Jonathan battles to save face by Vanguard Media Limited

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2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 3

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4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Kogi: Today’s supplementary polls must hold, Court rules •Tells Wada, Faleke, others to go to tribunal •INEC office set ablaze •We’re ready for elections — INEC By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Boluwaji Obahopo & Kingsley Fanwo

OVERNOR Idris Wada of Kogi State and the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, James Faleke, yesterday, lost their bid to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from conducting today’s supplementary election in the state. They failed to persuade the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to declare the make-up polls as illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires the powers of the electoral body. Whereas Wada, who is the flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, contended that being the surviving candidate with the majority of lawful votes cast at the initial election held on November 21, he ought to have been declared and returned by the INEC as the winner of the election having secured not less than one-quarter of the votes cast in two-thirds of all the local councils of the State. Faleke on the other hand, while insisting that INEC goofed when it declared the November 21 election inconclusive, prayed the court to not only abort the planned supplementary polls, but to also declare that going by the totality of the results already declared by INEC, he ought to be declared the governor-elect. Faleke argued that results INEC announced after the election clearly produced him as the Deputy-Governor elect of Kogi State, saying with the death of his principal, Prince Audu Abubakar, he ought to have inherited all the votes owing to the fact that he shared a joint ticket with the late Audu.

The court ruling

However, in its ruling yesterday, the court declined jurisdiction to determine the merit of both Wada and Faleke’s suits. Specifically, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, dismissed five separate suits that sought to stop today’s supplementary governorship election. While refusing to resolve any of the constitutional issues that were raised in the five suits, Justice Kolawole stressed that Section 285(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 87(10) of the Electoral Act, as amended, delimited the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to grant all the reliefs the plaintiffs sought. Noting that the legal actions were precipitated by

the governorship election held in Kogi State on November 21, Justice Kolawole, directed all the plaintiffs to go and ventilate their grievances before the Election Petition Tribunal. He described all the issues that were canvassed in the various suits as “post election matters”, which he said could be effectively decided by the Governorship Election Petition Panel that will be duly constituted by the President of the Court of Appeal. Justice Kolawole held that though the Federal High Court has the power to interpret the provisions of both the Constitution and the Electoral Act, delving into the Kogi matter, which Section 285(2) of the constitution has given the Election Tribunal the powers to handle, “will amount to embarking on a mere judicial exercise.” The court said it would neither affirm that INEC acted rightly when it declared the November 21 election inconclusive, nor confirm the validity of the supplementary election taking place today. “To proceed to affirm or otherwise the 1st defendant’s (INEC) decision will be nothing short of exercising jurisdiction, which this court does not have under section 87(10) of the Electoral Act. “Once electorates have gone to the polls, whatever happens thereafter can only be entertained by the tribunal which have the powers to hear petitions by candidates or political parties that sponsored them”, the Judge held. He said the danger in allowing the Federal High court to interfere in an electoral dispute where virtually most of the results have b een announced, will occasion the situation where “bad losers in an election” will quickly rush to court before the conclusion of the process, to seek declarative and injunctive relieves.

Learn from Jonathan, Fayemi, Judge advises politicians

The judge urged politicians to learn from former President Goodluck Jonathan and erstwhile Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, who he said were exemplary political characters. Besides, Justice Kolawole took an indirect swipe at the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, for giving “a partisan

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa (r) welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari to the opening ceremony of Johannesburg Summit on ChinaAfrica Cooperation in South Africa yesterday. or otherwise legal opinion in a contest that is not exclusively an APC affair, but involves multiple political parties”. The judge observed that the opinion the AGF expressed at a public forum concerning the Kogi matter, probably informed INEC’s decision to allow APC to substitute its late governorship candidate, a development he said culminated into the flurry of suits that were lodged before the High Court. Justice Kolawole however acknowledged that under Section 150(1) of the 1999 constitution, as amended, the AGF, can be called upon as the Chief legal adviser of the Federation, to give clear legal directions to agencies of the Federal Government. “I am not in doubt that all the issues of law and facts that were raised before this court can be canvassed before the governorship election petition tribunal. I have no doubt that all the legal issues are such that the tribunal has jurisdiction to en-

tertain. This judgement shall not operate before the election tribunal as res-judicata as this court has not decided any of the suits on the merit. Though the court as the judicial arm of government, has a duty to not only uphold and protect the constitution, but to avoid decisions which will undermine or endanger the democratically laid down electoral process. “The process, no matter how imperfect or faulty it may be, is the only means by which any citizen who is aspiring for an elective office can assume governmental power. “Court has power to assume jurisdiction in a way and manner that will assist the system to run its full course. The laws have made provision for an election tribunal, which is an alternative forum where disenfranchised candidates can go to ventilate their grievances. “Let me state it again lest I be misunderstood, this court has not in this matter,

taken a position similar to that of the Biblical Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Jews who washed his hands off the blood of the innocent. “Where the court has jurisdiction, I am confident that the arms of the law is not too short for it to make the necessary declaratory orders. However, the court will only do so within the parameters of its statutory and constitutional powers. “The plaintiffs’ course of action is within the event of the Kogi state election of November 21, which is not cognizable by the Federal High Court under section 285(1) of the constitution and section 87(10) of the Electoral Act. “With all I have said, the four suits are hereby struck out for lack of jurisdiction. There shall be no order as to cost”, Justice Kolawole added. The court yesterday adopted the same reason and also struck out Faleke’s suit yesterday. Aside Wada and Faleke, the three other suits were

lodged before the high court by the governorship candidate of the People for Democratic Change, PDC, in Kogi state, Hon. Emmanuel Daikwo, a legal practitioner, Mr. Johnson Usman, a House of Reps member for Ahiazu Ezinaehitte Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon. Rafael Igbokwe and an electorate from Omala LGA in Abelijukolo Ife of Eche ward in Kogi state, Mr. Stephen Wada Omaye. With the exception of Falake’s case, the court earlier consolidated the other four suits that were dismissed, yesterday. The plaintiffs had upon consolidation of their suits, distilled out three issues they urged the court to determine. They prayed the court to go ahead and determine, “ Whether in view of Section 181 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended) INEC ought to conduct a fresh Governorship election in Kogi State. As well as “ Whether having regard to the provisions of sections 31(1)(2)(4)(5)(6)(7) and (8), 33, 34, 36, 85 and 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended, as well as sections 178-181 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, INEC, can lawfully conduct a second/supplementary election into the office of Governor of Kogi state on December 5, 2015, or any other date at all let alone accepting the nomination/substitution by the APC of any candidate on the basis of votes computed and credited to the deceased candidate of the APC when the new or substitute candidate was not part of the original election.

Continues on page 5

Bayelsa guber polls: Police restrict movement By Kingsley Omonobi-Abuja.

N furtherance of strategies designed to prevent electoral fraud and violence, for a hitch-free governorship election in Bayelsa State, and supplementary election in Kogi State billed to take place today, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Solomon Arase, has ordered restriction of movements within the boundaries of Bayelsa State with effect from 6.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday, 5th December, 2015. On Kogi State supplementary election, the IGP also directed intracity restriction of vehicular movement in areas where

supplementary election will be conducted, from 6.00am to 6.00pm today. A statement signed by the Force Public Relations

Officer, Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole, noted that , “However, persons on essential duties such as ambulance service

providers, INEC officials on-duty, security men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists, are not affected by this order”.

2016 Budget: Buhari presents MTEF next week By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

RESIDENT Muham madu Buhari will next week, present the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, MTEF & FSP , to the National Assembly. The expected submission of the document to the two arms of government is preparatory to the presentation of the

2016 appropriation bill. Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, who disclosed this yesterday, at a media briefing in Abuja, also said the late presentation of the MTEF to the National Assembly, barely three weeks to the end of the 2015 fiscal year, has not violated any law. Enang, who said the

Presidency and relevant government agencies handling the preparation of the MTEF had concluded arrangements on the draft document, reiterated that the National Assembly would receive the MTEF in few days. He added that the presentation would be shortly followed with the presentation of the 2016 appropriation bill.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 5

Nurses, Midwives set for nationwide strike over unpaid wages

N1.04 trn fine: MTN expresses confusion over NCC’s double letter on reduction T

HE National Associa tion of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANSM, Federal Health institutions’ sector has alerted its members to be at alert and await further directives as the Association is set to embark on a nationwide strike action over unpaid allowances. The Association which is determined to ground services in the nation’s health sector accused some Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, whom they say deliberately refuse to pay uniform allowances to nurses and midwives “against the provision of the Civil Service Rule No. 130127.”

•First letter was in error, says NCC By Prince Osuagwu

Telecommunications operator, MTN yesterday accused the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC of not being clear with information on its decision to reducetheN1.04trillionfineearlier imposed on the operator for allegedly not being able to disconnect about 5.1 million improperly registered subscribers in its network in August and September 2015. Theoperatorssaidthatwithin two days it has received two separate letters with conflictinginformationontheregulator’s decision to review the fine downwards. According to MTN, while the first letter dated December 2, 2015 communicated that the regulator had reduced the fine to N674 billion from the original N1,040,000,000,000(OneTrillion, Forty Billion Naira ), representing a 35 percent reduction, the second letter dated December 3, 2015 conveyed that the regulator only reduced the fine to 780 Billion Naira, representing 25 percent reduction. MTN said both letters surprisingly stated that the fines must be paid on or before December 31, 2015 and most unfortunately, failed to set out any details on how the reduction was determined. It however promised to review the two letters with the ultimate aim of giving adequate official response. Reacting to the allegation, the Director Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, explained that there was a mistake in figure of the first letter which immediately prompted the second one. According to him, the actual decision is that the Commission, has after due considerations of MTN’s consistent pleas and admission of guilt, among other factors, decided to reduce the fine by 25 percent. He said that the second letter to MTN was clear that the first was null and void with the receipt of the second one and so should not attract any ambiguity. MTN while addressing its shareholders on the developments said: “We were informed that MTN had re-

From (r) Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Rasheed Olaoluwa and Director General, Kaduna Business School, Dr Dahiru Sani, during the signing of tripartite agreement on the establishment of Kaduna start up and Entrepreneurship program in Kaduna on Thursday. ceived a formal letter dated 2 December 2015 from the NCC (the First Letter) informing the Company that, after considering the Company’s request, it had taken the decision to reduce the fine imposed on the MTN Nigerian business from the original N1,040,000,000,000 (One Trillion, Forty Billion Naira) (the Original Fine) to

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

674 Billion Naira, which had to be paid by 31 December 2015. The fine relates to the late disconnection of 5.1 million MTN Nigerian subscribers in August and September 2015. This was a reduction of 35% of the Original Fine. “Late on 3 December 2015, thedayafterreceiptoftheFirst Letter, the Company received

a further letter from the NCC dated 3 December 2015 (the Second Letter). The Second Letter, which was stated to supersede the First Letter, informedtheCompanythatthe fine had actually been reduced by 25% to 780 Billion Naira and not by 35% to 674 Billion Naira, as was stated in the First Letter. The payment date remained 31 December 2015.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 30th Annual Scientific Conference, signed by its National Chairman, Mr. Nana Takai and National Secretary, Mr. Gambo Danfulani and made available to journalists in Jos, the duo also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to declare an emergency in the health sector, especially in areas of staffing, training, retraining and equipping health institutions with modern facilities. They further accused Chief Executives and Heads of Federal Health institutions of “conspiring with IPPIS Office to unlawfully withhold the payment of teaching allowances of some category of nurses against extant circulars to that effect.”

Gov Umahi flags off road projects in three senatorial zones By Peter Okutu

OVERNOR David Umahi Thursday flagged off construction of three roads in the three senatorial zones of the state. They are 23.7km Hiltop/ Agbaja/Nwofe state road in Ebonyi north senatorial zone, 15.5 km Ehamufu/ Umuhali/NIGERCEM federal road in Ebonyi central, and the 23.5 km Okposi/ Amarasiri/Uburu federal

road in Ebonyi south senatorial zone. An expatriate company, China Zhungaoi, is handling the Ebonyi north and Central zones road projects while Conrok Nigerian Limited is handling that of Ebonyi south. Governor Umahi who flagged off the construction of the three roads the same day directed that work should start immediately without delay.

Kogi: Today’s supplementary polls must hold, Court rules Continued on page 4

INEC office razed

The court verdict came after the INEC’s office at Dekina Local Council was set ablaze by arsonists. Governor Wada, who condemned the action, called for calm as the INEC, yesterday, said today’s supplementary polls would go on as scheduled. As of press time, security operatives were looking for clues to why the office was razed and the people responsible for the arson. It would be recalled that protests rocked the the Eastern part of the state over the death of Prince Abubakar Audu and the decision of the of the leading party in the election, APC to replace the late Audu with Alhaji Yahaya Bello from Kogi Central. Condemning the burning of the INEC office, the governor, in a statement issued

by the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, described the action as barbaric, uncivilised, callous and uncalled for. “The action is against my administration’s developmental aspirations. It cost money to erect public institutions and therefore, any destruction done, amounts to a drain on the resources of the country,” he said and assured that everything would be done to arrest those behind the arson and bring them to justice. “The state government has convened an emergency security council meeting in order to coordinate the investigation which will lead to unravelling the immediate and remote causes of the incident with a view to preventing a recurrence and fishing out the perpetrators.”

How INEC office was burnt

Saturday Vanguard gathered that some persons dressed in police uniform visited the INEC office Dekina, in the early hours of the day and demanded for all materials relating to the supplementary election. It was gathered that INEC officials in the office found their request unusual and declined, which caused the arsonists to set the office ablaze. “All efforts by firemen to put off the fire, which raged for

hours was thwarted by the arsonists who had simultaneously mounted a road blockpreventingaccesstothe premises”, one INEC official revealed.

Nothing will stop today’s election – INEC

However, the commission has said there was no cause for alarm over the fire incident as none of the sensitive materials to be used for the supplementary election was affected. ThestateResidentElectoral Commissioner, REC, Halilu Pai, who made this known, in a statement issued in Lokoja ,yesterday, also said the affected area office had been relocated to the police divisional office in the community. His words: “The INEC), Kogi state wishes to inform the general public that its area office at Dekina local government was burnt down by some hoodlums last night alongside the non-sensitive materials that were in the office. However, the sensitive materials and the card readers are intact because they were still at the INEC state headquarters office as at the time of the fire incident. ‘’During the unfortunate situation, no life was lost. “The area office at Dekina is temporarily shifted to the police station at Dekina to enable us continue our operations

for the continuation of the governorship supplementary election which is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2015”. Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, urged the electorates and other stakeholders in the state to embrace peace before, during and after the judicial resolution of the election impasse. Governor Wada also called on the citizens of the state to ensure maintenance of law and order. In a statewide broadcast to the people of the state, the governor asked the people of the state to refrain from taking laws in their hands, saying law enforcement agents will not hesitate to deal with trouble makers. “You will recall that shortly before the polls, I made a broadcast in which I encouraged all our people to perform their civic responsibilities and vote the candidate of their choice. I urged you all to be of peaceful conduct during and after the Governorship elections. “As fate will have it, on the night of Sunday, November 22, I had to make another broadcast on the very sad and sudden demise of a former Governor of our state and candidate of the APC, Prince Abubakar Audu. May his Soul rest in Peace. “Understandably, the unfortunate event of his loss

and the declaration of the governorship election as inconclusive by the INEC, has thrown our state into deep uncertainties and apprehensions. “To enable it complete the process, the INEC ordered for a supplementary polls in 91 polling units across 18 Local Government Areas of the state. The events of the last one week have therefore combined to put our state on the edge. Indeed, these are trying times for democracy in our state and country. “However, we must never lose track of the fact that we are all brothers and sisters, hence, the need to preserve the peace for which our people have been known over the years...The Nigerian judiciary has shown itself as the last hope of the common man. I therefore urge you all, to remain calm, orderly and law abiding... All our people across party lines and Senatorial Zones must remain peaceful.Nobodyshouldcontemplate taking the laws into their hands. The Security Agencies will not hesitate to deal with anyone or group who may attempt any actions that may breach the peace and security of our state. At the end of the day, I have no doubt that the current Kogi experience will enhance jurisprudence and democracy in Nigeria.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Bayelsa polls: Jonathan battles to save face …Deploys Otuoke factor By Samuel Oyadongha & Agaju Madugba

here are indications that the outcome of today ’s governorship election in Bayelsa State may go a long way in determining the future political relevance of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan, an indigene of Bayelsa State from Ogbia council area was defeated at the last presidential election by the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Muhammadu Buhari. Though Jonathan has lived a relatively quiet life since leaving office, shuttling between his Otuoke country home and Abuja and appearing twice at PDP events, such as the party primary where the incumbent Governor, Seriake Dickson, was affirmed as the party candidate for today ’s polls and the mega rally where Dickson was presented the party flag, he is expected to lead some other members of the party from his Otuoke ward to cast their votes. For Jonathan, combating the APC challenge may prove to be a Herculean task, the same challenge that sent him packing from the Aso Rock Presidential Villa last May. Saturday Vanguard investigations showed that unlike in the past when the Ogbia people voted en bloc for their preferred candidates, the scenario C M Y K

may be slightly different today based on sharp divisions among his kinsmen, a development said to be linked to Jonathan’s alleged neglect of his home front. It is the contention of the people that for the years he was away in Abuja, he did not do much to transform the Ogbia Kingdom. The people argue that the only road leading to their council headquarters in Ogbia main town was riddled with potholes when he could have used his position to influence the development of the area and also empower his people. This is the sad reality from the home front, according to a source who pleaded anonymity. “While some are sympathetic and are ready to support his party, the PDP, some others prefer to vote for the opposition APC. Accordingly, the outcome of the election may decide the political future and relevance of the man who was once adored by his people many of whom were optimistic that he would use his botched second coming to make up for his failure to meet their developmental needs. Jonathan’s political survival, according to observers of the unfolding event in the state, will be dependent on the success of his political godson, Governor Seriake Dickson. However, some staunch supporters of the party are

confident that Dickson will triumph at the polls citing his performance in the areas of critical infrastructure and the education sector. According to them, it is unthinkable to think of PDP defeat in the governorship polls as anything contrary may spell doom for the status and personality of the former President. PDP losing the election will be one defeat too many for Jonathan, who is already trying to recuperate from the loss of the last presidential election. Another defeat at the home front will signal the end of his domination in the political affairs of the state and indeed, the

country. Since the end of 2005 when he became the governor of Bayelsa by a twist of fate, Jonathan has since come to assume the role of a major power broker in the state. Jonathan favours Dickson against the candidacy of a former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, of the APC. Jonathan who attended Dickson’s re-election kickoff campaign last September at Otuoke had explained that, “when he told me that he wanted to declare for second term, I said he should go ahead and I told him that I would be here when he would be presented with the flag of the party.”

Jonathan who was at a time Deputy Governor and later Governor of Bayelsa State is believed to have vowed to unleash his wealth of political experience to ensure that Dickson secures the governorship seat. Addressing PDP supporters during a rally last week, Jonathan described Bayelsa as a stronghold of the PDP even as he argued that Dickson had performed well and qualified to be given another chance. According to Jonathan, “for the past 16 years, being a pioneer Deputy Governor and Governor at the state level, VicePresident and President of our country, I am in a

position to say that Dickson has tried and he is still trying. “You can see that within this short period, Dickson has been able to build a flyover and dualize a number of roads in Yenagoa. He has been able to build Toru-Ebeni Bridge. “These are signs of development in a town that is growing to be a city. We should all be concerned about what Bayelsa will be in the next 25 years and beyond, and not what we want to gain today. “I have looked at his policies and programmes and I am convinced that he is visionary. He is preparing Bayelsa State for tomorrow.”

Insurgency: Military craves for minesweepers, Abuja assures By Emeka Mamah & Kingsley Omonobi

here are reports that troops fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east are experiencing serious hardship following the inability of the Federal Government to provide them with minesweepers. Saturday Vanguard investigations showed that Boko Haram insurgents planted mines along major roads and bush paths which impeded troops’ movements. It was gathered that for troops to move from one location to another, they had to resort to the use of hand-held mines detectors. A soldier who spoke to

Saturday Vanguard on the condition of anonymity said that they lacked minesweepers which saved more lives unlike the hand-held mines detectors currently in use. It was also learned that the troops lacked helicopter gunships needed to fight in deserts. Another soldier who has spent two years at the war front said that most of his colleagues were “suffering from war trauma” as they had not seen their families for a long period. As he put it, “we have been in the battlefield for two years or more without being changed and war trauma has set in. “Our families are ruined and many of us have been deserted by our

wives. The thought of our wives deserting or our children getting involved in crimes is enough to trigger trouble for some of us. “Again, not much has changed since former President Goodluck Jonathan left office in case of arms supply. “Sometimes, we borrow arms from other units which are not involved in any operations to fight the insurgents. “If you borrow such arms and go to fight the enemies, such units will stay without any arms to defend themselves in case of sudden attacks and only God knows what may happen in the event of such circumstances occurring.” the source said. Confirming the report, a

top military source said yesterday that the use of hand-held mines detectors, though slow, was the safest way for now, of dealing with the mines threat especially at the Gulak, Madagali, Gwoza axis of the northeast that stretches to Cameroon. The source hinted Saturday Vanguard that a European nation recently visited by President Muhammadu Buhari had concluded plans to send mines-sweepers to Nigeria. “I can assure you that as soon as these sweepers arrive, the story will change and with strategies already in place, Boko Haram will have no place to hide,” the source said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 7

EFCC arraigns former NIMASA DG on fresh charge By Funmi Olasupo

By Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, re-arraigned former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi and five others on a fresh 22-counts N2.6 billion theft charged before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. It will be recalled that the EFCC had on Thursday arraigned the accused persons before Justice Saliu Saidu of the same court in Lagos. Meanwhile, in the fresh charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, the former NIMASA DG alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan and two companies; Blockz and Stonez limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited were alleged to have converted for private use the sum of N2.6 bn belonging to NIMASA. The offences allegedly contravened Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition/ Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3). The prosecution alleged that on or about February 2014 in Lagos, the accused persons conspired among themselves to converted the sum of N437,726,666.60 belonging to NIMASA. They were alleged to have on January 9, 2014 converted to their private use the sum of N66,800.000 property of

B-R-I-E-F-S ICT expert urges Buhari to end HND, BSC dichotomy

His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi the Ooni of Ife (right), Head of Sales Intercontinental Distillers Limited Hope Gbagi,Head of Marketing Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Mobolaji Alalade and Assistant Brand Manager Eagles Schnapps Gbemileke Lawal during A courtesy visit by the IDL Team ahead of the Coronation ceremony in Ife yesterday

NIMASA and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (3)of the Money Laundering Act, 2012. The accused were further alleged to have between April and August, 2014 converted to their own use, the sum of N21,802,000 and additional N53,749,000.00 respectively. When the charge was read to them, they all pleaded not guilty to the offences. In his application, counsel to Akpobolokemi, Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN, prayed the court not to impose stringent bail conditions. Counsel to other accused persons while aligning with submissions of Nwobike also urged the court to exer-

cise it’s discretion judicially and judiciously. EFCC lawyer, said bail was at the discretion of the court, but stressed the need for the verification of all documents, addresses and names presented by the accused.

Justice Buba in a short ruling, said that it was in the interest of justice to grant the accused persons bail in order for them to defend themselves. The matter has been adjourned till December 7, for trial.

Former presidential candidate kidnapped in Kogi By Chris Ochayi

former presidential candidate and National Chairman of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima has been reported kidnapped at Obajana in Kogi State. The ACPN nominated Chief Galadima as its presidential flag bearer in the just concluded March 28, 2015 presidential election. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the ACPN chairman was picked by his abductors after Obajana on his way to Ilorin, the Kwara State

capital to attend the burial of one of his elder brothers. Confirming the development, the National Chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, Chief Peter Ojonugwa Ameh, said, yes, “my colleague has been kidnapped.” Ameh, who is also the Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, disclosed via a text message that, “My colleague, the National chairman and former presidential candidate of ACPN in 2015 general elections, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima has been kidnapped.”

Okada operators resist police raid on Lagos/Badagry Expressway By Oghene Omonisa

HE bid by the Lagos State Government to enforce the restriction of commercial motorcycles on major highways in the state met stiff resistance at LASU Gate Bus stop on the ever-busy Lagos/Badagry Expressway, Ojo on Thursday. Eyewitnesses told Saturday Vanguard that the combined team of operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and officers and men of the Lagos State Task Force on Environment arrived at the busy bus stop from the Mile 2 direction of the highway in four lorries and six patrol trucks, at about 8am. On sighting them, the motorcycle operators sped off in different directions. The team was said to have impounded some motorcycles. Eyewitnesses further informed that the team then

descended on the motorcycle mechanic workshops around the bus stop, impounding motorcycles brought for repairs as well as those parked in the vicinity. That was when members of the Hausa community at the bus stop who are mainly youngsters and constitute majority of the motorcycle operators were alleged to have resisted by holding onto their motorcycles. “My okada was parked in our yard when they arrived. But they came in and took it away”, said one of the operators. Giving his name simply as Aliu, he said when he tried to resist, one of the policemen assaulted him with the butt of his gun until he let go. Many others were also said to have resisted by holding onto their motorcycles and fighting back.

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to bridge the dichotomy between polytechnic and university graduates in the country. The chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society and a senior lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Dr. Bukola Onashoga, stated this on Tuesday at the 7th edition of the annual Information and Technology Development Programme, at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, in Yewa South area of Ogun State. She said “ the government should bridge the gap between the industry and the Academia because the best thing is that the students should be taken round the shores of what is happening in the professional world and the IT professionals too should come around the universities to also put the students through what is happening at their own end. “Those who are succeeding in the IT world today succeeded as a result of their practical presentations of what they have learnt .If you are either a BSC or HND holder and you are unable to display in practical terms what you have learnt in school,then it is nothing.

Banana disease hits Ogun

CORES of farmers in part of Ogun State have cried out over the outbreak of a new banana disease otherwise known as Banana Bunch Top Disease. The farmers were drawn from the affected areas to a workshop in Abeokuta organised by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), on Banana Bunchy Top Disease awareness . The disease broke out at Idologun in Yewa South local government area of the state and has spread to some other parts of the state. Addressing the farmers at the workshop, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ronke Sokefun warned farmers on the rapid spread of the disease which she described as communicable. Sokefun explained that the disease does not have any effect on human beings but, it can be transfered to other plants if not prevented. She said, “this disease does not have a cure and can not be tolerated and we don’t want hardship for our farmers, so we have to eradicate plants with the disease.”

Int’l Brewery partners Igbo on By Ebun Sessou Cultural Day

HE Eze Ndigbo of Mushinland, Eze Dr. John Nwosu has said that the International Breweries would be partnering with the Igbo Community in Mushin for the 2015 edition of ‘Igbo Cultural Day’ which is slated for today at the mini-stadium of the Archbishop Aggey Memorial Secondary School, Mushin. In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, the Eze Ndigbo disclosed that the event which started in 2013 has witnessed tremendous achievements since inception, noting that this year’s edition has taken a new dimension towards uniting Igbo in the Diaspora. With the theme, “Replicating Undiluted Igbo Culture Outside Igboland”, Eze Nwosu, said it was a way of bringing the culture from the hometown to Igbos who are outside Igboland. “Our people do not remain at home and most of us do not travel regularly, that is why we have decided to bring the culture close to the people the way it is in our villages so that those who are not opportune to visit home will feel like home in Lagos.

Digitization: EMCOAN seeks partnership with govt By Chris Onuoha

S part of effort towards achieving digitization in Nigeria, Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN) seeks collaboration with government to actualize timely process. Speaking to journalists in Lagos to announce the upcoming annual dinner of EMCOAN holding on Saturday December 12, at the R &A City Hotel, Ikeja, the President, Debby Odutayo, said: “We are hosting his Excellency the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode at the EMCOAN’s annual dinner this year, aimed at strengthening better relationship and forge stronger tie with government. As media content providers with virtually 80 percent of media contents in the Electronic sector, we have a strong role to play towards actualizing digital process in Nigeria.

8 —SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

BRIEFS

President Buhari’s foreign trips not frivolous — Lai Mohammed By Emmanuel Elebeke

HE Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has justified the many foreign trips of the President, saying that such trips by President Buhari since assuming office are critical to the implementation of his administration key policies of enhancing security, jump-starting the economy, creating jobs and fighting corruption. In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and Culture, Segun

Adeyemi, the Minister said all the trips have started yielding fruits in terms of turning the tide in the fight against the insurgents, attracting investments in the range of billions of dollars, and securing global support for the administration’s anticorruption fight. ‘’Nigerians, whether in the ruling or the opposition parties, have a right to ask questions about the activities of their President, but it is absolutely important that they do so from an informed, rather than partisan or sensational, standpoint,’’ he said. The Minister explained that most of the President’s

trips to Nigeria’s neighbouring countries of Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, as well as to Germany, the US, France and the UN - were devoted to rallying regional and global support for the war against terrorism. ‘’He was in Germany at the invitation of the G7 to solicit support from the Industrialized Nations for the war against terrorism. No one who has witnessed the killings and maiming in the past seven years by Boko Haram will call such trips frivolous. After all, the security and welfare of the citizens are the reason for the existence of any government. ‘’The President’s visit to South Africa was to attend

the regular summit of the African Union; the trip to Ghana was aimed at fostering better relations with a brotherly country; the trip to India was for the India-Africa summit that provided the opportunity to explore ways of enhancing Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Indian investors.” On the trip to Iran, he also explained that the President represented Nigeria in the forum of Gas Exporting Countries, a veritable platform for discussing how to better harness Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for industrial/domestic consumption and export, at a time of dwindling oil prices.

Enugu Go vt appr oves N1 .5b loan tto o Govt appro N1.5b impr ove primar impro primaryy education BY FRANCIS IGATA

•Awards contract for the construction of Ebonyi bridge

etermined to reposition education at the primary school level, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the State Executive Council’s 11th meeting, yesterday, approved the procurement of N1.5 billion loan facility for the provision of counterpart fund to enable the State Universal Basic Education Board to access the World Bank grants for the development of primary schools in the state. The government said it was part of its drive to reposition primary schools in the state to meet the demands of the millennium. In a press briefing at the end of the Council’s meeting presided over by Governor Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, the state

LL roads today lead to Aguobuwa,Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State where the first female Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Cecilia Ezeillo will be treated to a grand reception having broken a gender and political jinx in the annals of the state. Ezeillo, widow to late Chief Malachy Ezeillo

By Vincent Ujumadu, Awka

N Israeli researcher, Dr. Joseph Shevel has at tributed the low investment in education by Nigerian politicians to the fact that the sector takes a long time to mature, saying it was for that reason that the country’s politicians prefer to invest in areas that would assure them quick returns. In a keynote address he delivered at the third international conference organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Shevel, who is the President of Galilee Institute, Israel and a member of Israeli Prime Minister’s committee on Social Policy, described education as the future for any nation because of its ripple effect on all sectors of human endeavour. According to him, to be on the right path for development, a country’s budget for education must meet the basic international standard in line with the Dakar Recommendation, regretting that while the recommendation was that budget for education must not be less than 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, Nigeria’s budget for education has been hovering around 1.5%.

