NIGERIA UNDER SIEGE: Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab backing Boko Haram - American Security Expert

C M Y K

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BY SONI DANIEL AND HENRY UMORU

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HE war of words between Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa and the Presidency continued last night on genocide in the North.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, lambasted Nyako for daring to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan and said Nyako did not deserve to be a governor given his utterances in recent times.

Nyako fired back, accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of being incompetent.

The governor, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmed Sajoh, said the response by the Presidency to what he said was an indication that those running the Federal Government were more confused than ever while claiming to be more knowledgeable than other Nigerians.

Nyako had stirred the hornet’s nest, on Friday night, when he reportedly wrote a letter to the Northern Governors Forum, accusing the Federal Government of committing genocide in the North under the guise of fighting Boko Haram.

The Adamawa governor, yesterday, said he stood by his statement and challenged those who claim to have a better sense of history to desist from semantics and address the core issues he raised in his letter to the northern governors.

The governor, who accused the Presidency of manufacturing information to implicate innocent Nigerians, said denied the statements attributed to him.

Nyako said: “Feeding the public with untruth is becoming a new culture in Abuja. The statement on the supposed rescue of the abducted girls is enough to prove that. It is a pity that responsible and supposedly educated people could manufacture statements and attribute them to others just to create an escape route from their glaring failures. None of the statements attributed to Governor Nyako by the Presidency was ever made by him.

NYAKO BLASTS JONATHAN

‘Your Presidency is incompetent’

*You don’t deserve to be gov. – Presidential aide They were all manufactured for lack of a sound counter argument.

“If indeed the Presidency is not complacent about the killings in the country, how come the President went dancing a day after several citizens were killed in Abuja? If they claim that Nyako does not deserve to be governor, are they fit to be where they are?

“When we say the Boko Haram phenomenon is phantom, we are talking based on several testimonies by the President. At one point, he said there were Boko Haram elements in his government. At another point, he said they were ghosts he could not dialogue with; yet recently, he admitted that the young poverty stricken persons so far arrested could not afford the guns they carried.

“And we say to them you have full command and control of the armed forces and security outfits with all the intelligence units, investigate their activities, expose their patrons, sponsors and strategic commanders and arrest them.

“We also challenge them to expose their sources of arms. We still repeat the earlier questions we raised: How come the insurgents move about unchallenged at night in our states under the so-called emergency rule when we have a night time curfew in place?

“How come the insurgents operate for many hours unchallenged when we have military units all over the place? How come the insurgents move with a large convoy of vehicles through routes that have 24 hours military check points?

“How come statements by the Presidency and other authorities in Abuja are always at variance with realities on ground at the theatres of conflict? We want answers not insults or empty rhetoric.”

“On the issue of creating divisions among the people, no one does it better than a Presidency that urg-

SOLUTION

From left: Former Director of Budget, Chief Theophilous Akinyele; leader, Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee and the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan; Baapitan of Ibadan and eminent historian, Prof Toyin Falola; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana; the wife of Baapitan, Chief Bisi Falola; and Olori Akinruntan; at the installation of Falola as Baapitan of Ibadan by the Olubadan, at the weekend. es its backers to direct its people to implicate innocent Northerners in Bombings they know nothing of, or one whose known official uses online sources to implicate someone it chooses to hate for no just cause.

“This Presidency also encourages some of its spokespersons to speak ill of certain persons and religion without a reprimand. This is the most divisive leadership in the history of this country and it also the most desperate to cling to power even at the cost of several lives of innocent citizens. Unfortunately, it is also the most inept, confused, greedy, corrupt and incompetent regime ever On the corruption mantra, while the Presidency is fond of asking governors to account for allocations given, we challenge them to live by the same token, declare what you got and account for it.

“After all we now have

proof that certain projects which are not executed have been announced as completed such as the Hong to Mubi road in our state which the Minister of Information announced its execution at their Bauchi Rally.

“Meanwhile, someone should help us ask the President under what budget sub-head did he get the money he allegedly gave Governor Kwankwaso to bribe delegates to vote for him which was allegedly diverted. We think rather than vent their venom in insulting people, presidential spokespersons and media managers should do better by re-focusing the man to be more open minded and competent in grappling with the myriad of challenges facing the nation,” Nyako said.

‘Betrayal of trust’ In a statement by presidential aide, Okupe, yesterday, he tongue lashed Nya-

ko, describing his letter to his fellow northern governors as senseless, unfortunate and a sad betrayal of trust by someone of his status who benefited from the country.

He lampooned the governor, alleging that he was unfit to occupy the position of a state governor. Okupe added that the governor ’s letter was extremely divisive and designed to incite one section of the country against the other. ”The letter written by Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa to his colleague northern governors as published in some major news media is an unmitigated leadership disaster and a sad betrayal of trust by a major beneficiary of the Nigerian nation,” the presidential aide said.

Okupe continued: “The content of the governor ’s letter unfortunately exposes him as lacking a sense of history as well as incapable of rising above parochial

sentiments and possessing a morbid hatred for facts and truth in public discourse. It is extremely divisive and intentionally meant to incite one section of the country against the other. ”Governor Nyako claims that President Goodluck Jonathan is from the Eastern Region which according to him was responsible for the killing of northern political elites on the 15th of January 1966! This is a very disgraceful remark by the governor and a pathetic embarrassment to the Nigerian military from where Nyako derives his career antecedents. It is certainly a reflection of the governor ’s ignorance and unpatriotic inclinations. ”Similarly, the Adamawa governor referred to the Boko Haram terrorist group as a ‘phantom organization’ which he believes does not exist! How hypocritical!? ”In his unwise and desperate attempt to demonise the Federal Government, Governor Nyako likened the military operations against insurgents to the activities of German dictator, Adolf Hitler! In his befuddled mind and apparent hallucination, the Federal Government should be held responsible for the activities of insurgents in the North East and the sad killings,wanton destruction, murder and kidnapping of school children as well as other horrendous activities of Boko Haram should be hung on the neck of the Federal Government! He therefore invited his colleague northern governors to join him to sue the Federal Government. This definitely defies common sense and portrays Mr. Nyako as unfit for the hallowed position of a state governor ”.

