Jonathan may settle for Idris Umar by Vanguard Media Limited

C M Y K

2—

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

—3

C M Y K

4—

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014 — 5

Tukur’s successor: Jonathan may settle for Idris Umar •May drop him in cabinet shake-up that may leave behind handful of ministers

Across section of members of Diplomatic Community during a cocktail in their honour at Presidentioal Villa, Abuja. Photo: State House BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

S several blocks within the troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, jostle for the control of the party through the appointment of a new chairman, indications emerged yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan might have settled for the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar. Incidentally, Umar, an unassuming but active politician from Gombe State, is the same candidate that the President’s wife, Patience and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, are soliciting support for to

emerge as the new National Chairman of the party. A close source to the Presidency told Saturday Vanguard that the President was favourably disposed to supporting the emergence of Umar, who had been showing what it called ‘absolute loyalty’ and support to the administration since coming on board as a minister. The source said, “It is clear that the post will be given to Umar because of the fact that the President has already given a nod to his candidature. “Barring any change in the way things are, Umar will be announced as the new Chairman of the PDP,” the source, who

pleaded anonymity, said. It was gathered in Abuja yesterday that in a bid to pave the way for Umar to move into the new role, he might be dropped in an impending cabinet reshuffle to be announced by President Goodluck Jonathan. The President had even given a hint of tinkering with his cabinet when he told a delegation of PDP stakeholders from the North-West that the list of new ministers to be appointed by him would be forwarded to the National Assembly, which is expected to resume from their Christmas and New Year break next week. Although it was not clear, who would replace

Umar in the event of his being dropped in order to take up the new challenge, a source said that Jonathan was planning a major cabinet reshuffle that might sweep away the jobs of no fewer than 25 ministers. The purge, it was learnt, was to pave the way for the emergence of ‘politically relevant’ ministers, who would be able to deliver the needed support for Jonathan to win his second term election and stay till 2019. Findings by Saturday Vanguard showed that in a bid to counter the G5 governors and win election in those states, Jonathan had pencilled down the names of top PDP politicians who can match the governors politically. A source close to the

ATIONAL leader ship of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday described the exit of its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the climax of political maturity and an eloquent expression of the internal democratic mechanism that form what it termed the building blocks of the party. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said, “the development which came against the backdrop of doomsday predictions by the opposition has again proved the in-built conflict resolution capacity of a party whose leaders are ever mindful of its historic responsibility as the custodian of the fate of over 160 million Nigerians . ” On Thursday, the selfless efforts of our leaders to re-engineer and strengthen our great party peaked with the selfless example of our former National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, who voluntarily resigned.

“This brought to the fore the unimpeachable democratic features of the PDP as a political party whose leaders and members are at all times willing to sacrifice personal interests in the overall good of the party and the nation. “This is a true character of a political party attuned to the essentials of progress and national unity. ” Instructively, the occasion re-affirmed that despite our large size and diversity, our capacity to internally resolve all our challenges and by extension hold Nigeria together as well as boost her fortunes and improve the lots of the people is without rival . ”By this very development also, we re-established with great emphasis that the interest of the people is primary to every consideration in our party and that no amount of sacrifice is inconceivable in service to Nigeria. “ Metuh noted that the peaceful manner through which the PDP has continued to resolve its problems was an assur-

ance that the challenges facing Nigeria today would equally be resolved with the cooperation of the people, adding, “We therefore wish to send a fresh clear signal to the opposition and detractors who must be hugely disappointed with the outcome of our National Executive Committee meeting that the PDP has come to stay and shall continue to win elections, having been deeply rooted in the province of the people. ” For nearly sixteen years since formation, our great party has passed through numerous challenges and on each occasion emerged stronger. It has remained the only political party in this democratic dispensation which is truly national, that has neither changed its name nor logo and has not changed its commitment to the people. The PDP has shown a true character of a political party strongly resolved on building a strong, virile democratic polity and which has numerous infrastructural developments to its credit.

Jonathan. The move is to ensure that Kure wins support for Jonathan in 2015 should the outgoing governor, Babangida Aliyu, who is torn between the PDP and APC, finally ditches his party. The Presidency has also pencilled down the names of Boni Haruna, former Adamawa State Governor, as a potential minister in his cabinet so as to checkmate Governor Murtala Nyako, who has already moved over to the APC. The same scenario is also playing out in Kano, where the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’aba is being considered as a minister from the state so as to counter the influence of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is not politically friendly with Jonathan.

Confab: Igbo leaders want ethnic groups to appoint Representatives BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

ONCERNED Igbo Leaders of Thought led by eminent constitutional lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze rose from their fourth meeting in Enugu yesterday, re-affirming their position that representation to the pro-

Tukur’s exit, political maturity — PDP BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

Presidency pointed out that in Rivers State for instance, two former Deputy Speakers, Austin Opara and Chibudum Nwuche, were being considered for ministerial appointment so as to be able to tackle Amaechi and win the state for PDP. Amaechi was among the five PDP governors, who recently defected to the APC. The governors vowed on Thursday not to return to the PDP even with the removal of Bamanga Tukur, insisting that the virus of impunity and lawlessness had affected their former party. In Niger State, the name of the former governor of the state, A.Y.Kure, who is believed to still enjoy a strong followership in the state might also emerge as a minister in the new cabinet being put together by

” We have shown a perfect example for the present and future generation of politicians to copy. The greatness of any political party is not only a function of its numerical strength and diversity, but essentially also, is the patriotism of its leaders, the relegation of personal interests and the supremacy of the will of the people. This played out in full on T h u r s d a y . ” The statement further commended the heroic courage of Dr. Turkur, his father figure role and his unrivaled determination to push through his ideals on the reform of the

PDP, while paying tribute to the wise and unbiased disposition of President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders of the party in resolving all party challenges . It also assured Nigerians that the PDP will continue to be united so as to give all the needed support to the efforts of government to transform Nigeria and improve the welfare of the people.

posed national conference be based on ethnic nationalities. The leaders expressed happiness that their position, which is contrary to the recommendations of the Senator Femi Okurounmu-led Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC), is enjoying the support of other interest and regional groups. The fourth assembly of the Igbo leaders witnessed even more prominent Igbos in attendance, including former Central Bank Governor (CBN), Prof. Charles Soludo, a Biafran war veteran Col. Emma Nwobosi, Prof. Felix Oragwu, Chief H.B.C. Ogboko, HRH Prof Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike and Engr. Obi Thomson of World Igbo Congress, USA. Also, present at the meeting were Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Prof. Ben Obumselu, Arc Bishop Anikwenwa, Prince Emeka Onyeso, Sen Anyim Ude, Sen Offia Nwali, Prof Nwabueze, Prof. Enechi Onyia, Dr. Chu S. P Okongwu among others. Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, the secretary of the group, Prof Elochukwu Amaucheazi said, they hold and will continue to hold in high esteem, President Goodluck Jonathan. ”He will go down in history as really the founder of modern Nigeria if the national conference works out very well. ”So far, we have been concerned with modalities about the national conference. If he gets it right, every other thing will follow. ”If you look at the pa-

pers, you will find that South Peoples Assembly headed by Ekwueme, Arc Bishop Gbonigi and Chief Edwin Clerk, has endorsed the views of Igbo Leaders of Thought. The Middle Belt under Prof Jerry Gana has endorsed our position. The Yorubas, Odumakins and the rest of them are all saying the same thing. ”We want a national conference of ethnic nationalities that will produce a new constitution which will be approved by the people through a referendum. We are not in competition with any person. These are the things Ndigbo stand out for. So, it is surprising that with all these endorsements, you’ll find somebody, who has criticized this. The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, said it clearly that they don’t want this conference. They are all frightened about Prof Nwabueze. They believe that once he is there and can convince the President and Nigerians that what we want is renegotiated Nigeria, they will lose out. ”It is surprising if you look at the papers where Ohanaeze now described Prof. Nwabueze as misguided and totally wrong. Can you imagine this? That is what is written by Ohanaeze, their Publicity Secretary when others are endorsing our posit i o n ” . Amaucheazi maintained that the present leadership of Ohanaeze is illegal but his group will not like to join issues with anybody at this moment.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Money Laundering: S-Court orders FG to prosecute Mohammed Abacha •Says he has criminal case to answer BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI Abuja

T From left: Gover nors: Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, Rochas Okorocha of Imo, chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum; Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo and Rotimi Amechi of Rivers, after the meeting of All progressive Congress Governors’ Forum, held at Lagos house in Marina, Lagos recently. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

HE Supreme Court, yesterday, gave the Federal Government the nod to prosecute the eldest son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Mohammed, over his alleged complicity in the illegal diversion of public funds to a foreign account that belonged to his father. In an unanimous judgment yesterday, a fiveman panel of Justices of the

Cleric begs Governor Obi not to quit politics

HE Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev. Dr. Hilary Odili Okeke has appealed to Governor Peter Obi not to quit politics against the Governors proclamation that he was done with politics. The cleric said the entire people of Anambra State, Igbos and

Nigerians prayed that people like him should have the opportunity of serving Nigerians at the centre in view of his exceptional performance in Anambra State. Bishop Okeke said this yesterday at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala shortly after he received

the cheque of N100million for ongoing projects at the hospital, as well as another cheque of N30 million for the Maternity and Childcare complex at Azigbo. Two days ago, the Governor also presented a cheque of N100m to Archbishop Valerian

Okeke for on going work at St. Charles Borromeo Hospital Onitsha, saying that other hospitals in strategic partnership with the Government of Anambra State would receive theirs as part of the “final push” by the state Government towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015 . The cleric commended the Governor for his commitment to projects that impacted on the lives of the people, noting that people of the State would forever remain grateful to him for touching their lives in special ways. Bishop Okeke said the hospital had benefited a lot from Governor Obi administration as his support had repositioned the hospital and provided conducive environment for efficient healthcare delivery while he observed that the number of patients seeking healthcare daily has doubled. In his remarks, Governor Obi reinstated the determination of his administration to upgrade the hospital to first class health facility that would become a reference point in the country and beyond. He thanked the Church for assisting the State to achieve its vision on MDGs and for prudent and efficient use of funds released to them to deliver the set goals. While handing over the N30 million Cheque for the maternity project, Governor Obi said the State Government had provided in full the N300m needed to build and equip the on-going ten ultra modern maternity and child care centres in the rural areas.

apex court, held that Mohammed has a criminal case to answer regarding the 123-count charge that was earlier preferred against him by the Federal Government. Specifically, the charge pending against him before an Abuja High Court borders on criminal conspiracy, breach of public trust, receiving and helping to starch stolen funds abroad. However, shortly after the government concluded plans to commence his trial, Mohammed, quickly ran before the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court to challenge the legality of the charge against him. While challenging the jurisdiction of the high court to try him, the accused person, contended that since the stolen money had already been returned into the coffers of the government, he said it would be unjust and unlawful to subject him to the rigours of prosecution over funds not in his custody. Arguing through his lawyer, Mr J.B Daudu, SAN, Mohammed, maintained that Section 5 of Decree No. 53 of 1999, prohibited FG from prosecuting an accused person who had forfeited money said to have been stolen. Daudu argued that the late Head of State had immunity to stash the money away in private foreign bank accounts so as to take care of uncertainties associated with governance especially as it concerned threats by some Western nations as at that time. He urged the appellate court to among other things, determine whether any fund dealt with by his late father in his capacity as Head of State can be questioned by another administration in the face of all the Decrees that enabled him (Abacha), to exercise unlimited powers, as well as, whether the charge which was anchored on receiving stolen properties can be entertained by the High Court. In its judgment, the appellate court dismissed his appeal as unmeritorious, saying “In the final analysis, there is nothing in the provision of Decree No. 53 of 1999 which inhibits the High

court of the FCT Abuja from exercising its judicial power to try the appellant for the various criminal offences contained in the charges brought before it by the Attorney General of the Federation.” Dissatisfied with the verdict, Mohammed, took the matter before the Supreme Court where he also failed again yesterday. It was further his contention at the apex court that the charges pending before the High Court from which reference was made to the Court of Appeal related to assets that were previously disclosed on September 29, 1998 and October 2, 1998 and forfeited under Decree No. 53 of 1999. He argued that the charge against him breached the undertaking or promise as stated in section 5 of the Decree to wit: “that there would be no prosecution as a result of the forfeiture.” Mohammed also insisted that the immunity enjoyed by his father while in office extended to him and that having forfeited some of the family ’s properties confiscated by the government, he should be exempted from prosecution in line with the provisions of Decree 53 of 1999. Nevertheless, FG, through its lawyer, Mr Daniel Enwelom, told the apex court that the exhead of state only enjoyed immunity while he was in power, adding that any one involved in a crime allegedly committed then, cannot be exempted from trial. Therefore, FG, sought the dismissal of the appeal at the apex court, stressing that Mohammed still have a criminal case to answer pertaining to money laundering. Delivering their judgment yesterday, the Supreme Court panel, threw out the appeal for being devoid of merit, even as it affirmed the decision of the appellate court. Justice Suleiman Galadima held that Abacha or any other person mentioned in the Decree have anything to do with the property after forfeiture as the forfeiture itself was by the force of the Decree.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014 — 7

Cholera outbreak in Nasarawa kills 16 •As FG donates drugs to halt spread BY VICTORIA OJEME Abuja

IXTEEN persons were yesterday confirmed to have died from cholera , out of 306 cholera cases in Nassarawa state. This was made known in Lafia, the state capital, when a team of health experts from the Federal Ministry of Health donated drugs to the state government to checkmate the spread of the disease. The first case of cholera outbreak in the State was reported in September 2013, while the disease have been detected in six local governments areas, namely, Akwanga, Wamba, Lafia, Awe, Obi and Karu local government areas. Donating the drugs on behalf of the Federal Government yesterday in Lafia, the state capiltal, the Chief Consultant Epediomologist in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Akin Oyemakinde said that the donation of the drugs was part of the Federal Government intervention to curb the further spread of cholera and Lasa Fever in Nasarawa State. Dr. Oyemakinde who led a rapid response and investigation team from the Federal Ministry of Health to the State explained that the team was in the State to halt further spread of the diseases to other parts of the State and adjoining states. He also said that the

team is in the state to assess the response to the cholera outbreak , ascertain the level of preparedness of the State to respond to the diseases as well as step up surveillance. He said that part of the team’s assignment was to support the State to improve preparedness and response to further cholera outbreak. While reiterating the need to mobilize the people particularly local communities on the dangers of cholera, he charged the State government to intensify surveillance activities, provide better access to good quality water to the people as well as provide information on sanitation, hygiene and food preparation practices. Also speaking, Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Health, Fatai Oyediran said that the ministry recently trained about 100 Health personnel including Disease Surveillance Notifi-

cation Officers (DSNOs) and Local Immunization Officers (LIOs) particularly in the case of lasa fever detection, adding that the training was to acquaint clinicians and nurses with rapid response techniques as

USPECTED cattle rustlers have killed three people and injured four others in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State while trying to steal about 100 cows. The suspects were reported to have opened fire on two of the deceased identified as Kahfa Timbong and Tanden Nandang who along with others, pursued them to recover the cows stolen by the suspected rustlers at Nwore village. The third victim, Yakubu Changtim was killed at Yokdara village as the flee-

a kind gesture which will go a long way to stem the tide of cholera and lasa fever infection in the state. He disclosed that the Nasarawa state government is collaborating with a United States of America Organization to establish a laboratory for lasa fever

LL Progressive Con gress, APC has lauded the Inspector General, IG of Police probe into the aborted rally of the Save Rivers Movement, SRM, in Port Harcourt last Sunday

ing thieves shot sporadically while getting away. A villager told journalists that the incident occurred on Thursday when the rustlers tried to steal the cattle from the grazing field but were given a chase by vigilant villagers. He said the attackers on sighting them shot at them before abandoning the cattle and escaping from the area. According to the villager, Mr. Nanpon Miri, “When the news got to the villagers, some of them mobilized and gave the cow thieves a hot chase to recover the stolen cows. “In the process, the criminals gunned down two of the villagers, shot four oth-

PDP crisis is beyond Tukur – Nyako

Presidential Adviser on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof. Sylvester Monye (r) listening to South-South Business Tycoon, Chief Ayirima Imami after a recent inauguration ceremony conducted by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Attack on Abe: APC welcomes Police probe, urges IG to invite Senator Abe, Okocha BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, PH

and Avian influenza detection which a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to that effect. He added that equipment and structures are already in place for the take off.

BY UMAR YUSUF Yola

where Senator Magnus Abe was allegedly shot with rubber bullets by the Police. Chairman of the party in Rivers state, Dr Davies Ikanya in a statement also urged the Police to ensure that its findings at the end of the day should not be swept under the carpet.

Cattle thieves kill three in Langtang BY TAYE OBATERU Jos

well as to increase surveillance and detection of lasa fever outbreak. Responding, the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe who received the drugs on behalf of the State government thanked the Federal Government, describing the donation as

ers before they abandoned the cattle and disappeared into the bush”.

The party further enjoined the IG to ensure that star witnesses of the alleged Police brutality which included Senator Abe and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Mr Tony Okocha were invited by the Police. “All relevant individuals, including Senator Abe and Sir Tony Okocha, the Chief of Staff to Governor Chibuike Amaechi – both of whom were shot during the disrupted rally, should be interviewed by the IGP’s investigating team. The inquiry should also touch on the unholy mar-

riage between the Police in Rivers State since the arrival of CP Mbu and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ascertain if CP Mbu is a member of PDP or not and if he attends PDP meetings. Anything short of this is unacceptable,” the party said. The party said it supported call by Noble Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers state, Mr Joseph Mbu be transferred to Borno, stressing that he would be very effective there.

OVERNOR Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has observed that the crisis in the ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP, is beyond the just resigned National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur even as he declared that he is not contemplating going back to the party. Nyako told reporters at the Yola International Airport that, “I will not go back to PDP because Nigerians are fed up with the party”. He stated that he along with his colleagues “have taken a very sensible decision to dump PDP in the best interest of this country, even as all of us have resolved to move the country forward”. The governor added that he is not talking about the party or personality but that “we are concerned about the nation and democracy”, stressing that the problem with PDP is institutionalized and cannot be resolved. Nyako added that PDP has ruled for over 14 years and that the government at the centre has failed the country but that some states controlled by PDP are doing well.

2015: Okowa will step down for Ochei — Ijaw Group BY GAB EJUWA

group, Ijaw Truth Forum ITF, yesterday called on Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to tell Deltans the truth about his 2015 governorship ambition, saying that they have gathered from reliable sources that he will step down for Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, who

is also contesting for the 2015 governorship slot. The group in a statement signed by its national chairman, Chief Oweikosu-otu Michael, stated that the era of playing with the integrity of Deltans by politicians is over and that in 2015, Deltans will decide who will govern them and not anyone imposing himself on the people. The group explained

that “there is no doubt that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa will be returned by his people as a senator for second term in Delta North Senatorial District. All he is doing now is just to see how Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei will become the next governor of the state because the current campaign director to Hon. Victor Ochei, Chief Uche Ogboma was also the campaign director of Sen-

ator Okowa during the last elections. “Somebody should tell us who is deceiving who? By all standards, Senator Okowa is campaigning for his political associate, Hon. Victor Ochei who has in so many ways worked for him in the time past. We as a group have also resolved to work for Ochei because we know he will fly the party flag.”

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Northern Elders drag Ihejirika, 6 others to ICC over Bama deaths •As Northern Emirs decry North’s ethno-religious divide BY LUKA BINNIYAT The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday vowed to sue the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika and six others to the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICC) in the Hague over their alleged role in last year’s violence in Bama, and Giwa Barracks all in Borno State while battling members of the Islamic Terrorists sect, Boko Haram. The NEF however, did not name the other six persons. Meanwhile, a one day meeting of Northern Emirs ended in Kaduna last Thursday with the Emirs saying that there was a plot to further divide the north on religious and ethnic basis for the selfish end of some interest groups. A statement signed by the Chairman of the NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi

made available to Saturday Vanguard in Kaduna yesterday said that the former Army Chief and six others were to be charged for extrajudicial killings by soldiers in Bama. According to NEF, the former Army Chief will also be charged with the other six for strangulation of civilians in Giwa Barrack, in underground detention centre. Read part of the Communiqué: “It would be recalled that, the Northern Elders Forum had set up two committees of legal and security experts to investigate the details of the gruesome use of force against unarmed civilians in Bama and other parts of Borno State and forward a p p r o p r i a t e recommendations. ”At our meeting in Kaduna on the 15th January, 2014, we received the reports of the two committees on Security and Legal

Matters, regarding extrajudicial killings by soldiers in Bama and the act of strangulating civilians in Giwa Barracks using an underground detention centre, while depositing the corpses in hospital. ”The Forum has therefore resolved to harmonise the reports of the two committees, preparatory to filing a case of extrajudicial killings by the Nigerian Army under the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika and six others. “The reports will be harmonised at our emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, January 22nd ,2014 for further action”, the statement read. Meanwhile, part of the comminque of the Northern Emirs observed:“That some interest groups are using religion and ethnicity to bring about divisions within the society to the detriment of the development of the nation.

Gov. Peter Obi (2nd left), with Prof. Chinyere Okunna (1st right) and Mrs. Vivian Nwandu (1st left), presenting cheques of N100m and N30m for ongoing projects at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Maternity and Childcare complex at their different sites of Ihiala and Azigbo respectfully. “That some interest groups

are putting undue pressure on traditional rulers to be partisan to the detriment of their position as fathers to all. “That some divisive elements from within and outside the North are

causing animosity and distrust amongst the different communities in the North thereby weakening the hitherto strong bond of unity that existed in the region before and during the first republic”.

Okonjo-Iweala explains FG’s Housing sector intervention •Loans interest rate to crash from June BYEMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

HE Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. NgoziOkonjo-Iweala has explained that the Goodluck Jonathan administration decided to intervene in the housing sector of the economy to realize its massive job creation agenda and crash interest rate in the second to a single digit. Speaking in Abuja, at the weekend, she explained that with the launch of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, NMRC, by the President on Thursday, the multi-billion naira intervention would be to provide cheap, long-term funds for banks and Primary Mortgage Institutions, PMIs for on-ward lending to Nigerians desirous of building or purchasing their own homes. Current housing loans interest rates hover between 20 and 25 per cent with an incredible repayment period of only one to three years. The NMRC which establishment, the President described as , “a

revolution in the housing sector”, is to crash interest rates to a single digit and the international best practice of 15 -20 year repayment period. The company will commence operation in the next three months with an initial capital base of about N7 billion. The Federal Government has already secured a $ 300 hundred million interest-free facility of the World Bank and other development partners and will access a large portion of the N3.6 trillion accumulated under the Pension Fund. Under the new arrangement, Nigerians can access the cheap mortgage loans as from June this year. According to the Minister, the NMRC was a revolution as the housing sector had been identified as a major peg of President Jonathan administration’s transformation agenda. Her words, “there is general consensus on the fact that the development of the housing sector is important for stimulating economic growth and jobs creation in any economy. Indeed, housing construction is one of

the most used indices for gauging the economic situation in most developed countries. “The Case-Schiller index used to monitor housing starts in the US is a good example. Likewise, in Malaysia, one of the main contributors to the

country’s 8% per annum, 3 decade GDP growth was the housing and construction sector. “New home construction is a major generator of jobs through direct employment in the construction industry with significant multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy.

“ Mr. President recognized this and made housing a priority sector in the Transformation Agenda”. The Minister described the NMRC as “a public/ private sector- led initiative set to address the key barrier of finance to developing accessible, affordable housing in Nigeria”.

Jere land tussle: 19 Gbagyi detainees slam N100m suit against Police BY LUKA BINNIYAT, Kaduna

ADUNA State Com missioner of Police, Olufemi Adenaike has been taken to court by 19 Gbagyi natives of Issah village and its environs in Jere Chiefdom, Kagarko Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State. They are demanding their release from indefinite detention and that N100million be paid them as compensation since being kept under Police custody after a violent encounter which left the Chief of Jere, Dr. Sa’ad Usman and Ayuba Barde, a farmer fatally wounded in a land dispute on 3rd, January, 2014.

Usman, 72, a Fulani Muslim, is the Chief of Jere town and also husband to Senator Nenadi Usman , 48, who ironically is representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial District under which Gbagyi falls. It could be recalled that last week, Adenaike said that all persons in detention would be held indefinitely until the injured Chief is able to appear in court to testify. The development drew the ire of Southern Kaduna Lawyers Forum, who threatened legal action against the Police Commissioner if he fails to charge the detainees to court or release them on bail. In a Notice of Application For and Order Enforcing Their Funda-

mental Rights before a Federal High Court in Kaduna yesterday, in suit No PHC/CD/3/ 2014, one John T. Bako and 18 others represented by Dan Kozah and Co. Chamber, Barrister Francis Kozah are asking the Court to declare that: “the arrest and continuous detention of the applicants by the respondents without trial recourse to any court of law on a mere suspicion that they have conspired to commit grievous offence is illegal and unconstitutional and constitutes violation of their fundamental human rights to personal liberty and movement as guaranteed by section 35 and 41 of the 1999 constitution.”

How Oshiomhole, industry giants, celebrities lifted Glo-CAF Awards

HE 2013 Glo-CAF Awards was a rollcall of celebrity names from different walks of life. Government officials, corporate executives, football stars, music and Nollywood celebrities all turned out to light up the Eko Hotel and Suites venue of the event and make the gala night a glamorous show. Leading the pack was Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, and Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State was represented by the Chairman of the state’s Football Association, Seyi Akinwumi, while the governors of Gombe and Kano states also sent representatives. Other government officials who graced the event were Ghanaian Minister for Communications, Edward Omane Bodmah; Director General, National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communication, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo; Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Joseph Habineza, Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Adolphus Joe Ekpe; and Chairman, Ifako Ijaye Local Government Council of Lagos, Toba Oke.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014 — 9

We never approved Bi-Courtney terminal design — FAAN By LAWANI MIKAIRU

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ,FAAN, has denied approving the designs of Domestic Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, currently operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services under concession agreement. Bi-Courtney Aviation Services was quoted as saying that “the design of the terminal (MMA Domestic Terminal 2) was approved by the Federal Government and FAAN after due consultation with their consultants .The Bi-Courtney source also said that “FAAN was involved at every stage of the redesign and redevelopment of the project”. But reacting to this, the General Manager, Communication, FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati said “We wish to state categorically and for the umpteen time that nothing could be further from the truth. The design that FAAN approved was for a terminal costing a total of N3.9 billion. “However, without approval from FAAN, BiCourtney went ahead on its own volition to build a terminal different from the one originally approved by FAAN, the cost of which it put at N38 billion, nearly 10 times the approved cost. “There was no way FAAN could have ap-

Charles Edokpolo is dead

R Charles Edokpolo is dead. He died in the early hours of 24th December 2013 at Sapele. He was a good natured and kind gentleman. While alive, he was very well known in major clubs in and around Sapele including one LOVE Club and he is a major stake holder in the committee of friends and COT TAGEANS of Ogunaja Sapele. He is survived by an aged mother, sisters, brothers and five children. His burial is stated for OGARA Delta State on the 25th January 2014.

*Charles Edokpolo

proved a terminal at a cost of N38 billion for a 12 year concession because it did not make common economic sense. “We hereby urge members of the public, especially aviation stakeholders, to disregard that bogus claim by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services which we believe was designed to deceive members of the public as usual.” It will be recalled that FAAN and Bi-Courtney have been embroiled in protracted legal battle over the terms of the con-

cession agreement which aside the domestic terminal, included construction of a five star hotel and conference centre within the airport. The construction of the hotel has reached advanced stage before it was stopped due to the termination of the agreement by FAAN. Bi-Courtney has gone to court to contest the termination and also assert that under the concession agreement, no individual or organization is allowed to operate another terminal within Lagos.

*President Goodluck Jonathan receiving a letter from Gambian Special Envoy, Mr. Abuh Abdallah during an audience at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

N7m fraud case: Drama as judge grants bail to convicted Kogi LG chairman BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

mild drama ensued at the Federal High Court Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, when Justice Inyang Ekwo granted bail to the former Chairman of Adavi Local Government Area of the state, Enesi Jimoh, who had earlier been convict-

ed and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment without an option of fine by the same judge. Jimoh who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC was found guilty by Justice Ekwo on November 13, 2013 of converting N7 million belonging to the Council for personal use. He was arraigned by the

EFCC alongside one Samuel Abiodun Ojo, a Commissioner for Agriculture in March 31, 2010, who was however discharged by the court after a no case submission filed by his counsel in June, 2012. Upon his conviction, the former council boss, through his counsel Olu Agunbiade, filed an appeal seeking a review of his conviction.

Agunbiade then wrote to the prison authorities in Koton-Karfe demanding the health status of the accused person. On the strength of that letter, the prison authorities took the convict to a specialist hospital where he was allegedly diagnosed of lung cancer. Agunbiade also presented to the court a letter from the prison author-

APC violence in Ogun: PDP, GNI call for caution By DAUD Abeokuta

OLATUNJI,

HE Peoples Dem ocratic Party in Ogun State and the former governorship candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria, Gboyega Isiaka have urged the All Progressives Congress to stop the reign of terror and violence in the state. Both the PDP and Isiaka in separate press statements, yesterday, condemned the spate of violence in the state where ten persons were shot by suspected political thugs who attacked guests at a function organised by a senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Wasimi, Ogun State. The PDP in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Waliu Oladipupo, warned the APC not to plunge the state and the whole of the South West into another round of avoidable crisis and bloodletting. “We are shocked at the resort to violence over mere party membership registration and/or drive. If this level of desperation could be shown in intraparty wrangling, only God knows what would happen during the prima-

ries and elections proper. As we have stated earlier, these incidents portend an ominous sign of the grave dangers ahead of our dear state, especially as the 2015 general election approaches.” In his reaction to the incident which occurred yesterday, Isiaka ,through his media assistant Wale Junaid said, “ We are more disturbed when action and body language of the governor is lending credence to the information we are getting that the hoodlums were loyal to him because the reported meeting that Governor Amosun held with the Journalists the following day after the first attack where the governor actually apologised on behalf of the hoodlums calls for concern. “The action of the governor could either mean an admittance of guilt and failure in his constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of Ogun people or directly owing up to the fact that the hoodlums are truly his errand boys as also alleged by Senator Kaka of the same political party; APC. “Clearly, Ogun state is under the siege of a totalitarian regime. We are using this medium to

humbly call on His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the State Security Service and other relevant security agencies to intervene in the worsening security situation in Ogun state where the freedom of the people

have not only been subverted but also fear for the safety of their lives. “We commiserate with the injured policemen and other innocent residents of Ewekoro while wishing them quick recovery”, he said.

ities, stating that the hospital did not have facilities to treat lung cancer. On the strength of these letters, the counsel prayed the court to grant his client bail on health grounds. But counsel to EFCC, Wahab Shittu vehemently opposed the application on the grounds that it would be tantamount to throwing the prison gate open to convicted persons who would want to use health issues to escape serving jail terms. Wahab also told the court that the presumption of innocence was no longer available to the convict having been convicted and sentenced. While dismissing the application as incompetent, Shittu assured that the state would give adequate medical attention to the convict even if it means sending him abroad for treatment.

