Tribunal ousts Taraba gov

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 5

Four siblings killed in Lagos mudslide

BY EVELYN USMAN

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ragedy struck, yesterday, after mud detached from a hill at Isheri Magodo area of Ojodu Berger, Lagos, landed on two buildings, caving them inside the earth.

Four siblings were brought out of the debris of one of the collapsed buildings dead by rescue workers. But their mother reportedly escaped death by the whiskers.

The deceased siblings were identified as Sylva Odiah (23),Sayo Odiah ( 15) Clinton Odiah (11) and Endurance Odiah (8) .

Eye witnesses said the tragedy occurred occurred at about 6.45am during a down pour.

However, no casualty was recorded in the second building which had a single room apartment, as residents were said to have escaped unhurt.

The eye witnesses told Sunday Vanguard that a deafening sound, which shook the entire area, was heard. When curious residents went out to ascertain where the sound came from, it was discovered that the mudslide, near River Ogun, had fallen on the buildings located on Orisha Street, forcing them to cave in.

Rescue effort by residents was said to have immediately began.

The body of eight-year-old Endurance was the first to be recovered from the debris at about 7. 15 am.

Their mother was reportedly rescued with brusies and rushed to hospital.

At about 8.40am, the body of Sylva was reportedly recovered, followed by that of Sayo, about 35 minutes later and Clinton’s around 10.15am.

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the police later joined residents to participate in the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, the mother of the deceased siblings did

•My children sleeping, not dead – Bereaved mother •Where do I start from? – Father

Rescue workers at the mudslide site yesterday. Inset: Mr Odia (left), father of the dead children, being consoled by sympathizers not believe her children were dead, saying “they are still sleeping and will wake up soon.”

When Vanguard visited the

victims’ house, the mother, Felicia, was sighted outside the building calling the names of the four children; one after the other.

Felicia, who escaped with deep cut on her leg, narrated that most of the mud beneath the structure (staircase) on the cleavage

Tribunal ousts Taraba governor Continued from page1 the 37 ministers-designate expected to be sworn-in by President Muhammadu Buhari next week.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had concluded the Taraba State governorship election on April 25, after the initial poll was declared inconclusive.

In its judgment, the Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar-led tribunal said it was satisfied that Ishaku was not validly nominated by the PDP to contest the election.

The tribunal maintained that there was overwhelming evidence that the PDP in Taraba sidelined the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, and the 1999 Constitution, as amended, when it decided to hold the primary election that produced Ishaku as its candidate in Abuja instead of Jalingo, the state capital.

It held that the purported nomination of the governor for the election, without a valid primary election monitored by INEC, was in breach of Sections 85, 87 and

138(1) of the Electoral Act 2010, as well as Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The tribunal stressed that the governorship primary election the PDP held at its National Headquarters in Abuja, on December 11, 2014, was not known to law and was, therefore, invalid.

Besides, the panel held that the PDP failed to give cogent and verifiable reason why it decided to hold the said primary election in Abuja without the consent of INEC. According to the tribunal, it is a fundamental law in Nigeria that a candidate for an elective position must be duly nominated and sponsored by a registered political party before the candidature of such person could be deemed to be legally valid.

It said that the proof of evidence, adduced before it by all the parties, showed that the PDP did not conduct a valid primary election that could have led to the emergence of anybody as its sponsored candidate for the governorship contest.

Besides, the tribunal noted that INEC confirmed that it was not part of the primary election that produced Ishaku as the PDP candidate, saying Section 85 of the Electoral Act made it mandatory that PDP must give the electoral body 21 days notice before it could hold a convention or primary to nominate its governorship candidate.

Consequently, the tribunal held that, in view of the fact that Ishaku was not sponsored by any known registered political party in Nigeria, he could not lay claim to votes cast for any political party at theApril 11 election nor could he claim that he took part in the poll as an independent candidate.

Declaring all the votes Ishaku secured at the election as invalid, the tribunal ordered that the APC candidate, Alhassan, having

scored the second highest votes at the poll, be sworn-in as the winner of the governorship election in Taraba State.

It directed INEC to immediately withdraw the certificate of return it issued to Ishaku and issue a fresh one to Alhassan.

The tribunal said it was not unaware of the portion of the law that forbade it from directing the governor to vacate his seat. However, it said that, in the instant case, it had the power to remove the PDP governor on the grounds of his non-qualification to participate in the poll.

Earlier, the tribunal dismissed the allegation by the APC and its candidate that the Taraba governorship election was marred by overvoting.

The petitioners had contended that the number of votes recorded during the election far exceeded the number of voters accredited by the card reader machines.

It was the position of the tribunal that mere reliance on data captured by the card readers was not sufficient for the petitioners to prove that there was over voting.

Likewise, the tribunal dismissed four separate preliminary objections that challenged it’s jurisdiction to entertain the petition as well as the locus standi of the petitioners to file same.

The APC and its candidate, Alhassan, had gone before the tribunal to challenge the victory of Ishaku of the PDP at the polls.

The petitioners prayed the tribunal to void the governorship poll for corrupt practices and substantial noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

They also urged the tribunal to disqualify the 1st respondent, Ishaku, and hold that all votes credited to him during the election were “wasted and thrown away votes”.

The petitioners through

hill that was adjacent to their building had been washed away, adding: “Immediately the rain subsided, there was a mudslide from the cleavage of the hill which hit our house. The section hit was the children’s room.

“So I don’t know how I escaped from the collapsed building. All I knew after I escaped was that I called my children but none has been able to answer me. I know that soon, they will do because they are still sleeping.

“He (Shayo) was planning to gain admission into varsity this year. My son is still sleeping. I ran out when the incident occurred.”

How I lost children – victims’ father Mr. Okeoseye Odia, the father of the four siblings, told Sunday Vanguard. “I lost four boys today (yesterday); where do I start from?”

Explaining how the tragedy occurred, in an their lead counsel, Mr. Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, told the tribunal: “Contrary to the provisions of Section 85 of the Electoral Act, which requires the service of at least 21 days to INEC before the holding of congress for the conduct of primary election, the 2nd respondent (PDP) only delivered their notice to INEC on December 11, 2014, at exactly 6:04pm and held the purported primaries on the same day. This was apparently after they has conducted the said primary.

“That in defiance of the requirement of Section 87 of the Electoral Act, the 2nd respondent held the purported primary at Abuja as against Jalingo, Taraba State capital.

“That relying on their earlier notice to INEC for the holding of the primary at the Taraba State capital, INEC (3rd respondent) sent their monitoring team to observe the primary election on December 8, 2014, but the congress did not hold without any explanation from the party. “That in flagrant disregard to the demand of the Electoral Act 2010, the 1st and 2nd respondents held their primary in Abuja without approval from INEC. “That by reason of paragraphs i, ii, iii, and iv above, the 1st respondent was not duly sponsored by his political party as required under section 177(c) of the 1999 constitution nor duly sponsored, the 1st respondent is/was not qualified to have contested the gubernatorial election that held in Taraba State on April 11 and 25, 2015”.

Ishaku has a maximum of 21 days to appeal the judgment of the tribunal.

PDP blames Buhari Reacting to the verdict, last night, the PDP leadership described it as a plot by Buhari to use all means, especially the tribunals, to decimate the opposition.

According to the party, the judgment was an evidence of executive interference in the

interview, Okeoseye, a police officer attached to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, said, “I woke them up at about 12 midnight while sleeping on the sofa in the parlour. I went into my room. Due to the condition of my job, I woke few minutes past 4 am to prepare for work.

“At about 5 am, while in the parlour preparing to leave for the office, I heard a loud bang. Before I knew what was happening, the entire house was filed with mud and water. That was how I lost four children. My first son was 25-year-old.”

While others were wailing, the 50-year-od bereaved father could only sigh. He said: “As if I knew this would happen few months ago, I complained on how residents of Magodo Phase 1 were channelling their waste water into our community especially the building adjacent to mine.

But they didn’t yield. Today, their action has claimed my four children.” judiciary.

The PDP was, however, optimistic that the Court of Appeal would restore its “mandate”.

In a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party noted that the reason given by the tribunal for arriving at what it described as the bizarre decision was intriguing and further exposes the contradictions and double standards inherent in most tribunal rulings against PDP interests recently.

APC hails verdict But the National Women Leader of the APC, Hajia Ramatu Aliyu, asked Nigerian women to support the judgment, describing it as a watershed.

Aliyu, in a statement, said the judiciary displayed boldness and unfettered commitment to the sacred principles of honour, good conscience and truth.

She said: ‘’It is a clear affirmation that no matter how long it takes, never will the verdict of the people during elections be manipulated against their popular choice as expressed through the ballot box.

Indeed, by the ruling,ithasbeen proven that true democracy, sovereignty ultimately resides with the inviolable will of the people. ‘’I call on Nigerian women to rally support for the Tribunal’s ruling, especially in the circumstances that it remains a priceless watershed in our political history for our great Party to produce the first elected female Governor in Nigeria as desired and manifestly by the electorate in Taraba State. ‘’I exhort the Judiciary to remain alive to its avowed commitment to dispensing justice to all, man or woman, rich or poor, without fear or favour especially, in our collective effort to enthrone and sustain an enduring constitutional democracy rooted in free and fair elections.,respect for the rule of law and the wishes of the people.’’

PAGE 6 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

•The Director General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Olusegun Oshinowo, and his team during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), last week.

•From left: Mr. Fujii Hisashi, Marketing Director/Deputy Managing Director, CFAO YAMAHA MOTOR NIGERIA LIMITED; Mr. Olivier Levigne, Managing Director; Alh. Remi Bello, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu 1 of Lagos, at the CFAO YAMAHA stand during the opening ceremony of the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair where the Oba blessed the newly introduced YAMAHA CRUX motorcycle.

Nigeria loses revenue over non-passage of PIB held at —PENGASSAN Nigeria, PENGASSAN, PENGASSAN, the Nigerian National

P

By Johnbosco Agbakuru

ETROLEUM and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of

NNPC mulls $20 bn investment in 2016

By Sebastine Obasi

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HE Nigerian National P e t r o l e u m Corporation, NNPC, said it expects to invest about $20 billion in its operations in 2016.

The Group Managing Director, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated this at a luncheon organised by the Petroleum Club, Lagos. He said that already Chevron has indicated interest to provide $1.2 billion, while other companies are also willing to partner with NNPC. He said, “I am looking at 2016 to raise about $20 billion. Chevron is bringing in $1.2 billion, though we expect more from them. Luckily, the environment is right for investment. We are going

to put the money on infrastructural development, production.

We are going to be looking at all manners of how to raise money for our operations,” he said.

The GMD also said that the fiscal regime of the

petroleum industry bill, PIB, will be removed so as to address other salient issues in the contentious bill.

According to him, NNPC will experience structural and cultural shift in its management,

as its targets 3 million barrels production for 2016, while complete unbundling of the Corporation will be effected. The GMD also said that the complete forensic audit of the NNPC will be ready in December.

Flood cuts-off East-West Road

By Emma Amaize and Ike Uchechukwu

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LOOD has submerged bridges and cut off a section of the East-West Road at Ekenkpon community in Cross River Stat,e five years after a similar disaster.

Many commuters traveling, weekend, on the Calabar-Itu section of the road, a major artery in the

Niger Delta, could not continue with their trips because of the natural disaster.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that hundreds of motorists and their passengers, particularly those going from Calabar to Uyo and other parts of the Niger Delta had to return to their homes, while some slept on the road.

A commuter, Mr. Ekere Williams, who was conveying the corpse of his wife to Etinam community for interment, was among those

stranded at the scene on Friday evening.

He said, “I have already called a local mortician to be on standby because with what I am witnessing here, it will take other three hours before we get to our destination, I have been on this road since 7.

30 am, we lost a tire earlier, which we had to fix just before the power plant, but on getting to the power plant, I was shocked at the hold up here.

“I had no choice but to call my people at home, it is really pathetic,” he added.

Bayelsa guber: Dickson campaigns in Sylva’s community

By Samuel Oyadongha and Emem Idia

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OVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State in continuation of his community based campaign tour, at the weekend, visited the country home of the former state governor and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, assuring the people of his administration’s resolve to award the multi- billion naira Nembe-Brass Road during the first quarter of 2016, if re-elected for a second term in office.

Dickson, who was received by the Okpoama

Council of chiefs, commended the people of the area for their support and the large turnout, adding that it was a testimony to the fact that the people of Brass local government area were in support of the PDP-led administration.

He said the road project would be given attention as it would enable the administration achieve its policy of linking up mainland Yenagoa up to the Atlantic Ocean to enhance socio-economic development.

According to him, clearing and sand filling would be done in earnest as soon as the project is awarded to a competent contractor.

has said that Nigeria has lost a lot of revenue as a result of the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB.The association also told President Muhammadu Buhari to organise an all-inclusive summit of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry before the unbundling and re-presentation of the PIB to the 8th Assembly for quick passage next year.The PIB was passed at the last minute by the House of Representatives in the 7th Assembly but the bill not passed by the Senate.The National President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Francis Johnson, who disclosed this at the Fourth Triennial Delegates Conference of

Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, said his association would soon meet to strategise on how to ensure that the PIB was passed.Johnson said, “We take cognisance of the resolve of the present administration to unbundle the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, and represent it to the 8th National Assembly in the first quarter of 2016 to enhance its quick passage.”We hope that both the executive and legislative arms of the government will work together to give priority to the passage of the Bill given its importance to the nation’s oil and gas industry.”

APC senators’ rejection of N5, 000 stipend a slap on youths —Onuesoke

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CHIEFTAIN of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has described the rejection of the payment of N5, 000 to unemployed Nigerians by senators of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a slap and big disappointment to youths.

The APC senators had rejected the motion for the payment of the stipend at the floor of the red chambre.

Reacting to the rejection, while speaking to journalists in Abuja, Onuesoke said the greatest change and insult to Nigerian since May 29 was the rejection of the stipend, adding that the unemployed youths voted APC President Buhari and the senators into office because of their lofty promises but they rather turned against them by denying them part of the national cake.

Gov Ugwuanyi tasks pilgrims to be good ambassadors

By Francis Igata, Enugu

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O fewer than 116 intending pilgrims have left Enugu State Government House for the Port Harcourt Airport to be lifted to Israel for the 2015 pilgrimage.

In an address before their departure, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi reminded them that they were representatives of Enugu State and Nigeria at large and should,

therefore, behave in the holy land.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.

The governor said, “You are standing here as the representatives of Enugu State and Nigeria.

Be good ambassadors and your brothers’ keepers”.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 7

Dangote Ranked Among 100 Most Powerful People in the World A

Minister-designate and immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr BaBabatunde Fashola(2nd left) with President & CEO of the International Crisis Group, Mr Jean-Marie Guehenno (left), fellow honorees former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia, Mr Gareth Evans (right) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Ms Emma Bonino (2nd right) shortly before Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Dr Mo Ibrahim presented the Stephen J. Solarz Award on behalf of the International Crisis Group to Mr Fashola for his commitment to building a peaceful and vibrant society; his work to improve social and economic conditions in Lagos including his role in preventing the Ebola outbreak from becoming a crisis in Nigeria during the Group’s 20th Anniversary

frica’s richest,President of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, was, at the weekend, rated among the 100 most powerful people in the world by Forbes Magazine.

Aliko, the only black who made the list apart from President of the United States, Barack Obama, was listed at number 71 just above the top Republican Party contender for the US presidency, Donald Trump, who was listed at number 72.

President of Egypt, Abdel el-Sisi, was the only other African listed apart from Dangote and he was placed at number 49, under the defiant North Korean leader Kin Jong-un who was placed at number 46, while Igor Sechin of Rosneft and Ma Huateng were placed at 47 and 48 respectively.

The Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, sat conspicuously on the number one spot followed by the

Prime Minister of Germany, Angela Merkel, who made the number two spot, pushing Obama to an embarrassing third position.

The list had other powerful people like Pope Francis occupying the fourth position just under Obama, while the Chinese Prime Minister, Xi Jinping, was number five on the list.

The world’s richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, were placed at number six and 13 respectively, while Christine Lagarde of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) placed 23rd on the list.

Last month, Dangote was named among the 50 world most influential personalities by Bloomberg, the renowned United Statesbased news media with bias for business and financial news reporting.

The group of personalities, chosen by the Bloomberg Market, consisted of CEOs,

world leaders as well as religious leaders. As expected, Obama, Merkel and Pope Francis made the list with Dangote at number 41.

According to Bloomberg, those on the list “build companies and assemble fortunes.”

They run banks or hope to disrupt them. They shape economies and spread ideas. They manage money and wield the clout that goes with the billions of dollars they invest.

The Bloomberg said of Dangote: “The founder of Dangote Group, Africa’s most successful businessman, built his fortune in sugar, textiles, and cement in his native Nigeria where, today, he is a political as well as a financial power broker. He is expanding in other countries and may list his cement company in London Stock Market.”

Group alleges APC’s plan to snatch PDP states, cites leaked document

By Henry Umoru, Abuja

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HEAD of the De cember 5 Bayelsa State governorship election, a group sympathetic to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, SouthSouth Elders Coalition for Justice, has alleged moves by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take control of all the states in the geo-political zone as well as other parts of the country.

The group alleged that the APC had concluded arrangements to win all future elections, citing the leakage of an alleged working document with which the ruling party wants to grab Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

Addressing journalists, yesterday, in Abuja, the Chairman of the group, Boro Dokubo, disclosed that the PDP was worried that the National Working Committee of the APC could set up a committee to purportedly develop the document titled, “Political Penetration, South South/North Central Strategy Plan”.

According to the group, the document was designed by the APC to snatch PDP states through what it termed dubious means, adding that the script played out in the tribunal judgments in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states that started with the removal of Justice Pindiga as Rivers tribunal chairman to the outright cancellation of the gubernatorial election in the state and some local government areas in Akwa Ibom.

While condemning the role played in the preparation of the document by some prominent APC members including a serving governor of one of the North-West states, the PDP group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to

prevail on his party to respect the will of the people in the affected states.

The group warned the APC to desist from their alleged plans to cause mayhem in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Kogi States, saying the people would hold the APC responsible for any act of violence or acrimony associated with the recommendations as contained in the leaked plan.

The PDP elders alleged that the APC document re-

vealed plans to “capture and dismantle the SouthSouth and further plans to rig the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States.”

They added: “Worthy of note in the report was the well articulated tactics to carefully take over Rivers and Bayelsa States through the judiciary and indeed the entire SouthSouth from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”.

The PDP elders, who noted that the document was

the product of a committee set up by the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, said that its terms of reference include to identify the threat and opportunities for the APC in the regions where it did not perform well during the last general elections, examine the causes of the poor performances and suggest quick win strategies that will help the party build on its victory in such political territories.

According to the coalition, with APC’s moves to capture Kogi State, it has enlisted the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to perfect strategies to undo the efforts of the ruling PDP in the state.

The group pointed out that for the Bayelsa election, the APC strategists, in the document, recommended the removal of the current commissioner of police, the Director of Department of State Services (DSS) in the state as

well as the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6 based in Calabar, all of whom it said are perceived by the APC as not friendly enough.

The group said that the APC was also pushing for the replacement of the state Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioner and deployment of electoral officers and senior presiding officers from other states.

KOGI GOV POLL

I will not be distracted by hate campaign — Audu *State needs generational change — APGA candidate ..NANS endorses Wada ..Group plans debate

By Boluwaji Obahopo & Abiodun Alade

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he governorship can didate of the All Pro gressives Congress, APC, in the November 21 election in Kogi State, Prince Abubaker Audu, has berated the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for engaging in hate campaign against him, insisting that such move will not stop him from emerging victorious at the poll.

This was contained in a statement by Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Council, signed by its Chairman, Humphrey Abah.

He maintained that the assertion that members of the APC family from the Kogi Central had not been at ease since Audu emerged the party-flag bearer was the conjecture of a clique to hoodwink the people of Ebira land and create ethnic bias.

Meanwhile, the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in the elections, Dr Akwu Goodman, has said the state needs gen-

erational change of power to enable it to join comity of great states in the country.

Goodman who stated this at Idah during his campaign rally to the eastern senatorial axis of the state, said with the level of decay in Kogi, a new crop of leaders must come on board to overhaul the system and make life better for the people.

Also, yesterday, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, passed a vote of confidence, on Governor Idris Wada and equally endorsed the PDP candidate as their choice for the governorship election in the state.

NANS President Tijani Usman, who disclosed this in Lokoja while addressing a press conference said the group’s decision followed the assessment tour of facilities of all the state owned tertiary institutions carried out by the Joint Campus Committee, JCC. In a related development, the Coalition for Popular Participation and Credible Election, COPPCEK, yesterday, announced that debate for the 22 candidates con-

testing the governorship election in Kogi will hold today.

State Coordinator of COP-

PCEK, Reverend Father Leonard Odomeja, who disclosed this in Lokoja, said the aim of the debate was to

make the electorate have a good knowledge and understanding of the candidates and their manifestoes.

ANGLICAN CHURCH INTERCESSION

Six bishops, 200,000 members pray for Nigeria’s restoration Bishop of Awka, Dr. Alex IbeBy Vincent Ujumadu, Awka

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ix bishops and over 200,000 members of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Anambra State, yesterday, held a prayer session at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the state capital, during which they sought God’s intervention on the myriad of Nigeria’s problems.

The prayer session, held under the theme, ‘Total Restoration’, was organized by all the Anglican Dioceses in the state.

The Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, Most Rev Samuel Ezeofor, in a sermon at the ceremony, said there was need to pray for peace and unity of the state and country, especially at this trying time.

According to the cleric,

things were not normal in the country, adding that Nigerians should therefore analyze the situation properly and then go ahead to solve them.

He said: “There is reason for the present devastation in the land and that is why we must first investigate and analyze the situation before solving the problems.

“As Christians, we must watch and pray and seek God’s intervention in the problems of the world.”

He listed the problems facing the country to include economic meltdown, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, kidnapping, injustice, corruption, diseases, untimely death, ungodliness, among others, describing them as weapons the devil was using to torment the world.

In his address, the Anglican

zim, said the people should seek the face of God in every challenge they faced in the country.

He advised the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano to ignore any form of entreaties from any quarter to marginalize any religious denomination in the state.

Addressing the congregation, Governor Obiano announced a donation of two 32- seater buses to the Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade to enhance their activities.

Besides Ezeofor and Ibezim, the four other bishops in attendance at the ceremony were Most Rev. Owen Nwokolo of Diocese on the Niger, Onitsha; Most Godwin Okpala of Nnewi; Most Rev Henry Okeke of Mbamili and Most Rev Raphael Okafor of Ihiala.

PAGE 8—SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Send down the rain Lord to defeat Boko Haram!

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t will be an understatement to say the outcome of the 2015 General Elections in Nigeria was based primarily on two issues terrorism and corruption.

These two, no doubt, contributed to the final results of the elections and technically sealed the fate of the former President, Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that ruled the country for sixteen years.

While it may be argued that these two issues have been major problems in the country for many years before the election, at no time in the history of the country was there a sustained campaign to bring attention of the world to them, especially corruption. It is no secret that the "world" think of our leaders as corrupt, but never had we as a people rose up to agree with this "tag", as we did before the elections.

The sustained campaign by various groups and individuals to portray the Jonathan administration as "clueless" on how to fight the wave of terrorism carried out by Boko Haram was legendary. The officials of the administration did not help matters with their reactions to the audacious kidnap of the Chibok girls by the terrorists. An example was the video of the reaction of the former First Lady that went viral for the wrong reasons. The global attention on the kidnap of the girls was phenomenon and it comfortably sounded the death knell of the Jonathan government.

The "noise level" on the activities of Boko Haram and corruption in government was increasingly high towards the elections and in a short while the demand for "change" became louder and more synchronised.

The social media was "set on fire" with varied opinions while almost on hourly basis, the public was getting news updates on Boko Haram and allegedly corrupt officials of the Jonathan government.

Interestingly, how to defeat Boko Haram became campaign issue, with political gladiators promising to fight these evil jihadists with their last blood if elected into office.

Fast forward to many months after the elections and you will realise that the momentum that was gathered by the news, opinions and publicity about Boko Haram and corruption have all been lost. One tends to ask what has happened between the elections, the swearing in and the present time that

has warranted the "lull" in publicity? Corruption, especially, has got a new definition - it is not as broad as it was before the elections.

A friend of mine actually called my attention to these facts during the week. He noted that unlike in the past when all that circulated on the media were these two main issues, nobody seem to bother much about them any longer. He argued that while Boko Haram, now an affiliate of the ISIS, is still rampaging the northern cities and killing fellow Muslims, the media reportage definitely have moved from the front to inside pages.

The international media also seem to have rewritten their criteria for picking news worthy stories, especially from Africa. We cannot really blame the media as some of them surrendered their "agenda setting " function to political manipulation.

Has the confusing statements from the government on how it plans to defeat Boko Haram brought about the lethargy on foreign media?

Many supporters of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammed Buhari, have said times without numbers that he is the "only force" that can defeat Boko Haram. Citing his military credentials as evidence of seriousness and willingness to bring the terrorists to their knees, Mr Buhari was propped up as the messiah in waiting.

Observers have claimed that the terrorists would have been routed by now if there had been consistent coordinated attacks backed by modern warfare equipment

It was therefore surprising when on a visit to the United States of America in July, the president disclosed of his willingness to negotiate with the terrorists. This was against the run of expectations from the newly sworn in government and a no-nonsense general who waged war against indiscipline.

The President's decision to negotiate must however

not be taken as an act of cowardice, rather of sympathy with the Chibok girls. In an interview with CNN Buhari said:- "If we are convinced that the [Boko Haram] leadership that presented itself can deliver these girls safe and sound, we'll be prepared to negotiate what they want."

Months after this revelation, Nigerians are beginning to wonder if the negotiation idea has died a natural death. The fears were allayed in a recent interview with Al Jazeera News, the President went a step further to reassure Nigerians that his government is still very much open to negotiations, as long as the terrorists can give the assurance that the Chibok girls are still alive.

This is the hard nut to crack.

Adding a new dimension to the fight against terrorism, Mr President put a time scale to it. He assured that his government will deliver "victory" as Christmas present to Nigerians. Not minding the advise by some members of his party, the C in C is confident that all the Nigerian army need to do is "chill" till the start of the rainy season and Boko Haram will be in trouble.

The general idea a few months ago, especially prior to the General Elections, was that the Nigerian Army was gaining ground in the Sambissa Forest. We heard news of victories, surrenders and some of the terrorists fleeing their "duty posts".

And in recent times, there were news of "annihilation" of the group by security agents.

The worrisome part is that in as much as the security outfits are claiming victory, these terrorists have devised ways of coming back from dead and inflicting more pains on innocent Nigerians. The spate of bombings in recent times have not assured Nigerians that the tables are turning.

Observers have claimed that the terrorists would have been routed by now if there had been consistent coordinated attacks backed by modern warfare equipment. And as revealed recently, if only we have dedicated and resolute soldiers who are not likely to abandon their stations at the sound of footsteps of BoKo Haram terrorists.

As the dialogue seemed to have stalled, Nigerians have no other option than to wait prayerfully for the magical date in December so they can say good bye to terrorism on their shores.

Yet one has the nudging feeling of conspiracy of silence, among the citizenry, as against what was obtained before the General Elections.

This is why I support the deadline set by the National Human Rights Commission that by December (again), eighty per cent of Nigerians must know their rights (by force?).

Maybe, only maybe, we will start asking the right questions after December, when we are aware of our rights.

A turn around is possible Joy is in the air! I declare in the name of Jesus, your time has come!

Why am I starting on such an optimistic note? Last week, a friend posted the picture of a woman, who became a mother after 21 years of waiting, to my Facebook page.

Let’s imagine what she would have gone through in those 21 years. Imagine how lonely she would have been at home even when her husband was there.

In-laws, even her own relations would have written her off.

Her husband must have been advised to go and marry another wife.

There would have been all sorts of pressure.

Imagine how she would have felt when her colleagues at work held birthday parties for their children.

We can go on with our endless imagination.

The steps we take In most cases , couples waiting on the Lord for children consult medical practitioners.

After series of medical examination, some are diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance, low sperm count , ovarian cyst, etc.

I have seen quite a number of women who had fallopian tube surgeries and still did not have children. Some doctors are bold enough to tell their patients that if conception does not take place after a while, the tubes may be blocked again.

I know a lady who went through some of these including artificial insemination, yet no baby was born.

In the process of running from one specialist to another, she met a surgeon who simply told her that her womb was too small to carry a baby. She was, therefore, subjected to some kind of surgery.

Then she met another specialist who told her she had no business with the first surgeon because his claims were false.

She became confused.

A specialist discredits a fellow specialist.

Relations who thought she wasn’t doing anything even introduced her to herbalists.

She went from one herbalist to another, yet nothing happened.

No baby was born.

This lady then suggested a divorce to her husband at least to avoid societal pressure, but the man refused.

Her husband told her it was too late to divorce.

He told her to learn to be patient.

She intensified her prayer and made a decision to depend on God only.

God is never late At a point, she went to the United Kingdom and her friend warned her that, being close to 40, it was too late for her to have a baby even through IVF. Confidently, she told her friend “ God is never late”.

How do we know that God is never late? Pastor Lazarus Mouka, the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen, in a sermon, said, “ God is never late.

He will surely fulfill what He has promised you”.

However, he said, you also have a responsibility. Pastor Mouka said, “If you believe it and confess it, it will surely happen”.

The pastor based his sermon on Genesis 21 vs.1 which states, “And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said and the Lord did unto Sarah as He had spoken”.

He went on: “ God

Have tongues been mocking you all along?

The Lord will shock your mockers and silence them permanently this season cannot lie.

He cannot change. What He has promised to do, He will do”.

The man of God, however, warned that we should avoid negative confession.

The good news is that this woman we mentioned earlier, went on to have children including a set of twins after 21 years of waiting. The same womb that was said to be too small to carry a baby produced a set of twins.

Isn’t our God awesome?

Don’t give up What is it that you are trusting God for?

According to Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, there are several forms of barreness.

Yours may not be about children. It could be financial barreness, it

could be stagnation that has kept you in one position for years and denied you your dues, it could be poor health, no marriage partner, etc.

Whatever it is, don’t give up.

The woman whose picture was posted on my Facebook page, last week, and cuddling a baby after 21 years of waiting, must have been over joyed..

Her situation has turned around.

Why children?

Why do we talk about children?

Why do couples, especially in this part of the world, struggle to have children ?

Beyond procreating, children, according to Pastor Adeboye, are “ carriers of blessings”.

In his daily devotional manual, Open Heavens, the RCCG General Overseer gave an insight into the essence of children in our homes.

He wrote: “ Children are carriers of blessings and they can bring an end to an era of sorrow.

Wherever they go, they take blessings along with them”.

To buttress his point, he went further; “ For instance , when Isaac was born, the sorrow in the hearts of his parents was terminated. Also when Samuel was born, the mouths of mockers who made life miserable for his mother were shut”.

Are you being intimidated by mockers?

Don’t worry, God will soon shut their mouths.

Pastor Adeboye, who made reference to Ist Samuel 2: 1-10), emphasized, “ Children can permanently shut the mouths of mockers!

“Has the absence of children in your home brought you sorrow? That sorrow shall be taken away this season!.

“Have tongues been mocking you all along?

The Lord will shock your mockers and silence them permanently this season”.

I have made reference to Pastor Adeboye’s message not just because one wants to echo him, but he made a prophetic declaration which anyone in that situation must key into and, as you pray, you begin to say, ‘as God has said through this man of God, my sorrow shall turn to joy this season’.

Your responsibility As men and women of God always advise, you also have a responsibility.

To fully tap into this prophetic declaration, Pastor Adeboye urged you to first “ give your life to Christ if you have not already done so, and submit yourself to God”.

He also suggested, “ Take time and pleasure in doing the things that make Him happy”.

Thirdly, he said, “ Give him quality praise, thanks and worship always and He will surprise you”.

If you are already taking these steps, intensify them and, when you least expect, God will surprise you.

It is well with you in Jesus name.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 9

rexmarinus@hotmail.com

TORCH TAIRE (1933-2015) (And the Horn May now paw the air howling g o o d b y e … ” ) -Christopher Okigbo (“Elegy for Alto”)

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orch Oritsewenyimi Taire – his friends called him, TOT was among many things, a man of great sensitivity: an aesthete – not in the mushy, pretentious way of the noveaux riche. A friend of poets and artists; a great lover of beautiful things. He had an eclectic mind. He was a truly renaissance man. I learnt from Torch Taire, more than a university could teach. He was a great repository of the lore of nation. He was friend to powerful men, and he was himself, without doubt, a powerful man. But you would never know it.

He carried himself with the ease of a bohemian.

Torch was in fact a bohemian at heart. I think that was why he was great friends with Christopher Okigbo, the immortal poet of the very epigram of this eulogy. I do not mourn Torch, because he would have found it unnecessary. I find, the more I look for any cause to mourn, that there is none. He lived a full and satisfied life. So, I choose to

celebrate him, and to dress him in his best habit, and bear witness that he was a man who, in the words of one of his favorite poets, Felix Tchicaya U’Tamsi, chose to be present at the renewal of the world. I first met Torch Taire about twenty-five years ago, and he took me rather seriously as one of his younger friends. I was working on the biography of Christopher Okigbo, and I had been talking with Professor Ben Obumselu, who said, “there is a man you’ve got to meet, one of our best friends, Torch.”

He made a call, and I was invited very instantly to lunch. That launch began for me one of the more pleasurable associations I’ve had, because Torch was deeply, intellectually curious, and wise, and worldly. He knew too many things, the insider politics of contemporary Nigeria; the murky and dark drama of high finance, the different textures in French cognac, the fine and dexterous ligaments of a contemporary sculpture. He once took me on a tour around his classic Roll Royce parked in the garage of his elegant home in Anthony Village, and gave

me an impressive lecture on mechanics. He could, even though he tended to be occasionally sanguine about some “professional intellectuals,” put many a professor of Literature to test, with his vast knowledge and interests in books. He was a bibliophile, and his private library, in the great suite of his bedroom at his home in Anthony Village, was evidence of this – his many collection of some quite rare books, including I came to find, now rare early and original prints of the Mbari editions of some of the most remarkable writers of his own generation, with whom he was actually close. People like J.P. Clark, whom he thought to be an intense genius. Soyinka he felt was distant and brusque. “That was the difference between him and Christopher ” he once told me. “You could meet Christopher in an airport anywhere in the world and he would let out a piercing, celebratory scream and embrace you.

Not Wole.” These intimate views came from close association with the leading lights of modern Nigerian literature in the exciting years in Ibadan, during the years of the Mbari club.

Torch Taire lived in those years in Ibadan too, as the Pharmaceutical Rep of Parker Davies, then one of the big Pharmaceutical companies operating in Nigeria, and lived next door neighbor and friend to the poet Christopher Okigbo, on UAC Crescent in the Onireke area of Ibadan, and next door to him, on the other side was Godwin Adokpaye, then Mobil’s Regional Manager in the Western

Region, who later retired as Chief Executive of Mobil, years later – and they were all then, young, cocky men, driven by the impulse of the great nationalist spirit represented by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Torch himself was a thorough Zikist, even though his best friend was the late Segun Awolowo, first son of the great Yoruba politician, and Oluwole Awolowo, the younger of the sons, was a

A friend of poets and artists; a great lover of beautiful things. He had an eclectic mind.

He was a truly renaissance man. I learnt from Torch Taire, more than a university could teach

follower of Zik, not of his own father.

It was through Torch that I learnt all these; about the innocence and idealism of their generation, and the compelling hunger for a greater Nigeria which drove him to the very end. Torch also apparently loved the thunder of guns – he was a merchant of guns himself, a major Arms contractor, and he became wealthy as a businessman, in the great boom years of the 1970s, and did quite a bit of business with British Aerospace. As Chairman of Stanley Torch Limited, with his offices established downtown in the penthouse of one of the more elegant high

Appeal Court revalidates Akinlaja’s electoral victory

BY EMMANUEL AJIBULU

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he Appeal Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital has dismissed the appeal challenging the victory of Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja representing Ondo East/ West Federal Constituency.

Akinlaja was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the March 28, 2015 election.

The court rejected an appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Olabamidele Olanubi, for lacking merit.

Olanubi had approached the appellate court to

Hon. Akinlaja challenge the verdict of the election petitions tribunal.

The court presided over by Justice Mohammed A. Danjuma, held that Olanubi’s appeal was a waste of resources and

time. Danjuma said Olanubi’s appeal was lacking in merit which was why the lower tribunal earlier struck it out. The appellate court also stated that the APC candidate submitted unreliable documents to the court and subsequently presented unreliable evidence in his appeal.

Akinlaja, while reacting to his victory at the appellate court, said the judgment was good for Nigeria’s democracy, expressing gratitude to God for making the case to go in his favour whilst pouring encomium on Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his

constituents in Ondo East and West Local Governments, for standing by him through the litigation period.

Asked on his advice to the petitioner, Akinlaja stated that Olanubi, in the interest of democracy, should join hands with him to move the state and constituency forward.

Lead counsel to Akinlaja, Mr. Remi Olatubora, on his part, commended the decision of the Court of Appeal saying it won’t be out of order if Justice Danjuma, after retirement, picks a job as a university lecturer, judging from his erudite delivery of the judgment.

rises on the Marina, Torch had a sweeping view of Lagos. He was a thorough Lagosian too, and knew anybody who ought to be known in that city full of its own mysteries. His wife, Femi Taire, was a “Lagos Girl,” a daughter of a prominent Lagos family, and at some point Secretary to the government of Lagos state.

By this time, of course, Torch was already retiring, into the twilight of things.

But in his more active years, Torch Taire was a great city socialite – Epicurus was more his avatar – the life of lovely ease among friends, and the hum of the open table upon which he entertained generously and sumptuously – more so than the stoical, into which he retired in his last years.

He became more active as a Baptist. But it was always said, among Lagos society, that in the days when Torch Taire was active, his flats in London in the 1980s, on South Audley street, was the place to party.

Indeed, Torch told me, that Amartya Sen, the Bengalese Indian Economist, who later won the Nobel Prize in Economics with whom he had become friends and neighbours in London, inherited his Steward. He was in many ways, not unlike the wealthiest of Nigerians, drawn to excess. But Torch was equally different in one regard: he was more subtle; more sophisticated.

He was a great patron of the arts, and perhaps one of the greatest collectors of Modern Nigerian Art. He had in his collection the

works of the greatest Nigerian artists, from Ben Enwonwu, to the more contemporary.

His collections overflowed the corridors of the private quarters of his home, down to his basement. One of the distinct pleasures for me always, on my annual visits to Nigeria, was always to make certain to drop by and see Torch Taire and Sam Amuka in Lagos, since they lived in the same neighborhood. It always annoyed Torch that I always had only one day to stay before traveling back.

“You must plan to stay at least one full day!” he said to me the last time I saw him, this past year. But alas, death has once again proved, that we are all captives to time.

Torch Oritsewenyimi Taire: businessman, arts collector, socialite, and pharmacist, was a very complicated man. Educated at Hope Waddell, on whose football and cricket teams he made his mark in the 1950s, but was finished in the great boardrooms of business; he was a natural artist, and instinctive poet, and an astute businessman. He love passionately his wife Femi, and always seemed to me a little awed by her, and was a great and loyal friend to the poet Okigbo, who was the bestman at his wedding in Ibadan in 1964. He loved his children, and was especially proud of his daughter, Eyitemi, whom he had educated privately at the Roedean School, and whom he proudly told me “ will be the first female managing director of NBL.” But the greatest and consoling pleasure of his later life were his grandchildren. May the angels guide him home.

Delta lawmaker advises Emerhor, Ogboru

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HE Delta State House of Assembly member representing Ughelli North constituency II, Hon. Eric Oharisi, has urged the candidates of Labour Party, LP and All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Great Ogboru and Chief O’tega Emerhor to collapse their structures into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for a better and stronger Delta.

