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NPA Contract Scam:
S-Court acquits Bode George, 5 other ex-convicts ….says FG failed to prove its allegations beyond reasonable doubt BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja & ISHOLA BALOGUN EPRIEVE came the way of convicted former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George, as the Supreme Court, yesterday, voided the two years jail term which he (George) served after being convicted for fraud by a Lagos High Court on October 26, 2009. The apex court said Chief George was tried under a law that did not exist at the time he served as board member. A five-man panel of the court, in a unanimous judgement, maintained that as at the time the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, charged the former NPA boss to court, the offence of ‘’contract splitting,’’ was not known to any Nigerian law. The Court stressed that the Public Procurement Act which made contract splitting an offence punishable with a term of imprisonment, was by the National Assembly in 2007, long after the appellant had ceased to be a member of the NPA. ’’The Act was not made to take retroactive effect. Even if this was the case, it would have been contrary to Section 36(8) of the 1999 Constitution,” the court held. Whereas Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi delivered the lead judgment in the appeal by the ex-NPA Chairman, Justice Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs delivered two other separate judgments that equally discharged and acquitted other board members of the NPA who were prosecuted and jailed with George. “It has been established that the case of the respondent rests on shifting sand. The charges framed against the appellant in respect of splitting of contracts and disobedience of guidelines in Exhibits P3 is unknown to any written law at the material time. They rest on nothing in the face of the provisions of Section 36(8) and (12) of the 1999 Constitution. They cannot stand as they fall flat.
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“And to cap it, the prosecution laced the extant charges with intention to defraud, an extra element of the charge which was not proved beyond reasonable doubt. It was a complete mistrial by the lower courts. I must stop here as nothing useful will be served in moving forward in respect of other issues. “The appeal is allowed as same is, no doubt, meritorious. The judgment of the court below is accordingly set aside. The appellant is hereby acquitted and discharged forthwith,” the court stated. Among those equally freed by the court were former Managing Director of the NPA, Mr Aminu Dabo, Alhaji Abdullahi Aminu Tafida, Captain Oluwasegun Abidoye, Alhaji Zanna Maidaribe and Mr. Sule Aliyu. All of them were members of the NPA board from 2001 to 2003 when it was dissolved by former President Olusegun Obasanjo who also gave the EFCC the nod to prosecute them following allegation that they not only exceeded the limit set for the board to award contracts, but also conspired to bring the contracts within the limit of the board by splitting them and inflating their prices. Sequel to the testimony of 10 witnesses and proof of evidence that was adduced against the accused persons by the EFCC, the Lagos High Court, found them guilty of conspiracy to disobey lawful order and abuse of office contrary to sections 203 and 104 of the Criminal Code. Accordingly, the lower court sentenced each of them to two years imprisonment without an option of fine. Dissatisfied with the verdict, the accused persons, took the case before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, which on January 21, 2011, dismissed the appeal, pointing out that the prosecution, did not need to prove intention to defraud before the conviction of the appellants could be sustained. Still not happy with the decision of the appellate court, the accused persons,
approached the Supreme Court and contended that the essential ingredients of the offences alleged by the EFCC, not having been proved, they were entitled to be acquitted, which the apex court upheld. Other justices that concurred with the lead judgement were Mahmud Mohammed, Muhammad Saifullahi MuntakaCoomassie and Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta. In his verdict, Justice Aka’ahs, further struck out Sections 104 and 203 of the Criminal Code, saying it was at variance with Section 36(12) of the Constitution and therefore unconstitutional , null and void. “The charge filed under Sections 104 for abuse of office, 204 for disobedience to lawful order and 517 for conspiracy to disobey lawful order ostensibly for contract splitting in disobedience of lawful order by constituted authority cannot stand. “The interpretation of a penal legislation or any statute for that matter should not be left to the whims and caprices of the judge called upon to interpret the legislation. Any conduct which carries a sanction of imprisonment must be expressly stated in a written law and not left to conjecture or inference by the court. “In view of the fact that the various counts in the charge sheet were based on the splitting of contracts which was not an offence until 2007, the trial and conviction of the appellant for actions taken between 2001 – 2003 cannot stand. The said trial and conviction is declared a nullity. “The conviction of the
From left: Wife of late Solomon Lar, Prof. Mary Lar, President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State at the state funeral service for Chief Solomon Lar in Jos yesterday. Photo: State House. world on our fight against appellants by the lower with retroactive effect. It corruption and it is going court which was could not have been so in to demobilised the antiaffirmed...is hereby set the face of the clear corruption crusaders.” aside. The appellants are provision of Section 36 (8) He added: “I am not sure hereby set free,” the court of the 1999 Constitution. the Supreme court added. This court, as the guardian considered the decision According to the Justices, of the Constitution, will not very well. They argued it this was even as there was allow such to happen. is based on technicalities no evidence that the “In view of the but we cannot allow appellants derived any constitutional infraction, the technicalities to surpass benefit from what the NPA entire trial, conviction and moral rectitude. board did, “The evidence sentence of the appellants Nigerians have a right to adduced on behalf of the remain a nullity and must criticize it. It is really a sad prosecution is to effect that be set aside, ” the court day.” the contracts awarded were added. However, Professor Pat appraised by experts Meanwhile, human Utomi in his own employed by the Authority rights lawyer, Bamidele submission opined that who also recommended the Aturu has expressed what is important is that the contractors. dissatisfaction over the rule of law should be “None of the experts was decision of the apex court allowed to flourish. interviewed during saying it will encourage According to the investigation nor called to corruption and demobilised management expert: “The testify; neither were they the anti-corruption legal process has gone charged with any of the crusaders in the country. through, I don’t have any alleged offences. All the ‘’It is a sad day for issue against it, the counts upon which the Nigerians and democracy. important thing is for the appellants were found My position is that while I system to work. Yes the fight guilty alleged that they respect the position of the against corruption needs to committed same with intent apex court, I absolutely be waged but if somebody to defraud the Authority. disagree with it. It is going is convicted incorrectly, the There was no evidence that to encourage corruption, it the appellants derived any is going to license public fight against corruption does not mean you should benefit from what the officers to steal with send an innocent person to Board did. impunity, it is going to send jail. The important thing is “The law was not made a very wrong signals to the that the rule of law works.”
Rivers Police stop anti-Amaechi lawmakers from The entry and exit points majority. Some of them reconvening House of the Rivers state House said they feared that the BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME AND EGUFE YAFUGBORHI, Port Harcourt
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FFORT by the six anti-governor Chibuike Amaechi lawmakers to reconvene the Rivers state House of Assembly was also aborted yesterday. It would be recalled that the Police stopped a similar move by the pro-
Amaechi lawmakers on Thursday. As early as 7 am yesterday, the Police had deployed about twenty patrol vehicles to block the two ends of the Moscow road. Two Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC, were mounted at the ends of the road. Staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Appeal court were allowed into their offices on the road.
of Assembly complex were barricaded with Armoured Personnel carriers. Only Policemen were allowed free movement on the Moscow road. Meantime, the proAmaechi lawmakers enacted a dramatic scene on the Moscow road as twenty five of them sat on the road singing and clapping. They said they came out to let the world know that they were in
other six anti-Amaechi lawmakers might have been smuggled into the hallowed chambers to commence proceedings. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mike Chukwuma who later came to calm the lawmakers appealed to them to remain law abiding, assuring that the Police would not allow lawmakers into the assembly complex until they got a certified copy of the court judgment.
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Lar buried amidst eulogies BY TAYE OBATERU & BERNARD LUCAS
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L-R Director, School of Music, MUSON, Mrs. Marion Akpata, receiving a gift from Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma while Mr. Dennis Okoro, Director, MTN Foundation looks on at the 8th MTNF MUSON Scholars Appreciation Concert in Lagos yesterday.
ORMER Civilian Gov ernor of Old Plateau State and pioneer Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Solomon Lar was yesterday buried at his Langtang country home in Plateau State amidst eulogies. The burial climaxed series of activities organized in honour of the elder statesman in Abuja, Lafia and in Jos. The funeral service held at the Rwang Pam Stadium yesterday was attended by President Goodluck
Tension in UNTH as 120 graduate doctors protest delayed induction BY TONY EDIKE Enugu
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ENSION mounted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla near Enugu, yesterday, following a mild protest by about
120 fresh graduates of the College of Medicine who were denied induction by the authorities Friday morning for allegedly arriving late to the event slated for 9 am. The aggrieved graduate
doctors who were billed to be inducted into the Medical Council, prevented the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Basil Ezeanolue and the Provost, Prof. Basden Onwubere from leaving the venue after only 18 out of
the 138 graduates including the two daughters of the Dean (Ezeanolue) were inducted. The graduates who had been waiting for their induction since August, this year, were given 48 hours notice by the Dean to report for the exercise which marks their formal graduation from the school at 9 am yesterday. Saturday Vanguard learnt that only 18 of the fresh doctors including the daughters of the Dean were present in the hall at 9 am and the door was shut against others most of who reside at the former site of UNTH in Enugu capital city. Virtually all the graduates had arrived the venue between 9.00 and 9.10 am but the dean was said to have ordered the security men not to allow them access to the hall despite their pleas.
Jonathan and many other dignitaries from across the country. Jonathan described Lar as an exemplary politician whose selflessness and broad-mindedness should be emulated by the country’s political leaders as he did not go into politics to amass wealth. He urged politicians to, like Lar, place the interest of the country above personal interest adding, “political parties are platforms for us to contest elections; we may have different ideologies, but our ideologies should be channeled toward solving human problems.” He recalled how the late politician as governor, had excellent relationships with people across political parties including the then President Shehu Shagari who belonged to a different political party and praised his courage for being among those who took a letter to the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha not to succeed himself. According to President Jonathan, “Those of us who are into politics either as president, governors, ministers, senators, need to learn from this great man of honour and peace who has given all his life serving humanity. If all the leaders of this country have the kind of spirit and heart of late Solomon Lar, Nigeria would have been a better place.” However, there was a poor turn out for the funeral service despite the declaration of the day as a public holiday by the state government as a result of the tight security mounted around the sta-
dium and what some called poor mobilization by the organisers. Many residents said they were scared by the level of security they saw and decided to keep their distance while many others claimed they were turned by by security men at the gate. There was a mild drama when the body arrived the stadium as some family members, disappointed at the poor turnout were said to have asked that the corpse be taken back as such a crowd was un-befitting of someone known as a man of the people. Widow of the late politician, Professor Mary Lar thanked the Federal and state governments, the church and others who supported the family during his illness and since his death recalling how her late husband sued for unity in the state and the country at large up to his last moments. Other dignitaries we graced the funeral service included Senate President David Mark, Speaker House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chairman PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu, former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo and Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Isa Yuguda of Bauchi, Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Theodore Orji of Abia and acting Taraba State Governor, Alhaji Umar Garba.
Navy arrests 3 Ghanaians, 24 Nigerians over crude oil theft BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA Yenagoa
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HE Nigerian Navy has confirmed the arrest of three Ghanaians and 24 Nigerians over their alleged involvement in the theft of over 1.1million litres of crude oil along the creek of Egweama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The three Ghanaians, were arrested on board a Vessel, MT Frankesen with nine Nigerian accomplices on the 24th of October with 1,092,000 litres of stolen crude oil. While the other 15 Nigerians were arrested at separate raids on the 25th
of September and 10th of October aboard a small tug boat known as MV Jehovah Miracle 3 and a wooden boat offshore of Brass River in Bayelsa State. The Command Operations Officer of the Central Naval Command, Commodore E.O Enemor, said the arrest was made by the combat unit of the Navy, the Forwarding Operating Base (FORMOSO) led by Captain Aniedi Ibok. Enemor, while speaking in Yenagoa during the hand over ceremony of the 27 suspected oil thieves to the representative of the Police Commissioner in Bayelsa, Mr. Christian
Nworgbo, said the arrest were in furtherance of the Nigerian Navy’s effort at eradicating all forms of illegalities and criminal tendencies in Nigerian waters. According to him,”the vessel, with crew of 9 Nigerians and three Ghanaians, known as MT Frankensen, was arrested on the 24 October for loading about 1.092 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil. “Laboratory analysis of sample product confirmed the product to be crude oil. “The captain of the vessel did not posses relevant documents, licence and permits, for it’s presence in the vicinity.”
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B’Haram/Military clash claims over 25 lives in Borno BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri
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O fewer than 25 people suspected to be members of Boko Haram terrorists have been killed yesterday in a clash with troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army at Ngauramari village of Bama Local Government Area of Borno state. Ngauramari is a small farming community along the Maiduguri- Bama Firgi-Gwoza Federal highway which had witnessed series of attacks and killing of over 20 motorists and passengers this week by suspected Boko Haram members. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the incident took place at about 8am on Thursday when the terrorists who were trying to cross the road from their camps/hideouts in the Sambisa Forest clashed with military troops which led to the exchange of gunfire, a situation that led to the death of three terrorists at the spot. Subsequently, those who fled through the riverine areas were
later killed by aerial bombardment and air strikes. Sources said that during the encounter with the military troops, all roads leading to the area were closed for over three hours in order to avoid civilian casualties, particularly motorists and their passengers who were plying the road as at the time of the air strikes. A commercial driver , Ali Wando who came from Gwoza into Maiduguri told our correspondent, “I saw three corpses by the roadside at Ngauramari which were dismembered by the rocket launcher fired at them by the military . “Several other bodies were lying further in the bush but I did not go to count the bodies because I was afraid as I believed some of the insurgents might be in hiding in the bush”. Another commercial driver who did not want his name mentioned in print for security reason said,”soon after the military killed the terrorists in Ngauramari,
the Nigerian Airforce fighter jet located more suspected terrorists around the Bama-Firgi Gwoza river bank attempting to cross the river before the airforce fighter jet dropped some bombs on them killing many of them”. When contacted on phone, the Spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Mohammed Dole sent a text message to our Correspondent saying, “ I am coming up with statement on the incident very soon, thanks”, but after waiting for several hours, there was no response from him.
NSCDC parades native doctor, teacher, others for child trafficking not the first baby she had
BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki
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O fewer than four persons were yesterday paraded by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ebonyi State over their
Yuletide: Edo govt warns luxury buses to ply Benin by-pass BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City
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N order to avoid traffic jam in Benin City this yuletide period, the Edo state government yesterday admonished commercial buses travelling to the East from Lagos to make good use of the Benin by-pass warning that defaulters will be penalized. The state government through the Edo state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Orobosa Omo-Ojo, also warned that from December 25, 2013 commercial taxis that are yet to paint their vehicles with the
stipulated state colour will be confiscated. He also warned Council chairmen in Egor, Oredo and Ikpoba Okhai against issuing permit to private vehicles to be used for commercial purposes in Benin City, asserting that any council chairman involved in such act would be dealt with accordingly. Omo Ojo who addressed newsmen on the preparedness of the Ministry to ensure free flow of traffic in Benin City and its metropolis this yuletide period, said officials of the state government would not tolerate luxury buses and trucks going to the
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (middle) with conveners of the Local Government Consultative/Advisory Council for the 20 Local Government Areas in the state after the governor inaugurated the council in Abeokuta on Thursday.
South East or other South South states to pass through Benin City, saying that the purpose of the bypass was to decongest traffic in Benin City. He therefore urged motorists to adhere strictly to the rules. While condemning the formation of illegal parks in some parts of the city by some unions, he called on the authorities of Guinness Plc to desist from blocking the Benin Onitsha express road with their trucks, hinting that the police, VIO and Ministry officials have been instructed to confiscate such trucks constituting nuisance along that road.
alleged involvement in child trafficking. Briefing newsmen at the Command Headquarters, the Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Mrs. Ego Echendu revealed that the prompt arrest of the suspects on Thursday in Izzi LGA by the Arm squad and Anti-Human Traffic Unit of the Command was what foiled the scheme by the suspects to transfer their victim outside the State. The Commandant who further disclosed that other suspects were still at large stated that as soon as the Command completes its investigation, the case
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(Mobile Wi-Fi), one Data Dongle, one Huawei G3621L Data-enabled handset plus three Glo SIM Cards and the small pack containing a Data Dongle, one Huawei G3621L Data-enabled handset and two Glo SIM p a c k s . Both gift packs each come with a special gift of a hot,
double album featuring 52 hit tracks of 20 Glo music ambassadors from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic. The music tracks featured in the 52 hit-track album are drawn across different music genre, and they include songs by MI, Waje, P Square, Wande Coal, Lagbaja, Flavour, Omawunmi , Naeto C and
sold. The other suspect is a buyer and we don’t know how many times she must have done that. We had to strike yesterday following the information that reached us yesterday. “The buyer was about to move to Abuja to another set of people for higher amount. The information we got was that the baby was bought at the cost of N253, 500. We are tidying up our file. This is not one of our core mandates and for that, we are going to transfer the case to the agency saddled with such responsibility. They have confessed to the crime and have given us some names.”
Amosun inaugurates LG Advisory Council
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N a bid to strengthen democracy and further bring its dividends to the nooks and crannies of the state, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has inaugurated the Local Government Consultative/ Advisory Council for the 20 Local Government Areas in the state. Inaugurating the council on Thursday in Abeokuta,
Glo launches Bounty gift pack for Xmas/New Year N the spirit of the season, Globacom has launched Glo Bounty, a special gift pack designed for people and organisations wishing to send gifts to their loved ones and business associates during the yuletide. Glo Bounty comes in two different packs: the big pack containing a Glo Mifi
would be transferred to the agency responsible for such matters. “Yesterday, we were able to arrest some suspects we have been trailing and monitoring for about one month now who are involved in child trafficking; we have some of them now in our custody while some are still at large based on the information we got. “We arrested them in Izzi Local government area of Ebonyi State to be precise at Nkor junction near Nwenzenyi and from the information we have gathered so far, one of them is a dealer. This is
Sammy Okposo from Nigeria. Other Nigerian musicians featured in the album are Burna Boy, Chee, Ego, Lynxx and Bez. Ghanaians on the hit album are Irene Logan, Edem, Kwabena, Sherifa and Gyedu Blay Ambollay. It also contains the works of Zeynab from Benin Republic.
Amosun said it is to oil the machinery of governance so that good governance will spread to all the 236 wards of the state. He said it is saddled with the responsibility of interfacing between him and other stakeholders as well as provide adequate feedback on the impact of government policies at the Local Government level. Amosun stated that the council would advise on matters affecting the Local Governments and explain government programmes to the people at the grassroots, adding that it would also monitor progress being made in the execution of various ongoing infrastructural projects. The state helmsman further pointed out that the council would help strengthen the machinery
for further fulfillment of his government’s “Mission to Rebuild” Ogun State, especially at the Local Government level, saying that its members in their respective wards would enhance adequate mobilization of the people for the successful implementation of government policies. Amosun charged the appointees to see their appointment as a call to serve, emphasizing that, “Nobody, who is in government is a master of the people.” Cautioning the council to avoid friction with Local Government administrators, Amosun said, ‘’your inauguration as Local Government Consultative/ Advisory Council must not be seen as a parallel Local Government Administration.”
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FG distributes N675.650bn among three tiers of govt BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE, Abuja
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HE federal govern ment yesterday shared the sum of N675, 650 billion with the States and Local government councils as federal allocation for the month of March, 2013. “The three tiers of government in the country have shared a total of N731, 133 billion as federal allocation for the month of March, 2013.“ A communiqué issued by the Technical Sub-Committee of the Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC reveals that the gross revenue of N597,752 billion received for the month was higher than the N539,553 billion received in the previous month by N58.199 billion. The distributable statutory revenue for the month was N540.754 billion. Also distributed was the sum of N7.617 billion refunded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the sum of N35.549 billion proposed for distribution under the SURE-P programme. The augmentation of N134.896 billion brought the total revenue distributed for the current month including value added tax, VAT to N675.650 billion. According to the communiqué, gross revenue of N597.752 billion was received for the month. This was higher than the N539, 553 billion received in the previous month by N58.199 billion due partly to the receipt of arrears
of sales of crude oil and gas.“ For the month of November, 2013, the gross revenue available from the value added tax, VAT, was N91.730billion as against N66.346 distributed in the preceding month, resulting in an increase of N25.384 billion. Out of the total of N597.752 billion original distributable revenue, N490.765 billion was mineral revenue, while N106.987 billion was nonmineral revenue.
A breakdown of the distribution showed that for the month of November, the Federal government got N252.239 billion (52.68%) as against N213.825 billion received for the month of October. The State governments shared a total of N127.939 billion (26.72%) as against N108.455 billion received for the previous month. The Local governments shared N98.636 billion (20.60%) against N83.614
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of N56,390 billion as 13% derivation revenue for the month of November as
against N47.112 billion collected for October 2013”.
DPR seals off 10 filling stations in Makurdi town BY PETER DURU Makurid
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EN filling stations in Makurdi, the Benue state capital have been
L-R: Richard Akerele, Managing Director, Aviation Services Ltd; Chike C. Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner for Information and former Managing Director, Sachol; and Ikechi Uko, Managing Director, Akwaaba at the launch of Ermenegildo Zegna flagship shop in Lagos...recently
sealed off by officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, for allegedly selling kerosene to the public at more than the approved N50 per littre. According to the Controller of Makurdi Zone, Alhaji Abdullahi Isah, who led the exercise yesterday, “the affected petrol stations were clamped because they were selling kerosene at between N120 and N130 per litre. ”Our duty is to monitor the regulation that affects the oil and gas industry. If these dealers can’t get kerosene to buy at approved price, they should approach the government on that. ”Hence, as DPR, we have the duty to ensure sales is regulated. That is why we had to seal off eight filling stations in Makurdi for selling kerosene above the approved price of N50 per littre.” Isah listed the sealed fill-
ing stations to include Bolek, Dochis, Tonimas, Rain Oil, Silver Ray, Ronald Yimn, and Aptro. While insisting that average Nigerians must be able to get kerosene at the approved price, the Controller said the DPR was not relenting in ensuring that the approved pump price of the product was adhered to by marketers. Isah lamented the increasing spate of illegal stations with minimum safety standards springing up across the zone just as he decried the dangerous manner in which some filling stations were existing in many villages across the zone covering Benue and Nasarawa states. He warned that DPR would not relent in its efforts to close down all such stations, advising all owners of such filling stations to avail themselves approved requirements and procedure of how to build a standard station from the DPR in order to avoid running foul of the law.
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HE Nigeria Immigra tion Service, NIS, said it arrested 24 illegal immigrants at Tamaje village in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The NIS Comptroller in Sokoto, Mr Yunusa
Aliyu, spoke on the arrest when he presented the suspects to newsmen in Sokoto yesterday. The NIS also, yesterday inaugurated a Nigeria/ Cameroon border administrative control post in
My father died a poor man —Lar’s daughter ATE Chief Solomon Lar, the pioneer National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and former Governor of Plateau, died as a poor man, his daughter, Dr. Chalya Lar said on Thursday. She made the statement during her testimony at the service of songs for the late Lar at the Church of Christ In Nations, COCIN, headquarters in Jos. “Baba has only one car at the time he died I am not even sure he has up to N1 million in his account before he died,” she said. The daughter said that she had cause to have a
billion received for October.“The oil producing states shared the sum
one-on-one discussion with her father as they travelled abroad on his medical trip. She said that she asked the late politician why he did not amass wealth and build houses like other politicians but the reply she got from him was on how he was educated on other people’s sweat. “They contributed their sweat to send me to school; I cannot forget that,’’ she quoted Lar as saying to her. She said that rather than telling her why he remained poor, the deceased stressed the need for his children to strive for good name. According to her testi-
mony, the late politician said: “A good name will always open doors for you.” She said that her father was also a very good Christian and a lover of the people even at the point of his demise.
Belel, Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa. The Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG, of the service in charge of Zone “C”, Alhaji Nuhu Abba, who performed the event, commended the border communities for their sustained support and cooperation to the service. However, the Sokoto State Comptroller, Aliyu said the immigrants entered the country from Niger Republic without valid travel documents. He said the suspects were arrested Thursday when they were travelling to Warri, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha.
“All the 24 suspects, all males of varying ages, were from different parts of the neighbouring Niger Republic and they were travelling without any valid travel documents. “The existing international protocol does not prohibit the citizens of other countries from entering other countries, but it must be done with valid travel documents,” he said. Aliyu said the suspects would be repatriated to their country on Friday, adding that four others with valid documents had been released. “Forty three other suspects escaped from the
four buses they were travelling in when they were intercepted by our officers. “The Nigerian drivers of the four buses, which had been impounded by the service, would also be prosecuted for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants,” Aliyu said. The Comptroller, who decried the porosity of Nigeria’s borders, promised that the NIS would continue to be diligent in the discharge of its duties. “The carrot and stick reward system is also still in force in the service, to reward hard work and punish indolence,” Aliyu said.
