and the family he has blessed me with. If I was told some years back that I would go through what I went through, I would have strongly rejected it. All I wanted was to live a simple life, get married, have a regular job or business and raise a family but however, I met a lady who was so passionate about social work and affecting the lives of people positively. All I knew then was taught to me by her and we both appreciated that part of her. Though it is not easy accepting the fact that she is no more, the time we spent together was worth it and I know wherever she is now, she will be happy I am following the path she opened my eyes to. This doesn’t mean we didn’t have our own challenges as would-be couple; in fact when I remember how

C M Y K

we use to quarrel, I just laugh because I miss those moments. Generally, life has been good and glory to God for that, and I know that where I am now is a smaller version of where God is taking me to. At least I am not where I used to be.

Have you been able to get a job?

I will always say this: Sometimes people don’t get to know their purpose in life until tragic events like what happened to me occur in their life. At this point of my life, I don’t think getting a job is my priority but using my life experience as a channel to touch other people’s lives. This might not sound nice but I don’t believe in accident or coincidence. I believe everything happens for a reason and maybe I am yet to know that reason but at the moment, I want to use my life as a channel to inspire hope and empower people, most especially those facing one health challenge or the other, to lead a fulfilled, productive and positive life. It may not be as easy as it seems from the beginning, because it will take a lot of sacrifice, pain, criticism and perseverance to accomplish the goals I have set for myself. Therefore, getting a job is no longer a priority.

What have you achieved now that you couldn’t have achieved if not for Ebola?

Well, I think Ebola gave me an opportunity to know where my strength lies and gave me a purposedriven life. It gave me a platform to do whatever I am doing now – saving more lives, inspiring hope and empowering people to live a more positive life despite the challenges they may be going through. Life they say is never a bed of roses but one’s care, love and support to those who need them will make life a bed of roses to lie on. The road may not be smooth but I strongly believe that with God’s help and also people who want to use their resources as a channel to create the change they want to see, things will definitely fall into place.

At the moment you are out of the country for a training; what are your plans when you come back?

Well, I will prefer not to say anything regarding whatever plans I have for now. I believe with time,

every plan I have will come to limelight. All I have to say is that my passion for social work took me out of the country and you will agree with me that no man goes to the farm without a hoe and cutlass.

There is need to acquire more knowledge in preparation for the task ahead which I believe is the most important thing for me now.

What good did surviving Ebola did for you?

I don’t understand what you mean by your question; however, Ebola brought pain and tears which I am still struggling to let go. Maybe I can also say Ebola showed me who my true friends are.

Would you advise anybody to go for nursing considering what happened to your late fiancee?

Honestly, if I have my way, I will go back to the university to study nursing. I love the profession and will always respect them. Funny enough, my stepmother is a retired nurse and my late fiancee was also a nurse, to tell you how much I love the profession. I will advise anyone who wants to take up such profession to go ahead as long as they are passionate about it.

What’s the relationship like today between your late fiancee’s family and you?

One word to describe it – awesome! I am now their son by adoption. (Laughs.)

You promised to do something in your late fiancee’s memory the last time we spoke; what have you been able to achieve in that regard?

That still remains my top priority but honestly, you don’t jump into water you haven’t swum before without understudying the depth of the water or else you will get drowned. As much as I am so passionate about social work and giving back to society, I need the right tools in form of knowledge gained to make it work. I need to gain that credibility and that doesn’t happen in a twinkle of an eye but built over time. To be able to see the change I envisioned, I must first be changed within and without.

How do people react to you since you survive Ebola?

The reception has been okay unlike when it was fresh. You don’t blame people, rather you blame the

system for not properly disseminating the right information. I could remember vividly some days before I was taken into the Ebola isolation ward, my younger sister woke me up very early and was telling me to bath and drink salt water, that they just heard the news of fighting Ebola with salt. I could remember coming out of my compound and seeing children running away from the same uncle they always wanted to be with. I could remember travelling all the way from Lagos to Port Harcourt to visit some friends and one in particular pretended he was out of town just to avoid seeing me. I could remember coming out of my compound only to meet a crowd on my street discussing me and how I should not be allowed to continue living in my compound. It takes someone with a positive mental attitude to fight stigma even with people living with HIV/AIDS, and that is why I will always say that issues relating to stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS have not been fully explored for them to be fully embraced and reintegrated into the society. Well, that is a foregone story now and the situation had changed before I left the country. However, I don’t think I care about what people say or do anymore because whatever they say doesn’t define who I am. Let me also use this medium to encourage those who are being stigmatized or thrown out of jobs because they are HIV+.

Being HIV+ is never a death sentence and you can still live a normal life and even live longer than someone who is free from the virus.

Since your recovery, a lot of people must have touched your life one way or the other; who do you want to appreciate, given the opportunity?

First and foremost, I will always be grateful to God for sparing my life. My regards and appreciation go to the Lagos State Government for the love and support they gave every one of us who went through that ordeal. I am also grateful to my late fiancee’s family and her elder sister in particular; till date, she remains one of the reasons I am strong. Words will fail me to describe the love, care and support this family gave me even after the demise of their daughter. I also want to appreciate my family, my stepmother whose prayers and love saw me through that trying period – I so much appreciate them. To Nigerians who prayed for me during my trying times, I want to also appreciate them.

To Nursing World, which is currently running a scholarship project with the name Justina Obioma Ejelonu. I am indeed indebted to them and finally to my colleagues here at Kanthari, an international institute for social visionaries, here in my base.

40—SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Lifetline

country is beginning to see notable health gains.

Additionally, Rwanda has integrated a number of disease services into primary health care and seen a more than 75 percent decrease in mortality from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria over a decade.

My own country, Ghana, has also taken significant steps to improve primary health care.

In the 1990s, we launched the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) program, which shifted facility-based primary health care to mobile, community-based care that is better able to reach everyone in need. The programme relies on specially-trained nurses, who are assigned to specific geographic areas, supported by local volunteers and community leaders, to deliver health services in people’s homes, schools and community centers.

In addition, to ensure our citizens can access health services without financial hardship, we instituted a National Health Insurance Scheme in 2003, which covers more than 95 percent of health conditions affecting families.

T

he Ebola crisis laid bare major gaps in the world’s ability to deliver life-saving health services.

Leaders have a responsibility to mobilize an effective response to prevent future epidemics.

This is the reason I am joining German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg to host a high-level meeting Saturday in New York to urge increased attention to strengthening health systems and enhancing the ability to respond to global health threats. Our call, issued as the United Nations General Assembly convenes, advances a shared commitment to these goals we made earlier in the year.

Ebola caught many nations off-guard, even those that were not directly affected by the outbreak. But major lessons have been learned about what needs to happen next.

One of the great lessons of Ebola is that gaps in health systems limit more than the ability to address emergencies; indeed, they are a threat to population health and sustainable development.

Therefore, actions taken in response should both prevent the next crisis and address the many pervasive and daily challenges countries face.

As a first step, it is time to focus far greater attention, skill and resources on building the foundation of all well-functioning health systems: strong primary health care, a critical component of strong health systems.

•President John Dramani Mahama

O

President’s vision for development

W

hen primary health care is effective, it serves as the first point of contact for citizens seeking health services. It is where people receive advice on family planning, vaccinations for their children and treatment when they get sick.

In a well-functioning health system, the health workers who deliver these services in homes and clinics are heroes who address the vast majority of a community’s health needs before they become emergencies.

Yet, in far too many places, primary health care is the weakest link in the health system. I lost my father to prostate cancer and my stepmother to C M Y K

breast cancer—conditions that, though often deadly, can be prevented or cured if detected early.

It is unacceptable that our children, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers continue to die from causes that could be entirely prevented or better managed if a stronger primary health care system was in place.

A

s countries work to improve primary health care, as well as strengthen the entirety of their health systems, they can learn from those that have shown it is possible to make improvements.

Ethiopia’s Health Extension Programme, for example, has helped strengthen primary health care in rural areas in part by training new health workers who deliver a comprehensive package of health services to communities. The vast majority of Ethiopia’s population now has access to primary health care, and the

In a wellfunctioning health system, the health workers who deliver these services in homes and clinics are heroes

f course, there are still challenges. Not all citizens in my country have access to the quality, affordable health services they deserve. Yet, we have started to see important progress.

The number of children who die before their fifth birthday has decreased over the past 15 years, by more than 30 percent. Life expectancy keeps improving as efforts to contain the spread and impact of HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and other endemic diseases bear fruit.

In New York, I am joining fellow heads of state in signing the global framework for sustainable development, which compels action in many ways—to eliminate poverty, foster peace and security, expand opportunity and ensure healthy lives for all.

I encourage my friends in government, the private sector and civil society to strengthen the delivery of primary health care as a crucial step toward sustainable development. Only then will we be able to meet our populations’ health needs, prevent the next debilitating health crisis and achieve our shared vision of sustainable development and dignity for all.

SATURDAY

Vanguard,OCTOBER 3, 2015—41

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015 —41

Just Female

P

hiladelphia resident Dana Donofree, underwent a bilateral mastectomy five years ago after she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer just before her 28th birthday —and the weekend of her bridal shower. She postponed the wedding and endured a gruelling year of chemotherapy and several surgeries to remove her breasts and reconstruct new ones.

“I really had a hard time finding myself again after cancer,” says Donofree, now 33. “I was like a burned-up Barbie doll. My hair was gone, my eyebrows were gone, my eyelashes were gone ... and these fake boobs had taken the place of my natural breasts.” So she decided to take her body back.

While women usually opt for nipple tattoos or nipple reconstruction postmastectomy, Donofree chose to illustrate her cancer journey by inking a flowering tree of life that wraps from her back, around her ribs and up through her breasts, mimicking a demibra made of cherry blossoms.

“I was looking at myself in the mirror when the piece was all done, and I wasn’t seeing the mastectomy scars anymore,” she marvels. “I was seeing this beautiful tree, and a piece of art that inspired me and made me feel good about myself.”

Donofree decided to conceal her chemo port scar under her arm, where a tube had been inserted and connected to a vein to deliver cancer drugs and fluids.

“Chemo was the thing that almost took me out ... and the port scar was one of the toughest things for

her and her husband.

That has included helping other breast cancer survivors to feel comfortable in their new bodies— and creating her own bra-line tailored to women who have had mastectomies.

“Breast reconstruction after breast cancer is not the same as a boob job,” she says. “It’s not just a small implant or augmentation—you have no natural tissue left in your breasts, so it doesn’t naturally mould or conform to the shape of traditional bras.”

There would be awkward gaps in foam-molded bra cups, and the underwires often painfully pushed against the implants. Her doctor suggested she go braless or stick to sports bras or camisoles. She even went to a mastectomy bra store, which mostly sold “pocket bras” which hold the reconstructed breasts in place with breast forms, but she was discouraged by the utilitarian cuts that were still uncomfortable, as well as the unflattering beige colors.

“I left in tears, totally crushed, not knowing how to feel about myself,” she says. Part of the reason she loves her cherry blossom tree breast tattoo so much is that it closely resembles a beautiful bra.

So Donofree, who once worked as a fashion •Dana Donofree designer for a New York label, created the AnaOno Intimates line (a play on her name), which includes lace bralettes, front-closure wire-free bras and bamboo sports bras in sexy shades of pink, black, ivory and nude for $32 to $58.

AnaOno Intimates designs bras tailored to women who have had breast surgery.

She drew from her own trial and error fitting experiences to craft bras without uncomfortable underwires, and without side seams that can irritate surgery scars. They me to look at every day, because it was such a horrible are made from stretchy fabrics like nylon/spandex part of my treatment,” she says. lace that fit the shape of reconstructed breasts, So she inked a beautiful pair of birds—her “ wings since the apex point in many bras won’t fit women of life”— on either side of the scar, which represent without nipples.

Donofree and her husband, and how they’ve overcome Donofree is already testing prototypes for sexier this ordeal together. She got a third tattoo of a lotus versions of post-mastectomy pocket bras and swimwear flower directly over the port scar, symbolizing rebirth. to roll out for Spring 2016.

“Cancer does a funny thing to you,” she says. “You “Somebody who hasn’t been exposed to a sister or a get a glimpse of the end of your life, and it gives you friend or a mother who has gone through this has no a free pass to do the things you’ve always wanted to idea what happens to your body,” she adds. “It’s been a do with a no-holds-barred approach.” struggle to educate and explain why our bodies are so Donofree covered her mastecomy scars with a cherry tree different, and why this niche brand of mine is so tattoo, and added an arm sleeve of two birds representing different.” Her uplifting message is catching on.