Oharisi who gave this advice while congratulating Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, said the tribunal victory was a divine testimony of a genuine mandate given to the governor by the people of the state.

While affirming Okowa’s victory as one for Deltans, Oharisi explained that he was not surprised by the victory at the election petition tribunal, as according to him, Deltans had given him their mandate and he was convinced that with God on his side, he was going to be victorious.

The lawmaker who spoke through his Political aide, Hon. Jim Omokoro,urged the leadership of APC, LP and its candidates in the state to team up with Okowa in moving the state to an enviable position, calling on Deltans to rally round the governor to bring dividends of democracy to the people of the state who gave him their mandate during the election because of his antecedent.

Lagos group commends Buhari, Tinubu, Ambode T

he Liberty Foundation has commended Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, for the quality of his cabinet members even as it praised the All Progressives Congress,APC, led government for its efforts to tackle corruption. In a release, the group also urged the state government to address traffic and armed robbery which appeared to be on the increase in the state.

The group’s founding Chairman, Akeem Danmola; incumbent President and Chairman,

Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Dr.Olujobi Ososanya; the state Coordinator, Dr. Taiwo Olayiwola Ameen; and the

Chairman, Epe Division, Dr Sakiru Olayiwole Onansanya, among others; eulogized the strides of APC leaders, especially

President Muhammadu Buhari,Senator Bola Tinubu, Ambode and other APC governors who not only stood by their words to actualise

the much amplified CHANGE, but also demonstrated same in their respective actions to carry out the manifesto of

the party to drive the change agenda.

They spoke at the organisation’s symposium on the state of the nation, held at Surulere, Lagos.

facilities at the centre however frowned at the absence of technical personnel who ought to be providing the necessary guide to both the staff.

He stated that government had invested so much on the project, adding that it was a wonderful project that

required special attention so that the facilities could be used to improve the economic sector of the state, especially in the area internal revenue. Igwe commended office of the Head of Service for its managerial ability, saying that was why the equipment were being safeguarded.

‘The Umahi ICT dream for Ebonyi’

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bonyi State Government workers have been enjoined to develop interest in information and communication technology (ICT) as that will help to improve the human and natural infrastructure in the state. Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT,

Prince Aja Nwabueze Igwe, gave the advice during his familiarization visit to the State Staff Development Centre in Abakaliki. Igwe told the staff that Governor David Umahi was poised to make Ebonyi an ICTdriven state for industrialisation and economic diversification.

Explaining that he was at the centre to build a synergy that would enhance capacity building in the state, he stated that proper integration of his office with the centre would bring about the actualization of the governor’s idea of digitalizing the state. The SA, who used the opportunity to inspect

PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Herdsmen, MASSOB and need for caution -- 1 “If you can keep your head/while others around you are losing theirs…

Rudyard Kipling, 18651936. hat was one of the conditions good old “Rudy” gave for becoming a real man in one those long poems which we were proud to memorise at Igbobi College in the early 1960s. As much as possible, it has become a vital part of my life. The principle is “in any circumstance, be the last to get hysterical”.

At the moment several events are driving Nigerians up the walls.

Predictably, when a nation is besieged by an avalanche of social, economic and political challenges, there is no shortage of “Quick Fix” solutions. Invariably, the proponents of those “solutions” depend on the current pervasive frustration felt by most of

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the fellow citizens to present their ideas articulately and loudly.

Noise is always an essential part of whipping up mass hysteria. It seldom sheds light on the issues at stake and the promoters of the agenda seldom bother to consider the consequences. To them, the most important thing is to be heard.

Fortunately, late Senator Hubert Humphrey, 19111978, a for mer VicePresident of the USA, on August 3, 1965, in Madison, Wisconsin, had told another hysterical group of university students (including me) that “The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.” It was a devastating put down; impossible to forget.

Two matters, calling for extreme caution, dominate

Biafra: Time we have that talk "Older men declare war.

But it is youth that must fight and die." — Herbert Hoover n war, they say, there are no winners and yet, there seems to be calls to arms and calls for war or threats for one if Nigeria does not allow a section of Nigerians to go their own way. In fact, some have taken to the social media, to denounce their allegiance to Nigeria and some go as far as burn their Nigerian passports, they argue, that for them, they no longer want to be part of the Zoo, the Zoo, being Nigeria.

Really, what ever gave them that idea?

They have been listening to too much radio.

The motivation to leave Nigeria seems to be deep and seeped hatred and they show their abhorrence for anyone that has a different view from theirs. Instead of them to better their point, they take to abuse, ridicule and threats. Whatever for?

They look for champions for their cause, when they should be making changes in their own lives so that they can be better citizens rather than being spectators and trolls. It is a pity that sometimes when you talk sense to a fool, he calls you foolish.

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In the meantime, others are hell-bent on carving a separate country from Nigeria for distinct ethnic groups that also pose its own dilemma: do we know who really wants to go and what happens to those who want to stay in Nigeria? As of last week, some groups who are thought to belong to the same geo-political group are registering their non-committal to join in the secession should it happen.

So who wants to join Biafra or a revival of Biafra? For those who are ready (or so they think) they are quick to put down those who have refused to join the movement, they say, they did not need them anyway.

Suddenly it is not looking as clear cut as it was heralded; it was sold as the answer to every problem and a Shangri-La. The reality is that nothing is that idyllic, far from it. If people don't feel at home in Nigeria, what makes them feel they will feel differently when they secede? They isolate themselves, create animosity and as they don't want to be part of the solution, they then become part of the problem. If you are born in Nigeria, no matter what tribe, religion or political party

our discussions theses days, apart from the APC/ PDP political tango. The first concerns the herdsmen and the other the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. Because the issue of the herdsmen (and women incidentally) has become a hot issue in Yorubaland, permit my “charity” to start at home.

It will not end there.

I was closer to the herdsmen than most Nigerians could ever be because within two years of relocating to Kano, I had a small flock which was on the move by herdsmen and women. Contrary to the notion most Nigerians have, of several rampaging mobs of marauders, what is on the move 24/7 are several families and communities working to feed the nation with animal protein. The flock they drive around the nation turns millions of tonnes of grass, shrubs and leaves (all useless to us) into meat which we love to devour.

For the most part they graze in places where there are no farms and no human settlement. If the truth must be said, they take great risks with their lives, which are copiously lost, to grow their cattle. The encroachment into farms, admittedly reprehensible, is almost always inadvertent and not premeditated.

The herdsmen and women don’t carry compasses, they follow the sun and the affiliations, then you are Nigerians. QED. The issue here is some feel that the country owes them, no, it does not, what have they done to make Nigeria proud? It is easy to make demands, when you do not invest in making Nigeria great. Talk, I believe is, cheap. Action is needed or put and shut up as they say.

Don't get me wrong, there is a genuine need from those that feel aggrieved; there is a need for some to have a place where they can call home and a sense of belonging. That does not have to be another country, it should be within Nigeria.

Having a country of a homogenous group, is not the panacea and the answer to those who have felt they have been marginalized by the country, other religions and other tribes for so long.

History does not support this and we know that if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail. What are the plans and what are the strategies in place for the new citizens.

There are so many suppositions and not enough evidence to support the emergence of a new place. People are sold an idyllic place, and utopic existence and they are leading people down the river to line their own pockets and give themselves grand positions while others will be living in grinding poverty. What are the grounds for secession and what are the plans in the future and what is the identity of these people?

Those who do not want to join the exodus, will they need a visa to visit, and can there be a dual nationality for those born in Nigeria and residing in Biafra? And would it be self-sufficient?

seasons and they have only a rough notion of their own location on the map of Nigeria. If they invade a farm, as some of them do, it is not because they have decided in advance to enter “Farmer X’s” farm and pillage it; most of the time it because they lost their bearings.

I have gone into those details because of conversations I had with the fellow handling my flock.

And, I can assure the readers that close to 99.9 per cent of herds people are not violent or deliberately destructive.

examined against the background of the information provided above. To be quite candid, I think the Yoruba leaders who gathered at Ibadan, as well as others who are calling for “drastic action” (secession, interethnic conflict, self-help etc) are totally misguided. The leaders of Afenifere and their spokesman, Yinka Odumakin were acting out of character. To me they have always followed the path of caution. It is possible that

The flock they drive around the nation turns millions of tonnes of grass, shrubs and leaves (all useless to us) into meat which we love to devour Let me also correct another pervasive mistake which, if not taken into account, could result in ethnic cleansing of Fulani people.

While the majority of herdsmen are Fulani, not all are Fulani. Thus, our penchant for always referring to all of them as Fulani herdsmen puts the entire blame on the Fulani.

That is most unfair.

Now the current uproar in Yorubaland, especially after the kidnap of Chief Olu Falae, CFR, can now be

the relative loss of relevance in the politics of the South-West is responsible. Femi FaniKayode’s outbursts are not surprising. His love for fishing in troubled waters is inherited from a character who was a major player in the WILD, WILD WEST of the 1960s. Femi has also inherited cowardice.

When the war for which he is clamouring starts, he will run for cover.

The first question one

Or is there a get out clause so that when the new independent state does not work out, people could leave and start all over again.

It could be like East and West Germany all over again.

Maybe that is a wrong example as the East Germany then was a miserable place and the poorer relation to the West. I know, I was there during the iron curtain. They built a wall so their citizens cannot escape to the other side. People need to understand that freedom comes with responsibility.

There is no easy route to freedom. It is all well and good for those who say they will do anything for a state of their own. When the time

the war but, I was old enough to experience the horror of the war from the safe confines of Lagos. I witnessed the bombardment and our Igbo neighbours who never came back. I saw sick soldiers coming back from the war with gaping wounds and life threatening wounds, their eyes boring into the very souls of what they must have seen and done.

The problem with Nigeria is that a collection of people all come together pre-1914; Ijaw, Igbo, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Nupe, Kanuri, Ogoni, Gwari, Kataf, Edo, Ibibio, Efik, Idoma, Tiv, Junkun, Biroms, Agana, Ogoja and many more. We did not have a border prior that and people did business and co-existed with one another within various kingdoms like, Oyo, Lagos, Calabar, Brass, Itsekiri, Benin, Tiv, Borno, Sokoto Caliphate, Kano,Ilorin, Zaria and so on. Colonisation did more than to bring us together and create a wedge between tribes and the resentment continues to this day in terms of preferential treatment by the former colonial masters.

This is a shame that instead of closing ranks post-independence, we have widened the gap and are more separated by tribes, religion and politics. We have become so cruel and retrogressive as a people and as a country. We can no longer continue to lay the blame on colonisation. It is about time we put the mirror to our faces and accept that the failure is the part and

People need to understand that freedom comes with responsibility. There is no easy route to freedom

comes, I am sure the noise will go silent in the cold light of day.

This has been long time coming and it is no use to hide under the bushel, this drum is getting louder and from those who are bloodthirsty and have no clue what war does to the people and generations unborn, they do not have the foggiest idea. And beside the war is not going to be fought by the rich and the privileged, no, it is going to be fought by the poor, uneducated, the delusional and the gullible. I have said it in my column that although I was young during

must ask those asking for Yoruba collective action is this: why are we asked to fight? Is it because a BIG man was finally involved in a drama which plays out daily throughout Nigeria involving herdsmen and farmers? If so, it will be difficult to imagine a more silly reason for such a measure. I have the utmost regard for Chief Falae, my senior at Igbobi College, but, it is doubtful if he would support such a step when he was Secretary to the Federal Government if it was another prominent Yoruba person who was kidnapped. So, what makes this case different? The only war fought by two nations was between Troy and Greece over Helen of Troy.

The two nation-states paid dearly for their follies.

It certainly cannot be on account of thousands of farmers in the region who had suffered without anyone calling for action on their behalf. And, how many of those who attended the meeting at Ibadan, in designer attire, will take up their guns and march to the front if conflict breaks out?

So what is being proposed by the some of the elite in Yorubaland is a war to be fought by the poor to save rich people’s farms from destruction. Lest anybody thinks this is one-sided, I also have total disdain for people like Senator Shehu Sani and Kwakwanso, who will only read about casualties from the comfort of their homes……

parcel of being Nigerians and Nigeria. Having said that, there have been great highlights and a low time in Nigeria and the secession was one big blot in the history of Nigeria.

For those calling for Biafra, and for Ojukwu they know nothing of the time, the history, and events of the time.

For instance, medecins sans frontiers was established as a result of the human tragedy of war. Over a million people died and many more displaced and many lost their family members, property and status.

The war was not a sanitized and romantic notion for the protection of the Igbo people. No, it started with the assassination of eleven senior politicians from the north by young soldiers led

by Kaduna Nzeogwu (an Igbo man) and General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (Igbo man). This was the very first coup we had in Nigeria and it was on the pretext that they were saving Nigeria's democratic future. One of the prominent northern politicians killed was Sir Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first Prime Minister, died in the hands of a group of Igbo army mutineers led by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna and Captain Okafor in Lagos on the night of Jan 15th 1966 Then along came a counter coup led by Lt. Col. Murtala Mohammed which resulted to the murder of Gen Aguiyi Ironsi as a reaction to the killings of Northern politicians and Officers by mostly Igbo soldiers. This led to persecution of Igbos in the north and the blood bath of people on both side of the North and East.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 11

Are our legislators the opposite of Buhari?

A

t the opening of a 2day retreat for our 36 incoming ministers last Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari made the point again that his administration would run a lean government at all levels, to avoid wastage of public funds. The president therefore charged the participants to key into the change agenda of government, as they constitute the main vehicle that would administer the change to Nigerians adding that the administration would be assessed based on the number of Nigerians it is able to lift out of poverty.

The President could not have put it better. But will the ministers follow both the letter and the spirit of the charge for the betterment of the people?

On the basis of precedence, not many Nigerians believe that the charge will be so handled. But bearing in mind that Buhari is a no nonsense leader, the ministers have no option but

to obey because they can get fired for non-performance.

Thus, some of us are hopeful that things may soon change. However, if the executive branch becomes sane as a result of purposeful leadership; can the same happen in the other 2 arms of government especially the legislature?

This is the core issue which Nigeria’s development faces today.

Corruption which is the main complaint against the Judiciary can easily be solved because corrupt judges are few compared to the numerous men and women of integrity in that arm. But the case of the legislature is a different ball game; and if we must call a spade by its name, our law making arm is not just a problem of some greedy members. Rather it is a systemic problem in which the institution itself through its instruments of rules, resolution and debates creates conducive room for business as usual making it impossible for that arm to PhD,Depar tment of Philosophy, University of Lagos 08116759758 opuruiche2000@yahoo.com

What has changed since Buhari became President? (1)

I

n about three weeks from now, precisely on November 29, 2015, it would be six months since Muhammadu Buhari, flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last presidential election, assumed office as President.

The fundamental slogan or catch phrase of his party during the electioneering campaigns was "change."

Now, APC's noisy "gospel of change" was anchored on relentless castigation of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, and on the tantalising offer of positive change ifthe party was voted into power at the federal level.

On the other hand, the campaign machinery of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could not effectively repair the serious damage done to Jonathan's electability arising from APC's constant reminders of how Jonathan and his team mismanaged the country.

Although in every serious electoral contest for high political office contending parties try everything to win, in the weeks and months leading up to the March 28 presidential election the APC was more successful than its rival in projecting the hyperbolic narrative of a national partyfielding a tested and trusted presidential candidate who is capable of rescuing the country from sixteen years of PDP's unimpressive leadership.

Even so, Buhari's electoral victory was partly due to

massive rigging in Northern Nigeria, a fact several selfappointed pro-democracy activists and champions of good governance conveniently ignore or pretend to be unimportant both for assessing the quality of the electoral process that led to Buhari's emergence as President and for the character of governance that would emerge afterwards.

Certainly, not all votes credited to Jonathan, especially in the South East and South South, were validly obtained.

However, to appreciate the level of rigging that led to his defeat, consider the presidential election results declared in Kano State, a state that is among the educationally less developed states.

According to the results, out of 2.3 million votes cast, Buhari had a whopping 1.9 million, whereas slightly over 200,000 votes were credited to Jonathan. Interestingly, the Returning Officer (a Professor) who announced these apparently fictitious figures also claimed there were no voided votes, no single wrongly filled ballot paper!

Only fanatic Buharimaniacs and gullible Nigerians accept without question the obviously manufactured results from Kano state. In my view, exaggerated praises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by Professor Attahiru Jega are unwarranted given the significant logistic problems

be part of the change agenda Nigerians voted for in the last set of elections in the country. This year however we were all relieved to hear that the National Assembly on its own was reviewing downwards the huge resources it used to garner.

In addition, our legislators started to canvass people oriented issues; a case in point being its stance against the crazy idea of paying a whooping sum of N2.7bn severance package

Our legislature now has a proliferation of committees as existing committees have been split so as to have more chairmen and vice to some members of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

All of a sudden, the nation stared hearing about the fight by some legislators to get appointed into what is now popularly called “juicy” committees where they can become wealthy over night by exhorting favours from government ministries, departments that attended the elections nationwide and numerous cases of electoral malpractices perpetrated by the two dominant parties in their areas of influence with the connivance of INEC officials and security personnel.

Former President Jonathan had enough reasons to contest Buhari's victory at the courts.

But he wisely chose not to, unlike Buhari who, driven by a bloated sense of selfrighteous indignation and messianic pretensions, refused to acknowledge his opponents' victories on two different occasions even after the Supreme Court had passed judgement on the matter. Indeed, that singular action by Goodluck Jonathan proved doubting Thomases wrong who thought that incumbent Presidents of African countries are temperamentally incapable of conceding electoral defeat in the spirit of good sportsmanship devoid of bitterness. Now that Jonathan is out of the picture, President Buhari has been in charge for about six months.

Nigerians who expected immediate radical departure from "business as usual" if he won are gradually coming to terms with the painful reality that they might have been deceived by highfaluting fantastic promises of the APC. Garba Shehu and some kingpins of the new ruling party have disowned certain campaign documents the party used in soliciting for votes. President Buhari, Adams Oshiomhole, Rotimi Amaechi and Lai Mohammed are always complaining about the sorry state of the economy and mind-bending corruption allegedly perpetrated by the immediate past administration. In addition, the knee-jerk approach to governance by the APC federal administration - all this suggests that the party has no

and agencies which fall under their oversight functions. At first, the rumour of a likely return of that unacceptable old order looked like a joke more so as some legislators dismissed the rumour.

Indeed, Sani Zoro, a federal legislator and an evidently progressive former President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) warned that the alleged lobbying or scrambling would encourage business as usual and thwart “the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress-led administration.” Some analysts may have believed that no such thing would happen following the speech of the new speaker while presenting his Legislative Agenda where he proposed to merge, streamline or scrap committees with duplicating functions.

Painfully, the committees have increased from 89 to 97. In the Senate, the same pressure moved the figure from 57 to 65. How can an organization of 109 members divide itself into 65 groups-will each group have up to two members? It is disheartening that the committees increased against the run of play.

First, in the United States of America, from where we reportedly got our Presidential system of government, the Senate has 16 Standing Committees while there are 21 in the House of Representatives.

Second, our legislature now has a proliferation of committees as existing committees have been split so as to have more chairmen and vice. For example, the existing committee on Education was split into Basic Education Services and Tertiary Education Committees. The one on Health was cut into 2 to get the committee on Health Institutions different from the one on Healthcare Services. Similarly, the existing committee on Agriculture was split into one committee on agricultural colleges and institutions and another on agricultural production and services. Now, there is also a committee on Niger Delta Affairs different from the one on the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Third, there is in fact a phenomenon like “juicy” committees. For instance, Appropriations Committee where budgets can be manipulated is regarded as the juiciest. For this reason, any member of the Committee can now not chair another committee.

Also, a member of that Committee cannot belong to other juicy Committees like Public Accounts, Finance and House Services.

This notwithstanding, many legislators are aggrieved.

While one showed his displeasure by rejecting what he got right on the floor of the House, another member, Garba Chede who

represents Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency of Taraba State used the media to call for a reversal of the selection process which according to him gave all the juicy Committees, to the minority PDP. The situation in the Senate is not different as some members accused their embattled President, Senator Saraki of sharing the juicy committees between his major loyalists and the arrow heads of his rival group. Senators Ahmed Lawan, George Akume and eleven others in their group were reportedly given juicy committees to calm frayed nerves. At the same time, some PDP supporters of Saraki got the juicy committees on Public Accounts, Air Force, Downstream, Finance, Interior, Privatizations and Environment among others.

Considering that the nation cannot sustain the cost of running these unwieldy committees, this is the time for well meaning Nigerians and civil society groups to counsel the national assembly to reverse itself and follow the executive in its resolve to do away with large expensive frameworks. A committee on Defence for example, can handle the entire military.

Splitting committees for gain in the legislature should change because it is as wrong as splitting contracts in the executive. We therefore call on our legislators to lead by example.

well-thought out coordinated strategy and action plan for the transformative change Nigerians were yearning for.

But why did so many people believe the APC propaganda of change? Why did a broad section of the population, including those with highsounding academic titles,

vulnerable Nigerians did not improve significantly when Jonathan was in office.

Indeed, in some cases the situation worsened principally as a result of the Boko Haram terrorism in the North East, epileptic electricity, sluggish growth in the real sector and sabotage by certain elements who did not want Jonathan to continue in office beyond May 29, 2015.

Therefore, although APC's change slogan probably was more propaganda than substance, millions of Nigerians wanted improvement in their existential conditions. And since, as far as they were concerned, the possibility for positive change would be higher if a new party is voted in to replace the fumbling PDP, the people embraced the promise of change enthusiastically. We must mention the unflinching determination of Ango Abdullahi, Junaid Mohammed, Rabiu Kwankwaso and some other prominent members of the Northern establishment who wanted political power to return to the North at all cost.

This lust for power, judging from the historical experience of Northern domination of the federal government since 1970, was not motivated by desire to liberate the suffering masses in Northern Nigeria from poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, Islamic feudal servitude, diseases and premature death.

Instead, for core Northern members of what Professor Ben Nwabueze called the "invisible government," political power at the centre is an instrument for maintaining the status quo in which public resources are surreptitiously funnelled into their private pockets using the instrumentality of the state.

From a more sinister perspective, such people see power as a tool for actualising

the internal imperialist visions of Ahmadu Bello and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Finally, the campaign of change by APC was very effective: the party cunningly convinced Nigerians that change was in the air and that it was time to try a new party at the federal level in order to halt the deteriorating situation all over the country.

Consequently, millions of Nigerians who voted for Buhari found the change slogan attractive and persuasive. Yet, to make people accept the slogan of change is one thing, to translate it into concrete positive transformation of the living conditions of Nigerians is a different thing altogether.

The pertinent question that rears up from the discussion above is - what has changed since President Buhari assumed office? Obviously, the answer to that question will depend on how the phenomenon of change is interpreted and the context in which the notion is applied, because the appearance of change does not necessarily mean that real change has taken place.

Generally, the word "change" connotes "to alter or make different, to make to pass from one state or condition to another." It follows that for genuine change to occur in a socio-political environment, certain fundamentals in the society must undergo transformation. Yet, it is another matter whether the change in question is positive or the very opposite.

In order to ascertain whether there has been any real change (or changes) since Buhari became President, it is essential to consider a number of factors, particularly the situation of things before he assumed office and the situation of things right now, together with the direction his administration is moving the country.

To be continued.

To make people accept the slogan of change is one thing, to translate it into concrete positive transformation of the living conditions of Nigerians is a different thing altogether

forget their thinking caps while responding to the change shibboleth without well-structured plan for its concrete actualisation offered by the APC during the campaigns? Answers to these questions are complex, but we can highlight the more important ones.

To begin with, inspite of commendable successes of the immediate past administration in agriculture, drastic reduction in the wage bill of federal government because of the new biometric payroll system, power sector reforms and infrastructural development etc, Jonathan's failure to present an image of a determined and dogged fighter of corruption and impunity generated resentment among Nigerians who felt that he lacked the iron will needed to tackle the problem squarely.

Additionally, the living condition of the most

PAGE 12—SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

ABIA GOV. ELECTION PETITION VERDICT

Fresh dispute erupts!

BY KENNETH OSARO

T

he Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which sat in Umuahia, the capital city, wound down its activities on Tuesday after almost 180 days of its mission in the state.

Although the judgement is still hazy as legal experts continue to ruminate on it, pending the release and careful study of the true certified copy, the summary is that the three-member jurists dismissed the petition filed by Dr. Alex Otti, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Otti had gone to the tribunal to seek the nullification of the declaration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the PDP candidate, as governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the end of the April general elections in the state.

He also prayed the tribunal to declare him the rightful winner of the governorship poll.

Specifically, he asked for the nullification of results of Obingwa, Osisoma and Isialangwa North Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Abia, where the election was reportedly marred by massive fraud, irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2010.

Otti also urged the tribunal to uphold the cancellation of the results from the three LGAs as announced by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Damian Ozumba, citing the reports and evidence from local and international election observers, who monitored the exercise in those areas.

Ozumba, however, reversed himself after allegedly being coerced by former Governor Theodore Orji, who was alleged to have led other chieftains of the PDP to the collation centre.

Having reversed himself, he was alleged to have been compelled to re-admit the cancelled results. But Otti insisted that having cancelled the results, the Returning Officer lacked the legal power to reverse himself. He said the cancellation could only be reversed by a competent tribunal.

The eventual collation of the results turned the table against APGA, which was already leading with more than 55,000 votes, having clearly defeated PDP in nine out of the other 14 local government areas.

The tribunal held that the Returning Officer’s cancellation was not backed by law. But notwithstanding this summation as well as its consideration of oral and documentary evidence, in addition to the final written addresses of all the parties, the tribunal upheld the collation of the results and ultimately the

election of Ikpeazu.

Many Abians view this judgement as a judicial process of robbing Peter to pay Paul and using the tribunal to legalise rigging in an election that was clearly won by Otti.

So, by its approval of the cancellation and subsequent reversal of the controversial results by the Returning Officer as having no legal consequence, the tribunal upheld the disputed results from the three council areas even when it was obvious that the total votes purportedly polled by all the political parties that contested the election in the areas were far above the number of registered and accredited voters.

It was against the backdrop of the massive electoral fraud evident in the election in Obingwa, Osisioma and Isialangwa North LGAs that the masses, who gave their support and votes to Otti, waited patiently, believing that the tribunal would reverse the INEC result in favour of the true winner of the election.

Curiously, whereas the tribunal, which heard petitions arising from the national and state assemblies elections, nullified Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe’s election, due to the alleged massive fraud in the same Obingwa, Bwala’s tribunal upheld the result from the area in the case of Otti’s petition.

To Mr Darlington Ezenwa, a produce merchant in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, Bwala’s judgement was ‘’sun set at dawn” in Abia.

“The tribunal has murdered sleep in Abia. I do not believe there is justice in the tribunal’s verdict. This is unfortunate”, Ezenwa said.

A popular hotelier on Ogbor Hill area of the city, who was made numb by the judgement, sighed repeatedly, paced round the passage of his office and shaking his head intermittently in disbelief, after he received the report of the tribunal’s verdict.

Finally, he braced up and muttered: “This is shocking, we are finished in Aba. This tribunal has dealt with Abia, especially those of us in Aba. Where do we go from here?”

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, he said: ‘’Aba would have gone agog in celebration today and, as a visitor, nobody would tell you that something great has happened to the city and its people, if Otti was declared winner by the tribunal because we voted massively for him”.

The same coldness pervaded other major towns in Abia. In commuter buses, tricycles and public places, the judgement dominated discussions and many residents of the town expressed utter disappointment.

And from Umuahia, a journey

Gov Okezie Ikpeazu

•Alex Otti

Otti also urged the tribunal to uphold the cancellation of the results from the three LGAs as announced by the State Returning Officer, Prof.

Damian Ozumba, citing the reports and evidence from local and international election observers, who monitored the exercise in those areas that lasted for about one-a-half hour, due to the dilapidated road network, commuters in the mass transit bus took turns to lampoon the judgement.

In Umuahia, the seat of government, the atmosphere was one of mourning, people wore long faces. Except around the Government House on Bank Road, Umuahia, where the judgement was celebrated, characteristics of celebration were conspicuously absent on the streets of Umuahia.

Although, while some urged patience with the new government of Ikpeazu, many

feared that his albatross would be the system that threw him up.

Not many are convinced that he would make any difference.

Addressing a crowd of supporters at the APGA secretariat, located on Ikot Elpene Road, immediately after the judgement, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Ike Oye, urged them to remain calm and prayerful.

Oye said that the party ‘’was not expecting justice from the tribunal,” describing the judgement as a parody of justice.

He said: ‘’Dr. Alex Otti won the election and had tendered overwhelming evidence at the tribunal to recover his mandate. ‘’We will take this petition to the highest court of the land to recover the people’s mandate given to our candidate and party”.

Reacting to the judgement, in a press statement issued by his Media Assistant, Mrs Jennifer Ben-Okereke, Otti, himself, described the judgement as ‘’nothing other than a travesty of justice and rape of democracy’ In the statement, entitled, ‘’Judgement may have been delivered but justice is on the way, ‘’ he expressed regrets that ‘’the trial tribunal has again scuttled the people’s hope and desire for positive change, quality and credible governance in the state.

He went on: ‘’It is also unfortunate that the tribunal has unwittingly acquiesced in the sinister conspiracy by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to silence and deny the people the mandate, which they freely gave to me and my party”.

Continuing, he said, ‘’It is obvious from the mournful looks on the common man on the streets of the major towns, cities and villages of Abia state that today’s judgement failed to deliver justice and certainly did not reflect the wishes and

aspirations of the people expressed through the ballot.

Therefore, it certainly cannot stand.”

He said that the cold and quiet atmosphere in different parts of the state ”demonstrates the feeling of a people shortchanged by an incredible electoral process. ‘’It is further compounded by the incomprehensible affirmation by the tribunal’s judgement, which legalized the broad-day ambush and robbery of the peoples mandate by PDP. ‘’I share in the agony, pain, disbelief and frustration of our people. Nevertheless, I encourage our supporters not to despair but to further gird their loins,” he told his teeming supporters, saying that ‘’the battle has not ended.”

He said that he would explore the next judicial window to seek redress in order to ensure that justice is done and that we recover our stolen mandate.‘’ The former Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc. urged the people to remain calm, peaceful and law abiding, saying that his legal team of erudite lawyers would study the judgement and initiate the next line of action.”

‘We did not envisage that the struggle to liberate our dear state from the stranglehold of the slave masters, who have held down the state from growth and development in the last 16 years, would be a tea party. ‘’We are committed and resolute and this warped judgement cannot deter us or vitiate our determination and commitment. Rather, it has only strengthened our resolve to fight on until justice is done. ‘’The struggle is not about the person of Alex Otti but about our state, our impoverished people, our future and that of our future generation”.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 13

By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin-City

T

he politics of Edo State, ahead of the 2016 governorship election, charged up, last Wednesday, after the State Executive Council meeting, when the Oshiomhole government ordered the investigation of some projects executed during the tenure of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion. The decision came as a shock to many, particularly after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, under Chief Dan Orbih, had persistently attacked the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole for turning its back on the happenings during the administration of Igbinedion. This was when the likes of the former Secretary to the State Government under the Igbinedion administration, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and others were in Oshiomhole’s ACN, now All Progressives Congress, APC. Their argument then was that it was the same people who allegedly destroyed the state during that administration that now moved to the APC to back Oshiomhole.

But the governor kept his cool, insisting he would not be distracted from his developmental projects by probing the past administration.

While Igbinedion was in the PDP, he and his followers worked for the emergence of Oshiomhole, after the labour leader had completed his second tenure as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Before Oshiomhole’s coming, the Binis had zeroed on the current Political Adviser to Oshiomhole, Chief Charles Idahosa, but they rejigged when the erstwhile NLC leader showed interest in the governorship election. They rallied round Oshiomhole because of his solid credentials to oust PDP from the Edo Government House.

Since then, Igbinedion and Oshiomhole had enjoyed cordial relationship to the chagrin of the PDP. Even when the latter’s relationship with the father of the former, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, went sour, the erstwhile governor was always there to ensure peace between them. The going was good between them until Ize-Iyamu, a close ally of Igbinedion, left the APC for the PDP and the land use charge was introduced in Edo. Due to the dwindling allocations from the Federal Government, the state government decided to look inwards to generate funds, but the move, it was alleged, did not go down well with people like the senior Igbinedion who is said to own several properties in Benin City and his Okada home town. The state government had argued that it would collect tax from the rich to take care of the poor. This decision, it was learnt, brewed cold war between the Comrade Governor and the Esama. But Oshiomhole remained resolute in collecting the levy. Meanwhile, the junior Igbinedion remained calm in the politics of the state but broke his silence last June during the birthday celebration of his bosom friend, Ize-Iyamu, where the former governor declared that Oshiomhole’s successor in 2016 will be a member of the C M Y K

OSHIOMHOLE VS IGBINEDION

New battle for the soul of Edo

“family”, apparently giving his backing to the governorship ambition of Ize-Iyamu.

However, since the recent war of words between the former and the current governor broke out, those sympathetic to the Igbinedions accused Oshiomhole of exhibiting ingratitude, a claim the Benin Elders Forum disagreed, saying: “ A lot of Nigerians even expected Oshiomhole to go for presidency and not governor because of his credible credentials.”

The simmering war between the junior Igbinedion and Oshiomhole came to the open, last Wednesday, after the State EXCO meeting when Oshiomhole ordered the recovery of the $31 million allegedly taken from government coffers during the administration of Igbinedion.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Louis Odion, who briefed journalists, said: “There is the issue of the fraud that was discovered while turning our books. We found that the sum of $31 million was taken from the state coffers under the administration of Chief Lucky Ogbinedion. The Comrade Governor has directed the Attorney-General to commence legal action in that direction. So in the coming days, the state government will take legal action to ensure that what was (allegedly) stolen from Edo State government is recovered.

When you convert $31 million to naira, it fetches you a whopping N7 billion. You can imagine what N7 billion will do in improving the human condition in Edo State”. While expressing

gratitude on behalf of the Comrade Governor to the people of the state and the private sector for compliance with the land use charge, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Abdul Oroh, said, “The $31 million, which was (allegedly) stolen from the people of Edo State, is in connection with the project called Avrant Cement Company situated at Ekpe, near Ikpeshi in Akoko Edo Local Government. The company was

The simmering war between the junior Igbinedion and Oshiomhole came to the open, last Wednesday, after the State EXCO meeting when Oshiomhole ordered the recovery of the $31 million allegedly taken from government coffers during the administration of Igbinedion

supposed to produce cement to take advantage of the large scale deposit of limestone in that part of the state. The company was registered as Abat Cement Company Ltd and this company had three shareholders. The Abat Cement Company had 75% shares, Edo State government had 15% shares and 10% shares were reserved for ‘other Nigerians’. Although Edo State government was given only 15% share, 100% of the revenue invested in the company, $31 million was taken from the account of Edo State government. This money was withdrawn from the account of Edo State government under Afribank. As the money was withdrawn, construction of the company started and all the major structures were in place, 90% completed, machines were installed but there was no other contribution from any other source for the construction and procurement of these equipments. So everything invested in that company came from Edo State government.”

Reacting, Igbinedion, in an advertorial, accused Oshiomhole of misinforming the people of Edo on the issue, asserting that his silence on several issues in the state should not be misconstrued as cowardice. He said: “ While I view these as the antics of a drowning man, I wish to ask Governor Oshiomhole why it took his government over seven years to uncover a fraud of this magnitude. Could it be that the he has been in slumber all this while and has just woken up? In a nutshell, Oshiomhole is trying to tell Edo people that I built a cement factory for myself using

Edo funds. Oshiomhole’s aim and that of his cohorts with this skewed information is to whipup sentiment as usual. Quite unfortunately, he no longer enjoys the sympathy of Edo people even as his claim contains no iota of truth. I am gladdened that in an attempt to cast aspersions on my person, Oshiomhole, through his aides, enumerated various industries I established while serving as governor of Edo but I challenge him to point to any industry or factory his administration has established for Edo people in the past seven years he has governed state.

“On the AVA Cement Company, for that is the true name of the company they are referring to, Oshiomhole claimed that I used Edo $31million to execute the project to about 90 per cent. And to his Information Commissioner, the $31million amounted to N7billion. I challenge Oshiomhole to send an evaluation team to the factory and let us see what their findings would be. As at 2006 when the AVA Cement Company project kicked off, the exchange rate for a dollar was about one hundred naira; hence $31 million then amounted to about N3billion.

So, if Edo State government invested N3billion for a project that gulped well over N20billion, the question is, where did the balance of N17billion come from?

Oshiomhole and his commissioners will certainly not answer this question for fear of revealing facts. I make this few clarifications to set the records straight and to remind Oshiomhole not to take my dignified silence for cowardice.

Moreover, the courts are open to him. Nigeria has gone past his stone age of sentencing people on the pages of newspapers”.

In what seems to be a twist, the PDP in the state, in a statement by its spokesman, Chris Nehikhare, condemned the attempt to probe the administration of the former governor by Oshiomhole, describing it as political witch hunt. But the state Commissioner for Information, Odion, described both Igbinedion’s reaction and that of the PDP as laughable.

The war between the incumbent governor and the former, one year before Oshiomhole will hand over to his successor promises to be interesting. Oshiomhole may be soaring towards eliminating what is left of the PDP in Edo ahead of the 2016 governorship election. The battle in the coming days will be fierce following the swift response of Igbinedion to the allegations.

Oshiomhole is known to be ruthless when fighting any perceived god father. But question is, can the former governor get the ammunition he needs to fight this battle? Can he withstand an Oshiomhole who may be forced to open up the books of the former administration and drag him again to the EFCC? The two combatants are known to have common friends. Are those friends prepared to wade into the crisis before it gets messier?

These are the questions waiting for answers. The next few weeks will be revealing.

PAGE 14—SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

27 DAYS TO BAYELSA POLL

Amid defections, Dickson, Sylva renew rivalry

BY DANIEL MARKSON

P

olitics is a game of possibilities. It is a game of intrigues engendered by the critical factor of interest.

Yet, all politics is local. In all social formations, political tendencies are largely shaped by these parameters, accentuating the dynamic nature of politics and its outcome.

To many followers of the currents in the Bayelsa State political equation, the above summation speaks to the validity of an engaging, pulsating scenario where the political allure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), before the controversial primary election of August 22, has now become a painful memory. The initial promise of an alternative, which the APC brandished to the people, has now been jettisoned as hope has given way to dejection and rejection. It is arguably a tragedy that may be difficult for the opposition party in the state to grapple with, barely 27 days to the December 5 governorship election.

Pointedly, the Chairman of the botched primary and Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, is likely nodding his head, muttering some serious but reflective words to the effect that he has been vindicated.

It was Oshiomhole, as the Chairman of the governorship primary election, who vehemently rejected the coronation of Timipre Silva as the party’s candidate on the grounds of the allegation that the process was undemocratic as majority of those who thronged the Samson Siasia Stadium on C M Y K

This was exactly what happened on October 31 when about 1,000 key members of the APC gathered at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that day were disenfranchised.

However, in the rescheduled primary election of Tuesday, September 29, 2015, Sylva won but it was a pyrrhic victory because he has alienated a strategic part of his political base. Actually, not a few believed that Sylva’s emergence was improper because it was no contest as the other promising contestants like a former NDDC boss, Timi Alaibe, were prevailed upon by the powersthat-be in Abuja to step down for Sylva.

And this is the trouble with our democracy: Internal democracy remains an issue. But we cannot run away from the basic ethos of democracy which made it one of the ultimate ideals of modern

civilization. In this system, election, as a fundamental ingredient, must not only be free and fair but credible. The sanctity of the process must be inviolable. Democracy also places high premium on inclusiveness. These are irreducible parameters in order to achieve legitimacy, otherwise it is a charade and the people as the spirit and soul of democracy could resort to protest to express their grievances.