Int’l Brewery partners Igbo on Cultural Day By Ebun Sessou

Ivory League holds lecture on cancer From left: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, former Governor Chimaraoke Nnamani and Dr. Charles Amanze, Clinical Director, Pamo Hospitals, Port Harcourt, at the burial of Nnamani's wife. Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, noted that the grant would enable government to renovate

some primary schools in the state that are in dilapidated state, among others. According to the Commissioner, the council

Ezeagu set to receive first female Dep Governor BY FRANCIS IGATA

Why Nigerian politicians don’t invest much in education –Israeli expert

cut her political teeth at the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2011 as member representing Ezeagu Constituency at the State Assembly. During her stint, she was the Committee Chairperson on Judiciary where she enunciated bills to ameliorate the plight of the physically challenged. Saturday Vanguard checks revealed that Aguobuowa is waiting

anxiously to receive one of their illustrious daughters who has given a renewed impetus to the female folk in the area to aspire to greater heights in any chosen area of endeavor. Meantime, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is expected to grace the occasion where he will appraise the achievements of his administration in the past six months.

had also approved the award of contract for the construction of a bridge across Ebonyi River at Ikem to a reputable company, COMAG Construction Company. He added that the bridge would be of immense benefit to the people traversing to neighbouring towns like Obollo Afor, Obollo Eke and to the Northern part of Nigeria.

HE Ivory League of Progress, a socio-philan thropic organization holds its annual lecture at Ikeja Country Club today. This year’s edition focuses on the scourge of cancer. With the theme: “Prostate and Breast Cancer”, the lecture will be delivered by Dr. Sunday Soyemi, a consultant Pathologist at the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos. According to the club’s President, Mr. Bruce Malogo, it has become incumbent on all and sundry to rise and fight this ravaging demon that comes in the name of cancer.

Ayade for Climate Summit in Paris

OVERNOR Ben Ayade of Cross River has been invited to speak at the ongoing Climate Change Summit in Paris, France. The Summit is put together by the United Nations Secretariat for Climate Change, according to a statement by the Climate Change Secretariat. Other governors listed to speak at the event are Jerry Brown (California), Tiao Viana (Acre), Premier Christy Clark (British Columbia), Aristoteles Sandoval (Jalisco) and Gov. of Washington, Mr. Jay Inslee. Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancouver, Mayor Libby Schaaf of Oakland and Gov. Manuel Gambini of Ucayali, Peru are also expected to deliver papers at the Summit. The three-day event starts from December 7, according to a statement. It also stated that the Summit “brings together governors and mayors, who are adopting ambitious GCF reduction targets and creating economic opportunities by doing so.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—9

BY DR UGOJI EGBOJU

Why Buhari’s Public Support Is Fading

orruption cannot be uprooted in six months but why are its many bold signposts still untouched? Nigerians know that Rome was not built in a day but they also know that the builders of Rome didn’t use baskets to fetch water. When the new government came hope, enthusiasm and optimism swelled. Some took to the roads on feet chaffed by poverty to trek hundreds of kilometers, convinced that misery and hopelessness had been served a quit notice. Six months after, euphoria has subsided, enthusiasm has waned, the bounce hasn’t become bust, but even Buhari’s many supporters have moved from muffled ‘hmmmmm’ to audible gasps ‘ah ah’. We know the ills of the country cannot be sorted in one day but this government must understand that Nigerians have invested huge emotions in it. And if this inertia isn’t transient and therefore benign, if it becomes sustained indolence, ordinary Nigerians may force the change they seek and it won’t be easy going. Many still have faith in Buhari but when APC governorship candidates are announced these days a sinking feeling of hopelessness sits in. Because you get the feeling that even after having won the national elections Buhari has not managed to stamp his authority on the party and affect the way things are done and who represents the party.While his party may not be in immediate jeopardy because the rival PDP is in shambles, the nation cannot survive the current lack of a clear economic direction. Local and international confidence in the economy has dipped. No one knows where it is headed. In an import dependent economy, companies cannot obtain foreign exchange for their letters of credit? The Continues on page 10

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

'Petroleum subsidy and fuel queues' Continues from page 9

unemployment crisis is being compounded by layoffs. It is true Buhari inherited a mess, he needs to show he has a rescue plan. Many of his supporters know he is decisive and can make tough decisions but not a few have begun to wonder whether he has the men to drive the expected change. Nearly every where you turn to there is a manifest absence of the Buhari effect, the Buhari of 1984.

Petroleum subsidy and fuel queues Many Nigerians prior to the elections were convinced Buhari was the man to take the bull by the horns and scrap fuel subsidy . Strangely the government has retained the fuel subsidy. What is their argument? They want to help the poor. That defies reason. The nation is broke, our economy teeters on the brink of a major depression. Civil servants work but now depend on soothsayers to predict when their salaries will come. If governors now sometimes brag about being able to pay routine salaries, how then do we sustain the luxury of financing the enrichment of middlemen in the name of fuel subsidy? Some governors had the impudence to suggest the slashing of minimum wage. The federal government cannot ensure steady supply of petrol because the sheer heft of the sums involved is now frightening, national incomes have dwindled. So the government will dilly and dally about paying subsidy claims until the marketers stanch supplies and twist the arms of government with petrol queues. A needless scarcity intrudes into the lives of Nigerians, keeps them idling and withering away at fuel stations where meters dispense 8 litres as 10 litres and then step aside for calculators because fuel prices now change so quickly that meters can’t cope. In many parts of Nigeria petrol sells for as much as N200 per litre. So much for helping the poor.

This government that ran on zero tolerance for corruption has awarded fuel import allocations to marketers who had forged papers and defrauded the nation of billions of naira in previous fraudulent subsidy claims The government that claims it has no tolerance for wastages will yet pay marketers billions in subsidy? Many international oil traders wonder how the subsidy figures are even arrived at because international prices for refined products are at an all time low. The argument that the removal of subsidy will leave the very poor prostrate even when the subsidy is largely milked by politicians and middlemen is lame. And it leads you to wonder how the government thinks through

its policies. This government that ran on zero tolerance for corruption has awarded fuel import allocations to marketers who had forged papers and defrauded the nation of billions of naira in previous fraudulent subsidy claims. How can this government ignore the report of the presidential committee on subsidy that indicted these marketers? The EFCC engaged in reprehensible selective prosecution of indicted marketers despite an avalanche of hard evidence. How can people who contemplated life in exile because of the skeletons sticking out of their cup boards and pockets be allowed to heave sighs of relief and continue from where they stopped , plundering the economy? Little wonder that the kerosene subsidy fraudulent practices patented by the Jonathan regime have continued like that government still runs the oil industry. PPMC has remained PPMC. The president’s reputation is being mangled by unscrupulous officials. The NNPC imports all the kerosene sold in the country. It then sells the kerosene at about half its cost to marketers at N40.50k per litre. The marketers are obligated to sell the kerosene to the public at

N50 per litre. But because the NNPC and DPR are derelict of their duties and because the subsidy regime in being unenforceable fattens a select few the poor buy kerosene at an average price of 80 naira per litre. So the government naively feeds PPMC officials and marketers and claims its subsidizing kerosene for the poor. PPMC officials are aware the system is being shortchanged so everybody fends for himself. Any patriotic technocrat conversant with the oil sector, committed to change, would make the removal of fuel subsidy a precondition for accepting to head the NNPC or the petroleum ministry. But technocrats in Nigeria aren’t that principled.

The M.T ALKHAF Scandal -

crude oil theft A case of suspected crude oil theft was reported to the Chief of Naval staff in a written petition about two months ago . Naval officers who are supposed to be investigating the matter called the petitioner and asked thousands of questions . They received all they needed. And what did they do with them? Practically nothing. A navy Captain was dispatched to Cotonou to verify that the vessel involved which was offshore Cotonou was laden with crude oil stolen from Nigeria and effect an arrest of the vessel . Surprisingly Continues on page 11

SATURDAY

Continues from page 10

he came back without even as much as getting Cotonou officials to inspect the vessel whose location they were all conversant with. He said Cotonou authorities denied him co operation. Nothing was heard from the Navy again. You wonder why a vessel reported to be carrying crude oil stolen from Nigeria cannot not be properly investigated? The criminal syndicate involved had bragged that they had everyone on their payroll. When the Navy failed, another petition was sent this time to the president and that petition was delivered to the National Security Adviser who ordered an investigation. The foreign affairs ministry got Nigerian embassy in Cotonou involved. Everybody appeared frantic and they asked a multitude of questions. Some of the questions asked and the manner they were asked did not inspire any confidence. They were literary asking to be told what they should do. Every single detail of the parties involved was provided to the Nigerian embassy in Cotonou and they promised swift action. After a couple of days everything cooled down, then like with the Navy, died down. They were either lost or the files were lost. The criminal syndicate was prompted as the information delivered to the authorities were regularly leaked to them. And they began very frantic efforts to sell the crude oil. The officials involved in the investigations were notified but they curiously failed to appreciate the need for urgency. Why should

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—11

'CBN and foreign' exchange petitions written to both the president and the chief of naval staff, all duly acknowledged, all supposedly still being worked upon, not attract a decent attention, not trigger a diligent investigation? Why would those investigating these crimes act in manner that leaves everyone to suspect they are not interested in bringing the criminal syndicate to book? Up till the time of writing this report no proper investigation has commenced and the

Some members of a particular security agency have been arresting traders travelling with large quantities of foreign currency. That’s no news. The news is that these officials seize the monies, threaten them with prosecution but let them off if they surrender the monies to them. For these officials CBNs faulty policy has become a windfall

suspects have sold most of the cargoes. Nigeria deserves pity. Where on earth is the much talked about change? And everyday you hear government officials relentlessly urging the public for information to stem crime and economic sabotage. When information is given people who occupy high positions treat them with the sort of levity that emboldens criminals and puts the informant in great jeopardy. It would appear that many people in this government aren’t on the same wavelength with the president and are perhaps committed to proving that ‘change’ is mere rhetoric

CBN and foreign exchange The exchange rate of the naira is about 199 to a dollar. The government is resolutely frittering away scarce foreign exchange resources propping that fictitious exchange rate because the BDCs to whom the dollars are sold resell them at over N240 a dollar. Ordinary Nigerians do not get dollars at 199, so why prop the naira? To check racketeering, the CBN wants the banks and BDCs to submit names of customers to whom foreign exchange was availed and their BVNs. So what do the BDCs do? They approach some unscrupulous bank officials who compile names of bank customers and

BVNs from their data bases and sell to the BDCs at N3000 per name. You wont believe it, names of unsuspecting and innocent people are sent to the CBN daily as having purchased foreign exchange, submitted to CBN as documentary evidence of disbursement of foreign exchange. CBN will feign and claim ignorance. The nation is being bled from all ends. Why is it difficult for the government to comb the streets and gather intelligence? The CBN is aware that its measures to stymie burgeoning demand for foreign exchange have failed and it has chosen to maintain an exchange rate with significant disparity with the black market. Currency dealers who have the right connections have become millionaires overnight at the expense of our foreign exchange reserves. And because foreign cash transfers are now largely prohibited, traders move foreign currency in cash out of Nigeria. It is no secret that they now patronize Aminu Kano international airport for currency trafficking where restrictions and checks that exist in Lagos are non existent. Recently a traveller was

arrested at an airport with more than 100 ATM cards. He is not alone. Nigerians now give out their ATM cards at a fee to currency dealers who use those cards abroad to buy items which they resell and bring back dollars into the country to sell at black market rate. Like things in Nigeria everybody has become a foreign exchange speculator. President Buhari please, this is an easy call. And the government must hear this. Some members of a particular security agency have been arresting traders travelling with large quantities of foreign currency. That’s no news. The news is that these officials seize the monies, threaten them with prosecution but let them off if they surrender the monies to them. For these officials CBNs faulty policy has become a windfall.

THE CUSTOMS

The Customs service has a former military man as its new head. And you would think that such a transgression against service culture will be mollified by immediate tangible positive changes. Lets leave the allegations of ethnic cleansing aside but they are weighty. Why has Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

'Lagos,traffic snarls and robbers'

road has potholes that can swallow cars. Fashola is at the helm of works ministry, Ambode is governor of Lagos and between them someone must take responsibility for the many lives crushed at that spot by falling trucks and their crashing containers. If Lagos suffered from just potholes and loss of some lives daily to such accidents then the anxiety that has gripped millions may be better imagined. The Economist wrote about the impossibility of Lagos traffic and the state government threw tantrums. But daily commuters wear their lives away in senseless traffic snarls where they sit to be dispossessed and maimed by robbers who have acquired an ubiquity that has made being on the road in Lagos a particularly risky endevour. That Ambode has been to Apapa many times to tackle the traffic mess without engineering anything more than a fleeting reprieve leaves one with the impression that the government is tragically helpless. Ambode fortunately listens to criticisms and responds to issues but Lagos wants immediate practical results. It is hoped that as he has brought in helicopters and gun boats to fight crime that something out of the box will be designed to curb the menace of “traffic jam robbers”

Boko Haram, Kidnapping and General policing Continues from page 11

the customs service continued with old customs? Import papers are still routinely ‘machined’ (clearing agents don’t say ‘forged’), processes are still prohibitively circuitous. Clearing agents still ‘fly’ containers (clear containers with false documents without inspection!). Goods that attract heavy import duties are still being cleared as those with low import duties. A container of Hennessy Brandy which should attract 200% import duty will be cleared as ‘supermarket goods ’ and the duty will be negotiated with the Customs. The new customs boss has integrity but the system is riddled with corruption. Little has changed. The bill of laden comes with a false declaration, the

Fashola is at the helm of works ministry, Ambode is governor of Lagos and between them someone must take responsibility for the many lives crushed at that spot by falling trucks and their crashing containers

container is routed to a private bonded terminal where a customs officer who understands the plot is in control, and just about anything can be cleared as stainless steel which attracts no duty. And this not only drains national revenues but also distorts competition, makes the playing field uneven for traders. Traders who do not have the reach to play the game at the ports in Nigeria have continued to clear their goods through Cotonou where goods come into the country without paying proper duties . Cotonou is considered favourable because importers pay very little to Beninoise officials at Cotonou port and when they get to the border post at Seme the goods are repacked. A consignment of 5 containers can be packed into one specially built truck and cleared as two containers. Do you

still wonder why customs officers consider posting to the border as lucrative? The coming of Buhari has sadly not changed anything. But the traders in Lagos would even complain that Katsina and other borders in far north have been seeing heavy volumes of goods trucked from Lome and Cotonou and that duties are rarely paid at those border posts where no real assessment happens.

Lagos,traffic snarls and robbers Where really is the change?The rains have ended and power generation has perhaps gotten tired of body language? In our everyday lives, we feel no change. Not even symbolic change. At Ilasa on Oshodi-Apapa expressway containercarrying trucks fall regularly because that portion of the

The new government has reclaimed most of our national territories controlled by the insurgents. Officers and men of the military confirm that morale is now high and the military is better equipped and motivated. The insurgency sadly is far from over. Boko haram may be in disarray but the incidence of suicide bombing and number of lives lost worries all Nigerians. The support of the Nigerian public for the military is at an all time high. While boko haram may take longer than expected to be routed the persistence of commercial kidnapping and violent crimes beg for better policing. Many live in perpetual fear of kidnappers who have always managed to collect their ransoms. A Continues on page 13

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Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—13

Continues from page 12

special police squad should be trained and equipped to tackle efficiently the scourge of kidnapping. That will be some change. The regular police cannot handle kidnapping and the DSS appears to get involved in only high profile cases. The government must make the people feel change. If some of the supporters of the president feel betrayed it is because policemen still shamelessly take bribes in daylight on the street. They expected a change from day one. It is difficult to believe that this government with all the promise can allow itself get used to so much routine corruption, so much ineptitude. “ If Buhari cannot tackle the economy, why can’t Buhari make a statement on police , customs and bribes” a student of Lagos state university asked in bemusement

The need for high profile sting operations Buhari has been on the saddle for six months and not a single publicized high profile police sting operation has been conducted. So why wont lecturers continue selling handouts and selling marks. And why wont a judiciary ravaged by corruption not have judges who are still selling judgments. Even some election tribunals have been sullied by stories of graft. It’s easy to conduct sting operations on judges and lecturers. Courts and universities must represent the moral fountains of the society. Nothing has changed. Nothing can change if the government feels it doesn’t have to earn righteousness. But no reputation can be sustained by wishfulness alone. Buhari’s favourable ratings will disappear if his

'The need for high profile sting operations' government is perceived as condoning of incompetence and indolence. The war against corruption must start from within the police, the customs and the judiciary. Nothing has happened, it is good to arrest and prosecute thieving politicians, but much more needs to start happening

EFCC, ICPC and CCB Those who supported change in government because Jonathan performed woefully can barely stand the bold shamelessness with which the fight against corruption has become a one sided affair . Soon every body will become a member of the APC and the multiparty environment we craved for will disappear. Sometimes you cant but cringe at the clumsiness and tardiness of anti corruption agencies and their penchant for attention seeking gimmickry in the name of war against corruption. The culture of poor , wayward, prosecution prevalent in these agencies will not help the president. Its six months and besides one or two cases that haven’t managed to get off the tracks the much trumpeted ‘catching of goats that ate our yams’ has remained largely a propaganda. Why does the government put the cart

before the horse. Revelations of wide scale embezzlement of government funds were gleefully announced by government officials over three months ago. Besides the arrest of Dasuki and his aides not so much has happened. The public knows that well advertised arrests mean nothing, only convictions count. The government was expected to merge the EFCC and the ICPC to enhance capacity and effectiveness . But as with many other things , the government appears not to have had a plan before coming into office. The government had war against corruption as a priority and left many shocked when it left Lamorde in office for so long. The EFCC is overwhelmed while the ICPC which has better facilities is rarely heard. The CCB should as a matter of urgency dig deep and find supporters of the new government who have falsely declared assets in the past and prosecute them.. The perception that they are engaging in political witch hunt must be laid to rest

Public support is fading If the government thinks it is entitled to public support then it must think again. The public is getting tired of this culture of talking too much and doing too little. Some stopped fasting and said that their prayers have been

answered. Mockers and jesters and ‘ wailers’ have now taken center stage singing “ we told you so”. The government must wake up. There is a unique opportunity to change the way things are done here because the majority shed apathy and embraced hope If the public loses confidence in this government, Nigeria will suffer. But six months after, where is the change? Buhari is still spare, austere and considered incorruptible but government bureaucracy has remained very rickety, almost moribund. There is too much noise. Many Nigerians think noise making is perhaps worse than mere ‘cluelessness’ because the former has added pretentiousness. Many want the president to engage the public directly and regularly and not from foreign lands. Nigerians seek regular domestic presidential media briefings that deals forthrightly with their worries. And they want to feel the government. That is not happening.

Going forward Buhari must not go the way of Jonathan. He must rise up to the challenge. He must listen to criticisms, he must be responsive. Change is the agenda of

The war against corruption must start from within the police, the customs and the judiciary. Nothing has happened, it is good to arrest and prosecute thieving politicians, but much more needs to start happening

Nigerian youths. It will pay the political class if Buhari succeeds, brings change. Nigerians are fired up and cannot be let down. Their appetite for change has been thoroughly whetted and they cant be let down now. The hunger of the youths must not change to anger. No one expected a messiah, but many expected a determined effort to instill rectitude. Those who supported Buhari and other well meaning people must rise and make insistent demands on this government and its agents and help Buhari bring about change .

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP POLL:

The men, their strengths and weaknesses

BY EMEM IDIO

he conquest of the now defunct All Peoples Party, APP, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 1999 was the beginning of the end of competitive elections in Bayelsa State, until now. Ironically, the PDP won the 1999 governorship election in the view of many by stroke of luck arising from the fact that the election took place well after the rest of the country voted. The APP candidate at the election, Chief Francis Doukpola was by most accounts more popular with voters than the PDP’s Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who was at that time relatively unknown. However, the fact that the PDP had won at the centre made many to swing towards the PDP. Since then, the PDP progressively waxed to become the only party in the state. Remarkably, one of the leaders of the opposition in 1999 was one retired policeman turned lawyer, Barrister Serikae Dickson who was chairman of the then Alliance for Democracy, AD and helped the party to make the only Senate seats outside the Southwest. In the past the only credentials one needed to become the governor of the state was to grab a PDP gubernatorial ticket, stay in the good books of godfathers, and Creek Haven, the Bayelsa official seat of power would be yours. The main election was a mere formality and caricature of the actual exercise. Ironically, today’s governorship election in the state is widely subscribed as the first ‘real election’ to have taken place in Bayelsa since

1999, as it will not be business as usual.

Strengths and weaknesses of major contenders

SERIKAE DICKSON, PDP Hon Dickson so believes in his achievements and rates himself high. He has capitalized on the pitfalls of the past administration, claiming that he has restored peace and security in the state. Though Dickson never probed Sylva’s government, but he has been crying out about the huge financial commitments that his predecessor, (Sylva) allegedly plunged the state into. To Hon Dickson, Sylva’s government was a colossal failure with poor human rights record and he wants Bayelsans to so believe. Considering the circumstances surrounding his dramatic ascension to power, Dickson in a bid to impress the people embarked on a litany of projects, some of which the opposition referred to as “white elephant projects.” Early preparation Dickson had left no one in doubt about his desire to seek re-election, a decision that brought him into conflict with some PDP political figures in the state including the Dame Patience Jonathan and a state chairman of the party, the late Col Sam Inokoba who later decamped to the APC. After the loss of PDP at the Centre, Dickson knew that his re-election will be a battle. To begin with, he single handedly installed 21 House of Assembly members, who he is also banking on to deliver their constituencies for him. He has also sought to use the established structures of the

Ironically, today’s governorship election in the state is widely subscribed as the first ‘real election’ to have taken place in Bayelsa since 1999, as it will not be business as usual

witnessed a community based campaigns by the two major contenders from the PDP and the APC. But it is the PDP candidate who carried out the most intense and widespread campaigns among the candidates. Having nicknamed himself “Talk na Do Countryman Governor” Hon Dickson dines and wines with the locals. For some of the locals, the Dickson era is the first time they have been visited by a sitting governor, an event they will forever relish. One major imprint of the Dickson era is the projection of transparency, a move that was helped by a state law that compels the state governor to every month declare to all stakeholders in the state the funds received into the state account and how it is utilised. Many believe that the Governor’s meet the people campaigns to the hinterland will give him an edge over his opponents if the gale of endorsements and supports are anything to be taken seriously.

Dickson’s Weaknesses

PDP to penetrate every nook and cranny of the state. His grassroots oriented development approach and projects have also boosted his popularity at the grassroots level with the actual voters. The Toru-Orua born politician has since appointed PDP polling units, community and wards coordinators in all the communities in the state. He has handed down “operation delivers your unit “charge on party chieftains. Aggressive grassroots Campaign The state for the first time

Dickson’s major weakness lies in the perception of the style of leadership. The shrewd lawyer turned politician has installed fiscal discipline in the running of government business. Aside the stringent fiscal control and accountability within the state civil service to check corrupt civil servants, he also introduced the electronic time check on civil servants to check absenteeism in the system. However, civil servants have been crying to high heavens about the repressive tax regime of the Dickson led administration which has reduced the take home pay of the civil servants. The governor has also ensured a paradigm

shift by refusing to dole out state funds to patronized political leaders and lackeys. But politicians see his stringent policies as deliberate attempt to starve them of access to the spoils of government; this explains the many defections and resignation of his cabinet members. The worry in Dickson’s camp is the fear of betrayal by his trusted allies on Election Day.

SYLVA’ STRENGTH Sylva’s Strength Timipre Sylva, the charismatic Okpoama born graduate of the University of Port Harcourt is not new to the murky waters of politics. In 1991 at just 27 years old he was elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly before that republic was aborted by the military. Coming as a governor by providence after he was drafted to become the PDP candidate in 2007 following Jonathan’s elevation as presidential running mate to the Late Umaru Yar’adua, through the instrumentality of his former boss and former Petroleum minister, now Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, Sylva began to build his own political dynasty. To this end, he appointed young youths into sensitive positions of trust and empowered others with juicy contracts. Virtually all the aides he appointed including elected former local government chairmen are back on his train. Some of his loyalists who were lured into

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SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—15

The men, their strengths and weaknesses Continues on page 13 taking appointment in Dickson’s government resigned their appointments to work for Sylva. While many see Dickson as tight fisted, Sylva is described as a man of good heart and a generous fellow. During his first stint, he was also popular among civil servants for his welfare incentives. He was also an item among the ex-militants who he ‘patronised’ politically. In his speech after he won the APC governorship ticket, Sylva declared that during his first term “monkey dey work bamboo dey chop”, and promised that when he captures power, it will be “monkey go work monkey go chop.” One of the greatest legacies of Sylva’s first tenure was his alleged contribution to the evolvement of the Amnesty Programme, a programme that helped to stem militancy in the creeks. Sylva’s greatest arsenal today is his closeness with the federal government. As a former governor. His closeness to the President Buhari has given his supporters the audacity to conclude that the election has already been won and lost.

Sylva’s Weaknesses

Sylva’s time in government between 2007 and 2012 was very turbulent and coincided with the height of militancy in the Niger Delta region. While he battled to find a lasting solution to the crisis, his election was annulled in

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

oters in Bayelsa State go to the polls today to elect a new governor for the state in a contest that has laid bare, the onetime invincibility of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state. Beyond the expectation from the two major candidates in today’s election, Serikae Dickson of the PDP and Timipire Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is the prospect of the election crowning a year of political setbacks for the first president to have emerged from the South-South, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. A loss for Dickson would inevitably put a question mark on Bayelsa being a foothold for the PDP and end the luck and lustre that that has been the lot of Dr. Jonathan since he was plucked from government bureaucracy into the political arena in 1998. Besides Dickson and Sylva, another 18 contestants are also contesting today’s election, the most famous of whom is the young multimillionaire, Moses Siasia best known outside Bayelsa as a younger brother

Moses Siasia, the young enigmatic businessman and multi-millionaire would have offered a better alternative according to Bayelsans, but he was not prepared early enough for the task ahead 2008, and he re-contested and won. What is held as the most scathing memory of the former governor is the alleged human right abuses reportedly perpetrated by ‘Operation Famou Tamgbe’, a security outfit of the then administration. The dreaded Famou Tamgbe evoked fear in the lives of the citizenry as close associates of the governor reportedly used the outfit to unleash terror on perceived political enemies. Sylva has since defended himself by claiming that he was oblivious of the abuses perpetrated by the security outfit but said he accepted full responsibility as governor. Interestingly, the former Special Adviser on Security Matters to Sylva during his reign as governor, Chief Richard Kpodoh, is now a bitter critic of Sylva, alleging

that the former governor used the outfit as a state sponsor machinery to unleash terror on citizens. Kpodoh who is reported to have coined “Famou Tamgbe’ translated loosely in Ijaw to mean “Kill and throw away” or “sweep and throw away” is now a sympathetic supporter of the PDP. In his quest to find lasting peace in the Niger Delta, Sylva made friends with the ex-Niger Delta war lords. At a time he was accused of habouring the ex-agitators in Government House. Sylva, was however instrumental to the success of the Federal Government Amnesty Programme, as he persuaded some of the ex-war lords to accept the offer. Most of the ex-agitators are now card carrying APC chieftains in the state. Sylva’s relationship with the ex-

agiators to some extent explains the popularity of Sylva’s candidature among youths mostly the ex-militants. Nevertheless, a chunk of other ex-agitators are also sympathetic to Dickson.

Moses Siloko Siasia Moses Siasia, the young enigmatic businessman and multi-millionaire would have offered a better alternative according to Bayelsans, but he was not prepared early enough for the task ahead. Resourceful and highly intelligent, Siasia who flies the flag of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, is the founder of the Nigeria Young Professionals Forum, NYPF, is popular among the urban youths particularly students .

Too Close to

Call in Bayelsa

-Jonathan, associates in pitch battle for Dickson

of Nigeria’s Under 23 team manager, Samson Siasia. Sylva governed the state on the platform of the PDP but switched parties following the intrigues that denied him the party’s re-election ticket in 2012 supposedly on the orders of former President Jonathan. With the APC now in control of the Federal Government, it is not surprising that today’s contest and the campaign leading to it has been shadowed with much threat of vendetta and violence. The PDP is for the first time coming into an election since 2003 without the control of the instruments of security. It is not

surprising that the state’s registered 663,639 voters have in the last few months been able to subject governorship candidates to scrutiny of their plans and politics at close quarters. The prospects of Governor Dickson for a second term have lately been challenged by a series of defections from the party and from his government. Though largely unsaid, but whispered, are complaints by government officials of the governor’s tight hands, a claim that has largely been rebuffed by his supporters who say it underlines the governor’s measure of sincerity with

government funds. Dickson has gone to virtually all the communities in the state and sometimes slept in the communities showcasing his projects. Sylva who was late in kicking off his campaign has also sought to puncture the achievements of the administration saying that he did better than Dickson in his time in office and would do better. The prospect of Sylva returning has inadvertently helped to paper over political differences many of the state’s elites had with Dickson. President Jonathan by some accounts also helped to nudge some of the aggrieved political elites into supporting Dickson.

Siasia who sits on top of a chain of companies, boasts of investments in agriculture, real estate, oil and gas and manufacturing, has also employed hundreds of youths. He has promised a two point agenda of education and employment, vowing that he will provide free education at all levels and create millions of jobs. However, his unwillingness to spend on the election and lack of public service experience may cost him dearly. But he has argued that he should be given the opportunity to be tested. He fervently believes that since he can effectively manage men and resources of his companies, he possess the managerial acumen to run Bayelsa state.

One of the influential politicians forced to reconcile with Dickson was Senator Paulker Emmanuel, who is now in his third term in the Senate and had fought a bruising political battle with the governor before the March 2015 election and who also contested against the governor in the PDP governorship primaries leading to today’s election. President Jonathan according to sources was, however, able to mollify Senator Paulker who is a blood relation, and nudged him into seeing the bigger picture. President Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience like many of her protégées, also in view of the lager picture have also unbent towards Dickson. The thought of Bayelsa becoming politically inhospitable to them and their patron after the loss in Abuja has forced many associates of the former president to sheath their swords against Dickson. Following penultimate Saturday’s inconclusive election in Kogi State, the Prof. Mahmud Yakubu led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has another opportunity to straighten itself in a contest that is largely said to be too close to call.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

OONI Intrigues STOOL : before coronation and installation

the Oshinkola Ruling House, amidst protests, uproar and disenchantments. Prince Adekola only reigned as Ooni Elect in the Ipebi for two months. He did not come out of the Ipebi (traditional period of seclusion, tutelage and performance of traditional rites). His death caused a major uproar.