‘Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab backing Boko Haram’ Continued from page 1 Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and Far East as a counter-terrorist specialist, explained that Nigeria is under siege from terrorists from other lands.

He advised the Nigerian government to seek help in dealing with the insurgency.

According to him, the Nigerian government and people “only have to ask and they will send people.

“Some people believe that it is politically-motivated, may be it was and it started off that way; some believe it is religiously-motivated but I

don’t know if that is true, I doubt it because Muslims are killing Muslims as well, not just Christians and non-Muslims; so if you want to look at it that way, it is a fallacy. What I would say is that it has got to the point where Boko Haram is killing people because Boko Haram is now proving a point that it can kill and get away with it. It has gone beyond religion, politics and ideology. It is a belief: ‘I can kill people and I can get away with it and let me show you I can do it.’ That is what it is now. It is a showman thing. ”A case in point: Look at what they did or tried to do in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri recently. They

tried to take on a military base! That alone tells you that these people are so emboldened they don’t even care about attacking a military base where soldiers are with weapons. It has gone beyond the normal talk of politics, religion, ideology or corruption. It is now showmanship: ‘I can kill you if I want and there is nothing you can do.’”

He explained that Boko Haram currently receives help from other globally recognised terror groups.

What you have now are “insurgents from other countries. They are trained

by Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab and other groups. They send people here to train them. They also go for

training and come back but you must remember, many terrorist groups are in this together and they don’t have problem training and supporting each other because they know that one day, they can call each other for help and when they do, they expect that you will come and help. They may say ‘ we need you to help us get Mali, and then you send people because they trained you, gave you funding and all the resources you need, so that was done for you to pay back. So, you are correct to say they got people to help them. There are times also that survivors report Continues on page 6

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‘Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab backing Boko Haram’ Continued from page 5 that people who came with Boko Haram to kill them were speaking a language they have never heard before; nothing out of Nigeria, so they could be French, Spanish, something from Mali, CAR, Kenya, etc. They know instinctively that it is not a Nigerian tongue which proves the fact that they bring in outsiders.”

He said the Nigerian peoploe need to give military the support needed to boost morale. “We have to give the military the support that it needs and if you don’t give them that support, it is very demoralizing for the soldiers. It erodes their confidence and their morale to know that ‘I am fighting to defend you and then when Boko Haram insurgents are killed, you turn around and blame me, but when Boko Haram kill 50, you don’t say anything.’ You don’t go after them with the same force and the same venom; you don’t go after them like you go after the military when people are killed and to me, that is unfair. If you are going to do it, do it both ways.

Tell the bad guys that what they are doing is wrong and tell the good guys as well that what they are doing is wrong when they go wrong.”

On his book on The

Church od Satan, he said: “It was the thesis for my master’s degree in criminology. I was fascinated by cultism and Satanism, witchcraft, voodoo, juju and how they used to kill people. They never called it satanic murder. The Press would call it satanic murder but the court of law would not because there is no such thing in law.

The court does not have any law that says it is a satanic, cult or juju murder. I was fascinated by how these people would commit murder and keep it secret and no one knows and they get away with it. So in doing that, I had to go interview witches in the US, it’s a legitimate religion so they don’t mind telling people they are witches protected by the constitution. They go to the church of Satan and they are proud of it. I had to go the Church of Satan.

“And what do they do there?

They didn’t do anything weird in front of me. To get in there, I had to apply and they interviewed me. You can’t just walk in because they don’t know who you are or what you want. After a couple of months of trying to get in, they finally let me.

They worship like everyone else but instead of singing praises to God, they sing

praises to Satan and the cross is turned upside down.

The singing was dark and evil but I wanted to interview

many of them to see what actually they were about.

The fact is, there are satanists, witches, juju, voodoo

etc. They are all there. Many of them are fraudsters though. They defraud people out of their money but I would not tell people to be afraid to go out and do things because you are not

going to find a bunch of people all around the world trying to kill you because Satan told them to”.

READ THE REMAINING INTERVIEW ON PAGES 38 AND 39

Terrorism: Presidency goes tough; stops N3b payment for Abuja CCTV …Why FG’s N76 b project can’t capture, transmit images

BY SONI DANIEL

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HE Presidency is an gry with the entities handling the controversial Federal Government’s N76 billion closed circuit television (CCTV) project, otherwise known as Nigerian Public Security Communications System, NPSCS. Sunday Vanguard learnt, last night, that the Presidency, which feels embarrassed by the failure of the project to contribute to the fight against terrorism, has cancelled a request by the Ministry of Police Affairs to pay additional N3 billion to the NigComsat and the Chinese firm handling the scheme.

The Presidency, it was learnt, is peeved at the failure of the project to capture the images of terrorists who have been carrying out lethal bombings in the

federal capital and environs.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the Presidency turned down the N3 billion request, which Nigcomsat and the contractors dad demanded, as further payment in lieu of ‘contingency and consultancy fees’ for services rendered over five years.

A top official, who was recently relieved of his post, reportedly facilitated the processing of the papers for the payment and made spirited effort to get the sum released to the two entities but eagled-eyed officials in the Ministry of Police Affairs immediately reported the deal, which they claimed was illegal, to the Presidency and pleaded that it should be ignored.

The Presidency officials were said to have queried why such an amount

should be paid as consultancy fees when the project was being financed by the Chinese Exim Bank under an arrangement with the Nigerian government.

A top Presidency source, who is familiar with the deal, said that the Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, found it rather curious that such a huge amount was requested as consultancy fees without documents to justify payment.

“In other words, the BPP stopped the payment, which we considered as illegal and not in the interest of this country,” the official, who pleaded anonymity, said.

It has also emerged that the multi-million security project has been unable to capture and transmit images because the transmission broadband allocated by the National Communica-

tions Commission, NCC, for the project, was sold to a private firm.

Although the Chinese firm, which handled the $470 million project, claimed to have completed and handed over the scheme to the Ministry of Police Affairs to manage, the inability of the police establishment to secure a transmission platform has hindered its operations.