Anti-Gay law: GKS urges govt not to bow to Western pressures BY SAM EYOBOKA

N the wake of mounting opposition from many western governments to the law against same sex unions, the God’s Kingdom Society (GKS) yesterday enjoined the Federal Government not to bow to pressures to change its tough stance against same-sex unions, saying that Nigeria should stand her ground in order to safeguard the moral fibre of the nation. The church made the call in the wake of growing opposition to the law against same sex union from many western governments who insist that it is inconsistent with “Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines democratic reforms

and human rights ...” Stating that it is dangerous to legitimize homosexuality, the GKS said though homosexual unions were being legalized in a growing number of countries, this was evidence of the irrationality that is one of the signs of the last days, asserting that no efforts should be spared to root out the illusions that fed current liberal attitudes to same sex unions. “Those agitating for allowance for same-sex unions are under the illusion that their techno- logical advancement gives them the leverage to define political and social trends in every part of the world,” Brother Ifeacho contended in a statement signed by the publicity secretary, Brother Benedict Hart,

asserting that those who claimed to be Christians should let the Bible be the sole guide of their actions and behaviours and not canvass certain causes for the expediency of gaining popularity and winning elections. “It is common knowledge that a number of world leaders who now openly support same-sex marriages had long been proponents of civil unions but have changed their positions in order to align themselves with prevailing opinions such that when the UN endorsed the rights of gay, lesbian and transgender people some years ago, the resolution was hailed as historic by a number of politicians across the globe.”

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Anti-gay law: End of road for gay people? No! it’s unnecessary ‘cos it is difficult to prove

days

ago,

President

Jonathan gave assent to the bill that criminalises same-sex relationships in the country putting paid to all the hullabaloo about gay legal rights in Nigeria. The activities now attract 14 years in prison. The law also prescribed a ten-year jail term for membership or encouragement of gay clubs and groups. Hitherto, members express their belief in the open with pride. To them, GAY means God Accepts You, God Adores You and God Affirms You; where DIVA means Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed. Just as the National Assembly and indeed the President are receiving pats on the back from Nigerians for tightening laws against homosexuality, there are condemnations by the United Nations’ Ban Ki-moon; U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and British PM David Cameron. They consider the new law as an embarrassment to the European community. The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon in a statement released by his media aide opined that the development could fuel violence and risks obstructing an effective HIV/ AIDS response in the country.

By ISHOLA BALOGUN and OLAYINKA AJAYI

The act would not be of any help to the nation and the society. Marriage ordained by God is between man and woman and not between man and man

How effective the law would be especially given the fact that other legislations on anti-graft and other vices have a way of being whittled down especially when it involves the big fish around the corridors of power leaves much to the imagination. A few Nigerians who spoke to Saturday Vanguard bared their minds on the development. Ustaz AbdulWaheed Olowo, an Islamic/Arabic teacher in Ikorodu hailed the President and the National Assembly for doing Nigeria proud on the issue. According to him: “this is one of the decisions our leaders have made rightly. They should be hailed for taking such step to stamp out gay activities in the country. It is against man and God. Gay is one of the things Allah detests. It was evident in the way He dealt with the people of the past who practiced such thing. So, we should use everything we have to exterminate it. The law is a welcome development,” he said. While reacting to the position of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon saying the development could spur violence, Ustaz Olowo said Nigeria is not like some of the European countries with a high

level of immoralities. “There is a high level of immoralities going on in the world. Nigeria wants to take exception to that , we have our own problems but certainly 98 per cent of people do not want that act and we should avoid it. “The act would not be of any help for the nation and the society. Marriage ordained by God is between man and woman and not between man and man,” he said. Also, the Publicity Secretary of the Pan Yoruba cultural group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, told Saturday Vanguard that it is a welcome development. “We are deeply and culturally oriented people, we are not America where same sex marriage is generally accepted. Gay marriage is not allowed, it is not part of our tradition. It is a welcome development for the President to have signed such into law because there are certain things that we as Nigerians can consider as anti-culture. Anybody who feels his right is being infringed upon should go to the countries that encourage such act,” he said. Although majority of Nigerians seem to be in support of the new law, the scanty minority believe it is inappropriate and unnecessary to jail people because of their sexual orientation. They hinged their claim on the fact that in our society where the law enforcement agents take advantage of every situa-

tion for their selfish interest, people could be blackmailed and railroaded into jail on the grounds of homosexuality which according to them is difficult to prove. The convener of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Comrade Dabo Adeniran was however different in his opinion. “Law is not an end to the act itself, but a means to stopping the act. It is just like leaving the leprosy and treating eczema. The truth is that there are so many other areas of immorality and corruption that have not been curbed. If they are trying to curb gay and lesbianism, what are they doing about adultery and fornication that is more dangerous to the society. It leads to unwanted pregnancy which brings about unwanted children and abandonment of children. “If the government cannot outlaw fornication and adultery that is more dangerous to the society, then prohibiting same sex marriage is just a waste of time. The only thing that can be outlawed is the marriage while the act of same sex still persists because you are not going to get into the room with these couples. It is also difficult to prove a case of rape now because there must be evidence to substantiat the case. “Also, it will give room for undue blackmailing tendencies. Our law enforcement agencies like the police could use that to harass and blackmail people unnecessarily, because in this part of the world, we have brothers, and friends who share same apartments and when you see them so close, you begin to suspect and blackmail them. With the new anti-gay law, freedom of association and movement of people would be curtailed because people would be afraid to stay even with their younger ones and their relatives in order to avoid suspicion that such thing is happening.” Basically, it an unjust law that will not serve anybody any good. It a wrong decision for the National Assembly to have passed such worrisome law but unnecessary for the President to have assented it because it would have amounted to shear waste of time. At the end of the day, it is the poor that would suffer the consequencies of the implementation of such unjust law. Like the Chief Justice said sometime ago, it is the rich that gets bail while the poor gets jailed. Any unjust law that are passed are targeted at the poor and such a thing should be resisted by all,” he lamented.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—11

By EBUN SESSOU with Agency report A couple of years back, Saturday Vanguard reported the activities of Reverend Rowland who was running a gay Church underground in Lagos, Nigeria. The Church called House of Rainbow was situated at No 36/38 Yakoyo Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos. Reverend Roland sometime ago reportedly appeared on Cable Network News, CNN, where he proudly talked about his Church of gays. The initial reaction about his exposure was that such a Church could not exist within Nigeria as such things are common in abroad. But an uproar in the Anglican communion in Europe on gay bishops brought up the case of Reverend Rowland, a Nigerian who was residing in Lagos. He was also operating his gay Church in Lagos. In his plot 145 flat 1, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, where Rev. Rowland Olajide Macaulay, the gay Pastor lived, the apartment was locked. It was learnt that the Reverend left his house on Saturday, September 13, immediately after a national newspaper carried the story of his homosexual Church and ever since, he had not been seen. According to his neighbours, the Sunday service could not hold both at the Jakande Estate branch and the Ojodu headquarters of House of Rainbow Ministries after that publication. Right now, Rev. Rowland has relocated abroad where he is presently running his gay Church,”House Of Rainbow Fellowship”. According to the gay Pastor, “any negative effect on the antigay bill will have detrimental effect on the work and mission of House Of Rainbow in Nigeria. The lives of LGBTI people and their friends, families and allies will be further frustrated with fear and prejudice. We need to pray and stand up against injustice”. According to him, “My Church is a voice of the younger generation of citizens, activists, and diaspora, and our collective belief in a more progressive Nigeria. They are afraid of our growing influence as we gather allies not just from the West, but from people that are not afraid but powerful and resilient. “Right now, we are spreading their tentacles to every village, town and city around the world. The Church is also calling on faithful and dedicated local leaders who believe in homosexuality and lesbianism. Ten House Of Rainbow Fellowship local leaders are in Ghana, Nigeria, UK, Burundi, and Lesotho. “Religion is a backbone to life in Nigeria, so, we all want to go to Church,” he said. “But we don’t want to lie to God about who we are.” Macaulay first set up House

Gay people relocate to UK •They’ve just legalised violence — Gay activists of Rainbow in 2006 and openly held Sunday services in a Lagos hotel hall decorated in rainbow colours. A public backlash culminated in members being beaten as they left the Church. Macaulay fled to the UK after receiving death threats. Meanwhile, Amnesty International and gay rights activists and groups have also condemned the law, calling it discriminatory and incompatible with international human rights laws to which Nigeria is a signatory. In all, homosexuality is illegal in 78 countries worldwide and punishable by death in seven, according to the UNAIDS organisation. “It (the law) is a license to violence,” said the gay Nigerian man spoken to by AFP. “In this country, we have people being lynched because of their sex-

ual orientation and gender identity.I am afraid for people who can’t even speak for themselves and who are going to end up in jail without anyone knowing about it.” Meanwhile, some gay activists recently vowed to fight the Nigerian government after the country outlawed samesex unions, warning the act legitimised homophobic violence and increased fears of persecution.

A gay man in Lagos, whom AFP did not identify in case of reprisals, said he was “devastated” by Jonathan’s actions and terrified at the consequences. “I am concerned especially for LGBT people up north, in the (southern) Niger Delta… and for LGBT people in the whole of the country actually,” he added. “They (the government) have just legalised violence, stigma and discrimination. Our situation has gone from bad to worse.” Nigeria is a highly religious country, with evangelism popular in the Christian-majority South, while the North’s Muslim and Islamic law runs alongside state and federal justice systems. Speaking with some religious leaders on the issue, Reverend Ayo Olawuyi said, “Same sex marriage

is satanic. The word of God on it is clear. This is not an issue of human rights. Anybody that supports such is fighting against God. It is a fearful thing to oppose God. So, there is need for everybody to shout it out that gay, lesbianism, and all what not, is just the beginning of the destroying of the fabric of our heritage. It is not our heritage. If you don’t want to marry, don’t marry, if you are a man, marry your opposite sex. It is morally wrong, criminalised in the Nigerian legal system, in the criminal code and every code of the country. It is spiritually unpardonable. That was why God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone. “There is no way they can continue in such sins and want brethren to accept them as fellow believers. No sinner is part of God’s kingdom. Here in Nigeria, we cannot, we will not, we must not allow this decadence to see the light of day. We have enough sins we are asking God to forgive us and renew us about rather than, adding these vices,” Olawuyi said.

12—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Gay Pastor Rowland writes Saturday Vanguard •Says: Hostility against gays has reached epic proportion •Police extort money from gay people •Advises them not to pick unknown phone calls JUST as we are about to go to bed with the production of this edition of Saturday Vanguard, Gay Reverend Jide Macaulay, Founder and Project Director of House Of Rainbow Fellowship wrote to Saturday Vanguard, describing the new antigay law as one of the harshest laws in the world, a d d i n g t h a t t h e L G B Tcommunity now lives in fear of arrest and violence. The letter runs thus: On January 7th, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill 2013 into law. The law bans same sex marriage, and through its wording, also seeks to criminalise people, organisations and agencies who support homosexuality and those who do not immediately report any known homosexuals, or homosexual activities. Since January12th, when the announcement was made, the L G B Tcommunity has been thrown into panic. There is chaos throughout Nigeria as we are grappling with keeping up with mass arbitrary arrest, humiliation, blackmail, extortion and police corruption in several ‘charge and bail’ cases. The hostility in Nigeria against gay people has reached epic proportions. I n t h e Ea s t o f N i g e r i a , many are fleeing their homes. One gay man, labelled “a leader of the homosexual” is on the run. His parents and brother were threatened with arrest if they don’t provide information about his whereabouts. In the same region, more than six people were arrested. In the West of the country, we can confirm that nearly ten people have

been arrested and bailed. The police have extorted funds from each victim at an average of between $120 to $300. Most of the people arrested were tortured and asked to provide additional details of other gays or lesbians. In the North of Nigeria, in Bauchi and Kano, there are two separate cases of arrests and harassment of gay people. Both areas are fir mly under sharia law, which carries the death penalty. In the wake of the passing of the anti gay laws, there is no doubt of the many calls, emails and online messages we have received, expressing fear, anger, anxiety and suicide attempts. This is a critical time for all LGBTI-people; a time when our ideals are being stretched and tested. The Nigerian President and legislators have ignored the critical aspect of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and passed into law a legislation that is unjust. In a BBC Radio program yesterday, I spoke out to condemn this l a w. H o w e v e r, a f e w o f t h e speakers claimed that a

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN AND EBUN SESSOU

•Reverend Jide Macaulay

Nigeria like many African nations, has many issues and the oppression of LGBTcitizens is largely unwelcomed by an already marginalised group. We are now looking into our first priority intervention to help those displaced and or attacked research showed that 98% of Nigerians are happy and jubilant about this law, and based on their religious beliefs that homosexuality is “unafrican”, against religion and unnatural. Nigeria like many African nations, has many issues and the oppression of LGBT-citizens is largely unwelcomed by an already marginalised group. We are now looking into our first priority intervention to help those displaced and or attacked. In view of the present situation in Nigeria, we are helping with emergency evacuation to safe homes

around the country. The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), a Human Rights Organisation in Nigeria, has now opened a 24hr s u p p o r t l i n e f o r L G B Tpeople in Nigeria. We a l s o c o n t i n u e t o advise all LGBT-people to stay away from trouble, not pick unknown phone numbers and sign off gay dating websites.

Reverend Jide Macaulay, Fo u n d e r a n d Pr o j e c t Director of House Of Rainbow Fellowship.

Man gets 20 lashes for gay offence in Bauchi

28-year-old man, Mubarak Ibrahim received 20 lashes for gay practice he committed seven years ago in Bauchi. Ibrahim, an unemployed artisan, pleaded guilty to committing one act of sodomy seven years ago. He said he was misled into the act by the principal of the high school he was attending and has not committed a homosexual act since. Judge Nuhu Mohammed said he would spare Ibrahim the sentence of death by stoning because the crime occurred so many years ago and because the young man had shown “great remorse.” The 20 lashes were administered in the public court. Ibrahim also was ordered to pay a fine of

5,000 naira (about $30 US). It was not immediately clear if he had been able to pay and go free. He was among 12 men — 11 Muslims and one Christian — who have been arrested by police since Christmas for belonging to a gay club. Dorothy Aken’Ova, a human rights activist whose organization is helping with lawyers, said police had lured four of the men, then tortured them into providing a list of 168 wanted gay men. Shariah Commission chairman Mustapha Baba Ilela has denied any of those arrested were tortured. He told The Associated Press that police were hunting for other members of a gay club, but would not say how many.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—13

•Alhaji Bamanga Tukur

Tukur: Exit of PDP National Chairman

Here was a man who bestrode the PDP like a colossus, exuded unusual disciplinary powers, trampling upon serpents and scorpions all in the appeasement of a godly President

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

ride, they say, goes before a fall. This age long maxim sure does find expression in the eventual exit of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after days of intrigues and horse trading. Saturday Vanguard recalls some of the unfortunate incidents that culminated in Tukur’s shameful departure on Thursday. Rightly or wrongly, his emergence and departure were both eventful. From March 2012 when he debuted in that exalted capacity to January 16 when he left office, controversy was one word in the literary lexicon that gained so much popularity in his regime. This means that from one end of the country to the other where his party rules, he courted challenges that gave him away. He is Tafida Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, the hitherto Chairman of the ruling Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who was forced out of the Office on Thursday, January 16, 2014.

To many people, Tukur ’s eventual fall was long expected while to others, it was still a very big surprise. Those who expected it predicated their guess on the many allegations, hue and cry that made both the person and the office of the man obnoxious just as those who now flash a ray of surprise on their face thought that Tukur’s political sagacity, strategies and diplomacy conspicuously found on the threshold of the presidency and ostensibly tied to the fastretarding come-back ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan would never fail him. But it has, even in the most disgraceful manner according to some analysts. Here was a man who bestrode the PDP like a colossus, exuded unusual disciplinary powers, trampling upon serpents and scorpions all in the appeasement of a godly President. Here was a man who boasted, shouted it to the mountain tops that he would only leave his office through the same way he came - National Convention. But unfortunately, the reverse is now the case. To say the least, Tukur ’s exit heralded hate instead of applause ”So he finally left office after every-

thing”, that’s the response that has continued to trail Tukur ’s forced resignation. For a man who has made more enemies than friends; a man who exhibited great pride; a man whose political support from home front in Adamawa State has drastically waned even at 78 years, it passes to say that he has carved a niche for himself. Unfortunately, the niche is such that many analysts won’t bat an eyelid in saying that Tukur ’s end, politically, has come. Indeed, only a chronology of the uneventful events that culminated in his forced exit can help one to understand the scenario.

How he emerged as the PDP National Chairman

Take or leave it, Tukur was not a popular candidate for the office of the Chairman of the ruling party in 2012. Though zoned to the North-East geopolitical zone of the country, he was not the best from the zone. He was only favoured by President Goodluck Jonathan. There were others. But his emergence followed a skewed political process heavily laced with

Continues on page 53

14 —

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard ,JANUARY 18, 2014—15 Vanguard,JANUARY

Old friends are dif o gr ow Lean not on yyour diffficult tto gro our own under undersstanding talents were understated as people like Biodun Shobanjo, Jimi Awosika, Bola Thomas and Femi Shofu who had worked closely with him would attest to. Such was his talent that he would have been celebrated anywhere in the world. I believed so much in him that I never hesitated to introduce him to prospective clients. An example was in 1984 when Vanguard was being planned. Uncle Sam Amuka had his mind set on three young advertising agencies for the launch and was very sceptical when I told him about Sesan Ogunro. ‘You mean that young man who comes with you to squash and likes to joke around?’ he asked. I managed to convince Uncle Sam to at least invite him for presentation. The rest is history as he beat the others hands down. But also instructive was Sesan’s ability to make friends out of his clients. I was in Sesan’s house when Uncle Sam called me on that fateful Monday to discuss some things. But my mind was not there. In the end, I had to say ‘Uncle Sam, Sesan is dead.’ Which Sesan; you mean our own Sesan?’ was his reply. He not only visited Dupe, he attended both the funeral service and the reception. And many of the ‘eminent men and women’— including state Governors— who attended the functions, fell into that category of clients who became friends. Sesan was not perfect. None of us is. He was deep and tended to compartmentalise his life. He was gregarious, yet private. He made friends easily yet had very few close friends. He was outgoing, yet loved the indoor life, especially when watching sports— tennis, boxing and football on DSTV. He had his comfort zone which he would not willingly step out of. But he was a good man with a good heart. I pray all those he wronged in his life time would forgive him just as he was said to have forgiven his assailants in his dying moments. Kehinde Phillips asked me to write about closure. But how can I when like the Dionne Warwick song, ‘there is always something there to remind me’. The towel I was using the week he died had ‘Eminent’ printed on it. Should I throw it away? The Rado wristwatch I wore to his funeral service was given to me by Sesan. Should I throw it away? My drawer is full of faded and fading pictures of our days together. Should I tear them up? And what should I do to the notes and jokes written in his unmistakable hand writing in my office? They say the things you find out about a man that he did not tell you show the kind of person he is. If so, the calibre of people— from governors to commoners— that attended the funeral rites and the tributes they paid, showed that Sesan was indeed, a great man. I am proud to have had him as a friend. Take your rest now mate. The race is over.

He was not only averse to physical confrontation, he would not fight over material things

C M Y K

ince the creation of man, man has always wanted to have things his own way. Often, he feels, his ways are the best. Sometimes no matter how well you try to get him to understand the truth (JN 17:17), man will still tell you that he knows best. What man often fails to understand is that, he is a created being, created by someone greater than him. The simple question now is; can the creature be greater than the creator? If your answer is no, then why spend your quality time leaning on your own understanding as opposed to trusting in God, who is your maker and knows the best for you. When you lean on your own understanding, you keep God out of your activities. The bible says, draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. You cannot lean on your understanding and still draw nigh to God. Right from bible days till today, men who have opted to lean on their understanding have found out that it usually leads to corruption or death at the end of the day. Remember you can not be wiser than God. I dare to say to you that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisest man. No wonder God said my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts ( Isaiah 55:8-9). Our main text in Prov. 3:5, says “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding”. Now, in the book of Acts 27, Apostle Paul, was been taken to stand trail in Rome. As they were going, He perceived by the Spirit of God that there will be dangers ahead. He warned the captains of the ship of the situation ahead, but the captain believing in his own wisdom laughed at Apostle Paul and questioned Paul’s knowledge about sea route. The captain opted to lean on his own understanding instead of trusting in the word of God’s Apostle. This is often the problem with people today. They always think that they know better than God, whereas, their ability is highly limited. No sooner they carried on in their journey that they encountered a major N

G A

B N

A L

R I

O U B

I R

E A

A I

G B

I B

A K

K G

A I

A S

B M

M A

problem. The bible says in VS 14-20, “ but not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running into a certain Island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat; which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; And fearing lest they should fall into the quicksand’s, strake sail, and so were driven. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they

he remains of Sesan Ogunro, my friend and brother, were laid to rest last Friday. He would have been 62 on May 1. It is ironic that a man who took such a good care of his body— he neither drank nor smoked, took living bitters periodically to detox, exercised almost everyday, and took his medical check ups seriously— never lived to celebrate his 62nd birthday. That is a reflection of the short and brutish life in Nigeria. Of the many thoughts which crowded my mind at the time of his death, a note he once left for me, kept recurring. ‘So sorry to hear about what happened to you. Please keep in touch. Old friends are difficult to grow’. This was a note he left me on hearing of one of my encounters with robbers about 2O years ago. I recollect this note now out of the many that passed between us in the course of time, for three reasons. First; is to demonstrate his use of words. He was a wordsmith who liked to play with words. Second; is the adjective ‘old’. If I was an old friend 2O years ago, what does that make me today? Yes, like an old, well worn pair of shoes, we had gotten so comfortable with each other that there were no more surprises between us. Third reason was his own fatal encounter with the men of the underworld— not his first, not even his second, but as destiny would have it, his final encounter. The news of his death was broken to me in the wee hours of Monday morning by Kehinde Phillips his neighbour, jogging partner and close friend. I immediately became listless and uncoordinated with flashes of him crowding my every thought. When I realised I couldn’t concentrate on any thing tangible, I went to church and prayed for release. Immediately I left the church and switched on my phone, it started ringing virtually of the hook. Friends who knew how close we were, phoned to confirm not only if it happened, but how it happened. Stories were going round on he struggled with the robbers. But that was so out of character with the Sesan I knew. He was not only averse to physical confrontation, he would not fight over material things. I have seen him walk away many times from failed partnerships and business deals where he had been short changed, only to start all over again. This was also not the first time he would be accosted by armed robbers and he never struggled with them. In any case, no man should have to willingly give up what he worked hard for without a fight. Just as no man deserved to be killed in front of his wife, children and grandchildren. Many people paid tributes to Sesan’s prodigious talents and he got many deserving tributes from his colleagues in the profession. But I still think his

When you lean on your own understanding, you keep God out of your activities

lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away”. When trouble came, the captain and his entire crew and all present used their understanding to bring solution but, instead of receiving solution, all hope that they should be saved was taken away. This is exactly what happens to a man when he leans on his own understanding. They lose hope and give up and await death. But thank God, Apostle Paul trusted in God and went to him for a solution. In Vs 21-25, the Bible says that “but after long abstinence, Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said sirs, you should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by N I N me this night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I A D serve, saying, fear not Paul; I N A Thou must be brought before Caesar and Lo, God hath givR N en thee. Wherefore sirs, be of A R U good cheer: For I believe God, that it shall be even as S it was told me”. O T A Just like Paul, if you trust in the Lord, He will make your E enemies to be your servant. No matter what you are goI E S ing through, stand with God’s S H word, act upon it and you will enjoy his mercies and miraA N A cles for your life. God bless A K you and bless our great nation Nigeria. C I A

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. Email: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

he owl farted, and de manded that his kins men eulogise him for that. But they couldn’t, telling him that no man gets eulogised for doing evil. Indeed, a child that dances to the rhythm of surugada should know it is the dance of the spirits. It is only a fly that does not listen to advice that follows a corpse to the grave. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been dancing to the rhythm of surugada. The party for a long time remained deaf and dumb to the fact that it was dancing the dance of death, judging by events that characterised its activities in the recent past. In democratic culture, the people get the same opportunities to compete but some people will succeed while others will fail. Democracy as the best form of government tends to support policies that protect and expand it. When the people rule, it is an important principle because of the power of the majority. When the news broke that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur had submitted his resignation letter to the PDP and the Presidency last Wednesday, it was obvious that was the best decision ever taken by him. He would have gotten a standing ovation if he had resigned earlier than he did. Was it love for lucre of office or love for Nigeria that caused him to allow issues degenerate to the point it did? Shouldn’t he have done the honourable thing of resigning months ago to save himself, PDP and President Jonathan the embarrassment of the present day? Why would any honourable Nigerian hold his party and his country by the balls to the point that the Adamawa politician was not worried by the threat of chaos in his party? Could the opposition have been using him to finish the ruling party? For months, Bamanga Tukur fought to retain his position as National Chairman of PDP and to exhaust his tenure of four years, rebuffing moves by political opponents to edge him out of office. Typical of politicians, as top ranking officials of the party including President Jonathan and the party’s National Working Committee moved strongly against his continued stay as Chairman on Wednesday, some PDP governors who believed they could still use Tukur to achieve their selfish ends wanted him to continue to lead the party irrespective of what was going on. But what really irked many observers was the fact that PDP had no secret records it could use to blackmail Tukur out of office. It is sometimes useful and advisable to give political appointments or positions to people with embarrassing pasts such that when the time comes to discard such people, there would be no threats by them to sit put. All that needed to be done would be to dust the person’s old file and present his dirty past and such a politician would resign immediately. Perhaps, it was the mistake of PDP to have given appoint-

ing governors, legislators

Bamanga Tukur

Finally, Tukur bows out ment to someone with clean records like Tukur! If they had consulted, I would have obliged them this useful tip. Initially, it was as if the party just couldn’t remove him. It even appeared as if it was Tukur who had something against the party and some key officials who couldn’t look him in the face and authoritatively ask him to resign.

ow, don’t misunder stand this. It hap pened in the era of Vincent Ogbulafor who was forced to resign under a highpowered controversy. When he dilly-dallied over his resigination as National Chairman of PDP, they brought out his file as Minister of Special Duties in the Obasanjo regime and dusted it. He was accused of allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of over N100 million. And Ogbulafor under that new controversy resigned.But this didn’t mean he was guilty. Such a trick could come in handy in future appointments such that an exit would be decided at the time of appointment. A past blackmail could be tucked away somewhere for future use. Going down memory lane, part of the reasons for the PDP crises was the clash of interests between Tukur as the chairman of the party and his personal interest in Adamawa politics, his state of origin which among other issues, later degenerated into a major split in the party. Tukur wants his son to be Adamawa governor come 2015 just as Gov Nyako’s son is allegedly guilty of dabbling into his father’s

regime and calling the shots in many aspects, which resulted into a power tussle within the PDP in Adamawa State, thereby creating two antagonist groups - the Bamanga Tukur and Governor Murtala Nyako. The degeneration of the Adamawa crisis is part of the reasons Gov Nyako spear-headed the defection of PDP dissidents to the All Progressives Congress, APC . Several odds also arose against Tukur’s leadership of the party. The greatest being

and nine months in office when his leadership style and skills came under severe attacks from the party ’s governors and other leaders. He never enjoyed or savoured the office of the National Chairman of the PDP. Or maybe he did! His removal was in sync with the manner past National Chairmen of the party except a few were kicked out. For 14 years, the party has had eight national chairmen: Solomon Lar, Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbeh, Senator

It was as if the party just couldn’t remove him. It appeared as if it was Tukur who had something against the party and some key officials who couldn’t look him in the face and authoritatively ask him to resign his poor management of the Jonathan-Amaechi debacle and the crises of the new PDP which brought the ruling party to its lowest ebb. That the governor of his own state also defected to an oppostion party was a minus on his part as national chairman of the party. The fortunes of the PDP dimmed during his era as National Chairman. Believe it or not, Obasanjo handled the party better but after him, those that took over didn’t appear man enough to deal with situation of things. Things fell apart to the point that even OBJ would not want to be associated with the party. It would be on record that it happened when Tukur was National Chairman of the party. The foundation of the party was never this badly shaken in her 14 years of existence. Tukur was barely a year

Ahmadu Ali, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Dr Bello Haliru Mohammed and Alhaji Tukur. Many of them were removed from office under controversial circumstances. Okwezilieze Nwodo was removed from office in January 2011. He was forced to step

down. President Jonathan said then that Nwodo had to go for the party to move forward. Vincent Ogbulafor also went the same way. Before his resignation, Ogbulafor got initial support to stay from some PDP governors who later started dumping him one after the other until he resigned. Now Bamanga Tukur is on a well-deserved rest. Strange things happened to PDP during his era resulting in the mass exodus of elected members includ-

and party chieftains. The PDP seats in the House of Representatives before Bamanga Tukur was 204/360 but it is now 167/360 while the governorship seats before Bamanga was 23/36 but it is now 18/36. It is not yet clear whether the senators threatening to shift ground would still do so considering the fact that PDP has commenced addressing some of the issues that brought about the crises. It is not also clear whether former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who are perceived to be ‘sweeting’ with the APC will continue or change their minds. We need no soothsayer to reveal that the PDP is on the precipice. PDP is a house divided against itself. Things have fallen apart and the centre may no longer hold as disaffection reigns in the party. The PDP administration is getting weaker by the day. Jonathan’s lack-lustre attitude towards rebuilding the dying party is unimaginable. Saying that he didn’t know the problem in PDP was of a huge magnitude during his meeting with the National Working Committee of the party portrayed he was not in tune with the activities within the party. He is playing and dancing to an imagined fiddle, forgetting that whether the party survives or collapses is in his own interest. D id a man like Tukur need to be forced to step down under the circumstances within his party? Why did the embattled former Chairman remain adamant until it was revealed to him that the NEC and the NWC were getting ready to cast a vote of no-confidence against him on Thursday January 16, 2014 before he hurriedly tendered a resignation letter? Did Jonathan have to wait till this late hour to realise that in politics, no one is indispensable? That all the state chairmen of the party agreed that Tukur should leave office for peace to be restored in the beleaguered PDP showed there was no more hiding place for him. The odds were against him from all angles. PDP indeed suffered under Tukur’s leadership and only this resignation, if not too late hopefully, would save the party from implosion. It was baffling that even when the child he came to nurse died, he tried to stay on.

One good thing though is that the PDP crises paved the way for the APC to dig deeper into the fortunes of political history and for once, Nigeria can boast of having a formidable opposition. And lest I forget, before the next Chairman emerges, let there be a deep search for a man that has a proverbial skeleton in his cupboard so that when the party wants to ease him out, EFCC would come in handy and provide the records. I rest my case.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18 18, 2014 —17

C M Y K

18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

By JULIET EBIRIM Actress Oge Nwuba in this interview, bares her mind on her acting career and many more...

y name is Oge Nwuba. I’m a Nollywood actress. I’m from Awka, th Anambra State capital. I’m the first child and the only girl in a family of four. I’m a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus where I studied Law, before proceeding for Law school at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu. I started acting while I was a kid. Back then, I starred in "After School Hours', "Full Moon", "Suicide Mission" and many others. I stopped acting for a while because I had to go to school. I later returned to acting after my graduation in 2011, and featured in films like 'My World', 'Face of a Nun', 'Hopeless Tomorrow', 'World of a Prince' and so on. Through the support of popular film producer, Solomon Apete (Solo Amaco), I have been able to feature in a couple of movies. I have also worked with other producers and I’m grateful to all of them. I joined Nollywood as a kid star. I started acting when I went for an audition with a colleague. That was how I landed a role in the film, After School Hours. I played the role of Sandra in the film. My parents are very supportive of my acting career. My mum is my pillar. Apart from being an actress, I’m a lawyer and an interior designer. I get to combine all these professions. It hasn’t been

My hips, legs are my selling point — Oge Nwuba easy, but with God I’ve been able to pull through. I try to manage myself well and put my worlds apart. I belong to four worlds. For the fact that I’m an actress, I know it’s really difficult to have my private life, but I always try to be myself. I’m a very easygoing person, I love to smile, I’m very down-to-earth and I’m just me. I try to be simple,classy and still be sexy. The sexy parts of my body are my hips and legs, but I also love my eyes and lips. I don’t think sexual harassment is only peculiar to the movie industry, I feel it’s everywhere, both in the legal profession, offices and banks. It happens to everybody, it’s not something new. Being an actress has been one of the best things that

ever happened to me. It’s what I want to do and I’m doing it. I’m doing everything I want to do. I don’t have any regret. I like perfection. I also like honest and humble people. I dislike pride and gossips. In the movie industry, I look up to actresses like Mercy Johnson. She’s my favourite actress any day. She taught me most of the things I know today. In real life, it’s my mum. The

I don’t think sexual harassment is only peculiar to the movie industry, I feel it’s everywhere, both in the legal profession, offices and banks. It happens to everybody, it’s not something new.