Breast cancer survivor celebrates scars

SEXUAL ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS

B

e generous with physical affection - Loving touch makes your partner feel good about him- or herself, promotes closeness between the two of you, and activates endorphins that cause you both to feel calmer and connected.

Couples who stay sexually active and happy do not limit their expression of physical affection to the bedroom. Important truth: men are as hungry for affection as women are. In fact, men tend to want affection more than their female partners. Be responsible for your own orgasm. This doesn’t necessarily mean you do it yourself but rather that you take the initiative to know what arouses you and communicate this to your partner. Also, be aware that your partner may not always want an orgasm. When each person is responsible for letting the partner know his/her needs, it takes the guesswork out of lovemaking, and avoids miscommunication and disconnection.

I’m a 55 year old diabetic and slightly hypertensive man with severe waist and back pain. I have been using Cleanshield, Oligosaccharideand Gingko tea that I got from you to combat these issues for the past two months and I must confess that I’m experiencing super relief. Occasionally, I get some sprains and feel slight pains here and there, if I take these products for one more month, will the issues go permanently? Or I need to keep taking them for life? I also have a daughter with irregular menses and in some cases, the period doesn’t even come at all and friend of mine recommended Cleanshield liquid. How true is this in helping her situation? Obasa Hello sir, good to know you are enjoying health better than before. Cleanshield, oligosaccharide and the Gingko tea just like you have rightly said are effective in handling these problems, just that you have to stay on them for a period of time and when you eventually get good relief, you can take them occasionally or maybe once in a week especially because you are diabetic and you C M Y K

HOW TO DEAL WITH SEX PROBLEMS IN MARRIAGE (VII) are treating the health issues with some drugs also. All these products are herbal and are such very safe and easy to use as none of them is in either capsule or tablet form but rather, liquid, powder and teabag.

As for your daughter’s irregular menstruation, let her take the Cleanshield as rightly suggested by your friend.

Cleanshield is a powerful alkaline drink that increases the pH of the body in order for the body to fight off diseases and illnesses by itself. We have numerous of testimonies on the account of Cleanshield liquid helping to restore regular periods and much more. So I would advise you go for it and let her use it regularly for at least 3 months.

Thank you so much Viewden, Vigrx plus and Plump cream are just amazing. I have gotten the desired increase I want in the length and width of my penis and I have stopped using it after the third month.

Hope there are no side effects either now or in future? Dare Mr Dare, Vigrx plus and plump cream works well for those who are patient enough to use it. Penis enlargement is not automatic but rather takes time and it pays off if you can wait it out. There are no side effects for using these products cos both the tablet and the cream are 100%herbal and are safe for use. Note that once in every 6 months, you can buy them to maintain the size.

I got Sexvoltz, Plant vigra and Rhino 5 fromyou guys sometimes back and I follow your article regularly, but I have not read about these products in your recent articles, do you still have them cos I want to place orders for them alongside with some of my friends who I have told about the effectiveness of these products in giving very good and hard erections- Boyo Yes you are right sir, we have not talked

about these products for some time now, but Plant vigra, Sexvoltz and Rhino 5 are all available and are still very good and effective in giving erections within thirty minutes of taking them without any side effects as they are all herbal.

I need some penile extensions from your store, what are the types you have?

Bright Penile extensions are artificial penis worn on the penis by men either to add to the size of the penis or for pleasure.

We have the Brownlatex extension, we have extensions with strap for 6 inches, 8 inches and 10 inches and we also have the strapless which are very close to the human skin and are called cyberskin in 8 inches and 9 inches and you are always welcome to get from us at any time.

Which one is better in helping to correct weak erection and early ejaculation between Vimax and Prosolution pills? Ola Both Vimax and Prosolution are very effective in combating both weak erection and early ejaculation, just that our body types are different ad responds to substances differently. Mr A might get a very good result using Vimax but not too good a result using Prosolution and the reverse might be the case for Mr. B and the time it takes for result to start showing also varies.

These are all we can take for this week.

Adults who needs any of these aphrodisiacs can call 08034666358, 07059294782 or place your order at www.viewden.com. For further enquiries, send an email to us at: vieweden@yahoo.com, viewden@ymail.com.

KemiFawole(MDVIEWDEN)

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

T

he presumption that has sustained kidnapping, that abductions are invariably followed by ransoms, must be falsified. The evil business can’t remain lucrative.

It has been all too easy for kidnappers. Ransoms are routinely delivered. But what options do terrified and traumatized families and friends of victims really have? The final solution may lie in a collective determination not to accede to ransoms. But such a resolve must be inculcated in the public by the government and must be nurtured and groomed by the existence of a very visible, efficient, elite, intervention force that can summon submission and trust from affected families.

Such an agency must inspire the sort of confidence that would enable an affected family rely on it without running the risk of a moral crisis and without the inevitability of intra family recriminations that would follow a botched operation. Such an elite arm of the police must have the institutional capacity to relieve a caring and dutiful husband of all feelings of irresponsibility and guilt his refusal to ransom a wife in deference to the authority and judgment of the agency would ordinarily provoke. An agency whose decisions and actions would , in those circumstances , be considered the best moral alternative.

If the refusal to co-operate with kidnappers does not translate to inexorable death for victims then the public can buy into such potentially perilous obduracy. Any conscientious refusal to pay a ransom one can afford , would test one’s love for the victim and one’s moral convictions about the superiority of the seemingly more abstract general good. The calculations in the heat of the confusion and chaos will always be partly transactional. How isn’t a wife’s life more valuable than money and property? And why risk such a loss in pursuit of lifeless ideals? Calling the bluff of kidnappers won’t be an easy decision. But morality demands the subjugation of the self to the collective and calls for great personal sacrifice in furtherance of the greater communal good.

Tortured by the anguish in the deathly cries of the hostage, repeatedly served them by the kidnappers to lend peremptoriness to the already sufficiently macabre negotiations, harrowed relatives can hardly think. All the aces are held by those whose demonic interests are served not by pity but by cruel unpredictability and nerve racking flightiness. Affected families are always left limp, prostrate with shock and dread, lost.

Elsewhere professionals do the negotiations but in Nigeria where the police haven’t quite earned trust, and are embraced by even the helpless with a degree of residual suspicion, families often cower to threats and keep the police away from negotiations . And widespread distrust for the police, while not altogether irrational, really helps no one because all that will be left is the servicing of every whim of the abductors. A man was abducted some days ago somewhere in Lagos, his family has reportedly, with trepidation and apologies, tendered 100 million naira cash to the kidnappers who have collected the deposit , expressed their displeasure at its meagerness and held onto the captive.

But for how long would the kidnapper collect his ransom and walk away unperturbed? How would commercial kidnapping cease if the police are content with just the safe return of victims which they would rather have reported as rescues? Yes, Olu Falae was supposed to have been rescued until the family ,recovering from grief ,set the records straight.

Ransom and not the police secured the elder statesman’s release. And why are the police seemingly always unaware of any ransoms paid? In the Falae case, cattle rearers, got away with him , on foot, and got away with their ransom. Don’t ask me how? Such a high profile case, same opacity, same elusiveness, same surreality.

It is true this tragedy once approached monstrous proportions between 2008 and 2013. While it can

C M Y K

Commercial kidnappers prowling, still prowling!

be said to have been contained, the residuum and its flares have managed to keep millions chronically anxious. The terror lies in its randomness, in the apprehension of the severity of the brutality meted to victims and that 10 percent chance of horrible death in the booth of a car or in a forest, bloated and forgotten, to be ripped by vultures and stray dogs. What started as part of the struggle for resource control in Niger Delta later gradually degenerated and spread until that epochal siege by kidnappers on Aba. Aba is one of the biggest centers of commerce in the country. When the original preys, foreign oil workers , abandoned the Niger delta, the large appetite of militants had to be serviced by what was once considered cannibalism.

Fellow citizens, black and thick nosed, became meat, edible .

Port Harcourt was ravaged, foreign businesses migrated and the garden city became a desolate country. I inspected a property on sale in Port Harcourt in 2008. The children’s toys, the ward robes replete with suits and gowns , the artworks abandoned on the walls and suit cases left half filled and half closed, told a tale of a certain expatriate family and their hurried, impromptu flight. When I was told by the real estate agent that the house was going with , not just the furniture but with, all, including the note books of nursery school children, sorrow descended and I walked away.

With the amnesty programme and Gov Amaechi’s industry, Port Harcourt was reclaimed, the militants were positively engaged, deterrence was made robust by effective policing.

A specially trained police squad was visible and active. Unfortunately some of those who had made livelihood out of militancy came to realize that they weren’t qualified for the amnesty largesse and they went back to the south east with their criminal expertise, large appetite, vengeance and greed.

After a year of unchecked nuisance, everyone perceived wealthy or associated even remotely with wealth fled the rural areas in Igbo land.

Commercial motorcycle riders who once , sadistically, rent the tranquility of rural communities with ululations whenever a big man was ‘carried’, when kidnapping appeared to be a leveler, later became veritable targets . Gangs sprouted and mushroomed faster

than ‘achara’ weeds and were forced by competition and scarcity to negotiate and accept ransoms sometimes below ten thousand naira. A man was once taken off his ‘okada’ and beaten silly for days and released. The poor one had no one to negotiate let alone pay for his release. He had depleted the resources of the kidnappers by a few packets of noodles.

But it was in Aba that the depths of savagery was plumbed. At its peak , Aba folded, crumpled. The residents, hemmed in by fear that walked the streets for weeks, ran out of everything , particularly hope, and ran away. They scampered out, and scurried to the already infested but less hostile rural areas. The once vibrant city, the symbol of strength and doggedness, the enyimba city, fled to live another day.

When bullion vans needed to be clothed and only helicopters could move cash in and out of Aba, defiance remained a virtue. But when busloads of school children became targets , all pretentions to courage and stoicism were discarded and the doomed town fled. ‘Osisikankwu’, a notorious veteran of the early Niger Delta militancy ran a brutal but sophisticated operation and used a whole village as operational base. Many lost their lives, many lost their livelihoods, the politicians waffled , fumbled and fiddled. We must always remember.

The JTF came, thank God for our army, and restored order in Aba and Abia state and some kidnappers who escaped the military dragnet retreated into the villages in the other southeast states. Kidnapping has damaged some of the social chords that bind the Igbo nation. ‘August meeting’, that lofty tradition that brings women from the cities home to bond with those in the village for two weeks every August , to hold strategy sessions on women empowerment and betterment of Igbo communities has been largely destroyed.

Life in rural communities in the southeast thrives on homecomings and repatriated funds. Kidnapping decimated the communities as it severed the link between the cities and the villages and blanched the villages of the light the cities lent to it. Poor congregants in church services prayed with eyes wide open and parish pastors, who were easy preys until churches made a rule of not paying ransoms, worried about the apparent triumph of evil and shrinking collections.

Left desolate and hopeless, communities embraced self help, assembled and armed vigilantes. States governments joined,

How would commercial kidnapping cease if the police are content with just the safe return of victims which they would rather have reported as rescues?

promoted the vigilantes, enhanced their capacities and tacitly endorsed jungle justice.

By 2014 december, kidnapping had been fairly well contained in the south east.

When violence crept back into Rivers state in the run up to the elections many trembled. They foresaw the escalation in violence and kidnappings currently bedeviling Port Harcourt and potentially endangering the south east. Because when scoundrels arm the youths to further their electoral fortunes they never give a thought to post election consequences of influx of arms and exposure to brigandage. A few high profile cases make it to the headlines but hundreds of innocent hard working citizens are now being picked off the streets like rabbits and put through harrowing, mind searing experiences, by kidnappers. And the majority of these go unmentioned , unreported.

In Amuwo Odofin, particularly Festac town and environs, kidnapping, while not rife, has persisted. And amongst the Igbo traders who are the primary targets, it’s a life filled with dread and foreboding. After a prominent transporter narrowly escaped a kidnap attempt in which his police escort was shot, he relocated to Ikoyi. A friend was taken last year and held for over a whole month.

It took that long because the kidnappers had the temerity to insist on a ransom of about 100 million naira which they eventually got. This incident went largely unreported. He has been reduced to a crushed man whose lingering paranoia has to be attended to by an ever present retinue of armed police escorts.

Falae’s case may have a slightly different hue but the process and outcome are the same. An easy pick up, shocked family left panting and prostrate. Negotiations, ransom , police’s claim or dramatization of a rescue, thanksgiving service . Kidnappers go with their bounty. For how long?