As at last night, senior government officials were deliberating on how best to resolve the snag over the frequency to be used for the security project, which makes use of radio frequency and CCTV. Two entities- the Nigeria Police and a private telecoms firm, Open Skys- are located on the controversial frequency on 450 Mega Hertz, which the NCC allocated to both.

Kidnap: Kiagbodo community celebrates release of Clark’s son

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HE sleepy Kiag bodo community of Burutu local government area of Delta State recently celebrated the release of Chief Ebikeme Clark, as he stormed his community (Kiagbodo) in a grand style after his release from the hands of suspected kidnappers about a week ago.

The celebration of Chief Ebikeme Clark’s return which threw both the young and old into an open jubilation around the Kiagbodo community was described by the people as a show of love, not only to Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark but to the entire Clark family.

Speaking to newsmen at the king’s palace, His Royal Majesty Bigborogha 11, Pere of Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom, Kiagbodo, said he was overwhelmed with joy and that today is one of his happiest days, saying that his son (Ebikeme) has not done anything that should warrant his being kidnapped.

The traditional ruler said, “This is a son to my high Chief E.K. Clark and when the incident happened l could not sleep, his release was God’s intervention and l tell you that when your hands are clean, nobody can do you anything and that was the case of Chief Ebikeme Clark and we all saw that he was released without a ransom, that tells you how God works.”

Chief Ebikeme Clark while reacting to the mammoth crowd rejoicing with

him on his release, said, “I expected this from my people and l have always loved my people but l never knew they loved me this much until today and this incident has shown it clearly how am loved by my people. I must tell you too that what l have seen today will no doubt encourage me to do more for my people and have challenged me to actively participate in politics so that l can attract development to my people.”

His wife, Mrs. Voke Ebikeme Clark said:, “The whole thing was like a nightmar e when the news came to me that my husband was kidnapped, a sleepless night all through and on the night he was released, at about 15 minutes to midnight, l got a call from the kidnappers and a text that my husband has been released unconditionally and l tell you l could not stand the joy and jubilation that night and l want to thank all who stood with us throughout the trying period.”

The former councilor representing Kiagbodo ward 8, Hon. Joseph Alubeze-Fuludu who expressed explicit confidence on the leader of the Southsouth, Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, commended all the people for their prayers and support over the release of his brother, Chief Ebikeme Clark, hopeful chairman of Burutu local government Area come 2015.

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At Easter, Jonathan vows to stop terror attacks *Govs, others sue for peace

BY OUR REPORTERS

“I

N spite of the evil mach inations of terrorists, criminals and their collaborators, our administration remains ardently focused on efforts to successfully execute the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation and achieve sustained development.”

With these words, President Goodluck Jonathan sued for peace as Christians celebrate Easter today.

Many governors and leaders in the country echoed his sentiment.

“My belief in our ability to overcome all retrogressive and divisive forces in our midst and build a strong, united and prosperous nation by turning our unique diversity into a source of strength remains unshaken and we will continue to work with all interest groups and stakeholders in the country to achieve the peaceful, secure and politically stable conditions essential for rapid socio-economic development,” the President added in his message.

“But we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Much remains to be done and we will continue to count on the patriotic support of all Nigerians as we strive to achieve more inclusive economic growth, generate more national wealth and create more employment opportunities to meet the demands of our increasingly youthful population.”

Jonathan commended the leadership and delegates to the ongoing National Conference, “the vast majority of who have shown a patriotic and praiseworthy commitment to national unity, peace and progress built on justice, fairness and equity for all component parts of the country.”

The President pointed out: “As the Conference breaks into committees to continue its deliberations, it remains our hope and expectation that the end result will be meaningful and enduring contributions towards strengthening national unity and fulfilling our collective desire for a better and greater nation.”

He extended his heartfelt commiserations to all the families who lost loved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.

“Our armed forces and security agencies will continue to do their very best to curb such attacks and restore full security to all parts of our beloved country.”

In his Easter message, the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, called on Nigerians to work together to make the country safe and peaceful.

He prayed that the peace, joy and forgiveness which the season of Easter brings heal the nation.

A former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in his own message, called on Nigerians

to imbibe the spirit of love and sacrifice, and to watch out for the well-being of one another.

Atiku enjoined Christians, and, indeed, all Nigerians, to internalize the spiritual gains and benefits of the season for an improved society.

He noted that the ongoing security challenges in our country are saddening, but they also provide an opportunity for us to come out as one people and one nation, to stand together against any persons or forces, which may seek to divide us.

The former Vice President also urged Nigerians to contribute their quota to national security, by reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, asked Nigerians to resolve their religious differences amicably rather than resort to v i o l e n c e .

He noted the triumph of Jesus Christ over death through His resurrection, adding that people of all faiths should emulate the selfless sacrifice of Christ as well as the peace he preached in spite of the challenges confronting the nation. Kwara State governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, enjoined Christians and other Nigerians to use the Easter season to pray fervently for peace and continued stability in the country. He stressed that it has become imperative that Nigerians should employ the potency of prayers in the quest to tackle the spate of violence, kidnapping and murder that have become rampant in the country. Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State observed that no society can experience real progress without sacrifice. In his Eas-

ter message, Obiano said that the celebration of Easter amplifies the significance of sacrifice to human progress.

EDO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged Nigerians not to despair and lose faith in the nation despite her challenges, saying with prayers, the country will overcome her trials and achieve her greatness.

In his Easter message, Oshiomhole urged Nigerians to seek the face of God and pray for the return of peace to every part of the country.

Kogi State deputy governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, called for continuous prayers for the progress of the State and the country. Awoniyi called on Nigerians to learn the act of sacrifice, which is the cardinal reason of Christ’s death and significance of His resurrection.

Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, advised Nigerians to be security conscious while making merriment.

Senator Ndoma-Egba, in his message, explained that Easter is a good time for Christians to rejoice because Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, redeemed mankind.

Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has declared today as a day of special prayers for the families of the victims of Nyanya bomb blast.