Sta ying In taying Writing: What better way to spend a lazy afternoon, than pour your heart and allow your creative juices to flow with a pen and a paper! Well, writing cannot just be fun, but it can be great stress buster as well. After a hard week’s slogging, try to sit and write down your journal on the weekends, and you will be surprised at all the positive thoughts you will have once you start writing. However, you might not necessarily agree with my idea of fun! Dance: Dancing is not just an art, it also a great exercise and hence an effective stress buster! Although, it is always an added advantage if you take formal training in this art, it certainly isn’t a prerequisite! Anyone and I mean, absolutely anyone can dance. Dance when you are happy, dance when you are sad, dance when you are bored, but every time you dance, dance like no one is watching you, and I guarantee that you’ll enjoy every moment of it.

C M Y K

male actors I enjoy working with are Yul Edochie, he has been my friend. I have worked with Ghanaian hunk, Van Vicker. But I long to work with Majid Michel. I think I’ll learn a lot from him. My advice to aspiring actresses is that they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. They should work hard, it’s not all about camera action. You have to work on yourself to get there. When you get there, you also have to work hard not to lose yourself in the process.

• Oge Nwuba

Hanging Out Sailing: Imagine a pleasant day at a lake nearby, your boat gliding over the azure waters as you stand against the humid breeze and feel the wind in your hair...Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? Well, sailing is exciting, and no matter with whom you want to go sailing, this can be a fun experience. Make it a lively family picnic at the sea on a bright sunny day or a quiet rendezvous with your lover in the evening, while you watch the orange-red sun melt in the waters. Swimming: Swimming is also a favorite activity amongst water lovers. Swimming is an excellent way to relax yourself as well as a fun workout to keep you healthy. For people who just hate exercising in the gym, regular swimming might be a great way to stay in shape!

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 18, 2014—19 Dear Julie, I am a 27 year old woman in a relationship with a man of 37. My guy fears commitment judging by the way he carries on. He doesn’t like intimate talks and doesn’t want to get personal. We have been dating for three years but he carries on as someone who has another woman somewhere else. I am a banker. He would discuss everything about banking and stockbroking and would tell me the A-Z of his own profession but if I want to talk about us as a couple, he changes the subject. It bothers me because I need to know where the relationship is headed to because I am not getting younger but he is not helping matters. I love him and he said he loves me too but he is not acting it. How do I get him to commit? Juliet, Lagos Dear Juliet, There are many reasons peo-

He ogles at other women

How do I get him to commit ple shy away from commitment. They may truly not be sure they are ready. They may be worried about friends and family reactions. They can know people who had awful relationships, and be worried that they might get into the same situation. They might be afraid of being trapped. They might be afraid of having to change in order to enter the relationship. Sit down and really talk honestly with your guy about what

concrete things he fears might happen if he enters into a commitment. Make lists of the various hurdles, even the things that you think might upset each other, and work down the list. This isn’t an easy task - for example, you might have to say you really dislike your guy’s mother always sticking her nose into your relationship. It’s better to acknowledge it and talk about it now than to go on for

months or years with it remaining unsaid. When the lists are out in the open, discuss which items can be resolved and ways in which you can resolve them. Discuss if items are fears without a basis, and find ways to help the fears go away. If you work through the list together, the act of you overcoming the hurdles as a team will be a great positive force in your relationship.

He wants us to live together Aunty Julie, The guy I am dating and hope to marry wants us to live together but I have issues about that. My parents will not accept that for one thing and the guy has not made significant efforts to show that he wants commitment. My mother particularly thinks he will use me and dump me for another after living with me. The whole idea is also not going down well with my siblings and friends who think it is outrageous. He has lived with two women before and didn’t marry any of them and he told me he didn’t marry them for the right reasons. I don’t want to be another guinea pig but he is insisting that if we must marry, we must live together first to know if it will work. I’m confused. Rose Mary, Asaba Hi Rose Mary, Many couples skip this step and go directly from a steady relationship into marriage. Some people feel it is important to live with someone first,

to get to know what they are like day-in and day-out, and to see if this is something you are willing to deal with. But it is not our culture and besides, some people use this step to take advantage of the other. There are some who say it is better not to know, and to learn after you’re married, but others argue that marriage is not a car that you will retire after

a decade. This is a permanent joining of two people and both people should know everything there is to know before dedicating their entire lifetime to this person. Trends in marriage are changing with civilization and earlier traditions of marriage are giving way to new developments. These days, many people live together without

exchanging marital vows and see nothing wrong in doing so. These often spend their entire time amost apart from each other in jobs that take up almost the entire day and where they get married, it’s still the same trend and for such people, it’s key to be sure the partner is one they can truly enjoy for the remaining years of their life.

We work in the same office

Aunty Julie, I met a lady who works in the same office with me. I started off by helping her out with the job since she just finished school and it was her first job. I was not interested in her as a woman initially but somehow, we keep coming together in the course of work and occasionally make body contacts unconsciously. Lately, I started thinking a lot about her and feel like dying each time I see someone else talking to her or laughing with her. I feel

Check Up A naked woman is bouncing on her bed singing. Her husband walks into the bedroom and sees her. He watches her a while and then says, “You look ridiculous! What on earth do you think you’re doing?” She says, “I just got my checkup and my doctor says I have the breasts of an eighteen year old.” She starts laughing and jumping again. He says, “Yeah, right. And what did he say about your 45-year-old ass?” “Your name never came up, “ she replied.

strange about this and tried severally to wish it off but the feeling subsists. I discussed with with some of my friends outside the work place who advised me against dating a lady who works in my office. Please advise me. Sunday, Abuja Dear Sunday, Common wisdom is that dating a co-worker is bad ... very bad. That said, I do know of co-worker relationships that turned into happy marriages.

There are ways to help make it work, but know before going in that this is going to be difficult, and be sure you are prepared to face the challenges. Also remember that the coworker may seem perfect because you are interacting in an environment that is ripe for emotional relationships. Be sure to factor that into your decision – that it is really the person, and not just the circumstances, that appeal to you

C O C K - T A L E S “But you’re naked!” the mother-in-law exclaimed. “This is my love dress,” the daughter-in-law explained. “Love dress? But you’re naked!” “My husband loves me to wear this dress,” she explained. “It excites him to no end. Every time he sees me in this dress, he instantly becomes romantic and ravages me for hours on end. He can’t get enough of me.” The mother-in-law left. When she got home, she undressed, showered, put on her best perfume, dimmed the lights, put on a romantic CD and lay on the couch waiting for her husband to arrive. Finally, her husband came home. He walked in and saw her lying there so provocatively. “What are you doing?” he asked. “This is my love dress” she whispered, sensually. “Needs ironing,” he said.

Love Dress A woman stopped by unannounced at her recently married son’s house. She rang the doorbell and walked in. She was shocked to see her daughter-in-law lying on the couch, totally naked. Soft music was playing; the aroAnniversary ma of perfume filled the room. A couple celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary “What are you doing?” she asked. “I’m waiting for my husband to come home from work,” and their children take them out for a meal. Later on they are in bed, she’s in the mood but he isn’t. “What’s the daughter-in-law answered.

C M Y K

Aunty Julie, I have been in this marriage for eight years and have three kids to show for it. I am well preserved with a good body and perfect looks but recently, my husband started ogling at other women, sometime, forgetting that I was around or seated next to him. He wasn’t this way before and I am not looking different from how I used to look before the marriage. I am still very attractive and therefore cannot understand this embarrassment my husband is subjecting me to. Men admire me a lot but I have preserved myself and have never taken advantage of that against my husband. How do I solve this problem? Lola, Lagos Dear Lola First, it is natural for humans to appreciate beauty in all forms. Just as you might look at a gorgeous sunset, or a beautiful beach, you can appreciate the beauty of a well-formed man or woman. The question is whether your partner appreciates your unique qualities more than that person, and if he shows this appreciation. If your mate is always staring at other people, but rarely compliments you on your own qualities, it is time to remedy this. Sit down and talk about why this happens. If your partner neglects you in favour of spending time with others, it is time to talk with him. A partner should respect the mate over others, and if the choice is a mate, the mate should come first. If you are feeling neglected or overlooked, sit down and talk about this with your partner. You need to be realistic about how needy you are, but you also need your partner to respect you.

wrong?” she asks.”Nothing,” he replies She sits up, puts the light on and asks him again what is wrong. He replies “Something’s bothered me for years now, we’ve got 6 wonderful children BUT, five of them look similar but our little Tommy doesn’t look like any of the others. If after 25years there’s something you want to tell me then this is the time.” She takes a deep breath and says “OK dearest, Tommy has got a different father to the rest of the kids.” “WHO???” he asks. “YOU!!!” she replies.

Unlucky The woman’s husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day. One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer. As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, “You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you stayed right here. When my health started failing, you were still by my side... You know what?””What dear?” She gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth. “I think you’re bad luck. Get out.”

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014 08052201257 anyagafu@yahoo.com

Is yours a back and forth lover? I

have heard that relationships are a subtle dance between two people, but I think that some take this sentiment way too far. There seems to be a rash of men who suddenly go from warm and inviting, wanting you and the relationship; to being “unsure,” “confused,” and otherwise distant, pushing you away. Sound familiar? I thought so. The real kicker here, however, is not so much that they do it, but that women allow it. We are part of the problem (Gasp!). Men typically will take what they can get, and if they can get it without having to give back or otherwise alter their lives to make room for you and their needs, they will do that too. But this begs the question of just how they were able to get so much while giving so little. It’s very frustrating to be in a relationship where it’s one emotional roller coaster after another. One

moment you are up, the next you are down. One moment all is right as rain and you think a corner has been turned, and then the next moment, he tells you he doesn’t know what he wants. Trouble is, he does know what he wants and also what he doesn’t. If he wanted

all of you, lock, stock and barrel, and was prepared to give as much as he took, he would have done so by now. Granted, there are exceptions to this rule, and sometimes the guy just needs a swift kick in the butt to get moving, but generally speaking, if you are busy giving to a fault and he is taking, giving more isn’t going to change this pattern. As women we are doers … if we want something, we go for it. If we see a problem,

we fix it, even if it means swallowing our pride or otherwise compromising in order to keep the C peace. Typically, this would be anM Y amazing quality if Kemployed correctly. When employed incorrectly, say

for a guy who cannot seem to decide if he is in or if he is out, it ends up setting up a pattern where he feels quite free to come and go as he pleases. If you are intent on giving, you feed his intent to take. If you allow him to waltz back in through the door after leaving you for someone else, you are inviting him to leave again. You may not like the implication of your own involvement in this cycle, but it is true nonetheless. You do not deserve someone who is around when it’s convenient for him, or when he needs something.

It’s very frustrating to be in a relationship where it’s one emotional roller coaster after another You do not deserve someone who suddenly goes away when you start to address the imbalance or speak of evolution between you two. You deserve someone who is going to give, as consistently and ardently as you do. If he is not doing that, then trust me, employing the same methods is not going to garner you different results. There are ways to work the situation. You can change it by implementing changes within yourself . Do not let him call your bluff! If he develops a case of the “confused,” do not draw a line in the sand saying you will not tolerate this, only to take a few steps back when he does it again, redraw the line and expect him to take you seriously this time. He won’t, and rightfully so. If he can

Our first time was disappointing Ques: I recently made love with my girlfriend. It was the first time for both of us. Her hymen broke and she bled a little and even cried but she said she loved it. I, on the other hand, felt no pain, but, at the same time, I did not have a lot of pleasure. I expected the first time to be much better, but she seemed to be too relaxed and I did not feel a lot of pressure on my manhood. Virgins are supposed to be very tight to make sex more enjoyable. My girlfriend used to exercise a lot and she always does the splits and squats. Do you think that made her vaginal muscles relaxed, or is it just that she did not know how to please me? I am really frustrated and lied to her, telling her I loved it, too. Please help me out. Mark, Onitsha

Ans: Just having two people dance together for their first time takes some effort to make it feel natural and fun. Stepped-on toes and awkward moments happen, but remember, very few things in life are perfect on the first try! What were your expectations for your first sexual intercourse? Many factors could have shaped what you expected. Popular media, such as many movies or music, often portray first times as artistic scenes, sensual and hot, and perfectly queued music, lights, and magic. In reality, sex may be sweaty, sticky, uncomfortable, and not have that mesmerizing climax, especially on the first try. First sexual intercourse experiences are often bursting with high expectations, hopes, anxieties, excitement, and fears. For some, it’s important to get “this virginity thing” over with for future, less tense sexual explorations. Often, pressure is a greater factor than pleasure but

unfortunately, making many first times disappointing. Don’t be too worried. Subsequent sexual tries are likely to improve with experience, communication, and practice! As for the “tightness” situation, many rumours falsely portray all female virgins as being tight . Since women are all different, their tightness or vaginal “grip,” varies. When a woman is aroused, the female organ relaxes to accommodate objects, like the male organ. If you place your finger just inside her and ask her to squeeze, you would probably feel her vaginal muscles tighten. Additionally, if you’re the type that masturbates and is accustomed to your hand in masturbation, you may have been expecting to feel pressure as strongly as your hand.

*Kemi, 22, female, humble is seeking a humble and caring man aged 26-30 for a serious relationship on 07087060530 • Fola, nice, 45,businessman, graduate, based at Ibadan, needs a woman of 40-45 on 07069444725 •Abeeb, 36, Christian,

from Oyo state, resident in Lagos, needs a God fearing lady of 32-40 for a marriage-bound relationship on 08147084980 •James, 45, businessman, based in Lagos, divorcee, fair, wants to meet a working class lady of 35-45 for marriage on 07058796137 •Daniel, 35, from Delta State, based Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want in Lagos, wants a Godly lady and bornto share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com again Christian on 08039214138 •Titi, 27, graduate, good looking, Do you want to be linked? busty, needs a loving guy of 40-45 for a Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting serious relationship on 07084416803 to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa•Larry, 56, single again, tall, good tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for looking, wants to meet a pretty disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process. working class lady of 40-56 for a

get away with this behaviour without recourse, he will continue to do it. Do not give to a fault. A good rule of thumb in any relationship is never to give more than you get. If he can barely muster a two-sentence reply to an email, do not send him a tome. If he takes a couple of days to return your message, do not feel obligated to respond to his call by picking up on the first ring, or even the second or third which is a good lead . Do not be readily available to him all the time! This is especially true for when he decides to grace you with his presence after ripping the rug out from under you. You should not feel obligated to take his communication immediately. He should not be sitting back confidently feeling that you are still there, waiting, frantically waiting for his call or to show up. That arrogance and lack of genuine fear of losing you actually fuels his behaviour. It is one thing to compromise, it’s another thing to compromise yourself. You can sit back and take all of this back and forth, hot and cold conduct on the chin, but in the end, you will end up bruised and mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. Never place a relationship with another above the one you have with yourself. If you are not being treated with respect and fairness, do not sit back and take it! You have to be your own advocate. If you find that your relationship is taking similar twists and turns such as those described here, do a profile into your relationship to help you navigate the situation.

The first time having sex with a new partner, whether it’s your first partner or future partner will often be challenging. What to do? You may prepare yourself in understanding: Being a good lover takes time, trust, practice, patience, and communication. Climaxes and pleasure are as much physical as they are emotional. Sexuality and intimacy involve more than gymnastics. Truthfulness and authenticity also play an important part. Along these lines, telling someone that you love the sex when you don’t isn’t fair to your partner. If you were the partner and thought that you were doing a wondrous job, would you want to change or try to improve? Respectful feedback in the right settings encourages continuous improvement for your relationship.

meaningful relationship on 07056719966 •Omowunmi, 20, romantic, fair, from Osun State, needs a wealthy guy who will take care of her in a loving relationship on 08106176197 •Eddy, 47, self-employed, resides in Lagos, gentle, loving, God-fearing, needs a Godfearing lady for a loving relationship on 08058076238 •Ola, 30, male, from Osun state, undergraduate, single, needs a God fearing lady for a serious relationship leading to marriage on 08060391690

SATURDAY Vanguard,JANUARY 18, 2014—21

The end of men and the rise 0f women?! M ost men most have noticed, but they’re on the way out,” observed Benny, a highly successful engineer and a single mother of three. “Hopeless cases they are, heading for the exit. Redundant. Finito! Soon they’ll be flattened by a horde of stampeding women, brandishing top-notch qualifications and fat salary cheques, shouting triumphantly that they don’t need men any more. Not for ANY purpose!” What sparked Benny ’s opinion is a controversial book by journalist Kama Rossin called the End of Men and subtitled And The Rise Of Women. The author ’s statistics, interviews and anecdotes imply we don’t need a wind vane to know which way the wind blows. She believes the gales of rapid social changes have blown men out into the cold. From the sexually voracious college girls who embrace ‘hook-up culture’ (one-night stands with no strings) to women who prefer single motherhood than ambitious high fliers who are family breadwinners.

need fathers and by older women who revel in men being pushed to the margins— as if in vengeance for past inequality. Bisoye, works in communications and has two children. She ended her marriage five years ago because of the widening gulf

macho young men who hang out clubbing and watching porn if they were told of a ‘new world order.’ There is no doubt that women still experience sexism, more in some professions than others. But it’s equally alarming that there are girls who think their babies don’t

he author describes a brave new world where Alpha woman rule. “The age of testosterone is over,” she tells us. Her arguments may hold true in certain liberal, metropolitan enclaves, but try telling all these starry-eyed women planning big society weddings and dreaming of babies here at home that they don’t need men and they’ll probably think you’d gone bonkers so would the average

between her and her husband in terms of education and success. “By the time my marriage ended, I was earning lots more than my husband,” she explained. “I began to resent the fact that he spent all his money and some of mine with abandon. He was frivolous with money and liked to splash out and buy designer clothes and expensive shoes. “It was a relief to see the back of him. As things stand now, I have no need for a new life partner, but I’d want a man who shared my aspirations to climb the career ladder and be confident and supportive. In the meantime, I’m quite happy to bring up my children alone with their dad still involved. I see my children’s future as mirroring my own and want to ensure they have a good education that will open doors to good careers so they can be independent and won’t need to rely too heavily on their partners financially.” Rosin, who is happily married to a high-achieving man with whom she has three children has come up with catchy titles

As things stand now, I have no need for a new life partner, but I’d want a man who shared my aspirations to climb the career ladder and be confident and supportive

for the qualities she believes defines each gender —’Plastic Woman’ and ‘Cardboard Man’. Plastic is bendable and infinitely useful, while cardboard is stiff and unyielding and disintegrates under too much strain.

n the end, Rosin’s ideal for marriage is most women’s too: “A woman slowly and slyly teaching her husband to notice when she needs help, and a husband pliant and loving enough to start noticing. We’ve been debating gender differences and rights since the 18th century — and each generation needs to give these issues a fresh look. One thing is certain — there can be neither personal happiness nor social stability unless men and women allow each other to rise. I sincerely hope that the supposed ‘end’ for men is just one stop on the journey that leads them back towards women, to raise children in equality, together. Not an end, but a thoughtful flexible, new beginning.l? The end of men? God forbid. Because that would mean the end of women too. For no society can go forward unless the sexes live and work in harmony together...

Good ffor or tunes can actually smile on yyou! ou! ortunes FORGET four-leaf clovers, horse-shoes, and lucky charms - “If you want good fortune to smile on you, all you need to do is get into a lucky frame of mind, then sit back and enjoy as everything starts going your way...” advises Professor R. Wiseman in his book: The Lucky Factor. Here are some of the steps he recommends to help you find your lucky self: Step 1: Reset your mind: The first step on the road to good fortune is to programme your mind to think of yourself as fortunate. Start, by resisting the temptation to relive your past failures and worries. Many of us do this, but all it achieves is to blind you to any good coming your way. Lucky people get things in perspective, look for opportunities in a disaster and focus on the future. Try this: ‘Refraining1 is a technique often employed by psychotherapists to help clients get positive perspective. It involves placing an experience that you’re viewing negatively into another frame, which still fits the facts of the situation equally well or even better, but changes its entire meaning. C M Y K

So if, for example, you were unsuccessful in a job interview, instead of concluding that you’re always unlucky, congratulate yourself on getting an interview and consider the positive things that have come out of it. Step 2: Pat yourself on the back: Professor-Wiseman’s studies show that successful people don’t assume their winning catch in a netball game was due to change — they put it down to their skill. So don’t tell yourself that what you’ve achieved is a fluke; think of it as an example of your ability. Try this: Wiseman recommends keeping a Luck ‘Journal’, where you note down all the good things that have happened “to you along with how you’ve influenced the outcome. So, for example, it might be that you looked great in a pair of jeans you’ve just bought (because you’ve been to the gym regularly). Step 3: Look Lucky: Lucky people expect, and are always open to good fortune, which radiates from the way they carry themselves. Make yourself one of them by

mimicking their body language. Folded arms, hunched shoulders and lack of eye contact are all clear signals that you’re feeling uncomfortable, which won’t make people warm to you. Instead, look up and around and smile — how else are you going to get lucky in love if you miss the opportunity to catch the eye of the handsome guy at the bar? Try this: If you find yourself worried about making a fool of yourself, or messing up, Wiseman suggests creating your own lucky mantra. Start and end each day by repeating a sentence that makes you feel positive such as, “Things are going to go my way.” Soon, it will filter into your subconscious and become part of the way you perceive yourself, and a natural part of how you interact with others.” Step 4: Become a social butterfly: Lucky people have broader social networks than others, which in-

creases the chances of them having lucky encounters,” says Professor Wiseman. “We asked thousands of people to classify themselves as either lucky, neutral (neither lucky nor unlucky), or unlucky. Next, they were presented with a list of 15 common British surnames and asked to indicate whether they were on firstname terms with at least one person for each surname. The results were dramatic and demonstrated the huge relationship between lucky and social connectivity. Almost 50 per cent of lucky people ticked eigjit or more of the names, compared with 35 per cent of neutral people and just 25 per rent of unlucky people. Try this: If you’re out with a friend or colleague at a party or social event, don’t just sit in a corner chatting to the one person you know, get friendly. Not only will you make connections, but they’ll all be grateful to you for breaking the ice.

22 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Continued from last week atitude of acceptance:Everybody has latitude of acceptance. By latitude of acceptance, I mean a range of physical features you find appealing. We all have features that attract us to the opposite sex. But does the person you are dating possess the appealing features you admire? I always tell young adults that if you do not find the person physically attractive it is advisable to continue the courtship. While inner beauty is no doubt more important and enduring than physical features,but the physical beauty(outward appearance) is the doorway to the inner.... If it is not sufficiently opened you cannot experience the inner. Sometime people advise you to go into a relationship and grow to love him/ her; I advise you should be attracted to him/her first, no matter how minimal, and grow the love as the relationship grows. Some marriages break up because one spouse is no longer attracted to the other. Courtship is no time for foolish sentiments and sympathies; you should marry because you love that person enough to spend the rest of your life together. You do yourself or your spouse no good if you marry out of pity or sentiments. Latitude of acceptance does not mean the person is not nice or a marriage material. What it means is that you are not compatible, you will not be happy together as spouses. Know his/her family:If you really want to understand your spouse, get up close and personal with his/her family. It is unbelievable the amount of knowledge you will gain. It will explain his/her constitutional make up,and what makes him/her tick. This

Dating and cour tship (3) courtship knowledge will help in your marriage later because even when you disagree with your spouse, you at least know where he/she is coming from, so you have a broad perspective to proffer solution. It actually pays to get responsible parents involved in the relationship. You benefit greatly for their knowledge, experience and prayers. You also need their blessing before getting married. Be wary of partners who avoid or are not comfortable with your family members. It is not a good sign. In Africa we marry not just the individual without the family. Marriage course and counseling:Churches and other

Disclosure of fundamental conditions:Courtship bears some similarities to insurance. In insurance a buyer of insurance product(insured) has a responsibility to disclose to the insurance company (underwriter) any information that aggravates or alters the usual nature of the risk the company is about to assume (underwrite). Also during courtship, parties should disclose fully any condition that will make the other party have a second thought about continuing with the relationship. Specifically, if one party is infertile or has a terminal ailment, it must be disclosed to the other party. Also if one party is in a financial hole

Latitude of acceptance does not mean the person is not nice or a marriage material

religious bodies organize marriage courses and counseling sessions for members preparing for wedding. I have noticed that a lot of would be couples, especially the men, do not take them serious. Sometimes it is just ego related while some think it is a waste of time because of experience garnered in premarital relationships. If you are in this category, retrace your steps.

such as to affect their finances gravely after marriage it should be disclosed. The same applies if one party is using a false age at the time of courtship. If one party is an ex-convict or has been previously married or has children from previous relationships, it should also be disclosed to the other party failure which the marriage should not be consummated. In this case, it is

better to be separated in truth than to be united in falsehood. Health status:Both parties should submit to a thorough medical check up to know their health status: blood group, genotype, HIV /STD ( sexually transmitted diseases), potency, fertility, etc. No sentiments, your decision to go into matrimony must be based on full knowledge of all relevant facts and with your eyes wide open. Length of courtship: there is no universally agreed time frame for courtship. Would-be couples should court long enough to be able to answer that critical question with a clear, not beclouded, head: Am I ready to spend the rest of my life with him/her? The day you can answer that question positively, without reservation, you are ready for marriage. I have seen marriages that were preceded by long courtships collapse, same with short courtships. I have also witnessed successful marriages where courtships were both long and short. For those who involve God in the courtship, God will talk to you. It can manifest in various ways: scripture passages, dreams, visions, manifestation by confirmation of signs you prayed for, parents who hitherto opposed the relationship softening up, getting a better paying job, contracts etc( that can give you a strong financial start),etc. Finally, marriage can be fundamental to your success and happiness thereafter. It is not something you trifle with. You need a lot of prayers and fasting to get it right. God is the creator of marriage and should be involved. A lot of people made a lot of mistakes in marriage the unmarried can avoid. Concluded.

(Text Only)

1. The Deep Knee Bend Technique: et on your knees making sure the feet are wide apart and then lower the body till you can sit down on the heels. Place the hands on the thighs and keep the trunk very straight. Breathe deeply and sit very still. Benefits: he Deep Knee Bend stretches the front thigh muscles. It renders the ankles and knee joints supple by increasing the synovial fluid. Warning: Refrain from the

Health in double-quick time S DeepKnee Bend if you have varicose veins.

2. Head to Knee Pose

it down, breathe deeply as you raise

functioning. Constipation is banished and painful periods in the womanfolk becomes a thing of the past.

3. The Writer’s Pose Technique:

it on the heels. Bend the left arm at the elbow and pass it up at the back. Then, bend the right elbow and hook the fingers of both hands at the back. Hold the head up and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 times. Then change hands and repeat the deep breathing. Benefits: he writer ’s pose ex

pands the chest for better respiration. The shoulders get a good workout. The thigh muscles are stretched and strengthened. The synovial fluid in the knee and ankle The Writer’s Pose joints increase leading to activity of the joints.

Head to Knee Pose

The Deep Knee Bend

both hands overhead and lift slightly backward. Rest the forehead on your knees with the two hands backward. The head to knee pose gives tone to the hamstrings, the spinal column becomes flexible and the abdominal organ gets massage leading to their better

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

The Writer’s Pose

SATURDAY

e all have stan dards when it comes to inter acting with other people. When it comes to love, the consideration that you will be spending most of your life with someone tends to raise these standards in most women. While you might pal around with a wild party animal guy in your first year at the University, your sights are set on a higher caliber guy for a possible life mate. If Mister Party All Night develops a crush on you and confesses his devotion, you’re left trying to make him not feel terrible while extricating yourself from what has unknowingly become too intimate of a relationship. Fast forward four years and a lonely spell makes you wonder if you should have jumped at the chance to be with someone who claimed to love you. Would it be better to be in the arms of someone you never exactly dreamed about instead of not being in anyone’s arms at all? This semi-depression is an insidious game of can’t-win. Across town, you can bet there is a woman who decided to take a leap of faith on the undergraduate who showered her with affection in between bouts of drunkeness. Picture her sitting in the living room, alone, while he is passed out early for the night yet again. While you and she are both lonely, her loneliness is more of an obstacle to overcome, while you can patiently plan on when and where to accept a guy into your world who you might have rejected a few years ago. Your requirements for love change as you age and are dependent on many of your life experiences. There is a checklist of requirements women demand in a man. The more you have checked off here, the higher your standards are, and while it is good to have high standards, you may be unable to connect with a man who meets all of these. You might consider ditching some of the less important ones, but everyone’s list will be different

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—23

How much will you settle for in love?

as will the order of their priorities in the selection of a life partner. Good looks A man who is easy on the eyes is a great thing to wake up to. Many women are secretly much more shallow than they will ever confess to. Others deeply feel that the aesthetics of how he looks is critical in one’s being accepted socially. Many women thrive on appearing as having been capable of corralling a good-looking man. Money The idea that your man will provide material security for you, especially if you intend to start a family, is at the top of many lists. When you are

Ask the Sexpert I am 28 years old and my wife is 25. We live separately at our parents’ but meet once or twice a month, and have sex. My problem is that she doesn’t like kissing. She enjoys sex, but I’m unable to get started without kissing as a part of foreplay. Is there a way around this? Try kissing in places other than lips. Have you asked her why? Perhaps, you have bad breath. I am 45 years old and my wife is 42. We have been

younger, determining the earning power of a man based on his course of study is a time-honored tradition. Does a business major make less over his lifetime than a future lawyer or doctor? Does your free-spirited philosophy major come from a wealthy family that could set you and him free to philosophize away the days and nights of your love? Religion Many people have absolute beliefs and do not compromise on them when it comes to making a commitment for this lifetime. Problems can arise when these definites are avoided in discussions during the early part of a dating courtship. Unless it is discussed otherwise, dating implies that there may

be the possibility that you two click and fall in love. To become increasingly intimate with someone whom you just know you could never take back to Mom and Dad is not acceptable unless your boyfriend of a different faith understands the temporary nature of your passion. Leading someone on is pretty much frowned upon by almost all religions. Ethnicity Much like religious faith, many women are under intense pressure from family and friends to find a man from the same ethnic group. Our cultural attitudes are shaped early and even if we rebel, falling in love with someone from the same background is often easier. Some groups have out-

married for 15 years. We used to have sex thrice a week, but of late, my wife demands sex every day. I get tired. Is there a medicine I could take to avoid disappointing my wife? The best exercise is a daily physical workout which will improve your stamina. Correct your lifestyle. As an alternative, try mutual masturbation and oral sex. I am 26 years old. My body type is slim at 67 kg. I am suffering from seminal fluid before urinating. What can I do to get rid of this? It’s possible that you have a night emission or had masturbated at night and some of the semen re-

looks on the world that differ from the liberated attitudes of the western world, especially involving a woman’s place in it. Epic novels are founded on the plot of wanting to break from tradition and yet being comforted by it. Shared values If you like areggae and he likes highlife music, and he is cute, of the same religion and ethnicity as you and he makes a lot of money, some women would holler and sign up for a line-dancing class while others would pack their bags and portable music device and continue to judge a man by the superiority of his musical taste. Can you put up with a man who is obsessed with baseball if you are immersed in the art world? Will a guy who wants to settle down in a village cramp your urban loftdwelling dreams? While seeing eye-to-eye is nice, many women find that dumping this love requirement opens them up to new challenges in life that keep them sharp and on edge. His friends and family Would you date a man with children from a previous relationship? Could you marry a man whose mother was openly contemptuous of you? Are his friends from a different social set and you just don’t want to put the effort into fitting in? There are lots of questions surrounding the people with whom he spends time. Will you be expected to travel over the holidays to be with his family? What sacrifices in your own relationships will be necessary to make in order to come to a compromise. While this is not necessarily first date conversation material, many men come with a crowd attached, and your love requirements may not include the crowd following him. Age and health If his physical stamina is not on par with yours, is that a deal breaker? There are many aspects of a man’s physical well being and condition based on his age that might be a turnoff no matter how great the chemistry gets between you two. Think about it early. Put this list in order from absolute love requirements to unimportant matters that only cloud the pursuit of love. When you are certain of how many hoops your man must jump through, you will be able to better focus on just who out there meets your love requirements.

mained behind, which is what you saw in the morning. No harm to you. I am 64 years old. I get a good, strong erection a number of times in a day, but it does not last long during penetrative sex. The last time I ejaculated, I noticed some blood along with the semen. This is very scary. What should I do? Ejaculate by masturbation in a container supplied to you at a pathology laboratory to check whether it was from the urinary tract or elsewhere. See a doctor with the report.