We venerate vanity and we worship money. We must collectively denounce the primacy of mammon. That will take sometime. Churches and Mosques should resist the temptation to reward wealth with spiritual recognition. Money alone shouldn’t buy wives, shouldn’t win elections.

Materialism is a social cancer.

Youth unemployment and widespread poverty can fuel the spread of any crime but a crime of such great immorality would need other social factors to thrive. After all kidnapping is not common in Guinea Bissau. Materialism has destroyed our soul. We must collectively take another look at life and money.

A special, distinct, well resourced branch of the police must be established, trained and equipped to warn, intervene, negotiate , mingle and break hostage taking.

To collate data, to research, to gather intelligence, to collect evidence, to apprehend and prosecute. Such a high profile unit will generate public confidence and will make commercial kidnapping a bad business.

Boko haram is not our only war. Kidnapping must be confronted with urgency and sophistication.

ulani herdsmen now operate quite a distance from home— wherever that may be. Offspring of arid regions, a nomadic F lifestyle is stamped on their nature, incensed by the perennial

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—43

need for water both for themselves and their cattle. But their herds need more than that; they also need food by way of grass and shrubs which do not grow in their native areas. And so they wander, from season to season, in search of green pastures that are usually not very near their home base. Their destinations have that common tone: grazing land.

The relationship between them and the landowners in which to graze their cattle has always been unhealthy. The herdsmen pursue an aggressive agenda devoid of gratitude and mere consideration for the farmlands that are destroyed through their operations. This incurs the ire of the natives who, in turn, make them as uncomfortable as possible. The history of the Fulani encroachment on private land in Northern Nigeria tells a story of bitter conflict down the years, especially between the unwelcome guests and the Tivs on the Plateau.

The Fulanis would leave many of their animals to graze all over the rich valleys and hillsides of the plateau, at the beginning of each season, while they wandered away with the rest to seek pasture in other parts for more greenery, to the consternation of the landowners. On their return, the nomadic herdsmen would simply gather their cattle, which would meanwhile have grown fat, and be on their way. The Tivs then devised a plan to deal with their unwanted guests. They simply ate many of the cows and sheep that were left behind at the beginning of the season and waited for the owners. When the Fulani herdsmen returned for their cattle at the end of the season, the Tiv looked them straight in the face and blandly confessed, “Munchi” - that is, “We have eaten them.”

This ended up in several fights with the Tivis being victorious since they had the “home advantage” and were themselves reared in a culture of warfare. The Fulani hardly gave up but spread their search for grazing fields to other parts of the country like areas of Kwara State, where many of them found it convenient to settle amidst some of their compatriots who had moved there as warriors of the Afonja conflict. But that is wading into the territory of another history.

IGP Solomon Arase...the criminals now appear to Their sojourn in Ondo State would have continued pay little heed to the authority of the police to cause little excitement had it not clashed with the interests of Chief Olu Falae. Though of a quiet and was once a involved. Nigeria seems to disposition by nature, Olu Falae is a doughty fighter presidential candidate. have been left behind. The and it is fortunate that he was unable to resist his The President could criminals now appear to pay captors as he would have. He hardly fold his arms, so little heed to the authority of be some nature of forensic would indeed have been to say, and do nothing at the police. Policemen are now detection going on in some beaten up to soften his spirit, all. His instruction to the casually shot down, as it laboratories where fingerprint and he was also dragged on Inspector-General of happened in the Ikorodu area technology and other fine the ground to further degrade Police was heart- of Lagos State a few weeks his efforts of resistance. He methods are being employed warming for it showed ago on no less than two in this country today, but their had done nothing wrong, but that he cared. But one occasions within a month. Not that is the way of kidnappers locations and results would would also be assured much has been heard about seem to shy away from to achieve their evil ends. At that he cares as much for the incidents since then. the age of seventy-seven, he publicity because they are every other Nigerian for Other criminals take courage virtually unknown.

Murders was lucky not to have whom he is also from this ineffective response succumbed to the cruelty of were committed in the past president. He cannot be to enter into the fray. The without any solution.

If the his ordeal. Fulani herdsmen expected to issue safety of the citizens have now become criminals. trend is resumed today, there trenchant orders to the I- continues to sink deeper and is no indication that the They were miscreants at the G on very occasion that deeper into jeopardy. Even in worst, but they have now been investigations would yield any there is a kidnap the celebrated case of Falae, caught up by the trend of happy dividends.

When our own Donu incident, but he can see the Inspector-General of permissible impunity Kogbara was recently that adequate measures Police came on little more spiralling into moral abducted from the warmth of are provided to combat than a joy ride from Abuja to decrepitude. They steal, and Akure to find the old her home and place of birth in this growing menace. rape and commit arson. They gentleman released already.

Port Harcourt, I fell on my are no longer welcome The kidnappers received the neighbours being easily knees and prayed for her ransom, duly reduced, and safety.

She had done nothing mistaken for members of the were on their way by the time wrong except, being a Boko Haram. They have AK the police big shot was on the Nigerian who lived in London 47s, and seem to know how to scene. He there and then where she had been perfectly Fulani use them. They have become deposed that his mission had safe, and then she had cause as dangerous as genuine herdsmen been successful. A more to visit her land of birth where terrorists. When they are in candid statement would have have now any part of Southern Nigeria, she was promptly abducted. been more welcome. The fact The police assured us that they they are very easy to recognise that the family went ahead to become and ostracise. If people in were doing everything secure the release of their possible to secure her release.

Akure, or any part of criminals patriarch in their own way Yorubaland for that matter, I went on praying. Medical Then there would little without waiting for the police practitioners of note, legal should decide to discriminate need to give any special was an eloquent testimony of against them, it would offer no luminaries, and other well- orders. The police have their faith in our so-called difficulty whatsoever. And if known professionals in not shone brightly security forces. fields of that happens, as it may, it respectable against the backdrop of The police have to raise their would be another solid step endeavour have been put the crime profile in game. Playing to the gallery through the mill. towards the disintegration of no longer be Their only weapon has been Nigeria in recent times. will Nigeria as a nation. That is As far back as in the late accommodated by the public, nothing less but, of course, how serious this situation is. more than 40s, the police were especially in the case of The Nigeria Police Force something prayers—hard cash.

The known to crack tough kidnapping. All the loose talk offers little assurance as to criminal cases through about “investigations are onturned their kidnappers have their sensitivity to this state of the technology of going” will simply have to affairs, and even less in nefarious practice into a fingerprint.

That stop. The former strategies business worth billions of relation to its competence in capability no longer will also have to be revised. naira. preventing it. Its grasp of it The intervention of President features prominently in For instance, the removal of seems to be at par with its Muhammadu Buhari in the the fight against crime in check-points on our highways abject handling of the crime should be re-visited. I can abduction of Chief Olu Falae Nigeria. of kidnapping. The public is The development in the personally recount some cannot be faulted, of course. starved of any confidence in war against crime has occasions when the the ability, or willingness, of The chief was a Minister of benefitted immensely establishment of check-points Finance and Secretary to the our law enforcement agencies from the age of has saved me from the attack when it comes to the province Federal Government. Apart t e c h n o l o g i c a l of assassins on the Benin-Ore from all that, he has played a of professional detection of advancement in which road. If insufficiencies are criminal activities. There must leading role in the political the whole world is now discovered in the operations development of the country

*her dsmen kidnapper *herdsmen kidnapperss *f at al pilgrimage *fat atal

C M Y K

of these sub-stations, benign corrections would be in order, but their total eradication sums up to no less than a loss of confidence by the police in their own agents, to the peril of the citizenry.

And, in the meantime, a host of police stations and barracks all over this country, could do with a little facelift right now, if only to boost the morale of our policemen who seldom come for a bit of appreciation at our hands.

The hazards of embarking on the holy pilgrimage to Mecca seemed to have diminished with the availability of air travel years ago. Years ago, the ordeal was as much a perilous adventure as a religious observance.

Those were the days when pilgrim from Nigeria had to travel with caravans across the desert which exerted considerable pressure on their general welfare. It took months for the pilgrims to make the journey to and fro, and the successful conclusion conferred the status of heroes and heroines on the alhajis and alhajas, apart from an elevation in their religious profile.

Of course, fatalities were not entirely unknown in those days too, but not on the scale of the tragedy that occurred last week at Mina during the ritual of stoning the devil. Other tragic incidents involving hundreds of lives had also been recorded during earlier pilgrimages through air crashes and mishaps of stampede, but the recent one still remains absolutely frightening. There was the earlier accident of a giant crane which crashed and also took the lives of innocent people out to serve their maker the best way they know how. It has both added to making this past hajj pilgrimage the most catastrophic experience in our history.

It is said to have been caused by a stampede which has not been fully accounted for. However, on an occasion in which thousands of people would gather, a measure of co ordinated crowd control should have been established. All reports have made little mention of any stylized machinery or planned programme to impose any kind of order on the movement of thousands of people. It is reported that two streams of crowds travelling in opposite directions clashed leading to struggles for right of way. And since there was no organized installation of multitude management, for instance vocal instructions from loud-speakers, panic ensued causing outsize pandemonium.

The Saudi authorities will have to take responsibility, of course, but tossing the blame for such a calamity around serves little purpose. For instance, attempting to blame African pilgrims for the tragedy, as the Saudis have achieves nothing but a demonstration of uncharitable bile.

Many African lives also perished including a host of our loved ones. I personally grieve at the loss of Hajia Bilikisu Yussuf, a veteran journalist, a lady of charming modesty and a professional to the core. We met at the celebrated award of the Nobel Prize for Literature to Professor Wole Soyinka years ago. It is painful to know that she won’t come back—just like that. We are all under submission to the final call, whichever way it comes. God grant her and all the others who have crossed over the beautiful fulfilment of paradise.

Time out.

44—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 3, 2015 Dear Aunty Julie, I’ve been in love and it has been three years already. But the problem is he was my teacher at school, even though right now I am studying at university and I don’t see him, but still I have feelings for him.

Of course I couldn’t say anything about this and he knows nothing about my feelings for him. But it’s painful. I am fed up, but still continue to love him.

My question is, how can I make myself forget him? Stop liking him?

And understand that there is nothing that can happen between us?

He is 28 years old, and there is a big age difference between us. It’s frightening me that I fell in love in such conditions. I am 19.

Obioma, Asaba

Dear Obioma, That is really a long time to have such strong feelings for someone.

Three years!

Falling in love is exciting, but it also involves lots of other feelings including being scared, confused and frustrated. This can happen in all crushes, but when it involves someone you aren’t ‘allowed’ to love it can make it so much more difficult.

You said you are frightened by the fact that you fell in love with your teacher. Don’t be worried by this or think you are unusual. Many people develop feelings for teachers because we can feel supported by them and they can care about us.

For many people, their teachers are the best role models they have in

My periods are always early

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

He was my teacher at school; how can I make myself forget him? their lives and develop strong feelings as a result.

Unfortunately you can’t make yourself forget about him or stop liking him. Often the more we try to push something (or someone) out of our mind, the harder it is to do. So try to let go of the shame around loving him and the belief that you need to stop thinking about him in this way.

It may be helpful to remind yourself what while there are many things you like about him, it may be a picture you have developed in your mind, because you haven’t seen him for awhile. Also, think about what you want from a relationship and if you feel you would want the same things, considering the age difference between you.

Have you been spending time with guys

at uni? Sometimes it just helps to spend time with other guys. You may not develop strong feelings for them, but you might find they also have the qualities you like about your teacher.

When you are feeling frustrated that you will never get over him, remind yourself that you will, it’ll just take time.

Falling in love is exciting, but it also involves lots of other feelings including being scared, confused and frustrated

Seeing m gue all the time has myy parents ar argue given me low self-esteem Dear Julie, My parents argue on a regular basis. Almost every time they are together ,they get into a screaming match at some time in the night.

There was a time where they argued for a month straight.

I am now with low self-esteem and I know this is the cause. My mother is a good one for putting me down and making me feel like hell but it was what my father said that got to me in one of our many disagreements. He told me that I will be alone and that no one will love me and that brought me to where I am now. I think on rock bottom.

Becky, Port-Harcourt

Dear Becky, You sound devastated and really low. And I’m not surprised, after

hearing such a terrible thing from your father. It’s almost like he tried to put a curse on you, trying to make you believe that no one will love you, and that you’ll be alone.

Often when people try to curse another person like that, they are saying it because it’s something they feel about themselves. I wonder if he feels unloved and alone. I mean, he has been fighting with your mum really badly for (I don’t know how long)... a long time.