The stool of the Ooni of Ife as a symbol of the stool of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race has always been full of intrigues, power play, chicanery, subterfuge, whenever the throne becomes vacant or during periods before coronation. Oba Adenekan Olubuse I, from the Ogbooru Ruling house was the Ooni between 1884 and 1910. He was Ooni Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse’s, grandfather. His reign was peaceful and colourful. He was the first Ooni to travel out of his domain. After his death in 1910, there were many contenders to the throne of Ooni, most especially from the Oshinkola Ruling House. Ooni Adenekan Olubuse I, was succeeded by Prince Adekola from

THE COMING OF THE GIESI FAMILY In parenthesis, Ooni Ogbooru who had reigned as Ooni for seventy Years, was deposed and he left for Ife-Odan where he settled with his family and followers. Six Princes of other Ruling Houses were appointed successfully within a year and all died uncrowned. The throne of Ooni was therefore boycotted. They had to resort to Ifa Consultation and they were instructed to recall King Ogbooruthe deposed Ooni. All efforts to recall him failed, the old man bluntly refused to return. They approached Moropo, his eldest and beloved daughter, to beg him to come back and she succeeded in gaining her father’s ears, but instead of returning at his old age, he agreed to bless Giesi-Moropo’s son as his successor, if the Chiefs of Ife would accept him. The Chiefs were glad to hear this news

HON (BARR) FEMI KEHINDE t is a striking coincidence that the 51st Ooni of Ife, Ooni Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi will also be formally installed and presented with the Staff of Office on the 7th of December, 2015 at the Enuwa Square and thus begins another epochal journey in the History of Yoruba Nation.

C M Y K

and they accepted him. Giesi was blessed by his maternal grandfather and was instructed to remove certain things at certain places in the palace and the gate before his proclamation. After carrying out the instructions, he presented himself and was proclaimed king and successor of his deposed grandfather. He had a successful reign. It is also interesting to note, that if Prince Adekola, Son of Akintoye had successfully, succeeded Oba Adenekan Olubuse I and blessed with a long life, there may not be Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, who eventually became Ooni in 1930, after the demise of Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun.

ATOBATELE Ademiluyi Ajagun in 1910 had fiercely contested the throne of Ooni with Prince Adekola of the Oshinkola Ruling House. Prior to

Houses were appointed successfully within a year and all died uncrowned

the demise of Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun in 1930 and from around 1928, Prince Adesoji Aderemi had been popularly referred to by the people of Ile-Ife as “Atobatele” and “Ooni lola” (Future King). The reigning Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun did not particularly like this. He was a very strong and ebullient king. He was very authoritative and assertive and would not have perhaps seen a good successor in Adesoji Aderemi, who incidentally, was his son- Prince Adeyemi’s best friend. There was a significant event in 1928 which gave Aderemi a foretaste of the other side of Royalty and a prelude to impending imbroglio, for a successor to the throne, upon Ooni Ademiluyi’s demise. Adesoji Aderemi as Prince was a hugely successful business man and

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SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—17

Continues from page 16 entrepreneur, that he was nicknamed- Atobatele: (already famed as king) by his contemporaries. The crowned prince of Oluwo of Iwo, was paying a visit to the Crowned Prince of Ife- Prince Adeyemi Ademiluyi, Prince Adesoji Aderemi’s friend. The Crowned Prince of Iwo wanted to also pay a visit to one of his town folks- Sarau, the leader of the Butchers Association. ADEREMI’S IMPERSONATION CHARGE AND ENTHRONEMENT Adesoji Aderemi came around in his open-roof car (he had bought his first car in 1920 and by 1930 had used three cars) and saw the visiting entourage packed full in a car in Okerewe Street on the forecourt of Gbadebo Adesola. Prince Adeyemi Ademiluyi who was quite friendly with Aderemi, pleaded with him to help give a ride to the Iwo Crown Prince and his town’s man- Sarau, especially as the Iwo Crown Prince was plagued with “Sobiya” on his leg. Traditional drummers were also part of the entourage. It is interesting to note, that the visiting Prince had on a previous day, visited Prince Aderemi during which Aderemi acknowledged the visitor’s Fatherthe Oluwo of Iwo as his very good friend, when he was Station Master of the Nigerian Railways Corporation at Ile-Ogbo. Now it happened that on this princely occasion, that the three Princes wore the same traditional “Etu Dandogo” and were really in great grandeur. Prince Aderemi agreed to take the visiting Prince to the Palace where he paid obeisance to Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun, and they all left for the Igbodo Quarters of crown Prince Adeyemi, for entertainment and merriment befitting princes. Adeyemi’s car was leading, followed closely by Prince Aderemi’s car, carrying him and the Iwo Crown Prince. Aderemi’s driver at that time was Salami, who was from Ikirun. When the people saw the entourage with the accompanying grandeur, they started the shouts of Kabiyesi! Kabiyesi! Kabiyesi!-hailing the occupants of Aderemi’s, car mistaking them for the Ooni. Reports however reached the Ooni’s Palace, that Prince Aderemi was C M Y K

Aderemi’s

impersonation charge and enthronement unknowingly hailed as the Oba and that he responded. Ooni Ademiluyi was greatly angered by this and Prince Aderemi was charged with impersonation and loud flamboyant display of wealth, at the Upper Palace Court. Prince Aderemi was generally portrayed as a threat to the Ife throne. Several people intervened and pleaded with the Ooni not to convict him. Prince Aderemi, sensing this imminent danger, secretly paid a visit to Captain Ross- the then Resident of the Oyo Province in Ibadan, intimating him with the matter. On the judgment day, Prince Aderemi was made to lie in a prostrate position for about 3 hours at the Upper Palace Court, but he was not ruffled. He was eventually asked to pay a fine of 25 pounds or face a heavier penalty. He paid the fine, intimidatingly in brand new silver dollar coins. Despite the hiccups, Prince Aderemi ascended the throne in 1930, upon the demise of Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun.

It is instructive to note that the sum of 25 pounds which he paid as fine was paid back to him by the Ife Local Council on his ascension to the throne. Whilst there was no love lost between Ademiluyi Ajagun as Ooni and his successor Adesoji Aderemi, there was a natural camaraderie between Adesoji Aderemi as Ooni and his successor- Okunade Sijuwade. As a matter of fact, Okunade was like a son to Adesoji Aderemi. Okunade’s father- Adereti Olubuse, Adesoji Aderemi, Johnson Omisore, Ajayi Ojikutu, Jones Oyeniran (Son of Ogunsua, the Former Baale of Modakeke) Rufus Awojodun, Felicia Odutimi ( Mother of Rev’d S.A. Adeyefa, former principal of Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife) were all foundation students of St. Phillips School, Iyekere, Ile-Ife in January, 1900. THE OBAFEMI AWOLOWO LINK Ooni Adesoji Aderemi was highly instrumental in Okunade Sijuwade’s relationship with the Obafemi Awolowo family, who also took him like a son. He actually worked with the Awolowo Tribune Newspaper for about 2 years before he travelled

It is instructive to note that the sum of 25 pounds which he paid as fine was paid back to him by the Ife Local Council on his ascension to the throne

to NorthHampton Polytechnic in the United Kingdom for further studies. Awolowo and Ooni Adesoji Aderemi had probably seen in Okunade, a future Ooni that would lift to higher heights, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi’s legacies. When Sir Adesoji Aderemi transited to higher glory on 3rd July, 1980, Okunade became the natural choice of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as Asiwaju of Yorubas and also Chief Bola Ige, the incumbent governor of Awolowo’s ruling party in Oyo State- the Unity Party of Nigeria. Chief Obafemi Awolowo upon the demise of Adesoji Aderemi, called Okunade Sijuwade then in London, where he had the headquarters of his business, to intimate him of the demise of the Ooni and later said- “Prince, ile ya” (home beckons). it is time to return home. There were also candidates from other ruling houses, Lafogido and Giesi but with a cleared road, Okunade was installed and crowned the 50th Ooni of ife on 6th December, 1980 in an impressive ceremony attended by the Emir of Kano, Oba of Benin, Amayanbo of Opobo and Olu of Warri as well as by representative of the Queen of England, amogst several other dignitaries. Destiny has also cleared the path for the 41 year old new monarch- Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, emerging from a list of over 20 contenders from his Giesi Ruling House. It is a striking coincidence that the 51st Ooni of Ife, Ooni Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi will also be formally installed and presented with the Staff of Office on the 7th of December, 2015 at the Enuwa Square and thus begins another epochal journey in the History of Yoruba Nation. The destiny of a nation depends on its leadership, the destiny of a person depends on the parentage and luck and the destiny of the Yoruba Nation has certainly just begun again!

Hon (Barr) Femi Kehinde Former Member, House of Representatives National Assembly Abuja, representing Ayedire/Iwo/OlaOluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, (1999-2003) & Principal Partner Femi Kehinde & Co (Solicitors) 84, Iwo Road, Ibadan

18—SA TURD AY 18—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

With Esama, Oshiomhole has over stepped his bounds — Omo - Ojo BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ournalist, publisher, frontline All

Progressives Congress, APC stalwart and former commissioner in the Adams Oshiomhole government in Edo State, Hon. Orobosa Omo- Ojo in this interview speaks on contemporary issues in Edo politics. Excerpts:

•Hon. Orobosa Omo- Ojo

our party, the APC is yet to come out with its decision of which of the three senatorial districts in the state will have the governorship ticket. What is your take on this? Let me say from the onset that my party, our party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) does not have a zoning formula. We have precedence that has been tested before now from the last presidential primaries, where we had aspirants from the South-West, North-East, and North-West. The PDP may have a reason why they zoned the governorship ticket to Edo South, but in APC, we don’t have such arrangement in place. C M Y K

Will this not lead to acrimony and defections especially if the primary is seen not to be free and fair? Dumping the party will become a viable and attractive alternative if the process leading to the election of the governorship candidate is not seen to be free and fair. For me, that can be the only decent and patriotic reason why anybody would want to leave the party. We must ensure that we tell

ourselves the home that right now, the only viable way, the only serious means that our party the APC can guarantee our sustenance, our continuity in Denis Osadebey way is through a free and fair credible primaries because whether we like it or not. We must tell ourselves the home truth; the popularity of our party two or three years ago is not there again. Let me say it loud and clear that I am personally taking my time even after leaving office to speak to Mr. Governor on the need for us to begin to take better steps in such a way that we keep to our promises we made in 2007 and 2012, in such a way that the election next year will be easier for us to win. truth

Dumping the party will become a viable and attractive alternative if the process leading to the election of the governorship candidate is not seen to be free and fair

What is your reaction to claims that the governor is supportive of one of his aides to succeed him? Well, I want to pretend that I have not heard that the governor has a preferred candidate to succeed him. The name that I have heard and being bandied about, I just obviously feel and believe that what I have heard amounts to mere rumours and so, I want it to remain so. If not, the consequences will be very great for our party because where we are now at the same spot we were in 2007 when few of us, patriots, came together to come against all odds to come and rescue the state, to put back the ship of state on sail. There is so much division politically and socially in the state. So, it will only take a man that has a stone heart and goodwill across the three senatorial zones, a man that has populist followership, a man that is a friend to the students, market women, civil society, who we see as a stranger as Oshiomhole was in 2007 to the state politics.. The structure that was in place then, is no longer in place, the structure as it is that brought us into power in 2007 are antagonistic to us today, they are on the other side and by next year, we are confronting them. So, let the governor not pretend, the party leaders not pretend and I am saying it loud and clear that the governor today does not have a Continues on page 19

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continues from page 18 political structure in the state; a lot of people will pretend, some people because of fear, because of what they will eat the next day may not want to tell him. I have consistently said so even as I as a member of the State Executive Council. I have told my colleagues who care to hear, I have consistently told the governor over four years ago of the need to build a political structure. Well, he has not done that, so, in less than seven months into the next governorship election, July next year, the only way we can salvage the state, and I hope our national leaders are listening is to give the ticket to a man who has already built a structure on his own.

How can the party harmonise the aspirations of the candidates from Edo South and Edo Central? I am equally happy that the APC has said there is no zoning. So, let all the aspirants come on board and tell us their programmes, let them go out to the 192 wards we have in the state and sell their qualifications, their manifestoes and programmes to our members. Sadly, most of the names that are coming apart from maybe Ken Imansuangbon, and one or two others I have seen, others are waiting for the proverbial support of the governor. The party needs a man that will come and heal structure, so that we can all come together, work and win the next election. So, whether, we have four or five aspirants from Edo South, two or three from Edo central, off-course, it is a straight contest between Zones, it does not worry me at all as long as we have quality aspirants vying for the position. It is alleged that leaders of Edo Central are appealing to colleagues from Edo South to concede the governorship to them given their previous support for Edo South candidates like Chief Lucky Igbinedion and John Odigie Oyegun. What is your reaction? I am one of those Edo South leaders that have been approached and I have listened to them, I have equally responded to say yes. Politics is not about emotion, it is not an emotional business, it is all about negotiation; it is all about marketing, if you have a beautiful product, if you come out and show case it and sell it. And I have advised the leaders from Edo Central to say, don’t work on the premises that it is my turn I believe that the issue of zoning has reduced this country to the mediocre level that we are today. And when Adams Oshiomhole came in 2007 not because we was from Edo South, because we looked at all the major aspirants then, but they were all from Edo South, but when he came in at the last minute we decided to give him our platform because with the experience he had gathered at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), that will put him in a good stead to be able to C M Y K

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—19

With Esama, Oshiomhole has over stepped his bounds

I have told my Edo Central leaders and friends that as they move around canvassing for votes, don’t say, is it our turn, say, we have the best candidate from Edo Central

deliver the populist agenda in the state. So, Edo State people have never, never bothered ourselves about tribes or religion before we decided. In the same 2007, when Adams Oshiomhole was contesting, we had Hon. Arigbe - Osula, a populist young man who won the House of Representatives seat for Oredo Federal Constituency on the platform of the ANPP at a time when the PDP was like an octopus in the state. So, I have told my Edo Central leaders and friends that as they move around canvassing for votes, don’t say, is it our turn, say, we have the best candidate from Edo Central. And that is how I gave them my support. And I equally said, that my support for Ken Imansuangbon is not a support for Edo Central candidacy, it is not. Any other candidate from Edo Central may not have my support because I am a product of a transparent system. It is because some of the aspirants believe that it is the turn of the Binis, that is why a man that cannot afford to remove debris from drainages, a man that cannot use broken blocks to fill pot holes as a commissioner and you want to be given the 18 local governments councils to govern, it then means we are going to go from bad to worse. That is my own position. I will not say because I am going to support Edo Central that you will go and bring one weakling from Edo Central. Ken Imansuangbon to me represents the hope and aspiration of the teeming people of Edo State. He is a wealth creator; he is very articulate and can deliver the goods.

•Hon. Orobosa Omo- Ojo

Are you worried with the faceoff between Governor Adams Oshionhole and the Igbinedion family? I am for probe but you don’t probe people on the pages of newspapers. You don’t probe your predecessor while addressing the youths. You don’t probe your former commissioner while you are speaking to cameras; rather, I will say that in recent times I have been worried by the uncontrolled manner in which Mr. Governor has been addressing some very, very salient issues. All through my stay in government because I know people will always say, what did you do when you were in government; I have spoken out against reckless accusations, I have always advised the governor against making imaginary enemies for himself. My last meeting with him before my exit from government, the Commissioner of Finance was there, when the issue of the Esama of Benin came up; where he accused me that he was told that I made phone calls to the Esama, that I was seen in Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s church. And I did tell him in the presence of the Commissioner of Finance that the Esama of Benin Kingdom is a cultural icon, not just a political icon that he has grown above a political icon. And that I don’t see anything wrong in making phone calls to him, that I made phone

calls to him before he became governor, and not just phone calls, I visit him at home. And he asked me, ‘what you discussed about me with him?’ And I said, Esama is too big to discuss about you; he said, ‘don’t you know he is my political enemy?’ I said, sir, it is wrong for you to have political enemies. Why did I say that? I know of the role the Esama played in our emergence in 2007, up to the election in April 14, 2007, up to the Appeal Court judgment on November 11, 2008. So, I can’t see such a man and agree with Mr. Governor’s view that he is our political enemy. Ditto Pastor Ize-Iyamu. He accused me of worshipping in his church, and I told him I am a Redeemer. He asked me, is Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s church the only Redeemed Church in Benin? I told him it is a church. So, for me the problem is that Mr. Governor is listening to so many sycophants who just go in there, to tell him and to create fear that does not even exist. That is how we got to where we are now. I would not support any of those unbridled statements that have been made about elders because I was brought up in Benin City. I believe and honestly believe for the fear of God that Mr. Governor has over stepped his boundary as the governor of the state. But whether he has said it or not, probe is not just meant for one person, don’t forget in the next eleven or twelve months, Adams Oshiomhole will be leaving office. His office will be opened up for probe!

20—SA TURD AY Vanguard , DECEMBER 5, 2015 20—SATURD TURDA he clamour for a State of Biafra seems, to say the least, rather pathetic. It is an effort cast in the classic mode of a modern-day quixotic daydream or the desire of genuine patriots in dire need of psychiatric help. It is clear that the socalled movement is not going anywhere, and may only bring sorrow and embarrassment to its supporters. Biafra died as a proposition right before our eyes some decades ago, and its sincere mourners have since wiped their tears. The original idea was to carve an enclave out of Nigeria in an area mostly populated by the Igbos among other ethnic groups like the Efiks, Kalabaris, Ibibios, Ijaws, Ogonis and others, stemming from a violent disagreement in the Northern part of the country, which put the lives of people sojourning there from the Eastern part of the country in danger. The exodus which ensued when the Southerners, mostly Igbo, streamed back home to save their lives, gave passion to the desire of keeping away from the North. That desire was resisted and crushed by the armed forces of the rest of the country in a war which has been tagged “Biafra” by some people and “Unity by others. That is history. No nation should go through that awesome experience twice. Hardly any nation can. Of course, any group within the citizenry of nation may attempt to break away from the country to the extent that the law permits. That, in plain terms, means without violence and for justifiable reasons, secession is not unreasonable. It is an exercise that has accompanied the institution of nationhood since its inception. It has succeeded or failed according to the tide of fortunes. The American Civil War from 1861 to 1865 is a classic historical incident which outlined factors that make civil wars preventable but seemingly unavoidable. The fault lines of our civil war ran along tribal jealousies that were personified in narrow •Nnamdi Kanu. ambitions that overshadowed the Director of Radio Biafra welfare of the common people. In any case, there should be machinery for rehabilitation And so, the sporadic unanimity among the beyond sweet slogans which demand for Biafra is unique elements of a dissenting did not penetrate the only in its location. The group that desires to be anguish of much that was demand itself is really a separated from the rest. The lost and irrecoverable. universally observable fact. congregation of the Biafran What could have been There are laws in every proposition lacked that given was a palpable token; country to cope with any overcohesiveness. Much as what could have been exuberance. All the same, we some of the other ethnic offered is a symbol of cannot just turn our back on a units would also like to go unanimity—like a flag, for momentous incident in our their separate ways from instance. While it is true that history as if it never occurred. Nigeria, they did not we already have a flag—the There were a number of appear, from experience, to green-white-green—there is lessons that could have been favour a grouping where no reason why we could not learnt on both sides, I am they would be in the change it to a more sure. the Civil War evinced a minority with certain other show of resourcefulness which units. There were also the Igbos had highlighted in economic factors that their character as a people all militated against an enclave along. The inventiveness in that part of the country. which they brought into play The oil which had been in various instances and the discovered was situated resilience with which they away from the hinterland of bore adverse conditions were the territory of the leaders of virtues we could have imbibed the secessionist bid, and the and adopted as a nation after indigenes of that area were the hostilities. Our not enthusiastic about being development would have a minority voice in decisions gained a tonic from these over such possessions. qualities. What is more, our Some variations on such identification with these themes have also motivated attributes would have brought against secession attempts us much closer together, and in the United Kingdom blurred the edge of the muchwhere Scotland had to face touted “marginalization”. the reality of an economic We indeed should have recession if she had broken seriously considered how to away from England, Ireland remove the disfigurement, the appropriate one if we so and Wales as she had physical as well as the decide. After all, we did intended to. There has also psychological scars, which the change our National been a breakaway bug war left behind after those Anthem, an equally biting Ireland from the ugly months of fratricidal important national asset desire to recover Northern engagement. It may be said when it was decided that Ireland from the protestant indeed that there were “no another one would be more grasp of England for victors, no vanquished”, but suitable. And several decades, through violence there were victims—so many nations, notably the US and even. And we have of them. No doubt, hands of Great Britain have been Catalonia which is kindness were stretched to known to change their autonomous in everything help them at a personal level, national flags for purposes but the attribute of full but there was little national of national import. nationhood.

*integrating biafra *party supremacy

The sporadic demand for Biafra is unique only in its location

C M Y K

And we are talking here of nations who make much of their flags having invested so much of their historical honour and prestige in the way these national items had been preserved through decades of their nationhood. If we have to talk about it, we must admit that we have not done much with our flag actually. Of course it has the attribute of being simple, but its value would be enhanced if it also conveys a meaningful message of loyalty, or togetherness, or of national pride, or an impressive sentiment that sends a gripping message to the citizenry. We do not seem to even have a name for it. The British call theirs, “The Union Jack”. The Russians have their “Hammer and Sickle”, and of course the Yankees swear by “The Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory”. They even sing about their flag in their national anthem. And can we even forget the Black Star, and the pride that Ghanaians take in it? A good way of truly bringing the non-victorious and non-vanquished together could indeed be through amalgamating the Biafran flag with the Nigerian flag. All that need be done would be to integrate the “sun” emblem in the Biafran flag into the “ white” of the Nigerian flag to make a composite national flag. The sun could be made a full representation, rather that the half “rising sun” of the secessionist flag, The entire flag could be named “”The Giant”—a curtailed form of Nigeria’s appellation of “Giant in the Sun”. The Sun could then become the veritable symbol of the most populous nation of the Sun on earth, Nigeria. It would not be glorifying a rebellion. That, by the way, is the name giving to an uprising that fails. If it is successful, it becomes a revolution. Biafra did not succeed, but we cannot deny its place in our history, nor totally ignore its impress on the psyche of a national grouping. Of course, this is a metre suggestion, and there may be a more acceptable way in which to complete the rehabilitation efforts that seem to have left some vital areas untouched… that is the area of the mind, the territory of feelings yet more elusive to the touch than the mind. But even there are other ways, it still would be easier to walk together on a familiar terrain.

Echoes: (Martin Okpa) .It is actually a misnomer to talk of “party supremacy” in the Nigerian polity. Under the 1999 Constitution, there is nothing like “party supremacy”. What we have is “supremacy of the constitution”, and this you can see clearly in Section 1, Subsections {1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution. The talk of “supremacy of the party” is thus actually violently in violation of the clear words of the Constitution. And we need to accept that nowhere in any section of the Constitution are political parties empowered to “directly” involve themselves in choosing or selecting the leadership of either the Senate or The House of Representatives. The parties’ role is covert and indirect, using their respective members in both chambers to effect their respective agenda. The clear words of the Constitution made it the business of the Senators and Representatives to choose their respective leaders on the floors of the respective chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives.(080737806950)

he 1999 Constitution is indeed very clear, in the section referred to, that no “person or group of persons “ shall be allowed to “take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof ” except it is so stipulated in the Constitution. In fact, I totally agree with your position as stated. I doubt though, that the appointment of officials to membership positions of any category in a legislative house under the aegis of a political party, qualified in the first place, to do so by virtue of its membership strength in the legislature, is at par with taking control of the government. The Constitution also simply states that “a President and a Deputy President of the Senate shall be elected by the members from among themselves.” Where? It is assumed that it shall be on the floor of the house. It is also assumed that it shall be from among the party on the majority list among the members, in accordance with the best democratic practice. But it is also accepted that the parties shall all the same assert their supremacy (pardon me as I cannot help quoting you) using their members to effect their agenda. Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, DECEMBER 5, 2015—21

r Oladapo Olanipekun, scion of Chief Wole Olanipekun the erudite legal practitioner, was recently named among the latest Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). At under 35, he became, according to accounts, the youngest SAN. I have had nothing but respect and admiration for his father since the first time I heard him speak in public. It is a respect I am sure he has earned across board. And if Oladapo is half as intelligent as his father, then he has a good thing going for him. I have no doubt also that he would have fulfilled the legal requirements for the conferment. Or that he had acquitted himself creditably at the Supreme Court and the lower courts. After all, he would have had a fine teacher in his father. But I have had this feeling ever since I heard of the conferment in the news and of the subsequent party held in his honour, that he breasted this coveted tape a bit too early. In the end, it might be a disservice to him and the elite class of the silk.

n honour of this nature is not just for brilliance and professional competence, it should also recognise ‘stature’ and ‘experience’. An induction into the honour’s list of a professional body should be a crowning glory for a lifetime achievement. It should not be given early. So having attained silk at a relatively young age, what should brilliant, articulate but young Oladapo be looking forward to now in his chosen profession? You can also not escape the feeling that he got what he got because of who his father is in the profession. In other words, for all his brilliance, would he have been made a SAN at 34 if he was Mr Nobody? This observation is made more poignant

Adding value…. because a close look at the list of young SANs over the years shows that quite a few of them are children of judges and top legal practitioners. This was a precedence set by a very senior advocate who had all his eligible children and indeed those who headed his chambers made SAN. It seems a precedence that has now gained acceptance perhaps to the disadvantage of other equally brilliant lawyers but from poorer backgrounds. It also seems there is a subtle discrimination against ‘controversial’

institution to remain relevant and respected, it has to keep adding value to itself. It does that by having a strict moral and ethical code which it must adhere to always, by providing a level playing field and by inducting in some cases, people who have achieved some pre-eminence outside the body and can thus add value. Simply put, there are certain people who will give stature to a body and there are certain people who will take stature from a body. Let me use my profession as an illustration. For you to become a Fellow

of the Guild of Editors, you must have been an Editor for a few years and naturally be a member of the guild. It My last interview sounds simple and with Chief Rotimi straightforward except that there are Editors Williams almost and there are Editors. ended in a fiasco In my time, we knew because I took him ourselves and competed against each up on this issue other just as I am sure that the younger ones had been inducted into the hallowed still do today. So a few eyebrows are club. I pointed out the dangers of that bound to be raised if a competent to the institution in terms of public and respected Editor is overlooked perception. All I got was a deafening in favour of a lightweight just silence for an answer. I probably would because that Editor is ‘qualified’. have been walked out of his chambers The more that kind of thing but for my prior relationship with him. happens, the less relevant and Yet the fact remains that for an respected the body becomes. lawyers; that is lawyers who are not proestablishment. My last interview with Chief Rotimi Williams almost ended in a fiasco because I took him up on this issue. I had asked him why the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi was overlooked even when people trained by him

ecently, I visited an old friend. We had not seen for a while, but we kept in touch, via phone. In the course of the discussion, I asked about her husband. She told me that he has left her and moved in with his other “ wife” (mother). I was not surprised because Tom (not his real name) was always very close to the mother. In addition, the marriage is dead in intent and purpose and now exists only on the marriage certificate. Then I threw the bombshell; I told her I knew from day one that the marriage was not going to last. She was stunned. “Why didn’t you tell As I reviewed my friend’s marriage me,” she asked. “Would you have and other marriages that collapsed listened? Moreover, you were in love due to issues that could have been (lust) and everybody in love (lust) is sorted out during courtship, it got me a fool and at that point, you were the biggest fool of them all,” I responded. thinking. I am a firm believer that once In truth, everybody around her was people are married, they should be getting married and she was anxious given their space to build their to get married, and then Tom came marriage; no intrusion as long as there along and events took a dizzying is no threat to life. But should family and close friends also give their pace. It is not as if I had any special children and friends their space during knowledge or divine message to courtship? No, I do not think so, not know that the marriage would not anymore; family should get involved, work; the red flags were all over. as long as there are no ulterior motives. These people dating need help. Christianity, specifically, denomination, was a core value to my Many of them have blurred vision; they friend, but Tom was not into church. are too much in lust. Many focus on Tom was financially unstable, while the immediate pleasures and gloss over financial stability was core to my fundamentals or postpone the “evil” friend. How much of friends they day. Some of them need to be told the really were was not certain; truth, no matter how bitter. My mother everything was so sudden, I could not always told us while growing up that really determine. Their backgrounds it is only family or somebody close who are different. She came from a family can tell you that you have a bad breath. that granted children individual A stranger will not tell you. Courtship is like preparing for an freedom, while Tom was, still is, firmly examination. We have every right to tied to the mother’s apron strings and has sisters who see him as their help our children prepare adequately. private property: he is the only But they only will write the exam brother in the midst of four sisters. (marriage). It is better to help them to get it right during courtship, than be There were other trouble spots.