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

ercy considered the words from her motherin-law and felt there was a dis connect between her statements which were actually an after thought, and the situation on ground. Those words as far as she was concerned, were empty and only came from a first class pretender. She was more confused for the fact that she had spent 13 solid years with James, the old woman’s son without the duo’s character, betraying their intentions or agenda, in any way. “How on earth could people be so untrustworthy?”, she questioned. “Could it be that I was the careless one here that I never noticed the kind of deceivers I’ve spent years with?, Ahhh...God, how can people you created be so cruel...Please Daddy, let this be a nightmare that I must wake up from...please dear lord, I need to wake up... now!” While Mercy wept, her sympathisers who thronged her compound four days after James was buried, actually thought she did the normal thing widows did. In her own case, there were several reasons she cried. She was lost as to where she was to begin. Was it from the well constructed deception, 13 years of childlessness with James, or that of all people, her late husband tricked her like no other person had ever done. And talk of mama, she had treated Mercy like her own child and had even introduced her several times as her own daughter rather than daughter-in-law. And then the biggest; James’ sudden departure. “If only he is here to defend himself, then things would have been clearer ”, Mercy thought, as she wiped more tears off her face which had turned red from non stop weeping, with the edge of her wrapper. As her mother pulled her close, whispering soothing words into her ears, Mercy came back from deep thoughts and began thinking of how she was to live in their home all alone. James shouldn’t have abandoned everything to her care. Despite the fact that even in death, he had wounded her soul, it was better he stayed alive and … “just stayed alive”, she concluded. Mercy drifted into memories revolving round their first meeting at the

The beettrayal church’s end of year thanksgiving and they had taken a liking for each other. They needed no time for courtship as both appeared in a hurry to be married. James had given her what she had ever wanted from a decent and responsible man- a beautiful engagement ring after she accepted his proposal. Barely two weeks later, his family had paid Mercy’s, an expected visit where talks about marriage were concluded. Their wedding was typical of that of celebrities which they never were. It was so glamorous that her surprise wedding gift from James was her favourite popular American musician who flew into the country and thrilled the guests with spellbinding performances. The celebration continued with a twoweek honeymoon in Paris. “How easy was it for James to have thrown all that away...what kind of a man would so treat a woman he’d professed so much love for that way?”, were questions no one would be able to answer for as long as James remained with the immortals. As she crucified herself for being insensitive, thoughts about when she had suggested they adopted at least two children probably a boy and a girl but James had assured her that as long as there was life, she would bear him children. He had made excuses of how he didn’t want a child from an unknown lineage becoming his heir and that since they both were certified okay by the doctor, she definitely would bear children. She had believed him and was consoled by his sweet words. Even mama, unlike some other mother ’s-in-law, made sure she worried less about her situation. That the same man who was so nice to her as her life partner, friend, confidant and brother, got involved with another woman barely 4 years into their fruitless marriage, without her knowledge, was unthinkable and in fact, the height of wickedness and betrayal. Before her mother was through with consoling her, she cast her mind back to four days ago when James’ remain was lowered into his final resting place

She was more confused for the fact that she had spent 13 solid years with James, the old woman’s son without the duo’s character, betraying their intentions or agenda, in any way

24—SA TURD AY 24—SATURD TURDA

and it was time for his relatives to perform the ash for ash rite. She remembered she had bid him final farewell with very hot tears streaming uncontrolably down to her neckline, how she almost fell into his grave so they could both embark on the journey together, but for the Priest and James’ maternal relatives who restrained her, and the shocker which came when Liza was also asked to join in performing the rite. Mercy had wondered who she was but concluded that whoever Liza was, she was well known to James’ family. The tears immediately ceased flowing when she learned that Liza was James’ mistress and a feeling of pain and hatred engulfed her. In order not to create a scene, she was instructed by other older women who themselves, appeared lost as to what was going on, to keep mute because according to tradition, a woman in her condition was not allowed to speak. Mama had called a meeting that same night where hidden truth was laid bare. Beyond her widest

imagining, she was told that indeed, Liza who was also present at the meeting, was legally married to her late husband. It was unbelievable that she had three boys, aged 9,7 and 5. “Oh! Oh!...ahhhhh!...how cruel people can really be” Mercy managed to exclaim almost inaudibly having lost her voice to much weeping. “Mama even you... You betrayed me.” “My daughter you will not understand” “Then make me understand what happened mama, I thought you said I was your child, is this how best to treat your own child? You are heartless. At least you should have intimated me with your plan to get another wife for James.” “You didn’t seem like you’d be able to live with it” “That’s nonsense mama, why do you think its now that I’d be able to live with this betrayal. Oh! this is the height of betrayal. We had a church wedding and of course the church had insisted we got a certificate from the registry which declared our marriage legal. How possible was it that James could have married Liza, and... where?” The more she asked the questions, the more confused she became. “Well”, Mercy’s mother-in-law begun, “My daughter, I’m sorry to say this, but however you see it, Liza and her children have come to stay. It would do you good if you accept them as part of your life.” “I can’t believe you are the one saying this. You’ll surely receive an award for the best pretender in the entire universe, only God will have mercy on you.” The house got divided and those for Mercy supported her for she had given both mama and her late son, as well as the entire Oguike’s family, love, care and everything, except a child which was why she suffered. If only she lived as cats and dogs with them while James was alive, the pain would have been less. But for people who showed her much love and got same in return, it was unthinkable that they would commit such crime against her. Mercy felt much pain knowing that Liza’s boys were to take over everything her husband left behind including those she acquired by herself.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—25

08056180112

ramme for gramme, real ‘whole’ food costs a lot less than packaged food. You get a much bigger bang for your buck, and it tastes better, too. Eat a balanced diet full of a variety of fresh foods, like these superstars listed below, and you’ll have plenty of reasons to smile. Fresh herbs Fresh herbs can help make other foods heart-healthy when they replace salt, sugar, and trans fats. These flavour powerhouses, along with nuts, berries — even coffee — can be part of heart-wise eating. Herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme contain antioxidants. Black beans Mild, tender black beans are packed with nutrients including folate, antioxidants, magnesium, and with fibre — which helps control both cholesterol and (like butter) for your cholesterol. Use a little blood sugar levels. Canned bit for salads, on cooked veggies, or with black beans are easy to add bread. Look for cold-pressed and use within to soups and salads. six months. Red wine Walnuts If you drink alcohol, a little A small handful of walnuts a day may red wine may be a good lower your cholesterol and ease choice. Resveratrol and inflammation in your heart’s arteries. catechins, two antioxidants in Walnuts are packed with omega-3s, red wine, may help protect monounsaturated fats, and fiber. The artery walls. Alcohol can also benefits come when walnuts replace bad boost HDL, the “good” fats, like those in chips and cookies. Walnut cholesterol. Only drink in oil has omega-3s, too; try it in salad moderation: up to one glass dressings. a day for women, and 1-2 for Almonds men. Alcohol may cause Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin E, problems for people taking magnesium, and zinc all help to make a aspirin and other handful (about 1/4 cup a day) of crunchy medications. Too much almonds good for your heart and your alcohol is bad for your heart. mood. B vitamins and magnesium help Salmon produce serotonin, which helps regulate A top food for heart health, mood. Zinc has also been shown to fight it’s rich in the omega-3s EPA some negative effects of stress, while and DHA. Omega-3s may vitamin E is an antioxidant that destroys

Healthy foods for the heart

•Oranges can control blood pressure...

•Coffee is also healthy to the heart

•Nuts can help your heart lower risk of heart rhythm disorders and reduce blood pressure. Salmon also lowers blood triglycerides and helps curb inflammation. Two servings of salmon or other naturally oily fish a week is recommended. Extra Virgin Olive Oil This oil, made from the first press of olives, is especially rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help protect your blood vessels.. It’s also a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are a better choice than saturated fats

the free radicals related to stress and heart disease. They’re the perfect snack — so much better than a bag of chips. Slivered almonds go well with vegetables, fish, chicken, and desserts. They’re chock full of plant sterols, fibre, and heart-healthy fats. Almonds may help lower LDL cholesterol, if you favour them over other fats. Grab a small handful a day. Sweet potatoes Talk about a nutritional powerhouse! The more color a veggie has the better it is for you, according to nutritionists — and sweet potatoes might be the brightest of all. Potent antioxidants found in sweet potatoes help to shield our hearts. Plus, their sweet taste makes them delicious enough to eat for

dessert. But if you don’t want to go that far, try chunking them up into squares, roasting them at a high heat (400 degrees) for about 30 minutes, and then tossing them with some chopped dried plums (better known as prunes) for a tempting and unique side dish next to roasted chicken or turkey — or as a vegetarian meal on its own. Swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes. With a low glycemic index, they won’t cause a quick spike in blood sugar. They also have fibre, vitamin A, and lycopene. Oranges This sweet, juicy fruit contains the cholesterol-fighting fibre pectin — as well as potassium, which helps control blood pressure. Medical research shows that orange juice may improve

blood vessel function and modestly lower blood pressure. A medium orange averages 62 calories, with three grams of fibre. Carrots These sweet, crunchy veggies may help control blood sugar levels and make diabetes less likely. They may also help your cholesterol levels, since they’re a source of soluble fiber — the kind of fibre also found in oats. Add shredded carrots to spaghetti sauce and muffin batter. Oatmeal Oats in all forms can help your heart by lowering LDL, the bad cholesterol. A warm bowl of oatmeal fills you up for hours, fights snack attacks, and helps keep blood sugar levels stable over time —making it useful for people with diabetes, too. Coffee Coffee and tea may help protect your heart. Studies show that people who drink 3-4 cups a day may be less likely to get diabetes, and even decaffeinated coffee works. But if you already have high blood pressure, be careful, since caffeine can worsen it.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Tit bits Lawmaker donates food items to abandoned babies and elders

08111813025

I eat right to stay healthy

BY EBUN SESSOU

— Okoya

Popular business mogul, Alhaji Rasaq Okoya is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. At 74, he explains the secret of his healthy lifestyle and why Nigerians should imbibe the habit of eating right always. Enjoy

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

To what would you attribute your healthy lifestyle?

I thank Almighty Allah who has spared my life and that of everyone around me. It is important to know that my source of happiness and healthy living is God. My life is not complete today without God who has been there for me especially from the cradle to this time. At 74, I owe my life to God and I will continually worship Him for sparing my life up till this time.

Do you still exercise?

Yes. I indulge in regular exercises to keep fit. Since I discovered the need for exercises, I’ve always made use of every opportunity that I see. I also take lots of

Recipe

water too. Water is essential to the body and I will encourage Nigerians to ensure that they drink water regularly to overcome certain illnesses.

...Your best food

I really do not have a favorite food but I eat very light food and insist on balanced diet. Growing up, my favorite food was rice but as I grew older, I discovered other foods but none of these foods are my favorite.

When it comes to healthy lifestyle, how would advise Nigerians? Nigerians should add lots of fruits and vegetables to their

Alhaji Rasaq Okoya

Tummy Zone4kid &Teen

menu. Their food intake should be balanced. They should avoid eating food that contains cholesterol. Also, natural fruit juice should be taken instead of carbonated drinks. Eating right is the only way to stay healthy.

WEEKEND TREAT

Spaghetti, onions,fresh tomatoes, fresh pepper, ground crayfish, seasoning, salt to taste, carrots, green beans, meat, fish, green pepper, vegetable oil, corned beef, vegetables

Tasteful Spaghetti

Preparation

Children and sleep

ut the carrots, green beans and green pepper to desirable sizes. Parboil the meat with all the necessary ingredients and fry the fish. Blend the crayfish and tomatoes and pepper together. Break spaghetti to smaller lengths and parboil for five to eight minutes. Wash and set aside. Pick out the meat when it is soft for consumption and fry for some minutes. Remove from fire and put your blended pepper on fire till the water is dried. At this stage, add water, crayfish, seasoning salt. Add the spaghetti C M Y K

eputy Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Lola Akande, at the weekend donated foodstuff and beverages to the abandoned and motherless as well as elderly citizens. At Regina Mundi Old Peoples Home where the lawmaker visited, she expressed delight with the elders praying that Almighty God would continue to strengthen, guide and protect them. According to her, “The reason why I visited these people is to interact with them and also to make them feel important in our society. Without them, we cannot be here today because most of them have suffered for us when we were young . The visit is also part of my birthday celebration and I have made it compulsory for myself to celebrate with the elder citizens and the motherless in the state”, she added. The lawmaker therefore called on organizations, philanthropists and religious organizations to always remember the less privileged in our society. Meanwhile, at the Red Cross Abandoned and Motherless Home in Makoko area of Lagos, the lawmaker commended the management of the home for making the environment look good, urging the workers to pay more attention to the babies. Items donated include bags of rice, beverages, multivitamins drugs, among others.

leep is no less important than food, drink, or safety in the life of a child. Although this may seem apparent,

and cook for about 20 minutes till it is soft. Then, add sliced onions, sliced tomatoes, carrot, green beans and then drop the fried fish and meat on top and cover for the

five to seven minutes . Add your vegetables to simmer for two minutes. And you've just made a delicious spaghetti. Enjoy

many parents do not allow their child to get the necessary sleep they need and this is harmful to their health. Sleeping well increases brainpower just as weight lifting builds stronger muscles. Sleeping well increases your child’s attention span and allows him to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—27

BY IYABO AINA

Bobbi Kristina Brown and boyfriend tie the knot •says we are not real brother and sister

ollowing months of speculation and rumours last year , late Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown confirmed online during the week that she is finally married to Nick Gordon. Reports had it that the 20-year old daughter of the late singer relayed the exciting news via a Twitter photo. She hasn’t shared any other details about the wedding and neither has her husband, whom she’s known since childhood. Houston, who died in 2012, raised Gordon alongside Bobbi Kristina from the time he was 12. As a result, Gordon’s alternately been described as a “family friend” and “adopted son.” Speculation that the two were dating began circulating shortly after Houston’s death in February, and in July 2013 Brown confirmed that they were engaged. She also addressed the criticism they’ve received about their relationship saying “I’m tired of hearing people say ‘your engaged to your brother or if Whitney was still alive would we be together or would she approve of this,’” . “Let me clear up something, we aren’t even real brother and sister nor is he my adoptive brother. My mom never adopted him. In fact, mommy was the one who even said that she knew that we were going to start dating. People need to seriously stop judging my relationship. Pretty sure it’s my own decision who I want to be with.” Bobbi who has struggled mightily since her mom passed away and who once compared herself to Jesus Christ - Tweeted: “BIGGGG things in store. I’m so excited ..! We bouta change the world babbbbby! #bringEmOut! #Getready!xO!”

•Bobbi and Gordon

Jay Z and Beyonce’s daughter turns two! I

t was a fun atmosphere , as Beyonce and Jay Z’s only child Blue Ivy got a royal treatment when she turned 2 on the 7th of January, 2014. It was gathered that her famous parents rented out Jungle Island, a wildlife park and botanical garden in Miami for her. During the fun and rainy outing, the birthday girl also borrowed Beyonce’s “Flawless” gold necklace that the megastar, 32, posed with via Instagram on the 30th of December., 2013. The 44year-old rapper went casual in an

Justin Berbie to star in the Expendable 4

op sensation Justin Bieber is lined up as the next new member of ‘’The Expendables’’. Former football star crews who has appeared in all three installments of Sylvester Stallone’s blockbuster franchise, claims the ‘Baby’ hitmaker is in talks for a role in the fourth movie. Crews disclosed recently that , “The next one, I am telling you Justin Bieber is coming for The Expendables 4. That is for real.” Bieber previously tested his acting skills with a role in TV crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

•Justin Bieber

Is Kim pregnant again? T

here are strong speculations that Kim and Kanye may be expecting an addition to the family very soon . This surprising news started earlier this week on social network as there were rumours that North West may be expecting a younger sibling. It was gathered that there is pressure already on Kanye West , as the same happened the first time Kim got pregnant where he had a fight with paparazzis which saw him reacting violently to a teenager who called Kim a slut also claiming Kim was spotted at the parking garage of her gynecologist . There are also claims that sources close to the couple confirmed that Kim is indeed pregnant as the couple have been trying for months.

oversized sweatshirt, while the “XO” songstress dressed down in a “Surfboard” sweatshirt while swiping her chestnut locks back in a knit cap. It was really cute, as they’re such fun and attentive parents and pretty normal people considering how famous they are. Trumping all this luxury is the fact that Blue Ivy’s parents also bought her a $600,000 gold rocking horse, which is more than most people’s mortgages or the care and boarding of a real, live horse.

Singer Ciara is pregnant S

•Kim

inger Ciara has revealed she’s pregnant with her first child. The 28-year-old singer made the big announcement during last Tuesday’s episode of The View TV show. When Barbara Walters tentatively broached the question of pregnancy, amid months of speculation, asking the star if she would like to confirm anything, the 1, 2 Step hitmaker simply replied: ‘Of course I would love to’, before standing up and opening her waistcoat to reveal her round tummy. This will be the first child for Ciara, while her soon-to-be husband, rapper Future – real name Nayvadius Cash – is already dad to three children by three different women – he has an 11-year-old son, four-yearold daughter India Jai and one-yearold son Prince •Ciara

28—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JANUARY 18, 2014

Chiwetel Ejiofor’s sister gets emotional over his Oscar nomination

HIWETEL Ejiofor ’s sister, Zain Asher broke down on live television Thursday while discussing what the Oscar nomination of her brother for Best Actor in a Leading Role means to her and the British star ’s family. Speaking in a very emotional interview, the CCN reporter said, “Honestly, I could not sleep last night. I really couldn’t. This was so emotional for me because I’m going to try not to cry, this was a day that my family has really been hoping for and waiting for, for

such a long time. Chiwetel, he’s been acting since he’s 13 years. I told myself I wasn’t going to cry. I do feel so emotional now,” she said tearfully. “He’s worked so hard for this and growing up with him he was always in his bedroom practicing Shakespeare lines and writing Shakespeare on the wall. I would go out with my friends and I would come home and in the morning he would be reciting Measure for Measure and in the evening it would be Othello.” She continued: “He’s someone who’s really dedicated and an actor ’s actor. He’s

been acting for over 20 years, and so to finally see recognition for his work I can’t even describe the feeling.” Ejiofor, 36, has worked in Hollywood for years; Love Actually, Four Brothers, and American Gangster but has never received this much recognition before landing the lead in the Steve McQueendirected film. He lost out to Matthew McConaughey for Best Actor at the 2014 Golden Globes Sunday night, but will be going up against the Dallas Buyers Club star once again.

24 years after, Michael Omoregbee resurfaces!

Theft: AGN diso wns actress disowns

FTER nearly 24 years of missing in action, veteran actor, Michael Omoregbee has made a stunning return to acting with his lead-role in Lancelot Imasuen’s big budget historical film “Invasion 1897.” Being his first ever Nollywood film, Omoregbee said, he was overwhelmed playing the role of Oba Ovonrawmen Nogbaisi in the much talked about film. He’s not new to acting and production. His acting dates back to his secondary school days with his baby roles like Bambulu in “This is Our Chance, James Ene Henshaw. At a special screening of the trailer to mark the centenary of the demise of Oba Ovonrawmen during the week in Lagos, Omoregbee described the production as a blend of divinity and destiny. According to him, “When I worked on Ola Rotimi’s Ovoramwen Nogbaisi for my first degree project in 1988, I did not envisage that destiny would one day connect me to the work again.” Omoregbee, who’s currently based in Benin as an educationalist and a pastor informed that when he was approached to play the role of Ovonrawmen, what gave him confidence was the calibre of the producer as well as the director of the film.

N up and coming Nollywood actress, Yetunde Akilapa who has been arrested again after she was recently released from prison for theft has been disowned by the Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN. Also, the actress who until carrying out the bestial act was a member of the Odunfa Caucus of the Yoruba film sector has been banned from featuring in any movie. Yetunde was beaten black and blue by angry residents who caught her after unlawfully breaking into an apartment in Magodo Estate, Lagos last Sunday. She has been arrested before now, imprisoned and bailed for committing similar offence. But reacting to her arrest cum shameful act, the SecretaryGeneral of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Mr Yakubu Mohammed inferred that the actress’s case may not be far from being spiritual. Stating clearly that Yetunde is not a registered member of AGN, Yakubu, however, disassociated the actors’ body from her shameful act, saying the guild has no such members with questionable characters. “As AGN, we screen all our members before registering them. So, we don’t have any AGN member with a questionable character. We learnt that Yetunde has spiritual problem and she’s not a thief. We are praying that God should deliver her,” Yakubu reacted.

STARSPOT Ebonylife TV commences entertainment programming

•Michael

BONYLIFE TV Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment Network, has commenced its much awaited full homegrown entertainment programming, and thereby heralding a new viewing experience loaded with the best of homegrown African entertainment. This development is in being consistent with the channel’s vision, which is to be the preferred global network for premium African entertainment through the creation and broadcast of original, homegrown and premium content. In addition to the channel going 100% homegrown, a brand new, must-see drama will be showing on the channel every new week.

•Mo-Abudu

SATURDAY Vanguard ,JANUARY 18, 2014 —29 Vanguard,JANUARY

BY AYO ONIKOYI

30 —

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

— 31

C M Y K

— Clarion Chukwurah

or two years, ageless beauty and veteran actress, Clarion Chukwurah took a break from acting to tour three countries following her position as a special UN peace envoy. She’s back in the country and upon her return, she bagged a prestigious award in recognition of her contribution towards the development of the Nigerian film industry.But in spite of all these, Chukwurah still feels disappointed with a lot of things happening in the industry. She bares her mind on the issues.

This is an era where actors and actresses are producing their own movies, do you have plans to go into movie production? I do have plans for that but I don’t want to look at it as producing my movies. I intend also to do a lot of collaborations. I talked about how things are. I intend to work in and outside the mainstream Nollywood world and to collectively move Nollywood forward.

By SAM ANOKAM

No doubt, you are a legend in the Nigerian motion picture industry. What’s the difference between Nollywood of yesteryears and today’s Nollywood? It hasn’t improved at all. It is now a proverbial ‘ state’ that makes one to weep. Everything has fallen to a disgraceful state. No standards are left. I was on a location in Enugu last month and the production manager was insulting the director of photographer. I was shocked. The producer and the director were shouting at each other. I could not imagine it. The artistic director would just walk away and actors are not directed on what to do. Any green horn could hit the set and believe that she could sleep her way to the top. She is pretty and sleeps with the Executive Producer. It’s just sickening. And they say to you, this movie is

What is the way forward? The mainstream Nollywood world is the one that caters for the populace, not necessarily the cinema movies. And with the new distribution channel that is coming, the important thing is for the professionals to come into it and not say we can’t relate with this people. In order to make things right, you have to go back in there with a determination to make things right. You are still looking beautiful after putting in several years in the movie industry. What’s the secret of your ageless looks? The secret is discipline. You have to be as my son Brian would say wellness freak. You have to know when to exercise. You have to know the importance of water, eating the right things. It is about healthy living, healthy eating. Aside movie making and your NGO, what else do you do? I have a clothing line. I still have the C3. We have a partner outlet in Toronto, Kenya and the UK. We are doing well by God’s grace. Are you not thinking of marriage? Give me a break. Please don’t ask. Don’t go there. Please spare me.

meant for the market and the cinema. It is not for film festival, just do it anyhow because this is for inside the market. That goes to show there are no standards. It is pathetic. We didn’t see much of you last year in the movies? I was out of the country for two years. I came back in May last year and I shot my very first movie in the same month. I shot about six movies from May through December 15th when I returned to my home. Those movies were, Last Family Reunion, That Fateful Night, Hustlers, The God of the Ghetto and Apaye, Land of Canaan. Why did you travel abroad for two years? I was appointed a United Nations international special peace envoy on international peace day at the ECOWAS building in Abuja. I had two years to travel to three countries in the course of my NGO because I was given that appointment in recognition of my NGO, Clarion Chukwurah Initiative International. We have been dealing with women and children. More over, I worked in Kenya, Tanzania and Los Angeles. In those two years, I was travelling from Kenya to Tanzania and LA. It was wonderful. For me, I have achieved something that gives me a deep sense of satisfaction, a feeling

For me, I have

achieved something that gives me a deep sense of satisfaction, a feeling that I have an edge above all this issue of fame. that I have an edge above all this issue of fame. I have risen above all that. In Kenya, my initiative was supporting this community school in a slum called Soweto Kayole in Nairobi. When I started working in that community, I encountered school children who are fatherless and whose mothers are HIV/AIDS patients. I had about 50 of them, but before the end of October 2012, the number

SARTURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—33

You recently won ‘Legends of Nollywood’award. How do you feel being recognised as a legend in the industry? I was on location in Enugu when the award was held and as you can see, ‘Best Female Act, Mirror in the Sun, Clarion Chukwurah’. The award was received on my behalf by my publicist, Cornell Udofia. This award is yearly organised by Paul Obazele’s company, Royal Pictures. Frank Rajah, I think was part of it as well as Zack Orji and many others. I appreciate the award having been given this recognition for the role I played in the now rested ‘Mirror in the Sun.’ But I think that the name of the award and the work for which it was given is rather misplaced. That is because the award is called, ‘Legends of Nollywood’. Nollywood is today’s euphemism for the Nigerian film industry. ‘Mirror in the Sun’ was the second national network soap opera. It was a television drama. I understand that before the award was held, AMP president,Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor and other stakeholders celebrated Nollywood at 20, which witnessed an award ceremony called Legends of Nollywood Awards.They honoured those whom they considered as foremost actors and cinematographers in the industry. However, when Paul Obazele set out to hold his own Legends of Nollywood award, he gave people the impression that he was going to correct the anomalies. I was expecting Zik Zulu’s ‘Legends of Nollywood’awards to honour actors, producers, directors, cinematographers who have made their marks dating back to late 1950s, till the advent of the new Nollywood. That was my expectations. They actually wanted to give me an award for ‘Koko Close’, a TV drama I did in Ibadan while I was an undergraduate in the University of Ife. I was surprised, you are talking about ‘Legends of Nollywood’ and you are giving me an award for a role I played in a TV drama. Are you not confused here? I expected to see the likes of Chief Hubert Ogunde being given a posthumous award, MKO Abiola who was the first Nigerian business mogul to sponsor a multi million Naira technicolour Nigerian film titled ‘Bisi Daughter of the River’. I was expecting to see Kunle Afolayan received a posthumous award on behalf of his father, Sunday Omobolanle’s (Aluwe) first wife stepping out to an award on behalf of her father, Moses Olaiya, Jeta Amata mounting the stage to pick an award on behalf of his grand father. That was what I expected to see at the ‘Legend of Nollywood’ awards. But whilst Zik Zulu and his partners deliberately refused to recognise that there was a film industry before the production of teh movie, ‘Living in Bondage’, Obazele’s faction proved themselves more ignorant by lumping TV and everything together. They are two different things. I think it’s high time, the Nollywood practitioners should stop feigning ignorance and face the truth that before Jesus Christ, there was Abraham. Before Nollywood, there was a Nigerian film industry and that is the main reason Nollywood is stagnant today. That is why Nollywood is not growing. If a child doesn’t recognise his mother, how can he grow? If you don’t know where you are coming from, how would you know here you are going to?

32 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

My disappointment with today’s Nollywood

increased to 350 children. They increased when they heard I had a daily feeding programme for the children. They also had no clothes. I put uniform on the back of every kid and sandals on their feet. We had environmental sanitation, health aids and collaborating with the UN Habitat and the Rotary. I am a member of the rotary club of Nairobi. The bulk of the members are non Africans- Italians, Americans, British and others. They were bringing support to help teach these children and of course, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, East Africa, a section of which I am a member. Even when Daddy Adeboye came for the East Africa convention, he saw my work and commended it. Mummy G.O. also prayed for me. For their mothers, we taught them about basic personal and environmental hygiene. We built toilets, cleared gutters and taught them how to protect themselves against sex related diseases. We also put them on drugs for HIV AIDS. Because the UN headquarters is there, there are a lot of bodies to collaborate with for an NGO like mine which is recognised. We started skill acquisition. In Los Angeles, I got support from the Church of Science in Hollywood to produce some episodes on women empowerment and women related issues in terms of what is happening in the Caribbean were men are killing their wives and girlfriends. It happens in Kenya. The idea is to bring these issues to the fore what African heritage men are doing to their women so that we can look at these issues and find a way to re-orient the women on how to handle them. We also reached out to the men to learn to handle things differently and this we sent to the TV. The initiative representative in Canada, Nicola Rodney came to the state for this programme so that she could take it back for informative training to impact on the lives of women in the Caribbean especially in Guyana.

C M Y K

34— SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

By Anozie Egole & Kehinde Ajose

Regulating what bloggers post on blogs! Journalists should not become bloggers — Ebube Nwagbo

think journalists are more serious minded professionals than bloggers. They deal with facts and investigate their stories before going to press. Blogging is mainly for small gossips and gist. Journalists should remain the way they are while blogging should also be. Journalists should not be trained for blogging. They all have their purposes.

Don’t gag bloggers — Moji Delano-Blogger

egulating what bloggers post on their blog sites wouldn’t have been a bad idea if we live in a society where things work well, or in clearer terms where our leaders won’t use it as an excuse

to totally curtail press freedom and go after those whom they have a personal vendetta against them .Bloggers should be allowed to post what they deem fit

I’m indifferent –Feyisekemi d o n ’t o m e , I much e really hav I a m . e r e to say h different n i very ing at. If go e th t u o ab b il ging w l into blog ay to pass the best w o n to ti e informa e s I p e o p l e , rong with w nothing u obser ve o y that. If ng happeni d what is fi l u wil n today, yo le t peop o u t t h a o r m a t io n f a c c e s s in e internet th more on d i n g t h e a t h a n r e ilies. The da l nationa is f the two o mission formation to pass in ey do it th and how atter. m t o does n

Many people make a living through blogging. In recent times, blogging has attracted a lot of attention given the rise of the social media and also when it is becoming more and more difficult for unbiased information to be presented to the audience at large with censorship. But there has been a lot of complains regarding the inability of bloggers to verify their stories before publishing them on their blog sites. Recently, sexy Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson accused popular blogger, Linda Ikeji of not cross-checking her facts before posting the story that linked her with her ex-lover, Iyanya. Despite the odds, since everything is now connected to the internet through one way or another, blogs are here to stay as long as internet prevails. Our team speak to some entertainers as well as bloggers in the area of regulating what the latter present to the audience via the internet.