This was exactly what happened on October 31 when about 1,000 key members of the APC gathered at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They were the disenfranchised delegates at the ill-fated APC governorship primary. It was an affirmation of the popular will of the people in a democracy.

Very early in the day, the aggrieved defectors had gathered at the venue, filling up the entire space. It was an opportune moment seized by PDP faithful who came in large numbers to add pomp.

The defectors, mostly youths, assembled under the umbrella of Forum of Authentic APC Delegates (FAAD) and led by Mr. Amos Soko, as the Chairman.

But they were all led back to the PDP by Senator John Brambaifa and Chief Alex Ekiotenne, prominent politicians who hitherto were in the vanguard of Alaibe’s governorship aspiration.

Just before the event begun at about 11.45 am, the heaven opened with downpour but was defied as the event went on. It was at this moment that

Governor Seriake Dickson entered the venue with his entourage and, sensing the mood of the people, he came down from his vehicle and joined them in the rain, dancing and waving his traditional victory sign, moving spiritedly with the crowd round the venue to express his appreciation.

In his address, Soko raised issues on the conduct of the August 22 primary election, saying it lacked transparency.

He came hard on the APC leadership for conducting a “sham primary” which, in his reckoning, had Alaibe as a leading aspirant but prevailed upon by the powers-that-be to step down for an “anointed candidate” in the rescheduled stanza, following the nullification of the first exercise.

The politician had some kind words for Alaibe, whom he said was humane and realistic enough with his counsel to tread the path of peace by boycotting the rescheduled election to avoid a blood bath considering the earlier tension soaked exercise.

Delivering the clincher, Soko said:” Following this unacceptable travesty of internal democracy and in view of the fact that the so-called winners see every other person as conquered people, we have decided to support Dickson in the governorship election”.

In his remarks, Ekiotenne rued the treatment meted to them by the APC, noting that they actually made the opposition party to have a semblance of vigour and popularity in the state, proclaiming that with their defection, APC was dead in Bayelsa State.

“Some of you here are aware that we made the APC. From a dog that was sleeping, we wake it from its slumber. Then they now say there’s APC but today, we have buried APC in Bayelsa State”, he said.

Ekiotenne, who is from Ekeremor, the same senatorial zone as Dickson, claimed that he would deliver 90 per cent of votes to the PDP in the December 5 election.

“This is not a speech making day, when you come to Ekeremor, we will tell you that 90 per cent is for Dickson”.

On his part, Brambaifa said the defection was a home coming, having been a leading member of the PDP before he and others decamped to the APC, adding that he felt very proud that the aggrieved APC delegates were at the event to endorse the governor for reelection. “I stand here to say, I Senator John Brambaifa support that decision. I have no doubt in my mind that this is the beginning of good things to come”, he stated.

On hand to receive the defectors back into the PDP was the National Vice Chairman, South- South, Chief Cairo Ojugboh, who, on behalf of the national leadership, promised to restore them to their former positions.

He said that the PDP family across the nation was behind Dickson and would work assiduously to ensure his reelection bid. The PDP zonal leader also used the occasion to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure its integrity by conducting free and fair elections across the country. The judiciary, he also said, should protect the people.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Acting PDP Chairman in Bayelsa State, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, affirmed the unity of the Ijaw just as he claimed the defectors got a raw deal while in the APC. Dickson, while welcoming the defectors, expressed his appreciation that they returned to the PDP, noting that they were strategic members who gave the APC the clout of a seeming viable alternative while it lasted.

He had earlier called for a minute of silence in honour of the late first civilian governor of Bayelsa, Diepreye Alameyeseigha, who, he said, was harassed to death.

He informed the crowd of the winding up of APC in the state, adding that they should join in the “Operation reject APC and Sylva” by dissociating from them. “We have launched operation wind up APC in Bayelsa. This is just the beginning of the winding up exercise. We will continue to receive our brothers and sisters who were misled”.

Dickson also urged the state PDP executive to receive them with open arms and involve them in all their campaigns in the wards, communities, units and the local government areas.

“I want to assure you all that I will do my best to ensure that all of you and several others yet to come are fully integrated. Our doors are always open”, he said.

*Markson is the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State governor

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 15

Code of conduct for Buhari's ministers

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

M

uhammadu Buhari is a mean man. Make no mistakes about it, he is not the generous President you have been familiar with in the last 16 years. He is your new guy in the saddle whose agenda runs across three issues: the country, the people and the future.

To him, every good thing: power, position, food is earned by a dint of hard work. There is also this sacrifice to make for the country. He is a man with many priorities and, until those priorities are met, there is no merriment.

This was practically the posture, nay the message he unapologetically delivered to the ministers-designate those who will be his lieutenants from next week at a retreat in Abuja.

C M Y K

Unlike what obtained in the past where appointments, especially ministerial, were avenues to amass wealth, they are now expected to be avenues to give back to the society. At least, this is according to the gospel of Buhari.

If he is taken by his words, Nigeria may witness a regime where some ministers would have to tender their resignations letters before the end of their tenure. This is not because there will be pressure to do so, but because, any expectation of self enrichment may not be met.

The economy is bad, so said the President and so government cannot afford to maintain a retinue of cooks, protocol staff, convoys and aides for the fun of it.

Two Ministers-designate and former governors of Abia and Anambra States, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Dr.

The economy is bad, so said the President and so government cannot afford to maintain a retinue of cooks, protocol staff, convoys and aides for the fun of it

Chris Ngige, respectively, conveyed the President's mind to journalists at the end of the three-day retreat that wound up on Friday at the Old Banquet Hall of the presidential lodge in Abuja.

It was held under the theme, "Delivering Change: From Precepts to Practice."

Their words: Onu: "The President has asked for a lean working government. You can see what has happened to the economy. We have had a drastic drop in the price of crude oil, more than 50 percent drop over the past one year or around that time.

"So, revenue coming into the country definitely has reduced considerably.

Government must really run in a way that we will be able to lead the aspirations of our people to make sure that Nigerians are happy."

Ngige: "I don’t think that

I have not benefitted in a way that will equip me to face the challenges of being a minister now. It is a lean economy in the sense that we are going to block areas of leakages; there are a lot of leakages.

"Yes, lean economy because we are going to block areas of leakages, retinue of aides, protocol staff, large convoys of cars are things that will not fly in this administration. It is a change administration."

This was foreseen because on the second day of the retreat, after its opening ceremony at Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Wednesday, Buhari, while making his remarks, had warned the ministers – designate against impunity and waste of resources. He was straight with the incoming cabinet members. Unequivocally, the

Continues on page 16

PAGE 16—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

'We are ready for the task ahead' Continued from page 15 Commander-in-Chief reminded them it is going to be work and work for them to help him rejuvenate the battered and allegedly plundered economy.

Buhari said: "You are coming on board the ship of governance at an interesting time. So much has been said about the state of our economy. It is expected that we make the running of government at all levels as lean as possible, avoid waste and conserve resources. As ministers, you must be the vehicle that will administer the change.

"It is with great pleasure that I address you today, my ministers-designate, at this retreat in preparation for your swearing–in as the cabinet that will run this administration. We must count ourselves privileged to have been chosen among millions of our compatriots at this historic time to be the instruments that will deliver the change we have promised.

"This retreat, therefore, marks your first official contact with the machinery of government, of which you will soon be an C M Y K

integral part. It is important that you are fully acquainted with the direction and priorities of this government so that we can all move together as a team."

To Buhari, the APC campaign promises to tackle corruption, insecurity and revive the economy must be realised by the ministers.

Also, Boko Haram, diversification of the economy, boosting agriculture and improving on physical infrastructures must also be prioritised.

"My election as President of this country”, he continued, "was hinged on my promise to tackle corruption, insecurity and revive the economy.

"We have already taken deliberate measures to plug leakages of government revenue and resources. You all know the steps we have taken to tackle Boko Haram. We have degraded them and in desperation, they are resorting to attacks on soft targets, killing innocent people. Diversification of the economy away from oil will be a major focus of this government."

Then, this: "Don’t come to me, talk to my Chief of Staff.”

Another area the President sounded a clear caution to the

ministers-designate on was on the channel of communication. What this may mean is that the President does not want “gossip-ministers" around him. And so, he asked them to use the office of the Chief of Staff to reach him.

"Let me remind you that clear and effective communication at all levels is vital in modern management. You must keep in touch with your fellow ministers and share information, so that the conduct of government will

To Buhari, the APC campaign promises to tackle corruption, insecurity and revive the economy must be realised by the ministers

be more efficient. In addition, all communication and appointments from you to the Presidency should be routed through the Office of the Chief of Staff as is normal in this Presidential System", he stressed.

A retreat shrouded in secrecy By every conceivable standard, retreats give participants the opportunity to holistically review a situation and then devise solutions in furtherance of a good cause. Almost always, it is done in the interest of the members of the larger society. But the presidential retreat was conducted in absolute secrecy right from the first day.

Except the reading of Buhari's remark, done before television cameras on Thursday, journalists were literally barred from covering the rest of the activities.

Why? No reasons were tendered, giving an impression of a continued shambolic old system that runs at variance with the change mantra.

More astonishing was the outright refusal of the ministers-designate to speak to the media on Thursday. It took extra-ordinary push and chase for a few of them which included Ngige, Onu, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and James Ocholi, to randomly speak to the State House Correspondents, perhaps, at their own peril at the end of the retreat on Friday. Even at that, they were very tacit with the core issues at the retreat.

As a matter of fact, the organizers of the retreat were furious with a publication from the paper delivered by Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo by a national daily and the consequence of that report was dire on journalists on Friday.

'We are ready for the task ahead' Ocholi and Kachikwu said they were, after the retreat, better equipped to face the challenges ahead.

“It's a wonderful session. It equips us, gets us ready, charges us to action" Kachikwu told Sunday Vanguard.

"Government has to ensure that before we even get inaugurated, we know enough to hit the ground running and many of us, virtually all of us, are highly enlightened. We are grateful that getting into government at this time with the change mantra, we will not be taken by surprise.

"Some of the things we have learnt in the last two days even former governors who have completed an 8year term never knew them when they were sworn in. So, they were learning on the job and trying to find their way of sorting out things.”

And to Ocholi, “There is a lot of demand on us as Mr. President told us at the opening session and he is preparing us to meet the challenges that we will face.

I think it will be better for us ministers and the nation that most of us will hit the ground running from day one."

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 17

Stay off sex before marriage or go to hell, Blessing Egbe preaches B

anker turned movie producer and actress, Blessing Effiom Egbe, seems to always have something to share with her colleagues even though the thoughts don’t always go down well with them. The former model who once took a swipe at actresses who sleep around to make ends meet has another word for single couples – stay off sex before marriage or go to hell. She passed out this message in a blackberry message sent to all her contacts. “In church today and guess what is being preached. A topic most preachers run away from in order not to offend their congregations: adultery and fornication! Sex outside of marriage is sin” she said and added “ Ladies, stop provocative dressing, men are attracted to what they see. For fornicators and adulterers will be judged” She continued by educating married women to always submit to their husbands sexually and remain faithful. But trust your Potpourri to never take anything without really wringing it out.

“Would you honestly say you were a virgin before you got married”? I asked her. “ I wasn’t a virgin but later I came to know the truth. And when I did, I stayed off sex before marriage and after. Then I was a born-again Christian by proxy. You know family values and all of that, but when I had the personal encounter, it changed everything” she replied. “If judgment had come when I was an adulterer, I would have been on the dark side. I am not forcing anyone.

It is the truth that must be told” she added.

•Blessing Egbe

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The br aves braves avestt thing I have ever done — Lola Savage

By KEHINDE AJOSE

All I care about now is money, notlove — Dimplez

change the face of the music landscape of the country, not only by her singing talent but also by her attitude which may get the likes of Tiwa Savage or Seyi Shay going green with envy. Dimplez has just dropped her latest single ‘Kowole’ which means ‘drop the money’ and it is getting everybody talking about the person inside the act, called Dimplez.

The song is a contemporary hip-hop sound of the street, with a lot of danceable beats spruced with frenetic lyrics. “ I don’t come looking for love tonight, Kowole” the chorus chimes. It is a song telling her man that her interest is not about love but money. This got Potpourri asking if Dimplez is really a cash-on-delivery kind of girl. “ Yes o, it is because love has never been good to me. So, all I care about now is money” she brusquely told me when I asked if she believed more in money than love.

“You know what men are, they can never be trusted.

They have thought me not to believe in love but what I can get for myself” she added.

Even though the chat was over the blackberry messenger, the bitterness in her answer was so palpable that I had to ask, “ any particularly heartbreak story?” she answered, “ Yes o, •Dimplez many times”.

•Lola Savage nce in a while entertainers engage in some brave moves meant to trigger people’s attention and get people talking. Budding singer and actress, Lola Savage recently did an unconventional photo shoot for Made Magazine which has generated lots of mixed reactions. She showed off her sexy body and served a fierce pose for that edition. In one of the pictures, she was dressed in an all white look blending it with a white bra .In other images, the American born Nigerian entertainer, displayed her toned body in matching black and purple rganisers of The Headies Awards have lingerie In a chat with Potpourri, the alluring damsel opens up on why she announced that the 2015 ceremony will did the photo shoot, calling it the bravest thing she has ever done. hold on Wednesday December 30, at the “I am the first person to roam the streets of Lagos in broad daylight, Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, having a professional photo shoot with not much clothing. It speaks well Lagos. The annual event, which recognizes on self confidence and bravery. The Made Magazine shoot is the outstanding works by Nigerian music talents bravest thing I have ever done. If you don’t consider a woman taking and rewards them in grand style is expected to photos in the presence of people who are against women baring their attract the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s skin in public a brave thing, then I don’t know what to tell you. It’s good entertainment industry including superstar to know that doing a shoot like that did not put a bitter taste in the musicians, A-list Nollywood artistes, media mouths of our media. It definitely shows how far we have gone in the personalities and many others. entertainment and fashion industry.”

O

pcoming singing sensation, U Seun Akinnuga, simply known as Dimplez, is looking set to

Headies Aw ar ds hold December 30 in Lagos Awar ards Throwing more light on the format of this year’s O award nominations, Ayo Animashaun stated, “This year, only music released between July 2014 and June 2015 was eligible for nomination.

To view the nominees and to vote for your favourite talents in the respective voting categories, visit www.theheadies.com to increase their chances of going home with the highly coveted 21-karat gold-plated Headies Plaque.”

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

PAGE 18, SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Music industry has been kind to me

— Niniola

By TOFARATI IGE

B

I will work more with entertainers to fight diseases, humanitarian crisis — Nonnie

N

igerian Women in Clergy President cum Prophetic Minstrel, Prophetess Nonnie Roberson has stated that a lot of humanitarian crisis can be solved just with the fusion of religion and entertainment.

Speaking with journalists on the sideline at the recent 1MillionManWalk against Cancer put together by the wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab S Bagudu, through her Foundation, Medicaid Cancer Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian Women in Clergy, the Prophetess vowed that a symbiotic relationship between religion and entertainment must always be maintained, stating that a lot of humanitarian crisis in the country can easily be tackled if the two are effectively used.

“Both entertainment and religion are similar vehicles for expression.

Sensitization against certain things, such as this campaign against Cancer will achieve better result with the fusion of the two. I can’t see any man or woman of God achieving the best result in his or her calling without the marriage of the two. That’s why we have choirs in churches. Many learn and get inspired more through entertainment. I’m into music today because I want to reach out to more people that God wants me to touch for Him. Through my latest single, many lives have been saved. I tell you, we have not started just yet. When God asks you to do certain things, you can’t just resist. It’s like when Samuel was called. I didn’t know what God wanted until I dropped the song. God has perfected His work through the song, I must say.”

Prophetess Nonnie who was with many Nigerian artistes, including Godwin crooner, Korede Bello, said she would be featuring some of the artistes in her subsequent releases so as to churn out more universally accepted songs. She said “You can see me with most of these young artistes. They are my children, but we will do things together as children of God. May be, one or two of them will join me subsequently in passing God’s messages to the people. That’s why I said religion and entertainment are one and the same. The only difference is in the style. I have my style though,” •Prophetess Nonnie Nonnie said. and Korede Bello

C M Y K

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•Niniola

udding singer and MTN Project Fame Season Six Third RunnerUp, Niniola Apata simply known as Niniola, has said that in the little time she had spent pursuing her career, the music industry has been kind to her.

While responding to a question on whether the Nigerian music industry is gender-friendly, in a recent chat with Potpourri, she said, ‘Err...I can only talk based on what I know, and the industry has been very nice and kind to me, so I will say yes.’ On the challenges she hadFfaced, she said, ‘Most of the challenges I have, have been handled by

my management. The rest has to do with funds, which is a challenge in every other business. Besides that, I’m fine.’

Speaking on the female artistes she admires in the industry, she quipped, ‘I like Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Aramide, and basically every female act doing well out there.’

Hinting on her next move, she said, ‘I recently worked with an Ugandan, Eddy Kenzo, who featured me on his hit song, ‘Mbilo Mbilo.’ It’s quite big in East Africa, and I’m grateful to him for giving me that opportunity. I’ve also worked with DJ Spinall, DJ Osas, and many others.’

•Fefe

Singer Fefe goes sensual in preview photos of new EP ‘Mixed Feelings’ R

ising star artiste Fefe has released some sensual photos online to promote her yetto-be released Extended Play (EP) disc, “Mixed Feeling” The photo shoot which covered eight different looks/personalities showed the artiste in several poses reflecting different moods. The EP will include 10 hot tracks including her smashing hit “AURA” and will be released in late November. The photography was done by AWGZ while makeup was by Isabella. All her outfits were designed and styled

by Red Hart, assistant stylist, Aloba Taiwo and hair styled by Bernard .

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 19

: r e t e P h t i w e c n s Da a n i a g a e v i l n o s ck

a J l e n a o i h t c i v Mic e e c a f s t n a t s e t n o more c

T

he excitement continued on the Glosponsored reality T.V show, Dance with Peter, on Saturday night as the focus moved from Hip-Hop to Michael Jackson dance steps, making the show even more exciting and competitive.From one contestant to another, it was such a remarkable performance that even MJ himself would have been proud of the dancers.

The housemates battled to remain in the academy as the eviction fever raged on. Socrazy Cool, Mali Hotboy, Ernest Smiley, Nekky and Snipes had been put on probation in the last edition, but Socrazy Cool was saved and sent back to the academy, while the other four were given a last chance to prove themselves.

Contemporary highlife king, Flavor, who made an appearance as a guest

judge said, when he was asked what he wanted to see in the dancers, that he was looking out for ‘passion’. This earned him the nick name “Mr. Passion” from the audience, as he repeatedly emphasized the need for the contestants to show

Ghost of Jealousy”. Other groups that performed were Socrazy Cool, Bobby and MOD who performed “Beat it; Paulette, Ernest Smiley and Julius Fakta who performed

passion in their performances like the late Michael Jackson did in his works.

While Miracle, TJ and Mali Hotboy performed “Dangerous”, Weezy, Octopus and Amazing Amy performed ‘Wanna be starting something” and Nekky Messiah and Kevin performed “Ghost of Jealousy”. Other groups that performed were Socrazy Cool, Bobby and MOD who performed “Beat it; Paulette, Ernest Smiley and Julius Fakta performed “Bad” and Snipes, TRubber and G-Xtreme performed “Thriller”. The highpoint of the show was the performance by MX, C-Fly and Yemi who did “They don’t care about us.”

As the anchor, Ehis, announced the evictees, there was a deafening silence that could make the drop of a pin seem loud. “The first to be evicted tonight” Ehis said, “is……..Mali Hotboy”. He announced Ernest Smiley next and, thereafter, Snipes as the remaining two dancers to leave the contest.

Two sides of Seyi Sha Shayy unveiled in debut album ar artt J

Seyi or Shay

ust days after breaking the internet with her photos “The Corruption of Eve”, international recording artist, Seyi Shay has unveiled the official album art for her highly anticipated début album titled “Seyi or Shay”.

The “Right Now” crooner who burst into the scene of Nigerian music in 2012 has become one of the biggest names in the industry with an impressive line up of hits from Irawo, Ragga Ragga, Murda featuring Patoranking and Shaydee, Crazy featuring Wizkid to Jangilova and Right Now. Seyi Shay looks set to take the next step in her career as she announced that she would be releasing her first ever solo album “Seyi or Shay” on November 13,

2015.

The Album, “Seyi or Shay” expresses the two sides of Seyi Shay and her music: Seyi portraying homely, traditional good girl and Shay portraying her eccentric, international and outrageous side. Judging by the two backgrounds, she has socialized into and become a part of, one has to wonder who she really is? Seyi or Shay?

Seyi Shay has revealed that “Seyi or Shay” will feature songs produced from the likes of Harmony Samuels, TY Mix, Legendury Beatz, Masterkraft, Del B and much more. The album will also feature Kenya popstars Sauti Sol and Flavour Nabania amongst others.

Seyi Shay will hold a launch party at Eko Hotel and Suites on November 13, 2015 for the launch of her debut album “Seyi or Shay”.

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Onikoyi68@gmail.com

American diva, Chante Moore, Onyeka Onwenu to headline ‘Light Up’ concer 15 concertt 20 201

A

ll is now set for the second edition of the exclusively packaged high profile Music and Art Christmas Concert themed, “Light Up” scheduled to hold in Lagos on Sunday, November 29, 2015.

It’s a special night of Songs, Dance-Drama, Orchestra, Choreography and light comedy, featuring some renowned African and international inspirational singers, and artistes. Being the first Christmas themed concert in the year and specially packaged to entertain the business minded, Light Up has been branded as a Night of Glamour, Exquisite Wines, Gourmet Cuisine and Aficionados.

The first edition, which held last year, November 30th, featured international renowned artists and singers like Cobhams, Sinach, Frank Edwards, Buchi, Lara George, with special guest performances by South African Viwe Nikita and the MUSON Orchestra nd This year’s 2 edition is very special as it attracts to Nigeria for the first time, award winning American Diva, R&B & Jazz singer, songwriter & actress, Chante Moore. Aside international renowned gospel singers such as Frank Edward (Nigeria’s best gospel artiste), Buchi (Super Star Gospel Reggae maestro), Mike Aremu (Nigeria’s leading saxophonist) and multi-talented rapper & singer, TB1 who are also performing alongside Chante Moore, the event will also be bringing back on stage, Nigeria’s diva and elegant stallion, Lady Onyeka Onwenu.

•Chante Moore C M Y K

PAGE 20, SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Julius Agwu :

By KEHINDE AJOSE

S

ome months back, fans of ace comedian, Julius Agwu took to the social media to comment on his weight loss each time they saw him attend an event. Sometime in May, he had a seizure at home and that was the beginning of his battle with a brain ailment. In this interview, he opens up on the success of the brain surgery he had, the fact that God gave him a second chance and what he will be doing differently.

`My brain surgery story’

What lessons have you learnt through this experience?

My perception about life has changed. My experience has told me that when you are really in a situation like that, it’s all about God. Everything is about God. My being here with you and talking about this is a rare privilege. I should have been gone. I used to have a lawyer friend who was very energetic, he was never ill. While he was delivering a paper, he had a heart attack, fell and died. He didn’t have the privilege of being rushed to the hospital. I went for his burial on October 3, after my show “Crack your ribs”. In all these, we are learning so much.

A lot of people in their quest to be popular sell their souls to the devil, just because they want to be famous. Another lesson is the fact that misfortunes show you who your true friends are. It’s not just about money, it’s about concern. It’s about checking up on the person who needs your care.

What will you be doing differently now, the new Agwu?

This is the new Julius The way I talk has changed, about realigning with God and that God owns everything. I have use all my platforms to glorify glorify God anywhere I am. I am something I have called CEOEntertainers Outreach. I have already spoken with few of my colleagues who have agreed to be part of it. The devil has eaten deep into the fabrics of the entertainment industry, taking people at their prime.

We can’t continue that way. Do you know how many entertainers we have lost? My house will be used for now as our meeting point until the completion of my event centre.

God will come down and do something new. I am also using this medium to propose to President Buhari that we need to discard the first stanza of the national anthem. For years, we have been calling on our compatriots to arise and they have refused to.nd We should stick to the 2 verse of the national anthem, which is a prayer. “Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause”. God is doing a new thing in Nigeria and we pray that God help the new ministers.

What will be your advice to individuals who are going through their own storm?

•Says we should discard first stanza of national anthem

Let me tell you the reason why God gave me a second chance. It’s because he knows that I deserved it. I finished from church years back and a young man gave me a flier to help him. He needed to have a kidney transplant. I asked him if he worships in my church and he said yes. I gave him some money then but I had forgotten I did. Some days ago, I received a Whatsapp message from him. He said: “Sir I have been trying to reach

Julius Agwu. it’s all knowing decided to him. I will starting Christian

•Julius Agwu

I finished from church years back and a young man gave me a flier to help him. He needed to have a kidney transplant. I asked him if he worships in my church and he said yes

I don’t like talking about my marriage —DJ Xclusive

By TOFARATI IGE

E

ME DJ, Rotimi Alakija aka Xclusive seems to be afraid of jinxing his newly solemnised marriage by declining to talk about it in public.

We ran into the ‘fine boy’ wheel spinner at an event recently, and when we tried to find out from him what marriage has changed about him, he didn’t even let us conclude before he stated that he isn’t ready to speak about his new marriage.

Looking calm and refreshed, he

said, ‘I don’t like talking about my marriage, so I’d rather we don’t even go there at all.’

It should be recalled that DJ Xclusive got married to his long-time girlfriend, Tinuke on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

The EME DJ also recently released his debut album titled ‘According to X’ featuring the likes of Wizkid, Timaya, 2face, Terry G, Patoranking, among others.

you since. I heard everything you have been going through and I knew that God is going to save your life because you are a very good man”. He wrote these things and I just said, Amen! I gave him money for his kidney transplant but I had forgotten. The guy called me again recently saying he still has a challenge with his kidney. I asked him if he did the transplant and he said he didn’t due to financial constraints. He said this has started affecting his heart and that he cannot breathe properly. I asked him if he has a passport and he said no. I then told him to go meet the individual who helps me with my own passport at Ikoyi. I asked him if he wants to travel with someone and he answered in the affirmative. I sent him money and they went to Ikoyi. He has the passports now and I want to see to his traveling abroad. I am trying to help as many people that I can.

In the past, I have given such platform to lots of comedians who had never traveled abroad. God has used me to impact on many lives and that is why He gave me a second chance.

What is next for you?

The next dimension is that I want to use all the platforms I have to showcase God to the world. I am raising a new set of ambassadors for God. Our industry has been desecrated, we need total cleansing. I am realigning with God and I am telling my friends who are close to me to come together to cleanse our land. I am planning big for February 7, next year. I will be working on an event called ‘Life as I see it’. I will be using the event to thank God for what He has done for me. I will also be unveiling my book and my album which will be titled Life as I see it.

•DJ Xclusive

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

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 21

Attraction is dif or men diffferent ffor

BY ONOZURE DANIA

M

en are attracted to ladies right off the bat and that attraction usually sticks but at just the “attraction” level.

The way a relationship moves all the way to commitment is when a lady is able to keep that “attraction” going strong,

Networking/ Sponsorship •Tosin, 18, a writer, music artist and an actress, needs someone to help her career.

07018116469 •Azubike, 20, a talented musician, in Lagos, needs someone to sponsor his music career.08170654055, 08107223972 • Davidson, from Enugu state, needs a philanthropist to help his Church financially.

08063866533, 07056060751 •Nete, from Benin, needs a kind hearted person to support his music career with musical instrument. 08062694160 •Charles, needs someone to sponsor a farm business project, financially.

09033657758 •Michael, needs a kind hearted person to sponsor him to Fashin school.08060308241 •Buchi, 23 and resides in Lagos, needs someone to sponsor his music school. 08163359822 •Nneka,24,needs sponsorship, for her education.

07061620871 Friends Searching Female •Angel, 45, resides in Enugu, needs a comfortable man, aged45-60, for friendship.

08103790679 Searching Male •Bright, 19, needs a beautiful female friend, with a curvy backside, in Edo or Delta state.

09029053947 •Ewere, from Delta state, needs male friends who are loving and caring, aged 35 and above.08165439947, 09091738698 Lovers Searching Female •Chidimma, from Imo state but resides in Anambra state, needs a man who is ready to settle down, aged 35-40.

08 0 6 0 4 8 5 6 1 9 •A lady, 25, beautiful, decent and intelligent, needs a mature and God fearing man, for a serious relationship, that can lead to marriage.

08174428951 •Ego, 30, self employed, from

and then lift it up all the way to the level of connection.

For a woman, attraction can happen in some other ways that makes her different from men.

It could happen after knowing a man for awhile and discovering qualities about him that attract her deeply.

It could be and this is the best case scenario that after Delta state, a single mother of one and resides in Edo state, needs a Christian, God fearing and good looking man, from any tribe, who is educated and employed, aged 35-60.

08071630121,08065865757 •Natty, 24, pretty undergraduate, with an amazing, alluring and sophisticated body, also very active in bed needs a man 50 and above for love, tender relationship.08139699443.

•Delfine, 25, student, chocolate, with full breast and behind endowment. proficient and amasing communication skills needs an man 45 and above for love, romance and sexual relationship.

08137278261 •Cynthia, 26, fair, with full big breast, sexy body needs a caring and loving man to love and adore her. 08189895150 •Favour, 22, chocolate in complexion, God fearing, a single mother of one, from Imo state, never been married, needs a rich and God fearing man who will take care of her financially for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage, aged 27 -35.

08177187651 •Olamide, 21, from Ekiti state, needs a God fearing man, for a serious relationship, aged 25-40.

07030393022 •Success, 22, light in completion and a student, from Delta state, needs a man for a serious relationship. 08160586441 •Oyinkansola, 26, fair in complexion, average height, cute, needs a God fearing, employedor businessman, aged35-45, for a serious relationship.08131664622, 08186827570 •Ijeoma, 26, fair in complexion, plumpya graduate, employed, from Imo state,but resides in

Port Harcourt, needs an Igbo man who is God fearing, tall, handsome, hardworking, aged 30-35, for a serious relationship.08039673629 •Ada, needs a single bor again Christian man, from Mbasie/Owerri, aged 38-48, for marriage.08069193368 •A lady, 34, chocolate in complexion,needs a God fearing, educated and successful man, who is ready to settle down,aged 38 and above.08052727200, +22998443866

getting to know him, she will begin to trust him, she will begin to let him see all the things that concerns her, even the parts of her she's not so crazy about. she lets down her guard and show him who she really is and how she really feels.

And, then every moment she does this, every moment she allows her self Searching Male •Innocent, 30, resides in Benin, needs a God fearing lady, for a relationship that would lead to marriage. 07054118330 •Donald, 26, from Delta state, needs a very beautiful, influential and humble lady for a romantic relationship.

07038678547, 08182828871,08055711243 •Osas, 28, resides in Lagos state, needs a lady based in Lagos state alone, aged 26-32, for Marriage.

07083109899 •Ifeanyi, 40, Christian, employed, from lmo state, but resides in Lagos, needs a Christian and employed lgbo lady, who resides in Lagos, aged 26-32, for marriage.

0 8 0 9 8 2 9 8 7 7 2 , 08169069949,08100802179 •James,24,dark in complexion, average height, soft spoken and God fearing, needs a lady, who is light in complexion, tall, and a Christian, for a serious relationship.07059748473 •Harry, 29, handsome, needs a lady, aged 20-25, for a relationship.08145660948 •Muyi, 50, needs a tall, dark in complexion and God fearing lady, who is employed as a teacher, from Edo state and resides in Benin, for a good relationship that can lead to marriage, aged 3540.08111619511 •Udo, 40, fair in complexion and God fearing, average height and resides in Abuja, needs an employed, average height, fat, busty and God fearing lady, aged 34-40, for marriage.

09094336085, 07056637422 •Tise, 28, dark in complexion, employed, resides in Lagos, needs a beautiful, Muslim lady or Ijab sister that is ready for marriage, aged 19-26.

07037177183 •Mike, 36, employed, resides in Port Harcourt, but from Akwa ibom, needs a lady, for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage, aged 2330.09037976745, 08037723659 •Odi, 45, tall, handsome, from Anambra state, but resides in Benin city, needs a God fearing and responsible lady, aged 2735, for marriage.

09022720797, 08177582979 •A man, responsible, needs a responsible and financially stable lady, or single mother,

DISCLAIMER! Dear readers, please note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking.

Also note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests which may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public. We therefore request that text must be sent through at least one of the numbers for contact. This notice is necessary to enable us serve you better in our refreshingly different style. You can send your requests to 33055. For enquiries, text or call 08026651636

to be more vulnerable and open with him, if he continues to love her, treat her well, listen to her, supports her and initiate more and more contact and more and more commitment then she becomes ever more intensely attracted to him.

It’s as though a lady's attraction to a man, is based more on her own attraction to and love for herself, more than anything in particular about him. for a relationship. 08092991140 •Chris, 40, dark in complexion, slim, tall, rich, romantic, educated, free minded , ready to settle down, from Delta but resides in Lagos, needs a lady, who is busty, for a relationship. 07035353014 •Kelvin, resides in Delta state, needs a God fearing lady, for a serious relationship, aged 25 and above.07051759827 •Joseph, 42, employed and resides in Lagos, needs a God fearing gentle lady, for a relationship.08171964013 •Stan, 32, fair in complexion, needs a God fearing lady, aged 21-28, within Abia and Imo state, who is tall, pretty and employed, for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage. 08090614037 •Peter, 26, from Akwa Ibom state, needs a God fearing, hard working and loveable lady, for marriage. 08080602197 •Ken, 38, employed and resides in Lagos, needs a God fearing lady, for marriage. 08127059632 •Augustine, from Delta state, needs a responsible lady, for a relationship, aged 23-28.

08072334635,08033899715 •Andrew, 68, a widower, not handsome and resides in Benin City, needs a fat, busty industrious and presentable widow of an average height. 07062368171 •A guy, 5.10ft tall, dark in complexion and from Edo state, needs a lady who is tall, fair or chocolate in complexion beautiful and either from Edo, Delta state or South East, for a serious relationship, aged 18-30.

07033246334 •Ezeoma, needs a lady, aged 2530, who is God fearing, a graduate, tall, slim and a Christian, who ready to settle down.

08050950057,08035014315 •Raymond, 38,reside in Benin city, needs a God fearing and hard working lady, who is slim or fair in complexion, aged 24-35, for marriage. 08030508678 •Henry, 33, a student and resides in Benin, need a God fearing lady for a relationship.

08114813751,07067173706, bbm pin 21C0D2A4 or facebook Emma Henry James • David, 40, needs a matured lady, aged 30-35, for a relationship that will lead to marriage.08033075605, 08032482065 •Tola, 28, a student, humble, gentle and reliable, needs a God fearing and matured man, aged 35-52, for marriage. 08136610443 •Obinna, 35, needs a lady, aged 20-30, who resides in Lagos, for marriage.08067635096 •Idama, 40, resides in PH, needs a tall lady, for a serious relationship.

08055221583, 08165234285 Sugar Cares Searching Female •Becky, 25, fair in complexion and pretty, needs a caring sugar daddy that can take good care of her.08184786102

This puts the lie to the whole thing about “having things in common,” and other kinds of personality matching.

The thing you and a man should both have most in common is a deep, abiding, total love for you! So, this is the clear first step to getting him to commit to love yourself more than you love him!

•Princess, 24, sexy, pretty, bursty and sexually active young girl needs a kind, generous and sexually active sugar daddy for a relationship.08102362446 Searching Male •Stanley, 22, from Delta state, needs a sugar mummy who is loving.08139638783 •Jerry, from Auchi in Edo state, needs a sugar mummy from Edo state. 07068310996 •Francis, 27, a graduate, needs a caring sugar mummy, aged 35 and above, for a confidential relationship. 08137040311 •Afolabi, 34, 5.5ft tall, a graduate and resides in Lagos, needs a fat and busty sugar mummy, for a relationship, that can lead to marriage.08083081125, 08184428781 •Dimeji, 40 and resides in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy, that is generous.

08023526131 •Jude, 30, resides in Enugu state, needs a caring and understanding sugar mummy, aged 50-80 for relationship .08157727169,08034893856 •Chibuike, 33, resides in Enugu state, needs a caring and understanding sugar mummy, aged 40-60 for a relationship.08143855189, 08157727169 •Benson, 48, 6ft tall, slim, caring and from Delta state, needs a caring, matured and busty independent sugar mummy, for a romantic relationship.

08098669963 •Kossy, tall and handsome, from Anambra state, needs a sugar mummy.08189712110 •Billy, 37, needs a sugar mummy for a discrete and adventurous relationship. 08124011372, 08064912842 •Michel, 25, resides in Port Harcourt, needs a sugar mummy, that can take care of his education.

08032244478, 08023917281 •John, 29, from Kogi state, but resides in Warri, needs a sugar mummy, for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage.08182374490 •Samuel, 26, from Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, needs a rich busty sugar mummy, that resides in either in PH, Calabar, Uyo or Lagos for a relationship.

08069718462 •Goodness, 21, 5.6ft tall and handsome, needs a good, caring

and understanding sugar mummy. 09081898396 •Frank, 26, a graduate from Benin, needs a rich sugar mummy, from Edo or Delta state.

08035691566 •Kings, 35, 5.8ft tall, neat, good looking, romantic and resides in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy for a relationship. 07055409573 •Efosa, 26, tall and handsome, needs a sugar mummy, aged 2742.09020168726

PAGE 22, SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

By EMEKA AGINAM

W

hile Nigeria strives to achieve digital switch over by 2017 with growing concern over e-waste challenge, the Director, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba has assured on prosper electronic waste management.

With the planned building of a massive N197 billion ($1bn) manufacturing plant for set-top box in Abule Egba, Lagos State, e-waste issue, keen observers said is expected acroos the nation.

It would be recalled that Nigeria was not able to switch over to digital terrestrial television last June as a result of funding challenge.

The NBC DG who was reacting to questions on how best to manage e-waste in the migration process told IT Journalists during the signing of Memorandum of understanding between Media Concepts International, MCI, a Set Top Box, STB, manufacturer licensed by the NBC in partnership with South Korea, KAON recently said that the Commission was making arrangement for collection center across the nation.

Although Nigeria’s transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting is expected to exacerbate a national e-waste problem, he assured that the Commission was already discussing with relevant regulatory agencies in Nigeria on how best to manage and address e-waste.

“We will put in place mechanism to manage ewaste. We are having

Digital switch over: NBC allays fear over e-waste challenge discussion with other regulatory agencies on how best to e-waste changes in the transition process” he said.

It would be recalled that the former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson had also assured Nigerians that the volume of electronic waste that would be generated from the migration from DSO would not affect the migration process.

COMES osof omot COMESAA , Micr Microsof osoftt ttoo pr promot omotee access, skills in 1199 African countries

I

n an effort to promote regional trade, local and foreign investment and improved public sector service delivery, Microsoft yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The agreement sets out how they will collaborate in the areas of access to technology, development of relevant skills and the fostering of innovation in COMESA’s 19 member States.

This is in line with the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative’s three core focus areas worldclass skills, access and innovation.

Mr. Sindiso Ngwenya, COMESA’s Secretary General during the signing, said: “Business technology has revolutionized the way

countries and firms conduct business.

“We are in an age where the planning processes of organizations is through instruments and solutions that promote quality management, and respond to age –old constraints of time limitations and high costs of operations.”

“Through Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative, we have been working to increase regional trade and the growth of the knowledge economy in Africa,” Antony Cook, Associate General Counsel, Legal and Corporate Affairs Microsoft, Middle East and Africa, said, adding that.

“Through influential partnerships, such as the one with COMESA, we aim to scale across the region further to impact not just thousands, but millions.”