It really does sound like you’ve been living in hell—living with them screaming at each other, probably trying to dodge their missiles and hide away from their war zone, and then at the same time getting emotionally thumped by your mother whenever she puts you down. Home doesn’t sound like an

emotionally safe place, or like a happy one.

I wonder how you’ve survived all this. You must be very resourceful. Maybe you have ways that you can block them out, or get away from them. My guess is that you’ve even tried to stand up to them. But that’s a pretty hard thing to do, given that they’ve been older and stronger than you ever since you were a baby.

Also, I’m not saying that you should fight your parents. I’m just concerned that they are squashing you, squashing the life out of you.

Look, I know you’re used to bouncing back, but I don’t think you deserve to be so squashed all the time. I think you need some professional help from a counsellor. Perhaps your local priest or pastor can help. Talk to them about your situation. They can give you some advice, and help you to deal with your home situation so that it doesn’t hurt you so much.

It’s really a bad situation when parents can’t see and don’t understand what their kids need.

Aunty Julie, I’ve had my periods six times since May. The first time I had it, was fine, the next month, I didn’t have it, and the third month it came on the same time as the first period. But the month after July came weirdly. They were always a week or like 10 days earlier then the actual date and today, the day I’m having my 6th period, it came way earlier than it’s supposed to. Or it’s just come way later than it was supposed to. Why are my periods always early?

Tosin, Lagos

Dear Tosin, Your experience with your periods being irregular is very common especially in the first couple of years of having them. It takes time for the hormone cycle that drives the timing of the periods to settle into a regular rhythm. So as you describe, you get a period then miss a month, then have them come early or late.

In fact even though we talk about a 28 day cycle, some girls find their cycle is shorter (such as 24 days) or longer (such as 34 days).

Our bodies don’t run by the clock or the calendar so don’t expect your period to come on the exact same day every month. Many things such as stress or illness can also throw out the hormone cycle.

We count our cycle from the first day of our period to the first day of the next period.

It is usually about the middle of the cycle (about day 14) that the egg is released from the ovary, travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus.

This is the fertile time when sperm could fertilise the egg if we had sex. When the egg isn’t fertilised, it passes out and the lining of the uterus breaks down and passes out of the vagina as our period.

If we get pregnant the lining remains and no period happens usually.

Many girls make sure they have pad or tampon in their bag in case they get an early period. It’s great you are learning more about your amazing body.

C O C K - T A L E S

Password A husband and wife are trying to set up a new password for their computer.

The husband puts, “Mypenis,” and the wife falls on the ground laughing because on the screen it says, “Error. Not long enough.”

Between a chicken and a cow Teacher: “Kids,what does the chicken give you?”

Student: “Meat!”

Teacher: “Very good! Now what does the pig give you?”

Student: “Bacon!”

Teacher: “Great! And what does the fat cow give you?”

Student: “Homework!”

C M Y K

How to make babies A child asked his father, “How were people born?”

So his father said, “Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on.”

The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, “We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now.”

The child ran back to his father and said, “You lied to me!”

His father replied, “No, your mom was talking about her side of the family.”

Johnny’s puzzle A teacher is teaching a class and she sees that Johnny isn’t paying attention, so she asks him, “If

there are three ducks sitting on a fence, and you shoot one, how many are left?”

Johnny says, “None.”

The teacher asks, “Why?” Johnny says, “Because the shot scared them all off.”

The teacher says, “No, two, but I like how you’re thinking.”

Johnny asks the teacher, “If you see three women walking out of an ice cream parlor, one is licking her ice cream, one is sucking her ice cream, and one is biting her ice cream, which one is married?”

The teacher says, “The one sucking her ice cream.”

Johnny says, “No, the one with the wedding ring, but I like how you’re thinking!”

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3 3,, 2015 — 45

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

You can have male friends without sleeping with them!

W

OMEN are often their worst enemies.

Throw a bunch of them together and you find intrigues, envy and hatred fouling the relationship. That is why a lot of women today find it less stressful to have one or two male friends to relate with. They’ve simply discovered that a feisty friendship with an heterosexual man is stimulating to the brain, soul and it does their social life a world of good. Moire so when such women are single parents, divorced or just ‘senior’ girls.

Some ten years ago, Nike finally drew the curtains on a marriage that was most bewildering to her most of the time. “What had brought back my self-esteem to a semblance of normalcy are my male friends”, she said. “I’m all for the championship of platonic friendship. Throughout my marriage, my ex constantly sneered at my divorced friends and why they would forever be on the shelf. The unmarried ones, according to him, were wayward and had dated so many men they’d missed husband materials amongst such men. So, after my divorce, I was happy to reconnect with my male friends and was surprised their partners see me as no threat to the stability of their marriage.

“Thanks to one or two things with them. Women close ones, I was able to relate through talk, whereas pick up the pieces of my with men you tend to go on life. They introduced me outings, which broadens to reputable clients and your circle as well as your my law firm is doing mind.” really well. We recently Demi, a 35-year-old dabbled into estate secretary to a local management. My government council said she husband has remarried was thankful for her job and and I wish him well, my a list of good male friends kids are doing well, but when her policeman in spite of all this, he seems to be wearing his disapproving look whenever I see him. It’s true what they say after all that success is the best form of revenge....

“It’s a fact that you get an understanding of men from being friends with them. You can discuss things with male friends that could be very charged inside a romantic relationship. I now have long-lasting male friends that are invaluable. When you have a boyfriend trouble, they know exactly what is going on although sometimes, I think I know too much about the way men are capable of treating women. But this has never put me off men altogether.

“Another thing I enjoy about my men friends is that I always seem to do

Women relate through talk, whereas with men you tend to go on outings, which broadens your circle as well as your mind

C M Y K

husband was posted outside her state, and it was decided she hung around to continue her career in the local government. “I have always been interested in politics, and my position in the local government is the boost I needed. Apart from the contracts I could corner from time to time, I get to go to political meetings where I

meet a few heavyweights in our party. In the meantime, my marriage is very much alive. I have just become a kind of honorary single while my husband is away. It is so nice to have men to go out with (especially men with whom there is no question of that hideous scenario in the car at the end of the event. You lose the knack of being around

men otherwise. I find I make moire effort with my appearance when I’m going out with a man, even though he is just a friend. I may not be politically correct but it’s good for the soul!”

“Let’s not kid ourselves, said Adanma,45, who runs a thriving motel in the heart of Port Harcourt, “there’s no such thing as a platonic relationship between men and women. A woman who says that she has this great friend who just happens to be of the opposite sex is kidding herself. If she doesn’t fancy him, he wants to get her knickers off. It may be platonic on the one side, but the other half is always hopeful.

“Before I got married for the second time, nine years ago, I had several male friends and I don’t think there were any that I didn’t end up sleeping with. Sex has always been a healthy and spontaneous thing with me and the men I met were beautiful people—that’s why I was friends with them in the first place. The sex just seemed to develop out of spending a lot of time together, but I did find that once I had slept with them, the friendship was usually over”.

Don’t let the high cost of living get you down!

W

ho hasn’t been tripped, one way or the other, by the high cost of living? Generations have run into its trauma and to help relieve your sufferings, here are a few hot tips from those who have walked the route a couple of times: Save your pennies (kobo really!)

Safely collect loose change instead of discarding them and put them in a jar. Before you know it, your stash of cash will add up to a handy amount for emergencies or special treats.

Don’t set your sights too high. You don’t need to furnish your house all at once, and you don’t have to have two cars if you can’t really afford to them. If you learn to make do with less, you’ll spend less. Economize with food, save left-overs, don’t throw them away. Reheat them and use them to prepare other meals. Stop humouring finicky eaters in your family and concentrate on nourishing food that everyone should be

expected to eat.

Use old-fashioned cleaning tricks.

For instance, torn-up newspapers and water in a spray bottle are firstrate for cleaning windows. Bread wrappers make inexpensive replacements for foil and plastic wraps. Never go to the shops for grocery when you are hungry. That is when you are most tempted to buy those expensive snacks and treats that you don’t need.

L

earn to be flexible. Just because you have to economize now, you won’t necessarily have to go through life scrimping and saving.

Don’t resist moving to a cheaper flat or driving an older car if cutting corners—this way will make meeting your financial obligations easier.

Lastly, you’re to remember that temporary step-downs will not hurt your ego if you remember that better times may just be round the corner.

46 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015 YETUNDE AREBI Yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk tweeterhandle@yetundearebi 08054700825

The great miscalculation

T

he telephone call to Catherine had been skilfully planned. It was meant to act as combustive to sim mering embers of a once fiercely flam ing fire. The final blow to signal the final death knell to her 17 year old rocky marriage. Though the caller's identity was not registered on her mobile phone, the voice at the other end was a very familiar one. She had heard it so many times in the last two or so years that it had become registered in her heart. She would recognise it anywhere. Sometimes, it was the voice that woke her up in the dead of the night as Charles, her husband, would struggle to go into hiding to answer the call. Several times, it had disrupted the peace of their few family outings, turning an otherwise fun time into painfully torturous and depressing stretch of hours she wished had never taken place in the first instance. It was the voice she had come to despise, it was the voice of the thorn in her flesh that had stuck on so fast, refusing to let go. It was the voice of Gloria, her husband's mistress.

Though Catherine's heart was pounding so hard and loudly in her chest that she feared she might collapse, she managed to appear calm, as she listened to the woman shouting at her on the phone. "Hello, I know you know me very well. I am not calling to chat with you. I just want you to talk to Charles for me. If he likes himself, he should not mess with me. If he thinks I am a fool like you that he can treat anyhow he likes, he is mistaking. I will not be insulted and disgraced like you and keep quiet oh! Just tell him that I already have him by the balls and I will deal with him if he does not come to his senses. It is you that can take all that nonsense from him. You are the one they brought from the village, not me. He did not pay my school fees, my parents did, so he cannot mess me up.

If he thinks I am like you that he did bla bla bla to and you are just looking like mumu, he should just not try it with me"....... on and on she continued ranting! When she was done, she cut off the line. Catherine, shocked to her bone marrow stood for a few minutes staring at the phone in her hand. She said she felt thoroughly humiliated. Her concern was not about the problem between the lady and Charles, after all, if they were now fighting and threatening each other all over town, it was to her advantage. In fact, it would be the best news she had heard in over two years. So, in a way, she ought to be happy. But she was not. She was angry. Angry that her husband had reduced her to nothing more than a piece of rag before her rival. He C M Y K

had shared with her enemy all her secrets and shortcomings, now leaving her ashamed and demoralised.

So, she had become a piece of chicken drumstick that Charles and his mistress now use to exercise their mouths after a good round of sex, abi? What is left of her pride, if Charles has downloaded all her dossier and history to her potential rival? This is the last straw. There is no way Charles would be able to wriggle out of this one.

Anger soon gave way to self pity and as she began planning a strategy of her own on what to do to her husband, an inner voice suddenly crept into her consciousness. Catherine says she is very sure it was her guardian angel that visited her that afternoon as she is convinced that all that happened was a miracle. She said the voice asked her if she was done with her marriage or not and she affirmed that she still wanted the

Most times, a married man who tells you stories about his wife and how poorly she is, or how unhappy he is with her is merely priming you for his bed marriage as she could not even care for herself adequately, not to mention caring for their three children on her own.

The voice then informed her that all that the lady wanted was a fight between her and Charles and that should it happen, it might lead to end of her marriage. To be on top of the game that was unfolding, she had to remain calm and focused. Since Chichi's request was for her to talk to her husband, then that is exactly what she should do and nothing more. All the part about the cheap talk was to further humiliate her and drive her out of her mind. It was time to put diplomacy and wit to work rather than anger, pain, jealousy and drama, which is what the caller expected. The voice told her it was time to turn the table around and play the lovers against themselves. As if she was taking orders from a director for a movie scene, the voice told her to pick the phone, call up Chichi and beg her on her husband's behalf while promising to also talk to Charles. She said she did not know where the calmness came from but she did as the spirit directed. She told Chichi that after being friends with Charles for so long, she ought to understand him by now. She should find space in her heart to forgive whatever he might have done,

adding that men are generally like that and women must learn to accept them like such. However, she will also talk to him and everything will be alright between them once again. Chichi was so stunned that she said nothing while Catherine spoke, but before the line went dead, she heard her telling someone that this woman must be very foolish.

When her husband returned, she said nothing and went through the motion of their evening ritual. then, she woke him up at about 2am for what she described as an important discussion.

