Soldiers wage war on newspapers by Vanguard Media Limited

2 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 —3

4—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

Boko Haram: Soldiers wage war on newspapers *Detain distribution vehicles, confiscate newspapers BY GBENGA OLARINOYE, WOLE MOSADOMI &

BASHIR ADEFAKA

HE fight against Boko Haram and its insurgency took a bizarre twist in the early hours of yesterday when armed soldiers unleashed their might on newspapers, disrupting their distribution, confiscating the newspapers and consequently stopping their sales in many parts of the country.. They, amazingly, said it was for security reasons. Vanguard, The Leadership, and The Nation were notably affected across the country. The distribution vans, conveying newspapers to various parts of the country were so delayed at military check-points that distribution of the papers failed. In some cases, the vehicles were detained till evening time. As a result of the development, your favourite newspaper, Vanguard did not circulate in most parts of the South West, South East, Edo and Delta States and some parts of the North.. Reacting to the incident, Vanguard, in a statement signed by its Editor-inChief and General Manager, Gbenga Adefaye, deplored “the interference with its business and professional duties early this morning (yesterday) by armed soldiers who prevented the legitimate sale and dissemination of information. “We think it was an unconstitutional and illegal act, not expected in a civil and democratic regime. We will like to advise all aggrieved persons to abide by democratic tenets and seek redress in court for any perceived infraction of the law.’’ In its reaction, the Nation newspaper in a signed statement by its Managing Editor, Lekan Otusobunrin, said that “as early as 3:10 am on Friday, June 5, (yesterday) drivers of our distribution vans began filing in reports of arrest and seizures of our vehicles and consignment of newspapers for the day by soldiers across the country. “The soldiers who stormed our offices arrested the drivers after searching the vehicles and consignment. Although, nothing incriminating was found in any of the vans searched, our vehicles and drivers were detained.

“It is necessary to point out that the seizure of Friday’s edition of The Nation and Sporting Life has caused the company huge losses. The soldiers prevented us from carrying out our legitimate business. We call on the military authority to release unconditionally all our vehicles and newspaper parcels still in their custody.” However, except, the Guardian and Punch newspapers, it was gathered that other newspapers’ circulation vans were detained with the ones at Ibadan particularly confiscated. The Defence Headquarters had earlier given vague reasons for the confiscation of the newspapers worth several millions of Naira. In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Major General Chris Olukolade, it said that, ‘’This followed intelligence report indicating movement of materials with grave security implications across the country using the channel of newsprint related consignments.’’ But in his narration of what happened, Vanguard Deputy Circulation Manager, Mr. Abiodun Saibu, said it was a very scary situation because the soldiers could not be identified by any means. His words: “The papers going to Ibadan and other places were confiscated by the Army people. The ones at Ibadan are still at Oke Padre, which is a major distribution centre for all newspapers, as I am talking to you now. We do not know what happened and nobody has told us what happened or our offence. The soldiers were armed and they used armoured tanks to barricade the roads. “I am aware that it is only Guardian and Punch that they allowed to circulate while the other papers were still being held from distribution. The ones at Ibadan were meant for Osogbo, Oyo and Ogbomosho. They detained our vehicles with the papers until 4.30pm when they told our representatives that they were taking the confiscated items to their barracks refusing to mention which of the barracks. “ They had no name tags or numbers which would have enabled us to identify them. Their vehicles had no number plates and nobody knew what exactly was the reason for their ac-

tion. The latest that I can however tell you is that they have just been released and this is 5.15pm. I think what they just wanted to achieve was to stop the business of the newspapers,” Saibu said. In Minna, soldiers also intercepted National Newspapers billed to circulate in Minna, the Niger state capital. The Newspapers which were also billed to be circulated to other major cities of the state were also seized by the soldiers who invaded the Distribution spot in Minna. Our correspondent gathered that three vehicles of the Nation, Leadership and Daily Trust conveying the Dailies and the Titles were intercepted at the Military Check point on Paiko-Minna road which is about 10 kilometers to Minna, the state capital as early as 6.30am. The vehicles and the drivers were delayed at the check point for several hours and the various Dalies were not allowed to be dispatched for sale. Besides the interception of the Dailies, another set of Soldiers with two Military vehicles with registration Nos 31AB033 NA and 31AB006NA stormed the Distribution Centre of the Dailies near Obasanjo Complex where other papers already on stand and others meant for distribution to other cities within the state were confiscated. The Military personnel who said the orders were from “above” stayed at the spot for several hours keeping vigil. The action was condemned by most readers who converged at various Stands but disallowed to pick their Titles saying the action was purely a reminder of the Military era and called on the federal government to investigate what they described as an “ugly “ development. Same thing happened at distribution centre at Orita Gbemu in Osogbo, the Osun state capital The Soldiers numbering about 20 were strategically positioned along Station road, Osogbo with an armored vehicle, while some were positioned at Gbaemu junction where the newspapers are being distributed to all parts

Scene of newspaper distribution centre taken over by soldiers in Oke Padre, Ibadan yesterday. Photo by Dare Fasube of the state.In his own account, Vanguard’s Assistant Chief Driver, Amos Oyedeji, said he had thought they were armed robbers after the driver on his way to Benin alerted him. According to Oyedeji, “About 4.30am today (yesterday) the driver taking papers to Benin called and told me that a group of armed soldiers stopped him at Odogbolu, Ogun State and offloaded the whole papers in his van, even as it was raining. I felt they could be armed robbers because no member of Nigeria Army could be imagined to offload newspapers especially at gun point for no reason. Then I cautioned the driver to be very careful with them. But as he was speak-

ing with me, his phone went off suddenly. “I then called the driver going to Warri to find out whether he had similar experience and he said he was stopped and the papers offloaded at four points: Odogbolu, Ore, Benin and that they still came to meet him at the Vanguard office in Warri and did the same thing to other newspapers.” Major General Olukolade defended their action further: ‘’Troops this morning (yesterday) embarked on thorough search of vehicles conveying newspapers and news prints across board. ’’This followed intelligence report indicating movement of materials with grave security implications across the country using the channel of newsprint related consignments.

’’The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify that the exercise has nothing to do with the content or operation of the media organisations or their personnel as is being wrongly imputed by a section of the press. ’’The military appreciates and indeed respects the role of the media as an indispensable partner in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation and the overall advancement of our country’s democratic credentials. As such, the military will not deliberately and without cause, infringe on the freedom of the press. ’’The general public and the affected media organisations in particular are assured that the exercise was a routine security action and should not be misconstrued for any other motive.’’

Uproar over military attacks on newspapers BY INNOCENT ANABA, ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH AND DAUD OLATUNJI,

HERE was uproar in the country following the confiscation of major newspapers by the military across the country yesterday. Several national newspapers including the Vanguard, Nation and Leadership which were being ferried to the South West, South South and South East were confiscated at several routes by soldiers who simply offloaded them from circulation vehicles under the rain at gun

point and held the drivers for over 13 hours without telling them their offences. The Defence Headquarters later blamed the development on security reports that some terrorists had planned to use newspaper vehilcles to export Improvised Explosives Divices, IED’s to export bombs from the northeast to othjer parts parts of the country. Members of the House of Representatives who spoke on the development yesterday condemned the Federal Government for clamping down some

major newspapers in the country. The Deputy Chairman House Committee on Customs, Kingsley Chinda, PDP, Rivers described the action as wrong and out of place in a civilian government. “Though I am yet to read the news but it is wrong to clamp on down newspaper houses for any reason. Where there is professional misconduct the professional body in charge of discipline should take steps. “It’s wrong! Even where there is a link of such newspapers with

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7 , 2014 — 5

Ado Bayero bows out, Nigerians mourn

•Sanusi, Bayero’s son possible successors •Bayero lived for justice and unity – PDP •I’ve lost a father – Atiku •Death, huge loss to the nation, CAN BY EMEKA MAMAH, SAM EYOBOKA, HENRY UMORU, LUKA BINNYAT, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, JOSEPH ERUNKE, BASHIR ADEFAKA AND CALEB AYASINA

NE of Nigeria’s most prominent Islamic leaders and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, 83, is dead. The octogenarian died peacefully in his palace after a long battle with cancer in the morning hours and was buried at 4 pm, a palace spokesman, Mahe Bashir Wali announced on Radio Kano. Palace sources said that the revered late Emir who was the second-highest Islamic authority in the country, after the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, died after about 50 years on the throne. Ado Abdullahi Bayero, with the Shehu of Borno were among the three influential traditional rulers in the Muslimmajority north, appointed in 1963. The Islamic leader, a former critic of Boko Haram insurgents, narrowly escaped being killed by the Islamic group, in January last year in an attack that led to the death of four of his body guards. Although security sources said then that Bayero was not hurt in the attack, he was later flown to London for treatment over alleged shock he reportedly had following the ugly incident. The Emir was a wellregarded figure in the northern states as he was seen as a key link between tradition and modernity, leading the region’s clerics as the custodian of Islam in the region. Bayero had kept a lowprofile recently because of his illness and had been receiving treatment in a London hospital, according to palace and state government sources. All roads leading to the emir’s palace were blocked by police and traffic redirected, as security was tightened in anticipation of a visit by dignitaries to pay their respects, an agency report said. Agency reports said that some “kingmakers” had already met at a closed-door session to determine the three names that would be submitted to the Kano State government for approval as Bayero’s successor. Those tipped to be in the running include the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who is the grandson of the late emir’s brother. Sanusi was suspended as CBN governor by the government in February this year, on charges of financial

recklessness and misconduct, by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN. His suspension came on the heels of his accusation that $20 billion (about N149 billion), oil money was missing. Another name in the frame is one of Bayero’s sons, Aminu Ado Bayero, who holds a royal title and is currently a popular district head in Kano. Tributes flow in Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians yesterday paid glowing tribute to the late Bayero, saying that the country has lost an uncommon personality, a great African and a quintessential monarch. Among those who mourned Bayero included President Goodluck Jonathan, the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Governors Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, (Ogun), Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, (Kaduna) as well as the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, also, described the death as “shocking and an irreparable loss. He said Bayero died following what the family linked to heart failure. Ekweremadu, reacting to the sad event,in a statement signed by his Special

Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, said the late royal father was a “man of many paths who departed in a blaze of glory,’’ adding that “This is indeed a shocking exit of a sage and end of a glorious era. Bayero was everything a people could have wished for in a leader and royal father in a pluralistic nation.’’ Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State also commiserated with the government and people of Kano State over the death of the Emir of Kano Alhaji Bayero in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Achife saying ‘’the late Emir was a revered elder statesman and well-loved and dedicated leader. Ogun State Governor, Senator Amosun in his reaction expressed deep regret at the death of the Emir at the age of 83. Amosun expressed his condolences to the government and people of Kano State, the State Emirate Council and other Nigerians on the exit of the foremost traditional ruler. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, the governor described Bayero as one of the revered traditional rulers in Nigeria, who preached peace and believed in the unity of the country. ”The death of Alhaji Ado Bayero is regrettable because, even at his age, he was in the vanguard of efforts

describing the Emir as an icon of the Kano Emirate council and an elder statesman who stood for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

PDP

•Late Alhaji Ado Bayero to curb the activities of insurgents in the North. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in his tribute described the death of Dr. Bayero, as a monumental loss to the entire country, saying he received the news of the passage with great sense of sadness. A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, stated that Tambuwal described the deceased as a strict disciplinarian who led an exemplary life characterised by honesty, fairness, generosity and service to God and humanity. Under his long and glorious reign, Kano witnessed unprecedented

Only Emir of Kano we know By Ikeddy ISIGUZO, Chairman Editorial Board

NYONE younger than 60 cannot claim to have known any Emir of Kano, other than Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero who transited yesterday at 83, weeks shy of his 84th birthday on 25 July. He was the only Emir of Kano we knew. His longevity on the throne saw to that. Bayero, after whom the federal university in Kano was named, celebrated his 50th anniverary as emir last June. He was the 13th Fulani Emir of Kano following the Usman dan Fadio conquest of Hausa cities, including Kano and the 56th ruler of Kano Kingdom. Bayero’s father, Abdullahi Bayero, a former emir, reigned for 27 years. His successor Muhammadu Sanusi (1953-1963), father of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was dethroned. Muhammadu Inuwa, the next emir, died after three months. From his post as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sene-

gal, Bayero was recalled to ascend the throne. The calm his reign brought to Kano had several interferences. He managed them with an equanimity that became his signature. The civilian administration of Governor Abubakar Rimi restricted traditional obeisance village heads paid Bayero and reduced his emirate. These were in addition to the political reforms from civil and military rule since independence that impinged on the powers of the once allpowerful Emir of Kano. When he returned from a business trip to Israel with his friends – Obi of Onitsha Okagbue II and Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade in 1984 – the military government of Mohammadu Buhari banned them from travelling abroad without permit. Bayero then remarked that he was not a civil servant, which further infuriated the military. A former Chancellor of the University of Nigeria and of the University of Ibadan until his death, the emir survived a terrorist

attack on 19 January 2013. Several aides, including his driver and bodyguard, died in the attack. Bayero and two of his injured sons had to be flown abroad for treatment. He was Chief of the Kano Native Authority Police, a position he used in checking excesses of powerful politicians in Kano. The emir was at Kano Middle School and graduated from the School of Arabic Studies in 1947. He was a bank clerk (Bank of British West Africa) until 1949, when he joined the Kano Native Authority. In 1952, he attended the Zaria Clerical College. Two years after, he won a seat in the Northern Region House of Assembly. Bayero was a respected voice who said important things or said things importantly. His royalty spoke for him. His loyalty to Kano was never in doubt. The rambunctious race to succeed him could put more pressure on a city already under the scourge of terror. Adieu, Bayero, Kano’s most famous personality in half a century.

boom in all spheres of human endeavour. Its eminent status as a trading point and centre of commerce in sub Saharan Africa was not only reaffirmed, but enhanced. ”People of Kano and indeed all Nigerians will miss his advice and reassuring presence. It is gratifying however that he has left behind towering legacies for posterity and this should serve as comforting to us all,” Tambuwal added. Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero on his own expressed deep sadness over the death of Bayero (July 25, 1930 - June 6, 2014)). Yero in a Statement by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki described the death as a sad ‘’end of era’’ in the history of Kano Emirate and the traditional institution in the country. “The late Ado Bayero will forever be remembered as a great ruler who brought enormous charisma to bear in evolving a peaceful and prosperous Emirate. For over half a century that he reigned in Kano witnessed massive growth and advancement in all spheres of human endeavours,” he added. The NGF under the leadership of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State lamented Bayero’s exit describing it as one too many. The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi called on Nigerians to give glory to Allah for the fruitful life of the Emir, especially his ability to lead the Kano Emirate for so many years.

CAN

National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor also joined other eminent Nigerians to commiserate with the Federal Government, Kano State Government, the Emirate and the immediate family of Alhaji Bayero. A statement signed by Oritsejafor said he received the news with shock,

National leadership of the PDP in its tribute said that with the death of Alhaji Bayero, Nigeria as a country has lost an uncommon personality, a great African and a quintessential monarch. A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh also described the passage of the Monarch as a great shock and intense sadness, stressing that the monarch was a ‘’legend, a detribalized Nigerian and statesman who sacrificed the greater part of his life for the stability, oneness and development of our dear nation leaving for us and generations yet unborn resounding legacies and glowing footprints to follow.

Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who also mourned the late Emir, said that with his death, he had lost a father, being his favourite son spanning over three decades. In his tribute yesterday Atiku disclosed that he knew that death was coming (like it would for every mortal), but not in agony and humiliation because he (Ado Bayero) did not deserve. According to Atiku, Ado Bayero was a pious, humble, upright and honest man whose integrity was unparalleled. He added that the death has robbed the nation of a noble crusader for unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence. He further said that when Bayero who celebrated his 50th Anniversary on the throne in June last year, was a rare leader of enviable and vast wisdom and recalled his significant contributions to sustaining the unity of Nigeria during the January 15, 1966 political crisis, a role that earned him the respect of the late Dim Chukuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu. ”The respect Ojukwu had for Ado Bayero, a quintessential bridgebuilder, was a significant message about the role Bayero played to hold back Nigeria from the brink of disaster.

APC

Former governor of Lagos State and National leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his tribute said, “ The death of Bayero saddens the mind. However, he was first among equals and his long reign on the throne validates him as a powerful yet compassionate king who was in tune with the needs and aspirations of his people . The APC, in a statement signed by its spokesman Lai Mohammed also expressed profound shock and sadness at the death of Ado Bayero, saying his demise came at a time his great wisdom and wealth of knowledge are much needed to help Nigeria to surmount its challenges.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

BRIEFS

Amaechi calls for end of crisis in Governors’ Forum

Senate strips FIRS right to collect taxes in FCT

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME and HENRY UMORU, Port Harcourt

HE Senate has stripped the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, of the right to collect revenues for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja as it passed into law the Bill empowering the establishment of the FCT Internal Revenue Service and other matters. The Bill which was sponsored by Senator Smart Adeyemi, Kogi West passed through third reading, makes provision for assessment, levying and collection of tax on real property within the FCT. Section 8 of the bill provides that the new FCT inland revenue service shall have the power to “adopt measures to identify, trace, freeze, confiscate or seize the proceeds of tax fraud or evasion.”

OVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi has called for an end to the factional problem rocking the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. In his welcome address at the 4th retreat of the forum in Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday Amaechi who leads a faction of the forum said it was time for governors to reflect on the crack with a view to ending the crisis.” To My colleagues as we prepare to bow out, I want us to reflect on the matter of the crack in the body of the NGF. Since it is our dream and aspiration to remain intact and grow together as one, regardless of any disagreements, the time to bring everyone back together is now. Our country and our people bear the biggest brunt of a fractured Forum”, he said. The governor further

UNILAG students protest registration fee Lagos State University (LASU) students barricade Governor’s office protesting over the hike in school fees at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.

called for respect for democratic values, stressing that it should be the guiding precept for future elections in the cointry. “ In all future elections, winners must be congratulated while losers must of neces-

sity be commended for taking part. Mandates must be respected and held sacred. Therein lies the true democratic spirit and therein lies the way forward”, he said, Chairman of the forum also enjoined his colleagues do-

ing their last term in office to strive to finish strong.” It is important to reiterate that most of the governors will be transiting out of office in 2015. In the light of the above, I want to allign myself with an American governor who once said” Govern to the end. Plough to the end of the row. Avoid the myth of ‘lame duck’. What you do in the last year or so may define or mar your governorship. “What we do as governors, even in our last year, may make or mar our administration”, he said. The governor had earlier called for a minute silence for the soul of the late Emir of Kano. In his keynote address, former President of Liberia, Professor Amos Sawyer said the strenght of the nation rest in good governance, adding that measures should be evolved to address normal friction between state and federal governments. “There are always challenges in the relationships between federal and state levels of governance... What is most important, however, is that there should always exist a spirit of cooperation between federal and state governments and a willingness to find solutions together.”, he said. Professor Sawyer who spoke on: “Transitioning out: Making the most of life after office”, charged public office holders to ensure they delivered quality service, stressing that it would determine how society will relate with them at the end of their tenure.

TUDENTS of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, yesterday obstructed activities within and around the school premises to protest against the N30,000 late registration fee imposed on some students by the school management. Despite the pouring rain, students gathered in their numbers to condemn what they termed an ‘unfair action’ by the school management. Traffic was at a standstill as the campus gates were locked and barricaded by students playing loud music on speakers. It was same at the senate building.

Abia new CJ Otti frees 11 prisoners

N her maiden jail delivery visit, Abia State new Chief Judge, Justice Nnenna Otti has released 11 prison inmates from Aba prisons, saying it was one of the ways to decongest the prisons in the state. Those released were Nwabuike Awuzie, Emeka Duru, Onyeka Uduoha, Emmanuel Nwaoha and Sunday Eluwa. Others were Sunday Anyalikwa, Metuselah Innocent Nwankwo, Samuel Njoku, Ukpai Okoro, Emmanuel Diogu and Ndidi Ordor. But three other inmates, Chinyere Agbarandu, Mark Nwogwugwu and Innocent Otuonye were granted bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties each, who must deposit two of their recent passport photographs with the prison authorities.

Suspected vandal electrocuted in Jos

ESIDENTS of Dadin Kowa in Jos South local government area of Plateau State woke to an ugly spectacle Friday morning as a suspected NESCO cable vandal was electrocuted Thursday night and his body left hanging on the electric pole. It was not ascertained if the suspected vandal who is yet to be identified came with some accomplice(s) but the lone corpse was brought down by security personnel and staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC who went with the body.

Winners emerge at the Ose Smart Talent Hunt

N celebration of the 2014 Children’s Day, Ose Smart Talent Hunt held the 4th edition of the competition for School children in Lagos. According to the organizers, the competition is aimed at creating a platform for kids to discover and nurture their innate abilities as well as empower school children in different subjects especially mathematics, mental quest, debate and impromptu speech.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 7

FG bloated recurrent expenditure unacceptable — Onyekpere BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja bureau chief

HE bloated recur rent expenditure of the Federal Government is unacceptable and must be cut, henceforth, if ordinary Nigerians are to benefit from the nation’s resources, the Executive Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Mr. Eze Onyekpere, has said. In his remarks at the one-day workshop on the Cost of Governance and the White Paper on the Oronsaye Committee Report, in Abuja, yesterday, he insisted that there was no justification, whatsoever, to have a mere N1.1 trillion capital budget out of over N4.6 trillion budget, with the bulk going into the pockets of just a few Nigerians. “The current situation in which we have witnessed a consistent rising of the recurrent expenditure, taking over 70 per cent of the budget of the federal government is totally unacceptable. The excuses of federal government officials are also unacceptable. They tell us that it is because of the salary increase. That cannot be the case. “How many people are in the federal civil service.? It certainly cannot be because there was a minimum wage of N18,000. What is the total take-home of the average worker in the employment of the federal government? How much do the salaries and emoluments of the core civil servants amount to on a monthly basis? Nigerians will want to know”, he said. According to Mr. Onyekpere, it was most probable that the huge recurrent expenditure was mainly going into the pockets of political appointees and various calibers of public officers who receive huge remunerations and control the overheads. The Executive Director disclosed that he had written to the Federal Ministry of Finance, demanding details of the personnel cost of the federal government under the Freedom of Information, FOI, Act with a view to analyzing how It added that, considering the convergence of their functions the following agencies should be merged: The National

Canada condemns Boko Haram

Nigerian Governor’s Forum Retreat in PH. L-r: Mr Fola Adeola, fomer MD, Guarantee Trust Bank; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former FCT Minister during the 4th Nigerian Governor ’s Forum Retreat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

Space Research Development Agency, NASRDA, and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd, NigComSat; the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, and the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, PSIN; as well as, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, the Consumer Protection Council and the Department of Weights and Measures. However, stakeholders at

the workshop maintained that the proposed merger of aviation agencies should be discontinued having been considered as and not in accordance with international best practices and would undermine aviation safety in Nigeria. How to balance CapitalRecurrent votes — Okonjo-Iweala Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Coordinating Minister for the Economy

and Minister of Finance, maintained, earlier that the only way to increase the capital vote of the federal government was to implement the report of the Steve Oronsaye Committee on harmonization of federal government agencies. Speaking at the Budget2014Jam with Nigerian youths in Abuja she said that the option was a tough one that required public support.

IG wants self-accounting police F

OLLOWING the recent approval for self-accounting status for the Nigeria Police Force by President Goodluck

Jonathan, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has called for increased professionalism, transparen-

Okorocha’s sledgehammer falls on traditional rulers BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

MO State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has summarily withdrawn the recognition and staff of office of the embattled traditional ruler of Obinugwu autonomous community and Chairman, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, with immediate effect. Government equally applied the sledgehammer on the traditional ruler of Lagwa autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise local council area of the state. The current twist was contained in a letter, SGI/S.1166/X, dated June 6, 2014 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of Imo

State, Professor Anthony A. G. Anwuka and made available to Vanguard in Owerri. The government statement read: “In accordance with Sections 11 and 14 of the Imo State Traditional Rulers Autonomous Communities Law No.6 of 2006, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has approved the withdrawal of certificates of recognition and staff of office of Eze Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, the traditional ruler of Obinugwu autonomous community in Orlu local government area and Eze Cosmas Onyeneke, the traditional ruler of Lagwa autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State, with immediate effect”.

cy and prompt payment of salaries and emoluments of Police personnel. The IG while making the call at the Force Headquarters, at a meeting with Police Finance Officers, described the approval as a watershed coming after more than eight decades since the Nigeria Police Force was established as a single and centralized national Police Force in 1930. He stated that, as a step towards building the necessary infrastructure for a smooth operation of this new status, the Force will take every necessary measure towards ensuring that the Finance and Account units, at all levels of the Force, are staffed with officers with requisite accounting and professional background who will work with tested civilian finance officers in order to promote professionalism and guarantee effective service delivery. Warning the finance officers to strictly adhere to financial regulations and other extant circulars, the IGP said appropriate sanctions await any officer who compromises their office.

ANADIAN foreign affairs Minister, John Baird, yesterday condemned in strong terms the incessant attacks by the Islamic Sect, Boko Haram in the north eastern part of Nigeria, which had led to huge loss of lives and property. In a statement from the embassy and made available to Vanguard, the Ambassador described the sect as cowards, for carrying out unspeakable forms of violence and terror on innocent Nigerians, and called for an end to the violent attacks. “Canada condemns in the strongest terms today’s terrorist attack in northeastern Nigeria, which had killed and injured scores of defenceless civilians, including women and children. “This was a cowardly attack carried out by the terrorist group Boko Haram, which has been unleashing unspeakable forms of violence and terror on the citizens of Nigeria. This causes us great concern, and we call for this violence to cease immediately. “On behalf of all Canadians, I offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” he said. It will be recalled that on December 24, 2013, Canada listed Boko Haram as a terrorist organization. Canada’s Criminal Code criminalizes membership in Boko Haram, as well as the transfer of money to support it.

We ‘ll expose corrupt leaders — Niger Delta youths BY DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR

group known as Eye of Niger Delta (END) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, said it has concluded plans to expose sons and daughters of Niger Delta region, who are into corrupt practices, especially those occupying political positions as to reduce the high level of corruption in the region. The group said it will partner with Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to fight corruption in the fabrics of the region. Speaking yesterday the leader of the group Comrade Tari Victor Ben, said corruption is a major factor that amounts to underdevelopment in the region, despite the enormous overflow of resources in the land.