Train journalists as bloggers -— Osereimen Otoide

n my humble opinion, I think, journalists should be trained for blogging in other to be able to do both online and offline reporting. If you check out what is happening presently, the advent of globalization has made everything so computerized that people prefer getting their information online than in the newspapers. So, for proper dissemination of information, they should be trained in the area of blogging.

Caution needs to be applied– Imelda Egwim, blogger

he importance of differentiating between what contents that should be publicised and what should not be, inherently depends on the blogger who is required to apply discretion to his work. An unwritten rule of thumb for publishing on the internet requires that offensive contents be shared with warning to the intended reader and if relating to celebrities or public figures, even more caution needs to be applied to avoid incurring litigation.

Allow bloggers to be — Wale Odunsi, Social media expert Any attempt to regulate what bloggers publish on their blog sites will defeat the principles of freedom of speech and expression as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. This leads to the question: Is it proper, sensible, civilized, and legal to control information in a democratic setting? In as much as I do not appreciate stories that may cause disunity in our dear country, I always look out for reports that focuses on ills of the society; reports that exposes social vice; reports that exposes graft and corruption; Although, a few bloggers go wrong about reportage, most, however, have contributed and still impact meaningfully on the social media space. It’s that simple.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2014—35

08116759764

Karen Igho needs your prayers to stay alive E

X-BBA winner, Karen Igho needs your prayers to stay alive. She is currently in the UK where she’s undergoing treatment for cancer related ailment. In December 2013, the former reality TV star and media personality made public her health status. Since she made the revelation, Karen has not been active on social media nor has she attended any social event. Meanwhile, she didn’t reveal the type of cancer she was diagnosed with. But revealed she was previously treated when lumps were found in her breast. The exBBA winner announced her predicament on her Twitter handle. ‘Hi everyone. Sorry you haven’t heard much from me,I’m currently in the UK undergoing treatment. Thank you all for your love and support,” she tweeted during the week.

9ice eyeing politics W

ho says celebrities cannot make good politicians? Since the likes of RMD, Sam Dede, Onyeka Onwenu, and Tony One Week ventured into politics, more and more Nigerian celebrities have not ceased from romancing with politics. Sensational singer, Abolore Akande a.k.a 9ice is the latest celebrity warming up to join politics come next year. The talented singer is intending to vie for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives. He wants to represent the Ogbomosho North Local Government Area of Osun State in the Federal House of Representatives. 9ice took to his instagram where he made his intention known to his fans and the general public. “Your honourable come 2015, Ogbomoso North Constituency,” he said.

Afrocandy blasts movie marketers

igerian born porn star, Afrocandy, is real ly not finding it funny with Nigerian mar keters over the increase in the price of her soft porn movie, ‘Destructive Instinct’ which is not selling as expected because movie marketers have increased the price. The actress, who wants every Nigerian to grab a copy of the movie because of what she did in it, said, that, instead of marketers to sell a copy of the movie for N300, they are selling it between N500 and N1000. Afrocandy advised her fans via facebook account not to buy the film anything more than N300. “Why are Nigerian Marketers too Greedy? Guys please, do not buy the movie, “Destructive Instinct” if the price is more than N300 because I did not discuss that with the marketers. They just want to reap where they did not sow and it’s not fair. How can they be selling my movie for such a high price, that’s crazy. I made sure it would be cheap and available for all my fans in Nigeria to be able to afford it so why the hike in price? Leave it for them let them eat it They’ve really thought me a big lesson now. I will bring my team from USA for my next movie.”

•Afrocandy

•Karen Igho

•9ice

Dillish debuts in Nigerian music scene S

exy Namibian singer and winner of the 2013 edition of BBA The Chase, Dillish Mathew seems to have found her way into the Nigerian music industry. The BBA winner was recently featured in the video of our own award-winning singer Flavour. The video, Ikwokirikwo which was produced by 2Nite Entertainment is a single from the Flavour ’s much blessed album which dropped during the second quarter of last year.

•Dillish Mathew

36 — SATURDAY Vanguard —SATURDAY Vanguard,, JANUARY 18, 2014

BY AYO ONIKOYI

nusual gospel singer, Maheeda, who uses her nudity to praise God has opened up on her reason for doing so and what her own concept of God is all about. Maheeda, who spoke in a TV chat said she feels very comfortable being naked and said she sees nothing wrong in glorifying God in her birthday suit. As much as she accepted that she would go nude any time any where Maheeda said she can never envisaged herself doing a sex scene, saying being comfortable with nudity is not same thing as having sex for all to see. When she was asked whether she doesn’t feel God would get angry with her over her nudity-happy nature the beautiful singer retorted “I see God differently from the way most people see God. I don’t think God gets angry with everything one does. I see him as a father.

AFTER

f there’s a nollywood hottie who can give Nicky Minaj a run for her money, that dame is Daniella Okeke. In fact, she would actually make the Puerto-Rican Minaj break out in a sweat, wondering if her butts have gone poof! Toolz had everybody’s votes when it comes to curvy bouncing backside but that was before Daniella came to town. However some people haven’t been comfortable with Daniella’s sprouting backside because she wasn’t looking like that a couples of years back. Even her pictures back

then showed Daniella to be a girl who wouldn’t even catch anybody’s attention let alone having people gaping at her as she walks by. Now, this has brought forth a question: did Daniella do a surgical on her backside? Dear, things happen these days: you can but practically everything in he market: new boobs, new butts, new eyes... Everything! At least Nicki Minaj bought her front and back. If you saw Daniella at the première of ‘Lagos Cougar ’ some weeks ago you would know her backside isn’t just something to see, you might have a lot on your mind long after you have seen her. Though arguments have come her way that she put herself on therapy, dieting and exercise and all but having your backside sprouting out and looking lethal as that has more to it than meet the eye. Isn’t it.

udding pretty singer Dencia is one bundle of tricks and a dynamite that would rather blow up than be kept in the armoury. So when she comes talking, people listen and Dencia sure has a lot to say, regardless whose horse is gored. Recently the beautiful diva stunned her fans when she declared that she had not had a sex for two years now. Now, you might have a reason to look her in the eyes and wonder if she had been on the level. Dencia, two yearsn without nature calling? But she threw in the punchline when she added since she had not had it in two years she plans to stay that way for until she gets married. Isn’t that a helluva kind of way for a broad to go down? Is it just believable a thing of beauty like Dencia can’t be kept under lock and key for how long- maybe she’s planning to walk down the aisle in a couple of months.

BEFORE

Much ado about Daniella Okeke’s butt

No more sex for me —Dencia B

SATURDAY Vanguard ,JANUARY 18, 2014—37 Vanguard,JANUARY

Femi Falana’s son dumps law for music KEHINDE AJOSE

Tiwa Savage thrills Abia fans

lot of people will be amazed to learn that Femi Falana’s son is in love with music. Like his father, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz TheBahdGuy is a trained lawyer who has now dumped the respected profession for his love for music. His journey into music started from his secondary school days. He took it to another level in 2007, when he stung together a mix tape titled:’ Shakara’. He has been identified as a great talent by music veterans like Eldee, Don Jazzy and M.I.He is known for his trademark witty punch lines, infusion of local dialects, and comedic lines which seem to stand him out. With the release of his single ‘High Class’ produced by Studio Magic, Falz is gearing up for rap domination.

BY SAM ANOKAM

t was a day to remember in Umuahia, Abia State capital recently when for seven hours, 2 Flame Entertainment supported by Lulu Filmz brought the best of showbiz community to De-Latinos Event Place. The show tagged ‘Rush’ lived up to its billing as award-winning singing sensations Tiwa Savage, and D Prince gave a good account of themselves. The show also featured fast-rising stars like Exnel ( Aba first son), Muno (the lover-boy) and Slim Joe the dancer who gave a new interpretation to the business of dancing. Rap star, Ruggedman, Sheyman and DJ Kentucky combined well with Big Brother Africa winner, Uti Nwachukwu that hosted the show. Other artistes that added to the fun-filled night were Mora-chi of the ‘Hapu ya Like Dat fame’ and lots of upcoming comedians who cracked up the house with hilarious jokes.

Cobhams Asuquo celebrates bir thda birthda thdayy in style

ifted music producer Cobams Asuquo turned 33, last Monday. But the music producer who recently released his first single ‘Ordinary People’ celebrated his birthday on Sunday, January 12 with a dinner. In collaboration with his wife Ojuola, they hosted his close friends and associates who where around to honour him with their presence .Timi Dakolo, Waje, Omawunmi, ToolzTosyn Bucknor were spotted at the event. According to Cobhams, “This happens to be one of my best birthdays ever because I’m celebrating it among friends. I have a personal relationship with everyone in this room on an individual basis and I’m so happy that our relationship extends beyond the profession that brings us together.”

AFRIMA 20 14 Ne wY or k concer 201 New Yor ork concertt gear gearss up

he maiden edition of the T All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, a continental

concert will hold at the prestigious 15,000 capacity Barclays Arena, the landmark indoor showpiece to celebrate the entertainment space in rich musical heritage of Brooklyn, New York where Africa and her talented international music artistes, has made superstars like Beyonce, significant progress in Jay Z and Youssou N’Dour preparations for the ‘On the have played. The arena Way to AFRIMA Concert’ also hosted the 2013 MTV holding in New York, USA. Video Music Awards and is Last week, a reputable a regular venue for NBA and foremost US-based live The committee for Africa Music Awards games. event production team Scheduled as part of the visited the Nigeria office of contacting us to be a part of series of high-value of who we are deliberating PRMAfrica, the producers this ennobling awards concerts billed for major of AFRIMA, to deliberate on with or what has been project”, says Mr. Mike African and international how a partnership between discussed thus far, I can say Dada, CEO of PRMAfrica cities, the New York event we are excited as the both interests could bring and Executive Producer, in July 2014 would be the momentum is building for about successful build-up AFRIMA. first of concerts to hold 2014 AFRIMA. Many edition of the New York Mr. Dada, a Public outside the continent in the concert. “The meeting was stakeholders and practitioners Relations and brand run up to AFRIMA 2014 to in the music industry both held behind closed doors and while PRMAfrica does within Africa and outside the communication professional, be hosted towards the end revealed that the New York of the year in Lagos. not want to disclose details continent are already

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18 18, 2014

Group brings succour to widows By MIKE CERUTTI

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. — Mother Teresa

he great giver of hope

and one of the greatest women that ever lived, Mother Theresa, was most categorical when she spoke on the power and need to always share love. And just last week, the widows of St. Dominic Church a.k.a. St. Rita Mothers got love beyond their expectations. Indeed, the New Year celebrations have come and gone but the memories will, no doubt, linger in the lives of over hundred widows when Bayo Fatusin Foundation, a nongovernmental, non-profit organization, following the word of God to care and provide for the less privileged, went the extra mile and touched their lives at the Lagos and Ondo Catholic dioceses. The widows received several food stuffs, cash to start off business and educational grant for those who could not cater for their

children through university. The organization was founded by Mr. Bayo Fatusin, a successful businessman in real estate, oil, gas, and hospitality business. With his success, he has become a great philanthropist, embarking on various humanitarian and life-touching projects. As a Christian, Mr. Fatusin was raised by his late parents to love disadvantaged people and to embody God’s concern for the poor, the weak, and the less privileged. Over 2,000 verses in the Holy Bible describe God’s love and passion for the poor. Mr. Fatusin followed the teachings of his parents and the Holy Word with the creation of Bayo Fatusin Foundation. In Ondo, the event took place at the Catholic Diocese of Ondo with Most Rev. Jude A. Arogundade presenting cash gifts to the widows who had applied for grants months ago. Speaking shortly after the presentation, Bayo Fatusin stated: “We are not doing all these for cheap gain. We are doing it to help widows. The foundation donates cash, food and medical supplies to alleviate the immediate suffering of the poor. We not only help Cath-

olic Church widows, volunteers regularly visit poverty stricken areas such as Takwa Bay Island, hospitals and charity homes to distribute much-needed food and supplies to women, children and the less privileged.” On the education grant, he said, “The Bayo Fatusin Foundation supports education through building new classrooms and laboratories and by providing financial education. By educating those in need, we can help them to become selfreliant and break the recurring, generational pattern of poverty. “God is the foundation for all things and our commitment to caring for the less privileged. We may feed another’s hunger but the hunger of the soul has a more lasting effect. In fulfilling our mission, we must also spread the word of God and support others in spreading the word of His love. To that end, the foundation supports the training of Dominican priests for the Catholic Church through St. Jude’s Apostate and the Society for Vocational Support,” he added. Speaking on behalf of the widows, Mrs. Mary Okiah, a widow and President of St. Rita Widows, while thanking and

Most Rev. Jude Arogundade presenting cash gifts to some widows

From left: Mr. Bayo Fatusin, Members of St Rita's widows and resident Priest of St. Dominic Church blessing Bayo Fatunsi Foundation for the cash and material donations, called on young wives to learn to be self reliant rather than depending totally on their husbands completely. She said, “Many of us, widows, made that mistake. We regretted when our husbands

died. We became the sole bread winner of the home with most in-laws chasing us about over one property or the other. It is pathetic what many widows have gone through once their husbands passed on. Today’s young wives must learn from our mistake.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard ,JANUARY 18, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;39 Vanguard,JANUARY

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

Talent meets Fashion @ Nigerian secondar y sc hool fashion show

n a bid to revitalize vocational training in the area of fashion among Nigerian youths, Godwin Green Couture, recently organised a fashion show for Nigerian secondary school students in the Amuwo Odofin local government area of Lagos. Tagged the Nigerian secondary school fashion show (Talent meets Fashion) the show, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel Festac Town, was witnessed by personalities from the entertainment industry and the political sector. Organised by Godwin Essien the CEO Godwin Green Couture and his wife CEO Polished Stone Events, the event he says is aimed at helping young minds that have flare for fashion to follow the right track and remain focused, while harnessing their raw energy for creative activities. This event also featured a showcase of 2014 collection by Godwin Green Couture; it

C M Y K

was graced and supported by Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, who also donated sewing machines and generator to encourage vocational training for the development of the Nation. The winners of the competition went home with 5 sewing machines and a scholarship in Godwin green fashion Academy for 6 months, the 1st runner up went home with 4 sewing machines and 2nd runner up got 3 sewing machines as well. Godwin green is a fashion house started in 2005 by Godwin Essien a graduate of Business administration and management from the Kwara state Polytechnic. Godwin Green couture over the years has achieved great milestones and successes one of which is the award of the NTFS Lagos state Best Corporate 2007, NTFS Best menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wear designer 2009, and he was official designer for Mr. Nigeria 2010 and 2012.

40 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2014 His professional acumen and shrewdness instills a confidence that distinguishes him from the crowd. A trip to his office at Ramat Crescent, Ogudu GRA, Lagos, reveals a thorough-bred professional and a cultured man worthy of emulation. John Ehiguese, the CEO of Mediacraft Associates Limited, a formidable Public Relations agency located in Lagos Nigeria, shares how his passion to make impact helped him build a professional empire that receives 90% of its new business through referrals. Excerpts:

umble beginnings

throughout my undergradu-

ate days and practically had to rely on my wits to fend for myself. So, I know what it is to face challenges. Infact, you could even consider ‘challenge’ as my middle name. At every point in my life, I have had to reach down within for that inner strength to deal with these challenges as they come. I run my life by faith in God and a strong determination to always try to be the best in everything I do.

My sojourn into professional Public Relations practice was probably pre-destined, even though I had to pass through many roads, as it were, to get there. I was one of the pioneering students of Mass Communication at the Polytechnic, Ibadan, from where I graduated with Distinction in 1982. I actually majored in PR and Advertising but I did not get into core PR practice until about twenty years later, in 2001 when I found myself in Corporate and Financial Communications, one of Nigeria’s leading PR firms. Before that, I had been involved in a whole lot of things. At some point, I was in private business, then went into Sales and Marketing, representing a Norwegian paper company here in Nigeria. I was even involved in Broadcasting, and then Advertising. I was the first to produce and present a Telecoms programme on Nigerian television. It was called: ‘On The Line’ and it ran on African Independent Television, AIT, every Sunday at 2pm, from July to December, 1998. Shortly after that, I went into advertising for a couple of years, before finally anchoring in PR. When I finally decided to set up my own practice in 2003, I had the option to either engage in Advertising or Public Relations, because I had garnered some experience in both areas. I finally settled for PR because I felt that my natural endowments could make a reasonable impact within a short time. I started Mediacraft Associates in 2003 without any capital and in a small office apartment on Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos, leased out free to me by a friend. With a small loan obtained from my wife, I bought some office furniture and a computer system. Then, I employed two staff and hit the road.

hallenges

I have an attitude towards competition which is that the major competition we have is ourselves. I believe that you must constantly strive to get better at whatever you do. In terms of winning and retaining clients, I recognize that we are in the service business and the ultimate measure of success in a service business is your ability to delight your clients. So we pride ourselves in always working hard to satisfy, and even exceed the expectations of our clients. My philosophy is: don’t ever bench-mark yourself against anybody else, but against yourself, in the sense of trying to outdo yourself with every passing day. The challenges in my line of business are numerous and I would categorize them into two broad types: those that are environmental, that is general to every business operator in Nigeria and those that are specific to the PR profession. In terms of the environmental ones, they are pretty well known: poor infrastructure, lack of access to credit, a legal system that does not guarantee the speedy dispensation of justice, a general poor C M Y K

A They need to build a

dvice for younger professionals

I started Mediacraft without any capital – Ehiguese By OLAYINKA AJAYI

work ethics and so on. In terms of challenges peculiar to the PR profession, we have a weak regulatory environment, poor broadband access (I admit that is improving though), a generally inadequate understanding of how PR works (especially on clients’ side) and a dearth of well trained and qualified professionals. As a result, we are forced to invest quite heavily in training and capacity building.

oaring in business despite challenges What keeps me going principally is the vision that I have to build a world class PR outfit that will be a reference point, not just in Nigeria, but regionally . Also,the fact that I

Life will always throw challenges your way and so, you must be ready to face such challenges head-long. I have therefore developed a personal ethos that drives my approach to dealing with life’s vicissitudes thoroughly enjoy what I do, and I’m always striving to do better at it are very strong motivations that drive me. This is what I have a passion for and that’s why I’m comfortable working six days a week. What life has taught me I realize that life will always throw challenges your way, and so, you must be ready to face such challenges headlong. I have therefore devel-

oped a personal ethos that drives my approach to dealing with life’s vicissitudes, and that is: ‘there is always a way; find it, or make one yourself’. I am what I choose to refer to as a God-made man, because everything I have achieved in life has been just between me and my God. I started working in Lagos at age 15 and rented my first apartment one year later. I did not have any sponsor

personal desire for excellence in all they do because ‘average’ is not good enough. They must be prepared to go that extra mile to distinguish themselves in any endeavor. They must set goals and have aspirations. In short, they should develop what I call a ‘Next Level’ mentality; always striving to get to the next level. It is that spirit of aspiration that makes you get out of your bed every morning. If you do not have anything you are aspiring to, your life is aimless, and you might as well be dead. Secondly, they must have a learning attitude. Learning is a life-long enterprise and knowledge is indeed power. One of the best ways to learn something is by doing it. Practice, they say, makes perfect. You may make mistakes but you learn from them and get better. They should consciously seek knowledge and also treat every life experience as a learning opportunity. Finally, they must learn to be patient, in the sense of being ready to pay their dues, because nothing good comes easy. The younger generation is so much in a hurry. They want to build houses at 24, ride a BMW car at 22. Well, I realize that things are changing and that people are now achieving success at much younger age. But they

should be prepared to work hard and then wait for the results to show. I always say that if you pursue short cuts, you will have a short life.There are certain timetested success principles that you cannot ignore if you truly want to be an achiever and if you want to make your mark indelibly in the sand of time.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—41

Family of slain woman accuses husband, sister of murder

Late Mrs.Bridget Osawaru

...Petitions Police AIG

here is confusion as to what led to the kidnap and subsequent killing of one Mrs Bridget Okuomose Osawaru, mother of three who was abducted in her Pharmacy by suspected kidnappers on the 10th of December, 2013 but was found dead on the 21st December, even after the family allegedly paid a ransom of N1.5million. The 46 year-old woman was found dead at Okhuae, the outskirts of Benin city by the villagers. However, her death is causing serious crisis between the husband, Chief Lucky Osawaru and the family of the deceased following allegation by the family that the husband masterminded the killing of their daughter. Saturday Vanguard learnt that shortly after the deceased body was found in Okhuae, close to the River, the family of the deceased ran to the Edo state Police Command, pointing accusing fingers at the husband and his younger sister Adesuwa. It was learnt that prior to the death of the woman, there was a disagreement between the husband and the deceased after Chief Osawaru informed the deceased that another woman had given birth to twins for him. It was gathered that the deceased disagreed, alleging that that could not have been possi-

ble since medical investigations have shown that the husband has low sperm count. The deceased was said to have insisted that a DNA must be carried out before she would accept the situation. She was alleged to have offered to bankroll the bill. It was learnt that the woman’s husband invited the family of the deceased and his own family for a meeting with a view to find solution to the matter and it was in that melee that the younger sister of the husband had an altercation with the deceased and allegedly threatened that the deceased will not see 2014. Following this allegation and the subsequent death of the Bridget, the family ran to the Edo state Police Command accusing the husband and his sister of killing their daughter. Consequently, the duo were arrested by detectives at the police command but they denied having a hand in the death of the woman. As a matter of fact, the embattled husband revealed how he coughed out N1.5milion to pay ransom in order to save his wife. After investigations, the duo were granted bail. Now the family of the deceased is crying foul, accusing the police at the Command of not carrying out proper investigation. They decided to run to the AIG zone 5 to seek for justice. In a petition addressed to the

AIG Zone 5, dated 13th January, 2014, signed by their Counsel, F.E.Oberabor, they called for proper investigation into the matter so as to ascertain the real cause of her death. According to the petition, “their daughter wanted to have more children for the husband but was unable to because the husband was confirmed to have low sperm count by different hospitals. Their daughter informed them that based

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

would not live to see 2014. That soon after the quarrel, their daughter was allegedly kidnapped in her Chemist shop at Ekae at Sapele Road, Benin City, and subsequently found dead at Okhuae Bridge by Agbor Road, Benin City. That their daughter’s husband informed them that he had concluded negotiations with the alleged kidnappers and had given N1.5million to his younger

The deceased was said to have insisted that a DNA must be carried out before she would accept the situation

on that, she was surprised when the husband informed her that a woman had given birth to twins for him. That their daughter insisted that a DNA test must be conducted to verify the paternity of the twins before her husband would accept them and based on that, the husband became angry and invited both the wife’s family and his family members for intervention. And when all these were happening, the woman had misunderstanding with the husband’s younger sister Adesuwa threatened her that she

brother who is a doctor to pay the kidnappers, only for their daughter to be found dead on the 21st of December, 2013. That their daughter’s husband and his younger sister, Adesuwa hereinafter called the “suspects”, were arrested and released without proper investigation and ever since, their daughter’s husband has been so unconcerned about their daughter’s death by going about his job and has refused to come to the family to inform them about their daughter’s death”. The petition said further that “the main purpose of

this letter is to appeal to you to use your good office to transfer this matter to your esteem office for a proper investigation of the matter and order the arrest of the suspects who are not ghosts but physical beings and ensuring that justice is done in the case. The Police at the state Police Command did not do any investigation despite the overwhelming evidence against the suspects, hence this appeal for the transfer of the case”. Saturday Vanguard however learnt that Chief Osawaru and the sister had denied all the allegations just as the husband of the deceased was said to have expressed shock over the accusation from the family after they have enjoyed cordial relationship before the unfortunate incident occurred. It was also learnt at the Edo state Police Command that Adesuwa had denied threatening the deceased saying that the discussions on the very day the meeting was called was on how to find solution to the problem in the family which she said does not warrant killing anybody. But the deceased family is still insisting that the police must fish out the killers and that is the only way the soul of their daughter will rest in peace.

Mother of two striped, sent back to father for adultery By Prisca Sam-Duru

ndigenes of Umuozu, a community in Nwangele LGA , Imo State, witnessed a most shocking incidence in which a mother of two, (names withheld), was striped naked and conveyed in a wheel-barrow, to her father’s house for an alleged involvement in adultery. It was gathered that the young mother of two who was married to late Mr. Josiah, an

indigene of Eshiukwu in Nwangele LGA, was put in the wheelbarrow naked, with her two children, driven around villages amidst war songs which were chanted by the angry mob, made up of youths, before she was finally returned to her father’s compound which is a nearby community known as Isiala. Eye witness account has it that the woman was a known serial adulteress and was deeply involved in it for material satisfaction. The eye witness further disclosed that the woman was caught in the act though the

youths who took charge of sending her back to her father’s house, failed to reveal who her partner in the said crime was. The youths were said to have become angry when just few days after her husband’s death, she was caught having sex with one of her partners in crime. The woman it was noted, was accused of being responsible for the untimely death of Josiah who it was gathered, died after suffering from a bloated stomach which lasted for months. The villagers insisted that her husband died because she used the money she

received from her partners to feed her family. This according to them was a taboo and thus, responsible for the man’s bloated stomach and subsequent death. The witness however, confirmed that such act was against the customs and traditions of the people, adding that it was sacrilegious for a married woman to engage in adultery and worse still, to directly or indirectly involve her husband in benefiting from whatever she made from it. Another witness account revealed that the woman who

was well known for series of romantic relationships with other men, was the second wife of her late husband and added‘ that she may have gotten into the mess due to poverty. She confirmed that such act was capable of sending a man to an early grave and blamed the woman for not according her late husband some respect by going after her lovers shortly after the man’s demise. At time of filing this report, the body of late Mr Josiah was deposited in a mortuary pending when it would be buried.

42—SA TURD AY 42—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Parties disagree over Anambra LG poll A

T last, Anambra has joined the league of states that have elected people at the third tier of government. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state made a clean sweep of the local government election held on Saturday, 11th January, 2014. The party won 20 chairmanship and 304 councillorship seats in the 20 local government areas where elections were held. Othe parties won 14 councillorship seats. Election did not take place in Nnewi North local government area and the state Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, has fixed today for the exercise to be conducted in the area. The APGA new helmsmen at the local government areas are Hon Chukwuma Umeoji (Aguata ) who polled 55810 votes; Hilary Udeano (Anambra East)28747 votes; Simon Onuorah (Anambra West) 12228; Ikeobi Ejiofor (Anaocha) 14934; Cosmos Okonkwo (Awka North) 15381); Azubuike Ilo (Awka South) 28292; Paul Obiorah (Ayamelum) 11531; Chukwudi Okeke (Dunukofia) 17702; Jude Mbaegbu (Ekwusigo) 17563; Emmanuel Idemobi (Idemili North) 17600 and Henry Ezenwa (Idemili South) 37117. Others are Chigozie Awugosi (Ihiala) 27441; Emeka Onuorah (Njikoka) 10772; Ossy Iyiegbu (Nnewi South) 28184; Victor Aguluo (Ogba-

ru) 23119; Douglas Egbuna (Onitsha North) 9246); Ann Chukwuneke) 7070; Fredrick Emekwe (Orumba North) 13719; John Udeakpe (Orumba South) 8186 and Charles Okafor (Oyi) 24190. Wards where the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, won councillorship seat are Aguata (one), Anambra East (one), Idemili North (one), Idemili South (one), Ihiala (one), Njikoka (one), Nnewi South (one), Onitsha North (two), Onitsha South (two), and Orumba South (one). Governor Peter Obi described the local government election in Anambra State as peaceful and well organized. Though some people complained that the exercise was either not conducted in their areas or started late, the elected chairmen and councilors have already been sworn in and all eyes are on them to deliver dividends of democracy to the people. Before the election, two political parties, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said they were withdrawing from the exercise because of the perceived deceit by ANSIEC over preparations for the election. For instance, the opposition parties said ANSIEC did not publish the list of candidates of the parties participating in the election and also faulted the voters register to be used. Also faulting the election in his area, the Anambra State leader of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezemo said his people would

not accept the result of the election in his Umuchu area of Aguata. Ezemo, who was the governorship candidate for PPA in the Nov 16, 2013 gubernatorial election in the state, said that ANSIEC presence was not seen in the wards till about 2.30 pm and then they turned up with election materials without the result sheet. He said: “The result sheet is a tiny piece of paper that is easy to carry and very vital in the conduct of election and should not be said to be missing if

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

faction with the outcome of the exercise, adding that unlike local government elections conducted in other states, the state Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, provided a levelplaying ground for all the political parties. According to her, other political parties secured victory in various parts of the state, unlike in others states where the ruling parties won all the positions and enjoined candidates of other political parties to use their positions

The result sheet is a tiny piece of paper that is easy to carry and very vital in the conduct of election and should not be said to be missing if there is sincerity in the process

there is sincerity in the process. It was a clear indication that some group of politicians made away with the vital document to please themselves. I am not worried that my party will not win the election, but I am worried that the people have been fooled and deceived for many years". However, the state chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, debunked the allegation, arguing that the poll was transparent, free and fair. The state chairman of CNPP, Mrs. Oby Okafor expressed satis-

in the various councils to promote healthy debate and inputs that would help entrench good governance, while urging the newly elected chairmen to be fair and just in their actions so as to achieve the goals of delivering democracy dividends to the people. The group called on aggrieved political parties and individuals who still had reservation on the exercise to tow the line of civility and channel their grievances to appropriate quarters to maintain peace and stability in the state. Also, a coalition of civil society

organizations described the Anambra local government election as complying with international best practices. The Director General of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu said they inspected sensitive and non sensitive materials before, during and after the distribution to the various local government areas, wards and polling units across the state. The group said though voting in some polling units commenced slightly behind schedule, voters were allowed to exercise their franchise freely and commended the impressive turnout of the electorate across the state. It commended ANSIEC for a well- focused preparation and high degree of compliance with relevant electorate laws, as well as providing level playing ground for all political parties to compete. National Secretary of Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria and Chairman Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, Mrs. Hannatu Usman Biniyat expressed satisfaction with the turn out of voters. Biniyat and some of her colleagues who arrived Anambra State the day before to monitor the exercise, said they visited many local government areas in the state and observed the distribution of electoral materials to various points, adding that lapses identified during the distribution were quickly rectified. Anambra State Chairman of APGA, Chief Mike Kwentor described the exercise as credible, explaining that all the political parties participating were given equal opportunity to elect their preferred candidates. Some of the elected chairmen are already speaking on their plans for their local governments. Shortly after taking his oath of office at Government House, Awka, the chairman of Aguata local government, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, former legislator that represented Aguata Federal Constituency between 2007 and 2011 outlined his priorities in office and emphasized that his present job is more challenging than his former legislative assignment. He said: “At the legislative level, you have a larger house and a leadership. At the executive level, you give leadership. The executive assignment is a high demanding assignment because you have to really take charge. The buck stops on your table. But on legislative issues, you have a larger house where you have the leadership; so you might not have the authority required of you to deliver the job. But now, one has the chance to work out something and execute it.”

