Suicide bomber attacks Emir by Vanguard Media Limited

2 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012 – 3

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 5

Suicide bomber attacks Emir BY NDAHI MARAMA, Damaturu ARELY one month after the Shehu of Borno and the Deputy Governor of the state narrowly escaped death by a suicide bomber at the Maiduguri central Mosque, the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe state Council of Chiefs, Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa narrowly escaped death yesterday when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive material while the Royal Father was coming out from Mosque after Friday prayers. An eye witness who gave his name as Salisu Musa said “during our Friday prayer at the Central Mosque located in front of the Emir’s Palace here in Potiskum town, an unknown person was initially sighted sitting among the Emir’s entourage and he was asked to leave the place. So, immediately after the prayer, the same person was sighted rushing towards the Emir but the Emir’s Police orderly quickly pushed the man and the

Bomb exploded pulling the Police’s arm and injuring dozens of people’. A visit to the scene of the incidence shows the corpse of the suicide bomber torn into two; his waist and chest were divided. He was wearing a yellow gown with a cap and a pair of sandals . Sympathizers and worshipers at the scene were asked to leave the place to allow security operatives made up of Police and Army to do their work but the mob refused to leave which led to a peaceful protest against a military personnel who shot his gun into the air to scare the angry mob. Some elders of the Emirate Council had to intervene to calm the situation. The victims were all rushed to the emergency unit of General Hospital, Potiskum for treatment. About 15 people were seen being dressed while others went home with minor injuries to treat themselves. Tension has risen in Potiskum town over the incidence. Adamu Abdullahi a Muslim Cleric condemned the attack saying “it is very unfor-

tunate for a suicide bomber to attack Muslims on a worship ground in the month of Ramadan, this is a devilish act and God will punish the perpetrators of this evil act”. Security has been intensified in the town with thorough checking at military road blocks and one of the major roads passing in front of the Divisional Police Office was blocked to avoid further attack on the Police, a Police source revealed. By the time of filing this report, when contacted on phone to speak on the incidence, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Toyin Gbagadesin said “the Police Commissioner will soon brief the press on the matter.”

No more new contract until —Police Minister •We are owed N5billion-Police Contractors BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja INISTER of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade has ordered a stoppage to the

Five students perish in Ogun BY DAUD OLATUNJI RAGEDY struck yes terday in Abeokuta,the Ogun state capital when no fewer than five students of the Federal College of Edu-

cation (FCE), Osiele, were crushed to death by a tipper. The incident, which occurred about 5:30 pm, caused pandemonium following the protest by students of the institution who trooped to the road

3 charged to court over attack on LP Secretariat CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) thugs arrested over the attack and robbery incidents at the Labour party Secretariat in Akure last Saturday have been charged to court. Three men suspected to be ACN thugs were yesterday arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court on charges of armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms. Those charged by police prosecutor, Inspector Zakare Ibrahim were Folagbade Dapo, Korede Omotayo and Sunday Olusola while two oth-

ers, Kelly Ajanaku and Sopopo, are presently at large. The prosecutor told the court that the accused persons “between the month of July and 1 st August 2012 at about 10.00a.m at Lafe Bus Stop, Oyemekun Road in Akure Magisterial District did conspire to commit felony to wit: armed robbery contrary to and punishable under Section 6 (b) and (c) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Deputy Controller of Prisons, Ogun State, Mr. Noel Alewon, Wife of the state Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun and Wife of the Speaker, state House of Assembly, Mrs. Oluwaseun Adekumbi during Mrs. Amosun’s assessment visit to Ibara Prison in Abeokuta yesterday.

and set ablaze no less than four trucks. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the truck, loaded with granite, rammed into a taxi conveying the students and killed them on the spot. The development prompted their colleagues to barricade the Abeokuta-Odeda-Ibadan road which is opposite their campus with bonfire. All travelers plying the road were trapped in the traffic snarl on the highway,making it difficult for motorists and commuters to proceed to their respective destinations for more than one hour. Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, said some miscreants hijacked the students’ protest. Adejobi,however said that only two students have been confirmed dead,saying there were conflicting reports on the number of victims involved in the accident.

award of new contracts by both the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Nigeria Police Force until all outstanding liabilities resulting from past ones have been settled. The minister gave the warning just as the Association of Police Contractors told the minister that they were being owed about N5billion out of which nothing has been paid in the current budget and appealed to the Minister to come to their aid, as they too had liabilities to their creditors. Olubolade who gave the

directive at an interactive meeting with contractors handling police projects nationwide, frowned at the situation where contracts for projects are awarded without recourse to the availability of funds to pay for them, adding that such practices would stifle meaningful progress which cannot be made with a heavy burden of debts. According to the Minister, while the Ministry and the Police establishment have the fundamental responsibility to execute projects to upgrade police

structures and facilities and ensure that such projects are paid for, it is also expected of the contractors to fulfill their obligations of delivering on time and according to specifications. He warned that the Ministry would not hesitate to blacklist any contractor that fails to deliver projects on schedule and according to specifications, as the Transformation Programme of the present government greatly frowns at the issue of project delays and abandonment.

FG, Fashola harp on states’ GDP computation BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

EDERAL Govern ment and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos yesterday stressed the need for the computation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in states, saying “it is paramount for the country’s development.” They made the remark at the flag-off of the South-West states’ GDP computation project held at the State House, Alausa, Lagos, organised by the National Planning Commission in collabora-

tion with Anambra State government, Nigeria Governors Forum and the National Bureau of Statistics. Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Minister/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, said that it would rapidly spur growth and development in the country. According to Usman, “the inclusion of states’ GDD in the national data frame work would promote accountability, create awareness of the outcome of efforts at the sub national levels, as well as, enhance its’ comprehensiveness and reliability as

a measure of economic activity.” He added “when states GDP is computed in states, it would give room for improved management of both the sub-national and national economies and generate healthy competition among the states.” Usman said the estimated cost of the GDP computation project in the country is N1,044 billion, where the federal government would contribute N313.3 million, the 36 states and FTC are contributing the sum of N522 million or N14.1 million each while the development partners are to contribute N208.9 million.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4 , 2012

Impeachment plot a Northern agenda — Southern coalition BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief HE threat by the House of Representatives to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan is part of a Northern agenda to force him out of office, a coalition of southern socio-cultural groups has alleged. The interim leader of the coalition, Mr. Zuokumor Tito, told journalists in Abuja, yesterday, that those behind the impeachment plot are the same people using the Boko Haram to destabilise the current administration, adding that the plot to impeach the president next month if he fails to fully implement 2012 Budget is only an option “B” . If it becomes successful, the coalition warned, Nigeria would be grounded, economically, leading to the breakup of the nation. The coalition includes: the Forth Force, Niger Delta Justice & Mass Movement, South-South & South West Mandate, and Ndigbo Consultative

Forum, Tito’s words, “it is a known fact that the old Boko Haram and this new one are operating on different platforms, but the aim and objectives of the new political Boko Haram is crystal clear: fight at all costs to make Nigeria seem unsafe and ungovernable to unseat President Goodluck, the man from the region forbidden to rule Nigeria. “It is a known fact that the Boko Haram insurgency was deliberately masterminded by these enemies of progress and national stability to create a scenario of insecurity and portray President Jonathan as incompetent to govern the country. Perhaps, feeling that the motive was not being achieved on time, they are now trying to use the House of Representatives, using budget implementation as a plank to achieve their unpatriotic agenda. “God forbid, but let me warn that if they force Jonathan out of office through this deliberately

created insecurity or any other flimsy excuse, they should know that no section of this country has a monopoly of violence. The South, particularly the Niger Delta people have the ability to create artificial insecurity, and if necessary, completely shut down the economy of the nation, because no single drop of oil from the Niger Delta region would be used to run another government. Enough is enough”. According to the leader, members of the coalition met in Abuja, Wednesday night and earlyu hours of yesterday to review developments in the chambers of the National Assembly with a conclusion that the script

President Goodluck Jonathan addressing the joint meeting of the House of Parliament in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence in Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday; with him is the Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen. playing out in the legislature is well understood by the group which is mobilizing to respond to the outcome, should the plot succeed.He insisted that

President Jonathan has enough support base to “effectively counter any move to coerce or humiliate President Jonathan

out of office”, and that those masterminding the move to push the president out of office would regret it.

Lagos postpones complete diversion of traffic on 3rd Mainland Bridge BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AGOS State Govern ment, yesterday, announced the suspension of the initial date of Sunday, August 4th, 2012, scheduled for the second complete diversion of traffic on Third Mainland Bridge to August 12th, 2012. Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who disclosed this, however, explained that the total diversion is to allow concrete casting of the second and third expansion joints inward Lagos Island. According to Opeifa, “Motorists heading to inward Lagos Island and Ikeja will experience complete diversion of traffic from the bridge and will be restrict-

ed from having access to the bridge from 6AM to 12 Midnight on Sunday, 12th August, 2012.” The Commissioner, urged motorists

to, as usual, make use of the existing alternative routes during the time as well as to always obey traffic rules and regulations

Woman, 27, bags 2 years for stealing recharge cards 27-YEAR-OLD wom an, Aminat Akiode, was yesterday sentenced to two years imprisonment by an Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court for stealing recharge cards valued at N 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 . Prosecutor, Mr Paul Etusi said the offence was committed on May 4, at Adigbe in Abeokuta metropolis.He added that the recharge cards were the property of the Global Communications Investment (GCI) Ltd., a firm in which Akiode was an employee.

“She was entrusted with recharge cards of various communication networks worth N300, 000, which she could not account for. “The GCI Ltd alerted the

THE Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), candidate representing the Ndokwa East Constituency, Delta State, Hon. Friady Osanebi, said he opted for the constituency race in order to stop the misrepresentation and under- representation of his people. He promised to rescue Ndokwa East from undevelop-

ment and carry all parties along in all aspects. Osanebi, who is also the chairman, House committee on DESOPADEC in the State House of Assembly, while briefing newsmen said he is indeed humbled by the clarion call on him by his people to come and rescue them from misrepresentation in the Delta State House Hon.Osanebi urged Deltans to always support

police of the development and after much interrogation, Akiode claimed that she was hypnotised by some people who collected the cards from her,” the prosecutor said.

Otidi urged not to meddle in Ughelli South NULGE affairs RESIDENT of the Del ta State wing of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Mr. David Ofoeyene, has been told to face the consequences of

Lawmaker assures better life for Ndokwa people BY ADEWALE SIMON

and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who are on the road to ensure free flow of traffic.

the government led by Gov. Eweta Uduaghan and urged the governor to be focused in his effort to give the people of the state a sense of belonging and keep faith with the implementation of his laid down policies and programmes which is an indication of his political and administrative savvy as fashioned out in his three cardinal objectives which is evident for all to see.

his actions following his delay to conduct election. The swearing-in of Chairman of Ughelli South NULGE in Asaba is currently causing ripples and threatening the peace of the council. Special Adviser to Ughelli South local government chairman, Chief John Onochoja made this declaration while reacting to recent publications credited to Mr. Ofoeyene which insinuated that the Ughelli South council boss, Chief. Vincent Otidi was behind a particular candidate for the council’s NULGE election as well as orchestrating the series of protests and eventual lock up of the council secretariat recently.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 7

Privatisation of PHCN: Bidders ask FG for deadline extension •Only 79 out of 190 met timeline BY CHARLES ADINGUPU S the deadline for the submission of bids for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) GENCO and DISCO assets expired last Tuesday, interested firms have implored the Federal Government to extend the time frame in order to ensure proper participation of companies. The bidders who made this appeal in letter to the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprise Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa at the weekend noted in dismay that of the one hundred and eleven pre-qualified bidders for the PHCN successor distribution companies, only fifty-four of them successfully submitted their bids within the time. Against this backdrop, the bidders urged the Presidency, the National Council in Privatisation (NCP) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to jointly reconsider granting a 48-hour concessionary timeline that will elapse 5 p.m. August 31, 2012. According to them, such gesture will give the prequalified bidders for the six generating companies and the eleven distribution firms as announced

by the BPE at the prequalification stage the opportunity to make and/ or complete their submissions. The group expressed fear that of the 25 bidders who submitted for the GENCOS, about 14 of them representing 56% may be disqualified for lack of complete documentation including but not limited to the required bid bonds. A breakdown of the bidders, showed that across board, each of the GENCOS recorded a submission rate of 60% as Ughelli Genco which recorded 56% tops the list. Conversely, the bidders disclosed that the Shiroro Genco recorded only one submission by all regards a failed bid ab-initio. The bidders posited that the total population of EOI’s harvested for both the successor generating and distribution companies amounted to 190 but only 79 of them submitted their bids, adding that this translates to a submission rate of 41.5 per cent. They however averred that global standards suggest that for such a process to be considered effective and truly competitive, at least a 60% submission rate should be recorded in a best scenario and at worst 50 per cent. “In individual successor

company terms, at least five bidding companies and at worst three should be evaluated for positions of “preferred,” ‘reserved’ and ‘alternate.’ They said that this allows for proper evaluation

flexibility. The bidders stated that the deadline for the submission of the bids for the DISCOs was 5p.m. last Tuesday and various consortium along with other bidders missed the time limit by just seven minutes with very valid reasons.

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson displaying the free new school uniforms to be used by all primary and secondary schools in the State at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House in Yenagoa.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has commended former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih’s commitment to the common good, as well

as the sustained growth and development of the nation. The commendation was contained in a letter to Anenih on the occasion of his 79th birthday. The PDP chieftain and former

“With every change came the onerous tasks of adjustments and re-strategising and the consequent toll it took on the participating firms,” they said. The bidders also lamented the non existence of multiple collection centres as would have been expected for investment of this magnitude as what recently obtained in the energy sector. In the light of the above, the bidders enjoined the Federal Government to ensure that the power sector becomes vibrant once again by allowing the participation of credible Nigerian companies who have demonstrated genuine capacity to deliver in the face of daunting economic challenges in the company. The bidders however stated that the country as a whole has so much at stake by ensuring that Nigeria’s destiny is in the hands of Nigerians rather than foreigners.

$3million subsidy scam: Police concludes investigation, legal luminaries BY KINGSLEY Task Force investigating the $620, 000 bribery OMONOBI, Abuja scandal involving the N D I C A T I O N S collection of same amount emerged yesterday in of money by erstwhile Abuja that Police Chairman of the House of authorities of the Special reps subsidy probe panel, Hon. Farouk Lawan from oil magnate, Chief Femi Otedola has concluded the investigation, written its final report and submitted Minister of Works and the case file to the AttorneyHousing (1999 to 2002) was born on August 4, 1933. In the one-page letter dated July 30th, 2012, entitled “Felicitations,” the BY IKECHUKWU President said: “On behalf of my family, the NNOCHIRI, Abuja Government and people of the Federal republic of never knew he was Nigeria, I extend warm a fraudster, he felicitations to you as you seemed so genuine that I mark your 79th birthday had no doubt when I enanniversary which comes trusted him with my monup on Saturday, the 4th of ey,” laments Chief Noble August, 2012. Emeka Ogbu, who was

Jonathan celebrates Anenih’s commitment to nation-building at 79

They recalled with pain that the conditions for the bid were constantly being changed by the personnel managing the process for the Bureau, adding that this was evidenced by the multiple deadlines set by the Bureau.

General’s office. Consequently, Saturday Vanguard gathered that Hon. Farouk Lawan who has been in the eye of the storm over the bribery allegation, is set to face a 15 count charge of conspiracy, bribery, corruption, and lying under oath among others. But contrary to the widely held belief among many

concerning the interpretations of the law as it affects the giver and taker of bribe being liable to face criminal charges, Saturday Vanguard gathered that Chief Femi Otedola who gave the bribe might be a prosecution witness if the recommendations of the investigation report is approved by the AttorneyGeneral.

Port Harcourt Chief loses N8m to fake Abuja house agent

“I

hoodwinked into parting with N8million by a bogus house agent in Abuja. The story of Chief Emeka who resides at No 8 Shell Location Road, Orazi, Port Harcourt, is a recurring decimal in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where many have fallen prey to the uncanny antics of fraudsters, with some of them even issuing fake Certificates of Occupancy to their unsuspecting victims after collecting huge sums of money from them. Nevertheless, the peculiarity in the instant case is that the victim has petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, alleging that some bank officials

connived with the fake house agent to defraud him. Meanwhile, the said agent has vanished into thin air with the money. In a petition dated July 30, 2012, which has been served on the Governor of the Central Bank, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi through solicitors to the victim, led by Barrister George Orji, it was alleged that some bank officials helped the said fake House agent who gave his name as Shola Damiro, to open a special account for the sole purpose of effecting the illicit transaction, after which the entire N8m was withdrawn and the account closed.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4 , 2012

Flood: 2 farmers commit suicide in Anambra over crops destruction BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Akwa WO farmers in Anam bra West local government area of Anambra State have committed suicide following complete destruction of their crops as a result of sudden surge of the River Niger and its tributaries into farmlands in the area. The two men, one from Orom Etiti and the other from Mmiata Anam in the local government, were among hundreds of farmers in the area whose farmlands and houses worth millions of naira have been washed away by the flood in the past few days. It was gathered that the farmers borrowed large sums of money from the banks for their farming activities and the loans

were due for repayment at the end of harvesting of crops by October this year, which was why they could not bear the incident. Two other farmers affected by the flood, Messrs Obiora Udemze and Akunwanne Okechukwu said the unexpected overflow of the River Niger, which came this year earlier than the normal period of October –November, took the farmers unawares. Crops destroyed include yams, cassava, maize, potatoes and vegetables and Saturday Vanguard was informed that though flood disaster is an annual feature in the area, it had never happened at this time of the year. The member representing the area in the Anam-

bra State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Okoye has already visited the affected communities during which he called on both the state and federal governments to come to the aide of the people. Okoye explained yesterday that some of the yams destroyed were the seedlings he donated to the farmers in February this year, adding that the flood disaster might lead to famine next year since the area is the food basket of the state. The lawmaker had already tabled the matter before the House of Assembly under matters of urgent public importance during which other lawmakers sympathized with the affected people and called for urgent assistance from the state and federal governments.

Tanker explosion averted in Delta BY FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

s families of those who lost their lives in the recent fire accident at Okogbe that resulted from tanker explosion still grap-

ples with the devastating effects of the incident, indigenes of Okorikpere community, Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State yesterday invaded a Tanker loaded with fuel that fell into a drain in the community along the East-West road to scoop fuel. Saturday Vanguard learnt that it took the intervention of men of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF and police officers from the Orerokpe police division to scare the villagers away with buckets, jerry cans and other containers from scooping the fuel that was gushing out of the tanker with registration number XB119BKW.

According to a source, the tanker which was heading to Warri from Ughelli direction fell into the concrete drain at about 7am after it lost control and veered off and collided with a stationary Audi 80 car with registration number AQ 82 KPE.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was the security agents that cleared the heavy traffic grid caused by the accident, adding that part of the road was barricaded to facilitate the evacuation of the fuel into another tanker.

NIGERIAN, Mr Muyiwa Bamgbose, has been rated world’s 9th best innovator in electronic learning. This was contained in the latest rating of an agency, Bob Little Public Relations, which is based in the United King-

Court sacks Obasanjo’ s exco, councilors BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta N Ogun State High Court sigtting in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government yesterday sacked eight newly elected councilors sponsored by a faction loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the People’s Democratic Party in the state. The court also condemned the action of the

Girl raped by police officer storms station with baby BY EMMANUELA AMAIZE N 18-year-old girl, Esther Odozi, who claimed she was raped by a retired police officer, caused a stir, yesterday, when she stormed the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, with a nine- month old baby, demanding that the father should cater for the child. Saturday Vanguard learnt that she practically laid siege to the Police Headquarters, making it impossible for people to

freely move in and out of the station, yesterday. Esther, who hails from Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of the state, told Saturday Vanguard on phone that the retired police officer pleaded with her parents to allow her to live with him as a housemaid. She said she was taken to Port-Harcourt, where she was raped and abandoned by the man, adding, “I came to the police headquarters because I have no money to feed the child and

UK rates Nigerian 9th World Best in e-learning By OLA AJAYI, Ibadan

Gov. Peter Obi (2nd left) and Wife,Margaret (2nd right), flanked by P Square brothers,Peter Okoye (1st left) and Paul Okoye (1st right)

dom. According to the rating, the Nigerian educationist has joined the league of World’s best 10 shakers and movers in e-learning for the second time. In the previous ratings conducted last year, he was said to have rated 10th in the world. Bamgbose, the Chief

Executive Officer (CEO), Educational Advancement Centre (EAC), Ibadan, invented the electronic learning method that delivers contents of subjects to mobile telephones of candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).

I want the father to cater for the child”. Her words, “I went to Secondary School, I don’t have what to eat and I cannot feed my child because I am hungry, I want them to help me because the man abandoned me and the child”.

Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission,OGSIEC,for accepting candidates’ list from Obasanjo’s faction led by Chairman Caretaker Committee, Ireti Oniyide. While ruling in a suit filed by the Chief Bayo Dayo-led faction of the PDP against the Oniyide Caretaker Committee, Justice Mosun Dipeolu described as null and void the victory of the eight councilors under the party in the July 21 local government council election in the state. The judge however ordered the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission to accept the candidates list of the Dayoled State Executive of the PDP as the duly elected flagbearers of the party in the recently conducted council poll. It would be recalled that,

PDP won eight councilorship seats in the last council election which was participated by Obasanjo’s faction following the rejection of the other faction’s list by OGSIEC. The court at yesterday’s sitting also ordered that the Dayo-led Executive remained the only recognized exco of the Ogun PDP. “The list of candidates for the election into the local government councils in Ogun State submitted to the 11th Contemnor (OGSIEC) by any officers, organs, members of the the first defendant (PDP) other than the applicants is hereby nullified as the applicants are presently the only authentic exco in Ogun State until their terms of office expire,” the judge ruled.