Insecurity: There must be Community Policy — Sam Odey

ORMER Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Sam Odey said yesterday that there was the urgent need for Community Policy if the present insurgency in the country where members of Boko Haram sect have engaged on massive killing, Kidnapping and destruction of property in some parts of the north must be nipped in the bud. Ahead of 2015 Benue State gubernatorial election, Odey who is also a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has promised to build on the legacies the incumbent governor Gabriel Suswam would leave behind, just as he said that he would pay attention to Agriculture, just as he stressed that lack of continuity has been the bane of development in the country. Speaking yesterday when he paid a courtesy call to a life-time United Nation Peace Ambassador, Dr. Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu at her office in Abuja, Odey who scored high the huge infrastructural framework laid by the incumbent governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam, said that his agenda for the state would be on Agriculture, Education and health care. Stressing that Agriculture forms the future for the Benue State, the former Minister said, “Suswam has done much of the job that anybody that will take over from him will have to do today. He has set for the state a strong infrastructural base.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

True federalism will address Nigeria’s insecurity – Justice Bello

The Uwangue of Warri joins his ancestors THE Uwangue of Warri Kingdom, Chief Bernard Edema Otuedon-Okome has joined his Ancestors at the age of one hundred and three years old (103yrs). Second in the Hierarchy of Chiefs of the Warri Kingdom, the Uwangue passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, 2nd of June, 2014. Chief Bernard OtuedonOkome was conferred with the Uwangue of Warri title by the then Olu of Warri— Ogiame, Erejuwa II in 1986 after his predecessor, Chief Ogbemi Newe Rewane. A successful businessman, generally regarded as a perfect gentleman, he was well loved and respected by his people.

Chief Bernard Edema Otuedon-Okome

Patrick Utomi to Chair Economic Summit in Calabar

NE of Nigeria’s foremost economists, con ference speaker, Professor Patrick Utomi, is to chair the economic summit organised by the Students Union Government of the University of Calabar. A statement signed by the the President of the university’s Students Union Government, Comrade Bassey Eka, said the Summit is informed by a two-fold need to increase the exploration of alternative solutions to limits of oil as an income earner as well as explore ways of actively engaging young people in the emerging robust economy of Cross River State.

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

Justice Mohammed Abah Bello of the FCT High Court yesterday, attributed the lingering developmental challenges facing the country, particularly insecurity to over concentration of power at the centre and called for adoption of true federalism. Justice Bello said what the delegates at the ongoing national conference and the constitutional amendment committee at the National Assembly should do now is to come up with an appropriate system of government such as true federalism that would address some of the challenges Nigeria currently faces in terms of the structure of the country and how the citizens can be able to live together as a people and chat a way forward for collective development. He made the call during the formal launching of the book: “Journey from Fiscal to Feeding-Bottle Federalism”, written by Barr. Mathew Okeke of the FCT High Court in Abuja. According to him, “if Ni-

BRIEFS

Ado Bayero an embodiment of peace, says Gov Uduaghan

President Goodluck Jonathan right and the Out-going Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Amb. Valery v Vasylier on a Farewell Visit to the President at the State House Abuja on Friday 6th June 2014 STATE HOUSE PHOTOS geria adopts a proper federal structure with appropriate system at various tiers of government, it could offer the needed solution to some of the current problems confronting the country, including the insecurity it is facing now.’’ “I would recommend true federalism to the national conference and the consti-

tutional amendment committees because federal restructure is something that is apt for the kind of country that we have with heterogeneous status, with people of diverse identity, which if well harnessed, will be of good blessing to us because with the various cultures and tradition we have, it will be a good

environment for tourism for us to come to see how we can showcase ourselves as people with our various traditions as a people,” he said. Justice Bello maintained that the over centralisation of power over the years was what brought Nigeria where it is now.

Uproar over military attacks on newspapers con tinued from page 4 terrorism, it should be established first and the proprietors prosecuted just like the Amigo supermarket issue.” Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Abiodun Faleke, APC, Lagos, described the action as absurd. He said, ‘’It is absurd. When has it become a crime to disseminate information which are not classified. Rather than sack the Chief of Army Staff that told the whole world that they know where the Chibok girls are, Jonathan wants Nigerians to be denied access to information. I am sure it will be challenged in court”. On her part, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Ayo Omidiran, APC- Osun, simply said: ‘’ This is another mistake. Soon they will deny it”. Lawyers, NUJ condemn military attack on Vanguard, others, say it is attack on press freedom Lagos lawyer and rights activist, Mr. Bamidele Aturu said, “This act of barbarism is unacceptable and every right thinking Nigerian must condemn the action of the security officials.

This type of development only reminds us the dark days of military imperialism. Thus, we must fight and condemn such development so as not to allow them throw us back to the dark days of military incursion. We will tell them and show them that this country belong to us all, hence the reason while we must all resist this. The press is one of the pillars on which democracy is rested, so, when u fight the press, it is an affront to democratic principles. We will not allow them to destroy this democracy that we all fight for. So, the government should fish out those behind this dastard act. This type of impunity should not be condoned in the name of fighting terrorism. National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Mohammed Garba, said, “We are surprised by the action of the military officers in their attack on the affected newspapers and their vehicles. The action is condemnable totally. The military should remember that we are in era of democracy and that the media is one of the pillars of democracy.

“Those involved in the action had demonstrated highest level of incivility and this will not augur well between the media and the military, especially when they need the media most about the security situation in the northern part of the country. “NUJ considered this as another attempt to muzzle and gag the media, the action is anti people and negate the freedom of the people. “We therefore condemned this and we are totally against such act . We are already in contact with the affected media organisations to ascertain the level of damages done. “We are however appealing to the media houses and journalists, not to relent in their efforts because of this development to ensure the success and sustainabililty of our democracy.” Barrister Monday Ubani, immediate past Chairman of Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, said, “this action at this time is uncalled for. No matter what may have happened, the military are supposed to be civil in all their action and relationship with the people, especially the media.

ELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Udu aghan has expressed sadness at the death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero describing him as an epitome of peace and national unity. In a statement by Felix Ofou, his Press Secretary, the Governor noted the bold sacrifices and courage exhibited by the late monarch to maintain relative peace in Kano even in the face of threats by insurgents and at great risk to his life. “Even at great risk to his life and threat by insurgents, the late Royal Majesty stood defiantly against religious extremism and helped to maintain peace in Kano which is the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria. “Our revered royal father was not cowed; neither did he retreat when his convoy was shot at. He also intervened where necessary to ensure that peace and the unity of the country was not in any way compromised,” he said.

Investigate Oshiomhole’s allegation, APC youths tell Jonathan

ENIN CITY-BARELY 24 hours after Governor Adams Oshiomhole raised an alarm over alleged inducement of some lawmakers in the state House of Assembly with a view to impeach him, youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the State yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to investigate the matter so as to avoid mayhem in the state. The youth leaders at a meeting in Benin City, stressed the need to arrest any attempt to truncate democracy in Edo state, vowing to resist any attempt to deny the people of the state the dividends of democracy which they are currently enjoying in the state through the Oshiomhole led administration.In a statement signed by Emmanuel Agbomere and Theophilus Momoh “Edo people have a clear choice on who should govern them. Since the advent of democracy, we have not had the political stability and economic development that we have had in the past six years under Adams Oshiomhole and anything that would undermine this effort must be arrested by well meaning Nigerians and right thinking Nigerians.

‘Youth empowerment scheme ‘ll produce good N-Delta leaders’

ENIN CITY-THE Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Bassey Dan Abia, has disclosed that the youth empowerment programme of the commission in the Niger Delta is geared towards breeding new crop of leaders in the region. The NDDC boss who described a former PDP governorship aspirant in Edo state, Mr Matthew Iduoriyekemwen as an example of the crop of leaders the Commission intends to grow in the Niger Delta in the next three years, said the new board of the NDDC would engage in capacity building, employment generation and wealth creation.

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Vanguard , JUNE 7 7, 2014—9

PROLOGUE

20 YEARS OF WORLD CUP CRISES BY IKEDDY ISIGUZO, Chairman Editorial Board

HEN Nigeria qualified for the World Cup, for the first time in 1994, it was in the midst of the crisis that attended the June 12 presidential election of the previous year. Street protests were building up; the country was torn in shreds along belief and unbelief. The only thing that appeared intact was the Nigerian team that harboured players across the various divides that were contending for power. The picture is slightly distorted 20 years after. The crisis in the North East might not be of the dimensions of June 12, the protests may be more peaceful, but the contentions for power, maybe positions, are as strong as they were 20 years ago. Like in 1994, as the Eagles make their fifth World Cup outing in 20 years, they appear to be the unifying factor again. Crowds are taking up their places in viewing centres to cheer the national team, to hold on to the shreds of hope that it could have its best World Cup ever. Unlike in 1994, viewing centres may be deserted this

year. The fear of the unknown has made them places to avoid in Nigeria’s current crisis. Away from the fears of crisis are the trepidations about the chances of the Nigerian team. They have persisted through the years. A new cloud is called matchfixing; it was unassociated with the Nigerian until now. Let us stick to the exciting beginning of our World Cup sojourn. Strongman Sani Abacha was in power in 1994. Players as well as officials dreaded the possibilities of annoying him by not doing well. The 1994 Africa Nations Cup was in the kitty; Abacha’s ambitions grew, though he did not redeem promises he made to the team for winning the Nations Cup. The decent performance in 1994 was against the background of the unillustrious record of African champions at the World Cup. Zaire, African champions 40 years ago, took a 9-1 bashing from Yugoslavia at the World Cup in Germany, partially blamed on the Zairean coach being Yugoslav. African champions 1978 (Ghana), 1982 (Ghana), 1986 (Egypt), 1990 (Algeria), did not qualify for the World Cup in those years. Eagles, the next World Cupbound African champions

since Zaire’s debacle, were minutes away from glory against Italian when the tables turned. Like South Korea’s coach Lee said after his team’s 2-0 loss to Belgium at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, “If not for those two goals, it would have been a draw”. The circumstances in 1998 were drearier. The Eagles were winging into France when news of Abacha’s death started seeping out of Abuja. The uncertainties were obvious. A new government that the players did not know was coming to terms with running Nigeria. Days after, Moshood Abiola died; he was a known motivator to the team. He had helped most of the players personally. A celebrated victory over Spain was the highlight of the outing. The Eagles could not beat the second round bogie. Korea in 2002 marked the beginning of collapsing performances. No game won, signaling the decline that culminated in the team not qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. There was no political crisis, but the Nigeria Football Association threw out the coach who qualified the team. South Africa 2010 met the Eagles at their worst. They almost did not qualify and two years earlier, they posted

their worst Nations Cup record since 1982, when they were ejected in the earlier rounds in Libya. It was little surprise that they did not win any game. The team was in transition. The Eagles today do not have the cohesion of 1994. They manage to win games. All they need to excel at the World Cup is to win games; few would remember how they played if they bring the trophy home. A key factor is coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi whose future is tied to Brazil 2014. His cognomen, Big Boss, says it all. He has won as player and coach in Africa, against odds, particularly as a coach. His relevance in post2014 football depends on Brazil 2014. He has generated hope for Nigerian football fans, but these are fans whose appetite for more almost bothers on greed. Keshi can push his rejuvenation of the Eagles to new heights, if he realises that he is the one to blame if things go wrong. The applauds would be entirely his, if he wins, as we saw at the 2013 Nations Cup. Nigerians have a right to hope for good results, even the Cup. As they say in Zimbabwe, football is a round object; it could go in any direction.

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JUNE 7 7, 2014

here were plenty of newsworthy events in the year 1930, but which do we still talk about today? Constantinople was officially renamed Istanbul, the planet Pluto was discovered, and Agatha Christie’s first full-length Miss Marple novel rolled off the presses, for example. Oh yes, and world football as we know it came into being with the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Uruguay. Qualifying was as yet unheard of. A grand total of 13 teams accepted invitations to compete, four from Europe, eight from South America and a team representing the United States. The draw for the group stage was left until all the teams had safely arrived in Uruguay. Once underway, the tournament produced football at its contemporary best. By the end, the host nation won through and became the first team to lay hands on the coveted trophy, then known as Victory or simply as the World Cup. By the time of the second edition in Italy four years later, interest in the global showdown had soared. Thirtytwo countries took part in a qualifying round to determine the 16 finalists – and once again, the hosts carried off the honours. If all good things really come in threes, hosts France should have won the third FIFA World Cup finals. But it was not to be: the French made it to the quarter-finals but were beaten by holders Italy. The Squadra Azzurri duly went on to claim the world crown for the second time in a row, cementing their enduring reputation as formidable exponents of the game. The grim events of the Second World War meant a 12-year gap until the cream of the world game gathered again in 1950. It later emerged that Dr. Ottorino Barassi, the Italian vicepresident of FIFA, hid the trophy in a shoe-box under his bed throughout the war, intent on preventing it falling into the hands of occupying troops. In 1946, the trophy was officially renamed in honour of then FIFA President Jules Rimet, who had worked tirelessly to preserve the spirit and structures of the game during the years of conflict. The starting field in Brazil for the 1950 finals again numbered just 13 nations. Following a league-based preliminary round, Brazil, Sweden, Spain and Uruguay played off for the trophy. A Seleção needed just a point from their meeting with Uruguay to seal the title, but a crowd officially recorded as 199,954 – estimates vary from 174,000 to as many as 205,000 – watched in mounting horror as the Maracanazo (The Maracana Disaster) unfolded. One of the biggest upsets in footballing history ended with the Uruguayans sealing a second triumph.

he next shock outcome rapidly followed. Germans refer to the events of four years later as ‘The Miracle of Berne’, as Sepp Herberger’s West Germany went to Switzerland in 1954 and beat the seemingly invincible Hungarians 3-2 in the Final. In terms of innovation, the 1954 tournament was the first time fixed squad numbers were assigned to all players. It was also easily the biggest event of its kind thus far, with a new record number of nations embarking on qualifying. The Asian Confederation was founded that very year and entered teams from Japan and Korea, with Egypt representing Africa in the first truly global edition of the event. Sixteen teams earned the right to compete in Switzerland, and this was the size of the starting field right through until the 1982 finals in Spain, when it rose to 24. In 1958, the show in Sweden

of their third triumph. For the second and last time since 1950, no player was sent off during the tournament. The finals also saw the first use of substitutes, and the introduction of yellow and red cards. Viewers at home could tell the difference too: the FIFA World Cup was broadcast in colour for the first time. At the tenth edition of the finals in 1974, the honour of becoming the first recipients of the new FIFA World Cup Trophy fell to the West German hosts, although the tournament is often fondly remembered for the startling and revolutionary Total Football practised by beaten finalists the Netherlands, featuring all-time legends Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens. Another of the great footballing nations finally registered a maiden triumph in 1978, as Argentina hosted and won the event. It was to prove the end of the road for a great Dutch generation, runners-up for the second time in a row, and then not present at

the qualifying road. For the first time in history, the Final was decided on penalties, Brazil defeating Italy in the decisive shoot-out to secure a fourth triumph. The records continued to tumble in the years that followed. The 1998 tournament in France was comfortably the biggest-ever event of its type, with a starting field of 32 and a total of 64 matches played. The name of Zinedine Zidane will forever be associated with the hosts’ victory. Brazil’s triumph at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, the first time the event was held in Asia, meant the South Americans could claim the distinction of winning the famous trophy on every continent which had staged the finals up to that point. And in 2006, Italy beat hosts Germany in the semi-finals to settle the clash between two three-time winners in their favour. Fabio Cannavaro and Co went on to beat France on penalties in Berlin and earn a fourth star for the national jersey.

World Cup: From the beginning

belonged to a certain 17-year-old by the name of Pele, a major contributor to Brazil’s maiden FIFA World Cup triumph. Just Fontaine of France scored 13 goals at the tournament, a record which still stands today, and the finals witnessed a first-ever goalless draw, a meeting between England and Brazil. Sweden 1958 was also the first FIFA World Cup to be broadcast around the world on TV. Brazil retained the world crown in Chile four years later, but 1966 finally saw a host nation triumph once again, as England defeated West Germany 42 in a thrilling and controversial final at Wembley. The Brazilians were back to the sublime best for the 1970 finals in Mexico, sweeping aside the competition and taking home the Jules Rimet trophy in perpetuity in honour

all for the first 24-team finals in Spain four years later. That tournament was won by a resurgent Italy. As Pele is to Brazil, so is Diego Maradona to Argentina. The diminutive midfielder led La Albiceleste to their second world crown at Mexico 1986, and also featured in a re-run of the final against West Germany at Italy 1990. But on that second occasion, Franz Beckenbauer’s side exacted revenge and the Germans drew level with Brazil and Italy on three FIFA World Cup triumphs apiece. The Argentinians earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first team not to score in a FIFA World Cup final – and also of losing two players to red cards during the match. Ahead of the 1994 finals in the USA, a record 147 nations started out on

And what of 2010? New records and fresh milestones were achieved as Spain won their first World Cup on African soil. And back to this year’s showpiece holding in Brazil, new heights are expected to be reached. Can Argentina win with Lionel Messi? Will Ronaldo spearhead Portugal to a first World Cup triumph? Can Brazil pull further clear with a sixth triumph, or will the Spaniards retain the trophy or will the Italians draw level on five? Or could an African side open a new chapter in the long and exciting history of the game? The footballing world can hardly wait for the action to start on June 12 in Sao Paolo, when Brazil tackle Croatia in the opening match.

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ith the likes of Neymar, Daniel Alves, Silva, Hulk and Willian in the side, few would bet against Brazil beating Croatia in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup this Thursday. History favours the hosts in the group stage of the World Cup. They have played all the other three sides in the past. Brazil’s opponent in the opening match, Croatia, were their opponents in their first game in Germany in 2006 and a solitary Kaka goal made the difference. Brazil also come into football’s showpiece event with some momentum behind them after winning the FIFA Confederations Cup. They outclassed defending World and Euro champions Spain 3-0 in the final. In their recent friendlies, Brazil have been rampant in victories. But against Croatia, a side that have always had great individual players but whose ability to gel as a team haves always been questioned, it will not be a stroll in the park for the five-time winners. With new coach Niko Kovac at the helm, one can be rest assured Croatia will bring some dogged determination to the pitch. The former Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg and Bayern Munich defensive midfielder is well known for his steel, his spirit and leadership. Croatia also has some big names like Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic, all of whom have had a brilliant season for their respective European clubs. Modric starred for Real Madrid in their ‘La Decima’, 10th European Cup, winning season.

World Cup opener: Sentiments as Brazil set to sail past Croatia

Mandzukic was prolific for a Bayern team that did the domestic double and reached the semifinals of the Champions Legaue, beaten by the eventual champions. The biggest find for Croatia, though, was Rakitic. The midfielder played a starring role for Spanish side Sevilla, who beat Benfica to lift the Europa League trophy. Croatia will also have the services of former Bayern Munich veteran Ivica Olic.

But the injury to Niko Kranjcar comes as a huge set-back for Croatia. He injured himself while playing for Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League and has been ruled out of the World Cup. Brazil will have the crowd and perhaps more global sentiment to kick off well with a victory. That may reduce the protests against the event in Brazil and set the stage for memorable World Cup. The spectacle begins on Thursday.

12 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

Will today’s Eagles differ from the past teams? A comparison of all Nigeria’s World Cup teams

Nigeria’s World Cup squad 1994

By Onochie Anibeze

igeria’s first appearance at the World Cup was in USA ’94.

Nigerians still refer to the team as their best. World football governing body classed them as the most entertaining side alongside winners, Brazil. They arrived USA as Africa’s champions, having won the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia. They had quality. They so possessed physical and entertaining attributes that fifa wrote Nigeria, commending their character and made inquiries on their nutrition and type of training. The team had a blistering pace. Interestingly, it was Nigeria’s first time in the World Cup. The Eagles were superb in their first match, beating Bulgaria 3-0, losing to Argentina 1-2 and beating Greece 2-0 in the group matches to earn a second round berth. Italy were down by a lone goal scored by Emmanuel Amuneke before they equalised three minutes to full time and went on to beat Nigeria in extra time in a match Nigerians would not forget easily. “We were three minutes away from victory, yet, victory was too far away,” cried Westerhof after the match. It was a popular quote of USA ’94.

1 GK Peter Rufai 2 DF Augustine Eguavoen 3 DF Benedict Iroha 4 DF Stephen Keshi 5 DF Uche Okechukwu 6 DF Chidi Nwanu 7 FW Finidi George 8 MD Oliha Thompson 9 FW Rashidi Yekini 10 MD Augustine Okocha 11 FW Emmanuel Amunike 12 MD Samson Siasia 13 DF Emeka Ezeugo 14 FW Daniel Amokachi 15 MD Sunday Oliseh 16 GK Alloysius Agu 17 FW Victor Ikpeba 18 FW Efan Ekoku 19 DF Michael Emenalo 20 FW Uche Okafor 21 MD Mutiu Adepoju 22 GK Wilfred Agbonavbare

USA 94 SQUAD A crisis situation in the Nigerian camp saw the team divided against itself before the match against Italy. Some of the players revolted against disciplinary measures by Westerhof and the team trained only once in four days before the match against Italy, little wonder they lost concentration in the dying minutes and conceded an equailser that meant end of the road for them. But for the crisis, the team could have probably won the match and gone further. However, they showed such tremendous character and finesse that 20 years on Nigerians still rate them as their best team ever. Continues on page 13

Coach: Clemens Westerhof

which would have put his competence to test. Bora was a jolly good fellow but he was certainly overrated in terms of managerial and technical abilities. He fell to the politics some players played and stuck to the Olympic team when some other players could have made a lot of difference. Again, moving Mutiu Adepoju to the right back position when the guy was the engine of the Nigerian midfield killed the team against Denmark who mauled Nigeria 4-1 to send us out of the tournament in the second round. The team could not match the resilience and flair of USA ’94 squad although the 3-2 victory against Spain was a classic spectacle and it remains memorable. France ’98 Squad.

France ’98 Squad

he gold medal winning feat at the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games was good for Nigeria but what followed marked the beginning of the plunge Nigeria’s football took after the era of Clemens Westerhof. The boys who won in Atlanta became so popular that they felt the Atlanta team (Under 23 players with three senior players) should hold sway in the Eagles. They had their way. Phillip Troyussier had done a great job, qualifying Nigeria to the World Cup. But as it has always been with Nigerians, they mistake their passion for the game for knowledge of the game. The sports ministry felt that Troussier was no world class coach and the Football Association, unfortunately, reasoned with them. Troussier was disengaged and Bora Militinovic hired few

months to the World Cup finals in France. His record of three World Cup appearances impressed those who hired him. But little did they take into consideration the fact that Milutinovic did not qualify those teams to the World Cup finals. Mexico in 1986 and USA in 1994 were hosts and did not have to play qualifying matches and Costa Rica in Italia 1990 fired the coach that qualified them to the World Cup and engaged him. And by the time he led Nigeria to France ’98 World Cup, he was appearing in his fourth World Cup without the rigours of qualifying games

Rufai Oparaku Babayaro Kanu Okechukwu George, Finidi Adepoju Yekini Okocha Lawal Okpara Babangida Amokachi Oliseh Okafor Eguavoen Oruma Iroha Ikpeba Okpara Baruwa Coach

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 13

South Africa, 2010 T

Continues from page 12

Japan/Korea 2002 Squad By Onochie Anibeze

he downward trend in Nigeria’s football continued at the Japan/ Korea 2002 World Cup. Amodu Shuaibu and Stephen

Keshi had qualified Nigeria for the World Cup, a feat that was slipping until the FA sacked Bonfrere Jo who had lost to the likes of Liberia and Sierra Lone before he was sacked. Amodu and Keshi were brought in for a rescue mission. They qualified Nigeria for the World Cup. But afte the 2002 Nations Cup in Mali where they lost to Senegal in the semifinal they were sacked. Again, the sports ministry was at the centre of the crisis that started in Mali when they had issues with players’ flight tickets refunds and bonuses. The result was the disengagement of Amodu and Keshi few months to the World Cup. Chief Adegboye Onigbinde was engaged. If t was bad that Amodu and Keshi had to go, it was worse that some players like Sunday Oliseh and Finidi George were sacrificed in the politics that engulfed the team. About three months to the World Cup Onigbinde, in his first outing, a friendly against Paraguay in London, was introducing himself to the players and asking each player to introduce himself. In his first training, he had asked defenders, midfielders and attackers to stay in groups, a way to identify them. He probably was doing the right thing but it was just three months to the World Cup; certainly, the wrong time for a coach to be mastering the players he was taking to the World Cup. Nigeria was the loser. The team failed badly, losing two matches and drawing one against England who didn’t need to win to move on the to the next stage. The Eagles in Japan/Korea World Cup were not as good as the ones who played in France ’98. They had been reduced in strength and quality by the absence of the likes of Oliseh and Finidi George who were still in top shape at the time. The dirty politics that schemed them out of the team only punished Nigeria. Shorunmu Yobo Babayaro Kanu Okoronkwo West Ikedia

Adepoju Ogbeche Okocha Lawal Ejide Afolabi Udeze Justice Sodje Aghahowa Akwuegbu Ejiofor Obiorah Utaka Enyeama Opabunmi Coach : Adegboye Onigbinde

he coaching problem that had now become a common feature in Nigeria’s World Cup teams continued when the Presidential Task Force set up by late President Umar Yar ‘Adua insisted on a foreign coach after Shuaibu Amodu led Nigeria through the qualifying matches. The Football Federation wanted Amodu to continue and planned to bring in Keshi to assist him. But the Task Force would have non of that. Lars Laggerback was hired six months to the World Cup and the result was worse than that of Korea/Japan World Cup Eagles. Nigeria crashed out shamefully in the first round. Onigbinde’s Eagles were better than the team Laggerback handled in South Africa. It follows that government has done more damage to Nigeria’s World Cup teams than any other factor or body. From our first outing in USA ’94 to the last one in South Africa, the succeeding World Cup team was worse than their predecessors. Coaching remained a major problem and the government had always been the architect or creator of such problems. Chief Alex Akinyele had planned to sack Westerhof and even said it on television that “Westerhof will not take us to USA.” And this was after the Dutch qualified Nigeria. But Akinyele did not last after that. Akinwumi was appointed to take over from him and Westerhof went to the World Cup. The Brazil 2014 World Cup is the first time after USA’94 World Cup that Nigeria would be appearing in the World Cup with a coach that led them in the qualifying matches. Nigerians wish that their outing will surpass the second round outing in USA and France ’98 and stop the World Cup plunge that has shaped our performance in the way of an inverted pyramid. The Eagles begin with Iran June 16 in Curitiba in Brazil. It will be 8 pm in Nigeria and the stadium Arena Da Balvada. It is a match anything short of victory will disappoint Nigerians and indicate an early return. A win will give hope and the spirit to fly into the second round and possibly continue flying like the Eagles they should be.