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Chief Dan Orbih

Gov Adams Oshiomhole

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—43

py that while they cannot sleep with their people, we are here this afternoon. The message of hope, of change that we have brought, the light that is on cannot never be extinguished. Like I said in 2007 when we started, where there is light, darkness must disappear. No more political darkness in Ogbona land, but PDP chooses to be feeding those who are dead with falsehood. The vulture must eat but it cannot come to the market when good people are around but late in evening. This Local Government is now 10/10 exactly the way the state is 18/18”. Oshiomhole further posited that “ to recognize that our strength is not in empty rhetorics, making promises that we will not keep. It is in inviting the people to see what we have done under five years and that is what the PDP failed to do in ten years. I have come to assure the people of Ogbona that we have done one borehole before, we will do another one. The weapon we have against the PDP is our developmental efforts and they have no answers to it. Each time, they plan at night but in the day time, God will destroy their plots. The contract that PDP revoked that was meant to connect the good people of this Local Government with their brothers and sisters in Anegbete and other areas, which they claim was not possible on account of the nature of the terrain is now 95 percent completed. So everything PDP said was not possible, APC has done. You people will not forget that the PDP came to flag

OSHIOMHOLE INVADES ORBIH’S DOMAIN

As his Councillor, others dump PDP for APC

* APC is on liberation movement—Oshiomhole

C M Y K

olitical tension heightened in Edo state last week after prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state including three times House of Representatives member from the state, Barr. West Ehiogie-Idahosa and Mr Peter Akhugbe, the only Councillor in the PDP from the ward of the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, Chief Dan Orbih, and hundreds of their supporters dumped the PDP for the APC. Those who have been following the politics of Edo state since the inception of the Adams Oshiomhole led administration, will understand why the defection of Orbih’s councillor, Peter and his supporters, in his Ogbona ward 4, Etsako Central Local Government Council of the state will be interpreted as a major blow for the PDP leader Orbih. Orbih and the Oshiomholes have been close family friends even when Oshiomhole was in the NLC and enjoyed good relationship. Orbih’s children always visited Oshiomhole’s family in Kaduna each time they were on holidays. Likewise, Oshiomhole’s children visited Port Harcourt where Orbih was based each time they were on holidays. Saturday Vanguard learnt that Orbih and Oshiom-

hole even slept on the same bed when the going was good. But the relationship went sour after Oshiomhole became governor of the state while Orbih was chairman of Edo PDP. In criticising Oshiomhole’s government, sometimes personal, Orbih as a core politician that he is does not spare Oshiomhole. Whenever he did that, Oshiomhole kept his cool and avoided the temptation of replying Orbih or the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Tony Anenih. But there was a political tsunami in Orbih domain, Ogbona last Tuesday, when the Councillor in his ward and PDP stalwart, Peter Akhugbe and hundreds of others decided to pitch tenth with Oshiomhole, describing Orbih’s PDP as deceit. Akhugbe in the Local Government Council election which held last year, was the only PDP candidate that won in Edo North senatorial district. Akhugbe won because he is popular amongst his people and as a result, held the area for Orbih in any election. And that was why Oshiomhole last Tuesday danced what is popularly known as makosa i n Ogbona when he invaded Orbih’s domain with other APC leaders to receive Akhugbe into the APC. Oshiomhole could not hide his joy , as if it was the sledge hammer he has been

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

Oshiomhole could not hide his joy as if it was the sledge hammer he has been waiting for to politically cripple Orbih in his own domain

waiting for, to politically cripple Orbih in his own domain. While addressing the crowd, Oshiomhole recalled his developmental strides in Etsako and assured that the people of Ogbona will benefit more from his administration now that they have decided to part ways with Orbih’s PDP. He reminded the crowd how the PDP had suffered defeat since the coming of APC in the state due to what he described as the wickedness on the people of the state, asserting that even when he leaves office, his successors in the APC would continue the developmental efforts which according to him was the best weapon to end the PDP era in

Edo state. He said: "Peter’s coming to APC signifies that the death of PDP has been pronounced by the elders of Ogbona. So I decided to be here to witness the formal burial of PDP in Ogbona where Dan Orbih was born. And to make the statement that while Orbih was in Benin talking, his people are busy leaving his house that is on fire and I have come here to uproot him from his ancestral home. So I wish Dan Orbih politically rest in peace as we bury PDP today. There is a saying in English that it is the empty drum that makes noise, so while he is vibrating over all sorts of things, turning the truth upside down, his people are busy meeting and re-uniting with the only party that is alive and moving in Edo state. For me, the key things that we have achieved, is not just about the schools, is not just about the roads but the fact that we have helped our people to recognize how they have been cheated over the years, how their political life has been monetized and misappropriated by people who have no character and how their resources have been privatized by people who could not manage even the old one star hotel that their father left for them. They went to NNPC and stole so much and they are still busy chewing what they stole. But we are hap-

off the Akpanam road, but did they do the road? No. They said Edo doesn’t have money, but today we have built that road. You can transverse all the areas in Edo North. There was no street light anywhere in Edo state before but today we have street lights. What can they do about that? That is why when they go to plan at night against me and APC in the day time, God will destroy it. So I want to assure Edo people that APC is on a liberation movement and there is no going back. What is dead is dead. In history, only Jesus rose from the dead because he was the son of God. No man that dies in sin can be born again. Once you die in sin, hell is your portion. We will re-emphasis development, emphasis the right of the child to go to school, the right of our women to clean water, the right of our people to good roads and we will reequip and build hospitals. We will renew our common commitment to the services of the people of our state. By this time next year, they will be coming for votes but I know our people can never vote for the dead party again. By the time I am out of government, my pride and joy will be that I am able to go to all these places and I can show what I did. And my successors on APC platform will build on where we stopped".

44—SATURDAY, Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2013

Jide Akinbiyi celebrat es 80 in style celebrates

eteran journalist and writer, Prince Jide Akinbiyi joined the league of the octogenarians in style on Monday December 23rd 2013 when he celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends at CDE Industrial Crescent, Ilupeju, Lagos. Many eminent Nigerians who had associated with the cerebral writer at one time or the other, suspended their busy Monday schedules to celebrate him. Photos by Kehinde Gbadamosi

R-L: Prince Jide Akinbiyi, celebrant and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Olufemi Akinbiyi and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chairman of Occassion

Vanguard’s South-South edit or buries mum editor

anguard’s South-South editor, Mr. Emma Amaize rolled out drums with the red carpet treatment when he buried his mum who passed away recently. Several colleagues from far and wide graced the occasion which held at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Council Area of Delta State recently. Photos by Akpokona Omafuaire.

L-R:Alhaji Adegboyega Arulogun, Prince Jide Akinbiyi and Chief Bayo Oyero Mr. Emma Amaize, Vanguard’s SouthSouth Editor rocks with his wife to the admiration of all.

From Left; Prince Jide Akinbiyi, celebrant, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, former Chairman of Punch Newspaper, and Mr Lade Bonuola

From Left: Prince Tony Momoh, former Minister of Information, Prince Jide Akinbiyi, celebrant and Senator Kofo Bucknor -Akerele, former Dep Gov of Lagos State.

Chin we Monu-Olare waju bags cchief hief taincy title Chinw Monu-Olarew hieftaincy

he prestigious Odu title of Enyi Ochinawata was recently bestowed on Hon. Chief [(Mrs) Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju, the Deputy Chief Whip of Delta State House of Assembly in Asaba. Many important dignitaries graced the occasion.

L-R:Chief (Mrs) Lola Giwa-Amu, Okolo Oshinachi-Ahaba and Chief (Mrs) Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju, Enyi Ochinawata.

Hon. Chief Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju Enyi Ochinawata with members of Delta State Transition Committee Chairmen

L-R:Mr. Victor Okpomo, Territorial Editor, Urhobo Voice Newspapers; Mr. Emma Amaize, Vanguard’s South-South Editor and Mr. Emma Ogoigbe of the Sun Newspapers.

Cross section Organisation.

Catholic

Women

Otunba Olarewaju (husband) and Chief (Mrs) Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju Enyi Ochinawata.

L-R: Otunba Olarewaju,Chief Chinwe MonuOlarewaju and Olise Olarewaju (son).

Mr. Emma Amaize, flanked by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists led by Comrade Norbert Chiazor (5the Left) Chairman, NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo (2nd Left), Executive Secretary, Tompolo Foundation and others

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—45

Oladipo Diya gives daughter in marriage Olupole of Ipole gets

L-R: Mrs. Josephine Diya,groom’s mother, Mrs. Adetola Salawu, bride’s father, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd), the couple, Mr & Mrs. Omotayo Salawu,groom’s father, Prof. Isola Salawu and bride’s mother, Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Diya.

Dep. Gov Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire of Lagos flanked byDiya's wives, Mrs. Folasade Diya (l) and Mrs. Josephine Diya (r).

L-R: Senator Anthony Adefuye with former Hon. Fed. Minister of Industries, Chief Nike Akande

t was a parade of high-profile dignitaries from every part of the country when the former Chief of General Staff, Lt-Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd) gave the hand of his daughter, Oluyemisi Oyekorede, in marriage to Oluwadamilola Omotayo Salawu, son of Professor Ishola Salawu. The couple took their vows of matrimony at United African Methodist Evangelical Church, Abule Ijesha and dazzled guests at the reception which held at 10 Degrees Event Centre.

The couple, Mr & Mrs. Omotayo Salawu with Gov Ibiknle Amosun of Ogun State.

PR and media guru, Mr. Aramide Tola Noibi welcoming the Archbishop Metropolitan, Lagos Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Dr. Adebola Ademowo.

Wedding bell ffor or Nkiruk a and Chimezie Nkiruka THE glamorous traditional marriage ceremony and Ngba Nkwu of Mrs Okanta Nkiruka Juliet,and her husband Mr Okanta chimezie Anthony,the chairman/president of Solute International Football Academy took place January 3,2014 at Umuobasi Village,Mbala,Isuochi,Abia State.

The couple: Mr and Mrs Okanta chimezie Anthony.

Bride's friends at the wedding

Staf tafff of of offfice

IT was celebration galore for the monarch and people of Iloro Ekiti when the newly installed monarch, His Highness Oba Babatola Oladele received his instruments of office from the executive governor of the State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State. Photos by Sola Oyelese

L-R:The Olukole of Ipole, Iloro Ekiti, Oba Babalola Ezkiel Oladele (JP) receiving the Certificate of Staff from Gov Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

The Olukole of Ipole, Iloro Ekiti, Oba Babalola Ezkiel Oladele (JP) with his Oloris; Grace Oladele (left) and Olori Magret Oladele (2nd left).

From left: Hon. Kayode Fasakin Ajayi, Hon. Biodun Oyebamiji and Hon. Gbenga Olabode Odebunmi.

Prophet Peter Adebisi celebrat es bir thda celebrates birthda thdayy

L-R:Pastor Adega Olatunji;Pastor Okomolehin; Ifeoluwa Odayemi; Prophet Peter Adebisi, President ,Christ Miracle Church Mission,World wide and Pastor (Mrs.) Folashade Adebisi, Vice President.

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

PSG to bid •42m for Suarez

SG will offer Liverpool €42million plus a choice of one of 4 players for the services of Luis Suarez. The Ligue 1 champions are looking to sign the Uruguayan, who signed a contract extension with the Reds just under 1 month ago. And the French club are ready to use their

financial powers to bring Suarez to the Parc des Princes, as well as offering one of their own talented players.

United step up Interest to sign $40m Gundogan

ccording to reports, Manchester United have stepped up interest to sign the $40 m German international but have to compete with Real Madrid.

David Moyes continues his search for the right midfield star to reinforce the Manchester United squad. He has been monitoring the situation of Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan and as things are developing the Red Devils may have a strong chance of luring him.

Samuel-Etoo and wife Georgette

Carles puyol and Modelo Malena

Ronaldo to buy Madrid physios new cars after Ballon d’Or win

onaldo promised Madrid’s physios that if he won the Ballon d’Or, they would each get a new car, as a present for helping keep him fit in the last 12 months.Ronaldo edged Lionel Messi for the prize because of the Argentine’s recent injury trouble, which has seen him miss the

last few weeks of action. And whether that was the reason or not, Ronaldo clearly believes they had an influence, and is ready to open his cheque.

Tottenham eye move for Berbatov

Tottenham are considering an approach for Arsenal striker target Dimitar Berbatov in the ongoing transfer window, according to Goal.com. The 32-year-old striker has been linked with a move away from Fulham as the Gunners are reportedly keen on bringing the former Manchester United man to the Emirates in January. Former Arsenal midfielder

Chelsea open £32m transfer talks with Costa

helsea have opened preliminary discussions with Atletico Madrid to make striker Diego Costa their principal summer signing. According report, Chelsea are firm favourites to sign the 25-year-old, who is also a reported target of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester

Serena Williams having a good time with boyfriend

Tottenham open talks with Kalou United. However, the deal could see Chelsea parting ways with young Thibaut Courtois, their outstanding 21year-old goalkeeper, joining the Spanish club on a permanent basis after three seasons on loan.

ottenham are going for Lille attacker Salomon Kalou. Tottenham are set for talks over a £2.6m deal for Kalou, 28, the former Chelsea forward. The Ivory Coast international is ready to move back to the Premier League after Spurs boss Tim Sherwood declared his interest in the striker. Kalou is expected to hold talks in London.

Sergio Ramos showed creativity with his girlfriend

United Anderson set for Nigeria international Fiorentina medical Mba joins Bastia

nderson is due to have a medical in Florence ahead of his proposed move to Fiorentina. The Manchester United midfielder travelled to Italy for talks with the Serie A club's sporting director Daniele Prade. Fiorentina posted a photograph of the talks on their website and confirmed a medical would take place .

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—47

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

Shaquille O’Neal walking with his girlfriend, Nikki

Lionel Messi with girlfriend Antonella Rocuzzo

Theo Walcott and Melanie Slade

Irina Shayk & Christiano Ronaldo

Mikel Obi shows off his Russian girlfriend Olga Diyachenko

ts Sporrts people and their women

Mario Balotelli and Fanny Neguesha

Ashley Cole and his beautiful wife, Cheryl

Fans Zone

De Bruyne & Bertrand set for exits helsea boss Jose Mourinho has

confirmed defender Ryan Bertrand will join Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season. while De Bruyne will join Wolfsburg ahead of Chelsea's match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, he revealed Bertrand needs first-team football. Mourinho hailed Bertrand as a "great player". but one that needed more time on the pitch to further his development.

Arsenal international will push through £37m Nigeria Draxler dealBastia despite injury Mba joins rsenal remain determined to sign

Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler this month - despite a tendon injury. Draxler is receiving treatment to a ruptured tendon that will keep him out until March. But Arsenal will not be deterred from launching an audacious £37million move for Draxler this month despite the German wonderkid injury.

Are you a Manchester United fan, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and would like to meet fans, male or female from other part of the country. Then send ur name, age, where you live and the club u support to 0802354-2350. sms only zDaniel, male 24, Chelsea fans wants to meet a female fan. 07068101337 zPrincess, female 20, Arsenal fans wants to meet a male fan. 08105650856

Quiz of the Week

Which player has won the champions league with 3 different clubs. Send ur answers to 0802354-

2350 sms only

48 —

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014 — 49

Mysterious fire guts 2 houses in Jos BY TAYE OBATERU & MARIE-THERESE NANLONG, Jos

IRE said to be mys terious has gutted two separate houses in the same Yan-Trailer area of Jos, the Plateau State capital within 24hrs with property worth millions of naira destroyed. The first house belonging to one Mr. Garba saw his son’s room burnt at about 5pm on Thursday while another house whose owner was not identified at the time of this report also got burnt about 4pm on yesterday.

Narrating the Thursday’s incidence, the wife of the owner of the room, Mrs. Mary Garba told Saturday Vanguard the incident is still a mystery to her because there was nothing that could cause fire outbreak in her room. Her words, “I was in the house with my mother inlaw and my friend whose house got burnt today (Friday). I wanted to see her off so I can come and prepare food and as we stepped out, we saw smoke coming out of my room. We went back to check and luckily the fire was put out before it en-

gulfed other parts of the house though many of our things including my bed got burnt in the room”. Commenting on the possible cause of the fire, she said, “that is why I am saying that I am still surprised because there was no light and PHCN even disconnected our light earlier in the day. I did not put on anything that could cause fire”. However, the friend who was not in the position to make any comment as she lost everything to the fire is a tenant in the two-flat bungalow which got burnt yesterday.

According to neighbours who made frantic efforts to put out the fire but could not salvage much, yester-

day’s fire started at about 4pm and no one could tell its cause as no one was in the building when it start-

ed. One of them who declined giving his name said, “Honestly, no one knows the cause of the fire because there was no power supply but the fire started in a kitchen of one of the two flats”.

Woman dies in the hands of kidnappers in Ekiti BY GBENGA ARIYIBI, Ado Ekiti

T least a lady whose identity is yet to be ascertained had reportedly lost her life in the hands of gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Ekiti State on Tuesday. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Sotonye Wakama, made the disclosure while speaking with news-

men in Ado-Ekiti yesterday. According to the police boss, the kidnappers were said to have abducted their victims along Ifaki -Oye Ekiti Road on Tuesday. Those abducted include an Engineer with an Abuja based construction firm, Mr Tola Dakuna, the branch manager of First Bank PLC,in Ifaki Ekiti including two ladies, Fidelia Nnaji and one Njideka and one

person suspected to be student of Federal University, Oye Ekiti. Quoting Dakuna’s driver, Wakama said the victims were coming from Akure to Oye Ekiti in a Sienna car when they were trailed by a car. While suspecting the car that was trailing them, another people came from the bush and stopped them. In a attempt to take a detour and return to Ifaki Ekiti, they saw two other persons pointing AK 47 rifles at them. They were later taken into the bush where they were held hostage for three days. were acting on information”. According to Wakama, the lady could not walk freely as at the time she was released ,adding that she must have died of dehydration, having no access to food or drinks throughout the three days she was in the lion’s dens.”

Police parade Court Registrars BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, PH

OLICE yesterday evening paraded three Registrars of the High courts in Okehi and Ahoada over the attack on the courts on January 6 this year. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad the suspects were arrested for conspiracy, adding that they allegedly conspired to carry out the attacks on the two courts. It would be recalled that an explosion rocked the Ahoada High court in the early hours of January 6, destroying a portion of the NBA building while fire gutted the Okehi high court. Documents and several valuables were consumed in the inferno. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muhammad said the trio would be charged to court. “All of them Registrars of the High courts. We established cases of conspiracy in this three. “, he said. The suspects who spoke to newsmen denied the allegation, stressing that the Police lied against them. Meantime, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, CID in the Rivers state Police Command, Mr Sam Okaula said the suspects would have opportunity to defend themselves in court.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

•Cp Benue State, Obiakor

•Robbery suspects

Benue Police arrest 183 robbery suspects in 2013 BY PETER DURU

AKURDI... Over 183 robbery suspects were reportedly arrested by the Benue State Police Command in the 2013, just as the men of the command recently in Daudu engaged a gang of car- snatching syndicate in a bloody shootout that left 3 members of the gang and a Police officer sustaining serious bullet wounds. Briefing journalists in Makurdi on the achievements of the command in the outgone year, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state, Mr. Adams Audu disclosed that the command also foiled 15 robbery cases within the period. Audu stated further, that the command also rescued 147 robbery victims across the state in the renewed onslaught against criminality in the state, adding that over 32 arms and over 110 assorted ammunitions were also recovered from criminals by the command.

Car-snatching syndicate Meantime, Crime Guard reliably gathered from a police source that a gang of car- snatching syndicate had, recently at gunpoint seized the car of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of “B” division in Makurdi, (names withheld) at the gate of his house. “The robbery was immediately reported to all patrol and stop and search teams in the state, fortunately the gang was sighted at Daudu, and they engaged the Police in a heavy exchange of fire.

“The police however overpowered them and they abandoned the snatched vehicle and ran into the bush but the police trailed them. The armed gang ran back to the road when it became obvious that the police had cordoned off the area. “This time they snatched

another SUV with registration number, Abuja AW 317 KWN and drove off.” According to the Police source, “they did not go far because the police continued to engage the trio until they abandoned the newly snatched car and escaped

into a nearby forest after their driver and other gang members were hit by police bullets.” When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, for Benue State, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Daniel Ezeala confirmed the story adding

that the two snatched vehicles were recovered by the patrol team. Ezeala added that the Police was on the trail of the gang assuring that “they would be arrested because they have been incapacitated.”

Industrialist donates bungalow to BY CHINENYEH OZOR

SUKKA An Nsukka based industrialist and philanthropist, Chief William Agbo has donated a bungalow to Nigeria Police Force to serve as Area Commander ’s residence in University town of Nsukka, Enugu State. Speaking to Saturday Vanguard over the gesture Chief Agbo said that he was touched to embark on the project as Area Commanders posted to Nsukka do not stay for long due to lack of a befitting accommodation, explaining that Nigeria would be fulfilling a dream of crime free society if security personnel were well motivated and encouraged in the discharge of their civic responsibility of protecting lives and property. Chief Agbo stressed that the rationale behind the multi million naira project was to serve as an encouragement for Area Commanders posted to Enugu North Senatorial zone to feel comfortable and secure. The MD/CEO Wilson Nigeria Limited, Chief Agbo noted that police are human beings and deserve comfort and security while

discharging their civic duty . Chief Agbo had earlier single handedly rehabilitated Nsukka Urban Police Division after an attack by armed robbers that raided several banks in Nsukka in which the then DPO Joseph Ejitagha lost his life while the Police Division was razed down by the robbers. Area commander ’s residence It could be recalled that Chief Agbo also built a Catholic Church worth over N100 million for his community, Eha-Alumona, Nsukka LGA, Enugu State. Chief Agbo did not stop at building the Area Commander ’s residence but furnished it and provided a borehole for water supply, to encourage area commanders to serve in Nsukka with dedication. In his words “Police are our friends, we believe that the peace and tranquility we enjoy in the society were as a result of the tireless efforts of the Nigeria Police force. We believe that if we are comfortable, we should also encourage them by making them comfortable, we should also encourage them by

The donated building making them comfortable believing that if we do, they will help us, protect us and save lives and property, not just myself but the entire people in the society ’’, he said.

He explained that, the society will be fulfilling the dreams of a crime free society if people could always assist the police at their own time of distress. “I believe that for us to

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014 —51

Police arrest man for selling fake vehicle licence in Enugu By IFEANYI OKOLIE & LINDA AMALU

HE Enugu State P o l i c e Command yesterday said its X Squad Department at the State C riminal I nvestigation Department has nabbed a suspect who specialized in selling fake vehicle emblems amounting to millions of naira to unsuspecting members of the public. The Command Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who gave the identity of the suspect as Julian Nduka, said the documents which were allegedly acquired from Onitsha in Anambra State, covers some states apart from Enugu. He added that Nduka was apprehended along Uwani axis of the state as he was selling the emblem to a member of the public unknown to him that

How we reduced crime rates in Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara

he was monitoring his activity. Amaraizu, further explained that, Nduka’s arrest came as a result of a written complaint from the State Board of Internal Revenue, stating that some people are hiding under the guise of the revenue staff to defraud innocent citizens of the state on the streets.

duka however a i m e d that he was working with the Enugu South Local Government Council Board of Internal Revenue, but he admitted that he was selling emblems from other states except Enugu State. He also admitted that he used to print the emblem from a friend’s shop at Awada Onitsha, Anambra State and he further revealed c

•CP Enugu State, Adamu

Nsukka Police Area Command

•Chief William Agbo

enjoy a crime free society, we should encourage the police by making them comfortable. So I enjoin all well meaning individuals and donor agencies not to leave the task of the welfare of police

officers and men in the hands of governments alone”, he said. Agbo attributed the reduction of criminal activities in Nsukka and its

environs to measures put in place by the Area Command, Nsukka. ‘Since the arrival of RosArmson Haladu, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) as the Area Commander to Nsukka the people have been sleeping with their eyes closed, and even the last Christmas celebration of 2013, was a crime free period. A policeman who spoke to

our correspon-dent on condition of a n o n y m i t y, expressed delight at the generosity of Chief Agbo to the police adding that they were not surprised as he has always been a lot of encouragement to the society. He noted that the Area Commander ’s residence built by Chief Agbo is a three bed-room apartment with every other apparatus of a building attached. “We will continue to be grateful to Chief William Agbo, and pray that God will keep him for us. The official commissioning of the building by the Commissioner of Police Enugu State, has been slated to hold February 14 2014, (Valentine’s Day), as every other thing has been put in place for the commissioning.”

—AIG Zone 8 By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO OKOJA-The AIG Zone 8, Christopher Dega has said L visibility policing, intensive

and efficient vehicular and foot patrols coupled with community policing against previous strategies were responsible for the massive decrease in crime rate in the zone in 2013 compared to previous years. AIG Dega who stated this within week while briefing newsmen on efforts in crime prevention and reduction strategies for 2013 also mentioned that the fortified anti-robbery squad, relationship with other securities agencies and effective prosecution of criminals in collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice also ensured crime reduction in the zone. Dega who gave a statistic sample of some selected crime in the zone which comprise Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara shows that crime rate reduced by 23%, 29% and 17% in Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states respectively in 2013. The Zone 8 AIG also said the strategies used in the zone were also responsible for the crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations, as there was no high way robbery or any bank attack; which was the usual occurrence during such festive season. Inter-country boundary location He however pointed out that the continued unabated high crime rate in Kwara State was due to the inter-country boundary location coupled with its vast geographical line and high population make it difficult to curtail crime”. AIG Dega however promised that contrary to people’s speculation that this year being an election eve year, their security and peace is guaranteed. He also admonished people of Ekiti State not to entertain fears towards the forthcoming gubernatorial election,and stressed that States Police Command have been well trained and equipped to handle political-related crimes. “I assure members of the public that Zone 8 remains resolute in ensuring that security and peace reign even more during the current year. In that regard, we shall continue to employ the highlighted strategies and others while soliciting the cooperation of all, as it is a truism that security should not be the affair of a single organization

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Free clothes...so long as you aren’t already wearing any S

HOPPERS strip down to their underwear for Italian store’s promotion. It may have been a little warmer in Italy than much of the United Kingdom at eight o’clock this morning. But that should take nothing away from the brave efforts of those who stripped down to their underwear for the beginning of the January sales in the cities of Rome and Turin. These photographs show the bargain hunters queuing up outside designer shops promising free clothes and discounts. The Seminaked Party was

organised by Desigual, which promised the first 100 that they would be dressed for free. Participants began queuing in Turin late last night for the 8am opening, according to local reports. And those who arrived as late as 3am missed

out on the free clothing. To soften the blow, the store was selling a number of items at half price this morning. Party previously held in cities such as London, New York, Paris and Tokyo The Seminaked Party was launched in 2005 by Desigual.

She is a Bad Gal!

ihanna reveals tan lines as she poses topless for Vogue Brazil in beach R photoshoot. Strutting topless on the beach, pouting Rihanna looks like she’s stepped straight off the pages of a lad’s mag. But this isn’t FHM she’s posing for, but the highly respected fashion magazine Vogue— albeit the Brazilian edition. The pop star was pictured in five different yet equally revealing outfits as she posed for a photographer on the Brazilian Island of Angra dos Reis. Arms behind her head, she turned her back and gazed at the ocean as he snapped away. Despite the large team surrounding her, holding shades and mirrors to light her face, scantily clad Rihanna seemed at ease in the spotlight.Of course, coming as she does from the island nation of Barbados, we are used to seeing Rihanna strutting around in a bikini during her down time. And it seemed she was equally relaxed doing so in front of the camera.

Chin chin: growing cult of Hin A du worshippers in India claim that drinking

fresh cow urine will help cure them of all diseases — including cancer. The Hindu believers regard the cow as a holy animal and say her urine has divine healing power. Jairam Singhal, 42, has been drinking cow pee for over a decade, and was keen to testify to its health benefits. ‘I had diabetes, but ever since I have started

drinking cow urine, my diabetes has been under control,’ Jairam said. ‘Someone told me drinking cow urine is good for health. ‘We have had cows here for over 12 years now, so first thing in the morning we take cow urine and drink it.’ In the north Indian city of Agra, dozens gather at the cow shelter of DD Singhal to have a fresh glass of cow

urine. ‘Lots of people come here. And of late, the numbers have been rising. We all gather in the morning and drink fresh urine that Mother cow offers us,’ Singhal said.

Chinese father leaps to death with four-year-old son C

hinese father leaps to his death with his four-year-old son after arguing with his wife over who should look after the child when he was ill. A Chinese father jumped to his death with his four-year-old son in apparent frustration at frequent arguments with his wife about how they should look after the boy. Huang Chiu grabbed the child, ran onto the roof of the seven-storey building and leapt off after reportedly saying he was going to end the matter once and for all. Medics who attended the scene confirmed that both had been killed instantly after the fall in the city of Fuzhou in Fujian province in southeast China. The problem started because the wife Shi Yu, 29, who was a successful career woman, was unable to properly look after the boy when he was ill because she was at work. She wanted her husband, who had a less high-powered job working for a logistics company, to take care of him.But Huang, 33, had said that he wanted her parents to look after the child.

SATURDAY

Continues from page 13 intimidation not ruling out many monetary inducements from powersthat be to most stakeholders who voted. Also, Tukur’s emergence was facilitated by the belief that he would gag former Vice President Abubakar Atiku who was just learning how to love again after losing to President Jonathan in the PDP primary election in 2011. To Jonathan and the PDP, Atiku needed an old hand to keep him at bay from that axis of the country. And it did work in the person of Tukur. But not too long, that machinery failed and Tukur unmasked his real self. The Dissolution of Adamawa and Rivers Exco Tukur chose to court trouble very early in his administration. Consequently, from the very first day of his coming, controversy became a popular word that defined his regime. Not too long after he assumed office, Tukur opted to assert his authority in his home state. Before anyone could utter “Jack”, Tukur dissolved the state Executive Committee earlier set by Governor Murtala Nyako and swiftly called for a fresh congress. Finally, he succeeded in putting his own Exco. At this juncture, some governors intervened to help save Nyako from public shame, but with all his might and connection, Tukur rebuffed it and stood his ground. This was even after a presidential committee that was put in place had submitted a report that favoured Nyako. A situation akin to Adamawa also played out in Rivers State. Angered by the developments, a group of governors soon after began to chant the Tukur-must-go song. Soon also complaints of how he was running the party as a one-man show began to filter in. Another sore point was when Tukur dissolved the Sokoto and Kwara excos without consulting the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. Then the suspension of Governors Wamakko of Sokoto State and Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State from the party. He was accused of taking a unilateral

decision by playing out a script. Tukur also dazed the governors when speculation became rife that he had agreed to offer automatic seats to sitting senators without reaching out to the NWC members. August 31, 2013 Special Convention and the aftermath No one knew what was in the offing for the PDP at its Special convention on August 31, 2013. Hardly had the function got underway than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and seven governors of the party broke away and later formed a faction whose chairman was Abubakar Kawu Baraje. Since then, peace has eluded the party. All efforts made at reconciling the parties became unsuccessful moreso, with Tukur talking and acting very tough. G5 Governors/37 Reps Defection Tired of Tukur ’s double-game and insincerity, the governors except Sule

We were called all kinds of names for insisting that Tukur had all along been the problem of the PDP. At last, in order to stem the tide of discontent, the PDP has eventually come to the same conclusion that we of the Baraje group reached months ago that Tukur was indeed an ill wind

Tukur: Exit of PDP National Chairman

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—53

Baraje new PDP faction. To this, one of the lawmakers who defected, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke representing Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State said the truth has won. ”We were called all kinds of names for insisting that Tukur had all along been the problem of the PDP. At last, in order to stem the tide of discontent, the PDP has eventually come to the same conclusion that we of the Baraje group reached months ago that Tukur was indeed an ill wind.Tukur was just one of the many viruses that afflicted the PDP. Bedeviled by worsening acts of impunity, hunted by crass abuse of power and hounded by growing attempts by some persons to turn the party into a private estate, the PDP I believe would have so much work to do, not just to re-invent itself but also to recapture the confidence of the Nigerian people.Unfortunately, the PDP has lost it to the APC and this is what the current wave of defections really suggest. It is difficult to see how the PDP can survive the internal contradictions that are eating it up, how the PDP leadership would get members about to defect or those who have defected for good to return to its fold.I can only see more confusion enveloping the party which prides itself as the biggest party in Africa. The removal of Tukur in my opinion is coming a mite too late, meaning there are still too many rivers to cross,”he said. Tukur’s last fight Tukur’s eventual fall became intensified on January 13, 2014 when he met with President Jonathan for the second time in three days over attempt to force him to resign before the PDP National Executive Council meeting. He had vowed to stay in office, insisting that only the national convention can remove him from office. But on January 14, the campaign against him gathered momentum with 36 state chairmen of the party and their counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, rising from a meeting in Abuja passed a vote of no confidence on him. They also demanded his resignation. The same day, the embattled Tukur agreed to resign. This was after a lot of pressure from embittered members of the party caucus, especially state governors, over the role he played in the crisis plaguing the party. The next day, he resigned. But

Tukur also dazed the governors when speculation became rife that he had agreed to offer automatic seats to sitting senators without reaching out to the NWC members surprise was later to greet the faces of most

Lamido of Jigawa State and Babangida Aliyu of Niger State defected to the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) in December, 2013. Following suit were a whopping 37 PDP members of the House of Representatives. With this it became clear to the party authorities that peace had completely taken a flight under Tukur. G5 vindication oth President Jonathan and Tukur appeared not to have acted wisely. If they knew the battle would be lost from the beginning, why wait until now when the party has lost so much flesh to APC? This, at least is the question on the lips of most Nigerians who now sympathize with the PDP. But in a way, the exit of Tukur has vindicated the position earlier taken by the

party men when Tukur denied his earlier resignation. But then the die was cast for him. On January 16, Tukur handed his letter of resignation to President Jonathan who while informing party stakeholders opted to offer Tukur an Ambassadorial position Lastline: Now, that Tukur has left the party in a most horrible state, what would the fate of President Jonathan, the man whose political future he’s been claiming to protect ? Would the members who have defected return? Does the party have any more future? These questions will for sure agitate the minds of the PDP members as only time will tell what happens in the future of the self- acclaimed biggest political party in Africa.