There will be collection centers across the nation for e-waste

Before now, according to industry watcher, the informal processing of electronic waste in developing countries may cause serious health and pollution problems, as some of these countries may have limited regulatory oversight of e-waste processing.

According to them, the volume of e-waste from analogue television and other electronic devices might hamper a smooth migration process, since Nigeria did not

have recycling plant that could process and covert analogue electronic gadgets into digital devices.

E-waste is categorized as hazardous waste due to the presence of toxic materials such as mercury, lead and brominated flame retardants are considered as hazardous waste, according to the Basel Convention.

The Basel Convention started to address e-waste issues since 2002 which included, among others, environmentally sound management; prevention of illegal traffic to developing countries and; building capacity around the globe to better manage e-waste.

Meanwhile, e-waste is not only a global environmental hazard, it’s a burgeoning multimillion-dollar criminal business, according to a United Nations report released recently.

The report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has said that as much as 90 percent of the world’s electronic waste , everything from used computers to smartphones, is illegally traded or dumped each year.

Much of the e-waste winds up in Africa and Asia. “We are witnessing an unprecedented amount of electronic waste rolling out over the world.

Not only does it account for a large portion of the world’s non-recycled waste mountain, but it also poses a growing threat to human health and the environment, due to the hazardous elements it contains,” Achim Steiner, U.N. Undersecretary-General and executive director of UNEP, had said in a statement.

Truecaller user base reaches 200m

T

ruecaller has announced that its global community has reached the 200 million user milestone, doubling its user base in less than 10 months.

With this milestone comes a new feature bringing richer information to the screens of Truecaller users around the world: Number Tagging.

Launched recently on Android, the company’s free phonebook app Truecaller and dial pad replacement app, Truedialer will now come equipped with a new option that will let users to tag a contact based on a broad range of categories such as Transportation, Banking / Finance, or Drinks and Nightlife, making it even easier to identify your cab driver or your bank.

When Truecaller came to life on an online forum, and experienced the first 10 thousand downloads, the

company has been dedicated to working together with their global community towards a vision of smarter and trustworthy communication.

The latest feature launch represents a significant step in

Truecaller ’s commitment to enhance their technology, and use data in a smarter way, by curating information into their database, and helping it to become truly intelligent, and able to learn organically.

Tsaboin traffic talk partners MTN, Etisalat

T

raffic solution provider, Tsaboin, has announced a strategic partnership with mobile operators in Nigeria, MTN and Etisalat. Tsaboin traffic solutions company provides traffic updates through live feeds from cameras installed at strategic locations in Lagos.

Speaking on the partnership, Dele Odufuye, CEO of Tsaboin Traffic Talk, stated that the partnership will enable the company deliver improved cutting edge services to its teeming users.

“We are excited about this

partnership because it shows our passion towards easing the pain Lagos commuters experience during traffic gridlocks. As Nigeria’s foremost traffic information company, we want to continue to contribute our quota towards enhancing the lives of people and this is one of the ways we intend to achieve the target”, he said.

While giving details on the partnership with MTN, he informed that Tsaboin will be offering special Traffic Monitoring Data Bundles for MTN subscribers.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 23

Why light-skinned girls get picked first!

I

WILL never forget the day I agreed to have a talk with a friend who was on the verge of ditching her husband for another married man.

“I am tired of giving birth to ugly children”, she snapped when I broached the subject, telling her my mediating was at the insistence of her husband, who was also a close friend. “My daughter is so dark I feel for her at times as there is the possibility of her attracting only ugly men.

1 am dark, my husband is dark. You have seen the new man yourself, he has lovely children. Let me also have children 1 can be proud of for a change!” So she left and eventually had three children by this other man.

I wished I could say they are as ugly as the ones she had with her first husband, but no. They are quite attractive and athletic, and she was proud of her feat! Her husband also remarried, of course. “And his new set of kids are even uglier than the ones I had for him,” smirked my friend.

Lately, I learnt both of them were thinking of

going back together since they were not properly divorced. I thought the idea absurd. I would have termed it impossible, if I hadn’t heard it from the now bitter father of her ‘lovely’ children, her second ‘husband’.

When she phoned a few days later, I told her of the ridiculous rumour I heard about her first husband coming back to her. “Don’t mind the jerk, he’s just jealous,” she said of her now ex-lover, “By the way, Jide (her real husband) is here and wants to talk to you.” “Are you back together ” I asked him incredulously when he came on the phone. “Of course, we are!” he actually sounded happy.

“That stupid man is just an opportunist who wants to spend my wife’s money. He can talk until his face muscles burst, 1 am back with my wife.

You tell him that! Let him try his luck elsewhere.”

It is true really, that some of us, dark or light, prefer light skinned mates so we could have “pretty babies”, that is why skin lightening creams and horribly concocted local bleaching soaps still sell; though they are now advertised as good for making blemishes fade rather than for lightening the whole complexion.

Jennifer was a dark skinned beauty in her secondary

school days and had her share of boyfriends - though not particularly spectacular ones.

She travelled abroad and came back ten years later almost as white as the next white; sporting multi-coloured hair extensions and wearing green contact lenses!

“When you are abroad,” she said later, ‘You experience a lot of racism because of your skin. It got worse when I discovered that even coloured people were also picky.

Being rejected by blacks because your skin is cocoa and not cream, ebony and not olive or because you are short with kinky hair instead of tall with wavy hair hurt.

“Back home, I’ve discovered that my investment in changing the colour of my skin has more than paid off. It didn’t come cheap either.

Apart from very costly injections I paid to slow down the pigmentation of my dark skin, I have to keep on using expensive creams and lotions. I look in the mirror and I like what I see. It is money well spent. And my confidence has had a great boost. In this part

of the world, it is often the ‘ yellow pawpaw ’ as those with very light skin are called, that reap the most attention. I mean, if someone was described that way, there was no need to say that person was good-looking. It was a given that light was lovely. It is up to those with darker skin who have to now prove themselves.

“It is a general belief that dark-skinned people often don’t take time to groom themselves - but that is not true. When I was darker, I really put in more effort than now, but it seldom showed. If we want to be frank with ourselves, we would admit that light skinned girls get picked up first either as dancing partners or lovers. We shouldn’t be fooled by the “Black is beautiful” mantra, that died with the seventies!”

Little wonder then that men too have jumped into the “ yellowpawpaw” bandwagon with glee!

Few years ago, a prominent lawmaker that was impeached in one of the Northern states proudly defended his bleached, ‘glowing’ well groomed skin, and said it

had nothing to do with his efficiency. How true!

But there is a limit to how far you should compete with your partner in the bleaching department!’

A colleague’s husband works with a big advertising agency and he is one of their top officers. He grew from fairly light-skinned, to albino light. “It was a bit embarrassing trying to talk him out of his stupid obsession with his skin but tried, I did” confessed his wife. “He didn’t listen to me, of course. He did look better as he made the effort to slim down to compliment his new complexion until he over-did it and spotted black patches all over his face and neck.

“The chemicals in the creams he used were so potent they burnt his skin. He now has to spend a lot of money to get rid of the patches but he still hasn’t thrown his bleaching creams away. As things are, I leave him to do his own thing, afterall, it’s his skin, and the fact remains that in major towns and cities, a light complexion has always been a passport to special treatment whether you’re rich or poor!”

Get fit and firm with Yoga moves Taut Abdominals:INBOX The ture breathe normally. Retain the position for five to seven leg raise ECHNIQUE: Sit seconds, rest and repeat a few on the floor with more times. the legs outThe Triangle: Fir m stretched in front of you, place the hands just be- Thighs and Butt Technique: Standing with hind waist level and a litthe feet apart, bend the right tle away from the body.

Inhale and raise both knee to waist level with the legs up diagonally, form- toes pointing forward, keep ing a ‘V’ with the trunk. the left knee slanted with the Once you are in the pos- knee locked. Keep the hands

T

chest and stretch out with the elbows straightened out. Hold the pose for a slow count to 10.

Rest and repeat.

Front to Back Splits amazing Technique: Standing up straight, turn the trunk to the left and begin spreading out the legs as you lower down the body. As you get closer to the floor invert the left foot and keep the right heel down.

You may keep the hands on the floor so you can hold your body up a bit if the stretching effect gets too uncomfortable.

As usual, regular practice makes the pose easier and easier.

at shoulder level and the trunk erect.

Count to 10 and repeat legs.

Strong Arms: The Bow Technique: Lying on your belly, bend both knees and with the legs up in the air hold the feet with the corresponding hands. Lift up the

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P AGE 24 — SUND AY Vanguard , NO VEMBER 8 , 2015 SUNDA NOVEMBER

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How to help your daughter cope with accepting her hubby’s second wife!

A

t 49, Jubril was thought to have an enviable marriage by his married friends - a 22-year partnership with beautiful Tumi who bore him three lovely children. They met in college and were almost inseparable.

Then she became a mother of three, and gradually her appearance at parties with him began to fade.

“When Jubril started staying out late and at most weekends, I warned my daughter of its implications”, Miriam, Tumi’s mother said. “As a Muslim, Jubril could be polygamous if he desired, but Tumi seemed to trust him not to take another wife.

Well, he did. Not only that, he had said that since they lived in a s p r a w l i n g accommodation, the new wife could have one of the chalets. At his age and with his position, Jubril said he wouldn’t want to be running from one woman’s house to the other if his new wife were to live on a different premises. Tumi was devastated to say the least. She’d invested so much into her marriage, and to be replaced with a new model in her life as if she was an old car, was too hard for her to take.

“I had to counsel her all of the time, to tell her that she too was a product of polygamy, but

she believed her husband was throwing away all they ’d both worked for, all the investments in emotions and their home for a gold-digger. She was sure her husband would soon regret his decision.

When I eventually met Yosola, the new wife, I was a bit taken aback by her simplicity. She was young and fresh-faced all right, but you could hardly call her a golddigger. She came from a very strict Muslim background. Her parents were rich and she turned out to be a successful business woman.

“She deals in household goods and is a major distributor for a few manufacturing companies. She also imports some of the items she sold wholesale.

“I was ready to dislike her, but you just couldn’t help admiring her resolve.

You could see she was prepared to do anything to make the relationship work. She was very polite to Tumi and the children. When she learnt that I dealt in some of the things she sold, she compared her prices with where I bought mine from, and she needn’t twist my arm before I agreed to be buying from her. My daughter was livid. She thought Yosola was trying to buy my affection, but I told her she was being silly. The

she wasn’t having any of that. “My blood boils any time I see that woman in my daughter ’s former home, using her things and my grand-daughter calling her mummy. I mean, she’s not her mother and what would she be to me? A daughterin-law? I’m sure she too wouldn’t want “me around, cluttering up her newly arranged matrimonial home!”

prices she quoted were lot less than I was currently paying and she even said I could pay her after I’d sold the goods!

It was too good to be true but because I got the goods for less, I was able to be a small distributor in my own right! Small stall-owners started patronizing me and in two years, I was able to rent another shop - a bigger one at that!

“It took a long time for my daughter to see that one could sometimes benefit from a seemingly bad situation. Since I started dealing with Yosola, I no longer ask for any material things from my daughter. I was able to help my other children and I now have a pick-up van I use for my business.

Jubril is happy at the

turn of events and Tumi is also learning to live with the situation. Her children are grown and doing well in school while Yosola’s two children are in primary school.

“It is not really a thing one looks forward to when one has to share one’s affection with another partner, but it could be worse. What if my daughter ’s husband had ended up with one of these desperate women who are bent on unseating the incumbent wife?”

When Eno met her sonin-law’s new wife, she was determined to hate her. The fact that Bukky, the new wife, met her husband after he was widowed; had nothing to do with how Eno felt.

“He married her too

Temitope Vincent. Am glad the Heavens created you,and am happier that I met you. You are a representative of God's love. And till death do us part,I'll love you!

Vincent Adenike adenike_lawal01@yahoo.com 09034656197

Y

OUR column to express your loving thoughts in words to your sweetheart. Don’t be shy. Let it flow and let him or her know how dearly you feel.

Write now in not more than 75 words to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E.mail: sunlovenotes@yahoo.com Please mark your envelope: “LOVE NOTES"

My best friend

If I have to choose another life,another story and another existence,it will be one in which I will be who I am today-wife an bestfriend to my man, Adeolu

My Gift

Adam woke up from sleep and he saw Eve.I woke up from my sleep of searching and I saw you.Adam called his own Eve,but mine is Sunshine.You have brought warmth to my soul.You are my Soul's Sun!

Ovis Ukoch , ovis1302@gmail.com

My heart....

My heart echoes...my mind is empty. My heart is heavy...the pain is much. I look up, its cloudy. I

quickly after my daughter died”, Eno fumed. “Though she’s as nice as wives come, every time I look at them together, see how happy they are, I just can’t help thinking she’s a poor replacement for my darling daughter. She’s also almost twenty years younger than Dominic.”

“But your so-called son-in-law is in his late forties and his new wife is no teeny-bopper - she is 30 years old”, I pointed out. “And breeding like a rabit”, snapped Eno. Gently, I reminded her that even though she tried, her late daughter only had a child. Surely, Eno would want Dominic to have more; children? He has always encouraged Eno to visit her granddaughter more often but

What You See Is What You Get! (Humour) Unbeknown to his family, a man joined a nudist colony. A few months later, he received a letter from his mother who wrote that she hadn’t seen him for a while and would he send a recent photograph?

Unfortunately all the photos of himself were in the nude so he cut one of the pictures in two and sent her the top half.

A couple of days later, another letter arrived from his mother thanking him for the photo and asking him to send one to his ageing grandmother! The poor old dear ’s nearly blind, he thought to himself, I’ll just send the other half of the photo, she’ll never know the difference! Some time passed and one morning, a letter arrived from his grandmother. “Dear Ernest,” it read, “thank you for the photo, though I must say that your new hairstyle makes your nose look much longer.”

look down, its muddy. I try to move on, unseen hands seem to drag me back, pulling under. I reach out, seems like I am grasping on straw, sinking, drowning, fainting, fading. But no; I cant. I wont. I have to believe, trudge on. If only love can find me.

Help me. Believe in me.

Stan Stan stanfeelings@gmail.com

If I have to....

If I have to choose another life,another story and another existence,it will be one in which I will be who I am today-wife and bestfriend to my man, Adeolu Temitope Vincent. Am glad the Heavens created you,and am happy that I met you. You are a representative of God's love. And till death do us part,I'll love you!

Vincent Adenike adenike_lawal01@yahoo.com 09034656197

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 25 08116759757

EX TIONS FR OM KIDN APPERS EX--ARMY MAJOR'S REVELA REVELATIONS FROM KIDNAPPERS APPERS’’ DEN

'My abductors confessed they hired guns from policemen, soldiers' •Hints they planned to invade South-west •Says his wife broke down negotiating N60m ransom .8m vr on wor at es hhow ow capt or TM ttoo collect Che •Narr N1.8m Chevr vron workker's N1 •Narrat ates captor orss used AATM

By Egufe Yafugborhi

M

aj. Frederick Anesah (retd), a former Commander, 2nd Military Intelligence Group at 2 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, was released by kidnappers September 29 after 13 days in captivity. In this interview, Anesah spots a link between a loose gun allocation policy and the ease with which armed men procure weapons, while also suggesting that the gradual shift of high profile kidnapping from the Niger-Delta to the South-west. He shares his experience in kidnappers den.

How was your day leading to your kidnapping?

It was a very peaceful day when I left my house at Ugboroke on a trip to Asaba. Shortly after passing Osubi Airstrip Junction on Eku Road, I noticed a red car blocked my car. Four armed men disembarked from the red car and surrounded my car. It was between 7 and 8 in the morning.

I discovered there were more armed men in another car behind.

My driver jumped out of the vehicle, a black Toyota Prado. The armed men sandwiched me inside my car, took over the steering and drove off into the forest on the road to the late Gen. Aziza's country home.

Initially I took them for armed robbers. Immediately they turned into the forest, they stopped the car, ordered me out and told me to follow them. At that point, there were about seven young men, all armed with AK47s.

How did you know the location at that point?

We didn't really get to Aziza's place on that road. We entered the bush at a point on the road leading to the back of Aziza's town. After trekking for about one hour into the forest, the armed men informed me that I was being kidnapped for a ransom of N60m.

I told them I had no business with them. 'Do you understand what is N60m?', I asked them. They said they meant to keep me there till that ransom was paid. We stayed there till 6pm when they now said they were taking me to their base. The walk to the so-called base lasted from that moment till 4am the next day.

We were going round in circle to give the impression that we were walking a long distance. I sensed that from observing the electricity poles on the road. We would pass one and come back to it again, trying to make me lose sense of where I was. It was quite a distance. Eventually we stopped under a tree where I was held till September 29.

How were you taken care of in captivity?

We slept on bare floor in a tent they made. They took turns in four or six to watch over me. All were armed except two new small boys they were teaching how to shoot guns. They came with two stoves, and they would cook what they called white egusi soup.“I told them I eat once, around

•Major Anesah....subjected to 13 days of horror 5pm, everyday. So that was the routine. We drank rain water throughout. They would gather the rain water and we relied on that to feed or quench thirst.

How did the interaction and communication between you and them progress?

They said 'Call your people to bring the N60m'. I said I didn't have money. My phones were with them.

I said they should look at my accounts. One had N5,000, another N9,000 and the last N1,500. I told them that was all I had. So they were scrolling the phones and asking about my relationship with some of the contacts who they pressured me to call to bring the money.

Eventually, a very close friend, who doesn't want his name mentioned here, kept in touch with the men.

They asked if he was my son, but I told them he was a friend. From N60m, the ransom dropped to N15m, then N10m. My wife was initially involved in the negotiations.

Along the line, she got sick following the tension and was admitted in hospital, so my friend carried on until they came down to N3m, vowing never to go lower.

They did a lot of checks on my phone. They saw my residence, viewed pictures of functions and parties I attended. They saw my children overseas and all that and chose to believe I had such a significant ransom value. I told them they were wrong.“Initially they collected N1.2m. In the camp, there was disagreement between the negotiators and those in the forest.

Additional N1m was collected in the afternoon of September 29 when I was released.

After trekking for about one hour into the forest, the armed men informed me that I was being kidnapped for a ransom of N60m On each of the occasions they collected ransom, they would call my relation bringing the money who didn't see them, but they saw him.

He would be ordered to move in various directions with a warning not to reveal the deal to anyone till the last man collected the“money. Then they would call to inform those holding me hostage.

How was your freedom arranged?

They said they would drop me in Warri. We left the camp around 10am and trekked till about 9 pm.

We got to a point then when they negotiated for a vehicle to come and pick us; it was apparently a stolen vehicle. The car was a Mercedes Benz. They gave signs to each other and they drove us to Adeje. After Adeje, we got to Ometan where meat is sold.

This time, we were coming from Sapele direction. From the bush, we may have trekked miles to Sapele.

Ometan, where they dropped me, is only miles from the army checkpoint around Effurun.

You keep referring to us and we.

Were you in company of other captives?

On my sixth day there, they brought one Alex Jumbo, resident in Sapele but abducted at Ekpan in the night. He is an ex-Chevron worker.

We were released same day.“He had N1.8m in his account. They took that with the ATM they found on him.

They then sold his Highlander to make up his ransom in the region of N2 to N3 million. So they left both of us there.“What was your initial reaction on regaining freedom?“We were relieved. We trekked to the community and relayed our story to the people we met. The torture was unbearable, particularly for my fellow victim. He was blindfolded for most of the period. They didn't blindfold me, but I took a lot of beating.“The trauma for the other guy was much because they discovered he was a member of the Pirate Confraternity.

That made them to beat him a lot.

The boys who held us were from Okpe, the immediate locality.“You are Ijaw. How were you able to tell that your abductors were of Okpe extraction?“I speak a bit of Urhobo and understand even more. When they spoke, I could tell what dialect of Urhobo they were speaking.

There was one person from Effurun among them.“In the rescue efforts leading to your freedom, you hardly made mention of security operatives.

Were they not involved?“I owe my freedom first to the grace of God, then my military background and my friend and family's cooperation. I think the police were aware. They were told, but I never really felt any positive commitment on their part to rescue me. Given my career in the military and later in the State Security

Service, I was kind of disappointed in the nominal role security operatives played in the saga.“When I got home, one official came here. Later, he said they wrote a report to their headquarters. One thing I would say, it is time government and its agencies took kidnappers a bit more serious. Today, we are looking at them as kidnappers. Boko Haram, when it started, was seen as a band of religious bigots. Today, they have become monsters, even growing more deadly with international allignment with global terrorist groups.“Another point is for the police and the army to review their internal weapon handling and monitoring system. In the past, a policeman was not allowed to go home with his gun. At the close of duty, you drop it and stock is taken to ensure that everything is in order.

Today, policemen, soldiers go home with their weapons. So you don't know how far the guns travel and to where they go.“Security agencies should also begin to be more vigilant.

From my verbal engagement with the boys, we are likely to have series of bank robberies in the South-west.

I returned from the kidnappers den only to hear of the intriguing bank robbery in Lagos. My kidnappers had told me they were moving to the South-west which they claimed has more money and the banks are becoming more attractive in terms of cash loot. They may be looking for more money and that means bigger criminal aspirations ahead. Even the increasing high profile kidnapping in the South-west currently has been the long drawn plan they told me.

We are likely to see more from their determination and boasting.“Why the suggestion on review of weapon handling by security operatives?“What's the link with your ordeal?“They confessed that they hire ammunition from the police and army. That means there is no serious monitoring (of arms) and control. So if we return to the old order where those allocated guns and other weapons submit them off duty, there would be some form of sanity in the society. A situation where arms are allegedly being sold from the armory of security operatives puts the society in such a perilous situation.“I stayed for a long time with them. We were discussing and I am good in interpersonal communication.

Practically, I was there when they called a girl to go to a certain contact and pick up seven packs of ammunition. It's a dangerous trend wherever they get these weapons and ammunitions from and the ease with which they do. I told you, all seven AK47 they were brandishing appeared brand new.“They were heavily on drugs most of the time.

This poses great danger to the victims. In one of the days I was in captivity, one of the kidnappers lost N500 and was threatening to shoot his colleagues if they failed to produce the money. At such moments, they easily pounce on you to vent their anger and frustration.“Any other lesson learnt from your ordeal?“One basic point to echo is that if my young child could get GPRS tracking to spot where those boys were calling from, why shouldn't security agencies know where they were calling from? It's unbelievable.“Lastly, people should be mindful of the extent of information they store on their phones. These boys frisk every application on phones, especially the sensitive handsets. That enables them to dig into your life, know your family, associates, social status and events you attend to determine your ransom value. Most times they could be mistaken, but even when you make genuine denials, they just manhandle you and put you in greater danger.

PAGE 26—

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015 08116759757

ABUAD: Afe Babalola's self-employment model I

f anyone had told Aare Afe Babalola, the founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, 10 years ago, that he would venture into education and establish a university that would be described

by UNESCO“as a 'world class university', he may not have believed it. He was comfortable, happy, and enjoying the beauty of a successful legal practice.

At 86, Aare Babalola is working at the pace of a 30-year old administrator; the chief superintendent of the six-year-old varsity that has been rightly tagged as the fastest-growing educational institution in Africa. While many paint rosy pictures of the ‘ideal’ university, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria has not only envisioned the need to make ABUAD the benchmark for quality education in the country, he is laying solid examples for enduring and sustainable academic excellence.

At the third convocation ceremony of the university, the founder doled out N250,000 to graduates of agricultural science.

Asked why such “a parting gift”, Babalola said: “I don’t want them

Prof Attahiru Jega (3rd left) , Bishop Matthew Kukah (2nd left) and Chief Afe Babalola ( 3rd right) at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti convocation ceremony. to roam the streets looking for employment. They have been well groomed and that is a way to encourage them to start their own ventures.

It is instructive that the founder of ABUAD had, beginning last academic session, reduced by half the fees payable by students reading agric- related courses in a bid to encourage young people to

embrace agriculture and promote national self-sufficiency in food production.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, emphasized the doctrine of the university as envisioned by the founder. “At ABUAD, we believe that promoting integrity among the young people is critical to building a better future for Nigeria. We

believe that educational corruption is the worst form of corruption because it is a barrier to high quality education and social economic development”, he stated.

To him, education is “a fundamental human right” that drives personal, social and economic well being of the nation.

“Education is also the key to a better future, where educated citizens

Gov Emmanuel and the St. Luke’s Hospital story

I

t is not by accident that, today, the top destinations for health tourism in the world are countries with the highest GDP, standard of living, life expectancy and, by extension, the most advanced economies of the world.

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State understands this. “When the significant sectors of the population are healthy and well educated, they can be more productive, innovative and thus the country can boast of a work force that is better positioned for global competitiveness; a workforce that will drive the economy and provide an improved quality of living for the masses”, Emmanuel was once quoted as saying. It is, therefore, not strange that within days of his coming into office, the governor moved to revitalize the health sector of his state, a programme that ushered the renovation and re-equipping of health centres in the state.

However, Nigeria as a country seems to have continuously missed out on the opportunity to harness its huge human capital endowments as greater emphasis has always been on the country’s oil and gas deposits.

Besides an ailing economy, the country ranks low on the global competitiveness index. The healthcare system is one of the indicators. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of infant and maternal mortality in the world, ranking second in the world behind India. Nigeria was part of a group of six countries in 2008

GOV UDOM that collectively accounted for over 50% of all maternal deaths globally.

In terms of the maternal mortality ratio, she is ranked eighth in subSaharan Africa behind, Angola, Chad, Liberia, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Somalia. A UNICEF report provides that one woman dies every ten minutes owing to childbirth complications, giving a total of 53,000 deaths per year. It further explains that about 800 women will die in every 100,000 live births.

Available data shows that while Nigeria struggles to improve on these abysmal records, the Southsouth region of the country has consistently shown a remarkable improvement, closely behind the South-west with the least number of deaths of children under the age of five for every 1,000 births.

Studies reveal a correlation

between improvement in life expectancy and the number of quality healthcare facilities in the region.

Akwa Ibom constitutes a significant part of success in the healthcare index report of the South-south. Host to some of the oldest healthcare facilities in the country, and coupled with the high literacy rate that ensures that more women are enlightened on safe maternal practices, the state has more healthcare facilities per woman than the average figure in the region. However, due to lack of consistent maintenance and upgrade of these facilities, many of them are becoming dilapidated and dysfunctional.

When Emmanuel assumed office in May 2015, he made good his promise to focus on human development by visiting some of

the critical infrastructures in the state. One of such facilities was St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo. Established in 1937 by the Medical Missionaries of Mary to alleviate infant and maternal mortality in the community, the facility had only 12 beds at inception. It rose in prominence and gained recognition as a teaching hospital and thus training and pre-registration centre for House Doctors. The hospital became a reference point for maternal healthcare in the then South Eastern Region.

Theworkforceinthehospitalwas enhanced by contributions of professionals from St. John Ambulance and the Quaker Team from the UK. The medical laboratory in the hospital was a major training center for Medical Laboratory Technologists in Nigeria. However, the health institution lost most of its glory during the civil war. Since then, the hospital has been abandoned by successive governments. It was in this most pitiable state that the governor, together with stakeholders from the Catholic Archdiocese of Uyo and the state MinistryofHealth,metthehospital on his first visit to the institution where he sought the collaboration of the Catholic mission to renovate the facility.

In less than 100 days in office, Emmanuelmadegoodhispromise to reposition healthcare in Akwa IbomState. HerestoredtheSchool ofNursinginthehospitalwhilealso rescuring it from gully erosion that threatened to sweep critical sections of the school away.

have the tools to contribute to society and live in dignity”, he said.

Hagher, a former university vice chancellor and respected educationist, said: “ABUAD brand of tertiary education is the missing link and answer to Nigeria’s developmental challenges. The Founder, Trustees, Council and the entire university is bound by a common institutional culture of excellence. Our journey to fame within a short period of time is as a result of being able to assemble and grow the best professors,“lecturers and supporting staff that are not just paid salaries but are partners in the mission to advance the frontiers of academic excellence”.

Indeed, many respectable citizens and policy makers have similar views.“Professor Peter Okebukola, a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, in a recent book on private university education, said “ABUAD has developed one of the most learnerfriendly and high-end research supporting facilities in Nigeria.”

The former vice chancellor gave credit to Aare Babalola whom he says “is at the wheel of steering the university to be a model for Africa in terms of quality of

Education is also the key to a better future, where educated citizens have the tools to contribute to society and live in dignity facilities,“quality of staff, quality of students and quality of curriculum delivery.

Okebukola gave kudos to Babalola for setting standards that are high “and pitched at a level beyond Harvard.” The founder himself elaborated, stating that “ABUAD’s commitment to standard, ethical behavior, high quality academic, modern laboratory equipment and skill development is total without

comparison.

Professor Attahiru Jega, who bagged an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, said he has followed the evolution of the university from inception and is impressed at the development within a short period of time. “I along with most Nigerians are impressed with ABUAD’s remarkable development and profound achievement it has recorded in a short period under the Founder’s able guidance and mentorship,” he added.

Honourable Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, former Chairman of ICPC, who received honorary Doctor of Laws award, noted that “ABUAD has grown within a short period of five years to be a trail-blazer in quality education in

Africa and the rest of the world”.

Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, who received honorary Doctor of Letters, said “ABUAD is reputed to be one of the best administered universities in Africa, providing benchmark for the assessment of competence, vision and focus in tertiary education.

The Reverend, Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, who delivered the convocation lecture and bagged honorary Doctor of Divinity, praised Aare Babalola’s unalloyed commitment to public service through law and education.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 27 08116759757

BOY, 15, RELIVES STORY

‘How thief hypnotised me, stole cash, clothes’

By Kennedy Mbele

A

38-year-old-man, Chijioke Onwunbiko, has been docked at an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting at Ogba, Agege, Lagos for allegedly stealing N10,000 from one Chigozie Ali (15).

The incident allegedly occurred on August 18, 2015 at about 9.00hrs at Orile Agbado.

According to the prosecution, the suspect allegedly stole the money from his victim; a boy, who was going to sell some wares for his elder brother in a nearby market, an offence punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, Nigeria, 2011.

Asked whether they would like to settle the matter amicably, the suspect said he

Driver Impersonates Army Officer

By Kennedy Mbele

A

n Ikeja Magistrate Court, located at Samuel Olori Court House, Ogba Agege, Lagos, is trying one Oganyi Okafor for allegedly parading himself as a military officer. Okafor, 26, allegedly committed the offence on October 2 at about 13.00 hours along Panada Road, Agege, Lagos.

According to the prosecution, the suspect was arrested in the area, fully dressed in the uniform of the Nigerian Army.

The two-count charge read: “That you, Oganyi Okafor, ‘m’, on October 2,2015, at about 1.00pm, along Panada Road, Agege, in Ikeja Magisterial District, did impersonate a member of the armed forces by wearing a military cap and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 78 (a) (b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2011.

“Again, that you, Oganyi Okafor, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district, did unlawfully wear and have in your possession full dress, shoes ,cap with army badges; which falsely conveyed the impression and impersonate a military officer and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 78 (a) (b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2011”.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to both counts and was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

cleared”, recalled the boy.

The complainant further explained that the accused dispossessed him of everything he had on him, including the clothes he was going to the market to sell as well as N10,000 cash. He added that the suspect ran out of luck two months later, when he saw him at Alaako area of Lagos and was able to identify him as the person who dispossessed him of his wares and N10,000 cash after asking for road direction two months earlier.

He added that when he told his elder brother that he had seen the man who robbed him on August 18, the latter took him to the police station where he lodged a complaint Right-Left- Dr. (Mrs.) Oby Oguzie (Imo State APC Welfare Officer and Zonal Coordinator, Nneoma Women Foundation), Hon. Mrs. Gloria Njoku, Anchor, Mennor which led to the Nwaezeigwe, Lady Onyekachi Basil-Nwachukwu (Principal, Egbu Girls Secondary arrest of the School, Owerri) and Nollywood Actress, Ogechi Obilonu. suspect.

was prepared to return the boy’s N10,000 to him, an offer which the complainant accepted before the court.

The suspect was granted bail in the sum of N5,000 with one surety in like sum.

It was gathered that the suspect approached the little boy in Sango area of Ogun State, and asked him for road

direction and that, as he opened his mouth to tell him that he didn’t know the place, his (the boy’s) memory went blank and the next place he found himself was Kola in Alagbado area of Lagos. An acquaintance, who was surprised to see him in the area, was said to have asked him where he was going “It was there and then that my eyes

he leaders of Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, have warned that Gbaramatu kingdom is not part of Biafra.

Elder Dickson Agagha, who spoke on behalf of the leaders at a meeting in Warri, insisted that Gbaramatu kingdom will never be part of Biafra, saying that any son or daughter of the kingdom making such a move to include

N

ATIONAL President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr Nasir Fagge, is facing contempt charge for alleged disobedience to the order of the National Industrial Court (NIC).

Chairman of the Delta University, Abraka, Prof Abel Diakparomre, had, on behalf of himself and the chapter, dragged Fagge and ASUU national body to the NIC for not recognizing him as the duly elected Chairman of the chapter.

The court, in the suit, restrained Fagge and ASUU from conducting a bye-election into the chairmanship position of the ASUU chapter, or appointing anybody in acting capacity.

In the order of interim injunction given by the President of the NIC, Justice B. A Adejumo, and renewed by the presiding judge of the court sitting in Enugu, Justice Auwal Ibrahim, the court said Fagge would be guilty of contempt of court and shall be liable to be sent to prison unless he obeys the order of the NIC. Fagge had, after the election of Diakparomre, barred him from attending the National Executive Council, NEC, and had appointed several persons to act as Chairman of the branch, all of whom allegedly declined until one member, elected in a purported election held on February 12, 2014, was appointed to act as the branch Chairman in contravention of the order of the court.

Igbo women steal show at 'August Meeting'

A

By Emeka Anaeto

gainst the backdrop of the cultural re-orientation across the South East, some leading women in public and private sectors have commended the Igbo women for their invaluable contributions to building homes and the nation.

Speakers at the ‘August Meeting’ Show, among whom was the first lady of Abia State, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, also commended corporate bodies like Olympic Milk, which sponsored this year’s programme of ‘August Meeting’, for lending their support to celebrating and uplifting womanhood.

The ‘August Meeting’ is the biggest gathering of Igbo married

women from all walks of life. It is held every year to tackle issues that affect their communities and find solution through projects that impact positively on the lives of the indigent rural dwellers. The ‘August Meeting’ Show is a television and radio programme conceived by Media Industries Concept to bring the various events around the monthlong celebration to viewers in the South-East and beyond.

At this year’s edition of the ‘August Meeting’ show, sponsored by Olympic Milk, women from Imo, Abia and Anambra States had the opportunity to showcase their achievements in their various communities.

The programme, ‘The Olympic

Milk August Meeting Show’, enjoyed live broadcast on several television and radio stations in the three states including BCA TV and BCA FM in Umuahia, Orient TV and Orient FM in Owerri, as well as ABS TV and ABS FM Onitsha. Guests and other participants from various communities discussed issues affecting families, especially mothers in the region.

Two Nollywood actresses, Chinwe Owoh and Ogechi Obilonu, who featured in the movie ‘August Meeting’, attended to drum support for the initiative.

Mrs Ikpeazu had a delegation of 25 women, including wives of the Speaker of the Abia State House of

Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff to the Governor. She acknowledged Olympic Milk for bringing such a programme to her people.

Another special guest, Mrs. Mitchelle Chinwude-Onugbolu, who is the Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor on Social Re-orientation, praised the sponsor for its partnership with Igbo women.

In Imo State, the state’s Welfare Coordinator and Zonal Leader of Nneoma Women Organisation, Dr Oby Oguzie, expressed her happiness over the programme, describing it as a welcome development in the state.

Housewife drags SETRACO to court over rent

A

BY FESTUS AHON

house wife, Mrs Victoria Otehen, has dragged SETRACO Nigeria Limited, a construction firm, to the High Court sitting in Ughelli, Delta State, seeking N3.9 million alleged rent owed her by the company from January, 2012 to May 2015. She is also seeking N13.4 million for damages

allegedly caused to the property, a six-flat building said to be situated at No. 40 Amekpa Street in Ughelli metropolis, which the firm allegedly rented in 2005 to accommodate its expatriate workers. In a statement of claim prepared by her solicitor, Mr. T.C Ubini, the claimant in the suit, explained that the company had taken possession of the property on June 1, 2005 after agreeing to

Gbaramatu kingdom not part of Biafra, community leaders warn

T

ASUU President faces contempt charge

Gbaramatu in Biafra will fail.

They also appealed to all youths in the kingdom to remain law-abiding, expressing hope that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari will address the neglect and marginalisation of Gbaramatu kingdom by immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

“The five years of Jonathan as President actually brought pains and hardship to Gbaramatu

kingdom, while only his associates from the kingdom were empowered to the detriment of the kingdom”.

They said further, “ we are reiterating our call on President Buhari to prevail on the appropriate authorities to embark on the rebuilding of Okerenkoko community and other communities destroyed maliciously by JTF some years ago”.2015

lease it for two years for N1,728, 000 at the rate of N72,000 per month. “ The tenancy was reviewed upon wherein the defendants accepted paying N2, 299, 968 two years rent in advance at the rate of N95,832 per flat and the defendant made payment of rent until January 2012 when the defendant informed the claimant that the tenancy will not be renewed,” the statement said. The statement alleged that an inspection of the property by both parties revealed that the building was manifestly damaged by some soldiers as against the initial agreement that the company’s expatriates intended to live in the property, adding that the claimant demanded that the property be repaired and put in good condition in compliance with the tenancy agreement. Saying that the parties had, after the inspection, agreed that the property required wholesome

renovation to the sum of N13 million to N15 million, the statement alleged that the matter was being treated with levity by the company’s Area Manager and Project Manager at its branch office in Ughelli. While alleging that the defendant was in arrears of rent to the tune of N3,929,112, the statement decried that the property had been “lying in waste since December, 2011 and the defendant who is in possession has allowed the property to be in ruin, depriving the claimant the keys to the property.” The statement said the legal action was necessitated by the refusal of the defendant to pay the claimant the damages or put the property in good state and pay the arrears of rent.

Effort made to reach management of SETRACO for comments on the matter proved abortive at press time.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 29

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 31

BOKO HARAM Finally, the end in sight?

•The ‘never again’ battle cry

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja

I

t was a former Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah, who introduced the battle cry acronym, ‘Never Again’, in the Boko Haram terrorism narrative in Nigeria following the reinvigorated approach of the military to the war on terror which enabled the army he commanded to bounce back from its slumber and its Special Forces fought to retake several communities captured by the Islamic group.

However, some important actors, through whose efforts the revival of the army and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in particular laid the foundation for the new high level capacity to degrade Boko Haram, can never be wished away.

Irrespective of what some people say about the way he administered the country or the fall-outs of several of his policies during his tenure, former President Goodluck Jonathan did a yeoman’s job in reviving the pride and capacity of the Nigerian Army and NAF towards reinvention.

Also, irrespective of the challenges he may be facing, a former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), was miles ahead of most Nigerians including those at the helm of the affairs in the country when he convinced the former president and Nigerians who cared to listen then, that the 2015 elections needed to be shifted for six weeks to enable massive dislodgement of Boko Haram from the nation’s captured territories in the

Before now, troops fighting the terrorists had issues. There were challenges of the lack of availability of arms and ammunition, workability and adaptability of available arms and ammunition

North-East, so that elections could hold there.

The truth is that if not for that ‘patriotic’ action of the former NSA, who also broke so many barriers to acquire arms and ammunition from countries other than our socalled international partners and friends, Boko Haram, with the control of almost 50% of the communities and territories in the North-East, could not only have prevented elections in that zone of the country, but also emboldened to declare a caliphate.