How to treat detractors – Stephen Keshi Tells Nigerians not to panic efore you won the 2013 African the player to have that fire burning in him, that thing of “I don’t want to Nations Cup you made it clear B you had chosen a young squad with lose”. If I can have characters like the 2018 World Cup in mind. So is this Nigeria side now one for Brazil 2014 or still for 2018? Sure, sure. I’m still in the process of building. If tomorrow I happen to see another high-quality, top-class player, I’ll never stop building. But I’ve only been in this job for the last two years and it is not like I have been with these players all the time. I only get to work with them periodically when we have the international games. Have you gambled on this young crop of Nigerians by discarding some of the more established players.? I don’t think so. I don’t consider myself as someone who takes a gamble with players. Before I put a player on the pitch I know what he can do, I know his confidence level, I know how prepared he has been. Other people might see it as risk because they are unknown names with no experience, but I have worked with those players for a period of time, I know what they can do and I have belief in them. What do you look for when scouting these unheralded players that you have introduced into the team? I try to look for intelligence, which for me is the key. When you have that intelligence, your decisionmaking is so much better. I also like

that, then I’m good to go. If I can get them to have a winning mentality then they’ll enjoy their game. I want them to enjoy playing but to be a winner too. If you can have a combination of passion and winning, everything becomes a lot better. Is there pressure on you and Nigeria to do well in Brazil because you are African champions? I’m still learning this trade. I’m still young in this trade. I’m thankful for what I have achieved. But when people talk about stress or about how I don’t feel the pressure, all I can say is that in this game there are three things that will happen. It’s either you win, lose or draw. Whatever happens, you just have to welcome and move on. It’s true everybody is now focusing a lot on us — there is always a lot of expectation from Nigerian people — but there is no panic. All I have to do is concentrate on my work and my players and that’s it. Did your Nations Cup success come too early? No, no, that was our game plan anyway, but we were not loud. We concentrated on very game that came out way. Winning the cup was a dream come true. Victor Anichebe of West Bromwich Albion is one of several Nigerian players who are yet to make up their minds about playing for the “Super

•Stephen Keshi

Eagles”... You need to understand the dilemma of the players and their clubs. I was a player in Belgium and France, I know how it goes in Europe. The common thing is to understand your players and the relationships with their clubs. In all the teams that I’ve coached I’ve never really had a problem between the players and their clubs because I try to find some leeway. You’ve got to look for an understanding to make it go well. I’ve not had problems. I know my players, they want to play for me and at the same time they want to play for their clubs, so we have to find a balance that works for everybody.

Culled from WS

14—SA TURD AY 14—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JUNE 7 7, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 —15

The gambler

is voice was strong, assured and cultured on air; the voice of a veteran. And he is a veteran, having cut his tooth—and his voice— in the old days when FRCN was still NBC, the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, fashioned after, and nurtured by the BBC. In the days when voices were trained and diction was important; when there was a strong awareness that whatever was said on air had implications beyond the moment. His wary, ambivalent answers to certain explosive questions on the state of the nation, betrayed this training. It also betrayed his disposition which is usually deliberate, logical and rarely judgemental. His name is Dele Adetiba, erstwhile newscaster on Radio and TV, sports caster again on Radio and TV, DJ on Radio and in private parties, master of ceremony to friends and select corporate organisations, advertising and marketing practitioner. He is also my brother, friend and mentor. The radio programme I am referring to was the discourse by Jimi Disu of last Sunday. I have never felt the need or the urge to write about him in all the years I interviewed and wrote about people in public places despite the strides he made in broadcasting, marketing and advertising. But then he turned 70 a couple of weeks ago and a beautiful reception was held for him at the Civic Centre, Lagos which was aired on the Bisi Olatilo show; and then he appeared on Jimi Disu’s radio show. Even then, I might still not have thought of this article if Bunmi Sofola who was sitting near me at the reception when the tributes were pouring in had not said ‘somebody should write a book on your brother.’ I joked in reply and said ‘ well, that somebody will not be me’. But it set me thinking that this might be my only chance of getting away with an article on him. Most of the tributes came from those who had known him from way back. Mike Enahoro and Stella Awani talked about their broadcasting days. Biodun Shobanjo took it a step further. He talked about their broadcasting days, their advertising days and their days as young men in town. But the tribute that resonated was the one by Mac Ovbiagele who started from the prebroadcasting days of the early 60s. He then proceeded to tell us how his friend made deep impressions in every field he found himself. Dele Adetiba left radio as head of ‘Outside broadcast’, a vital unit that handled live broadcast for the station having become a major voice on air. He became one of four or

hunted back to Lintas as Associate Director. This is a lesson in self application and passion to all the young people out there. Despite all that is wrong with Nigeria, if you do your job—whatever it is—very well, someone, somewhere will notice. The world even now, is looking for competent and passionate workers who are dedicated to their trade. He has been an inspiration to me in many ways. While growing up, I felt proud whenever his face lit up the black and white TV screens and people asked if he was my brother. Today, I still feel proud when people defer to him at the club and at social gatherings even when he is not the richest or oldest man in the room. His first son summed it all up when he said in his tribute that ‘he makes us feel proud to be an Adetiba’. I still can’t get it into my head though that he is 70. A couple of weeks ago, I could say we were both in the 60s generation. Now he is a septuagenarian, which means I am also advancing in years; a fact he reluctantly accepted when he said he once saw my contemporary at a function looking quite advanced in years. That was when it hit him that ‘his kid brother is not such a kid any more’. One advantage of this is that I am now more regularly consulted, and my views taken seriously on pressing issues. Now back to Jimi Disu’s talk show. At interval, he was asked for his choice of music. When my brother chose ‘The Gambler by Kenny Rogers’, my jaw dropped. This man’s make-up, his DNA, is the antithesis of gambling. In fact, if there is any criticism I have, it is that he is too risk averse. He is in my view, too worried with how things can go wrong to venture into untested waters forgetting that for some, the misses make the hits more exciting. I was to learn later that he chose the song because of its lessons on life. Some of them are; knowing when to push for something, when to hold on and when to walk away; knowing that every card is a winner or a loser depending on how you play it; and learning not to show off in public when success comes your way. These are traits I know he has. I have seen him deal with both success and failure with a poker face. I have seen a body language that says every thing and yet nothing on occasions. I have seen him handle a few regrets in his life with stoic fortitude. I realise that in some ways, he has some of the attributes of Kenny Roger’s ‘the gambler’. Happy birthday big brother!!

Despite all that is wrong with Nigeria, if you do your job— whatever it is—very well, someone, somewhere will notice

five people that read news regularly on the then NBCTV. He crowned it all by becoming the 2nd Nigerian CEO of the then largest advertising agency in Nigeria. In all of this, it is instructive that he never had to apply for any job. He started as a freelance artiste in NBC—which was how many started— and was employed when his contributions as well as income had become very noticeable. He was later head hunted to join Lintas advertising, head hunted to join Phillip Morris as Brands Manager and head

DOCTORS’ STRIKE:

Raw deal for patients BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

he three-day nationwide strikeby resident doctors over seemingly irreconcilable issues with t h e Federal government has left in its wake, sorrow, tears and pain for countless hapless Nigerians. Although now over, the strike has left its indelible mark, and scores of those who were unfortunately caught in its path have either crossed to the great beyond or continue to tell tales of woe and anguish. Hospitals were rendered incompetent, regardless of skeletal services hurriedly set up to cushion its effects; the psyche of the average hospital patient was seriously dented. A visit to public hospitals such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, National Ortho-

Ibe David...attached by robbers

paedic Hospital, Igbobi, and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, particularly, told stories of what happens when doctors refuse to save lives, as it has happened many-atime. The accident and Emergency wards were shut, the outpatient clinics were open but non-functional, the waiting rooms became ghost towns after patients boycotted the places because of non-attention. Hundreds of unwell people were compelled either to opt for discharge with or without doctors’ advise, or bear the hardship of staying on without the attention of dictors. Even in places where some semblance of service was being rendered, admission of new patients was forbidden. President of the Association of Resident Doctor, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi chapter, Lagos, Dr. Akindele Akintayo confessed, “for the doctor to go on strike is not a friendly situation at all. As a doctor we don’t like to go on strike. If not that some resident doctors stayed around to support the consultant on duty maybe by now something else would have happen because the pressure would have been much.” Patients on admission with critical cases had no option than to remain and face the music while those with less critical cases were serially turned back. One of the many patients caught in the crossfire of the strike, was Ibe David, a casual worker and victim of armed robbery and grievous bodily harm incident just before the doctors downed tools. Ibe was so badly injured, he was taken from one hospital to the other to tend to his wounds. When Vanguard visited him at the casualty department of the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos, 21-year-old David, was a pitiable sight. In pains he recalled his ordeal in the hands of his assailants who dealt with him mercilessly. With tears running down his face, he recounted how the thugs, who stripped him of his money and valuables, beat him into a pulp and left him for dead.. “On Saturday I did not intend to go to the office because I was off duty.. But a friend called to tell me our salary was being paid. Being a casual worker, failure to collect your salary on day of payment could result in indefinite delay in payment only at a

time convenient for the company management” On this premise, David went to the office, obtained his salary and was on his way back home around 7:30 pm when he ran into the hoodlums at Ilasamaja Bus Stop along Apapa-Oshodi expressway. “I noticed about five young men following me. Sensing danger, I immediately broke into a run. They chased after me. During the hot pursuit that followed, I called for help at the top of my voice, but no help came. Eventually, they caught up with me and beat me mercilessly for trying to escape.” Over-powered, David was beaten almost comatose. He was inflicted with deep machete cuts on the head, arms and hands. While the attack lasted, none of the passers by who witnessed the scene came to his rescue. It was not until the assailants had left, that Good Samaritans came to his aid and rushed him to LUTH in a pool of his own blood. “Later my relatives took me to Bola Hospital, Mushin, from where I was transferred to another private hospital. There, the doctor referred me to Igbobi. Currently, I find it difficult to use my hand to feed my self. I cannot bathe or dress myself. My hands are still heavy and painful. Every night I feel pains all over my body. It is a miracle I am alive to tell this story. I could have been killed during the attack. I could also have died as a result of the strike.” Bisi Oluwaseun was another patient at the casualty department of the hospital. Bisi, who suffered broken legs in the attempt to cross the busy highway close to the uncompleted pedestrian bridge at. Ijaye bus-stop, had a raw deal. In her narration, she confessed her survival was narrow escape. “Since the pedestrian bridge at Ijaye was yet to be completed, everybody jumps the express. I had crossed like that several times, but on that day (Saturday) I had already crossed the first part. In an attempt to cross the second part, I did not notice a car coming at high speed. Before I knew, it hit me. I lost consciousness and woke up in the hospital,“ she disclosed.

16—SA TURD AY 16—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JUNE 7 7, 2014

Chibok schoolgirls:

Nigeria’s messy approach BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & GBENGA OKE

PART from a few who escaped on their own, none of the over 200 school girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, has been rescued by our security agencies, exactly 54 days after. And this is in spite of assistance from a coalition of UK, US and other forces. The little or no dividend arising from the rescue efforts is giving way to a groundswell of apprehension over whether or not the innocent girls would ever be reunited with their families. It is also generating a battery of questions regarding the government and military’s approach to combatting the insurgency and rescuing the girls. Since the school girls were abducted on April 14, efforts to rescue them have been uncoordinated. Comments from government officials are not only discordant but also contradictory. While a section of the government initially believed that the abduction was a ruse, another section believed it was real. To get the insurgents to lay down their arms, a minister would say that the government has an offer of amnesty; he would be disowned the following day by a presidential aide. High-level military operational strategies are publicised before a foot is lifted to implement them. And battle-winning intelligence obtained against the sect appeared to be ignored. For instance, Senator Ahmed Zanna (Borno North, PDP), doubted, last month, if the girls would ever be rescued. According to him, the military was not acting on vital intelligence. He told the Senate, during a sitting: “I have been constantly in touch with the security agencies, telling them the developments, the movement of the girls

from one place to the other and then the splitting of the girls and eventually the marriage of these girls by the insurgents. What bothered me the most is that whenever I informed the military where these girls were, after two to three days, they were moved from that place to another; still, I would go back and inform them on new developments.” Mentioning the various locations the abducted girls had been camped like Sambisa forest, Kolofata in Camroon, Mate and Mungonu, Chikungudua and islands on Lake Chad, the senator said: “I informed the security agents about the developments. And from that place,

Senator Ahmed Zanna (Borno North, PDP), doubted, last month, if the girls would ever be rescued. According to him, the military was not acting on vital intelligence

they (insurgents) can just go to either Chad or Cameroon because it is very open; there are no weeds in the lake and so they can go to anywhere. They have snatched all the boats around that area including the one for NNPC and so they are free to go anywhere without being chased by anybody. “There are about 40 islands there and they have ejected most of the occupants of the islands and occupied the islands. What is most disturbing is that hitherto, Sambisa was their base and it was well known to the military and the Nigerian security services. After the abduction of those girls, they started moving out of Sambisa and even before then, I had been discussing with the military and they said they were going to attack that place… I don’t know what delayed them. But eventually when they launched the attack, all the insurgents had already gone out of the place. “These are the facts. So unless there is seriousness on the part of our military, we

Continues on page 43

SATURDAY, Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014—17

18— SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

I believe in a good relationship — Show-Sholly BY IYABO AINA

gunlana Sola Matthew popularly known by fans as Show Sholly is a fast-rising musician who started his music career in 2008. Show Sholly is a 2008 graduate of computer science from Lagos State University. In this chat with Saturday Vanguard, Sholly Show opens up on his journey as an upcoming musician, among sundry issues. Excerpts:

O •Show Sholly

hy did you choose music? I have always wanted to sing, because music is in me. I was a member of my church choir when I was a teenager and that equipped me to be able to play many musical instruments. So you can see that music is in me. Professionally, I started composing songs in 2008. I recorded my first song, Elewonlo, in 2009. It became a hit track of which I have performed at various events. What kind of music do you play? I sing Afro-pop, considering the fact that music is about message. So, Afro-pop is the genre of music that enables me flow very well with the message I intend sending across to my fans. Who are your role models in the music industry? My role models are 9ice, 2Face and Dbanj. I like the way these top artistes sing. For example 9ice is somebody whose songs always come with a unique message and my dream is to get to their levels. How do you handle your female admirers? I try as much as I can to reciprocate their admirations because one feels good when women appreciate one’s songs and what one is doing. It helps to sell your songs. So, I am grateful for the love my (female) fans have for me and my music. Do you have any album? Well, for now, I am yet to hit the market with any album because my major constraint has been finance.

I am focusing on my music and my career. Also I love my fans because I know they are the ones who made me what I am today. Presently I don’t have any woman in my life but I am looking forward to the day I will find the right woman

And this is the major challenge we younger artistes face in this part of the world. Before you could promote your song you have to spend a lot of money. There are a lot of younger and upcoming artistes like me out there that have good songs, but they don't have funding. For me, I have five songs to my credit, but there is no money to promote and package them into an album. My first song, Elewonlo, which I wrote in 2009, is saying “Shame to the evil men, who don't want your progress.” The second song “Na God” recorded in 2010 is saying “God is the bedrock of every of our achievements; that our achievement is not as a result of our power or strength, but by the special grace of God.” The third, “Celebrate” recorded in 2010 is saying that “Men should thank God for all his goodness and mercies in their lives.” The fourth song Muzozo was recorded in 2011, and it's a danceall song. Then the last, “Do me” was recorded in November 2012. Do me is a love song which appreciates the charming beauty of the woman you love. I can assure you that all these songs have a specific and unique message that they are passing across. In fact, my fans have been asking for an album, but like I said earlier, money is my major challenge. Tell us about your love life I believe in a good relationship

and I believe in love because I know it’s a beautiful thing. But what I am focusing on now is my music and my career. Also I love my fans because I know they are the ones who made me what I am today. Presently I don’t have any woman in my life but I am looking forward to the day I will find the right woman. Are you signed to any record label? To salvage me from my plight, I am hoping to get a record label whose owner is sincere and will be willing to work with me. I am optimistic that I will get one soon, because I know I have good songs. My inspiration is also buoyed on the fact that I have performed at various big musical shows alongside top artistes like Ruggedman, Sound Sultan, Sunny Nneji, Durella among others. So, I will be willing to work with any sincere record label who would love my songs and their unique messages. What is your assessment of the Nigerian music industry? The Nigerian music industry has really progressed over the last few years. It has grown into an international brand and has tremendously grown to be the number one in Africa. But one thing I still appeal to is for a record label that will sponsor me. I see myself clearly as one of the top artistes in the country in a couple of years to come.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 —19

II can’t can’t stand stand in in the the w waayy of of true true lo lovvee — Belinda Effah, Actress

elinda is a fast rising actress who has achieved a lot in Nollywood in a very short while. The actress who is from Cross River State started her acting journey in 2005/2006, when she was featured in a TV series called Shallow Waters. After that she took part in a reality show, Next Movie Star. She is one actress that has made a mark as far as the world of makebelieve is concerned. Here’s what she said on the topic, “Yes, I’ll bless their marriage. I can’t stand in the way of true love. Just because it didn’t work out for me does not mean that it won’t work for them. I am matured enough to know where to draw the line and quit being a child”.

Would you allow your daughter marry the son of your ex? I n our human lives and dealings, there are things we consider perdonable and unpardonable. But like most things with humans, different things work differently for different people. This page which used to be ‘Entertainers Talkback has been rebranded as ‘Beyond Pardon’, to provide our entertainers with platform to bare their minds on common civil issues and questions people face from day to day. Would you allow your daughter marry the son of your ex? Your ex in this context can be an old boyfriend or girlfriend you left on good terms or even one that broke your heart.

It depends, 'Lik e father 'Like father,, e Son' lik like - Seyi Hunter, Actress

Upcoming actress, Seyi Hunter in a bid to live up to her age-long dream, joined the yoruba movie industry, after which she also started doing English movies. The light skinned beauty who studied Performing Arts at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State has featured in over 18 movies since she joined Nollywood. The actress who has movies like Rukayat, Aromodomo, Sex Hotel Girls, Alenibare, Iwalewa and many others to her credit said it depends on her ex, “It depends on the ex, how he was to me when we were dating. I f he was good to me, why not? She can go ahead and marry the son. But if he was mean and has any bad trait, I wouldn’t want my daughter to go close to the family at all, because as they say, ‘’Like father, like son’’. I wouldn’t want my daughter to go through the same thing I went through in the hands of my ex”.

I’ll advise against it

- Collette Orji, Actress

his sexy script interpreter is well known for acting epic movies. Besides being a good actress, she also has the beauty and sexiness to accompany her acting skills, which are necessary to survive the highly competitive Nigerian movie industry. The actress whose first movie was Two Outside spoke with Vanguard on the above issue. Hear her: “I think I’ll advise against it, for many reasons a sane person may see fit. All I can do is advise against it, I’ll never push, make use of force or paint a black picture. When love is involved, you just don’t give an ultimatum, because you’ll end up losing the peace and love you share with your own child. It’s my child’s decision at the end of the day and my support is highly needed”.

Yes, if they are in love – Chioma Okoye, Actress

ctress Chioma Okoye is one of few Nollywood babes who are still waxing stronger despite the fact that movie jobs are not coming to them regularly. The busty actress, who also produces movies who has been around for a while has featured in several movies. She disclosed that she wouldn’t stop her daughter from marrying her ex’s son. “If they are truly in love, I won’t stop them from getting married”.

No way! - Cynthia Okonkwo, Actress

ynthia Okonkwo, Nollywood beautiful upcoming actress started her acting career in 2006 and has been in over 30 movies. According to her, her love for acting was awaken watching the Cartoon Network. Cynthia says she can’t allow her daughter marry her ex. “No way! I can’t allow my daughter marry my ex”.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

FLORENCE AMAGIYA, 08061644307 daise4000@yahoo.com

Close up on

Tuface and

Just as some stars are born and grew from cradle, others grow to attain stardom. Wherever you find yourself, there should always be a place for consistency. If we consistently work on our skills and do the right thing we would eventually be celebrated as we reach the right places. In this edition, we are celebrating two of our stars. They are consistent in what they are doing. They have paid the price of hardwork with grace on their side. They are living their dreams.

Tuface Idibia

face branded himself as 2face in 1996 when he relocated to Lagos from Enugu. His real names are Innocent Igah Idibia. “The name to me just refers to the outside and inside. When you first see me, you see the outside. But when you get to know me, you see the inside,” 2Face told the BBC. He was born in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria, but hails from Okpokwu local government area in Benue state. He is an Idoma by tribe. 2face attended Mount Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School in Makurdi, Benue State. He also schooled briefly in the Institute of Management & Technology, IMT, Enugu, where he did his preliminary National Diploma course in Business Administration. Although he did not finish his school programme, his skills in music got improved in Enugu as he performed in shows and parties organised by the IMT and other schools like Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT) Enugu Campus.

HIS AWARDS

is award winning track, African Queen, was used as the sound track of the 2006 comedy film, Phat Girlz. This gave him even more international recognition. Tuface recently released two lead of singles from the international version of his Unstoppable album and is the first Nigerian artist to have an appropriately priced international album. He is also reported to have recorded a single with Mary J. Blige. In 2010 with his Unstoppable Album (The Intl. Edition) he won 2 awards at the 2010 SMVA. He also won the

Channel O Most Gifted Western African and the MTV African Music Awards (Best Male and Artist of the year) making him the most successful pop singer in Africa. He is the lead vocalist of the Sony All African 08 Project alongside 7 other stars across Africa recording their first singles with R. Kelly and Prince Lee titled , Hands across the World. He was also known for his narrow escapes from death. He had close shave with death three times at different locations and times, including gun shots.

His

record label, charity and properties

Aside from running his own record label known as Hypertek after leaving Kennis Music, the artiste has established the Tuface Idibia Reach-Out Foundation, which is into charity. In December 2010, the foundation collaborated with the Hands Project International for an Aids charity dinner. His show, held at the expo center, was the best of

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 21

Rita Dominic’s world its kind as it featured all the notable Nigerian artists, particularly 9ice, D’banj and P-Square. The African queen crooner opened two properties in Lekki. With a fivebedroom duplex at Richmond Gate Estate, 2Face is one of the many prominent Nigerians who have bought into the home plan of Haven Homes, a Lagosbased Real Estate Company. The two massive properties are worth over N400m. According to our source, “the five unit bedroom duplex has a gym, mini studio, two sitting rooms, terrace, among other personalised components. And in January, 2face opened another brand new night club in Festac which cost him a whooping sum of N250m to set up. He also named the club Rumors Nite Club. It would be recalled that the multi-million property belonged to ex-Super Eagles striker, Victor Agali, before it was purchased and converted into a night club. This was done following the success of his ‘Rumors Night club’ in G.R.A in Ikeja. . He is currently looking at building another one on the Island as he has made hospitality business one of his many businesses. He said in an interview that he wants to build his clubs in major cities in Nigeria.

HIS WEDDING

face after proposing to his long time sweetheart, Anne Macaulay who he has dated for 13 long year and mother to one of his children on the 15th of February, 2012, went further to tie the knot on the 29th of March 2014 in a money lavishing ceremony in Dubai. The artiste just welcomed his seventh child with his wife, Annie Macaulay Idibia.

ita Dominic Waturuocha hails from Aboh Mbaise local Government area in Imo state. She is a member of the Royal Waturuocha family of Aboh Mbaise. She is the youngest of four siblings. Her late parents were medical practitioners. Her father was a medical doctor and her mother, a nurse. Rita attended the prestigious Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, before heading to the University of Port Harcourt, where she graduated with a B.A (Honours) Degree in Theatre Arts in 1999.

Rita Dominic

Career ominic started performing as well as acting when she was a child. She appeared in school plays and children’s television shows in Imo state. And in 1998 she featured in her first movie, A time to kill. She won the City People Awards in 2004 as the Most Outstanding Actress. She has starred in over 100 Nollywood productions. Although she has few endorsements to her credit, she made her wealth from several movie roles that has left her as distinct as her birth. Her debut as a producer with the birth of her Audrey Silver Company catapulted her into riches as well as popularity in Nigeria and among Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora. She co-produced the movie titled, the Meeting, the first from The Audrey Silver Company has become a blessing in disguise for her fame and fortune. She has not amassed so much from endorsements as she has been dropped by Glo, but this hasn’t spoilt the business for the lovely princess as she charges between N800,000 and N1m for movie roles between 2012 and 2013.

Endorsements Recently, our princess signed an endorsement deal with former Bank PHB, now Keystone Bank, and the deal is said to be worth millions of naira. According to reports, the bank’s new campaign is focused on the bank’s new initiative, which is an account targeting only women, to help them invest wisely. She also has an endorsement with Multichoice, DSTV. Awards ita Dominic has starred in more than a hundred movies. In 2012 she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She has had a lot of awards as well as nominations. Rita Dominic is graded as one of the richest babes in Nollywood.

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

*Terry G

*Genevieve

*Ella Mensah

*D’banj

*Don Jazzy

*Tonto Dike

Celebrated romances that rocked the music scene By IYABO AINA

umour or no rumour, we have come to believe and live with some celebrity romances that have rocked the music scene. More often than not, these stars don’t always own up to their escapades until someone gets hurt or done in. Here is a list of some romances that rocked or still rocking the music scene.

Ella Mensah and Oritse Femi

For months now, there has been an aging rumour that the ‘Double Wahala’ crooner, Oritse Femi and sexy Ghanaian actress, Ella Mensah, are dating each other. In spite of their different worlds and schedules, both Ella and Femi seem to have one reason or the other to be in each other’s company. Showtime however proved the story was no rumour when they had Ella confessed that she is indeed dating the dude.

D’banj and Genevieve Nnaji

Before Jennifer Obayuwana came into the picture, D’banj allegedly dated talented actress Genevieve Nnaji. People swore that their onscreen chemistry in his music video “Fall in Love” was a reflection of how they felt about each other. Still, they have never admitted that they dated although they have never denied the fact they were good

friends.

D’banj and Ini Edo

Once upon a time, before Genevieve, before Jennifer, there was once a special female celebrity in the Koko master’s life and her name is Ini Edo. They were madly in love way back . And were inseparable during one of their trips to Calabar. Ini Edo was even allegedly spotted driving his cars then. Although, they never admitted to the fact that they were dating but people were certain that they were. They broke up later, but Ini moved on to her boo, Phillip Ehiagwina who wasted no time in putting a ring on it, while the Koko Master moved on to a swing of other beauties.