Continues on page 54

54—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

With Tukur's exit, is it yet uhuru for PDP? a national party with national problems, Tukur dabbled into the politics of his home state by dissolving the Adamawa State PDP executive committee led by Alhaji Umaru Kugama that was loyal to governor Murtala Nyako and replaced it with the Amb. Umar Damagun- led ninemember caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the party, thus setting the pace for his problem and that of the party.The decision then created a deep sharp divide among members of the NWC as ten members disowned the actions of Tukur regarding the affairs of the party in Adamawa State. The logjam for the PDP continued with the sack of the National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola following the January 11, 2013 judgment of the Federal High court, Abuja by Justice Abdul Kafarati which had declared that Oyinlola’s nomination and subsequent election as the National Secretary of PDP were invalid, null and void and ruled that with that, Oyinlola should be sacked.

By HENRY UMORU

Tukur's period will be scored a B+ for not managing the political crisis properly and his aides never helped him as they saw everyone, including members of the National Working Committee, NWC as enemies of the National Chairman

FTER months of intrigues, manoeuvring, backstabbing and political intrigues, the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur on Thursday finally bowed to pressure and agreed to resign as Chairman of the party at least to save the party from total collapse. Problems with Tukur, the former governor of old Gongola State started even before he came in as National Chairman of the self acclaimed largest party in Africa. From his North East geopolitical zone of the country where the position was zoned to, he had problems as he was rejected through a shadow election which favoured the then acting National Secretary, Dr. Musa Babayo from Bauchi State as it was speculated that the governors and even his own, governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who was President Goodluck Jonathan’s anointed and preferred candidate for the chairmanship seat in March 21, 2012 was humiliated at the North East Zonal Congress of the PDP in Bauchi State. Tukur was soundly defeated at the North-East zonal congress by Dr. Babayo Musa who polled 14 votes to the two votes scored by Tukur in the poll conducted among members of the zonal caucus.But Tukur in a sharp reaction to the adoption of Babayo however dismissed the zonal caucus as a non-event, nonsensical and a vindictive action he claimed was put together by Governors Isa Yuguda, Murtala Nyako and Danbaba Suntai of Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba states respectively. But all is now history as well over twelve aspirants for the position from Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, and Taraba were first cajoled, wooed to step down and later forced to do that for him at Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of the March 24, 2012 National Convention and at the end of the convention, Tukur emerged the National Chairman of PDP. Swallowed in the euphoria of winning and now the chairman of the ruling party, some of the aides of Tukur who contributed immensely to his final fall at 63 rd National Executive Committee, NEC meeting forgot to let him know of the urgent need to mend fences and heal the deep wounds that were inflicted. To say the least, PPD since inception as a party in 1998 never went through the state of confusion, crisis the way it did during Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the National Chairman. From late Chief Solomon Lar to Senator Barnabas Gemade, to Chief Audu Ogbe, to Dr. Ahmadu Ali to Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, to Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, to Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed and then to Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Tukur had the most bitter part of it as the political quagmire in the party took a different dimension with a crescendo passage. And when writers of history,

examiners of major examinations and scripts settle down to assess and mark the PDP and on the question, controversies, bitterness and management of crisis since inception, Tukur's period will be scored a B+ for not managing the political crisis properly and his aides never helped him as they saw everyone, including members of the National Working Committee, NWC as enemies of the National Chairman. First, his then Principal Secretary, Habu Fari started an in house fight with the then National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with exchange of letters, but when Tukur discovered that if not nipped in the bud where a non NWC member was fighting an elected NWC member, it will be dangerous, the National Chairman sacrificed Fari to save his job and for peace to reign, but the scar was already there and Oyinlola, a soldier did not take it lightly. Tukur again brought in two aides, Senator Ibrahim Ida and Alhaji Ahmed Gusau but the intrigues and fight with NWC members continued. Tukur sacked them. The problem was titillating there. Then Senator Umar and Alhaji Mohammed Shittu and plenipotentiary aide like former Deputy Senate President who then escalated the problem, blocked Tukur from seeing NWC members, stopped Tukur from holding meetings at Wadata Plaza and meetings then held at Wuse 2, Private residence of the National Chairman. Infact, they saw themselves as more powerful than members of NWC and defacto National Chairman. It was at this point Tukur was ill-advised and took one of the decisions that nailed him by suspending the Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko in June last year, for among other offences, not picking his phone calls and when he was later recalled, it was already late. It is now history. Tukur humiliated the governor following the kind of aides he had.

liyu Wammako was suspended soon after Tukur appointed Senator Umar Gada, an arch rival to Wamakko in the Sokoto State governorship race as Special Adviser and may be it was Gada's first suggestion to Tukur and this did not go well in the party, but Tukur and his NWC had a re- think by recalling Wammako; but the wounds had already been inflicted. And trying to settle down to face his national assignment of leading

nother major problem crept up and that was the resignation of former President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in April which however generated a lot of controversy until Chief Tony Anenih who was removed then with Obasanjo coming in, bounced back to replace the former President. After this, PDP problems because of Tukur and hatred for him reared its head at Eagle square last year, August 31 st Special Convention organised to right the wrongs that were made during the March 2012 National Convention and it was not the best moments for the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur led National Working Committee, NWC when viewed from his desire to have a total reconciliation of aggrieved persons in the party. Tukur got the national secretariat involved in Rivers crisis when it immediately rushed to swear in Felix Obuah following the sack of Godspower Ake led State Executive, loyal to governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State; maybe taking directives from the Presidency and Amaechi was eventually suspended from the party. All these problems and others put together were now taken to Eagle Square, locale for a very serious revenge and on that beautiful Saturday that later became a dull one, was the August 31st tumultuous walk-out of Eagle Square by the aggrieved governors and their delegates from their respective States. Crisis then ensued when the party split into two parallel NWC, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and six northern governors who staged a walk out to later address a press conference on the formation of what they tagged new PDP with governor Chibuike Amaechi in attendance and former Acting National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje named himself the national Chairman and Sam Jaja,Deputy National Chairman and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as National Secretary. “The governors who stormed out of the Convention venue were Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto state; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa.Following the irreconcilable nature of these problems, governors Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto state; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano;

Continues on page 55

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014—55

With Tukur's exit, is it yet uhuru for PDP?

Chief Tony Anenih

“With Tukur stepping aside, will the governors and other members who defected to APC return as boasted by the President? President Jonathan had said on Thursday that "Members of this party are still loyal to this party...”

Continued from page 54 Murtala Nyako of Adamawa and Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers dumped the party for the opposition, All Progressive Congress, APC, “leaving Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Aliyu Babangida of Niger behind. It was the worse moment in the history of the party since inception because no amount of problem the party had in the past made five of its Governors, followers and supporters to just go enmasse and followed by elected members of the House of Representatives where before the very eyes of Tukur, thirty- seven lawmakers left the party shortly after the governors with some on the waiting list especially the Senators.

hen the problems started, there were moves to resolve them and the first attempt to bring the warring factions together under one roof and solve what the PDP usually call a family matter was by former President Olusegun Obasanjo who led other elders of the party on trouble shooting mission and met with the leaders of the party as well as the aggrieved governors, with a vow to resolve and bring peace to the party. The locale was Transorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Though a good move by the former Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT of PDP, but the meeting was deadlocked as issues raised did not go down well with the Baraje led faction as they stormed out and immediately went to inspect the office of the new PDP at plot 3206A, No 4, Oyi River crescent, Maitama, Abuja which was under renovation, but was later sealed by the police, barely twenty four hours after the Obasanjo meeting, thereby generating another bad blood from the camp of Baraje. Also at the Obasanjo's meeting were former Military President Ibrahim Babangida; Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih; former PDP National Chairmen, Dr. Ahmadu Ali and Senator Barnabas Gemade, even as Chief Obasanjo apologised on behalf of former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme and late Chief Solomon Lar who were not in the country supported the move.In between the peace moves, the Abubakar Kawu Baraje led splinter group and the aggrieved Governors under the aegis, G7 suffered serious humiliation as they will not forget in a jiffy the humiliation they went through. First, it was on Saturday, Sep-

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola tember 7, when the headquarters of the new PDP at plot 3206A, 4, Oyi Crescent, Off Ibrahim Babangida Way, Maitama District, Abuja, was sealed off by the Police. Next was the group's operational base, the Adamawa Governor's Lodge at No. 12, Gurarara Street, Maitama, Abuja when the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA immediately sealed it. On Sunday night, November 3 when the presidency in its continued clampdown on them, stormed the venue of their meeting with armed policemen. The venue was Kano State Governor's Lodge, Asokoro, where the group has been using for meetings. Amidst all these, the governors, NWC members, State PDP chairmen, stakeholders asked for Tukur's head for the party to be salvaged especially ahead 2015 Presidential election. Just as Tukur caved in after losing confidence of key party officers, elders and all , it not deviate from past patterns as he fell in the manner of most past PDP chairmen. Interestingly, Tukur like Audu Ogbe and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo resigned January, 2005 and 2011 respectively.

nnouncing Bamanga Tukur's resignation on Thursday at the 63rd National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party, President Goodluck Jonathan noted that he was stepping aside having paid his dues and agreed to resign for peace to return to the family of PDP. President Jonathan who declared that Tukur will be stepping aside as a personal sacrifice for the party to reinvent itself in the face of emerging challenges, said that his successor will come from the North East zone and will be someone acceptable to all stakeholders in the party and the person will emerge next week Monday when the party would hold another NEC meeting. Hailing Tukur for making what he termed a very rare sacrifice, President Jonathan however reiterated that, for the avoidance of doubt, Tukur was not guilty of breach of the party's constitution, but for his love for the party, adding that steps were being taken to reposition the party in view of the increasing tempo in political activities of the country ahead of the 2015 general election. President Jonathan said, "On some of the issues that we have internally, because I wouldn't want to waste too much of your time, myself and

Olusegun Obasanjo the Chairman would leave you and the Deputy Chairman will coordinate and the meeting will progress to discuss other things. Myself and the Chairman will go to State House for some issues that we need to discuss. We have some internal problems that have been agitating the minds of people and let us really thank the National Working Committee,NWC, led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. “They have done very well; the Chairman of our party, we have all known, he didn't just wake up to be Chairman of our party, he has paid his dues.He had held several offices and worked for this country and he has done very well. For us to make sure that we rest these issues, the party Chairman agreed to step aside.” Now, the question with Tukur's exit, is it yet Uhuru for PDP? Will the issue of getting a new Chairman on Monday put to rest all the problems? Will the person be acceptable? Will he finish his tenure as National Chairman? Will he learn from the mistakes of Tukur? Will the governors

agree with the choice of Tukur's replacement if not their candidate? Will the President allow the governors get a new Chairman for the party or will the governors allow Dame Patience Jonathan get for them Tukur's successor? “With Tukur stepping aside, will the governors and other members who defected to APC return as boasted by the President? President Jonathan had said

on Thursday that "Members of this party are still loyal to this party. We have few defections which is normal. I don’t think there is something we should worry ourselves too much about. As long as we continue to work together, as long as we do things the way we should do, PDP will continue and I believe and I am convinced that PDP will continue to be the number one party in this country.Even some of those who want to leave us or have left, from all indications, from all discussions, some of them will come back to the party. All we need to do is to make sure that the party is more united.It is hoped that the governors, stakeholders, members of NWC, state chairmen, others will rally round themselves with Tukur's exit.” Tukur has finally bowed to pressure and stepped aside but is it yet Uhuru for PDP? We watch as events unfold.

56 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Soku Oil Wells: Tam David-West warns Jonathan •Leave Soku oil wells in Rivers

S the controversy over who owns Soku oil wells deepens between the Rivers State Government and the Bayelsa State Government, Former Minister of Petroleum Resources and rights activist, Professor Tam David-West has warned President Goodluck Jonathan who is from Bayelsa, to leave the controversial oil wells in Rivers State, the known historical owners of Soku. Professor David-West also averred that the people of Kalabari kingdom(Soku is part of Kalabari land) are prepared to fight the Presidency over the ceding of Soku oil wells to Bayelsa State at every level, stating that no part of Kalabari Kingdom will be allowed to be ceded to any other part of the country. He revealed that the Kalabari oceanic communities of Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem-Sangama and Abisse have been existing for over 300 years of Kalabari history in Rivers State. David-West disclosed this yesterday when he led a delegation of Kings, Chiefs, Elders, youths and representatives of the Occeanic Communities of AkukuToru local government area in Rivers State on a solidarity visit on the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in Port Harcourt. According to him, “I thank you, Governor Amaechi particularly on what you have been doing for the Kalabari Kingdom. Unfortunately, some of our brothers and leaders don’t understand this. I know what you are going through. But, why should an Ikwerre Governor be sacrificed, for saying that, don’t take away Kalabari Communities from Rivers to Bayelsa State. Kalabari people need to go round such person and carry him high. When Nnamdi Azikiwe came to Port Harcourt, I remember, we carried him and I think, every kalabari person should be carrying Amaechi high to replicate the kind gesture. I learnt of a new word for the Oceanic communities in the Kalabari Kingdom, those are the original Kalabari settlements. So, the Oceanic communities are older than, Buguma, Abonnema and Degema. The communities called, Oceanic communities have been existing for over 300 years of Kalabari history, and over the years, our forefathers fought to maintain the in-

tegrity of the Kalabari kingdom. And, any one that is dismantling it now, whether from Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto or Bayelsa State, will never succeed. Our ancestors fought also with Canon guns to protect these territories, but, at this time, we have other implements to fight the struggle.” DavidWest said. Continuing, he also explained the attempt by some Kalabari chiefs to sign a secret document to cede the Oceanic Communities to Bayelsa state as a ploy to distort facts that have genuine historical antecedents since the period of the co-

lonial era. David-West said, “Truth, only has one version, all the time they are shifting the boundaries to their favour with some Kalabari Chiefs, who were secretly approached to sign documents to cede all these territories to Bayelsa state. But, they cannot change the fact that, the controversial oil well territories belongs to the Kalabari people. “This is because, if you plan evil or attempt to ruin the Kalabari land of its natural resources, the gods, our ancestors will not allow you. Bayelsa state was created in 1996, and the boundary was created be-

tween us at the Santa Barbara river. It has now been moved to the San Bartholomew river. If they allow that, then, Abonnema and Idama will be in Bayelsa state. This is what is com-

ing and I tell you stop it now, because God will not allow it to happen. We must go back to the colonial boundary which was impartial. If you rig election to be in office, tomorrow, you may not

Lagos records 125 percent last quarter budget performance

AGOS State Government closed 2013 with an impressive 125 percent last quarter budget performance and a cumulative year round record of 85 percent. The State which ran a N507.105Billion Budget at a Capital to Recurrent ratio

Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Prof. Tam David-West ,when the Professor led Kings, Chiefs, Elders, Youths representatives of Soku, Kula, Idama, Elem-Sangama and Abisse oil-bearing Kalabari communities of Rivers State on a solidarity visit on the Soku Oil wells dispute, to the Governor in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

of 54 to 46 percent, recorded a cumulative third quarter performance of 71 percent which it beefed up to 85percent at the close of the year because of its last quarter performance. This is, however a slight dip to the 89 percent performance of 2012, but according to the Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), clearly moves the State further from its 2011 performance of over 70 percent. Fashola who gave the report in an interview with State House Correspondents during a break session of the Fifth Executive Council and Permanent Secretaries Retreat held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin said the performance is good for public service delivery not only for Lagos State but would also benchmark standards on a national scale as the administration goes forward. “The first quarter performance is 81percent, second quarter

Catholic Church condemns gay marriage •Commends N’Assembly for Enacting Bill •Asks US, EU to leave Nigeria alone BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

IN what appears like some support to the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill passed and singed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan on January 7, 2014, the Catholic Church in Nigeria yesterday totally condemned gay practice, saying it defiled every moral and Biblical principle. The church also said that God has ordained marriage between a man and a woman and not the other way round and asked the promoters of gay marriage to let Nigeria alone. The position of the church was copiously advanced by the Catholic

Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria’s Cardinal John Olurenfemi Onaiyekan who addressed the press on sundry issues as part of the activities marking his 70th birthday in Abuja. Oniyekan whose 70 birthday’s celebrations will formally kick-start on February 5, 2014 with a Dinner at Nicon-Hilton, Abuja added Nigeria is an independent country capable of enacting appropriate laws that will govern her people and territory. The Cardinal described as unfortunate the endorsement of the practice by some Anglican churches outside the shores of country but however gave thumbs up to the church in Nigeria for not embracing both

be there, but these records will be there forever. And, it is left to us Kalabari sons and daughters to support all those fighting for our course.”

homosexuality and lesbianism. He said: “The position of the Catholic Church has always been clear that the designs of God are very clear to us. God created man; male and female. He created them and told them to go and multiply and the church has stood by that natural plan of God. ”As a catholic, obviously I am against homosexuality therefore against same-sex marriage. My position all along has been that strictly speaking, there is no such thing as same-sex marriage because marriage by definition is between a man and a woman. Anything else, you can call it whatever

you like. Don’t call it marriage because marriage is between a husband and a wife.” The Archbishop also spoke against unfortunate reactions from those who have picked holes in Nigeria’s position on the matter, stressing that Nigeria’s social life cannot be dictated by foreign countries. He also applauded the National Assembly for not bowing to local and international pressure during the enactment of the Bill. Speaking on the 14 years of imprisonment attached to gay practice in Nigeria, Onaiyekan said that it was good to insert such sanctions to clearly announce to the whole world that the country abhors homosexualism and lesbianism.

performance is 83 percent, third quarter performance was 70 percent which at that time while the fourth quarter gave us an aggregate January to September performance at the end of quarter three of 71 percent and I promised then that we were going to ramp up in the final quarter”. “We are now reporting a 125percent performance for quarter four standing in isolation and this you would understand from the completion of the Bond and also at the time as I said there was a lot of work that we had done when we had revenue shortfalls that we had not paid for and also work that we have concluded towards the end of the year”, he explained The Governor reiterated that in terms of budget components, people may have read a lot of commentaries about the Budget but the important thing is to remind everyone that the State had a budget of N507.1Billion for the year as a result of supplementation that took to the House of Assembly and ended up then with a budget proposal of 58percent to 42 percent Capital to Recurrent. “What we are seeing now in the 85 percent implementation is that we achieved 54 percent Capital to 46 percent Recurrent and you recall that we went round the state visiting projects like the Lekki Link Bridge, Courtrooms in Ikorodu, Isopakodowo market and many of the things that you have reported that are too numerous for this purpose to recall”. “Work is still going on some, you would also see now that from last year we are continuing till this year, if look on the Eko Bridge now you would see work going on there. What we are doing there is laying water pipes in preparation for improved water supply, in Adiyan, for example you would see work going on there for the new Water Works and so on”, he reiterated.

SATURDAY Vanguard, January 18, 2014—57

Expensive leaders, poor economy BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

he hope of better life for Nigerians after long era of terrible military rule, which culminated eventually into democracy in 1999, seemed dashed with emergence of profligate politicians and flamboyant public office holders who have only succeeded in pauperising the citizenry and deepening poverty in the country amidst stupendous national wealth. With the coming of democratic dispensation, it was like starting over again for a country brimming with immense talent and potentials that turned into a synonym for everything dirty-corruption at all levels (monumental and petty), human rights abuses, drug peddling, fraudulent practices, immorality, environmental degradation, educational collapse, electoral sham, massive unemployment, power and water outages, hunger and homelessness. Public officials steal and squander hundreds of billions of naira earned from huge production of oil and gas resources with reckless abandon. Nigeria has experienced three distinct leaderships under one political party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the last fourteen years. From Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler who kickstarted democracy, becoming President of Nigeria for eight years, to President Goodluck Jonathan took over after the death of Presi-

dent Musa Yar’Adua, and was reelected as President in 2011; the squander and misuse of public funds has conitnued unabated even getting more scientific than ever before. Addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political problems had been an uphill task for all the leaders since 1999. But the most traumatic is the Goodluck Jonathan presidency which was compounded

There had been a devastating lavish lifestyle of leaders from the presidency to ministers, governors, commissioners, local government chairmen, councillors, permanent secretaries, heads of parastatals, directors, board members and so on by Boko Haram insurgency in which over 20,000 people have died so far including security operatives. At present, the country’s entire economy revolves around oil with large reserves, which implies that Nigeria has the potentials of a very prosperous economy. In fact, oil

accounts for nearly 90 per cent of her revenue, yet, the wealth from oil has not positively impacted on the economy as poverty is still endemic in the country. Rather what continued to stare us on our faces is devastating lavish lifestyle of leaders from the presidency to ministers, governors, commissioners, local government chairmen, councillors, permanent secretaries, heads of parastatals, directors, board members and so on. However, the most disgusting is the extravagant salaries and allowances earned by members of the National Assembly – Senators and Representatives running into billions of naira every year, while millions of Nigerians are hungry, jobless and virtually homeless. The executive, legislature and judiciary seemed to have connived in ripping off the people. In other words, the government has continuously shown that the interest of the larger Nigerian population is not its priority. For instance, the sum of N150 billion is being allocated to the National Assembly as annual budget in which senators received quarterly pay of about N50 million each and House of Representatives members about N40 million each every quarter in addition to multi-million naira constituency projects allowances not accounted for. Also, members of State Houses of Assembly go home monthly with millions of naira. Ministers and commissioners are

paid millions of naira including all sorts of allowances beyond the imagination of the toiling masses whose minimum pay had been fixed at a paltry sum of N18,000 monthly which many states even refused to pay. Yet, state governors get billions of naira as security votes which ended up in private pockets. Two years ago, N18 billion was budgeted for the maintenance of presidential fleet of planes, while N1.9 billion was set aside for the purchase of an additional aircraft for the President. Before then, it was announced that the presidential fleet was to be upgraded with planes costing N31.5 billion. It should be noted that wealthy nations like Britain have no presidential fleet as the Prime Minister David Cameron travels by the national carrier. The Chinese President also travels by the country’s national airline. Only recently, the Federal Government approved N2.2 billion for construction of a banquet hall for Aso Rock Villa which evoked outrage of the citizens. Some years ago, the World Bank grant of $8.64 billion facility for growth and poverty reduction in Nigeria was frittered away, while in 2008, we were told that this country has spent $16 billion to reactivate the power infrastructure. Corruption affects the way money is allocated within the state budget, diverting expenditures away from less lucrative sectors as health and education to high kickback areas. Sometime in 2012, an investigation by House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, Downstream and Gas Resources, revealed how NNPC under-remitted a sum of N3.098 trillion to the Federation Account between 2004 and 2011 under the watchful eyes of CBN and NEITI.

Continues on page 58

58—SATURDAY Vanguard, January 18, 2014

Waste of Public funds:

Nigerians should vote them out —Tolagbe Tolagbe Animashaun, a senatorial aspirant in Lagos Central District, under the Peoples Democratic Party PDP bares his mind on the sheer waste of public funds by public office holders. Excerpts: Tolagbe Animashaun BY OLAYINKA AJAY I What is your view on the flamboyant lifestyle of Nigeria’s public office holders amid worsing economic condition? It is very disappointing and it insults the intelligence of any average person despite the claims by notable top government leaders that Nigeria is in a deep financial crises . For public office holders to find ways through which contracts are awarded in order to enrich themselves with our commonwealth. I am always very disturbed when I read issues like these. It’s very unfortunate that it is happening to Stella Odua, somebody that I respected and have had so many years of association with as a friend and as a family acquaintance. It’s a shame that a person like her from a very firm background could be involved in such. There are some people that are from affluent background but such act is far from them. I know most politicians are from humble background, they are people that would not have gotten to where they are if not for provi-

dence. Don’t you think it is getting out of hands? It has gotten to a point where something drastic needs to be done to rescue the situation by the law enforcement agents which will serve as a deterrent for others because it could lead to a giant fall of our economy. The opposition parties that are supposed to initiate probe to curtail the dastardly act are selective in criticising and they also have their own share of corrupt leaders, for instance the issue of the speaker of Lagos state House of Assembly that is involve in a financial scandal with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC, still goes around his duty freely as a speaker , which ideally should step aside as the speaker pending the time the case with the EFCC is cleared but Nigerians kept mute about it because he is not in PDP. And because the Aviation Minister is a person that supports President Jonathan’s Administration, she has to be

The best way we can curtail the flamboyant lifestyle of public office holders is by the enforcement of the Law pilloried. I am not in any way in support of what she did but what I am saying in essence is that corruption has eaten deep into every part of the Nation. I see a situation where all hands should be on desk to condemn corrupt leaders holistically. With all these endemic corrupt practices in government circle, don’t you think it is an invitation to violence? I don’t believe in any violent revolution in Nigeria, people are

Expensive leaders, poor economy Continues from page 57 Two governors in the South/ South reportedly bought jet planes – a Bombardier Global 5000 worth $45.7 million and Gulf Stream Jet which cost $45 million. These planes are believed to be used privately and also for official duties. A governor, piloting a private aircraft crashed and was flown abroad for medical attention and is now no longer fit to resume duties after his return . Several ministers are said to be owning private jets and fleet of exotic cars and mansions. Maintenance of these private planes could be a constant drain on public treasury which can be used to build and repair roads, improve healthcare, education, provide decent housing, electricity and water. Also, the Federal Capital Territory

Authority, FCTA, will be spending N3billion to build official houses for principal officers of the National Assembly. About 70 per cent of the country’s income is expended on public officers and politicians who comprise less than 1 per cent of a population of 167 million. According to the CBN Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi who said recently, “we cannot develop if we continue to have so much of our resources where government is spending 70 per cent of the nation’s revenue on itself and leaving 30 per cent for the people. Is that a sensible situation?” Ironically, the CBN budgets N300 billion lacking oversight duties of the legislature needed to ensure transparency and accountability. In 2011, the United Nations Development programme placed

Nigeria 156th out of 187 surveyed, saying that Nigeria has been recording constant high economic growth rate that has not produced commensurate employment opportunities and reduction in poverty among citizens. In 2012, the M.O Ibrahim Index for Africa Governance, ranked Nigeria 43 out of 52 countries assessed. Nigeria’s overall score of 42.0 was no match to African average score of 51.9. UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Nigeria as the worst place for a baby to be born in 2013. Nigeria is 80th out of 80 countries surveyed. Infant and maternal mortality is among the highest in the world. Expensive and frivolous lifestyle of the leaders that glorify waste and financial recklessness are responsible for the horrible economic situation of the country.

too complacent to want to carry any revolutionary placards at this time. For instance look at what happened in the politics of the South-west, where people complained bitterly about toughness of Fashola’s Administration, banning commercial motorbikes and chasing market women out to modernise the markets and Shopping Plazas in Lagos State. But nobody is saying anything about it. These market women that were chased out are the ones after being bribed with N500, that are going to line-up to vote these people into office again. How best can these maladies be curtailed? The best way we can curtail the flamboyant lifestyle of public office holders is by the enforcement of the Law. There are so many laws that can curtail the excesses of the flamboyant lifestyle of these public servants but the laws are not enforced because the Judiciary has compromised and the law enforcement agencies have also compromised. Our judiciary system has to be revamped but then again, a revolution does not need to be violent before it can be called a revolution. The revolution that I foresee will work in Nigeria is, if the electorate refused to compromise with bribery as low as a bottle of coke and N500 when it is time for them to vote, then we’ll begin to see results. Nigerians at this stage should be considering individuals they believe have the interest of this country at heart, a person whose children are not schooling abroad, a person who does not travel abroad to cure headache, a person that does not have fleets of cars. But rather Nigerians should vote for persons who want to invest in this country. The electorate are in a better position to decide who should rule them and not cheap, selfish politicians, that when they get hold of power, dip their hands into our common-wealth to enrich themselves and recoup the money spent during elections.

President Goodluck Jonathan

SATURDAY Vanguard, January 18, 2014—59

We feed political monsters —Nigerians speak BY ADERONKE ADEYERI, IYABO AINA & JULIET EBIRIM

igerians hardly agree on anything but only on one thing which is obvious to everybody. Nigeria has corrupt leadership and lacks good governance. Over the years, Nigeria has been parading the same set of leaders with the same attitude to governance. The increase in the level of corruption and the expensive lifestyle of leaders have negative effects on the quest for socioeconomic development. Saturday Vanguard spoke with some concerned Nigerians about the extravagant lifestyles of public office holders.

Presidency has more air craft than some African countries’ national carriers - Imam Jamiu Alabi

By every reasonable standard, Nigeria is rich and has good climate,vegetation and other necessary attributes and resources. Yet, nothing is functioning properly. Nigeria has corrupt, inept, appalling, atrocious and even downright malevolent leaders. Nigeria’s presidency has more aircraft than some African countries’ national carriers. The oil minister has her own official airplane. Many ministers, Assembly members and Senators rake in more money in salaries, emoluments and allowances than the President of the United States and certainly more than the members of the United States Congress. America is many times richer than Nigeria, its citizens receive services from the government than what our leaders pretend to give as dividends of democracy. The best anybody can do to help this nation is to fight for revolution and not creating new political parties. Let us try those who have never been in the corridor of power with poor background.

Their questionable lifestyle is as old as Nigeria itself— Comrade Odetola Olatunde

Right from the onset, Nigeria has been struggling with leaders who care only about themselves and use public funds for their selfish interest. Today, our political leaders have graduated to money laundering and flamboyant lifestyles. They show it to our faces as somebody intoxicated with power and they bestride like colossus. They have also secured a place for themselves in foreign countries. Dubai has become a safe place for corrupt leaders to hide their stolen wealth because they would not be exposed unlike in America or Europe. Nigeria leaders buy estates

bent on taking off our legs spent #6billion on the 68th session of the United Nations General meeting. The slow performing President took along his unelected wife Patience, Governor Mimiko, the Minister of State for Works,600 influential civil servants drawn from different ministries and lodged in a hotel of $10,000 dollars per night for five days. During the last year UN gathering, the President engaged in this type of spending which drew wild condemnation from Nigerians and the international community. Nigeria will be a better place when we eliminate unnecessary extravagant and frivolous spending by our reckless leaders who seem to have lost their conscience to worldly things.