Even after the change of baton both at the federal level and at the security services, leading to the appointments of General Gabriel Olonisakin as Chief of the Defence Staff, CDS; Lt. General Tukur Buratai as Chief of the Army Staff, COAS; Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar as Chief of the Air

Staff, CAS; and Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas as Chief of the Naval Staff, CNS; Nigerians, who hitherto viewed Boko Haram as an irritant incident government and security forces should just use a sledge hammer to eliminate it once and for all, are now becoming aware the challenge is not as easy as that.

It is against that backdrop that Sunday Vanguard spotlights the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the armed forces, to degrade Boko Haram by the end of December 2015.

Before now, troops fighting the terrorists had issues.

There were challenges of the lack of availability of arms and ammunition, workability and adaptability of available arms and ammunition, the quantity as

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PAGE 32—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

CHEMICAL WARFARE

Watchdog blocks Boko Haram’s access

to Weapons of Mass Destruction

How we monitor Nigeria’s terror group, others – Elias, OPCW chief

BY ABIODUN ALADE Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), otherwise known as chemical weapons, are unconventional ammunition feared world-wide because they can be easily produced by terrorists, but have devastating effects. Saddam Hussein, the late Iraqi dictator, used them against a section of his people, killing hundreds of thousands of Kurds opposed to him and it was one of the reasons the United States led a coalition of the world powers to oust his regime during the ‘Gulf War’.

Over time, WMD have been used by terrorists across the world.

Dr. Olufemi Elias is Legal Adviser and Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at the Hague, Netherlands. The son of Dr. Teslim Elias, the first indigenous Attorney-General of Nigeria, and former President of the International Court of Justice, in this online interview, speaks on how OPCW is helping Nigeria to stop Boko Haram insurgents from acquiring WMD, among other issues.

A

ctivities of the OPCW The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 192 memberstates. The OPCW was set up as an independent, autonomous international organisation with a working relationship with the United Nations. The main function of the organisation is to ensure the implementation of the provisions established in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The OPCW’s activities therefore focus on demilitarization, nonproliferation, assistance and protection, international cooperation, universality and national implementation.

The OPCW was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in the demobilization and destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. In collaboration with state parties, the OPCW Technical Secretariat provides funds and expertise necessary for the destruction of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. The OPCW also encourages states to ensure peaceful production chemical materials. This is done by periodic inspection of chemical industries by the inspectorate division.

Demilitarization…

The first preamble to the CWC restates the determination of the State Parties to achieve effective progress towards disarmament under strict and effective international control. This includes the prohibition and elimination of all types of weapons of mass destruction.

In other words, the most important obligation for the Organisation under the CWC is the destruction of chemical

weapons.

Destruction of chemical weapons is an expensive project requiring expertise, cooperation and capital.

OPCW achieves her mandate by generating investment in state-of-the-art technology to ensure minimal risk to people and to the environment.

Destruction of armaments, therefore, has to be carried out at highly specialized facilities.

States Parties are obliged to place the highest priority on the safety of the people and on protecting the environment in carrying out their obligations under the CWC. It is the responsibility of the Technical Secretariat to verify the destruction of chemical weapons as well as the irreversibility of the destruction.

Responsibilities of the Legal Adviser The Legal Adviser is the inhouse counsel or the OPCW. It provides legal advice to the Conference of States Parties and the Executive Council, the Director-General and branches and divisions within the Technical Secretariat. Such advice could be on matters related to the interpretation of the CWC, the rules of procedure of, and decisions of, the Conference and the Executive Council, internal legislation within the Organisation such as the Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules, the OPCW Financial Regulations and Rules, and Administrative Directives adopted thereunder.

It also defends the OPCW against claims filed by external contractors and staff and other entities in internal and external fora. It also deals with legal issues involving the privileges and immunities of the OPCW and its relations with the host country.

The Office of the Legal Adviser also advises the Director-General and units within the Technical Secretariat in the negotiation, preparation, conclusion and interpretation of international agreements relating to verification activities (facility agreements), and relationship agreements with other international organisation. It provides legal advice relating to procurement and provides support to the Technical Secretariat on other matters as required.

How can developing nations like Nigeria benefit from the work of the OPCW? Interestingly, out of 54 independent states in Africa, about 52 are members of the organisation. Africa thus forms a united front to contribute to the OPCW and also benefit from their membership.

Nigeria, which has been a State Party to the CWC, plays a prominent role in the African group of States at the OPCW. The Organisation has partnered with the Nigerian government since she signed

Dr Olufemi Elias...Terrorists can attack with chlorine

The Open-Ended Working Group on Terrorism (OEWG) was created by the organisation to inter alia initiate policies to ensure the accountability of non-state actors and that non-state actors – which would include Boko Haram, Al-Shabab, for example - do not gain access to chemical weapons

the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1993. Several Nigerian scientists have participated in the capacity building courses funded by the Organisation. Going forward, Nigerian scientists will hopefully continue to avail themselves of the several opportunities provided by the OPCW as highlighted earlier.

Developing nations benefit from several capacity-building projects of the OPCW such as the annual Associate Programme. This programme equips scientists drawn from different countries on the dynamics of chemical production and safe handling.

Over the years, several scientists from developing countries have participated in this OPCW sponsored programme. The aim is to train the trainers and impart them with current and comprehensive knowledge about the chemical industry.

Furthermore, Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention enjoins States Parties to undertake certain obligations

for assistance and protection in the event of chemical weapons attacks. To this end, States Parties under the Convention undertake to contribute to the voluntary fund for assistance and protection. This fund has been used to destroy stockpiles of declared chemical weapons in the developing countries across the globe.

Moreover, the OPCW has created a specific programme for Africa. The OPCW-Africa programme aims to respond to the particular needs of African States Parties. It also aims at contributing to the effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the Convention. This programme is strongly supported by regular budgets and voluntary contributions from MemberStates/European Union and inkind contribution.

Additionally, the fellowship programme of the OPCW and the Research Projects Supports Programme (R.P.S.P) are designed to target developing countries towards enabling them develop expertise in the area of chemical weapons prevention and prohibition.

As Nigeria and other developing nations continue to battle terrorist insurgents, the Open-Ended Working Group on Terrorism (OEWG) was created by the organisation to inter alia initiate policies to ensure the accountability of non-state actors and that nonstate actors – which would include Boko Haram, AlShabab, for example - do not gain access to chemical weapons. This OEWG was chaired most recently by the former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) N. N. Akanbi (OON).

Hazards of Chemical Terrorism The risks associated with

chemical terrorism reach all corners of the world because of the global nature of the chemical industry itself, and the international trade in chemicals for lawful purposes.Moreover, the wide availability and accessibility of information about the toxicity of chemicals, and of knowledge to enable its misuse, also contribute to this risk. Exploitable vulnerability in chemical security anywhere in the world could therefore have effects thousands of kilometres away.

Some of the scenarios for chemical terrorism range from terrorists acquiring chemical weapons through the black market, by illicit trade or by theft from militarily secured stockpiles; acquiring or producing chemical agents, such as sarin, to be deployed with improvised device; to the terrorists finding ways to disperse toxic industrial chemicals such as chlorine, or to contaminate the food chain, for example with ricin; and using conventional means to attack.

It could also take the form ofsabotaging assets such as chemical plants, toxic waste storage facilities, or strategic points in the supply chain such as a cargo ship, to cause dispersal of toxic chemicals into populated areas.

Specific steps to deny Boko Haram and other terrorists group access to chemical weapons?

The first and most important step to be taken by States Parties like Nigeria is to give the CWC the force of law in Nigeria. The CWC requires all States Parties to enact legislation to implement the provisions of the CWC at the national level under the coordination of national authority, which each State Party is required to establish..

This is the way in which the provisions of the CWC are transposed into national legal systems so that the rules can apply not only to the States Parties but also to individuals, corporations and other nonState actors under their jurisdiction. Nigeria’s national legislation is in progress and it is hoped that it will be passed as a matter of priority.

The provisions of the CWC, among other things, require States Parties to declare the import and export of listed chemicals specified in the Convention with the aim of minimising the risks of such chemicals being diverted for prohibited purposes. The OPCW works with the chemical industry towards promoting chemical security and thus

Continues on page 33

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 33

Continued from page 31 well as quality of the arms and ammunition.

Also, many of the arms and related equipment paid for by the former administration of Jonathan, which were not things that could easily be picked on the shelf but had to take some time to be manufactured, had not yet arrived the country. Where some had arrived, they needed to be moved to the war front.

There were also issues of troops welfare, morale and motivation. However, in the army, the lead security service in the fight against terrorism, Buratai quickly identified these factors that will ensure that success of the military campaign to meet the Commander in Chief ’s directive to end the Boko Haram insurgency by the end of the year.

Hence his move was to revisit the several court martial verdicts in which over 5,000 soldiers who committed various offences, ranging from failure to obey lawful orders, indiscipline, desertion, connivance with enemy forces, were either dismissed, sentenced to death or life imprisonment, etc.

To many soldiers in the battlefield, many of the allegations preferred against their colleagues in the battle front, which saw them arrested, tried, and sentenced, were not the making of the troops as there was real problem of inadequate arms and ammunition to fight.

Logistics was poor and even vital air support from NAF as and when due was not forthcoming.

The COAS, therefore, instituted the Major General Adeniyi Oyebade panel that sat in Kaduna to take a second look at the verdicts of the court martial and reappraise the appeal of the convicted soldiers with a view to recalling those with minor offences, retraining them and equipping them to go back to the battle field and redeem their image.

At the end of the exercise, over 3,000 soldiers were pardoned and retrained.

This boosted morale as troops at the war front became re-energized for combat. One thing about the military, which many may not know, is that, when it comes to fighting a common enemy, soldiers, irrespective of whether you are Ibo, Edo, Yoruba or Hausa, see themselves as brothers.

Hence, when thousands of soldiers were court martialed on the Boko Haram impasse, it really dampened morale. Buratai’s pardon was, therefore, a masterstroke.

In the area of equipment, arms and ammunition, a massive turnaround helped by the arrival of the weaponry ordered by the former administration,

The ‘never again’ battle cry

•Anti-Boko Campaign on the upswing complemented by ones recently bought, breathed a new life into the fight. In this light, Nigerian soldiers are no longer afraid to go on patrol. Soldiers no long flee when they see terrorists because they run out of ammunition. There are enough magazines and Boko Haram terrorists, knowing this, have continued to take to their heels.

Several high calibre weaponry, including the T72 tanks and artillery guns, have arrived the country and deployed for a final push. This explains why the army, in recent times, issued clarion calls on the remaining band of terrorists to surrender or lay down their arms; because, by the time what is on ground is unleashed on the remaining suspected bunkers, hideouts and hills of the terrorists, never again would they dare to capture Nigerian territory.

for ways of escape.

A frontline arm of the security forces that must claim significant credit for the successes so far recorded in the war on terror and on whose shoulders a great deal lies if the December deadline is to be achieved is the NAF. The security service has not only prevailed in the area of logistics by flying personnel, materials and equipment as well as embarking on medical evacuation flights, its surveillance flights have helped in locating camps, movement of terrorists, movement of their equipment as well as collaborators supplying logistics, fuel and foodstuff.

But, primarily, the NAF leading the battle from the air, has inflicted the most damage on Boko Haram camps, hilly hideouts, taking out many of their

Also, the take-off of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, led by a Nigerian, Major General Illya Abba, whose 8, 700 troops component has commenced deployment in all the border areas of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, has the prospects of putting a stop to cross border raids as well as remobilization by the terrorists, while breaking the line of recruitment as well as supplies for Boko Haram.

To show the resolve to make the MNJTF work, unlike the past when members of the Lake Chad Commission played politics and paid lip service to the operations of the body, Buhari, on assumption of office, ordered the release of $21million out of what Nigeria pledged to make the MNJTF operational and this has contributed, in no small measure, to the fear of remnants of the terrorist group who are said looking

armoury dumps, wiping out their logistics supply vehicles and striking the terrorists if they dared to come out en-mass to perpetrate their murderous activities.

This truism was aptly captured by NAF chief, Abubakar when he said that between July and October 2015, the security service aircraft conducted a total of 1,448 sorties in support of the counter insurgency operation in the north east even as over 300 ground troops from its special forces are deployed to fight alongside the army in the field.

According to Abubakar, such air component deployed in the anti-Boko Haram operation include the F7NI supersonic fighter jet, Alpha Jet, C-130 AC, Augusta 109 LUH, Mi-35, Mi-24 gunships, Mi-17 and Supa Puma Helicopters, to carry out logistics support, reconnaissance and combat operations.

He continued, “Wherever the army is in the battle field, we give them air support, provide intelligence and clear the ground for them to operate optimally.

“There are challenges no doubt, but, God willing, we will meet the expectations of the people and the deadline given by the Commanderin-Chief as the government is giving us adequate support and encouragement.”

Watchdog blocks Boko Haram’s access to Weapons of Mass Destruction Continued from page 32 ensure that toxic chemicals do not fall into the wrong hands. It encourages and assists states to implement programmes that promote chemical safety and security. Particular emphasis is given to smalland medium-sized enterprises, which often do not have well-defined programmes that are typically present in large enterprises. States are also encouraged tocooperate and exchange of information between law enforcement and the industry to prevent “black market” trade of toxic chemicals. The role of national law enforcement agencies, such police and customs, is paramount in this regard.

The Challenges of the OPCW The major challenge before

the OPCW is to complete the elimination of all chemical weapons and prevent their use, whether by states or nonstate actors. Over the coming decade, the remaining declared chemical weapons stockpiles will be destroyed.

Accordingly, the OPCW’s focus will shift from chemical disarmament to preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons. This will require expanding the scope of the OPCW’s activities in several respects, including verification, capacity building, and engagement with stakeholders. The OPCW will also need to focus on ensuring the peaceful use of chemistry and fostering its beneficial uses, as will the development of capacity to provide assistance and protection against the use of chemical weapons. The OPCW must continue to work on facilitating the exchange of best practices, catalysing international partnerships and standards, and promoting national capabilities in the area of chemical security.

Background Dr. Olufemi Elias was born in Lagos, to the family of Dr. and Mrs Teslim Elias. (It will be recalled that my father was the first indigenous AttorneyGeneral of Nigeria, and was later Chief Justice of the Federation and President and Judge of the International Court of Justice). Upon completing my primary and secondary education in Igbobi College, Yaba, I undertook my law studies in the UK, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jurisprudence at the Oxford University, a Masters’ degree (First Class) from Cambridge and a doctorate degree in international law from the University College, University of London.

For more than two decades, I have served within academic and international circles. I am currently a Visiting Professor in international law at Queen Mary University of London. I have held professorial positions and has taught at several universities in various parts of the world.

I am currently the Legal

Adviser and Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the Hague, Netherlands, which was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. Prior to that, I was Executive Secretary at the World Bank in Washington DC. I was also a legal adviser at the United Nations Compensation Commission in Geneva, Switzerland, and also served as Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Organisation.

Mr Elias is an Associate Member of the Institut de Droit International (translated: Institute of International Law).

This is the foremost global institute of international law comprising world leading international law scholars and jurists. He is also the Secretary General of the African Association of International Law. As a prolific writer, he has authored and co-authored several books and articles published in different international journals. A music composer and producer, Mr. Olufemi Elias is happily married.

PAGE 34 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

TOFA TO BUHARI

‘Put your ministers on

probation for 12 months !’

•Says some Igbo fanatics

are making things difficult for Nigeria

By Olalekan Bilesanmi Alhaji Bashir Tofa is a businessman and politician.

He came to limelight when he contested the 1993 presidential election with the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, in an election adjudged free and fair, but annulled by the military. Abiola was believed to have won the poll. In this interview, Tofa thinks the level of corruption in the country is sickening and, as such, believes that President Muhammadu Buhari is on the right path as he fights the ill headlong irrespective of the hues and cries that the fight is selective. He takes a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, for its condemnation of the Federal Government and the judiciary over the on going election tribunal judgments, saying only fools make accusations without proof.

W

HAT is your impression so far about the Buhari government in the light of the confirmed ministers?

I think, on the whole, President Buhari has done well and that is expected.

Anybody who enters a house and just begins to live in it without checking the structure and the leakages and doing something to do some repair, that house may collapse on him if it is structurally deficient.

President Buhari now knows more about the condition of the house,he is making some repairs, strengthening some pillars, blocking some leakages, and can now be said to be ready to settle down and do what is needful. Hopefully, the ministers will be given their

•Tofa...All witches need to be hunted down

President Buhari now knows more about the condition of the house,he is making some repairs, strengthening some pillars, blocking some leakages, and can now be said to be ready to settle down and do what is needful

portfolios by mid-November; they will quickly move to their ministries, examine things, review the draft budgets for their ministries; a final budget will be agreed upon by the Executive Council and presented to the National Assembly - all before the end of December.

Hopefully, the National Assembly will not waste time, knowing the poor state of the nation.

The PDP senators walked out of the chamber in protest against the confirmation of former River Governor Rotimi Amaechi.What do you make of the drama?

Well, it was just the normal mischief and envy by those who fear Amaechi becoming a minister, after two successful terms as governor of Rivers State. Surely, he has enemies and, if you noticed, objections that are received in respect of some of the nominees were from their home states.

Remember what Jesus

(peace be upon him) said: “A prophet is not popular in his own country”. But Rotimi Amaechi is a good man, hard working and friendly to those who know him well. Again, he was right about the rigged elections in Rivers State.

The tribunal has vindicated him.

The Buhari government appears serious about fighting corruption as seen in the CCT prosecution of Senate President Bukola Saraki and a former Minister of the Niger Delta,Elder Orubebe. Do you think the drive can be sustained given that previous governments got enmeshed in the corruption they preached against?

The government is serious about fighting all corruption cases that are known, and is digging deep into investigating those that are suspected to have played some roles, so the investigation is essentially to find the truth. The level of

corruption in Nigeria is beyond greed, it is a sickness. But, we all demand that due process has to be followed and justice done to each case, whether it was a matter of suspicion or it was actually done. People are worried about Senator Bukola’s case, because it appears he is the only former governor accused of this particular serious crime. Investigators will do well to show that it is not so and to spread their searchlight on others, otherwise the impression will be justified. In any case, care needs to be taken so as not to go beyond the limits.

Some people have said the Senate President’s prosecution by the CCT is more of witch-hunting than fighting corruption. What is your impression?

That is exactly what I have just said. But I will not call it witch-hunting, because all witches need to be hunted down before they suck the

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SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 35

Ill-fated plane, 224 deaths and the conspiracy theory *The world powers, Egypt row

By Tony Nwankwo with agency reports

C

ontroversy continues to dog the cause of the crash of the ill-fated Russian Airline Airbus A321-200 that killed all 224 on-board. The plane came down 23 minutes after take off from the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh in Sinai. Involved in the investigations are the United States who raised the theory that a bomb planted inside the plane had caused the crash. The Germans are involved because the plane was manufactured in Germany, and the French, because the plane was designed in France. The British joins the American claim of a terror attack on the plane.. Russia and Egypt, last week, dismissed suggestions by Britain and the United States that a bomb was likely to have brought down the Metrojet flight packed with Russian vacationers leaving an Egyptian resort, saying the claim was premature.

A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, insisted that aviation investigators were working on all possible theories as to why the Airbus A321-200 carrying 224 people crashed penultimate Saturday in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, killing everyone on board. He said naming just one possibility was mere speculation.

“One cannot rule out a single theory, but at this point there are no reasons to voice just one the-

ory as reliable — only investigators can do that,” Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also spoke, last week, of a “significant possibility” the crash was caused by a bomb and Britain immediately suspended all flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh, the Red Sea resort where the flight originated. The move stranded hundreds of tourists in Egypt.

In London on Thursday, British Prime Minister David Cameron said the crash was “more likely than not” caused by a bomb. He said he had “every sympathy” with the Egyptians, who rely so heavily on tourism, but that he had to “put the safety of British people first.”

He said British officials were not yet certain the plane was bombed, but it’s a “strong possibility.”

Cameron said he would call Putin later to discuss the crash.

Egyptian officials have condemned Britain’s travel ban as an overreaction. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi was in London on a visit last Thursday.

Russia’s top aviation official, Alexander Neradko, said in televised remarks Thursday that investigators are pursuing several theories as to why the plane crashed. He said they were looking for traces of explosives on the victims’ bodies, their baggage and the plane debris as well as studying other “aspects linked to a possible terrorist attack onboard.”

Neradko said the probe is like-

ly to take several months and called for caution in speculation about the likely causes of the crash.

Asked about Hammond’s statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that if Britain had information about the bomb, it’s “really shocking” that it hasn’t shared it with Russia. Zakharova urged Britain to

Neradko said the probe is likely to take several months and called for caution in speculation about the likely causes of the crash

immediately provide any such information to the investigators.

Russia state television has skirted the bomb theory, not mentioning the British and U.S. report. Other popular media in Russia are full of speculation about the crash and reports about signs they believe point to foul play.

The plane crashed in the northern Sinai, where Egyptian forces have been battling an Islamic insurgency for years. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for downing the plane but offered no proof. El-Sissi has called the IS claim “propaganda” designed to embarrass his government.

In the ancient city of Luxor on Thursday, Egyptian Antiquities Minister Mamdouh Eldamaty rejected the U.S. and British allegations outright. “(The crash) is not a terror act.

It was an accident,” he declared as authorities opened three tombs to the public for the first time in an effort to encourage tourism. “(It’s) very sad what happened, but we have to wait for the result of the investigation.”

Egypt’s minister of civil aviation, Hossam Kamal, insisted Thursday that the country’s airports comply with international security standards.

He said that in the light of U.S. and British allegations that the Russian flight may have been downed by a bomb, “the investigation team does not have yet any evidence or data confirming this hypothesis.”

Metrojet suspended all flights

of Airbus A321 jets in its fleet after the crash, the Russian Federal Transport Agency said Thursday. The company has ruled out a pilot error or a technical fault as a possible cause of the crash, drawing criticism from Russian officials for speaking with such certainty too soon.

Intercepted communications played a role in the tentative conclusion that the Islamic State group’s Sinai affiliate planted an explosive device on the plane, said a U.S. official briefed on the matter. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to discuss intelligence matters publicly.

The official and others said there had been no formal judgement rendered by the CIA or other intelligence agencies, and that forensic evidence from the blast site, including the airplane’s black box, was still being analysed.

The official added that intelligence analysts don’t believe the operation was ordered by Islamic State leaders in Raqqa, Syria, but possibly planned and executed by the Islamic State’s affiliate in the Sinai, which operates autonomously.

Britain sent a team of security and defense experts to Sharm elSheikh, where thousands of British tourists are stranded by the British ban on flights. Hammond says he expects British tourists to be flown back starting last Friday, after measures are taken to tighten security at

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Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

•Obama

• Cameron

• Sisi

• Putin

Ill-fated plane, 224 deaths and the conspiracy theory •Continued from page 36 the resort’s airport.

“The airline industry is indicating that they expect by Friday to be in a position to start bringing people out,” Hammond said.

In Sharm el-Sheikh, British tourists said they understand their government’s move to suspend flights but were worried about the future of Egyptian tourism. Paul Modley, a 49year-old Londoner, has travelled to Sharm el-Sheikh seven times in the last nine years. “We understand why the government have done it, but I am really worried for the Egyptian people because — particularly in the Red Sea resorts — they are so dependent on tourism,” said Modley.

On the ground in the Sinai, rescue teams have retrieved 140 bodies from the scene and more than 100 body parts. Russian rescue workers, combing a 40 square kilometer (15.4 sq. mile) area, should be finishing their

search for remains and wreckage by last Thursday evening, according to Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Puchkov.

Egypt has said the cockpit voice recorder of the Russian plane is partially damaged and a lot of work is going to be required to extract data from it.

Grief continued to roil St. Petersburg and its suburbs, as mourners brought more flowers, candles and paper planes to the city’s imperial-era square and the airport where the crashed Metrojet flight had been scheduled to land.

In the ancient Russian city of Veliky Novgorod, 160 kilometers (100 miles) south of St. Petersburg, the first crash victim was buried Thursday after a church service in a whitewashed 16th-century church overlooking the Volkhov River.

Family and friends said goodbye to Nina Lushchenko, 60, who worked in a school canteen, remembering her as a good mother and grandmother.

Meanwhile, the head of Egypt’s

Sharm el-Sheikh airport has been replaced amid growing international concern that the Russian plane which crashed after departing from Sharm ElSheikh Airport, was downed by a bomb.

This is as Russia began burying some of those killed in the crash, an event that could affect strong public support for the Kremlin’s air strikes in Syria if it turns out to have been an Islamist bomb attack.

The Kremlin, which launched a campaign of air strikes against Islamist militants in Syria on September. 30, had said everyone needed to wait for the official investigation to pronounce. The findings could affect public opinion in Russia, which so far has been strongly behind the Syrian campaign.

A Levada opinion poll published at the end of October showed 53 percent of Russians approved of their government’s Syria policy, while a similar poll carried out earlier that same month by state pollster Vtsiom found that 84 percent of Russians

backed Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch air strikes there.

If investigators conclude the plane was brought down by a bomb planted by Islamists, Russian public opinion could either harden or support could begin to ebb away. Thursday’s funeral underlined the risks for the Kremlin.

“The operation in Syria has always been in question for me,” said Denis, a doctor, standing among the crowds. “That hasn’t changed.” Yulia Vinogradova, the dead man’s cousin, said she wanted to see tougher security checks introduced at airports in foreign countries, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who ordered transport ministry officials to start talks with their foreign counterparts to bring in new controls.

Before the latest investigations, experts said the militants lack the sophisticated arms needed to shoot down a plane at cruising altitude. The speaker, however, did not say how the militants brought down the jet.

Meanwhile, Adel Mahgoub,

chairman of the state company that runs Egypt’s civilian airports, says following the replacement, airport chief Abdel-Wahab Ali has been “promoted” to become his assistant. He said the move late Wednesday had nothing to do with media skepticism surrounding the airport’s security. Mahgoub said Ali is being replaced by Emad el-Balasi, a pilot. Officials in Egypt insist Sharm el-Sheikh airport is safe and say they wished Britain had waited for the result of the ongoing investigation of the Russian plane crash before suspending flights to the airport. A top aviation official told newsmen that teams from Russian and British airlines assessed Sharm elSheikh airport security procedures last Wednesday and “left without making a single remark about it.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. Egypt’s presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef added “ we were wishing they would wait for the result of the ongoing investigation.”

‘Igbo fanatics are making things difficult for Nigeria’ Continued from page 34 life out of everyone. I will rather call it a vendetta against opponents. We wish that is not the case in respect of Senator Bukola Saraki.

Do you think the December deadline given by the Federal Government to the military to get rid of the Boko Haram terrorists is feasible?

Deadlines may be a little too risky for missions like this, especially where there is insufficient intelligence and preparation at the time they were given. But any endeavour to which no time frame is set for result is not a serious endeavour. Having said this, we must not forget that the President was a general and a Commander who actually fought wars in Congo. He knows exactly what he is doing and why he gave such a deadline. Gladly, we still have two months to the end of December, and, by the grace of God, we will see tremendous success before then. The military is now ready and motivated and

morale is very high. We pray they beat the deadline.

The election tribunal judgments have been trailed by mixed feelings. Is there any of the judgments that surprised you and why?

No. I wish the judges well, and hope justice will always be done in each case.

The PDP has said the APC-led Federal Government is using the judiciary to procure judgments for it which some people believe is mere political talk as claimed by the APC Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, as it is not backed with facts.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed is absolutely right. Only fools make accusations without proof. I suggest the judiciary views this accusation with serious anger.

Do you think the marginalization song by the South-east, particularly in

this Buhari government, is valid?

I have not heard any sensible and responsible Igbo man making such accusations. It was just the ranting of some fanatics, who always want us to see ourselves in tribal and religious garbs. After all these years together, it is a shame that we are still unable to shed these identities and become Nigerians. The more we continue this way, the more harm we inflict on our national unity and progress. I am sure President Buhari’s

are expecting too much from them?

Well, there are people who talk because they have to talk. And, there are others who talk because they must talk. I am of the latter. On President Buhari’s ministerial choices, there are of course those who are excellent and those who are You have been unusually good. But we will not know quiet. Why this ‘sidon look’ for sure until we see their posture? Any performance in due course. I reason behind it will only advise that the and don’t you ministers be told that their think we may end appointment is on up being probationary period of one disappointed year. They will be assessed about Buhari’s after the first six months ministers and either be warned or because encouraged. The second we assessment will be at the end of their first year in office. Those who do not perform or are found wanting must go. President Buhari, with all the expectations on him, local and international, cannot afford lazy, unimaginative and greedy ministers who do not perform. main consideration is not WHO a person is, but WHAT that person can deliver to the Nigerian people. I have long advocated that we must stop being a country of “You know WHO, but a country of you know WHAT’.

*Tofa... Mr President must set targets

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 37

FUEL SCARCITY No solution in sight after N413 billion subsidy approval

BY UDEME CLEMENT

T

he scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which hit the country few days ago, is beginning to subside following the approval of N413billion by the Federal Government for immediate payment of outstanding subsidy claims to oil marketers in the country . The payment according to government was to facilitate importation of petroleum products to ease scarcity, which has become a recurring crisis, especially in the last quarter of every year.

When Sunday Vanguard, visited some filling stations within Lagos metropolis, it was observed that long queues found initially at many outlets were disappearing. But the situation at Apapa depots where petrol is often loaded from and distributed to other parts of the country was a different scenario entirely.

While going round some depots, Sunday Vanguard learnt that buying petrol from depots poses a big challenge to many marketers, especially those coming from the eastern parts, Kaduna, Kano, far north and other places outside Lagos. Our team gathered that while some marketers buy from third parties

Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have advised the current administration to find sustainable solution to the recurring scarcity of petroleum products in the country almost at the official pump price of N87, which they ought to dispense at the outlets, others spend days, incurring so much expenses before getting the products from the depots.

Some buyers at the depots, and among them women, who spoke with our team, expressed displeasure with the challenges

they face in getting products from the depots, even when there is no scarcity. Madam Lawal (surname withheld), in a chat with Sunday Vanguard said, “Getting the products from the depots is sometimes very difficult, even where there is no scarcity in the country.

Sometimes my truck stays for days before being loaded. Often, some of us after spending days at the depots buy from third parties at exorbitant rate, instead of returning without the products.”

In the same vein, a truck driver, who gave his name as Baba Isa, said he has been robbed twice along Oshodi-Apapa road while on queue waiting to get to the depot for loading. “I usually come from Kaduna with my conductor to load the products in Lagos. Sometimes, we spend up to a week, sleeping on the road before getting the products. We have been robbed twice and

because of that we do not travel with much money again. We come with only plastic and few plates. The plastic is what we use to have our bath only at night along the road, beside the truck, until we go back”.

Sunday Vanguard also gathered that the outstanding subsidy claims currently stand at a little above the monetary value of N400billion, which necessitated the approval of N413bilion by the government.

However, many stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have advised the current administration to find sustainable solution to the recurring scarcity of petroleum products in the country, stressing that paying marketers N413billion as subsidy claims would only assist them to pay their debts in commercial banks, but would not bring a lasting solution to petrol scarcity in the

country.

According to the Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria,MOMAN, Mr. Femi Olawore, government should fully deregulate the downstream sector and stop controlling shares in the refineries. “The plants should be given to the private sector for prudent management.

Now, we hear that the refineries are being maintained by local engineers, which is what one has always agitated for, that our engineers have the skills and capability to maintain the refineries, but the issue has always been ownership of the plants. For instance, of all the refineries in the US, none is controlled by government. Over 120 refineries are privately controlled. So, it sounds very funny when people challenge the statement that government has no business in business”, he said.

This is the time to remove petrol subsidy — Prof. Ezigbo

BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE Determined to eliminate the long queues in many fuel stations across the country, the Federal Government recently approved the payment of N413 billion to petroleum products marketers in the country, being the outstanding payment for subsidy claims , although marketers insisted they are owed about N470 billion. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, also said it has injected additional volumes of petrol across the country to boost supply of the product .

Professor Joseph Ezigbo is the Managing Director of Falcon Petroleum Limited. In this interview, he insists that the way out of the problem was for government to remove petroleum subsidy so that the players can buy using appropriate price mechanism. Excerpts: uel scarcity has continued to cripple economic activities in the country and many are kicking against subsidy removal because they consider cheap petrol their sole benefit from living in a major crude oil producer which loses billions of dollars to corruption.

What is your view on the controversial issue?

I think it is something that needs to be done now but it requires both the political and economic will. The turning point is highest now from every group and there are still a few people who must

F

be against the withdrawal of subsidy but they are enemies of this country. Today, if you go to Enugu, Benin or Lagos up to the North, nobody is buying fuel now at government approved price of N87 per litre. Many buy at the rate of N110 and N120 per litre, yet the country is running and so why are we deceiving ourselves by saying that subsidy removal may trigger inflation and price hike which may not be good for the common man. So, why are we still keeping it there . We are keeping it there again for the few people that are still making money from it and it is a problem.

I keep referring people back to when GSM came in newly into the country, the SIM card alone was about almost a hundred thousand Naira. Today, it is cheap and even offered to people free of charge. That is what we need to do and now those that have licenses to build refineries, we should make it possible for them to build , remove the subsidy so that the players can buy using appropriate price mechanism. If we get there, a lot of people will come in and the price too would be driven down. So, why are we still having subsidy. It does not make sense. Let us not take corruption with the right hand and say we are throwing it away and then give it to the left hand to fight it. If we want to kill it, we should kill it and move the nation’s economy forward. Lets revamp our refineries and if people now want to import, let them import and then sell at the

Prof. Joseph Ezigbo right price. If the refineries are working, we can put appropriate pricing to it and if anybody is bringing the product at a higher price, nobody would buy from you.

How would you react efforts made so far by the government to check the rot in NNPC? I think the on-going exercise will auger well for the system . We pray that it does not drag and muddle things up particularly as the government strives to recover funds that were stolen. Anything short of that would simply be a distraction to the system. So far, they are still changing people at the NNPC and we don’t know what the restructuring is going to be like. Changing people does not mean restructuring and therefore we must wait for the reforms that these people are going to work with. So, we are still expectant. However, with the new GMD who is a very focused man in the oil and gas industry, I

know that he can still come up with something that would actually drive and benefit the country.

Nigeria still imports most of the fuel it consumes because its four refineries are decrepit, producing far below their installed capacity. Do you think things would get better if NNPC becomes the sole importer of petroleum product in the country?

I don’t know much about that but I am wondering why would NNPC import fuel . If the refineries are working properly, then there is no reason why this country should import fuel . The country gave out several licenses for refineries to be built but not even one has been built simply because the conditions were wrong. So, if we are serious, we should ensure that people that got these licenses are in the position to build the refineries but the problem remains that there were no good policies in place to drive the process and that is why they could not build them and if they do they would eventually lose money. What the government needs to do is to look at these policies guiding the setting up of refineries , correct the grey areas and encourage other investors to build so that NNPC would not have to import fuel from anywhere. All we need to do is to set up properly the Port-Harcourt refinery, Warri and Kaduna and then things would move properly.

The down turn in the global

crude oil price has been a source of concern to most economies.

As a major player in the sector, how has it impacted in your business?

For us, we distribute natural gas to industries and we are doing our best to ensure that gas is distributed to all our customers.

But having said that, what is worrisome is that now the price of oil has got so low. In the past, gas infrastructure is derived from the sales of crude oil. Now the price of crude oil has dropped so low that you can no longer get to produce it. So, unless gas is priced appropriately, we are going to have issues very soon because nobody is going to start developing gas when he knows he is going to lose money because the price of gas is deregulated. I agree it should remain deregulated but it should be deregulated to a point to allow investors in gas production to make enough money and to begin to gain so as to sustain their investment as if they discourage them they would stop and once they stop, then we would not have gas. That is where we are at the moment. I am hoping that government would wake up early enough to this responsibility to deregulate gas price up to a point where the revenue from gas would be appropriate for drilling and production of gas which is not so at the moment. This is essential for development and growth of the economy. .

PAGE 38 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Financing Development under President Buhari:

The role of pan African DFIs by Roberts Orya The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has prognosticated a possible economic recession in 2016. This possible worst outcome of the present slump is something I am sure President Muhammadu Buhari would do everything to prevent. No president wants to be known in history as a ‘Recession President.’

However, this undesirable economic situation can sometimes become a reality, even in spite of the best efforts of a well-meaning leadership.

E

xploring the worst case scenario, the following are the factors that, if they conspire together, a recession might become a reality.

Of course, this discussion is meant to inspire concerted efforts, including, perhaps prayers, so that we avoid the likely ugly prospect.

The most crucial factor is oil price. If the price of oil falls below $40 a barrel for a stretch of time in the coming months, we would have a very serious economic crisis. Some might say why should this be the case, if the economy is as diversified as the rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed in 2013; and if oil constitutes just about 15% of the GDP? Therein lies the unfinished work of the diversification of the Nigerian economy.

The diversification we have achieved so far is from the standpoint of a wider base of production, with some new sectors admitted into the GDP calculus for the first time in 2013. From the standpoint of government revenue, however, oil still accounts for 70 per cent of total receipts and over 90 per cent of external earnings.

As a result, the price of oil still wields an outsized influence on overall economic fortunes of the country. At this stage of Nigeria’s economic development, low oil price will definitely depress asset values, non-oil sectors’ performance and overall production. A sharp decline in oil price will generally sap business confidence in Nigeria. The subsisting dependency, under our worst case scenario, would also erode liquidity and consumption.

In fact, these are not just conjectures; they have been at play in recent months of lower oil prices.

The second determining factor is located in the fact that the current weak price outlook of oil is in a loop involving weaker growth in China and weaknesses in economic data from the matured markets. Given that before the current slowdown, the global economy was only at a slow pace of recovery from the last financial crisis, a sharp upward inflection in the global economy is very unlikely in the next two years. Thus, the protraction of a slowdown would have adverse effects in developing economies, including Nigeria. It will take a miracle for this not to happen; but miracles do happen.

The third factor is that President Buhari is fighting an insurgency. The insurgency may have all along been underrated because of its unconventional

tactics and the need to project national security. Therefore, the value in the resolve of Mr. President to end this ugly, growth-sapping insurgency as quickly as possible is wellconsidered. So, defence will continue to receive a sizeable chunk of the budget until Boko Haram is thoroughly degraded.

Until we achieve this success, some growth-spurring infrastructure would be alternatives forgone with high defence budgets. A facet to this argument is ongoing in the United States as well as other big defence spenders of the world.

For Nigeria, defence spending will cease to be zero-sum for growth only as victory is attained against Boko Haram and postinsurgency reconstruction kicks in, or if the budget is spent on military hardware manufactured in the country.

The sum of these is that, with ill-luck, Nigeria can indeed slip into a recession, even if briefly.

While leadership may not be able to prevent it, leadership can definitely inspire an economic turnaround that will lift growth above the pre-recession level.

Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy responded to a brief period of recession and high unemployment rate by expanding social security, unemployment benefits and cut taxes to bring the economy back on the growth track. Because Nigeria faces different economic dynamics, our strategies would be different.

In the instance of tax cuts, our strategies need to be diametrically the opposite of the early 1960s U.S. reforms.

So where should we start and what is the latitude we have in reversing the current negative trend of economic fortunes?

Where we have to start is where President Buhari has started and maintained focus. We have to raise the level of efficiency in the system. We have to plug revenue leakages. And, of course, we have to rein in corruption. President Buhari’s holy indignation against corruption cannot but be applauded, and it has been widely acknowledged. These are critical measures that will help economic performance, especially if we assimilate the culture of high efficiency and integrity. But these measures require complementary strategies.