Don Jazzy and Tonto Dikeh

Unlike many other stars, these celebrities have never denied that they were once an item back in the day. As a matter of fact, Tonto credits Don Jazzy for being very instrumental to her success. As she opened up about their business behind closed doors when she alleged that she lost her virginity to the powerful producer, an allegation he stylishly brushed over.

Iyanya and Yvonne Nelson

While Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson and Nigerian music sensation, Iyanya, were romantic items,

they both reportedly denied having any romantic ties with each other. Even when close industry sources stressed that Iyanya and Yvonne were warming their beds, they still denied it. But the one time MTN Project Fame winner later called it quits with the Ghanaian actress for the controversial Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh. An embittered Yvonne, who couldn’t hide her hurt anymore, took to twitter to let the world know she has been dumped by her lover, Iyanya, for another beautiful actress, Tonto. She tweeted, “I really thought you were the one but I guess all you (Iyanya) wanted was to be dating an actress. Enjoy dating the second actress. I have moved on player.”

Mimi Omoregbe and Terry G

Terry G and Mimi have been dating for quite a while. In November 2012, they welcomed their first child. The UK-based Mimi and the ‘Akpo Master’ were also rumoured to have secretly tied the nuptial knots, although they both denied the reports. Still, Mimi on her own part is doing everything possible to retain her status and position in the ‘House of Ginger’.

*Yvonne Nelson

Adebola and May D

Former protégé of Psquare, Akinmayokun Awodumila popularly known as May D is now enjoying the status of fatherhood thanks to his longtime girlfriend, Adebola. A rising model, Adebola and May D have been together for about four years and she even has a tattoo of May D’s name on her back to show for it. Close sources tell us May D rented an apartment in Magodo for Adebola but doesn’t live with her. He stays in another Magodo residence, maybe because he wants to accommodate his many female visitors one of which has allegedly been SoundCity VJ Moet Abebe.

Victoria Olubukola Goddis and 9ice

Following his crashed marriage with former wife, Toni Payne, singer 9ice hooked-up with an Abuja based lady by the name, Victoria Goddis. Following a long discreet romance, the light skinned lady gave the ‘Gongo Aso’ crooner a set of twins. It is no longer all rosy with the lovers as the relationship had long ended leaving Miss Goddis with an alternative adjective for description- ‘9ice’s baby-mama’

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 23

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

Fifi Ejindu’s lifeline at UNIPORT A

buja businesswoman and philanthropist, Architect Fifi Ejindu, has endowed a Chair at the University of Port Harcourt Centre for Children Developmental and Communication Disorders during the Fifth Congress on Childhood and Communication Disorders of the institute at the University Campus in Port Harcourt. In her speech as the Guest of Honour at the occasion and while endowing the Chair in Communication Therapy for the Centre, Architect Fifi Ejindu went down memory lane reminding the audience of her late father, a professor of Organic Chemistry’s invitation by the former Governor of Rivers State, Diette Spiff to start what is now the Universi-

Let’sPray forKefee —Nigerian Celebrities By JULIET EBIRIM

igerian celebrities have taken to various social media pages to pray for Kokoroko crooner, Kefee, who reportedly collapsed on a Chicago bound airplane few days ago and has since been in coma. Singer, Omawumi expressed her feelings on her Instagram page, wishing and praying for Kefee’s quick recovery saying, “God has said that ‘He will satisfy us with long life’ and ‘By His Stripes, we are healed’….let’s join hands and pray for Kefee that God will restore her to mint condition. #deltans#musicians” Also Actress Dayo Amusa wrote, “Good Morning Nigerians and how was your night? Please say a word of PRAYER for Kefee”. Details concerning the gospel singer’s health are still very sketchy, but it has been reported that her health has deteriorated as she now suffers brain damage. Kefee’s husband, Star FM’s Teddy Esosa, has reportedly travelled to the US to be at his wife’s side, as she is said to be receiving treatment from a hospital in Las Vegas. It has also been reported that Kefee did not send out the tweets to her fans on May 30, 2014, and that someone else is operating her Twitter account. No official report has been released yet regarding her health.

C M Y K

ty of Science and Technology Port Harcourt. According to her, she has always been familiar with the workings of the academia and the need to encourage the university system to do more to help the society. Speaking further, Architect Ejindu enthused that the establishment of the Centre which incorporates research and studies in disabilities, first of its kind in the University system, is truly phenomenal as it will serve as an interactive therapeutic centre for early intervention. Architect Fifi Ejindu, CEO, Starcrest Group, an industrialist and philanthropist, has in

the last couple of years been involved in creating jobs for women and young girls in fashion as well as promoting the arts through her NGO, African Arts and Fashion Initiative. The proud holder of a traditional title of Her Highness, Obonganwan King, Princess Ejindu is also a member of the National Heritage Council and Endowment For The Arts, which aims to ensure the protection and conservation of places and objects of heritage significance.

Basketmouth, Omawumi, others grace Loya Milk Family Fiesta By JULIET EBIRIM

t was an atmosphere of music, laughter and comedy when top Nigerian artistes treated families to an exciting time, as Promasidor Nigeria Limited joined institutions across the world to celebrate World Milk Day on Sunday June 1, 2014. The family fun fiesta held at the Landmark Village Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted many families who stormed the venue to enjoy rib-cracking jokes from popular comedians like Basket Mouth, Bovi, Buchi, Helen Paul and Princewill, with titilating musical renditions from Kcee, Omawumi, Harrysong and DJ Exclusive. Since the first World Milk Day celebration held in 2001, the event has been celebrated every first of June. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations proposed that specif-

ic day to celebrate all aspects of milk. Speaking at the Family Fun Fiesta, Mrs. Edna Obi, Senior Brand Manager, Loya Milk, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, commended the families that attended this year’s fiesta, pointing out that Promasidor is committed to the health and well being of Nigerian people especially children.

2Face, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Phyno light up Star Music Trek’s grand finale

tar Music Trek’s 10 week 10 city ended last night on a spectacular note with super star artistes 2Face,Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Phyno, and many others, bringing the sensational 10 week concert to a dramatic close. The Grand Finale held at Eagles Club Surulere saw Nigeria’s finest artistes, Wande Coal, Kcee, Harrysong, Sean Tizzle and May D, mounting the elaborate Star Music Trek stage for the final time this year and thrilling thousands of music fans who thronged the venue to watch scintillating performances

from their favourite stars. Star Music Treks final Trek Gig also held on May 30th at Caucus Bar, Oshodi. Consumers got an opportunity to win fantastic prizes such as branded rugs, headphones, home theatres through a raffle draw. The concert had also toured Nsukka, Makurdi, Uyo, Ekwulobia, Orlu, Onitsha, Benin, and Ado Ekiti before culminating in grand finale in Lagos.

*Olamide,

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 7, 2014

08111813022

NIGERIAN IDOL:

Eye-D, Evelle battle for top prize today?

he stage is now set for Eye-D and Evelle to battle for the top prize in this year’s music talent hunt show, Nigerian Idol. Coincidentally, both Eye-D and Evelle are Wild Card returnees, which means after they were voted out in the Top 30 stage, the judges spotted something unique in them and decided to bring them back through the Wild Card. Billed for Saturday June 7, at the Dream Studios, Ikeja, Lagos, the final performance of the Top Two contestants will be based on songs from their birth years and also the judges’ picks. In essence, they will be performing for the final round of votes by singing songs the judges have selected for them and also songs that rocked their airwaves and topped charts and billboards the years they were born. More than before, viewer’s votes will be most valuable to them now as the result show after their performance. After all, it’s the grand finale. Whoever pools the highest number of votes today automatically becomes the new Nigerian Idol and will walk away with a whooping sum of N7.5million, including an SUV jeep and other consolation prices. Unlike in the last edition, the runner-up this year will also get a brand new car as consolation prize for making it to the finals. Speaking during the week ahead

of the grand finale, the Executive Producer of the show represented by the CEO of Optima Media, Rotimi Pedro, noted that it has been an interesting journey, which went round five different cities in the country, scooping talents.“We actually went round the cities to select the contestants, who were later trimmed down to 30 and later 12 finalists. Now, the stage is set for the grand finale. Any of the two can win it,” he said. “We are using the platform to campaign for the release of our girls who were abducted by the Boko Haram sect. Fortunately, the two finalists are girls. Each year, we give the winner a task. So this year, the winner will be joining the campaign and help mount pressure for the release of our girls. However, the 12 finalists will also produce a song in that direction,” Rotimi added. According to the judges, Evelle and Eye-D justified their Wild Card choices by getting to the grand finale of the competition. They have improved and shown growth in the way they perform on stage, sing and connect with the audience. While Nigerians anxiously wait to see who emerges winner, they will also be served musical dishes in live performances by notable stars including Tuface Idibia and Dare Art Alade.

Ruth Kadiri living her dreams

ising actress, Ruth Kadiri, is surely living out her dreams in the world of acting. Since her debut in the movie, Sincerity, which she also wrote, Kadiri has not looked back in her quest to rule the screen. Like Mercy Johnson who was once described as the busiest actress in Nollywood, Kadiri is setting a new record for herself as she moves from one movie location to the other almost every

week. Within one month, the actress has featured in not less than five movies, and there are still some scripts she has not been able to touch due to her tight schedules. According to her, she was in Enugu recently, where she featured alongside Ini Edo and Funke Akindele in the movie, Madam Tyson, which she co-produced. Also, in Lagos, she featured in Image Productions’ yet-to-be titled movie as well as Noba Evans’ movie. HVP learnt that she’s currently on location where she’s playing a role as Reverend Sister Rosemary in a new flick directed by Prince Iyke Olisa and starring John Okafor, Uche Iwuanyanwu, and Madrama Ezinne. The actress attributes the success she has recorded in the industry to God, saying “I am thankful to God for His mercies.” Kadiri has starred in such films as Heart of a Fighter, Breath of Love, Rain Drop, among others. Her writing credits include Phobia, Battle for Pride, Ladies’ Men, Queen of the Jungle, and Burning Tears.

•Ruth Kadiri

Funmi Iyanda treats children to Maami

• Evelle and Eye-D

he television icon, Funmi Iyanda, gave children from Change a Life (CAL), her NGO, a special treat as they marked their day on April 27. The event was held at the Mende Town Hall in Maryland, Lagos. Also, at the event were children from Elyon International School and Shining Lord schools. It was a moment for the children to lend their voices to the abducted Chibok girls. Even before it kicked off, the children were seen rallying round the venue with placards inscribed with ‘#Bringbackourgirls.’ Ms.Sekinat Ayeyemi, the Development and Communications director of the NGO, declared the event open after a short address. She was followed by Dr. H.O Erinoso who delivered a lecture on personal hygiene and cleanliness. Later the children were treated to different events including dancing and singing competitions, games and other activities. The event also witnessed an exclusive viewing of Tunde Kelani’s masterpiece, Maami. After the viewing, the children were asked questions about the lessons learned from the movie. Winners went home with Shoprite gift vouchers worth N10, 000 each. On the event, Iyanda said it was her way of bringing the children together to have fun as well as to interact with children from other sociocultural background. She said, they decided to screen Maami because there are lots of lessons that children can learn from the film.

•Funmi Iyanda

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 7, 2014 — 25

08111813022

President Jonathan rescues ailing Nollywood stars

elp has finally come the way of ailing Nollywood practitioners as President Goodluck Jonathan makes funds available for their treatment abroad. Disclosing this development to HVP, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Ms. Ibinabo Fiberesima said, all arrangements have been concluded to fly the affected practitioners abroad for further treatment. She named ailing National President of the Screen Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), Chike Bryan, Prince James Uche; and Romanus Uchenna Amuta, popularly known as Natty in the now rested TV drama, New Masquerade, as beneficiaries. Bryan was diagnosed with kidney-related disease about a year ago, while Prince James Uche has been battling diabetes and hypertension that had left him almost bedridden for several years now. Also, Natty who is one of the few surviving cast of the once celebrated New Masquerade has been down with disability resulting from stroke. According to AGN president, Chike Bryan would be flown to India immediately for kidney transplant. She presented cheque to him last week in the company of some of the Guild’s heads and practitioners. “Mr. President has released funds for the treatment of ailing Nollywood practitioners including Chike Bryan, Prince James Uche, Natty, and one Enugubased actor who reportedly underwent a surgical operation,” Ibinabo disclosed. It would be recalled that last week, HVP reported how actress Franca Brown lamented the indifferent attitude displayed by Bryan’s relatives towards his health condition. Chike Bryan is a celebrated script writer and president of SWGN.

Celebrities at the premiere of Musical Whispers last weekend.

Musical Whispers makes case for Autism

n advocacy movie, Musical Whispers, out to make a case for children with disorder of neural development or stereotyped behaviour premiered last weekend at Silverbird Cinemas, Lagos. The movie, produced by Flat Feet Productions in partnership with Neimeth and Promasidor, centers on creating awareness on the medical disorder known as Autism. It is set to advocate strong family support for those afflicted, helping them bring out their true potentials. According to the producer, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Musical Whispers is about a family that has a child (David Junior) who is autistic. While the father (David) gets frustrated with the demands and distractions that come with DJ’s disorder, the mother (Agatha) spends all her time trying to understand and give her son the best of care and love to cope”. “Autism is a disorder of neural development characterised by impaired social interaction, impaired verbal and non–verbal communication and restricted, repetitive or stereotyped behaviour,” Okaro-Onyiuke said. Continuing, Okaro-Onyiuke said, Musical Whispers is proudly Nigerian with all the scenes shot in Lagos. The seamless transition in the film directed by former President, Directors Guild of Nigeria, Bond Emeruwa, is an attestation to an adequate deployment of human and material resources and the improved production capacity of film producers in Nigeria. The movie parades the best of Nollywood stars including Chioma Akpotha, Kalu Ikeagwu, Belinda Effa, Ekpeyoung Bassey, amongst others and with special guest appearance by Reggae artist, Orits Wiliki.

•Natty

•Prince James Uche

Uchenna Nnanna Still Acting

•Chike Bryan

he rumour that Nollywood actress, Uchenna Nnanna, who two months ago walked down the aisle with her Spain-based beau, Richard Uchechukwu Maduka, has dumped acting to face her marriage has been dispelled. Uche left the shores of the country for Spain to cool off with her man shortly after her wedding on April 21 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Following the beautiful pictures taken during the wedding and which showed that the actress was happy that she has finally hooked her beau, many expressed the fear that the actress would dump acting to face her family. But an inside source disclosed recently that “Uchenna is now in Spain with her husband. She left Nigeria some days ago and she is going to stay with him for some time and return to Nigeria later.” The source hinted that the Abia State-born actress won’t dump acting because of marriage. “No, she won’t dump acting because of marriage. Richard knows her to be an actress and loves her for it,” the source said. Some Nollywood stars as Regina Askia, Rita Nzelu, Liz Benson and others had left Uchenna and her beau the industry after marriage.

Why I dumped football for acting and modelling

x-footballer-turnedwhile preparing for the actress, Princess Women’s World Cup in Edith Duru, has opened China. My parents insisted up on why she dumped that I should be flown back football for acting and to the country. After the modeling, saying “she injury healed, my father realised she has passion refused to allow me return for the two professions.” to the pitch, but when I Duru played for the finally did, I realised, I was Nigerian Super Falcons having strong passion for before she sustained a acting and modeling. Even knee injury which when I’m in the pitch, terminated her career some movie directors in football. She later would be inviting me delved into acting on sets. It became so and modeling to frequent that I had to make ends meet. dump football for Now, she’s the acting and modecoordinator of Miss ling,” she narratMillennium ed. Beauty PagShe said, as an eant, of actress, she which the has what it third takes to stand edition out in the is due to industry. hold on “I’m a wonJune 29, at derful actress. I the National have the carTheatre, Iganriage, personalimu, Lagos. ty and facial •Edith In a chat with HVP, expression to Duru Duru said, “I was distinguish playing with Super myself in the Falcons before I had a industry,” knee injury in Holland she said.

26— SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

By D AMILOLA SHOLOLA DA Yo u r n a m e s o u n d s s w e e t , Evia. That is my stage name. My real name is Eveshoyan. I’m from Edo state, from a family of six, but my parents are late. Only four of us are left: two girls and two boys. I’m based in Abuja When did you start acting? I started acting in 2007, but officially in 2010. I started when I was in Kogi State. I began with their local movies. Then in 2009 I went to Port Harcourt on a mission. But officially I registered with AGN Abuja in 2010. Who or what inspired you into acting? I got my inspiration from watching movies when I was still 13 or 14 years old. Then, I was aspiring to be a musician, but is not easy to sing, so I now swapped. I decided it was better to go into acting because I love acting more. I started by miming people in movies, watching them with interest before I finally got a friend who introduced me to a producer who wanted to shoot a movie in Kogi State. In that movie, they brought in Sam Loco, Rita Edochie and some other people. That was the first movie I did. I was a princess, a spoilt girl from London and that was how it started before I finally came into Nollywood and registered with AGN. Where did you school? I did my secondary school at Kogi State, Okene precisely. My primary school was in Kano because I was born in Kano and I did my polytechnic at Kogi, Lokoja Polytecnic. What has been the high point of your career? I’m still getting there. I cannot really say I’ve gotten to the high point yet but I think I’m still on the move and I hope I’ll get there soon by God’s grace. I’ve not really had the opportunity to really showcase my talent. You know how the industry is. The industry is not an easy one where you can just come in and grab a role and say 'yes this is my role and I have become a star.' There are many artistes, many stars and lots of talents. No matter how beautiful you think you are, there are lots of people who are more beautiful. If you think you’re sexy, there are lots of other artistes who are sexier. The industry is full of the best of the bests that you cannot easily stand out. Only the grace of God can get you there. I give glory to God Almighty who has given me a director who has been so nice to me. At least I’ve been able to play a lead in a movie which is coming out soon: Men in Bondage and Men in Pain. It’s a comedy movie and I played the lead role in the movie and more are still coming.

Even girls embarrass me over my big ass — Evia Simon Evia Simon is sexy and beautiful. But if you miss anything about the up and coming star, her massive buttocks is sure never to be missed. Even Evia herself says her “ass” has caused her embarrassments too often than she cares to remember, not only from men but also from women. Our reporter caught up with her recently on location at Magbo, Lagos, with Mr. Ibu, Ruth Kadiri, Ene Oche, and director Noba. Evia Lets us into her personal world and the world of make-believe. Excerpts:

•Evia Simo

As I am, it is difficult to find anyone who really likes or loves me because I feel every man that comes around wants to just come and have a feel (of my buttocks) and then move ahead. It is very difficult

How many movies have you done so far? With the Waka Pass, Waka Come, I think they ’re more than 30. I can’t really say because the Waka Pass are even more. Which are the most popular ones? Three Generals. Its part two is Stubborn Generals. Regent of Kings is in six parts and there are Prince Apart and Bless the King . Others are Ifunanya, showing onIroko TV now and on cinemas; Dirty Princess, Oga Madam, and many others.

undue attention and even to me, it can be so embarassing sometimes. At times I don't just feel happy about it. Of course, there are other girls who are shaply, sexy, and beautiful, but you know, this is me and they are them. I don’t know what they are passing through, but I know that I’m passing through hell daily. Even girls get funny about it sometimes.

Yo u o n c e s a i d t h a t m e n go crazy over your figure Yeah, it’s true. My ass gives me

Girls chase you too? Not really chasing me but they ’re always after me to see

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014—27

Why I dumped marketing for music -- Lizzy

ensational singer,Lizzy whose latest singles, Tonight and Put it on me from his yet to be released album, has opened up on how her passion for music made her dumped marketing job. According to the Delta State-born singer, while she was having all the fun as well as the fat salary a good job could offer, she was still not satisfied with where she was working and felt that her calling was in music industry. “ I had a lucrative job that every graduate would be proud of. But despite all this, I still did not get the satisfaction I wanted. I still felt that there was something that I was lacking. I felt more comfortable with my keyboard than going to the office. That was when I told my uncle that I am going to resign from my job, in order to begin my career in music. He saw reasons with me, and gave me his support,” she said.

Surulere is an inspirational song --- Dr Sid ---as Marvin record crew steal MAMAs concert with Dorobucci

t was an evening of glitz, fun and excitement, as the Marvin record artistes led by the 'Surulere' crooner Dr Sid, stole the MAMAs show, organized by MTV in Victoria Island, Lagos, last weekend. The talented singer, Dr Sid, who was nominated in the category of the Song of the Year award, with his much played single, Surulere, clad in a yellow pull-over upon black trouser was joined on stage by the Marvin first lady, Tiwa Savage. She too was nominated for the Best female artiste. Tiwa was sexy in a tight black trousers upon a free top. On what he feels about his hit single, Surulere, Dr. Sid said, “ I would say that Surulere was inspirational. It talks about what happens around us everyday. This is not my first nomination for this award and I'm looking forward to wining the award,” he added. Performing their popular single, 'Dorobucci', everyone took to the floor to dance away their sorrows. Joining them on the stage were other Marvin Records artistes including Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, among others. Other artistes who were nominated for the awards includes,Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mafikizolo, Chidinma, Kcee, and Burna Boy.

I feel so excited for this year's MAMAs — Davido

Saeon signs new deal with Baseline Music

ast-rising singer, Seun Oni, popularly known as Saeon has just signed a record deal with Baseline Music under the management of Howie T and his partner Dipo Abdul. Saeon is the first artiste to be signed to the record label. Currently armed with smash hit single, Boogie Down featuring Wizkid, which was produced by Maleek Berry, Saeon has been pencilled down as one of the female acts to watch out for in future. Boogie Down video was shot in Lagos, recently. According to her, “I am currently in the studio with top producers Sarz, Gospel and Maleek Berry. I am putting in a lot of work, because with the class of people I am sorrounded with, I always have to be on my toes to avoid being a disappointment” she said. Howie T said on his part disclosed ”Saeon is a very talented young woman, and we see potentials in her that is why baseline signed her, we love her music, and we can assure you that you will hear a lot from her moving forward,”

•Dr sid & tiwa savage

•Saeon

all him a super talented singer, you are not wrong as the young dude is growing larger than life since he stepped on the music scene four years ago. On the Road to MAMA, a platform, which provides, an electrifying taster for the upcoming MTV Africa Music Awards, which will be taking place in South Africa this month, the singer alongside South African artiste, Mafikizolo, got four nominations, including their headto-head tango for Song of the Year award and Best Collaborations. “ I am so excited for this year's MAMA's award. This is my first time and I got four nominations in different categories. We are really going to rock South Africa,” he said.

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 29

30— SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

s u r y C y Mile n i e d u n goes o e d i v c i mus

BY IYABO AINA

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Lady Gaga

aj n i M y k c i N wardrobe blunder

wearing comple complette meat dress

s how aj know g a in M i k a ic apper N the crowd go g e k a m r to he urse her comes to when it ances and of co to have performeals which seemt recently sex app f their own. Bu n for her minds o er, who is knowngulfed the sing ense of style, e got on daring sience when she grey crop the aud a see-through s exposing stage inless and at time Minaj top, bra er boobs, Nicki e attire. her und uite comfy in th of Nicki looked qcalled wild lookbreasts on This so howing off her of by her Minaj s s quite spoken oncert in stage wao attended the cate fan fans whrsey. But one ir y the New Je eally taken in b gged her wasn't r display as he taly luscious Twitter, probab ically 'fake' ong to Nicki's surgd ass. referrin ucted boobs an reconstr

ady Gaga is one of the biggest stars today, known perhaps more for her outrageous outfits and performances and kinky costumes than her music. She definitely has a taste for the weird, and her outfits go from weird to weirder and even shocking. Lady Gaga’s meat dress was off the charts, as the dress was made from cuts of raw meat including bacon, steak and pork chops. Some of her fans have even called her the Anti-christ, because the singer has done more bizarre and demonic acts than anyone known in recent times,

a n n a Riehs in bra and

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the me ising ans and f the ever-surpr overs e o k enough y shocking ma e is tl h n s a s s a and plea diva Rihanna s no one p e o w p o e d th n f a o one d il w taking a r e e ever th y for that. Aft g Melissa , an apolo oto with friend h in Brazil topless p g a fun outing r posed in e rin Ford du 5-year-old sing ith a 2 w r y a x e e erw the s and und s the beautiful a r b a t em jus fraid of ger. It se stuffed ti s nothing to be a a singer h a real tiger ’s it if even

Beyonce’s hair trapped in a fan B

eyonce has deservedly a good reputation of being a really great live performer. She has gone semi-nude too many times to make headline with any more nude gags. But she has found a good copycat in Nigeria's Tiwa Savage who seems to be enjoying going nude these days and doing all sorts of raunchy display on stage that would have Beyonce clapping if not going green with envy. Possibly, you’ve been to one of her shows or you just spent the night watching her performance aired on the television in admiration of her general energy. But there was something wild that happened to the drunk in love act during her tour sometimes ago When her hair got caught in a fan and she seemed fine about it Still she went on casually singing while her hair is eating up by a blowing fan.

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 31

Are you currently in any relationship? I’m single. I’m not married. How do you deal with your male admirers? As I am, it is difficult to find anyone who really likes or loves me because I feel every man that comes around wants to just come and have a feel (of my buttocks) and then move ahead. It is very difficult. It’s not that there are no good men out there, there are lots of good men but how do you know them when everybody that comes has my ass on his mind. All I hear is ‘’Babe, your ass is massive’’ but you don’t know what’s in their mind. You don’t know what their mindset is towards you. I don’t know who likes me. I don’t know who just wants to play around with me and go. Seriously, it’s not easy but I’m trying my best. Relationships don’t work for me, so I don’t really put my mind in there. Relationship is not my thing. I’ve tried and it’s not working so I don’t want to push it. If it comes, fine. If it doesn’t come, fine. What do you find attractive in a man? Oh my God! A black guy. I like it when a guy is black, shining black, tall, huge, very smart and hardworking,God-fearing, caring - guys that give attention to a lady even if the girl is saying rubbish, at least, he listens to her and hear her

a movie is my bra on and maybe a pant bum. I can’t even wear a G-string in a movie. I can’t even wear pant in a movie. I can wear a bra but nudity, I can’t do that.