In a press statement in Benin City, by the National President of PFN, Dr. Felix Omobude, it mourned the loss of “our fallen compatriots in Abuja, many of whom were felled in

L-R: Mrs Sola David-Borha, Head, God’s Children Got Talent (GCGT) Reality Competition Coordinators; Mr Mobolaji Alalade, Brand Manager Coca Beverages, Cadbury; and Mrs Adedoyin Odunfa, GCGT Coordinator, at the media conference held to mark the 4th Season Quarter-Final of GCGT initiative of City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Province 4 at the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Chairman, Ondo State Cocoa Revolution Implementation Committee, Dr Jibayo Oyebade and Commissioner for Agriculture, Lasisi Oluboyo, during a working visit to the to the 2,000 Hectares Ondo State Cocoa Plantation at Oda, Akure, yesterday.

their prime”. “We pray for comfort and solace for the grieving families, friends of the departed and the generality of Nigerians. We also wish the survivors who are receiving treatment speedy recovery, while praying for God to restore

O

GUN State Police Command said, yesterday, it had arrested a suspected terror recruitment officer with more than 1,000 passport photographs of young boys.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement.

According to the PPRO, in its bid to fortify security in Ogun State, policemen attached to Sagamu Area Command arrested a Nigerian, one Abdulkarim Sallah from Ketu area of Lagos State, at Ogijo area.

“The suspect was arrested in possession of more than 1,000 passport photographs of young boys,a photo camera and some forms,” Adejobi said.

“The suspect could not explain his mission in Nigeria and even in Ogi-

jo area of Ogun State at the time of his arrest.

“He also claimed to have been staying in Nigeria for the past one year in company of one Alhaji Ismaila Abu of Alade Market, Ikeja, Lagos State, who, the suspect claimed to be from Niger Republic.

“Due to the nature of

BY EPHRAIM OSEJI

group, Network for Good Governance

the case,the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Ikemefuna Okoye, has directed that the Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta should transfer the case to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Ogun State Command for investigation before the command would decide on the next line of action”.

2015:Why we want Jonathan back — Group

A

group backing the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that there is no vacancy in Aso Presidential Villa in 2015. Rising from its Abuja zonal meeting which attracted the zonal and the states coordinators, the group known as “Yes for Ebele Jonathan” (YEJ) outlined the achievements of President Jonathan in agriculture, railway and aviation amongst others, saying

gades called Boko Haram and called on the Federal Government to ensure that all the girls are rescued without delay and without hurt to anyone of them”.

N4GG condemns Abuja bomb blast ...calls for proactive security measures

A Police arrest suspected terror recruitment officer

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

all that they have lost. We encourage all Nigerians to come together to fight this evil”, the PFN added. It condemned what it described as “the persistent abduction of school girls in the North Eastern zone of Nigeria by the social rene-

that what Nigeria needed was consolidation of action. The group also stated that the establishment of Almajiri schools and the 13 federal universities were eloquent testimony to Jonathan’s giant strides.

The Director-General of the group, Hajiya Hajara Isiaku, who chaired the meeting, said that YEJ has offices across the 36 states and the six geopolitical zones of the country to mobilize men, women and youths for the President.

(N4GG), has condemned, in strong terms, the Monday bombing of a bus station in Nyanya, Abuja suburb, which killed scores of people and left over 100 seriously injured.

The group called on security agents to be proactive in fighting crime to prevent the loss of more lives in the country.

While condoling the family of those who lost their loved ones in the bomb blast, N4GG COUNTRY DIRECTOR, CHIEF SUNNY ONUESOKE, in a statement AT ABUJA AIRPORT entitled, “ Time to Stop Endless Killings”, condemned the Monday attack describing the perpetrators as cowards, just as he called on security agents to be proactive in crime fighting to abort more killings.

“It is hard to believe that this is happening to us, no matter the anger or grievances by the perpetrators . This war on defenseless citizens is uncalled for. This is inhuman and unarguably ungodly,” the statement read.

The group also strongly condemned killings and acts of violent extremism in the North,

stressing that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

ONUESOKE however called for an urgent need for security agents to review their methods and strategies for dealing with terrorism.

“When we say security agents should be proactive in fighting this scourge, we mean they should trace the hideouts of the criminals, their planning base and smoke them out before they strike. The perpetrators of the dastardly acts are human beings.

They have a planning base. The security undercover agents should go underground, do proper investigation and abort future attempts to attack,” the group advised.

Journalist dies

B

AYELSA State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was yesterday thrown into morning following the death of the National Mirror Correspondent, Emma Gbemudu.

Though the cause of death could not be ascertained, he was said to have died in his sleep.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE — 9

boldly declare he intends to lead us and then proceed to tell us what he will do to improve on the situation he finds in the land. in mind that Bearing we are less than Why Jonathan must run twelve months from the 2015 presidential elections, in 2015 and with 36 states, 774 Lo-

R

of the APC, it is still obvious to me that the party had not given a convincing indication that it has an alternative candidate capable of taking over from Jonathan. Nobody, but one, has developed the guts to come out and tell Nigerians “I want to run for President.” Yet, power is white hot; none but the brave, except you are LUCKY, dares to reach for the greatest prize in the land.

S

o far, only one candi date, Mr Sam Nda Isaiah, former Chairman of the LEADERSHIP GROUP OF COMPANIES, had boldly thrown his hat into the ring. Meanwhile, his declaration of intention, to send Jonathan packing, had been received by the powerhouses of the APC with studied indifference.

Nobody has even invited him to a meeting to determine what he has to offer.

Instead of a real candidate, who should now be storming the states, the nation has been served with a phantom team of candidates for President and Vice President. Well, in my books, power is not grabbed by rumours in a democracy. Someone must

Do we care?

"There are things that I love - when mankind works together - helps each other learns from each other teaches each other - cries for one another - laughs with one another - builds with one another - heals one another - entertains one another - worships with one another. The unity of mankind.

There is nothing so glorious."

-- Gerard de Marigny been off for two I have weeks on a much needed break. Being able to switch off is a luxury that many ordinary Nigerians could ill afford. Living in Nigeria, means waking up to the same old problems, not really living, just existing and moving from one disaster to the next.