One of the strategic accompaniments is provision of depth for the nascent sectors of Nigeria’s economic diversification. For Nigerian Export – Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), these sectors are Manufacturing, Agroprocessing, Solid minerals and Services. If we disaggregate what NEXIM Bank has in the past five years promoted as the MASS Agenda, we see the strengthening of both manufacturing and agroprocessing. The services sector, has literally exploded, while the solid minerals sector is the weakest of these four sectors that can help create jobs and non-oil export revenue.

The multi-billion dollar question is where are we to source the financing for the various

much help he can lend from his new vantage position.

Another area of benefit is expansion of Nigeria’s network within the global community of Development Finance Institutions. I have seen firsthand the importance of this point since my ascension to the presidency of the Global Network of Exim Banks and Development Finance Institutions (G-NEXID) earlier this year. Nigeria needs to network better with the global development community.

The AfDB and Afreximbank are important institutions in expanding capacity for the country ’s national DFIs. This would naturally cover sharing project knowledge, joint project development and transfer of funding capacities by the regional DFIs to the national DFIs through establishment of lines of credit. This will help in channelling interventions more sharply to the areas of need and impact, as national DFIs even understand the local needs better.

• Roberts Orya

Nigeria is in a unique position to tap into the emerging global finance that would increasingly promote sustainable development

programmes? But equally important is how to channel the financing. I believe development finance institutions (DFIs) have the aces in providing workable answers to both the “where” and “how” questions.

Over the next 15 years, global resources would be mobilised in funding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs will provide the focal points of global financial interventions. A total $500 billion of innovative financing will be needed every year to finance the SDGs between now and 2030. This effectively means we now have a new paradigm for development cooperation.

Under SDGs framework, we will see more emphasis on governments’ collaboration with global and regional DFIs on one hand. On the other hand, DFIs are expected to ramp up cooperation with the private

sector. This would be the pattern for mobilising resources to finance projects whose value would increasingly be seen in terms of poverty eradication, promoting inequality, mitigating environmental risks and supporting inclusive societies.

This places DFIs at the forefront of finance in the years to come.

Nigeria is in a unique position to tap into the emerging global finance that would increasingly promote sustainable development. Nigerians now lead the two frontline Pan African Development Finance Institutions. Erstwhile Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina assumed the leadership of African Development Bank (AfDB) on September 1. Later that month, another Nigerian, Dr. Benedict Oramah, became President of Africa Export – Import Bank (Afreximbank).

These Nigerians were appointed to work for the entire continent. But their nationality provides Nigeria an opportunity for closer affinity with these institutions beyond being the biggest financial contributor to them. There are important values these institutions offer. The AfDB and Afreximbank – compared to their global or foreign cousins – are better placed to understand the local context to our development and support country-owned initiatives. This point is validated by Adesina’s pledge to focus the interventions of the AfDB on supporting power reform, agriculture, SMEs and youth empowerment in Africa.

This is missile-accurate. Adesina, like his predecessor, Donald Kaberuka, is poised to making the AfDB catalytic for African growth and for solving Africa’s development challenges, based on deep knowledge of the local context. His work in reforming Nigeria’s agriculture tells how

Afreximbank has a suite of products and services to help Nigeria facilitate international trade. Nigerian banks and corporates can benefit from the trade support facilities of the Bank. NEXIM Bank has been in collaboration with Afreximbank to unlock more resources in the critical area of growing Nigeria’s non-oil exports. A number of Nigerian export manufacturers have benefitted from this cooperation.

Both the AfDB and Afreximbank are banks of not only the present but also of the future.

Afreximbank grew its total assets by 25% in 2014 to $5.45 billion.

A much-bigger bank, the AfDB has $100 billion capitalisation.

Both institutions are able to leverage their balance sheets to evolve into much bigger institutions. The AfDB just raised nearly $1 billion in additional resources through its new Africa50 Fund, which has been set up to mobilise long-term savings within and outside Africa to finance infrastructure projects across the continent.

In concluding, one of the greatest economic challenges Nigeria faces is how to economically empower the youth. The answer to this is support for entrepreneurship.

Nigerian youths have been actively engaged in business creation. They control the entertainment industry and are expressing themselves in the technology sector. If we managed to unlock funding for these and other sectors, the doldrums that a recession symbolises would become a possibility farfetched for Nigeria. The good news is that the DFIs are well-focused and increasingly resourced to support the commercially viable enterprises of our vibrant youths to complement national efforts.

Roberts Orya is Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export – Import Bank. He is also honorary President, Global Network of Exim Banks and Development Finance Institutions.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 39

BY KENNEDY MBELE

I

ndiscriminate shutting down of filling stations across the country by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) got a knock from petroleum products consumers under the aegis of Petroleum Consumers Association, when they staged a protest in Ibadan, yesterday, over the sealing of many filling stations in the city, leaving them at the mercy of black marketers at a time scarcity of products is biting hard.

The group warned that the situation could worsen the already poor supply in the country, saying there must be another way of penalizing filling station owners who default instead of creating a situation capable of endangering the economy, particularly at a time the country is hit by the drop in crude oil price.

For about two weeks now, there have been tensions in some parts of the country following the speculation that government had run out of supply of petroleum products manifesting in reappearance

‘Harder times ahead as DPR’s action may worsen petrol shortage’ of queues in some parts of the North and South-West. While government is striving to supply more products to marketers, its agencies appear to be creating what some described as ‘government made artificial fuel scarcity ’, through the closure of filling stations in some parts of the country.

A leader of the group, who simply identified himself as Kayode Afolabi, said their grouse was that, rather than close filling stations, government should ensure that the market is flooded so that those with the intent of making abnormal profit from the situation would be disappointed.

Kayode said, as patriotic citizens, members of the group had taken it upon themselves to monitor filling stations to ascertain when supply is low and blacklist

those bent on profiteering from the situation.

“As stakeholders, we deem it necessary to assist government and its regulatory agencies in the downstream sector to serve as watchdog of the society”, he said.

Afolabi, who asked government to look inward and adopt a more civilized method of sanctioning defaulters, advised: “Closure of filling stations in a period of scarcity would only make life more difficult for consumers. Government should device appropriate ways of punishing erring filling stations rather than to resort to the crude old way that never yielded result.

If closing of filling stations is the solution, by now there would not have been any filling station talk more of profiting from scarcity”.

According to him, Afolabi

there would be no need for artificial scarcity if the products are made available in good quantity by government because it would engender competition among marketers who will not only sell at affordable rate but also beg for patronage. He said, for instance, about two weeks ago, the same filling stations were begging for patronage before supply went down.

Another member of the group, who identified himself as Toyin, said they “are waiting for the end of the scarcity when filling stations would come begging for patronage again”.

He criticized the DPR, saying the shutting down of filling stations rather than ensuring adequate supply of products to deter profiteering will not only encourage black marketers but also put the country at risk. “This

unfriendly situation leaves one wondering if regulatory agencies are really up to the task they are set out for. The reversing effect is that the common man in the street is always at the receiving end as they are forced to pay through their noses to fuel their cars while commuters are at the mercy of transporters who increase fares at will”.

Meanwhile, there were indications that petroleum products were in short supply at the depots ahead of Christmas. The implication is the country needs adequate supply of petroleum products and it is for the interest of the people that the government and its agencies must find a way of making the product available in higher quantity while creating a synergy for good working relationship between it and filling station owners in the country.

Ntel’s promise and the coming broadband revolution

BY ONYEAMA DIKE

T

he new buzz words seem to be convergence, the internet of things or IoT and then 5G. But let us focus on convergence and Iot which both welcome and anticipate the point in time when many devices from phones to dishwashers, televisions to garages, work stations and pacemakers would all be fully converged, moving telecommunications beyond voice, data and video to every aspect of our quotidian experience.

To enable convergence, countries must scale up from the present 2G and 3G to 4G and the future anticipated 5G. Convergence would then mean the ability of the increasingly mobile and plugged in individual to carry out multifarious activities via his or her mobile device. So, the fully converged individual will be able to make calls and download music/movies, check his bank account and order goodsonline, open his garage and start his dishwasher just by tapping on his phone.

True convergence will enable communication and learning and leisure via one device.

It’s a brave new world that can only be possible via broadband internet access, something more fluid and much faster than what we currently have.

For Nigerian subscribers to enjoy the benefits of convergence, they must have access to superfast broadband internet access, a point that was clearly articulated in the recommendations of the Presidential Committee set up to evolve a national broadband strategy and roadmap.

The committee in articulating what Nigeria needs to “become one of the world’s leading economies by year 2020" recommended “high-speed broadband networks that will provide every Nigerian with fast, reliable and affordable internet access as a fundamental requirement.”

Making a stronger case, the

committee went ahead to describebroadband technology “as a transformative technology that levels the playing field and gives businesses access to regional, national, and international markets irrespective of geographical location.”

N ATCOM Development and Investment Limited paid $252.2m to take over the assets of the former NITEL/MTEL in a guided liquidation overseen by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

The assets acquired include NITEL’s National Carrier and International Gateway licences as well as MTEL’s digital mobile licence (DML).

N ATCOM, which will trade under its brand name ‘Ntel’, in pitching its unique selling point as it prepares to roll out said it would be launching pure play 4G services that would offer high speed data, high-definition voice and video on demand.

That brand promise is fully aligned to the national broadband policy which anticipates a 5 fold broadband increase by 2018. With

*Ntel MD/CEO, Kamar Abass ntel’s launch the goal post would have been moved much nearer.

Besides Ntel’s brand promise of 4G, what excites are the potential benefits accruable from the deployment of 4G services in a data hungry country like Nigeria.

Writing in http:// blogs.blouinnews.com, Julianna Kenny had this to say: “Africa presents a unique opportunity for internet development thanks notably to the fact that it lacks the legacy infrastructure present in regions that developed the

L-R: Director, Lagos State Sports Commission, Nunayon Travih; Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Patricia Jemibewon; Orile Coker Community Representative, Olajide Oloyede; Senior Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Gbolahan Sanni, and Channel Development Manager, Key Account, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Yomi Onakoya, during a handover ceremony of COPA Coca-Cola 2015 materials to various communities, on Friday, 30th October, 2015 at Jakande Housing Estate in Isolo, Lagos

internet. And because there are no legacy systems to update in terms of expensive hardware, certain regions in Africa have been able to leapfrog the technologies of the last few decades and skip right to the new ones. That doesn’t mean the continent is gearing up for something like 5G, but it does mean that rapid-fire mobile development is possible. Nowhere is that more evident than Nigeria.”

Kenny is not the only one to see the potentials. Ernest Ndukwe, a former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), also commented on the need for the evolution of pure play 4G services which would enable convergence of communication and entertainment, as well as learning and leisure.

“I will advise the next Minister of Communications Technology to look at the plan and see how it could be further adopted,” Ndukwe said while noting that the current indices about Nigeria’s fast internet penetration is an indication that the projection of 30 per cent Broadband penetration by 2018 as contained in the National Broadband Plan

is feasible,”Ndukwe stated.

Kenny added that recent figures from the NCC underline that inherent potential.

“Nigeria’s mobile internet market is one of the most successful in Africa. Indeed, the Nigerian Communications Commission reported this week that the number of mobile internet users is now 97.21 million, and there was an increase of 1.84 million users in September alone. That is a staggering spike. The N.C.C. says that in August, there were 95.37 million users. Those figures encompass users of both the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)” Having noted the spike, Kenny ends on a positive note with a mention of NATCOM. “Reports have detailed how the NATCOM Consortium — the parent company of Nigeria Telecommunications or NITEL — has finalized plans to roll out 4G this month. Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are the first cities to access the speeds…. Expect to see leaps and bounds from mobilebased businesses over the next couple of years.”

Pix From left; Mr Emmanuel Udoro Fashion fusion organiser, Mr Felix Lee, General Manager, GAC Motor limited, Mr Luzol, Managing Director, fashion Fushion, ms Khadijah Junaid, Executive Director, GAC Motor and Mr Moses Ajuzia Sales, Consultant at The GAC Motors Fashion Fusion Event, at Oriental Hotel, Leeki, Victoria Island Lagos

PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

Oceans of blood and the words of Inua Wada

By Femi Fani-Kayode

“The truth is incontrovertible.

Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it but, in the end, there it is” – Sir Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Great Britain (1940-1945 and 1951-1955).

N

OTHING empowers the spirit more than the truth.

Nothing warms the soul more than the truth. Nothing dispels the darkness more than the truth.

Nothing emboldens the noble more than the truth. Nothing sheds the light more than the truth. Nothing enlightens the ignorant more than the truth.

Nothing frees the enslaved more than the truth. Nothing liberates the mind more than the truth.

Nothing purges the evil more than the truth. Nothing hurts the vile more than the truth. Nothing troubles the murderous more than the truth.

Nothing exposes the reprobate more than the truth. Nothing burns the slanderer more than the truth.

Nothing chains the liar more than the truth. Nothing heals the wounded more than the truth.

Nothing brings the peace more than the truth. Nothing torments the oppressor more than the truth.

Nothing haunts the wicked more than the truth. Nothing punishes the tyrant more than the truth.

Nothing humiliates the proud more than the truth. Nothing restores our hope more than the truth.

Nothing serves justice more than the truth. Nothing delivers the captive more than the truth. As Churchill said, ‘’the truth is incontrovertible”. It is overwhelming and it is irresistable. It is powerful and it is beautiful.

It cannot be destroyed. It cannot be denied. It cannot be suppressed. It is eternal. It will always be revealed at the appointed time. It may be ignored for a season but it will eventually resurface to torment the receiver.

With truth comes the opportunity to repent and to forgive. With truth comes justice, healing, peace, love, restoration, reconciliation, reparation, redemption and the chance for new beginnings.

Without truth, there can be none of these blessings or virtues: only darkness, deceit, ugliness, suspicion, hate, carnage, violence and the enthronement and celebration of bitter and wretched souls. Without truth, evil goes from strength to strength. Without truth, the wicked crushes innocent souls.

Without truth, the oppressor continues to thrive and flourish, but with truth, the righteous rises and reaches the top. Without truth, nations wither and perish, but with truth, they prosper and excel.

Yet, what truth resides in our beleagured country? A country that feeds fat on lies and revels in deceit. A country that refuses to teach its children our history in order to cover up the many wrongs and injustices of the past. A country whose elders refer to the oppressed and disillusioned as desperate ‘’miscreants’’. A country whose leaders refer to those that seek to enforce their legitimate rights as ‘’moneyloving drug dealers and skillful scammers’’.

A country that cannot make a distinction between those that seek to peacefully exercise their right of self-determination and those that terrorise, kill and maim others in an attempt to impose their faith.

There are many truths that the Nigerian people will have to come to terms with before our nation can be at peace with itself.

An ocean of blood has been shed in the name of a united Nigeria, yet the perpetrators of state-sponsored violence have never been brought to book.

Many souls have been wasted in trying to keep us one. How much more blood has to flow before those that have ruled us from time immemorial accept the fact that nations cannot be established by subjugation and tyranny, but only by justice, equity, truth, equal rights and consensus.

The massacres The truth of the Jos massacre in 1945 where hundreds were slaughtered cannot be denied. The truth of the Kano riots in 1953 where thousands were butchered cannot be denied. The truth of the pogroms in the North in 1966 where hundreds of thousands were killed cannot be denied. The truth of the slaughter of millions of innocent civilians, women and children between 1967 and 1969 during the Nigerian civil war cannot be denied.

The truth of the Asaba masssacre in 1969 where 1,000 little boys and old men were rounded up in the town square and shot in the head cannot be denied.

The truth of the massacre of hundreds of thousands of Christians and ethnic minorities all over the North and particularly in the Middle Belt throughout the 80s and 90s cannot be denied. The truth of political Sharia with its attendant violence, trauma, blood-letting and butchery from 2000-2003 in the far North cannot be denied.

The bitter truth of Boko Haram and the relentless slaughter of hundreds of thousands of innocent Nigerians by Islamic fundamentalists in northern Nigeria from 2009 up until today cannot be denied.

The truth of the murder of dozens of young NYSC members and hundreds of other people in the far North in 2011 cannot be denied.

Although the visit was cancelled eventually, it did not prevent the Kano riots in which scores of Ndigbo were murdered

•Fani-Kayode The truth of the brutal slaughter of innocent Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen over the last 20 years and up until today cannot be denied. O Nigerians, who has bewitched thee? Why do we hate truth and those that speak it with such passion? Like the ostrich, we have buried our heads in the sand and we act as if these things never happened.

We refuse to acknowledge the evil within us and we refuse to honor the dead by atoning for our sins and calling for retribution and justice.

These horrendous events cannot be denied and neither shall they ever be forgotten. The blood of the innocents that were slaughtered by these relentless Huns speaks through the ages and from generation to generation.

Conspiracy of silence That blood cries out to God in heaven and it calls for vengeance.

It is time for justice to be done. It is time for those that consistently kill and shed blood in their ignoble quest to rule us forever to be brought to book. It is time for the Tutsis of Nigeria to be brought to heel. It is time for those that starved millions of little children to death in the name of crushing Biafra to be exposed.

It is time that those who seek to play down these events and who seek to cover up their complicity in genocide be called out and shamed. It is time that some of our elders and so-called leaders are sent to the International Criminal Court for genocide and murder and for crimes against humanity.

It is time to rediscover our humanity. It is time for the ancient leaders and guardians of the Nigerian state to admit that they have built our so-called unity on nothing but murder, carnage and the blood, guts and bones of millions of slaughtered innocents.

It is time for them to apologise to the Nigerian people for their insufferable conspiracy of silence and their insatiable greed. It is time for them to tell the truth about our blood-soaked and frightful history, to confess their sins, to kneel down before the Ancient of Days and to beg Him for forgiveness. It is time for them to start fearing the Lord of Hosts, to stop hating the messenger and to start dealing with the message.

This brings us to the unfolding situation in our country today. It appears that northern leaders of yesteryears were far more honest

and forthcoming in the expression of their views and disposition about the South than the ones of today.

Let us consider the following.

In an essay titled, ‘’Nigeria’s History and A Morbid Obsession With Unity’,’ written in Vanguard Newspaper of October 6, 2013, Dr. Douglas Anele wrote the following: “Now, it should be pointed out that before the July 29, 1966 (northern military ‘revenge’) coup, prominent northern leaders, led by the Sardauna of Sokoto, much more than their southern compatriots, disliked the unification or amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria. For instance, at the inauguration of the Richards Constitution in 1947, Tafawa Balewa, who later became Prime Minister, declared, ‘We do not want, sir, our southern neighbours to interfere in our development. …I should like to make it clear to you that if the British leave Nigeria now at this stage the northern people will continue their uninterrupted conquest to the sea.’”

At the General Conference held at Ibadan in January 1950, the Emirs of Zaria and Katsina made it quite clear that “unless the Northern Region is allotted fifty per cent of the seats in the central legislature, it will ask for separation from the rest of Nigeria on the arrangements existing before 1914.”

In March 1953, during a heated debate at the Federal House of Representatives, Ahmadu Bello (who later became Premier of the Northern Region), remarked that “the mistake of 1914 has come to light and I should like it to go no further.” When a delegation from the Action Group decided to visit Kano in May that same year “to educate the northern peoples about the crisis in the House of Representatives over the self government motion,” Inua Wada, Kano Branch Secretary of the NPC, declared, in a speech two days before its scheduled arrival, that, ‘’having abused us in the South, these very southerners have decided to come over to the North to abuse us”.

Although the visit was cancelled eventually, it did not prevent the Kano riots in which scores of Ndigbo were murdered”. (END OF QUOTE).

Wada, who later became Minister of Works in Tafawa Balewa’s government, was particularly virulent in his choice of words and many are of the view that his fiery submissions and threats of violence sparked the Kano riots of 1953 which took place two days later and in which thousands of southerners were slaughtered.

To reiterate this point, Bobson Gbinije, in his article titled, ‘’Igbo and Northern Leaders: Hate and National Cohesion”, published on September 2015, wrote the following: ‘’The invidious and inveterate mutual hatred and antagonisms between easterners and northerners through inspired hate speeches and media publications, dates back many years before independence. Sporadic out breaks in northern towns, particularly the Jos riots of 1945, had been occurring in the past but the British administration barely took them seriously. However, after the ruthless massacre in Kano in May 1953, the British were constrained to look into the matter by setting up a

commission of inquiry on the Kano disturbances.

Verbal exchanges “The report on the Kano disturbances posited that the remote causes suggested at the time could not by any means be referred specifically to easterners. The attacks were attributed to the clash of cultures, the disparities in economic and social development between northerners and southerners, the occupation of strategic posts in the administrative, technical and commercial sectors of northern life by southerners and the leveling impact of Western religion and political ideologies introduced into the North by southerners.

“It is on record that there were series of polemical and aggressive verbal exchanges between Northern Representatives and the Action Group members during the Lagos Conference. But the fuse that really set off the explosion in May, 1953 was the proposed visit to Kano of an Action Group (AG) delegation led by Chief S. L. Akintola, an ExMinister (who was Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s deputy and who later became the Premier of the Western Region) .

“The organization and preparation of northerners for the riots did not suggest to easterners that they would be the main object of the attack.

Northerners denied in 1953 that the massacres were ever organized or premeditated. But it is on record that two days before the disturbances began on Thursday, May 14, 1953, Mallam Inua Wada, then Secretary of the Kano Branch of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) and later Federal Minister of Works, convened a meeting of the Native Administration sectional heads at the Works Department in Kano during which he made a very ill-advised and provocative speech against the proposed visit of the Action Group delegation led

by Akintola. Inua Wada said, inter alia, ‘Having abused us in the South, these very southerners have decided to come over to the North to abuse us but we have determined to retaliate the treatment given us in the South. We have therefore organized about 1,000 men ready in the city to meet force with force.

We are determined to show to Akintola and his group what we can do in our land when they come. The Northern Peoples Congress has declared a strike in all Native Administration Offices for Saturday, 16th May, 1953. We shall post a sufficient number of men at the entrance of every office and business place and we are prepared to face anything that comes out of this’.

(END OF QUOTE).

It appears to me that with the ‘’shut up” rhetoric of Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and serving senator, to Yoruba leaders, we need to watch it.

Whichever way, history must not be allowed to repeat itself and southerners must not be massacred. Let us pray for the peace of our nation and let us hope that men like Rabiu Kwankwaso do not cause another national crisis. Most important of all, let us remember the power of truth and the importance of justice in our lives and in the affairs of our country.

•Fani-Kayode served as Minister of Aviation under the Obasanjo administration.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015 PAGE 41

PAGE 42— SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

SUNDAY

Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 43

Emir Sanusi’s

Demolition Saga •Kano and the heritage of its ancestors •Effect of ISIS and the destruction of historical sites

BY JIDE AJANI, WITH AGENCY REPORTS

Whatever the motivation for the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, his decision to demolish some tombs of historical value in the Emir’s palace may send the wrong signal to some people, especially at a time the United Nations, UN, and other global bodies are frowning at the imbecility of the terror group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or IS - Islamic State) and its destruction of historical sites since 2014 in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. Whereas, Salim Ado Bayero, the son of the late Emir Ado Bayero, dragged Sanusi to court, obtaining an injunction stopping further attempts at destroying some tombs within the palace, it was a surprising twist in the unfolding drama when, last Thursday, the plaintiff directed his lawyer to withdraw the suit. This report will not argue against the intentions of Emir Sanusi but would counsel on the need to preserve historical tombs. It will also show that the destruction of tombs by ISIL in the Middle East, no matter the justification, need not creep into Nigeria - or Kano, for that matter.

Muhammad Sanusi II, the indefatigable 14th Fulani Emir of Kano, may not have lost his touch with daring where even angels fear to tread. From his days at the Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN, where he was Governor, courting controversy was never alien to him. He may have imported same into the Kano Emirate.

For instance, when Sanusi II recently sacked his senior cousin and in-law, Sanusi

C M Y K

Ado Bayero, as Ciroman Kano, the nine million city dwellers were not aghast because pundits saw it coming.

But barely a week after that, the people of the city got to know, through Salim Ado Bayero, that there was an alleged plot to demolish historical sites within the centenary old palace.

According to information available, the demolition was to pave the way for the construction of offices for 44 Hakimis or District Heads.

Bayero dragged the Emir to court. He, subsequently, secured an injunction restraining the monarch from tampering with the palace structure pending the determination of the suit before it.

In a writ of summon filed

Muhammad Sanusi II, the indefatigable 14th Fulani Emir of Kano, may not have lost his touch with daring where even angels fear to tread.

From his days at the Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN, where he was Governor, courting controversy was never alien to him.

He may have imported same into the Kano Emirate

Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II before Justice A T Badamasi, the plaintiff flayed Sanusi for allegedly plotting to erase history by destroying no fewer than 13 tombs of former Emirs buried within the palace.

The Emirs, whose tombs will give way to office building, were listed to include but not limited to Emirs Sulaiman and Ibrahim Dabo the founders of the Fulani dynasty - Emir Bello and Emir Usman 1.

These past Kano Emirs, during their individual reign between16th century

through the 18th century, collectively elevated the ancient city to its state of glory that has made it one of stature today - these are treasured historical sites.

Consequently, Bayero's pursuit at the court of law generated goodwill and solidarity against the intention of Sanusi II. But in a dramatic turn of events, the Kano Prince suddenly instructed his attorney to discontinue with the case.

Bayero's Attorney, Sanusi Umar Sadiq,

told Sunday Vanguard on phone, last week, that the royal family had resolved to settle out of court.

Sadiq said that, already, he had filed a withdrawal notice in line with the directive, adding that the matter was slated for hearing last Thursday.

The lawyer said: "Bayero family has agreed to settle out of court and we have filed withdrawal notice before the court."

Meanwhile, the action Continues on page 45

PAGE 44 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

The destructive adventure of ISIS Deliberate destruction and theft of cultural heritage has been conducted by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or IS - Islamic State) since 2014 in Iraq, Syria, and Libya.

The premeditated destruction targets various places of worship under ISIL control and ancient historical artifacts. In Iraq, between the fall of Mosul in June 2014 and February 2015, ISIL has plundered and destroyed at least 28 historical religious buildings. The valuable items from some buildings were looted in order to smuggle and sell them to finance ISIL activities.

ISIL uses a unit called the Kata'ib Taswiyya (settlement battalions), tasked with selecting targets for demolition.

UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, branded the ISIL activities in this respect as "a form of cultural cleansing" and launched the Unite4Heritage campaign to protect heritage sites threatened by extremists.

Although Libya, Syria and Iraq ratified the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict in 1957, 1958 and 1967 respectively, it has not been effectively enforced.

Mosques and shrines

In 2014, media reported destruction of multiple, chiefly Shiite, mosques and shrines throughout Iraq by ISIL. Among them were AlQubba Husseiniya Mosque i n Mosul, JawadHusseiniya Mosque andSaadbinAqeelHusseiniyaShrine in Tal Afar, Sunni Ahmed alRifai Shrine and tomb in MahlabiyaDistrict and the so-called Tomb of the Girl (Qabr al-Bint) in Mosul. The Tomb of the Girl, reputed to honour a girl who died of a broken heart, was actually believed to be the tomb of medieval scholar Ali ibn al-Athir.

In June 2014, ISIL bulldozed the shrine of Fathi al-Ka'en.

On 24 September 2014, the Al-Arba'een Mosque i n Tikrit, containing forty tombs from the Umar era, was blown up. On 26 February 2015 ISIL blew up the 12th century KhudrMosque in central Mosul.

In Mosul, ISIL also targeted several tombs with shrines built over them. In July 2014, ISIL destroyed one of the tombs ofprophet Daniel (located in Mosul) by implanted explosives. On 24 July 2014, the tomb and mosque of the prophet Jonah was destroyed with explosives. On 27 July, ISIL destroyed the tomb of Prophet Jirjis (George).

On 25 July 2014, the 13thcentury shrine of Imam Awn al-Din in Mosul, one of the few structures to have survived the 13th-century Mongol invasion, was destroyed by ISIL. The destruction was mostly carried out with explosive devices, but C M Y K

•Ancient structures destroyed by ISIS group in some cases bulldozers were used. In March 2015, ISIL reportedly bulldozed to the ground the Hamou al-QaduMosque in Mosul, dating back to 1880. In the same year ISIL ordered the removal of all decorative elements and frescoes from mosques in Mosul, even t h o s e containing Quranic verses that mention Allah. They were regarded by ISIL as "an erroneous form of creativity, contradicting the basics ofsharia".

At least one imam in Mosul opposing that order was shot to death.

ISIL also destroyed Sufi shrines near Tripoli, Libya, in March 2015. The shrines were destroyed by sledgehammers and bulldozers.

In June 2015, it was announced that ISIL had blown up the ancient tombs of Mohammed bin Ali and Nizar AbuBahaaeddine, located close to the ruins of Palmyra.

On 16 June 2014, it was reported that ISIL elements had been instructed to destroy all churches in Mosul. On 26 July, it was announced that ISIL blew up the Virgin Mary Church in Mosul with several improvised explosive devices.

On 21 September 2014, the Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor, Syria was blown up by ISIL militants.

On 24 September 2014 ISIL militants destroyed with improvised explosive devices the 7th-century Green Church (also known as St Ahoadamah Church) belonging to the Assyrian Church of the East in Tikrit.

In early February 2015, ISIL blew up the Al-Tahera Church in Mosul, which dated back to the beginning of the 7th century and was among the oldest churches in the city. On 9 March 2015, according to the Iraqi government official DureidHikmat Tobia, ISIL destroyed the 10th-century Chaldean Catholic St Markourkas Church in Mosul.

As of 5 April 2015, ISIL destroyed the Assyrian Christian Virgin Mary Church on Easter Sunday in the Syrian town of Tel Nasri. "As the “joint forces” of Kurdish People's Protection Units and local Assyrian fighters attempted to enter the town", ISIL set off the explosives destroying what remained of the church. ISIL held the church since 7 March 2015.

Another church in Mosul, which was reportedly "thousands of years" old, was blown up by ISIL in July 2015. According to Kurdish sources, four children were killed when the church was destroyed.

On 21 August 2015, the historic Mar Elian monastery near

Al-Qaryatayn in the Homs Governorate was destroyed by ISIL.

Ancient and medieval sites

On 27 January 2015, ISIL had reportedly bombed large parts and expanses of the Nineveh Wall in alTahrir neighborhoodof Iraq.

In the Syrian city of ArRaqqah, ISIL publicly ordered the bulldozing of a colossal ancient Assyrian gateway lion sculpture from the 8th century BC. Another lion statue was also destroyed. Both statues originated from the Arslan Tasharchaeological site. The destruction was published in the ISIL magazine, Dabiq. Among the lost statues are those of MullaUthman al-Mawsili, of a woman carrying an urn, and of AbuTammam.

On 26 February 2015, ISIL released a video showing the destruction of various ancient artifacts in the Mosul Museum. The affected artefacts originate from the Assyrian era and from the ancient city of Hatra. The video in particular shows the defacement of a granite lamassu statue from the right side of the Nergal Gate by a jackhammer. The statue remained buried until 1941 when heavy rains eroded the soil around the

gate and exposed two statues on both sides. Several other defaced items in the museum were claimed to be copies, but this was later rebutted by Iraq's Minister of Culture, AdelSharshab who said: "Mosul Museum had many ancientartifacts, big and small. None of them were transported to the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad.

Thus, all artifactsdestroyed in Mosul are original except for four pieces that were made of gypsum".

On 5 March 2015, ISIL reportedly started the demolition of Nimrud, an Assyrian city from the 13th century BC. The local palace was bulldozed, while lamassu statues at the gates of the palace of Ashurnasirpal II were smashed.[31] A video showing the destruction of Nimrud was released in April 2015.

On 7 March 2015, Kurdish sources reported that ISIL had begun the bulldozing of Hatra, which has been under threat of demolition after ISIL had occupied the adjacent area. The next day ISIL sacked Dur-Sharrukin, according to the Kurdish official f r o m Mosul Saeed Mamuzini.

The Iraqi Tourism and Antiquities Ministry launched the related investigation on the same day. On 8 April 2015, the Iraqi Ministry of Tourism reported that ISIL destroyed the remnants of the 12th-century Bash Tapia Castle in Mosul.

As of early July 2015, 20% of Iraq's 10,000 archaeological sites has been under ISIL control.

Following the capture of Palmyra in Syria, ISIL was reported as not intending to demolish the city's World Heritage Site (while still intending to destroy any statues deemed 'polytheistic'). On 27 May 2015, ISIL released a 87-second video showing parts of the apparently undamaged ancient colonnades, the Temple of Bel and the Roman theatre.

On 27 June 2015, however, ISIL demolished the ancient Lion of Al-lat statue in Palmyra. Several other statues from Palmyra reportedly confiscated from a smuggler were also destroyed by ISIL. On 23 August 2015, it was reported that ISIL had blown up the 1stcentury Temple of Baalshamin. On 30 August 2015, ISIL demolished the Temple of Bel with explosives. Satellite imagery of the site taken shortly after showed almost nothing remained.

According to the report issued on September 3, 2015 by ASOR Syrian Heritage initiative, ISIL also destroyed seven ancient tower tombs in Palmyra since the end of June over two phases. The last phase of destruction occurred between August 27 and September 2, 2015, including the destruction of the 2nd-century AD Tower of Elahbel, called

Continues on page 45

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 45

Emir Sanusi’s Demolition Saga Continued from page 43

made a mockery of an earlier Kano High Court order, which restrained the Emir from either demolishing or tampering with any structure in the Emir’s palace pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

Justice A T Badamasi, making the order, also restrained Sanusi and the Emirate Council from giving quit notice or evicting any person residing inside the palace known as Gidan Rumfa until the determination of the substantive suit.“The order further restrained the first and second defendants/ respondents from giving quit notice or evicting any person resident in the Emir ’s palace by virtue of being Bayin Sarki, pending the determination of the substantive application.“Badamasi directed the parties involved in the case to maintain the status quo.“The counsel to the plaintiff alleged that the Emir and the Emirate Council were seeking to destroy the grave yard which housed the tombs of 13 former Kano Emirs.“Sadiq said the plan to demolish the structures in the palace was capable of killing the ancient tradition Kano Emirate Council was known for.

But, on Thursday, the judge set aside the celebrated case against Sanusi II on the strength of the application from Bayero seeking the withdrawal of the matter. Badamasi, how-

ever, said he could not grant the prayer for the N20 million damages requested by the Emir ’s lawyers because the plaintiff is a direct descendent of Abdullahi Bayero, and, therefore, as his grandson, he will not be happy in his grave if the case went the other way.

The judge maintained that the plaintiff had the right to withdraw the case because it was even at its preliminary stage, adding that neither cost nor time was wasted on it.

With the ruling, there may have been indeed a green light for Sanusi II to proceed to carry out the demolition of the tombs.

While not attempting to draw a parallel between the demolition adventure of ISIS and what the Emir of Kano is proposing, there is need to subject the present situation to further interrogation on the basis of the education and historical representation of the tombs in the palace of the ancient city.

Whereas it is a trite religious belief that human remains should not be deified or elevated to the idolatry status of shrines, the tombs in that palace are representations of the historical heritage of the illustrious emirate, just as it serves to connect the present to its pre-eminent past, in a manner that makes the imbecility of ISIS more pronounced (see next piece).

The destructive adventure of ISIS Continued from page 44 "the most prominent example of Palmyra’s distinct funerary monuments". Earlier, the ancient tombs of Iamliku andAtenaten were also destroyed.

According to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights, ISIL blew up the Arch of Triumph in October.

Response On 22 September 2014, the United States Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the Department of State had partnered with the American Schools of Orient Research to "comprehensively document the condition of, and threats to, cultural heritage sites in Iraq and Syria to assess their future restoration, preservation, and protection needs". In 2014, the UNESCO's Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict condemned at the Ninth Meeting "repeated and deliberate attacks against cultural property... in particular in the Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of Iraq".

UNESCO Director- General Irina Bokovacalled the destructions in Mosul a violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2199, and the destruction of Nimrud a war crime.

The Independent in UK lists the following as the world's heritage sites in ruins?

1 Palmyra The ancient city of Palmyra was once one of the most well-known tourism spots in all of Syria. The site, which predates Islam by hundreds of years, had become a center for trade by the 1st century AD – its existence is even recorded in biblical texts. It has been controlled by the Isis since May. “The art and architecture of Palmyra, standing at the crossroads of several civilizations, is a symbol of the complexity and wealth of the Syrian identity and history," the Director- General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, said in a recent statement, adding that extremists were seeking to "destroy this diversity and richness."

2.Hatra The Iraqi fortress city of Hatra is believed to date back to days of the Parthian empire in the 3rd or 2nd century BC., and later became the capital of the first Arab Kingdom.

The city, known for its huge walls, flourished during Mesopotamian era and bears the influence of both Roman and Persian empires. Video released in March by the Isis showed the

group using sledgehammers and even guns to destroy carvings and statues.

3. Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) Ashur, also known as Assur, is city in modern-day Iraq that dates back to the third millennium and it later became the first capital of the Assyrian Empire. The city was associated with the god Ashur, and became an important religious city.

Ashur was first declared in danger

by UNESCO in 2003 due to the planned construction of a dam that would have flooded its ruins.

4. The ancient city of Aleppo Located at an important point along trading routes since the 2nd millennium BC, Aleppo has had a rich history and has the architectural legacy of a variety of different empires, religions and time periods.

The city has a variety of different buildings of historical importance, including its famous citadel, a large fortified palace that dates back thousands of years.

Unlike some other sites on this list, Aleppo remains an inhabited and major city, and since the Syrian war began in 2012 it has been divided between rebel forces and government troops.

The city became a target for the Isis during the summer. A number of important sites in the city have been damaged during the fighting – for example, the famous minaret at the 11th century AD Great Mosque of Aleppo was destroyed in 2013.

5. Samarra archaeological city The archaeological city of Samarra in Iraq, once the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, is considered an especially important historical site by UNESCO as it is the "only surviving Islamic capital that retains its original plan, architecture and arts, such as mosaics and carvings."

The city is well-preserved as it was abandoned relatively early, and only 20 percent of it has been excavated so far.

6. The Crusader castles Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din are two castles in Syria that date back to the period of the Crusades and represent an important mixture of European and Near Eastern influences.

However, both have been the scene of heavy fighting: In 2013, rebels said that they had just managed to defeat regime troops fighting in the walls of the Crac des Chevaliers, though the Syrian army retook the castle in 2014.

7. Ancient city of Damascus Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, with some excavations showing the city was inhabited as early as 8,000 to 10,000BC. The city became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate and has been important to Arab culture since. Within the walls of the Old City UNESCO says there are 125 protected monuments, including the Umayyad mosque, still one of the largest mosques in the world.8. Ancient city of Bosra Bosra was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia and still features a 2nd-century Roman theater within the Old City walls. It contains a number of monuments from theNabataean, Byzantine and Umayyad periods too.

The city, however, has been the site of considerable fighting during the Syrian civil war, putting many of the Old City at risk.

PAGE 46—SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

War against corruption will fail unless..., GKS cautions

BY SAM EYOBOKA

T

HE current war against corruption cannot succeed without a massive spiritual reorientation to purge the people of the negative vices which have eaten deep into the fabric of the people such as the culture of greed, materialism, wasteful consumption and idleness.

This assertion was made by the chairman of the Executive Board of God’s Kingdom Society (GKS), Brother Godwin Ifeacho in the sermon; “Pray that ye enter not into temptation” delivered at the Freedom Day Divine Service, held on Sunday in Salem City, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

The GKS leader said a radical change of attitude was imperative because of the distortion of values in the land, stressing the need for people to be weaned from the get-rich-quick syndrome as a result of which a growing number of people do not want to work and patiently wait for the seeds they had sown to bear fruit but want to harvest soon after planting or even without planting anything at all.

He said the people need to learn to be hardworking, to learn skills and keep growing in them so as to be insured by the grace of God from want and the temptations of stealing, prostitution and other vices.

According to him, people should cultivate the Christian ethic of prayer, obedience to the laws of God, moderation in all things, thrift, foresight in planning for their future and so on, urging Nigerians to follow the truth preached by our Lord Jesus Christ and not succumb to the appeal of worldly philosophers, necromancers, secret societies and false prophets.