I want to attract any man. I don’t. Right from when I was small, I loved wearing skimpy things. Now, my body doesn't permit my wearing those things but please, people shouldn’t judge me over my dressing, I just love them. I’m not doing it because of anybody out. How do you maintain your shape? I don’t do much. I eat. My problem now is I’m beginning to eat very late and it’s making my tummy big. Like this morning, I woke up, I did some exercises, I did sit-ups but most times, I don’t do it because I feel very lazy. I’m very flexible when it comes to exercise but I find it difficult because of laziness. Sometimes, I might devote time for like a month and sometimes, I will just stop like that but I don’t eat much. I eat more of carbohydrates. I eat fruits and I’m okay. Can you do a sex scene in a movie? No I can’t. I can’t do a sex scene. I can kiss in a movie but I can’t go nude. The highest I can go in

whether my ass is real or padded? I’ve worked into a market before and a girl followed me. You know markets are very choked up so she just followed me and tapped my ass just to know. You know what I did to her? I ran after her, I dragged her and I took her hand and I said 'feel it very well, it is not padded'. She busted out laughing because that was her aim. She wanted to know if it’s padded. I’ve had many harassments on the streets. People embarrass me a lot because of my big ass.

C M Y K

•Evia Simon

We ’ v e b e e n h e a r i n g o f lesbianism in Nollywood. Is it rampant or just rumours? Lesbianism is everywhere. When you talk of Nollywood, it’s there too at the top and everywhere. So it’s not a new thing. It is everywhere, not only in Nollywood. What’s your major philosophy of Life? Life is lovely if you know how to live your life. Put God first in whatever you do. I believe without God nothing good can be achieved. If it is money you think you can use, use it very well but God is ahead of everything in life because this life is just a small place. We see it as very big but it’s a small place and it's a market and we will all leave one day to return home to God. So, pray to God. Let God lead. Do what you can do. If you’re nice, be nice. If you’re good, be good. My mom would always tell me: 'Do your best and live the rest for God”. Don’t be too desperate in life. Everything you want would definitely come. But if you’re too desperate about life, you would end up falling into wrong hands. So the best thing is to keep calm. That’s just what I see. What more should your fans expect from you? First of all, let me say thank you to my fans. I love you all. Without you there is no me. I know I’ve not gotten to where they ’re expecting me to be. But I am getting there. Just watch, keep calm, pray for me and believe I will give you the best. I receive your messages on Facebook, on Twitter, everywhere. I’m thanking them officially. I love you all. Expect beautiful things from me and I promise to make you people proud. Last W ords Wo What I would say is please, whatever I do in a movie is not my lifestyle. It’s a job and after the movie, I don’t think I would do that same thing I did in a movie. So don’t judge me by my dressing. Don’t judge me by my role. I like sexy clothes so don’t think because I put on clothes to look good, I want to attract any man. I don’t. Right from when I was small, I loved wearing skimpy things. Now, my body doesn't permit my wearing those things but please, people shouldn’t judge me over my dressing. I just love them. I’m not doing it because of anybody.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 7, 2014

SATURDAY

hen Jumoke Bello, a widow, was diagnosed advanced cervical cancer at Baptist Medical Centre in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, she was referred to the University College Hospital, Ibadan for follow up. Surprisingly, Jumoke opted to go home and await death because she or her family could not afford the journey to Ibadan. The presence or availability of a mobile cancer centre in the rural setting would have ensured that this widow was reached much earlier, when she would have been picked up in the pre-cancer stage. At that early stage, a 15-minutes procedure known as cryotherapy might have cured her and saved her the agony of cervical cancer. There are millions like Jumoke in Nigeria. They have little or no access to adequate cancer screening, treatment or prevention services. Ten Nigerians die every day of cancer. An increasingly large proportion of the worldwide population is growing old and with old age comes the increased incidence of cancer-related mortality. Ageing is increasing life expectancy, and thus giving time to cancer to appear. Cancer is not restricted to the aged. More and more cases of juvenile and even infantile cancer cases are being reported. The increased sensitivity to carcinogens and reductions in immune defenses is worrisome. But in line with scientific evidence that most cancer deaths are preventable, there is now an ongoing big war against cancer.

Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 33

Big war against cancer in Nigeria •Cancer is not restricted to the aged...

his big war against cancer in Nigeria was formally declared on June 1st during the National Cancer Week, International Cancer Survivors Day. In the big war, cancer prevention is being taken to the grassroots. Spearheading the initiative is the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, CECP-Nigeria. It is coordinating efforts for donations towards acquisition of the 37 mobile cancer centres for good reason. First, a mobile cancer centre is a clinic on wheels, providing screening, follow-up and several forms of treatment including surgeries. Second, the mobile cancer units will help ensure that no community is left out. Third, people are far more likely to comply with their screening and follow-up if these are carried out using mobile centres. Fourth, mobile cancer centres have in-built theatres, so abnormal screening results are treated on the spot, thereby improving compliance. Fifth, the mobile centres can also directly transport referred cases to the referral health centres. We could go on. The mobile cancer centre is arguably the most cost-effective means of making awareness, early and accurate diagnosis and prompt

A mobile cancer centre is a clinic on wheels, providing screening, follow-up and several forms of treatment including surgeries

treatment of cancer accessible to all Nigerians irrespective of where they live. A study by the Harvard Medical School found that for every dollar invested in the operation of a mobile cancer centre, US$36 is saved in terms of management of chronic illnesses, avoided hospital visits, and prevention of diseases.

ach mobile cancer centre costs about US$600,000 (N95 million) whilst an average comprehensive cancer centre costs US$63 million (N10 billion). Given the scarce resources, it stands to reason that the mobile cancer centre which also has a wider reach and utility should be priority. Now, every Nigerian knows it is time to ACT (Attack Cancer Today,

Attack Cancer Together and Attack Cancer Totally). The aim of this war is to take cancer prevention to the grassroots and the goal is to acquire one mobile cancer centre each in the 36 States of the Federation and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The “Banquet of Stars against Cancer”— an All Star All Brand Act is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday June 8, 2014 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites. Every Nigerian has a role to play in the big war as donors and volunteers. Anyone may play a part towards the Mobile Cancer Centre project by sending the word “Life” as an sms to ‘44777’ at N 100 per sms through any of the mobile networks as many times and as frequently as desired. Higher amounts could be given via ATM or online at www.quickteller.com using the code “777526”. People can also become volunteers (connectors) in support of this campaign.

34—SATURDAY

Vanguard,JUNE 7, 2014

Mother & Child

Making your home safe for baby’s first steps By CHIOMA OBINNA

•Baby poised to go...

•There is need to make your home safe for baby’s first steps

lessing’s phone rang. It was her friend, Ngozi. Where are you? My baby almost died this morning. What For a perfect fit, don’t shop for shoes first check for shoe fitting. You should be able to happened, Blessing inquired, shocked. thing in the morning, since feet grow about press the full width of your thumb between She was trying to move her legs, but stumbled on the couch. 5 percent by the end of the day. the tip of the shoe and the end of her toe, and Before we knew it, blood had covered her face. We are in the Your child should be standing when you there should be just enough room at the heel. hospital now, quite close to my house. I’m sorry Blessing. Excited as you may be about your baby taking the first steps, try to be Diet doctor patient. Every child has a time frame for reaching this milestone. The best help you can offer is to be encouraging, set up safety measures, and wait. Soon enough, the pitterpatter of little feet will be all over your house. There is need to make your home ating fruit for lunch may not safe for baby’s first steps. be a popular habit but it is First, your newly mobile baby can get dose of vitamin C and certainly one of the most effective around faster than you think. their fibre helps them ways of maintaining a healthy diet Remove low tables with sharp corners feel less hungry. You for and providing a sound that are hard to cover well enough to will happily consume foundation for a healthy lifestyle. prevent injury. Reports have shown a lighter lunch without Fruits are an excellent lunch food that lacerations above or at the feeling deprived and for everyone regardless of age eyebrows are so common among infants learning to walk. Put away the fruit provides extra because they make healthy snacks furniture that topples easily. nutrition to keep your and desserts. Search thoroughly through your feeling full longer. home for trailing cords or other items Decreased appetite your child might trip on. Put away Filling and full of Fruit at lunch time decreases throw rugs, re-tack loose carpet, and flavour appetite for the main course. The have siblings pick up their toys. For a pre-lunch fruit sugar or fructose in the fruit Install safety gates at the top and the snack, whole fresh supplies a quick energy boost and bottom of the stairs, and supervise fruit is more filling the fibre creates a feeling of your baby on the stairs. Lock up all and lower in calories fullness. For kids at normal potentially harmful household substances. than dried fruit or weights, wait to serve fruit at the Should you buy a walker? The short juice. Beyond just beginning of a nutrition dense answer is no. Some countries have packing an apple or lunch to pack in as much fuel and banned sale of walkers. This is orange in your lunch healthy calories as you want them are overweight and need a because each year, thousands of to consume. An apple, a banana or bag, go the whole way and include carefully monitored diet to lose children end up in the hospital due to a handful of grapes is an excellent excess weight, timing snacks will strawberries, nectarines, or peaches. injuries from using walkers, such as choice before a sandwich or a Strawberries are juicy and flavourful. encourage eating less. Prior to a toppling down the stairs or reaching a veggie wrap. Include grapes, tangerines and healthy lunch, consume at least hot stove. water melon. Don’t forget bananas. Indoors, it is best to let your child walk half-dozen whole strawberries Great for dieting around barefoot. Baby’s feet can grab It is far healthier to reach for fruit shortly before it is time to eat. slippery surfaces, like wood and tile If you are dieting, because you instead of a cookie or chocolate. The sweet berries deliver a good floors, better. Outdoors, baby’ll need a pair of shoes.

Eat fruits for launch

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014—35

Dental Clinic

When tto o brush yyour our ttee ee th eeth By Dr. SAMUEL AWOSOLU

•Just how many times or when should we brush our teeth?

uring surgery on a regular basis, dentists are faced with some recurring questions. This scenario can be likened to getting rid of the recurring decimal (10 divided by three will mathematically give the result 3.3333333........) A few examples of such questions are what toothpaste is best for cleaning the teeth? What toothbrush is recommended for use to clean the teeth? How often should we clean our teeth? The foregoing leads us to today’s topic. Just how many times or when should we brush our teeth? The use of toothbrush and a tooth-paste to clean the teeth is actually routine, but there are individual variations. The extremes could be seen from those that do not have the time or could not afford to brush the teeth in days to those that will brush the teeth at every opportunity or after meals. These variations are individual in nature and fit in individual lives. The position amongst dentists also varies, from the traditional to the novel. The common selling point generally thought is that dentists recommend routine brushing of the teeth to remove dental plaque with a toothbrush and a fluoride containing toothpaste. Fluoride containing toothpastes are however not recommended in areas that by nature have a higher concentration of fluoride ion in the drinking water in which case non fluoride toothpaste may suffice. High fluoride concentration may be found in spring water sources, and most especially in the North East of Nigeria. The age-long advice from dentists is to brush first thing in the morning and last thing at night before going to bed. This may sound logical and sensible as the teeth are actually are in danger of serious build up of plaque. To be concluded.

Photo of the week •Sisters Kiera and Urah dancing together at an Oregon dance festival. Courtesy: ABC News

Kiera, quadruple amputee who teaches dance choreography

iera Brinkley, 20, became a quadruple amputee after contracting pneumococcal sepsis, a bacterial infection in the blood, at the

tender age of 2. The infection affected her arteries and damaged her extremities. Doctors had to amputate portions of her arms and legs to save

her life. Kiera has no arms, fingers, legs or feet, yet she teaches dance choreography. Sometimes, she becomes so lost in the movements she forgets for a second that she

lacks the hands, fingers and feet to fully carry out her vision. Uriah Boyd, her younger half-sister, has remained a key friend to help her stay as mobile as possible.

36—SA TURD AY 36—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

YETUNDE AREBI

WHICH IS IMPORTANT:

Love or money? M

oney and love, for most song writers and musicians, these two topics seem to have a lot of attraction. Perhaps, the two remain the most important, yet controversial to humanity and our relationship with others. For several decades, hundreds of songs have been written about money and love and how they affect human relationships. I Remember songs like Material Girl by Madonna, Money, Money Money by ABBA, Money Changes Everything by Cindy Lauper, I Will Buy You a Nice Life by Everclear, Nothing Going On But The Rent by Gwen Guthrie, as just a few from the 80s and you know how our own Naija guys have constantly tried to outdo each other in their love for money songs, especially in this era of mega buck deals and contracts. I mean songs like Chop my money by PSquare, my guy, Davido’s Dami duro and current wave making song, Aye, and Pere by Dbanj, are just a few of these songs. Arguments abound in support or against one in favour of the other, while many also affirm that both are like Siamese twins, inseparable. The truth is that money and love are important, all time issues, and are very essential to human existence. While it may not have really been a subject for serious debate back in the 60s and 70s, the 80s brought a right about turn for many Nigerians, especially in the area of economic and social life standards. And since then, nothing has been the same again. Things that, ordinarily, did not matter, suddenly became the “must die for ”. To “survive” in Nigeria, money is now very crucial. Everyone needs and must have money and as James Hardley Chase wrote, You’re dead without money. Today, values and morals about how

money, power and status are acquired became almost irrelevant; the end now justifies the means. And the younger, the better, to make it sweeter. Almost anybody can do anything for money in present day Nigeria, depending on the circumstances involved. Love, said to be blind, has no family. It embraces everything and everyone that comes its way. Because love is a preserver, nurturer, per-severer and an unchanging partner, it is believed that it can conquer everything and anything that also comes its way. Unfortunately, money remains the greatest challenge for the existence

Money may not be a prerequisite for love, but it sure makes being in love beautiful and enjoyable

of true love, especially in Nigeria. The question is: can love endure where there is no money? I am sure you are already juggling the issues involved in your mind. Believe me, I have tried over and over too, creating all sorts of

scenarios and possibilities to support my decisions on both divides, and it has been pretty difficult. Almost all the basic things of life costs money in Nigeria, including religion which is supposed to be free. A group of young undergraduate blokes had these to share with me. 1. The average girl on campus believes you must pick part or all of her bills once you are dating. 2.They prefer to date older guys who already have jobs and can give them money or guys whose parents are rich and can also buy things for them. 3.Once you ask a girl out, she believes you are coming to pick her in a car. She doesn’t own a car but she expects you to have one. 4.Dating on campus is too expensive. When you come to the real world, the situation is more serious. The expectations are high for the men who by societal standards must be the breadwinners of the family. As a guy, the decision to settle down into marriage depends on your ability to beat unemployment, save enough money to rent and furnish an apartment , (usually the popular three bedroom flat) as well as come up with the sky rocketing cost of hosting wedding ceremonies in Nigeria. Last year, a young male banker was caught in Kwara State, with his hands in the till, haven stolen N12m to finance his wedding ceremonies in Lagos and his bride’s village! The situation becomes more frightening when you come into the marriage proper. In a country where you have to provide your own energy (Generator and/or Inverter/ Solar), Water, (please note that Government has started charging tax on private bore holes too), medical, education, even transportation, roads and

streetlights (through community efforts), not forgetting food, clothes, shelter, personal needs and extended family support handouts, survival of the average Nigerian is a miracle. We must not forget that the minimum wage in Nigeria is N16,000.00! Hmmm! Last September, I’d counselled a young lady, aged 26, to forget about the idea of getting married, at least for the time being, to her fiancé, a guy who according to her earned N45,000.00 monthly from his employ and she had been augmenting his upkeep with N20,000,00 for transportation as well as clothing him. The decision was a pretty difficult one to make because of the age of the lady and I really felt terrible until early this year when I read a similar advice by Jerome Olipede to a guy who earned N40,000,00 and was being stampeded into marriage by his girlfriend. Money may not be a prerequisite for love, but it sure makes being in love beautiful and enjoyable. You need money not only to stay alive but to also keep your romance alive. While you do not need to buy expensive gifts or go on international cruises to enjoy a loving relationship, you need money to keep the wheels of love moving even if only at a very slow pace. Research has it that money problems contribute to over 50 percent of failed marriages. According to another research, the difference in degree of happiness between someone who makes $14,000 a year and another who makes $50,000 a year, is substantial with the higher salary earners on an average of over 200% happier than the lower salary earner. Compared to someone who makes $50,000 against another who makes $5million a year. They found that the happiness levels were very close with the happiest $5million a year earner almost 20% happier than the lowest $50,000 earner. And you are still wondering if money is essential? While love may be the most important thing in life as it transcends material things and has the power to grow, nurture and provide its own type of security, it affords couples the opportunity to dream and work together towards perfection where they are true to each other and committed to their relationship. True love is a beautiful thing and it changes not, no matter the challenge it may face. Like old wine, it waxes stronger with age. However, not all relationships (marriages inclusive) are based on true love. Most of the time, we marry for varied reasons and circumstances and so, when the challenges come, love may not be able to stand the test. Practically speaking, money may be able to buy food, shelter, clothing, medicals, security and even love. So, it might not be out of place to say that money is more important than love. You can live without love, but you cannot live without money. However, love brings peace, compassion, and happiness which money cannot also buy. We all know that if money could buy happiness, every rich person would be happy! And that is not so as the rich also cry!!

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 7 7,, 2014—37

Why you should tell your partner you’ve got an STD

ou’ve just been told by your doctor you’ve got a sexually transmitted disease and you feel horrible. But worse then having the damn thing is that you have to talk about it with one person you hoped you’d never have to speak to again. Only, your doctor now insists you have to break the news to your ex-boyfriend and a current one if you have any. When Rita, 28, was diagnosed with STD a few months ago, she said: “I felt sick every time I thought about telling Eddie. My doctor just told me I had a vaginal infection. I know telling him was the grown-up thing to do, and although we went out for three years, we hadn’t spoken since we split. “I must have picked up the disease from the bloke I slept with a few times while Eddie and I were on a break. I knew he didn’t sleep with anyone else, so it boiled down to one sad fact—Nosa, the guy I had the fling with. “I suspected something was wrong when I started itching and noticed a discharge. I thought it was thrush but when I tried to treat it, the symptoms 20 to 35. And because most it out and he went mad. He wouldn’t go away. So a few infections don’t show any accused me of trying to days back I went to a health symptoms, lots more could have make him feel guilty. It was centre not too far from my them and never know. Your first awful. He went on and on office, I was terrified decision is when to tell him. that I hung up, almost in someone would see me so Timing is all-important—you’ve tears. I’ve not heard from I got there before it opened got to pick your moment carefully. him since and I have no idea only to find a queue of When Tessy, a TV producer told if he ever did go to the equally embarrassed her ex-boyfriend Owen she’d clinic. He’s stupid if he people already standing been diagnosed as having didn’t.” there. It wasn’t as bad as I Chlamydia, he went mad. So, how do you drop the thought it would be. There “Things were strained between clanger of a venereal was a male and female us, so I decided to call him. I was disease on your partner? waiting room and when shaking so much I hung up Experts advise you make it you go in you take a twice before he had time to easier: Don’t make excuses number. The doctor took answer. In the end I just blurted not to tell him—however some swab tests —similar to a smear—and the results showed I had Trichomonas vaginalis, an infection caused by a tiny parasite. It’s really common and I’m drinking habits, says more limmers, be warned. currently taking antibiotics. needs to be done to Having a few drinks can “Now I’m over the shock, highlight alcohol’s role in wreak havoc with your it doesn’t feel like a big weight gain and wants waistline— even if you’ve deal. I’m now trying to cans and bottles to clearly switched to a low-calorie convince myself that telling display calorie counts. tipple. Just one boozy session a Eddie and Nosa will be The YouGov poll of more week can lead to us taking on slightly easier but I know enough calories to put on 2lb, it won’t. I’m absolutely say experts. And most of the terrified!” Whatever your flab comes from food we polish relationship with the other off when we’ve been drinking, person, it’s vital you tell rather than from the alcohol current and previous itself. partners when you contract STD. easting on fatty

I must have picked up the disease from the bloke I slept with a few times while Eddie and I were on a break

you look at it, it’s for the best. Choose an appropriate time and place. Face to face is always best, even if you’re barely on speaking terms. Think carefully about what you need to say. Of course you’ll feel scared but he’ll be feeling shocked too. Respect his reaction, whether it’s anger or tears. Tell him which clinic or doctor you went to and explain every thing you know about the problem and possible treatment options in a concise way. Let him know

that counselling is available at most clinics for you and him. Remember, women tend to be more comfortable with sexual medicine than men. So if his reaction is over the top, it’s probably because he’s nervous about the tests involved. ...Definitely don’t: Confuse the fact by getting angry, defensive or making accusations. You may feel hurt but it’s happened. Now you both need to get treatment. Don’t ring him at work because he won’t be able to talk properly. Don’t mention it in front of his mates and don’t, whatever you do, get a friend to tell him. This is personal. Don’t try to forget about it or hope it will just go away —you’ll just put his and any other partner ’s health at risk. Never tell him in a letter —it could come back on you in the future. Finally, don’t forget that passing on an STD is no different to passing on a cold, but with a higher shame factor. Although this knowledge may help you feel better you shouldn’t try to play the matter down. He might not think it’s serious enough to bother going for treatment.

Warning: One boozy night-put can put 2 1b on yyou! ou! 21b

xperts agree it’s the only way to preserve their health, your health, and that of future partners. Remember you’re not alone. Thousands of patients are treated annually for infections of gonorrhoea, syphilis, Chlamydia, genital herpes and warts in women aged

takeaways after the restaurants and clubs have shut and combating a hangover with a full breakfast can see men alone put away an extra 5,000 calories. Even if we otherwise stick to a healthy regime, a regular once-a-week night out could make us pile on two stone over a year. Slimming World, which commissioned a survey into

after 10.5 units of alcohol, or about four pints of beer. The extra drink after this point, combined with fatty food such as chips, kebabs, pizzas and hamburgers, leads to him packing away an extra

Even if we otherwise stick to a healthy regime, a regular once-aweek night out could make us pile on two stone over a year

than 2,000 Britons reveals how drinking is contributing to the UK’s obesity crisis, which is now the worst in.Europe, It found that the average man reaches ‘tipping point’ - the moment we start to drink and eat more than intended -

6,940 calories. This is more than three times the recommended daily intake for men and the equivalent of 38 bags of crisps. Drink adds 1,795 calories, while 3,126 comes from food eaten that evening. Eating unhealthy food the next day adds another 2,025. The

female ‘tipping point’ is eight units —just two to three large glasses of wine. Beyond that, women consume an extra 5,725 calories—almost three times the daily recommended intake and the equivalent of nearly two dozen jam doughnuts. Almost 60 per cent of those surveyed said they pass their tipping point at least once during a typical weekend. With 3,500 calories roughly equal to a lib gain in weight, millions could be piling on the pounds because of nights out. Inactivity while nursing hangovers adds to the problem. Dr. Jacquie Lavin of Slimming world said alcohol leads us to make unhealthy choices because it stimulates appetite and lowers inhibitions.

38—SA TURD AY 38—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 7 7, 2014

Wedding bells ffor or Chisom and Olumuyiw a Olumuyiwa

Honour for Anon

he solemnisation of Holy matrimony between former Miss Uchechi Chisom, daughter of Barrister and Mrs Richard Abakporo and Mr Olumuyiwa Abiola, son of Mr and Mrs Olukoya Salami held at Victoria Fellowship Church, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos on Saturday 31st May, 2014. Family and friends graced the event. Photos Lamidi Bamidele

arri based Sir Kingley Enosa Anon, Managing Director of Ofure Magic Plus business group was recently honoured by Students of University of Benin, UNIBEN, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to youth empowerment.

From left: Barr. Richard Abakporo; Mrs Catherine Abakporo, bride's parents; Mr and Mrs Olumuyiwa Salami, couple; Mr Olukoya Salami and Mrs Adetutu Salami, groom's parents.

R-L: Speaker, Student Union Government, UNIBEN, Governor Ameh, presenting the school's SUG award of excellence to Warri based investor, Sir Kingsley Enosa Anon.

Barr. Bruce Ighalo and Mrs Ngozi Ighalo.

From left: Mrs Angie Ogu; Mr Eddy Abakporo; Mrs Ngozi Okeke and Mr Basil Okeke

From left; Mr Bola Olatunji; Mrs Aderonke Sobodu and Dr Olatunji Sobodu

Mrs. Esther Anon and Sir Kingsley Enosa Anon admiring his award of excellence.

More Dubai winners emerge at Legend Enugu draws

nchuku John, Anthony Okafor, Segun Agunbiade Romanus Nnamani, Peter Boniface Okorie, Chinonyerem Eleleme, Stephen Ajayi and Emmanuel Ogunje were among the lucky winners that emerged at the Enugu Raffle Draw of Legend Extra Stout’s Dubai Shopping Promo, held at the Bush House Arena, Independence Layout, on Thursday, May 29.

Mr. Amnesty Igbinedion, Area Sales Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc. presenting a bed-side refrigerator to Vitalis Chilaka, one of the winners of bed-side refrigerator

MaryAnn Obiora (R), one of the winners of BlackBerry phones at the Legend Enugu NCP Raffle Draws.

Mr. Austin Aka, Regional Trade Marketing Manager- East, Nigerian Breweries Plc. with Chibuike Onu (L), Favour Okafor (2nd R) and Diala Favour (R), winners of 32 inch LED TV.

Comedian ‘De Dons’ (L), the event anchor and a volunteer from the crowd during the manual draws.

Mr. Raw Nwanne join the crowd as he entertains them

y personal struggles and i m p e r f e c t i o n s notwithstanding, I hold very strong views on sexuality, molded mainly by my conservative Christian orientation. But I have also come to accept that we live in a free and secular world, and I therefore must tolerate contrary views and tendencies. That was basically what informed my silence when the bill banning “same sex marriage” was passed into law recently. I try not to worry myself about gays and what they or other people do behind closed husband.” Going by doors. That is God’s these definitions, Bishop Robinson is wrong in beat. I am also striving to see seeing himself as a all humankind in the “wife”. image and likeness of But how did Robinson God. In an insane world, come to see himself as a I figure that is one of the “wife”? I need to be edufew ways to stay sane. cated and liberated from But when the news broke my ignorance. Is it that that an openly gay Epis- he is the passive partner copal Bishop in America, in the union? But that Gene Robinson, was will not qualify him to be about divorcing “his hus- called a wife because in band,” Mark Andrew, it many marriages the became a case of monkey wives are the dominant dey sleep, yanga go partners. Or is he the wake am. I could not partner with less finanhelp but snap: “ which cial muscle? In many husband and how did a homes these days, wives ‘he’ become a wife?” And are the bread winners, so it got me thinking, who it still does not add up. is a husband? Wikipedia Or is it that he is the passays a “husband is a sive “sexual” partner. If male partner in a mari- yes, since both of them tal relationship…A man’s have male organs what spouse is his wife.” Who happens when they get is a wife then? Wikipedia bored and decide to do again says a “ wife is a role reversal. Will female partner in a con- Robinson temporarily tinuing marital become “husband” and r e l a t i o n s h i p … A Andrew become “ wife” woman’s spouse is the for that brief moment?