Courtship should be family affair

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settling quarrels or be embroiled in divorces later. With this firm resolve, I have decided to have a meeting with all my children, including my six-year-old daughter. After all, she knows about husband, wife and children; boyfriend, girlfriend, kissing and probably a lot more. These so called children’s cartoon programmes on television, hmmm! Thankfully, the sex education both at home and in school is bearing positive fruits. I have already told my children some “don’ts” for any of them who wants me to be part of his/her marriage ceremony. Now, I want them to know that I will be actively involved in their courtships, when the time comes, beyond just knowing the potential spouse. I am going to go beyond the thorough background checks parents of old did. My future sons-in-law or daughters-inlaw, just like my children, will also be my friends, on and off Facebook and other social media platforms. A son-inlaw or daughter-in-law is after all a son/daughter you never knew. Now that you have found each other, should you not bond and catch up on lost time? You should be friends and rub minds. I will also engage on at least one trip

And speaking of bodies, there was a time we had people like Dr Chris Kolade, Dr Michael Omolayole, Chief Henry Fajemirokun, Chief S.L Edu heading organisations like the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Directors, Institute of Personnel Management etc. these were people who had made their marks in their respective occupations and were nationally and internationally known. They brought that ‘ weight’ into the various organisations and lifted them up. They didn’t need ‘President of ……’ as appendages to their names to gain stature. Today, we have many Lilliputians who are lightweight outside the bodies they head and need such bodies for credibility and stature. Instead of adding value, they have taken value. The result is that many of these bodies don’t have the clout they had in the 70s and 80s.

he ‘silk club’ is still a respected club. But I know many astute and successful lawyers who are outside the club and are not losing sleep over it. They believe they are as good, if not better than some of the members inside the club. They also believe the process is riddled with favouritism. I hope the attainment of silk will not become compromised like many of our honours to the extent that deserving people are not angling for it any more. That would be a pity. I mean who really loses sleep over a National Honour these days? In my humble opinion, honours are given in the Arts, Sciences, and professional bodies to deserving people who have made exemplary contributions over a considerable period of time. Many of them have dedicated a life time to their trade. They are hardly given at the beginning of a career no matter how promising the career looks to be. They should not become a meal ticket. each with my daughters’ prospective husbands; a strictly boys’ affair. We shall be all alone eating, sleeping, waking up, sight-seeing and engaging in intellectual stimulation and other activities. I will also like to travel with my future daughters-in-law, but this time with my wife very much with us. We shall spend time together without my sons, bonding and knowing each other better. Such trips can be quite revealing. I pray for my children; I will continue to give them advice and guidance where necessary. If they reject my advice, so be it. But I will NEVER be part of any marriage, if I have cause within my human limitations, to believe that the marriage will fail. Like Pontius Pilate, I will wash my hands off the ceremony. I deeply regret any marriage I have been part of, where I had my doubts, but kept quiet, and it ultimately failed. Henceforth, I will speak up and make enemies or keep quiet, if the situation does not permit, and stay away from the ceremony. I will no longer grieve my conscience for anybody. Angels are not only in heaven; sometimes God makes a sinful person an angel to save someone else from disaster, marital disaster, in this case. May God give us the spirit of discernment at such times and the courage to carry out the difficult task of telling those concerned the bitter truth. My resolve is totally for the benefit of those getting married. I just want to know within my painfully limited human reasoning that they are good to go till death do them part, no more no less. I sincerely want my children and everybody getting into matrimony to be happily married and enjoy not endure their marriages.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Of peace and tolerance ! I

t is good that muslims , good muslims, are drawing the line. And it’s time they did. Boko haram members are not muslims, I agree. ISIS is not Islam. And that has to be the summation because Islam is a religion of peace , therefore any interpretation of the Koran that portrays Islam as a religion whose adherents cannot coexist with people of other faiths in peace must be discarded. On this reading , terrorists possessed by faulty Islamic fundamentalist Ideology cannot be apostles of Islam. Because if Islam is a religion of peace then muslims in a plural society must accept the supremacy of a shared mutually agreed protocol of association and constitution. Since all major religions claim either exclusivity or superiority, the idea that the doctrines of a particular faith can be imposed to regulate the conducts of others is inimical to peace and harmony. Secularism makes religion a private enterprise and makes the public space neutral, thereby reducing acrimony and fostering peace and mutual respect. Many muslims share the vision of a free society where minority rights are firmly protected. Many muslims will fight for religious freedom in England but will tolerate the institution of Islam as state religion in Saudi Arabia. That doesn’t sit well. Islam’s tolerance should manifest in societies where muslims constitute an overwhelming majority. Islam is peace, Islam is tolerant. Boko haram and ISIS are products of the idea that secularism is evil. Countries like Saudi Arabia should allow real religious freedom. It is easy and perhaps convenient to identify and dissociate from elements and interpretations that occasion conspicuous, egregious evil. Boko haram has brought shame to Islam and Islam has disowned it. I agree the terrorists are lunatics. It is however more difficult to appreciate and condemn forcefully subtle foundational practices that engender serious threat to peaceful coexistence in a pluralistic society. Hisbah (Sharia police ) will not allow painted C M Y K

Guinness trucks ply the federal roads in Kano. And no one sees the danger such portends. The local law that empowers Hisbah to destroy cartons of beer in Kano is in manifest conflict with the constitution. To allow any law supplant freedoms guaranteed by the constitution is to enthrone the sort of lawlessness that can birth monsters likeBoko haram . And it is not because such moralism has no merits but because such a unilateralism is ontemptuous of consensus and rule of law. I am a teetotaler because I believe that a good Christian should give up alcohol but that doesn’t suggest that my understanding of the Bible should become sacrosanct public policy. When the doctrine of one religion is allowed to censor others in a free society, peace becomes an illusion. Such tyrannical suppression of others doesn’t paint any religion in the best of lights. In 2002 a Thisday journalist was adjudged to have profaned prophet Mohammed. She apologized. It is wrong to burn the Koran or to insinuate that Jesus had a girl friend. We must learn to respect other people’s faiths even in the exercise of our freedoms. But when a conflict arises, when we feel aggrieved or wronged, we must submit ourselves to the laws of the country . To take the laws into our hands to exact vengeance is to promote violence and not peace. In a supposed compliance with his religious duties, which for a muslim should include the enthronement of peace , a deputy governor of Zamfara, Aliyu Shinkafi passed a fatwa decreeing death for Ms Isioma Daniel. He disregarded the apology, threw away the constitution and quest for peace , leapt up in zealotry and

Boko haram thrives on an interpretation of the Koran which the majority of muslims cannot accept

ordered muslims to murder a Nigerian citizen whom he adjudged as satanic as Salman Rushdie. Those were the days when politics was played with sharia in the north. Hounded Isioma Daniel fled into exile helped by the UN refugees commission which incidentally has been rescuing many Syrian muslims, made refugees by the apotheosis of brutal religious fundamentalism, ISIS. The Sultan of Sokoto, a peace minded muslim, intervened and declared the fatwa out of order. But the damage had been done, seeds of intolerance had been sown, tempers had flared, the riots that ensued had zealots butcher and burn over 200 innocent Nigerians and properties worth billions. Shinkafi’s interpretation of the Koran is that in a society like Nigeria where people of different faiths have come to live in harmony the conduct of a Christian living far away from Zamfara can be moderated by the dictates of Islamic belief. And his idea of self righteousness is that it falls on him to order the elimination of the ‘infidel’? And what with the righteousness of selfappointed Christian crusaders , ‘Army of God’, who shoot doctors and burn their abortion clinics in America? Many committed muslims disagreed with that interpretation of the Koran . Such a blatant disregard for the constitution is the pivot of groups like boko haram .That man who ordered the killing of a fellow Nigerian went unpunished .He took an oath to uphold the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, defiled the oath and

Muslims must strive to make Islam seem as peaceful as it truly is, as welcoming as it should be

usurped the authority of the sultan who is the spiritual head of Muslims in Nigeria. He went on to become a governor. No consequences attached to him. They say when a mad man from Ikoyi meets the one from Ojuelegba he suspends his madness temporarily. Since Shekau came many have gone mute. Political opportunists no longer mouth sharia. Since boko haram is not Islam one has to wonder if those who forced Isioma Daniel to flee are muslims. But there was something else Shinkafi threw up. Fanatics call the shots. He must have considered the Sultan too moderate , too secular to defend Islam adequately. And since his boss ,Yerima, was out of the country he had to speak for muslims. Muslims cannot allow extremists claim the moral high ground and speak for Islam. They cannot leave an intolerant minority to define the public’s perception of Islam. Islam is peace. A government official who decreed the death of another Nigerian is no different from boko haram. Boko haram thrives on an interpretation of the Koran which the majority of muslims cannot accept. That interpretation rejects the political supremacy of the constitution, insists on the forceful institution of an Islamic caliphate , and subordinates all rights and freedoms of all citizens to their brand of Islamic fundamentalism. Even moderate muslims are not spared their condemnation. The sort of religious politics played in Zamfara and some other places could have prepared the grounds for the sort of religious extremism that birthed boko haram . Many who supported that fatwa are today tearing their dresses disclaiming boko haram. Before Ms Daniel there was Mr Akaluka who wasn’t as lucky. A friend who lived close to the Akaluka’s in kano says Akaluka’s wife had used a piece of paper with Islamic inscriptions, lying around, to clean up her baby. Some passers by had noticed her and declared she had desecrated the Koran. Before a mob could assemble ,neighbours who included good muslims, conversant with the religious temperament of Kano had sneaked away the family. News got to Mr Akaluka that his family was in some trouble and he headed home. He ran into the mob but was saved by the police. His reprieve was short-lived. The mob regrouped, and with chants, descended on the police station, pulled out Gideon Akaluka who was in police custody, beheaded him . A delirious procession marched around Kano with the head of an innocent citizen held aloft a stick , trophy- like. Those were definitely not muslims too. In the West, following Alquaeda and now ISIS, muslims have become

endangered species. In many places the muslim is sniffed and watched. Because of these lunatics who are not muslims but pose as them, Muslims are regarded as potential terrorists and they now suffer grave injustices. And such aprofiling dehumanizes and aggravates social tensions. Muslims have been vocal in pointing out that persons of other faiths commit terrorist acts and do not attract any blanket condemnation to their faiths. They also point to widespread atrocities committed by Christians in the past in furtherance of Christianity. I sympathize with these muslims because they do not have to suffer or account for the criminal acts perpetrated by other fellows with whom they merely share a claimed religious identification. They should not be made to defend themselves. The point has been made that Islamic radicalism that spawns terrorism affects less than 10% of muslims. A few minority sects have been implicated. The bulk of muslims are ordinary everyday people. Many are embodiments of tolerance. I know Yoruba muslim fathers who have allowed their teenage daughters to convert to christianity. My own father who was a nominal Christian in my teenage years would never have accepted that. But the difference is that while such muslims exist there exist those who chased away my younger brother away from a Katsina school during his youth service year. He led Christian corpers fellowship in a government secondary school. A female muslim student came to him and wanted to learn about Jesus. He told her about Him and she wanted a bible and he gave her a small Gideon’s bible. A hornet’s nest had been inadvertently stirred. Next day parents congregated in the school , demanded his immediate expulsion. The naïve youth corper didn’t know that Jesus could not be mentioned that freely in that public school. The principal, fearing for his safety, asked him to leave the school immediately. So much for national unity and religious tolerance. The sort of intolerance that casts Islam as being extremely hypersensitive does not portray Islam well. A certain eagerness to attain righteousness not by love and patience but by recourse to fanaticism and violence does not lend peacefulness to any religion . And its not enough to say that Islam is peace . Those who live around you, neighbours, people of other faiths, should feel and enjoy the peace. I grew up in Nigeria, attended a military school in the north, have many muslim friends, yet I walk past mosques with a little residual dread. And I am not alone. I am neither bigoted nor paranoid. Many southerners in the north still approach Friday afternoons with caution. And it shouldn’t be so. People leaving the mosque ought to be spreading love and goodness. But the historical reality of many religious disturbances in northern Nigeria has left many non muslims fearful of Fridays and mosques in the north. That too can’t be Islam. Muslims must strive to make Islam seem as peaceful as it truly is, as welcoming as it should be.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—23

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

Would you date a lover who slept with your friend?

OU happen to bump into the man or woman of your dreams. He/she fits the list and has it all checked off twice. You bring him around to your friend in hopes that they give the stamp of approval only to find out the world is getting smaller because your new-found lover slept with your friend before. Awkward? The circumstances might be different, but could you have a relationship with someone who slept with your friend? Here are the responses of our celebrities;

Adokiye

Not at all! Never! - Adokiye, She’s gone if … I’ll find out Singer/Actress OT at all. Never. That relationship could cost me my life. why it - Buchi, Comedian N Risking one’s life for such a relationship is not worth it. If I find myself in such a situation, I would forgive them both OR me, it’s happened at the end of the day. But I don’t think I would want to have Fkind of difficult. If it was something that happened in the past before we met, I will still date her for who she is now. But if it happened while we were dating, she’s gone!

Buchi

Yes, I will - Empress Njamah, Actress

ES, I will still date him. He’s only a lover, not a boyfriend or husband. Since we’re not into a strong relationship, I can let it pass.

Empress

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- Crystal Okoye, Actress

anything close and intimate to do with them again. Such people can’t be close to one and that kind of act can’t be totally forgotten, even if forgiven.

ES, I will, but I’ll find out why it happened. It could be that my friend seduced him or the other way round. All Blessing same, Patrick, Actress the I will find out the reasons will still date him if for his I confirm from God actions that he is his will for before me. If it is God’s will, going it will be corrected back to and we will have a him. happy relationship. There’s no forgiveness without sin. The truth is, he messed up, but then, what is God’s will about him for me? God has the final say. Until he says No!, I don’t have the right to reject him. He could be even better than the one who doesn’t cheat.

No, he has no respect for me - Amanda Ebeye, Actress

F course not. I wouldn’t date a lover who slept with my friend because it shows that he has no respect for me.

If it’s God’s will, I will

Crystal

Blessing

Amanda

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

By KEHINDE AJOSE 08054680266

s y a w l a I Why h t i w m r o f per a v E s l i a sn F

emale rapper, Eva, is known to have an eclectic sense of fashion, and she doesn’t conform to the norms when it comes to her music and style. However, fans and critics alike were shocked and surprised when the ‘Deaf ’ rapper began appearing with snails on stage. Trust your favourite Showtime, we caught up with her and sought to know the secret of her new-found love with the mollusk. In her words, ‘Err…I love eating snails. I also perform with them on stage because they’re like a back-up for my band; that’s how it started, but as I began to do it, I learnt something from their philosophy of life, and it’s that we should take things with ease as we are blessed and inspired to, and not to be in so much hurry every time. Being slow is not all that bad, we need to relax sometimes. I have been using this philosophy all my life, and it’s paying off. If something doesn’t happen fast, you should chill because it will definitely happen later.’ The make-up artiste also shared her reason for naming her forthcoming album ‘1960’ Hear her, ‘I think it’s because I’ve been independent all my life. I went out on my own from the age of 16; asides that, I’m a very stubborn human being, in a good way though. 1960 is synonymous to Nigeria’s independence, and my mom was born in 1960 as well, so it’s sort of a mini-dedication to her. I only hope my song touches people because if not, then it’s not music to me.’

Contestants square up against each other in Glo’s Dance with peter

The ten rem ain ing contestants in the Globacomsponsored Dance with Peter rea lity TV sho w wil l this weekend fight to retain their slo ts in the aca dem y by performing in pairs. The dancers, G-Xtreme, Tee Jay, T-Rubber, Amazing Amy, C-Fly, Julius Fakta, Kelvin, Miracle, Da Octopus and Mali Hot Boy, who was recalled by the judges last weekend after he was initially evicted, will make up the five pairs who will perform for the next stage of the show. The originator of the show and one half of PSquare, Peter Okoye, announced at the end of last week’s show: “Next week, the challenge will be a tou gh one . I cal l this the Bat tle Fac e Off , it is one against one,” Peter declared.

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He exp lain ed tha t it wa s bec aus e of the nee d to complete the five pairs that Mali Hot Boy was recalled. “Be cau se you wil l be performing in pairs, we are bringing back a wild card to rejoin you. He is Mali Hot Boy and he has a ma ssiv e crowd appeal,” Peter stated. Da nce dir ect or, Wa le Rubber, who added his voice said: “We will be looking for the contestant who brings it the mo st, cre ativ e-w ise , dance-wise. We will have a situation where two will step forward to perform and the judges will say: you are good, you are good, but this guy was bet ter, you are up for eviction.” It promises to be an exciting sho w as five of the ten remaining contestants may be

put up for eviction. Viewers will find out how the dancers battle each other during the broadcast of the sho w on Africa Magic Urban

Female ar tis tes now artis tistes get bit of what they deser ve — Ashionye deserve B

eautiful and talented singer and actress, Ashionye Carl Raccah is the brain behind the once-popular “Girl Power;” a movement she spear-headed by organising and headlining the first all-female concert tagged “Girls Power “”Unleashed” and Girl Power Tour.” As such, she is surely in the right position to assess the place of female entertainers in the Nigerian music industry today. And she believes they’re doing quite well compared to what the case was years ago. In her words, “The situation is far better than what it used to be in the past. At least, we are getting a bit of what we deserve. And this is not because any man created space for us; rather, the female folks have taken their destinies into their hands by becoming producers, directors, and owning record labels.” Sparing words of advice for the upcoming females in the industry, she said, ‘They should know it takes a combination of hard work, brains and beauty to make it. Sleeping around will take them nowhere.’

SATURDAY Vanguard,

DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 25

By TOFARATI IGE 08068792241

A female fan once stripped for me—Nosman

Top 15 1

Reekado Banks - Sugar baby The Mavin singer unveils the video of his song titled Sugar baby. The song is sure to be a favourite among music lovers.

osman’s name might not ring a bell in music circles, but he has started gaining the kind of attention the likes of 2face enjoy. The Afropop artiste recently revealed that a female fan once stripped for him. “A female fan once stripped naked before the crowd to protest when security bared her from touching me on stage. This happened at one of my recent shows in Johannesburg. South Africans fans are more passionate and devoted to an artist they love. They can follow you to a distant city just to watch you perform. The rising star also revealed that he would love to collaborate with Burna Boy. “ Burna boy is one of the promising artists because of his distinctive voice and style of music. I think he’s my perfect match for a wonderful collabo”

. Transcript featuring Lyricz - Don’t waste my time Afropop artiste, Lyricz releases his new song titled Don’t waste my time. The single is produced by his longtime producer Obie and is accompanied by visuals shot in the United States by director Austin Hein.

. Bolo J featuring Davido – Your Love Bolo J finally releases the official video for his hit single Your Love featuring Davido. Bolo J is a South African based Nigerian artist making waves in diaspora.

. Aramide – I don’t care Soul artiste, Aramide unveils the video of her RnB song titled I don’t care. The video is directed by Stanz visuals

Chidinma, Flavour go sensual on stage

hen you think of Chidinma, the Kedike star, what comes to mind is that little naïve, reserved girl still waiting to break away from her mother’s tender grip. But the petite songstress is pushing beyond that boundary and showing that anything can happen when it comes to her brand. At the recently held concert hosted by Phyno tagged Phynofest, the duo of Chidinma and Flavour took their “Chemistry ” to another level. Before now they have been pictured in compromising

positions and the idea of them dating has been denied severally. During the concert held at Onitsha, they performed their duet Ololufe and shared a kiss after the performance. This didn’t go well with some of Chidinma’s fans as they took to her Instagram page to express their disapproval. One of them writes: “If you two are dating, let us know and stop forming church-girl. Another adds: “Is this how you guys would be kissing whenever you perform

The one thing I don’t enjoy about music —Aramide S

oul diva, Aramide popular for her unique rendition of Davido’s Ekuro is one talented songstress who believes her originality will take her to the top. The Baseline artiste in an interview with Showtime reveals the one thing she doesn’t like about music “I write my songs before I go into the studio. I write what I see, if I feel a certain way I write about it. I put out what I feel I need to put out at that moment. The one thing I don’t enjoy is the fact that music takes my time”.Aramide recently unveiled the visuals of her song ‘I don’t care’. C M Y K

trending music and videos of the week

. Beverly featuring Selebobo – Papilo Beautiful Beverly officially releases the video of her single Papilo and is produced by Selebobo.The video is directed by Paul Gambit

. Fefe – Make sense Fefe finally releases the video of her song Make sense. The video is directed by Mazi C Jizzle. Fefe recently signed with Rebel Planet Management.

. L.A.X – Open and close After officially releasing the audio for Open and close, Starboy Entertainment act, L.A.X unveils the video for the Sarz produced song. The video is directed by Alex Adjei

. Pasuma featuring Qdot – Olohun Ojee Fuji maestro, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma is back with a brand new video titled Olohun Ojee .The video features QDOT and is directed by Clarence Peters.

CDQ featuring Wizkid – Nowo e soke Indigenous rapper, CDQ teams up with Wizkid in this groovy song titled Nowo e soke. The song is produced by Masterkraft

Salvation featuring Oritsefemi – Omoge Soji Salvation Eto a.k.a Salvation collaborates with Oritsefemi in this new tune titled Omoge Soji .The song has this irresistible groove that will make you dance.

Adekunle Gold – Pick Up YBNL act, Adekunle GOLD releases yet another highlife tune titled Pick Up .The song is produced by Pheelz.One good thing about is that it’s a song people can connect with.

Gentle Gee featuring Tiwa Banks - Bilinda The defunct pop group Remedies, did a song titled Belinda. Years later, Gentle Gee is singing about his love for Bilinda.The song is definitely going to get the attention it deserves.

Chino – Tomorrow carry belle Chino makes another appearance in the music scene with his new song Tomorrow carry belle. The song has a rich melody that blends with the message.

. D’tunes featuring Iceprince and Ceeza Ace producer, D’tunes serves up another exciting tune titled Blessings. He collaborates with Ceeza and Iceprince in the song.

.Mosa – Fe mi Mosa returns with this love tune titled Fe mi .The song borrows influences from his Yoruba heritage. The song has awesome lyrics and vocals that can calm frayed nerves.

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

•Regina Asika and daughter

Sandra

Missing on screen, prominent on Facebook

•Alex Lopez

Regina Asika-Williams

•Sandra and her four kids

Why these ex-screen goddesses are still admirable!

EVERAL years after they ruled the screen in the early 90s with their rare talents and radiating beauties, light-complexioned former actress Alex Lopez alongside Sandra Achums and Regina Asika-Williams have refused to fade into memories. Though they have long quit acting, they now live abroad with their families. These actresses who became popular following their roles in Zeb Ejiro’s evergreen movie, “Domitilla” and “Full Moon” are still dazzling fans with their amazing looks and personalities. They have shown everyone how not to ignore their fans even when they are miles away from them. Hooking up with their fans on Faceook, and other social media platform several years after they disappeared from the screen only helped to rekindle the attention and glamour their past works have brought to them. In fact, if there is anything the former screen goddesses have missed over the years, it’s definitely not their fans, as they are constantly in touch with them via Facebook.

Sandra Achums

Like Regina Asika-Williams who is currently based in the United States with her family,

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Sandra Achums is always on Facebook, displaying her latest acquisitions and updating her fans regarding the new grounds she’s breaking in Germany. At one time, Achums shared on Facebook, pictures of her four kids who are growing fast in Germany including her eldest son who celebrated his 9th birthday at the Blu bowl in Nurnberg where the family resides. Before relocating to Germany, Achums dazzled many movie lovers in Nigeria with her acting prowess. Those who were not privileged to meet her when she was ruling the screens in the early 90s should watch movies like “Expensive Game 1&2”, “Against the World”, “Ashanti, Blue Sea”, “ Outkast 1&2 and Domitila” amongst others. The ageless actress and mother of 4 may have been missed on screen, but she’s happily living it up to the hilt in Germany. Some of her fans on Facebook, reaffirmed her beauty, describing her as “a beauty to behold”, and stressing that she’s always on point. Beyond this however, the truth is that Sandra has resurfaced on Facebook, and she’s looking no less glamorous and tempting, conveying indeed a silent message that her de-

cision to quit acting was in good faith.

Alex Lopez

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Alex López cannot be ascertained, but one thing is certain, and that is the fact that the actress is currently visible on facebook than she is on screen. Lopez who acted lesbian in Zeb Ejiro’s "Domitilla” and in Faruk L asaki’s “Changing Faces” where she played Franca, the caring Nigerian wife of Dale, a successful white architect undoubtedly has continued to dazzle those that watched these two films years back. Her excellent performance in these

At one time, Achums shared pictures of her four kids who are growing fast, in Germany, on facebook including her eldest’ son who celebrated his 9th birthday at the Blu bowl in Nurnberg

movies earned her other movie roles like, "Piccidally," "Daughters of Eve," "Moving Train," "Sex & Marriage," "Dangerous Girls," "Abuja Connection 2&3," "Emotional Hazard," "The One I Love," "Akata," "Catastrophe," "Jungle Justice," "Remarkable Pains," "Scout," "Sisters On the Run," "Six Problem Girls," "The Good The Bad And The Terrible" and "Walls Have Ears," before she disappeared into thin air. For excellent interpretation of roles, one of her fans wrote on her Facebook page: “I have never seen any of the new generation actresses that can match or even surpass your acting prowess. You were very bold and daring in your films. Thanks to God for Facebook to reconnect with you again." Alex Lopez who has a Brazilian father and Nigerian mother is one actress who managed to remain in the limelight after many years of doing the screen business. Her sojourn in the industry dates back to 1993, when she contested for the popular beauty pageant, MBGN, and emerged second runner up. Still unmarried, Lopez has a son whom she’s proud of and whose pictures she is always willing to share on Facebook.

Till date, Regina AsikaWilliams is a beauty to behold. A former beauty queen, she came to limelight after she participated in the 1988 edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN). Though she was highly tipped to wear the crown, she eventually lost it to Bianca Ojukwu. Since then, Regina has not ceased to be in the eye of the public. She left the stage in the 90s when the ovation was still loud, and relocated with her family to the United States, where she is now working as a medical personnel. Despite missing on screen, Regina is a hard nut to crack when it comes to relating with her fans back home on Facebook. She has continued to make headlines in recent years for different reasons which many described as ‘worth making the eyes roll.” In the recent past, she posted some of her pictures on her Facebook wall and those who sighted her backside could not but marvel at the beauty she still commands. Some were tempted to ask if the 48 year-old ex-beauty queen does not age at all. Her mini-skirt, showing her smooth and straight legs also ignited the strong desire of some fans. While admiring her flawless beauty, one of the fans described her as”a paragon of beauty.” Others want her to return to her first love - acting. They expressed their feelings this way, “ We missed your roles in the movie." Delectable and refreshingly beautiful; foremost screen goddess. When are we going to have another “Regina” walk the red carpet?” Truly Regina desires all the accolades she’s getting several years after she stayed off screen, and this is a testament to the fact that she is an iconic actress who will forever live in the minds and hearts of those that cherish her work

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 27

‘I can’t imagine dating an actor’ S

v o Oma

ULTRY actress, Favour Oma, who seems to be enjoying her rising profile as one of the most-soughtafter actresses in the industry in recent times has declared that she would never give her heart to any Nollywood hunk. Her reason is simple, “If you are dating an actor, you should be ready to handle jealousy. And I think jealousy can make one get distracted. I can have actors as friends, but it can’t go beyond that. I can’t even imagine dating an actor, “ she declared. The curvy actress also frowned at the idea of becoming a second wife to any man.

She described herself as “a jealous lover”adding that she can’t stand the sight of watching her man marry another woman. “ I’m a very jealous lover. I will kill somebody. If you marry me and decide to bring in another woman I quietly walk out of the marriage,”she said. Oma who debuted in Nollywood in 2011, made her feelings known while on a movie set recently. She admitted being once heartbroken. This, she has reason to blast men, saying that some men could be unreasonable at times. “Some do not know what they want. They

dump you and always want to come back. And I am the type that does not go back to my past affairs. The Ihiala, Anambra Stateborn actress did her first movie, “No Money No Sex” in 2011, and since then she has not looked back in her quest to conquer the screen. She has featured in so many other films, including “Sexy Ladies Cult”, “Serpent of the Sea”, “Ibu and Adaku in London,” “The Gheto Legends”, “Johnny the Playboy”, “The Vampire Gire”, “Swagger Conji”, “Official Housemates,” Lion Heroes, Beauties of the Night, Tears of Daniela among others.

Saint Obi returns as musician ...Says music was my first love By ANOZIE EGOLE

*Cast of the movie

O ing

NE of Nollywood lead-

hunks, Saint Obi, who took a break from acting for a long time, has resurfaced again. This time, not as an actor but a musician. The actor recently celebrated his birthday, and to mark the special day he announced his entry into the music industry. In a chat with HVP, Saint Obi revealed that he started first as a singer before he later veered into acting. “I have a deep passion for music and I started singing as a chorister before I veered into acting”, he revealed. Already, the handsome actor has set up his own record label known as AGWHYTE. “ I set up this record label as a way of assisting talented young ones to realize their dreams. The label is all about discovering and exposing the best talents in other to give fun seekers sweet music.”” Saint Obi said two artistes are already signed to the label.

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BoI storms Jos for Queen Amina *supports project with N50m

NOTHER film project financed by Bank of Industry, BOI, is cur-

rently being shot in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The movie, Queen Amina, a story of the historical Hausa Muslim warrior queen, is being produced by Okey Ogunjiofor, a pioneer Nollywood filmmaker

•Saint Obi

Revealing why he remixed John Legend’s song, “Imagine the dream”, the actor said, the song was very inspirational in the sense that it preaches about peace. I wanted people to know that there is no need killing ourselves since we all have little time to spend on earth. Dialogue can settle all these crisis going on everywhere. I am not a professional singer but I am a social crusader. So I would say that the desire to create a better world prompted the song. And that is my own way of passing the message of peace across. I did not do this song for the financial benefit but I want to use it to support UNICEF,”he said.

and producer of the landmark flick, "Living In Bondage." The movie project is a product of the BOI Nollyfund (BNF) scheme, an initial program limit of N1.0billion in single-digit interest loans. Directed by Izu Ojukwu, a notable Nigerian epic film director, Queen Amina is another Nollyfund film project that is currently in production – Kunle Afolayan’s The CEO which also benefitted from the loan began shooting three months ago and like The CEO, Queen Amina project also got N50 million from BOI. Through its support policy for the creative sector of the economy, BOI had in the past financed films such as Biyi Bandele’s "Half of a Yellow Sun" and Michelle Bello’s "Flower Girl." In its first roll-out, Nollyfund has

already approved more than 12 movie projects, with another film, "Ayanma," from the popular Royal Arts Academy, coming on the heels of Queen Amina. Two officers of the Bank, Mrs. Cynthia Nwuka, Group Head, Creative Industry and Mr. Okechukwu Madu, Assistant Manager, were at Shere last weekend to show support to the filmmaker and his team, who at that moment were shooting a war scene that had over 200 people at the desert location. Nwuka and Madu arrived the location in the company of veteran Hausa actor and member of the Advisory Board of NollyFund, Alhaji Sani Muazu, and were taken on inspection of the stateof-the-art equipment, soundless generating set, location vans, original props and period costumes among others. Ogunjiofor, who produced "Living in Bondage" in 1992, is optimistic that although his next major project is coming 20 years after, it would make him more prominent than his first movie. “I have researched the story of Queen Amina in the last 20 years, and I’m glad that the opportunity to bring it to life has finally come,” he said. Nwuka encouraged Ogunjiofor to be steadfast despite the challenges he might encounter in the course of the movie.

28 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Ageless Clari explains her d *Says “ Nollywood is in cha

* explains link between her BY ADERONKE ADEYERI and IYABO AINA

ooking this radiant at 51, what would you say is your beauty routine? I don't follow any type of routine. If I'm staying indoors, all I do is to brush my teeth. Sometimes, I don’t even have my bath until about 8pm at night. At times, I do a full bathtub or a shower depending on the weather. I also use scent oil and candles to relax myself. I go for fruit base moisturizers like pawpaw , orange, vitamin C base moisturizers. What is your new project all about? My new project, 'Footsteps' is a reality documentary series that follows my journey from America to the United Kingdom and to East Africa, looking at the issues that are uppermost in the minds of Nigerians. It looks at what these issues entail and what the solutions are. The documentary also focuses on where we stand as Nigerians and where government leadership and values of the people lie. What was the duration of the project? Well, I started working on 'Footsteps' in 2013 and it's still an ongoing process but 'Footsteps' will be aired on television from January 2016.

geless beauty and veteran actress, Clarion Chukwura has seen just about everything there is to see in the movie industry. For 35 years, Clarion Chukwura has been doing what gives her joy and fulfillment. She’s been exhibiting her acting prowess on the stage and screen, and this has brought her fame and fortune. Life is not all bed of roses, Clarion at a time was rejected, betrayed and cast out as a slot as she swum in the river of failed marriages. At the end of the day, the delectable actress triumphed and came out stronger. Clarion says her driving force is her unshakable faith in God, and more importantly, her never-say-die spirit. She recently added a feather to her cap with her documentary series, Footsteps that is set to be premiered on television stations from January 2016. Clarion in a media chat, talks about Footsteps, the motive behind it, her vision for Nollywood and other interesting issues. C M Y K

How many episodes do you have in the documentary? It’s a 26-episode reality documentary series but presently we have 11 episodes on ground. As an advocate gender equality, will this project centre on women and their leadership problem? The project is not only about women but about Nigerians and issues surrounding our leadership. It's also about how Nigerians can be wired to a positive mindset. 'Footsteps' also talks about how women are treated. I didn't limit this to Nigerian women, instead we

reached out to women in South America, Caribbeans and Africa. In the course of this, we found out that the same issues women face domestically in Africa are the same issues women in America face over there.