Over 16,156 die annually from HIV/AIDS in Benue state BY PETER DURU Makurdi
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VER 16,156 persons die annually in Benue state from the dreaded HIV/AIDS despite efforts by the state government to stem the prevalence of the virus in the
state. The Director, AIDS Control Program at the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Gideon Dura, made this known in a paper he presented at the stakeholders forum organised by Jireh Doo Foundation, JDF, as part of activities to mark the 10th anni-
versary of the foundation. Dura further disclosed that “the annual new HIV/AIDS Infections in Benue State stood at 21,259 which means that we need to do more to stem the virus.” He pointed out that “not less than 11,577
children are infected with the virus annually and among the children with HIV infections, 90% are due to mother to child transmission, MTCT.” Read more news on page 50/51
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Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
OBJ Vs GEJ: Tale of a letter Does the recent thought-provoking letter of former President Goodluck Jonathan necessary, self-serving or truthful? Does it signal the end father and son relationship? Should it have been made public in the first place? Saturday Vanguard in this special piece documents the views of some Nigerians on the issue BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU
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t was so long a letter, well crafted and strongly word ed. From the soft imprints of sentiments to seemingly harsh words of realities, the letter conveyed some pieces of information that could only be passed by someone with an experiential knowledge; someone who fears no friends or foes; someone with deep-seated knowledge and workings of Nigeria; someone who would say the raw truth and damn the consequences; someone who has repented from his own past evil deeds; someone with a renewed patriotic zeal for his country; someone who feel highly disappointed in someone else; someone so absolutely frustrated; someone who was on his kneels calling for a total rebirth. And that was former President Olusegun Okikilolo Mathew Aremu Obansanjo. Titled: “It is not too late”, the letter which was addressed to the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan touched almost every aspect of Nigeria’s national life: from ethnicity to nationalism; from economy to politics, security, infrastructure, real- estate, in fact, from A of Nigeria’s national life to Z of it; also featuring prominently a resonated appeal to salvage the sinking and diminishing ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But in all, the letter sold an important point to the people: the secret tales of 2011 elections and the acrimony currently trailing the forthcoming 2015 general election which would have still been in the
I am constrained to make this an open letter to you for a number of reasons. One, the current situation and consequent possible outcome dictate that I should, before the door closes on reason and promotion of national interest, alert you to the danger that hush-hush. But then, that is the sore taste of the letter. It came so raw. It was not meant for public consumption. Ab initio, it was meant for the eyes of President Jonathan’s alone but as the gods of Nigerian politicians would have it; it leaked and became a public item, exposing what appeared like a longdrawn feud between two big elephants that have had the privilege of superintending over the affairs of Nigerians. To recapitulate, Obasanjo apart from his stint as the Head of State between 1975 and 1979 was also a two-term democratically elected President of the country from 1999 to 2007. Jonathan had also benefited from the civilian regime which returned to the country in 1999. He was first elected Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State in 1999, then Governor, Vice President, Acting President and in 2011, President. To a pitiable
degree, peace has evidently eluded his regime. Some analysts will be quick to say he is the architect of his own misfortune while some will say; they were masterminded by his political enemies. But whichever way, what President Jonathan got on Wednesday from ex- president Obasanjo in the reckoning of most people only passed for a bitter pill that shouldn’t be served in the public. But Obasanjo had his reasons, 10 of them: Hear him: “I am constrained to make this an open letter to you for a number of reasons. One, the current situation and consequent possible outcome dictate that I should, before the door closes on reason and promotion of national interest, alert you to the danger that may be lurking in the corner. “Two, none of the four or more letters that I have written to you in the past two years or so have elicited an acknowledge-
ment nor any response. Three, people close to you, if not yourself, have been asking, what does Obasanjo want? Four, I could sense a semblance between the situation that we are gradually getting into and the situation we fell into as a nation during the Abacha era. Five, everything must be done to guard, protect and defend our fledgling democracy, nourish it and prevent bloodshed. “Six, we must move away from advertently or inadvertently dividing the country along weak seams of North-South and Christian-Muslim. Seven, nothing should be done to allow the country to degenerate into economic dormancy, stagnation or retrogression. Eight, some of our international friends and development partners are genuinely worried about signs and signals that are coming out of Nigeria . “ Nine,Nigeria should be in a position to take advantage of the present favourable international interest to invest in Africa – an opportunity that will not be open for too long. Ten, I am concerned about your legacy and your climb-down which you alone can best be the manager of, whenever you so decide.” To a great extent, the opening reasons for the letter capture, intrinsically, the whole essence of its entirety. The ensuing paragraphs only elaborated and made reference where necessary. It eventually left a strong warning for Jonathan. “Nigerians are no fools, they can see, they can hear, they can talk amongst themselves, they
can think, they can compare and they can act in the interest of their country and in their own self interest. They keenly watch all actions and deeds that are associated with you if they cannot believe your words. I know you have the power to save PDP and the country ”, the letter added. But amidst the many provocative words came a reply from the Presidency. Though a full scale reply was still being awaited from the President as at the time of filing this report, Dr. Rueben Abati, Media handler of the president on getting wind of the damning letter however, put a defense for his boss. Hear him: “We have noted the publication on several websites today of a letter recently written by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. “The Presidency acknowledges that it has indeed received the said letter from Chief Obasanjo. “We however find it highly unbecoming, mischievous and provocative that a letter written by a former Head of State and respected elder statesman to President Jonathan has been deliberately leaked to the mass media in a deplorable effort to impugn the integrity of the President and denigrate his commitment to giving Nigeria the best possible leadership. “While many patriotic, objective and well-meaning Nigerians have already condemned the leaked letter as self-serving, hypocritical, malicious, indecent, and very disrespectful of the highest office in the land, President Jonathan has directed that none of his aides or any government official should join issues with Chief Obasanjo over it. “The President himself will, at the appropriate time, offer a full personal response to the most reckless, baseless, unjustifiable and indecorous charges levied against him and his administration by the former Head of State. Meanwhile, on the heels of the letter, Saturday Vanguard immediately went to work, sampling the views of some Nigerians. Below were their submissions. Both Leaders should find a way and resolve the differences—-Hon. Seconte Davies, Member representing Bonny/ Degema Federal Constituency of Rivers State , Hpuse of Representatives
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he letter is actually all encompassing. There is virtually no aspect of the national polity and governance that has not been raised on issues in conduct of government policy. For me, it is unfortunate that the former President had to write a letter and it became public. I don’t know who released it but I can also see the frustration of the former President where he said that he had written to the President but no acknowledgement. I think it tells of the type of relationship that has happened. But now that these issues have been raised, unfortunately, it has come to the public domain, it
Continues on Page 11
SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA
Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—11
OBJ Vs GEJ: Tale of a letter
It is the naked truth--Shehu Sani, President, Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria
Continues from Page 10
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is only necessary for both leaders to find a way to sit down and resolve them. They have advantage of one being a former President and one current President. I said so because Obasanjo has been there. Maybe he has also seen the mistakes that he made while he was in office and the mistakes repeating themselves could give worry. The current President also has the privilege of being President who has the opportunity to see that past mistakes are not repeated. It is unfortunate but there is still hope for Nigeria under Jonathan’s administration — Dan Abia, member representing Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/Iben, Akwa Ibom, House of Representatives, Abuja
Dan Abia
Junaid Mohammed
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hese are two Presidents, one served before the other at different times. I want to believe that President Jonathan is also facing challenges that are quite different from the ones and types former President Obasanjo encountered. Be it as it may, it would have been better said than being made public as it were because it gives a wrong notion and impression that both of them are not in sync which is not so good. But the bottom line is even in the words of Obansanjo that it is not too late. There is still an opportunity for these issues expressly mentioned here to be corrected for the interest of the masses more than any thing else. Personal issues and ego should be buried. Let’s focus on those things that will bring benefits to the people. I also believe that President Goodluck Jonathan has done sufficiently well and still has time to prove himself. I believe the good aspects of this letter would be applied by him. I believe that in no distant time, we will have cause to jubilate. There is still hope for Nigeria under this administration. Obansanjo said the truth—Dr. Junaid Mohammed, Second Republic lawmaker and National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen I have had a very tumultuous relationship with Obasanjo. But I am not one of those congenital haters of Obasanjo. In the words of former Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, no man is entirely evil. So, I certainly don’t believe that Obasanjo is irredeemably evil. I don’t believe that. And I am not one those who simply hate Obasanjo for the fun of it. Throughout my public service career and his own public service career, we managed and disagreed. But where I found him telling the truth, I have never missed admitting that what he said will be true because even the devil can say the truth. What you will do is keep him aside and work with the truth. As far as I am concerned, there were areas that one could say are self-serving
Arua Arunsi in the letter. But by and large, over 90 percent of what Obasanjo said and his own interpretations of the governance style and the record of Goodluck Jonathan have been truthful and it is truthful. As far as I am concerned, I am prepared, based on fact, to accept Obasanjo’s interpretation of the event while being cautious not to accept those areas where I suspect he is being self-serving. So, the letter is true and it is a damning indictment of everything; the PDP and what Jonathan stands for. It is all lies —-Hon. Arua Arunsi, Member representing Ohafia/Arochukwu Federal Constituency, Abia State , House of Representatives
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spent some hours reading that letter. It is about 18 pages. In the first place, there are two things he said there that are terribly lies and besides, a person of that nature writing such a thing; he is being mischievous because he is in a position to advise that man personally, not even writing it. So, for me, he is being mischievous, I can say that. I can now understand his anger. It is because Uba could not get the governorship ticket of the PDP in for Anambra election. That is just his anger. People should know where he is coming from. Why are you saying
Shehu Sani all these things now? It is about 3 years into the government, why did you not say these things before now? Why saying it after Anambra governorship election? It means that it is not done in good faith. Ok, he talked about corruption? What happened in his own tenure? The economy was growing at 3 percent in his own tenure but now, it is growing at 7
He has octupus-like contacts even deep into international security networks. He is not a man that will speak and his comment will be treated with ignominy. I will think that his letter to President Jonathan should be taken seriously. Comments so far berate him for leaking his letter to the Press thereby lambasting a sitting President in the open media.
The letter is actually all encompassing. There is virtually no aspect of the national polity and governance that has not been raised on issues in conduct of government policy percent. So, who is managing the economy better? Letter should not be ignored—-Barrister Teddy Eruba, Principal Legal Officer, Enyerenwgwa Chambers, Garki Abuja
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basanjo is one of Nigeria ’s Presidents with enviable records, his minuses not withstanding. Apart from that, he is an international personality in his own right.
But I will think that before anybody can take this position against Obasanjo, such a person should first show evidence that Obasanjo’s previous advice to President Jonathan in privacy was heeded otherwise we must understand the publication of this letter as Obasanjo’s own way of acting like the proverbial hen that whirls at the hawk that carried her chicken, not that the hawk will return the chicken but for all the inhabitants of heaven an earth to hear and bear him witness.
he Obasanjo’s letter to President Jonathan is nothing but the naked truth in its purest form. The ink of that letter is extracted from the tears and blood of suffering Nigerians. The Jonathan administration had long lost the goodwill of ordinary Nigerians. Now, it has lost the patience of it’s architects.Obasanjo’s letter echoes the wailing of widows and orphans and the cries of all oppressed Nigerians. Chief Obasanjo cannot be exculpated from the vices of the Nigerian state but his letter spoke the truth to power.President Jonathan presides over a thieving government; lacking in ideas,wisdom and honour to transform Nigeria.We are stuck with an incompetent, venal and inept leadership. The government of Jonathan is the lowest depth Nigeria has ever sunk in. Ex-president Obasanjo’s letter is a mirror that reflected the bewildered and the belligured state of the nation. The enthusiasm and goodwill that heralded the emergence of President Jonathan has since evaporated under the heat of his incompetence and the flaming fire of corruption and ethnicity that characterize his administration. President Jonathan’s government is peopled by vultures and hyenas who feed fat on the national treasury and dogs who bark at those who tell the truth. Chief Obasanjo’s letter is a true reflection of the disappointments and the discontents in the Nigerian state and a dissertation on the reality of the Jonathan regime.The very fact that Obasanjo disregarded the elitist decorum of behind the camera advices and made his views through a letter demonstrate the degree of deafness of the regime and it’s allergy to reason. President Jonathan has destroyed his party and must go, so he doesn’t destroy Nigeria.Chief Obasanjo’s letter was long overdue. Bottom-line: elieve it or not, most analysts are of the view that these are not the best of good days for President Jonathan. For a man who has got so much bashing from people who have either served in government or still serving, it leaves much to be desired. Recall that at a function in Abuja on Monday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal also lashed out on the President saying his body language encourages corruption. Which ever way one thinks about it, it is the soul of the country and the common man on the street that suffer the effect. The situation therefore calls for a cautious move by all actors to prevent it from further escalation.
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12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA
Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor
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T was at the peak of the struggle for the actualization of the June 12, 1993 elections that General Olusegun Obasanjo told the world that the acclaimed winner of that election, Chief Moshood Abiola was not the messiah that Nigeria needed. Obasanjo was then a retired military head of state who gained international respectability with his decision to enthrone democracy through handing over to civilians in 1979. The comment was in the perspective of some, a reflection of Obasanjo’s perception of himself as the country’s ultimate saviour. That perception was a near fact about five years later in 1999 when Obasanjo was again heralded to national leadership almost as a messiah, no thanks to the precipitous adventures of the late General Sani Abacha dictatorship. At the mid-point of his second term in office, President Obasanjo’s seemingly messiac tendencies were again brought to fore when associates of the president made desperate efforts to extend his tenure with a third term in office. A major kernel of the argument of the third term proponents was that without Obasanjo Nigeria would retrogress and hence the desperate measures taken to amend the constitution. However, Obasanjo’s nationalistic outlook and commitment to an indivisible nation have never been in doubt. No less a person as General Ibrahim Babangida, even in the midst of their mutual suspicions of each other, has publicly praised Obasanjo for his patriotic commitment to the indivisibility of Nigeria as a country. Perhaps it is from that prism that Obasanjo has perpetually positioned himself as a monitor over all his successors in office. It is a duty he has almost religiously kept to and sometimes at great ridicule and consequences for his personal safety. When he left office as Military Head of State in 1979 it was alleged that General Obasanjo had a beef with President Shehu Shagari for staying aloof from him and not coming to consult him in his Ota Farm on issues of state. Associates of President Shagari were quick to respond to Obasanjo that they did not owe him any gratitude. So when the Shagari regime was overthrown by the Muhammadu Buhari junta, Obasanjo did not see it as totally surprising. The Buhari regime, perhaps in a bid to gain international and domestic support in its first months in office, told the world that it was an offshoot of the Murtala-Obasanjo regime. Not long after, General Obasanjo came out from his shell to ask the military government to keep its distance from him and his legacy. The Ibrahim Babangida regime which overthrew the Buhari regime did not make any pretence about its independence from Obasanjo. The government’s introduction of the Structural Adjustment
Obasanjo’s messianic interventions Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been a recurring decimal in Nigeria’s political history propping up now and then as a morality monitor to those in power Programme, SAP in 1986 was a major economic initiative that it claimed, would forever change the shape and structure of the Nigerian economy for good. Giving SAP a human face It, however, came with much pains that first led to the devaluation of the naira. Obasanjo sometime in 1987 came out publicly to ask that SAP should have a human face. It was a major intervention by Obasanjo given the public backlash that had resulted from the introduction of SAP. Obasanjo’s intervention was quickly rebuffed by the then military governor of Lagos State, Mike Akhigbe, a naval officer, who described Obasanjo as a “frustrated chicken farmer.” Akhigbe’s denunciation of Obasanjo elicited public outrage forcing Akhigbe into his shell. From time to time, Obasanjo and sometimes his one time military subordinate, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma tackled the Babangida regime, especially in its commitment to the enthronement of democracy. As the Babangida government squandered its reputation through its convoluted programmes on transition to democracy, Obasanjo increasingly won reputation as a defender of democracy and the poor. It was perhaps that impression he had of himself that made him at the lowest period of the Babangida regime to declare that Abiola who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election was not the saviour Nigeria needed. Following Babangida’s exit, Shonekan who took over as an
interim leader did not last much to have a touch of Obasanjo’s assessment. Gen. Sani Abacha who shoved Shonenkan aside did not hide his determination to deal with the Obasanjo phenomenon and soon after he had settled down, he descended on Obasanjo and his former deputy, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar‘Adua, the two men he felt would disturb his domination of Nigeria. Both men were framed into a phantom coup and imprisoned. Yar‘Adua did not survive the prison experience, but Obasanjo did.
Return of Obasanjo as president
Following the tensions at the time of Abacha’s death, it was again to Obasanjo that the military looked up to save the country. Against his initial objections, he was heralded in as the first president of the Fourth Republic on May 29, 1999. After his exit on May 29, 2007 after two terms in office, Obasanjo has again and again played the role of an active observer. Though President Umaru Yar‘Adua was known to be his pet project, Obasanjo unknown to many wrote to the new president to carve a unique identity for himself. In a letter dated May 30, 2007 written obviously a day after he handed over to the new president, Obasanjo wrote thus: “As you know, for the next few months, perhaps years, your government will be regarded as being in the penumbra of the Obasanjo regime given the situation that
brought you into office. “Against this you must toil to carve out a unique identity for yourself and administration. To do this, you must choose wisely your vision and the folks in your cabinet to drive this vision.” Obasanjo requested Yar‘adua to focus on four main areas namely: Security, Rule of Law and Economic development. Though he had issues with aides of the then president, Obasanjo, however, never came out publicly against President
tors used it as a test to see Jonathan’s commitment to him and was reportedly shocked that when he, Obasanjo sent him an advance copy of the resignation letter that Jonathan did not come back to beg him not to resign. Jonathan was reported to have responded to the resignation letter with another letter in which he thanked the former president for his services to the party. It was obvious at that time that the president wanted to be on his own. Following that, was the gradual attack on Obasanjo’s political base in the Southwest by elements supportive of the president including some shadowy persons. Having been on his own and piloted the affairs of the nation thus far from one crisis to crisis, Obasanjo’s latest intervention came with his blasting condemnation of Dr. Jonathan as having disappointed God and man. The letter dated December 2, 2013 was obviously not the first
When he left office as Military Head of State in 1979 it was alleged that General Obasanjo had a beef with President Shehu Shagari for staying aloof from him and not coming to consult him in his Ota Farm on issues of state Yar‘Adua even when his own daughter and former senator, Iyabo was hounded by agents of the administration in a case that was more political than pursuit of justice. President Goodluck Jonathan who succeeded Yar‘Adua was even considered in some circles to be more of Obasanjo’s project and it is still surprising to some how the gulf widened between the two of them. But the first indication of the widening gulf between godfather and godson was Obasanjo’s decision to resign as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in 2012. Obasanjo, according to indica-
from the former president to the incumbent as Obasanjo stated in the letter that Jonathan had neither bothered to act or acknowledge earlier letters sent to him. The 18 page letter literally drips anger at the president’s perceived failure as he describes Dr. Jonathan as deceitful and a danger to Nigeria’s corporate existence. It is instructive that Jonathan has kept back from responding through his acerbic spokesman, Dr. Rueben Abati. According to Abati, Jonathan will respond in person to the issues raised by the former president and former godfather of the president. Nigerians are watching!
SA TURD AY Vanguard , DECEMBER 14, 2013—13 SATURD TURDA
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*a thought for “our heroes past” *”gbosas”for *”gbosas”f or “the glorious ffive” ive”
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ttempts which have been made in our nation to look — or, rather, not even make the effort to look —for a comparison among our historical figures in the struggle for our own emancipation from colonialism —have floundered against the background of a remarkable disparity in the environment in which the actions occurred in Nigeria and South Africa. The situation in South Africa was predicated on the ardent desire of the white people who forcefully occupied the territory to settle there permanently. The weather was particularly suitable for them and the terrain was largely favourable to their daily needs. They came from various areas of Europe, mostly from the Netherlands and Britain, and carved out territories for themselves as of right. The possibility of acquiring the entire area as their own could not be effectively challenged by the natives over whom they were able to establish mastery by sheer violence through superior weaponry. But the discovery of gold rather set the different European settlers
•Nelson Mandela to colonize, ostensibly, with the same intention as the adventurers who acquired the Cape of Good Hope in 1814. But that notion was quickly driven out of their heads by “citizen” mosquito which hosted them with a lethal dosage of malaria. They named the area of West Africa, “The Whiteman’s Grave”, and quickly discarded any idea of a permanent residence, rather immersing themselves into raids for the capture of slaves, or the safer trade in human merchandise. Eventually, with increasing familiarity with the prospects of the region, they settled for trade and commerce based on the exploitation of the abundant material resources of the land. That, they found, necessitated the subjugation of the people, and the curtailing of their civic rights. So, they established “colonial” governments which enacted laws that maintained the superiority of the white man and his interests to the detriment of indigenes’ quality of life and its development.
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ll the same, even the manifestations of that milder form of colonialism gave rise to a form of resistance that produced a generation of nationalists who were termed “agitators” by the colonial powers. Most cherished by these patriots was the freedom which colonialism had curtailed—of course, not to the magnitude of what obtained in South Africa. But they considered it worth fighting for. The emancipation of Sierra Leone which was created some two centuries ago, facilitated the trickling down of some educated indigenes of West Africa who returned home, joined by their Brazilian counterparts, to infuse the ideology of freedom into the minds of their developing kin at home. Their movement was “post-Ghandi”, and so was tempered with the philosophy of non-violence. But they
pleaded their cause effectively and made their point which eventually resulted in the attainment of our independence —a freedom which the foremost leader of the nationalist front, Nnamdi Azikiwe, described as being “offered on a platter of gold”. Picturesque as that phrase may sound, it had really glossed over the painful and demanding features of the sacrifice made by several young men in the fight for freedom. Many young men of the Zikist movement, specifically, were jailed. Perhaps most memorable among them was Osita Agwuna who had the same type of royal ancestry with Mandela. He was young, intelligent and a brilliant orator. He had prospects of a prosperous future as a manager-in-training in Nigeria’s most successful commercial house of the day, the United Africa Company. But he turned his back on it all in his “agitation” for freedom. On a clear, warm afternoon in Lagos, Osita held a lecture under the auspices of the Zikist Movement, in which he dared to make “A Call For Revolution”. He was immediately arrested before he had proceeded very far with his delivery. Charged with treason, he was arraigned in court thereafter, when he only continued his lecture from where he left off. He was duly sentenced to prison along with several other.colleagues who were all as defiant as he was.
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ot all the story of the exploits and achievements of Nelson Mandela would have been told decades from now. His towering sense of patriotism, his indomitable spirit of resistance to evil, his soaring charity of forgiveness and several other facets of an unforgettable character which he has bequeathed to the world as a model for sterling human interaction, will survive him for a long time. He was unique, no less than the period which moulded him. The degradation of a people by another set of people, through the use of raw power on the grounds of race and colour of the skin, found a spiky apogee in the policies of the white minority South African government in the late ‘forties. against each other, with the natives as hardly more Racial discrimination existed in than mere pawns in the conflict. However, by the time the United States, but the the dust finally settled, a new generation of black South establishment had been a Africans had begun to grow up in resentment of their function of the malevolent lot. This was the history which spawned Nelson Mandela history of slave trade. And and his comrades. more to the point is the fact that In Nigeria, however, it was a story that took a different the majority of the people in the turn. The foreign British, and French, and German, and US were white and owned the Belgian, and name them, so-called explorers had come land. But the owners of the land were also in the majority in South Africa. Their subjugation, and that of others who were not of Caucasian descent, was enforced through the policy of apartheid, one of the crudest words ever known to humanity. It meant “apartness”, or “separateness”. It was enforced across the board of social existence “from the womb to the tomb”. It controlled the choice of schools available for children, the marriage pattern, the employment opportunities, the places of residence—even the type of attire one wore. The fight against this monumental injustice and its horrible effects became the lifelong pre-occupation of a number of the citizens, foremost among who was Nelson Mandela. The resolute but dignified manner in which he and his comrades conducted themselves has made a lasting impression on people all over the world who now rise in one voice of rousing adulation to celebrate his life as they honour him with a rich bouquet of last respects. He deserves it all.
by eschewing any idea of revenge for all the years of deprivation and suffering. He capped it all with the magnificent gesture of not seeking to hug the position and high benefits of power when he declined to continue as the President of South Africa after seeing his valiant efforts to fruition. The world will probably never see another like him. We take nothing from the lustre of the matchlessness of this heroic life, if we attempt to use it as a re-evaluation of the neglect we routinely inflict on the labours of our heroes past.
There are some who consider as uncharitable the mere suggestion that Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State’s decision to retain his membership of the PDF (Peoples Democratic Party) was in consideration of a soft landing for his two sons who are in the warm embrace of the law. But he was on slippery ground. He was a veritable member of the former G7 who were on the way out of the party, but he hesitated to dump his party at the last moment, and it could have been a welladvised move. This is because the PDF has been reported to be filled with a virulent supply of malice which it intends to mete out to all who have deserted, or connected with, or even seen
In Nigeria, however, it was a story that took a different turn
Even other Zikists who were not present at the lecture and so were not arrested, picked up banned copies of the lecture and were also arrested and subsequently received various terms of imprisonment. One of them, Nzimiro, who fortuitously later became an outstanding academician, set up a makeshift stage in the wide-open venue of Onitsha market, where he proceeded to read out the text of the lecture. He too was arrested and sent to prison. Their efforts, of course, were puny in comparison with the colossal, unparalleled Mandela legend. The South African titan’s towering spirit of leadership was also displayed in his demand for the release of the comrades who were jailed with him before he would start negotiating his own freedom. He earned the respect of the whole world, when he became the President of South Africa,
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to have sympathised with those who have defected from the party. That vindictive decision seems to be in the open already from the way in which those who are at loggerheads with the party, or its perceived interests, seem to be subsequently (consequently?) attractive to law enforcement coercion of one kind or another. However, it has not deterred the G.5— the “GLORIOUS FIVE”—from pursuing their determination to the limit like valiant men. If fact, the question many people are asking is, what took them so long? Their cause is just, their purpose is clear, their objective is unconcealed, and their desire is sincere. Let us give five “gbosas!” to them. Time out.
14—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
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SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 14, 2013—15
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16—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
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s a child growing up, I had in my possession, one of the most auspicious letters of all times. It was a letter that for years, I pasted on the wall of my room and committed it’s contents to memory so well that even if I was suddenly woken up from sleep, I could recite it. Beyond committing the letter to memory, I also had a mental picture of the writer of the letter. I was always moved by his facial expression and the fact that worry lines had etched deep furrows on the forehead of the writer and each time I finished reciting that letter, I renewed my vow never to stress my parents to that level. It was a letter written by the former President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln to his son’s teacher. And it read: My son starts school today... He will have to know that all men are not just, that all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero, that for every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend. Teach him if you can, that 10 cents earned is of far more value than a dollar found. In school, teacher, it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to learn how to gracefully lose, and enjoy winning. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people. Steer him away from envy if you can and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Teach him if you can - how to laugh when he is sad, teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right. Treat him gently; but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes the finest steel. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to tick. Teach him the wonders of books, but also give time to ponder the extreme mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hill. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if every one tells him they are wrong. Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is doing it. Teach him to listen to every one, but teach him also to filter all that he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through. Teach him to sell his talents and brains to the highest bidder but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patient to be brave. Teach him to have sublime faith in himself, because then, he will always have sublime faith in mankind, in God. This is the order, teacher but see what best you can do. He is such a nice little boy and he is my son.” I had this letter with me for a long time and even through my university days, each time striving not to fail my parents and not to let them have the kind of worry lines I saw etched on Abraham Lincoln’s face. I don’t know if the lines etched on OBJ’s face are worry lines too.
is across board. All the sec-
OBJ: So long, a letter
President Goodluck Jonathan Since Abraham Lincoln’s letter, there have been other letters written by Presidents across the world on dicey issues of their time. So, the letter of former President Obasanjo to President Goodluck Jonathan should not come as a surprise to many. Accusations of ineptitude and acts calculated at destroying Nigeria contained in the letter written by former President Obasanjo to Jonathan came just in time as it appears Nigeria is suffering from a system’s collapse. It is also very possible according to allegations by Presidential media aides that the letter is selfserving, hypocritical, malicious, indecent, and very disrespectful of the highest office in the land. And that perception depends on whose side you are! Only time will tell if this letter that is turning Nigeria upside down at the moment is really as reckless, baseless, unjustifiable and of containing “indecorous charges as alleged. What Jonathan should be bothered about is what to do with the situations cited in this letter and work out ways to restructure the system. Nigeria is a great country and leaders from time immemorial have rubbished the fortunes of Nigeria on the altar of greed and corruption. Let us forget that Obasanjo is not the best person to accuse anybody let alone President Jonathan of anything because it is the ‘anointing’ that started from the ‘head’. He appointed late Yar ’Adua and gave him Jonathan and if Jonathan is everything contained in the letter written by OBJ, then OBJ is guilty as well of the same allegations. He was the teacher who didn’t teach his disciples well.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo He was the teacher that forgot to teach his disciples that for every scoundrel there is a hero and for every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader. OBJ forgot to curb corruption by not teaching Jonathan who was his disciple that 10 cents earned is of far more value than a dollar found. Or did he remember to teach him that there is strength in not following the crowd especially when everyone else is doing it and to filter all that he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good
he wants to hear instead of what truly is. Most of the people he invited to ‘come and chop’ are the people running down his government. They have ruined him. There appears to be a grand conspiracy against the Jonathan administration by principalities and men and women masquerading as friends! They hail him at his face and mock him at his back. They tell him what they think will please him and turn around and mock his simplicity. In as much as one can call the
What Jonathan should be bothered about is what to do with the contents of this letter and work out ways to restructure the system. Nigeria is a great country and leaders from time immemorial have rubbished the fortunes of Nigeria on the altar of greed and corruption that comes through? Did OBJ teach Jonathan that it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat? But all that has become history now. Nigerians around the country have read the letter and obviously have their own opinions as regards the contents. I don’t agree with Femi Fani-Kayode that OBJ has finally closed GEJ’s chapter with this letter. Jonathan is not finished. Not yet. He can still right all the wrongs or at least commence the process of doing so. No man is an island. But what really baffles me is how a man in such a position of leadership will surround himself with men of appetite who only speak for their stomachs, telling him what
OBJ/Jonathan diatribe a case of the ‘pot and the kettle’ or the pot calling the kettle black, the truth remains that the issues that OBJ raised are too serious to be ignored or be dismissed . Yes, Obasanjo bungled also in his own time and he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. But this is not the time to throw sour grapes at each other.