She told him that though she was not informed of the problem, she would not want him to fight with Chichi. She said Chichi called her that afternoon and informed her that they were having some disagreement and that she should plead with him on her behalf. She said her husband was shocked and found it quite difficult to believe that Chichi had made such a request. She said she refused to say more than that even as her husband pressed on insisting that there was more to the story. But by the next evening, it was obvious that Charles was in a very terrible mood. He apologised to Catherine profusely and demanded for the full story which she then narrated to him. That marked the beginning of the end of his relationship with Chichi.

Such is the miscalculation of most desperate mistresses. Chichi, the sophisticated, educated and most probably beautiful mistress, with a high profile job as icing on the cake was so sure she had everything going in her favour against poor Catherine. The sloppy housewife who stays home to tend the house and do school runs was no match for her at all. By Chichi's assessment of herself, she had everything a man of Charles' class would desire in a woman and if they had been together all these while, it was just a matter of pushing certain buttons and everything would be in place. She had terrorised Catherine for so long with their affair such that the poor wife had come to accept her as the de facto madam, but still, Chichi desired more. She wanted the name, as well as to reign supreme, demoting poor Catherine to the position of ex-wife. So, she laid out this grand plot that was supposed to make the woman flip out of control thereby unleashing the final onslaught. But it misfired against her.

Chichi forgot that while many men who desire the pleasures of being in other women's arms may want to justify their actions by heaping the blame on their poor wives, it is often not a licence for the mistresses to step out of their bounds. When the chips are down, there is no relationship that cannot be called off, even marriages do end in divorce. When a mistress' desires and ambition becomes overbearing and embarrassing, a man might be forced to weigh his priorities and defend them. Not all men will fall for the schemes and plots of a desperate mistress. And some who fall do sometimes rise again by a stroke of luck or divine intervention like Charles.

The truth is that, sometimes, there is more to the story of a married couple than what a third party can readily see or decode. It is not every story that is as simple as boy meets girl, courtship, marriage and children. There are some relationships where couples have travelled through strange, undefined paths, made selfless sacrifices and built bonds and bridges that might take seven lifetimes to decode and unlock. That a man is allowed freedom to roam the streets and sow his wild oats does not mean that he is a free agent and can be taken over by another woman.

When a man desires to bed a woman, there is hardly anything he cannot say or do if he is sure that such will get him his objective. Even an ugly woman would be rated on the same pedestal as Miss World, if only it would make her open the road. Most times, a married man who tells you stories about his wife and how poorly she is, or how unhappy he is with her is merely priming you for his bed.

You will be setting yourself up for heartbreak if you start seeing yourself as a martyr who has come to save him from himself. Do have a wonderful weekend!

C M Y K

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , OCTOBER 3 3, 2015—47

ABANDONED AGO PALACE ROAD

Abandoned...Work has stopped on Ago road, Okota. Photos: Akeem Salau.

BAD ROADS IN EBUTE METTA

Bad roads in Ebute Metta.

Motorists, residents wail over abandoned AAgo/Ok go/Ok ot oad pr oject L go/Okot otaa rroad project

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

T

HE expansion and rehabilitation of the sixkilometre Ago-Palace Way and Okota, road project by the Lagos state government may have hit the rocks as the journey of less than 20 minutes currently takes as long as two hours due to the state of disrepair of the road.

When Vanguard visited the area, motorists and residents have since converted one side of the road to a parking lot due to its deplorable state while the left side serves thousands of vehicles plying the road.

Vanguard learnt that many resident now leave their vehicles at home and use commercial motorcycles popularly

called Okada although the road is listed in the 2012 Road Traffic Law as restricted to commercial motorcyclists.

The immediate past Governor, Babatunde Fashola, had about a year ago appealed to Okota residents to persevere till the end of last year when the construction of the road was expected to have completed.

But one year and three months on, the level of work by the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company, has left the road in a worse state.

Motorists and residents as well as other concerned citizens say Governor Akinwunmi Ambode should intervene.

The government through the State Tenders Board awarded contract for the first phase of the road reconstruction in September 2007 at the sum of about N1.5 billion.

AGOS state government says it has concluded plans to conduct interviews for the 2015/ 2016 session bursary award for its indigenes in tertiary institutions across the country who have obtained the application forms.

A statement by the Director, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs Omauton Jegede, said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode approved that the bursary award interviews to hold in specific zones across the country and also at the five divisions in the state.

In Kaduna state, the interview is expected to hold on October 5th and 6th 2015 at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

In Rivers state, the interview th will hold on October 6th and 7 , 2015, at University of PortHarcourt, Choba.

The interview will also hold in Kwara state at the Universityt hof Ilorin from October 12th to 13 while that of Abuja will hold on 17th to 18th of November at the Nigerian Law School and for Ondo state, the programme will

Lagos conducts bursary award interviews hold at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, on 1st and 2nd of December.

For the Lagos zone, Jegede said that the interviews will hold at St. Georges’ Primary School, Falomo, Lagos Island (for Lagos Division) and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija, Epe (for Epe Division) on 14th and 15th October, 2015.

The interview for Badagry Division will hold on 20th and 21st October at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, while those of Ikeja and Ikorodu divisions will hold on 26th and 27th October, 2015 at Government College, Agege, beside NYSC Orientation Camp (for Ikeja Division) and Oriwu College, Ikorodu (for Ikorodu Division).

The bursary awards are in categories of N20, 000, N30, 000 and N50, 000 depending on the course of study.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

BEWARE OF DOGS!

Rabies on the prowl in Lagos

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

E

xactly a year ago, 14year-old James Musa had no inkling he would not live to celebrate his 15th birthday, neither did Aishat Opakunle, 21, realise that her dream of becoming a computer engineer would be dashed in the twinkling of an eye.

These promising Nigerians who lived at Mologede Estate, in Meiran area of Lagos, were cut down by bites from a rabid dog in their neighborhood. They resided in the same environment with the same dog that bit them to death.

They were used to the animal, saw it daily, and often played with it. But something suddenly went wrong. Musa and Aishat did not notice that the dog had changed and was behaving strangely. Even after they were bitten, neither was bold enough to inform their parents. Rather they kept it secret.

By the time they eventually opened up about what happened, they had come down with rabies symptoms. It was sad because once a person is symptomatic for rabies, treatment is ineffective. All the families could do was wait for Musa and Aishat to die.

Musa, who just passed his C M Y K

Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination, died of rabies infection in a most gruesome manner.

Narrating the incident, his aunt, Mrs. Racheal Daudu, expressed sadness at the turn of events. She said Musa did not disclose the reality of what happened until after the death of Aishat.

“Musa did not confess until one month after Aishat died.

Then he complained of headache and fever and we gave him some drugs. That was the Tuesday that followed the Friday on which Aishat died.

He even went out to play football that same day.

“But when I came back, I met him lying down. We rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. He started saying nonsense. He was my sister’s son. He came to live with us,” she recalled.

Similar case was that of an adult banker who on his was home in 2012, was bitten by dog. He didn’t take it serious, he just clean the wound and few days afterwards presented with rabies signs. Before long, he died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

As the number of dogs continue to increased in the community, so have the

number of cases of dog bite victims. Between 2014 and 2015, more than 30 cases of dog bites were reported in the media aside those that were not reported.

On September 25, 2015, the case of 4-year-old Omoniho Isaac Abraham, whose skull was torn apart by a dog that attacked him in Igando area of Lagos was reported. On August 21, 2015, Mrs. Maureen Akowe lost her 4-month-old baby who was attacked and killed by her dog in Asaba, Delta State. A 45year-old commercial driver, Saturday Akpomose also narrowly escaped death after being attacked by seven dogs at Ajah area of Lagos State.

Reacting to the uncontrollable cases of dog bites in the country, the Chairman, Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, Lagos state chapter, Dr Alao Mobolaji, said that death from rabies can be prevented with simple vaccination which costs averagely N3,000 and covers the dog for a year.

“Rabies kills faster than AIDS. It is a disease people have to be very careful with, and the major carrier of this virus is the bat while dogs are the main natural reservoir of the rabies virus. They are the

main culprits being the closest to man.

“As soon as you see the first symptoms of rabies, even the very first – a tingling in the hands or a child becomes slightly disoriented – death is inevitable,” said Mobolaji He regretted that across the country many of the dogtransmitted human rabies cases go untreated and unreported as a result of the absence of a rabies control programme, inadequate laboratory capacity, lack of surveillance and funding, and poor collaboration between human and animal health sectors.

“In Nigeria, the only institution equipped to carry out proper rabies diagnoses in dogs is the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom-Jos, Plateau State.”

Mobolaji said that in the case of Musa, the hospital exhumed the dog’s corpse for medical examination. “The sample was sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute in Jos, Plateau State and the confirmatory result showed that the dog, indeed, had rabies,” he added.

Continues on page 49

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—49

Continues from page 48 He said it is important to get dogs vaccinated annually to keep them protected against rabies, but when a person becomes a victim of dog bite whether or not such dog has rabies or not, the first thing to do is to wash the spot with soap and running water before presenting it for proper treatment.

“In the course of treatment, the person will be subjected to post exposure management on days zero, three, seven, 14 and 30. If the dog does not die before day 14, the victim can skip days 14 and 30 and that means the dog does not have rabies so they can just treat it like a normal wound.”

Further, he explained that if the dog in question dies, the bitten person must take the full dose of the recommended drugs which gives such person a very good chance of survival.

“But once the clinical signs of rabies start manifesting beginning with fever, there is no known cure that can prevent death,” he added.

Mobolaji however called on Government to consolidate review of existing dog laws in the state and introduction of leash laws to encourage responsible dog ownership.

“Proper equipping and mobilisation of the stray animal rescue unit of the state veterinary department to encourage the easy removal of all stray dogs from our environment

BEWARE OF DOGS! Rabies on the prowl in Lagos is desired,” he noted.

A study to determine the prevalence of rabies antigen in brains of dogs slaughtered for consumption and those that died in veterinary clinics in the state, revealed that a total of 196 dog bites/ suspected rabies cases were encountered between January 2006 and December, 2011 in veterinary clinics.

Majority (96.43 percent) of the offending dogs were not quarantined at the time of bite and only one out of the quarantined dogs died and was confirmed positive for rabies antigen.

The result of the study indicated that rabies antigen is present among dogs in Lagos State and may pose a threat to public health. Records showed that provocation was the major cause of dog bites and both children and adults fell victim of dog bites. Annually, rabies kills 50,000 to 55,000 people globally with children been the most vulnerable.

Worldwide, there is about 1 rabies death every 15 minutes. For World Rabies Day, 28 September, a reported story from Malawi was featured by the World Health Organisation. It was a reminder that once rabies symptoms appear, the disease is almost always

fatal. However, rabies is a vaccinepreventable disease. And vaccinating dogs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies in people.

Another animal doctor, Dr. Eddysn Ugwueze also expressed concerns about the indiscriminate rate of dog ownership without commensurate monitoring efforts from government. He called on relevant authorities to establish an animal registry and a tagging system as a precondition for pet ownership in the state.

“People are not sincere with the responsibility that goes with keeping pet in their home generally, people think they can just keep pet without oversee their welfare. People need to ask themselves whether they actually have time to keep the pet and give all the attention.

It is so depressing that people take custody of pets and at the end the pet become miserable, even when brought it into my clinic, I confront them openly that is not compulsory to take custody of an animal if you feel that you don’t have

time for it. It does not have much to do with money because there are some basic things that people had failed to do like feeding, healthcare, vaccination among others.

Data from WHO revealed that rabies transmitted by dogs has been eliminated in many Latin American countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, most of Argentina, the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and large parts of Mexico and Peru. While the disease still occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.

“Infection causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, mostly in Asia and Africa. 40 percent of people who are bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years of age.

Immediate wound cleansing with soap and water after contact with a suspect rabid animal can be life-saving.

Every year, more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-bite vaccination to prevent the disease; this is estimated to prevent hundreds of thousands of rabies deaths annually.

•Mrs. Racheal Daudu and Master James Musa died of rabies infection

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

BY HENRY UMORU

I

T appears that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP has suddenly realised the medicine for its ailment, with a vow that it will not repeat the mistakes of the past.

The party has identified factors responsible for its fall from the ruling party to the opposition. Some of the factors include the zoning principle, lack of internal democracy, ineffective conflict resolution mechanism, God fatherism, lack of members participation in decision making, inconsistent leadership, among others.