They are not to be blamed — Chimezie Paul

Olatunde

Olatunbosun

I don’t think its bad , because they have the money . And the money comes from the government who grants them access to it . But the way they spend the money is not good . And I think the root of the problem should be covered first ,then the politicians will be controlled, Its also good they spend so that there could be circulation of fund and services .Besides,if I have a lot of money, I’ll spend it because I won’t go to grave with it, hence the govt purse is open to me . In summary they are not to be blamed

I think their account should be frozen —Nwaduche Chukwuma

Paul and pay cash even though most of the property consultants and firms operate flexible payment terms. . A former military administrator who was also an ambassador owned a 35storey tower named after him in Dubai. The structure is worth millions of dollars. Again, a former Nigerian President also has a state of the art building in the upscale Jumeirah district, close to the Atlantis Hotel, which is one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in the world. A former governor in the south-south also has eye popping investment in Dubai Many governors who do not own properties in Dubai live large and revel in the splendor of expensive hotels. They lodge in hotels where the rate of a suite ranges from one thousand dollars to twenty eight thousand dollars per night. Most times I wonder what happened to their conscience whereas many Nigerians cannot afford a balanced diet. It is high time, when all concerned Nigerians will come together to seek God’s intervention for our fatherland.

Nigeria will be better if we cease to feed political monsters—Arajulu Olatunbosun

Uzor I believe the major reason for the extravagant spending of our leaders is “godfatherism” which is now rampant in Nigeria politics. Corruption in Nigeria is to the tune of $18billion every year that goes towards feeding the monsters but not the economy. Everywhere in the country, the poor becomes poorer and more disenchanted. Nigerians are dying of hunger, road crashes on account of horrendous condition of our roads ,armed robbery due to unemployment, gunshot by policemen and soldiers that are more dangerous than kidnappers. We have neither hospitals for our families nor jobs for graduates. Nigeria is filled with many “strikers” with nobody to defend the economy. The truth known to the world is, Nigeria has failed to develop not because we lack the resources but because of pathetic, insincere, and incapable leadership. Our leaders concern themselves with celebration of wedding anniversaries, birthdays even for their children outside the country. But what surprises me the more is that of our President who claimed to have no shoes sometimes ago has proven to be most wasteful President. Last month, this man who is

Well,it’s he who has money that knows how best to spend it , and we spend according to our earnings. To me it’s their life style, we all know whats good but you know when we refute what’s good,we are cheating ourself in disguise. Well,I guess you will have to freeze their accounts , better still remove them from office if possible. But then,do you think there’s a better person today that can coordinate Nigeria’s treasury? Nigeria’s political institution has dilapidated to an alerming rate

It speaks of insensitivity — Tony Uzor

It speaks of insensitivity and utter disregard to the pulse of the people. Most guilty are the state governors . Only a massive and sustained social unrest against it can tame this obnoxious culture of our politicians .

They do what they ought not to have done at the right time —Prince Drey It’s quite obvious that our political leaders are fanatics. They do things excessively, they do what they ought not to have done at the right time. Take a very good look at the recent face-off in educational sector; it’s very sad to say our political leaders are very greedy to the extent that they are not concerned about vital sectors. Look at the scenario of the Minister of Aviation that bought such an expensive cars with government money; but sincerely, if that money was spent on the education sector, we won’t be facing such crisis; and that shows how unconcern they are to the masses.

60—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 18, 2014

We need innovations for economic growth—Onuk INI Onuk, is one of the gifted Nigerian women who believe women are the fragrance of life. She is a woman of many colours. A Lead Consultant/CEO, ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited; a prolific writer who has launched 2nd and 3rd books. In this interview with woman in her prime, she reveals how her company was able to introduce new innovation in 2013 which cut across every sector of the economy. She encourages women to go all out achieving and making impact in the society. Excerpts: Last year, your management consultancy firm launched new innovations aimed at helping management of all sizes; as a woman how did you achieve that? We studied the environment and industry and realised that our work is very fundamental to the success of all other sectors, however, the message seems alien to most professionals. Hence, we sought to utilise ICT and New Media to develop products that will appeal to individuals of all age groups – especially young people – and also simplify the content and dimensions of sustainability using climate change. Our new media offerings include: a mobile application, Thistle Mobile App; a carbon emissions calculator, TPCalculator and a virtual testing platform offering IQ and knowledge tests on a range of sustainability topics, ThistleTest Café and an online TV Channel, which showcases interesting and educational videos on Sustainability, Sustainable Conversations TV. To your question

directly, it feels no different championing a cause or growing a consulting firm of repute from scratch. I do not feel it was extra difficult to achieve these or the many successes ThistlePraxis has recorded because I am a woman. I have always advocated from experience that when women want to get things done, nothing and/or nobody can stand in their way. This year, what is your firm going to contribute to the economy of Nigeria through your newly launched innovations? We plan to promote awareness about sustainability issues because information drives action. We believe that change happens after thought, action and impact have occurred. These products are designed to curb inimical lifestyles and attitudes and promote eco-friendly ones. In your own view, how do you think we can develop our Nigerian women? Now, there is a twist to the issue. Women development has stalled because we have mostly paid lip service. At ThistlePraxis, and personally; I try to do the best possible to work with women, support female vendors and provide an equal opportunity for employment at all times. Nevertheless, I am not willing to sacrifice any of these for merit. At the same time, I am convinced that there are competent women to

Ini Onuk fill any position of responsibility, commitment and excellence in this country. What are those challenges you confront on a daily basis managing ThistlePraxis? My challenges are same for every entrepreneur running a small business in Nigeria. We are fairly large because of our spread and affiliations but the core ThistlePraxis team is constantly working to ensure excellence and unparalleled client satisfaction and experiences. Access to finance, steadily increasing running costs, traces of multiple taxation, finding quality talent to grow the business and de-marketing in the service sector make my work very interesting. We intend to champion a protectionist policy for our industry. I will share more on that when we are ready… What is the importance of fulfilling one’s dream as a woman? The questions should be – do you have a

dream? Have you understood what your dreams are? Do you want to realise those dreams? Every woman has a divine assignment and this divine assignment is superior and totally different from just an ambition to get married and have children. We were created for a purpose; you went to school for a reason. So, if women don’t fulfill their purpose because of cultural and social expectations and obligations, there will continue to be a crisis. So many of the world’s political leaders, business leaders, solution providers are tucked away in kitchens and homes. Absolutely nothing wrong with being a mother and wife but that shouldn’t be you sole life ambition. How have you continually turned obstacles to stepping stones? Obstacles for me are what they are – stepping stones to greatness. When things happen, I don’t dwell on them over and above, finding solutions to them. I have learnt that for every problem I’m able to overcome and deal with, I go a notch higher. I require very little to make me happy, so that also helps. I have little or no expectations from people because I hold the belief that it is expectations that hurt not their actions. So when people disappoint me, I don’t wait and cry over spilled milk, I move on very quickly. Otherwise, I leave it to God’s will. I try to be very open-minded.

Asanting Nkwongo Day celebration: Indigenes advised to embrace development he planning committee T chairman of Asanting Nkwongo Day celebration

Pst Mike-Nkobo has advised the indigenes of the Asanting Nkwongo community to brace with the challenges of developing their land and not to wait for government to do everything for them. He stated this when he presented an address of welcome to mark the 2013 Asanting Nkwongo Day celebration in Ikono Local Government Area. He further stated that the task given to the planning committee by the village council was among other things to organize a befitting Nkwongo Day celebration and chart a course that will lay a foundation of building a united Asanting Nkwongo community, and use the money realized to develop the land by grading new and existing roads. He charged the youth to be productive, support and maintain long lasting relationship between the youth and the Elders to foster peace amongst all the families in the land. Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Idongesit Uko charged all the indigenes to donate for

the progress of the community and shun any devise that can stall the development plans of our land. He further charged the planning committee to be dedicated, and make every effort in making sure the money realized will be used judiciously. The Etteidung of Asanting Nkwongo Etteidung ChiefOkonAkpanUnaKJW while admonishing the effort of the planning committee showed appreciation to 6 Nkwongo indigenes that voluntarily spent their money to grade new roads in the community. He advised others to emulate them. The 5-day event started with a thanksgiving service at The Apostolic Church. It had other events like General Sanitation; Youth seminar/conference with a theme: Leadership, Politics and youth restiveness. High point was honouring of the following with certificate of recognition for their selfless service to the land by the EtteIdung Sir Chief O.U. Una KJW. They are Engr. Idongesit Edet Umoren; Barr. Idongesit Uko; Engr. Uduak Jacob Udo; Dr. Uyoobong Ekerette Akpan Uko; Akparawa Emmanuel John

Ekpenyoung; Dr. Essien Ekerrete Akpan Uko. Also, Project Implementation committee was inaugurated with Pst Mike AkpanNkobo as the Chairman of the committee. The following also were included: Engr. Idongesit Umoren as the Vice Chairman, Akparawa Emmanuel Ekpeneyoung as the secretary of the committee; others are Mr. Jeremiah Udofia, Mr Dominic Ekanem, Emmanuel Udofia, Pastor David Ekpenyoung, Obonganwan Eno Ekpenyoung and Obonganwan (Mrs) Stella Umoren as the Treasurer.

Winners of the 6th Lagos State Secondary School Essay Competition with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, (SAN) at the 7th Annual Lagos State Taxation Stakeholders Conference held recently in Lagos.

We never approved Bi-Courtney terminal design—FAAN By LAWANI MIKAIRU he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ,FAAN, has denied approving the designs of Domestic Terminal 2 of the Muritala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, currently operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services under concession agreement. Bi-Courtney Aviation Services was quoted as saying that “the design of the terminal (MMA Do-

mestic Terminal 2) was approved by the Federal Government and FAAN after due consultation with their consultants .The Bi-Courtney source also said that “FAAN was involved at every stage of the redesign and redevelopment of the project”. Reacting to this, the General Manager, Communication, FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati said “We wish to state categorically and for the umpteen time that nothing

could be further from the truth! The design that FAAN approved was for a terminal costing a total of N3.9 billion.” “However, without approval from FAAN, BiCourtney went ahead of its own volition, to build a terminal different from the one originally approved by FAAN, the cost of which it put at N38 billion, nearly 10 times the approved cost. There was no way FAAN

could have approved a terminal at a cost of N38 billion for a 12 year concession because it did not make common economic sense. “ “We hereby urge members of the public, especially aviation stakeholders, to disregard that bogus claim by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services which we believe was designed to deceive members of the public as usual.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201D;61

Olejeme storm prisons, elderly and orphanage homes

The U&I Foundation team during their visit to the less privileged

s was her usual tradition in

wiping tears off the faces of widows, the vulnerable, the elderly in the society as well as the motherless, the chairman of U & I Development Foundation, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Olejeme embarked on a tour around various orphanage homes, prisons and elderly peoples homes across the three senatorial districts of Delta state to bring relief to them.

t the Paracletan Hope Home along Okpanam road in Asaba, Dr Ngozi Olejeme said she was at the orphanage as a way of servicing and maintaining her covenant with God to always be a voice to the voiceless in the society and and speak for innocent children who arrived this world and found themselves in unbargained conditions. As a burden bearer of the less privileged, Dr Olejeme who is also the chairman of the Olejeme Children Ambassador Foundation adopted the fourteen (14) children in the centre as ambassadors under the Olejeme Children Ambassador educational watch and care. Dr Olejeme who was represented by Barr. Raymous Guannah, former commisisioner for Lands and Survey also requested for a comprehensive list of the needs of the Paracletan Hope Home in order for the U&I Foundation to take care of them. Earlier, the leader of the orphanage, Sister Lawretta Elechukwu represented by Sister Claire Okereke said the centre

was established as a home for the homeless. She listed major challenges facing the home as lack of vehicles for movement of the children, generator, gas cooker, pampers, chairs, wardrobes, water heaters and leakage of roofs. The team was also at the Pro-Laborede Centre to present items to destitutes such as bags of rice, tubers of yam, milk, Indomie, toileteries, etc. Receiving the items, Mr Nwanbusor Chris who represented the chief coordinator, Sister Stella Maris Okonkwo said the Pro-Laborede Orphanage which was established twenty three years ago with fifty two branches across the world has been involved in holistic work of taking care of the poorest of the poor in the society. He thanked the chairman for the U&I Foundation, Dr. Olejeme for her humanitarian work across the nation saying that personalities like her make the burden easier for orphanages to bear.

t the Centre for the Elderly in Asaba, Dr Olejeme said she was at the elderly peoples home in recognition of their usefulness in helping society as a custodian of the societal values and role models who help to set the stage for the upcoming generation. She encouraged them to always play elderly role by advising government and community leaders so as to have a society that is free of rancour and acrimony. On their part, the chairman of the group, Elder Moses Nwudia expressed satisfaction with

the activities of Mrs Olejeme. He said Dr Olejeme has been committed to the welfare of the elderly as a worthy daughter of Delta, urging her to keep up her good work as she will always achieve whatever she will desire from God. At the Sapele Prisons which the team also visited to present gift items to the inmates, Dr. Olejeme took time to encourage the prisoners to be hopeful as there is still life after their imprisonment. She cautioned them against further involvement in criminal activities after their freedom from the prison. Receiving the gift items, the Deputy Controller of the Prison in Sapele, Mr Airiohuodion Solo said the impact of Dr. Mrs Olejeme in the Nigeria prisons through provision of gift items is worthy of emulation by other Nigerians. He assured her that the gifts will be used for the purpose they were presented.

ne of the highlights of the visit was a song presentation by the inmates. At the Warri Prisons Okere, the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Mr Omaide Emmanuel thanked the team for the food items and also called for assistance saying that the Okere Prison has a total of 935 inmates at present as against the 300 inmates that the prison was designed to accommodate due to increase in crime and kidnapping. Other areas the team visited include the St Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Orphanage Redeemer Parish, Enerhen Road Warri and the OgwashiUku Prisons.

62—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 18, 2014

AFN, Campbell unveil plan for 2014

Australian Open: Murray faces E tough Lopez test A NDY Murray will face less brutal conditions but a far tougher opponent when he plays Feliciano Lopez at the Australian Open today. Murray and Lopez have been scheduled for the third match on the Hisense Arena this afternoon. The Wimbledon champion did not drop a set in rounds one and two only his third and fourth competitive matches since recovering from back surgery. He boasts a 7-0 record against Lopez, but their last meeting was a close one. “I had a tough match with him at the US Open on the hard courts two years ago where he played well,” said the Scot.

*Murray “I think it was 7-6 in the fourth set on a very, very hot day.” The temperature has been the theme of the opening week in Melbourne, with highs of over 40C for four days in a row, but the arrival of cooler air is forecast to bring a sharp dip to around 23C today.

Lopez, the 26th seed, has also reached the last 32 without dropping a set, but the 32-year-old from Toledo, Spain, is relishing the prospect of a more comfortable playing environment. “Hopefully it’s going to be a little bit cooler and we’re going to play in better conditions,” he told BBC Sport. Asked how he would go about ending his run of defeats against the British number one, Lopez added: “It’s tough to say what I really need to do to beat Andy. “He’s a great player. We played so many times and I never beat him. A couple of times I was close - the best match I played was at the US Open [in 2012] when I was really close, but I didn’t get it.

RIC Campbell, the US-born coach who will drive the revival efforts of Nigeria’s athletics is set for work, just as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN unveils its agenda for the 2014 season. Campbell was hired by the National Sports Commission, NSC as head coach of the AFN in its bid to raise the performances of Nigerian athletes at international events. Another American, Angie Taylor who will over see Nigerian Olympics preparations will also make inputs into the training programme of the athletes. It was gathered

yesterday that the two coaches have been monitoring the build of the athletes invited to camp ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. “Campbell is here in Abuja with the athletes and so is Taylor. They have been with the athletes and so far everything is going well,” said Nigerian track and field coaches association president, Gabriel Okon. The AFN will officially introduce Campbell to the Nigerian athletics family and also reel out its 2014 programmes of events next week in Abuja. Officials are expecting Mr. Campbell to prove that he is equal

to the task, most especially after his coming on board the Nigerian athletics train, was greeted with despair. Some athletics buffs had questioned his ability to deliver on the job having done little in coaching. His previous job was national youth and junior team coach of Saudi Arabia. “We are looking forward to a great season of good performance by our athletes. The performance director and our coaches, no doubt, are bound to come up with a good training programme that will give us something to cheer,” said a member of the AFN.

DASH DOWN... Nigerian home-based athletes showing their prowess. Will they improve in 2014?

Agbaje grassroots athletics rocks Ososo

HEAT WAVE...A player being attended to by a medical team following exhaustion at the Australian Open

YSFON President Cup ends today

HE maiden edition of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan YSFON organized U-18 Peace cup will be rounded off today at the Old Katsina Township Stadium. The championship which was sponsored by the Katsina State Government and featured 14 teams from different states of the federation will see the host state take on Kaduna to decide the winner of the week-long tournament. To qualify for the final, Katsina defeated Yobe 20 in the first semi- finals while Kaduna piped tournament’s favourites, Abia by a lone goal in a keenly contested match to book a ticket in to-

day’s final. According to a statement by the organizers of the tournament, the grand finale will be graced by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shehu Shema while the State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim Sasana will be the chief host with the Minister of Sports/ Chairman National Sports Commission, Bolaji Abdullahi serving as the special guest of honour. Meanwhile President of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna has expressed delight that all the teams that participated in the week-long

*Gov. Shema of Katsina State. tournament kept to the rules of the game by not using over-aged players even as he enjoined all indigenes of Katsina to troop out en-mass today and watch the best of grassroots football.

PRINTER, Fred Ovie Agbaje’s dream of sowing athletics seed into the life of rural kids started off with bright hopes in Ososo, a sleepy town in the Akoko Edo local government area of Edo State. The event which was held on December 27, 2013 was graced by over 60 athletes between the ages of 12 and 18. And according to Agbaje who is based in North Darkota, USA, some promising athletes have been discovered and his foundation will sponsor their education and participation in national track and field events. “I never expected the huge turn out. It was very successful considering the fact that it was the first edition. “We had five schools from three villages. One over-all best athlete who happens to be a girl was given a full scholarship for a year. All her text books, note books, school uniforms, school bags, school shoe and other school materials were provided for her for the next one year. There is

another in the Under-18 category we will sponsor to national events,” said Agbaje. He added that the response from the communities was very encouraging as the event was graced by royal fathers. He thanked friends, family, community leaders and the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,

Solomon Ogba who made the event possible. Agbaje, despite his grassroots initiative, is still nursing the dream of becoming one of Nigeria’s best sprinters. “I am still training hard even as funding is difficult to come by. But hopefully I should be home for the national trials. I still want to make some impact.”

Doping: WADA plans to test athletes hair

SAIN Bolt has “no problem” with plans by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) to test the hair follicles of athletes in a bid to clamp down on drug cheats in sport. The Jamaican sprinter said: “I think that any way you can crack down on drug use in sports, I have no problem with it.” Bolt’s comments come after the new Wada president, Craig Reedie revealed his intention to introduce hair follicle testing to escalate the fight against performance-enhancing drugs. Bolt, who has won six Olympic gold medals

and holds the world record at 100m and 200m, signalled his approval in Kingston on Friday. “If it’s a new rule and it’s a better way to clamp down on this, then I welcome it.” Reedie has said that a new $10 million (£6m) fund set up by the International Olympic Committee should be used to open up new testing techniques to catch cheats. The British administrator said: “This is a really exciting development and means we can look at approaches that in the past have been unaffordable.”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 18, 2014 — 63

CHAN: We won’t give Nigeria breathing space, says SA coach OUTH African coach, Gor Cape Town. coming into the game with one The hosts of the CAF Afri- aim to win and progress, but S don Igesund has said that the Bafana Bafana will unleash can Nations Championship, they will not be given the

Globacom League:

a relentless attack against the Super Eagles in their last group A encounter, Sunday in

We must do well, Owumi tells Warri Wolves BY BEN EFE

ARRI Wolves Football Club boss, Davidson Owumi has urged the players to gird their loins for the tough ride to glory in the 2013/2014 Nigeria Premier League season, which begins February 23. The club finished 6th in the league last season and painfully succumbed to Enyimba of Aba in the final of the 2013 Federation Cup at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos after leading 2-1 for most of the game. It was their best chance of winning a silverware since they became a full fledged outfit with Delta State governor, Emmauel Uduaghan splashing the cash Against this background, Delta State hired Owumi to plot a reversal of fortunes for the underachieving club. He told the players in Sagamu, where the team is in closed camping for 10 days, that they are condemned to do well and win a major trophy in the new season. “The task ahead will not be easy. But we need to win trophies and the only way is for us to be disciplined, dedicated and committed . We have no choice than to do well. The welfare of our players is top priority for management and our players must have to reciprocate the good gesture of Delta State Government and the Executive Chairman, Mr Pinnick Amaju,” said Owumi.

need only a draw to scale through to the quarter-final, but Igesund said nothing short of a win will do his team good. The Eagles led by Stephen Keshi are in a must win situation after garnering only three points from two games, while South Africa and Mali have four points each. “Why should I be scared of Nigeria? We’re not scared of anybody. We’ve just beaten Spain, I should be scared of Nigeria?” Igesund said at Bafana’s headquarters in Cape Town. “My philosophy has always been play to win. When you start thinking about trying to play for a draw, you start doing the wrong things,” he said. He added that Nigeria is

Monaco move delights Echiejile

•Davidson Owumi Thirty three players and the technical crew led by the Technical Adviser, Paul Aigbogun have been in Sagamu since midweek to shake off rustiness ahead a planned pre-season warm-up matches in Abuja. The players include four goalkeepers, Okiemute Odah, Ambrose Vanzekin, Tega Iriose and Tejiri Rhiogbere while the defenders are ThankGod Ike, Monday Osagie, Oke Oghenetewho, Bright Akpojuvwewho, Uche Ossai, and Goodluck Onamado. The rest are John Agbawu,

Bright Ebighagha, Joseph Eyimofe, Adama Coulibally, Ojo Mine, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelvin Itoya, Gift Atuluwa, Kola Anobi, Achibi Ewenike, Joseph Osadiaye, Freedom Omafoman, and Bright Obada. Others are Daddy Bazuaye, Ichull Lordson, Brenda Obuh, Stanley Dimgba, Josiah Maduabuchi, Austin Amutu, and John Nnam. The team will be joined by Captain Azubuike Egwueke and Joshua Obaje who are presently with the home based Super Eagles in South Africa for the CAF African Nations Championship CHAN.

UPER Eagles defender who completed a move to Monaco of France yesterday stated that he was delighted to join a great club and he was looking forward to an upswing in his career. Echiejile signed a four and half year contract from Portuguese club Sporting Braga. He will be joining greats like Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho, James Rodrigez and Eric Abidal. “I have signed a four and a half year deal with Monaco,” Elderson told his official website www.elderson3.com “I’m really delighted to join such a great and distinguished club like Monaco. “I give God the glory and count on the support and prayers of everyone as I hope for bigger things now back in France, which has remained my second home even after I left in 2010.” Elderson, who has won 40 caps and scored two goals for Nigeria, has returned to France, where he began his professional career with Sta-

New NUGA dates excites coach, athletes A

COACH and two athletes on Wednesday in Lagos expressed joy at the new dates for the 24th Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA). The event will now hold from February 12 to 22 . It suffered several postponements last year due to the protracted strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The competition will still hold at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Games’ preliminaries were completed in May and June, 2013, leaving players, officials and other stakeholders waiting for long for the tournament’s commencement. Coach Emma Nwaokolo of

chance to settle down to play. “We know that Nigeria are going into this game with only one thing on their mind, and that’s to win the game. “We will be offensive against them, that’s the plan, we want to go forward. “I want to attack them down the sides, have over-lapping fullbacks and let’s ask the questions, we need to ask a lot of questions defensively and we’ll try and do that.” He admitted that his team was under pressure. “The only thing is that it would have been nicer not to have this kind of pressure. “But then again that is what makes this game so exciting, the anxiety of not knowing whether you will qualify or not, because if you know it will mean nothing.”

the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said that the announcement of the new dates gladdened his heart.

“The waiting game has finally come to an end. It was discouraging for athletes who have undergone preliminaries

NUGA athletes set to burn the tracks at OAU

for an event to wait endlessly without displaying their skills. Coaches want to see their student-athletes on stage doing what they have been taught; such a scene makes coaches happy and justifies their calling,” Nwaokolo said. Tobi Bankole, a table tennis player from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, said that he was relieved to hear that the competition would soon start. “I have been praying that the event takes place because my plan is to use it to project myself to stardom,” Bankole, who qualified for the event, said. Another qualified table tennis player, Aremu Gbolahan from the University of Ibadan, said that the announcement of the dates encouraged him.

de Rennes in 2007. He made 108 appearances for Braga and scored eight goals at the Portuguese outfit. He won the Portuguese League Cup with the club last season and also featured in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. Monaco are second on the French Ligue 1 with 42 points from 20 matches, five points adrift of leaders Paris SaintGermain. Monaco’s technical director Riccardo Pecini said: “He is a very good player that we followed for some time and we think he still has a great room for improvement “He already knows the Ligue 1, an important aspect for us, and through sound recruitment, we continue to move forward in our desire to focus on players with high potential. “ Several Nigerians have played for Monaco in the past including Ikpeba, Haruna, Sani Keita and Rabiu Afolabi. Ikpeba was the most successful, his 13 goals helped them to the French title in 1997 and that success saw him crowned African Footballer of the Year.

We need total concentration continued from B/P Soriola gave tips on how the Eagles can beat the Bafana Bafana, stressing that even though it won’t be easy, the Eagles could triumph if they give a good fight. “It is going to be a difficult game as South Africa will come at us but we should not relax and my message to the players is that they should keep on fighting for the ball, support each other and communicate well. “I think if they can do exactly the same thing they did against Mozambique, I don’t see anything holding us back from getting a victory,” he said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 18, 2014

Leave CHAN for Bafana, S/African fans beg Eagles T

Crunchy Bafana tie:

WO days to the top of the group A clash between Nigeria and South Africa in Cape Town on Thursday, fans of Bafana Bafana have been weighing the team’s chances with some saying it was unfortunate that they did not win against Mali, as the Eagles may again ruin their chances of going further in the tournament.

Mahlatse Mphalele writing for the New Age Newspapers, said “the last thing Bafana Bafana needed was an unwanted situation of facing hoodoo opponents Nigeria in the last match of Group A on Sunday (today) faced with having to win at all costs.” He added that Nigeria may spoil the chances of Bafana in the game and again qualify at the expense of the host. On his part, Thomas Mlambo, a popular face on SuperSports in Nigeria, said Nigeria should at least leave the CHAN tourney for his home country to celebrate with. Speaking with Coach Stephen Keshi on SABC, during the week, Mlambo said Nigeria has caused Bafana Bafana too many heart aches and it was about time it ends. Keshi reacted sarcastically saying the better side should carry the day but noted that the Eagles did not travel for seven hours on air to South Africa to be beaten on sentiments. “As always we hope to give out our best against Bafana because here is my second home”, he said.

We need total concentration, Keshi declares •As Soriola gives Eagles tips A

FTER picking their first maximum points in Wednesday’s 4-2 triumph over Mozambique, Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi has said that his wards need a 100 % concentration and focus as they play host, South Africa in a make or mar last group game that would guarantee the winner a ticket into the quarter finals of the ongoing CHAN tournament. After a disappointing 1-2 loss to Mali in their first game, the Eagles were again to trail 0-1 against Mozambique in the second half but they came back to beat the southern Africans who cashed in on skipper and goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim’s floppy performance to draw level at 2 – 2 before crashing 24. Even as Nigerian fans in South Africa and back home castigated Agbim for his poor showing so far in the competition, Keshi came to his defence, saying that he should not be singled out for blame in a team game where some players also failed to score in front of an empty net. ”It’s a team work and we cannot single out one individual for blame, otherwise we had a situation in the game against Mozambique when a player had an empty net and yet could not slot the ball in until the opposing defender cleared it. “I have worked with Agbim now for two years plus and if he was not good he will not be here. We must learn to understand our players and forgive errors, especially as he is the last man in the defence and his own errors are easily seen by all. “I am happy with the boys and the character they showed in the game (against Mozambique) mostly in the second half, I know that in the first game, the players showed stage fright as most of them never played under flood lights before and there were a lot of factors that affected them against Mali. “Before the game, I told the players to go out there and play

Today’s matches S/land v S’hampton 1.45 pm Arsenal v Fulham 4 pm Crystal v Stoke City 4 pm Man City v Cardiff 4 pm Norwich

v Hull City 4 pm

West Ham v Newcastle 4 pm

BLOCKED.... Super Eagles forward, Gbolahan Salami (right) blocks Mozambique’s defender, Dario Khan in the group match last Wednesday. Eagles won 4-2 and need a win against the Bafana Bafana today to qualify for the quarter final. like they do in training sessions not minding the match officials and the crowd and so that was what they did in the game and we won,”he told Brilafm.net. Keshi also blamed the Nigerian Premier League which is on break for the players rustiness, stressing that Bafana Bafana players are fit and well conditioned because their league is in session. “Most of the teams here have their domestic leagues on like the SPL for example; and so the players are better in shape, the condition level is great but we are just starting because we have been out for like 3 or 4 months now and so we need to remain very focus,” he said. Also speaking on Brila FM, Free State stars of South Africa and Eagles defender, Gege

continues on page 55

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.Golden Eaglets (U-17) Rightback, Chidiebere (7) 5.Edo State Capital (5) 8.Former Minister of Sports, Mr. Adamu Isa (5) 9.L.G.A in Lagos State (5) 10.Napoli FC Goalkeeper, Jose (5) 11.United States Vice President, Mr. Joe (5) 12.Legendary Queen of Zaria (5) 15.Traditional Ruler of Auchi (5) 17.Wildebeest (3) 19.Zimbabwe National President, Robert (6) 20.Colombian Capital City (6) 22.Super Eagles’ Midfielder, Sunday (3) 24.Eskimo House (5) 27.Zodiac Sign (5) 30.Former Abia State Governor, Ike (5) 31.Greek Alphabet (5) 32.Country in West Africa (5) 33.Former Bangladesh Prime Minister, Khaledo (3) 35.Super Falcons Defender, Faith (5) DOWN 1.Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawal (5)

2.Special Adviser to the President on Media Affairs & Publicity, Mr. Reuben (5) 3.Delta State Capital (5) 4.Oyo State Capital (5) 5.state in Nigeria (5) 6.Nigerian Currency (5) 7.President, National Olympics Committee, Sani (7) 13.Rivers state Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph (3) 14.Adamawa State Governor, Murtala (5) 16.Feline Mammal (5) 17.Precious Stone (3) 18.L.G.A in Borno State (3) 19Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), President, Aminu (7) 21.Golf-peg (3) 23.African Deciduous Tree (6) 25.L.G.A in Niger State (5) 26.Super Eagles’ Midfielder, Ogenyi (5) 27.Golden Eaglets’ Striker, Success (5)

Liverpool v Aston Villa 4 pm

8 9

10 11

12 13

15 16 17

22 23 24

30 31

32 33

SOLUTION on page 15

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. EDITOR: CHIOMA GABRIEL Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail:chiomagabriel@vanguardngr.com; news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. (Text) 08052201257; Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.