Terrorist scar: Kogi police command fortify security amid traders’ protest BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja OLLOWING increas ing spate of bombing of police formation in the Northern part of the country, the Kogi police Command has beefed up security around the State Command Headquarters in Lokoja. Meanwhile, the development has sparked off protest from some traders and shop owners around the area demanding the immediate dismantling of the road

blocks. The leader of the protesters, Godswill Emenike said since the blockade, their businesses have suffered patronage as people are afraid to cross the road to their shops . ” It is only in this country that Police act with impunity. They don’t consider the rights of ordinary citizens. Their approach to security has always been mundane method. They should imbibe modern methods of policing rather than block-

ing a whole road in the name of securing their station.” he said. He appealed to the commissioner of police to considere the interest of the ordinary Nigerian by dismantling the road blocks which have not only affected their businesses but have caused commuters and motorists plying the road from the eastern part of the country to Abuja and from Abuja to eastern part to be subjected to heavy traffic gridlock at the state police command section of the Ibrahim Babangida Way road since Wednesday.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 9

We are tackling the scourge of corruption, terrorism — Jonathan •Says they are retarding nations’ development BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that his administration was bent on tackling the menace of corruption in the country, noting that the scourge is retarding the nation’s developmental efforts. Towards this end, he noted that government is strengthening the Police and other anti-corruption agencies to enable them rekindle the war against menace in all its ramifications. Speaking through Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo at the graduation ceremony of Course 20 participants of the National Defence College in Abuja, Jonathan also harped on the security challenges facing the nation, saying, “The world in which we live today is faced with diverse threats to its collective peace. As you are aware, insecurity remains a front burner national issue due to the activities of a misguided few. “A combination of conventional and unconventional threats, ranging from transnational terrorism to weapons proliferation, organized crime, regional conflict, environmental degradation etc, is making our world increasingly insecure. “Let me assure you that government is more than ever determined to address the novel acts of terrorism that confront our nation. I am glad to note that the military is reinforcing its collaboration with the Police and other security agencies to checkmate these unpatriotic activities

within our national borders. “As a responsive government dedicated to meeting the expectations of our people, we are reforming our bureaucracy and strengthening our institutions to ensure greater ef-

ficiency, and competence” he noted. “We are also determined to build a sound educational base for all strata of the polity, particularly the Armed Forces. We are also strengthening our collaboration with our foreign

partners and our Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Money laundering laws”. Continuing, he said, “This situation requires us to evolve strategies to effectively eliminate these threats. I am confident that the National Defence

HE ONOKPITE fami ly of Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State has reinstated their commitment in finding justice for the killers of their son, Chief Ogbe Onokpite, governorship candidate of the Citizens Popular Party in Delta State. Mr. Diemo Onokpite, younger brother of the late Ogbe Onokpite who spoke on behalf of the family reiterated that the slain politician’s family can never

We will continue to collaborate with other countries in order to attain a more secure world that guarantees peace and development. The ultimate goal of this administration is to bequeath to the next generation, a more peaceful and united country, where all citizens, without fear or hindrance, can tap the vast opportunities of the 21st Century”.

Oil companies telling lies about stolen barrels – Pondi, GM, Oil Facility Surveillance

BY EMMA AMAZIE

Some of the winners after being presented with their prizes at MTV Base office in Ikoyi, Lagos in Glo’s ‘The Big Friday Show ‘ recently.

P O R O Z A G E N E R A L Manager of Oil Facility Surveillance Limited,

FG to deploy 581 midwives in 581 communities to check maternal and child mortality BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & OGIEVA OYEMWENOSA, Benin

HE Federal Govern ment has lamented the growing child and maternal mortality rate in the country and expressed its readiness to check the incidence. The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammad, who disclosed this during a workshop in

Benin City, disclosed that in order to drastically reduce maternal and child mortality through the Primary Health Care Services, the Federal Government, will deploy over 581 midwives to over one thousand communities across the country. The government said that the Midwives will be deployed to work in 250 general hospitals with a view to make pregnancy safer and reduce maternal and child mortality to the barest minimum. The Executive director,

National Primary Health Care Development Agency, PHCDA, Dr. Ado Mohammad in a speech delivered by Mr. Jubril Abdullah, Director PHCDA, to the midwives said “the federal government is committed to expending material and financial resources on this project and other strategic initiatives to turn around maternal and child health fortunes and attainment of the millennium development goals, MDG”. He attributed maternal

Family vows to get justice against Onokpite’s killers BY GAB EJUWA

College has prepared you, Course 20 Officers, adequately for these and other strategic challenges. “Your expertise and research findings will undoubtedly contribute to our efforts to build a safe world, where nations can aspire to their best potentials within acceptable international laws. “ Nigeria remains committed to global peace.

compromise their struggle to bring the killers of late Chief Ogbe Onokpite to book. The family revealed that six policemen have been arrested in connection with the murder case, adding that information gathered so far revealed that he (Ogbe Onokpite) was shot at close range. “Since we have realised that he was shot at close range and the autopsy result was being delayed, we have planned to give him a befitting burial in August. And as the plans are on, we will still be committed

to getting justice”, he said. While thanking the police for arresting six policemen in connection with the brutal murder of their brother, the family expressed happiness that with the arrest of the policemen who are being de-

tained in Police Headquarters in Abuja, saying the whole world now knows that the late Onokpite was not a criminal as it was earlier claimed by the police but rather, his killing was orchestrated by yet-tobe identified politicians.

and child mortality to the poor access of quality health care, noting that “ primary health care and community level can be minimized and mitigated through an effective primary health care system”. In the speech presented by the Representative of the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Mercy Nnadi, she admonished newly qualified midwives under the MSS to stay in the areas they are deployed to, warning that “ you will not be paid if you are found to show lassitude to your job. “The sole objective of the scheme is to provide quick intervention that would drastically reduce maternal and child’s death in the country as well as enhance the attainment of the MDG 4 and 5”.

Ibori birthday celebration cancelled HE James Ibori Polit ical Associates, have cancelled the 54th Birthday celebration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori earlier scheduled for today, 4th August 2012. The group in a state-

ment yesterday by its secretary, Olorogun Jaro Egbo said; “we regret to announce the cancellation of all activities planned to mark the 54th birthday anniversary of James Onanefe Ibori due to circumstances beyond

our control. “We appeal to all our invited guests that the decision to cancel the event is as result of the sad loss of our national leader ’s brother who died after a brief illness”.

OFSL, an oil facilities/ installations’ safety, security and surveillance company in Delta state, Mr. Keston Pondi, has alleged that multinational oil companies were exaggerating the barrels of crude oil lost to crude oil thieves in a bid to continue defrauding the Federal Government on their actual production figures. Mr. Pondi, who addressed reporters at the riverine community of Oporoza, the c o o r d i n a t i n g headquarters of OFSL, in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, said it was not true as claimed by the multinational oil companies that they were losing between 180, 000 -200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to local oil bunkerers. The surveillance company, which was incorporated in 2009 entered into a one-year contract in February, 2010, with Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to provide security for oil pipelines and related properties in Delta state, also threatened to withdraw its men from surveillance activities, in the next three months, if its contract, which expired, five months ago, was not renewed. Mr. Pondi said before OFSL was contracted, NNPC was suffering between 25-35 per cent losses in Delta state, but after the company was engaged, “NNPC is getting 99 per cent success, as oil bunkering is near zero in the state”.

10— SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

ew years ago Jos, the capital city of Plateau State used to be a hub for leisure and nightlife. But the story has since changed. Today, the Plateau State capital is being devastated by deadly ethno-religious violence and this has forced authorities in power to impose curfews and other firm measures hampering free movement in the metropolis. Nigerians no doubt crave for safety, but they also miss hanging out at weekends. However, prostitutes are losing their most lucrative working hours. To curb violence in the city, the state government declared a dusk-till-dawn curfew in July, this year. Amanda Johnson has been doing business in Jos where she has been living since childhood and she finds the situation worrisome. “People used to patronise my restaurant business a lot but with the present security situation, business is no longer what it used to be”. he recounted. Amanda depends on the profits she makes from her restaurant to pay for her undergraduate tuition and cover other basic needs.

Besides Lagos, insecurity

has killed nightlife across states in Nigeria.... Residents of the tin city believe that without some of the security measures taken by government, the recent attacks would have sparked violent reprisals

By Chioma Gabriel

“ Things have changed. Although parts of the city is normally peaceful but fear of what is happening in other parts of the north and in Plateau State is affecting life generally. People no longer hang out as they used to. Night life is virtually dead and a couple of

times, we have curfew to contend with.” In the bid to stem the incessant violence in Plateau State, the government has in fact put in place several security measures. There have been declaration of a state of emergency in the state’s capital city, as well as three other local government areas and despite these efforts, bombings and village night raids seem to only get worse. Recent attacks in Barkin Ladi and Riyom by unknown gunmen killed over fifty people, including two lawmakers. Residents of the tin city believe that without some of the security measures taken by government, the recent attacks would have sparked-off violent

reprisals. Wale, another business man in the city opines that regardless of any related inconveniences, government did the right thing by tightening security measures. “Without taking this step, there would have been chaos.” Nightshifts no more? On a recent night, a commercial sex worker, who does not wish to have her name in print, but will go by Claire was found at a deserted beer parlour in a Jos suburb . Claire claims she usually goes out around 9 p.m. because that is the time that most fun seekers come out but with the current situation, she doesn’t have a plan. “I go out anytime. This is bad for my kind of job because many men only approach women in the night.” Before the violence escalated, she was making an average of N10, 000 and roughly 50 Euros a night. However, since their implementation, Claire claimed she has not been making money. “ People prefer to stay indoors at night most of the time and that is the tradition that has come to stay. Jos is no longer what it used to be because security of lives and properties has become supreme”.

Lagos, still bubbles at night By Benjamin Njoku

he renewed onslaught of armed bandits across the metropolis has heightened fear of possible attacks on public places by terrorists . Besides, despite the dwindling economic fortune, night crawlers and other fun seekers in the city of Lagos are obviously not giving up their old ways, as the saying goes “old habits

die-hard.” From Obalende to Victoria Island, Ikeja to Surulere, Festac, Okota and Ipaja, the story has not changed. Notwithstanding the threats by gunmen across the country and the sky-rocketing cost of living in the metropolis, Lagosians are patronising their old ways as funloving people. Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012—11

A recent visit to some of the popular night spots on the mainland on a warm Friday night, by Saturday Vanguard proves the obvious that Lagos is a city that rarely sleeps at night. In Ikeja, which is known to be the centre of nightlife in Lagos, nightfalls in this suburb is as good as the noon day. Judging from last year when the three strip clubs that were shut down by the Lagos State House of Assembly were re-opened to business, Ikeja unabatedly transformed into the most lively place to catch fun at night. At The Page and Options Night Club, located along Opebi Road, each night is as good as the other. With mostly crowd beseiging these clubs and good music, it’s hard not to have a great night filled with fun. Underaged prostitutes were seen hanging along the streets, in twos and threes, seeking attention from male fun seekers. You are accosted by no fewer than 12 sex workers who would make sexual advances as one walks down the street. “I will do you well, back and front. You will surely enjoy it. A trial will convince you,” they keep muttering, while displaying what they have to offer. Unfortunately, these highbrow areas have been declared as ‘a sex zone’, following the fact that it attracts prostitutes and their patrons from all other areas such as, Festac, Ikotun, Apapa, and Ikorodu to ply their trade.

ne of the night crawlers, who wouldn’t want his name in print, said he came from far away Festac town to catch fun in Ikeja. “I don’t see anything wrong with coming down here to catch my fun; take some bottles of beer and look around.” he said. Apparently, apart from the highbrow Allen Avenue, and Opebi road , other upbeat night spots can be found in such areas as Isaac John Street, in GRA; Okota; Festac and Ami King Nightclub amongst others. On Isaac John Street where three swinging night clubs;The Place, Continental Bar, formerly Sandra’s Bar and Metro Park are competing for patronage from fun seekers. Here commercial sex workers of all sizes, shapes and heights ply their trade indiscriminately. Clustering around the area like bees around a honey pot, the halfnaked prostitutes display their boobs, hips and whatever will give them edge over their colleagues.

Lagos, still bubbles at night

Continued from page 10

Underaged prostitutes were seen hanging along the streets, in twos and threes, seeking attention from male fun seekers. You are accosted by no fewer than 12 sex workers who would make sexual advances as one walks down the street

The presence of all three night spots seem to have transformed Isaac John Street from a quiet business district, replete with shopping malls, fast food outlets and branches of commercial banks into an emerging hub of night life in Lagos. The nightclubs have their fair share of the booming sex trade too. Of course, skimpily dressed hookers constitute a reasonable proportion of their clientele. At Metro Park, the dancing bar on the upper floor was crowded with women who wore seductive dresses. Most of them were dancing and hitting the bottle, even as their eyes roved randomly in search of potential male customers. Also, at Ami King Nightclub, a well-appointed outfit in Oyun Isefun area of Ipaja-Ayobo, popularly known as So Easy, the story is not different. Until Ami King became operational, night life was virtually non-existent in the area. From its ample parking space, something lacking in nightclubs in heavily populated areas, to the impressive building that houses the main dancing hall, Ami King offers some-

thing close to what obtains in clubs with reputations. And a little more: the gate fee is N500. The club, naturally, attracts girls–nubile and otherwise–in droves. Patrons brand them “take away”. Take-aways cost between N3,000 and N5,000 per night. Close to Ami King are Haglact and Bobbies nightclubs. Haglact is a hotel, but operates a nightclub on Fridays. Men pay N500 as

gate fee, while ladies get free entry. A patron told Saturday Vanguard that he is attracted to Haglact by the quality service he gets. Another nightclub in the area is Addidas. It is located on the road leading to Ipaja from Ayobo. At Isheri/Igando, another suburb lies Miclara Regency Hotel located opposite Idowu Egba Esatte. The club within the hotel opens two nights a week–Thursday and Friday. However at an eatery outlet, along Isolo Road, Okota, it is an unstoppable regular night joint. Until 1 am to 2am, the place remains lively as long as the stand-by live band dishes out old familiar tunes to entertain guests who throng the place to catch their fun. Some of these men, come in posh cars to pick their favorite girls. Along the street, apart

from the commercial sex workers and their patrons, there were other people whose businesses thrive at night. There are the mallams, who sell petty items at night just to make ends meet, food vendors and taxi drivers who are on hand to provide quick service to whoever needs them. Though, at D’ Palms, a newly established night club, activities have not commenced as expected. The residents however would acknowledged losing their peace to the regular visitors at the club, especially during its Ladies Night, which comes up at every Friday and other activities packaged by the management. But despite police patrols, some residents are worried that the resurgence of night life in the city could not only lead to increased insecurity in the city but also, moral decadence in our society.

* Night life in Lagos

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

Clubbing , night life, only way to ease stress —Lagosians

any Lagosians are of the opin ion that they have resorted to night life as the only way to ease stress after a hectic work day. Some said that though it is not a good way of life, they only do that once in a while after work as that is the only time they have to relax. Some sex workers who volunteered to speak with journalists shared some of the reasons why they involve themselves in such business. These are some of their reactions as compiled by Saturday Vanguard.

It’s the only time I have for relaxation— Philips I know moving in the night is not good but that is the only time I have on my own to relax and catch fun after a hectic day. As a civil servant, I work in Ikeja, I wake up 5:30 am everyday to go to work and come back around 8:30pm . Some times, I come back around 9:00pm depending on the level of the traffic and this happens from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, I use that for my laundry work. So you find out that the only time I have to relax and enjoy myself with my friends is at night. I do not go out everyday. It is only on weekends especially, Saturdays and Sundays. As a bachelor, I have less to think about when I hang out. I like hanging out with my friends. Sometimes, we do attend clubs.

I enjoy nightlife —Nwadike

hawking four years ago. I came to Lagos so that I can work and send money to my younger ones whom I’m taking care of. The thing is that I didn’t have the intension of doing this job but when I came to Lagos, I was staying with my friend who works in Victoria Island. We were happy living together but all of a sudden, she changed. She started talking to me any how, that I was not contributing to the upkeep of the house and so, I started looking for a job. I’m not a graduate, I could not go to school because my parents were poor.

By Anozie Egole

ing me. So one day, me and my friend I was staying with said we should hang out and we decided to go to a night club. There, I met some guys who danced with me. They bought me drinks and food. But the interesting thing was that at the club, I saw girl dressed in mini skirt and I asked my friend what those girl are doing. My friend replied that there were prosti-

I know moving around at night is not good but that is the only time I have on my own to relax and catch some fun after a hectic day

Talking about the type of job I would want to do if given the chance, I do not have any job in mind. All I wanted was a job that will bring money. So I got the first job at a restaurant, at Okota. They were paying me N5,000 but I could not continue because the salary was poor. I spend a lot on transportation. Then, I got another job where I spent only one week because my madam slapped me when one customer was touching me and I shouted at the customer. She expected me to keep quiet when the customer was touch-

tutes, and I asked again how much do they pay them, another friend answered, may be N1000, N2000 per night. So many thoughts came to my mind because, I was finding it difficult to feed and then, the friend I was staying with lost her job. So, she was always threatening to send me out of her house if I didn’t bring money for feeding. There was nothing I could do than to go back to that night club and make enquiries on how I could join, because you have to register with them . They said the registration

It is the only time we have to enjoy after the daily struggles. I used to hang out with my wife when we were newly married. But now ,God has blessed us with kids, I do not often go out again with her and I do not go out regularly again. I cannot stop nightlife especially, when the moon is out. The whole place is very enjoyable. It is a wonderful experience and I love that.

I started sex hawking at nights to train my siblings — Sharon I started this job of sex

Hanging out in Lagos

fee then was N3,000. But, I pleaded with them that I had nothing with me at hand and they allowed me to pay later. I used to have enough customers because, men came in here everyday to have fun. I have my regular customers who patronize me from Monday to Sunday, including single and married men. We also have our new customers who may pick interest in you because of your shape. That is why we struggle to maintain ourselves. For my regular customers, if they want me, they will come directly into my apartment. I rented this apartment and pay N8,000 monthly. So my customers will come and I will tell them the prize. I charge N1,000 for short time and N2,000 if you want to touch other places like my breast and if you want to take me till dawn, you pay N3,000 but for regular customers, I give them discount or if they don’t have money there can pay later because the are regular. Sometimes, I give them free. I have a particular customer who I do not normally collect money from him because, he satisfies me so much.

I joined prostitution because of temptation—Tina I came from Cross River State and I have been doing

this job for the past five years. My mother had a beer parlor and so, people come there to drink. My mother and I will serve them drinks and pepper soup. So some of them will tell me they like me and will dash me money. Some will leave their balance for me. Some of them will come to me when my mother goes to the market to buy things and one way or the other, I started going out with one customer, another will give me lots of money and I will leave the other person. I became a prostitute to train myself in school—Tracy My name is Tracy. I’m a student of one of the universities in Lagos. I go to school during the day and when I’m back, in the night, I go for my work to enable me take care of myself. Sometime, if I catch a new fish who is also rich, I don’t go to school. I have been in this for the past couple of years like, about two years now. I started this job because I don’t have anybody to sponsor me. When I got admission into the university, my uncle paid my fees for the first year but later, he told me that I am on my own, that he could not afford it any more. My parents are aged and cannot do any work any more to train me and I still have younger siblings. The funniest part of the whole thing is that, I have married men mostly as my costumers who book me mostly for weekends. So I asked why they are still coming here since they are married but the answer I got from them is that their wives do not satisfy them well. As a business person, I always go for the man I know will pay more. Sometimes, I end up having like two or three of them for the weekend, depending on how long they will want to stay with me.

I do the best I can to protect myself and I also believe that somebody will die someday. What kills the person doesn’t matter, death is death no matter how it comes,” she said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 —13

Anambra:

Dead at night, alive in the day By Vincent Ujumadu

ime was when Awka and Onitsha, the two main cities in Anambra State were famous for night life. In those good old days, workers and traders looked forward to the end of the day’s business when they would troupe into night clubs and drinking places to show off and spend their money. But all that had changed, no thanks to the emergence of kidnappers who have succeeded in sending people to their homes early after work. These days, it is difficult to find people in night clubs and beer palours beyond 8.00pm as many kidnapping and robbery incidents that had taken place in the state happened in such places. Once it is 8.00pm, most streets are deserted and vehicles passing the state to other states from such places as Lagos or Abuja would wonder what was amiss. Indeed, the problem of night life dates back to the era of the political struggle among members of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from 1999 when political thuggery was the in thing and those who

Sex hawkers in action

held opposing political views became threats. The issue culminated with the setting up of the dreaded Bakassi Boys outfit by the Chinwoke Mbadinuju administration which lasted from 1999 2003. The group operated in such a way that people found to be enjoying themselves in night clubs and hotels at night were dubbed armed robbers or people planning evil. That was what killed night life in the state and with time, the

existing night clubs closed s h o p s . Though Awka, the state capital, has many hotels, they are hardly patronized at night by visitors because of the fear of armed robbery. The nearby Onitsha said to be one of Nigeria’s most thriving commercial cities is even worse. For instance, the fear of the notorious Upper Iweka road in the town is the beginning of wisdom for visitors to the state. Even some indigenes of the

state returning from other states would say that if they could not pass Onitsha by 7.00pm, they would rather stay in a neighbouring state and return the following day.

n owner of a popular ho tel in Awka, Chief Stephen Nweke said the situation is regrettable, adding that insecurity was the reason behind the poor night life in the state. He said: “The night clubs and

hotels used to offer some economic strength to Awka. Time was when night crawlers from neighbouring towns wanting some good life, dance, drink, music and women flooded Awka and stay awake till day break. Today, the situation is different and this is having a great set back on those of us in the hospitality industry.” Nweke recalled that in the past, almost all major hotels in the town had their own clubs, but all that had become history. According to him, in those days, the night clubs were patronized mostly by politicians, traders and students and there were few places to watch strip girls for a fee. He said that the problem is not even money as many people have money to spend, but do not have places to spend it. “The economy is bad but not so bad for one to enjoy himself. The main problem is insecurity and this is where I want government to do something. A situation whereby our people go to other cities to enjoy night life because it is lacking here is not good enough,” he said. An Onitsha –based businessman, Chief Paulinus Okafor said it was due to lack of night life in Onitsha that made him to relocate to Asaba where he explained, he has built his own house and could crawl as much as he likes without fear.