It is no longer news, but it must be re-echoed that the PDP which had boasted as the then largest ruling party in Africa that it would rule Nigeria for at least sixty years, did not only suffer Presidential defeat, but it lost in its traditional states of Plateau; Niger; Kaduna; Benue; Bauchi; Jigawa, the three Senatorial seats of Kogi State, also making it the opposition party in the Senate with 49 senators while the APC which had 60 Senators prior to the death of Senator Ahmed Zanna from Borno State.

Following this defeat, it was a reversal of fortune, the PDP which presented the majority leader, deputy majority leader, chief whip and deputy Chief Whip in both the Senate now settled for the positions of Minority leader, Deputy Minority leader, Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip.

As part of moves to get it right, Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and the National Working Committee in May 5, 2015, inuagurated the PostElection Review Committee with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu as Chairman.

The Committee which has sixteen other members drawn from the NWC, National Assembly, Board of Trustees, BoT, among others, was saddled with among others, the responsibility of identifying the remote and immediate causes of the poor performance of the PDP in the 2015 general elections, to trace the origin and process of the decline of the party in its electoral performance.

To effectively carry out its assignment, the Ekweremadu led Committee constituted three subCommittees that conducted public hearing in the six geopolitical zones of the country, with each subCommittee covering two zones.

The Committee received a

2019:

•Senator Ike Ekweremadu

•Prince Uche Secondus

PDP revisiting 1999 zoning formula

total of 5007 memoranda representing 6 Zones; 36 State Party Chapters and FCT, 268 from party support groups and 4698 from individual stakeholders.

At the end of its assignment, the Committee on Wednesday, September 30 submitted its report to Secondus led NWC and the major recommendation was that should zone the 2019 presidency to the north, the principle of zoning must be respected at all levels, noting that one major reason the PDP lost in the March 28 Presidential election was its non adherence to the principle of zoning and that must be guided against as the party cannot again make same a great mistake.

Ekweremadu who noted that in accordance with the popular views expressed in the submissions to the Committee, the presidency should be zoned to the north as that will also assuage any ill feelings in the North over any perceived breach of the Party’s zoning principle, said, “ In particular, since the last president of PDP extraction came from the southern part of Nigeria, it is recommended that PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 general elections should come from the northern part of the country in accordance with the popular views

expressed in the submissions to the committee”.

Soon after the Committee submitted its report, the Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus immediately started with the implementation by announcing the zoning of the 2019 Presidency to the north, saying it has learnt its lessons and will never make mistakes, just as the party has drawn a roadmap towards the 2019 general elections and future electoral success.

Secondus who noted that the party was prepared to bounce back having lost the March 28 Presidential election to the All Progressives Congress, APC having sixteen years as the ruling party, said, “NWC has agreed that we will never make mistake of the past, we will follow submission made by this committee.

“By the time it passes through all organs of the party we will implement the report to the later. Today mark a turning point in our struggle in the last 16 years, we are now well robust opposition, our senators are in control of the National Assembly, we are the best organize party in the country.

Beginning of Zoning in PDP Following the formation of

PDP and after due consultation among the political class, a decision was reached to find a way to pacify the South-west, the zone that was, obviously, at the receiving end of much of the political crisis at the time when late Chief Moshood Abiola who was said to have won the June 12 1993 election was schemed out as the election was annulled.

To pacify the people of the South West, the PDP decided to zone its presidency to the region despite the fact that many others including former Vice President Alex Ekwueme from the South East, late Abubakar Rimi from the North, among others were interested in the position.

This thus was the beginning of the zoning arrangement between South and North, which was entrenched in the constitution of the PDP – the platform on which Obasanjo ran and won the 1999 presidential election, thus becoming the President till 2003 and in 2003.

But in 2007, the PDP zoned it to the North. Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from Katsina State, North West emerged as the candidate of PDP and won the election but he died on May 5, 2010.

His death constitutionally threw up his Vice, former

President Goodluck Jonathan from Bayelsa State, South South zone stepped in as the acting President and later President.

At the completion of his joint ticket with late Yar’ Adua, a new twist was introduced into the zoning question as Jonathan contested and won the 2011 Presidential election.

Preparatory to the 2015 presidential election, the PDP allowed Jonathan as sole presidential candidate, thereby locking out other aspirants and this infuriated the people of the north who saw this as a big backstabbing and this actually led to the party not winning the election.

From all indications, zoning died in PDP when the then National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, spoke with Journalists that zoning ceased to be an issue in PDP since after the 1999 general elections.

Nwodo had said, “I said to BBC and I repeat to you again that zoning in PDP has been jettisoned. There is no zoning on ground right now.

Absolutely, there is no zoning. In 1999, there was zoning and only one northerner insisted on his inalienable right in the Nigerian constitution to contest against the zoning arrangement of the PDP. The PDP took its foot down and I wrote a letter to him and returned his cheque.

That is the late Abubakar Rimi of blessed memory. In 2003, after four years of Obasanjo, candidates sprang up from across the country. They paid, they canvassed. Nobody returned their money.

Nobody wrote them that there was a zoning.

Now that the PDP has realised its mistakes and ready to go back to zoning, starting with the north, it is hoped that the National Caucus, Board of Trustees, BoT and National Executive Committee, NEC of the party will key into the recommendation of the Committee and the announcement by the NWC. It is hoped that this would be sustained, it is hoped that a blueprint would be drawn to know which of the zones will produce after the north, it is also hoped that the party would have learnt its lessons properly, it is hoped that the party would adhere strictly to its constitution.

Whether the party would survive this current crisis of zoning of presidency to the Northern region of Nigeria is a question of time. Nigerians are waiting anxiously to see if this would not cause implosion in the party or if this would make the party bounce back.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—51

Joe Igbokwe’s ramblings vindicate Saraki

BY NWOBODO CHIDIEBERE “It is well known that in political war, the first casualty is the truth — that during any war, truth is forsaken for propaganda.” — Harry Browne When the news of Senate President Bukola Saraki’s summon by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) first hit the airwaves, many unsuspecting and gullible Nigerians celebrated it as strident anti-corruption war.

Yet some discerning minds saw it as a witchhunt given the Senate President’s well-known disagreement with his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the office he occupies and the constitution of the Majority Principal Officers of the Senate. While the party gave a long list of Senators that must be named the Principal Officers of the majority party in the Senate, Saraki chose to go along with the tradition where the party only zones offices to geopolitical zones, but allow Senators and Reps from those zones to elect their preferred candidate.

The preponderant opinion today, therefore, is that Saraki became the ‘most corrupt Nigerian ever’ the day he went against the whims of a club of overbearing club leaders who felt that Nigeria belongs to them.

The Presidency’s denial through Garba Shehu has failed to impress Nigerians because this is a typical case of the witch crying at night and the child found dead in the morning.

For instance, the President has not met with the Saraki-led Senate leadership months after their election. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is also after Mrs. Toyin Saraki and another head of one of the Sarakis’ business concerns.

As Nigerians were still pondering over the persecution of Senator Saraki by those who are bent on annexing the National Assembly to enlarge their political empires from Lagos and Kaduna to Abuja, entered the APC State Publicity Secretary in Lagos, Joe Igbokwe, into the fray with a piece “No tears for Saraki”, which was larvishly used in the Vanguard newspaper.

Although his obvious mission was to protect his political benefactors in Lagos, he inadvertently exposed the hypocrisy of the so-called ongoing anti-graft.

Igbokwe is the Spokesperson of Lagos State Chapter of the APC, a principal partner in the already ill-fated Saraki-must-go campaign. Yet Igbokwe did not find it necessary to comment on those benefiting from IGR in Lagos.

But even more important, Joe Igbokwe confirmed the widely held witch-hunt theory in the Saraki saga.

Igbokwe wrote in his venom-filled, hate-driven, gutter language piece: “APC does not want Bukola Saraki as the Senate President and neither does APC want Ekweremadu as the Deputy Senate President. Saraki has caused enough implosions within the party….

He has slowed down the party ’s machinery from taking off smoothly, and he has portrayed us as a weak

party. Now is the time for him to go.

Saraki has no choice than to go otherwise he will have himself to blame. Again if Bukola Saraki feels his hands are tightly glued to the exalted seat of the Senate Presidency and therefore cannot be removed, APC may be compelled to tear or cut his hands off, so that the National Assembly can move forward.”

Hmmm! What other evidence do we need? This fully confirms Saraki’s remarks in the witness box that his party docked him because he became Senate President against their wish, but in line with the wish of overwhelming majority of the Senators who elected him.

Igbokwe also wrote: “Saraki and his gang of forty thieves devastated the master plan of our great party to

If Bukola Saraki feels his hands are tightly glued to the exalted seat of the Senate Presidency and therefore cannot be removed, APC may be compelled to tear or cut his hands off, so that the National Assembly can move forward choose the right people to serve as the Principal Officers in the National Assembly.”

Could this man tell us how a political party with a slim majority in the Senate can impose its so-called ‘Master Plan’ on the National Assembly that comprise of Senators elected from other parties? Does this Igbokwe and his paymasters know the difference between a National Assembly of Nigeria and National Assembly of APC? How much of the APC so-called ‘Master Plan’ went into the lopsided appointments by Buhari into key offices?

In continuation of his vituperation and exposure of his chronic ignorance of the law, he said: “What Senator Saraki did is unheard of in the history of party politics. Saraki made the world to believe that APC leaders are unprepared for the task of governing this country. Saraki’s inordinate ambition at once put a question mark on the capacity of leaders of APC to drive leadership in Nigeria. Saraki tried to prove to the whole world that he is smarter than all the leaders of APC put together. Saraki ignored 51

•Bukola Saraki

APC Senators who were in a meeting and went to do business with 49 PDP Senators, a party APC just defeated after sixteen years bloody struggle.

Senator Saraki bribed his way to the Clerk of the Senate and cajoled him to proclaim a Senate that is incomplete. Saraki and Ekweremmadu criminally changed the Senate rules in order to carry out the open robbery we saw in the hallowed Chamber of the Senate of Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

By the above contradictions, one is led to conclude that hypocritical Joe Igbokwe assumed that majority of Nigerians are as gullible as his fellow one-man slaves in Lagos.

When the Action Congress of Nigeria, Joe Igbokwe’s inner family of the APC extended family connived with the former Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to work against the interest and directive of the PDP to enthrone Tambuwal as Speaker in 2011, the vuvuzelic Joe Igbokwe hailed it as democracy in action.

The APC was also not only the brain behind Hon. Tambuwal’s eventual defection to the APC along with PDP’s Speakership mandate, but they also celebrated and praised the move to the high heavens.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, befittingly named Lai Mohammed said: “I must say that this historic development means that our democracy is growing by the day and it is dynamic. On a more serious note, we welcome the defection of Tambuwal to APC. With this defection, APC has now taken the leadership of

one arm of the national legislature.

We think that having the head of the legislature from the opposition party makes for a balanced setting in government and it’s good for democracy…. Those who are saying this has not happened before and that Tambuwal should step aside as Speaker do not have the backing of history and the constitution.”

The former Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who is Igbokwe’s co-wailer today affirmed: “We welcome and applaud the Speaker’s decision…

We are proud to acknowledge that the Speaker remains not only a member of the House of Representatives but also its Speaker.

This position is consistent with the law and practice in a presidential system of government and Nigeria is no different. For the avoidance of doubt, the constitution requires only that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves. As a caucus, we pledge our continued support to the current leadership of the House of Representatives.”

The then presidential aspirant, Mohammadu Buhari told APC Special Convention in Abuja: “We will like to thank Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal for what he did yesterday. We were overwhelmed. Taking such a remarkable risk and sending everybody on holidays till December is an achievement.”

•Nwobodo, a political analyst wrote in from Abuja.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Independence: Edo holds Quiz, T debate for schools

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN-CITY THE Edo State Government, yesterday held the final of a Quiz and Debate Competition for primary and Secondary schools in the state as part of activities lined up by the state to celebrate the nation’s 55th Independence Anniversary.

The Governor who was elated by the performance of the pupils of Afuda Primary School Uromi who won the Quiz competition for Primary Schools and students of Edo Boys High School, who defeated their counterparts from Lumen Christi International School, Uromi to win the debate for secondary school students said he will do everything possible in the next 13 months of his administration to build more public primary and secondary schools.

He said: “I want to make

a commitment that I still have about 13 months in government and I will do everything possible over the next 13 months to build more Primary and Secondary Schools and provide more furniture.

“Over the next 13 months, we will spend not less than N6 billion naira additional investment in Primary and Secondary Schools infrastructure. You

will soon find contractors working in the remaining schools because I do appreciate that no child should be dumped in those relics that PDP left behind.