SA TURD AY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014—39 SATURD TURDA humankind would be- thered their first child. come extinct in a little Both of them had doover a century from now. nated sperms to a surroWhere I have problems gate mother. They with gays is when they should keep such arguconfuse me like Bishop ments private. Robinson is doing. As my Let us get a few things professor in the univer- straight for the benefit sity, Sylvanus Ekwelie, of some of us. One, used to tell students with gays are partners not communist orientation, husband and wife. Two, “You can choose to live in gay liaison is not maryour Moscow or Siberia, riage (Never mind but allow the rest of us Webstar Dictionar y, the freedom to be en- which now alternately him understand. Then it sconced in our Washing- defines marriage as hit him: “Una mean say ton and New York.” “the state of being man and man go….” His united to a person of the My other grouse is why voice trailed off and he same sex in a relationstarted vomiting. He fell gay people want to be ship like that of tradiparents by whatever ill immediately and had tional marriage.” I will to be hospitalized. The means. They cannot have not be surprised if I shock of what he just their cake and eat it. My stumble on new definifound out was too much parents used to tell us tions of wife or husband for him. So, what about that you cannot prevent which exclude their this young man’s rights? a child from growing genders). Marriage is protruding teeth proHonestly, I do not worry vided he grows enough between a man and a myself about homosexu- lips to cover them. That woman. Its primary purthey chose to be gay also poses are companionmeans they have chosen ship and procreation. to jettison parenthood. While gay partners can They cannot go through lay claim to companionthe back door to become ship, procreation is parents, because it takes completely out of it. In a man and a woman to some marriages, probring a child into the creation might not take world. That is something place for varying reaals. I just thank God for they are averse to; you do sons, but there is capaccreating that indescrib- not use teeth to cut and ity (presence of male able sexual pleasure that share the meat you will and female). America, Australia, exists between a man not eat. If we were all gay, Europe, and a woman, especially who will help them to South America and when exercised within produce the babies? I whoever is next can matrimony. There is was really pissed off the sanction gay unions, nothing like it and it other time Elton John but it does not change never ceases to amaze and his partner, David what God has ordained( me. I also thank God that Furnish, were arguing Matthew 19:4-5); marwe are not all gays; if not about whose sperm fa- riage is immutable.

Who is a wife? Now I am getting even more confused. Often when people blindly fight for minority rights, they do not know when they trample on the rights of the majority. My brother, Emma, told me a story. He said they were out relaxing in Abraka, Delta State. From one issue to another, they got to the is-

I just thank God for creating that indescribable sexual pleasure that exists between a man and a woman

sue of homosexuality. While the discussion was on, there was a young man among them who went quiet. He did not understand what they were talking about. When he could not bear it any more, he requested to be educated. It took a while to make

(Text Only) The Crane Technique: Squat on the hundles with the feet close together. Let the soles and heels rest on the floor.Raise the buttocksup and move the trunk forward. Breathing out, wrap the arms around the bent legs and place the palms on the floor. Bend the elbows and raise the heels from the floor, move the trunk a bit more forward and rest the chin on the back of the upper arms close to the armpits. Stretch the arms straight and balance the whole body 1 The Crane on the hands. Benefits:The Crane strengthens the arms. With the contacting of the abdomen,the organs there are massaged and toned.

The Backward Bend

The Plough

The Backward Bend

The Crane, Backward Bend, Plough and the Eagle Technique: Get on the knees with the feet close together. Breathe in deeply, raising both hands overhead. Breathing out, bend backwards with elbows still straightened out. Hold the position for some 5 seconds, and then inhailing, return the trunk to the upright position. Rest a bit and repeat. Benefits: The posture strengthens the back

and shoulder muscles;also affected favourably are the muscles of the abdomen and those of the upper thighs.

The Plough

Technique: Lie on your back with the legs stretched out and hands placed along the sides. Take in a deep breath and drawing up the knees swing back the legs while breathing out and let the toes come to rest on the floor behind your head. Keep the knees straight and stiffen up the muscles of legs. Keep the breathing normal as you retain the posture for about 10 seconds. To come out of

the posture simply bend the knees and just roll down the back and straight out the legs flat on the floor again. You may rest a little and repeat. Benefits: The plough improves the elasticity of the spine. It tones the leg muscles and helps to rid constipation. The Eagle Technique: Standing with feet together bend the elbows and place the sight on the top the left one and bring the palms together while you raise and bend the left leg and rap it around the right lower leg with the foot sticking out. The left leg must be slightly bent at the knee to make this possible. Benefits: The Eagle instills a sense of balance and also banishes varicose veins.

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

The Eagle

40 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

By Tony UBANI

How radical breast surgery helped Simona Halep turn her career around

ports stars will often do just about anything to give themselves a better chance of success, and for Simona Halep that meant making drastic changes to her body. The Romanian star has already reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time at Roland Garros and is turning her career around after going under the knife. At the age of just 22 she is finding a new level in the world of women’s tennis, having already made the last 16 at the US Open in 2013 and followed that up with a first quarter-final appearance at a major in Australia this year. But her early professional career had not been going as planned, that is for sure. Having secured the world junior number one spot in 2008 and the Roland Garros girls title in the same year, she was surely set for incredible things - but she struggled to make the transition. What changed everything for Halep was having breast surgery. When aged 18, the Romanian opted for breast reduction surgery to take her

After surgery

Before Surgery from 34DD to a 34C and the changes are starting to positively affect her game. She has repeatedly spoken of her improved movement and mobility around the court, finding additional speed and nimble footwork to go with it. As such, she has progressed very impressively over the last 18 months and has looked a different player entirely this time around in Paris.

“For me to be here it’s not a surprise, because I’m more confident now in myself,” Halep told the AFP. “Now it is not something new for me. I’m trying to do my best always and to fight for every match. “I’m happy to be for first time in the fourth round in Paris. I hope it will not be the first and the last.” Another very interesting

thing about Halep is her obsession with Harry Potter novels and she is using the books to help her cope with the added pressure of having been voted the WTA’s Most Improved Player in 2013. “I want to improve more. I speak better than last year, but I still have to learn,” she said. “Now I speak more with my coach in English, and it’s good. Now I started to read a

Toyboy, 31, takes 91-year-old granny A

toy boy’ does raise a few eyebrows when he steps out with his lover because baby-faced Kyle Jones, 31, is in a relationship with a 91-year-old greatgrandmother. Kyle, from Augusta, Georgia, dates numerous pensioners at the same time and even takes them home to meet his 50-year-old mother. For the last five years he has been in a ‘casual’ relationship with 91-year-old Marjorie McCool. And despite the 60-year age gap, the pair have an active sex life and can’t keep their hands off each other. Kyle said: ‘Everyone’s brain is wired differently, some guys prefer blondes, some brunettes, some like other guys - I like old ladies.’ The call centre worker was just 18 when he first acted on his attraction for older women and began a sexual relationship with a 50-year-old. Now Kyle uses dating websites to find women as well as chatting them up in his daily life. He said: ‘Most of the time, the average age I go for is between 60 and 80. ‘Whenever I’m trying to speak to an older woman, the first reaction I get is ‘you’re way too young’. ‘I find persistence is good so I tell them it’ll be fun.’ Although officially single, Kyle regularly sees up to five women at a time and takes them on dates - and even home to meet his mother.

Kyle with girlfriend Marjorie McCool, 91 (l) and Kyle’s mother Ceceila Jones In 2009 he met great-grandmother Marge - short for Marjorie - in the bookstore where she was working and asked for her number. Marge, who had been single for 37 years since splitting with the father of her six children, agreed to go on a date. She said: ‘In the beginning I got jealous of his other women but he keeps coming back to me and tells me I’m the best. ‘The physical side of our relationship is wonderful. I amaze myself, he amazes me. There’s nothing better. ‘I wear sexy outfits to bed. I try to keep my bra on though because I don’t have much left. ‘My family consists mostly of boys, and they don’t really care - what I do is my business. ‘Their ages are 71, 63, 61, 52 and 50.

BRIEFS Emily Blunt 'almost killed' Tom Cruise during stunt

The 31-year-old actress got behind the wheel for a scene in their new movie 'Edge of Tomorrow' but things went wrong on the second take when she was advised by stunt experts to go ''a bit faster'' - when she ignored her co-star's advice. She recalled: ''I tear down this part and Tom's being very quiet behind me. ''I hear him under his breath as I approach the right-hand turn, going 'Brake, brake, brake. Brake. Brake, brake, brake... Oh God. Brake, brake, brake. Brake it hard! Brake hard!' ''I left it too late, and so drove us into a tree. ...I almost killed Tom Cruise.''

I'm a love God: Big Brother's Winston Showan says he would be 'up for sex' in the house

Randy Winston is determined to have an on-camera romp now he is -inside the house. The Essex boy said: “I don’t really count my lovers. "I wouldn’t be able to say how many. "I literally don’t count, I don’t know.” Winston, 27, said he earned “big money” as a commodities trader in the City and mixes with celebrities including Towie star Joey Essex. He said he once “kissed” a mystery celeb babe and would be “up for sex” on Big Brother.

Discovery of 'hybrid' star confirms 40-year0ld theory

Kyle Jones, 31, says he has never dated a woman his own age, shares a tender kiss with Marjorie McCool, 91 at a local park

‘When people see us out together they probably think that he’s my son, or maybe even a grandson. I have grandsons older.’ And while many of the women he dates can’t believe such a young man would find them attractive, Kyle is adamant he does.

A weird type of 'hybrid' star has been discovered nearly 40 years since it was first theorized — but until now has been curiously difficult to find. In 1975, renowned astrophysicists Kip Thorne, of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, Calif., and Anna Z.ytkow, of the University of Cambridge, UK, assembled a theory on how a large dying star could swallow its neutron star binary partner, thus becoming a very rare type of stellar hybrid, nicknamed a Thorne-Z.ytkow object (or TZ.O).

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014—41

08 116759 759 081 6759759

‘Med Sc hool Vir gin’ KKern ern calls School Virgin’ of offf auction af aftter dubious $80 1k bid $801k A

medical school student who was auctioning off her virginity has called off the stunt, after receiving few legitimate bids, according to the Daily Mail. Between March 31 and May 7, Hanna Kern had been auctioning off her virginity under the name of “Elizabeth Raine,” the paper’s website reports. Kern is a 28-yearold double Ph.D./ M.D. student at the University of Washington, according to the Daily Mail.

The Huffington Post has verified her identity with documents supplied by Kern. Kern becomes the latest in several recent online virginity auctions that have ended in a fiasco, and she says she has learned from her experience. “I have decided to put a stop to this kerfuffle (to describe it nicely) and return my focus to my medical training. I still do possess some spitefully strong beliefs about virginity, prostitution, and a woman’s right to do as she damned pleases, but school is my first priority (as it has been for my entire life). At this point, I no longer care about the auction, at all. This was a very easy decision. Kern had hoped to net at least $400,000 from a willing spendthrift. The final bid was allegedly a whopping $801,000, but Kern decided not to go through with the deal. The source told the paper that the person offering the $801,000 bid refused to go through any vetting process. A source close to the auction told the Daily Mail that she hardly received any genuine offers for her virginity. “This auction didn’t work, plain and simple,” the source said. “Hanna had to face the fact that maybe her virginity wasn’t worth as much as she thought it was.”

Moment restaurant with 'no concealed firearms' sign is robbed by armed thugs

North Carolina restaurant with a 'no concealed firearms' sign on the door has found itself in the midst of a political firefight after it was robbed by three thugs with pistols this week. The Pit Authentic Barbeque in Durham, North Carolina, is getting heaps of criticism from progun advocates who claim that

the robbery on Sunday night is proof that banning law-abiding citizens from having weapons means that only criminals will be armed. Police say three men entered the restaurant through the back door and forced all the employees to lay down on the ground. Two of the employees wereassaultedduringthejostling to subdue them, WTVD reports.

Police said the injuries were minor. Several customers were in the dining room, but waiters were able to get them out the front door quickly and none of them were harmed. Surveillance video showstherobberswearingmasks and black hoodies as they point pistols at the employees in the kitchen. The three suspects ran off with cash and are still at large. Owner Greg Hatem has offered a $2,000 reward for information leading to their capture. Sean D. Sorrentino, who writes An NC Gun Blog, published a photowithasignonthefrontdoor of the restaurant that says ‘No weapons’and‘Noconcealedfirearms.’ He says the policy ensured

that his employees were at the mercy of the armed robbers. ‘Noonecouldresistthem.Why? Because the owner of 'The Pit Authentic Barbecue' has banned guns in his restaurant,’ Sorrentino writes. The owner, he added, ‘went out of his way to make custom signs to make sure we gun owners felt unwelcome.’ The restaurant’s Facebook page has since been flooded with negative reviews by gun owners who criticize the no concealed weapons policy.‘YouINVITEDthoserobbers with the sign you posted... Good job victimizing yourselves. I hope you appreciate the reality check and open up your eyes,’ wrote Nicholas Rodgers.

mother from China tried to kill herself after her daughChinese mother leaps Atersingle refused to break up with her boyfriend. Su Liu, 45, threw from the third floor of an apartment in the city of Sichuan fr om 3r d ffloor loor af ter herself from 3rd after after failing to get 18-year-old daughter,Tingting to break up with Fang Shu, 26. daughter refused to break boyfriend, According to police, Mrs Liu disapproved of Fang, who Tingting met on the internet, because he is ‘lazy and reluctant to work’. said: ‘In Mrs. Liu’s eyes, the man is from a different province up with bo yfriend sur vives Police boyfriend survives and the two families are far away from each other. Mrs Liu has

lived alone with Tingting in Chengdu city ever since she divorced the girl’s father six years ago. But since leaving school several months ago, Tingting left the family home and moved into a rented apartment with Fang. Despite Mrs Liu ‘strongly objection, Tingting carried on with the relationship. On June 2, the day of the local Dragon Boat Festival, Liu found the rented room in which her daughter and the man have lived together for the past several months. Liu demanded that they break up their affair, but after her attempts failed she threatened to kill herself by jumping off the building. Tingting and her boyfriend stopped Liu and locked her in a secure room, but when they left she managed to get out and jumped out of the third floor window. ‘Only the plants and grass saved her life,’ said a police spokesman. Her daughter says she is caring for her mother and hopes she can ‘change her mind’ about Fang.

Father kills daughter, 13, because he didn’t like how she washed floor jailed 60 days

ather who killed his 13-year-old daughter with two slaps because he didn’t like how she washed the floor is jailed for just 60 days. A Canadian man was sentenced to 60 days in jail this week for slapping his 13-year-old daughter so hard that she later died. Moussa Sidime, 74, from Quebec, had pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge stemming from a 2010 confrontation with his teenage daughter, which ultimately resulted in her death. According to court documents, the man got into a heated argument over chores with 13-yearold Noutene Sidime and slapped her on both sides of her face. The girl collapsed to the floor unconscious with blood trickling from her nose. Mr Sidime called 911 and Noutene was rushed to a hospital, CTV News reported. The 13-year-old girl spent three days in a coma at the Montreal Children’s Hospital before succumbing to her injures. A medical examiner determined that the teenager died from a cerebral hemorrhage caused in part by the slaps. Moussa Sidime was initially charged with aggravated assault causing death, but the count was later changed

to involuntary manslaughter. On Wednesday, a judge in Quebec ruled that the 74-year-old patriarch will be able to serve his 60-day sentence on weekends over the course of 30 weeks. ‘If I had known one slap would kill her ... I

can’t believe it could be fatal,’ a sobbing Mr Sidime told the court in February, saying that it was the first time he raised his hand on Noutene, according to Toronto Sun. The father described Noutene, a gifted young artist who aspired to be a lawyer, as the kindest of his children and insisted, ‘I’m not a villain.’ ‘We love her dearly, we didn’t want her to go, but it was what God wanted at that time. This is one of those freak accidents that, as he has said, if he could take it back, he would take it back,’ Sidime’s eldest daughter told Toronto Star after the sentencing.

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

How 19-yr-old girl was beaten, gang-raped by ex- boyfriend and his friends BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

Girl...gang-raped by her ex-boyfriend

Man spends 4yrs in prison over police failure to identify real culprit BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE fter spending four years at the prison while facing an armed robbery trial, an accused, Tega Okokushe, has been discharged and acquitted by a Lagos High Court in Ikeja, for failure of the police to identify the real culprit. The defendant was said to have been arrested by the Ojo police who accused him of having robbed one Chika Obi at his residence in Iba, dispossessing him of his laptop, phone and charger. In her judgment, Justice Lateefat Okunnu said: “The information in proof of the evidence shows that there was armed robbery. What is to be focused and proved is whether the defendants before the court were among the gang that carried out the robbery. The issue to also consider is whether there is an identification linked to the defendants.” According to her, the victim of the robbery (Obi) never identified the defendants as part of the robbery gang and he never appeared before the court, which makes his statement to the police not to suffice. “Where the robber was not arrested at the scene of the crime, the prosecution should prove the identification of the defendants. I cannot accept the police officer’s mere say, given by Mr. Obi. The 1st defendant has said he has never met Mr. Obi before. He said the statement was not written by him, that the police only asked of his name, address, occupation and religion. The defendants are educated.“The prosecution has not proved that the police caught the real culprit. Failure of Mr. Obi to appear before the court to testify damaged the prosecution. The defendants are hereby acquitted and discharged,” Justice Okunnu said.

19-year-old girl (names with held) got more than she bar gained for when she visited the wife of her ex-boyfriend called Kingsley, who delivered a newborn baby, recently. Unknown to the victim, she apparently walked into a trap set by an angry ex-boyfriend. The agony of the ugly incident that followed later was not just that she was gang-raped , her sister molested and thoroughly beaten up, she later agreed to an amicable settlement just because of fear of another attack. Crime Guard learnt that the ex-boy friend is the son of a serving Chief Superintendent of Police,CSP, attached to a police unit in Jos, while his mother sells food at Area K command along Badagry expressway. Narrating the incident to Crime Guard , the victim said: “On that day I went there at Ketu in Ijanikin to visit my ex-boy friend Kingsley, whose wife had just had a baby. When I got there, I met him outside, I asked him of his wife, he said she was inside with the new born baby. So, I went inside to see her. When I got into the house, the wife and the baby were not inside but I met two other guys. “I decided to go out but the door was locked, I asked Kingsley to please open the door so that I could go since the wife was not inside. His friends said I would not except I brought my younger sister. Then, I asked what for, they said my sister offended them at a party they attended recently. They said she denied them at the party which led to one of them been beaten by other guests at the party. They said they have been looking for my sister, that I should call her. “I told them she just lost her phones so there was no way I could contact her. Then, they brought out their knives and axes and asked me to pull off my clothes, and that if I don’t take my clothes off, they would start cutting me little by little and then I will die a slow and painful death. I started pleading with them not to hurt me. But they refused and continued to threaten me. “When it became clear that they would harm me if I didn’t yield to their request, I started pulling my clothes. After that, Kingsley was the first one that raped me while his friends used their phones to record it. When he was through, the second one called Ifeanyi aka Fabulous and the third one Asaly, took turns to rape me. After they finished, they asked me to wear my clothes, which I quickly did. They gave me my phone which they sized initially to call my mum, to enable me reach my sister which I did. They made sure the phone was on speaker so that they could hear the conversation between my mum and I. “Unfortunately, when I called, she said she was far from home where my sister was but promised to call back as soon as she got home. I told her it was urgent that I speak with my sister and she said she would be in the house within the next two hours. This was at about 12 noon. So, while I was waiting for my mum to call, two other friends of Kingsley came to the house and also raped me. When it was 2pm, they put their knives into a lit stove threatening to use it on my body if my mum did not call back.

“I had to call my mum who said she was almost in the house. When she got to the house, she called me and I told my sister to come to the junction that leads to Kingsley’s house because I didn’t want her to come to the house so that they won’t rape her too. When she got to the junction, she called me, I pleaded with them to allow me go to the junction to get my sister, that if they went to the junction without me, there was no way my sister would agree to come with them. Initially,they refused, but later, they agreed and instructed Kingsley and Asale to go with me to the bus stop. “When I got to the junction, because my eyes were very, very red and my face swollen, my sister knew something was fishy, she asked me what happened, I told her nothing that I have been sleeping. And she said that is a big lie that even when I wake from sleep, my face is never swollen. When she insisted, I told her everything in my dialect so that they won’t understand what I was telling them. But one of them felt I was explaining what happened to my sister, he called the other three who were in the house to come, that I had finished explaining to them. “When I saw the other guys coming, I collected money from my sister and pretended that I wanted to buy water from a nearby shop, when I got there, I told the woman who owns the shop what happened but she said they won’t be able to attack us outside in the open. While I was there, they started slapping and hitting my younger sister. I went there and was pleading with them to stop beating her. They said I should keep calm, if I didn’t, they would deal with me also. So, I did. The attack drew the attention of commercial tricycle riders who were at the bus stop, they came to rescue us but were sent away after they told them it was boyfriend and girlfriend issue. I told them it was not true. “Luckily, for us, one of our neighbours, a soldier who lives in the same compound saw how they were beating us, he alighted from the tricycle to find out why they were attacking my sister. I narrated what happened to him. After, he was able to rescue my sister from them, they attacked him, when he tried to call his fellow soldiers for help via his phone, they snatched it from him. It was while they were attacking the soldier that I escaped to a relative’s house nearby to call my mum. My sister also escaped after that. When I got home, I explained what happened to my mum who took me to the police station to report the case and subsequently, Kingsley and two others were arrested while others fled. Giving an insight into her relationship with Kingsley, the victim said, “Something happened between both of us while we were dating; I got pregnant only for me to discover that a lady was already seven months pregnant for him. So, I had to get rid of my pregnancy because there was no way I was ready to become a second wife. A close family friend who pleaded anonymity also told Crime Guard that the case was settled amicably later after both families met with the police. The victim, however, said they agreed to settlement out of court because of fear. “After we reported the case to the police, three of the suspects were immediately arrested in order to retrieve the video recording of the barbaric act but no video was found in their phones. The reason the family resorted to settlement was because we didn’t want our lives to be at risk. This guy and his group are cultists and there is every possibility that they might attack us again if the suspects prosecuted.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 43

Nigeria’s messy approach Continues from page 16 have no hope of getting those girls. Even if we are going to get them, we are going to get them in trickles, maybe getting two, three, four and five. They are now scattered, so it is not possible for us to get 50, 60,100 in one particular position.” Advertised attack on Sambisa On May 2, 17 days after the abduction, a major military operation being mobilised to attack Sambisa forest was reported. According to reports, four battalions comprising all formations of the Army, including those from Signals Corps, Armoured Corps, Ordinance Corps, Intelligence Corps, Infantry Corps, Artillery Corps, Military Police Corps and Medical Corps had been mobilised. The battalions were said to have been positioned in the North, South, East and West of the Sambisa forest so that when the troops moved in from all angles, there would be no escape route for the terrorists. Since the forest shares borders with towns in Adamawa, Yobe, Borno and Cameroon, the different battalions would each launch their offensive from these locations. Even before the abduction, there were reports that the military planned to comb the Sambisa forest to smoke out the insurgents. Given the way the military’s planned attack on Sambisa forest was reported, the insurgents would have been fools to be caught off guard. This is arguably the first time a strategy for a major military offensive against a deadly enemy would be so exposed. The development adds flesh to President Goodluck Jonathan’s comments that the government had been infiltrated by members of Boko Haram, their sponsors or supporters. Diversionary intelligence However, those close to the military said they take time to scrutinise every information before acting to ensure that the intellignece was not meant to lure them into an enemy’s trap or ambush. Indeed, one of such purported intelligence, on May 6, led to the killing of about 300 people in Gamborou Ngala town, Borno State. Gamborou, situated along Nigeria-Cameroon border, is the administrative headquarters of Ngala Local Council, about 200kilometres from Maiduguri, the

Given the way the military’s planned attack on Sambisa forest was reported, the insurgents would have been fools to be caught off guard

capital city. According to reports, security forces deployed to the area moved to the Lake Chad axis when they received intelligence report that some gunmen were sighted with abducted schoolgirls moving to the area. The insurgents targeted a local market and fired sporadic shots into the crowd before proceeding into the town to wreak more havoc. Confirming the killings, Senator Zannah, said the invaders spent 12 hours wreaking havoc on defenceless civilians. “Initially there were many security operatives in the town to secure it from possible attacks. However, upon receiving information over the movements of insurgents with kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls towards Lake Chad area, they withdrew and moved further to confront the gunmen. It was just an hour after their withdrawal that the terrorists invaded the town, shooting everyone at sight and setting buildings on fire. About 200 vehicles and thousands of houses, shops and an outfit of the Nigerian Customs Service, (NCS) were all burnt.” We need to manage information properly – Jemibewon

Speaking on the issues, former Police Affairs Minister and Military Governor of defunct Western State, General David Jemibewon (rtd), said there was need for the military and government to control and manage vital information. “I think there ought to be a central point where information must go to and where decision as to what goes out or diseminated is taken. But I know that there are competent people there that probably know better. However, what we need to do now is to encourage the military and wish them well.” On comments that poor intelligence gathering is hurting the anti-terror war, he said: “What is intelligence gathering? Intelligence gathering is simply information gathering before and during events and then you project into the future to see what is likely to happen. For example, I will expect that some people ought to be assembled somewhere to be thinking what would happen if this Boko Haram crisis comes to an end because it will still have some after effects. It is just like what we are doing in this workshop, trying to promote peace before, during and after the election. “Perhaps, our problem as a nation is that we did not anticipate what is happening so as to get prepared for it. But now that it has happened, how do we get information, analyse the information and also anticipate; when this will come to an end what should we do? This is important because even when it ends, something will come out. We ought to learn some lessons. For example, how are we going to rehabilitate those who are bereaved and what actions are we going to put in place to prevent recurrence of such attacks? Intelligence comprises of many things. For example, those giving us headache today, it must have taken them some time to acquire the strength and weapons they have acquired. They live within human communities. Soldiers were not based in those areas. If these people had come to the appropriate authorities to say we are seeing some strange faces in these areas, etc, that is intelligence.” # Bring back our girls timeline April 14 –Over 200 Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents April 17 –Defence headquarters said only 8 girls were missing and that most of the abducted girls had been rescued following pursuit by Special Forces. April 18 – Military admits error. Defence headquarters retracted its statement over the rescue of the students. April 19— Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar ordered special security operations across the country for Easter Celebration April 21 –Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon said Nigeria is in the middle of another civil war with the activities of Boko Haram in the country. April 22— 187 School Girls still missing; Soldiers, vigilante groups continue hunt for kidnapped girls April 25—The Security council which consists of all service chiefs vowed to rescue the girls. April 28—The Military said its troops were close to the abductors’ den May 2—Military mobilize 4 battalions to attack Sambisa Forest, offensive strategy reported. May 5 –President Jonathan said he does not know location of the abducted girls May 6 –Boko Haram release on-line video saying they would sell girls into slavery. Defence headquarters said they were studying the new video. May 7— Boko Haram misleads Army with purported intelligence and kills 300 in fresh Borno attack May 8 – Police offer N50million reward for credible information. May 15 – Angry soldiers open fire on GOC’s vehicle. Protest killing of colleagues by Boko Haram. Defence headquarters said it was an internal affair which has been resolved. A panel of inquiry has been set up over the incident. May 16 – GOC redeployed after soldiers mutiny in Borno May 19— Military warns against visit to operation areas