Owerri:

Rise and fall of night life in Owerri By Chidi Nkwopara IN THE BEGINNING

efore the advent of all man ner of serious crimes, Owerri can be said to be the safest town in Nigeria. What makes the town very spectacular is that indigenes of Owerri, from time immemorial, are very hospitable. Owerri people are reputed for adopting, to some extent, a care-free attitude to life and living. This attitude of the Owerri man, largely confuses a lot of people. Others took this ‘live and let live’ attitude for granted and it occasioned periodic skirmishes, especially when it bordered on glaring injustice. The colonial masters not only found the city very safe and attractive after their ugly experiences in some other towns but also decided to locate the defunct provincial capital in Owerri. Development started evolving. The Owerri man does not joke with his children, leisure, music and delicacies. Good musi-

cians abound and they played their music to the delight of all. In years past, music composers in Owerri, strictly speaking, were not worried that their works were brazenly stolen and published. Wake keeping ceremonies, which formed part of burial obsequies in Owerri, usually turned out to be huge late night carnivals. For the musicians, it was a competition of sorts because the group that was adjudged the victor usually went home with a live cock and oth-

er freebies. The attraction and success of these musical outings gradually snowballed into show business and music concerts. Show promoters were thus born and night life started its upward growth. In line with the new development, the hospitality industry blossomed and thrived. This was the case until the infamous Otokoto saga in Owerri. OTOKOTO ERA The Otokoto era started like a

fairy tale. People of very questionable character loomed large and almost subdued the entire state. This class of individuals, who of course had police or army orderlies, blocked roads at will. Nobody had the gut to query them, especially as the armed security men were very ready to ward off any “intruder”. Innocent citizens were molested arbitrarily. Hard earned properties were not just stolen but forcibly confiscated in broad day light and to the chagrin of the hapless, helpless citizens. Armed robbers equally had a field day within this period. People felt it was no longer safe to move about freely. Night life suffered. The miscreants had their way until a little boy was beheaded and his trunk buried in the premises of Otokoto Hotel, Amakohia, Owerri North local council area of the state. Owerri people, who were taken for granted for too long reacted angrily. Properties known to belong to all suspected

419ners and people of questionable character were burnt. The showdown overwhelmed the security agencies. The miscreants quickly escaped from Owerri and scampered into the safe havens in other cities, especially Lagos. SHORTLIVED PEACE eace gradually returned to the town and night life again started picking up. This was again short lived as a coordinated onslaught of armed robbers, assassins and kidnappers was visited on the city. The situation became a case of if you miss one, you must definitely be caught in the other. Fear reigned supreme. Residents and visitors again ran for cover. Public functions were drowned by the high level of insecurity. People from all professions were mercilessly robbed, assassinated or kidnapped. Not even those that had police orderlies were spared! In the circumstance,

Continues on pages 14

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

Yenagoa:

Thrills, booms of nightlife in Yenagoa T

C M Y K

Yenogoa peace park fountain at night

the busiest spots serving as red light district all night long. Fun is derived from a mix of boozing and dining, dancing to mix music from live bands, stands up acts from budding comedians and mapoka (nude) dancers in the exclusive spots. A goodnight out is not complete without a man clubber, under the influence, retiring to spend the wee hours in company of a

he once bustling nightlife in Yenagoa, capital city of Bayelsa State, lost to prolong insecurity by recurring violent crimes, is gradually bouncing back to the good old days as relative peace returns to the fast growing city, Samuel Oyadongha & Egufe Yafugborhi report. Though a predominantly civil servant state with a mix of large concentration of construction workers making the capital city a huge construction outpost, most residents especially fun seeking Bayelsans hardly wait for dusk to set in before besieging the emerging relaxation joints in town to unwind after office rigour of the day. The average Bayelsan by nature is inclined to show-off and live flamboyantly especially when he has a stuffed wallet to dispense the habit. Commonly, if he is not flaunting or driving his newly acquired exotic car, he is likely to display it partying or clubbing with beautiful damsels preferably in close-ofthe-day night outs. With its bustling life and liquid cash in as many hands from opportunistic politicians in power and big players in legitimate or shady oil deals in the land, Yenagoa, the capital city of Bayelsa cuts a preferred destination for sizzling nightlife to most native and non natives’ residents alike. However, over a long course of militancy, piracy in the land and brutal cultism instigated by bitter political rivalries over who controls power and the economy of the state, the attendant insecurity temporarily halted night life in Yenagoa while the daily uncertainties of violence lasted. It is cheering, however, that as relative peace is restored , night life is gradually retuning to Yenagoa. The beauty of clubbing in Yenagoa is that the entertainment space is not vast as it plays out in bigger cities. The top spots are easy to identify and the big boys who make the shows thick all have close interpersonal relationship. It is a world of family party every night. The hang outs in town are numerous where fun-loving night crawlers cash their fun. With the business of government dictating the economy and the pace of business, Yenagoa closes early. As early as 8pm, the clubs have started receiving guests for the day. The merrymakers flow from big time politicians and their aides, the robust military/paramilitary community in the town, oil business big players, government contractors and the business communities. And the girls come from everywhere. From tertiary institutions far and near, especially from the South East and pure commercial sex workers who flaunt their wares with all corners of

their preferred weekend destination. From Thursday evenings, they start arriving in their hundreds and snapping up the available hotels in the density populated neighbourhood from where they operate until Sunday when they return to their base. Conscious of the fierce competition in the ‘market’, these invaders adopt aggressive mar-

Yenagoa, the capital city of Bayelsa cuts a preferred destination for sizzling nightlife to most native and non natives’ residents alike

female catch of the night. For the married living in town, the preferred destinations are the high class hotels tucked away in serene locations far from residential areas. They are everywhere and more are sprouting across the fast growing city. Weekend invasion Sex workers many of whom claimed to be ‘marketing’ students have made Yenagoa

keting strategies and most times threw decorum to the wind in an attempt to capture the attention of the big boys, mainly illegal refinery operators coming from the deep mangrove swamp to unwind. Most of these invaders wear provocative dresses such as bum shorts and revealing tops and some wear micro-mini skirts that barely cover their pants. Their breasts spill from the half-cup bra, which they throw

into the faces of men whom they woo openly in their desperation. These category of campus girls, Saturday Vanguard findings revealed are more expensive as they charge between N5,000 and N20,000 depending on the type of service their clients want them to render. However, the Hospital Road Junction in the Ovom suburb of Yenagoa could best be described as the most popular area in the predominantly swampy capital city. It is not because the road leads to the only federal referral institution, the Federal Medical Centre that makes the area tick but behind this road across the swamp lie many brothels where prostitutes ply their trade, and lecherous male clients dash cross the makeshift bridges for some quick romp in ramshackle shanties.

his serene neighborhood which is located some distance away from the ‘A’ Division of the Nigerian Police Force, the Bayelsa State government owned Gloryland Cultural Centre, the Civil Servant Secretariat is a sharp contrast at dusk, when these sex workers line the road, beckoning to male passers-by.This perverse road reeks of acrid smell of Indian Hemp, liquor, perfume and sex. The sheer number of Pololos, a local slang used in describing sex workers that converge on the stretch of the road is simply astounding in spite of the aggressive campaign on the dangers and presence of the deadly HIV/AIDS virus in the land. Concerned about the upsurge in the number of girls involved in the trade, a resident, Ebiobo Desmond lamented that while poverty may be blamed for increased prostitution in Yenagoa, women also need to become creative and active. They need to learn that there are better, more decent ways of earning a living than selling their bodies. “The situation is so bad that even undergraduates are in-

volved in commercial sex to raise fund to manage their education,” he said, adding that government should find a way of taking them out of the s t r e e t s . Jennifer, an undergraduate told Saturday Vanguard that she got involved not because she loves the business but that she has nobody to assist her in her education. “I attend school during the week in the East and ‘work’ here weekends in Yenagoa. I have bills to meet and there is no help from anywhere,” she said. Some others claimed to be their familys’ breadwinners and prefer to be referred to as single mothers.

his way, they try to ratio nalize the fact that they are involved in commercial sex to feed their children, a social worker who pleaded anonymity told Saturday Vanguard. “I do this to sustain myself and send home some money to my people in the village,” a lady who identified herself as Joy said in a sober mood when lured her into conversation at a pool side bar in one of the hotels at the Opolo suburb. “I have regular clients, but sometimes I serve new ones,” she revealed. According to her, the regular ones live here in town while the new ones are mostly visitors from outside. ”I always go about with packets of condom in purse to prevent sexually transmitted diseases,” she said but noted with regret that some customers do insist on sex without condom. ”I agree with them since they pay higher,” she said and looked away into the space shaking her head. “

Apparently consoling herself, she resorted, “I make an average of N20,000 on a good day especially with the return of construction workers in town.”

The present administration’s strident policy may have succeeded in instilling fiscal discipline among Bayelsans but the return of construction firms is making Yenagoa a huge construction yard and the attendant boost in economic activities and improved in security situation is the resultant boom in the once comatose night life in the capital city.

Rise and fall of night life in Owerri Continued from page 13 movement of goods and persons suffered serious drop. Reacting to the situation, show business guru and owner of Beaton Recording Studio, Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, affirmed that night life is still alive and hinged his argument on the fact that if anyone removes night life from the easy going Owerri man, you would have completely removed everything from him. “Night life is still alive in Owerri despite the serious security challenges facing the city and its inhabitants. Truth is that if you remove night life from the Owerri man, you have removed everything from him”, Chief Ajumbe reasoned. Continuing, Ajumbe said that at evenings and in virtually every busy street in Owerri municipality, pub owners arrange chairs in anticipation of the evening’s customers, adding that the establishments remain open till late at night. Addressing the issue of musical shows, Ajumbe equally said that free shows are still alive, but quickly pointed out that ticket-

ed shows have slumped drastically except on Saturdays. Conversely, another show promoter, Chief Vincon Uwakwe Uwandu, lamented that “show business in Owerri is dead because of the looming insecurity, high cost of publicity and hiring of venues”. Continuing, Uwandu reasoned that a large number of people no longer find it fashionable to go out in the night because of kidnapping, assassination and robbery being experienced in the state.

e passionately appealed to government to beef up security in the state, stressing that some people no longer sleep in Owerri. They have since adopted the habit of sleeping outside and only come in to do business and leave with speed. Whichever way anybody may look at the situation, some truths must be upheld. There is insecurity in the land and many have been victims. No economy can grow in the face of insecurity. Unless this fear is erased and quickly too, night life may never return to its original form in Owerri.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012–15

he sound of impeach ment of President Goodluck Jonathan coming out from the hallowed chambers of the Federal House of Representatives is creating panic within the inner recesses of the Presidential Villa. While some people are questioning the propriety of the action, others are of the opinion that it is just the best decision that would put the Democracy on the right course to bail the nation from its present doom. Typical of any democratic indulgence, some are already reading politics and sentiments into the impeachment fray and have started calling the Tambuwal-led House of Representatives all manners of names in defence of the President.

tion which the House deserves at every turn of events. Judging by the way the House treated the Farouk Lawan issue, it is crystal clear that some deal of good can sprout from that lower chambers. The Speaker may have been making efforts to assuage the feelings of the House members in order to douse the tension in the polity, but the character and anger of the House members is one that has gone beyond the Speaker. It is now a Nigerian affair. Everyone is watching with participatory interest what the next step would be and if truly the House will pull through this threat. Heaven will not fall if the country is saved the orgy of maladministration by impeaching the President and his Vice and set the tone for testing the efficacy of our Constitution. What is strange about impeachment? If it is undesirable, why then do we have it in the Constitution? Tambuwwal carries a heavier responsibility as we speak; balancing the desires of his House members who genuinely elected him as their indefatigable leader and moderating the pulse of the nation to avoid an implosion. Such delicate balance will determine the swing of the pendulum.

Impeachment: Tambuwal’s cross, Nigeria’s Burden

Tambuwal's House. On account of Farouk Lawan,s shameful conduct in his handling of the subsidy probe, the House may face a crisis of confidence in this patriotic move to invoke the relevant sections of the Constitution to impeach the President. The leadership of the House has been more than superlative in rising up to the occasion to save the country from implosion each time we are faced with flagrant abuses of processes. It has convoked two emergency sessions in its one year of inauguration to put a voice to public discourse on matters of urgent national importance. But on each of those occasions, the decision of the House is often jettisoned and seen merely as advisory without carrying the weight of implementation or compliance. While the President has not hidden his disdain for the House each time occasion presented itself, the House has

Jonathan’s Mistakes, Nigeria'sProblem he misadventure of President Jonathan, is the collective problem of Nigeria and not that of President Jonathan alone. Some people see Nigeria from the pigeonhole of their clannish orientation. It is summarily becoming difficult to see leaders and opinion moulders reading the Nigerian narrative from the point of view of “our country”. A lot of people talk about possessing their zones while allowing the country to rot away. Take the statement credited to Chief Edwin Clark calling on Generals Babangida and Buhari to condemn the Boko Haram menace and seeing it as a Northern affair. This is exactly why the country is not moving forward; the moment we see scenarios and interplay of forces as the exclusive preserve of one geopolitical zone against the other, or a problem that should wear the toga of national problem being seen as the problem of one zone.

•President Goodluck Jonathan often responded with similar valve to put the presidency on its toes. As we speak, conflicting budget implementation figures are renting the air wave and from the reality on ground, one could easily see through who is carrying the heavier burden of proof. Nigeria is simply not well governed. Nigeria is dithering and we all are watching with helpless awe as the country is plunging itself in the direction of fragmentation. President Jonathan deserves to be Impeached Talking as a Nigerian in the true sense of the word, I think the House is right in trying to commence impeachment proceedings against the President. If I think like a South-Southerner, the understanding would just have been a dismissal of the impeachment move but my idea of politics is beyond the labyrinths of geopolitical sentiments. I cherish performance driven leadership that would serve as safety valve for my children than kow-tow to non-performing leadership without scruples. The Jonathan-led presidency is one that has refused to impress the discerning minds. Even those who were his very strong supporters before he was democratically elected have since come to the grim reality that Nigeria is not properly governed. His

•Tambuwal

facebook fans are now singing a different dirge.

ooking at the gestapo way and manner that Aruma Otteh was recalled to take her position in the Security and Exchange Commission with a show of presidential force and might, one could easily conclude that the Jonathanled presidency is not serious about fighting corruption. Added to this was the manner in which Farida Waziri was booted out of her anticorruption office, and sum this up with the damning verdict of the President on the issue of asset declaration, what you get

Tambuwwal’s Cross The Federal House of Representatives under the leadership of Honourable Aminu Tambuwwal has shown some seriousness in whipping the executive arm of government to line than the Senate. The House, peopled by majority members of the Peoples Democratic Party, the President,s own Party, has shown that national interest comes first before Party interest. Driven by its own conviction and strong leadership orientation which has survived all the

mpeachment is not a tea party. The procedures for impeaching any elected public officer are clearly stated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). And for a president with implicit and explicit powers, second to God like we have in Nigeria, it will amount to nothing trying to raise an impeachment voice against him. But that is not to say the action is undesirable. Since it is a provision in the Constitution, it will be heartwarming to test its efficacy and see through the minds of the framers of the Constitution. Not to try at all is to make the provision useless. The puff of hot air coming out from the Senate Chambers also suggests that there are more troubled days ahead for the President. The cat and mouse game between the Finance Minister and the Senate is becoming frighteningly instructive. Figures upon figures, disjointed thoughts and convoluted postulations and projections, coupled with near-absence of clear-cut policy direction in terms of budgetary performance, has been the kernel of the discourse. I think the move by the National Assembly is good for democratic maturity and growth.

The Boko Haram problem is a Nigerian problem and certainly not a Northern problem, same way that the Niger-Delta militancy became a Nigeria problem

is interplay of anomalous and incongruous situations. In the light of these and several other misadventures of the President, why then would anyone think that an impeachment is notdesirable?

intended Banana peels, the House has truly impressed Nigerians. Agreed that there are pockets of distractions here and there, they are not enough to remove the commenda-

The Boko Haram problem is a Nigerian problem and certainly not a Northern problem, same way that the Niger-Delta militancy became a Nigeria problem. This is why we must proffer a Nigerian solution to it. Once we begin to see problems from geopolitical dimension, the more we feel alienated from the system. A Nigerian President from Northern extraction found a permanent solution to the NigerDelta crisis. It will not be out of place if a Nigerian President from Southern extraction decides to find a solution to the Boko Haram insurgence. That is how to own a problem and not by simply expecting the people in a particular zone to be the sole solution providers of a crisis in their domain. I do not remember Chief Edwin Clark ever condemning militant activities in the Niger-Delta. Other leaders from outside the zone did and today, we are enjoying the gains of such patriotic intervention. With advisers like Chief Edwin Clark, who says Jonathan does not deserve impeachment?

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20 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012

SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 4, 2012—21 Aunty Julie, have been reading your advice for those who want to start, maintain, or end a relationship; but then there are people like me. I have no desire to be in a relationship with anyone. I’m a full time student and I work too . I like hanging out with my friends and family when I do have spare time. I’m not interested in the feelings, emotions, and time it takes to be in a relationship. Basically, I’ll have sex with anyone before I even think about holding their hand. Then afterwards, the guy will usually end up getting his feelings hurt because I don’t want to date him. Is there anything strange about me? Aminat, Akure

My parents’ divorce is bothering me

Dear Aminat, Some folks pair off like lovebirds while others like to fly solo. There’s nothing wrong with savouring your independence, as long as you are honest with yourself and your partners about what you want sexually and otherwise. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what shape your relationships will take. People are naturally social beings, and we spend a great deal of our time interacting with others. Sharing life’s ups and downs with friends and family can bring a sense of closeness and fulfillment that can’t be found in your professional or academic life. Likewise, some people enjoy romantic relationships for companionship, commitment, and physical and emotional intimacy. Other people partner up out of fear of being alone or pressure to “settle down.” As you implied, society often puts a premium on romantic relationships. From age-old love stories , coupledom is portrayed as the romantic ideal. In many cultures, marriage is a strong form of “social glue” that binds together individuals, families, and communities. However, there are many other expressions of love and togetherness that don’t require you to tie the knot, or even go on a second date. To begin, it may be helpful to sort out your feelings, values, and desires related to sexuality and relationships. Do you wish you had a special someone or are you truly happy on your own? And lastly, what’s your take on sex without commit-

I play a lot with men’s feelings ment? Do you feel comfortable getting it on and then heading out, or would you prefer to get to know each other a bit more, before and/or after? There are no right or wrong answers here, so go with what feels best for you. But understand that casual sex has its consequences. STDs abound and I’d advice you to zip up or go into a monogamous relationship and if you can’t, always protect yourself. The tricky part is that everyone brings their own preferences to the dinner table and the bedroom. As you’ve experienced, it can cause discomfort and hurt feelings when, after a roll in the hay, your sexy someone wants to take you out

on a date and you’d rather part ways. Since there’s no way to predict how your partner may feel, perhaps you could try being more upfront about your intentions. For example, before things really heat up, you could say something like, “I’m not looking for a relationship, but I’d still like to have some fun together.” Put into your own words, that warning gives your partner a fair heads-up about where you’d like the experience to go. All that being said, navigating one-nighters or even steady commitments is easier said than done. Even a short fling requires some amount of time and effort, and it’s likely that emotions will come into play at one point or another.