Every Edo Child is entitled to a red roof, classrooms with beautiful tiles and other facilities. We will do as many of those schools as we can and the next APC Government will complete the story.

Nigeria @55: We must get serious with devt – Ezeife

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

F

ORMER Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has called on Nigerians to shun sectarianism and embrace peace and unity. Ezeife, who said the fight over religion and ethnicity was beyond the powers of anybody, urged Nigerians to shun divisive actions.

He ventilated his wishes for a Nigeria that would sooner or later emerge as a super power but insisted that

there was no shortcut to broad based development except through peace and unity of purpose.

His words: “For God to beam into our minds his purpose for Nigeria which is to develop into a super power, so to raise the dignity and respect of all black people on earth and wipe off the shame of slavery from black faces, we should stop fighting over religious and ethnic choices we did not make.’’

HE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, closed its defence at the ongoing Delta state governorship election tribunal sitting in Asaba, saying it will rely on the petitioner ’s witness which the tribunal had earlier declared as hostile witness.

The Labour Party, LP, and its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election, Chief Great Ogboru, are challenging the declaration of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the governorship election.

At the resumed hearing, Counsel to INEC, Mr Oyenchi Ikpeazu (SAN), told the tribunal that the witness they wished to call had already been called by the petitioner as (PW2), stressing that they are going to rely on his evidence including all certified true copy, CTC, of documents tendered by the witness.

Ikpeazu however stated,”based on the fact that the PW2 tendered

DELTA GOV TRIBUNAL: INEC closes case, relies on petitioner’s witness all the CTC of document from INEC office in Delta state, we therefore hereby rest our case”.

A mild drama had played out Wednesday, during the hearing as PDP’s witness, Mr. Afarm Uzor, fumbled under cross examination by the petitioner ’s counsel.

Counsel to PDP, Mr. Timothy Kehinde (SAN), who was represented by Mr. Ogunwumju Kehinde, had called Mr. Uzor, a PDP Ward agent for Ward

11, in Oshimili South Local Council to testify that election was free and fair in his ward as against the petitioner ’s claim.

However, during cross examination by Mr. Robert Emukpoeruo (counsel to the petitioner), Mr Uzor who had earlier told the tribunal that he monitored election in his polling unit and other polling units in Ward 11 could not remember the name of PDP agents in his unit.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015—53

Woman gives bir th ttoo 111 1 birth babies without C-section

I

NDIANA – Doctors are shocked, are calling it a miracle, as a 42-year-old woman gives birth to 11 healthy baby boys.According to hospital report, Mariya Fernandes, gave birth after undergoing only two hours of labor and a miraculous vagin*l birth.Fernandez and her husband say they had trouble conceiving so decided to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), desperate to become parents. Much to their surprise, they got much more than they had hoped for.Six of the 11 boys are said to be identical twins all weighing in between 1 pound – 1.5 pounds. They are currently in stable condition in the neonatal intensive care unit at Riley Children’s Hospital.Doctors were very surprised, most mainly say they were shocked, to have such a successful delivery without caesarian section. Dr. William Roberts said:THEY LITERALLY CAME OUT ONE AFTER ANOTHER. FROM THE TIME THE FIRST BABY CAME OUT, AND THE 11TH BABY WAS BORN, IT WAS ONLY 37 MINUTES.The hospital staff says they have contacted Guinness Book of World Records to supply them with this information to have Mariya Fernandes and her family registered in the 2015 edition.

HOW TO BECOME A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE:

The Power Team connection

BY AGAJU MADUGBA o you have a dream?

This is the question organizers asked D participants at a business cocktail

programme, at the Protea Hotels, Maryland, Lagos on Thursday. It was part of activities by the group to mark Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary and a veritable opportunity to find out from participants to what extent they are financially independent.

Deploying the strategies of Multi-Level Marketing or network marketing, the Power Team, which describes itself as a group of “open-minded people with a common goal,” believes that people can realize their dreams and that in fact, the taller the dreams the better chances of realizing them.

For sure, if given the opportunity, many people would like a first class house in a serene environment, quality education for the children, all expenses paid exotic vacations in select centres across the world, beautiful luxury cars to suit whatever occasions you wish to attend and much more.

In fact, having achieved such level of financial independence, the experience may indeed turn a member of the Power Team into a philanthropist, building schools and orphanages for the welfare of the less privileged in society.

Moreover, according to the Power Team, a member chooses how to earn and how many hours to work. At a point, the member does not even need to work again. The C M Y K

From Left;Mrs Susan Itemuagbor;Sapphire Manager,Mrs Grace Ikani,Soaring Manager;Mrs Cynthia Ucheaguwa,Soaring Manager;Mrs Sylvia Moemeke,Manager;and Mrs Jumayi James Senior Manager;All of Power Team.At the power team Business Cocktail to celebrate the independence of our income,Health and Lifestyle held at Protea Hotel,Leadway Maryland Ikeja Lagos.

PHOTO BY AKEEM SALAU

member goes to sleep but the bank account remains active with credit alerts streaming in by the hour. What this means, according to the group, is that the member has achieved his or her lifestyle goals.

“I am just three years old in the Power Team but I earn close to N2 million every month,” Mrs Susan Itemuagbor says.

According to her, the Power Team is made up of entrepreneurs who help people to

achieve financial freedom irrespective of who they are.

Network marketing does not discriminate against anybody as it admits all manner of people, from artisans to chief executives.

Another member of the Power Team, a lawyer and bank manager, Cynthia Ucheaguwu, says she joined the programme about four years ago and that she has already hit the sky but still moving.

According to her, “we invited people here to teach them how to make extra income despite their busy schedules. We teach you how to improve on your health and lifestyle.

Most families are stressed up, so we teach people how to live better lives through networking.

“This is the only business that has stood the test of time despite the economic down turn. If you want to start networking, what do you look out for? You look out for a company that has integrity. Many companies out there claim to be doing network business but their compensation plan is actually like a pyramid scheme. A good network marketing company should be able to compensation plan that is fantastic and also pays bonuses every month.

“You are given the opportunity of changing your car every three years. This is my four years in the business even though I am a bank manager. I do this by the side.

It does not stop me from doing my banking job. I have had the opportunity to embark on 11 free exotic trips around the world in four years.”

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

Managing Nigeria’s Petroleum assets at 55 A

th s we marked Nigeria’s 55 Independence anniversary two days ago in what was low key, we examine with introspection our journey in nationhood and how patriotic or otherwise we have been or would have been in managing our petroleum resources and assets for the greatest good for the greatest number.

It is time to acknowledge the fact that management bandwidths are determined by individual capabilities. Sometimes parochial reasons come to play that badly managed public enterprises are government’s follies.

Often times patriotic versus selfish concerns compete within our subconscious in the management of our commonwealth; so melancholia determines the way some manage treasures.

We have had it severally that managers who have no clues to nation’s problems in our clime do not throw in the towel as the headmaster in the Guinean writer, Camara Laye’s The African Child would do by resigning his appointment for inefficiency in his administrative machinery.

Felons are often let off the hook because there is no law so there is no offence. There is no recourse to punishment or reward, the hallmark of corporate governance. They often reincarnate in garbs of management gurus to buy government privatized enterprises that they believe government could not manage.

Many private organizations including

airlines, conglomerates, textiles companies, finance houses, media houses, farms, schools and many more have also gone under. It is a trajectory that privatization proponents are yet to face reality that infantile managerial acumen and technical incompetence, the banes of our enterprises are not the exclusive preserve of government.

Some private sector experts mismanage banks and it is a regular occurrence in Nigeria.

When it happens we seek Central Bank’s bailout to recover individual deposits that may not have been insured. The Abacha regime attempted the failed bank tribunals that jailed some while others fled overseas to seek asylum in the name of being persecuted at home.

Perhaps we have not considered national resources with assets as treasures that we must nurture, preserve to cherish. Premeditated arguments are that governments are not good managers; we go to town balderdash that government is a bad manager; and the casualty is that we should sell public property.

Government is not a good manager and we ask who the government is.

Public and private individuals collude, mismanage and often times convert public funds into private use as ones lost property to repossess. With temerity and audacity we ask government to sell public property and posing as investors; indeed our ships have come in.

Our refineries are not working for obvious reasons of corruption, mismanagement and technical incompetence. Instead of tackling the

problems that have manifested, we say sell the refineries. We cultivate attitudes of seeking for the line of weak resistance to follow as water will always do.

Nations that have developed and those that are emerging never looked for the easy way out. They found lasting solutions to complex problems but ours as a nation is prodigal that the slightest challenge, we call for the sale of critical infrastructure bequeathed for posterity.

We pride ourselves as an oil rich nation. It took Shell 50 years from the acquisition of her crown permission in 1908, prospecting in 1935 for oil in the Niger Delta, to 1958 when its first ship laden with 5000 barrels of crude oil set sail for a European Refinery. Shell also set the stage for downstream investments in the country. It drew plans for downstream investments in construction of a refinery in Port Harcourt.

The Oil Boom increased our standard of living with more energy demand for vehicles

Our refineries are not working for obvious reasons of corruption, mismanagement and technical incompetence.

Instead of tackling the problems that have manifested, we say sell the refineries and industry. Three more Refineries were constructed which by omission or commission were systematically run down in two decades.

The solution again is sales which I believe their various states are not beyond redemption.

The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, last week in Lagos told Journalists that government decision is to hold on to the refineries against experts’ advice to sell them off to private investors. He noted that the sale of the refineries

may not be ruled out if they continue to prove unprofitable after all efforts to revive them.

Ones advice to the GMD is to rule out the option of sale of the refineries which are national assets. There are many technical and management options still left to him; he said he has given his managers a 90-day ultimatum to prove themselves. In management there is reward and punishment option which he has told his managers he would employ.

A would be investor would do what we may fail to do to get results. They would hire the best hands from anywhere in the industry to rehabilitate, manage and retain the facility.

We lost the Eleme petrochemical facility when we sold it to an investor who in August 2006 did a normal Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) and in three months, the facility was back to life. Most local staff shaped up to the employment market thereafter. That is management by objective.

The newest complex refinery in the United States the Marathon Petroleum Company, Garyville, Louisiana was constructed in 1977.

The 200,000 bpd facility was in January 2015 expanded to a 522,000 bpd refining capacity.

The Digboi Refinery in Assam, India reputed to be the oldest in the world, built in 1901 has been upgrading units of the refinery. The motor spirit quality (MSQ) upgrading project was commissioned in 2010. The new terminal which has a state of the art facility in the refinery was commissioned in 2011.

Let us think as the Austrian born American management consultant, Peter Drucker in Managing for Results would say: “Before an executive can think of tackling the future, he must be able therefore to dispose of the challenges of today in less time and with greater impact and permanence.”

Our national oil company should run like others in OPEC. We must not shy away from the problem; do not sell the refineries. We are encouraging the GMD to do more as it is our Nigerian problem to tackle. The powerful group of the South-South Cooperation, the BRICS (Brasil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) excepting South Africa have robust National Oil Companies with strong downstream investments in refineries and petrochemicals. That is the way to go.

T

he living are ever disappointed in themselves and thus crave for a return to the past. This appears escapist but it has become normal. That is why we hear statements like “the good old days.” In his play, to commemorate Nigerian independence, A Dance of the Forest, Soyinka makes the living to formally ask for the presence of all creatures at a celebration identified as “The Gathering of the Tribes.” This is so because the living idealizes the past.

I think they do so because of lack of self-confidence. In the drama, the living have asked for their illustrious ancestors but they get disappointed in the personages who come to join them in their celebration. In short, rather than get their expectation of the “illustrious ancestor,” some obscene creatures come to “…leave the dead some room represent their past in the celebration.

The in A Dance of the Forest). celebration, “The Gathering of the Tribes,” is a symbolic community town council in the old representation of Nigerian village squares, and the court of the independence celebration. people where, in the pre-colonial times, These dead ancestors, democratic justice is demonstrated. “…instead of being the The expectation of the living, in respect idealized figures of the tribal to representations from the past imagination… turn out to be (illustrious ancestors) are defeated and full of ancient bitterness and that seems to be the general trend in resentment and are “political representation” in the new shunned by everyone as independent state of Nigeria.

55 years + 5 after the production of “obscenities.” (Introductory comment on A Dance of the this play, there is still a need to broach the issues raised in the play once more Forest).