Incessant brutality rears its ugly head time and time again and without respite.

No one gets a break and it is persistent. This brutal assault takes a toll on the body and without mercy. So what happens when the body can no longer take it?

The body simply breaks down or manifests in physical and emotional ill health. Every little stress and distress have a drip, drip effect on body and the mind, be it be bad news, extreme stress, persistent power cuts, hold ups, poverty, unemployment, sick-

ness, poor transportation, inaccessible health care provision, inadequate educational facilities, violence, corruption, insecurity, money worries, family woes and Boko haram gruesomeness.

In the last five days, BH (Boko haram) evil has once more, revisited the North and now it has extended its pernicious tentacles and its brand of brutality to the seat of power. So, the so called mighty people in Nigeria have a taste of BH terror, so the power that be, can no longer fail to ignore the plight of many and will now be forced to face this destructive menace at its door steps. BH is sending the message to deluded, greedy and self-centered strata that they too, can be got at.

It is about time, these covetous, uncharitable law makers and law breakers act to protect and serve not, and just their miserable lives but the safety and security of ordinary Nigerians. For years now, Boko Haram has been waging a ruthless tyranny on the north and its environs without being challenged.

These rebels without a cause are getting more brazen and determined that one armed force spokes-

cal governments to cover, a serious presidential candidate should have been matching Jonathan, step for step, selling his own ideas to people. I am aware that INEC rules preclude campaigning. But, they do not preclude meeting with friends, organising seminars and workshops to discuss and agree on the way forward. As it is now, a good, but, relatively unknown candidate has very little chance. Even the pair, rumoured to be the team of choice by the opposition party, still needs a lot of work to do. Although generally well known, they still have to build a lot of bridges across the nation and mobilise people for support. In fact, their being well-known is at once an asset and a liability. Each of them is admired for certain qualities that command strong support; that is the good news. But, each is also saddled with a lot of excess baggage of negative characteristics; that is the bad news. Between now and next year, if they remain the actual team, a lot of work will need to be done to paper over the cracks tending to split the alliance of forces which now make up the APC.

person said of BH modus operandi as “sophisticated".

The question we should be asking our state representatives and president is: what are our forces doing that the terrorists are more strategically astute than our supposedly trained armed forces? How come the insurgents seem to have more sophisticated stealth, intelligence to create deadly audacious accuracy leaving scores dead and injured in their wake? More than 1,500 people died this year, and an estimated 3,600 between 2010 and 2012. People feel helpless and hopeless. All people do is, make quick readjustments and move on. This is the way Nigerians deal with things, they show disbelief and relief that it is not them and they say: "God help Niger-

,

“You can’t beat something with nothing.”

American Baseball Team Manager; after his team lost seventeen games in a row.”

EGULAR readers of this column will testify that I will not be counted among the President's ardent supporters. I even campaigned against him in 2011. But, we are now in 2014 and too many things have changed since 2011. If anyone had asked me the advice I would give Jonathan a year ago, it would have been, ‘Mr. President, please go home’ Now, I am not so sure that would be a sensible idea or even a patriotic one.

Several reasons account for the change. Incidentally, the political opposition is responsible for the cardinal reason. Let me quickly explain before I am misunderstood.

The All Progressive Congress, APC, which had offered a great deal of hope, when it was still a Work In Progress, is almost a finished product now. While, I would not agree with Olisa Methu’s characterisation

And, they should never, never forget what the late British Prime Minister, Harold MacMillan, 18941970, told us. “Alliances are held together by fear; not by love.” (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, P 5). That being the case, it is in the interest of the leaders to ensure that, with the “enemies at the gate” they do nothing to make those in their camp nervous. At the moment they are making a lot of their supporters jittery. ust because I love to J see a real fair contest, and not an easy walk-over,

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PAGE 10 — SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

Jonathan has no opponent. So, even if the President wants to quit, there is no challenger in sight; not in APC and, most definitely, not in PDP to who he can hand over the baton and retire to Otuoke. So, the man might as well go ahead and run

I will give them unsolicited advice, free consultancy, if you like. I learnt the trick from good old United States of America and from one damn good politician called Sam Rayburn, 18821961. The Texas born politician was perhaps the most powerful Speaker of the House of Representatives the US has ever known; and he trained an even better protégé called Lyndon Johnson, 1908-1973, who rose from ordinary Senator

100,000 populations. Doctors and medics are leaving the shores and an increasing number of Nigerian doctors have left Nigeria and are practising in the US and UK as we speak.

What is it to you, you may ask? A lot, we can ill afford to have a daily diet of disasters as we are ill equipped to deal with the aftermath. It takes years to recover.

We are Nigerians... QED, we are Nigerians and it is about time we act like it, collectively. We should as a matter of urgency task our state representatives to act on our behalf that they take our concerns to the house and do whatever is constitutionally necessary to make our country and borders safe and secure. If they fail to do so then, it is about time that we used our votes

More than 1,500 people died this year, and an estimated 3,600 between 2010 and 2012. People feel helpless and hopeless. All people do is, make quick readjustments and move on

ia", and of course they find a reason from a list of conspiracy theories and then get on with existing, until the next disaster comes along.

I understand. In Nigeria, you cannot afford to be sick, so the usual reaction is essential self-preservation.

Sickness, either physical or emotional is the reserve of the rich and well heeled.

There are only 39,210 doctors in Nigeria that means there a mere 39 doctors per

to Senate Majority Leader to Vice President and was there to become President when President John Kennedy was assassinated in his state – Texas. What was Rayburn’s lesson to leaders? He said, “there are some individuals who it is better to keep on the inside pissing out than on the outside pissing in”. The APC leadership runs the great risk of allowing a lot of people who should be inside pissing out to go out and start pissing in. One of them might have gone to have lunch at Aso Rock recently.

His ominous visit should demonstrate the dangers

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to get them off their gravy train and work for us for a change. The same goes for this government which has failed to act decisively to stem the flow of deaths and disasters. This is outrageous and shameful that our government lay the blame on everyone else but their ineptitude. They are in government to protect and serve the nation.