Insisting also that Jonathan responds to the allegations against him by the man that anointed him will not solve the problem.
What we need to do is to rebuild the country. And Jonathan alone cannot do it. If it is possible, what is required will be a total overhaul of the entire system because
the rupture in the system
tors are suffering and people in positions of authority are carrying on as tin gods, doing whatever they like and going scot-free! The entire system is a rot. We cannot continue to fold our hands and watch things continue as they are. No matter how bad it is and on whose side anybody is, the truth remains that Obasanjo has said it even though he is not the best man to have said so. There are certain things about the letter that ought not to have been made public and I wonder what OBJ intends to achieve by doing that. In the same vein, Jonathan should know that he needs to do away with certain people in his government and he should be man enough to do just that. The party, PDP has failed in many aspects and I don’t see the All progressives Congress, APC, as the answer either. A political party where one person owns a whole state, towns, markets, bridges and people is not a viable solution to the rot in PDP. It means that given power at the national level, such a person will own the entire country, markets across the country and individuals as well as cities. It is time for change. When Obasanjo joins in calling somebody a thief, then that person should remove the ‘finger of a monkey from the pot of soup before it becomes a human finger’. You may call OBJ anything you like: the biggest hypocrite in the world for expressing his disgust at Jonathan’s modus operandi but the truth has been told. Let the vituperations and counter vituperations pour! Politicians are actors and the electorate must allow them complete their dance of shame. This is not the time to take sides. People are free to ask the usual question of “ what did OBJ do when he was president?” But what an elder sees while sitting, a child can never see that even if he is standing on top of an iroko tree. OBJ raised salient points. He saw tomorrow and he is scared. The facts and the pertinent innuendos raised cannot be rubbished or brushed under the carpet. OBJ has thrown an open challenge. It is Jonathan’s prerogative to prove him right or otherwise. Indeed, the president needs to dialogue with the people like he did when he was seeking their votes. The people didn’t bite him then, and they won’t do so now. Let Jonathan take heart and know that for every enemy, there is a friend. No matter how painful OBJ’s letter appeared, Jonathan should remember that all men are not just and that all men are not true. Motive is ultimate in everything we do. But let him filter the contents of this letter on the screen of truth. And though it made him sad, he should learn to laugh when he is sad and shed silent tears because there is no shame in tears! Or let him scoff at his cynics. One also hopes that OBJ has not crossed the red line of politics with Jonathan’s administration. I perceived his crave for friendship with the opposition as pin-pointed in the Tinubu aspect of the letter. Tinubu campaigned for Jonathan. What was the motive in bringing that to the fore? Only time will tell.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—17
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18—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
I love hanging out with kids — Ivory Blinx Sonia Asomugha popularly known as Ivory Blinx is a rising female singer and actress who holds a lot of promises for her generation. She talks about the passion she has for music and why she dumped acting. BY JULIET EBIRIM
I
am Sonia Asomugha. My friends call me Ivory Blinx. I am an up and coming artiste. I am currently in the studio recording my new songs. Before now, I was also into acting. I have done a couple of movies when I was in school. They were “The Powerful Law”, “The Rod” among others. I started acting way back in 2005/ 2006, before I later abandoned the screen in pursuit of academic excellence. Right now, I’m into full time music. I do hip hop and R n B. The songs I have presently are “My Baby”, “Take it down low”, “Story of my Life” and “Boss of my Game.” Though none of them is out, but hopefully, next year, they are going to hit the market. I do acting by the side, if an opportunity presents itself. I don’t go looking for roles. I am concentrating on my music. I am from Anambra State while my mum is from Ghana. I had a Diploma in Law from the University of Abuja, before I later proceeded to Imo State University to study Political Science. I’m based in Lagos. Right from my childhood, I’ve been in a member of the choir as well as gospel band and each time, I sing, people get inspired by my songs and they always want me to sing. Music has always been part of me .So, when I grew up, I decided to make a career in music. I have always loved music and dancing. Whenever I’m in a sad mood, music lifts my spirit. I started acting from the National Theatre, where I used to go for auditions. I was just a teenager. then. I didn’t really know much about the trade. Later, I gained admission into the University. After my education, a friend of mine who is a musician invited me to come and do back up for him. After working with him, he advised me into music. I’m the kind of person that easily gets noticed. People love being friendly with me.
To actualise my dream of becoming a singer, I had to engage myself in buying and selling. I was dealing on human hair extension, designer jeans, women stuff and my boyfriend also supported me. Each time, I have realsied some money, I usually storm the studio and do some work. But it’s not really much, I’m currently looking for sponsors. While I was acting, I have been privileged to work with Hanks Anukwu, Klint Da Drunk, late Sam Loco and many others. In terms of relaxing, I stay at home, watch movies and music videos. When I want to chill out, I go to the beach, I love water front. My hobbies are dancing, singing, sports . Also, I love hanging out with kids. While growing up, I loved hanging out with guys
,
Though I am not a fashion freak, I love having an edge in whatever I do, so whatever I wear, there must be something unique about it
,
a lot. Till date, people still see me as a tomboy. I was so much into sports during secondary school days and I won a lot of trophies for my school. My dad even wanted me to do sports professionally. Though I am not a fashion freak, I love having an edge in whatever I do. So, whatever I
wear, there must be something unique about it. I love being funky and crazy when hanging out. I just love to free myself. I don’t care what people say about my dressing. I just want to look the way I feel. I love blinks a lot, jewelries, shoes, clothes,accessories with blinks, I don’t mind using the last money in my pocket to buy anything with blinks. That how I got the name ‘Ivory Blinx’. I am a straightforward person, but from a far you’ll think I’m a mean lady. I feel I am a nice person, very down-to -earth. I hate dirty people and I also don’t like it when people lie and cheat me. It makes me mad. I also can’t stand someone maltreating another person. I love to see people mingle together and share moments together. I love good things and beautiful people. In five years time, I want to see myself going for shows, video shoots and so on. I see myself doing better than I am today. My advice to other aspiring stars is that they shouldn’t lose hope. If they believe in their dreams, they should just work towards it because an opportunity can come at any time.
Hanging Out
Staying In
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isten to Your favorite Song, sometimes belting out the lyrics to a favorite tune makes everything seem all right. If you’re in a public place (that isn’t the opera), just listening can be a quick fix for a bad mood . Classical music can be especially relaxing right before bedtime. Dance to the music! Research suggests people feel less anxious after a few months of modern dance, but if that’s not your style, five minutes of the funky chicken probably works, too. (At the very least, dancing’s a great form of cardio!) Also, do a Crossword Puzzle. Brain games that require lots of concentration and helps take your mind off whatever you are worried.
*Ivory Blinx
P
icture it. You’re at your favorite spot at the beach to stretch out in your hammock. You’re kicking back with a nice iced (or hot, if you’d prefer) drink. But there’s one thing missing: the perfect selection of songs to help you relax, decompress and you know,maybe take a nap too. Crashing waves, warm sand, a gentle breeze ruffling your hair. Well, at least the image is nice. Also,If you’re in a public place (that isn’t the opera), just listening to music can be a quick fix for a bad mood.
SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 14, 2013—19
She told me to give her time
Aunty Julie, I’m immensely in love with a girl. It’s been three years I love her. But she was with another one. She recently broke up with the guy. She said she suffered a lot. I understand her. It’s been two weeks since I proposed to her. She told me to give her sometime. She also said she is not definite that her answer will be yes. What should I do? Wait, though in vain? Nelson, Calabar
Dear Nelson, Love is a beautiful thing. I’m happy for you that you’ve found a girl you love. You said she just broke up with her former love. Well, you must understand that this is a difficult time for her. She’s going through a lot right now. Naturally, she will be scared of loving again. She certainly doesn’t want to suffer another heartbreak. Therefore its expected that she will be extra careful this time. How should you handle this? Be patient. Show that you’re different. Help her recover. Do not try to always get your way. Listen to her even though sometimes she may be too hurt to be 100% rational .
Provide her a shoulder to lean on . Be a true friend . Trust leads to friendship, friendship to admiration, admiration to love. But this takes time especially for a girl who’s been
Love is a beautiful thing. I’m happy for you that you’ve found a girl you love. You said she just broke up with her former love
How do I get her to go out with me? I have been admiring this lady from a distance and we exchanged greetings on the few occasions we met but my heart beats for her. She’s a friend to one of my friends. I’ve only met her a few times but I really like her and she barely knows me. How do I get her to go out with me? Edward, Lagos Dear Edward, You can’t get her to go out
*A woman and her husband interrupted their vacation to go to the dentist. “I want a tooth pulled, and I don’t want no vaccine because I’m in a big hurry,” the woman said. “Just extract the tooth as quickly as possible, and we’ll be on our way.” The dentist was quite impressed. “You’re certainly a courageous woman,” he said. “Which tooth is it?” The woman turned to her husband and said, “Show him your tooth, dear.” * “Harry,” whined Mary, to her husband of 20 years. “What should I do?! I’m not ready for old age! I’m only 40 years old but I look and feel like I’m over 55! My face is all wrinkly, my back is bent over, and my hair is all thinned out.” “Well,” said Harry after looking her up and down, “There is one thing about you that still works as good as new.” “Oh Harry!” said Mary sitting down next to her husband, “you always know just what to say! What are you referring to?” “Never mind” said Harry looking down. “C’mon Harry, please tell me what you were referring to.” “Mary, please don’t make me.” “Harry I insist.” “Well I was going to remark about how your eyesight seems to be working just fine!” *A husband and wife were golfing when suddenly the wife asked, “Honey, if I died, would you get married again?” The husband said, “No sweetie.” The woman said, “I’m sure you would.” So the man said, “Okay, I would” Then the womC M Y K
jilted once. You said you already proposed. Obviously, she didn’t reject your proposal. This suggests that she’s not opposed to the relationship. So, you have a chance here. She told you to be patient? Well, that’s exactly what you should do. If you handle this right, you stand a good chance of winning the heart of the woman you love. I wish you the best.
with you until first you connect with her. When you do and she likes what she sees and hears, she may then choose to go out with you. Even after she begins to like you, you still have to ask her out. How do you connect with her? What approach should you use? Use the approach you consider best in the present circumstances. There’s no limit to the approach you can use to win this girl’s heart. Do what’s best. Get creative or just use the direct approach.
He cannot say what he feels about me Hello Julie, There’s this guy I met. He’s been loving a girl but they seem to be impossible to be because the girl does not like him. Then we met. I think I love him. And people say that it’s obvious that he likes me too. If so, why can’t he tell me? He can easily say this to other girls but he cannot say what he feels to me directly. He’s showing off signs but I don’t know what to do. Should I wait or what? Linda, Lagos Hello Linda It’s good to hear you found someone you love. It’s so sweet to be in love. You say it’s obvious that he likes you, at least people tell you that. And you have reason to believe them because he shows signs that suggest so. The sad part is that he has not told you himself that he loves you. Is it that he simply likes you as a person or that he truly loves you? Likeness is something you feel for someone who displays admirable qualities. You admire the person. You’re impressed with the person’s attitude, behaviour, or disposition. Love is deeper. When you love someone, you desire to live the rest of your life with that person. You don’t ever want to leave his side. When you’re in love, you bubble with excitement. Your lover’s presence turns you on and gets you giggling in an incredibly unexplainable manner. Simply put, it’s difficult to hide it when you’re in love. If your man is in love with you, he can’t help telling you about it. The only exception is if your man is shy or afraid of rejection. In this case, he may postpone telling you for fear of losing your friendship if you don’t feel as strongly about him as he feels about you. However, from your letter above, your man doesn’t strike me as shy or afraid of rejection. You said he easily says this to other girls. That suggest that he is not a shy person. So, wait. How come he openly tells other girls he loves them and at the same time shows you signs that he may be interested in you too? Is he a flirt? Is he a heartbreaker? Is he a player? Does the term, ‘I love you’ mean much to him? Love is wonderful. But love with a player is disastrous.
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rub and kiss his wife. She turns over and says, “I’m sorry, honey. I’ve got a gynecologist appointment tomorrow, and I want to stay fresh.” The husband sadan asked, “Would you let her sleep in our bed?” ly turns over. A few minutes later, he rolls back over And the man replied, “Ya, I guess so.” Then the and taps his wife. “Do you have a dentist appointwife asked, “Would you let her use my golf clubs?” ment, too?” And the husband replied, “No, she’s left handed.” *A woman got married, but her husband was abusive. She got remarried and that husband ran out on her. She got married again and that husband failed in bed. Finally, she put an ad in the paper: “Looking for a man who won’t abuse me, won’t leave me, and won’t fail me in bed.” The next day, the doorbell rings. There is a man with no arms and no legs. “Hello, I saw your ad in the paper,” he says. “Tell me a little about you.” “Well, I have no arms, so I can’t hit you. I have no legs, so I can’t run out on you,” he replies. “How do I know you’re good in bed?” she asks. He says, “I rang the doorbell, didn’t I?” * One man’s marriage has gotten a bit dull, so he asks a friend if he has any ideas on how to add some excitement back to the marriage. “Well,” his friend says, “you can always have an affair.” “I can’t do that! I will always be faithful to her.” the troubled man replies. “If you convince her to let you do it, and then it won’t be cheating.” The man agrees to give it a try. The next time his wife seems to be in a very good mood he shares the idea with her that a new partner would add excitement. “Honey,” his wife says, “that won’t help our marriage. Believe me, I already tried it.”
*A man and his wife shower together. The husband puts his hand on her breast and says, “These are nice, but if they were a bit firmer you could walk around without a bra for me.” Then the husband pats her butt and says, “This is nice, but if it was a bit firmer, you could walk around without panties for me.” The wife turns around to her husband, grabs his groin and says, “This is nice, but if it was a little bigger, I wouldn’t need your brother.”
*Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in. Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: ‘Are you the owner?’ The pharmacist answers yes. Says Jacob: ‘We’re about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?’ Pharmacist: ‘Of course we do.’ Jacob: ‘How about medicine for circulation?’ Pharmacist: ‘All kinds.’ Jacob: ‘Medicine for rheumatism, scoliosis? ‘ Pharmacist: ‘Definitely.’ Jacob: ‘How about Viagra?’ Pharmacist: ‘Of course.’ Jacob: ‘Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?’ Pharmacist: ‘Yes, a large variety. The works.’ Jacob: ‘What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson’s disease?’ Pharmacist: ‘Absolutely.’ Jacob: ‘You sell wheelchairs and walkers?’ Pharmacist: ‘All speeds and sizes.’ Jacob says to the pharmacist: ‘We’d like to register here for * As a couple gets into bed, the husband starts to our wedding gifts, please.’
20—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14 14, 2013 08052201257
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ou feel disappointed when your heart is broken by the man you love. All your dreams come crashing down on you. You may feel like dying. However, a broken heart may be a blessing in disguise. And I’ll explain. You meet a man someplace somehow. You take a liking to him. He smiles at you. You smile back. You start a conversation. You find him interesting. You discover you have a lot in common. You exchange addresses and phone numbers. You start seeing each other frequently. You are enthused. You feel somewhat special when he’s around. You miss him when he’s gone. You fall in love neck deep. You love him. He says he loves you too. He asks you to marry him. You agree. Things move really well between you. All is fine. You invest your whole soul, mind and heart in the relationship. Nothing matters but your man. Suddenly, he calls off the relationship for no sane reason. Why is he doing this to you? Why is he leaving you? What did you do wrong? You don’t get any concrete answers from him. He simply does not want the relationship anymore. This breaks your heart. Years after, you’re still nursing your broken heart. This is usually the story of women with broken heart. There may be slight variations but the story is basically the same. He comes into your life. You’re all excited and happy you have found the ideal man. He raises your hopes. You give him everything you have and more. Then he leaves for
another woman for no valid reason. You’ve just been ditched. It happens all the time. And there are men who do this as a game. They put up a pretense of being in love, get what they want from you, and then move on to the next
A broken heart may be a blessing victim. You are then left to deal with a broken heart. My advice to you is this . . . be happy. Celebrate your freedom. Your broken heart may just be a blessing in disguise. Let me explain. A man who starts a relationship and then jump ship do so because . . . •He is a professional flirt and is in for a one night stand or •He is in the relationship to get something from you. Once he gets what he came for, he disappears or •He is afraid of commitment. When it gets to the commitment part, he develops cold feet and escapes or •He has roving eyes. He can’t take his eyes off other women. So the thought of being ‘stuck’ with just you in a marriage relationship frightens him. Whatever the case, a man who jumps ship is not the kind of man you want to be married to. If a man is not trustworthy and loyal, he will betray your trust eventually, even if you are married with kids. Consider this real life example. Jane had been married to Jeff for several years. They had two kids, five and three years old respectively. All was well, or so she thought. One
Love is a long dance between the sexes. Sometimes it’s rock and roll. Other times, a slow dance. As a couple, like life, you move and change afternoon, Jeff called Jane and said, “I’m leaving”. That was all. At first it sounded like a joke. But he was dead serious. Why was he leaving? He was tired of the relationship. There was no previous quarrel, no previous strain in the relationship. He just was tired of seeing her face. So Jeff left his wife and two kids for another woman. Now Jane is a single parent with two kids to care for on her own.If you ask her, she probably will tell you she would have been happier if he had left her
My husband is sexually boring Ques: I have been married for 26 years but recently, I discovered I am missing a big portion of happiness in my marriage. My husband is a good man and I love him, but I have some huge issues going on at 51 years of age. I consider myself very nice looking but my husband has begun to act like an 80 year old man!!! He doesn’t want to do anything with me ; he wants to stay home all the time and he is also becoming very sexually boring!! I have recently found a great job and it’s wonderful. I have found a wonderful transformation going on in my life. Men pay a lot of attention to me at work! I love it and in fact I have found men literally getting jealous and sort of fighting over me ( and I am a married woman).My problem is I actually love the attention!! My husband ignores me so much and I crave all this attention I am getting. I do love
him but how do I get it across to him that he is in big danger of losing me because of his apathetic behaviour concerning our sexual relationship? Angela, Benin
Ans: Twenty-six years of marriage is a lot to throw away. And since your husband is a good man, as you said, you need to be careful how you handle this. Let’s take a second look at all the attention that you’re getting at work. Men are usually attracted to women. If the woman is beautiful and intelligent, the attraction is stronger. It’s natural for them to crave your attention. It’s also natural for you to crave more male attention, much more than your husband is giving you. Getting all that attention makes you feel like you’re still priceless. It helps your self esteem and inspires in you a sense of worth. Some of the men who are giving you attention and scrambling to be at your side
would eventually ask you out. If you accept, it may grow into a casual relationship. But as you spend more time together, it may grow into a serious relationship. You will begin to compare him with your husband. Remember he’s the one seeking you out. He’s the one desirous of your attention and affection. So, naturally, he will shower you with praises. He will give you gifts. Soon he will seek sexual favours. At first you may not consent. Your conscience is still strong. But as the relationship gets deeper and deeper, you may eventually consent to a kiss. After several rounds of kissing, you may consent to sex. Initially, you will feel guilty about this. But if he’s very strong in bed and your husband continues his apathy towards sex, you may feel justified. You may feel your husband deserves what he gets. Another thing. It will happen again. Thinking about that
during the courtship period. Yes, your broken heart may hurt you. But it will hurt more if your man had got married to you and then abandoned you in the middle of a pregnancy or ill-health. Understand this. Some relationships are just not worth the investment.
If you suffer from a broken heart, take solace in the fact that you’re damn lucky. The man you were staking your life and happiness with was the wrong man for you. It’s a good thing he left. Now you have the experience to evaluate your suitors better and get a man who knows what it means to love, a man who values family, who values you. Sorry about your broken heart. But the truth is, he doesn’t deserve to have your love. The man just right for you is waiting. He is waiting and searching. And believe me, he is just around the corner. Wipe your tears. You are on the verge of finding true love. And one last thing. Don’t rush into a relationship the way you did the last time.
exhilarating sexual encounter would tempt you to do it again. And again. And again. Soon, your conscience will become numb. Your husband and marriage will become less and less important. And you’ll want a divorce. These things happen slowly. But they eventually happen to women who think the way you’re currently thinking. History repeats itself. Man keeps re-writing history. If you skip out of your 26 year marriage because you’re not getting enough attention and enough sex, you won’t be the first to do this. But you may lose what is of most importance to you in the long run. Men are generally good and sweet to women outside possibly because they want to be in their good books and get something from her. On the other hand, many of those same men are harsh and inconsiderate to their own wives. They’re sweet to you now because they seek what you have. Good men are hard to find. You’re lucky to have a good husband. If the problem is his apathy and lack of interest in sex, it’s possible to straighten that out. Work at it.
•Ope, 27, fair, easy going, needs • Dare, 47,Civil servant from Osun State, a God-fearing and caring man from needs a God-fearing lady of 27-46 years for any tribe for a serious relationship a serious relationship on 08164557898 on 08140875559 •Remi, 45, businessman, based in Lagos, •Ibrahim, 35, businessman, based graduate, wants to meet a working class lady in Lagos, needs a Muslim lady of dark, needs a responsible lady for companionship on aged between 30-45 based in Lagos on 25-34 for marriage on 0 8 0 3 4 2 0 6 0 5 4 07061920519 08146375498 •Obafemi, self-employed, 48, wants a matured , financially •Bori, 62,self-employed, from South-West, •Muiba, 28, widow, comfortable lady of 40-45 as wife on 08159068960 Christian, desires a Yoruba lady aged 45-55 needs an honest man who has a child and is also Christian , dark, for a relationship that busty and gainfully employed for marriage Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want can lead to marriage on 08098087971 on 07069128193 •Bright, male, indigene of Rivers State, •Chijioke, 42, Do you want to be linked? wants a nice and caring lady for a serious single, Engineer, Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting relationship that can lead to marriage on to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informabased in Lagos,wants 08067739182 tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for a life partner on •Lanre, 44, self-employed, average height, 08020848114 C M Y K
SATURDAY
Vanguard,DECEMBER 14 14,, 2013—21
Give your marriage a new lease of life !
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aroline is in some very good company. Sharing a marital bed is not as popular as it once was, she said. “I love my husband dearly and the physical attraction between us remains as strong as the day we met. But between his snoring and my fidgeting, we just couldn’t get along while we are sharing a duvet.
Folusho and I met some 15 years ago when he was 45. Like a lot of men in this country, he snores — very loudly, every night, without fail. Then I read of a survey that revealed that more than half of all couples find snoring the most annoying
had for him. “A year later, he managed to woo me back with the promise I could have one or two more. I was delighted because I really loved him — but didn’t feel the same about his snoring. Our first few weeks back together were heaven by day, hell-on-earth by
in icy cold water. I pleaded he should take a few pillows and sleep in the bathroom. He argued that since I was the only one complaining, I was the one who should sleep in the bathroom. So, I took myself off to a cold, tiled floor, next to a
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his morning, I woke up alone again, as I do every morning”, said Caroline, tongue in check. She was trying to make me see the importance of separate bedrooms to some fledgling marriages. She continued: “I nipped down to the kitchen to make a plate of hot buttered toast and brought it back to bed with me with a cup of tea. I switched on the TV, lay back and happily scattered crumbs all over the sheets without feeling guilty. “Ever since my husband and I decided to sleep in separate bedrooms some years ago, our marriage has been happier and more fulfilling than ever — we hadn’t had an argument, nor is our sex life a thing of the past. As I heard him make his way to the kitchen to fetch his own moin-moin and coffee, I smiled as I recalled our ‘date’ in his bedroom yesterday evening, which ended with a good night kiss before I tiptoed back to my own sanctuary!”
habit in bed. For me, sleepless nights became a fact of life. Yet my husband was so lovely in other way that I felt compelled to try to turn a deaf ear to a habit he couldn’t really help. This went on for years until six years ago when we separated. He already had two children from his first marriage and now in his 50s, was adamant he didn’t want more than the only child I
night. Ear plugs, anti-snoring sprays and nasal strips made zero impact. At my insistence he consulted his doctor who told him that his sonorous habit was caused by damage to his septum. On the basis that it would be painful and might not even work, he declined the suggested surgery. “Not long after, we were on holidays abroad, his snoring became so bud that I woke him up and threatened that if he didn’t stop snoring, I would drench him
Intimacy may feel like it’s ‘on tap when you share the same bed, but in my experience, couples who know they can do it any time actually end up doing it very little
many times in the night was driving him insane! And so, five years ago, I moved into the spare room. I go to bed early and read—books, magazines, whatever. I ate biscuits and all sorts of snacks and got crumbs everywhere — a habit Fotusho can’t stand.
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dripping tap! “Once we got home, I told him straight away I wanted to sleep in the spare room and much to my amazement, he greeted the idea warmly. He said he’d been trying to think of a way to tell me that my fidgeting and getting up to the loo so
ight after glorious night, I go to sleep and stay asleep. By contrast, my husband goes to bed very late and watches television with the AC in full force! “Friends say we’re missing out on those spontaneous moments of intimacy and earlymorning nookie. But in reality, people wake up with bad breath and flatulence, not in a romantic embrace! Intimacy may feel like it’s ‘on tap when you share the same bed, but in my experience, couples who know they can do it any time actually end up doing it very little. But when you have separate beds, you make time for each other out of desire, not out of habit. In fact, our sleeping arrangements are so stress-free all round, that I have been recommending it as a fool proof way of reinvigorating a relationship.”