She had sex with me and dumped me Dear Julie, was a virgin until about five months ago, and after three hours of foreplay, I finally penetrated and came right then. Since then, my girlfriend and I have broken up, but are best friends now. I have a strange uncontrollable urge to go down on every girl I see . Neither I nor my best friend (my ex girlfriend) are seeing anyone, and ‘friends’ have sex all the time, so what is the best way to ask her to let me ‘practice’? After my first ‘real’ sexual experience, I feel incredibly inadequate, especially since we broke up not long after that. I really want to get better. I’m 25 and not getting any younger. Edmund, Lagos

• Roger is a hard worker, and he spends most of his nights bowling or playing volleyball. One weekend, his wife decides that he needs to relax a little and take a break from sports, so she takes him to a strip club. The doorman at the club spots them and says “Hey Roger! How are you tonight?” His wife, surprised, asks her husband if he has been here before. “No, no. He’s just one of the guys I bowl with.” They are seated, and the waitress approaches, sees Roger and says “Nice to see you, Roger. A gin and tonic as usual?” His wife’s eyes widen. “You must come here a lot!” “No, no” says Roger “I just know her from volleyball.” Then a stripper walks up to the table. She throws her arms around Roger and says “Roger! A table dance as usual?” His wife, fuming, collects her things and storms out of the bar. Roger follows her

Hello Edmund, Becoming a tender lover takes time and practice; however, you do have your entire life to learn. If your best friend is unwilling, too uncomfortable, or fearful that it might jeopardize your friendship, you could consider finding another partner with whom you can ‘practice.’ Being in touch with our own wants, desires, and needs and finding ways to communicate them to others are all very good things. But be careful. Practice safe sex or abstain. Alternatively, go into a relationship with just one partner. Multiple sex partners endanger your life. You need to control this untrollable urge to go down on every girl you meet as that would be your waterloo in a long run.

y parents divorced over ten years ago when I was still very young. I didn’t understand it then and it didn’t bother me but now, I have been going through emotional problems . I have been crying a lot and thinking about my parents’ divorce and wishing things were different. I want them together. This has never bothered me till this past school year and nothing has happened in school either to warrant this. I keep thinking about how I will never know how it was to live with both my parents. Each Christmas, I kept thinking about how I really wish I was together with both of them. People always say the younger the child is when parents get a divorce, the easier it is on a child, but for some reason, that’s not true for me because I missed out on it all! All my friends have at least experienced their parents together, and I haven’t and never will. I have never seen my parents argue or fight and I haven’t told anyone about this but it is getting to the point I can’t keep it to myself and can’t stop crying. I don’t know what to do anymore. I just don’t know why it is bothering me twelve years after they got a divorce and how I can get it to go away. Please help me. Emilia, Benin Dear Emilia, ivorce is one of the most difficult transitions a family may go through. There’s no right time to stop or start thinking about how your parents’ divorce has affected you. You may know other people whose parents have separated more recently, but it’s completely normal that you still feel sad and alone sometimes. Many people struggle to understand their parents’ break-up whether it happened last month, last year, or last decade. It’s actually also very common to fantasize about ‘the perfect family’ . After all, many people young and old alike may feel let down and lonely during the holidays, due to a variety of family circumstances. The fact that you have begun to recognize your feelings shows that you’re willing to do what it takes to start feeling better. Since you were very young when your parents got divorced, it may have been difficult for you to understand exactly what was going on. Even so, it may have been scary and difficult to go through the changes that followed your parents’ split. Back then, you may not have known how to express your worries, confusion, sadness, disappointment, or questions. Perhaps that’s why some of it is surfacing now that you’re older and more mature and have new vocabulary to talk about what you’re experiencing. You mentioned that nothing has happened in school that you think might be the cause of your new thoughts and feelings but I think its either one of your parents dating someone new or gotten engaged/remarried? Do you worry that you won’t spend as much time with your parents anymore because of the new partner? Or have your friends made comments or asked questions about your parents, their relationship, or your family in general? Are you confused about why they broke up in the first place? It’s possible that your parents don’t argue when they’re around you, or that they express their disagreement without ‘fighting.’ Also, couples break up for lots of different reasons; the reasons for your parent’s divorce may not be obvious to you, and may not be to them, either. Now that you’re older, you may be wondering about how to make your own romantic relationships work and/or how to trust people. Maybe you worry that you’ll make the same ‘mistakes’ as your parents. Lots of people worry about the very same things , even into their adulthood. Being conscious of your feelings, and expressing them, as you seem to be now, helps to make relationships successful. It may be helpful to re-focus your attention to the positive aspects of your family, and your parents. For example, what do you like about your family? What do you enjoy doing together? Do you have siblings? Do you spend time with other relatives, such as grandparents, cousins, or godparents? It may be difficult for parents to talk with their kids about their divorce, but by talking with your mum and dad about the way you’ve been feeling, you’ll have the chance to share something about yourself with them, and maybe even learn a thing or two about them, as well. Be proud of yourself for taking the first steps to better understand your feelings about your parents’ divorce!

C O C K - T A L E S and spots her getting into a cab, so he jumps into the passenger seat. His wife looks at him, seething with fury and flips out on Roger. Just then, the cabby leans over and says “Sure looks like you picked up a bitch tonight, Roger!” •A man and a woman are sleeping together when suddenly there is a noise in the house, and the woman rolls over and says, “It’s my husband, you have to leave!” The man jumps out of bed, jumps through the window, crawls through the bushes, and out on the street, when he realizes something. He goes back to the house and says to the woman, “Wait, I’m your husband!” She replies giving him a dirty look, “So why did you run?” •A husband, who has six children, begins to call his wife “mother of six” rather than by her first name. The

wife, amused at first, chuckles. A few years down the road, the wife has grown tired of this. “Mother of six,” he would say, “ what’s for dinner tonight? Get me a beer!” She gets very frustrated. Finally, while attending a party with her husband, he jokingly yells out, “Mother of six, I think it’s time to go!” The wife immediately shouts back, “I’ll be right with you, father of four!” •A man drinks a shot of whiskey every night before bed. After years of this, the wife wants him to quit. She gets two shot glasses, fills one with water and the other with whiskey. After bringing him to the table that has the glasses, she brings his bait box. She says, “I want you to see this.” She puts a worm in the water, and it swims around. She puts a worm in the whiskey, and the worm dies immediately. She then says, feeling that she has made her point clear, “What do you have to say about this experiment?” He responds by saying, “If I drink whiskey, I won’t get worms!”

22—SA TURD AY 22—SATURD TURDA “

Vanguard AUGUST 4, 2012

n my years of writing relationship columns, many couples have come to me and,some have written for counseling on the issue of infidelity. Two recent cases clearly illustrated the right and wrong ways to handle these potential marital crises. Dokun and Alice are a conventional married couple. He is a young computer expert; she is a well-educated woman who manages a department store. They live very comfortably, sharing their joint income. At work, they inevitably met other people who attracted them. Dokun eventually began an affair with one of his office secretaries,and grew to feel terribly guilty about it.

The two faces of infidelity

n the other hand, are Chuks and Agatha—a comparable case in both incomes and lifestyle. When Agatha felt compelled to confess that she had sex with someone else after Chuks spoke out on his suspicion,

he readily admitted that he had strayed too. Talking it over, they agreed that their marriage was vital to both of them, that they loved each other, and that maybe they should take a different view of their marriage. They both wanted guidelines for what looked like their ‘open marriage’ arrangement. I pointed out to them the problems that might arise and how they could deal with them. Their marriage should always be their focal point— not giving in to temptation, but when temptation did arise, their love should be strong enough to sustain the marriage. A few months later, Chuks called me up to say that he and Agatha have never been happier, and that they feel

lice had no idea of his involvement until she accidentally discovered it. She was shattered by the knowledge, then furious. She had been faithful and unsuspecting. She felt terribly betrayed. Her husband was full of guilty anxiety and remorse. He didn’t want to leave Alice, whom he really loved and they eventually went to see their pastor for counseling after which she agreed to give him another chance. When Alice came to seek my opinion, I tried hard to make her see the difference between extramarital sex and fidelity but her strict religious background forbade her acceptance of the idea. The only way she would stay married to Dokun was if he renounced any sexual life outside marriage. Yet already, the breach of trust was so great that their future looked doubtful. The past could not be erased: this was no longer a happy marriage.

Defying the traditional marriage contract today seems almost common place, even though there are civil, religious and emotional penalties for such ‘violations’

more fulfilled—sexually and personally—than they had ever felt before. They expect their second child in a few months’ time. Dokun and Alice, unfortunately, found themselves at the mercy of the anxiety, fear

and anger that often destroy marriages when clandestine affairs are discovered. Chuks and Agatha, on the other hand, have forged a new and healthy understanding through which their natural sexual urges are satisfied, with no damage to their deep love for one

another. Fidelity trust—is still the bedrock of their marriage. There’s no hiding from the fact that we are now a widely polygamous society. Many couples have sexual relations outside marriage even though monogamy is still the accepted norm. So what does infidelity really means? Webster’s dictionary tells us that infidelity means ‘marital unfaithfulness’, a definition which most people understand as sexual unfaithfulness. After all, marriage has usually implied the promise to ‘cleave only to one another’. But Webster also gives a second more vital definition: ‘breach of trust’. Trust is the real cornerstone of marriage and it is the issue of trust that must be tackled if we are to understand what fidelity means today. “Relationships between men and women have changed dramatically over the past few decades,” observed a seasoned marital counselor. ‘We raised an entire generation of young men and women who do not ‘cleave’ to a single individual before marriage, and who balk at ‘cleaving’ afterwards. For these young people, the promise to ‘cleave only’ went out the window with the promise to ‘obey’. That is why sex therapists today are giving serious attention to this phenomenon. Defying the traditional marriage contract today seems almost common place, even though there are civil, religious and emotional penalties for such ‘violations’. Obviously many people think it is worth the risk. “The real issue in this matter is not extramarital sex at all, but the terms of the marriage contract. For most religious people, of course, terms are clear. But even the sincerely devout may face circumstances in their lives, which lead them to break that promise, causing great guilt and unhappiness...”

Six ways to rekindle sex after childbirth

*To overcome nerves, try making love the night you get the doctor’s go-ahead. But remind your partner to be sensitive. *If you’re wary, tighten your buttocks to protect yourself from any discomfort as he slides. Then relax and see how it feels. *Once you’re more confident, try different positions. Going on top will give you control. And use lots of lubricant. *Make time for sex. At least

once a week,book some ‘your time’ for cuddles and lovemaking. *If your doctor has given you the green light but you’re

Remember— you’re a lover as well as a mum. Buy some sexy new undies, have a new hairdo and get a make over—even the cheapest one could do wonders to your ego.

few months ago, my recently divorced dad decided to date this younger girl who’s closer to my age than his. She’s

I initially freaked out, but then I remembered I had gotten pretty passionate during the sex act and scratched up my guy’s back

still not enjoying sex, go back to your doctor— there may be physical problem.

Love rats who got away with murder1 Who’s your daddy? “A

gorgeous, so every time I’d see her, I couldn’t help but check her out. One day, while my dad was out of town, I stopped by his place to pick up a set of golf clubs. His girlfriend was home, and she was wearing

this top that was so thin, I could see her nipples through it. She invited me in to get the clubs and was being flirty the entire time. On my way out, she kissed me. Since my dad wouldn’t be back until Monday, I decided to spend the night we promised to never talk about it.” - Alex 29. Finger nailed: My friend’s family was going out of town and asked me to watch their cat called Paws; so I invited my boyfriend over. We snuck into my friend’s parents’ big, beautiful bed that had the softest sheets and couldn’t resist having sex on it. Our afternoon rendezvous was amazing, but when we got up, there was blood stains allover

the sheets. I initially freaked out, but then I remembered I had gotten pretty passionate during the sex act and scratched up my guy’s back. The stains wouldn’t come out after scrubbing them with soap and water,and I couldn’t afford replacements, so I just turned them inside out and prayed that they wouldn’t notice. When the family returned home from their trip, her mum pulled me aside and said: “We don’t usually let paws sleep in bed with us, which must be why she panicked and scrfatched you so well you bled”

dna found it very hard to start all over again after her relationship with a guy she was married to for over 15 years crashed. Pete was a man about town and liked to socialise a lot. He was never able to keep his eyes off women and dated a few by the sideline. Edna showed understanding over her husband’s several affairs but when she realised their jointbusiness account was dwindling, she came to the realisation that Pete’s relationships were beyond just casual. They were stronger if he was spending too much money on them and so, she had him investigated and her worst fears were confirmed. She tried to patch up the relationship because of the kids but Pete was not repentant. Infact, his affairs became an embarrassment to Edna and she filed for divorce. After her divorce, Edna found it hard to go into another relationship as she couldn’t bring herself to have a repeat of what her first marriage was. Discovering your partner has been unfaithful is a shock. Your first instinct may be to run, but if you have a shared history, children and finances, you may wonder – should you stay or go? When you get the devastating news that your spouse has had an affair, how do you decide whether to stay or go? Because you feel betrayed, your first impulse is usually anger, and wanting to leave – fight or flight. But, after you calm down, you realize there’s a lot you’ll lose, and you may have children to consider. Don’t make an instant decision

Infidelity:

Will you stay or leave?

you may regret later.Be careful about whatever decision you take. It’s possible to find an extraordinary love after divorcing but most people report the potential partners out there are no better than the ones they left. While it's not easy to decide whether one should stay and suffer if nothing’s working, many couples who do the work and wind up happier than before. The affair may

have happened after longstanding problems in the marriage, which can actually be corrected to the satisfaction of both partners. Often, dissatisfaction grows from resentment, and the root causes can be fixed with the help of counseling. If both partners are willing to change what’s not working, a marriage can be improved, can be turned into a satisfying life of enjoyable companionship. I also see a fair number of

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4 4, 2012—23 *You either have no children, couples who get back together after a divorce, be- they’re grown, or you’re certain cause they had a chance to see a divorce will be better for them what it’s like to be alone, and than what’s going on. *Your spouse refuses to give to calm down and get over petty resentments. Unfortu- up the other relationship, or nately, now they’re a lot infidelity in general. Starting over is really difficult poorer because of the costs of the divorce, dividing up prop- when it comes to love and erty, and so on. There are marriage. Getting a divorce, some reasons why one should breaking up, or losing the one you love due to their death can stay. be overwhelmingly painful. Reasons to stay: The simple truth is this – you *Your spouse truly recognizes he or she has a entered into your loving problem, and is willing to get relationship with another person help to fix it, and to be expecting it to last forever. But accountable for rebuilding all acts of love are, we are afraid to say, not everlasting. trust. As the old song goes, *You two are going for counseling, and “Breaking up is hard to do” – understanding why the affair whether that breakup is due to happened, and how to fix the death or falling out of love – the pain is still not minimized. It is problems. *You’re getting your own sex hard to start over. It is downright life back on track, if it was off challenging to find true love again. track. For nearly three decades, *You have a long, shared history, joint finances, and experts have studied successful family ties that make it worth love and relationships. They keeping the marriage together. know what makes love and *You still love each other, and relationships work. But the truth is, sometimes relationships it’s clearly mutual. started with the best of intentions And you should leave if: don’t work. And sometimes, and Reasons to go: *Your spouse is in denial, regrettably so, the one you love makes excuses, and blames dies or disappoints you. If you are faced with finding new you. This means he or she is invested in the cheating love, there are some simple truths behaviour, and not ready to that will help you make the appropriate transition to new change. *You have had it and no love. Having companionship is one of longer feel connected, and are not willing to work on it. Be the most cherished gifts of life and sure this isn’t just temporary love. Never forget these simple lessons for finding love again. anger. In love and marriage, the simple *You are prepared to be on things matter. Be tolerant and be your own. honest about what you want.

Why do I keep falling for the same type of person?

dated a guy for seven years and he took me for a ride. I did everything to please him but it seems, he did everything to spite me. With this guy, I experienced real love for the first time and I gave the relationship my all. We went ahead and planned to settle down in a marital relationship but when we were close to it, he found out another woman was pregnant for him. His family insisted he married the woman who later gave him a baby girl and he married her. Months after we parted ways, I noticed I was pregnant for the same guy but I couldn’t tell him about it because he had settled down with another. I had a set of twins and somebody told him about it but he didn’t show up. I got used to taking care of my boys but recently, I found out I have entangled myself with another guy who is almost like him. He shares

almost the same idiosyncracy with my ex but woe betide me if I end up the same way. Why do I keep falling for the same type of person? Adia, Benin City Ans: Most of us fall for the same type of person over and over because there’s some psychological need that we have to meet. The thing is, that’s the kind of thing we don't show any other person. We don’t consciously say, “I need someone to talk down to me, like my mother did.” We don’t say,” I need someone to make me feel inadequate, like my father did.” We recognize that trait within someone else’s personality over, and over, and over. It’s why we all knew women who went out with guys who treated them horribly and it’s why we know men who’ve gone out with women who were emotionally ungiving over, and over, and over. Those

are the things that, unconsciously, we are looking for. So why do we do this? What a person’s heart wants is what we know and understand. It can be based on our past; the way we grew up, or your mother if you’re a man, your father if you’re a girl. Or perhaps, you had no active father while you grew up ,that could mess you up too. The heart attempts to work out issues by replaying them in real life and hoping that with the same characters, we can bring about a better outcome than we originally had, with whoever it was that our issues began. But the heart is not the thinking organ, so in all of our infinite wisdom, we opt to follow our brains and ignore the heart, right? Right.

The problem with this method is clear. A good relationship is not based on thoughts; it’s based on action and feelings , namely love. It’s not our brain that loves. Our brain makes sense of things; if love always followed sense, we would not be having this discussion right now, would we? But since our heart led us wrong, we will often consciously ignore the heart to follow what makes sense. This is where we, subconsciously, begin to perform a risk analysis in our minds, and compute the pros and cons of starting a certain relationship. This is the type of relationship that all of your friends tell you that you’re insane to hesitate, yet you just don’t “feel it”. This is the relationship that is sensible and safe and can’t break your heart.

*Tokunbo, 50, female, gainfully employed, needs a reliable working man of 50-60 for a relationship on 07060516801 •Ayobami, 29, graduate,needs a Christian , loving and caring working class man for a serious relationship on 08187315658 minded man for marriage aged between 33-36 and must be •Kenechukwu wants a lady of 23-25 for a serious from Delta and based in Lagos on 08034879270 relationship that could lead to marriage on 08131295587 •Prince Destiny, male, from Benin, business guy, wants a •Kass, female , fat , educated, beautiful and well-mannered, from Benin, Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want wants to be linked up with an to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com educated Yoruba Christian guyof 30-35 for marriage on Do you want to be linked? Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be 08073278201 linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people •Betty, 33, from Agbor, who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or Delta State, needs a seriousembarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

God-fearing working-class lady for a serious relationship on 07058238115 •Akin, 36, selfemployed,single, resident at Abeokuta, AA, O+, wants to meet a literate professional lady above 34 years on 08053871003 •Willy, a civil servant from Delta, wants to be linked with a humble, God-fearing lady aged 30+ for a permanent relationship that would lead to marriage on 07062290642

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 igerians should limit the number of chil dren they are having, according to President Jonathan. He said people were having too many children, and went on to back birth control measures. He said that in particular, uneducated people were having too many children, and urged people to only have as many children as they could afford. The United Nations estimated that the population of Nigeria could grow from 160m to 400m by 2050. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and previous attempts to encourage adults to have fewer children have failed. Jonathan said legislation and policies aimed at controlling the number of births might be considered in future. He said he had asked the National Population Commission to inform people about birth control before taking the issue further. The president acknowledged that the issue was a sensitive one, saying: “We are extremely religious people... It is a very sensitive thing.” The President was quoted as saying: “Both Christians and They include the Pill, the Muslims, and even traditionalists and all the other religions, mini-Pill , male condom, Vabelieve that children are God’s sectomy ,Female sterilisation ,The coil (intra-uterine devicegifts to man. “So it is difficult for you to tell or IUD) , Withdrawal method , any Nigerian to number their rhythm method , contracepchildren because... it is not ex- tive injection, Mirena (intrauterine system or IUS), skin pected to reject God’s gifts.” The debate generated by the patch , The cap or diaphragm , above issue necessited the is- the female condom and the sue of contrception as a topic Vaginal ring . With the exception of Withfor this edition. The term, ‘contraception’ is a drawal (coitus interruptus), the contraction of ‘contra’, which above methods have the blessing means ‘against’, and the word of family planning experts be‘conception’, which is a non- cause when used properly, they technical term that is synony- prevent pregnancy. However, while the rhythm mous with fertilization. There are so many different method is okay for well-motivattypes of contraception avail- ed couples who have been trained able that you should be able to in its use by a qualified ‘natural find the right method for you. family planning’ teacher, for the But you may have to try sev- rest of us, it’s a bit risky. Also very risky are certain noneral different things before you choose the one you like most. approved methods, for instance, We have reached the stage using spermicides (chemical peswhere unplanned pregnancies saries, creams or foams), or really should be rare, because douching your vagina after sex. Practices like ‘doing it standing of the range of good methods up’ or ‘coughing a lot afterwards’ of birth control. At present, there are 14 reli- or ‘trying not to come’ don’t work, and will simply lead to unwantable ones.

fact that hormones which reduce sperm production may also reduce sexual desire. It’s unlikely to reach the British market before 2016.

Contraception:

The magic of birth control?

O-Men

noring is noisy breathing that occurs during sleep. Women may snore too, but men snore more than women: Four out of every ten men snore, compared to roughly three out of ten women. At any particular time, around 25 percent of people are habitual snorers. Causes of Snoring Snoring has many potential causes, including obesity, anatomical variations, and several illnesses affecting the upper airways. It results from the vibration of soft tissues of the upper airways and often is associated with obstruction of airflow. If it’s due to a significant airway obstruction, snoring is associated with serious health problems, like high blood pressure and heart disease. •Snoring is made worse by alcohol and other sedatives. •Overweight people are more prone to snoring. •Sleeping on your back increases the chances of snoring.

ed pregnancy. Some contraceptive methods are more effective in preventing pregnancy than others, while only condoms offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections. None of the methods is quite 100 per cent effective, which means the only guaranteed way of preventing conception is to not have sex! You should also remember that some methods are quite complicated to use, and no method is safe if you don’t follow the instructions given by your doctor carefully. For example, if you are taking the Pill, you shouldn’t miss taking a tablet. If you are using condoms, you should make sure you put them on before sex starts – not half way through. If you’re relying on the contraceptive injection, you do need to turn up for your jab on time. Every method, except vasectomy and sterilisation, can fail if you don’t take care. The vaginal hormone ring (NuvaRing) has been tried out

extensively since 2001. It is approved in 32 countries, but only became available in the UK in 2009. Since then, some thousands of British women have been using it successfully. You keep it in your vagina for three weeks out of every four. During the week you take it out, you will have your period. Like the Pill, it contains two hormones. We don’t know what its long-term effects will be, especially with regard to cancer. Because of the presence of the Pill-type hormones in the ring, it should NOT be used by anyone who is at risk of clotting. That includes heavy smokers, especially those over 35. On the ‘plus’ side, the ring is now thought to make periods lighter and less painful. The most common side-effects are known to be: •vaginal discharge •headache •breast tenderness •nausea •possibly mood changes. It can also have much the same major side-effects as the Pill. As is common with hi-tech methods of contraception, the ring has attracted legal action. In 2008, a lawsuit was launched by a husband who claims that his wife died as a result of using it (not in Nigeria). Since then, many more people have alleged that the ring gave them a deep vein clotting, a pulmonary embolism or a stroke. In many countries, the male pill has been introduced. Research work continues on the male Pill, particularly Overseas. It’s still at least five years away from general release, despite the fact that it keeps making optimistic headlines in the newspapers. At present, it’s an injection, or an implant or patch, not a pill. Among the difficulties is the

Why men snore

•Colds, nasal polyps, and allergies make snoring worse. •Older people often snore due to muscular weakness that occurs with age. •Certain medications may cause dryness or minor irritation of the nasal passageways and increase the incidence of snoring. •A larger-than-usual uvula can limit airflow and cause snoring. •Injuries to the nose that result in a deviated septum may result in snoring. • Smokers are more likely to snore. Sleep Apnea Sometimes, people who snore also suffer from sleep apnea. Apnea refers to periods of interrupted breathing that can last ten seconds or longer. It’s essentially the same physiological process as snoring, except that the

Choose the method that suits you Choosing the method of contraception that is right for you requires accurate information and the ability to communicate openly with your partner. Issues such as effectiveness, safety and adverse effects need to be weighed against convenience, cost and issues of trust and cont r o l . The method you choose will depend on a range of factors, such as your general health, lifestyle and relationships, your risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI) and how important it is that you don’t become pregnant. Some methods require more motivation than others. You need to think about what best suits you. For example, you need to remember to take the pill every day whereas an implant can last up to three years. You need to consider the pros and cons and think about how these methods meet your current and future needs. You can discuss your options with your doctor, reproductive health nurse or trained medical staff. Protect against STIs It is important to practice safe sex as well as to protect yourself against pregnancy. Not all methods of contraception provide protection against STIs. The best way to reduce your risk of STIs is to use barrier protection such as male and female condoms and dams (a thin piece of latex placed over the anal or vulval area during sex). Condoms can be used for oral, vaginal and anal sex to help prevent the spread of infections. Physical barrier methods Barrier methods of contraception stop sperm from getting into the womb (uterus). Options include: ? Male condom ? Female condom

? Diaphragm. Male and female condoms also decrease the risk of STIs. Barrier methods can be very effective if used correctly. However, they can have high failure rates if they are not used consistently and correctly.

muscles relax so much they cause a complete, rather than partial, obstruction of the airway. When sleep apnea occurs, carbon dioxide accumulates in the bloodstream and oxygen levels fall. The brain detects these changes and reacts by waking the person up so that normal breathing can resume. Sleep apnea can occur several times a night, disrupting normal restorative sleep. Clues that your snoring is more than just a nuisance include falling asleep during normal daytime activities, a frequent need to urinate at night (nocturia), or morning headaches. Sleep Position and Snoring Snoring results when the upper airway, specifically the throat and the nasal passage, vibrate during breathing while asleep. If you sleep on your back, you may be more predisposed to snoring. This occurs because the airway is more subject to collapsing, both from internal factors as well as external influence (such as the weight of your chest pressing down).