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

David Mark at three BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

enator David Mark had prom ised on his record re-election as Senate President promised that the Seventh Senate would enact remarkable legislations to forever change the course of Nigeria’s history. With threequarters of its term gone, how far has Mark and his colleagues gone? In his speech after his election as Senate President on June 5, 2011, Senator David Mark had promised that senators would be accountable. “To you our constituents, you have sent us here to represent you. You are our bosses and we are simply your messengers. We will consult you on regular basis, we will brief you and we will seek your advice, guidance, and direction from time to time. We are here to serve you.” He harped on the need for the National Assembly to key into the vision of President Jonathan on his transformation agenda but reiterated that for that to happen, the country’s budgeting system needs a radical overhaul. “There is a need for collaboration between the Executive and National Assembly to ensure that Nigerians get a budget that can be effectively implemented. Nigerians complain that our democracy is too expensive. “Our target is that hopefully, this session of the National Assembly shall set a historic record by passing very critical legislations that would propel Nigeria to

the 20 most advanced economies.” Not quite long after the speech, the Senate took one major step by setting up an Adhoc Committee to investigate the activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, from 1999 till date. That singular probe heralded other probes in the Seventh Senate. That probe followed a motion by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Ahmed Lawan, APC, Yobe North. In the motion, he demanded answers on how the privatization exercise was being run. Four months after, the Lawan-led committee submitted its report to the Senate demanding the sack of the BPE Director General, Ms. Bolanle Onagoruwa, after finding her “grossly inefficient in her assignments.” Series of probes subsequently came up, chief among which was the contentious fuel subsidy scheme by the federal government. The probe of the fuel subsidy scheme came following a motion by Senator Bukola Saraki, Kwara Central, calling for the investigation of the fuel subsidy management and the challenges it posed to the implementation of the 2011 budget. In his motion, Saraki noted that the NNPC and the oil ministry breached the 2011 Appropriation Act by spending N931 billion on fuel subsidy between January and August 2011 with fears that the illegal spending could increase to N1 trillion before December 31, 2011. By the time the Senate debated the motion, the oil subsidy had climbed to a hefty

N1.3 trillion; N1 trillion more than the N240 billion approved for the scheme for the fiscal year. Although Saraki did not state any constitutional breach in the motion on notice, it was clear that the extra-budgetary spending is in contravention of section 80 of the 1999 Constitution. Besides, the spending is unknown to the National Assembly which has been empowered by the 1999 Constitution to approve any spending by the executive. Section 80 and 81 (4) specifically states that all revenues accruing to the Federation must be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation from where it is shared by all tiers of government. In the last three years, the Senate was able to introduce over 250 bills with several others in various stages of legislative consideration. The third legislative year appeared to be the most challenging year for the Senate, following the defection of some senators and threat of change of its leadership which pitched senators against one another, based on party lines. The moves were strategically handled by the Senate President who prevailed on the senators to wait for the outcome of the court since the matter was pending in court. Having ended its third legislative year on 5th June, the Seventh Senate has proceeded on a two-week break with a view to resuming for the fourth and last legislative session on June 24, 2014. But as it is awaiting resumption, some bills are waiting for treatments. These include the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. The PIB, since its introduction in 2008 into the National Assembly by President Umaru Yar’Adua, has remained controversial. The bill has, however, not gone far as it has largely met stiff resistance from vested interests. Although it has passed second reading and is now at committee level, the prospects of it not progressing beyond that stage are very high despite continuous government lobbying. Currently the bill has scaled second reading at the Senate. Before now, the bill had led to division of the National Assembly along North/ South divide. There was the regional fear that given his geopolitical affiliation, the Senate President would align with his brothers in the North to frustrate the bill, seen in some quarters as anti-North. So far, Senator Mark has proved to be a core nationalist. He has demonstrated a strong belief in the unity of Nigeria. The task before David Mark’s Senate is therefore to use the current constitution amendment to strengthen local government institution to really take democracy and development to the grass-roots. It is argued in some quarters that an act of quiet blackmail by Senator Enang may have forced the Northern Senators to again allow the bill to progress. Enang had at a Senate session alleged that more than 75% of oil blocks in the Niger Delta were owned by northerners suggesting that there should be a total revocation of existing oil blocks for onward re-allocation for equity in the oil industry. Another controversial bill awaiting treatment as the Senate resumes for its fourth session, is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alterations) Bills 2013 Although, the provision for state creation which was seen as the most contentious has been set aside by the Constitution Review Committee other contentious areas are still conspicuous. They include local government autonomy, abrogation of state/ local government joint account, six-year single term for president and governors, the clause barring vice-president and deputy governors from seeking election to succeed their bosses are among other numerous clauses awaiting consideration.

Our target is that hopefully, this session of the National Assembly shall set a historic record by passing very critical legislations that would propel Nigeria to the 20 most advanced economies

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014—45

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

ODAY makes it exactly three years that the Hon Aminu Waziri Tambu wal-led Seventh House of Repre sentatives was inaugurated. Three years down the line, the House has survived so many onslaughts as Tambuwal steered the arguably most vociferous Green Chamber in Africa from troubled waters. What has made his administration unique can be largely attributed to his ability to carry fellow lawmakers along. One year to the end of the Seventh Assembly, Tambuwal had busied himself constructing and re-constructing the House he started in 2011. His critics are, however, bitter with him for not re-constructing the leadership of the committees he inaugurated since August 2011. Their grudge stemmed from the fact that majority of the chairmen lack the capacity to manage the affairs of the committees. Some lawmakers, who spoke exclusively to Vanguard, said some of the juicy and sensitive committees were given to opposition members. This, they claimed, gave the majority Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, weak bargaining power during legislative processes. But some other lawmakers debunked this assertion, saying it was the best thing that ever happened to the legislature in Nigeria because it enhances robust debates on the floor of the House. Legislative agenda The Legislative Agenda of the 7th Assembly is one area that Tambuwal had recorded successes in the last three years. The House recorded above average in the Agenda, which among others include: reviewing legislative branch budget in line with the requirements of openness, effectiveness and accountability; and reviewing all relevant areas of the constitution to facilitate the implementation of the House’s legislative agenda and in line with the aspirations of Nigerians. Tambuwal with his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, excelled beyond all doubts. Ihedioha’s legislative experience came to bear as he met the deadline fixed by the House. Also in the Agenda is to engage actively with other arms of government to restore public order and national security. The House fared badly on this item. Tambuwal personally took this challenge upon himself but his dogged efforts fell like a sand castle built by the side of the ocean. The last item on the agenda was to institutionalise mechanisms that will facilitate more effective engagement with various stakeholders including constituents and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs. Here, the 7th Assembly performed better than previous assemblies. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, the Reps took the constitution amendment process to the grassroots. Performance of committees The House has 89 substantive committees but among the lot only few are outstanding in their legislative duties. The outstanding committees are Public Accounts Committee, AC; Communications and Information Technology; Diaspora, Justice, Works and Inter-parliamentary Affairs; Aviation; Public Petitions; Foreign Affairs; and Rules and Business. Some of the committees operate in a secretive manner as their activities are usually concealed from journalists and even fellow members. Some committee chairmen hinged their poor performance on paucity of funds, though many members say such committee chairmen are only lazy. Ad-hoc committees The Fuel Subsidy Regime Monitoring adhoc committee led by Lawan Farouk came vide a House Resolution on January 8, 2012 to quickly checkmate the near anarchy situation in the country caused by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. The revelations from the committee hearings shook the conscience of the nation and helped to project the moral fiber of the legislative chamber in its dealings with the executive arm of government. Few months later, this major plus for the

Tambuwal’s House still under construction, 3 years after House turned into a nightmare for Farouk Lawan, who was accused of collecting bribe from business mogul, Femi Otedola, to influence the work of the panel. This major setback was the only scandal the Tambuwal’s House recorded in the last three years of its existence. Capital market probe An attempt to conduct another inquiry into the capital market, however, revealed the underbelly of the House that Speaker Tambuwal had so much tried to protect. The capital market investigation initially assigned to the House Committee on Capital Market soon derailed into a scandal laced with accusations and counteraccusations of bribery and corruption. The chairman of the committee, Herman Hembe, was accused of collecting esta code for a foreign trip that was never performed. The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh, was on her part accused of sundry extravagant expenditures. In the end, the House toed the path of honour by re-assigning the investigation to an ad-hoc panel of the House headed by Hon Ibrahim El-Sudi.Hembe went to court and in April this year he was acquitted of all charges. This development vindicated the House. Till date, the executive has not looked into the report of the House on the issue. The ad-hoc committee on Constitution Amendment led by Ihedioha lived above board and gave the 7th Assembly a big leap. However, same cannot be said of the

ad-hoc committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, otherwise known as PIB. Two years after it was inaugurated nothing much has been achieved despite the massive support it has enjoyed from the House leadership. Oversight functions The House had gone on numerous oversight functions but much was not really achieved as most committee chairmen go on such functions without the press despite provisions by House leadership for press coverage. This is a major minus to the 7th Assembly but can still be corrected before its extinction. Defection of 37 PDP lawmakers The defection of 37 PDP Reps to APC has whittled down the almost 100 percent support Tambuwal enjoyed from inception. But this has not in anyway slowed down the pace of the Sokoto-born Rep as he still enjoys close to 75 per cent support of his legislative comrades. Conclusively, the Tambuwal House has undoubtedly enjoyed enormous goodwill from Nigerians and has raised the standard in legislative decorum giving the much needed credibility to an institution that was battered by the recklessness of its progenitors. The matter of productivity is, however, another issue as the refusal of House leadership to change committee chairmen three years after might just be another time bomb. This is one time bomb Tambuwal may not allow to explode as he knows how best to satisfy his colleagues who still very much believe in him.

Three years down the line, the House has survived so many onslaughts as Tambuwal steered the arguably most vociferous Green Chamber in Africa from troubled waters

46—SA TURD AY 46—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

FASHOLA'S SUCCESSOR:

Oba has no reason to endorse anybody

— Senator Durojaiye *Speaks on why Yorubas insist on true Federalism

enator Olubiyi Durojaiye was a pres idential aspirant under the defunct SDP and a staunch NADECO activist incarcerated for almost two years during the late Gen. Sani Abacha’s iron fist junta. In this exclusive interview with OLAYINKA AJAYI, he speaks on the rationale for regionalism demand by the Yorubas as the only con-

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu

dition for them to continue as part of the Nigerian state. He also clears the controversies surrounding the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu’s endorsment of Akinwunmi Ambode as Gov. Babatunde Fashola’s successor, among other security things. Excerpt: What do you make of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akinolu’s endorsement of Akinwumi Ambode as Raji Fashola’s successor as governor of Lagos state? The Oba of Lagos announced in a broadcast that he did not endorse anybody. Moreover, traditional rulers are not in the position to endorse candidates. He only expressed an opinion because he happens to know the young man as one of his responsible subjects. If he said he would be happy if he becomes the next governor of Lagos, you cannot ask for his crown to roll off his head. He only expressed an opinion. Leaders of All Progessive Congress (APC) came out to say only the party could nominate candidates. So I don’t see the controversy there. The party determines who will be the candidate. But reports say he was quoted as saying Elders of Lagos met and have endorsed Akinwumi Ambode as the next formidable governor of Lagos State? What precedent has that? How many governors in the past were endorsed by Elders of any community in Nigeria? There are ways of doing these things. This matter is guided by the constitution which the party’s constitution must comply with, and there is a government umpire provided by the constitution of the country. That is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which can say this process has been properly done, or has not been properly done. Although the elders of communities are entitled to have their preference, but the process of nomination is the responsibility of the political party as laid down by the rules? Like I said earlier, if there are no serious controversies, the party organ will nominate a popular candidate through consensus.When the late Otedola’s incidence occurred then, the progressive party, SDP, had two powerful contestants and

the party did not resolve the issue of who was to be the gubernatorial candidate before the third party won. From that, we learnt our lesson, which is that political parties are to nominate a preferred candidate by consensus. Where that was not attainable, there will be an open contest. A congress would be called and card-carrying members would be asked to nominate whom they prefer out of two, three, or more candidates. So there is no cause for anybody outside the political party to endorse any candidate. They can only express whom they prefer. What would you say about the criticism that the APC chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu, is foisting his personal wish on the people of the state? Even Tinubu knows that anybody who is a leader is bound to be criticised. We have rules that we follow and sometimes we have disagreements; there is no doubt about that. It is impossible for someone to foist his will on people. The fact is that Bola Tinubu who people are criticising has been achieving success for the Yoruba race as an individual. When every one of us was booted out, he was the only man standing of which you cannot deny him credit. Although there was a controversy about three years ago as to whether Gov. Fashola should re-run or not. I was one of those that said he should because people alleged that Tinubu did not want him to run for second term. But I never heard the Asiwaju say that Fashola should not run. We made our inputs by saying that a man who has made such a good record should be allowed to continue. The four more years given to him by the electorate to complete the good work. he started is almost complete now. Why did the Yoruba leaders say that only true Federalism will make them stay in Nigeria? I was part of the Yoruba conference in Ibadan which finalised and agreed on what should be the Yoruba agenda. And that agreement was in the best interest of Nigeria as a country. We have always believed in fairness for the best interest of Nigeria, although there are some younger elements who feel that being part of the federation is a burden on our neck; that we are the largest unit with about 40million people in this country, bigger than Ghana and many other African countries. We, the elders said there is benefit in number. For instance Europe, after many centuries of war among the states, at last built on the treaty of Rome in 1970 which gave birth to the European Union. They knew the benefits of large number. America comprises 50 states. Some of them are bigger than Nigeria, but they form one country. The reason we got independence was for us to run a true Federal Republic when we were three regions. What the Yorubas are saying is that at the time our founding fathers fought for our independence in 1960, we were about 35million people. Now the population of the country is about 160 million people of which the Yoruba unit is about 40million people. We have six regions, the six geopolitical regions should be the region provided for as in the constitution in 1960 and let residual powers be in the Federating units of these regions. It will be in Nigeria’s best interest economically. All the duplication and multiplication by having 37 units of government with 37 cabinets in Federal and State levels are complete waste. Our recurrent expenditure is too huge at the expense of our capital expenditure. The Yoruba stand is if we are unable to make head way with the 1999 constitution, let’s just resolve to adopt the 1960 constitution. There is nobody in Nigeria today that I know of who can sensibly say he has no respect for our founding fathers in the likes of late Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Aminu kano. These are the founding fathers of Nigeria together with the pundits from Britain who agreed that regionalism was the best form of government for this country considering the multiplicity of

Continues on pg 47

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continues from pg 46 about 250 nationalities where everyone was living in his own area before the colonial masters came. What we are saying now is let us have six regional groups and every region will now decide what they would like to do, whether they will use provinces or States or even shrink the Local government from 774. Some of these local governments only distribute funds without embarking on any tangible projects. There is too much power in the centre and it should not be so. On the contrary, it was reported that a document was circulated at the ongoing CONFAB by the northern delegates claiming that the north has about 80% of Nigeria’s population and its resources were used to develop the oil sector, is that a valid argument? I am yet to see such document and I don’t want to believe that such document exists because they cannot make such claims. But I know it cannot be true. They should not generalise by saying “the north” because in the north we have many tribes that are non Hausa’s like Fulani, Nupe, Kanuries, Birum, Igbira, among host of other tribes. You can’t take them as a unit. There is no unit as large as the Yorubas.

s a unit we occupy the whole of western Nigeria as well as the bulk of Kwara State, a good slice of Kogi State, and also a group in Delta state. We even spill over to the Republic of Benin. If you ask the Yoruba speaking part of Kogi whether they would like to return, they will tell you they would love to be with their kit and kin. I happen to be the Chairman of the Yoruba education fund where we are trying to see how we can enhance our people’s education and culture which basically make us significant in Nigeria. We found that education has nosedived, we want to make it better. By consultation we found out

C M Y K

Vanguard , JUNE 7 7, 2014—47

‘Why Yorubas insist on true Feder alism’

Fashola...Who succeeds him? Ambode...The chosen one that the Itsekiri of Delta state, some part of Edo state, a group out of Kogi State, and almost the bulk of kwara state want to be identified with the Yoruba people. When we are talking about democracy the people should have a say on how they want to be governed. Those we refer to as our national heroes in the likes of Aminu Kano,

Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro, and Obafemi Awolowo, all agreed in 1960 on Regionalism as the best system for Nigeria. Then there was no reliance on crude oil. Sarduana was a shrewd administrator and they got along well by building pyramids of groundnuts. The East got along well, and the west was galloping under the leadership of

Obafemi Awolowo with revolutionary programs modeled for others to imitate, like free education, the first television network in Africa, and massive cocoa exports which became the main stay of our economy in the west. Alternatively, if we want to use the presidential system, then we must agree on using the six regional zones, so as to minimise the excess spending. The police force should be regionalised, while the Nigerian Army, the Foreign Service and the national currency should remain within the Federal legislative list. The CONFAB is a good opportunity we have and we must not allow it to slip off our hands. It was reported that you were going to lead the Ogun state delegates to the on-going National Conference. What later transpired? I was nominated by the Ogun state government to lead their team, as the Lagos State government nominated Femi Okunu to lead Lagos delegate which was published about two months ago. It was all over the media that the west has nominated their best eleven. But when the federal list was published, to my surprise, Femi Okunu’s name and my name were missing.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

Between protesting students and Police brutality

Education last Wednesday. It was another milieu of gas canisters, bullets, beatings and arrests around the Yaba area of Lagos state. BY LAJU ARENYEKA Over 50 peaceful protesters, including female students and two journalists were arrested. The pen is mightier than the sword. A reporter from Sahara Reporters was manhandled and had his camera broken by Pohis age old adage which has stood for genera licemen. tions now seems to have its very foundations Another reporter from the Nation newspashaken by recent actions of the Nigeria Police pers was also beaten up and arrested. She Force who have carried out a series of attacks on prorecounted her experience to Saturday Vantesting students clamouring for stability in the educaguard: “I was trying to take pictures when I tion sector. It would be recalled that the Academic saw that the policemen had ordered protestStaff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has been on strike ing students sitting in the bus to come out for nine months, the Colleges of Education Academic and enter the Black Maria. Staff Union, COEASU, has been on strike for six Then a policeman named Tunji slapped me months, and lecturers at the Lagos State University, and ordered me to stop. When I challenged LASU downed their tools two weeks ago over the state him, he slapped me, pointed a gun at me, Government’s refusal to reverse its outrageous fee hike. and then asked his superior if he should take LASU students wasted no time in joining arms with me down. It was then they arrested me.” Stutheir lecturers. Last Tuesday, the students embarked dents aren’t the only victims of the police on a peaceful protest beginning from their school gate seeming police highhandedness; lecturers at Idi-Orogbo, to sensitise the general public about have had their own taste of tear gas. On April the issues behind the strike. The 29, lecturers of Polytechprotest turned violent when ponics and Colleges of Edlicemen ambushed the protestucation were also asThey arrested about 10 of ing students in front of the Nisaulted by Police officers gerian Army Shopping Complex, our students. As I speak, at the gates of the NaOshodi. tional Assembly in Abuwe don’t know where they The LASU Student Union ja. Needless to say, they President, Comrade Nurudeen have taken them to.”Yusuf were refused access into Yusuf, said this to Saturday Vanthe premises to air their also alleged that about guard in an earlier interview: grievances to the elected ‘The police fired straight canisthree students were hit and members of the House. ters and also shot some bullets. Even in this democratthey have been rushed to They arrested about 10 of our stuic dispensation, examdents. As I speak, we don’t know ples abound of police undisclosed hospitals where they have taken them brutality on peaceful, unto.”Yusuf also alleged that about armed student protesters. three students were hit and they So far, there are no allegations of students have been rushed to undisclosed hospitals. being killed by members of the Police Force On Wednesday some of the arrested students were during these recent protests. But with tear said to have been charged to court. gas, live bullets and stampede, it might sadSetting precedence for the LASU attack was an earlily, only be a matter of time. God forbid. er assault on students of Polytechnics and Colleges of

UNILAG students receive investment education

one are the days when the university was a place only to learn how to manage other people’s money, but not to make your own. Investment One Wealth Management and Trust is teaching students all over the country to make informed investment decisions for the future through its Young Investors Forum. Speaking with journalists in one such forum in UNILAG last week, Managing Director of Investment One Wealth Management and Trust, Mrs. Abimbola Afolabi-Ajayi said: “Our company’s focus is to make retail investors acquire knowledge of the markets through several way of disseminating markets information, one of which is investment education. We hope that the forum will serve as a veritable platform to impact the university community positively and guide them in the quest to develop the entrepreneurial spirit that our dear na-

“Our company’s focus is to make retail investors acquire knowledgeof the markets through several way of disseminating markets information, one of which is investment education tion so keenly craves. We are working hand in hand with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Nigerian Stock Exchange among others to provide quality education on how the market works. .” Ore Shokefun of Kakawa Asset Management, who was also a facilitator at the event, said: “We are here to inform young people about the market place, because we believe that the earlier they learn about the market place, the easier it will be for them to secure a future financially. We are saying that if they save little by little, they will have much more money later in life.” Adedo Aisha, a UNILAG student of Early Childhood education recounted her experience at the forum: “I have really learned a lot today, and I am glad I came.

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 49

50—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 7, 2014 By Princewill Ekwujuru & Moses Nosike ver hundred million Naira, (N100 million) is said to have been received by anti-tobacco agencies in Nigeria on the fight against tobacco and tobacco related matters. Bloomberg, the fund provider on its website said that amongst the recipients were, Environmental Rights Action, ERA. ERA according to the site received a total sum of $657, 960 between September 2007 to November 2009. The report said the funding was meant for consolidated campaign for the passage of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, FCTC implementation bill. The report also stated that between 2010 – 2012, the anti-tobacco agencies received a total sum of $297, 456 (N47, 592, 960.00), while in August 2007 to August 2007; another $32, 225 (N5, 156, 000.00) was given for the same purpose. The report went on to say that between December 2007 to August 2008, the agencies collected a total of $186,188 (N29, 790, 080.00) for the purpose of mobilising support for litigation and other tobacco control activities in Nigeria. Other recipients to the Bloomberg fund as listed include the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, which also received various amounts totalling $185, 380 (N29, 660, 800.00) for lobbying towards the passage of the National Tobacco Control Bill in Nigeria from the period of May 2013 to May 2014 and $12,000 (N1, 920, 000.00), and from July 2013 to October 2013 to support the official launch of the GATS report in Nigeria. Another anti-tobacco lobbyists the New Initiative For Social Development got $29, 886 (N4, 781, 760.00) for strengthening the implementation and enforcement of Ekiti state Law on Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places and Mobilisation of support for the passage of the National Tobacco Control Bill. Also the Tobacco Control Foundation of Nigeria got the sum of $67, 942 (N10, 870, 720.00) for the

Exper ts clamour ffor or Experts structured retail marketing in Nigeria

Campaign against ttobacco: obacco: Anti-t obacco agencies Anti-tobacco share over N100m advocacy for the passage of the tobacco control bill in Nigeria. This amount translates to over N100 million (one hundred million Naira). In a related development, Isa Korede, a Public Affairs analyst based in Abuja, at a forum on tobacco tagged; ‘Tobacco Control and Terrorism,’ in Lagos, said tobacco control advocacy is a heavily funded activity hence an extremely attractive venture for many anti-tobacco lobbyists. Whilst majority of the stakeholders involved in tobacco control policies agree that industry regulation is extremely important, but that successes recorded in the tobacco control debate over the past decade are at variance. According to him, “studies have shown that tobacco consumption especially in the western world has decreased and focus has now shifted to the developing world, in other studies, it has been found that smuggling in tobacco has negated the effects of tobacco control policies. Even more frightening is the fact that tobacco smuggling is controlled by those who perpetuate the acts of terror.” He went on to say, “whilst the whole world waits eagerly for solutions to the perceived issue of tobacco scourge, anti-tobacco lobbyists adopt the strategies of smear campaigns, believing that the uglier the industry looks the more difficult it is for the tobacco

companies to operate.” “The concept of effective policy control, however, belies this strategy. Has it been proven without doubt that industries like the tobacco and alcohol are part of the solution and not outside of it. The tactics of the anti-tobacco lobbyists, according to him, also belies the intent and motives and expected outcomes from their campaigns. The aggression with which they push for a cause seems totally unconnected to the need for reduction of consumer intake of tobacco. The tactics and lack of depth of their various and seemingly spurious media allegations underscores the amount of funding which is often at their beck and call.” Adding, Michi Kawa, a major tobacco distributor in Kano, said the overriding focus of the lobbying groups is the tobacco industry and one tactic that they have deployed overtime is what is called de-normalisation. De-normalisation is apparently used to categorise all well intended activities coming from the tobacco industry as bad. While such tactics may seem good enough for some, one begs to ask the question for whose benefit is this for.? The lobbyists who seem to be getting more funding or the consumer who languishes away in the heat of their tobacco smoke desperately waiting for some protracted consumer education that will help empower them for better choices, or the provision of another alternative like a coke zero is to the beverage drinker (We should also have a tobacco zero which will give the consumer more pleasure and no harm).