Health Watch: headaches and migraines
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headaches can be resolved without any medication at all,” says Chalmers. “The trick is to work out what’s caused it... When did you last eat or drink? Have you been
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hen to go to the doctor: If you are taking the maximum dose of painkillers regularly to get relief, speak to your doctor. It’s also important to differentiate between headaches and migraines. “The pain pathways are completely different, ” explains Boots Pharmacist Angela Chalmers (Migraines are typically throbbing, “one-sided” head pains, accompanied by light sensitivity and nausea. They are often preceded by fuzzy vision and made worse by movements). “Sumatriptan is a good over-the-counter painkillers for migraines,” she adds. Self-help: “Most
Similarly, keeping a diary can help to identify migraine triggers and avoid attacks. For more information, go to: The Migraine Trust (www.migrainetrust.org .)
Symptoms of DVT include pain, heat, redness and swelling in the calf, all of which should be checked out urgently
at a computer for hours without break? It’s also worth considering an eye test. Often, drinking a big glass of water, or rubbing the temples and neck for five minutes to relieve any tension, is sufficient.”
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Leg health: Faulty veins are the main cause of serious leg problems. “But only half of cases have any visible signs/’ says Professor Mike Whiteley, consultant surgeon and clinical director of the Whitely Clinic. Most worrying are ‘hidden’
varicose veins. Another common—and potentially fata— problem is deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the leg. This is usually caused by inactivity and restricted movement (which is why long flights can be a problem) but family history and obesity are risk factors.
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hen to go to the doctor: Symptoms of DVT include pain, heat, redness and swelling in the calf, all of which should be checked out urgently. “The tell-tale signs for varicose veins are legs that ache when you stand but get better when you sit down/’ explains Professor Whiteley. “You
may also have swelling, itchy skin or red/brow stains in the lower leg and ankles - all caused by blood pooling under the skin. Left untreated, this can result in leg ulcers.” Self-Help: A venous duplex ultrasound scan is a good idea if you suspect hidden varicose veins. Sitting or standing for long periods? Help keep DVT at bay by rocking back and forth on your feet, rotating your ankle and pointing and flexing the feet. For more information, go to: Assess your risk of varicose veins at www.veinsscreening.co.uk.
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Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
mong the (depressingly few) lights that twinkle in the firmament of Nigerian sports, none shone brighter in 2013 than the so-called ‘beautiful game’. Derided by some (predominantly exasperated members of the opposite sex) as the pointless spectacle of 22 grown men pursuing a round leather object, football has nonetheless provided this nation with by far the most positive headlines amongst the slew of otherwise denigrating reports that have typically covered the affairs of the land over the past 50 weeks. So it definitely deserves its place in the sun. It all started right at the beginning of the year; at the tournament where we had not triumphed for 19 years, and leading up to which there had been no compelling evidence that our fortunes were destined for a glorious change. Relatively new coach. Squad comprised of the usual mixture of foreign and home-based professionals (characteristically skewed toward the former), none of whom were particularly setting the world alight at their respective clubs (most of which were decidedly outside the sport’s elite echelon). No exceptional form demonstrated in pre-tournament friendlies played. Under the circumstances, a semifinals berth would have been rated a noteworthy achievement indeed.
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ut there seemed to be an inexplicable wind behind the sails of Ship Naija as it cruised somewhat listlessly through the sedate waters of the group stages before arriving at the treacherous rocks that loomed in its path to harbour – the Yaya Toure/Didier Drogba-inspired Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire, the pre-tournament favourites. A loss would be no means have been a disgrace (it was an African Cup of Nations semi final after all); a draw ... hey, in the lottery of a penalty shootout, who knew what could happen?
A banner year for Joga Bonito But the enigma that is our senior national football team decided to remind their redoubtable West African neighbours of their pedigree in joga bonito. So from kick-off to final whistle, they attacked their startled opponents with an irrepressible ferocity hitherto missing from their previous matches. The Ivoirians never quite recovered their poise; suddenly, against all expectation, we were in the final!
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building’. So perhaps it was no surprise that salvation again came by the hand of perennially underestimated home-based talent. Once again the honour fell to Sunday, but the ultimate glory to the nation. All legal petitions to divorce ‘Super” and ‘Eagles’ were instantly dismissed; to the bemusement of the continent — Nigerians included — after almost two decades of wilderness, we were top dog in Africa again!
Once again the honour fell to Sunday, but the ultimate glory to the nation
And suddenly we had transformed from outside title contender to overwhelming favourite — especially against the less illustrious Burkinabes. It was however an expectation that appeared to weigh too heavily on the shoulders of the 11; the enterprise and endeavour that inspired the semi final heroics unfortunately went AWOL in the face of a spirited challenge from the undaunted underdogs. An upset appeared far from an impossibility. But the moral of Nigeria’s tournament thus far (in view of the semi-final winning strike from home-based Sunday Mba) had been that ‘the stone that was rejected had become the chief cornerstone of the
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We basked in the euphoria of this ‘gift’ for several weeks; after all, it honestly was not the logical outcome of any fundamental administrative or technical reforms that had been previously implemented. But there were other mountains in the soccer landscape to climb, not least of which was the slippery slope of qualification for Brazil 2014 World Cup qualification. And again, we commenced our campaign with a series of indifferent performances at the group level that nonetheless yielded a clutch of wins and draws, seeing us to the top of our table and ensuring progress to the final knockout stage scheduled for the latter part of the year. In the interim, the happy hunting
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y poor knowledge of the sciences notwithstanding, I know about hypothesis.Hypothesis means assuming when facts are not available. What this means is that the only time you are supposed to guess is when you do not have facts, and you cannot get the facts. But Nigerians argue about everything even when the facts are staring at us, and this problem did not start today. Our Head of Department at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Sylvanus Ekwelie, used to tell us in the mid-80s that “only foolish Nigerians argue about facts.” It did not make sense to me then; now it does. Assumption is one of the problems tearing marriages and relationships C M Y K
apart today. One spouse gets a brainwave that the other is no longer giving her the attention he used to. There can only be one reason:he is having an affair. So, what a man can do a woman can also do and even better. Since she assumes that her husband is dating another woman, she decides to date two men. Second scenario, a man runs into his wife having a lunch with male colleagues
manages to come back to his senses, he realises it had all been “sound and fury, signifying nothing.” He has just made a fool of himself. Like in the sciences, there should be no room for assumptions in marriages except where facts are not available . If you have issues or doubts, create the appropriate time and talk them over. Couples who communicate frequently and
If you have issues or doubts, create the appropriate time and talk them over
or clients. She seems to be enjoying their company. He jumps to the conclusion that she is having an affair. When she comes back from work, she is welcomed with a stoneface and then he launches a psychological warfare: he will neither talk to her nor eat her food, and the madness and foolishness can continue for weeks.When he
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nd then back to the last lap of World Cup qualification. Where our unheralded but feisty East African opponents breathed fire and brimstone ahead of the first leg tie in Addis Ababa. And where the bemused African champions somehow managed to extract an unexpected but vital away win through a combination of unglamorous resilience and a hefty slice of good fortune in match officiating. The return leg was touted by all (except the stilldefiant Ethiopians) as a mere formality and indeed was proved to be the case as Nigeria, by virtue of the fixtures schedule, received the accolade of the first African country to qualify for Brazil 2014. With our achievements in virtually every other sport during the year ranging from negligible to non-existent, football carried the pride of the nation on its shoulders and reminded the world (and ourselves) of our formidable potential to challenge for honours in any field of human endeavour, given conducive conditions. Was 2013 a fluke? Are we going to be brought crashing down to reality in the coming year, especially at the ultimate litmus test in South America where the slightest shortcomings are ruthlessly exploited and substitutes for adequate preparation are contraband? We are certainly off to a positive start with our relatively favourable group draw a few days ago. Can we capitalize on that and venture into unchartered territory at the highest level? Only time will tell. beauty of communication is that you know where each person stands even if you disagree. Sometimes assumptions result from information from talebearers. If you choose to run your life and family with information from talebearers, at least do yourself some good by verifying this information before you cry wolf ... .
Assumptions
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ristotle,the legendary Greek philosopher, committed a school boy error, a mistake you do not expect from a renown intellectual. “Aristotle maintained that women have fewer teeth than men; although he married twice, but it never occurred to him to verify this statement by examining his wives’ teeth.” - Bertrand Russell , The Impact of Science on Society . Besides his two wives, Aristotle also had a daughter, Pithias, who was named after his first wife. Aristotle made this mistake based on assumptions when facts were available. Unfortunately, Aristotle’s blunder still plagues us till date.
ground of the biannual World U-17 tournament was available for ploughing; the arena of multiple past conquests the nation had struggled in vain to replicate at senior level. In contrast to the Nations Cup however, the overall technical quality of our youth team’s play was sumptuous; the avalanche of goals a delight to behold; their ultimate triumph expected, realized, and fully deserved. Once again, Nigeria hogged world media headlines for all the right reasons with their unprecedented fifth triumph at the tournament.
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appropriately are more likely to resolve their differences. Couples should also make it a duty to thoroughly understand their spouses. Understanding your spouse is not a one off affair. It actually starts during courtship and continues during marriage because changes happen as time goes on due to age and new experiences. The
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n the run up to their 25th wedding anniversary, a woman dragged her husband before their pastor,and complained that the husband did not love her any more. The man was bemused: “But I take care of all your needs, I fulfil my duties as a husband, what else do you want?” the man blurted out. “So what is the problem, madam,” the pastor asked? “Pastor, the last time he told me ‘I love you’ was during our wedding 25 years ago.” “Is that true, chief,” the pastor asked. “Yes, pastor, but I have not said or done anything to the contrary since then, so the ‘I love you’ I said 25 years ago is still subsisting,” but madam assumed that chief no longer loved her. One of the ways we can take assumptions out of our marriages is by constantly reassuring our spouses in wordsand in deeds. There are spouses who score high in both, some score high in only one while some are just very poor in both. This is dangerous, unhealthy and inimical to your marriage. Spouses need to rid themselves of assumptions. It creates avoidable tension, bitterness and acrimony.
SATURDAY
Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013 —23
(Text Only)
YOGA: What’s in it for you 1. The Tie-Up •Improvesspinal flexibility • Tones up thigh muscles •Massages the digestive system •Cures constipation
Benefits: •Stronger thigh muscles •Firmer inner thighs •Improves upright
2. Triangle
posture
3. The Spinal Twist Sit down with both legs outstretched in front of you. Bending the left knee, place the left heel close to the right buttock. Also bend the r i g h t knee, place the right
foot on the outside of the left thigh close to the left knee. Bring the left hand to clutch the right thigh with the inside of the elbow on the right knee pass the right arm at the back, placing the hand on the left lap close to the waistline. Look over the right shoulder turning the whole trunk
rightward. Benefits: The Spinal Twist helps give flexibility to the spine. Excess fat about dthe waist is reduced and the digestive system is improved. It brings relief to constipation. The Spinal Twist
Yoga Classes STARTED @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays
The Tie-Up
The Triangle
Serious all-round suppleness
IPMAN crises: Delta government warns warring factions BY GAB EJUWA
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HE Delta state government, yesterday handed down a warning to members of the warring factions of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Delta state chapter, found disrupting the prevailing
peace and security of the state to cease or else they would be dealt with decisively. The state government which made this known during a state Security Council meeting at Asaba, charged the different factions of the IPMAN to be law-abiding and embrace peace while
carrying out their daily activities. The State Security Council meeting which was chaired by the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, urged the different factions to abide by the earlier decision of the National Assembly that a caretaker committee should be set up when the
We’ve not sold Modotel Hotel to Ekweremadu — Management BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu
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HE controversy over the ownership of Modotel Hotel, Enugu was has been laid to rest as the hotel manager, Mr. Godswill M a d u a d i c h i e , yesterday, dismissed reports that it had been acquired by the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu. A political interest group, Enugu Salvation Group (ESG) had alleged last Monday that the hotel had been sold to the senator. But speaking with
newsmen, the Hotel manager, Maduadichie said the hotel still belonged to the Second Republic Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, dismissing insinuations that it had been sold. “I can tell you clearly that we have not changed management. I am not aware that the hotel has been sold. The owners of the hotel still relate to us and have not informed us of anything to the contrary,” he said. He said the rumour had been on since two years ago that Ekweremadu had bought the expansive
hotel that has about four high-rise buildings for an undisclosed amount running into several tens of millions, but noted that there’s no truth in it. Also, the younger brother of the former Vice President, Igwe Laz Ekwueme said he was not aware of the purported sale of the hotel. “I’m not aware that the hotel has been sold. I can only tell you of Modotel Owerri which has been sold but for Enugu, am unaware,” the traditional ruler noted.
tenure of the present IPMAN leadership expires in April 2014 and election should be conducted into the body three months after.
The state government warned the different factions that anyone found disrupting the prevailing peace and security of the state will be dealt with
decisively according to the law, adding that various law enforcement agencies in the state have been alerted on the matter.
Ijanikin Kingdom celebrates coronation in grand style BY ALADE AROMASHODU
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EOPLE of Ijanikin Kingdom, friends and well wishers will celebrate the 40 th Coronation Anniversary of Oba (Dr) Momodu Afolabi Ashafa as he clocks 40 years on the throne of his forebearer. Grand finale for the anniversary comes up today at Anglican Primary School, Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos State. Notable dignitaries expected at the venue are: Oba Riliwan Akinolu, the Oba of Lagos (Chairman of occasion); Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Father of the day); His Excellency Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Governor of Lagos State (Special Guest
of Honour);and many more prominent Nigerians. Born in the 40s into the Aladi ruling house of Ijanikin, Oba Momodu Ashafa succeeded his late father, Late Oba Ashafa Oduarise on December 14, 1973. Before his appointment as a paramount ruler of Ijanikin Kingdom, he has served his community and father land as a counsellor at the then Awori/Ajeromi District Council and Badagry Local Government. He also served as a civil defender during the civil war, a traffic warden during the period the country changed driving from left to right as well as a teacher. According to a statement
signed by Adebowale Odunayo, Chairman of the coronation, Oba Momodu Ashafa who is a first class Oba in Lagos State, was in year 2000 conferred with National Honour as Member of the Order of Federal Republic (MFR). The coronation commenced during the week with a praise carnival and thanksgiving Service involving all churches in Ijanikin Kingdom at the Palace of Onijanikin. Other events scheduled for the celebration are: book exhibition/competitions and free medical treatment; conferment of chieftaincy titles on prominent personalities; environmental sanitation; Muslim Jumat prayers and competion of all games.
24—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
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o one wants to feel like a nag. But if you feel that your husband’s interactions with other women are crossing the line, it’s important that you speak with him about respecting your boundaries. Maybe you’re uncomfortable because your husband is texting with his work ‘wife’ a little too often. Maybe he brings pornography into the home, even though you’ve requested that he not. Or maybe, he inappropriately flirts with waitresses or friends, and then calls you a nag for trying to address your concern. Your concerns, no matter what he says, are valid: Emotional affairs are on the rise for both men and women, flirting excessively can deplete the emotional reserves of a marriage, and men’s pornography use is tied to lowered self-esteem in women. If you’ve tried to talk with your husband about your concerns with other women and he’s blown you off, it’s time to set some boundaries on his behaviour. However, your discomfort with other women doesn’t necessarily mean that your husband is behaving inappropriately. If you feel plagued by jealousy regardless of the relationship, or if trusted friends are telling you that you’re overreacting, you may need to do some soul-searching to understand the source of your discomfort. We hear the term “setting boundaries” thrown around a lot and personal boundaries are the limits that a person establishes to identify the words and behaviours that are acceptable in his or her presence, and the consequences that follow when those limits are broken. Unfortunately, we cannot set boundaries for other people. We can only tell other people what our boundaries are, so they will know what will happen when those boundaries are crossed. We can set limits on our exposure to people who are behaving poorly; we can’t change them or make them behave right. If your husband or boyfriend continues to hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable through his inappropriate relationships with other
If you’ve tried to talk with your husband about your concerns with other women and he’s blown you off, it’s time to set some boundaries on his behaviour
Your husband and other women women, you should set boundaries. But remember that setting boundaries doesn’t mean taking away his flirtation, his relationships or his pornography. It means that you need to clearly define for yourself which behaviours are hurtful, and then think through the natural consequences that will follow if he continues to perpetuate
XPERT E S E H T K AS I have been disturbed ever since I caught my father masturbating in the bathroom. I understand it is normal and I do it too. But I can’t get the image out of my head, and as a result, I’m unable to pleasure myself. Will I ever get back to normal? Every person has the right to privacy. What were you doing snooping on him? It is entirely up to you to realise that your life is separate from his and you both have the right to your own space. In time, sense will prevail. I am 37 years old, and my wife is 32. We enjoy
those hurtful behaviours. What you’re doing is identifying boundaries for yourself so he can’t continue to harm you. Only you know the ins and outs of your relationship, and which of your partner’s behaviours are no longer acceptable. There are steps to begin building and communicating your boundaries. These steps hold true for your discomfort with other
women, as well as many other areas of life: *Internally identify the feelings that occur following one of your partner’s behaviours. Name the feeling, and decide whether or not you want to continue feeling that way. If you feel bad about your body and betrayed when your husband watches porn, confess this feeling to yourself. *If you’ve decided that you no longer want to feel betrayed or bad about your body, you’ll need to think through natural consequences for his behaviour. What’s an appropriate response when a person feels betrayed? Is it to walk out of the room? End the relationship? Only you get to decide how to let the natural consequences unfold.
sex twice a week, but I’m not satisfied with the frequency. I’m also addicted to pornography. Is my behaviour normal or is it wrong to want more sex? No addiction is normal. Perhaps if you paid more attention to your wife than to pornography, you’d be on the same page. I am a 28-year-old man. I suffer from diabetes and have been celibate (by choice) for the past one year. Recently, I got engaged to a 25-year-old woman. Will my health problem and abstinence affect my future sex life? Not your celibacy, but diabetes, especially uncontrolled, is a contributor to erectile
* Learn the language. Once you’ve decided how to respond to his problematic behaviour, learn to communicate directly and calmly about the situation. Name the problem behaviour, confess the way you feel, and succinctly explain the natural consequences. For instance, you could say,
“When you watch porn in my home, I feel undervalued. I’m going to stay with my friend until you decide how you want to proceed with this relationship, because I’m not ok with feeling this way anymore.” * Follow through. The last step is the most challenging. Once you’ve communicated the natural consequences to his problem behaviour, it’s important that you follow through.
dysfunction. If a problem arises, visit a sexologist. In fact, take premarital advice. In your column, you always reiterate that it is the art of love-making that matters, and not the shapes and sizes of different body parts. So honestly, does the size of manhood not contribute at all to satisfying a woman? What is the ideal size to derive maximum pleasure? The average length, which is four to six inches; a diameter of one inch can satisfy. You certainly don’t need the giant proportions people imagine.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—25
anozieegole@yahoo.com
Doris Simeon floats beauty parlour D
oris Simeon has joined the league of Nollywood actresses who are seriously pushing their strengths and fortunes into other areas of life aside interpreting scripts. She’s said to have concluded plans to float an all in one beauty parlour she named Davris Beauty Centre. She derived the name after combining the first three letters of her son’s name, David and that of the last three letters of her own name. The beauty parlour which is situated at the business district of Ogba, Lagos, is due to be opened before the end of the year. According to the sultry actress, setting up the beauty parlour is a dream come true. “ I have always had the dream to own a beauty parlour and the opening of this one is nothing more than a dream come true,” she said.
08116759764
Kef ee closes down Branama efee Kitchen BY JULIET EBIRI
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okoroko’ singer, Kefee is reportedly hit by the current economic crisis rocking the country. And insiders say who visited her Maryland, Lagos based restaurant and hangout, Branama Kitchen, which was opened to business barely one year ago is no longer in operation. The food and drink bar which was meant to cater for the culinary needs of people is now permanently under lock and key. It was gathered that weeds have taken over the place. Besides, the songstress, whose marriage to her former producer and manager, Alec Godwin crashed before she later married Teddy Efosa reportedly have also jetted out of the country with her husband.
*Kefee
Beverly Osu, Denrele Edun storm Soweto for Mandela’s burial
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outh Africa is the new destination for world leaders, social crusaders and celebrities who have been influenced by the life and times of the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela. As his remains will be laid to rest tomorrow, ex-BBA The Chase Housemate, Beverly Osu and her OAP friend, Denrele Edun are among Nigerian celebrities who are already in Mandela’s house in Soweto, to pay their last respect to the greatest African that lived. Since his demise, the duo have been showing a deep sense of loss; expressing how much they will miss the late former South African President.
*Doris Simeon
*Beverly Osu
Dr Sid se ow ed! sett tto wed! M
Cento to drop album
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agos based fast rising singer, Innocent Moses, a.k.a, Cento is seriously warming up to make his own impact on the Nigerian music industry as he drops his album in the first quarters of next year. As part of preparations for the album launch, the scintillating singer has released, “Mirizobe”, a single from the expected album. His electrifying stage performances has difstinguished him from other rising singers as he knows his onions when it comes to stage performance. The Abia State born singer said, “ I am not coming into the industry to do what others have done. I am coming to redefine the industry. I will advise my fans to just watch out and see what I have to offer, ”he said.
*Cento
arvin Records seem to have everything going for the label. After its jewel, Tiwa Savage walked down the asile with her beau, Tee Billz last month, another artiste, Dr Sid is due to follow suit. The Pour Champagne” crooner will be saying, “I Do” to his long standing lover, Simi Osomo. They did their introduction penultimate Saturday at Simi’s family house in Ikoyi, Lagos. According to a reliable source who was at the event, it was a star studded event as colleagues from the entertainment sector gathered to spend a good time with Dr Sid and his woman. Iyanya, Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy among others were spotted at the event.
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Ephraim Oseji
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Akpan signs new NYRB contract N
David Moyes to sign Eliaquim Mangala
ew York Red Bulls have signed Andre Akpan to a new deal. The 26-year old striker was out of contract following the 2013 MLS season but has penned a fresh deal with the Red Bulls. Per League and team regulations, terms of the deal were not
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anchester United boss David Moyes has put Porto’s formidable Frenchman Eliaquim Mangala on his Christmas wish-list. Moyes watched the powerful centre-half in action as the Portuguese giants crashed out of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid - and is in the hunt for his £15 million signature. Spies from the Old Trafford giants have been tracking Mangala for months, as Moyes looks for a new leader at the back with Nemanja Vidic, 32, showing signs of wear and central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand, 35, also nearing the end. Mangala, 22, has just broken into the France squad after a nomadic early career that saw him play in Belgium - where he moved as a child - and now Portugal. His physique and talent make him ideal for the Premier League - click here for Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert's scouting report - and Moyes wanted to see how he handled the might of Atletico’s attack. The Scot knows he could do with making a splash in the New Year window - although one snag with Mangala is that he is cup-tied for the Champions League.
Arsenal hoping Wenger signs new contract
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rsenal chiefs are eager for Arsene Wenger to sign a new contract now they have reached the Champions
in Germany to watch Mohamed Salah. Rodgers saw Schalke's Champions League game with FC Basel, according to reports. On show was prime Liverpool target Liverpool boss Mohamed Salah, the Brendan Rodgers was talented Basel winger.
Chelsea push Southampton for Shaw transfer talks
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Chelsea to meet With Nemanja Matic agent in London
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helsea hope to be able to meet with the agent of former midfield player Nemanja Matic this weekend, with the Serb’s representative expected in London to discuss his client’s possible departure from Portuguese giants Benfica when the winter transfer window opens again for business in the new year. The 25-year-old left the west London club for the Portuguese capital in January 2011 as part of the 25 million euros deal that
Schwarzer thrilled with Champions League record
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League Round of 16. Report suggested in October that the Frenchman would put pen to a lucrative deal once the Gunners moved past the group stage, Wednesday night’s 2-0 loss to Napoli did not dent the hopes of Arsenal.
Rodgers made personal check on Mohamed Salah
Southampton eye Julio Cesar in January outhampton may turn to Queens Park Rangers' Brazil international Julio Cesar in answer to a goalkeeping crisis. The Saints will be without first choice Artur Boruc for at least another month because of a hand injury, and his veteran deputy Kelvin Davis will not be available until the New Year. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has been forced to use young Argentine Paulo Gazzaniga for matches against Chelsea and Manchester City.
disclosed. "We are pleased to come to an agreement with Andre," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh.
ark Schwarzer was delighted to be handed his first start in the UEFA Champions League .TheAustralian goalkeeper became the oldest player to debut in Europe’s premier club competition when he started in Chelsea’s 1-0 win.
also saw Brazil international David Luiz join the Blues. Matic had been at Chelsea since August 2009, when he had arrived in the capital from MFK Kosice on a four-year deal for a fee of just £1.5m.
Liverpool keen on Javier Pastore
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iverpool remain keen on PSG midfielder Javier Pastore. The Liverpool Echo says their previously ailing hopes of landing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore on loan have received a boost as he now looks certain to make a temporary switch in January.
helsea are pushing to open talks with Southampton for fullback Luke Shaw. Chelsea are hoping to open talks with Southampton next month regarding a move for 18-year-old left back Shaw. Blues boss Jose Mourinho appears to have been convinced that signing a more
mature left back is unnecessary and that a combination of one more year of Ashley Cole, who will be 33 next week.
Arsenal plan ambitious January bid for Pogba
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rsenal will look to lure Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to the Emirates Stadium in January. The 20 year old has been a huge success since moving to Turin 18 months ago but could apparently be considering leaving Italy due to the growing issue of racist abuse he has received. Juventus are keen to offer the former Man United man a lucrative
new deal but interest from Arsenal could perhaps tempt Pogba into considering his options, especially after he saw his side dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—31
Compiled by
Ephraim Oseji
07032769933
Chelsea eye part-exchange deal for Guarin
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helsea are reportedly considering offering Demba Ba in a swap deal for Inter ’s Fredy Guarin. The Colombian is thought to be i n t e r e s t i n g Manchester United, who are being linked with a •20 million move for the player.
Chelsea have also held talks with the Nerazzurri, and Blues boss Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on bringing the 27-yearold to Stamford Bridge.
Roma lining up •15m bid for Juan Manuel Iturbe
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ellas Verona striker Juan Manuel Iturbe is a reported target of Roma who are willing to offer
•15 million for the player.The conditions between Verona and Iturbe’s parent club Porto would allow his loan move to become permanent at the end of the season for a reported fee of •8 million, however it will take a lot more for another clubs to snap up the Argentinian.