The living despise them in order to reexamine the society, in because they appear in relation to the living now; side by side unacceptable forms, with the dead (who probably were the manifesting diverse living at the time the play was written); elements of ugliness. and the dead (at the time the play was However, Forest father, the written) who have now joined the pool head and somewhat, the of the ancestors, against the background convener of the celebration, of celebrations and representations. Five engineers a realistic years ago, The Faculty of Arts, meeting of the living and the University of Lagos organized a dead. At this meeting, the conference to commemorate Nigeria’s living see themselves in the Golden Jubilee. The theme of the dead; some form of conference was “Another Gathering of continuity that is seemingly the Tribes.” Nigerians gather, either incomprehensible to the physically or otherwise, every year on living. The truth is that the October 1, to remember their living is the amazing constitutional independence; however, replication of the dead. One in the year 2010, the gathering was very interesting point raised different at the Faculty of Arts, here is the question of University of Lagos, Nigeria.

In that gathering, papers were representation for the people. Indeed, who presented by panels and groups of represent the people? The scholars and individual Scholars, Gathering of the Tribes is Researchers, Activists, Social Crusaders, like a parliament, a Community Leaders, premised on Wole

(SO YINKA ’S 11960 960 PLA Y) (SOYINKA YINKA’S PLAY)

C M Y K

to dance…” (The Dirge-man Soyinka’s A Dance of the Forest, and penetrating the various aspects of the Nigerian nation, 50 years after political/constitutional independence.

Ideas expressed drew upon various components of the Humanities like Literature, Language, History, Culture, Sociology, Philosophy,

Generational Bitterness consistent and perennial problems of hate, dislike, disdain and contempt between generations Religion, Politics, Economy, Education etc. In selecting appropriate presentations for that conference, consideration was given to issues pertaining to, but not restricted to: Generational Bitterness - consistent and perennial problems of hate, dislike, disdain and contempt between generations. (The tendency for succeeding generations to despise, dissociate from, or out rightly condemn the previous generations, even though they have always been the same?). Dr. Chris Osegenwune of the Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos, focused his attention on “Generational Bitterness,” and presents an

argument, based on Soyinka’s Philosophical treatise, The Credo of Being and Nothingness, that intolerance and lack of respect for the superior logic in issues concerning religion have contributed immensely to problems of hate, dislike, disdain, terrorism, dogmatism, vengeance, revenge and other enduring tensions including excruciating conflicts and wars, the ultimate end of which is social and political instability. He further argues that Soyinka’s position is in line with the fundamental questions of philosophy in connection with human existence especially the metaphysics of being and nothingness. While considering the notions of being and nothingness, this presenter reconstructs Soyinka’ Treatise into an instrument capable of managing “monstrous features” of the society for posterity.

In support of the existential importance of Soyinka’s works to the social, aesthetic and philosophical growth of Nigeria, Solomon Azumurana and Chimdi Maduagwu touch on very important and deep aspects of the writer’s (Soyinka’s) consciousness towards the overall development of the being and the society. Azumurana specifically writes on Existential Complexities, and by this he means that Soyinka’s genius presents complex approaches to human existence. In his opinion, Soyinka’s view of human existence transcends the “simplistic” philosophical postulations of Kierkegaad, Descartes, Martin Heidegger, Paul Sartre, and the Platonic-Aristotelian concept of existence.” It is premised

on Yoruba philosophy in which consideration is given to “conceptual aspects of time; religion, sensitivity …explaining the metaphysical order of his world. …life, contains within it manifestations of the ancestral, the living and the unborn.” (Cited in Akporobaro et al 283). The complexity Azumurana identifies in Soyinka postulation of an intricate relationship between the living, the dead and the unborn; the present, the past and the future, the humans, the spirits and the objects all point to difficulties in the total comprehension of human existence.

My personal view, in the whole issue is that Soyinka’s early works, including A Dance of the Forest are dominated by the writer’s vision of “the being.” For this reason, he embarks on the explication of the being. Drawing freely upon the pantheon of Yoruba gods, Soyinka approaches several aspects of human existence. In fact, the godheads in the Yoruba world view have become ready objet d’art and creative tools for an organic re arrangement and restructuring of the entire universe. Soyinka personally acknowledges in Myth, Literature and the African World that the gods of the pantheon are magnanimous for “… their selfsacrifice on the altar of literature… and possibly further service on behalf of human society and its quest for the explication of being” (35). The complications in Soyinka’s 1960 play on Nigeria; A Dance of the Forest, is seen as an anchorage for his visions in most of his early works. The play serves many observers as a fulcrum for the organization of a seemingly unorganized society and the inherent difficulties in doing so.

(Faculty of Arts University of Lagos held a Conference to appraise Nigeria at 50 in December 2010)

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 3, 2015 — 55

Mourinho under pressure as Chelsea tackle Southampton C

helsea face the next challenge of their

Watford coach banks on Ighalo against Bournemouth WATFORD travel to the south coast today to take on AFC Bournemouth, and Head Coach Quique Sanchez Flores is expecting another tough test against the Cherries and expects Nigeria forward, Odion Ighalo to be in peak performance.

Bournemouth were automatically promoted from the Championship alongside the Hornets last season, and Flores is well aware of the quality Eddie Howe’s team possess.

“We know what is in the past with Bournemouth. They are a very tough team and they won the league last year. In the matches with Bournemouth last year we did not win, so we know how dangerous this team is.

“It is a very tough team that we have to play. This team is part of our league and also our particular league, so it is a very important game for us. I think the first 10 matches normally situate the teams in a map in the league. Now we have to play our eighth match, so after this we have two matches more to know what are the options and to look at how we have started the league,” he said.

“At the moment we are happy because we are always above the target, and we are always safe after every round of matches. On this, I expect Ighalo to hit the target.

“The players have confidence and we are building a new group. The characteristics of the team at the moment are very nice.”

The Hornets won their last league match away from Vicarage Road thanks to a 2-1 victory at Newcastle United a fortnight ago, and Flores is confident in his side’s ability to adapt to games both home and away.

“We don’t have to change the way we play. We don’t show too much respect to whether the match is at home or away, so it is not much difference to us,” said Flores.

“We try to set up a good plan with the idea to reduce Bournemouth’s threat, the idea to adapt to the dimension of the stadium and the idea to create something and create opportunities.”

Ighalo

Beckham goofs

D

avid Beckham says he wants Milan to win the Champions League – without realising the Rossoneri aren’t in the competition.

The San Siro giants failed to qualify for Europe last season after finishing 10th in Serie

James

C M Y K

this season, Southampton defender Cedric Soares is in no doubt as to the Portuguese manager ’s ability and is relishing the chance to play against one of England’s biggest sides.

“Everybody knows that the qualities he [Mourinho] has, he is an amazing coach. Big stadiums, big environment – you want to play that high level and Chelsea is one of the best teams, so everybody wants to play.

We will do our best to win.”

Mourinho

A, but former Milan midfielder Beckham appeared unaware as he gave his verdict on the competition.

“Who I want to win the Champions League is a different story to who I think is going to win…or maybe it’s not actually,” he told Sport360.

“I’m going to have to say Man United, PSG and AC Milan…one of those three I’d like to see win but when you’re in the Champions League you realise how important this competition is in football”.

Jones ready Beckham for Arsenal City to travel six miles for P

James in line for Madrid derby R eal Madrid will have James Rodriguez back available for today’s derby game against Atletico Madrid.

Marca reports the Colombia international has returned to training sooner than expected after a thigh injury and could be called on by Rafa Benitez.

It’s not guaranteed Benitez will include the former Monaco midfielder, who hasn’t played for his club since late August’s 5-0 win over Real Betis, in which he scored two of Madrid’s five goals.

James was injured while on international duty and the extent of his involvement against Atletico may be determined by the fitness of Gareth Bale.

testing start to the Premier League season when they welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge today.

A run of three straight victories for Jose Mourinho’s men came to an abrupt end with a 2-2 draw at struggling Newcastle United and a 2-1 defeat to Porto in the Champions League over the last week.

As a result, the pressure is back on Chelsea as they face a Saints side who are on a high after winning their last two games, scoring nine goals in the process.

Mourinho, who has led his side to just eight points from seven games, has never lost to Southampton in the Premier League, although both of last season’s games were 1-1 draws.

Midfielder Willian, who netted Chelsea’s goal at Po r t o o n Tuesday with a superb free-kick, says he and his team-mates have little time to dwell on their latest defeat with Saturday’s clash with Southampton looming.

Despite the champions’ struggles

Jones

hil Jones has declared himself fit to start Manchester United’s crunch clash with Arsenal.

And with Louis van Gaal admitting he faces a dilemma filling the void left by Luke Shaw ’s injury, the England defender could come into his thoughts for the trip to the Emirates.

Jones has recovered from the blood clot he suffered in pre-season - coming on as a substitute in each of United’s last three games.

“I am fit,” said Jones. “I got 20 or 25 minutes against Ipswich, 20 minutes against Sunderland and just under 20 minutes against Wolfsburg, so I am slowly getting back to it and getting my fitness back, and my sharpness back.

six games in October

T

Iheanacho

here really is no place like home for Manchester City this month.

In the whole of October, The Blues will travel the princely total of six miles from the Etihad to play their six games.

City’s home run kicks off against Newcastle this Saturday, with Bournemouth visiting the Etihad a week later. On Wednesday October 21, City host Sevilla in the Champions League before their only match of the month which involves hopping on the team bus - to Old Trafford for the derby on October 25.

The Wednesday after, on October 28, the Blues are home to Crystal Palace in the last sixteen of the League Cup. Then to round off a good month for the stay-at-homes, City host Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday October 31.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 3, 2015

PREMIER LEAGUE Crystal Palace Aston Villa Bournemouth Manchester City Norwich Sunderland Chelsea

v v v v v v v

West Brom Stoke Watford Newcastle Leicester West Ham Southampton

12:45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 5:30pm

Why Eagles lack world class stars – Amuneke

>>34/35 *Backs Oliseh but warns Nigerians not to expect miracles

Double y b r e d l a t n Orie in Umuahia, Owerri >>33

LA LIGA Sevilla Granada Espanyol Las Palmas Malaga SERIE A Carpi Chievo

FIXTURES v v v v v

Barcelona Deportivo Sporting Gijon Eibar Real Sociedad

v Torino v Verona

Sunshine enter Wolves den for title >>33 hunt

CROSS WORD PUZZLE 3pm 5:15pm 7:30pm 9pm 9:05pm 5pm 7:45pm

BUNDESLIGA M’gladbach v Wolfsburg FC Ingolstadt 04 v Frankfurt Hannover 96 v Werder Bremen Hertha Berlin v Hamburg Hoffenheim v Stuttgart

2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm

LIGUE I Lyon Angers Gazelec Ajaccio Nice Troyes

v Reims v Bastia v Toulouse v Nantes v Guingamp

4:30pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

EREDIVISIE NEC Nijmegen Roda JC Kerk Willem II Excelsior

v ADO Den Haag v C Leeuwarden v PEC Zwolle v FC Utrecht

5:30pm 6:45pm 6:45pm 7:45pm

Across 1) Super Eagles Striker, Osaguona – (8) 5) Traction (4) 7) Turkish Premiership Club-Side (11) th 9) 5 Musical Note (3) 10) Former Nigerian Actress, Regina - (5) 13) Ethnic Group in Nigeria (5) 14) Fabric (5) 15) Super Falcons Midfielder, Glory – (5) 16) Upright Numeral (5) 17) Niger Tornadoes Coach, Abdullahi – (5) 18) Stadium (5) 21) Stylus (3) 23) Respiratory Tract Infection – (6,5) 25) L.G.A in Ekiti State (4) 26) Malawi “Flames” Striker, Robin – (8) Down 1) Chief of Naval Staff, Rear-Admiral Ibok-Ete – (4)

2) MD/CEO, Dana Group, Mr. Jacky – (11) 3) Palestinian President, Mr. Mahmoud – (5) 4) Ethnic Group in Nigeria (5) 5) Vapour (3) 6) Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Harry – (8) 8) Trinidad & Tobago’s Capital City (11) 10) Legendary Queen of Zaria (5) 11) Norwegian Currency Unit (5) 12) Delta State Capital (5) 13) Former Bayelsa United Chairman, Chief Victor – (8) 19) Lac – (5) 20) Igbo Girl’s Name (5) 22) Africa’s Longest River (4) 23) Singapore’s President, Mr. Tony - (3)

Solution on page 52

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355.

Advert Dept Hotline: 01-4544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) EDITOR: ONOCHIE ANIBEZE. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K