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012—25

London show:

MTN unveils season 5 contestants T

Why I walked off the stage -Seun Kuti

EUN Kuti, Nigerian Afrobeat star musician and son of the late legend Fela explained why he walked off the stage moments after clashing with security men attached to the venue of a London concert,saying the organisers had no right to deny his fans the opportunity to dance to his music. “It was unthinkable and unfair for anyone to have asked my fans to sit down and not dance to my music. Afrobeat music is best enjoyed

standing and it wasn’t fair to ask anyone to sit through while I played. It kills the spirit, Seun contended. “The action of the security men and the organisers of the show prompted my walk out. I walked out, nobody walked me out.” he added Last week Showtime reported that a show heralded by Seun Kuti was disrupted after the organisers of the show and security men warned the audience against dancing at the event.

Angered by the decision, Seun whose order to the audience to continue dancing to his music was rebuffed walked off the stage in protest. The event was the last night of music showcase during the New world Nigeria event holding in Stratford London. Due to late scheduling and no fault of his own, the renowned saxophonist who was the headline act got on stage an hour later than expected but was determined to fulfill his hour long set to his fans.

he much anticipated unveiling of the successful music talents who have been admitted into the MTN Project Fame West Africa music academy for the 5th season of the show will take place this Saturday August 4 with a sensational Opening Gala ceremony. The event is meant to let out a tip of the ice-berg to the 10 week musical-feel West Africans are expected to get from this season of the popular show as the contestants will be dishing out their talents in front of the Judges, Faculty and expected massive audience. After 4 successful seasons of uniting music talents across West Africa with their passion by actively engaging viewers in this reality TV show where they train, groom and empower the contestants who have been admitted into the academy, this season promises to be filled with more fun and excitement. Speaking on the 5th season of the show, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Kola Oyeyemi said “the time

has come once again to empower another set of West African youths in line with our brand philosophy of “enriching lives”. This year ’s show will be having songster Ade Bantu as an addition to Femi Aderibigbe, popularly known as ‘Kwame’,

Ghanaian international singer and songwriter, Bibie Brew, Nigerian singer, Nomorelose and A-list producer, Tayo Ibitoye known as TY Mix the expert judges on the show. The Faculty members are Principal Joke Silva, Music Director, Ben Ogbeiwi, Dance Instructor, Kaffy and Voice Coach, Dupe Ige.

KSA celebrates 35yrs as Bracket rocks @ Big Friday Show King of World Beats Y

HIRTY-five years after he was crowned King of World Beats, juju maestro and accomplished actor, King Sunny Ade is set to celebrate. A seven-member committee has been set up to oversee the planning, and activation of the 35th Crowning Anniversary holding soon. . During a meeting at Ajorosun Club in Ibadan on Sunday, Akogun Lekan Alabi was made the Chairman of the committee. Alabi was chosen following his successful packaging of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey’s 70th birthday party in Lagos two months ago. Reacting, Akogun said it was an honour and privilege to chair the planning committees of the landmark event of this music icon.. “I remember my write-ups in my weekly column in the Sunday Sketch, where I

•King Sunny Ade described Obey and Sunny as champions of their trade. How prophetic. I derive great pleasure in celebrating creativity and excellence. Obey and KSA are models and one cannot but be proud to be associated with them. My appointment, in a lighter mood, can be regarded as payback. May God enable my committee to achieve equal success for KSA as we did for Obey last April,” he said,.

ORI Yori crooners, Bracket, and up-coming music sensation Emzo were the main attractions as the Glo sponsored Big Friday show aired. The duo of Vast and Smash who make up Bracket were the celebrity guests of the week on the show It was a highly entertaining encounter as the duo took their fans into their world of music, their relatively short but very eventful musical career, their fame and fortune. Hosted by popular comedian and Globacom ambassador, Basketmouth, The Big Friday Show has fast become a regular fixture for Nigeria’s hottest talents. Among the top celebrities who have so far featured in the show are musicians P-Square, Banky W, Wizkid, Skales, Timaya (a.k.a. “The Egberipapa of Bayelsa”) and King of Zanga, Durella.

Others are DJ Excusive, comedian Bovi and Nollywood stars Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo and Funke Akindele. The episode also featured Emzo as the up-coming artiste for the week where he was given a task/ studio challenge to complete in order to earn a five-minute window on the show to sell himself. Other up-coming artistes who have so far been featured on the show are Shun Don, Dizzy, E’Nelly and M-Flow. There was also the usual Vlog segment brought by hot Vlogger Stephanie. Stephanie ran through a sizzling gist of what was new and hot in the entertainment world. In her usual vivid and

•Bracket racy manner, she toured round the showbiz world in five minutes.US $2000 (about N320,000) at the end of the quarter.

26 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012

Why my marriage crumbled — Ex-Beauty Queen, Rosemary Okeke By OGBONNA AMADI Entertainment Editor and FLORENCE AMAGIYA osemary Okeke is more than a former beauty queen. Twenty-eight years after she was crowned Miss Nigeria 1984, Rosemary has lost nothing to age. Still graceful and beautiful, she could still hold her own against younger ladies. She launched into into fashion business few months after her reign and since then, so much happened. Currently working on a reality show that will empower the youth who are gifted in photography, Rosemary in this interview talks about life after her reign as a queen, her marriage, the forth- coming photography competition and more. Enjoy!

What are the things that will make you add weight...? I don’t think there is anything that I don’t eat. I eat what I feel like eating. The only thing is, I try to eat at reasonable hours. I like pounded yam and garri. I love that much better than rice and the rest of them. So it is about when you eat, the soup you use in eating what you are eating and the quantity of the food you eat. I watch the quantity too. I eat what I want to eat. I make sure that my soup has a lot of vegetable. I eat a lot of vegetables which is very good for the system. Over the years, what has beenyour daily body routine? You know shea butter? A lot of us would be surprised at what it does. I got introduced to it and I have been enjoying it. The sun batters the skin when you expose yourself too much to it all the time, the weather batters you too. Even when you use very good creams, it depends on the time you use it. Everything has time! It is the same thing when it comes to feeding. You should know the

right time to eat and what to eat. It will work for you instead of starving yourself to keep slim. Start with breakfast, make sure your system takes off quite early. So you have a system that’s working not a system that’s lazy. Whatever you do, the bottom line is, do not abuse it and know when to stop. These days, so many people try to keep slim and all that, I mean they just want to remain pretty all year round. Why haven’t you done anything like that to your body? I don’t think I have reached the stage where I need to cut anything out. So far, God has been merciful. For some people, it is not just about beauty, it could be one accident or the other. It’s not just about wanting to remain pretty for the rest of your life. But in case of wanting to remain pretty all the time, I think there’s nothing absolutely wrong with wanting to look good for the rest of your life. It’s about how you want to be. It’s about yourself. It’s about the individual. If you want it, there is nothing wrong with it. I don’t have anything against anybody who wants to have cosmetic surgery. If you can handle it, why not? How do people react to you when you are introduced? Everybody must feel good if you have positive reaction from people when they meet you. It is always a pleasure for me. It just means that people appreciate something, because you don’t get that all the time. When you meet some people, they know who you are and they intentionally snub you. I have tried to ask a few times because their reactions actually puzzle me. They probably just assume that you may want to give it to them, so they give it to you first. So that happens. Of course it hurts, because I am not like that. I am friendly with anybody who wants to be friendly with me. I am quite a friendly person. It hurts when people think about

you in ways that you know you are not. But when I get noticed by people on the streets and I am greeted, I am definitely flattered. I just appreciate it and thank God for it. Tell me what has been going on since 1984 and today?. In between tell me how the crown benefited you. Did it help in making who you are today? Definitely, the crown contributed quite a lot to who I am today. How far it got me? The Miss Nigeria crown opened a lot of doors. It made it easy for me to meet people and be accepted. Right after I became Miss Nigeria, I went into business; fashion business. And of course that involved having to build a lot of huge clientele base. It helped me to achieve

When you walked in, l couldn’t believe you are the same young woman who was crowed Miss Nigeria more than two decades ago. How are you able to keep your looks? Hmm... It’s God (laughs). He is the custodian of the matter, we humans only do maintenance. I haven’t done any plastic surgery. That’s why I will always say it’s God’s grace. ] There are certain things I’m sure you might have done. Like… It’s just the normal thing everybody does. I know weight is not very good for anybody so I try to watch that. I keep healthy in what I eat because what you take in eventually refelects on your body. So just try to watch what goes into you.

I don’t think I have reached the stage where I need to cut anything out, so far God has been merciful

that and the level of people I wanted to deal with. Over the years, I have always worked in between. I got married and got divorced and I had my baby, a baby girl.For sometime now, I have been worried about what’s been happening in the country, and that is the unemployment rate. I have been thinking about ways one could actually contribute in that area and I

thought I have a lot of adventure, I have travelled, been to a lot of places., I have found a lot of traffic in other countries tourists destination. You obviously know that these countries are benefiting a lot from tourism and I say why not Nigeria? We have better sites here. That’s how I came up with this project, The National Tourism Competition that I am working on right now and you know that beauty pageants have that kind of link. When you are having beauty pageants within the country, you find that people from different states come together with a lot of culture, a lot of wears and everything. Tourism is about the people and about the environment. Tourism

is something you are doing and people are coming together at that moment. When I was Miss Nigeria, I went for Miss World where I met people from different part of the world. That is tourism right there for you. I just thought this is something we should actually look at in this country. Why are we ignoring it? Why are we crying about unemployment and poverty alleviation? How do you do that? I think I should work on this project, get the Government and get everybody to participate in it. This is youth empowerment right there before you. What is in it for the youth? In tourism, there are a lot of small and major scale businesses that can be generated from it. It’s for starters.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 27

— Rosemary Okeke Because of the kind of businesses we have, we are looking at what is being projected in the country right now, a mono economy. How many people can dive into the oil business? But tourism is such that there are so many things that can be done, even just developing some tourist sites within a state or even a local government. You must have tour guide. If traffic is driven there that helps the woman, who is selling drinks, the one who is selling food and the one who is selling little souvenirs. There are so many things we can do if we increase traffic. The taxi driver will gain from it in the area of transportation, the hotel owner is benefitting from that. When there is

increase in passage, they expand and they employ more people. What kind of monetary reward do you have in place for the participants? Most of our prizes are geared towards promoting photography, just to be able to change our value system. We want to sensitize Nigerians, so we are driving you basically to get interested in the things that would expose you to what we are doing. We have prizes, most of them are not in cash. We have photo studios and we want to open photo studios for people that would win. We have laptops and I-pads, we have cameras. We have everything that has to do with camera. These are some of the things we’d be giving out. We understand that if you give out a fully equipped photo studio, the persons cannot work by themselves they must bring other people as well as need certain cash to pick up. That is why we are attaching some cash to the prizes so that they can get started.

I want to empower the youth

Being a beauty queen is not the reason I got divorced and famous people are not known for calling off their marriages

Let’s go back to your reign; I want us to cover the low points, the harassment, and the intimidation and the high points as well Low points, what would it be? I can’t recollect any!

Nigeria? Yeah! I heard and I still went in for the contest. I know l didn’t sleep with anybody. As far as I am concerned, there’s no such thing. If you know of anyone who has slept with someone to win the crown, then say it or stop assuming. In any contest, there is always someone who would win and some who won’t agree that the truimph is genuine. It is the same thing as saying you cannot please everyone. You find that when the queens are crowned, some people would be protesting. So it is so easy to assume that something has gone down. From my own experience, I didn’t and I don’t know of anyone who slept with someone to get the crown. For the low points, l would say l was forced to become an adult earlier than l would have been. I couldn’t hang out with my mates, l couldn’t do what l wanted to do, dress the way l wanted to dress as a young adult and all that. It was indeed a challenge. For the high points, it is basically about a young person becoming what she became before time. It helped me indeed. Doors were opened because I was recognized. I went into business after the contest and I used the platform to grow my fashion business. I was able to build a clientele base that was good for me. As a beauty queen, I was sure if I pay you a visit then, you would like to see me and you know I wasn’t coming to waste your time. Can we talk about your marriage and why it crashed? [Laugh]I do not want to bring another man’s matter into mine. Two people are involved here and it is best left alone.

There’s this stigma about becoming a queen. Some people say you have to sleep your way up! Did it bother you when you wanted to go for Miss

Do you think being a beauty queen affected your marriage be? Being a beauty queen is not the reason I got divorced and famous

What are the challenges? To be honest, sponsorship is the major challenge. This is not a project one person alone can drive. Nigeria is huge and if we want to get this message across to every Nigerian, we should make sure that these messages get to the states, to the L.G.As, to the people in the villages. We want to be able to drive it through the media. As it is, we have done a lot of campaign. I know how many thousands of hand bills we have circulated all over. We are setting up coordinators in the universities in different states and making sure these people receive something for their effort. So it is not something that one person alone can achieve.

people are not known for calling off their marriages. Marriages are called off when differences between the couples cannot be resolved. There are many beauty queens in their marital homes without issues and there are many who are enduring their marriages. Divorce is a personal thing. Could this have affected your marriage? Personally, l don’t think my queenship is a reason I had problems in my marriage. I wasn’t in any form of duress when I was getting married. I could have given myself time if that was what I wanted, but I would agree to a large extent that sometimes, when people are going into something they don’t really know, they may not be prepared. And getting married to a beauty queen, if you are not prepared then, you might be intimidated. And no matter how much the person tries, once you are set in your thoughts, it just gradually wears everybody down. I would say to an extent that that was part of the reason for my divorce but it is not all of it. Do you have a child? I have a daughter. She is 21 years old and she is in her last year in the university. How come she is not in a beauty pageant contest? She doesn’t have to take the path I took, even if she is my daughter. She is an individual. Besides, she hasn’t shown any sign that she’s interested in something like that. But if she wants to, I would encourage her. What do you think of beauty pageant of those days and now? I think they have improved!

Everything has improved. The country has improved in many ways. Do you advice that women should take advantage of the platform, the beauty pageant? Yes! They should take advantage of it. The youths these days are more mature and more exposed. I think they would do better if they can use the opportunity. They can do much for themselves and the country if it is properly channeled. Would you remarry if given the chance? Of course I would marry again and I pray it lasts forever this time. Nobody prays to go into marriage and intentionally plan to end it. It is heartbreaking. I wasn’t trained that way! What’s your form of exercise? I work out in the gym, but for some time now I haven’t done much because I am so busy. But l watch what I eat. Like I said before, I love eating what I want to eat. I am only careful with the time of eating.But whenever it is getting out of hand, I hit the gym. What’s your advice to the young lady who is planning a wedding and not a marriage? To make sure she relies on God and to make the man her best friend. She should learn the art of communicating with him and vise versa. She should have it in mind that when all the chips are down, only God and the friendship you have can save the day. What is your best fashion item? Every item is important, but if l were to be traveling, l would be ready for anything. I would pack a full suit case in case of necessity.

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

Jonathan’s $200m intervention fund: Matters arising (3) I

Who wins BBA Stargame USD 300,000 ? T

HE day of reckoning is here. After 91 days in the Big Brother Stargame house, six housemates out of 35 contestants that participated in this year's edition will be counting on public votes to make them the ultimate winner as the reality show rounds off this Sunday. Lady May, Prezzo, Wati, Talia, Keagan and Kyle are in the running to win the USD 300 000 prize after last Sunday’s eviction of Uganda’s Jannette. This year’s show added a bit of a twist with the inclusion of celebrities and partners to the game. Fourteen couples lived in “Downville” while seven celebrities lived in “Upville” for 91 days. As expected when people who come from different cultures and backgrounds are forced to live with each other 24/7, the show was not without its fair

share of intrigues, drama and violence. Ghanaian comedian DKB was evicted from the house after he slapped fellow housemate Zainab during an altercation. Also, the love-hate relationship between Zimbabwean housemates, Roki and Maneta, which also resulted in a physical confrontation, left Big Brother with no choice but to expel them both from the show. According to the Big Brother rules, violence in the house is strictly prohibited and Roki and Meneta’s disqualification as well as DKB was justified as they were engaged in a physical fight. “Violence can refer to self-inflicted violence or violence towards another. Violence includes provocation, goading, bullying and victimisation,” Biggie told the housemates. However, after all the tears,

fights, laughter and romance, it has come down to Lady May from Namibia, Prezzo from Kenya, Wati from Malawi, Talia from Zambia, Keagan from South Africa and Kyle from Uganda. The big question in the lips of many viewers of the reality show is, who will go home with the star prize? While some viewers are tipping Prezzo for the prize, others want Lady May or Keagan to emerge the winner. Observers believed that the eviction of Nigeria's Goldie placed the Kenyan housemate at an advantage position to contend for the prize. But from all indications, this year's show is not devoid of intrigues , frills and trills. As tension builds up, one thing is certain and that is, one of the last six housemates standing will definitely go home with the USD 300 000 prize. ,

Queeneth Hilbert soaring higher A

had opined that the $200m intervention fund President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan promised the Nigerian entertainment industry over two years ago should be released without further delay to the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) bank (or any other competent bank or banks) for proper management and disbursement as loans to interested stakeholders. Here is the third and concluding part of my discourse, which started some weeks ago. However, I suggest a single digit interest rate, preferably 2 to 3 percent on loans secured. The repayment period of such loans should be spread across five years, at least. The process of securing the loans must be transparent for all interested stakeholders who have value-adding projects to the Nigerian entertainment industry, to make requests and be considered strictly on merit. This should not be all about giving undue preference to some Nigerians in the diaspora, simply because they sauntered into the country from their deeply rooted abode abroad, with very little or no contribution whatsoever to the survival of our entertainment industry thus far. The criteria for accessing the fund must be more inward looking. I urge stakeholders on the ground here at home in the

Making a career in Nollywood A

striking beauty, you cannot afford to take your eyes off her. Queeneth Hilbert is one of those beauties wowing the Nigeria movie industry at the moment. A big time model who has modeled for Delta Soap, and has featured in over 20 movies, the Enugu-born actress is definitely on track to becoming a new sensation in the industry. Her cheerful countenance, jovial persona and gleeful grace not only typify dispositions of a potential Nigerian superstar, but have earned her the title; Face of Cruise magazine for the months of June and July. She believes, she has a lot to offer to the industry.

DOPTING the film mak ing profession as a career in Nigeria is a good idea. You can come into the industry in various capacities. You may wish to be an actor, scriptwriter, director, producer, editor, camera handler, lighting expert, make-up artiste, costumier, investor, set designer, property manager etc. Whether you choose to be a cast or crew member in Nollywood, one critical point to consider is training and acquisition of knowledge of how the industry works.

•Queeneth

Culture minister calls Artistes Village night club F

EDERAL Government may have commenced plans to sell off the ‘Artistes Village’ extension as part of the move to restore the lost glory of the decaying National Theatre,Iganmu, Lagos.

entertainment industry to sink their cacophonic voices, crabs in a basket-like habitation, use of uncircumcised language to pull down one another, bellyaching, shenanigans and manifestly bitter associations and guilds politics. They should rise up in a unified, loud, consistent and sustained voice, to demand for this well deserved $200m intervention fund for the Nigerian entertainment industry, as promised by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Dialogue should comfortably sit in the front row of strategies that must be outlined to remind Mr. President of his campaign promise to the industry. However, if all else fail, well-coordinated peaceful protest marches to Abuja by all the big and small names in the industry should quickly displace and overtake dialogue. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan must show his gratitude to the Nigerian entertainment industry. The first step to doing this is to clear his $200m indebtedness to the industry, willy-nilly and without further delay. BoI and particularly NEXIM bank should stop misleading stakeholders in the entertainment industry and Nigerians generally with erroneous press statements and conferences, to the effect that loans secured from them thus far by one or two stakeholders in the industry were from the said $200m President Jonathan promised the industry.