Klinsmann extends USA deal
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ead coach Jurgen Klinsmann has extended his contract to remain in charge of the United States national team until 2018. The former G e r m a n y international, who has a FIFA World Cup winners' medal from his playing days, led
the USA to Brazil 2014 with ease as they topped the final CONCACAF stage by four points from Costa Rica.
Bassong signs on with the club until the Norwich northern summer of
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orwich City c a p t a i n Sebastien Bassong has signed a new two-anda-half-year contract, committing himself to
2016. The 27-year-old Cameroon defender arrived at Carrow Road in August 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur and has since made 47 appearances and scored three goals for the Canaries. Bassong, was voted player of the year by the fans in his first season with the club.
Liverpool target £45m rated Draxler as Gerrard replacement
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iverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been scouting Schalke youngster Julian Draxler with a view to bringing in the German as a long term replacement for veteran Steven Gerrard .The 20 year old is considered one of the hottest prospects in European football and Rodgers was in attendance. The £45m rated
10 players set to move clubs when the transfer window opens in January
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hen the Janu ary transfer window opens, managers will be looking to strengthen their sides and add depth to their squads, but there will also be a lengthy queue of talented players up for grabs. Some of Europe's top players aren't happy with their lot, and are likely to get together with their agents toward the end of December and see if they can get some offers on the table. DIMITAR BERBATOV (Fulham): We told you he wants out last week and his agent confirmed it. Berbatov wants a bigger stage for his last curtain call and - despite good performances in his last two games - still looks set for the exit door. WILFRIED
ZAHA
(Manchester United): He has nailed wild rumours about his extracurricular activities. Now he wants to make the headlines for what he does on the pitch. RAHEEM STERLING (Liverpool): Classy quick and with the odd goal in him. The Liverpool winger needs more football before he is in a position to demand more first-team action at Anfield JULIO CESAR (QPR): He needs to play otherwise he will not be playing for Brazil at the World Cup. Its as simple as that. IVAN RAKITIC (Sevilla): Good player this. A Croatian international, he is 25 years old and is good enough for a top six club. He is able to play behind the striker or deeper into midfield.
Alan Shearer drops management ambitions German international has already racked up 132 club appearances, scoring 26 goals, and has ten national team caps and is sure to be a prominent member of Joachim Low’s 2014 World Cup finals squad.
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ewcastle United legend Alan Shearer has dropped ambitions of returning to management. Shearer was keen to take the job after the Magpies were relegated into the Championship but Mike Ashley did not offer him the chance to do so despite holding talks
EDIN DZEKO (Man City): Big call for the Bosnian striker to make. He wants to play more regularly but he is at a club with the firepower to compete on several fronts this season. D I E U M E R C I MBOKANI (Dinamo Kiev): The powerful Congo striker hasn't been happy with his club's rotation policy for some time.
they have drafted in and experienced replacement to give them some squad depth. ANDER HERRERA (Athletic Bilbao): It would have happened before the deadline had United not made a pig's ear of it. The attacking midfielder has since been saying all the right things about wanting to stay at his club.
ELIAQUIM MANGALA (Porto): Manchester United may need to move quickly on this one as Chelsea like him a great deal - so too do Manchester City. The 22-year-old France international can also play full-back. DIEGO CAPEL (Sporting Lisbon): Liverpool are willing to let Raheem Sterling go out on loan in January but only once
Liverpool prepare offer for West Ham dynamo Diame
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iverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is eyeing West Ham United midfielder Momo Diame. The Liverpool Echo says Diame has emerged as a surprise January target. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring the 26-year-old to Anfield as he looks to add more steel to his midfield, and sees Diame as capable of filling that void.
32—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
Stories by IYABO AINA
Celebrities pay tribute to Mandela T BY IYABO AINA
Nicole Sc her zinger Scher herzinger to per perfform at Nelson Mandela’s funeral
he man who famously and bravely led South Africa out of apartheid after spending 27 years in prison haspassed on , and many celebrities took to Twitter and other social network to pay tributes to him .
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Lindsay Lohan
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indsay Dee Lohan who was born in New York City on 2 July 1986 to Dina Lohan and Michael Lohan began her career at age three as a model at the Eileen Ford Agency, and made appearances in over 60 television commercials, including spots for The Gap, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s and JellO . She was hand-picked by Oscar-nominated writer Nancy Meyers as estranged twin sisters in an adaptation by Walt Disney Pictures of a novel which marked Meyers’ directorial debut. The songstress recently expressed her feelings towards the death of Mandela as she tweeted “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable c o m b i n a t i o n . ” #RIPNelsonMandela
Lindsay Lohan
Janelle Monae
opular American singer, songwriter and television personality Nicole Scherzinger will be performing at the funeral of South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela . According to the former Pussycat Dolls star report , Nicole claimed to have met Mandela’s daughters Zindzi and Zenani at the Mandarin Hotel in London a day after the 95-year-old passed away. “During the chat Nicole had with the daughters , it was mentioned she should sing at his funeral, or at least be a very prominent guest.” A source said. We also learnt that Nicole launched into an impromptu musical tribute to Mandela at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards last week, having just heard the news of his death.
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anelle Monáe Robinson, known as Janelle Monáe, is an American R&B and soul musician, composer and record producer signed to Wonderland Art Society and Bad Boy Records . Janelle paid her tribute to Mandela saying ‘’ Mandela is one of the most important and greatest individuals to walk on this Earth. He walked the walk. He was for the people ‘’.
Janelle Monáe
Jay Z
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ay Z took his ‘Magna Carter Holy Grail Tour ’ to Staples Center in Los Angeles, where he dedicated his set-closing “Young Forever ” to the anti-apartheid South African leader who endured a 27-year prison sentence before becoming the first democratically elected black president in his country. “We want to dedicate this song to Nelson Mandela. Great man, who spent 27 years in prison, came out to be president. Let that great man stand as an example of what you can do,” he encouraged the crowd. Jay Z
Nicole Scherzinger
VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013—33 make First Katalyst Marketing unique. I strongly believe that if you stand out in the crowd, clients will seek you out. So, I decided to
Wearing dreadlocks stands me out — Odedina
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is dreadlocks portray a young creative dude just as an encounter with him will reveal his shrewdness in strategic marketing communications. Soji Odedina, the Managing Director, First Katalyst Marketing Communication in this interview with Saturday Vanguard discloses how he persevered these long years of struggle and his eventual success in the industry. Excerpts
ate today, 50% of them don’t want to work for anyone. Look at the online transaction platforms like Konga.com, Jumia.com. These young men and women came together looking for opportunities around this clime.
Soji Odedina
BY OLAYINKA AJAYI My humble beginning My sojourn into marketing communications started more than twenty years ago as a Journalist with the African Concord magazine. I was a proof reader and also a Sports Reporter under Soji Omotunde, the Editor and Lewis Obi, Editor-in-Chief. My friends back at the university like Tunji Olugbodi, Folabi Sorunke were already doing well in Advertising. Then, an opportunity to work with the highly respected Taiwo Alimi in his PR agency came up and I joined him as Media/ Marketing Manager. We worked on so many big accounts for two years like Unic Insurance, the UNDP, the Federal Government and so on. I later joined Chris Ogbeche who owned the first BTL agency in Nigeria. I was C M Y K
part of the Benson and Hedges “Loud in Lagos” and “Kicking in Kano” concerts and it was the biggest initiative in Africa and no concert has been able to match those ones since then. I spent close to 10 years in that agency, before I joined 141 Worldwide where I served as the Clients Service Director for six years. Everything I know about marketing communications today was learnt from Chris Ogbeche, a man I respect so much in the industry. My last boss Lolu Akinwunmi also infused in me that integrity does not make you poor.
Wearing dreadlocks as a CEO My dreadlocks are just in sympathy with this young generation because I feel for them. Before I could navigate my way to where
I am today, it took me a while. Part of what I want to do is to bridge the gap of success for the younger generation through mentoring and advocacy to shorten the distance to success. I have absolute
In showbiz, we are ruling Africa. Many thanks to Kenny and D-one. It takes the ingenuity of these young guys to deliver what millions of Naira could not achieve through public relations. Look at our movies as well. The new generation is charting a new path for themselves. I have nothing but respect for this generation and in solidarity, I wear this dread. The challenges encoun-
If you have a very good product, support will come. I am fortunate to have a good partner and credible men who have done well in their different vocations on the board of the agency respect for the younger generation who are still
hustling to succeed inspite of the challenges in our environment. If you see 100 fresh gradu-
tered setting up my organisation The first challenge I had setting it up was how to
do what will be different from other agencies. The second major challenge as a starter was cash-flow. It may surprise you to know that most Nigerian banks do not do business with start-ups. Many people are willing to set up businesses but they don’t have a clue as to what it takes to run businesses. It requires courage to open a shop and the first step is to identify what stands you out in the face of very stiff competition, otherwise you will be doing everything your competitors are doing which could result to a “me too” proposition. Conquering challenges Like I said earlier, if you have a very good product, support will come. I am fortunate to have a good partner and credible men who have done well in their different vocations on the board of the agency. Having been in the industry for quite sometime, genuine friendship based on trust has been key to our early successes. Sourcing for clients despite stiff competition Without necessarily blowing our trumpet, First Katalyst is one of the fastest growing agencies around. We have acquired eight top clients within our first full year of operations.Our clients respect us due to the different work we are doing. Getting into strategic marketing communications I have always wanted to do something different. I am not a creative person in the strict sense of that word. I am about the only brand strategist wearing dreadlocks in Nigeria. The point is that as a strategist, anywhere I go, I tend to stand out. I get into government houses and I get noticed quickly due to my dreadlocks. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been accepted in business meetings and church services due to my dreadlocks but now, the acceptance is unimaginable. Everything is changing, including how we dress, the music we listen to and our youths are driving the change. Lessons life has taught me
Life has taught me to be patient and to persevere. I have realised there is no perfect system in the world. Most people are in a hurry to make it. In our industry, you see them jump from one agency to another looking for the perfect agency. While working with Taiwo Alimi, I launched a book for Prince Tony Momoh with the title “Each Man his Time”. It was a biography for his father. The lesson in the book is that everyone would have his day in court as they say, with focus and belief in God. So many people running businesses in Nigeria are half baked, they need to learn the rudiment of the business.
34—SATURDAY
Vanguard, DECEM BER 14, 2013
08056180112
Cleanse and detoxify your body the natural way vides a beneficial dose of “good” bacteria also referred to as probiotics. Probiotics are especially important in supporting a healthy digestive tract. Our intestines house trillions of bacteria which play a role in not only digestion, but also supporting immunity. Without these beneficial floras our digestive processes may be compromised and gas, bloating, and/or constipation could result.
A
RE you feeling sluggish or sickly? Is your body struggling with skin problems and aches? Do you always feel pains and experience digestive problems? Or perhaps you cannot seem to lose weight no matter how much you try? It might be time for a complete internal cleansing and body detoxification!Detoxification is about resting, cleaning and nourishing the body from the inside out. It is the process of removing and eliminating toxins, and then feeding the body with healthy nutrients. Regular detoxifying can help protect from disease and renew ability to maintain optimum health. How it works Basically, detoxification is all about cleaning the blood. This is done by removing impurities in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph and skin. However, when this system is compromised, impurities aren’t properly filtered and every cell in the body is adversely affected. Nature’s detoxificants he natural process has proved to be the best approach. Utilising cleansing foods and herbs into the diet for a few weeks, is a effective means of aiming for the recommended serving size each time. You should start feeling cleaner in before long. Try the following foods. The more eaten, the better the results.
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Radishes Similar to other bitters, rad-
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•The right diet to detoxify your body
onstipation can lead to a build-up of toxic wastes in the intestines and bloodstream, possibly increasing one’s risk for cancer. Adding sauerkraut to your diet will ensure your intestines are armed with probiotics to sup-
ishes help increase the flow of bile,helping to maintain a healthy gallbladder and liver and improve the digestive process. It’s to cleanse the pallet and aid in the digestion of the meal. Add half a cup of thinly sliced radishes to your salad greens for an added crunch or as healthy s n a c k . Turmeric This ginger-like root has special medicinal properties and recent studies have confirmed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body, and its ability to assist the liver in the proper detoxification of harmful compounds. The goal of a detoxification programme should be to support the organs of elimination as well as provide the body with a variety of antioxidants from nourishing foods to counter any freeradical damage that has done insult to our cells.One
Consider juicing the greens... tablespoon of powder is all you need.
port optimal digestion and elimination.
Lemons Many underestimate the ability of lemons to support healthy digestion and elimination. Some herbalists and nutritionists suspect that it’s the tart taste of lemon that promotes bile flow to aid in the digestive process. Lemon and lime peels also act as an antioxidant thought to support detoxification. Incorporate by adding some fresh-squeezed lemon juice to water or throw in some zest to your cooking.
Garlic Garlic boosts immunity and protects the heart, but its sulfur-containing compounds also play a role in supporting detoxification. The liver is usually in charge of neutralizing toxins with sulfur until it’s excreted (in a process called sulfation).Adding more sulfur-rich foods like garlic to diet will enhance this process. Aim for two to three cloves per meal.
Cilantro The seed of the cilantro plant is known as coriander. Both seed and plant possess healthpromoting qualities. While the seed can aid in digestion and help maintain normal cholesterol levels, the leaves are known to aid in the detoxification of certain heavy metals (like mercury and lead) that can accumulate in the body. Sauerkraut This fermented cabbage pro-
Artichokes The edible portions (base of the outer leaves and the heart) have long been eaten to support liver health. Artichokes “have a choleretic effect, meaning they promote the flow of bile and fat to and from the liver.” The role of bile is to emulsify fats and carry toxins and waste from the liver into the small intestine. Try adding one medium artichoke to your next salad.
Flaxseeds Packed full of nutrients that can help facilitate internal cleansing,this little seed is particularly loaded with fibre, a nutrient that most healthcare practitioners would argue is essential to fending off many diseases. And flaxseeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which can help facilitate healthy bowel movements and prevent the reabsorption of cholesterol from the colon. Try adding a few tablespoons to morning yogurt or oatmeal. Apples An apple a day keeps the doctor way. Apples are a healthy fruit to consume yearround, but especially beneficial during a cleansing diet. Apples are full of fibre, and especially pectin, a type of fibre that can help promote regularity helping to cleanse the intestinal tract, ridding it of any accumulated toxins and food particles that may remain undigested. Beets These earthy roots, whether enjoyed roasted, steamed or boiled,contain plant pigments that are believed to have antioxidant and liver-supporting abilities. While the beetroot may be the most commonly consumed part of the plant, the greens of the beet also pack a nutritional punch of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consider juicing the greens — instead of tossing them — for extra added detox benefits Broccoli This member of the crucifer family is touted as being among the healthiest foods to consume. When crucifers are digested it releases a nutrient that is known to possess properties that help detoxify the “bad” estrogens that accumulate in the body. Too much of bad estrogens and not enough of the good ones could lead to major health issues, including weight gain, PMS and possibly cancer. So, eat your broccoli daily! Asparagus Think of this vegetable as a natural water pill, complete with dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and free-radical fighting and liver-protecting antioxidants. “Flushing out excess water and sodium can be beneficial during a short-term cleansing regime.. A half cup cooked asparagus will do you good.
SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA
Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—35
My conversation with my friends that evening got me thinking all through the night about my friendship with Tony. Why hasn’t he made a move on me? Could it be he doesn’t fancy me for a lover or what?
First Night in Dublin
BY PRISCA SAM-DURU “Good afternoon sir”, I greeted the tall lanky man as he made his way to his office. “Good afternoon nne, but that sir is too much, just call me Victor, what about you?” “Sir, I’m Cecilia”. “Such a sweet name, oh! Ceecee, please come over and sit down.. em...Joy, go get her a bottle of soft drink or Ceecee m, would you prefer beer?” “Oh no sir, soft drink is okay”. “Joy you heard her, hurry up with that”, Victor said with so much excitement. “Em..this is a spare parts shop, are you sure you’re in the right place? “Well sir, I...” “I said just Victor... relax okay?” “Thank you sir, sorry sir, I mean Victor. Yes, I know, I’m from Security Life Assurance and I..” “Just how much do I need to put in” he interrupted still smiling. “I know you’d get commission for getting a new client besides, a pretty girl like you can never go empty handed”. That encounter marked the beginning of my intimacy with Victor. He became a part of me as well as one of my richest clients. In fact, his likes did me much good during my Youth Service. We wedded in Lagos and I was disappointed that my childhood friend Tony missed out of the celebration. 5 months later, a relative informed me that Tony had travelled out of the country. We never spoke or heard about each other again. On settling down with Victor, I discovered he wasn’t as rich as he flaunted himself to be. He had enough actually but was extravagant in spending. Friends and strangers had swell times whenever he went to his usual joint. Most often, he came home drunk. Of all his short comings, Victor didn’t seem to me like a womaniser and that was a sort of relief because, I dreaded contracting HIV. “Honey, why not put off the TV so you’d have enough sleep... you know
our appointment with the doctor is for 7.30am”. “Don’t bother about me go ahead I’ll be fine. Besides, I’m not cut out yet for those useless checkups” “Honey”, I called with tears in my eyes. “It breaks my heart that you seem unperturbed about our...” “You talk as if our condition is worst than that of everyone in the entire universe”, Victor said, feeling less concerned. “I can’t believe you said that. This is four years of marriage without a child. Mama is at the village, planning a second wife for you and here you are, watching television. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t your idea in the first place.” Suddenly, Victor sprang unto his feet and rushed towards me like an angry lion. “Go to sleep woman, now! or I’ll be forced to do something catastrophic.” My husband did something more than catastrophic that moment because I woke up in the hospital the next day as a result of just one blow on my neck. That wasn’t the first time Victor beat me up and each time I reported him to my mother, she begged me to endure and counseled me on how to show him more love, that way, according to her, he’d change. I made sure I did my best, just to show Victor that I was the best woman for him yet the battering continued. I couldn’t muster courage to go to any Non Governmental Organisation that handled violence against women for fear of what our people especially my mother-in-law would say. Victor turned out to be a monster. He was the exact opposite of Tony whom I missed so much at that trying period. If only he was around, his counsel would have made the difference. Tony was such a rare companion that right from age 3, and perhaps, before then, we stuck with each other as though, life would cease if we stopped being friends. We attended the Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools in Festac Town, Lagos and spent every moment together. Although, Tony was smarter, I was somehow, brighter than him in
terms of academics. Yet, we covered up for each other. Fate continued to smile on us as we graduated from Primary school and were posted to Ojo Government College , Lagos. At first, our classmates thought we were cousins because we were so attached to each other that we couldn’t have another relationship. But on discovering we were just friends, they became jealous and hated Tony especially, for acting like the dog in a manger. We were however, heart broken when I gained admission into the University of Calabar while Tony spent almost 3 years, struggling to get into any higher institution. Although he visited me as often as he could, there existed huge distance between us. Whenever there was holiday, I made sure we had precious moments together. My friends on campus accused me of being a pretender with regard to the type of relationship I had with Tony. They swore I lied when I confided in the three of them that I was still a virgin. “That’s the whitest lie I’ve heard in my entire life”, Uju said. “You think we’re so stupid as to believe that a friend of almost 20 years hasn’t...”, “hey, that’s okay” I cut her short. “Tony is not like that. I’m telling you that he has never even kissed me before. The closest he’s done is to give me a hug and of course, a peck.” “There you go girl” Vera said with disbelief written all over her face. “For crying out loud babe, this guy passes the night in your room whenever he visits and you claim he...okay, hold it there, what do you guys do at night?” My conversation with my friends that evening got me thinking all through the night about my friendship with Tony. Why hasn’t he made a move on me? Could it be he doesn’t fancy me for a lover or what?. Anyway, I refused to confront him on the issue since I was bent on remaining intact for whoever turned out to be my husband. I however, secretly wished it was Tony. Sometime in our10th year in marriage which remained childless still,
we had an argument and Victor sent me on another admission to the intensive Care Unit of the usual hospital he took me to and it took me two weeks to get back on my feet. He bought me a new Jeep and promised never to beat me again. I never waited for that promise to be kept. I left him for good when he least expected. Few months later, I bumped into an old acquaintance of Tony who told me so much about how he fared in Dublin. Surprisingly, Tony called me and sympathised with me. “What about a visit to Dublin”... Oh sorry just for a week or two if you want...and hey, that’s for old times sake...ok? I listened with tears of joy in my eyes. Disturbed by my silence, Tony explained that he suggested the trip only to enable me get over my break up with Victor. To that I agreed and was overjoyed when I was granted six months visa after I submitted necessary documents to the British embassy. I arrived Dublin and Tony was unable to hold his excitement on seeing me right there at the airport. I marveled at the transformation that had taken place in his life. He appeared more handsome than I knew him. I hardly settled down that first night, when his actions proved he had waited so long to have me. He accused me of dumping him for someone else while I accused him of never asking. It was unbelievable that Tony was not married after all those years. What or who was he waiting for? The supposed one week trip dragged on and about a month later, I took ill and Tony took me to a hospital were I was instructed to conduct some tests. I did and results showed I was few weeks pregnant. It was unbelievable. “After 10 years with Victor who was certified okay to procreate?. My God, what is happening?” I asked unsure whether the doctor was right. Alas, he was right as my baby girl arrived seven months after Tony and I went to the registry. About a year and two months later, my baby boy followed.
36—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
Weekend Treat Note: Banga soup is a Nigerian soup that is peculiar to the Southern parts of Nigeria. It is similar to the Igbo’s Ofe akwu , but the additional spices used for preparing banga soup, makes it special in taste and aroma.
08111813025
How stardom changed m myy eating culture
Banga soup with garri
—Dakolo
By Aderonke Adeyeri
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inner of 2007 West Afri ca Idol,Timi Dakolo is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. The handsome dude from Bayelsa State expresses how stardom changed his healthy eating habit. Enjoy: As a celebrity, what has changed in your eating culture? Over the years I was used to eating all kinds of food but now, my eating habit changed for the better. I was financially incapacitated and that caused a setback in my lifestyle. But I thank God because I can now afford healthier and balanced meals. What is your best meal? My best food is delicious Garri and Banga soup. Banga soup is a special delicacy to the Niger Delta indigenes.
What pranks did you play to get your favourite food? I was a bit mischievous as a child. I was trained by my grandmother and so playing pranks was easy to come by. I still play little pranks on my wife. And I tease my lovely wife to cook Banga soup for me.
Recipe
Palm fruits (Banga) Assorted meat Dry fish Salt Seasoning Dry pepper Ataiko Iregeje Grounded melon Chopped okro Crayfish Palm oil Garri
Can you prepare Banga soup? Of course. I like to eat food and that is why I made myself available in the kitchen.
Preparation
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Your best fruit? I take banana every day. How do you exercise? I go to the gym.
*Timi Dakolo
HEALTHY TIPS
What can
M
meat do for you?
any people enjoy eating meat but wonder if it’s healthy. Some people think that meat is unhealthy while others think red meat is nutritious. However these few tips will help determine your opinion.
Zinc
Meat is very rich in zinc. Having meat less than twice a week can result in zinc deficiencies. Zinc is particularly important for healthy skin and a healthy immune system.
Iron
Meat is an essential source of iron which is vital to good health as well as preventing conditions such as anemia. Meat contains more iron than most food and it is more easily utilised by the body than from vegetable sources. Elderly people, pregnant women, children and those recovering from surgery could all benefit from increased iron intake. Iron helps to generate red blood cells, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Vitamins
Meat is also a good source of other vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and selenium.
Protein
Meat is a major source of protein, which is needed for muscle and organ health. The protein found in meat is the best because it contains all the amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. It is essential for the body’s repair and renewal as well as general health. C M Y K
ash, season and boil your assorted meat.Use a mortar and pestle and pound until all the flesh leaves the fruit, exposing the shell of the nut. With boiling water and a sieve, squeeze the mash to extract the juice and rinse all the juice into a pot. Make sure no strands or particles of the palm fruit gets into the juice in the pot. Add a little water and boil for about 20 minutes . Add your salt, pepper, seasoning, crayfish and ground ataiko and iregeje and leave to boil. Add the cooked meat, dry fish, grounded melon and chopped okra for thickening. Boil for some minutes and your hot pot of banga soup is ready. To prepare the garri is simple. Dissolve the starch in water and put the dissolved starch in a pot, add very little palm oil and put on the fire. Stir until it begins to thicken. Enjoy.
TummyZone4kid&Teen
Keep yyour our cchild hild healthy for the holida holidayy
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he hustle and bustle of the hol iday can make your child worn out. Your child may end up on the sick bed if you do not take the time to take proper care of him. Here are some tips to guide you for the holidays. Get adequate sleep. Even if your child’s nap is interrupted by guests , maintain a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Ensure you give healthy, nutritious foods to your child and avoid getting into the fast-food routine because you are on holidays. Take high potency multivitamin if you are not already doing so. You may need to take extra vitamin to help boost your immune system. Avoid giving your child much chocolate, instead try some home made snacks and drinks.
Streamline your shopping with kids. Use the internet or mail-order catalogs. Shopping from home will save your kid’s energy. In addition, you will avoid crowded stores packed with all types of germs. Ensure your child keeps up your routine exercise program.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013 — 37
By ANOZIE EGOLE
What lessons to learn from
Nelson Mandela!
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ince his demise last week, the world has not stopped to eulogise the virtues of former South African President, Nelson Mandela for the sacrifices he made for the freedom of his people and his devotion to humanity. While he lived, Mandela inspired countless individuals not only in South Africa, but also, across the world. Our reporter samples the opinions of Nigerian entertainers in respect of what lessons the world would learn from Mandela’s life and times.
Mandela was an inspiration to the world
He taught me the act of humility —- Mariam Elisha
— Beverly Osu
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n fact, he was an inspiration to the world. He was a man with a brave heart and mind. We all commended his accomplishments in life. It is always good to be humble and also, good to do what you know how to do best. We are really going to miss him so much.
*Beverly
andela lived a worthy life of emulation. Other African leaders and the world at large should learn from his selfless service to humanity. Even when his tenure as South Africa’s first black President expired, he willingly stepped down unlike most African leaders who would want to die in power. His life taught me how to be humble and nice to people.
Mandela was the second Jesus Christ—-Mr. Ibu
T
he death of Nelson Mandela has created a vacuum in the soul of Africa. Nobody has achieved what Mandela accomplished in his lifetime. We pray that he finds peace in the bosom of the Lord. He was not just an ordinary man, he suffered for his people. He fought for everybody in Africa. In fact, I am beginning to see him as
*Mariam
He was a great man —Triple Tee
H
e was a great man. A man who fought for the freedom of his country. He was instrumental to the emergence of democracy in South Africa. In fact, he was a legend. He was one of my mentors. He went through many things to make South Africa what it is today. He taught me how to be humble and discipline. He also taught me how to follow my mind.
the second Jesus Christ. He should be exalted after Jesus Christ because he suffered for the people.