Being in the entertainment industry, shouldn't you be looking at issues within that sector? With 'Footsteps', we try to touch every aspect of human lives. We have episodes with a former female Nigerian footballer who is now a coach in America. We have episodes with Miss Nigeria who also lives outside the country. So, 'Footsteps' is about the totality of Nigerians. How will Nigerians access this documentary? Well, we are looking at Africa Magic Showcase, Television Continental (TVC) and a couple of others. I enjoin Nigerians to watch out for 'Footsteps' from January 2016 and they should learn from each episode. You’ve been off the screen for some time now, is it due to this new project? I don’t know what you

My new project, 'Footsteps' is a reality documentary series that follows my journey from America to the United Kingdom and to East Africa, looking at the issues that are uppermost in the minds of Nigerians

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—29

ion Chukwurah dual personalities aos”

r project and church of scientology mean by that, maybe because you’ve not been watching me on Africa Magic. I had six movies in the market this year and last year I had about seven movies in the market.

What were the challenges you encountered in the course of shooting the documentary? One of the challenges was when we were prevented from entering the Royal Oak with our recording materials. The Royal Oak is a place where top Nigerian politicians have multi-million dollar homes in Houston, Texas and they do know that some of us know about it. It’s a place where you have not just the regular security but the cops. And the fact that I could even take pictures there was because I have contacts there. Also, Houston Texas is a place where

Hollywood superstars who made their money from blockbuster movies own houses. Imagine how Nigerian government officials who were on salary could afford to own two or three houses in Royal Oak. A house rates from six million dollars upward at Royal Oak.

Where do you see the Clarion Chukwurah brand in five years? I see my brand impacting on young people, helping them achieve their goals and also making them believe there is nothing they can't achieve. As a non-profitable project, how would you finance the project? Well the Clarion Chukwurah’s initiative is one that I finance from my purse. I am the executive producer. Any plan to dump acting for the reality documentary series project? I am an actress so it is not possible for me to dump Nollywood because that is what I do best. Nollywood and my work therein is the brain behind 'Footsteps'. It is about me taking leverage on my brand equity. Since 1999 when I started with the Clarion Chukwurah’s initiative, it was all about leveraging on my equity. It is my passion and will always be my passion to look beyond the entertainment aspect, to look at issues that affect people in my society. I am not just an entertainer, but a multi- talented person. I am not dumping Nollywood, because being in Nollywood doesn’t mean you can't delve into other things. How would you advise Nigerian women regarding striking balance between marriage, motherhood, and career? It is about time management which is very important in this context. However, I don't support both parents working the same hours. This is affecting our society, it is highly responsible for

how our things are going. We are imbibing a lot of negativity from the Western world. When children are left with little or no attention, they engage in online activities, entertainment that’s not properly censored and a host of other things that may corrupt their minds. I suggest both parents should work on how to manage their time to strike the balance.

What's your perception of Nollywood? Nollywood needs to be structured. It is not just about improving the quality of movies or equipment rather it involves the right funding and how actors are paid. Nollywood is still in a zigzag which means anybody can do anything. The industry has to be structured in a way that one arm of the organisation will feed on the other arm. We have to make things work in Nollywood, - you have the Guild of Producers feeding on the Director's Guild and the Director’s Guild feeding on the Actor's Guild. When you have a situation whereby anybody can produce, direct or act in a movie, what do you think the result will be ? Some of us seem to be selfish, we lack unity. We need to see Nollywood as one corporate entity. We have to change our mindsets as actors, producers, directors etc. in order to make Nollywood work. Is there any difference between Clarion Chukwurah on stage and at home? I’m two different persons - the person on the screen is the image, the brand. Simply put, the person on the screen is Clarion while the person in the house is called Nneka. What’s the story about you being a member of the Church of Scientology? I am not a member of the Church of Scientology. Church of Scientology is one body that supported the episodes of 'Footsteps'. It was shot in Hollywood at the celebrity center of the Church of Scientology. This church owns this center in Hollywood. Again, the center and the crew members that worked on 'Footsteps' in Hollywood came from Church of Scientology. What do you think made the Church of Scientology support 'Footsteps'? They considered the objective of what I was doing and how it will add value to people’s life.

I am an actress so it is not possible for me to dump Nollywood because that is what I do best

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5 , 2015 By BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

Butterscotch Evenings brings Brian Mcnight to Lagos Following years of successfully hosting Lagos to the most exquisite dinning and worldclass entertainment, Butterscotch Evenings is set to bring Brian McKnight to headline this year's event which billed to take place at Eko Hotel & Suites’ Convention Centre on December 23, 2015. Making its debut edition in May 2013, Butterscotch Evenings assembled the finest entertainers from all over the world. Hosted by Vixen and featuring top notch performances such as Comedian Bill Bellamy, Johnny Gill, Waje, Praiz, Dancer Immodesty Blaize and many more, the guests were treated to the best of music, dance, comedy and arts. Hosting the

guests to an impeccable dinning was internationally acclaimed Italian celebrity chef, Chef Aldo Zilli. Butterscotch Evenings only got better as the next edition was graced by world class chef, Alan Coxon of Michelin Star Fame as well as high profiled performers such as Teddy Riley & Blackstreet, Chidinma, Tiwa Savage, Shina Peters, CEO Dancers, Flawless Performers and others. This year, Butterscotch will be bringing 16-time Grammy award nominee and A-class singer, Brian McKnight. Popularly known for his timeless piece “Back at One,” Brian McKnight will be serenading the night with his strong Falsetto and belting range.

Speaking in a short clip some weeks ago, “…there is no party like a Butterscotch party.” To be hosted by TV Sweetheart, Michelle Dede, Butterscotch Evenings 2015 brings the finest entertainment from the 90’s such as Styl Plus, Lara George and many more. Also performing is raving R&B songtress , Seyi Shay. Hosting the Guests to the finest cuisine will be World Famous Michelin Star, Chef Tom Wolfe.

Brian Mcnight •Debby Soul

Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Nigeria's D'banj to headline The Future Awards Africa

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Africa's biggest youth event, The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) which holds tomorrow Sunday, December 6. 2015 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos has announced the performers for the 2015 edition, celebrating 10 years. The line-up will be headlined by two of the continent's biggest superstars, Diamond Platnumz and D’banj.“Both are alumni of the awards - D'banj was Young Person of the Year 2007 and Diamond won the Prize in Entertainment 2014.“Diamond is one of Africa’s most influential artistes following his two time nomination at the MTV MAMAs where he won the Best Worldwide Act in 2015. His hit song Number One has gained massive air play around the globe.“D'banj,aglobalmusicbrand from the continent, this year won the MTV MAMA Evolution, he has collaborated with Snoop Dogg and has been ambassador for the ONE campaign.“These two will be joined by Omawumi, a Nigerian award winning singer who returns to the TFAA stage.“The 10th anniversary of TFAA will be hosted by singer/ songwriter Dare Art-Alade and South African OAP, Bonang Matheba.“The Future Awards Africa2015-celebrating10years! - is presented by RED and UBA.“The award is held in partnership with the British High Commission, the Ford Foundation, Microsoft, the US Consulate, Canadian High Commission, Sterling Bank Plc. and The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Diamond Uncle Ben

By TOFARATI IGE ou would agree that out of all the music reality shows in the country, MTN Project Fame West Africa seems to have the magic formula for churning out superstars. Many of its alumni such as Iyanya, Chidinma, Praiz, are doing well in the music industry.“Showtime caught up with Ben Ogbeiwi who is the director of the high-flying competition, and he gave us a hint of what Project Fame is doing differently. According to him, ‘One thing about MTN Project Fame is that we never let our contestants go; we educate and monitor them every step of the way. We also encourage them in every way we can; for example, their songs are used as caller-back tunes, among other incentives. You must also note that it’s not all about winning, it’s about learning something. Every contestant that passes through Project Fame always gets refined.’“Speaking on his strict persona in the house, Uncle Ben as he is fondly called said, ‘I’m a Kingmaker, and music requires a lot of discipline. When it seems like I’m strict on the contestants, it’s because I want to bring out the best in them. Once a contestant is disciplined and ready to listen, then there’s no problem.’“On if he still counsels the contestants after the competition, he said, ‘Yes, I still give them advice. Iyanya and I were together few days ago, and he asked me to come to his house, so we could have lunch and discuss. When I got there, he asked me several questions, and also asked me to assess his career, and I gave him some tips to the best of my knowledge.’“Uncle Ben also told us the contestant he has had the most chemistry with on the show. In his words, ‘They’re all absolutely outstanding but I’m a bit partial to Chidinma. People were looking at her little figure and saying she was completely irrelevant, but I knew that size has got nothing to do with talent, and she also showed that she has what it takes to conquer the world.’“As a parting shot, the multi-talented entertainer revealed that he would soon be acting in a stage play about the history of Lagos where he’ll be playing the role of Lord Lugard.

D’banj.

Secret of Project Fame contestants' success —Uncle Ben

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2013—31

(Text Only)

Heels-to-crotch Technique Sitting down with the feet stretched in front of you, bend the knees and turning them outwards drop them and place the soles of your feet together,

The Shoulderstand Technique: Lie on your back with the legs extended. Then bending the knees, place the hands at the hips and quickly raise back off the floor and straighten both legs up. Remain very erect and still and do deep breathing. Remain in the posture for 2 to 5 minutes. To come out of the position, bend the knees and gently let the back roll out. Put the feet down and relax.

hold the feet with the hands,flopping the legs up and down like the wings of a bird in flight a few times;and then hold the bent legs down with the power of the leg muscles. Keep the back straight and breathe normally. Benefits This postures tones the abductor muscles of the inner thighs. It enchances manly vigour. And it facililates ease of birth in women. It’s also a great exercise for the expectant mother.

•Heels-to-crotch

Yoga Exercise for Healthy Living The Lotus

foot on the right thigh.

Technique:

Benefits: Sit with both legs out-stretched in This variant of the Lotus strenghtens the front of you. Now, draw the right leg arms and legs. It helps expand the chest and place the right foot on the left thigh for more air intake and lubricate the knee and then drawing the left leg place the and ankle joints for flexibility.

Benefits: In the Shoulderstand, the thyroid gland is massaged at brought to its proper level of activity. It stretches the spine, that way helping it become strong and elastic. Because most of the body is inverted, it stops various blood from stagnating in the lower limbs and promotes circulation, helping to ameliorate varicose veins. It relieves sluggishness and mental lethargy. It helps to cure insomnia.

Lotus

Yoga Classes •The Shoulderstand C M Y K

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

32—SA TURD AY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 32—SATURD TURDA

Aisha Buhari, Dolapo Osinbajo, Tinubu grace Adejok eAdefulire’s son’s w edding dejokee-A wedding

ormer Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, drew high-calibre political crowd of Nigeria to Lagos, Sunday for the wedding of her son, Oluwafemi Olawale. The wedding which took place at the Ruby Gardens Event Centre, Lekki was witnessed by wives of the President and Vice President, APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and many others.

L-R: Vice President's wife, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, the couple, groom's parents, Mr and Mrs Orelope-Adefulire, Gov Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos, Senator Remi Tinubu and Justice George Oguntade (Rtd)

The couple, Mr and Mrs Wale Orelope-Adefulire

First Lady of Nigeria, Hajia Aisha Buhari with the couple, Mr and Mrs Wale Orelope-Adefulire.

The couple with Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju Bola and Remi Tinubu.

The Orelope-Adefulires, groom's parents.

Awori monarchs celebrate Oniba’s 40th on throne HRM Oba Yushau th Goriola Oseni, Oniba Ekun of Iba land was joined by other Awori monarchs to celebrate his 40 year on the throne of his forefathers in Iba kingdom of Lagos State.

C M Y K

L-R: HRM Oba Mohammed Afolabi Ashafa, Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Hon. Musiliu Folami commissioner for Local Govt.& Community Affairs, the celebrant Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni Oniba Ekun of Ibaland and others.

L-R: Prince Aina Emmanuel, Hon. Isiaka Yaya, Oba N.A.K Akinyemi, Alabirun of Ikaare, Oba Babatunde Akanbi, Onishasha of Shasha , Oba Moruf Aiyeola, Ojon of Ejigbo and Olori Esther.

R-L:Oba Nureni Alani, Onijegun of Ijegun, Oba Sunday Adelakun, Onigbeji of Igbeji, Chief (Mrs) Omolara Senami Adeniji-Adele and others.

R-L: Oba Ashimiu Atanda Dadaotta, Elegbe of Egbe, Oba Ibiyinka Timothy, Onikun of Ikun-Oba Ekiti, Olori Fatima Gbadamosi, Oba Gbadamosi, the Onigando of Igando and others

Peace and Christian FORMER Miss Onyinye Peace Onyeakagbusi and Chinedu Christian have formalised their relationship in holy matrimony at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Apapa, Lagos. Their families and friends were there in pomp to witness the union.

The happy couple; Mr and Mrs Chinedu and Peace Okafor

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 33

•Yesufu

CAF U-23:

Nigeria risk Olympics failure

•Siasia

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

igeria’s dream to play male soccer at the Rio Olympics may blow up in smoke today if the country’s under-23 side fail to beat Algeria and Egypt defeat Mali with a clear two goals in the final group B matches. Both games hold at the same time, with Nigeria battling Algeria in Dakar while the contest between Egypt and Mali comes up in Mbour. Egypt, currently on third position with two points, need to beat Mali, who have knocked out of the tournament, with at least two clear goals to seal their place in the last fourstage. Should they get their desired results, Egypt, who drew 1-1 with Algeria and forced Nigeria to a 2-2 stalemate, will finish on five points and may qualify for the next round, depending on the result of the Nigeria, Algerian clash. Algeria and Nigeria are joint top, with the former staying top because of their superior goals difference, which may count in their favour at the end of today’s proceedings should they get at least a draw with Nigeria in today;s final round robin games. These are indeed desperate times for the Coach Samson Siasia-tinkered Nigerian side, who are must beat Algeria to guarantee their passage to the next round. A Nigerian win will not only secure top place for them, as well as ensure that they will play the second best side in Group A. Any other result than a victory will see them crash out of the tournament and miss out on a place to play at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Admitting that they face an onerous challenge against Algeria, Coach Siasia has warned his boys to be careful in today’s cracker with the north Africans. “We did not play in the second half and we cannot continue like this, if we want to go to the Olympics. We have to be careful. We tend to lose concentration in the second half and have to fix it. It was the case in the first game against Mali and the same thing happened against Egypt. ‘’It is no longer funny. It will be a tough battle against Algeria, and we have to be careful about the North African sides, they attack left and right’’.

•Ajayi

•Awoniyi

Pellegrini: Why Iheanacho isn’t playing regularly anchester City’s 19-year-old Nigerian forward, M Kelechi Iheanacho looks set for a successful career, with Coach Manuel Pellegrini needs to offer him

•Iheanacho

C M Y K

What Eagles need to qualify for AFCON World Cup, by Yesufu

more chances to show what he can do. City can look forward to a League Cup semifinal with Everton in the new year after their comprehensive win over Hull City. Perhaps the only negative was the omission from the starting line-up of Iheanacho, City’s most promising young player and the star of their win over Crystal Palace in the previous round. He came off the bench with 20 minutes remaining against Steve Bruce’s side and scored his third goal of the season, but given the quality of his fleeting performances throughout the season most people felt sure he would play the full 90 minutes. It begs the question: where are Iheanacho’s chances coming from if he can’t get a start in the League Cup? “It’s very difficult with young players. It’s very important not to think because you arrive with the first team you are ready as a professional player. He [Iheanacho] is a player that must work a lot but I think he’s a player that has important options in the future.

adbury ’s Head of Corporate and Government Affairs(West Africa) Bala Yesufu has expressed hopes that the Super Eagles will soon find their rhythm in their bid to pick the tickets to the 2017 African Cup of Nations and 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Eagles are locked in a two-way horse race with Egypt for next year’s AFCON while they await the draw for the group stage of the Russia 2018 World Cup to be made next summer. Speaking in an interview with Saturday Vanguard Sports in Lagos, Yesufu said it was important for the Eagles to quickly rediscover their rhythm before the next matches in the qualification series resume next March. Wile admitting that he has little confidence in the current Eagles squad of Coach Sunday Oliseh, Yesufu urged all stakeholders to offer their technical and tactical support to the team to achieve their AFCON and World Cup targets. “I have to admit that I don’t have much confidence in them right now but I hope that with time they will be able to take us to the height that we desire. I don’t know why the Eagles continue to disappoint us. “I feel we really need to know why they have not reached half of their true potentials. I mean in a country of over 170 million people, I don’t know why we cannot get 21 quality players to represent this country. It’s appalling. However I hope that all stakeholders will join hands to ensure that the team get back on track because it is our collective responsibility to help them qualify. “Their failure is ours but I am confident that they will get their acts in order and pick up the pieces to seal qualification when the matches resume next year ”, added Yesufu.

Klitschko

eyes Wembley showdown with

Fury W

ladimir Klitschko says the desire to prove a point is behind his decision to take up his option on an immediate rematch against new world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente told Sky Sports News HQ that Wembley would not be ruled out: “If the best business case is in the UK, for example Wembley Stadium in London, we will be there. “I spoke to Mick Hennessy who was my partner in the last negotiation, and is the partner now. We will look into the different options of where the fight could be - in Germany or in the UK. “We will, together, make a decision. I’m sure we will do the best for both teams. We need, definitely, a couple of weeks. My gut feeling tells me the fight will probably be in May or June.”

34 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Ezeibe

threatens court action against tennis, golf

orried with the state of professional tennis and golf in Nigeria, foremost tennis authority and former official of the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour, Chief Ben Ezeibe is considering instituting legal actions against the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Nigeria Professional Golf Association and sponsors, writes JOHN EGBOKHAN

he tone of his voice and smirk on his face gave him out as a man with an axe to grind. One quick glance to his left and he sputtered out, “why can’t we follow the path that others are taking, so that our youths can live like superstars? Why are we so backward, naïve and retrogressive in the simple business of running professional sports like tennis and golf, which are the two biggest earning sports out there in the global market? I C M Y K

am getting increasingly irritated with the circle of backwardness that our players are suffering and may resort to going to court to checkmate some of these tournaments because they are adding no value to the careers of these players”, Chief Ben Ezeibe began, during an interview with Saturday Vanguard Sports He was speaking against the backdrop of the leaps and heights being recorded by South African number one player, Kelvin Anderson, who once

featured in the Lagos Governor’s Cup Futures 1 and 11 some years back and is now in the world’s top 10 single ranking. Anderson is not the only South African star in the world top 100 as other Africans from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Algeria are also within that bracket, while their contemporaries from Nigeria, Abdulmumuni Babalola, Shehu Lawal, Candy Idoko, Henry Atsaye, Clifford Enosoregbe and Thomas Otu are nowhere near the world top 1000 For a country which once had three players in the world top 200, Chief Ezeibe said: “this is totally unacceptable”. Seething with rage as he spoke this scorching Tuesday

•Ezeibe afternoon in his Lagos office, the former official of the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour, said it was pitiful that a country which was once the Mecca of tennis in Africa is now a breeding ground for mediocre players, with little or no money and fame, which the likes of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Anderson and Wilfred Tsonga have in overflow. Chief Ezeibe pointedly accused managers and promoters of the two sports of showing a low knowledge of the ways to market the game or implicitly incompetent in

Continues on pg 35

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 35 Continues from pg 34 running the sport. WHY I AM ANGRY “I am not pleased with the way and manner the tennis federation and the golf association are managing the two sports. If you look at the performance of our players in both sports, it is clear that there is no roadmap for our players, who are nowhere the world top 1500. “It is a big shame that none of our tennis players or golf players in the Professional Gold Association or Ladies Golf Association are in the top 1000 in the world. I am concerned. Those organising tennis and golf tournaments should hide their faces in shame because they have not produced one tennis or golf player in the world top 1500. “All they are doing is churning out half baked players who have no ranking and can’t compete with their peers from other climes. For a country that once produced Tony Mmoh, Nduka Odizor and Sadik Abdulahi, what we are having now as tournaments are totally unacceptable. “In those years of yore where our tennis was at the peak in Africa, most of the tournaments we had in Nigeria were ATP and WTA ranking events. That was how we were able to impact on the careers of the players. We were not thinking of ourselves, rather, the focus was on making sure that the players got the ranking points they needed to climb the world ranking. “And it worked perfectly because Nigeria was the centre of tennis attraction in Africa. There was no quarter that we did not have at least one ATP tournament in Nigeria. That was the secret to the success of our players. But today, the reverse is the case. All the tournaments around are national in nature, adding little or no value to the players progress. No matter the high number of national tournaments in Nigeria, our players will remain poor and irrelevant in the global picture”, added Chief Ezeibe. PLAYERS MISS OUT ON BILLIONS OF DOLLARS At a time that the month earnings of a tennis or golf player in the world top 100 is running into hundreds of millions annually, Chief Ezeibe said that it was sickening to know that Nigerian players in the two sports don’t have up to a million naira in the account. He said that this should not be the case because of the way both sports have been structured to generate mega bucks for the players, who unlike footballers and FIFA, control their respective sports through the ATP, WTA tours and PGA and LPGA tours. “I see no reason the Central Bank of Nigeria should be putting

their money into local tennis, instead of going global for the growth of our players. They are not spending tax payers money appropriately. Even in golf, all they do is to gather and drink beer at the club, under the guise of sponsoring amateur golf tournaments. ‘’We have passed that level of club play, we need to develop our youngsters and bring honour to the country. Our tennis and golf players are not part of the scheme of things at the global level. And that is actually why I feel bad

because we know that there is a lot of money in these two sports, billions of dollars are being shared yearly by these players. And look at the honour that these players bring to their countries. ‘’South Africa as an example, has Kevin Anderson, who is ranked in the top in world tennis and Ernie Els, at one time, was in the world top five in golf. Anderson is not even up to Els in terms of achievements and financial might. He is highly respected, at a time ranked world number two by the PGA Tour. I don’t understand what is happening in the country. Our players are not hungry enough and our sports managers and

promoters are not channelling the funds in the right direction’’, added a fuming Chief Ezeibe. SPEND TAX PAYERS MONEY WISELY In a passionate appeal to corporate sponsors, Chief Ezeibe said tennis funding would amount to wastefulness and nothing if not channelled in the right direction. While commending firms like the Nigeria Communications Commission and Central Bank of Nigeria for sponsoring the NCC Cup and Central Bank

Open, Chief Ezeibe urged the two two firms and other corporate sponsors to broaden the landscape by financing players to tour. ‘’It is good that they are identifying and catching them young but they must go a step further by nurturing them and taking them to international events if they cannot sponsor an ATPsanctioned event in the country.. It is only when they do this that these players can bring honour to the country. ‘’What is the essence of using tax-payers money to sponsor local tournaments for club players, with no international value. That is why our players are begging administrators. The reverse is supposed to the case if things are done accordingly. Sometimes I ask questions that are we so naïve that we don’t know where to invest in than on a player, who after playing, cools off with a bottle of beer. Where is the honour? It’s a big shame that we are where we are today’’, he retorted. PREPARE FOR LEGAL ACTION ‘’If they continue using taxpayers money to fund tournaments that don’t add any professional value to these players, I may consider approaching the court of law to stop them from organising such events, because I cannot understand why you will spend about N20m on tennis or golf tournaments and the players don’t get international points and no honour is brought to this country and someone like me will allow such a thing to stand. ‘’It is not fair. It is wicked, when you look at what Anderson and Els are earning on weekly basis and the honour they bring to South Africans. We want them to emulate what footballers are doing. Our footballers are coming with serious foreign exchange into this country. I want CBN and NCC to sponsor our tennis and golf players to tournaments where they will get international acclaim. They should help these players to earn a living from playing professional tennis and golf. Imagine the huge amount of money being shared weekly by tennis players and nobody in our country is partaking in it. It is sad. It is unfortunate. This must stop now’’, said Ezeibe.

National spor eder ations ref orm sportt ffeder ederations reform By Sadiq Abdullahi, Florida, USA

he Federation International Football Association (FIFA), International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), and International Tennis Federations (ITF) and other international sports organizations are fighting internal mismanagement and corruption within their organizations, setting the tone for a new national leadership. The new sports minister Comrade Solomon Dalong may capitalize on the momentum to reform the sports sector as evidenced by the international organizations’ efforts to reform. He should begin first by restructuring National Sport Federations (NSF). Presidents of NSF have continued to act unconstitutionally because federations do not have a standing constitution or bye-

laws that check powers. For example, a president of a federation has been the president for 20 years without appreciable developmental program. Many do not have a comprehensive grassroots plan. Comrade Dalong should now set the tone by restructuring NSF to be consistent with global trends and accomplished practices. The minister should do this because for too long NSF presidents have abused their authority and have been ineffective in their leadership. They hold the key to a successful sports sector reform. As sports has become big global business and a tool for national unity and economic development, various institutions must respond. Due to lack of a functional national sports policy, many NSF presidents have allowed various issues and problems to fester,

undermining grassroots development and elite athletes’ performance. As the nation prepares for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil next summer, the National Sports Commission (NSC) should begin the preparation for new elections into the NSF. Furthermore, as the global community moves in an era global accountability and transparency in sports management and governance, we should be ready as this may have implications for representation in these organizations. The Buhari administration, represented by Comrade Dalong, has made the pledge to fulfill one of its campaign promises and is ready to combat youth unemployment. Sports can indeed provide the values, education, and employment.

36â&#x20AC;&#x201D;SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Plaid shirt Robert rodriguez black sequin blouse

A pair of skinny white jeans

H&M yellow jacket

Tiwa Savage

Genevieve Nnaji

Tonto Dike

black clutch bag Valentino Studded Flap Shoulder Bag

C M Y K

Saint laurent nude debbie platform

Sat Elle

Michael kors stilleto courts

3-12-2015

A pair of white jeans

Jeffrey Campbell white and gold sandal

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 5, 2015—37

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

He recently split up with his girlfriend. Do I ignore my feelings or act upon them? Dear Aunty Julie, I like this guy who recently split up with his girlfriend . I really like him. I don’t know what to do about it. He is 30 and I’m 18. I have not dated a guy before but I like him and would want to date him. Do I ignore my feelings or act upon them?

Priye, Bayelsa Dear Priye, There’s no easy answer about when to act on your feelings. People take different amounts of time to move on from a relationship and it’s important for them to have this time before they move onto

another relationship. You didn’t say how long he was with his ex, so it’s hard to tell how serious the relationship was. As a general rule, the longer the relationship, the longer the time it takes to get over those feelings and be ready to commit emotionally to a new relationship. It’s probably been really hard hiding your feelings from him, and it probably hasn’t helped to just try to ignore them. A good idea might be to spend time with him so that you can get to know each other better. This will also help you to find out if you have the same interests and want the same things, which can be difficult with such a large age gap. While hanging out with him, you might also be able to tell if/ when he’s ready to date again. It might be easier to find out these things before telling him how you feel. If he tells you he isn’t ready to date yet, he’s doing the right thing by not jumping into a relationship when he isn’t ready for it.

Should I tell him my mistake? Dear Julie, I have done things that I’m regretting and I don’t know whether I should tell my boyfriend about my mistake. What happened is, it was during the holidays so we were far apart from each other. I was at a party with my friends and two cousins. The party started all well and everybody enjoyed themselves including me, but almost everyone had a partner and I didn’t. I felt left out! Things started to be erotic – some kissing and some having sex. I was getting bored by then. A guy came to me and accompanied me. We talked and laughed. Then he started to kiss me and I kissed back. I wasn’t thinking straight – I totally lost it! After the kissing he pulled me upstairs to the bedroom and we had sex. I was really not

thinking straight. So now when I’m with my boyfriend, who I’ve been dating for a year and we’ve already had sex, I just don’t feel like he deserves me because of what I did. Should I tell him or not? Funke, Ogun state

Dear Funke, It sounds like you are feeling guilty for what you did. It must be hard to keep these feelings hidden from your boyfriend. We all make mistakes, and they can help us to learn about relationships. No one knows automatically how to be the perfect girlfriend or boyfriend. Most adults are still trying to work it out! While you may be absolutely positive that you will not cheat on your boyfriend again, think about how you

would feel if the situation were reversed. Would you want to know if your boyfriend had sex with someone else? Or how would you feel if you heard it from someone else? It sounds like you don’t want to lose him but it’s important to also think about what it will be like for you to continually keep this a secret from your boyfriend. For some people, the guilt can become too much to keep in and although they are scared about how their partner will react, they also feel a huge amount of relief once they tell them. You can’t control how he will respond, but you can make sure he knows how sorry you are. If he can’t forgive you, take what you learnt from your mistake and use that with your next relationship.

Does masturbating create herpes or disease? Aunty Julie, I am a 29-year old man. I have been in a relationship but distance is separating me from my love who is now living in a far-away state. I get tempted to date other women but couldn’t bring myself to do it. I cannot cheat on my love because we love each other and hope to re-unite very soon. We have vowed to live together and not betray each other. Although we are not yet married, we are keeping it in view and besides, she is a good woman. But I masturbate and it worries me. Can one get any form of sickness from masturbating because I feel drained after engaging in the act? Dominic, Lagos

Dear Dominic, A lot of people feel guilty after masturbating and some see it as cheating on their partner even though the act does not involve another sex partner. Besides, there is perceived spiritual dirtiness associated with the act. But the wonderful thing about masturbation is that you can’t catch a disease from yourself (or we must already have the disease). Sexually transmitted infections (STI) have to be caught from someone who has the infection. They spread by rubbing of skin-toskin or transferring of body fluid in sex with a partner. This is a reason why condoms protect because they prevent body fluid going from C M Y K

partner to another and reduce skinto-skin contact. Touching ourselves for pleasure with masturbation is something most people do especially if they don’t have a sexual partner. It’s natural to feel some pent-up sexual frustration and masturbation can relieve that. There has been a lot of fears and claims that masturbation was bad or a risk. But this has usually been a moral or religious view that it is wrong to

masturbate. Herpes has to be caught from someone who has it. What might confuse people is that herpes is usually around the mouth but can be spread to the genitals by touch or oral sex. But we don’t usually spread our own herpes further because our body has made antibodies to control the virus that causes herpes.