This movie, however became pronounced last weekend, when the incumbent minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke, paid an unannounced visit to the

village. During the visit, the minister was said to have described the village as a nightclub. According to those who saw him, the minister

stormed the place without any entourage. As soon as he arrived, he made straight to the dustbin area , where he was said to have filmed the place and later entered some of the offices,

A degree in the arts or any other discipline for that matter is certainly an added advantage but on-the-job training and mentoring under established filmmakers have proven to be very effective. Similarly, you must identify with some of the relevant associations and guilds (never mind, I will treat this as a separate topic next week) in the industry, as a way of updating your knowledge of goings on and improving your work skills. Nollywood is a viable industry and you can make a career out of it. Catch you next week.

mostly occupied by resident artistes. After he left, the occupants of the village were apprehensive, suspecting the move as part of government’s plans to eject them out of the place in order to sell it off.

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C M Y K

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C M Y K

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SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 37 country would not want to end their lives because of a few millions given to their families if they have productive things doing. After all, we have actors and artistes from the north who are doing well in the entertainment world. The youths in the Niger Delta, the youths in Cross River state and the youths in the South-East would be busy going for sessions in studios, locations and all that instead of kidnapping the innocents for ransoms. This is to me an avenue to create impact; this is my way of giving back.

lessing Patrick is more than just a name. She is the editor of The Infinity Fashion Magazine base in the United Kingdom. She is also a fashion designer who started designing her own clothes from childhood. In this interview with FLORENCE AMAGIYA, she talks about her talent hunt project in Nigeria, her acting career and much more. Enjoy!

You also work as a designer,, how did you get signer into that? I must say that God has been so good to me. The Infinity international magazine which also publishes the Infinity Fashion gave me a platform to operate without any struggle. And so, l became an editor of the fashion magazine and a designer also. What were the difficulties you experienced while growing your fashion art? I don’t think there were many difficulties except that I was a young child who was forced by her mum to learn to do what she didn’t understand at first. As a child, one would expect that l would be carrying my dolls and playing everywhere like my mates were doing. But my mum didn’t allow me to play! I used to stand and watch her cut the clothes, learn how to march the sewing machines, l learnt as a child to be accurate in taking measurement of whomever l am making clothes for. At that time, it was not funny at all, but l am a happy person today because of all that stress l went through. It made me become who l am today. I wish my mother is here for

Which notable face have you acted alongside in Nollywood? I have acted alongside reputable actresses like Mercy Johnson, Chioma Chukwuka, Patience Ozokwor, Ini Edo and Tonto Dike and among male actors, l have acted alongside Kenneth Okonkwo, Jim Iyke and many more. Your face is surprisingpopular,, can you ly not so popular tell us movies you have featured in? I have featured in movies like the World of a Prince; Enter the Place; Wave of Glory; Blast of the Mafia; Sexy Vampires and Masquerade Dancer and many not yet in the market..

Blessing Patrick

Why I want to provide jobs for youths—Blessing Patrick

How did you launch into fashion to the extent that you are an editor in a foreign magazine? I have always loved fashion since my childhood. My mum of blessed memory was a fashion designer. So I grew up imbibing all l needed to know about fashion, designing of clothes and the actual sewing of these fabrics from her. I also learnt to be a creative person and from childhood, l started making my own clothes. During one of my visits to the United Kingdom, I was selected to be one of the judges during a fashion show. After the show, I was approached by the publisher of The Infinity International Magazine and the rest is history.

Tell us about your childhood, what was it like? My childhood was interesting because l grew up before my mates and if l am asked to put it into words, l would say it was wonderful because l started doing what my mates were not doing at that time. I was always with my mother who was a great fashion designer and I practically learnt all that l know in fashion, designing and making of clothes. Who knows why my mother made it compulsory for me to learn how to make use of a sewing machine when l was only a child? Perhaps she knew that she won’t be with me

I mean that l am also an actress. Acting is my hobby! l just launched into Nollywood myself, but acting has always been there. I started acting when I was a child, I joined a dramatic society in my primary school and in my secondary school days, a lot of people advised me to make sure I succeed in acting because of the talents l displayed while interpreting roles during social nights back in school.

It is sad that the same youths are the ones used by our politicians and drug barons to perpetrate their crimes, but if jobs were provided for them, crimes would be minimal

me to say thanks to her for all her efforts in building up my person. What is Magic lens protalent hunt duction project all about? Magic production talent hunt project is a platform to help our youths attain what they have always wanted in the area of getting jobs in the showbiz world. Unemployment is a major setback in the lives of the youths in Nigeria. So, even after graduation, they are seen roaming the streets looking for daily bread and all that, whereas they are already breadwinners in their different homes. It is sad that the same talented youths are the ones used by our politicians and drug barons to perpetrate their crimes, but if

jobs were provided for them, crimes would be minimal in the society. The talent hunt project is set to create job opportunities for those who are talented enough to go into acting, for the would- be Nollywood stars. Has this talent hunt project got anything to do with your childhood? The talent hunt project has nothing to do with my childhood! I am using this medium to give back to the society because it is in giving that you also receive. Gone are the days we sit and wait for the government to do everything for us. I believe God has given us all that we need to do that positive thing we need to do. The youths being used in the Northern part of the

for long. My mother left this world when l was only a teenager, but she left with me a legacy and today l am who l am because of t h a t . Tell us your name for the records My name is Blessing Patrick. With this kind of aree bear bear-name you ar ing Nigerians would wonder if you are a white person or perhaps a Ghanaian, where are you from? {Laugh} I am a Nigerian! I am from Cross River State. These days, we are nick- named CrossRiverians. My mother is from Niger Delta, Edo state to be precise. I would definitely be amazed if you tell me that you do more than all these you have talked about! What else do you do? Apart from being an entrepreneur, I am fully involved in Nollywood and my church programme. When you say that you are involved in Nollywood, what do you mean?

Blessing Patrick

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 ishing mist with a round brush as described above. Begin by separating your hair into four sections. Place three medium-to-large self grip rollers in each of the sections, rolling hair under toward your scalp. Fasten the rollers with a small clip. Leave your hair

Heat Set Body - A key element to remember in volumized hair is the power of heat to set body. Working in sections, hold hair out with a round brush and apply heat with the blow dryer, primarily focusing on the roots, and then proceed through to the ends. Allow hair to cool by removing heat for about a minute, or with a blast of cool in the rollers for about ten min- air before pulling a brush utes, then, carefully unwind through hair. To build lasting the rollers, loosen the curls volume, it’s important that hair cools before the brush is removed to set your style in place for the day. The healthier you are, the stronger your hair will be. Be sure to eat a well-balanced and hair-and-skin healthy diet with lots of vitamin A, vitamin E, and amino acids. Fruits, nuts, fish, and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources for these vital nutrients.

Conquer your hair issues B eautiful, flawless hair doesn’t happen by chance. It takes the right combination of products and tools to tame frizz, add volume and create a look. Discover solutions for your hair’s unique condition and show it who is boss.

Easy Does It - Never use just one type of shampoo on your hair. It’s best when you alternate between a gentle cleansing and volumizing shampoo to pamper hair and provide it with the balance it needs. Moisturize and Strengthen - Follow shampoo with a conditioner . Also make sure you alternating with a moisturizing conditioner that prevents damage two or three times per week. Deep Condition - Structurally reinforce damaged hair with a good conditioner. Make sure you deep condition hair so ingredients will get to stay in your hair. Protect Your Hair - Prevent breakage caused by thermal tools with a heat protection styling spray. Preferably, use an alcohol-free spray that acts as a barrier to absorb heat and prevent damage. Use it before curling, flat ironing and blow-drying to render hair smooth and frizz-free. Trim - Keep hair healthy by trimming the ends every three months. This prevents ends from splitting and breakage, which can make it difficult to keep hair healthy enough to grow out and stay strong.

and strong with a good conditioner. Use two or three times a week to fortify and protect strands while also repairing damage. Every two weeks, nourish your hair with a deepconditioning, reconstructing product of your choice.

Wash-In Thickness Beautiful hair with incredible body begins when you visit the salon for washing. We recommend cleansing with a hairthickening shampoo fortified with Keratin Amino Acids (protein) and Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), because it actually increases the diameter of the hair shaft. Blow Out Volume - Flat, limp hair lacks volume and body, causing it to lie close to the head. Using volumizing products with a round brush will create volume and support at the scalp to create hair that appears full and luxurious. Blowdrying is one of the best ways to build volume: Either use a directional nozzle at the roots, or flip your head completely upside down while you dry. The aim here is to get hair strands to stand up off the head, creating fullness. Begin with sections of hair near the neck, and work your way upwards toward the hair around your face.

Protect with Moisture - As hair grows longer, it ages: on average, hair grows ½ inch a month, which makes the portion 10 inches down the shaft two years old. It’s important Self-Grip to treat long hair well to main- Rollers - In tain moisture and strength in your quest for the ends by routinely using the most adreconstructing and strength- vanced techening products. Give hair the niques for adding strength it needs to grow long fullness, don’t forget

one of the tried-and-true methods for creating volume: rollers. Prime your hair by drying it approximately 80% of the way and using a super hold styling a n d fin-

with your fingers, shake it out, and brush your hair from roots to ends. Spray it lightly with any comb through finishing mist to hold.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 39

‘Prophet’,2 others arrested with heavy weapons,stolen items in Ibadan ...claims he was using items to help mankind By OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

he long white robe with a sign of cross at the front that Tunde Adeyinka had on when paraded at the Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele, Ibadan reminds one of Brother Jero in Wole Soyinka’s Trials of Brother Jero. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to nickname him ‘three in one’. Or,how else would you describe someone who performs the role of a prophet, a traditional ruler and an Alfa. With the way he looks, you can hardly resist saying amen, if he says God bless you and with some

Arabic words and some calabashes of black soap, he can easily hoodwink his victims. Behind all these, the man and his colleagues,who were arrested in a building along PAjao area of Ogbomosho were allegedly in possession of one AK 49 rifle, two locally-made double barrel pistols with five live cartridges,two AK 47 rifles, one double sim Techno handset, one Nokia handset, one Toyota Camry Saloon car with registration no. ‘Lagos’ MUS 159 AG, one unregistered motorcycle and three cutlasses. Thinking that he could still convince people watching him

•The suspects with one of the stolen goats unbelievably, he said he was a genuine man of God and that he was using all the items found on him to help mankind. When asked what he was doing with black soap, cowry shells, horns, red cloth with Islamic wordings,he was dumbfounded.

yo State Police Command Deputy Commissioner, Clement Adoda while parading the suspects said, “Upon a tip

off to the Ogbomosho Area Commander, ACP. Patrick Ezeani, three men and three women; Tunde Adeyinka,34,Sunday Olanrewaju,29,and Popoola Omotayo,27, were arrested in a building along P-Ajao area, of Ogbomosho”. On interrogation, he said the arrested notorious

criminals confessed to be a gang of criminals who engaged in inter-state robberies, especially within the South Western axis. The arrested suspects who claimed to be “Woli” (Prophets) will soon be charged to court”. As if that was not enough, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state also told newsmen about a 25-year-old man who defiled a four- year old girl. The man, Femi Owolabi who is now being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku-Ibadan was said to have committed the ungodly act on July 30, 2012. The mother of the unfortunate little girl, upon discovery of blood stains on her legs examined her and later noticed that she was

bleeding profusely from her private part. She then went to the Agugu Police Division to report the matter. The police quoted the mother as saying she saw the little girl coming out of the suspect’s room with blood all over her legs. Another gang of suspected hoodlums who allegedly specialized in stealing goats and robbing people of valuables at gun point at Omi Adio and its environs were also rounded up by the police. According to Police authorities in the state, “On July 27, 2012, at about 8:25pm, one Amuzat of Ajibade village via Omi Adio, Ibadan reported that unknown thieves had stolen five of his goats. Based on the report, policemen at Apata Division swung into action and searched the surrounding bush where one Azeez Shaibu was found hiding inside the bush with the goats. His arrest led to the arrest of two other members of the gang. The arrested members are: Azeez Shaubu, Ojo Ogunmola and Idowu Yekini. Meanwhile, in his confessional statement, one of the suspects, Azeez Shaibu revealed that they are robbers who have been terrorizing the village. Equally arrested are Lukman Ganiyu who allegedly taught the gang members techniques of stealing goats, and Kunle Ojo, the landlord who hid them from police arrest. Recovered from the suspects was one dane gun”

Police arrest man, 35, over girlfriend’s death By RUTH CHUKWUEMEKA

•The Prophet with some of the stolen items

esidents of Idikan Street in Akesan area of Lagos, are currently gripped with fear following the death of a 22year-old lady who reportedly bled to death after allegedly taking some drugs to abort her five months old pregnancy. Already the lady’s boyfriend, Monday Edeye has been arrested,in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Tolani Adeuja. Monday who is at the Homicide section of the dreaded State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, allegedly gave Tola, as she was popularly called , some tablets to terminate the pregnancy. The love birds, as gathered, had been going out until Tolani discovered that she was pregnant., She was said to have hidden the pregnancy from her family, apparently thinking the relationship would result into marriage.

But when it became evident that there was no plan for marriage soon, the love birds reportedly opted for an abortion. Although Tola was said to have expressed fears but was assured that nothing would happen to her. When Crime Guard visited the area on Thursday, the residents kept mute,saying they did not want to get into trouble. When our reporter visited the street where the suspect resides, his family members were seen but they refused to grant audience to Crime Guard. There were however, two versions of how Tolani met her unprepared death. A version said her 35 year-old boyfriend bought some drugs from a medicine store and instructed her to take it. But immediately after that, she reportedly started having stomach pains, which resulted in profuse bleeding.Another version said she was taken to a quack

doctor who reportedly carried a D and C on her . But on reaching her boyfriend’s house, she reportedly started bleeding, in the process of which she fainted.She was thereafter rushed to the hospital where unfortunately was certified dead. A resident who simply gave his name as James when approached said, “ nobody will speak with you because we do not know the one we will say that will put us into trouble. The only thing I can say is that yes, the incident happened and we are all making effort to release Monday. We have even contributed money to that effect . He was not the person that gave Tola the drugs. Whoever told you that lied. She was taken to the hospital . It is only God who knows what happened. Policemen from Igando later came and arrested Monday. Since then , he has not come home” James said.

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OLYMPIC FOOTBALL EVENT

Fancied Spain eliminated without scoring a goal

re-tournament favou rites, Spain have em barrassingly bowed out of the men’s Olympic football competition without a goal to their name. A month ago, their compatriots retained their European Championship crown to add to World Cup glory, but this has been a few days to forget for coach Luis Milla’s side. The goalless draw with Morocco, in front of a crowd of 35,973 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, also ended the faint hopes of the north Africans, leaving Japan and Honduras as the surprise qualifiers from Group D. The opening 45 minutes was an even affair, albeit devoid of many notable chances and punctuated towards the end

clear his header off the line.

Later on, Spain nearly had salt rubbed into their wounds. However, Zakaria Labyad blazed a volley over from point-blank range. Asked he felt at his side’s failure to score in four-and-a-half hours of football, Milla said: ‘Frustrated. It’s a desperate situation. It’s more about the elimination in general we have to think about. We’ve played a recognisable way, created chances, and if we had taken just some of them, we would have had a minimum of six points and it would have been very different. ‘We came here with great expectations for the tournament, perhaps we were lacking a little in preparation. We had a difficult game against Japan, and perhaps bad luck has added to that in the last two games.’ Morocco coach Pim Verbeek refused to blame Ramadan for his side’s exit, with a number of players fasting throughout the day to honour their Muslim religion. ‘It was very unusual, with some of my players eating at 8pm and another group at 9.30pm and not eating together,’ said Verbeek. ‘You could see at the end of games they lost power, but that’s not an

by a torrential downpour. Morocco’s Abdelaziz Barrada fired through the six-yard box from close range in the 27th minute when it appeared easier to hit the target. That was followed four minutes later by Spain’s best opportunity when Chelsea’s Juan Mata played in Adrian Lopez inside the area, only for the Atletico Madrid striker to hit the post. On the hour, Morocco should have taken the lead, but Barrada’s low shot when clean struck the inside of advancing Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea’s right knee. Then Spain had four chances in seven minutes, but a Mata drive wide and a volley over from six yards sandwiched Lopez laughingly scuffing a one-on-one effort, whilst Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu saw Abdelatif Noussir excuse.

GREAT BRITAIN 1 URUGUAY 0:

Daniel Sturridge (2nd left) celebrates scoring the opening goal for Great Britain against Uruguay

ow fitting. After an inspi rational morning and a glorious afternoon, Great Britain’s day to remember received the perfect gloss with a successful evening. While the exploits of this nation’s footballers were never going to detract from the superlative efforts of rowing’s golden girls Helen Glover and Heather Stanning or put the wondrous Bradley Wiggins in the shade, they gleefully seized their chance to add to the feel-good factor.

Today’s match

•Spanish team... Eliminated from the tourament with out scoring a goal

Super Sturridge adds to the joy and puts Team GB in quarters

Thanks to a solitary goal from Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge in firsthalf added time. Team GB reached the quarter-finals and remain on course for a defining date at Wembley . After knocking out Uruguay, one of the pre-tournament favourites, they will face South Korea in the last eight in Cardiff today, riding on the crest of a wave. Though they rode their luck at times, particularly when their goal was under siege during a late Uruguay rally, Great Britain did enough

to get over the line. Showing huger, tenacity and desire, they refused to buckle. That attitude was good enough to secure top spot in Group A. Manager Stuart Pearce said: ‘I think everyone was inspired today by Bradley Wiggins and our rowing gold, but I have to say the women’s team beating Brazil in their last match gave us a really big lift, too. ‘We are delighted to be out of the group. We always felt it was going to be a tough group but we deserved to win it and the team is getting stronger and stronger.’ Pre-match concerns that the National Anthem would receive short-shrift from Millennium Stadium patrons proved to be wide of the mark, as a

Japan v Egypt: Old Trafford, noon Mexico v Senegal :Wembley, 2.30pm Brazil v Honduras :St James’ Park, 5pm GB v South Korea :Millennium Stadium, 7.30pm Given they have been touted as potential World Cup winners in 2014, it was inevitable Uruguay would come back into the game and, inevitably, Suarez started to cast his spell and three times, he was denied by brilliant saves from the impressive Butland. Nerves started to jangle as time crept towards the final whistle and there was nearly a sting in the tale when Ramirez smashed a drive against the bar but Team GB hung on and, according to their manager, they remain on course for a shot at gold. ‘If we win a quarter-final, we have got two shots at winning a medal,’ said Pearce. ‘We have planned to win the tournament.’

crowd of 70,438 heartily boomed out the words to God Save The Queen. ‘People were telling me three or four weeks ago that there would be a negative reaction in Cardiff but I didn’t see that,’ said Pearce. ‘The crowd was fantastic. It’s been a great day for British sport and we are delighted to have played our small part. This is a fantastic experience.’ Yet there was booing in the other anthem when Luis Suarez’s face was shown on the huge screens. ‘They jeer me because they must be scared of facing a player like me,’ he said later. ‘They fear me, but that doesn’t affect me. I’m just hurt because we lost and we are going home. I can take the abuse.’ Suarez’s Liverpool team-mate Sebastian Coates added: ‘It showed a total lack of respect.’

Japan v Honduras

Japan and Honduras both qualified for the Olympic quarterfinals in the men’s football tournament after fighting out a goalless draw at the City of Coventry Stadium. Japan finished top of the group with seven points from three games and they will take on Egypt in the last eight. Runners-up Honduras will face a more daunting test against one of the tournament favourites in Brazil. Senegal made it through from Team GB’s group and will face Mexico. An early goal would have set things up perfectly but, after a speculative shot from Scott Sinclair, the game became scrappy. Great Britain, clearly, were in no mood to take unnecessary risks, while the Uruguayans seemed curiously ambivalent over their prospects of progressing from Group A.

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Off The Pitch City refuse to give Adebayor pay-off to leave for Tottenham

Cazorla set for medical as Gunners close in on £17.3m deal

alaga’s Santi Cazorla is due to fly into London this week for a medical with Arsenal once a £17.3million fee is agreed. With Robin van Persie poised to leave, the capture of Cazorla, 27, is the major signing of the summer that Arsene Wenger has been promising. Wenger was beaten to the signature of the Spain midfielder last year by Malaga, who had been seemingly enriched by their purchase by Qatari Sheik Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani. But the club now have to clear huge debts by the end of the month or face relegation to Spain’s second tier, the loss of their UEFA licence and Champions League expulsion. Adding Cazorla to the signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud represents the most significant summer strengthening since Arsenal imposed financial constraints on transfers in 2004.

mmanuel Adebayor has been told by Manchester City that he will not be given a pay off by Manchester City to leave the club and finally seal a move to •Adebayo Tottenham. The striker is currently in negotiations over a move to White Hart Lane after the two clubs agreed a £5m move. But the striker is still in talks with Spurs after his refusal to accept a cut to his current £175,000-a-week wages, which were part subsidised by City last season. Adebayor is willing to accept Spurs’ £100,000-a-week offer, but only if City make up the loss by handing a chunk of the transfer fee directly to him. But City are not keen on that idea and boss Roberto Mancini has told Adebayor he can forget about picking up a hefty pay off, and the club will force him to play in the reserves if he fails to find an agreement with Spurs.

Tottenham in the market for £8m Roma stopper Stekelenburg Tottenham are hopeful of signing Roma goalkeeper Stekelenburg

Man City line up £35m bid for Chelsea Defender David Luiz

•Cazola

ottenham are launching a bid for Holland goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. The 29-year-old moved from Ajax to Roma last summer for £5million but has failed to settle in Italy, compounded by the departure of coach Luis Enrique. Stekelenburg is keen on the move, and the only sticking point will be Roma’s £8m valuation.

David Luiz

an City are ready to make a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz as Roberto Mancini looks to beef up his Etihad Stadium side’s defence. It seems that Mancini is very keen to start his summer spending even though he clearly possesses a strong squad. However, he doesn’t have all that many central defensive options in his current Man City squad. So, perhaps a move for a new centre-back is a necessity though forking out £35m for a player who would presumably struggle to break the pairing of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott, who last term formed perhaps the most reliable partnership in the Premier League.