*Mr. Ibu
He was the last moral authority from Africa
He was many persons in one
His death unites the whole world
To me, Nelson Mandela was the last moral authority Africa gave to the world. The world will not have any other person like him.
e was a great man, a symbol of freedom as far as the world is concerned. He fought for the freedom of South Africa. He was many persons in one. I don’t know if anybody can spend 27 years in jail and still come out alive even when there were attempts to kill him. I urge our leaders to emulate his virtues. I have learnt to be selfless as well as to put my feet down in defence of my rights. In all, I have learnt how to achieve greatness. There are so many things to learn from him.
H
H an African man. He really
— Charles Novia
*Charles C M Y K
— Nkem Ike
—- Shirley Igwe
e lived a life of
*Shirley
fought for what he believed in. We should learn to fight for what we believe in. We should learn to fight for our country in particular and the continent in general. His death unites the whole world because Presidents of different countries of the world came together in honour of the great man.
*Nkem
38—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
Nollywood star s who romanced •Maheeda
•Tonto
controversy in 2013 of the 1one percent”
tives. Her life is a drama filled with many intrigues.
•Jim Iyke
•Funke Akindele
BY KEHINDE AJOSE
W
hile some enter tainers have managed to stay away from anything that will diminish their star appeal , many others consciously or unconsciously rumba with controversy thereby reducing their brand worth and public perception. In no particular order, here are the top Nigerian stars who were involved in one controversy or the other in 2013. *TONTO DIKE Perhaps, if a poll is con ducted today, Tonto as she is fondly called by fans will emerge the most-talked about actress of this generation. During the year C M Y K
under review, the actress who is hungry to make a name for herself in the Nigerian music terrain was given the opportunity to perform on stage at Iyanya’s London concert . Miss Dike foot stepped on her long dress and fell flat. In the picture taken at the event that went viral, her cleavage could be seen popping out. Insiders alleged that the fall was as a result of her being drunk before mounting the stage to perform. We won’t also forget in a hurry the jab she threw at her colleague, Mercy Johnson on Twitter saying her husband sent her back to acting after two months of giving birth to baby Purity to hustle. Throughout the year, Tonto faced one controversy or the other. But one thing that cannot be taken away from her is that she has a big heart as she has been part of several philanthropic initia-
*BEVERLY OSU The popular video vixen who recently clinched an endorsement deal with prestige cosmetics generated major controversy when video clips of her having sex with Angelo her fellow house mate during BBA The Chase hit the internet. Both parties denied they didn’t not have sex with each other. When asked about the bathtub session she had with Angelo in an interview, she said:”I’ will say nothing happened between me and Angelo “ *JIM IYKE When the video and pic tures showing talented actor, Jim Iyke undergoing deliverance at Synagogue Church of All Nations hit the internet, the ‘Deliverance’ session generated a lot of mixed-reactions. Afrocandy, controversial porn actress joined in the debate. She said Jim Iyke took his stunt to the altar. The revered Nollywood actor Segun Arinze had doubts about the authenticity of the video. In his purported Blackberry message, he said “Jim Iyke’s deliverance video at the Synagogue trending looks too contrived. It’s a big embarrassment. Has anyone ever seen demons come out live and speak? “. In his reaction, Jim Iyke said :”Celebs wake on wet pillows with fat accounts, behind Versace shades .Christ made me part
*FUNKE AKINDELE When news broke out that Funke Akindele and her husband Kehinde “Almaroof ” Oloyede have parted ways, a lot of people expressed dismay. It started as a little spark that became an inferno making major headlines and becoming blog posts. Her husband made the announcement via facebook which many found difficult to believe because their union was just a year old. The Jenifa star halted speculations when she confirmed that she’s actually separated from her husband Kehinde “Almaroof ” Oloyede. Funke therefore joined the leagues of celebrities who have troubled marriages.
*MAHEEDA That the social media is filled with Maheeda’s raunchy pictures is not a news. What is amazing is her taste for garnering public attention. The self acclaimed ‘Gospel artiste’ showed her fans the other side of her life when she started sharing her nude and semi-nude pictures with the public to the point that she was blocked on Instargram. Apparently because she’s been violating the social network’s policy. Maheeda didn’t restrain herself from firing shots at Charles Novia after the film producer said, the singer was suffering from early stages of bi-polarism. According to her:”Charles Novia is just an attention seeker like me! But he is so much of a hypocrite to admit his! “
Maku charges new NFC board members, others on film development
T
he Bo ard of the Ni ge ria Fil m Co rpo ra tion (NFC), inaugurated las t week has been charged to do its best in ensuring tha t Nigeria sustains its position in the frontline of me dia development especially film, in Africa. Minister of Information, Lab aran Maku, gave this charge in Abuja while also inaugurating the Boards of the National Broadcasting Co News Agency of Nigeria (N mmission (NBC) and the AN Maku said that Nigeria mu ). ume of film produced ann st not only lead in the volthat the quality of films me ually but must also ensure et Nollywood, Maku said, hasinternational standards. brand that has positively pro become an international telling the African story to jected Nigeria, as well as Film Corporation Board, Ma the world. The Nigerian to assist the Management ofku further said, is expected and implementable ideas thathe Corporation with new reforms being undertaken t will par with the various to strengthen the film sector of the nation’s economy. The Nigerian Film Corporat veteran artiste, Chief Bong ion Board is chaired by are Sani Danja, a Kannyw os Ikwue. Other members Wada Masu, Hon. Bright ood (Filmmaker) ,Mallam Ogechi Njoku-Onyekwu. Chinedu Nnebedum and Federal Ministries of Inform Representatives of the ation and Education are also members. The Nigerian Tel represented on the Board. evision Authority is also
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—39
Mike Ezuruonye at war with Teco Benson N
JULIET EBIRIM
ollywood golden boy, Mike Ezuruonye is currently at loggerheads with popular film producer and director, Teco Benson. The two Nollywood giants fell apart because the former allegedly abandoned the set of the latter’s new film titled, ‘Centrifugal Force’, causing a delay in the completion of the production. But in a swift reaction, Ezuruonye who has been one of the top actors in the country in the last few years claimed that he left the set because he was ill and needed to take care of himself. However, Teco said, the handsome actor has refused to return to set. Irked by Mike’s action, the popular director reportedly described Ezuruonye’s action as ‘unprofessional’, insisting that his absence has caused him loss of money
as he had to pay for equipment and props he could not utilize. According to Teco Benson, “Right now, we have some hiccups in the production (Centrifugal Force), because of the unprofessional conduct by one of the guys playing a lead role. So, we are just waiting to tidy up so that we can release it…” Meanwhile the Abia born actor, Mike, has replied Teco, refuting the fact that he deliberately absconded from the set.“That’s a big, fat lie. Nothing like that happened. I was ill and had blisters on my mouth. When they are ready to shoot, they will shoot. But the truth is just that they’ve not been able to get everybody to shoot. I don’t have any problem with them. In fact, my manager has been talking to Teco,”, he said.
*Mike
Oby Edozien, remembers late hubby Elvis Chuks, others
Stella Damasus
S
*Stella
ultry actress, Stella Damasus was re cently in a sad mood. She remembered her late hubby, Mr Jaiye Aboderin who died of heart attack in 2004. Aboderin passed away after a sudden heart attack during a basketball session with friends on the 3rd of December, 2004.As a widow, Stella has made it a yearly ritual to pay tribute to her deceased hubby and has encouraged fans to do the same reminding them all of Aboderin stood for, while he lived. Paying tribute to her late hubby, the actress wrote on her facebook page, “My late husband passed away exactly nine years ago and it still feels like yesterday. Time never heals wounds, it just makes it lighter to carry. As I remember Jay today, I ask you all to please remember him in your prayers. He left a huge legacy in our hearts and in his children. My love for him can never die, it can only grow stronger. Rest well Jay..” Meanwhile, Stella was accused of being responsible for her husband’s death. But since his demise, she has remarried severally.
shine at HomeVida 2013 …win N1m each
O
*Oby Edozien
by Edozien who is still basking in the joy of motherhood has added another feather to her cap. Her film, “Save Our Soul” which she produced two years ago has been adjudged the Best faith inspired film at this year’s edition of the Nigeria Integrity Film Awards (HomeVida), an initiative of the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC). Oby’s “Save Our Soul” beats Elvis Chuks’ “A wish” to win the prize in the Faith Film category. The awards night held last Tuesday at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Other winners were Elvis Chuks whose film, “Victims of the Society” won the Best Human Development Film, Kalejaiye’s “Married But Living Single also won in the Family Friendly film category. Each of the winners in these categories smiled home with one million cash prize by the organizers. “HomeVida, according to the initiator, “is a film award platform driving creative messaging on integrity and value change through Film to Nigerian and African audiences.
*Yvonne
Yvonne Nelson ready to settle down? By JULIET EBIRIM
S
peculations abound that sexy Ghanian actress, Yvonne Nelson may be dreaming of saying “I Do” in future going by her recent postures and suggestive social media posts. A few weeks ago, the leggy actress who had her heart broken by our own Kukere crooner, Iyanya took to twitter to announce that she has found love again in a certain O.A. In another of such evocative posts on Twitter handle, Yvonne seems to be talking to the man who have dumped her by saying that “every girl is a wife material, depending on the kind of material” the man wants. The question now is, whether Yvonne Nelson is ready to marry? Who is she sending these coded messages to? Your guess is as good as mine. C M Y K
40 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
Sammie Okposo cautions BON over musicians’ ban SAM ANOKAM
T
op Nigerian musician, Sammie Okposo has bared his mind on the crisis rocking the nation’s music industry following the face-off between Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria,BON, and Copyright Society of Nigeria,COSON. In a statement made available, Okposo said ‘I believe in the growth and advancement of the Nigerian entertainment industry. I also strongly believe that artistes should be paid royalties for their various works and that is what informed my becoming a member of COSON. All the media houses in Nigeria and COSON have to sit together and forge a way out of the storm by finding a lasting solution’. Commenting on the ban slammed by BON on all COSON members, Okposo said, it was not the best decision, calling on broadcasting stations to continue to play his music and that of
Obesere turns
rapper!
BENJAMIN NJOKU
C
harismatic Fuji musician, Alhaji Qudus Abass Akande popularly known as Obesere has delved into Afro pop sound with the release of Jaforie remix, featuring rap sensation, Reminisce and Ransom. Besides experimenting on a new sound, the Ibadan-Oyo State born musician also delivered a nice rap alongside Reminisce in the new song. JaforieremixwasofficiallyreleasedlastMondayandhadsince dominatedtheairwavesandclubs.Ithasalsoenjoyedthousands of downloads on popular websites such as notjustok.com, tooxclusive.comamongothers. ProducedbyLismaProduction,Jaforieremixis a blend of hip-hop and Fuji music; funky and danceable.It’sinspiringaswellaseducatingand remains one song that will blaze away others. Speaking on the new album, Reminisce said, recordingasongwiththeace-musicianwasadreamcometruefor him as he grew up listening to the Asakasa crooner. Originally, Jaforie is a hit album released by the prominent ParamountKingofMusic(PK1st)earlythisyear. Thesongwas speculated to have triggered the recent separation between two other notable Fuji musicians;WasiuAlabiPasumaandWasiuAyinde fondly called KWAM 1. A source revealed that the influential musician is preparing to shoot a world class video for the song.
My band will shock the world @ Calabar Carnival, says Ita Giwa
N
igerians, foreigners and tourists planning to attend the forthcoming Calabar Festival will watch a handful of scintillating performances from the Seagull Band of the former Presidential
Olo Omidan Bata out with first singles
S
ince signing up with Atunda Entertainment more than a year ago, where her skill and flair for music have been honed, especially playing the Bata, Olo (Ibukun Bisola Ayoola) has never looked back. Rather, she has continued to set her sights on high and to delight her admirers and followers, as she has just released her first singles, titled ‘This love,’ which is presently enjoying massive airplay time by many of the radio stations across the country. Composed for her by the Atunda Entertainment group but infused with her creativity such as her high octave Bata percussion, proverbs chanting and romantic singing flair and backed up by her group, little songbird Olo sings about love in a very captivating manner that you wonder how come such a young soul as her can wave together emotive and poetic love lines? C M Y K
other Nigerian artistes. ‘There can be no vacuum in life. The implication of the ban is that foreign music will once more rule our airwaves as was the case in the past and this has cultural implications for Nigerians as a people. So we must continue to promote Nigerian music as this is not negotiable. All the hard work that Nigerian artistes have done over the years to make Nigerian music a global brand will go down the drain if this is not resolved. We must remember Europe, America , Asia and the rest of the world will not promote our music for us, so we must do it by ourselves.” While calling on BON president to obey time tested world standard best practices, the Glo Ambassador said, ‘the radio and TV stations in Nigeria really do not have a choice in this matter because payment of royalties for airplay to artistes is internationally accepted and practiced, and Nigeria will not be an exception’.
Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Florence ItaGiwa. She has promised to amaze the spectators with uncommon dance steps and flamboyant costumes. Ita-Giwa said that her band is prepared to stage a performance that will be memorable owing to adequate preparations and rehearsals that the group had went through. She added that movie stars and celebrities who are also members of her band would also feature prominently in the parade that will blow peoples mind with unique costumes and glamour. She said: “My band has always won the King and Queen contest and this year, we are ready to repeat the feat and certainly, we shall blow people’s minds with our sterling performance. I want to also thank the governor, Senator Liyel Imoke for sustaining the festival till date”.
GLO LAFFTA FEST: Buchi, Seyi others set Uyo aglow
I
n spite of the heavy downpour in Uyo last Sunday evening, residents of the beautiful city thronged the Amazing Grace Plaza, venue of Africa’s biggest comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest to catch the most exciting comedy fun ever in the city. Organizers of the event, Globacom, paraded Africa’s best comedians and musicians who thrilled the overflowing crowd with rib-cracking jokes and scintillating music. The Glo Laffta Fest dubbed Invasion L.O.L. paraded 12 Nigerian comedians, three music icons, East Africa’s finest comedian and an upcoming artiste, Vnissi, with the juke box tendered by the Nigeria’s most decorated female DJ, Dj Nana. All the artistes on parade at the show gave a good account of themselves as they put up spectacular performances that confirmed why Nigeria is rated as the home of Africa’s entertainment.Joke merchant, Basketmouth led a cast of equally talented and influential comedians. From the “notoriously” funny 2CanTalk, who came on stage in a clownish woman’s wig, to SIM Card, Seyi Law, Buchi, Gandoki, the home boy, Okon Lagos, Okey Bakassi, the world wide bishop, Gordons, Akpororo and Bovi, the audience were treated to a night of hilarious.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—41
C M Y K
42—SATURDAY, Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
Commendation ser vice ffor or Lat e TTejumola ejumola Alakija service Late
D
L-R: Princess Adenike Oni, daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Akomolafe, daughter, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Mrs. Afolake St. Mathew-Daniel.
ignitaries from all walks of life, converged at St. James Cathedral OkeBola, Ibadan, recently, to grace the commendation service for Late Princess Tejumade Alakija, who was the first female Head of Service (HOS), in the old Oyo State. Some of the notable ones are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oba Otudeko, Chief Kola Daisi, Chief Bode Akindele and a host of others. Photos by Sola Oyelese
L-R:former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala
L-R:Oba Faleye
Otudeko
and
Chief
Folorunso
Semiu Oladejo marks 50 From left: Chief Adebayo Adetunji and Chief Kola Daisi.
Seun Igbalode weds SEUN Igbalode of Mediacraft called it quits with bachelorhood when he took his sweetheart to the altar last Saturday to be united as man and wife. The weeding took place in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
L-R:Brig- Gen. Oluwole Rotimi, Parakoyi of Ibadan land, Chief Bode Akindele and Chief (Mrs). Otema Akindele.
Inomah’s son weds
I
t was a colourful conjugal bliss at the Catholic Church of Presentation, Ikeja, when son of Charles Inomah of the Federal Palace Hotel, Amaechi married his soulmate
L-R:Groom's parents, Mr and Mrs Charls Inomah, the couple, Mr and Mrs Amaechi Inomah and Olorogun and Mrs Goddy Ibru. Mr and Mrs Seun Igbalode, at the church.
Mr and Mrs Seun Igbalode, at the traditional engagement ceremony
I
t was celebration galore when family and friends joined Semiu Oladejo to celebrate his 50th birthday in Lagos recently.
L-R: Mr and Mrs Goddy Ibru with the couple, Mr and Mrs Amaechi Inomah
Mr Semiu Oladejo, cutting his birthday cake
L-R: Mrs Olugbaye, Mrs Oladejo, Mr Senmiu Oladejo, celebrant and Mrs Toyin YommyDauda
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—43
C M Y K
44—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA
Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—45
TIT BITS 29 babies had been born
South African CJ leaves to attend Mandela’s funeral REPORTS BY SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA
S
OUTH African Chief Justice, Mr. Mogoeng Mogoeng who has been in Nigeria to attend the ongoing 16th Redeemed Christian Church of God’s annual Holy Ghost Congress at the sprawling Redemption Camp is scheduled to jet back to Johannesburg today to attend the funeral of legendary Nelson Mandela tomorrow. The South Africa’s first black president, died a week ago at the age of 95. Thousands of people have filed passed his body as it lies in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria this week. He will be laid to rest tomorrow in an elaborate ceremony combining a state funeral and all its military pomp with the traditional burial rituals of his Xhosa clan to ensure he has an easy transition into the afterworld. About 46 per cent of the South African population practises traditional African religions, according to a 2010 survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, a Washington-based research centre. Speaking at the Redemption Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Mr. Mogoeng who arrived the Camp on Monday with his wife in tow, said he would have loved to stay till the end of the spiritual event but he owes it a duty to bid Mandela farewell. According to him, he was invited as an observer to a dinner by the London branch of the church in October, saying that God has done so much and must express his gratitude to Him. Expressing delight to the contribution of RCCG and other churches across the continent who had prayed fervently for the independence of South Africa, saying that they should still continue to pray for South Africa because there are still several challenges facing the nation. Accord-
ing to him, “this is where to be at this time of the year. When you come, you will not regret it.”
Holy Ghost Congress ends
THE 16th edition of the annual Holy Ghost Congress which began on Monday with very high expectations at the sprawling Redemption Camp on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will end today with three sessions in the morning, afternoon and in the evening. The theme of the programme was; ‘The Overflow’. Last night’s wonderful Holy Ghost Service was evident that the Kingdom of God is not only about preaching but the manifestation of His power as millions of worshippers who filled the auditorium completely took over every available space in the camp ground testified of divine intervention in their different situations that had hitherto defied human solutions. After that wonderful service which is regarded as the icing in the cake of the annual spiritual fiesta, many people have started departing the Camp for their different locations even as the leadership of the church enjoins participants to stay close to God in the remaining days of the year and on the new year. However, this afternoon there will be several talks and discussions on the secrets of how to get close to God. Topics include; Nearer my old to Thee; The secrets of the The Lord are for those who fear Him; Not by power or might; The time to favor Zion; I can all thongs and Exceeding great joy. And in the evening there will be only one sermon titled; ‘My cup runs over ’ by the General Overseer of RCCG and the chief host of the week long programme, Pastor Enoch Adeboye after which there
will be thanksgiving and an opportunity for people to share their testimonies. The traffic chaos that usually characterized movement on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during such programmes has been significantly reduced. Shuttles from Lagos to the Redemption Camp which took about three hours hitherto now takes less time courtesy of a volunteer group known as Team Nehemiah, a no-none sense traffic and logistics management ministry of the church which complements the efforts of Police and other government organizations. Team Nehemiah’s intervention has improved traffic flow within the Camp and on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as driving and parking codes are now strictly enforced among participants.
RCCG will reap years of sacrifice, says Pastor Rathod
THE Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, said to the fastest growing Pentecostal church in the world may witness a fresh explosion in the new year as there will be a turning point next year. This assertion was made by the Senior Pastor of Covenant Family Church, Tulsa, Pastor Steve Rathod in a sermon he delivered at the ongoing Congress tagged: “Ever Increasing Faith”. Rathod, an American-Indian, who was ordained a pastor by the founder of RCCG, Pastor Josiah Akindayomi in year 1980 said: “It is a year of recovering and a season for the Redeemed Christian Church of God, they are about to reap the harvest of sacrifice. What the eyes have not seen nor ear heard, the Lord will do it in the church. Redeemed Church will shock the world because it is about to reap the harvest of her sacrifice”. Speaking on the proposed new 3 kilo-
As at 9.00 p.m. on Thursday a total of 29 babies had been born since the commencement of the 16th Holy Ghost Congress holding at the Redemption Camp. Twelve boys and 17 girls. Mrs Omolabake Ayinde, member of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ayo ni O was delivered of a set of twins— a boy and a girl at the RCCG Maternity Home being the first mother to deliver set of twins at the ongoing 16th Holy Ghost Congress. Ayinde, mother of four and a food vendor, told Saturday Vanguard that she only came to the camp to do her usual food business but suddenly went into labour and was rushed to the camp maternity where she delivered a boy and girl. Narrating her experience, she said: “I did not know I will put to bed at all because the scanned date is not yet due. I was in my shop trying to cook and started feeling uncomfortable, some people immediately suggested rest because I may have overstressed my self. Few hours later I was taken to the maternity where I delivered these twins. According to her, “God is truly working His wonders in Redeemed Church because I would have delivered through Caesarean section but with prayers and the medical experts in attendance I had normal delivery”.
I will name my baby Congress — Mrs. Chinyere Etim Mrs Chinyere Etim of Ogun Province 8 had a slightly different story as her husband, an usher in the church different. He had been dreaming and praying that his wife should put to bed during the Holy Ghost Congress. Expressing her gratitude to the General Overseer of the church and the maternity management, Mrs Etim explained that if not God’s intervention she would not have been able to deliver her baby on her own. “God has been so faithful towards RCCG because coming here to give birth is all about God. Personally I did not know that I can deliver my baby without going through cesarean section because the baby is big, she weight 3.6 but through the help of God I was able to deliver her. If it is other places they would have opened me up but God did it for me and I have my baby successfully”.
Also Mrs Adeyemi Mrs. Cecelia Adeyemi, a member of the First Baptist Church and mother of three revealed that she chose RCCG Maternity Centre because of its unique ways of handling pregnant and nursing mothers.
TODAY’S EVENTS MORNING SESSION 10.00 - 10.30 Praise, Worship & Choir 10.30 - 11.30 Talk & Prayers - ‘Prison shaking praise’ 11.30 - 12.00 noon Offering 12.00 - 1.00. Ministration
C M Y
AFTERNOON SESSION 4.00 - 4.15. Praise, Worship & Prayers 4.15 - 4.30. Offering 4.30 - 5.30. Talks & Discussions a). Nearer my God to thee b). The secrets of The Lord are for those who fear Him c). Not by power or might d). The time to favor Zion e). I can do all things f). Exceeding great joy
EVENING SESSION 6.00 - 7.00. Prayer & Intercession 7.00 - 8.00. Praise, Worship & Choir 8.00 - 8.30. Opening Prayer 8.10 - 8.30. Greetings & Announcements 8.30 - 9.00. Offering 9.00 - 9.40. Talk One & Prayers - ‘My cup runs over’ 9.40 - 10.00. Thanksgiving and Testimonies 10.00 - 10.30. Closing Prayers
46 — Saturday
Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
•The suspect
the man was fond of raping children, and had been jailed before for raping a particular girl in that area. So, after the matter was reported to the agency, the girl was taken to General Hospital where it was confirmed she had been raped.” Crime Guard gathered that the girl whose father died few years ago lives with her mother in a one-room apartment in Oba-ile area of the state. Narrating her own side of the ugly incident, mother of Taye, Mrs Mary Mike who is into laundry business said, “That day, I had no money to feed my four children. I told them to come back to the house during their break period when I would have made some Eba for them. I •The suspect and the victim was sitting in front of the house waiting for my children to come back when one of my neighbours from the market said she saw my daughter coming out from the house of the man. “By the time I got to the man’s house, I did not find my girl. I then rushed to her school
Septuagenarian jail bird caught raping 7-yr-old pupil By DAYO JOHNSON, Akure
T
he people of A k u r e , Ondo State capital w e r e shocked last week when, a 71-year- old night guard/hunter, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolawole lured a 7-year-old girl, Taye Juliana with a biscuit into his ramshackle room and raped her in broad day light. Sources said the suspect who is cooling his feet in the custody of the State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, had, within the space of two years after returning from jail for rape, raped no fewer than five children in the area. Parents of his victims, mostly illiterates, reportedly kept it to themselves without reporting to security operatives not wanting to send him back to jail. Taye, a primary one pupil of St. Paul Annex Primary School, Oba-Ile, in Akure was defiled at the residence of the suspect at Mission Road, C M Y K
Ayetoro Street, Oba-Ile. It was gathered that the suspect who lives alone has turned his dilapidated house where he committed the ungodly act into a destroying hurt for small girls. A native of Benue state, the suspect threatened to deal with parents of his victims if they mention his sinful exploits to the police. He was even said to have settled them with bush meat. Many of his neighbours described him as a terror in the area stating that they relate with him in fear. It was gathered that the unsuspecting girl who left home that ill-fated day without breakfast, was told by the mother to come during break for her food. Reports said when she was returning home, the suspect lured her into his house with a promise to give her biscuit and cold water. Giving a graphic account of how the incident took place,the image maker of the NSCDC, Kayode
Balogun stated that the suspect acted the script with another accomplice,now at large, by asking the girl what she wanted and promised to give her not only cold water but biscuits. Balogun said that while the girl was still trying to think about what the Alhaji had promised her, the other accomplice reportedly pushed her inside the house while the Alhaji carried her and covered her mouth when she started shouting. It was learnt that after the Alhaji was through with defiling the girl, he cleaned her up with a cloth as she was bleeding. “When Alhaji was interviewed, he said the girl approached him to buy her biscuit as she was hungry and he did. He denied raping her. During investigation, it was discovered that the suspect is a serial rapist who had been jailed before for raping another girl in the community. “When officers of the corps went to the house of the accused (Oba-Ile) f o r investigation,inhabitants of the area testified that
where I met her and her teacher who was asking her question. My daughter was crying and was pointing at her private part and by the time we checked her private part, she was bleeding. I asked her what happened and she said a man carried her inside his house and slept on top of her. “I started crying and people said I should report it to the Civil Defense who would not compromise. It was the officers of the Civil Defense that followed me to his house where he was arrested.” Mrs Mike said that her husband who is a friend to the suspect died two years ago,adding that he was also a hunter who usually go hunting with the suspect when he was alive. She further said she decided to report the matter because the suspect has been committing the crime and those concerned have, out of fear, failed to inform security operatives noting that this will not only check the hunter ’s excesses but make him stop committing the heinous crime against little girls in the area.