The Cleric also urged Christians not to be tempted by the difficulties of the times to do things contrary to their beliefs, thereby deviating from their convictions.

Brother Ifeacho stated that people the world over are, at the instance of the devil, being assailed by natural disasters, wars, poverty, unemployment, social violence, among others, as a result of which they sigh and cry over the hard conditions they have to contend with.

Like in the days of Isaiah, the prophet, the reality today is that many people “call evil good and good evil …(they) put darkness for light, and light for darkness; … (and) bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

He noted that in many places value systems have been perverted such that corrupt people are honoured, workers, merit and competence are battered for sentimental and selfish reasons as a result of which equal opportunities are not given to everybody, adding: “The difficulties of the times

Bible schools will reduce demonism, cultism—Don

BY DAUD OLATUNJI of Agriculture Atheprofessor r o m University of Ibadan,

f

Chairman of Executive Board GKS, Brother G. O. Ifeacho confering with Bro Femi Akinwale at the Freedom Day Service Warri 2015 same-sex unions. are temptations for which so drowning, sickness, In addition to the sermon many people have taken starvation and hostilities by hard and even horrifying border officials, he wondered of the GKS Executive Board decisions for which they how much longer people will chairman, there was a have heart-rending stories to continue to endure such discourse on the subject; “Was Christ Born on Christmas tell”. miseries while their leaders Day” by Brother Emmanuel Ifeacho stated that as a struggle for power.

Oriaku. There were also result of wars and economic Calling on people to look up problems, more than 300,000 to God Almighty and Jesus musical performances by Africans and Asians have Christ to overcome the various cultural groups in the flooded Europe in search of challenges of the times, he church. Apart from GKS Warri improved living conditions, asserted that it is “sad and Branch, other branches that the annual creating a “staggering appalling” that countries that observed celebration to mark the birth humanitarian crisis, the are supposedly founded on largest refugee influx since Christian ideals are now of Christ in October were those in Ibadan, Owerri, World War II”. fighting Christianity by Sagbama, and Monrovia Noting that several legalizing unnatural and unhundreds have died through Christian practices such as (Liberia).

Prof. Malachy Akoroda has said that creation of schools where biblical knowledge are taught will reduce cultism in the country.

He said this at the 2015 Students Week Celebration of the Southwest Advanced School of Theology in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, stressing that such schools will help in reducing the social vices and bad activities in the society.

Continuing, he maintained that bible schools are avenue of sustaining civilisation as well as development of the country.

“The school is a factory for those that would keep the faith, and also sustaining civilisation and development of a nation.

Bad things in the society can only be taken away when you build people who would retain those things that are godly, stand for civilisation and the progress of mankind.

“To stop demonism, you must have equal number of pastors just as people are joining cults, training people on the side of God. Everyone who attends this school will be a father or mother to their children and their churches and they would go on to propagate what is being taught here. They will push out good things,” Akoroda said.

He also urged governments at different levels to invest in bible schools and colleges.

Bishop says Boko Haram has religious motives

BY SAM EYOBOKA

C

ONTRARY to belief in certain quarters that Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, has no religious coloration, presiding bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Bishop Taiwo Akinola said all terrorist groups across the globe have expansionist religious motives, stressing that they are controlled by malevolent spirit that parades itself with the utmost aim to destroy the beautiful world created by God. “Terrorism in any form is criminal; it is not and will never be justifiable for any reason. It is a major threat to national peace and security,” the bishop noted, adding “tragically, it is obvious that many people and even nations have lent their support to these mean and dark forces unknowingly or ignorantly.”

The bishop who congratulated Nigerians for the recent political transformation from one leadership to another, called on the new government to be

proactive and prevent terrorist actions all over the globe particularly in Nigeria because of our present experience with the Boko Haram sect, urging Christians across the nation to intensify prayers against the scourge instead of retaliation as some persons are agitating out of frustration.

Addressing newsmen in his church office in Sango Ota, Ogun State on preparations for the church’s weeklong Rhema World Convention billed to begin today with a theme; “Wonderful Jesus”, and featuring Bishop Olantewaju Obembe, Alastair Mitchell Baker (UK), Apostle Warren Hunter (US), Bishop Victor Akilla, Dr. Kunle Adesina, Apostle Mike Tomomewo to mention but a few, he revealed plans by the church to establish a camp ground at Moluferin, Wasimi along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

According to him, the proposed City of Zion, will have residential houses of various categories, Zion Sanctuary, International Peace and Freedom Centre,

hospitals, old peoples home, schools, empowerment centers, shopping malls and recreation parks, all operating in Godly pattern under the Rhema Christian Church and Towers.

Akinola maintained that a closer look at happenings in the country eloquently show that God is very interested in the nation, and therefore urged fellow Nigerians to always give gratitude to God for taking control in all ways, and shun all forms of negative utterances about this country.

“Nigeria has a bright future, and surely, there shall be light at the end of the tunnel,” he averred, adding that Nigeria is part of the next eleven identified by Goldman Saths Investment Bank as having a high potential of becoming the world’s largest economies before the close of the 21st Century using the criteria of macro-economic stability, political maturity, openness of trade, investment policies and quality of education.

“These indicate that what we have and do not appreciate is valued by others with keen insight; which is a confirmation that God’s eyes are on the land and also on

the people of Nigeria,” he opined, advising that all Nigerians to refrain from using their tongues to utter evil in order not to truncate the divine plan for our great nation.

He also appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of political persuasion, to shun corruption in all forms and endeavour to live righteously and be patriotic because righteousness, according to him, exalts a nation while sin is a reperoach to any people.

“The time has come for us to treat the nation with pride. No matter how far we have travelled or sojourned, we will still remain Nigerians. I believe that a feeling of self-pride in this nation is necessary for us to propel Nigeria further to greater heights. The solution to a greater Nigeria lies in the hands of all Nigerians,” he stated.

•Bishop Taiwo Akinola

SUNDAY VANGUARD, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 47

HY is it that God W heals some people and leaves others unhealed?

Why is it that at healing crusades, unbelievers often get healed while Christians are not? Why is it that new believers start speaking in tongues while old believers don’t? Why is it that being a Christian does not guarantee that we are the most favoured and successful at whatever we do?

One basic reason often overlooked is that God is a jealous God. Moses says: “Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Exodus 34:14).

Accordingly, God often acts out of jealousy and he does many things in order to provoke his people to jealousy. God says to the Christian: “Seal me in your heart with permanent betrothal, for love is strong as death, and jealousy is as cruel as the grave. It flashes fire, the very flame of Jehovah.” (Song of Solomon 8:6).

Pilgrims in foreign land God told Abraham his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land where they would be afflicted for some 400 years.

(Genesis 15:13). Why must they be strangers in a foreign land? Why must they be afflicted for 400 years before God would bring about their salvation?

The reason is that the gospel must be true to life.

The gospel is designed to impress on the Jews and all believers that this world is not our home. Heaven is where we belong: “For we are here for but a moment, strangers in the land as our fathers were before us.” (I

HELL-BOUND CHRISTIANS AND HEAVEN-BOUND UNBELIEVERS Chronicles 29:15).

Therefore, the gospel is better preached to the Israelites when they are prisoners in a strange land.

A man in captivity in Egypt is in need of salvation from his jailers. Therefore, he is more than likely to be receptive to a gospel of salvation from this world of sin.

This indicates that God expects the believer to be implacably antiestablishment; we must not conform to the world.

(Romans 12:2). But when, in spite of this, we still love the world instead of the kingdom of God, we provoke God to jealousy.

James warns: “Don’t you know that if you love the world, you are God’s enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4).

Jealous God When Christians love money instead of God, we provoke God to jealousy.

When we emphasise the flesh and ignore the spirit, we provoke God to jealousy.

God is jealous when Christians spend hours reading novels instead of his word. He is jealous because, even though he has

Because Christians have provoked God to jealousy, God is also determined to make Christians jealous. told us man does not live by bread alone (Matthew 4:4); nevertheless we still prefer physical bread to spiritual bread; which is the word of God. As happened to Asa, God is jealous when sick Christians look first to doctors before looking to him; the author of life. (II Chronicles 16:12-13).

God is jealous when Christians prefer the company of men to the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, he acts in seemingly erratic fashion.

He gives and then he takes away. He will give Isaac to Abraham and then later ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as proof of his devotion to God. If Jacob’s heart is set on Rachel and not on Leah, he will shut up the womb of the beloved Rachel and make the hated Leah fertile.

Even though Sarah was 10 years younger than Abraham, God will take Sarah away at the age of 127 years, while Abraham will be kept alive without Sarah for another 38 years until the age of 175. He will take away Ezekiel’s wife in the prime of

her life, without seeming regard for the feelings of Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 24:1617).

Vengeance of God How can we reject the fountain of living waters in preference for broken cisterns and not suffer the consequences? How can we despise the mercies of God and not expect to be punished? The scriptures warn that one day God’s jealousy is going to be explosive. (Zephaniah 3:8).

In the meantime, God’s vengeance has already begun among Christians and in our churches. Peter warns us about this: “The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God. (I Peter 4:17). Because Christians have provoked God to jealousy, God is also determined to make Christians jealous. He pays us back in our own currency.

Jesus says: “With that measure which you measure, it shall be measured to you.”

(Matthew 4:24).

If we won’t believe the truth of the gospel, God will make sure we will believe outright lies. When we refuse to grow in the things of God, Jesus says: “Everyone who has something will be given more, and they will have more than enough. But everything will be taken from those who don’t have anything.” (Matthew 25:29). Therefore, Isaiah cries out: “O LORD, why have you made us stray from your ways, and hardened our heart from your fear?” (Isaiah 63:17).

If we refuse to serve God at home, he will send us into captivity in his jealousy, so that we can serve strangers in a foreign land. (Jeremiah 5:19). If we reject his rule, he will ensure that children will be our princes and “babes” will rule over us.

(Isaiah 3:4). If God is not the desire of our hearts, he will ensure that what we desire will be the death of us. (Psalm 78:29-31).

Rachel was obsessed with the desire to have a child.

One day, she provoked her husband no end. “Give me children,” she demanded, “or I will die.” (Genesis 30:1). God answered her cry. She got two children and died. The children of Israel lusted after meat in

the wilderness. God gave them what they wanted but sent leanness into their souls.

(Psalm 106:15). When Israel asked for a king in preference to God, God gave them the kings they wanted, who later sent them back into captivity and forced labour. (I Kings 5:1318).

Kingdom dynamics Since the Jews persisted in unbelief in spite of God’s entreaties and favour, God decided to shower his blessings on the Gentiles in order to provoke Israel to jealousy. He says: “I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.” “I was found by those who did not seek me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me.” (Romans 10:19-21).

By the same token, God is doing many things currently designed to make Christians jealous. Because many of us have disdained his out-stretched arm and rejected him, God has been showing favour to nonChristians; even those clearly undeserving of it in order to provoke Christians to jealousy. As a result, some unbelievers are going to end up in heaven, while many Christians will end up in hell. This is the kingdom dynamic of salvation: “I will call them my people, who were not my people, and her beloved, who was not beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they shall be called sons of the living God.” (Romans 9:2526).

Adeboye tasks students on righteous living

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

G

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has enjoined Nigerian students to live righteously, aim at diligence and excellence while pursuing their academic goals.

Speaking at a special prayer programme organised for Nigerian students at the church national headquarters, The Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Metta in Lagos with the theme: “Power to be the best”, Pastor Adeboye counselled the students that their life desires can only be achieved when they put God first, obey His commandments and shun evil.

His words: “I pray that you will become the best which can only be possible when you get wisdom that only comes from God because one could be clever which human being considered cleverness and such person still becomes fool as far as God is concerned.

“If you want to be healthy and be the best spiritually, physically and academically, you need God. Listen and hearken diligently to God’s

instructions, obey His commandments, fear Him, be filled with the Holy Spirit because if Holy Spirit is in you, no demon can afflict you,” he stated.

Special Assistant to the General Overseer, Administration & Personnel,

T

HE city of Warri, the oil hub in Southern Nigeria is wearing a new look in readiness for the arrival of an array of internationally acclaimed gospel ministers from across the globe who have agreed to partner with the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor for his church’s annual convention tagged; Jubilee Word Festival.

The ministers expected at the week long 2015 annual spiritual exercise with a unique theme; “EPHPHATHA” Be opened’ with inspiration from Mark 7:34 include an age-old friend of Pastor Oritsejafor; the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude and Bishop Michael Pitts from the US.

Pastor Johnson Odesola, said the programme was organised for students and adults who know that learning does not have an end, arguing that Nigeria needs more universities to take care of students looking for admission.

The cleric advised the nation’s policy makers to bring back history to the school curriculum, saying that the subject has a way of building student’s historical and governmental responsibility.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor,

Redeemers University, Prof.

Debo Adeyewa suggested that government should introduce entrepreneurship into Nigerian school curriculum from the primary school which, according to him, will reduce the rate of graduate unemployment.

Warri agog for Jubilee Word Festival Others expected to minister at the occasion, are Bishop Philip Thomas from UK, Bishop John Francis (UK), Bishop Wayne Malcom (UK), Dr. Ini Okpon and Rev. Jonathan Miller also from the UK. Renowned gospel ministers, Sonnie Badu and Jahsan are also expected to partner the church’s Milk and Honey Choir to minister in songs throughout the duration of the event.

The International Gospel Center, Ajamimogha, Warri, venue of the convention is also wearing a new look with modern gates, upraised alleys and parking lots and freshly refurbished choir stand complete with new sound system have been completed for today’s opening service.

From a very humble

beginning of using a class room to a warehouse and then an open field, the 35,000-capacity International Gospel Centre which will host persons from across nations of world has been upgraded as contractors and several volunteers busied day and night to upgrade its facilities in readiness for the week long spiritual event.

The imposing structure can seat over 35,000 adults, 17,000 children and a conference centre sitting over 5,000 people. Investigation has revealed that it is one of the biggest church building in the world because it has actually sat over 100,000 people during one of its crusades.

A source close to the church, told our reporter, that with delegates expected from 30

states of the federation who will require accommodation, all hotels in the neighborhood and adjoining areas of the Warri urban have been fully booked.

The untiring wife of the CAN president and presidentgeneral of Daughters of Sarah Fellowship, Pastor Helen Oritsejafor was everywhere within the IGC supervising and making sure that everything is in place for the comfort of all invited guests that will coming from all corners of the state daily for the programme.

According to her, there will be daily free transports for people who are expected from all the communities in the state for the programme which is billed to begin this morning at the IGC and runs till next Sunday.

Page 48 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

RIGHT OF REPLY

Iredia’s faulty narrative on Gov. Ugwuanyi administration

By Edward Ngwu

I

read with utter disbelief the piece by Mr. Tony Iredia titled “Enugu State, Its Workers, and Prado Jeeps” and published in Vanguard of November 1, 2015. The article was predicated on an earlier false, but retracted allegation that the Enugu State Government gave free cars to Commissioners and members of the State House of Assembly.

It is rather surprising that even though Mr. Iredia admitted not having the complete information, he still went ahead to do a speculative stunt.

Again, he said he would ordinarily have commended the workers for settling amicably with the government following the dialogue with the governor, but would not do so because issues earlier raised by labour were not addressed.

The fact that the labour leaders not only retracted their ill-informed press statement, but also apologised to the Enugu State Government as reported by the press clearly showed that all necessary issues were satisfactorily addressed. Must they render minutes of their dialogue with their governor? They were obvious victims of falsehood sold by some political desperadoes who still do not know that the race to the Enugu State Government House had since ended with the inauguration of the present administration.

The workers saw that the vehicles were from government pool. They saw that contrary to the car-spree misinformation, which they swallowed hook, line, and sinker, they were also given on the precondition that the vehicles must be returned to government pool at the end of their tenure. The whole idea was that since the state cannot afford the luxury of procuring new cars for the lawmakers under the previous arrangement where they go home with the vehicles at the end of their tenure, government allocated its pool vehicles to them to enable them discharge their duties and return them at the expiration of their tenure. This, by implication, means that the government will no longer spend a dime on vehicle allowance for its lawmakers or political appointees, which takes lion share of government resources.

That way, the governor has saved hun-

•Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi dreds of millions of naira for the State.

Governor Ugwuanyi does not need tutoring on prudence or the State of Enugu’s economy. I recall very well that he stressed the need for “belt-tightening” in his inaugural address. He however added the difference between his model of belt-tightening and the one Nigerians used to know “is that the belt-tightening under this administration will start with government functionaries and business”. “We will lead by example. We will lead a lean government to free up resources and channel them to the real development issues”.

True to his promise, Ugwuanyi is perhaps the only new governor that has not bothered to buy new official cars for himself or his convoy since May 29th as has always been the tradition.

Instead, he not only uses whatever his predecessor bequeathed, but also deployed some of the personal vehicles he was known with over the years to his convoy to save the State costs. It is also on record that Governor Ugwuanyi still lives and goes to work from his private residence of many years.

But, even more important in this context is his commitment to the welfare of the Enugu State workforce. He has

been making frantic efforts to clear the humongous salary arrears he inherited from his predecessor. While some states that received bailout from the Federal Government are bickering with workers to pay part salary arrears, Ugwuanyi’s administration, which has not yet received the bailout funds, pays Enugu workers between the 22nd and 25th of every month. On some occasions, when the federal allocation does not arrive before 25th of the month, the state government goes the extra miles to ensure that the workers receive "alert". He has always upheld that bible injunction that “a worker is deserving of his wages”.

He has always acknowledged that Enugu State is a civil service State, hence the State’s economy suffers a great deal once workers are owed.

I do not also know of any new Governor sworn in last May who has assisted his state workforce to own 100 units of houses within 100 days in Office. But in line with his campaign promise to cater for the welfare of workers, governor Ugwuanyi’s administration has paid 30 percent Equity Contribution to enable interested Enugu State civil servants from Grade Level 01 to Grade Level 10 (lower and middle cardre) to acquire one of the 100 units of one bedroom flats at Elim Estate, Ibagwa, Nike, Enugu on 1st September, 2015.

His natural proclivity for peace and respect for other workers’ viewpoints on issues manifests in his preference for dialogue rather than force and intimation.

For instance, even though labour rushed to the press over the car matter without first trying to crosscheck their facts with him, Ugwuanyi did not waist time to invite them to a dialogue.

In the past, members of labour and their leaders who as much as protested non-payment of the new minimum wage were cramped into the Enugu Prisons.

Desmond Ugwu (a.k.a Prisoner Without Offence) is still alive to tell the story.

Furthermore, whereas a national daily even misinformed the public that the Enugu State Government used bailout fund to sponsor car largesse for political office holders, it is a well-known and verifiable fact that the State is yet to re-

Ugwuanyi is perhaps the only new governor that has not bothered to buy new official cars for himself or his convoy since May 29th as has always been the tradition

Re-Edo 2016: Oshiomhole, don’t give our state back to the PDP

By Aiyevbekpen Osakue

I

write in response to a piece pub lished at page 50 of the Vanguard (Viewpoint) of Sunday, October 18, 2015, credited to one Johnbull Oise. The author, indeed, represents the viewpoint of some aspirants who feel a little edgy over the competitiveness of the APC gubernatorial race in Edo State as a result of new entrants. The combative tone of the piece is an error of judgment. Politicians must appreciate the urgent need to open the political space to individuals with varied backgrounds, be they seasoned politicians, technocrats or professionals, in order to broaden the options before the delegates. As the challenges of government become more complex and intricate with digitalization and globalization components, it must be reflected in the quality and style of governance. Happily, the idea is trending across the nation with salutary outcomes in terms of service delivery!

It is against this background that the hasty resort to media propaganda in a matter that is ostensibly an internal affair of the party is believed to be unwarranted. The aspirants should rather resolve individually to rally round each other in deference to the respect and loyalty they claim to have for Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the leadership of the party. They should be ready to throw their collective weight and resources behind anyone of them that eventually emerges from the ongo-

ing selection process, in order to face the opposition with the crushing force of the APC armada. They must resist the temptation of degenerating to the old destructive intra-party politics of vituperations and mudslinging!

However, in the interest of public enlightenment and in order not to allow anyone to be misled by the sophistry, half-truths and outright fabrications contained in the said publication, it is absolutely important to properly situate and provide illumination on the issues raised.

First point, the author was clearly pusillanimous and white-knuckled to explicitly name the subject of his attack. Let me spill the beans; the subject of the writer is not just a member of the Governors Economic Team. He is, in fact, the Chairman and not less a personality than Mr. Godwin Obaseki, an accomplished financial and investment management expert.

Second point, it is not true that Obaseki is not a politician. Some people characterize the politician in the negative sense, as if he is a member of a cult group that requires special initiation. Politics is an open multi-disciplinary field, not reserved for any particular breed of character. How can someone who possess a party card like everyone else, holds strong political views, and attends political activities such as meetings and rallies like all else, be said not

to be a politician?

What is more, he has diligently served in the present government in the last seven years as Chairman of the governor ’s Economic Team and member of the State Executive Council (EXCO).

What else defines a politician?

Third point, the •Oshiomhole statement ‘considering the way his family is viewed in Benin Kingdom after a past Oba was exiled in controversial circumstances’ is clear insinuation that there is an endless battle or distrust between the palace and the Obaseki family over the exile of Oba Ovonranmwen in 1897 by the then British imperial invaders . This is apparently a devilish contrivance and mischief designed to stir controversy and bad blood by the author and his sponsors.

To their eternal disappointment, the reality of the relationship between the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the Obaseki family is that it has blossomed and flourished over the years.

Indeed, it has become so interwoven by historical bonding and relationships such that it is only comparable

Continues on pg 50

ceive any bailout. In fact, Ugwuanyi has met with the labour to discuss modalities for the disbursement of expected bailout to clear the remainder of the arrears he inherited. He insists no kobo will be spent without labour’s approval.

It needs to be stressed, however, that despite the financial crunch, Ugwuanyi’s regime is not all about paying salaries, much as it is part of his priority. He solved the hitherto intractable headache called Ogbete Enugu Main Market entrance road in less than 100 days in office. Apart from the aggressive maintenance of roads in Enugu metropolis, Ugwuanyi's administration, recently awarded contracts for the construction of eight roads across the state. As I write, heavy duty equipment of the most contractors have mobilised to their various sites preparatory for commencement of work. The roads include Abakpa Nike and Nike Lake Roads, dualisation of Opi-Nsukka Road, Amankwo-Ameke-Amah Brewing Junction, 9th-Mile By-pass, Ohom Oba junction-Imilike Ani-Ezimo AguImilike- Ogbodu Aba- Obollo EtitiAmalla-Obollo–Afor- Udenu Ring Roads, among others will be reconstructed in recognition of their socioeconomic importance.

Funds were also approved for the active participation of Enugu State in the N2 billion Staple Crops Processing Zone (SCPZ) FG/African Development Bank agricultural programme. This is geared towards the rehabilitation and expansion of the Adani Irrigation Scheme, provision of infrastructure, feeder roads, etc.

The government procured 20 tractors for mechanized agriculture at the grassroots and renovated four blocks of buildings at the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre in Emene, Enugu towards economic empowerment.

Construction of 200-bed Ultra Modern Specialist Hospital at Amalla, Orba in Udenu LGA is in progress. The sickbay and classroom blocks at Queen’s School, Enugu has been renovated and equipped. Braille Machines, Jaw Readers, Desktop Computers and other Accessories were installed for visually impaired students of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu.

Far from being wasteful, Ugwuanyi is robustly plugging financial loopholes and funds recovery. He constituted an 11-man Committee on Local Government Staff Audit and Biometrics Data Capturing Exercise to audit staff and other related matters in the Local Government Councils. He also constituted an 8-man Administrative Committee on the Completion of Enugu State Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) projects in the primary schools in the state.

Ugwuanyi commissioned the construction of a 15km Inter-Town-Connection (ITC) 2.5MVA Injection Sub-Station at Ezi-Nze in Udi LGA to power communities across Udi, Uzo-Uwani and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas of the state.

If anyone has benefitted from vehicles largesse, it is even the security agencies, which have so far received 20 patrol vehicles to boost security in the State.

According to the 1999 constitution, security and welfare of the people are the primary purposes of government.

The Ugwuanyi administration has indeed given governance a human face, extending humanitarian gestures and social responsibility to schools, hospitals, churches, etc, sponsoring several open heart surgeries for children and paying hospital bills for tens of indigent patients.

One thing is sure- the attempt by political losers to incite labour against the performing governor has failed.

Ugwuanyi's people-oriented programmes and developmental strides will continue to endear him to the people of Enugu State and beyond.

•Ngwu writes from Enugu

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, Page

VIEWPOINT

By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Matters arising from the Abia governorship election petition verdict

T

HE All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and his cotravellers could go to any length to achieve their ambition. But the more they try to hoodwink the people, the more their underbelly is exposed.

Recently, a non- governmental organisation, NGO, Independent Democrats, admonished Otti over his “relevance-seeking message on the 24th anniversary of Abia State”.

President of the group, Jonathan Ebere, asked Otti to wait for his time as governor before embarking on such activity.

Ebere was of the opinion that since Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu had

VIEWPOINT

By Johnson Ikharo

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The trial of a former minister for alleged bribe

F

ROM within and outside the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has been celebrated as a man who is capable of restoring sanity in the Nigerian system. On assumption of office, he demonstrated that he was ready to tackle corruption head on.

However, some of the corruption cases before the courts are raising concerns as to whether they are real or brought up to settle political scores. One of such cases is the one involving a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe. He is to be arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on November 9, over alleged false declaration of assets and acceptance of about N70million

VIEWPOINT

By Amaechi Udemba

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The way forward for educational sector in Delta

W

hy do millions of school leavers remain unemployed years after graduation from the secondary or tertiary institutions? Is it as a result of poor funding of education,curriculum problem or a combination of both? This is the main thrust of the task before the 6-man Planning Committee on Education Summit inaugurated by the Delta State governor , Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, November 3, in line with his avowed pledge to ensure a “ quality and progressive curriculum to meet the standards of skill and knowledge required for modern day ICT –driven national and global economies”.

The above promise encapsulated in his SMART programme of Relevant Health and Education policies, is indicative that like every other Nigerian, Governor Okowa, is mindful of the needs to reorder our curriculum in view of the growing number of unemployable graduates, some holders of first and second class upper degrees in various disciplines.

49

Ikpeazu and the opposition challenge made a broadcast on the anniversary, there was no need for anybody, including politicians, to embark on such activity, except sending goodwill messages to the government.

Recently, the mantra was” my governorship mandate is nonnegotiable”.

But Otti, who said “he was emboldened and resolute to explore all legal means possible to reclaim his alleged mandate, and that his stand was that justice and fair play must prevail”, no longer believes in the court of law, which they say is the last hope of the common man.

It is disheartening that his supporters, who once expressed unflinching confidence in the judiciary, have now resorted to campaign of calumny against the Chairman and members of the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal because the wheel of

justice they earlier canvassed did not go in their favour.

The campaign came to a head when APGA called for the jailing of the judges of the tribunal, alleging” huge sums of money in form of gratification exchanged hands between the PDP leadership in the state and cronies of the justices”.

APGA’s action to malign members of the tribunal is designed to ridicule the judiciary.

It smacks of desperation and over ambition. The law provides a window for them at the appellate court if they feel that their petitions have not been adequately addressed.

Their sole aim is to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the jurists, and, by extension, the judiciary. My appeal to the jurists in particular and well- meaning Nigerians in general is that they should not interpret the

character of Abians from the conduct of these few disgruntled elements. Abians respect the rule of law and impartiality of the judiciary and the judgements so far delivered.

Back to the issue of Otti’s mantra on his alleged stolen mandate, the claim is as laughable as anything one can think of. Otti had a monument of odds stacked against him before the elections.

Controversy dogged his ethnic origin and entrance to APGA both of which dealt a deadly blow on APGA and which the party is yet to recover from.

The crisis that engulfed the party in Abia and fuelled by the dispute over who was the authentic governorship candidate came to a climax when few days to the gubernatorial election, a faction of APGA adopted the PDP governorship candidate, Ikpeazu, as their candidate.

CCT: Orubebe and matters arising bribe. Many people fear the former minister may have courted trouble over his role at the International Conference Centre in Abuja while the result of the March 28 presidential election, won by Buhari, was being declared. Orubebe had resisted the declaration of the final result, blaming the Independent

Many people fear the former minister may have courted trouble over his role at the International Conference Centre in Abuja while the result of the March 28 presidential election, won by Buhari, was being declared

National Electoral Commission (INEC) for taking sides with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But as the allegations against Orubebe go to the CCT, the concern is that he is being witchhunted for being a die-hard supporter of former President Goodluck Jonathan. At a news conference in Abuja, Orubebe hinted as much, when he said that although he supports the anticorruption drive of the Buhari administration, government should not attempt to intimidate its opponents under the guise of fighting graft. The former minister is afraid that the issues raised against him reel of vendetta. He believes the charge could be a move to blackmail him and rubbish his image and contributions to the nation.

The former minister made the point that the allegations are not only frivolous but also empty considering that none of the issues

is capable of justifying his prosecution at the CCT. As he explained, it would not have been possible for him to have demanded and collected a bribe of N70 million from the same contractor, whose job he had summarily terminated for alleged non-performance. Of course, it is not logical that a man, who wants to collect a bribe from a contractor, would first terminate his job before asking for a bribe. Bribe for what, if one may ask? To restore the job or inflict further loss on the contractor? These are the issues those accusing him of taking bribe should examine carefully and decide if, indeed, the former minister, who has had a brilliant career as a celebrated public servant, could have collected the alleged bribe.

The so-called contractor was said to have taken offence because his job worth N1.7 billion was terminated by Orubebe. He was

PDP in its bid to assuage the clamour by Ngwa people to produce the governor of Abia ceded its ticket to Abia South dominated by Ngwa people. This earned him the support of the people.

And in a bid to solidly hold firm to being an Ngwa man, Otti nominated his running mate from Ohafia, a neighbouring town where it is alleged the APGA candidate comes from.

Therefore, Otti’s ticket was seen as an exclusive ticket of Abia North.

With all the flaws ahead of the election, Otti’s ambition to rule Abia was dead on arrival.

The million question is: “If greater number of Otti’s party members had abandoned him few days before the election, who then voted for him?”

•Ukegbu, a public affairs analyst, is resident in Umuahia, Abia State. alleged to have therefore approached one of the former minister’s aides and told him that he wanted to ‘sow a seed’ into a church Orubebe built in his community in Delta State. The aide allegedly gave him the bank account number of the church to enable the contractors pay N20 million.

But as a man of integrity, Orubebe promptly ordered the return of the said amount to the owner once he sighted the money in the church account. He did not stop there. He drew the attention of the EFCC to the case and also caused the Permanent Secretary in the MNDA to initiate disciplinary action against the aide who was instrumental to the collection of the N20 million donation to the church.

The former minister’s actions, from the foregoing, did not appear like those of a person disposed to taking bribe.

•Ikharo, a public affairs analyst, is based in Lagos

Save Education: Okowa seeks a revived curriculum It is a paradox of sort that while evidences in the falling standard of education are there for all to see, the number of persons graduating in flying colours on courses that have no relevance on present economic realities, that is skill and knowledgedriven are increasing on a yearly basis.

China was once referred to as a “ sleeping giant” by Napolean Bonaparte, who also said that when it woke up, the World will notice. Today, China had indeed woken up as the second largest economy in the World after the United States.

For pecuniary reasons, however, schools here are in competition with each other over who will churn out more graduates without sparing a thought on how to develop an academic curriculum that will equip our graduates with the necessary knowledge and skill to develop the society they live in and make a success of their careers and lives. Nigeria is about the only country where its curriculum has remained static , yet we talk about diversifying the economy and becoming the 20th strongest economy in the World as if it will

come by some fiat.

With the growing number of unemployable graduates with its multiplier effects on crime, the full horror of not paying particular attention to the development of our human resource through a curriculum change that emphasises on entrepreneurial skill and technical knowledge now hit us in the face like a thunderbolt.

Unemployment as seen in the Malaysia, Singapore and China example cannot be addressed without huge manufacturing bases that will start the manifold effects the economy require to grow. But that cannot come to fruition where there are no skills or technical knowledge to stimulate the growth.

Disturbing as the situation appears to be, Governor Okowa, is determined to reverse the trend. In Delta State, the strength of this administration is its open approach to issues. That is why in putting the committee together, those outside government were brought in. The idea is to have a rich and robust education summit that will be beneficial to the people of the state.

The committee which has the present Commissioners for

Higher and Basic and Secondary Education, Jude Sinebe and Chiedu Ebie as members , Professor Mary Edema, Jackson Ekwugum, Pat Ejeteh and Vincent Magboma, as Secretary, are planning for the Education summit scheduled to hold in the first quarter of 2016,expected to assemble egg-heads as resource persons to proffer far reaching ideas that will leap frog education in Delta State, which incidentally is the theme of the proposed two-day education summit.

Knowing the pedigree of the Committee Chairman, Professor Muoboghare, who before coming into the public glare as a cabinet member in the immediate past administration, as a renowned educationist, there is no gain saying the fact that the education summit when it finally holds will provide the roadmap to the crucial to transformation of education in the 21st century.

Acutely aware of the enormous task, Professor Muoboghare, while responding on behalf of other committee members soon after inauguration, asked a poignant question that tends to suggest that the education summit will be an al-

inclusive one, and secondly, the funding of education cannot be left in the hands of government alone.

The questions of who owns the child?. With options of – Parents, Community, Government, and All of the above and Who should be responsible for the education of the child? With similar options like the first are pointer to the fact that for us to achieve a healthy teaching and learning environment, funding of education should not be left in the hands of government alone.

Everybody must be prepared to partner government to give the youths the right education needed to ultimately save us the pains of oil prices fall.

In the prevailing circumstances, the place to start is to develop a curriculum that will provide our youths with the right learning environment, facilities, values and very importantly, community participation.

By so doing, there shall be a massive turn-around in the educational sector that will lead to the end of unemployment that has ravaged our national life.

•Udemba is Media Aide to Gov Okowa.

Page 50 — SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

VIEWPOINT

By Bose Bamidele

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The ice water boy that rose to prominence

R

AGS to riches stories are not uncommon in this part of the world, they abound everywhere and in different categories. Many great men have tales of humble beginnings to tell, a fact that buttresses the saying that ‘nothing good comes easy’. It is even a common saying here that ‘He who craves to be tall would not mind to have tiny legs’. So, it is believed that greatness and success come carrying a huge baggage of sorry tales.

While many tell their grass to grace stories to the world to give strength to failing hearts and burdened souls, others do so to gloat and brag from their new position of strength, wealth or power, whichever the case is. More often than not, these tales of rags to riches reflect hard work, diligence, perseverance and staunch determination!

Such is the story of Honourable Tajudeen Obasa, the honourable member representing the Ojo Federal Constituency. A man whose story of glory is not just encouraging but also a challenge

The grass to grace story of the Ojo lawmaker to many youths. Obasa never waited for opportunities, he grabbed them. He never waited for windfalls, he created them. While others were dreaming with their eyes tightly shut on king sized beds, his dreams followed him everywhere, even on the streets!

Blaring horns could not stop him from dreaming, no, he dreamt everyday until his dreams materialized.

At quite an early age, TJ, as he was fondly called, realized his ends would not meet if he kept waiting for his struggling parents to do everything for him. The young lad knew he could not forfeit education no matter what his situation dictated, he had to create his own tunes and dance to the outcome, he grabbed his fate with both hands and made some life changing decisions that did just thatchanged his life!

Ojo and environs would not forget in a hurry that a 13year old lad who knocked on their doors on scorching sunny afternoons to give them succour in the burning heat with glee in his eyes as he serviced them.

While on otherwise rainy days, when his services might not be really needed, he still lurked by

their doors but this time without the sureness of the sunny days!

What services did TJ bring to their doors? ‘Iced Water’! For those who grew up in the late 80s and 90s, the phrase iced water should ring a bell and bring funny memories of a time long gone.

These days in its place, we have the sachet water popularly known as ‘pure water’. Well, TJ didn’t hawk pure water but iced water.

Iced water was processed right in rooms, or kitchens or corridors!

All you needed was water, forget its portability, a cup, some nylon wraps and you have a business.

Whether iced or not, it was basically referred to as ‘iced water’ And this was how Obasa became known on the streets of Ojo by everyone he serviced.

However, his dreams followed him even as he chanted the lyrics that brought him closer to everyone ‘Ice water tutu ree’ (meaning: here comes Iced water) He knew what he wanted for himself, so, while he chanted rhymes and arithmetic’s in the classrooms of Awori College, Ojo in the mornings, he hawked his goods in the afternoons and evenings piling his wooden bank with coins daily.

“Fingers are not equal” as the popular saying goes, and this implies that we all can not have rich or influential parents who would pave the way for us while we tread without fear of slipping or stumbling. Tajudeen’s parents were not rich, not even remotely so. They were struggling people who only wished they could do all they could not do.

Even at his young age, he already had a slogan that made everyone refer to him as ‘the councilor’ As he grew, he began to channel his energy towards the cause of young people within his immediate community and his neighbors. He became largely involved in politics at a very early stage and at every phase, his vision was the same. “To contribute his quota towards realizing the dream of a vibrant legislature that is fully aware of its rights, duties and responsibilities to the people it has pledged to represent” His humble beginnings did not drive him far from God, it drew him closer to his maker, religious.

Obasa knows how to serve his God! Behold, the iced water lad in the National Assembly to put a stop to the iced water days… “I know, it will take time and I am glad that

Re-Edo 2016: Oshiomhole, don’t give our state back to the PDP Continued from pg 48 to that of blood and water. The details of the 1897 episode need not detain us here, as eminent scholars and authorities in Benin history, such as Prof. Phillip Igbafe, have thoroughly researched the subject and their findings published in books. Let the author of this balderdash and his cotravelers do themselves some good by seeking proper education on the subject.

More specifically, the following conferment of first class titles in Benin Kingdom eloquently testifies to the world that the two families enjoy the best of relationship:

Justice Otutu Obaseki was not only conferred with the Obaseki title in recognition of the robust and age long relationship between the palace and the Obaseki family, the title was graciously made hereditary to the family by the palace.

In addition, Chief Oyuki Jackson Obaseki, Chief J.B. Obaseki, Chief Nicholas Obaseki, to mention a few, are eminent loyal chiefs serving our most revered Oba till date. It is hard to point to another family in the whole of Edoland that has found favour in the palace and boast of similar standing. One may add, as an icing of the cake, so to say, that there are several princes in Benin that are members of the family in part. For instance, the

mother of the Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Prof. Greg Akenzua, is Obaseki.

Fourth and final point, according to the writer, the ‘aspirant has declared that he will have nothing to do with politicians’. This sounds not only puerile but ridiculous and nonsensical. How can any politician possibly alienate himself from his primary constituency and hope to achieve his ambition? What is not in doubt, however, is that Godwin Obaseki is certainly a strong advocate of saner politics and opposed to the old and sterile politics of mudslinging. In his interactions so

far, he told varied audiences that visited him that the party was critical to the formation of government and that successful service delivery by government was largely dependent on party participation in governance.

Indeed, his plan is to strengthen the party to enable it play her rightful role with greater vigor.

As the 2016 election is only a few months away, it is expected that the Comrade Governor will be allowed to superintend the process in the ruling APC, because, as they say, the one that lives close to the river knows the deepest spot. In the light of the present challenge posed by the Nigerian economy, he must be worried about the issue of

we have time…poverty will be a thing of the past soon. We’ll make an entrepreneur of everyone” That was TJ’s urge recently to some youths he mentors.

No matter how tattered your rags are, never mind, you probably had them since they were new and there is a big chance they would be new again. My own rags were really tattered and I pledge that if I can help it, our rag days are over…he admonished.