C O C K - T A L E S Tips for marriage

* Two times a week we go to a nice restaurant for good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays. I go on Fridays. * We sleep in separate beds. Hers is in Lagos and mine is in Abuja. * I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back. * I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary. “Somewhere I haven’t been in a long time,” she said. So I suggested the kitchen. * When we go to the shopping mall, we always hold hands. If I let go, she shops. * My wife told me the car wasn’t running well because she thought there was water in the carburetor. I asked where the car was. She said, “In the lake.” * Before you take the leap into matrimony, remember this: Marriage is the number one cause of divorce. * In fact, statistically 100 percent of all divorces start with marriage. * As for myself, I married Miss Right. I just didn’t know her first name was Always. * I haven’t spoken to my wife in almost a year. I don’t like to interrupt her. * I’ll admit the last fuss we had was my fault. My wife asked, “What’s on the TV?” I answered, “Dust!”

He can’t stop picturing me with the people I was with before him Aunty Julie, My guy and I started dating when we were 19, we have been together for 10 years and have two children. I had sexually been with people before him, but he had not. I told him all about my past, but it still keeps coming up. We are both very loyal and very jealous people. I hate my past and so does he. He resents me for it, so much that he doesn’t think he loves me anymore. He says he hates me. He can’t stop picturing me with the guy I had been with in the past. He feels disgusted at me, angry that I have had others but he has only had me. How can he stop feeling this way? It brings us so much pain that we are about to give up.

Ebele, Enugu Dear Ebele, It sounds to me like your partner is going to have to make a decision about whether he can let this go or not. He might hate your past, and that’s okay, but bringing it up and resenting you for it is not helpful. In fact it is a complete waste of time as you cannot change the past. When your partner is resentful, it can make your relationship extremely challenging. It sounds like you are looking for ways that he can stop feeling this way. But this is something he is going to have to work out himself. What you have done prior to meeting your partner is not something that he can be ashamed or angry at you about. He can either accept it, or not. This isn’t going to be easy, but it is very necessary for you to sit down and really talk about this. Why does he regularly bring it up? Is there something that can change now to improve the relationship? Does he want to remain in a relationship, considering he is saying he hates you? We cannot control other people’s behaviour, only our own. So if he is going to continue to bring up your past, it’s up to you whether this is something you want to continue to deal with. The fact that you have been together for 10 years despite his feelings about your past is important. If he really couldn’t handle it, you wouldn’t have been able to remain in a relationship for so long. He may just need extra support from someone else to help him move past these feelings.

How do I get her attention? Dear Aunty Julie, There’s this girl in my neighbourhood and she’s popular. The guys in the neighbourhood talk about her as if she’s the best think in this world and I love her so much but I don’t think she likes me. I think she might like someone

else. We have talked a bit but I feel like I need to talk to her more. How do I get her attention and talk to her? Sylva, Lagos

Dear Sylva, It can be hard to get a girl’s attention, especially if she’s getting attention from lots of other guys. Before you take things further, think about the reasons why you like her. Do you have similar interests? What qualities does she have that you like? Make sure you like her for the right reasons and not because other guys are talking about her. If she wasn’t so popular would you still be interested? In relationships, it’s important to have things in common. Otherwise you may run out of things to talk about very quickly! If you’re still keen, get her attention by finding something you have in common and talk with her about it. Girls (and guys) like to talk about things important to them, so talking about a hobby or interest is a good way to start. Plus girls really appreciate it when guys can have a good conversation and show interest in what they are saying. If you aren’t too sure about her interests, go with something simpler, like a a movie you saw recently. It’s a good idea to talk to her more before deciding for sure if she likes you or not. If you find out she doesn’t, I hope you find someone else you like, who does like you. That’s the best kind of relationship to have.

38—SA TURD AY 38—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5 5,, 2015

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Moves that will leave him begging for mercy every night!

HE cliche of the frigid wife who doesn’t want sex has been replaced by a new reality—women who are married or in a committed relationship want to be having more sex. So how does a woman in love bring the passion back into her relationship? According to Dr. Phill McGraw, a renowned sociologist: “Figuring out what you can do differently is the most efficient way to get the sex life you want.” He along with some experts then proceed to list some moves that will leave your man begging for mercy tonight and every night hereafter. Here in a nutshells is what they suggested: First, do a little thinking: If you want your sex life improve, start by diagnosing the problem. Examine your life: Are you so busy that it’s impossible for the two of you to be sexually intimate on a regular basis? Have you gotten out of the habit because sex is incompatible with all your other obligations? Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months, and before you know it you can’t remember the last time you made love. Sex is a pattern, and unless it happens on an ongoing basis, other things will crowd it. Use it or lose it. Try to trace the pattern back in time and figure out how sex got moved down the priority list. Was it when you started having kids? One of the biggest mistakes that couples make is that they worn-out sweatshirts stop being friends and lovers protruding gut are a turnbecause they’ve on. But it goes back to one become moms and dads. It is of life’s law: You create your a mental shift; all of a sudden, own experience — so get being a romantic partner is no longer important. started. You may want affirmation from him— that It is like we decide, you look beautiful, that ‘Adolescence is over. I’m a your haircut is flattering, mother or a father now, and I have to act like one.’ Add to that whatever it may be. There’ s no guarantee you’re the time and going to get it, which is energy required in raising why you have to decide children, and sexually, the within yourself that you are cards are stacked against making the most of who you. But being a parent is just you are and what you have one of the roles we play, and to offer. Give yourself credit neglecting the role for that and find security in of partner and lover is a huge it, even if it’s not externally error. validated. And indeed, your selfNow ask yourself: “What image is crucial. Say to might I be doing —or not yourself, ‘I’m not just a doing— to contribute to the memory, I’m a hot number.’ situation? And what can I do to And then act like it. Talk change things?’ Back when yourself into it. Instead of there was passion in your waking up thinking about relationship, were you taking how many dirty diapers more pride in the way you you’re going to change that looked? For better for worse, day, tell yourself, “I am men are responsive to visual going to seduce my stimulation. You can be husband today. Try oblivious to that fact. You may spending less time coming need to make some small up with a plan to avoid changes in your appearance, traffic on your way to work like getting rid of old sweat and more time figuring out pants, cutting your hair, or how you’re going to inspire losing the weight you’ve been, your lover. As a starting complaining about for years. point, think back to when None of this is to say that his you and your partner were C M Y

having sex more often and enjoying it. Remember what worked at that time in your life, and replicate those things. Have a conversation with yourself. Give yourself permission to get what you want. Claim your right, and give a voice to your needs.

Being sexually satisfied and feeling wanted by your partner are legitimate and healthy parts of a relationship. Next, bring him in on it: Once you’ve thought about what is lacking, where the problem lies and what

Try to trace the pattern back in time and figure out how sex got moved down the priority list role you play in it, you need to talk to him about it; he cannot read your mind. How do you tell someone you’re not satisfied with the sex life you share? Very carefully. It’s important to come at this straight. You need to sit down together and mutually recognise: “our

physical intimacy hasn’t been there lately. We may have gotten distracted or allowed to many other things to absorb all our energy.” You are acknowledging, as a couple, that you’ve gotten out of the habit of focusing on each other romantically and that you want to make sex part of your lives again. Now let’s talk about timing. The time to raise the issue is not during a marital crisis. Your needs may be valid, but he’ll resist you if you include it in a litany of complaints or bring it up in the middle of an argument. Getting defensive or figuring out who’s to blame won’t get you very far either. If you’d rather argue about whose fault it is and try to convince your husband for falling asleep with the remote in his hand night after night, then I ask you: Do you want to be right, or do you want to get more loving? But what if he doesn’t want to talk about it? There maybe underlying issues that are manifesting in the sexual domain—problems that absolutely have nothing to do with you. It’s so easy to feel hurt or disappointed if he’s not initiating sex, but don’t take it personally. His struggle with intimacy may be as a result of too much stress in the office. When the pressure is on, we tend to strip away what we actually need most: Sleep, comfort, companionships—and sex. Is he depressed? Could medication be diminishing his sex drive? Also, men tend to measure their self-worth as a function of external circumstances. He may feel like less of a man if he doesn’t have a job, for example, or even after something like heart surgery. Take a look at situations that may be affecting him, and how you can help. Would bringing a different passion (sports, a hobby) back into his life lead to a more excitement in the bedroom? The two of you need to talk about what is going on. But if he’s reluctant to be open about it, encourage him to at least look inside. Suggest that he ask himself what might be killing the deal for him. If you can find the source of the problems, you can tailor your intimacy to meet his needs, and yours. And if all else fails, try to convince him that one session of couple counselling is the key to getting your feelings out in the open and starting to make changes.

Now share the heavy lifting: Carve out time for lovemaking. Yes, it takes away spontaneity when you have to pencil in sex, but at least you’ll be having it! After you do, you’ll say: “Now I remember why this was so much fun. Now I get why we used to do it all the time.” Then you’ll build the momentum to keep it going more spontaneously. It’s about behaving your way to success, and the first thing you need to do is get back in the saddle. Experts agree that an important element of sexual arousal is fantasy. And yet we so easily get into a pattern where we’re just not fanciful or intriguing sexually. Some people feel shame or fear when it comes to asking for what they want. Speaking candidly with your partner about your desires doesn’t make you perverted or kinky. Create an environment of acceptance and openness by agreeing in advance that you can say anything. If you have a hard time verbalising your desires, give yourself permission to explore each other’s fantasies any way you can. Write your partner a letter, or simply envision what it is that you want as you’re having sex. Don’t be judgemental about this. There’s nothing wrong with spicing up your sex life with some variety. And by variety, it doesn’t mean different people. Try a different place in the house, a different time, on a different position. Discover your partner’s fantasy and be willing to play the game. Be specific about what you want and careful about how you phrase your desires. Your conversation shouldn’t start with “ you don’t do this” or “ you aren’t interested in that.” What you should say instead is “I want this” and “I’m interested in that.” If he’s quick from penetration to orgasm—which all men are, physiologically compared to women— you have to make sure there’s plenty of foreplay taking place before the actual penetration. And you have to be able to talk about it. Educate your husband so you understand each other ’s needs.

SATURDAY

Vanguard , DECEMBER 5, 2015—39 YETUNDE AREBI Yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk tweeterhandle@yetundearebi 08054700825

The thrills and dangers of sex

A family affair!

ex is pleasurable. Sex is good for the mind and body. Studies have revealed that it can do wonders for the body as well as even promote longevity. Men and women who have discovered the secret codes to maximising the thrills and pleasures of sex swear it is comparable to no other known pleasures to mankind. King of Juju music, Sunny Ade, described sexual pleasure as a sweet and delicious sensation felt in the body and not by the taste buds in the mouth. The sweetness and satisfaction derivable from sex often causes some to become addicted to it like opium or any other addictive drug, thus they become helpless to their desires turned needs. Indeed, sex can be overwhelmingly powerful, such that if not well managed can destroy lives and peaceful coexistence. For some individuals, the desire for sex have been so potent, sometimes forcing them to take drastic and anti social decisions to satisfy their insatiable thirst. Examples abound all around us. In the case of Pauline, no one could have guessed that most of the stories she told to family and friends about her decision to relocate from the UK to the USA was nothing but lies. Lies she had to fabricate to cover up her abominable actions. For those actions contributed immensely to the final disintegration of a marriage and family. Revelations from her estranged daughter also pointed accusing fingers at her for the sudden demise of her husband. One can only imagine the effects on the family at large and the price she had to pay for the choices she made, but, life must go on. If Pauline feels any remorse for her actions, no one knows. Like many seeking greener pastures away from the shores of Nigeria, Pauline, along with her daughter who was less than 10 years old at the time, relocated to the UK. Everyone had assumed that settling down in the UK would not pose any problems for them, as her brother-in-law on whose invitation they were going was already a citizen and lived with his Jamaican wife and their young daughter of a similar age as hers. The children could go to school and return together, while Pauline tried to perfect their papers and settle in. Her husband had a very good job back here in Nigeria, leaving it for the uncertainties of a dream was not an option for him. He would just have to manage himself without his wife. According to the gist, for a long time, all was well between the two families, or better still, between the two women. But eventually, stories began filtering in that things had fallen apart between them. Very few were surprised. Being a Jamaican and not used to having a large number of people around her, everyone knew it was a matter of time before she got tired of her guests. The strange stories one had C M Y K

heard about the poor hospitality culture, even among siblings abroad was demoralising and had also prepared one’s mind for such development. Pauline was quick to provide reasons for their differences. The lady did not like her and her daughter; she did not want her husband to assist them, the Jamaican wanted to start using her and her daughter as local house helps, forgetting that they were family and even mates by African tradition. Pauline said since she did not have working or residency papers at the time, she was dependent on them and the lady did not like the fact that her husband was footing their bills. Even though the money was not coming directly from her purse, she insisted that it was affecting their finances. For Pauline, all these were the cause of the rift between them. Thus, with the assistance of her own cousins, papers were arranged for her and her daughter and they crossed over to the USA. It was like a dream come true and they quickly settled down and blended into the system. The

Meaning that sex with her brother-in-law was a small price to pay for everything?

brother-in-law from England was one of their regular visitors, which surprisingly was unacceptable to the daughter. The relationship between uncle and niece had become so strained that anytime he came around, the young girl would leave home to stay with family or friends for the duration the visit lasted. It was during one of those visits that the girl, unable to keep the secret to herself any longer confided in her mother ’s cousin that her uncle and mother were lovers. She said this was the real cause of the problem between her mother and her uncle’s wife, rather than all those funny stories her mother told people. She said this was also the reason for the disaffection between herself and her mother who had never bothered to keep her promises to her that she would end the relationship. It was a shocking revelation as no one ever imagined such a thing could be going on.

According to a family member, she had thought that the uncle had done something inappropriate to the niece, rather than an affair with the mother. The young girl, who was now well into her late teenage years broke down in tears as she narrated all the sordid details of the unwholesome relationship between her mother and her father ’s older brother. According to the gist, Pauline, from childhood had always been a bit of a crazy girl, embracing and exploring her sexuality long before many other young girls of her age group in the family. She was pretty and so could have almost any man she desired and she’d had a fair number of them before and even after her marriage too. However, the idea of adding her brotherin-law to the list was alarming. But it did shed more light on the whole drama as the Jamaican had by then, moved out of her matrimonial home and they were in the process of a divorce. Did the father know about this? She said she was not sure but had heard the Jamaican shouting once that she would report them to him. That was a few years before. If she did or not, she could not tell as she has not seen any convincing sign from her father that he knew of what was going on. However, she had decided she was going to tell him everything now that she had broken her silence. Pauline on confrontation by her cousins simply said she had her reasons. She said she was blackmailed by her brother-in-law into the relationship because he threatened to withdraw his financial support from them as well as kick her out of the house, if she did not accept his advances. Why did she not inform her husband of his brother’s threats? She was determined not to return to Nigeria at all cost. What of his wife, the Jamaican? Pauline also insisted that she did not want to destroy their marriage and at the same time, her daughter ’s welfare was paramount on her scale of priorities. Meaning that sex with her brother-in-law was a small price to pay for everything? Again, another good point! Fine with me, but why did they continue to carry on when those conditions were no longer tenable? If he was forcing her while she lived under his roof in the UK, was he also forcing her now that she lives in the USA and with papers intact? It was an opportunity for many of her cousins to admonish her for this as well as her other escapades. Her daughter was advised to sheath her sword as her mother had promised to end the relationship. But the damage had already been done between them, and on her father ’s visit that summer, she told him all the sordid details. He died during his sleep a few days after his arrival. The daughter confirmed that he knew all along but did not want her to ever find out! Was he a fool for love or plain stupid? Perhaps, he also had some skeletons of his own, surely, there is more to this story than what we know, the way I see it. However, whatever might be the reasons for Pauline and her in-law’s affair, I am of the opinion that proximity also had a role to play in it at the initial stage. I do not approve of communal living of any kind, if it can be helped. A situation where more than one couple live together under one roof, or several adults of both sexes live under one roof is capable of encouraging unwholesome sexual relationships. Many spouses who were forced to leave their partners behind in those early days of relocation to Abuja, especially by Civil Servants, will readily share their tales of hostile takeovers by other stranded partners with anyone who cares to listen. Many married men and women were forced to share communal accommodation with other people’s spouses, leading to many stories of infidelity, separations and outright divorce cases. The one room apartment, popularly referred to as “Face-me-I-faceyou” is another easily accessible platform for sexual promiscuity. Long time ago, a friend once told me about his escapades with a married woman who lived in the block next to his. Their windows were directly opposite each other and so close that one could stretch a hand across the rooms. He was single at the time but was seriously sexually active. He only had to climb across the windows once the husband left for work. Even if Pauline had a record of promiscuous relationships, her brother-in-law may not be a bad man, but a victim of circumstance. Temptation comes in various forms and not everyone has the will and tenacity to deal with it. Being in close proximity with a full grown, hot blooded woman; seeing her go in and out of the bathroom either in a bathrobe, towel or loose wrapper at least once or twice a day might prove too much for him to manage, no matter the relationship between them. His imagination is bound to run wild once a while even if his Jamaican wife were to be Miss World. Same for Pauline who might also be trapped in a dilemma of her own arising from the arrangement too. There is no way she wouldn’t develop some feelings if she constantly had to view some form of pornography or another every day, stemming from intimacy between the host couple, after all, body no be wood. The fact that she cannot carry on with another man in the full glare of her in-law will also count for something. So, perhaps under this circumstance, it was better to keep it in the family. Hmmm!! Do have a wonderful weekend!

40—SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Lifeline

Reporting cancer: Lifeline not deadline E

veryone wants to read about cancer because cancer is about people and people love to read about other people. A cancer story is news (often bad news) and cancer sells more because of the human interest particularly if a prominent personality is involved, and the bigger the personality, the bigger the story. My experience about reporting cancer has been one of enabling people to understand and appreciate the state of affairs (not necessarily the predicament) of cancer patients in order to raise awareness about some of their challenges (and successes). But in the real world, getting a compelling cancer story is a challenge in the first place because no one wants to be involved with cancer either as a patient or as a relative. In this environment, cancer is still reported more as a death sentence. There are more reports of cancer deaths and challenges than survivors and breakthroughs. The fear factor still prevails even within the media. Cancer has an associated stigma and finality of death that dissuades those infected and affected from talking about it. This is the issue. The concerns of cancer patients are similar to concerns of patients with life-long disorders such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, sickle cell disease and End State Kidney Disease. So you need to break those barriers first. How you go about that depends on you as an individual. •The key message of hope of “living with cancer”—is preventable.... The typical person diagnosed with cancer is anxious, fearful, desperate, and often overwhelmed with hopelessness and helplessness. The cancer patient tends to be suspicious and distrustful of the intentions of the reporter, and is usually unwilling to talk about the illness except there is a compelling reason.

t is often a struggle to get the inside story or details from the patient that doesn’t want to be “used” to “sell” the story. It is even more difficult to extract details from the physician who is ethically bound not to talk about the patient, except, of course, the patient permits. One recalls the time prominent personalities die of cancer, and the challenge of obtaining the details. Because few are often willing to talk, the shroud of secrecy around cancer continues to grow. Cancer is in public interest but it is also private affair of the physician, the patients and their families. So who needs the story? In whose interest is it? Is it just to sell your paper, or to project the patient’s plight in public interest? A balance is usually necessary. To write the compelling cancer story, you need to go out of your C M Y

way, beyond the tenets of textbook journalism. You need to understand the science and economics of the disease. You need to develop a relationship with the patient, and the medical experts to get their trust and confidence. Over the years, you tend to become acquainted with cancer support groups, experts and patients. Such groups abound and they are indispensable in demystifying cancer through the media. Every cancer patient needs sympathy, but it is hardly enough. Sympathy is not a bad thing; however, on its own, it doesn’t elicit involvement or engagement. As a sympathiser, you are

sorry about the situation, but your sympathy doesn’t necessarily arouse responsibility or motivate action. On the contrary, sympathy often distances you from the situation and perpetuates the patient’s feeling of helplessness. What would be your attitude if you or a member of your family was struck by cancer? If you were asked to tell your cancer story, or that of your relative, would you oblige? Why would you or why would

The concerns of cancer patients are similar to concerns of patients with life-long disorders such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, sickle cell disease and End State Kidney Disease

you not? Put yourself in the position of the patient. Without question, effective reporting of cancer involves empathy. A good cancer story should not damage the patient, physically, emotionally or psychologically. A badly written cancer story could backfire. This is where the reporter ’s work is cut out. It helps to get to know about the disease, and not to ignore the cancer patient’s world. A number of cancer survivors have helped tremendously. There are instances when a cancer story is positive e.g., a cancer survivor tells his/ her story, or the discovery of a new drug or prevention strategy. Some patients do go public, but more about selfpreservation than to save others. Essentially, the most compelling reason for a typical cancer patient to want to open up about his/ her condition is financial constraint. Cancer treatment is expensive. Much of the time patients are short of money and go public when it is almost too late. Getting their trust and confidence is essential to getting a good story. It is understandable. Even for the wealthy, cancer treatment is quite expensive, especially at the advanced stages, even though such treatment is often palliative, according to the experts.

have encountered dozens of patients compelled to go public in a last hope to raise money for treatment. They seek help to raise millions to procure surgical treatment and drugs, usually in an Indian hospital. Such patients will talk about anything and everything at this stage because they have nothing left to lose. No fear, no dignity, no shame, nothing to lose but their lives. Cancer is a deadly disease, but it is preventable. The propagation of this message of hope through early detection is what needs to be emphasised and the key message of hope of “living with cancer ”, rather than “dying with cancer”, could be stronger.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—41

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015 —41

Lifestyle

Fight diabetes with weight loss

he International Diabetes Federation, IDF, describes diabetes as a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces. Findings by the World Health Organization show there were 3.9 million Nigerians living with Diabetes in 2014. The IDF reported that 387 million people worldwide suffered from the disease and 22 million in the African Region in 2014, a figure that will almost certainly double by 2035. Diabetes in Nigeria has become a growing concern for the economy with 105,091 deaths reported as a result of the disease. Although the disease can be maintained, there are various complications— blindness, heart attack, kidney failure and amputation—all linked to the diabetes. Diabetes has been linked to obesity and overweight people have increased chances of developing type 2 diabetes. •Weight Plan, a low calorie diet... In this disease, the body makes enough insulin but the cells in the at lunch alone—were able to throw away their body have become resistant to tablets. Eighteen months on these patients were the salutary action of insulin. The still free of type 2 diabetes. The Newcastle reason for this is obesity stresses the University researchers described the result as insides of individual cells. remarkable and said it proves that the condition A study was carried out in the UK to that affects millions of people around the world determine how a low calorie diet can need not be a life sentence. impact patients suffering from The bottom line is this: If you’ve got diabetes, diabetes. A two-month low-calorie diet losing weight can get you off insulin and other study was carried out on patients by medications, so you need to create a safe diabetes Newcastle University researchers in weight loss plan with the help of the experts who 2011. The study found that diabetics say the right balance in a diabetes weight loss who consumed just 600 calories a day plan is crucial. —the amount many people would eat SEXUAL ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS

HERE are a lot of effective penis enlargers which ranges from Penis pumps, enlargement creams and pills to penis patches and extenders. These enlargement products varies in their functions, usage span and effectiveness. Some give temporary enlargements, while some give a permanent result. To get a perfect enlargement result, the products should be stayed on or taken for 4 to 6 months to achieve the best of result. I need to get some penis enlargers from you, but I need to enlighten me about the various types you have and their functions and effectiveness. I tried Prosolution sometimes back to help my early ejaculation, and it was quite effective and that’s why I want to get the penis enlargers. Chief Amadi Hello Chief, we have various penis enlargers with different rate of effectiveness and functions. We have the combination of Vigrx plus with plump cream which has to be used for at least 4 months and in most cases for permanent enlargers like the Vigrx plus with plump cream, Neosize XL and Maximus cream, result starts to show between the 7th and the 9th week of usage. Enlarger creams like Maxwidth, Dick plumper and Mr. Thick Dick cream can be C M Y K

If you are battling diabetes, you don’t want to run the risk of high or low blood sugar while you’re dieting. The idea is to cut the calories across the board—from protein, carbohydrates, and fat. People with diabetes should maintain a healthy ratio of carbohydrates, fat, and protein because obesity and diabetes are interwoven. Even losing three to five kilos has health benefits. It can lower blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. Cutting back on just one meal can affect the delicate balance of blood sugar, insulin, and medication in your body. So it’s important to work with an expert when you diet. Losing weight as a diabetic “With a doctor and a good nutritionist, it’s very safe to do. This is very important if you’re taking insulin or medications.” This where the Cambridge Weight Plan, a low calorie diet that is beneficial to individuals with diabetes, comes in. Available in Nigeria, the Plan provides individuals with nutritionally balanced diet programmes that range from 440kcal to 1500+kcal per day and it may beneficial to diabetics as CWP products can be used as the sole source of nutrition for fast, predictable weight loss with nutritional assurance; with conventional food for more gradual weight loss or weight maintenance and nutritional supplementation. “According to research, obesity can reduce a person’s life by up to nine years and reduces the chances of developing a range of health-related problems such as Diabetes. People with health issues like Diabetes have been able to control their illnesses with low calorie diets.” said Eniola, CEO, Cambridge Weight Plan, Nigeria.

EFFECTIVE PENIS ENLARGERS used some 30 mins before sex to enlarge the penis just for the period of sex and the enlargement doesn’t last for long unless used consistently for a long time. The penis pump is also a device with vacuum that is used to pump the penis and the enlargement gotten from the pump is fast but temporary. I used Prosolution with stahard cream to help delay my ejaculation and I’m glad it worked wonders for me. Can I stay in Prosolution for some time to help correct weak erection also? How long will I stay on the product cos I’m hypertensive and I also take the regular drugs for that? Hope it won’t affect me in any adverse way? Banji Prosolution is a herbal supplement that help corrects weak erection and premature ejaculation, but you have to use it or about 2 to 4 months depending on how fast you are getting the result and how your body is responding to the ingredients. It is safe and cannot harm you in any way, all you need to do is leave four hours interval in taking the different supplements. I suffer from acute waist, back and leg pain, slightly diabetic and I have very poor erection. I have used Vimax with Gingko tea and im getting good result with my erection. My question is, will Cleanshield and the

massager help me with the pains as recommended by one of my friends who used them? Bala Yes, Cleanshield liquid is a very potent is alleviating pains in the pivot points of the body when used alongside massagers like the chair massager, VIP chair massager, foot accupoint massager. Usage has to be regular to achieve the best of result and Vimax with Gingko tea is very effective in handling weak erection especially in men who are diabetic. My butt is very flat and flaccid, do you have what I can use to increase the size of my butt and hip. I heard about a particular product called isosensual curve cream and the pill. Do you have them please? Chinyere Isosensual curve has both the cream and the pill and this combo when combined for about 2 to 3 moths gives an amazing result. They are herbal products with no side effect either now or later, so there is absolutely nothing to worry about. These are all we can take for today. Adults who needs any of these aphrodisiacs can call us on 08034666358, 07059294782 or place your orders at www.viewden.com . For further enquiries, send us an email at vieweden@yahoo.com, viewden@ymail.com Kemi Fawole (MD)

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 BY LAJU IREN 07017860213 ELLEJAYMEDIA@YAHOO.CO.UK

SAD TTALE ALE OF SSTUDENT TUDENT AACTIVIS CTIVIS OM ABA CHA ’S ERA TTO O OBJ’S AND BEY OND CTIVISTTS FR FROM ABACHA CHA’S BEYOND

‘How Unilorin withheld our

certificates for over a decade’ BY LAJU IREN

hey had made the headlines in 1998 under the dictatorial regime of the then Head of State General Sanni Abacha. Students at the University of Ilorin were tired of the deplorable living and learning conditions they were being subjected to. It was a little thing that formed the last straw which

broke the camel’s back; the epileptic power supply chose to go off at a time when all students were glued to a Super Eagles’ match. They made headlines when the protests began. The school was shut down. As part of a massive clamp-down on student activism, hundreds of students were arrested, and some recommended for expulsion. But when the headlines faded and the limelight moved to other issues, Rasheedat Adeshina and Lanre Akinola, both student activists at the time, continued to live in the reality of the protests, being denied their University degrees for about fifteen years- a high price to pay simply for standing up for students’ rights. These are their stories. Although Adeshina finished from the University of Ilorin in 2000/ 2001 session, her certificate says she graduated in the 2014/2015 session. She spent the thirteen years in-between fighting in court for a certificate she had already C M Y K

qualified for. Hers should have been a simple matter. On the night of the protest, she was not even in the school premises. As the then Assistant Secretary General of the Student Union, her face was an easily recognisable one; One that had not been missed by a lecturer who shared a cab with her as she left campus that evening. However, that same lecturer was on the investigation panel that recommended her expulsion for involvement in the protest. “We were later invited before the SDC,” she told Saturday School Life, “but did not appear because we felt it would just be a rubber stamp of the recommendation of the investigation panel. We proceeded to court to get an injunction to stop the SDC and our prayers were answered before the court.” That proved to be the first of many trips to court. In the midst of all these, the Prof. Abdulraheem Oba led administration increased the school fees, sparking another round of protests, this time with Adeshina fully involved. “The school administration mobilized the internal security of the university and also the police to crush the peaceful protest of the students and also ordered the arrest of the students. Many students were in fact arrested, including some students from other universities who had come

to express solidarity with us. They were imprisoned at the Oke Kura Maximum Security Prison in Ilorin for more than three months. I narrowly escaped being arrested, but was declared wanted by the police and had to go completely underground,” she narrated. After the release of the incarcerated students, Adeshina was suspended from the University. With the aid of John Olushola Baiyashea & Co, a reputable legal firm in Ilorin, she again went to court to challenge the suspension and won. But the University Authorities refused to abide by the court order. She said: “I had to go back to court to get a committal before I could be allowed to sit for exams. Whenever I had an exam, I would go into the exam hall with the court order. My final year examination in the year 2000 started and ended in this manner. Whenever anybody tried to stop me, I would take out the court order and asked the person to sign that he/she was disobeying the court order.” Interestingly enough, despite these difficulties, Adeshina passed all her courses without a single carry-over, but her victory

The school administration mobilized the internal security of the university and also the police to crush the peaceful protest of the students and also ordered the arrest of the students

would be a long time coming. Just like Lanre Akinola. As a member of the Student Representative Council then, he was involved in a series of protests and rallies that took place on Campus on June 4th and 5th, 1998. Just like Adeshina, he also was recommended, for expulsion. It was a court injunction that saved their academic careers. However, despite successfully completing his studies in 1999, the University administration refused to release his final statement of result and degree without any justifiable reason. In 2001, President Olusegun Obasanjo set up a committee known as the “Resolution Committee on Politically Victimized and Rusticated

Students” headed by the then Special Adviser to the President on Education, Chief S.K. Babalola. With this intervention, the University claimed to have pardoned both students but still withheld their results. “Following the refusal of the University to release our final

statements of result and degrees after the intervention of the committee and despite our repeated demands, we went back to the Federal High Court in 2004 asking the court to compel the University to

Continues on page 43

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—43

Academics ponder solution to infrastructure deficit BY LAJU IREN

ith a population of over 177 million people, Nigeria ranks low in the road to population ratio which stands at 1: 919. It is to address this infrastructure deficit that academics gathered at the 10th Triennial National Delegate Conference of Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), which held in Abuja recently. Guest speaker at the Conference and Head of the Department of Building at the University of Lagos, Prof. Godwin Idoro said that there is no gain saying in the assertion that there is

acute infrastructure deficit in Nigeria. While presenting a paper on ‘Infrastructure deficit in Nigeria: The role of the construction industry,’ Idoro opined that “The existing infrastructure is grossly inadequate and in very bad condition. Several of the new infrastructure projects under construction are already abandoned with little hope for resumption of work and completion.” Idoro listed some of the challenges confronting the construction industry in Nigeria as delay in delivery of projects; cost-overrun, hazards, low quality of projects, collapse or failure of structures among others. His words: “Cost overrun is a serious problem in construction projects in Nigeria. The effects are

difficulty in preparing accurate project budgets, inaccurate and ineffective financial planning and inability of clients to meet financial obligations which often leads to delayed payment, project delay and abandonment.” While speaking on the challenge of hazards, Idoro said that studies have confirmed that construction is the most hazardous of all the

sectors in every economy. “Apart from the high overruns in time and cost, the quality of construction works in Nigeria has also been reported to be poor.” He said that coupled with the afore listed challenges is the lukewarm attitude of governments and the organised private sector to the maintenance of existing structures. By way of a solution, he

A-Ibom Unity School rated high over infrastructural development BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU

HE Federal Government Girls’ College Ikot Obio Itong, in Mkpat Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom state has been highly rated for its standard infrastructural development and academic excellence. Director for Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Anne Okonkwo who spoke on Monday during the inauguration of a new Administrative block in the School said she was impressed with the provision and upgrading of facilities on ground, and the overall neatness of the premises. Okonkwo commended the management and staff of the College for ensuring that the mission and vision of establishing unity schools in the country was sustained describing their efforts as worthy of emulation by other Unity Schools across the country. The Director for Basic and Secondary Education urged the students not to let the school down but to study hard and remain good ambassadors of the School C M Y K

Gov Udom

by making effective use of the conducive learning environment provided for them to achieve their future academic pursuits and dreams. She added that with the impressive standard of the school that the expectation is that they should always make remarkable difference in all levels of examinations, because to whom much is given much is also expected. Her words,” In line with meeting the change mantra of the President

Muhhammadu Buhari administration, Federal Government Girls’ College Ikot Obio Itong in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of AkwaIbom state has taken a lead in an attempt to return the nations unity schools to what it used to be in the past. “It has come out differently among all the unity schools in the Six Geo-political zones of the country. I am quite impressed with what I have met on ground, the massive renovation of buildings, provision of

opined that “Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the development of new infrastructure must be encouraged to succeed. Also, government must review existing infrastructure policies or develop new infrastructure frameworks or policies to encourage increased Private Sector Contribution to infrastructure development, operation and maintenance.”

facilities and the general neatness of the college premises. In totality this is a wonderful experience” Earlier in her remark, the School Principal Mrs. Emma Obot attributed the achievements to team and committed spirit of staff, management and parents, noting that the completion of the new administrative block project was made possible through collaboration of stakeholders including counterpart funding from Parents Teachers Association.