Saturday Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013 — 47
DSS clamps down on fraudsters that swindle shareholders ...Prominent Senator,Popular preacher, others fall victims BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka
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OUR suspects who specialize in defrauding Nigerian shareholders of their dividends are in the net of the Anambra State command of the State Security Service,SSS, and have been narrating how unsuspecting investors lost millions of naira through their nefarious activities. Among their victims are high profile Nigerians, including Senator Uche Chukwumerije representing Abia North in the senate, Prof Ifedayo Olawale Oladipo and charismatic preacher, Reverend Uma Ukpai. Even publicly quoted companies, such as United Bank for Africa, UBA, and Oando Plc had fallen victims of the syndicate at one time or the other. The four suspects, Cletus Chris Ohaegbulem, 43, (aka Chris Ohams) from Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo State, Emmanuel Mbakwe,54, from Okauga Nkwoegwu in Umuahia North of Abia State, Yahaya Anifowoshe from Kwara State and Mojeed Babatunde, 45, a staff of Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, were said to be specialists in stealing dividend warrants of unsuspecting shareholders. Their base of operation is Falomo, Lagos branch of NIPOST where they collect the dividends and cash them in the banks. The suspects were arrested at different times in Lagos, Asaba in Delta State and Umuahia in Abia State. Ohaegbulam, who appears to be the brain box of the syndicate narrated at the Anambra State office of SSS, how he connived with the manager of Okaiuga Micro Finance Bank, Umuahia, Orji Ukanwoke and the operations manager of the bank, Emmanuel Mbakwe and cashed dividend warrants of unsuspecting shareholders of some companies through a spurious company, Access Enterprises Limited. Ukanwoke is still at large. The company was specifically set up for the illegal business. He also confessed that he had swindled uncountable number of victims through non-existent contracts in Ebonyi State Government House, Abakaliki, posing as a top official of the state government. Anambra State Director of SSS, Mr. Alex Okeiyi described Ohaegbulam as a notorious fraudster. The SSS said of him: “He (Ohaegbulam) maintains multiple identities. For instance, he has three driving licenses
bearing Donatus Izuchukwu, Fabian Ifeanyichukwu Agba and Chris Ohams and all the licenses have his picture. These licenses were used to open fictitious bank accounts which he uses to swindle people. A total of 194 dividend warrants belonging to unsuspecting shareholders were recovered from him. Among them is a UBA warrant in the sum of N38,727.90 belonging to Rev Uma Ukpai of P.O. Box 761, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.” Okeiyi said Ohaegbulam’s accomplice, Mbakwe, confessed entering into an agreement with him and the manager of Okaiuga Micro Finance Bank, Ukanwoke, to cash the dividend warrants brought by him and receive 20% of any amount cashed. Another suspect, Yahaya Anifowoshe, also implicated Ohaegbulam as the supplier of the dividend warrants, adding that one Chisom approached him (Anifowoshe) in January,2012 to source for dividend warrants for him. He said: “The warrants sourced are normally of the value of N30,000 and above for which he pays Babatunde (another suspect) N1000 for every N40000 dividend and N500 for every N30000 worth of dividend.” Okeiyi said the dividends are usually sold to Chisom and later to Ohaegbulam at the rate of N1500 and N1000 respectively, adding that so far,
the value of warrants he sold to Chisom and Ohaegbulam were worth about N20 million. Altogether, 25 dividend warrants of Oando Plc belonging to Senator Uche Chukwumerije and UBA dividend warrants belonging to Professor Olawole Oladipo were recovered from the syndicate. For Mojeed Babatunde, a cleaner at Falomo, Lagos NIPOST, he was lured into the business of stealing dividend warrants from Post Office boxes by Anifowoshe who compensates him with sums ranging from N3000 to N5000 for each supply, explaining that his last supply was on December 2, 2013.
Another person paraded by SSS was 30-year- old Chukwunonso Emeghalu from Udi Local Government area of Enugu State for allegedly duping members of the public and threatening them that he would detain them in SSS if they did no cooperate. Okeiyi warned the public to be wary of fraudsters claiming to be agents of any organization or working for the SSS either in the state or elsewhere. All the suspects, Okeiyi said, would be handed over to the relevant security agency for f u r t h e r investigation and necessary action.
Chukwu – the suspect that poses as SSS agent
p h o t o s p e a k
•The Commissioner of Police Ogun State, Ikemefuna Okoye, ( 7th right ) with his management team , course participants of ethics, code of conduct for protocol officers and Public Relations executives after they paid him a courtesy call in his office at Elewaran, Ogun State, recently.
Enugu State Police image-maker, DSP, Ebere Amarizu was recently honoured as the best Police Public Relations Officer in West Africa by Security Watch Africa in South Africa. Pix shows the award recipient DSP Amarizu with CP Enugu State, Adamu Abubakar Mohammed and other officers at a dinner party organized to felicitate with the recipient.
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48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
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HE news fly all around and the hitherto serene community becomes busy playing host to people from far and near seeking miracle healing to their ailments in a stream that sprang up suddenly. The physically challenged, the aged, young, men and women including people with different kinds of sicknesses throng the pool in droves, dip themselves naked in the 3-4feet deep stagnated water, wash the ailing parts of their bodies believing they are healed. Although the testimonies are not forth coming, the lame, blind still assisted with mixed feelings, believe they will be healed. The mysterious pool, called Orimiri located in a forest about 3km from the Nachi bus-stop along Onitsha/Enugu old road, allegedly heals all kinds of ailments after it was discovered by a Fulani herdsman recently. Since the discovery, the community has become a pilgrimage center with no fewer than 3000 people thronging the place daily. From morning till 6pm daily, okada ply through that narrow and sandy path carrying passengers and their loads of jerry cans to the stream. When Saturday Vanguard visited the stream, scores of people especially women were seen naked dipping their bodies in the already contaminated stream in their quest for healing.Those with tumor, sores and injuries wash their bodies without any reservation; the physically challenged were being assisted by their relatives for thorough bath. Others were busy scooping up water from different holes dug around the bank into their plastic containers of various sizes. The people’s craze for healing was also seen as they collect sands from the stream into cellophane bags to their homes believing even the sands under the water was as effective as the stream itself. The trees in the surroundings were also not spared as people chop trees into various sizes with a claim that it cures all kinds of sicknesses. But none of these miracle seekers at the stream as at the time of visit could give a clear testimony of the healing he or she had received. Most of them who spoke with us opined that they believe it will work. A middle aged woman, who refused to give her real names and who never suspected she was talking to the press, said: “I just came here to exercise my faith. I have not seen any one though, but I believe it. I just had a bath in the water and I believe it. I believe God that I will be okay.” But Donatus Ike, who claims he has been coming to the stream on a daily basis since the news of the healing power broke said: “I always come here every day to work; I guide people in doing certain things here. The water has healing power. A lot of people came from far and near. Not too long ago, Rev. Mbaka came here, he prayed for people. The lame will walk, the blind will see. You can see a crutch over there; it was dropped by somebody who couldn’t walk before.” Amobi Chukwu in his own view said: “I think it is all about faith. What you call medicine is medicine for you. I also believe the water has healing C M Y K
BIZZARE! Naked bath
in ‘Pool of Bethesda’
• Over 3000 throng the river daily • No! It’s a concoction of Fulani herdsmen — Umuaga Chief • I dont believe it — Okanga Jesus I just came here to exercise my faith. I have not seen any one though, but I believe it. I just had a bath in the water and I believe it. I believe God that I will be okay power. The water is dirty and it was because a lot of people come here and bath inside the water and you know this is not a flowing river. That is why people dig the river bank to get better water to drink. It is drinkable.” But the controversies surrounding the healing powers of the stream, began to unfold as Rev. Father Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus, the Parish Priest, •It must be a thorough bath St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu described those who seek Ene Chikeluba who claimed he was born healing from the stream are spiritual in the farmland gave an insight into the puppets. Cypril who is also the beginning of the whole parody. He statChaplain of the Physically Chaled that it was the Fulani herdsmen who lenged in the area said he has not concocted and spread the story of healheard from any of the physically ing power without any clear evidence. challenged in his domain that one “Throughout the period I stayed in the person has been healed from the farmland, we have never heard about water. “I don’t believe it. I am the the healing power being ascribed to the Chaplain of the physically water. It was a concoction of the Fulani challenged and none of them has herdsmen. I know that revelation from come to me to give that testimony of God can come through anybody but my healing; and this is happening in advice to them is that whatever they are •Everything within the stream is their area. I mean not even one saying should be the whole truth and efficacious person has come to confirm it. I know nothing but the truth,” Chikeluba statthat most of them have gone there only a recent phenomenon which he ed. and nothing is happening. So, you did not confirm. The traditional ruler of Nachi commusee, people tend to get confused with “River Nachi is natural water which nity, His Royal Highness, Igwe F. O. certain things. As I am speaking to has been there for a very long time Onuigbo, Obi II of Nachi, in his own you, no member of this community which people use for their cooking, submission said the water has been has shared a testimony about the wadrinking and washing. The healing there for a very long time, adding that ter.” the healing power ascribed to it was Continues on page 49 In the same vein, Chief Ignatius
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013 — 49
•Nachi juction to the stream where plastic containers are sold
•Food vendors at the stream
•Sandy path to the forest
•Seeking healing
BIZZARE! “It’s a concoction of Fulani herdsmen” Continues from page 48
power is something new and I have not visited the place. But the water has been there before. People said it is healing; I can’t stop anybody from going there to seek cure and healing. I have no right to do that.” On the pattern surge, Igwe Onuigbo said he didn’t know about the coming and occasional surge of the water. “I do no know of that” He confirmed that the land where the water is situated has been in dispute between Ameke and Umuaga for a very long time, adding that efforts are on-going to resolve the issue between the two communities amicably. History of the water Chief Ignatius Chikeluba, a Chief in Umuaga-Nachi, who claims the farm land belongs to his father, gave historical perspective of the stream. “According to my own father, Ogbonnaya Ene Chikeluba, there was a man called Aniene, a native of Umuaga. He was the first man who saw the water. He used to be a farmer in the area. He came out one morning to discover the sudden surge of the water. He ran out to call others that were farming in the area to witness it. At that point, the water was named Miri Aniene. This happened long time before I was born, it was never known as having healing powers. We used it to wash clothes, cassava and other culinary activities. It used to surge after every seven years. After the war, it came in 1972, 1979, 1986, 1994, 2000, 2005 and now 2013. When it comes, it is usually there until the next raining season. It is not deterred by the rain or sun shine, it comes at any season of the year. We have never worshipped the water before. “Before it came this year, there were Fulani herdsmen who live in that farm; they always take their cattle there to drink from the water. So, recently, a group of people came to my house, I recognised one of them who had lived there before, and I asked curiously whether he wanted to return to the farm again and he said no. But he said that the water which used
*Rev Fr Cypril a.k.a. Okanga Jesus
*Donatus
As I am speaking to you, no member of this community has come to share a testimony about the water to spring up had sprung up again and that it has healing power – curing all kinds of ailments. I told him that we don’t know about that. He said they discovered the healing power of the water the last time it came and they asked the herdsmen to be monitoring it. So, the Fulani herdsmen who have been monitoring it informed them immediately it came out. After a while, another group of herdsmen came and said the same thing. But I pointed it out to them that their cattle had damaged my farm and they should do something about it and they moved away from the area. But surprisingly, after some time, another group of people came this time, with some Igbos. I was the one who cleared the way to the river. I have palm tree in that place, banana plantation, cola-nut trees and orange trees among others. It is a farm settlement of Umuaga. At this junction, I want to state that the Nachi people have been trying to encroach on the land claiming it belongs to them, but it belongs to the people of Umuaga. The water is from
God. And whoever says the water has not been there is trying to pull the wool over our faces. My house is there, and the water has been there. The king who does not know Joseph will not know Joseph was buried. I was born there and my father’s house is still there now. To, me it is the Fulani herdsmen that are responsible for this misinformation. Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the story of healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen. I know that the revelation of God can come through anybody but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying, should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” I don’t believe it — Rev Fr Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus Rev Father Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus is the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu and also the Chaplain of the Care for the Physically Challenged in the area. He spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the
*Chief Ignatus Chikeluba
healing power of Pool of Bethesda. The mystery river that is said to be healing is happening in your parish, what can you say about it? I am privileged that this is taking place in my parish, but unfortunately, I have not gone there to see what is happening there, but I have seen a lot of people going there for healing. For the fact that I have not been there does not mean I wouldn’t know whether what is going on there is good or bad. My opinion is that it is better to seek God than seeking the blessing of God. This is because if you seek God, the blessing of God will come your way. If you seek the face of God, you will get the hand of God. Unfortunately, people think that God is not alive to their problem. Most people who go there are those who have little or no time for the word of God and they spend a lot of time there waiting for their turn. If only they can spend their time for God, healing will come their way. That is why I will not find the time to go there because there is nothing better than seeking God. But we heard that Rev. Mbaka was there and he prayed at the river? Maybe he went there to know what is happening, but also remember that Mbaka is not God. It does not matter
*Amobi whether the Bishop or the Pope was there or not, what matters is that people should seek God. What about those who don’t have the opportunity to go there, do you mean they will not be healed? I see it as a kind of madness when people go there and take bath while they also take the same water and drink. But one funny thing about it is that, I don’t believe it. I am the chaplain of the physically challenged and none of them has come to me that they are healed and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it. I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things. As I am speaking to you, no member of this my community has come to me to share a testimony about the water. I know if it is real as people tend to portray it, one or two persons in the community must have been noticed and if we see it, we will be the promoter.” C M Y K
50 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
HURIWA gives Gov Chime 21 days to apologise for allegedly mistreating his wife BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja
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HE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has given Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, 21 days, to apologize to his estranged wife, Clara, or face a legal action. Addressing newsmen in Abuja in commemoration of the 2013 World Human Rights Day, the group further implored the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, to promptly release the final report of its investigation into the petition that was filed before it by Governor Chime’s wife, even as it condemned the preliminary report that suggested that the woman was mentally deranged. Speaking through its National Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA decried that Enugu State, is among the few states yet to domesticate many of the pro-women and pro-children legislations like the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, “In fact, Enugu is one of the 12 States of the federation and the only state in Southern Nigeria yet to domesticate the Child’s Rights Act,” it added. He said: “Recall that HURIWA commended Chief Femi Falana, SAN, for accepting the challenge to seek redress for the detained Clara Chime and also recall that the National Human Rights Commission, at the instance of a petition filed in that regard by Chief Falana, stepped into the matter and commenced investigation into the allegation of illegal detention of a Nigerian citizen inside a Government House built with tax payers’ money, but turned into an illegal detention facility allegedly by the Governor of Enugu State. “Unfortunately, the said ‘PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE’, happens to be no other person but the second legally married wife of the same Governor who is being alleged as the human right violator in this case. “Recall also that the Governor had interpretatively admitted aspects of the said allegation, but on the flimsy and unsustainable excuse that his wife had medical challenges. It is a most hollow and pointless excuse, which has been widely condemned by the human rights community and men and women of
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good conscience since Enugu State Government House is not a medical facility. “Gentlemen, recall also that while the National Human Rights Commission began the said independent investigation, reports emerged that the Enugu State Governor allegedly bundled his wife out of her alleged detention facility and sent her packing to God knows where. At the last count, we read in some media accounts that the helpless woman had moved in with her sister somewhere in the Southern part of Nigeria even as a suspected sponsored blackmail soft sale story circulated the unsubstantiated story that Mrs. Chime checked into a mental home in the United Kingdom. “We want to unequivocally register our displeasure over the foot-dragging of the National Human Rights Commission on this matter. We are appalled that several weeks after this sad, shameful and embarrassing development became public knowledge, and months after the same story spread as hot cake in the grapes vine, the Commission has failed so far to exhibit the desired level of urgency, transparency, and accountability on this matter. “The Commission is yet to come clean and tell Nigerians its findings in black and white, backed up by empirical medical data and forensic evidence regarding the claims that Mrs. Clara Chime indeed underwent gruelling, sordid, senseless and insensitive maltreatment as well as flagrant breaches of her constitutionally protected human rights, including the fundamental human rights to association, movement, and freedom of speech whilst she was allegedly kept under locks and keys on the orders of the Governor prior to the intervention of God fearing individuals including the reputable legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria. “Whilst being mindful of the fact that we need not unduly intervene in anyone’s private affair, but whenever there are public allegations of human rights violations that remain uninvestigated or shabbily investigated, our consciences oblige us to vigorously campaign and draw the national and international attention of civilized people and to campaign for immediate
redress of these violations, irrespective of the social status of the offender and the victim. Furthermore, as we mark the World Human Rights Day, gentlemen, we regret to inform you that our findings show that Enugu is notorious for disrespecting the fundamental human rights of women and children.” Consequently, the group, in its nine-points demand, asked the NHRC, to immediately inform Nigerians in black and white of its findings regarding the allegations of “arbitrary and inhumane arrest and illegal detention of the wife of the Enugu State Governor allegedly by her now estranged husband who is said to have also separated from his first wife in alleged rancorous and indecorous manners. “We demand that the NHRC should also publicly seek evidence from people in the know regarding the allegation that Mrs. Chime prior to her latest ‘sack’ from her alleged matrimonial ‘detention’ facility was
From left: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar shortly before the departure of the former Vice President to South Africa for the burial of Nelson Mandela at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport , Abuja yesterday.
indeed allegedly maltreated and denied her fundamental rights to freedom of association and movement. Human rights are sacrosanct, inviolable, inalienable and importantly universal and their breaches must be investigated promptly, impartially, and independently and the outcome transparently rendered through publicly accountable process.
“State unequivocally that we will mobilize the human rights community and men and women of good conscience to a mother of all protests should there be the slightest conjectures or halfbaked, concocted, and manufactured stories to favour Governor Sullivan Chime in this matter. We will also head to the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Office of
the Un-Rapporteur in charge of United Nations Women Commission to demand redress. “Demand unreserved public apology, in the meantime, from Governor Sullivan Chime within one week from today for these series of alleged violations of the rights of his wife and the womenfolk in a democratic society.”
Body of kidnapped wife of Enugu royal father found in shallow grave BY TONY EDIKE Enugu
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HE decomposed body of 84 year-old Madam Adiza Ogbo, wife the traditional ruler of AbbaIgogoro community, Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, who was abducted by unknown gunmen since September 14, this year, has been recovered from a shallow grave by operatives of the state police command. Late Adiza, the mother of the former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in Enugu State, Chief Goddy Ogbo, was kidnapped, four days after some armed men invaded the palace and inflicted machete cuts on her husband, Omale before shooting at three other persons in his palace at 8pm. The traditional ruler was said to be having a meeting with some people in his Igogoro palace when the gunmen struck. Igwe Ogbo was said to have been reportedly given three machete cuts on his head. The aged woman was said to have died in the hands of her abductors a week after she was taken
from her home at gunpoint to an unknown destination. Leader of the kidnap gang now in police net, one Paschal Onah alias Achisa who was arrested along with a native doctor and seven members of his gang, confessed that the woman died in their hands and was buried in a grave which he dug in his compound for kidnap victims. The police said that the woman’s decomposed body was recovered from the said grave following a confessional statement by the suspects who were rounded up by men of the state police command. The State Police spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of Mrs. Ogbo’s corpse yesterday, likened the incident to the popular saying that “every day is for a thief but one day is for the owner of the house.” He said that the “dare devil kidnappers with their native doctor that prepares charm for them in order not to be caught and for them to be succeeding in their evil perpetrations and possibly
be escaping when security operatives strikes are now in custody.” According to him, the operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit arrested the nine notorious kidnappers and the native doctor in the course of investigation into the kidnap of the royal father’s wife. “Following the kidnap of the woman who is believed to be about 84 years, Commissioner of Police Enugu state command, Adamu Abubakar Mohammed directed a full scale investigations which has hitherto led to the arrest of nine suspects namely Paschal Onah alias Achisa, Uche Ugwu, Chinwendu Adonu, Chikodi Idoko, Martin Okpe a native doctor, Mamman Okechukwu, Ofobuike Okpe, Christain Onah and Friday Eze. “They were arrested after a severe gun duel with the operatives recently when they were tracked to their hideouts with some of them sustaining injuries,” he said. Amaraizu said that the leader of the gang, Paschal Onah, had revealed how he and his gang members carried out the kidnap of the late
Madam Ogbo and how she was eventually buried by him and the gang members in his compound where they have kept her awaiting for the payment of N10million ransom. He said that Onah claimed that a week later the madam died and they decided to bury her in a shallow grave inside his compound which he had turned to a dumping ground for kidnap victims. Onah further revealed that he also collected N300,000 from the family of the victim after she had died but unknown to her relations that the woman had died and was going to regain her freedom after the payment. He further disclosed that his gang used to work hand in hand with the native doctor, who normally prepare charm for the gang and that they compensate him with a ram and N30,000 or N50,000 respectively depending on the ransom obtained from the victim’s relations. Onah, however, regretted his action and advised people “to stay out of crime and criminality as one’s sin is bound to find him out one day.”
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013 — 51
Drug case: Kashamu’s case still open — Chicago Tribune BY EMEKA MAMAH
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HERE was a twist in the account given by suspected drug dealer, Kashamu Buruji, over his relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday. Kashamu said that he was tried and discharged over his drug case in London, pointing out that he now had a clean bill of health. However, the Chicago Tribune, reported yesterday that Kashamu’s case was still open at the Chicago Federal Court, USA. Kashamu, a chieftain of the PDP, had said while defending himself against allegations made by Obasanjo, denied being a drug dealer, saying that he worked for the former president and dined with him for over 30 times. I worked for Obasanjo – Kashamu “I was arrested, I won the case in a London court where they said it was mistaken identity. I returned to Nigeria to continue with my business before I joined politics. I went for interpretation of the judgement I won in London and at the end of the case, I got a clean slate. I am not a drug dealer, I am a business man and so, whatsoever Obasanjo is saying, is cheap blackmail,” he said. However, the Chicago Tribune in its yesterday’s edition reported that ‘’Kashamu’s:’Orange is New Black’ drug case,’’ was still open in a Chicago Federal Court. Addressing a news conference in Lagos Thursday, Kashamu maintained that Chief Obasanjo used him to reclaim the PDP machinery from the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. Faulting Obasanjo’s claims, he said: “In the 18page letter, Obasanjo said, ‘how can the presidency be working with me?’ It is not the fault of Obasanjo. Obasanjo was my partner in 2010 and in 2011. It was obvious to everybody that I was working for Obasanjo, he was using me to fight Gbenga Daniel. Daniel had already disgraced Obasanjo in Ogun State. I was the one that risked my life for Obasanjo and I spent over N3 billion before I could take over the control of the PDP in Ogun State. I took back the party machinery from Daniel and returned it to Obasanjo. It was also Obasanjo who in-
troduced General Olurin to me and asked me to work with him to win the 2011 governorship elections in OgunState. But I told Obasanjo that Olurin was an old man and that we could not win the elections. He said, ‘my son, my partner, go and work with him.’ Everybody is aware of this. Then, I and Iyabo worked together. “I dined with Obasanjo in his house over 30 times, I have entered Obasanjo’s bedroom, living room and also his office. Obasanjo was the one that introduced me during the South-West meeting of the PDP held in his house to the Minister for Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, Akala, Segun Oni and many other leaders. He was telling them to thank me that I assisted him in fighting Gbenga Daniel to a stand still. Obasanjo was my partner. I spent over N3 billion to return the PDP structure in Ogun state to him. It was also Obasanjo that introduced me to the National Working Committee of the PDP then. ’’Obasanjo introduced me to Baraje. Obasanjo was the one that took me to the Presidency and said I was the one fighting on his behalf in the SouthWest and that I was the one mobilizing for him in the South-West and that with me, we can deliver the South-West for the PDP. Baraje is alive. “So, how can Obasanjo turn around and say that I am a drug dealer? When he was using me, he did not know me as a drug dealer. When Obasanjo was in government, almost 60 percent, including some former governors and former Senators that surrounded Obasanjo were all drug dealers. When the time comes, their names will be mentioned. “I am a clean businessman. When they said I committed the offence they are talking about, I was the richest person in Benin Republic. What is my business with dealing in drugs? I have always been a businessman and I have over 800 people working for me both in Nigeria and in Benin Republic. I do not know anything of this allegation levelled against me.’’ But, commenting on her prison memoir, ‘’the Orange is the New Black,” by one of the accused persons in the matter allegedly involving Kashamu, Piper Kerman, the Chicago Trbune stated yesterday that, ‘’With her prison memoir and the Netflix se-
ries that followed, Piper Kerman may have spun gold from the youthful crime that nearly ruined her life more than a decade ago, but the heroin trafficking case that upended her Ivy League world is still an open book at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. ’’With a mix of comedy and drama, and packed with tales of lesbian sex and inmates abused by guards, the edgy, fictionalized version of Kerman’s life in prison has become one of the hottest shows in Hollywood this year. But in the real story behind the experiences of the fictional “Piper Chapman,” the central character is the accused drug kingpin, a Nigerian businessman and political boss who has avoided U.S. authorities for 15 years. ’’Buruji Kashamu, who is frequently given the royal title ‘Prince’ in African news reports, claims he was targeted in a case of mis-
From Left: Head of Sales, Superior Games Ltd, Mr. Taiwo Oyekunle; winner, Big Games promo, Mr. Ime Inyang and Marketing Manager, Superior Games Ltd, Mrs Fayisayo Tuyo, at the presentation of a brand new Toyota Corolla to Inyang at Ojuelegba, Lagos… yesterday
taken identity. Rather than being the international drug smuggler known as “Alaji,” he says he was actually a U.S. government informant who provided
information about terrorist attacks on the U.S. before and after 9/11. ’’The U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago won’t say much about the case because Kashamu is still
wanted on charges alleging his drug ring moved millions of dollars worth of heroin from Europe and Southeast Asia through O’Hare International Airport during the 1990s.
How Mandela will be buried
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ANDELA’s body will be flown Saturday from an air force base in Pretoria to South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, where Mandela’s ancestral village of Qunu lies. The family farm there will be his final resting place. Members of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, will bid Mandela farewell from the air force base. An honor guard from the South African National Defence Force will then take charge of his casket, which will be draped in the national flag. On arrival at Mthatha Airport, the closest to Qunu, the casket will be placed on a gun carriage, while the national anthem is played and the honor guard presents arms and salutes. Mandela’s family will follow the carriage in cars.
Traditional ceremony and vigil
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NCE at Mandela’s house in Qunu, the military will formally pass responsibility for his remains to his family. The South African flag draped over the coffin will be replaced with a traditional blanket of the Xhosa people, symbolizing the return of one of their own.