OLYMPIC 2012

Track and Field 2012 Predictions: Gold Medal Odds & Projections One of the Olympics’ signature sports takes place August 3-12 in London. Track and field, an original Summer Games spectacle that dates back to the Olympics of Ancient Greece, never fails to disappoint in delivering dramatic results. The 2008 Beijing Games and World Championships that have occurred since give us an indication of who appears primed and ready for a gold medal push. However, nothing is guaranteed and a fraction of a second can cause competitors to plummet from a spot on the winner’s podium and into the ranks of also-rans. With so much at stake, the outcome of each event is tough to predict, but we do our best here. Highlighting ten monumental events in both men’s and women’s competition, we size up the top contenders and take our picks of who comes out of the fray wearing a medal.

Men’s 100-Meter

When: Aug. 4-5 World Record: 9.59 seconds, Usain Bolt (Jamaica), 2009 Outlook: No event on the men’s side carries more storylines than this sprint. Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake battle for Olympic supremacy and national pride. Americans Justin Gatlin and

at the University of Alabama. The 19-year-old is a two-time NCAA champion in the event and can upset the slightly favored LaShawn Merritt, who is currently dealing with a mild hamstring injury. Prediction Gold: Kirani James (Grenada) Silver: Tony McQuay (USA) Bronze: LaShawn Merritt (USA) James Odds for Gold: 11:1

Men’s 110-Meter Hurdles When: Aug. 7-8 World Record: 12.87 seconds, Dayron Robles (Cuba), 2008 Outlook: American medal contender Jason Richardson believes its going to take a world-record performance to win Olympic gold in this event. China’s Liu Xiang, a former world-record holder himself, is the man to do it. Aries Merritt edged Liu in the 60m hurdles event at the 2012 World Indoor Championship but finishes a step behind in London. Prediction Gold: Liu Xiang (China) When: Aug. 4-6 World Record: 43.18 seconds, Michael Johnson (U.S.), Silver: Aries Merritt (USA) Bronze: Jason Richardson (USA) 1999 Outlook: Kirani James is arguably the NCAA’s top sprinter Xiang Odds for Gold: 7:1

Tyson Gay are both on individual journeys of redemption and should challenge for a spot on the podium. Prediction Gold: Yohan Blake (JAM) Silver: Usain Bolt (JAM) Bronze: Justin Gatlin (USA) Blake Odds for Gold: 5:1

Men’s 400-Meter

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

onsequent upon the upsurge of insecurity in the country, the question of state police has again come to the fore like sore thumb. This time, the northern governors stoked the fire while the mantle is still burning. In unequivocal terms, they stated unanimously in a recent gathering that creation of state police is an aberration. Therefore, they deemed it expedient to immediately make a detour from the initial agreement reached with Southern governors respectively. The recent stance of the northerner governors has generated fresh argument over the ideology behind the creation of state police. Even within the camp of the SouthSouth governors, things are no longer at ease as the Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole has never hidden his reservation for state police. But the Chairman, Governors’ Forum, Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has declared, “on state police we stand.” For Amaechi and his fellow compatriots, creation of state police remains the only panacea to the lingering insecurity imbroglio the country is currently experiencing. According to him, the gov-

Of State police and Nigerian people

ernor of a state must be equipped with all the security apparatus to enable it to confront the security challenges ahead of him. The Federal Government and other prominent Nigerians including the immediate past President, Chief Oluseg-

un Obasanjo on the other side of the divide warned that any attempt to create state police will further jeopardise the fragile peace which the country is currently enjoying. For them, the federal government seem to uphold the belief that the country is already

Son of the soil must police the soil —Fasehun

Even before the issue of state police becomes popular, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, leader of the Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) is one of early agitators for its creation. In this interview with CHARLES ADINGUPU, he blamed the delay of creating state police on politicians who introduce politics into every stage of our development. Excerpts.

hat is your reaction to North ern governors stance on state

We are in a federal system and if Nigeria must move on it should operate a truly federal system.

police? We are in a federal system and if Nigeria must move on, it should operate a truly federal system. Even in America from where we have copied the presidential system, there is the FBI and there are Metropolitan police. So, who says that the southerner cannot have a police and the federal government, a federally policing system. Here in the south, we suffer a lot from the police system. You bring somebody from Damaturu to come and police Ajegunle. What does he know about Ajegunle? Better still, you take somebody from Owerri to go to Maiduguri. How will he police Maiduguri very well? And of course, the level of insecurity at the moment calls for the son of the soil to police the soil. But there is fear of victimisation of non-indigenes by state police? No, this idea is by Nigerians who don’t want Nigeria to change from this backward status. We’re moving on and

sitting on a keg of gun powder waiting to explode. Those who argued to the contrary predicated their argument on unbridled victimisation of non indigenes by state police officers, whose primary aim according to them would be to defend the

immediate interest of their people and environment to the detriment of visitors. They, however, questioned the modus operandi of the operations of the dreaded Bakassi Boys in the East, the untold story of the Niger Delta militants, the unholy activities of the Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and lately, the activities of the Boko Haram group. It is the strong view of this group of the divide that these groups will be transmuted into the state police command should the federal government make bold to allow state police to function alongside federal police. Conversely, those at the other side equally posited that the federal government has hijacked the police system. Therefore, there is nothing wrong if politicians at state and local government levels do same with the state police. They upheld the view that only a man who is familiar with an environment can effectively police a locality. Hence, the country is presently confronted with a plethora of security challenges. However, the debate drags on as both sides tried to convince the other to tow its line.

aspiring to democracy, the rule of law, pervasive contentment and some people are dragging us back that we should not have all the features of true democracy and true federalism for G o d ’ s sake. Democracy is democracy. We could not be democratic on one aspect and undemocratic on the other. If anybody victimises the other person, the law of the land is there. If I go to Sokoto and people deny me my right, I will kick. I will go to any length. If I don’t get justice from the Sultan, I will go to court. Let us not think of victimisation. We had these local government police in the past. Those who were wearing short

nickers. How much victimisation do they carry out? But don’t you think state police will become an instrument in the hands of politicians like governors and lawmakers? The governor is there for a maximum period of eight years and no power is permanent. And I can say that the governor must be a democrat to run democracy. Again, the governor cannot be democratic on one aspect and undemocratic on the other. That’s why we are saying that there shall not be impunity for anybody. If the governor commits an offence against the law of the land, you don’t need to wait on till his tenure expires before you take him to court. Was it because of the delay in approving state police that you created the OPC group?

Continues on page 44

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 43

Cross River State …the right to grief

hen on July 10, 2012, the Supreme Court closed case N0 SC.250/009 on the ownership of the 76 oil wells long in contention between the sister states of Akwa Ibom and Cross River and handed the wells to the later, it opened the gate for controversy and bitterness that might add to Nigeria’s growing security woes if not properly handled. Since that judgment, what began like the loser’s legitimate right to grief has been distorted and twisted and turned into the victor’s provocative dance of triumph. It has taken a dark and sinister life of its own, transforming from outright namecalling to mockery and finally, grand advertorials with taunting titles as – How Cross River State went to court and lost. A close look at it could easily show that what the Akwa Ibom State government actually had in mind could not have been different from the following title – How Cross River State went to war with Akwa Ibom and Lost. When! Such incendiary! Is this really necessary under the prevailing social climate of the country? This advertorial and so many other inciting stories, opinions and paid announcements by the agents and sympathizers of the Akwa Ibom State government tend to show that there is a deliberate misreading of the nation’s social temperature on one hand,and a total lack of finesse and the social grace that reminds cultured people of the need to be magnanimous in victory. Evidently, such refinements appear to be outside the reach of the Akwa Ibom State Government, at least, for now.

t is not clear whether it is assumed that Nigerians are incapable of making value judgments on their own or something close to that. This perhaps explains why they anchor their vitriolic attacks against Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke on his public address to the people of the state after the court judgment. In that address, he sought to forestall any possibility of a breakdown of law and order with

carefully worded lines like – “Today, I beseech you to maintain the peace once again. We shall not abandon our peace-loving nature simply because of this temporary setback to our march for justice and fairness.”Imoke’s speech was essentially couched to instill self-control in the people, drawing heavily from the state’s long history of pride, resourcefulness and peacefulness. As it turned out, this strategy worked very well as there was no report of any acts of resistance or protest against the judgment. This makes the argument by the opposing party that Imoke was inciting the

By ANDEM OFFIONG

and urged President Goodluck Jonathan to wade in and table a political solution between the states especially as both states belong to the same political family. The Editorial was a voice of reason. But will Nigeria heed it? It hardly needs any foresight to see that in a nascent democracy, it is not every dispute that lends itself to peaceful resolution in the court of law. This is even more so when it is remembered that Akwa Ibom State had also temporarily held the short end of the stick in the heated days of on-shore and off-shore oil dichotomy debacle. The same state has also been

The same state has also been in dispute with Rivers and Abia States over oil wells before

people rather ridiculous and false. In spite of all the provocations, Imoke has maintained silence, and kept the doors to meaningful dialogue wide open. It is obvious that to him,and to anyone who has the power of discernment, an issue as touchy as the loss of oil wells takes more than a judicial pronouncement to resolve. On July 17, 2012, a national daily in its editorial chided the Supreme Court for not paying serious attention to the sensitive issues and emotions surrounding the disputed oil wells, and traced the origins of the dispute to the judgment of the International Court of Justice in 2002 which handed over the western part of the Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon. “In view of the peculiarity of the case, the Supreme Court should have played a more advisory and equitable role, instead of giving a straight legal verdict as it did. Above all, the interest of the nation should have been paramount to the case.” The daily pointed out that the court’s non-designation of Cross River State as a littoral state has grave security implications for Nigeria which had yet to be addressed. The paper also alluded to the political solution that was engineered by the Obasanjo administration which brought respite to the feuding states

in dispute with Rivers and Abia States over oil wells before. All these make the noisy drums of triumphalism that the Akpabio administration has been sounding, rather pre-mature, needless and unwise. Almost toeing the same line of logic as The Guardian Editorial, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs warned that the restive Bakassi Peninsular appeared set to become Nigeria’s next theater of war.

n his column in Thisday, Sunday, July 29, 2012, Prof. Akinterinwa observed that Nigeria would soon “be faced with the problem of conflict between the obligation created by the ICJ ruling on Bakassi and the right to self-determination of the Bakassi people. He pointed out that the people had already set up a liberation movement known as the Bakassi Self-determination Front (BSDF) which had issued a two-week ultimatum to people living in the ceded territory to either voluntarily vacate it or risk attack. Perhaps even more poignant is the obvious fact that the resolve of the people to make a strong case for themselves on grounds of self-determination has gained more momentum from the

position of the National Assembly on Bakassi which states that the cession of Bakassi to Cameroon was in conflict with section 12 (1) of the 1999 Constitution. It is instructive that all these are swirling up at this moment in time. What the situation calls for is caution, not the triumphal dance that Akwa Ibom State Government has mounted on the national stage. The sponsored publication of the judgment in the newspapers as we have recently seen weakens the case for Akwa Ibom,and re-emphasizes the need for a more pragmatic political solution to the issue. In addition to being the most sensible approach to a potentially turbulent case, it also seems rather common intelligence that all of 76 oil wells should not have been handed over to Akwa Ibom which already has many oil wells while Cross River with its large army of injured and displaced indigenes is left to rue its losses. Though former President Obasanjo has been blamed for many ills of the Nigerian federation but his pragmatic approach to this brotherly dispute was full of wisdom. In engineering a peaceful agreement between the former governors of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States which led to the temporary cession of the oil wells to Cross River, Obasanjo accomplished two things – he secured Nigeria through a clear demarcation of its territorial waters on what used to be the Bakassi estuary and two, he made amends for the loss of Bakassi to Cameroon. There was a level of appeasement of the people of Cross River State while the state retained the oil wells. However, with the Supreme Court declaration of Cross River State as a non-littoral state, a few crucial issues have been raised. First, the Nigerian Navy will have to obtain clearance from Cameroon before patrolling aspects of the nation’s territorial waters. Again, with the judgment, the people of Cross River State and the masses of displaced Bakassi indigenes have been forced to re-evaluate the terms of their engagement with a country which guarantees them neither protection from external territorial grabbers nor equity from neighborly aggressors.

Offiong wrote from Calabar

Systematic corruption removal a necessity,not fuel subsidy removal By OLAPADE AGORO

he statement made Wednesday,August1,2012 in London by Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria that “My position has always been clear. The fuel subsidy is non sustainable”is an unfortunate, arrogant and careless mole rat statement made completely outside the mandate purview of his office. Issue of fuel subsidy removal and others like it, is a Federal Government of Nigeria fiscal policy drive on which the Central Bank Governor is only an agent that must wait for operational instruction and direction on which way to follow. It ‘s becomes apposite to point out that only the President of the Federal Republic after carefully and properly seeking and getting the legislative arm approval can make that type of ground sweeping statement made by Sanusi

Lamido on the compelling need for further fuel subsidy removal . Even though readily available records in the public domain of past fuel subsidy removals served not the interest of commonalty but only that of shameless thieves at the corridor of power. What however surprisingly went a missing in Lamido Sanusi’s play to the gallery of Western power influenced policies’ assault at Nigerians collective pride, on the issue of fuel subsidy removal will be found in his insensitive failure to realize that Nigeria has no business with fuel importation in the very first instance.

or Sanusi Lamido to among others claim further that “The budget is based on assumption of output of 2.4 million barrels a day and output has been under performing, so $72 may not be an effective benchmark. Long before you get to

$72, you will have major strains on government revenues, so output doesn’t improves” showed commonality of leadership failed sense operating a mono culture economy devoid of participatory productivity drive. As well Sanusi Lamido Sanusi abysmally failed to mention the shameful and sordid role endemic corruption at all strata of our living as peoples and a nation and particularly in the Central Bank and the banking sector has played bringing the nation down to the parlous state we are now in.

anusi Lamido Sanusi lost credibility available, with his particular statement that “There are other factors at play here. You’ve got rising food prices, you’ve got a wave of uncertainties that was not there in January...” forgetting that no nation that subjects itself to

international politico- economic vagaries and that relies on food importation for sustenance can exponentially grow to become a respected members of human society and of developed economies. For economic growth to be assuredly respected at home and abroad, it must no doubt have export led growth potentials, but which is unfortunately out of the present main focus of day dreaming Nigeria leadership.

or the restoration of our collective pride, let me end up this reply of necessity by adding that what will be of immeasurable benefit to the nation in its present and future outlook status, is the immediate, determined and pointedly attack on the ruination of our values by endemic corruption pillage and the sooner removal from office of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi under whom the banking sector has lost focus and direction.

Dr. Agoro wrote from Ijesa

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

State Police is the answer to insecurity

Son of the soil must police the soil —Fasehun Continued from page 42

To be honest, people are always afraid that a state governor will use the state police to harass, intimidate innocent citizens and eventually abuse the system

when things are certain to change for the better if we have state police? There are lots of lapses here and there because the governors are not really in charge of the security apparatus in the states. If there is state police, the security challenge of every state will be the primary concern of the governor. Not that they

Solid institution must be put in place — Hon. Olulade A

gitation for the legisla tion of State police is an on-going discourse especially against the backdrop of the current security challenges experienced in some parts of the country recently. While some people are of the opinion that the creation of State Police would help curb the present insecurity challenges that the country is confronted with, others believe the contrary. However in this interview with EBUN SESSOU a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Epe II, and

Chairman House Committee on Information, Securities, Strategies and Publicity, Mr. Segun Olulade posited that the creation of State police would give room for healthy competition and unfailing commitment by the police. Excerpt. With the level of insecurity in Nigeria, do you think, what we need is State police? Obviously. But, we might have to face another challenge entirely. Since 1999, Nigerians have been conscious and sensitive to good governance.

Senator Annie Okonkwo don’t care but the fact is that they will definitely do more to enhance security in the country. For me, state police is the answer to our security challenges. So, the issue should be what can we do to strengthen security and if there is any debate about the creation of state police, I think I will go for it. Some have also opined that state creation is unnecessary and we don’t need new ones for now because some of the existing ones are not viable… Yes, that is what people are saying because people have argued that if we must create states, then we must create the resources. My take is that each zone should be in the position to create their resources and do whatever they want to do, we must be able to address these problems so that it would be of benefit to the people.

Once there is State police, there would be healthy rivalry amongst the police. A particular State police would want to prove to the other that they are the best. Once we can achieve that, there would be tremendous changes. Some Northern Governors are against this initiative? It is important to know that not everybody would have the same opinion about a particular issue. It is not everything that is good that would have the total support of everybody. There is need for contrary views for efficiency and transparency. But that does not change the fact that, that is what we need as a country. What determines the readiness of a particular State before acquiring a State police? Concerned agencies should be of integrity. They must be credible and possess all necessary knowledge pertaining to security. We must put all the

We have not been given free hands to secure the people, that is why we have this level of insecurity. Now do you want me from Ondo, the corner of the South West to go and police the Niger bridge?

enator Annie Okonkwo was a member of the Sixth Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He represented Anambra Central Senatorial District. He is now the leader of a group called Committee 21 (C21). Okonkwo who announced his defection to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) last weekend told EBUN SESSOU that creation of State police would address the security challenges facing the country. Some Northern Governors have kicked against the creation of State Police, what is your opinion? To be honest, people are always afraid that a state governor will use the state police to harass, intimidate innocent citizens and eventually abuse the system. I don’t think so. What we need is the courage to tell ourselves the truth. If it will take the creation of state police to address the security problems facing the country, why can’t we do that? Why should we continue to live with the present security challenges in the country

— Senator Okonkwo

You never know. It may be that somebody like that don’t take to suggestion. There are many of us now who are thinking along that line. The entire south is thinking along that line. And we don’t want any selfish inclinations to draw us back from our democratic aspirations. It is the right thing to do. Like I said earlier, we are copying our system from the Americans. The Americans have Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Metropolitan or local government police. So, why are we taking the federal system from America but we are shading the police structure? If the Federal Government eventually approves state police, don’t you think the South West will automatically adopt the OPC members as their state police while the Niger Delta people will conscript members of the militants as well? Government secures the government. The ethnic nationality groups secure the people. Which one is more important in the democratic process? Securing the people. We have not been given free hands to secure the people and that is why we have this level of insecurity. Now, do you want me from Ondo, the corner of the South West to go and police the Niger bridge? The man from Asaba or the man from Onitsha will do it better. That’s what we are talking about. Politicians are always introducing politics into our development. It is the politicians that will make bad use of the state police. Even now that we have federally controlled police system, don’t politicians influence them negatively? Don’t they? Of course they do. If eventually we have state police, what should be the modus operandi of recruiting officers? It is up to the Commissioner of Police of the state and the governor. An Osun State governor will not depend on the Commissioner in Borno to recruit police officers for Osun. He is directly concerned because he is the chief security officer of the state. He will know what to do; how to do it and all the personnel necessary to do that work effectively. The bulk stops at his table.

Once there is State police, there would be healthy rivalry amongst the police

Hon. Olulade

apparatus in place and ensure that all the equipments are functioning. Presently, we are equipping the Federal Police because they are not well kitted. If Lagos State can afford

to pay the salaries of its police higher than other States, it means that, we should not expect to have the same result. There are some States that do not need more security unlike what is obtainable in Lagos. This development would help us as a country, state, individual and community at large, since those who would be incharge of policing will be people who are within the state and understand the terrain.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 4, 2012 – 45

46 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 4, 2012

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012 – 47

48 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 4, 2012

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C M Y K

50 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012

‘Prophet’,2 others arrested with heavy weapons,stolen items in Ibadan ...claims he was using items to help mankind By OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

yo State Police Command Deputy Commissioner, Clement Adoda while parading the suspects said, “Upon a tip

Police arrest man, 35, over girlfriend’s death By RUTH CHUKWUEMEKA

•The Prophet with some of the stolen items

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012—51

BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

Of State police and Nigerian people

Son of the soil must police the soil —Fasehun

Excerpts.

hat is your reaction to North ern governors stance on state

We are in a federal system and if Nigeria must move on it should operate a truly federal system.

52— Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012 — 53

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

Son of the soil must police the soil —Fasehun

State Police is the answer to insecurity

Continued from page 51

To be honest, people are always afraid that a state governor will use the state police to harass, intimidate innocent citizens and eventually abuse the system

Solid institution must be put in place — Hon. Olulade A

We have not been given free hands to secure the people, that is why we have this level of insecurity. Now do you want me from Ondo, the corner of the South West to go and police the Niger bridge?

— Senator Okonkwo

Once there is State police, there would be healthy rivalry amongst the police

Hon. Olulade

apparatus in place and ensure that all the equipments are functioning. Presently, we are equipping the Federal Police because they are not well kitted. If Lagos State can afford

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012—55

11 Winners emerge in the Glo presents The Big FridayShow … receive Glo modems, recharge cards, Galaxy Tab, BB phones The first batch of winners in the lifestyle entertainment television programme, Glo Presents The Big Friday Show, were last Friday presented with their prizes at the MTV Base office in Lagos. The prizes which included the much soughtafter Glo High Speed Internet modems, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, BlackBerry Bold and Torch handsets, were for the various competitions for viewers of the show such as “Prank Yo Peoples”, “Celebrity Surprise”, “Ask/Reply”, “Video of the Week” and “Meet Me” segments. A total of 11 winners received the gifts. A Glo subscriber, Elizabeth John received the Glo internet modem and recharge card for winning the Video of the Week vote while Seyi Adetayo and Azeezat Olanrewaju were presented with BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Torch phones respectively for emerging winners in the “Meet Me” contest. Adeola Oyerinde also won a BlackBerry Bold for the “Prank Yo Peoples” video compet i t i o n . Five subscribers won the Samsung Galaxy Tab for the Ask/Reply segment where viewers get a chance to ask their favourite celebrity guests questions and have them answered. The winners were Fisher Adeline Olasumbo, Endurance Joseph, Oladeji Olayemi, Abolarin Olabisi A and Adenuga Alaba. Two other subscribers also smiled home with Samsung Galaxy Tab, but the prize was for the Celebrity Surprise segment of the show. They w e r e Stephanie Igwonobe and Temitope Onayemi.