The Insurgents from the Boko Haram terrorist network are blamed for attacks that have killed more

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faced by the leaders of APC. I don’t expect a cheque for my free consultancy. But, a word is sufficient. onsequently, Jonath C an has no opponent.

So, even if the President wants to quit, there is no challenger in sight; not in APC and, most definitely, not in PDP to who he can hand over the baton and retire to Otuoke. So, the man might as well go ahead and run. The elec-

than 1,500 people this year alone. The extremists are also accused of Monday morning's explosion at a busy bus station in Nigeria's capital that killed at least 75 people and wounded 141. The worrying twists, in the BH depravity saga are the wholesale abduction of young girls and it is believed that they use these young, vulnerable girls as cooks and sex slaves!

President Goodluck's spin doctor supremo, Reuben Abati, has been waxing lyrical once again and pumping up his literary chest. He wrote on behalf of the head honcho that "President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has summoned members of the National Security Council". We think it is about time. So all the president's men, according to the released communique are to meet at the Presidential Villa. The roll reads as follows( and please take note, of their names because they have been either neglectful in their duties or not been allowed to carry out their duties as they should); Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau(rtd), the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Services and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency. Personally, I think that all of these people should be ashamed that they brought the country to its knees and at the mercy of insurgents to carry out their terror at will and with

tion will then become, more or less, a referendum. Political office abhors a vacuum and until the APC provides Nigeria with an alternative, Jonathan remains the sole candidate. Well, as they say in Las Vegas, if it is the only game in town, you might as well play it.

I am aware that some people believe that there was a pact which restricts Jonathan to only one term. I am a believer in the sanctity of agreements myself. But, first we need to have a signed document to prove that. In the alternative, we need several individuals who can swear by the Bible, the Koran, and let’s be fair,

by Sango, that they were there when he made the pledge. Otherwise it remains a rumour. At any rate, we still need an alternative.

LAST WORD ON RELIGION IN POLITICS. 0703-543-9846..D late Ahmadu Bello told d late N Azikiwe: u Zik, re a Xtain nd a southerner, I am Moslem nd a northerner. Let’s understand our differences. So why d hypocrisy by some 9gerians dat der is no religion in politics?

The message carried no name. But, male, female, Xtain, Moslem, northerner or southerner, I thank you for helping me to bring this series to an end. I can now move on to other things.

V i s i t : www.delesobowale.com or Visit: www.facebook.com/biolasobowale very little resistance. It is unacceptable.

What does it mean to every Nigerian when Abati tells us that "the inept National Security Council and the state governors are going to review the nation's security situation, ongoing national security measures and operations to ensure the best way forward?"

Really, at this time we should have had results and not the smarmy, supercilious sound bites. Abati then had the gall to inform us, the minions that the President wishes to reassure all Nigerians that "the Federal Government remains very mindful of its responsibility for the safety of their lives and properties in all parts of Nigeria and will continue to do everything possible to protect them from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity". No, it is too late when the proverbial horse has bolted, for the spin doctors to try and soothe Nigerians to trust this government with their safety, when it has obstinately failed Nigerians.

Apparently, our head of our armed forces have ordered "the military and national security agencies to deploy maximum efforts towards rescuing all of the girls and returning them safely to their parents". No change there then. This is a mark of poor leadership and it is all there for everyone to see.

When disaster strikes, the president fails to take the lead and nothing has changed then and now from the numerous disasters that had befallen Nigeria other than the PR of him and his wife visiting the injured in hospital and the disaster areas.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE — 11

What is the meaning of red alert? When did the red alert start? What colour of alert had the agencies been placed before the incident?

If the word ‘alert' means vigilance, preparedness and attention, why was it only being done last Mon-

day? Could it be that the previous state of alert was relaxed only to be reinvigorated as a result of Nyanya? If so, it would be useful to know the colour and type of the alert adopted after the bomb blasts of 2010 at the Eagles square on Independence Day and the Mogadishu Military Barracks a few months later.

Could it have been different from the one adopted in 2011 when the United Nations (UN) Building and the Police Headquarters both in Abuja were bombed or is the red alert story a poem?

Again, body language/action without saying anything is also a form of effective communication.

Consequently, the exceedingly long queues on the Nyanya road since last week occasioned by army check points, tells us that the agencies mean business on that road only after the tragedy!

Well, our security agencies have obviously been stretched since the increasing wave of insecurity became our portion in Nigeria. Many victims of the several bombings are security personnel just as some persons who have died in the blasts may have been their relations. While we salute them for also paying the supreme sacrifice along with other citizens, it is not in their interest to make statements or tell stories that rubbish their sufferings. They cannot continue for instance to insinuate that they are on top of an

unending situation of insecurity and hope to attract public confidence and empathy. If Nigerians are cynical about the security agencies, the latter must thus find time to introspect and put a halt to their communication model that resembles the famous ‘tales by moonlight'. Oh yes, only very few people understand the story of the handcuffed detainee that sparked off a bloody battle the other day at the state security premises just as only posterity can unravel the truth between the version of the Human Rights Commission about the Apo killings and what we heard before If our security agencies need to refurbish their communication skills, our political class is a worse offender among those that care less about the sensibilities of people. They politicise everything including tragedies. It was quite annoying during the week to hear the All Peoples Congress (APC) playing politics with the death of another set of Nigerians from bomb blasts. According to the media the APC Governors attributed the tragedy to what it described as the Federal Government having run out of ideas on how to checkmate terrorists and other criminals. What this suggests is that until the APC takes over government after next year's elections it would not use its brilliant ideas to save fellow Nigerians now, yet some of the states where the

current guerilla war is taking place are run by the APC. On its part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sent in a rather childish response that APC was responsible for our current insecurity forgetting that it has told the nation several times about knowing those behind our predicament. If so, why is the PDP unable to bring them to justice?

Instead of doing that, the party crafted a poetic statement in which it claimed to have been weeping along with the people. It is thus necessary to remind the PDP that we didn't vote for her to weep; we ‘voted' for her to ensure what the constitution describes as the primary purpose of government- the welfare and security of the people. It was thus apt that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwaheed Omar reminded the Federal Government during the week to implement the "profound recommendations" of the two committees set up on Boko Haram.