‘How Unilorin withheld our certificates for over a decade’ Continues on page 42 release our final statements of result and degrees. Late Justice Chukwura Nnamani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin on June 21, 2006 ruled in our favour and granted all our prayers including award of damages.” The University appealed against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ilorin at the Court of Appeal, Ilorin. The University lost again and appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on June 6, 2014 (Adeshina’s case) and July 11, 2014 (Akinola’s case) ruled against the University and upheld the judgments of the Court of

Appeal, Ilorin and by implication the Federal High Court, Ilorin. It was a trying time for Akinola. “For many years I did not work,” he said “I relied on friends, family and wellwishers for survival. When I was able to find work, my salary was lower than those who had degrees.” But he says he would go through it all over again. “I won’t do anything different. I will repeat the same thing all over. I have no regret whatsoever.” Adeshina also feels the same way. Now married with children, activism is still her first love. “Struggle is my life,” she says, “outside struggle I am

nothing. I wine and dine in struggle. My family lives in struggle, my husband is an activists and this brings a perfect harmony to my life and struggle. Both Akinola and Adeshina worry about the sleeping giant that student activism has become in campuses across the country. “There is obviously a very huge collapse in the level of student activism. But this is not unconnected with the general collapse in the radical politics not only in Nigeria but also internationally. Student union is no longer independent, student union leaders are no longer ready to

sacrifice” said Adeshina.

Akinola echoes a similar tune. “The student activism now cannot be compared with the time when I was a student activist in terms of campaign for better welfare conditions on campus, campaign against commercialization and privatization of education and other anti-poor policies of the government. Unlike in the past, most of the present day students’ leaders are in the office for their personal interests.” Both comrades collected their certificates in November, 2015. Akinola had waited sixteen years, Adeshina, fourteen.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

08 1 1 6759 759 081 6759759

Size two woman who developed anorexia after being told she was ‘too BIG’ for the catwalk overcomes the eating disorder to land a top plus-size modelling career former size 2 (UK 6) model who was told she was too big to work has overcome an A eating disorder and landed a career as a

her chest duct taped down for shoots. After quitting the industry, the now size 14 (UK 18) model learned to embrace her natural body and was soon scouted by True Model successful plus-size model. Danielle Braverman, from Denver in Management in New York and Hughes Models Colorado, developed anorexia after constantly in London. Now the blonde travels the world posing for being told she wasn’t skinny enough and needed top brands such as Boohoo, Misguided, Evans and Simply Be. Danielle quit modelling, got married and ditched the unhealthy mentality allowing her curves to blossom. The mother-of-two admitted having a family around her meant she eventually grew tired of her problem. She added: ‘I kind of had an epiphany after I had my daughter - I didn’t want her to have to go through all that, and I just want her to accept herself. ‘I started eating normally and being active and after having two children was a size 12-14 and curvy. ‘I feel like this is my true shape, and I am being my true shape. It took me a long time to stop picking on myself, but I got to a point of selfacceptance. ‘I started to feel happy just letting me be me.’

That’s one way to hold their attention! T

eaching children about human anatomy can be complex - but one teacher found a simple solution. Debby Heerkens, a biology teacher at Groene Hart Rijnwoude school, in Hazerswoude Dorp, Netherlands, stripped off in front of her students to reveal an anatomically-correct spandex suit. Standing on a desk in front of her ninth grade class, Debby took off her clothes to reveal the bodysuit, which clearly showed where all the organs of the body can be found in graphic detail. As well as that suit, she also stripped

One hell of a hangover A

stag do reveller couldn’t believe his eyes when he woke up with a pair of glasses tattooed onto his face. The party-goer looked in the mirror after the night out

and thought his friends had drawn around his eyes with marker pen. But when he tried to wash the markings off, he realised it was a permanent tattoo, which included the word ‘Rayban’

etched into his skin. The man in his fifties has since spent two years getting the sunglasses tattoo lasered off of his face. The man, from Swansea, South Wales, was on a stag

off to reveal two more: one clearly showing where each of the body ’s muscles are located and another Halloween-esque skeleton suit to convey bone anatomy. Speaking to CNN about the inspiration behind her quirky lesson, she said: ‘At first they were a little bit in shock because they thought “the teacher is taking off her clothes,” until, they saw what was underneath.’ According to the website, Debby, who has worked as a teacher for seven years, wanted to use a more creative way to educate and engage her class.

weekend in Blackpool when he had the tattoo inked on to his face as a drunken dare. He said: ‘I had no memory of getting the tattoo because I had gone out celebrating and it happened when I was drunk. Waking up the morning after, I thought someone had used a permanent marker on my face. ‘When I first came home, obviously I was subject to a lot of stares, but I kind of got used to the tattoo and decided not to get rid of it.’ But later, on another evening out with friends, he was mocked over the inking by someone in a pub. He added: ‘The next morning I really started to think about what my family and friends thought. I didn’t want them to be

embarrassed when they were out with me, so I decided there and then I was going to get it removed.’ The man, who asked not to be named, went to 1192 Laser and Beauty Clinic in Swansea, South Wales, to have the removal. The man had six treatments to make the tattoo no longer visible to the naked eye. ‘All I can say is that the whole process was amazing,’ he added. ‘There is no scarring, and when friends who haven’t seen me for months come over, they always notice something is different. When they realise the tattoo is gone, they are shocked about how well the treatment has worked.’

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—45

Enugu:

Ugwuanyi presents 6 months score card BY FRANCIS IGATA

s the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State clocked six months into its first four years tenure,stakeholders gathered last Saturday at the Old Government Lodge where they rose in unison to embrace daring efforts made by his government to place the state in a pedestal of economic growth. Apparently determined to entrench and run an all inclusive government to serve as a recipe for the sustenance of the prevailing peace in the state,Governor Ugwuanyi last Saturday,summoned an expanded stakeholders meeting to acquaint them on the programmes and policies of his administration. The Old Government Lodge brimmed with the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP,officials from the 260 wards in the state. Party Chairmen from across the 17 council areas,State Executive members,senators and House of Representative members representing the various constituencies,former ministers,former governors,former deputy governors among other party faithful who thronged the venue to be part of the maiden stakeholders meeting called by Ugwuanyi since taking over the realm of power last May 29. A close peep at the governor’s principles of governance showed that he operates a government of consultation such that every segment of the stakeholders are carried along in all decisions affecting the people. This is to weed out possible bickering which usually snowball into political warfare. Such situation breeds anarchy,smolders scarce resources which would have been deployed to meaningful ventures that will better the lot of the people and above all,remain a distraction to the government of the day that will have its hand full, building political trenches from where plans for major conflagration will be launched. Those who have made appreciable personal contact with the governor likens his humane disposition to that of a Vatican Bishop who remains unprovoked when bile regurgitates in times of frayed nerves. It however,did not take the stakeholders by storm when they received notice of meeting knowing the pedigree of Ugwuanyi as one who runs an open,accessible,transparent government with the singular aim of alleviating the suffering of his people.

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INFRASTRUCTURE/ HOUSING Setting the tone at the meeting,Governor Ugwuanyi reeled out the remarkable achievements of his administration in the past six months saying,”Let me first of all announce the good news of the reception of a part of the bailout fund for offsetting outstanding emoluments of workers and retirees. Even though what we have received is small, we are looking forward to receiving the main part of the fund in no distant time. “Also in line with the interest we have in the welfare of workers, we have continued the prompt payment of salaries and provided electricity, water, and other ancillary services at the New Secretariat Complex. Work has also reached advanced stages at the Workers’ Estate at Ogbeke and we paid 30 percent Equity Contribution to enable interested Enugu State civil servants from Grade Level 01 to Grade Level 10, to acquire 100 units of one bedroom flats at Elim Estate, Ibagwa, Nike, Enugu. The beneficiaries of this scheme have since been selected through an open lottery system held recently at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu. LOCAL GOVT ADMINISTRATION “Early in the life of the administration, we set up an 11man Committee on Local Government Audit and Biometric Data Capture headed by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi. Among others, the Committee’s responsibility is to determine the true staff strength of each of the 17 Local Government Areas, the financial implications of the staff in respect of monthly remunerations, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Local Government Pensions Board. “We believe that this exercise will help to arrest the perennial problem of profligacy, corruption, and other sharp practices and also eliminate the ghost worker syndrome. I am pleased to announce that the exercise is already yielding the desired results and will soon be extended to the school system where we have also observed that, the number of teachers in the records, is far above the number we have on ground in the schools. EDUCATION “An Administrative committee

headed by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo is already looking into the issue of ENSUBEB projects in our primary schools and related matters. We have nonetheless undertaken the renovation and re-equipment of secondary and primary schools across the state to ensure that our children and their pupils enjoy a conducive environment for learning. “Soon also, we will, as required by law, apply for a loan to enable us assess the state’s counterpart funds for ENSUBEB which will add value to educational sector in the State. We have also made fruitful efforts to provide and improve necessary infrastructure in our Tertiary institutions just as we intervened to rescue the Institute of Management and Technology,IMT, from the crumbling weight of salary arrears and resultant low staff morale. I am glad to announce that government has decided to make the IMT a degree awarding institution and that the necessary machinery to enable us realize this

A close peep at the governor’s principles of governance showed that he operates a government of consultation such that every segment of the stakeholders are carried along in all decisions affecting the people

objective, will soon be in put in place. “We have also taken decisive steps towards repositioning and revamping the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo through our push for the re-validation of old programmes and the accreditation of five new courses by the National Board for Technical Education,NABTEB. Disturbed by the fact that the Enugu State College of Education,Technical, has not been able to award certificates to its

• Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi graduands for nine years due to non- accreditation of its courses, the State Executive Council revalidated the approval of a substantial sum of money to enable the institution scale its accreditation hurdles and be in a position to issue certificates.

Ogbete Market and gone far with the rehabilitation of the Airport Roundabout – Orie Emene – St. Patrick’s College – Eke Obinagu Road Project, Mbanefo II, New Haven. We also directed the continuous maintenance of roads in Enugu.

URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT “In fulfillment of our promise to catalyze urban and rural development and develop new cities in the state to boost economic activities, we embarked on the massive development of roads across the state. A few weeks ago, we flagged off the construction of eight major roads across the state. These were: The Ameke Ngwo-Nsude Junction bypass,Ninth Mile Corner Bypass, Dualisation of Opi-Nsukka Road,Abakpa Nike Road,Nike Lake Road,Ohom Orba JunctionImilike Ani – Ezimo Uno – Ezimo Agu – Imilike - Ogbudu Aba Obollo-Etiti – Amalla – Obollo Afor (Udenu Ring Road,Enugu Road Junction – Umuezebi- Nru Junction- University Gate Nsukka,Post Office Roundabout – Odenigbo Roundabout- Ogurugu Road – Ikenga Hotel Junction,Obechara Road Junction – Umuakashi Mechanic Village – Ikenga Hotel Junction. “We are also doing drains, culverts, earthworks, and asphaltic wearing courses on the Ugwogo Nike-Ikem Road. We have completed the hitherto intractable

AGRICULTURE “As part of our rural and agricultural development initiatives, we initiated the construction of a 15-kilometre Inter-Town Connection ,ITC, 2.5MVA Injection Sub-Station at Ezi-Nze, Udi Local Government Area just a few days after my assumption of office. This initiative will supply electricity to communities in Udi, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas. It will also activate businesses in these rural communities and power the Adada Dam Project as well as the Greater Nsukka Water Scheme. “We procured 20 tractors to be hired to genuine farmers at very low rates. I also directed the release of counterpart funds for the robust participation of our State in the implementation of the N2 billion Staple Crops Processing Zone ,SCPZ, programme by the African Development Bank in conjunction with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The fund will be channeled to the revival and expansion of the Adani Irrigation

Continues on page 46

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, oday we continue with the anointed teaching from the Word of God, on the above subject matter which we believe will greatly bless you. Whatever God has put in you, will cause men, community, cities, towns, nations and continents to locate you. If you are a child of God, then know that there is something in you that people are looking out to gain. Right now what is in you may not be attractive or may look insignificant, yet God can use it to move multitudes to you. This is why I have come to you today through this medium to encourage you that no matter where you are, you shall be located. Evil shall not locate you. It shall be far from you. Like I said above, there must be a sign in your life to enable people to locate you. I am sure that if you are looking for a friends place you look out for sign to guide you to your destination. If there is no sign, you may become discouraged. So you see, it is very necessary for you to have a sign. If there is no sign in your life, accept Jesus Christ today as your personal Lord and Savior and God will come put a sign on you. If there is a sign already, the glory of the Almighty God will be manifested in you for good. Do you know that there are signs that you see and you just begin to wonder and fall in love and proclaim to the whole world. This is the kind of sign that I pray will come upon you and will continue to be your portion in Jesus name. In Luke 2:8-12, 16-17, 20,

DECEMBER 5, 2015

You shall be located (2) the bible says “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them and the Glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid. And the Angel said unto them, fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall fine the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger…. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had

seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child…..And the shepherds retuned, glorifying and praising God for all things they had heard and seen, as it was told them. From the above text the shepherd were not looking for Jesus. They were minding their own business when God sent His Angel to them to announce Jesus. God who is always the same will send Angels and people to announce you, your business, ministry etc in Jesus name. Jesus was there in the manger whilst God was announcing Him. This is divine grace and this grace is coming upon you after today. Believe it. The sign on Jesus was that He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in

And the Angel said unto them, fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people the manger. Again I say, when God is involved in your case, even the un-significant thing becomes priceless. Jesus the baby did not remain in swaddling clothes and in a manger. He grew beyond that. When He died men

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635, 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622. Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 7.45 am – 9:15am; 2nd service 9:15 – 11:30am. Wednesday World Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11Am – 5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month 6 a.m – 7.15am.

Enugu: Ugwuanyi presents 6 months score card Continues from page 45 Scheme as well as the construction of feeder roads and other critical infrastructure that will catalyze agriculture in the State. HEALTH “Our health sector is already receiving a breath of fresh air as we have, among other things, continued to sustain our well acclaimed Free Maternal Health and Child Care programme while ensuring the proper equipment and staffing of existing health institutions in the state. We are also on the verge of completing the ultra-modern medical diagnostic centre in Enugu and have initiated the construction of three new Specialists Hospitals in the three Senatorial Zones of the State with the flag off of the scheme at Orba, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. DISCIPLINE “The Child rights Act is now before the House as an executive bill and in collaboration with the UNICEF, we have carried out sensitization activities to ensure its successful passage. In response to the persistent complaints of our people, we have taken concrete steps to end touting, illegal

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were fighting for His clothes. You will grow beyond mediocrity and will soon become the center of attraction in Jesus name. Now listen to this. Everything in life begins with a seed. And a seed in your hand is only a potential forest not unless it is released. Every seed produces a great harvest. We encourage you to prayerfully consider sowing a generous seed in our ministries to enable us continue to take the reality of Christ to the people. Our contact details are below. Our partners are constantly in our prayers and their lives abound with countless testimonies. Do you want to experience a turning point in your life? Then you must receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. To receive Him, pray this prayer. Father, your word says that whosoever shall call upon the name of Jesus shall be saved. I hereby call upon the name of Jesus. Break every covenant between me and the devil, and make me a new person. Thank you Father for saving me.

collection of fees and undue harassment and intimidation of citizens by unscrupulous persons and others purporting to be working for government agencies in Enugu State. This informed the recent suspension of the collection of fines for traffic offences and the reinforcement of the ban on cash payment of rates or fees to government agencies including ESWAMA and the Local Government Councils. I have also directed the State Ministry of Environment to stop the collection of levies for sand excavation in the State till further notice. INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE “To standardize, streamline and shore up our Internally Generated Revenue, we have set up a team to design a blueprint for the collection of revenue which we believe will help eliminate corruption and illegal collections. We are already working on the promulgation of a Property Tax Law and other revenue related laws that will regulate revenue collection in the state. “We have also interviewed some Banks and other organizations with regards to this matter and very soon, we will announce the institution that will drive our IGR enhancement activities. We also

have plans to reorganize the system of Land Allocation and related matters in order to plug the loopholes and leakages that we have observed in the process. In the area of industrial development, I wish to inform you that we have resolved all the bottlenecks militating against the take off of the Enugu State Industrial Park and that, in partnership with Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the DFID, we are planning a drive for investors through an investors’ forum that we have scheduled to hold next year. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT “Having acknowledged Sports as a major avenue for engaging our youth positively, creating jobs, and marketing our State, we are taking steps to return Enugu to its glorious days as the breeding ground for celebrated sports personalities. In this regard, we have resolved to take immediate steps to reorganize and revive the Rangers International Club- a club that is dear, not only to Ndi Enugu, but also to every Igbo man. We have earlier moved to resolve the impasse between the players and management of the club over unpaid salaries and other entitlements.

EMPLOYMENT “Also in line with our polices on human development, youth empowerment and poverty alleviation, we recently appointed 600 (six hundred) Executive Assistants and we are on the verge of making other major appointments and reconstituting Boards for Parastatals in the state. We are currently lacing their job schedules with local content to ensure enhanced and effective rural development. LOCAL GOVT ELECTION “I have also called this meeting to reason with you all, on some very critical issues affecting the third tier of government- the Local Governments. As you know, the tenure of the current Councils will expire on the 4th of January, 2016. However two major reasons have prevented us from initiating the processes for the election of new officials for the Councils. The first is the on-going local government staff audit and others reforms. Recall that the State Caucus had in its last meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Enugu, agreed that all activities towards the local government elections, be put on hold to enable the Committee handling the exercise, conclude its assignment. It indeed, appears to

be a widely shared view among our people, that it will be unwise and imprudent to conduct election for new councils when this very important exercise has not been concluded. “The second problem is that of low funding for the exercise. The exercise, as matter of fact, is not properly provided for in the current budget. The little appropriated for it is grossly and manifestly inadequate. We therefore expect to address this deficiency in the 2016 budget. We are therefore asking for your mandate to decide on the next and appropriate line of action that we must take in view of the issues we have raised above.” STAKEHOLDERS APPROVE CARETAKER C’TTEES After listening with wrapped attention as the governor enumerated the achievements of his administration in the last six months which elicited a thunderous ovation,Deputy Senate President,Ike Ekweremadu,Enugu-West senatorial constituency,Prof. Barth Nnaji,Enugu-East senatorial constituency and Chief Nnia Nwodo,Enugu-North senatorial constituency led other stakeholders from the three senatorial zones in the state,to approve the setting up of a Caretaker Committee at the expiration of the incumbent council chairmen tenure on January 4,2016.

SATURDAY

BY IMAM IMAM

n two of Nigeria’s ancient and historical cities, two unrelated but eventful events will take place today. In the Coal city, the world will witness the official investiture of Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, with the Degree of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by Godfrey Okoye (Catholic) University. In Lafiagi, Kwara State, Tambuwal will be installed as the Garkuwan Lafiagi, by the Emir of the town, HRH Sa’adu Kawu Halliru, at the 40th anniversary of his rule. Tambuwal has come a long way in national consciousness. To be honoured on the same day by two respected institutions only highlights not just his growing reputation as man of honour and distinction, but his tolerance and acceptability among Nigeria’s diverse socio-ethnic configuration. The Sokoto Governor, having served with distinction as the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives between 2011 and May this year, comes with a distinguished political and public service antecedent. As an accomplished lawyer who is wellversed in both Islamic and Western scriptures, Tambuwal’s other numerous achievements, including his meteoric rise in politics, has proved him to be tactician and Master of the Game, not in the sense of dirty game, as some people often mistakenly label politics, but a clean discipline built on the philosophy of self respect, fair play, hard work and the spirit of give and take which. Since his election as governor earlier this year, Tambuwal has embarked on far reaching reforms in various sectors in the Caliphate State. As the leader of a vanguard of new breed politicians determined to halt the drift and make the system work, Tambuwal’s contribution towards national development and integration has been appreciated not only in his immediate constituency, but in the country as a whole. What he has done, first as the Speaker and now as a Governor, have increased transparency in governance and made for a better economic management of affairs in Nigeria. I am sure the authorities of Godfrey Okoye University are not oblivious of the effort put by Tambuwal to uplift the standard of education in his state. Knowing well that no human endeavour will move successfully without quality education, Tambuwal made the revamping of the sector his top priority. Within days of taking over the reins of affairs, he received an unusual request from Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, to introduce a school transportation system for children in the state. His thinking was that with this arrangement on ground, learning will be enhanced. Tambuwal promptly took up the challenge. Modalities for implementation are currently

Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015—47

Day of Double Honour for

Tambuwal being developed, pending budgetary approval from the state legislature. In a bid to boost enrolment figures and halt historical anomaly, government announced a policy that will criminalise the refusal to send children to school. The policy, seen as both radical and revolutionary, has drawn applause from social commentators and other stakeholders. This was followed immediately by recruitment of 500 teachers to address the shortfall in teaching personnel in public secondary schools. Then also, in Sokoto, emphasis is now on technical education to ensure all students who graduate from secondary school are equipped with necessary skills for self-reliance. Feasibility studies have been completed for the opening of entrepreneurship development centres in the three senatorial zones of the state. It is not just in his contribution to the education sector that Godfrey Okoye University authorities found Tambuwal a worthy recipient of their honourary degree. In words and deeds, Tambuwal has proven himself adept at providing quality leadership needed to make the necessary impact in

the polity. He has proven that when the time and place are right, a leader is often judged not by the rightness or wrongness of what he had to say, but by the dashing jauntiness of his words, the sweet cadence of his expressions, and how effectively the words persuade the heart rather than the head. In moving with the current realities of change in the affairs of the nation, Tambuwal has demonstrated courage, intelligence and goodwill towards the Nigerian masses through his actions and commitment regarding issues that affect them. This is no surprise considering his apparent willingness not to be encumbered by the political exigencies that had stunted our progress in the past. The exemplary conduct of Tambuwal convinced the Lafiagi Emirate Council to bestow one of its highest honours on him. His widely

The exemplary conduct of Tambuwal convinced the Lafiagi Emirate Council to bestow one of its highest honours on him

circulated opinions and discourses on good governance, public service, constitutional reform, youth and women empowerment and national development was not lost on the council when it decided to make him its Garkuwa — shield or defender of humanity. In all his conducts, Tambuwal has maintained the humble and truthful disposition universally associated with the descendants Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio. Na Shehu da gaskiya aka san ku is a euphemism known all in Hausaspeaking areas to mean people of trust, respect, integrity and love for humanity. No wonder he was named Aminu—the trustworthy. Finding himself with a traditional title is not something new to the Governor. A scion of a noble and respected family, the Waziri Family of Tambuwal, Aminu also holds the title of Mutawallen Sokoto. Having served and acquired considerable experience in his chosen profession of law, between 1992 and 2002, Tambuwal ventured into politics, the platform that was to see his meteoric rise to even greater heights and which enabled him to marry the experiences of his legal profession with those of his new career in politics. The marriage produced a balanced and patriotic Nigerian with vision who saw politics as a caring profession and a means to fulfill a mission, the mission of moving the nation forward through collective and peaceful bargaining, a philosophy he eagerly shared with all likeminded politicians, regardless of party affiliation. Tambuwal is known to have extended warm handshake of rapprochement and diplomacy to all categories of persons. He has been noted to bare his mind on matters of national importance, some of them thorny and critical, even when such matters directly relate to his own political base. His philosophy of detente already resonates with many politicians across the nation. And, in any case, is there anything more powerful than an idea whose time has come? For those whose paths have crossed with the affable gentleman, they found him as an inspiration and symbol of the emerging army of younger generation of politicians whose main preoccupation is to create a better future for Nigeria.

*Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Governor Tambuwal

•Tambuwal

48—SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 5, 2015

ith Nigeria grappling with economic uncertainties, business leaders believe that the only way out of this doldrums is to train future entrepreneurs that will help leapfrog the country through enterprise and innovation. This reports First bank’s activities in art and entertainment and the agric industry as components of national development. As global unemployment rate soars, with the International Labour Organisation, ILO, predicting an estimated 212 million people that may be jobless by 2019, thus countries are adopting remedial policy measures to avert the looming crisis and by so doing, mitigating the socio-economic damages to their economies. Conscious of the negative effects of i n c r e a s e d unemployment, governments, businesses and other development experts are consensual in their views that entrepreneurship, particularly among the youths, remain the key to guaranteeing the future of countries and people and laying enduring foundation for their real social, economic and political transformation. They agreed that the only way to achieve this lofty dream is to increase

First Bank and drive for socioeconomic devt agenda

L-R Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Babatunde Savage, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa and Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, during the visit of the Irish Minister to Guinness Nigeria in Lagos, recently.

the number of entrepreneurs so as to minimise the increasing rush for formal, white collar jobs by young school leavers and giving them the right orientation about entrepreneurship and its potential for their self fulfilment. According to UNIDO, SMEs form the backbone of the private sector; make up over 90 per cent of enterprises in the world

and account for 50 to 60 per cent of employment. “They also play an important role in generating employment and poverty alleviation”, It said. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, put the total number of SMEs in Nigeria at over 17 million. However, because of some challenges in the economy, a lot of SME operators in

the country find it very difficult to effectively play their role. Also, poor economic conditions, which also imply poor finance and inadequate infrastructure, have been identified as the most crucial limiting factors. Again, poor access to finance at relatively cheap cost is also one of

L-R: Headmistress, Nuhu Bamali Primary School, Zaria; Hajia, Asmau Mohammed Lawan, Specialist, Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria; Abdulwahab Umoru and Etisalat board member Alhaji Junaid Dikko presenting computers to the Headmistress during the official commissioning of the school renovated by Etisalat Nigeria in Zaria recently

Peak Milk Wins Iconic Brand of the Year By Prisca Sam-Duru n recognition of its o u t s t a n d i n g I performance in 2015, Peak Milk, Nigeria’s favourite dairy brand, has been awarded the 2015 “Iconic Brand of the Year” at the annual Marketing World Magazine Awards. The award in its 5th edition was presented to the milk brand at an impressive ceremony held in Lagos. According to the organisers, the prestigious award is designed to celebrate the excellence, creativity and achievements of the marketing industry by rewarding outstanding performance across the integrated marketing communication industry. The theme for this year’s award ceremony was tagged: “Breaking the mould in marketing excellence.” The award ceremony which had in attendance major players in the marketing industry across various sectors of the economy, tagged the theme: “Breaking the mould in marketing excellence.” It was meant to celebrate outstanding marketing achievements C M Y K

the most crucial problems hindering SMEs to make significant contribution to national output in Nigeria. One current example among others is the intervention of First bank in the art and entertainment sector which remains a lee way as the bank’s contribution to economic growth and national development in the face of dwindling economy and instability in the oil sector, thus prompting its diversification to agric and entertainment as major sources for future revenue drive. Consensually for that reason, the bank delved into the business of promoting with particular focus on the art and entertainment and agriculture sector of the economy, systematically creating employment for young Nigerians through its SMEs scheme and sponsorship activities. However, one would not forget in a jiffy the bank’s contribution to its rich heritage of over 120 years in adding sustainable value to the economy. Meanwhile, the bank’s cultural development in sub-Saharan Africa and the globe also speak of the bank’s footprints in Africa and the globe, and its support in diverse cultural heritage in locations of Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Senegal and Sierra Leone, Johannesburg, London, Paris, Abu Dhabi and Beijing. From indication there is no doubt that Nigeria as a nation, since attaining independence in 1960 has tried out various economic policies in a bid to achieve meaningful economic development, a step the bank sees as an opportunity to nip the bud to create an established development desk for the economy. Most of these policies, some analysts say, are centrally planned and government dominated. The resultant impact of this excessive government domination of the economy left much to be desired leading to massive divestment in the 1990’s by the government.

in over twenty categories. Peak Milk emerged winner in the Iconic brand of the year category beating several others. The award which was presented by Group Executive Publisher, Marketing World, Akin Naphtal, was received by Mrs. Dolapo Otegbayi, the Marketing Manager for the Peak Brand, on behalf of FrieslandCampina WAMCO. Responding after receiving the award, Otegbayi expressed the company ’s appreciation to the organizers of the awards for recognising

Peak as the Iconic brand of 2015. “Having been in Nigeria for over 60 years, Peak is synonymous to milk and is the nation’s favourite milk. This award coming in the year of our 60th anniversary gives us a positive nudge that we are doing the right thing. We thank Nigerians for allowing Peak to be part of their lives for over 60years. Peak promises to continue to support and nourish Nigerians with quality dairy milk and we are also telling Nigerians that with Peak the future is bright”, she added.