C M Y K

56—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

Cross River State …the right to grief

By ANDEM OFFIONG

The same state has also been in dispute with Rivers and Abia States over oil wells before

Systematic corruption removal a necessity,not fuel subsidy removal By OLAPADE AGORO

Dr. Agoro wrote from Ijesa

SATURDAY

Unsung disabled sports heroes in Nigeria(2)

he Unjustified Overemphasis on Football: This is at the heart of the present neglect and apathy of authorities towards sports for the disabled. Every sports association in Nigeria is at the mercy of football. If the woeful performances of our senior national football teams in continental and global competitions are any thing to go by, then this overemphasis is unjustified. 1n 1998,during my tenure as the President of SSFN, we computed that with the hefty US$25,000 per man, match bonus paid each member of the super eagles following their defeat at the hands of Spain at France ’98, SSFN would have been able to prosecute all 4 major championships for the disabled. That year, 1998, alone, we missed the following competitions: ?World blind Athletics championships in Madrid, Spain

The

•Why sports for persons with disabilities suffer ?International Paralympics Committee World athletic Championships for Amputees, wheelchair, cerebral palsy and the mentally retarded. ?World Table Tennis Championships in Paris, France. Because it is the International Paralympics Committee (IPC) that decides athletes that qualified for the Paralympics, based on the athlete’s performance in the IPC sanctioned competitions, each time a country fails to participate in an IPC sanctioned competition, athletes from that country miss opportunity to qualify for Paralympic games. In effect, missing the above mentioned events reduced the chances of more of our athletes to qualify for the Sydney 2000 Paralympic games. The only reason why we did not attend those qualifying

Triangle

Mind your posture

ecause bad posture can, and does bring on hordes of health problems, it behoves of us to reclaim good posture lost, or where its not lost, to maintain it. A piece I read sometime ago said, bad posture causes constipation, liver, kidney and back problems, apart from respiratory ones. This means we must safeguard our system against these by reminding ourselves to sit or stand properly. We start off by consciously practicing good posture habits, and in just a litle time, it will become a part of the personality make-up. With the maintenance of good posture, our vital organs work more efficiently because, they are not crammed. They stay in their natural positions.

And there’s also a tie between posture and mind. When we hold the head high and chest out, the disposition changes; gloom disappears and confidence and sprightfulness take over - a clear proof of the body/mind connection. Hold the body upright and entertain positive and noble thoughts, and health and happiness will ensue. In Yoga, where there’s a lot of harping on about good posture, all kinds of exercises have been devised. And the tenacious practice of these exercises can help heal the body, and return it to normal. In an issue of Yoga journal’, read about a 95-year-old woman who practised yoga regularly and was so flexible to the point of getting her calf behind her head. This

competitions was due to the failure of the Government to sponsor the athletes’ participation. Yet the same Government had the resources to shower money on non performing team. B: The Dearth of Sponsorship: while the SSFN have had sponsors in the past, these sponsors are not renewing their commitments: and new sponsors were hard to come by. The global economic recession is partly responsible for this. Dearth of Sponsorship was so bad, that I appealed to my uncle, Chief Godwin Okafor, CEO of Winco Foam Industries to sponsor some of our events even if it is just to help me succeed. He obliged me. Unfortunately, soon after the sponsorship, the tax authorities descended on the company with higher tax than they paid the

Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012—57

previous year. When Chief Okafor complained, the tax officials told him that they were aware of the amount he spent in sponsoring our sports and that they would not entertain his protest. This is an irony. In most countries of the world, this gesture would have earned him tax concessions. I remain grateful to him and other sponsors that kept the faith with SSFN during my tenure. With the continued failure of our football teams, it has become clear that our over emphasis on football is an unhealthy, one-sided affair that makes commensurate return on investment impossible. It is about time government and corporate bodies refocus their attention and channel resources to sports for persons with disabilities. Given the track record of Nigerian athletes with disabilities (refer to table 1), investment in disabled sports will surely yields more dividend. c. The Persistence of Negative Stereotypes: despite the numerous accomplishments in sports at national, continental and global level by Nigerians with disabilities, most able bodied Nigerians still consider investment in sports for persons with disabilities as a waste of time and resources. Many are unaware that the Paralympics champion in 100 and 200 metres sprints at Barcelona ’92 and Atlanta ‘96 with world records was an amputee Nigerian named Ajibola Adeoye (MON). Monday Emoghavwe (MON) was a World record holder and gold medalist in the 60kg powerlifting class at Atlanta’96. Kike Ogumbanwo won gold and equaled the female world record during the IPC approved and supervised Winco Foam Powerlifting Championships in Abuja in 1997.

To be continued

woman was said to have suffered a slipped disk when she was in her early 90s and instead of surgery, she preferred to apply Yoga to repair the harm. “In three weeks, she was pain-free and we never did have to operate”, her doctor said. I hope Yoga will be able to save many, many more people without surgery. The price is regular practice—a thousand fold cheaper than surgery. The following exercises will help instill strength and good posture. THE BACKWARD BEND Technique: Get on the knees with the feet close together. Breathe in deeply, raising both hands overhead. Breathing out, bend backwards with elbows still straightened out. Hold the position for some 5 seconds, and then inhaling, return the trunk to the upright position. Rest a bit and repeat. Benefits: This posture strengthens the back and shoulder muscles. Also affected favourably are the muscles of the abdomen and those of the upper thighs. THE TRIANGLE Stand with the feet about a yard apart, and turning the trunk to the left, bend the knees to waist level and clapping both hands, raise them overhead. Keep the left foot pointing forwards, but the right foot should be horizontal in relation to the left foot. Hold the head straight. Maintain the position for about 10 seconds and repeat on the other side. Benefits The triangle strengthens the leg muscles and helps in keeping a ramrod

The Bridge

spinal column. THE BRIDGE Sit down and arrange both hands by the sides with the fingers pointing backwards. Now, inhaling deeply, raise the whole body off the floor, supporting it on just the hands and heels. Drop the head. Once in the full posture, breathe normally. Stay in the position between 5 and 7 seconds. Return to the seated position. Rest a while and repeat. Benefits The Bridge strengthens the arms, back and legs. It is a reliable posture improver.

58— Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012—59

Nigerian building environment needs standard materials for maximum safety—SFDH Boss

ollowing the rate of building col lapse that has claimed a lot lives in the country and the security lapses, an expert who deals on standard building materials and all kinds of security doors from abroad has advised Nigerians that while waiting for government’s concerted efforts to prevent building collapse and guarantee maximium security of lives and property in the country, citizens should embrace the culture of housing development with standard building materials available in the market and disregard the temptation of using fakes that would not only last long but taking people to early grave. The Managing Director, CEO, Stress Free Doors and Homes, Honourable Onyeka, worried about the reoccurrence of building collapse and the security issues in the country said, even though God is the ultimate security, Nigerians can also help themselves to beautify and protect their homes with security and armored doors to prevent burglary from time to time. Onyeka who spoke in Port Harcourt, advised government to launch a campaign that could eradicate or reduce the rate at which fake building materials flunk Nigerian market notwithstanding the source. He also said that government should insist that experts in the building profession get involved in developing housing structures and enact laws that would prohibit quacks in the profession in order to avoid further reoccurrence. Onyeka, whose company specialises in the importation and assembling of quality and world class building materials such as armored and security doors, toilet glass doors, PVC doors, Jacuzzi; interior and exterior, stainless staircase rail, PVC ceils and all kinds of tiles, sanitary wares and building fittings, said his company will not relent on its effort at promoting quality and standard building materials in the country. And that’s why his com-

Onyeka: Quality building materials would gurantee safety pany deals on high quality security doors that can resist a hard object like hammer and all the rest of them. “They are highly fortified for the uses of interior and exterior of your building with their lucks solidly fixed with other fittings. It’s antirust and water resisting as they go a long way preserving your buildings, he said. “That is one of the reasons we provided the people with such information having discovered today that the world is looking for the right people, trusted, reliable and competent in any field of endeavour. So, we have competent and reliable people to install our products. In the area of sanitary wares he said, we have sanitary wares like Jacuzzi used for massaging and also a modern WC washing basins and others that give you a better comfort in the home. “Onyeka said that with the current effort of the FG to settle the issue of power supply, it is commendable so that from time to time foreign investors can establish their plants here for production that can create employment opportunities for Nigerians and also produce quality standard products thereby phasing out fake and substandard products we see everyday in the Nigerian market which would add to the growth

and development of the economy. Most countries of the world have done theirs even Ghana, a neighbouring country has a steady power supply and their economy is growing. Foreign companies are shifting there to continue business. He advisedthat Nigerians should value their lives by adding meaningful value to it, and protect their homes with security doors. They should not value money more than their maximum home security. They should look out for quality products like stressfree products that would endure the taste of time. Nigerians should avoid the temptation of going for substandard products because they are cheaper. Stress reduces strength, it terminates life. With stress you can’t enjoy your life. Quality products give you comfort, it enhances your strength and gives you peace of mind. He equally advised government to help reduce duty cost of these products coming into the country, and at the same time, look into the quality system to help an average Nigerian who has decided to maintain name and not just after money. Government should consider ways they can give maximum support to entrepreneurs in this country to succeed because we help to reduce unemployment in

60—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012

SPIKE.....US player Destinee Hooker spikes during the Women's preliminary pool B volleyball match between the US and China on August 1, 2012.

Hooker hooks all to volleyball I

f her name doesn’t get your attention, the way she plays certainly will. USA Volleyball’s opposite attacker Destinee Hooker has led the team in scoring after its first two games at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and it looks like she will only get better as the tournament goes on. Looking at the stat line tells part of the story: Hooker scored 21 points in the United States’ first game, a 3-1 win over South Korea. She followed that up with 23 points in the second game, a win over Brazil by the same score. But the best is yet to come. Against the United States’ next opponent, China, Hooker put up 39 points in a five-set victory in the 2011 FIVB World Cup. Better yet, this game against another one of the world’s top teams put the Americans into the Olympics. Hooker has proven that she can hit with the best of them on the world stage. The 6’4" first-time Olympian has athleticism in spades. In college, she was the MVP on the University of Texas team that went to the 2009 NCAA championship game. She also won the 2009 indoor and outdoor high

jump championships. In doing so, she became

only the second woman to win three outdoor

NCAA titles in track and field. In fact, she almost competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in the event. She finished sixth in the high jump at the 2008 Olympic trials. On the national team since 2010, last year was Hooker’s breakout year

in international volleyball. She was MVP of the 2011 FIVB World Cup and the FIVB World Grand Prix. Sports run in the Hooker family. Her sister, Marshevet, was fifth in the 200-meter dash at Beijing 2008, and their father, Ricky, was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs

of the NBA. With the knockout rounds of the Olympic volleyball tournament still to come, Hooker should only get more attention. The heavy hitter will have to play a major role if the United States is to win another gold medal.

PUNCH ... Mark Barriga (R) of the Philippines applies the pressure against Manuel Cappai (L) of Italy during their Light Flyweight (49kg) boxing bout Barriga was awarded a 17-7 points decision.

‘Little Pacquiao’ comes up big boxing ittle Pacquiao came Olympic up big for the tournament. Philippines in the Light flyweight Mark

Barriga easily handled Italy’s Manuel Cappai in the opening bout for

the only Filipino boxer in London, earning a 17-7 victory.

Barriga’s one-sided win was an encouraging result for a strong boxing nation with little recent history of amateur success.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012 – 61

C M Y K

62—SATURDAY Vanguard, August 4, 2012 LAND....Brazil’s Emanuel Rego lands after saving a ball during the men’s Beach Volleyball match against Italy’s Paolo Nicola and Nicolai Lupo on August 2. Brazil won 2-0.PHOTOS: AFP

Sights of London Games

CELEBRATING ON WATER....Italy’s Alessio Sartori (back) and Romano Battisti celebrate after winning the silver medal in the men’s double sculls final A on August 2.(PHOTO: AFP)

JOYOUS.....Denmark’s Mathias Boe (L) and Carsten Mogensen celebrate (PHOTO: AFP) their victory during the men’s quarter final doubles badminton match against Fang Chieh Min and Lee Sheng Mu of Taiwan on August 2. Denmark won 2116, 21-18. (PHOTO: AFP)

SERVE...Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov serves during his table tennis semifinal match against China’s Zhang Jike (PHOTO: AFP)

DUNK...Australian forward Joe Ingles dunks the ball during the men’s Groupe B basketball match against China on August 2. Australia won 49-23. (PHOTO: AFP)

UNDER THE WATER.....US swimmer Cullen Jones swims in the men’s 50m freestyle on August 2.(PHOTO: AFP)

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 —63

Hammer thrower fails dope test LYMPIC and track officials say threetime world champion hammer thrower Ivan Tsikhan of Belarus tested positive in the recent IOC retests of samples

from the 2004 Athens Games. Tsikhan did not take compete in Friday ’s event at the London Olympics. An Olympic official

Five Nigerians in women’s semis B

lessing Okagbare and Gloria Asomu made the night memorable for Nigerian women yesterday when they joined three others to qualify for their respective semifinal races at the Games here. Not even an Olympic race could change the smiling face of Regina George. She is always smiling. It is in her character to do so. And five meters to

the end of her heat in the 400m event here yesterday in the London Olympics, the US-based Nigerian runner was smiling. It was her first time in the Olympics and being in front drew smile out of her face. She ran 51.24 seconds to win her heat that included Rushia’s Gushchina Yulia who ran 51.54 to place second and Wesh Marlene of Haiti was third with 5 1 . 9 8 .

George qualified for the semi-final that will be run today. She kept on smiling while she spoke to the media at the Mixed Zone and when a journalist asked her if it was not strange smiling while running, she said it was part of her to always do so. She was happy winning the race but admitted being nervous initially. “It feels good to win your heat in

the Olympics,” she said, smiling. ”It was competitive. I was nervous but I realised it was just another race and I kicked. When

Nigeria's Gloria Asumnu (l) compete in the women's 100m heats which she finished third. the race won by Jamaica's Veronica CampbellBrown (r) yesterday at the Olympics in London. Photo AFP

I found myself leading I was confused as I couldn’t imagine I would be doing so. But I kept on pumping till the end. I now feel I can make it to the final where it will be anybody ’s race. I won’t feel that way again. Now I feel I can be in the top three.” Well spoken. The 400m race has home girl Christie Ohuruogu who is the Olympic champion, Sanya Richards of USA and Montsho Amante of Botswana who are all hot this season. They are favoured for medals h e r e . ”Regina George has to run a faster race, she has to run her Personal Best to be in the final,” Pat Itanyi called on phone from USA yesterday while wishing the athletes well. “My money is on Sanya Richards and Montsho. I’m not sure Ohuruogu will place among the top three,” she said.

with direct knowledge of the case says Tsikhan had also been caught in IAAF retests in 2005. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the results had not been publicly announced. An IAAF official says Tsikhan, who took silver in Athens, had been pulled by the Belarusian team before Friday ’s competition because of the retesting relating to the 2004 Games. He also spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no public announcement. Federer clinches 1st singles medal pics/federer Roger Federer clinched the first singles medal of his career Friday in an Olympic marathon, winning 1917 in the final set against Juan Martin del Potro. The semifinal match lasted 4 hours, 26 minutes, and Federer rallied to win 3-6, 7-6 (5), 19-17. He converted only two of 13 breakpoint chances, the second coming in the nextto-last game. With the comeback victory, four-time Olympian Federer is assured of at least a silver. On Sunday he’ll play in the final against the winner of the second semifinal between No. 2-seeded Novak Djokovic of Serbia and No. 3 Andy Murray of Britain.

BASKETBALL USA vs Nigeria: Man pass man ZE Anaba is our Deputy Editor and not here in the Olympics. But his description of the USA - Nigeria basketball match was apt in local parlance. When he got the result about 1.30 am Friday, his sms read thus: “Man pass man.” There couldn’t be a better way to describe the humiliation the Nigerian basketball team faced in the hands of almighty NBA stars who used the match to set many personal and team records. At 4.27 minutes left in the match, the score was 13968, surpassing the previous record of 138 scored by Brazil against Egypt in Seoul Olympics. At the end of the first half, only USA led with 78 points, beating Brazil’s record of 72 in Seoul against Chi-

na. Anthony Carmelo had 37 points against Marbury’s record of 31 for a US player in an Olympics match. The winning margin of 83 beat the 72 in a 101 - 29 victory in 1956. It was an incredible 156-73 final score that saw Nigerians in the arena cheering USA. They had no choice and were even happy that they saw a great match. Chandler Tyson, Kelvin Durant, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Paul Chris started and in the first five minutes they were already 20-8 up. When they hit 49-25 to end the first quarter coach Krzyewski Michael didn’t see the need to continue playing Kobe Bryant and left him sitting out while the rest were throwing three pointers as if they

were in an exhibition exercise. At this point, Bryant had already notched 16 points and 2 rebounds. They enjoyed the game, marking well and throwing well. They made incredible shots that would have humiliated any team. And Carmelo pressed that point in a post match media conference when he said that “the way we shot tonight we could have beaten any other team same way.” That was true. He said that it was a great accomplishment to break records in a classy way, repeating that their shots were “incredible.” Coach Ayo Bakare said that the match was a hard lesson for the Nigerian team, regretting that they failed to show the world that they were good in a

way. But he made it clear that they never counted on the match against USA to qualify for the next round. The star on the Nigerian side was Ike Diogu, who made 27 points and 7 rebounds. ”We wanted to use the match to show that we could play but we went flat and they shot so well we couldn’t help it,” Diogu said. Fans enjoyed the game. Even those who came to cheer Nigeria dropped sentiment and cheered good basketball. But Diogu was outstanding, scoring 27 points and 7 rebounds in a team that scored a total of 73 points. But the awesome play of USA humbled his efforts and he regretted this even as he appreciated the American superiority.

US guard Kobe Bryant dunks during the men's preliminary round basketball match against Nigeria of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 2, 2012. AFP PHOTO

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 4, 2012 RUE to expectations from expectant Nigerians fans, Blessingf Okagbare yesterday won her 100m heat to move into the women’s semifinal holding tonight at the Olympic Stadium in London. If she qualifies, Okagbare, who clocked 10.93secs in last night’s race, her personal best so far, is just a race shy of featuring in the 100m finals holding an hour after the semifinals races are completed. She is joined by compatriot Gloria Asomnu, who returned a time of 11.13 in her heat to qualify for the penultimate stage of the women’s 100m. Camiliter Jeter of the USA clocked the fastest time of 10.83 secs to win her heat and stand a good chance of winning the gold ahead of Okagbare, if both runners reach the final. Although she had a poor start, Okagbare recovered well as she took control of the race on the 50m mark all the way to the destination point, smiling as she crossed the finish line. Moments after her victory, she told reporters at the mixed zone that after working hard and preparing well that she was happy that her efforts were not in vain. “I have worked so hard to get this far and I am so happy that I am in the semis. I hope there is more to come tomorrow (today) but I am so happy with the way that I ran and I am just expecting a better race tomorrow (today). The semis hold at 7.35 pm while the final takes place two hours later on the impressive track of the Olympic Stadium, which track and field followers believe is fast and can make the athletes to run faster time in their respective races.

Okagbare runs second fastest time

COASTING ... Blessing Okagbare (c) racing into the semi final of the women’s 100m at the on-going athletics event of the 2012 London Olympic Games. PHOTO AFP.

MEDALS TABLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Gold

Silver Bronze

USA China Rep of Korea Great Britain France Germany Italy DPR Korea Kazakhstan Russian South Africa New Zealand Japan Cuba Netherlands Hungary Ukraine Australia Romania Brazil

21 20 9 8 7 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

9 13 2 6 5 8 5 0 0 11 1 0 8 2 1 1 0 9 4 1

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Total 11 9 5 8 6 6 3 1 0 8 0 3 11 1 3 2 4 4 2 3

41 42 16 22 18 19 12 5 4 22 4 6 2 5 6 5 6 14 7 5

Across 1 State in Nigeria – (7) 5 Hausa Word for “Friend”? – (5) 8 Iraqi Currency Unit – (3) 9 Former NNPC Managing Director, Mr. Gaius – (7) 10 Stadium – (5) 11 Plateau State Capital – (3) 12 National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacist (ACPN), William – (7) 16 Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim – (5) 17 Italian “Serie A” Premiership Clubside – (4) 19 Kogi State Capital – (6) 22 MD, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Fola – (6) 25 State in Nigeria Known as “The Gateway State”? – (4) 27 Organ of Speech – (5) 28 DR Congo Prime Minister, Antoine – (7) 32 CBN’s Director of Currency Operations, Mohammed – (3) 33 Desert’s Fertile Spot – (5) 34 Kenyan Capital City – (7) 36 Vegetable – (5) 37 minister of Special Duties, Prof. Taoheed – (7)

Down 1 Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello – (5) 2 Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun – (5) 3 L.G.A in Lagos State – (5) 4 L.G.A in Oyo State – (6) 5 Syrian National President, Bashir – (7) 6 General Overseer, Winners Chapel International Church, Bishop David – (7) 7 L.G.A in Oyo State – (7) 13 Number – (3) 14 State in Nigeria Known as “The Eastern Heartland”? – (3) 15 Boast – (4) 18 L.G.A in Katsina State – (4) 19 African River – (7) 20 Cote D’Ivoire “Elephants” Player, Blaise – (7) 21 Minister of State for Information, Omobola – (7) 23 Organ of Sight – (3) 26 Country in Africa – (6) 29 DR. Congo’s Former Name – (5) 30 Former PDP National Chairman, Okwesilieze – (5) 31 Legendary Queen of Zaria – (5)

SOLUTION ON PAGE 55

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