L-R; President DMS Retail West Africa, Joseph Ebata; Executive Vice President / Senior Consultant DMS Retails, Matt Parmaks ; Chief Executive Officer, Ruff ‘N’ Tumble , Adenike Ogunlesi; Director Consumer Banking Group UBA, Ilesanmi Philips; and MD/CEO 3D Impact Marketing Limited, Solomon Itegboje during the Retail Leaders Conference held at Sheraton Hotel, recently in Lagos

Nigeria’s economy has charming prospects but—Security Expert While stressing that Ni-

he Director General, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, has said that Nigeria’s economy has a charming prospects, but for its security challenges The NIA boss, Mr. Ayo Oke made this disclosure during the Institute of Directors, IoD members evening , where he said that Nigeriais indeed an economic watch due to its security threat.

Oke went on to say that Nigeria’s economy has charming prospects but faces infrastructural challenges. According to him, “Nigeria economy has charming prospects but faces huge infrastructural challenges that impact negatively on the business environment.and threatens economic stability and further growth,” “he said.

geria is the largest economy in Africa due to its recent growth in domestic product,GDP rebasing, explained that the challenges impact negatively on the business environment. The DG also highlighted the challenges as: inadequate power supply, weak infrastructures, poor public services, frequently changing of government polices and crime.

onsidering the benefits of structured retail market ing to growing economies and business opportunities it creates, experts, industry practitioners at the recently concluded Retail Leaders Conference in Lagos, agreed that improved retail marketing is the way forward for developing countries like Nigeria despite the confronting challenges. Chief organiser, event and President, DMSRetail West Africa, Mr. Joseph Ebata, says Nigeria’s retail marketing has witnessed vast transformation in a short space of time, saying in less than 10 years, a lot of changes has occurred with the entrance of multi-national food chains and mega malls and supermarkets. Not many would have thought that concepts like online shopping would be a success in Nigeria,” he said. He added that Guarantee is when a manufacturer says they will be responsible for something and if that thing does not happen, the manufacturer takes responsibility for it, depending on the contractual relationship between the buyer and seller.” According to him, supply chains in Africa are more challenging than many other markets in the world. So key to success is understanding these challenges in order to offset the risks versus the opportunity which the continent offers. This knowledge will allow retailers to service markets with a supply chain that is agile enough to respond quickly to sudden or unexpected changes, flexible enough to customize products and efficient enough to protect margins.” Managing Director, L’OREAL West Africa, Idorenyen Enang, said that for organisations to achieve set goals and make an impact in the competitive global market, collaboration must follow structured retail marketing, with the ability to enshrine innovation at the slightest opportunity. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, who was represented by the bank’s Director of Consumer Banking, Mr. Ilesanmi Owoeye, agreed that Nigeria’s retail sector holds huge potential for growth. He listed several factors driving the growth of Nigeria’s retail industry to buttress his point. These factors, according to him, include the ongoing reforms in key sectors of the Nigerian economy aimed at bridging infrastructural gap, reducing unemployment levels, improving literacy level and improving access to funding by SMEs, which will significantly impact the level of disposable income and effective demand in the near future, affording the sector unprecedented growth opportunity. He also identified increasing technology penetration in Nigeria as another factor driving the growth of the retail sector.

Filling station site pits residents against compan companyy T he construction of a filling station embarked upon by ASCON Oil along Admiralty way, Lekki Phase1, Lagos has sparked off controversy amongst residents of the area against the oil company. Five residents of the estate: Rasheed Williams, Kayode Aderinokun, Alhaji Useni, Malachy Ezeoke, Mrs. Ogunmokun and Olujide Kuti had approached the court to stop the ongoing construction. For reasons, given the peculiarities of the Nigerian society, locating a filling station in a locality should ordinarily be a welcome development but the opposite is the case with the building drama and seemingly in-fighting amongst residents of the Lekki Phase 1 Estate, over whether or not the filling station should exist. The filling station billed to be sited at Block 36, Plot 10 Admiralty Way, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos is the plot where the oil company is to build the station which will serve the estate and adjourning communities. But that has pitched resi-

dents of the community against the company. The battle which started with protests and campaigns took an interesting twist when those against the plan to build the filling station in the location instituted a court case at a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Kazeem Alogba. Their grouse, according to findings revealed that the filling station when completed will cause endless traffic congestion in the area, especially during fuel scarcity. Another was that borders on safety and they alleged that when completed the filling station will expose the area to risks of fire outbreak from the petroleum outlet. Yet another concern of the residents against ASCON Oil was that the filling station would make the area targets of armed robbers who may target the daily sales from the station and by extension other neighbours. The aggrieved residents also averred in their statement that the construction and operation of the petrol station by ASCON on the land would pose a threat to their lives, health and property in form of pollution.

However, other residents under the aegis of Concerned Residents of Lekki Phase 1 Estate have contrary view to the one canvassed by the Plaintiffs. Their stand, was in support of any legitimate initiative that will bring about rapid relief. In a chat, the group said they have interfaced with the company on proposed filling station, and that they are satisfied with the explanations given. Biyi Olumegbon, a resident, countering the allegation by the Rasheed Williams led group, explained that with the selling points being proposed there was no way the filling station would lead to traffic congestion in the area. “We reiterate that we are not interested in the company that owns or operates the said filling station. We honestly believe that taking into cognizance the increasing number of commercial outlets and activities operating and taking place along the Admiralty way, the establishment of a filling station to cater for residents is a welcomed development and long overdue.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 51

Chibok Hostage crisis: Nigerians divided on Swap deal By Hugo Odiogor, Foreign Affairs Editor

ince the US swap deal with the Afghan based Taliban to effect the release of Sgt Bowe Bergdahl and five Taliban warriors, there has been renewed pressure on the Federal Government to enter into a similar deal with Boko Haram sect, to free the abducted students of Government Girls Secondary Schools, Chibok, Borno State. For over 54 days, the Chibok girls campaign has become the cynosure of national and international attention, nevertheless the US prisoner swap deal with Taliban has become a hot potato, because the US has often insisted that it would not negotiate with terrorists and radical groups. But the Bowe deal became imperative as US began its final military pull out of the conflictridden nation. Even in USA, the Republican party members are highly critical of the Bowe-

Taliban swap deal which they considered to have lowered the prestige and international standing of America. US diplomats are arguing that US was not directly involved in the negotiations which began three years ago. The Obama administration has maintained its ground that it acted in the best interest of America to ensure that no American service man was left behind in Afghanistan which US invaded in 2011 after the Al Qaeda attacked Washington and New York in September. The US had agreed to release five Taliban warriors who were detained at Gitmo Bay in Cuba in place of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl . Human rights activist and a known Boko Haram negotiator, Sani Shehu is spearheading the new initiative. Some believe that the Boko Haram sect are using the swap deal to escape from the international pressure that had being mustered against the abduction of the Chibok girls. International relations

Prince Ned and national security experts told Saturday Vanguard that the issue of swapping Boko Haram members with the Chibok girls is more complicated than the argument being presented. There are no fewer than 2,000 members of Boko Haram members that are detained for various acts of murder and destruction. A Senior Research At the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Prof. Fred Aja Agwu, said Nigerians want to be “experts on every subject under the sun especially on those issues where they are less informed about”. He said the reason why

Amb Ariyo nations do not negotiate with terrorist groups is because such groups give impossible condition that are difficult to meet and they are never trust worthy. Prof. Agwu,who is the author of five books including:The Law of Armed Conflict and African Wars; and From Rebellion, Insurgency to Belligerency: said “the Taliban was in power in Pakistan and it hosted Al Qaeda which was a terrorist group, but the Taliban itself was a militant group which shot it self into power. The US did not treat them as a terrorist organisation”. He said “in the war between the US and the

Prof Agwu Taliban in post 9/11, the two sides observed the rules of war and all those who were captured in combat were treated as POW prisoners of war. On the other hand, all those Al Qaeda operatives were summarily executed”. In his perspective of the Taliban swap deal, a former Ambassador and His Royal Highness, Adegboyega Ariyo, the Loja of Ibara in Ijesha kingdom, told Saturday Vanguard that the Federal Government should bend backwards and negotiate a swap deal with Boko Haram insurgents because “ the girls that were held hostage are future mothers and their continued stay in the

hands of the terrorists would expose them to indoctrination of the vile ideology of Boko Haram”. Ambassador Ariyo who served in Namibia said “the negotiation between a sovereign state and radical non state actors is abnormal in international politics and diplomacy but countries look at peculiar circumstances in taking their decision”. He said “the FG should consider swamping the girls with some women and children who may have been arrested for their suspected links with Boko Haram. A lecturer of International Relations at Covenant University Otta, Prof. Kayode Soremekun held similar views with Ambassador Ariyo on the prospects of swapping the girls with some Boko Haram sect members who are in detention. Prof. Soremekun said “ we are dealing with human situation here and the first question the president should ask himself is, what would be his reaction if his daughter was among the Chibok girls.

FG’s monetary policies injurious to job creation — Oshiomhole BY HENRY UMORU

dams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described Federal Government’s Monetary policies as too injurious to job creation, just as he said that investors and employers of labour would be discouraged to set up businesses when interest rates are very high. He also stressed that Nigeria has all the potentials, but warns that without power, without sensible industrial policy, without tackling corruption, we will continue to wallow in symptoms of Boko Haram.” Speaking yesterday at the Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi led Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF Retreat in Port Harcourt, Governor Oshiomhole while contributing to a paper titled, “Overview of the state of unemployment in Nigeria,” however blamed the high level of unemployment on faulty monetary policy and lack of electricity, adding, “It is like telling someone to live long and then giving him poison. “How can you

create jobs by pricing money out of the reach of investors in the name of achieving market stability. According to him, there was the urgent need for the private sector to drive employment at all levels of government as the governent alone cannot achieve it, adding, “Two things drive the private sector, money and infrastructure. “Governments, including the Edo State government, will never be able to employ everyone. Even if I devote all the resources of Edo State to create jobs. Speaking further, the Edo State governor who stressed the need for the provision of power if Nigeria must drive the economy, disclosed that companies like Michelin, Bata, textile firms in Aba had closed down because of lack of power, adding, “There is a limit to what we can do as governors without power. “In Bangladesh, a small country, 60 percent of their total earnings come from textile industries, creating millions of jobs. This is not what we see in pentecostal

From L- R Hon Minister of Works , Arc. Mike Onolememen, Dr. Edwin Clark , Father of Day ,The Author of Book Engr. & Mrs Guy Eboe Otobo, chairman of the occasion, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, former Head of State and the Book reviewer, Dr. Patrick Dele Cole, during the book launch by Engr. Guy Eboe Otobo in Lagos. Photos by Diran Oshe

business where, with the power of the Holy Spirit, everything becomes possible. Also speaking yesterday, Governor Abiola Ajibola of Oyo State who spoke on Transitioning out- Life after office: Perspectives and Challenges, disclosed that he would become a preacher to tell others that there is God after death, and urged his colleagues not to interfere in the activities of their successors or trying to interfere in their activities.

Pix L- r: Mr Sylverius C. Okoli, Director Wabeco Petroleum Ltd, Mr Per Berggren, Director Wabeco Petroleum Ltd, Gen. David Ejoor , former Governor Mid-West and Amb. Akporode Clark during the book launch by Engr. Guy Eboe Otobo in Lagos.

52—SA TURD AY 52—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , JUNE 7 7, 2014

Armed bandits, traffic gridlocks return to Mile-2, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway • as residents, workers narrate ordeals

Stories by OLASUNKANMI AKONI

CP Manko operation, while others would just mount their motorcycles parked nearby and zoom off. Recently, a young business man resident in FESTAC town was shot down at Mile-2 by gunmen and left to die in the pool of his own blood.

agos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, has ordered security to be beefed up around Mile 2 in Amuwo-Odofin LGA and ApapaOshodi Expressway following public outcry over the rising cases of armed robbery, violent attacks on motorists, and other road users by hoodlums. Reliable sources reveal that a joint patrol exercise comprising six Police Divisions from three area commands and two teams of policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have been strategically stationed at a section of the Mile 2 bridge and the descending part thereof to prevent any act of criminality. Before now, despite increase in the number of policemen patrolling these areas, cases of armed banditry have been rising with many people narrowly escaping death from the hands of men of the underworld. Residents of the area are worried, partly attributing the insecurity to the on-going construction work by both the federal and state governments in the area. They also blamed the incessant heavy traffic gridlock arising from the same road construction, lamenting the bold presence and activities those young bandits, undeterred by police. Eyewitnesses recount how these bandits, as early as 6am, operate without anyone challenging them: “You can see them sometimes in two or three, robbing from vehicle to vehicle with ease.” Some, they said, would just stroll away after the

The citizens of the area are now crying and urging the government to join efforts with the Army and the Navy to have effective patrol of the area with a view to flushing out the bandits and restoring the erstwhile sanity and safety of life and property in the area

One Francis, an employee of a media houses in Apapa, narrated this story: “After close of work one day, around 7.30 pm, as I was driving home there was this heavy traffic jam from Berger Suya to Mile2. “As I got to Otto Wharf, I noticed three hefty men coming toward my car. They banged at the driver side mirror demanding that I wind down the glasses, but I refused. Suddenly I heard the sound of shattering glasses as they used the butt of their guns to shatter the windows. In the process, they beat me blueblack and within a twinkling of an eye, they have made away with all my valuables: mobile phones, laptop, wristwatch, cash and some other things in my handbag. I sustained serious injuries on the head during the attack. I was infuriated when I got to the Mile 2 bridge and saw some policemen in a van stationed there doing nothing, but waiting to extort money from commercial bus drivers.” The citizens of the area are now crying and urging the government to join efforts with the Army and the Navy to have effective patrol of the area with a view to flushing out the bandits and restoring the erstwhile sanity and safety of life and property in the area.

BRIEFS

Fashola assures residents on affordable homes Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola has assured residents of his administration’s commitment to providing affordable homes to the citizenry, irrespective of class, religion, ethnicity, sex and other factors. The governor made this promise at the Blueroof Hall of the Lagos Television Complex, Agidingbi as 92 fresh home owners last Wednesday emerged at the fourth public draw of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS). In continuation of his efforts at providing affordable houses, Governor Fashola has also approved and disbursed a whopping sum of N2 Billion to contractors handling various state homes project for speedy delivery of the homes in different parts of the state. Speaking at the event, Governor Fashola said he was happy with the process of making other people happy. He applauded all the personnel that are involved in the process for a good job done, adding that he was not aware of any part of the country where 200 homes are being delivered every month and urged contractors to do more without compromising standard and safety.

Lagos equips 1000 workers for retirement About 1,000 retiring public servants in Lagos State last Wednesday attended a pre-retirement and managing post service workshop aimed at preparing officers for life after public service. The state Civil Service Pension office explained that the training became necessary following discovery that many public servants do not plan adequately for life after retirement. Speaking on the need for the training, Permanent Secretary, civil service Pensions Office, Mrs. Folashade Adesoye, noted that ideally, retirement is meant to be a thing of joy, a moment of satisfaction, and a period of self fulfillment if adequately prepared for. According to Folashade, “It has indeed been a journey of great challenges and experiences that was enriching and equally very demanding at ensuring that people do not need to panic, fear or be at loss as to what to do after leaving public service.”

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014 — 53

54 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 7, 2014

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014—55

Rufai raises Eagles alarm F

ORMER Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a veteran of two World Cups, in this interview with JACOB AJOM , says that the Eagles team to Brazil 2014 is not a perfect one and warns Coach Stephen Keshi to learn from the mistakes made by the USA 1994 team, which the former Anderlecht defender captained to a second round placement.

•Rufai

What is your impression of the Super Eagles squad to the World Cup? Stephen Keshi must have had sleepless nights evaluating players’ performance and blending that with the expectations of the technical crew and in line with the opposition we are going to face at the World Cup. I believe Keshi thought very well before selecting this final squad for the World Cup. However, criticisms over some players, who were dropped, or players who should have been there and those who should not have been there will follow. Such opinions are normal. There is no perfect list all over the world. Be it in Brazil, Europe, Asia or Africa. There is no perfect list. All that matters is the ability of the coach to know the journey he is embarking on and those he wants to carry along on the journey As one who has been there before, which of these Nigerian players do you think will carry the country’s burden on his shoul-

ders? It is not easy to sometimes anticipate or think that a particular player will shine ahead of any other in a particular competition. Football has taught me that at times you may have confidence in a particular player and on that beautiful day he will be the one to disappoint. At times a player you never thought of will turn out to be the outstanding performer. Just like the incident of Sunday Mba at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, a player they never thought of turned out to spring up a very wonderful performance on that day. All our foreign based professionals were there but it was Mba who shone like a million stars. When you are chosen among the final squad, what goes on in your mind as a player? In my own case, when I was selected for my first World Cup I was happy. But there was another thing on my mind that kept me busy, the thought of performing well to justify my inclusion. I kept saying to myself, “I hope I will perform fine....I hope I will perform fine.” This though would keep running through your mind. This is where the psychologist comes in with his expertise. They are not coaches but they will continue to pep-talk the team, conditioning their minds towards the games ahead. You spoke of Mba’s exploits at the Nations Cup and suddenly he was dropped from the squad to the World Cup. What do you

make of this? Selection of players is based on Keshi’s own evaluation which goes in line with his own expectation. And expectation goes in line with the target objective. Where do Nigerians want to get to? Who can sustain the heat? How far can a player go when compared to another player?. It is not only about how good you are, but also how good one can consistently be. One’s preparation, general character, approach, intelligence and ability to interpret the coach’s vision without supervision and so forth, a ll come to play when coaches do their selections. What is your advice for those dropped? Is this the end to their international careers? For players dropped, I will advise them not to see it as a setback. They should see to it that they make it to the World Cup some day. On a personal note, nobody thought I would make the 1994 Nations Cup team. But I did not only go to the Nations Cup(which we won), I also went to the World Cup. At the ’94 Nations Cup, Emmanuel Amuneke never wore a jersey throughout, until the final match. At a point when we go to eat, Amuneke would be making jest of himself. He would call on us, “old boy, make una no too chop eba o, na una de go play, me I be stand by,” and we would all be laughing. In the final match, Westerhof surprisingly handed him a starting jersey and he was the one, who saved us on that day.

So my advice to them is that they should walk shoulder high and be proud of their contributions to the making of the 2014 World Cup squad. The Super Eagles have Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Argentina to contend with in the group stage. What are their chances? There won’t be any easy match in this group. Iran want to win, Bosnia want to make an impression and Argentina have a lot to prove. It is not going to be easy for any team. In 1994, one minute of carelessness cost the country that match against Italy. What lessons can this team draw from that experience? That was the first psychological and mental breakdown I suffered in my life. I was most affected because I was facing the scoreboard.. After 84 minutes, it was Nigeria all the way until the penalty came. When the equaliser came, we felt we could handle it. We went into extra time and suddenly, there was a penalty and I felt I could stop it. If any other player took it, he would have missed it Roberto Baggio came up and scored. I was still courageous, hoping we will equalise. What killed us in that team was our lack of World Cup experience. My advice to the present squad will go to the technical crew, to remember the ’94 scenario against Italy. Keshi must not forget USA ’94.

Pa Itemuagbor goes home today

AFN golden league enters rush hour T

HE chase for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Golden League jackpot has been reduced to four contenders who will each battle for a share of the N2million at stake in the final of the league slated to hold in Warri next weekend. Top on the list is Chime Nkechi Leticia who competes for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the women’s Shot Put. The 21-year old has extended her dominance to all four legs of her event and will be seeking for a fifth consecutive win. Chime had a throw of 14.14m in the first leg in Abuja and further improved on her performance with 14.62m in Ilorin a fortnight later. The third leg in Akure proved to be a turning point as she hit a mark of 14.86m, and then finally concluded with 14.17m and 40 points in tow in the fourth leg of the competition which was also hosted by Akure. Another contender for a slice of

N2million is Martins Ogieriakhi in the 110 hurdles. Ogieriakhi who competes for the Nigeria Police Force kicked off his campaign with 14.01secs in Abuja and 14.09secs in Ilorin. He further extended his lead with 13.99secs in Akure and would be aiming for the perfect climax in Benin. The Nigeria Police men’s 4x100m relay team proved unbeatable in the Golden League series as they virtually held sway in all four legs of the competition and will also be looking forward to a share of the star prize. The team, which condemned their Delta State counterparts to a permanent second place finish, ran a time of 40.07secs in both the first and second legs of the Golden League. However the pack made up of Briggs Tamunotonye, Kasumu Ahmed, Efunsile Adeola and Akomolafe Ademola shattered the former record of the Police which stood at 40.07secs with a new time of 39.44secs in a race that served as the perfect climax to the third leg of the Golden

HE remains of Chief Pius Ite muagbor, the father of foremost sports marketer Mike Itemuagbor will today be laid to rest in his ancestral home in Okpekpe, Auchi, Edio State. According to the marketer of the Nigeria Football Federation, his late father, who would be fondly remembered for his humility and

service to humanity, will be laid to rest in his residence. Before the interment, a requiem mass will hold at at the St Mary of God Catholic Church in Okpekp while, while the activities for the day will conclude with a reception for guests, friends and family membersd.

TAN winners hail govt over Eagles

League. The athletes thereafter INNERS of the TAN ‘Fly me support to the team. ran 39.86 in the fourth meeting to Brazil’ promo have Oyeronke Oyebanji, who exin Akure. hailed President Goodluck for giv- pressed excitement at winning a The final group in contention ing the Super Eagles all they need trip to Brazil, said it wouldn’t for the prize money is the to fly high at the 2014 World Cup, have been possible, if the governNSCDC men’s 4x400 who beat kicking off next Thursday in Sao ment had not given the Super their Customs and NSCDC coun- Paolo. Tsarba Porgu stated that the Eagles the backing to qualify for terparts to second and third po- Super Eagles victory at the Afri- the World Cup. She urged the govsitions respectively. They posted can Cup of Nations (AFCON) in ernment to continue supporting 3:12.79secs, 3:15.68secs, 2013 was due to the fact that the the team so that it would do well 3:10.32secs and 3:11.27secs presidency gave its unflinching in Brazil. across four legs of the Golden League. Ahead of the final, AFN President, Solomon Ogba has called on corporate organisations to partner with the federation in order to make next year’s edition a bigger and more colourful affair, and with higher prize monies at stake. Ogba encouraged the private sector to take advantage of the federation’s Unique Selling Point as the only country on the continent that runs a Golden League, which is patterned after the IAAF Diamond League series, Members of the COPA Coca-Cola, Danladi Jerimiah (left), formerly known as the Golden Festus Akobundu, Okocha Miracle and Zedi Gerrisyn League. Omokhodion during a visit to the company’s Dome office in Ikoyi, Lagos.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 7, 2014

Ribery out of World Cup

With 5 days to World Cup kickoff•••

RANCE star Franck Ribery has been ruled out of the World Cup after he aggravated his back injury in training. France boss Didier Deschamps said yesterday that he had exacerbated the problem during a training session and would not now travel to Brazil.

•Ribery

Eagles, Yankees rumbleKickoff: in Florida 12 a.m. T

•Dempsey

Nadal crushes Murray, meets Djokovic in French Open final

HE Super Eagles will tonight at the EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida round up their preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a match against the United States of America. It will be the send-off match for the African champions, who after the encounter will fly out to Brazil for their opening match against Iran on June 16. After a run of two draws against Scotland and Greece, the Coach Stephen Keshi tinkered Nigerian side will be eager to finish their preperations with a win against a U.S side that have generated some momentum with back-toback victories during their own send-off Series preceding this summer’s soccer showpiece in South America. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann troops will atenpt to cap things off with one more victory against a fellow 2014 FIFA World Cup participant in Nigeria, who are paired with Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran in Group F. A record-breaking crowd is expected to attend the match. Ticket sales have already exceeded the record of 44 438 set in Jacksonville in 2012. Nigerians are expected to make up a sizeable chunk of that crowd, same way they turned out in numbers to cheer the team against Greece on Tuesday.

•Emenike

Italy, Holland, Bosnia, Cotê D’ Ivoire hit Brazil

EFENDING champion Rafa Nadal played his best tennis to set up a much-awaited French Open showdown against Novak Djokovic with a 6-3 6-2 61 demolition of Wimbledon winner Andy Murray in the semi-finals yesterday. World number one Nadal, an eight-times Roland Garros winner, did not concede a single break point in a one-sided encounter on Court Philippe Chatrier, sinking the seventh seed with a series of forehand winners. Murray, looking to become the first British male to reach the Paris final since tennis went professional in 1968, was never in the contest and made too many unforced errors on his usually reliable forehand. Nadal wrapped up victory on his first match point with a smash on the Scot’s serve.

ITH juust five days to the start of the World Cjup, teams have started flooding into Brazil, with Italy, Holland, BosniaHerzegovina and Cote D’Ivoire arriving the host country. Italy landed early morning at

Base Aérea do Galeão, in Rio de Janeiro, followed by The Netherlands , who landed at Rio International Airport..Cotê D’Ivoire were the third team to arrive in Campinas. On arrival at Viracopos International Airport, coach

Sabri Lamouchi said that his team is ready to face Japan (14 June), Colombia (19 June) and Greece (24 June) in Group C. The last team to land was Bosnia-Herzegovina.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Ethnic Group in Ghana – (5) 4 L.G.A in Enugu State – (7) 7 Solidify – (3) 8 L.G.A in Adamawa State – (7) 9 Flamingoes (U-17) Striker, Rasheedat – (7) 10 Lesotho Currency – (7) 13 Adult Male Pig – (4) 15 Niger Republic Capital City – (6) 18 Lagos State Commissioner for Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Toyin – (6) 22 Shin-bone – (4) 24 L.G.A in Borno State – (7) 25 Cameroon “Indomitable Lions” Full-Back, Dany – (7) 26 Insurance Outfit in Nigeria – (7) 27 Strange – (3) 28 Italian “Serie A” Premiership Club – (7) 29 L.G.A in Niger State – (5)

Down 1 South-West Zonal Co-ordinator, National Agency for The Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Joseph – (7) 2 Technical Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Commodore Omatseye – (7) 3 Former Director, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mrs. Grace – (7) 4 L.G.A in Sokoto State – (6) 5 Enyimba FC Goalkeeper, Thomas – (7) 6 Former President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Peter – (5) 11 Country in Asia – (4) 14 L.G.A in Kwara State – (4) 16 State in Nigeria Known as “The Eastern Heartland”? – (3) 17 Former Sokoto State Governor, Bashir – (7) 19 Cameroon Capital City – (7) 20 L.G.A in Anambra State – (7) 21 Former FCT Minister, Nasiru – (7) 23 England Capital City – (6) 24 Venomous Snake – (5

SOLUTION on page 15

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