At dusk, ANC leaders, local chiefs and the men in Mandela’s family are expected to gather for a private night vigil, held according to the traditions of the Thembu community, his native clan, before a public funeral the next day. Villagers may gather outside the house to pay their respects.
Who’s attending
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OREIGN leaders were encouraged to attend Tuesday ’s memorial service in Johannesburg. Nonetheless, dozens of international dignitaries are expected to make their way to the Eastern Cape for Mandela’s funeral. The airport in East London, South of Qunu, will be used for their arrival and departure, with access closely controlled. Notable figures thought to be on the guest list include former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his family; Britain’s Prince Charles and TV talk-show host Oprah Winfrey. There’s no doubting the global media interest. More than 4,000 journalists had been accredited as of yesterday morning, with more expected, a government
spokeswoman said. However, only the national broadcaster will be given access to the funeral, with other journalists in Qunu to be based at the Nelson Mandela Museum. The event will be broadcast to an audience of millions around the world.
The funeral
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private family prayer service will be held Sunday morning at Mandela’s home. The funeral will then be held in a large white tent at the family farm. The Mandela family, South African President Jacob Zuma and Cabinet members will be present as well as local and foreign dignitaries. About 4,500 people are expected. The military will again be charged with draping Mandela’s coffin with the flag. Members of the military will perform a salute, and the national anthem will be played.
The burial
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group of family and close friends, expected to number about 430, will walk up to the grave site to bid a final farewell to the man many saw as the father of their nation.
About 2 p.m. — when the summer sun is high in the sky — Mandela will be laid to rest in the rocky soil of his homeland. The burial area has been especially built for him; some of Mandela’s long deceased family members are already buried at the site. It will be, according to custom, a homecoming. His grave site is surrounded by rocky outcrops, hardy grass used for the grazing of cattle and bright orange aloe plants.
Security
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ITH so many highprofile guests in South Africa for Mandela’s state funeral, security has been a key concern. Zuma has authorized nearly 12,000 members of the South African National Defence Force to serve alongside the police force “to maintain law and order ” during the funeral period, the presidency said. They are employed for 15 days, from December 6 to December 20. A tight military cordon is expected around the funeral site to assuage security fears.
52—SATURDAY
Vanguard ,DECEMBER 14, 2013 Vanguard,DECEMBER
How not to run a business
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uriosity they say kills the cat. Yet curiosity is a major attribute to good journalism. I often hide my curiosity, or need to know as I quaintly put it, under this guise. So when Cornelius Tay, an old friend, invited me to the funeral of his mother in Ghana, I felt it was an opportunity to know how the other side handles funerals. Corny Tay and I go a long way. He was the only ‘Igbobian’ on the editorial board of ‘Teen and Twenty’, a youth magazine that was popular among the elite secondary schools in the early 7Os. The other editorial board members were A level students from Kings and Queens Colleges — an indication of the preference of the founder Mrs Adeyola David whose children attended the two schools. Corny must have impressed the publisher and other members of the board because he became the Associate Editor within two years. He was to hand over the baton to me soon after when he proceeded to University of Ibadan. This handing over process deepened our relationship which was to continue as he later made his forays into advertising while I made mine into journalism and we had to feed off each other. We lost contact for a while until Forever Living Products, a marketing initiative, brought us together this year. So it was more than curiosity that took me to Ghana. It was also to honour an old friend. Which turned out to be good since the funeral ceremony was more Nigerian than Ghanaian — Mrs Paulina Masavi Tay spent 60 of her 89 years in Nigeria. But I did ask a Ghanaian next to me who told me that a typical funeral in Ghana would be more sombre. If it was an elderly funeral— as this was—
It would make good business sense to try to accommodate whoever wanted to take an advantage of an earlier flight instead of flying half empty and then use the latter flight to take those who were bound to be late because of environmental restrictions. But no. The ground crew insisted they had to pay an extra N8,OOO for the privilege. The passengers, their customers, left the desk angry. About three people who felt getting to Lagos early was worth the extra expense, paid. But the rub was that neither the 1O am nor the 1 pm flight left on time. The two were later combined and left at 3 pm. The N8,OOO was not refunded to those who paid. Is that how to run a business that is service and customer oriented? It looks more like extortion to me. But that is the kind of service we get from our airlines in Nigeria. Unfortunately, this unique service was exported to Ghana last week. A flight by Arik that was to leave by 5.45pm did not leave until 11pm. We landed at 1am Nigerian time and passed through a sleepy, sluggish immigration which did not help matters. We did not get home until 2.3Oam. In the flight were people who had booked for a morning flight and who were on the queue when they were told the flight was full- how an international flight would leave confirmed passengers behind confounds me. So they stayed at the airport all day with neither attention nor care from the Arik crew. Many would have had plans for their Sunday which were not to be. Two that I know had connecting planes to catch. One, an Indian, had a taxi waiting in Lagos at an unnecessary cost to him. Another, and older friend, wondered how he would get home since his wife who was to pick him, would not venture out after 1Opm. The details, pieced together during the ‘ wait’, as to how Arik found itself in this situation are too embarrassing to relate here. All I can say is that for a business whose oxygen is customer satisfaction, this is exactly how not to run a business. And the aviation authorities that have limited our choices mainly to two rather incompetent airlines must ask themselves what business they are in. What is the point in upgrading airports when planes are not flying in them?
,
The tributes of the grand children brought tears to many eyes and made me realise what true parenting is all about
people would be dressed in white; black if it was middle age and red or black if it was a youth. Definitely not the bright colours we adorned for Mrs Tay. The cultural drumming and dancing were some of the things I took away with me. The scene was so intriguing that I left my seat to spend some time with them. Tradition, properly conducted, always fascinates me. Yet, it was a simple but touching ceremony. The tributes of the grand children brought tears to many eyes and made me realise what true parenting is all about. This is the proper legacy, ‘the property’ to leave behind. This is the gold that will not rust that we should bequeath to our children. To touch lives the way Mrs Tay must have done, is worth emulating. But the main lesson of the trip came from a different source. But first, a little background. About a month ago, my missus and some colleagues had travelled to Esanland in Edo State for a funeral. Their return trip from Benin to Lagos was on a Saturday which turned out to be an environmental Saturday— whoever puts a flight for 1O am on an environmental Saturday needs to be taught the ABC of business. My wife’s flight, with some of her friends, was for 1 pm. But because some members of her group had an earlier flight, the bus that took them to the airport was early enough for the 1O am flight which, as you can imagine, was far from full. C M Y K
,
Divine int er inter ervvention
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our case is not hopeless. The num ber of years that you have been in that condition is not what matters. The end is always more glorious. Though your beginning may be small yet your latter end shall greatly increase. The solution will show up and your enemies will be ashamed. God is not through with you yet. He is working things together for your good. It may seem as if God has forgotten you but it is not true. At the divinely appointed time, He will show up. Let us take a look at some instances in the bible of how God showed up and brought about a glorious change to the lives of people. I trust that your faith will be stirred up through this teaching. Be
mightily blessed as you read and meditate on the words of the living God. In Exodus 3:6-10, the bible says, “Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their task masters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites”. The above text shows that the children of Israel who were slaves in a strange land have been in that condition for some time and have been crying to God for their deliverance. I am sure that they may have thought that God has forsaken them. After all God told Abraham that they will be in Egypt for four hundred years and now they have been in Egypt for four hundred and thirty years. What then? God has forgotten them. But when the time for their deliverance came, God appeared to Moses without the children of Israel knowing about it. God said He had seen their afflictions and heard their cry. This means that God is aware of what they were passing through and also heard their cry (prayers). He has thus come to deliver them and take them to a flourishing land. Can you beat God? The Israelites were still in bondage and yet God has already prepared a land flowing with milk and honey for them. This goes to show that your present situation will not stop God from perfecting His will and purpose in your life. After God had spoken to Moses, He sent Moses to Egypt to deliver the Israelites. God showed up and they were freed from the land of bondage. When God freed them they did not leave empty handed. They left with the precious substances of their masters. They became better than their masters. Listen to me, God will show up on your behalf. God sometimes show up out of compassion. In Luke 7:11-16, there was a widow who lost her only son and he was being taken to be buried. This widow’s hope seems to be gone for good. She may have been saying to herself that life was no longer worth living. She may have concluded that it was all over for her.
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013—53
C M Y K
54 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 14, 2013
Mandela Championship: Grace in Storl confirms participation at IAAF Indoor Permit contention for title G T HE first round of the weather-hit Nelson Mandela Championship, presented by ISPS Handa, creaked to its close on the third day of the tournament on Friday at Mount Edgecombe Country Club in Durban with its highest-ranked player, Branden Grace, signing for a six-underpar 64. That left him two shots off the first-round 62 which was posted by England’s Daniel Brooks on Wednesday, which seems like an age ago after regular rain left Mount Edgecombe’s fairways
waterlogged and the course unplayable for much of the first two scheduled days of the tournament. With so much time already lost, and play on Sunday not an option in a gesture of respect for the state funeral of former president Nelson Mandela, it means the tournament has been shortened to 54 holes. The second round started while the final few players were completing their first rounds on Friday, and the cut to the top 65 players and those tying on that score will be
made once the second round is completed – which should be sometime on Saturday morning. The final round will then be played from a two-tee start in an effort to wrap things up as scheduled on Saturday evening. Brooks held a one-stroke edge over Frenchman Francois Calmels who was on seven-under 63 after the first round, and, joining Grace on six-under, were two other Frenchmen in Edouard Dubois and Romain Wattel, and Grace’s countryman Oliver Bekker.
*Justin Rose
Rose climbs to second spot in Thailand tourney
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USTIN Rose shot 65 for a share of second place behind Germany’s Alex Cejka after the first round of the Thailand Golf Championship. England’s US Open champion ended seven under alongside Thailand’s Arnond Vongvanij to trail Cejka by one at the
Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok. Defending champion Charl Schwartzel and Sergio Garcia both carded rounds of 68. Sweden’s world number three Henrik Stenson, and Americans Bubba Watson and American Rickie Fowler opened
with 70s. Rose, the world number four, said: “It was an early alarm call this morning at 4.30. Didn’t enjoy that part but once I got out here to the golf course it was a perfect morning for golf, nice and cool to start with.”
Hull on Young Sports Personality list
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shortlist of three contenders has been announced for the 2013 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award. Athlete Dina AsherSmith , shooter Amber Hill and golfer Charley Hull are in contention for the prize. They made the final cut, revealed on the Blue Peter television show, from a longer list of 10 candidates. The winner, chosen by an expert panel, will be named during the 60th edition of the Sports Personality show, which is broadcast live from Leeds
on Sunday. Footballer Wayne Rooney, tennis star Andy Murray and diver Tom Daley are among previous winners on the roll of honour. At 17, Asher-Smith became the second youngest female athlete in history to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships as Great Britain’s women secured bronze in the 4x100m relay. Aged just 15, Hill became the youngest winner of a senior World Cup in skeet shooting and finished the season ranked number one senior in Great Britain and number five in the world.
*Charley Hull
ERMANY’S popular 2013 IAAF World Championships Shot Put gold medallist David Storl is the latest big name to confirm that he will compete at the Indoor Meeting in Karlsruhe, the opening IAAF Indoor Per mit Meeting of this winter’s series,on 1 February. The meeting organisers announced on Thursday (12) that Storl will return to the meeting where he
finished second in 2012 to Poland’s two -time Tomasz Majewski, Storl’s only previous appearance at the meeting. In 2012, Storl’s outing in Karlsruhe provide a good rehearsal for his performance at the IAAF World Indoor Championships five weeks later, when he finished second behind the USA’s Ryan Whiting. This time around, Storl
hopes a win the German city will put him on the raod to victory at this year ’s Championships, which will be held in the Polish city of Sopot from 7-9 March. In addition to the Shot Put, the other men’s disciplines in Karlsruhe will be the Pole Vault, 60m Hurdles, 800m, 1500m and 3000m. Women will compete in the Long Jump, 60m, 60m Hurdles, 1500m and 3000m.
Desisa, Jeptoo defend Boston Marathon title April 21 T
HE 2013 Boston Marathon champions, Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa and Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo, will defend their titles at the 118th running of the race on April 21, the organisers of the IAAF Gold Label Road Race announced on Wednesday. The early miles of this year’s race were typically strategic over the historic Hopkinton-to-Boston course. In the closing stages, three runners broke away from the pack to battle for the famous olive wreath. Running shoulder-toshoulder, Desisa, his compatriot Gebre Gebremariam and Kenya’s Micah Kogo dug deep into their reserves as they turned right on Hereford and left on Boylston Street down the home stretch. The day, however, belonged to Desisa. Shifting to a higher gear on Boylston, he left his challengers behind, breaking the tape in 2:10:22, seven seconds ahead of Kogo and eight seconds in front of Gebremariam. Desisa, 23,also won the Marathon silver medal at the 2013 IAAF World Championships. Two months after the Boston Marathon, Desisa returned to participate in the B.A.A. 10K and gifted his Boston Marathon winner’s medal to the City of Boston to honour the victims and families affected by the tragic events of April 15, 2013. He returned to Boston again in October to set a new course record at the B.A.A. Half Marathon. “I am very excited to return to Boston this spring to show that we are united in our athletic community and are ready to stand up and show the world we are
not afraid,” said Desisa. “Boston is the most historic race in our world of athletics and to win Boston means so much; it is such an honor. I expect to give my best effort to defend my Boston Marathon title. “I know it will not be easy and the day will be much more than a race to most people, but right now my goal is to honor the day and repeat as champion.” In the women’s race earlier this year, experience proved the key as Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo, the 2006 Boston champion, returned to win in commanding fashion. In a race that saw many different leaders, Jeptoo waited until mile 23 to break away. Three rivals initially followed her but Jeptoo was to prove to be too strong and won by 33 seconds in 2:26:25. In October, Jeptoo won
•Desisa
the Chicago Marathon in 2:19:57, setting the fastest time in the world this year and she is also past champion of marathons in Stockholm, Milan and Eldoret. She has finished in the top six at Boston on five occasions. “Winning the Boston Marathon for me in 2013 was fantastic, especially to come back and win again after 2006, has shown my potential,” said Jeptoo. “But, of course, my victory last year was not as important as helping the victims of the bombs, and the families who were affected by the terrible tragedy. “Coming back is so nice for me to try to win again and hopefully to bring some hope and joy to families and to the injured. It also will be an honor to run Boston again to show the world that we don’t give in to fear,” she added.
SATURDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 14, 2013—55
Keshi sad, happy over Oboabona, Reuben, others
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UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has said he missed players like Godfrey Obo-
CHAN: Erico lauds Keshi on Iheanacho, Alampasu BY EDDIE AKALONU
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ORMER Supper Eagles Assistant Coach, Joe Erico, has said that Stephen Keshi’s decision to include some of the national Under-17 team, Golden Eaglets players in the homebased Super Eagles team now preparing for the African Nations Championship, CHAN, scheduled to hold in South Africa next year is a positive development for the game in the country. CHAN, which will hold from January 11 to February 1, 2014, is meant for African players playing in the domestic leagues in the continent. Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and others are countries favoured to win the coveted cup. Erico, said it was a thing of joy to see Keshi call up Kelechi Ihenacho, goalkeeper Alampasu and Taiwo Awoniyi for the CHAN challenge, adding that “his move would lift the spirit of the team and make it more competitive”. He pointed out that contrary to the belief
being expressed in some quarters that CHAN could serve as a distraction for the World Cup, it will enhance the competition in the team ahead the World Cup in June next year. “I don’t think the championship will derail Keshi’s World Cup plans, rather it will give him an opportunity to choose from an array of stars”, he stated. “Keshi is going to make a good CHAN squad with the inclusion of these young players. But I must appeal to Nigerians not to expect too much from the players. They are going there for exposure. If they put their acts together, they will perform well,” he added
RITISH tennis chiefs have been warned that part of their public funding is at risk after the sport suffered a drop in public participation despite Andy Murray ’s historic
Injury sidelines RVP M
ANCHESTER United striker Robin van Persie has been ruled out for a month with a thigh strain. The Dutchman, 30, was injured while taking the corner that led to Phil Jones’ winner against Champions League opponents Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. United play eight matches before facing Chelsea in the league on 19 January. “It’s unfortunate,” said boss David Moyes. “Our record is good with Wayne
Rooney and Robin in the team. We’ve not had them for quite a period recently.” Van Persie has endured a campaign disrupted by injury so far after suffering toe and groin problems. Last weekend, he had returned from a month-long absence in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. He arrived at Old Trafford for £24m from Arsenal in August 2012 and scored 26 goals last season as United claimed the Premier League title.
Pressure‘ll be on Nigeria – Mozambique coach
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OZAMBIQUE national team coach Joao Chissano believes pressure will be on Nigeria and South Africa when the African Nations Championship (Chan) kicks off next year in South Africa. Nigeria are placed in Group A alongside Mozambique, hosts South Africa and perennial campaigners Mali. “We are hoping that we can make some surprises in the Chan tournament.
We don’t have any pressure,” Chisanno said. “It is South Africa and Nigeria who will be under pressure. We just want to make something positive out of it and win one or two games.” Just like Nigeria, Mozambique are making their debut in the competition. While countries like Mali and South Africa are making a second appearance after debuting in the 2011 edition.
since camp opened last Monday for the CHAN tournament. He said his optimism is as a result of the quality of players that he has in camp for the tournament. “The only problem we have is that of time, we have little time to prepare but we will still give it our best shot and ensure that we replace some of our players that have left us for bigger things abroad”. He added that by the time the team plays more test games, those who can make it to the tournament would have been discovered and Nigeria should be able to present a fairly strong side for the CHAN tourney.
Tennis: ELTC tasks sponsors on talent hunt, sports devt
T •Iheanacho
‘Murray’s victory yet to create impact in British tennis’
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abona, Gabriel Reuben and Juwon Oshaniwa, who were part of the home based team he was raising before they departed for clubs in Europe , but is happy at the players’ progress. His joy, he said stemmed from the fact that their departure apart from bettering their career and status in life also offers the coaching crew a fresh opportunity to discover new talents from the abundance that Nigeria has. Keshi was speaking in Abuja, after the Eagles defeated Prisons FC 4-1, in its first practice match
Wimbledon triumph. Sport England, the body which distributes Lottery money to boost sport at grassroots level, says tennis has failed to capitalise on Murray’s success at Wimbledon earlier this year. Tennis, which has earlier this year had a £530,000 funding cut imposed, could lose more of its £17.4 million four-year award after participation fell from 423,400 in April to 406,000. There was a small rise in the summer when Murray beat Novak Djokovic to become the first British man to win the Wimbledon singles’ title for 77 years. But this was not sustained and Sport England will hold meetings with the Lawn Tennis Association before deciding in January whether up to 20 per cent of their funding will be suspended. “The tennis results are disappointing. As fantastic as Andy Murray ’s victory at Wimbledon was, that gives them a platform and a great profile,” Sport England chief executive Jenni Price said on Thursday. “They did a lot in August and September and had a bit of a lift from that but it was not sustained. “They need a really good delivery system outside the clubs such as on the park courts and they will be getting that
message very loud and clear from us. “I should say they started to engage in the participation agenda and are genuinely focused on it now - and we couldn’t have said that in the past.”
•Murray
HE President of Estate Lawn Tennis Club, Lagos Alhaji Lanre Aminu has joined the strident voices across Nigeria calling for increased participation and sponsorship of sports competition at various levels by corporate bodies and institutions as a panacea towards attaining higher glory in sports and youth development. Alhaji Aminu, an advertising practitioner made this remark at the just concluded ELTC sports week in Lagos which featured President’s Tennis Singles Cup, among other various competitive sports vied for
by members of the club as an annual sports fiesta to earn points for individual rankings. According to the ELTC President, the stage has been set for captains of various sections and members of the club to strive hard to attract sponsors and as well organize regular competitions in order to score points that would culminate in assessing individual performances and grading of top players to represent the club. “I wish to emphasis that our efforts in staging the annual sports week were targeted at keeping our top players and other members in top shape for various competitions while it also affords us a platform to groom young talents who abound in the community as a panacea towards sports and youth development in Nigeria. May I appeal to private institutions and corporate sponsors to rally round the executive committee in this onerous task of attracting sponsors and partners for various competitions organized by our club”. While urging youths and particularly the newly inducted members of the club to be actively involved in sports, Alhaji Aminu stated that as the sponsor of President’s Cup, the stakes have been raised for tennis players by expanding this year’s prize package which included a plaque, trophy, lap top computer system and a medal as a way to spur members to develop strong competitive spirit and profound sportsma-nship”. “I wish to place it on record that our collective ability to build the future rests squarely on our shoulders as we owe it a duty to avail our youth the opportunities to live their dreams, soar with their hopes and passionately pursue their desires through the sport platform created by our club.
C M Y K
SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 14, 2013
FIFA 2014 W/Cup: Brazilian Embassy promises easy visas for Nigerians Club have had to trim the number of their members willing to travel. Even journalURING international sporting ists, with supposedly genuine missions competitions, many Nigerians have have been denied visas to some countries always had it tough getting entry visas to during such events. host countries. Most often, even the memBut that may not be the case when the bers of the Nigeria Football Supporters 2014 FIFA World Cup billed for June in Brazil begins as Nigerians wishing to go to Brazil and cheer the Super Eagles have been promised easy entry visas into the country. Speaking to guests at the Porsche Centre, Victoria Island during an open viewing of the World Cup draw, Deputy Consul-General of the Brazilian Embassy in Nigeria Cesario de Alexandria said, “all we will need from a fan of the Super Eagles is a match ticket and that would guarantee the person a visa.” He added that they want to make it as easy as possible for prospective visitors to Brazil during the tournament. Meanwhile, Optima Sports Management International, (OSMI) broadcast rights holders of the 2014 FIFA World Cup provided a glimpse of what those who will be in Brazil for next year’s Mundial will enjoy — a good dose of samba music and dance. Just before the draw which was transmitted on a large screen, guests were treated to vintage samba beats by a group that delighted all. The event which was an initiative of OPTIMA, brought together the corporate community, sports marketers and stakeholders to the Brazil 2014 World Cup. OSMI CEO, Rotimi Pedro told the gathering that the company will beam all matches of the 2014 World Cup to Nigerian homes through terrestrial JOYOUS MOOD.... Would Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles coach and his wards be in this mood after their television and on radio and he also enlightened them World Cup opener against Iran in Brazil next June? on the market opportunities available. But Iran can also boast troversial decision to rest manager and having a successful 2013 after his best players in be- fought with his South Kotheir strong qualifying tween the more crucial rean counterpart, sparkrecord of five wins, one Nigeria and Bosnia & ing a brawl between the Man City v Arsenal 1.45 p.m. draw and just one loss Herzegovina matches. players and staff. Cardiff v West Brom 4 p.m. in the calendar year. The Portuguese tactician To progress, Iran will Chelsea v Crystal 4 p.m. A point against Nigeris no stranger to contro- need a bit of quality, luck Everton v Fulham 4 p.m. ia would certainly not be versy in his role with Iran, and maybe even some Newcastle v S’hamton 4 p.m. disastrous and should having already appointed controversy. Who is to say West Ham v Sunderland 4 p.m. keep their hopes alive an American as assistant they won’t get all three? Hull City v Stoke City 6.30 p.m until the final game against Bosnia & CROSS WORD PUZZLE Herzegovina. That final group game 34 Number – (3) on 25 June in Salvador Across 35 L.G.A in Jigawa State – (10) 2 Zimbabwe Prime Minister, against the Europeans Morgan – (11) could and probably will Down 7 Golf Peg – (3) decide Iran’s fate, as 1 Greek Goddess – (6) 8 Midday – (4) 2 Akwa United Coach, Justin – long as they avoid de9 Former Inspector General of (6) feat to Nigeria. Police, Etim – (6) 3 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (6) Iran have never lost to 11 Protein Source – (3) 4 Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim 12 Assistance – (3) the Bosnians, having – (6) 13 L.G.A in Edo State – (4) won three times and 5 Ireland Capital City – (9) 15 South Korean Currency drawn once in the four 6 Tavern – (3) Unit – (4) 10 Ammunition – (3) matches the pair have 17 Non-Linear Measurement 14 Ninth Month of The Year – ever played, most reUnit – (4) (9) cently a 5-2 win back in 19 Former Minister of Sports, 16 State in Nigeria Known as AbdulRahman – (5) 2006. “The Gateway State”? – (4) 21 PDP National Chairman, 18 Adult Male Fowl – (4) Another interesting Alh. Bamanga – (5) part of Iran’s World Cup 20 Former INEC Chairman, 24 Particles – (4) Maurice – (3) story will come when 27 Cross-River State Com- 22 former Kenya National Queiroz names his startmissioner for Sports, Mr. President, Mwai – (6) ing XI for the game Patrick – (4) 23 African Waterbuck – (6) 29 Insect – (3) against Argentina. 25 Lobi Stars Striker, Tony – (6) 30 Burkina Faso “Stallions” 26 Thailand Currency Unit – With even his strongCoach, Paul – (3) est side unlikely to get (6) 31 L.G.A in Cross River State – 27 Akwa-Ibom State Capital – anything from the game, (6) (3) he could make the con33 Former Akwa-Ibom State
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BY JACOB AJOM
Brazil 2014: Why Keshi, Eagles must be wary of Iran L
AST week’s draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup holding in Brazil next summer may be the ultimate nightmare for most national team managers who have Argentina as group mates. For Carlos Queiroz’s Iran, however, last week’s pairing which put them in Group F with with Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia Herzegovina might be a blessing in disguise. Iran qualified convincingly for the tournament, beating South Korea, Qatar, Uzbekistan and Lebanon to top Group A in the fourth round of Asian Qualifying with 16 points. Most impressively, they beat the South Koreans home and away - with just short of 100,000 fans turning out to watch the Persian Stars win in the Tehran fixture. Since Queiroz’s appointment in April 2011 Iran have climbed to 45th in the FIFA World Rankings, a position higher than several sides going to Brazil. Though the FIFA rankings are by no means an exact science, the fact that Iran will face Bosnia & Herzegovina (ranked 21st) and Nigeria (ranked 36th) next summer is certainly encouraging for the squad. Argentina, up in 3rd place, will surely beat Iran when the pair meet in Belo Horizonte on 21 June, but with the South American giants heavy favourites to claim maximum points there will likely be a three-way fight for second place. If Iran can get the better of Nigeria and Bosnia & Herzegovina then their loyal and passionate fans can look forward to an extra date in Brazil, most likely against France or Switzerland. Getting there, though, will need a strong opening performance against Nigeria on 16 June in Curitiba. Nigeria will be tough opposition, having won the African Cup of Nations last February and arriving at the World Cup after an unbeaten qualifying campaign.
Today’s matches
Governor, Mr. Yakubu – (4)
32 Pendulum – (3)
SOLUTION on page 52
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