Today, Parents in Ojo community tap their children when they complain and say “Oori Taju?”

(Don’t you see Taju) The young ones are reminded daily of where and how he started and they have no reason to murmur or grumble.

TJ is the son of Ojo, he is their pride and their hope. He has promised a candle for all the dark days of that community and they wait patiently for him just like they waited when he promised ‘Iced water’ for every sunny day.

He fulfilled his promises and soothed their parched throats, he will fulfil it again this time to men, women and children of Ojo federal constituency!

* Bamidele lives in Lagos. continuity of his policies, programmes and legacies. Not only because he is familiar with the complexity, intricacy and the challenge of the economic situation but ostensibly because he has exceptionally invested his talents and creativity, bolstered by doughtiness and temerity to create the legacies in the state. Naturally, he should expect his successor to continue from where he would stop and particularly, to build upon his infrastructural achievements.

Therefore, the Comrade Governor must lead the initiative, through a free and fair process that will produce the best man for the job!

•Osakue, a media practitioner and political strategist, resides in Benin-City, Edo State.

MultiChoice slashes rates at Lagos International By Dayo Johnson, Akure Falae jets out for IVE weeks after his medical by kidnappers, a Frelease Trade Fair •Subscribers to enjoy free bouquet upgrade from Family former Secretary to the

L

to Compact

EADING video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced a special offer of the DStv Zapper decoder plus Compact bouquet subscription, at N15,000, a 45%, reduction from the previous price of N28,500. This new offer is only available at the Lagos International Trade Fair. GOtv subscribers will also get to buy GOtv decoders inclusive of one month subscription for N2900 during the Trade Fair.

In addition to the price slash, DStv and GOtv subscribers stand a chance of winning exciting prizes such as LED TVs, DStv Explora Decoders, 1 KVA generators via daily lucky dips at the fair.

Martin Mabutho, General Manager Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria describing the special Trade Fair offer said, “In addition to the bundled price slash of one month’s Compact subscription

plus a Zapper decoder, we will also be upgrading our new subscribers who pay for the Family bouquet to the Compact bouquet at no extra cost. This offer is open to new subscribers only”, he said.

He added that the Compact bouquet has gone through a recent revamp and now includes broader and varied content, with the most recent inclusions being the M-Net Family and VUZU channels, which will give subscribers more reasons to enjoy their television viewing experience.

The 35th Lagos International Trade Fair will run from Friday, 6 November till Sunday, 15 November at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), the Muson Center and Freedom Park in Lagos.

The Fair which is organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers a unique

exposition for manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and users of a wide range of goods and services as well as opportunities for investment and trade promotion.

Government of the Federation SGF, Chief Olu Falae, jetted out to the United Kingdom (UK), yesterday, for medical treatment.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the politician decided to seek thorough medical attention in London following the injuries he sustained and the trauma he

treatment

went through in the hands of his captors he identified as Fulani herdsmen.

One of his aides, Captain Moshood Raji (retd ), confirmed that the former finance minister had traveled out of the country for medical check up.

BIAFRA: PDP warns Buhuari, APC

By Henry Umoru, Abuja

N

ATIONAL leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged President Muhammed Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to handle with caution the Biafra agitation issue in the SouthEast, saying it portends danger if mishandled.

In a statement, yesterday, the PDP National Youth Leader, Abdullahi Maibasira, asked the Federal Government to dialogue with South East leaders rather than take a decision that may be

counter productive on the agitation.

“The party is deeply concerned about the unfolding political events and developments in the South-East and South-South of Nigeria”, Maibasira said.

“The party is not comfortable with the methods being applied by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government in handling of restive youths in the South South and South East geo-political zones, who are agitating underthe Biafra movement. We urge the President to personally

intervene as the matter affects the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”

The PDP noted that it was concerned that the Federal Government and its agencies had failed to approach the situation with the inclusiveness and seriousness it deserves, but had instead resorted to the use of security forces, adding that Buhari and his party should be held to account for the escalation of the agitation, which threatens the unity and national security interests of Nigeria as an indivisible entity”.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 51

By PRISCA SAM-DURU CONVERSATION

I

t is not often that one gets the opportunity to listen to an iconic poet, such as J P Clark, as he rarely grants interviews and does not speak all the time, but last week the retired professor of Literature could not run away from speaking as he was a guest at one of the main features of the maiden edition of the Lagos International Poetry Festival, tagged ‘Conversations With J P Clark’ .

The event, major feature of the Lagos International Poetry Festival themed, 'BorderLess Words' which opened on 28th October 2015 at Freedom Park, Lagos, witnessed an impressive turn out of poetry enthusiasts who came to drink from the fountain of knowledge of J P Clark. The event held at the J P Clark Center, Faculty Of Arts, University of Lagos and moderated by Chuma Nwokolo.

And as it turned out to be, the audience left the place more enlightened as Prof Clark opened up on a lot of issues.

Responding to a question by the moderator of the session, Chuma Nwokolo who made reference to a book titled, “The Trial of Christopher Okigbo”, and asked if Clark believed that Okigbo was guilty as charged he said categorically, that Okigbo is guilty as charged. “Okigbo was a waste, I didn’t believe he was dead, he was a poet for the society and that

By JAPHET ALAKAM REVIEW

W

hat is the role, place and heaven‘s agenda for the female folk, why is the warped belief systems and philosophies that have enslaved the female gender and made many women willing slaves persist. These and other women related problems are what the pastor, teacher, coach and inspirational speaker, Nkiru answers in his new book entitled ‘Made In Heaven‘. In the book written with exceptional storytelling mastery, the author weaves in and out of personal experiences, third party experiences, scriptural revelations, principles, outright philosophical postulations and exceptional teaching grace to discuss the purpose behind the woman and the attendant power resident in the appreciation and engagement with that purpose.

Nkiru adroitly weaves her intellectual depth with sound spiritual knowledge and a mastery of universal truths to engage her readers as she explores God‘s original intent for the female folk. Her book is a metaphor for hope grounded in self realization.

When the woman realizes and acknowledges the immense power resident in her purpose, the weight of societal

Christopher Okigbo was guilty as charged — J P Clark

• Professor J P Clark(4th left) with guest poets during the event at UNILAG was where his duty lies and not to take up arms to war. He went

There is an explosion of spoken word poetry and I would prefer a collection of those spoken words because it is necessary to read the text

to war thinking it was a game of cricket and that he will come back. My friend wasted his life and soul but he lives on...” He added.

Continuing he pointed out that Poetry is totally different from warfare or military action adding, “You go through training, choose it... there’s no reason why we should go to war, war is a waste, war should be the last thing and should be fought by professionals not amateurs like Christopher Okigbo, Chris had no business going to war.”

Citing the example of protests during fuel crisis in the past administration, Clark was asked if he supported poets fighting for their rights? His answer was a definite yes. “It is what the politicians do that affect us so, the poet/artist cannot be really separated from action in the society but not a military action.

In the case of Ken Saro Wiwa, he went as a politician, shared the same cabinet with Abacha and I warned him not to get carried away and he paid dearly for his involvement.

Nkiru’s Made In Hea Heavven re revveals the real woman stereotyping and gender bias limitations lifts up from off her.

She then takes on wings to fly to the place of fulfillment.

Nkiru‘s Made In Heaven is a voice crying from the wilderness of knowledge and experiences of various women whose rights have been trampled by a misguided society and a confused female species whose personal identity has been muddled up by centuries of belief systems that have made them believe and accept a near subhuman personae. Nkiru, like the writer of the play; ‘Hear Word‘, is calling societal attention to the plight of women and advocating for CHANGE! She is also calling the women to self-realization as a prelude to self liberty and purpose fulfillment. She shows that

female inferiority to the male is both ungodly and indefensible in the 21st century. She gives examples of women who have excelled in politics, education, commerce and public service as proofs that God never makes inferior products.

Made In Heaven is not a compendium of tales of woes told from the perspectives of victims. Rather, it contains tales of hope and inspiration from the perspectives of people who turned adversities into weapons of self discovery and self recovery. It is a clarion call for women to come out of the pit of identity crisis and live a life of impact as ordained

by God. It is a call for the woman to embrace the CHANGE occasioned by technology and social advancement.

Nkiru explores the global tragedy occasioned by denying the woman the opportunity of contributing her quota to the resolution of the humongous challenges facing humanity. She concludes that humanity will never realize her full potentials until we allow the female folk unfettered opportunities to add value to human endeavor.

In the latter part of this book, she outlines a physical, mental, emotional, psychological and most profoundly spiritual roadmap to a successful comeback.

I recommend this book to all women who have been hurt like the young eagle in the closing chapters of the book.

What life threw at you may have left you overwhelmed and confused. The best help from men may have made you accept a counterfeit image of your original design by God. This is however not the end of your story. God, like the ranger will put you back again.

This is not just a book for women, it is also a book for men.

“I didn’t know that there are so many poets and an overwhelming audience like this. Only few days ago, I was worried thinking that we didn’t hand over to younger poets. I am happy now that it is even more interesting that there are both creative and performing poets which we didn’t have in my own time.”, Clark, who was visibly excited about the full house comprising very young people that waited to hear from him, said.

Dismissing the fear that internet books may finally replace hard copies, the literary icon said, “There is an explosion of spoken word poetry and I would prefer a collection of those spoken words because it is necessary to read the text, so the audience would not get carried away by the poets thrilling performance.

For oral literature to survive, it should be recorded as a book in original sense so, the internet books can never replace the hard copies.”

He further advised aspiring and young poets to ensure they read and read adding, "There is no end to learning."

The much anticipated screening of The Ozidi Saga(the Ijo/Izon), couldn’t hold due to technical challenges and was rescheduled for next day.

Prior to the appearance of the big masquerade, Prof J P Clark, who was ushered into the hall alongside his wife Prof Ebun Clark, there were performances by some of the guest poets who were pencilled down to perform during the festival.

Lebo Mashile, Natalia Molebatsi, Sage Hasson, Sanni from Ghana, Grraciano and Momodu Eliz etc, gave good accounts of themselves. Grraciano who performed “I am Poetry” and “Skimpy Things” as well as Momodu who rendered “No Children in this Place”, were incredibly amazing especially considering that they were young poets who were among those that benefited from the master class organised as part of the festival. Momodu’s “No Children in the Place”, a poem on the mayhem unleashed so far on Nigeria by Boko Haram, was most pathetic.

Most of the poets first advised aspiring ones on poetry writing and also encouraged them on how to go about becoming an outstanding performer, before performing their own works to the cheers of the excited audience.

Director Lagos International Poetry Festival, Efe Azino said “In the last two decades, poetry particularly of performance variant, has been experiencing a resurgence across the African continent...it is against this backdrop that the festival, the first international poetry festival in West Africa, a region with rich contributions to the global literary landscape, situates itself.”

The Abubakar Gimba Literary Award postponed till 2016

The book is a clarion call to women to come out of the pit of identity crisis and live a life of impact as ordained by God

52 — S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 8 , 2015

Ibe keen to learn from Klopp L

IVERPOOL winger Jordon Ibe is keen to learn as much as possible from manager Jurgen Klopp as he introduces new ideas in training.

The 19-year-old scored his first goal for the club in the 1-0 Europa League win against Rubin Kazan in Russia having come back into the frame having fallen out of the picture under previous boss Brendan Rodgers.

After the match Klopp said Ibe still had plenty of developing to do and the youngster is keen to benefit from the German’s vast experience.

•Ibe

Lingard gladdens Man. U fans

J

ESSE Lingard says he just wants to entertain and get fans “off their feet” after scoring his first goal for Manchester United today.

Lingard, 22, bagged the opener for United during their routine 2-0 win over Tony Pulls’ Albion side.

Juan Mata rounded off the day with an injury-time penalty after Anthony Martial was brought down in the box.

And Lingdard insisted United were deserved winners.

“I’m very happy,” he told Sky Sports. “We dominated the game throughout.

“West Brom sat back and were hard to break down.

“But once the goal came we finished the game off.

“We created a few chances in the first half and put two away in the second.”

Asked if the pressure was mounting on United following boos at Old Trafford in midweek, Lingard said: “No. “When I play I try to enjoy it as much as I can.

“I try to get the fans off their feet, score goals and make things happen.

“It’s massive (for confidence). The lads work day in, day out tirelessly.

They work hard on the pitch and it paid off.”

“He’s a great manager, I’m delighted to be working with him,” he told LFC TV. “He’s showing me new things in training and obviously training is different now so I’m learning.

“Hopefully I can keep getting the experience I need and he can develop me into a good player.

“Everybody’s doing well in training and we’re just delighted as a group to be doing well now.

“Hopefully we can just keep winning games and make it a repetition now.”

Ibe’s goal ended a run of three successive 1-1 draws and has put Liverpool on the brink of qualification for the knock-out stage with a game to spare.

If they beat Group B’s third-pace side Bordeaux at Anfield on November 26 they will be through to the last 32.

“I was delighted to get the goal, obviously,” added Ibe. “It was a good throughball from (Roberto) Firmino and I was just happy to get it on target and in and I’m happy for the team to win the game.

“We got the points we need and now hopefully we can (keep) doing well and in our home games in the Europa League.”

•CHASING TITLES...Ronaldo in action for Real Madrid.

Clasico: Real, Barca in crucial ties S

PANISH football giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both face vital matches on Sunday ahead of the international break and the “Clasico” between the two sides to be played when the La Liga returns to action on November 21.

Barcelona, who are without key players Ivan Rakitic, Lionel Messi and Rafinha through injury and Javier Mascherano through suspension face an in-form Villarreal in the Camp Nou Stadium, while Real Madrid have to travel to face Sevilla, a side smarting after

consecutive defeats, but with the talent to make Madrid suffer.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique’s side has improved in recent weeks and all but sealed their qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night with a 3-0 win at home against

Khana: Every match is a cup final E

NYIMBA coach, Kadiri Ikhana has stated that today ’s Nigeria Professional Football League match against Warri Wolves will be like a cup final.

The veteran coach is on the verge of winning another league title with Enyimba with one game in hand, and according to him his wards will approach the match with all seriousness.

“We have taken every game as a cup final.

Maybe that’s why we have remained there till now. We still want to remain on top after the

•Jesse

Nigerian league Enyimba have 68 points, a win or draw today will almost sealed the league trophy for them. A win for Warri Wolves will put Enyimba’s celebrations on hold on till the last games of the League.

•Ikhana match against Warri Wolves,” said Ikhana.

Enyimba who are gunning for their seventh title are yet to drop a match at the Aba Stadium since losing to Abia Warriors way back in March 2014. But he acknowledged, that Warri Wolves are no push overs, and they are capable of causing some upset. .

“While we strive to achieve our ambition, our opponents also want to get theirs accomplished.

“It therefore provides a platform for the toughest and most difficult game and at the same time brings out the best in

“We still have a realistic chance of winning the league. That is why we are going to Aba to die on the pitch.

“Our players are ready and are fully aware of what is at stake,” said Warri Wolves spokesman Moses Etu.

Warri Wolves’ll shock Enyimba —Ibenegbu

W

ARRI Wolves m i d f i e l d e r, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu believes that Enyimba is capable of losing today’s crucial Nigeria Professional Football League encounter in Aba. Ibenegbu will miss the match due to suspension. But he stated that Warri Wolves are driven by the determination to win and with a good tactical play, they can defeat Enyimba at home.

“Enyimba are no pushovers, but we are at the best of our performance right now.

“If my teammates are able to maintain

commitment and discipline I trust the players to beat Enyimba in Aba. The desire to be champions has been the driving force behind our successes and I believe the league title is still achievable,” said Ibenegbu.

He lamented that he wont be able to play in the game.

“I felt really bad when I heard on Wednesday that I will be ineligible for the fixture at Enyimba in Aba. “If I had known that I have four yellow cards in past matches I would have avoided our last home match against Bayelsa United where I picked another card.”

Belarusian side BATE Borisov, thanks to goals from strikers Neymar and Luis Suarez.

That deadly duo will continue in attack, while Claudio Bravo replaces Ter Stegen in goal and Gerard Pique, rested in midweek, will also be back in central defence.

It has also been a difficult week for Real Madrid with rumours of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo preparing a possible move to French side Paris Saint Germain and forward Karim Benzema spending a night in the cells of a Paris police station amid allegations of his involvement in a blackmail plot against French international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

While it looks as if Benzema will face charges over the case, he has recovered from his muscle injury and could return against Sevilla, while Ronaldo is certain to start.

Meanwhile, playmaker James Rodriguez should be back and striker Gareth Bale is also available.

•Ibenegbu

S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 8 , 2015 — 53

Willian wheeling on Chelsea W

ILLIAN aims to be come the heir apparent to Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.

The lone beacon in the gloom at Chelsea says he craves a leading role.

On a bleak, slate-grey day at Chelsea’s training ground only the arrival of Willian lightens the mood.

It is entirely in keeping with the club’s season.

The Brazilian has been the shining light in an otherwise wretched campaign, providing sustained excellence amid much mediocrity.

His five goals and allround displays have cemented his status as a talisman for a side who sometimes seem to be clinging on by their fingernails.

But there is also pride that he is becoming the player he always thought he could be, with his size 7½ feet making small steps towards filling the sizeable shoes of either Lampard or Drogba in terms of goals and leadership.

His latest rescue act was a spectacular late free-kick to seal a decisive victory against Dinamo Kiev on Wednesday night. There can be no question he is the finest exponent of the deadball art in the Premier League.

So which Brazilian does the 27-year-old base his technique on? Roberto Carlos, Zico or Ronaldinho perhaps? “I would look to David Beckham and Andrea Pirlo when it came to studying technique,” Willian says. And, yes, I like Ronaldinho as well.

“Since the very early days when I started playing in Brazil and first became a professional I always used to take free-kicks. When I played for Shakhtar Donetsk, I used to take freekicks and scored a few goals, then when I came here with Chelsea I took a few free-kicks but was not able to score.

“But I kept practising.

Every day after training I would stay to do some shooting. I would take five or six and that helped me to get more confidence for when they came in the games. I have been lucky now to have scored a few.

Hopefully it will carry on that way.”

And Willian sees no reason his run of form should end. In fact, he believes this could be just the start.

“I am at a stage in my career where you can reach the peak,” he says. “The best moment for players should be between 27 and 30. Hopefully I will be able to maintain this level for the rest of the season.

“I know the more goals I score the more pressure will be towards me. But I am quite confident I am ready to deal with this pressure.

Jose Mourinho is a manager that definitely gives me a lot of confidence, and I am very happy to be working with him.”

Two years ago, when Chelsea spent £30 million to bring Willian from Shakhtar, there was speculation it was only to keep him out of Tottenham’s clutches. Since then a different player – forceful, dominant – has emerged, and Willian himself believes that is due to the Portuguese.

“I have been learning a lot from the manager,” he adds. “Next year I am going to be three seasons at Chelsea and I have been evolving a lot. I have been learning from Mourinho on a daily basis.

“He is the type of manager that knows when he needs to back up the players, he knows when it is the time to relax and joke around.”

For Willian that means changing nothing at all, and there is genuine belief in his voice when he says he hopes one day to be held in similar affection by Chelsea’s fans as Lampard and Drogba.

WILLING .... Willian growing wings at Chelsea.

NNPC Junior Tennis:

Itodo, Bulus set-up re-match in Boys U-16 finals

C

HRIS Itodo from Kaduna chose his home courts to set up a rematch with Chris Bulus who got the better of him in the Boys 16 finals of the SNEPCo Junior Championship three weeks ago in Lagos.

Bulus took full advantage of the Lagos crowd to defeat Itodo in a very closely fought finals. It remains to be seen whether Itodo will make the same use of his home support in Sunday’s final at the Murtala Square in Kaduna.

To qualify for the finals, Itodo eliminated David Amuzu from Lagos 9-5 while Bulus defeated team

•Itodo mate, Stephen Augustine, 9-4.

In the Girls 16s, Toyin

Asogba, the third best junior in the country, is one match away from winning her first national junior title. Asogba who has been under the shadow of bereaved Angel Mcleod and Marylove Edwards, edged out Favour Moses, 9-7, to book her place in the finals where she will meet O m o l a y o Bamidele from Ekiti.

Bamidele also won a well

contested semifinal match against Adaeze Megbu from Asaba 9-7.

The star match for the finals, which is expected to be very keenly contested, is the Boys 14s where Gabriel Friday is rediscovering his form after a dismal performance three weeks ago. Friday recovered from 3-7 down to beat Saminu Abubarkar from Abuja 9-8.

Friday will be facing Musa Sanni from Abuja who outlasted Emma Jebutu from Lagos 9-8.

All the final matches are expected to be decided tomorrow with the closing ceremonies scheduled for 1:00pm at the tennis courts of the Murtala Square.

Mmadu tips Super Falcons to rise again

By Ben Efe

F

MMADU.... Breathing football air

ORMER Super Fal cons midfielder, Maureen Mmadu has backed the national women team to recover from the shocking slump they experienced at the African Games, and become the once respected team in Africa and international football.

Mmadu, is one of the former internationals viewed by many female football enthusiasts, as a probable candidate for the vacant Super Falcons job.

She said yesterday that Nigeria is a power house in women football and cannot afford to remain in the back ground even as other African nations are fast catch-

ing up.

“I have hope that the Super Falcons will remain a dominant force. This is because we have the talents in abundance...we only need to fine-tune them to be on top again.

“What we have always lacked is tactics and collectivity, which we really need to work on,” said the former player who coaches in Norway.

The Super Falcons are still without a substantive coach after the Nigeria Football Federation decided not to renew Edwin Okon’s contract. NFF president, Amaju Pinnick disclosed that a foreign coach will be hired for the team, but it is two months after the African

Games ended yet there is no indication the Super Falcons are going to get a coach soon. It was gathered that the NFF is looking for a sponsor that will fund the payment of the Super Falcons coach, but there seem to be no head way. However, Mmadu, Florence Omagbemi and Mercy Akide are former internationals who could fit in and are willing to work.

“For sure if NFF feel we the ex-players deserve it, then they need to look at the CV and the one that can do the job very well and decide who they need for the job.

“I expect the NFF to think fast on the issue so that the team can get reorganised in a good time.”

PAGE 54, S UNDAY Vanguard SUNDAY Vanguard,, NOVEMBER 8 , 2015

FIFA U-20 WWC: Falconnets face Besetsana heat N

IGERIA’S Under-20 women team, the Falconnets face a tough test in their intention to qualify for FIFA Women World Cup in Papua New Guinea as they square up against their South African opponets this afternoon at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa.

The South Africans were offered a boost in the first leg decided in Abuja, where the Falconnets laboured to a 2-1 win. Today the Nigerian girls have to play for a win or a draw to qualify, a lesser result will see them missing the tournament for the first time, while for the South Africans it will be the first time ever for them to make an appearance.

Nigeria has played in the tournament since 2002 and in 2010 in Germany, the Falconnets lost 1-0 to the hosts. The Germans also returned to haunt the Falconnets with the same margin in the 2014 final in Canada.

Falconnets coach, Peter Dedebvo stated that his wards are prepared for the match and they are sure of picking up the ticket. “if South Africa can come here and score one against us, we can go to South Africa and score two against them,” he said.

Basetsana forward,

Thembi Kgatlana said the match was very important and they cannot afford to slip up against the visiting Nigerian girls.

GUN State Government has reassured residents and sport lovers in the State of its preparedness to upgrade all sporting facilities across the State to global standard.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Afolabi Afuwape disclosed this while on the spot assessment visit to agencies and parastatals under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Mr. Afuwape said the Government will do everything possible to upgrade all facilities in the State Stadia to International standard, saying that all challenges confronting the sector would be adequately taken care of in due course.

The Commissioner while at the Office of Gateway United Football Club, assured the Management of the club of full support of

ever. This could help see some changes in women’s football, and a lot of people could perhaps start investing in the sport. Maybe players

could get contracts overseas as well. We have set ourselves a goal - this is what we want as a team, and I believe we will get that result.”

...As Awori College wins 5th edition of the tourney

P

•Tough Contest... Sodje Richard of Keke High School Agege Lagos (left) and Vonso of Anthony Village High School contest for the ball at the Etisalat FC Barcelona U-17 Schools Cup Final held at Campus Square Obalende Lagos recently. PHOTO BY AKEEM SALAU.

FIFA scandal a child’s play compared to IAAF, lawyer claims T

HE scale of doping corruption and moneylaundering within athletics dwarfs the financial scandals engulfing FIFA, according to the author of a new wide-ranging report

Ogun to upgrade sports facilities

O

“We are on the verge of making history. We have a chance of helping this team qualify for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup for the first time

Students applaud Coca Cola’s grassroots football initiative

the State Government enjoining all stakeholders to cooperate and show more commitment in the task ahead in order to achieve the set objectives.

“I want to assure you that the state owned team will perform better next season by getting promotion. It is everybody’s challenge and I don’t want sentiment in choosing players this time.

into track and field backed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

An independent commission set up by WADA is due to publish its findings on Monday and report co-author Richard McLaren told the BBC: “This is going to be a real game-changer for sport.”

Whereas the scandal involving FIFA, football’s global governing body, revolves around corruption allegations involved in the awarding of World Cups, McLaren — an international sports lawyer — said the issues confronting athletics were even more serious as they involved claims that actual results had been manipulated.

“You potentially have a bunch of old men who put a whole lot of extra money

in their pockets — through extortion and bribes - but also caused significant changes to actual results and final standings of international athletics competitions.”

McLaren’s comments

came at the end of a turbulent week for the International Association of Athletics Federations, track and field’s global governing body, which cancelled its annual awards gala on Friday.

Civil defence, Tombin clash for NCC trophy

A

Ebola: Freetown free to host international matches

S

•Isha Johansen

IERRA Leone is now free to host international football after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the country free from ebola on Saturday.

The West African country last hosted an international fixture on home soil on 19 July 2014 when the Leone Stars defeated Seychelles

ARTICIPANTS at the fifth edition of the Copa Coca Cola U-15 Football tournament were full of praises for the organisers of the event for their contribution toward the growth of football at the grassroots.

Speaking with our correspondent at the venue of the event - the Dairy Farms School, Agege Lagos, some of the students stated that the effort was praiseworthy.

Fasasi Elijah, a 12-year-old student of Awori College, Ojo said the tournament had improved his interest in the sport as he called on the organisers to make it a constant event so that other young talents can benefit from it. In his own reaction, Makinde Samson, a 14year-old student of Agidingbi Junior Grammar School Ikeja, said it was an eye opener for him.

“This is the first time I will be participating in this competition; it has been a wonderful experience for me,” Makinde said.

“I am using this opportunity to thank Coca Cola for this initiative of discovering young talent at the grassroots level.”

Ibrahim Ojurongbe, who hope to play for Nigeria someday, said all players started somewhere and believe the competition was a good starting point for him.

in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Freetown.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) had imposed the ban 15 months ago to stop the spread of the virus which affected 8,704 people in Sierra Leone, claiming 3,589 lives.

Caf’s decision came just

after the the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) suspended all football activities in the country for the same reason.

But the SLFA lifted the suspension a year later after the country ’s president Ernest Bai Koroma relaxed some restrictions on public gatherings.

LL is now set for the final of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) National Tennis Championship between the Civil Defence Team and the Abuja based Tombim Team slated to take place in Lagos next month.

The Tombim Team had at the second semi final game defeated the Team Kolatari of Port Harcourt to clinch the winning points after tensely contested single and double games, at the ultra-modern tennis court of the Abuja National Stadium. The Team Civil Defense had earlier won the first semi final played in Enugu.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015, PAGE 55

FIFA U-17 World Cup: President Buhari speaks with Eaglets

N

IGERIA’S leader, P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), fondly called PMB by Nigerians, on Saturday had a live telephone conversation with players and officials of the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, ahead of their Final Match against Mali at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.

The live conversation was at the instance of NFF President Amaju Pinnick.

PMB, who was Military Head of State 30 years ago when Nigeria won the inaugural FIFA cadet World Cup in China, and actually gave the team the sobriquet ‘Golden Eaglets,’ tasked the players to win the Cup again and make the country proud.

The President, in a chat with players and officials of the team via Skype aided with telephone, said Nigerians were behind them and expect that they will bring the trophy home yet again. His Excellency took his turn to speak with each and every player and official, thanking them for a job well done so far and urging them to do everything humanly possible to emerge victorious (against Mali) in order to set Nigeria on the path of glory.

Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke and Captain Kelechi Nwakali, assured Mr. President that the entire team was ready for the final against their West African rivals, and promised to give everything needed to win the trophy in order to “bring smiles to the faces of our people.”

Amuneke said: “It is a great pleasure speaking with you, Mr. President, and we want to assure you that we are going to do our best against Mali on

Sanusi continued from B/P Women’s World Cup ticket when taking on South Africa’s Basetsana in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The African qualifying final round fixture between both countries is delicately poised after the Falconets won the first leg 2-1 in Abuja, meaning Sunday ’s clash at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa, on the suburbs of South Africa’s commercial and industrial capital, will be explosive.

Sanusi, who is with the Falconets in South Africa, said on Saturday that the reigning world vice champions must fight hard from the first blast of the whistle till the end.

“You must go out there on Sunday to prove that Nigeria’s pedigree in women’s football is no fluke. South Africa also invests big in women’s football and recently qualified for next year’s Olympics. But the truth is no African country has achieved what Nigeria has achieved in the women’s game.

“As reigning world vice champions, we must go out and prove out superiority C M Y K

•Amuneke

•President Buhari

on the field tomorrow. The ticket to Papua New Guinea is a must, because Nigerians back home are expecting you to book your flight to that country for the final tournament.”

The Falconets take on the Basetsana from 3pm South African time (2pm Nigeria time) on Sunday, and Coach Peter Dedevbo says his girls will approach it like a ‘Cup final.’

“The result from the first leg is in the past, and we don’t dwell in the past.

On Sunday, our objective is to go all out and grab the World Cup ticket.”

NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who is with the U17 boys that are seeking a fifth FIFA World Cup title in Chile (against Mali also on Sunday), has also called on phone to ginger the Falconets to do Nigeria proud in South Africa.

The Falconets have never failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since it was launched in Canada 13 years ago, with two runner –up positions (2010 and 2014), fourth – place finish in 2012 and quarter –final berths in Thailand (2004), Russia (2006) and Chile (2008).

Sunday to successfully defend the trophy.”

The session ended with a

soul-lifting rendition of the National Anthem together with Mr. President.

Newcastle leapfrog Bournemouth

B

OURNEMOUTH really did do everything but score. Eddie Howe’s men had 19 shots at goal, 16 corners and six minutes of added time but they could not find a way to beat the Newc-astle United goalkeeper, Rob Elliot. The Republic of Ireland keeper was the only good

performer in a desperately poor Steve McClaren side.

The visitors were second best throu-ghout and failed to conjure up any more than just the one, decisive shot on target. That was enough, though, to lift them out of the bottom three and drop Bourne-mouth into the relegation zone.

Osimhen continued from B/P scorers at Trinidad & Tobago 2001 and Mexico 2011, respectively.

“The most important thing is for us to win the trophy on Sunday and that would be the greatest

achievement for us,” said the player, who has scored in every game at the World Cup in Chile.

“I’m happy that I was able to match the record set by others in the past but that was never my ambition here.”

Enyimba continued from B/P People’s Elephants will see them lift the NPFL diadem with a game to spare.

The two clubs have enjoyed a brilliant season little wonder this encounter is generating lots of hype.

Slightly away from this, this weekend’s meeting in Aba carries extra significance as the season enters its final stretch.

Although it would be a massive task to upstage Kadiri Ikhana’s men from the peak of the log, they will hope to avoid defeat against as their second position and automatic qualification for next season’s Caf Champions League is yet to be secured.

Coach Ikhana feels there is still work for his team to do, claiming the league is not yet won until their final game of the season.

“It has been a good

season and everyone’s cooperation has really made the team so thick. We are still working very hard because it is not over yet ,” he said.

“No one has won the Nigeria Premier League yet. We have to keep our feet on the ground to see that we are not dethroned from the top of the table.

“Until our last game we won’t celebrate yet because as it stands, anything can still happen. But then, we have great hope and we will continue to remain positive till we are crowned champions.

The first leg ended in a 1-0 defeat of the hosts and Paul Aigbogun’s men know that failure to tame the rampaging Elephants before their home fans would mean they would wait till next season to launch another title bid.

NFF to retain Amuneke as U-17 coach

T

OP officials have disclosed that win or lose today’s U17 World Cup final, coach Emmanuel Amuneke will retain his post as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) adopt a new strategy to consolidate on the gains at this level of the game.

Previous coaches at U17 have often been automatically promoted to the country’s U20 team, but with disappointing results.

John Obuh was elevated to the U20 national team after he guided the country to the final of the 2009 U17 World Cup, which incidentally Nigeria hosted. He subsequently reached the last eight of the U20 World Cup in 2011, before he crashed out in the Round of 16 two years later.

Manu Garba won the U17 World Cup in style in 2013, but he could only lead the Flying Eagles to the Round of 16 at this year’s U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The U20 records of Obuh and Manu are insignificant for a country who were beaten finalists twice, in 1989 and 2005, and placed third in 1985 at the U20 World Cup. “It is expected that the (NFF) president (Amaju Pinnick) will announce

Amuneke will stay on as U17 coach so as to build on the experience and gains of his first stint as head coach. The arrangement of automatically promoting a coach from U17 to U20 has not worked because we are talking of two different levels of the game,” a top official disclosed.

“Take the example of Mexico. The coach who led them to the final two years ago in Abu Dhabi is the same man who guided them to the semi-finals in Chile. There are many such examples.”

Amuneke has endured a less than cordial relationship with his employers, but Pinnick himself has come out to reveal he resisted pressures to sack him after the Eaglets finished a disappointing fourth at the CAF U17 Championship in Niger earlier this year.

The NFF boss has equally commended the former Barcelona winger for staying focused and thereby getting the job done.

“He has clearly rubbished all insinuations and dark innuendoes against him and has continued to do a marvelous job quietly. He has earned his respect,” Pinnick said glowingly of Amuneke.

Ribery continued from B/P broadcaster used a picture of the former France international to illustrate a story on cryotherapy, his lawyer said on Friday.

“MrFranckRibéry…never gave his authorisation and his consent for the use of this picture … of his image … to this publication,” Carlo Alberto Busa told French radio RMC.

Eaglets continued from B/P who find a way to play and function no matter the difficulty posed by the opposition.

“When Sunday comes, we are going to play Mali and I think it is going to be an interesting match.

“We thank God, we are going to play the final again on Sunday and this gives us the opportunity to defend the trophy we won in 2013.”

Two years ago, both West African countries were involved in a highly publicised qualifier – Nigeria beat a team of “man mountains” from Mali 2-0 in Calabar, before they eliminated the young Eagles 3-0 in the return leg in Bamako.

Last year, the rivals clashed again with the Golden Eaglets doing the double

The picture, which appeared on CNN’s Twitter feed, features Ribéry in a cryotherapy box with the following headline: “Woman found frozen in cryotherapy chamber, health trend called into question.”

Busa added: “Mr Franck Ribéry and his family instructed me to go to French court to seek damages of at least $1.5m.” overMaliintheWAFUBU17 Championship in Togo, winning on both occasions 20. Nigeria beat Mexico 4-2 in the semi-final after they defeated USA (2-0), Chile (51), Australia (6-0) and Brazil (3-0). Their only loss was 2-1 to Croatia.

Mali, on the other hand, saw off Belgium 3-1 to reach the final after they went past Ecuador (2-1), Honduras (30), North Korea (3-0) and Croatia (1-0). They were earlier held to a goalless draw by Belgium.

The final is going to be a tough and interesting contest as both teams have potent strike force with the athletic Nigeria having scored 21 goals, while the bigger and more physical Mali, who are ranked best attacking team with 132 goal attempts at the competition with 12 goals scored.

SUNDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 8, 2015

President Buhari speaks with Eaglets —P.55 Mfon Udoh Enyimba go for Wolves jugular WITH having inspired the

Elephants to a win at Abia Warriors, today’s encounter could prove pivotal in

deciding the destiny of the trophy. Warri Wolves play Enyimba today desperate to

strip the hosts of winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title.

History beckons on Eaglets •As they gun for back-to-back World Cup triumph

Nig vs Mali

With two matches remaining, Enyimba lead Wolves by six points at the summit, while reigning champions Kano Pillars have dropped off the pace in recent weeks.

And a draw for the

Continues on Page 55

NFF to retain Amuneke as U-17 coach —P.55

Kick-off: 11p.m.

N

IGERIA will again enter the history books today as only the second country to retain the U17 World Cup should they beat fellow Africans Mali in the final.

Brazil were the first team to successfully defend this trophy – they won in 1997 and retained it in 1999.

The Golden Eaglets have already won the competition a record four times, but they will go a step further if they successfully defend the trophy they won two years ago in Abu Dhabi.

Today’s showdown will be the second all-African FIFA U17 World Cup final since 1993, when Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 at Japan ’93.

Nigeria coach Emmanuel Amuneke said: “The Malians are the African champions, and we have to respect them. Aside that, they have also had a great tournament here in Chile. But we are a team

Continues on Page 55

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

DOWN 1.Sleeping vision (5) 2.Possessor (5) 3.Tax (4) 4.Depressing (9) 5.Argentinian dance (5) 6.Wash lightly (5) 11.Greek letter (3) 12.Distress call (1-1-1) 14.English boy’s name (5) 16.Obstacle (3) 17.Bovine animal (3) 18.Mindfulness (9) 19.Alarm (5) 21.Help (3) 23.Village house (3) 25.Gnome (3) 26.Vast age (3) 27.Condescend (5) 28.Youthful (5) 31.Circular (5) 32.Trades (5) 34.Old Russian King (4)

Sanusi wants Falconets to nick World Cup ticket

N

FF General Secretary, Dr. Moham-med Sanusi has called on the country’s U20 Women’s Team, Falconets, to fight hard for the 2016 FIFA U-20

Continues on Page 55

Ribery to sue CNN for $1.5m

T

HE Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribéry is suing CNN for $1.5m (£996,965) in damages after the American Continues on Page 55

I want World Cup, not goals record —- Osimhen

GOAL MACHINE...Victor Osimhen.

ACROSS 1.Nobel-winning Archbishop (7-4) 5.Sailor (3) 7.Consumed (5) 8.Domesticates (5) 9.Ovum (3) 10.Electricity counting gadgets (6) 13.Highlander (4) 15.Poem (3) 17.One that contests (9) 20.Nigerian tribe (5) 22.Cereal (5) 24.Demoted (9) 27.Pig’s pen (3) 29.No one (4) 30.Sulks (6) 33.Away (3) 35.Presses (5) 36.Till (5) 37. Swine (3) 38. “The Man Who Saw Tomorrow” (11)

•Amuneke

See solution on page 5

T

HE leading scorer at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile Victor Osimhen has said he is not focused on breaking the championship’s nine-goal record as his priority is to win the World Cup. On Friday, the gangling striker from Ultimate Strikers of Lagos equaled the long-standing record of nine goals in a single tournament jointly held by Frenchman Florent Sinama Pongolle and the Ivorian Souleymane Coulibaly, who were top

Continues on Page 55

RESULTS Bournemouth Leicester Man Utd Norwich Sunderland West Ham Stoke

0 2 2 1 0 1 1

Newcastle Watford West Brom Swansea Southampton Everton Chelsea

1 1 0 0 1 1 0

TODAY'S MATCHES EPL Aston Villa v Man City Arsenal v Tottenham Liverpool v Crystal Palace La Liga Barcelona v Villarreal Atlet Madrid v Sporting Gijon Sevilla v Real Madrid NPFL (4.00pm all matches) Kano Pillars v Akwa United El-Kanemi v Wikki Tourist Dolphins v Heartland Enyimba v Warri Wolves

2.30pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 5.00pm 7.15pm 9.30pm

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