As for the need to weep, many Nigerians including the female delegates at the on-going national dialogue and other women have done well. It is not necessary for the ruling party to join the mourners; rather it should strive to end the spate of insecurity. That would be a better option than what this column once described as "governance by condolence"

cuddle religion. Habitually, they attribute negative experiences and misfortune to the Devil, whereas when things turn out as desired or surpass expectation, the average Nigerian will exclaim "Thank God." The question is, if God or Devil is responsible for whatever happens to humans, what is the level of our responsibility as rational and moral creatures? Again, assuming that a supernatural being answers prayers, to what extent should we supplement that with our own efforts? Supposing that our human efforts, though imperfect and sometimes ineffective, nevertheless enable us to achieve our realistic and reasonable desires, what is the point in praying to God or Allah?

The problem is that most

"holy water" or "anointing oil" or the gibberish uttered by pastors pretending to be speaking in tongues can cure diseases, that a special white handkerchief from a "man of God" secures for the believer anything he or she desperately desires? What about the unemployed and very low-income earners who "sow seeds" every Sunday in churches whose pastors move around in private jets?

Psychological placebos are now packaged and sold regularly in churches as "miracles," and Nigerians are really buying! But why, despite continuous increase in the number of people with mental and physical disabilities all around, our churches and mosques are filled to capacity with people earnestly expecting

Muslims who promote and actively participate in religious programmes on campuses. To most people, domination of the mind-set of university management by devout religionists is good. For me, it is deplorable, given the high probability of religious bias, which engenders inappropriate decisions and choices. A Vice-Chancellor dominated by religious consciousness would waste time, energy, and money on religious activities hoping for divine intervention, scarce resources that could have been channelled into more productive activities to boost teaching and learning.

Religion befogs issues by shifting attention from scientific problem-solving approach to naive expectation that God or Allah will come to our aid when our efforts fail. Those who think this way hardly realise that, ultimately, human problems are solved by human beings through creative deployment of their productive powers. Dogmatic reliance on God inhibits our creative potentials, misdirects our focus, and substitutes wishful dogmatic thinking for strategic critical thinking.

It is disappointing that highly educated people, some of them Professors in the sciences and engineering, with better knowledge of the laws of nature than ordinary Nigerians, cling tenaciously to pronouncements in antiquated literature uttered by ignorant ancient pastoral peoples.

Karl Popper's emphasis on criticism as the foundation of rationality must be accepted by anyone who chooses to live rationally and wants others to so live as well. The best way to reduce human proclivity to

substitute illusion for reality, ignorance for knowledge, and falsehood for truth is through critical thinking, that is, the commitment to subject our beliefs and actions to ratiocinative scrutiny constantly.

From the foregoing, it can be deduced that uncritical or dogmatic acceptance of religion is the major provenance for the overarching anti-intellectual attitude of Nigerians. Other sources include intellectual laziness and faulty education curricular, which emphasises passing of examinations and certificates rather than training in the acquisition of critical thinking skills and development of the spirit of scientific inquiry. In that regard, the best way to combat anti-intellectualism is by exposing the dangers of rampant and dogmatic acceptance of religious superstition and ensuring that primary and secondary school curricula are designed to promote the attitude of free critical inquiry or scientific reasonableness in children.

Exposure to philosophy lowers dogmatism. Therefore, philosophy teachers across Nigerian universities should develop appropriate philosophy courses for primary and secondary schools, as is the case in several countries. Certainly, it is much easier to live with an anti-intellectual mindset than to struggle with the demands of scientific reasonableness. That is why most Nigerians, and indeed people all over the world, eagerly embrace irrationalism in all its ramifications.

Still, a life dominated by the scientific attitude is preferable, because as Bertrand Russell correctly remarked, the good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge. CONCLUDED.

How NOT to speak during national tragedy ble of being understood by those who receive it.

It is only then that communication can be said to be effective, more so in matters concerning public communication. This is because whenever a public body in a society is mandated to undertake an assignment, it is usually being done on behalf of the people. It is therefore necessary for people to be appropri-

If our security agencies need to refurbish their communication skills, our political class is a worse offender among those that care less about the sensibilities of people. They politicise everything including tragedies

ately briefed on the activities of all public organizations. But the latter cannot talk to people as if it does not matter whether what they say is rational or not.

It is more frustrating if communication offends the sensibilities of people dur-

PhD, Department of Philosophy,

08116759758

The anti-intellectual character of Nigerians (3)

I

strongly believe that when the President, governors and other top public office holders regularly solicit for prayers and attend extracurricular religious programmes, superstitious emotionalism is being substituted for strategic thinking as the best approach to the challenges of leadership. In other words, the penchant of our leaders to seek divine intervention in critical matters that require calm, rigorous, scientific examination of relevant data and taking decisions in the interest of Nigerians is dangerous. It leads to intellectual confusion and unrealistic expectation that "God will see us through." To cite just one example, for all his pretensions of being a born-again Christian, former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not manage our national resources prudently for genuine economic transformation. The modest achievements in fighting corruption are insignificant compared to his shambolic policy implementation strategies and the elephantine amount of money squandered during the same period.

Now, President Goodluck Jonathan is repeating the same mistakes by Chief Obasanjo. He is chasing a mirage, indulging in the same futile appeal to Nigerians for prayers and more prayers, convinced that prayers will help solve our hydra-headed problems.

ing emergencies. Last week's bomb blast at the Nyanya bus station in Abuja which killed dozens of Nigerians is a good case study. As soon the incident occurred, several statements were credited to the Police. The most interesting was the one which said that Security agencies have been placed on red alert throughout the Federal Capital Territory.

He also hobnobs with wellknown Christian clerics and very eager to demonstrate his Christian piety.

But the picture of him kneeling down before Pastor Enoch Adeboye soliciting for divine help is odd; it creates the erroneous impression that the Presidency is subordinate to religion, which is contrary to the secularity of our Constitution. Inspite of such ringing religiosity, his performance thus as President is mediocre.