Etisalat renovates, empowers schools with learning facilities

tisalat Nigeria, the country ’s most innovative and youthfriendly telecommunications service provider, has demonstrated its > L-R.: Akin Naphtal, Group Executive Publisher, Marketing World; Lampe Omoleye, Managing Director, Nielsen; Dolapo Otegbayi, Marketing Manager, Peak, FrieslandCampina WAMCO and Aramide Taiwo, Media Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO during the award presentation recently in Lagos.

commitment to the development and growth of the Nigerian education sector with the renovation of some schools as well as empowering them with modern day learning facilities ranging from 30 desktop computers to Nuhu Bamali Primary School, Fadi Sanka community in Zaria, Kaduna State and others. Speaking recently at the formal launch of the remodeled school, Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, said the intervention was in line with the company ’s commitment to improve the quality of education in Nigeria as well as partnering with the relevant tiers of government to develop the sector.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015— 49

Newborn triplets stranded in Lagos hospital

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hildren, according to the holy book, are the heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb, His reward.When Moses Mark Chidiadi and his wife, Gift Chidiadi Mark solemnised their marriage late last year, one of the prayers for the celebrators at the occasion was for their guests to return in nine months to celebrate the arrival of baby in the family. But the Chiadadis, who are from Enugu state didn't just have a new arrival. They got three at a stretch barely a year after their nuptials. Now, instead of celebrating, it has become a mixture of sadness and joy. The couple had their triplets successfully delivered on the 20th of November 2015, around 11:45am, at Ancilia Catholic Hospital, Elliot in Lagos State. But they couldn't pay their hospital

bills. According to Mrs. Gift Chidiadi Mark was aware they were going to have a set of triplet because an ultra-sound was carried out.Due to the fact that they just got married under one year, and having spent much money during their marriage proceedings, they were yet to recover from the expenses, thereby finding it hard to settle the hospital bill.The triplets,Precious who was the first to come out weighed 2.5kg, Prosper came out next weighing 2kg while Mark came out last weighing 1.5kg.The triplets are all male.At the hospital where the triplets are still on admission, the father of the triplets lamented the economic condition in the country which has affected his business as a spare

parts dealer.“ We have been depending on the family for support, nothing has happened so far. We need N300,000 to get us out of the hospital alone and much more to sustain ourselves and the babies.We are stranded here in the hospital and we need help because I cannot afford the hospital bill.“ Yes, I am very grateful to God for the joy despite the condition we found ourselves and I won't trade my joy for sorrow”.Speaking to the reporter, Reverend Sister Ulo, who is the mid-wife that took delivery of the triplets said its normal to deliver multiple children.“ As a Reverend Nurse who has worked in different hospitals in Nigeria, far and wide, I'm really happy for the experience. The first baby that was first delivered weighed

The birth of the triplets changed our plan of getting a new accommodation because the hospital is requesting for N300,000 (three hundred thousand naira to settle the hospital bill

2.5kg, the second weighed 2 kg and the 3rd baby weighed 1.5 kg, which contributed to the low birth weight. The last was kept in the incubator to gain more strength.”According to the couple, “The birth of the triplets changed our plan of getting a new accommodation because the hospital is requesting for N300,000 (three hundred thousand naira to settle the hospital bill). We need a more comfortable accommodation because of the babies after we are discharged from here.Doctor Idoko Kingsley who delivered the babies expressed excitement for having delivered them successfully despite the challenges with the hospital bill.He enjoined the family of Mr and Mrs Moses Mark Chidiadi to plead with fellow Nigerians to come to the rescue of this family and contribute to the hospital bill and upkeep and well-being of the children in all ramifications.Good Nigerians can reach them with this account No. Diamond Bank No. 0006664236 and name Mark Gift Chidiadi.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Open letter to Ife Sons and Daughters QASIM AKINRETI

n an Ife local parlance, I greet my brothers and sisters “Otun ife ,Osi Ife.Baba re agbe o.” And to our amiable, young, ebullient, dynamic and prosperous new Oonira ,kabiyesi Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, May your reign be long and prosperous to all and sundry. Ade ape Lori, baba ape lese.” A big congratulations to you. Honestly, I am hopeful that our new king will deliver on his promises because of the rare coincidence of Yoruba mythology on names, his parents good work to the community , fate and history. Kindly permit me to situate my thoughts. First on fate, Arole Odua has been divinely blessed by his name Enitan. He will certainly be a son of remembrance in his life. That certainly has come to pass with his elevation as Ooni. Secondly, his father Pa Ropo Ogunwusi has paid his patriotic duty to the Ife

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU There are strong indications that the Federal Government owes core civil servants an estimated sum of about N1.2billion, made up of salary arrears, promotion arrears, first 28th days allowance on transfer from post, repatriation allowances and allowances for mandatory training by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) since 2011 to date. The development comes on the heels of various petitions to the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) with allegations of promotion anomalies, abuse of waivers, favoritism and employment without due consideration for budgetary provision to accommodate new officers. The FCSC is also alleged to have abused the waiver granted it by the President to appoint about 900 people annually as reports indicate that the Commission employs as many as 4,000 persons every year. Just before the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, left office, the Federal Government ordered its Ministries, Departments and Agencies to compile the names of all Public Service employees who are being owed arrears (salaries and allowances) within two weeks so that they could be paid without further delay. A circular with reference number HCSF/428/S.1/128 dated September 14, 2015, made available to journalists emphasized the urgency to C M Y K

community through the broadcast media when he was at Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, as well as Radio OYO in the 70s and early 90s. He, alongside another patriotic son of Ife, Akin Akinsolugba, brought the Ife dialect to a prominent position on Radio with the “Ikini Ani Ede Ife” chit chat programme. The dexterity of use of the Ife dialect in folklore, proverbs, history and anecdotes by Pa Ogunwusi and Akin Akinsolugba was extraordinary. As a young man living at Oyeneye street, Old Ife road with the Ogunwusis, I listened with rapturous attention and sense of pride to learn the Ife dialect on Radio. I learnt the greetings “ Nle Awe o , Kaboun Tiri... Oke..... Baba re agbe o... Sala in. I was also mentored to study broadcast journalism which I am currently pursuing to the PhD level. In effect, the father paved way to his son who is now the Kabiyesi of

the entire Southwest. The Programme with the signature tune “Egbe omo ife awani pataki” reverberates. The word ‘fate’ comes into play for our first king among the equals in Yorubaland. With his vast experience in the field of estate management, he has had opportunity to work in ambience of royalty through his business with the kings, opinion leaders and astute politicians of note in the Lagos areas and Yorubaland by extension. In terms of history, Kabiyesi Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, fortunately stands up to be counted among the Princes of the Latogifo ruling House in the race to the 51st Ooni of Ife. Perhaps it was a sheer coincidence of history that he had to struggle with older, mighty and powerful Ife princes. From the account of Professor Aderibigbe and the king makers, the young and ebullient Enitan Adewusi fits the bill; humble and foresightedness in interviews. I have painted this scenario, to underscore

the essence of divine intervention at the most appropriate time. Even though he was my junior in those days playing around in the quite Agodi Government Reservation Area, GRA, today , he is surely my senior and father of the entire Yoruba in eyes and letters of Yoruba Monarchy. I dare say and submit that to all contestants to the converted stool of Ooni, it is time to close ranks and pay homage to the reality of our time , “All hail Oonirisa,the Ojaja 11.For the rest of the folks , we owe the new ruler absolute loyalty, love,high sense of patriotism, and dignity to the town , Ile ife ,his environs and the Yoruba race as a whole. Loyalty - these seven letters are quite instructive in this new dispensation. In the last dispensation, the Ife sons and daughters were found wanting in terms of loyalty to late Olubuse 11, Oba Okunade Sijuade partly because of his political affiliations to the then ruling

party. The late Oba’s comment on political developments during June 12 post election crisis and the race to the 2015 elections was quite questionable. Indeed there were enemies within and without . No doubt, Ife sons and daughters were divided, dirided, scorned and were butts of all jokes among the committee of Yoruba elites, academia and traditionalists. This partisanship, the new Ooni must avoid and be father to all. We must also embrace the principle of love. This is one of the kernels of progress for any society. With love we share our expectations, victories, and loss. To all intent and purpose, Ile Ife is set to play its unique role in Yoruba traditional institutions from now on as signaled in the first message of Ooni shortly after his choice was announced by the kingmakers a month ago. The supreme ruler of the Yoruba race was unequivocal in his clarion call. Odua agbe o.

Qasim Akinreti, is from Iredunmi, Okerewe Quarters, Ile Ife, and is an Assistant Director News, Voice of Nigeria.

FG owes civil servants N1.2bn •As corruption, favouritsm, promotion anomalies soar

compile the names within seven days but which Saturday Vanguard learnt was extended by two weeks. A Director in one of the Ministries who spoke on condition of anonymity

lamented what he described as the FCSC system of promotion, alleging that, “vacancies are not carried over to another year, so every year, the vacancies are specific for that year and when candidates are presented for

promotions, they are so presented for that particular year. Also, a Deputy Director in the Federal Civil Service told Saturday Vanguard that officers who pass the promotion examination for a particular year but who are not promoted because there are no positions to fix them are deferred to the next year and have their promotions backdated instead of allowing them go through the trauma of waiting and sitting for the next promotions examinations. The Deputy Director explained that grades 1 to 6 in the Civil Service write their examinations biennially while grades 7 to 14 write theirs every three years and those on levels

15 to 17 sit for their examinations every four years. He further said the Head of Service has no business employing people but only make demands for vacant positions based on budgetary provisions and requests from the MDAs. An Assistant Director told Saturday Vanguard that the Federal Government, the Head of Service and the FCSC cannot give the exact total number of civil servants in the country. In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, the Chairman of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Bola Sunday Olaiya, said that there had been rampant cases of what he described as illegal recruitment. According to him, “directors who have served meritoriously for decades cannot rise to the peak of their careers because all manner of persons are being recruited to occupy the top positions. “When a minister is appointed, he goes to his village to bring his uncles, his friends, family members and make them Personal Assistants and Special Advisers and bring them into the Service. “And by the time they stay a year as ministers and leave, they retain those people and before you know it, they become Permanent Secretaries.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 51

Will Turkey invoke Article 5 of NATO charter? are Tensions rising fast between

Turkey and Russia after Russian jets apparently violated Turkey ’s airspace. The incidence which led to heated exchange of rhetoric between the 2 countries and Turkey establishing anti-aircraft missiles battery is described as an act that could possibly damage both countries relationship and possible North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO0 involvement. Although several reports affirm there is still comprehensive and solid foundation in terms of mutually profitable relations between Turkey and Russia, there are warnings that Article 5 of the NATO Treaty may be invoked, for fact that any attack on Turkey means an attack on NATO. Notably, Turkey feels slighted by Russia’s recent violation, still, they both could be characterised as cooperative, with huge investments taking place in the energy sector and a deal signed for Russia to help build a $20 billion USD nuclear plant in Turkey. Everyone seems to be getting in on the seemingly confrontational act, but it is likely that the differences may be taken at face value, following reports that the Su-24 was just in the airspace for just 17 seconds before being attacked. In this respect, many argue that the short provocation is not enough to escalate subsequent tensions and harboring of grudges. However, while President Putin was angry, saying it is more like a stab in the back, President Erdogan, is warning that everyone should respect the right of Turkey to defend its borders. OBSERVATION The principle of Article 5 (Collective Defense) Notably, the principle of collective defence is at the very heart of NATO’s founding treaty. It remains a unique and enduring principle that binds its members together, committing them to protect each other and setting a spirit of solidarity within the Alliance. Collective defence means that an attack against one Ally is considered as an attack against all Allies. NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time in its history after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against

the United States. NATO has taken collective defence measures on several occasions, for instance in response to the situation in Syria and in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. NATO has standing forces on active duty that contribute to the Alliance’s collective defence efforts on a permanent basis. This principle is enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an attack on one Ally shall be considered an attack on all Allies. The principle of collective defence has also been raised in the context of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s actions have raised justified concerns among its neighbours, including those who are NATO members. The North Atlantic Treaty It is worthy of note that the Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments. They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area. They are resolved to unite their efforts for

•Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan. collective defence and for the preservation of peace and security. They therefore agree to this North Atlantic Treaty, including Article 5 which states, “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

52 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Suspects (Joy and Maduka)

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA & UFUOMA TIVERUAHOR

he end of the road for a five-man onechance gang finally came on Monday, November 23, 2015 at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos State when operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) attached to the state Police Command arrested two members of the gang who specialised in defrauding innocent people who board cabs in the state. The suspects identified as Joy Duru and Maduka who were members of the catchin-the-air robbery gang, otherwise known as one chance, were arrested after a female passenger victim who boarded their vehicle raised the alarm when she realised she had been swindled of the sum of N300,000. The unsuspecting victim simply identified as Chizoba boarded the gang’s cab going to Egbeda, unknown to her that they were swindlers. While she was inside the cab, one of the fraudsters, Joy Duru, who pretended to be a passenger introduced herself to Chizoba as a native of Imo State and asked her where she was from. The discussion, according to the police, was meant to subtly put the victim off guard. Victims’s account According to Chizoba, ‘’I boarded a cab going to Egbeda after my uncle sent me on an errand to pay some money into a client’s account. I never knew that the vehicle I boarded was filled with fraudsters who pretended to be passengers. One of them (Joy Duru) kept asking me questions about myself; I really didn’t

End of the road for one-chance gang •We don’t use juju; My friends introduced me to this business – Gang member

understand what she was up to as she made me believe that the others didn’t understand what she was saying to me in Igbo. All of a sudden, they started talking about one of the passengers with foreign currencies and how to remove charm placed on the money. They drove the cab to the house of a supposed prophetess at Iyana Ipaja. Initially, I told her that I wasn’t interested but before I knew what was happening, I had given them the N300,000 with me. It was when they started alighting one after the other that I realised that it was a scam so I gripped Joy when she was attempting to alight, and I raised the alarm.” Suspects’ confessions Initially denying the allegation, the 45-year-old mother of seven who identified herself as Joy Duru said, “On the day we were arrested, members of our gang were inside our operational cab en route Egbeda, pretending to be passengers when a real passenger boarded the cab. Immediately she entered the cab, the driver asked the other passengers for their

fares. One of our gang members who was inside the cab gave the driver a dollar note, saying she didn’t have naira note. “The driver and a gang member started asking her where she got the foreign currency in her possession. Pretending to make peace, I quickly paid for her with my hundred naira but they didn’t stop questioning her. While she was explaining to them how she got the

“On the day we were arrested, members of our gang were inside our operational cab en route Egbeda, pretending to be passengers when a real passenger boarded the cab

foreign currency, I was busy talking to the real passenger, asking her state of origin and then using Igbo language to communicate with her after she told me she was from Imo State and that her name is Chizoba. “The driver, who was also our member, then told the lady with the foreign currency that she must settle us with some of the dollar notes if she didn’t want us to get the police involved. After much pleading, she said that she stole the money from her boyfriend who had then placed a charm on it and that before she could give us any part of it, the curse placed on the money must be removed first. “That was what led us to the prayer house of a prophetess at Iyana Ipaja to help us remove the charm on the money. So everyone was asked to contribute money to enable them to buy the necessary things required by the prophetess to remove the charm. Everyone kept saying that they didn’t have money, but that they would go to their banks and get their own money. After convincing the only real passenger inside

the cab with Igbo language, she gave us N190,000 and then said she would collect the balance from her bank. So one after the other our members started alighting from the cab with the excuse of going to get money from their banks. “Chizoba then became suspicious, and held on to my cloth, shouting that I must give her back her money. The alarm attracted policemen on patrol. While I was alighting from the cab, one of my legs was outside as I had opened the door with the cab still moving. The driver did not stop as he wanted to escape, realising that our cover had been blown open. That was how we were arrested. “Before I was arrested, I was selling okrika (fairlyused clothes) but sometimes I went out with our gang members to hustle. Usually, we shared the money after each operation.” According to her partner in crime, Maduka who owns the operational vehicle used in swindling people, “I am 45 years old. I am from Imo State and had been doing this business for almost a year before we were caught. I hadn’t made much from it because not all our operations were successful. It’s not something we did every day and we didn’t have regular amount we make; sometimes N5,000 and other times N10,000 or N20,000. “We don’t use black magic (juju); we just had to tell them about the curse on the money and that a man of God would pray over it. I am not proud of this job; I am doing it because I was swindled too. It was Chigozie and Jonathan (two of the suspects still at large) that introduced me to this business.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 53

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54—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

Magical miracles at the

Lord’s Chosen Church BY AGAJU MADUGBA

Muhammed International Airport after landing in Nigeria, he got an unsolicited help from somebody driving a car who offered to take him free of charge to the headquarters of the Lord’s Chosen Church at Ijesha. The Moderator of the programme said the driver could not have been anyone else but an Angel, sent to take the man to the Lord’s Chosen Church.

ome of the testimonies at the recent two-day programme of The Lords Chosen Charistmatic Revival Church located at Ijesha in Lagos can only be described as absurd but authorities there insist that what they call a “canal mind may never understand the workings of the spiritual.” A woman from Onitsha told a tale of how, after her marriage, she gave birth to a baby girl. According to her, she got pregnant again and desperately desired a baby boy but to her utter dismay, various scan examinations confirmed that she was carrying another baby girl. Determined to have a baby boy, she said she went to a Lord’s Chosen programme at Onitsha and prayed God to intervene. Alas! The “Lord of Chosen” changed the sex of the baby in her womb as she eventually gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. This is just one out of the so many of the ludicrous testimonies and apparent phonily miracles at the programme tagged, “Hope for the Needy.” It may never be possible to say the actual number of people who attended the programme which drew participants from across several states in Nigeria as well as foreigners from the United States of America and Britain, Benin Republic and Togo, among others. “There is no way anyone could have counted the number of people who attended the programme,” Pastor Okechukwu Njoku told Saturday Vanguard after the programme last Sunday. According to him, “the best you can do to estimate the figure is to describe it as a multitude. Everywhere was filled with people up to the express road. Even if you get the number of the people in the auditorium, based on the number of seats, what of the children sitting on the floor, what of those sitting in their cars and those along the corridor of the canal?

“Miracles” extravaganza

But apart from the issue of spiritual uplifting, virtually everyone who attended the programme was there essentially for one purpose, a miracle of some sort, and from all indications, a number of them apparently got large doses of miracle, which the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, defines as “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” It is perhaps only this definition that may explain the case of a middle aged man who regained consciousness after some three

God prefers salvation of the soul

months in coma, according to the family. As a member of the family explained, immediately after the Lord’s Chosen General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Mouka, finished his prayer session, the man regained consciousness. There was also the case of a 32- year- old Nju man who had been deaf and dumb from birth but started talking and the deafness equally vanished after the prayers. In fact, the Overseer had told the congregation just before the prayer session that he was set to meet the expectations of the people even as he instructed those who were deaf and dumb, the lame, those on crutches and wheelchairs, those with hunchback, the insane, those with missing or damaged internal organs, to step out. According to him, he was equally set to restore life to anyone who might have died, “death that is not the will of God.” So, the session began as Mouka proclaimed that, “if you walk on crutches, dispose of them because you have received your healing. Those afflicted with insanity, the madness is cancelled, in the name of Jesus. Any damaged organ should be recreated in Jesus name! If you have hunchback, I command it to disappear, in Jesus name! I cancel diabetes and those of you with damaged wombs; I command you, receive your cure now!” He then instructed them to confirm any changes they felt. A flood of testimonies started to reverberate across the auditorium. One woman said that her madness disappeared. Several men and women lifted their crutches which had hitherto aided their movement. A man said that he was healed after 40 years with a broken limb. Another man testified that his three years old stroke affliction was gone for good while yet another man said that he started walking after being bedridden for nine years also because of stroke. A 17 year- oldgirl who said that she had just received an admission letter from

the University of Abuja, under miraculous circumstances, also testified that an earlier prayer session from the General Overseer cured her of bed-wetting, an affliction that had been with her from birth and which had hitherto failed to succumb to medical treatment. A man who identified himself as coming from the Central African Republic said that he fell ill in his country and went to seek medical attention. After series of tests, doctors asked him what happened to one of his kidneys as it was missing. He said that he had never had any surgeries in his life. Subsequent visits to other hospitals also confirmed that he had only one kidney. According to him, he came to Nigeria and after prayers at the Lord’s Chosen Church; he went to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital where doctors conducted tests and told him that his two kidneys were intact and had no problems whatsoever. A woman told the story of her several years of marriage without conception. She said hospital examinations later revealed that she had no Fallopian tubes. It took the intervention of a Lord’s Chosen Church programme to restore her Fallopian tubes and today, according to her, she has three children. From far away United States of America, a man who described himself as a church-going person got a revelation that he should travel to West Africa where he will find a true church of God. The revelation did not specify which country in West Africa. The man said he travelled to several countries in the region and ended at Cotonou, Benin republic, where another revelation eventually directed him to go to the Lord’s Chosen Church in Nigeria. Stepping out of the Murtala

If anyone says those miracles are not real, let the person come forward with any matter, any day, any time we gather and let the person bring somebody so that we can prove that

Those who claimed to have received the miracles may have been luckier than some others. A number of other participants at the programme actually included the obvious poor and hungry as some of them sat on the bare ground, on the grounds of the church, with equally hungrylooking children, giving a typical scenario of a refugee camp where the inmates crave for handouts for survival. But, according to Njoku, what these people need may be salvation of their souls. According to him, “in the days of our Master Jesus, he made us to know that we will always have the poor among us forever. But the Bible tells us that he was made poor so that we can be rich. When we talk about hope for the needy, need is different from want. Our relationship with God is like that of a father or son relationship with the father. “Your child can tell you that he wants a car but you may not give it him because what he actually needs is education. So, it is with the gifts that God gives to us. Some people may be looking for physical things whereas what they actually need are the salvation of their souls, purification, Holy Ghost baptism, good health and even life because without life nothing goes on for any individual. For one to be alive from January to now, God has given him something that he needs most. “The programme was more than successful, in the turn out, in the manifestation of the power of God and in the number of people giving their lives to Christ. It was successful in everything. It was better experienced than to be told what happened there. Only the living glorifies God, living in faith and righteousness and holiness. If anyone says those miracles are not real, let the person come forward with any matter, any day, any time we gather and let the person bring somebody so that we can prove that. We are not here to argue. We are here and people see in practical terms what we do.”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 5, 2015 — 55

Coman:

Ramos:

We’ll fight for La Undecima

•Ramos

ergio Ramos used a Twitter Q&A to ask Real Madrid fans to keep faith and said the squad are ‘fighting every day’ for another Champions League win. “I get along with everyone. To highlight some, maybe Marcelo, Luka Modric or Cristiano Ronaldo,” the defender revealed, AS reports. “It’s a lot of pride and a great deal of responsibility [to be Madrid captain]. I said at my contract renewal, I would be very happy to retire here. “Relationship with Iker Casillas? Very good. He’s more than a teammate, he’s a friend. “Work, work, work [after the Clasico]. The results will come. Don’t lose faith in the team. We will fight and fight to return Madrid to where we belong. “My favourite stadium to visit is Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, despite some whistles. It’s always like coming home. I would have loved to take part in Sevilla’s success. I’m a Sevilla fan at heart. “All Coaches have had an impact on me but maybe most of all Joaquin Caparros, who gave me my Primera debut. “Will I be a Coach in the future? I’m not thinking about that. For now and for the future I’m a player. “[My idols are] the great central defenders in history, Paulo Maldini, Franz Beckenbauer and of course, Fernando Hierro. My Panenka goal was special, but [scoring as Madrid won] La Decima…speechless. I’ve got several favourite memories. The European Championships, the World Cup and La Decima. All the trophies are special memories. La Undecima? Hopefully. That’s why we fight every day.”

I only want Bayern K

ingsley Coman insists he “wants to stay at Bayern Munich for many years and my time at Juventus was frustrating.” The Bianconeri sent him to Munich on a two-year loan deal worth •7m with option to buy for •21m. “I want to stay at Bayern Munich for a long time and not just two years,” Coman told SportBild. “I am not thinking about Juventus. I never expected to play here so much. My time at Juventus was frustrating. I am a striker and strikers need to have confidence in their abilities, to be courageous and even a little arrogant, as otherwise you won’t have a chance of breaking through. I am very happy in Munich and I hope to stay here for many years.”

Juve want to win ever ything —Marchisio J

uventus’ Claudio Marchisio can’t choose between the Champions League and the Scudetto - “I’d prefer both…” “We know that it’s difficult to win everything in one year,” Marchisio admitted, speaking to JTV. “Not just for Juve, for any club. So I wouldn’t submit to agreements, as long as there’s a chance I play for everything. It’s normal that as you go forward you adjust to the targets you can get. But I’d never submit to an agreement to choose one thing or another. I’d prefer both.”

Moreno tips Klopp to lead Liverpool to title

•Moreno

s Liverpool travel to face Newcastle tomorrow, Alberto Moreno says Liverpool can win the Premier League this season – and it’s all because of Jurgen Klopp’s “boring” training sessions at Melwood. The Spaniard believes the impact of the German coach, including his intensive tactical work on the training ground, has lined them up for an unlikely push for the title. “Right now I think we can fight to win the Premier League title,” he reportedly told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope. “We are in a very good moment and the rivals who are above us are dropping points. It can happen [winning the title]. I do not say 100% that we are going to win it but we can fight for it.” He added: “With Klopp the training sessions are all about tactics, in order to have the team well-positioned on the pitch, and to know how and when to press. He doesn’t do games or things like that. It’s all tactical. It’s what he likes and what we work. “In England there are many matches, so there is not enough time to work a lot but in each training sessions he is looking for that. The truth is that the training sessions are a bit boring for the players, but then they are the ones that give results on the pitch.”

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•Coman

•Marchisio

Chukwuma takes over FC Ifeanyi Ubah

former Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation and former Gabros owner, Gabriel Chukwumah has taken back the club from Capital Oil and Gas owner, Ifeanyi Ubah. In a letter sent to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and League Management Company (LMC) and copied to Anambra State Football Association and Corporate Affairs Commission, Chukwumah said the sale and takeover of the club collapsed due to the inability of Ubah to keep to the terms of the agreement. Chukwumah said, “I want to use this opportunity to apologise to all the teeming fans of Gabros International around the world to forgive me for the manner with which the issue of sale and take over of the club was handled. I had wanted something

better for the club, players and fans but unfortunately I was disappointed because the arrangement couldn’t work the way I expected it to go. “However, I am assuring the •Chukwumah club fans that with my experience, I will reorganize the club to regain its lost glory. Something special awaits them now that I have taken back my club and the management. We shall start competing again as Gabros International Football Club, Nnewi,” Chukwuma said. He added that the club have started preparing for the coming season. We learnt that besides entering into a joint partnership deal with two European clubs, with the latter providing 80% of the cost of running the team, negotiation has been opened with Argentine coach, Marios Rodriguez to tinker the team for the coming season

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 5, 2015

CAF U-23:

Nigeria risk

Olympics failure >>33

Today’s Fixtures CAF U-23 Algeria v Nigeria Egypt v Mali

4pm 4pm

EPL Stoke v Manchester City Arsenal v Sunderland Man Utd v West Ham Southampton v Aston Villa Swansea v Leicester Watford v Norwich West Brom v Tottenham Chelsea v Bournemouth LA LIGA Real Madrid Granada v Valencia v Deportivo v Real Betis v

Pellegrini: Why Iheanacho isn’t playing threatens court action regularly against tennis, golf

Ezeibe

>>33

>>34-35

1:45pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 6:30pm

v Getafe Atletico Madrid Barcelona Sevilla Celta Vigo

BUNDESLIGA M’gladbach v Bayern Munich Cologne v FC Augsburg FC Ingolstadt 04 v Hoffenheim Hamburg v Mainz Hertha Berlin v Leverkusen Wolfsburg v B Dortmund SERIE A Torino v Roma Inter Milan v Genoa

4pm 6:15pm 8:30pm 10pm 10:05pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 6:30pm

3pm 8:45pm

LIGUE I Lyon v Angers 5pm Bastia v Monaco 8pm Caen v Lille 8pm Gazelec Ajaccio v Nantes 8pm Reims v Troyes 8pm Toulouse v Lorient 8pm

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1)South African Capital City (8) 5)Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bulus – (4) 7)Zodiac Sign (3) 8)Enyimba FC Defender, Uwadiegwu – (4) 9)Traditional Ruler of Ife (4) 10)Former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi-(5) 12)L.G.A in Kaduna State (5,4) 16)Ethnic Group in Kenya (5) 18)L.G.A in Borno State (5) 19)Algeria “Desert Warriors”Midfielder, Hassan(5) 21)Ebonyi State Capital (9) 24)L.G.A in Zamfara State (5) 27)National Commissioner, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Eyo(4) 28)Entrance (4) 29)L.G.A in Ondo State (3) 30)State in Nigeria known as “The Gateway State”? (4) 31)Former Minister of National Planning, Mr. Abubakar-(8)

DOWN 1)Botswana Currency (4) 2)L.G.A in Ekiti State(4) 3)MD/CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Segun-(9) 4)Super Eagles Striker, Sone- (5) 5)Singapore Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien(5) 6)L.G.A in Abia State (8) 11 ) C h a i r m a n , Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Domitien – (9) 15)Saudi-Arabian National (4) 16)The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, HRH Oba (Dr.) Victor – (8) 17)L.G.A in Niger State (4) 20)Barrier (3) 22)Estonian Currency (5) 23)State in Nigeria known as “The Centre of Excellence”? (5) 25)Space (4) 26)Country in Asia (4)

Solution on page 46

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