The showy religiosity of top public officers in the country has not impacted positively in the discharge of their duties. Or else how can one explain frequent reports of financial rascality and obscene ostentatious lifestyles by top officials of government at all levels? Nigerians should wake up from their intellectual and dogmatic slumbers to the reality that religion is a smokescreen used by members of the ruling elite to deceive, and oftentimes divide, them.

But what is the probability that our people would put on their thinking caps and face reality, when they are more catholic than the Pope, more Muslim than the Chief Imam of Saudi Arabia? That Nigerians are the most religious people in the world is beyond dispute, which also indicates that they are averse to critical thinking and healthy scepticism. Ordinary Nigerians eat, drink, sleep and

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H

OW to communi cate is not as easy as many imagine.

Those who tend to believe that communication is just the transmission of messages from one source to another need to know that it is not that simple because no sane person is likely to transmit messages to other people for the sake of doing so. Rather, people would be more inclined to transmit messages so as to share ideas and information. In other words, when a message is transmitted from one person to another, it must be for a purpose.

It does not appear rational therefore to describe as communication, the mere transmission of messages among sources without evidence that the receiver understands the message of the sender. To do so, would create an impression that the purpose of the communication is irrelevant. Ample care must thus be taken to ensure that information which is sent from one source to another is capa-

Religion befogs issues by shifting attention from scientific problemsolving approach to naive expectation that God or Allah will come to our aid when our efforts fail

Nigerians, irrespective of educational background and socio-economic status, go into intellectual hibernation because of religion.

They naively believe, wrongly, that no one can question God, simply because religion is a matter of faith, not of reason. Nothing can be more anti-intellectualistic than that.

Contemplating the level of religious gullibility and stupidity in Nigeria is a disquieting experience, given the absurdity of beliefs and behaviour allowed on religious basis. Is it not the apogee of silliness to think that

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their own miracles? Perhaps, Nigerians are so intellectually opaque that they cannot see that being a general overseer or imam is the fastest means of becoming a multi-millionaire and the most effective strategy for having sex with some of the prettiest women around.

In our universities, antiintellectual outlook is spreading, and the chief culprit is religion. Several principal officers in these institutions, including Vice-Chancellors, are members of the clergy, committed Christians and

PAGE 12—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014

Police stop pro-Jonathan rally in Bayelsa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA,Yenagoa

T

HE police in Bayel sa State, yesterday, stopped members of a pro-Jonathan group from holding a rally over alleged infiltration of the group by miscreants.

Bayelsa is President Goodluck Jonathan’s home state.

The group, New Dawn Initiative Development, it was learnt, is made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state loyal to an aide of the President.

A source told Sunday Vanguard, “The rally by the New Dawn group was to kick start series of programme and activities targeted at the grassroots so that the message would gain attention ahead of the 2015 election as well as provide a message loud enough to reverberate in Aso Villa to the hearing of our

President that his people earnestly yearns for him to continue the good work he has started through the vehicle of this well thought out transformation agenda.”

The event, billed for Opolo Secondary School field in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital was put on hold by the police based on alleged intelligence report of the plan by a group to cause mayhem at the venue.

But the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, in a statement, said the police decision to stop the rally was based on intelligence report that a group had planned to attack and disrupt the rally.

The statement reads, “This is to inform the general public that Bayelsa State Police Command has directed the members of the group known as New Dawn Ini-

Awaiting trial inmates overwhelm Kirikiri

BY EMEKA MAMAH

A

BOUT 94 percent of inmates of the Kirikiri Medium Security Prisons, Lagos are awaiting trial for various offences.

The prison, designed to accommodate 1,700 inmates, now has a total of 2,484 people out of which only 140 or 5.63 percent are convicts.

A visit to the prisons

by Sunday Vanguard alongside some church members showed that the inmates were in need of mats as there were no beds or bed spaces to accommodate

them.

During the visit, most of the inmates were praying at the Freedom Church, outside their cells.

Many of them, said to have spent several years for allegedly committing minor offences, asked God to make the way for them to regain their freedom.

Prison officials did not allow the visitors to go near the inmates.

They, however, said that the inmates needed mats or used clothes, saying such items were their greatest needs.

Group defends Jonathan, Diezani

BY CHINWEOKE AKOMA

A

group, PDP Youths Volunteers, has advised critics of the Jonathan administration to focus on steps taken so far by the President to move the country forward rather than burning energy on mundane issues to score cheap political point.

A statement jointly signed the group’s national coordinator, Prince Roxy Osobase, and Udono Clement, national media officer, stated that the progress of any nation lies not in a section whose major stock in trade is to see the wrong side of every government official.

It also stated that good works cannot be erased no matter the level of propaganda generated by individuals who are equally using their antics to derail transformation agenda of the president.

“This brings the question home. Is it Diezani Alison Madueke or Goodluck Jonathan? What are we looking for? Performing ministers or those who just sit and be mentioned as ministers because of their connection in the political arena? The main issue to discuss is, has the government performed, what are the indices, what are solutions to move the country forward?”.

tiative Development to reschedule their rally billed to take place at Opolo Secondary School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State today. ”This was premised on the intelligence to the command that a splinter group had perfected plans to attack and disrupt the rally which could lead to breach of peace, coupled with the fact that the police did observe the actual gathering of the mob at the venue.”

•From left: Head of Legal, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Umaru Kawu; Head of Ogun State Standard Organisation of Nigeria(SON), Engr. Onucheyo Enebi; Director General, SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu; and Managing Director, AARTI Steel Group, Sohan Baghla, during the facility tour of the Director General of the SON to AARTI Steel company in Ogun State.

1997 coup pardon: Diya, Adisa’s family disagree over entitlements

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

S

OME of the officers and families of those convicted in the 1997 alleged coup have reacted to the claim by the former Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya, that his pardon by government had been formalised with the payment of his entitlements. They said if Diya said so, “it means only him has been truly pardoned and benefited.”

Diya was the lead figure in the coup, purportedly staged to oust his boss, General Sani Abacha.

On March 12, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan announced state pardon for three out of six officers involved in the alleged coup: Diya, General Abdulkarim Adisa and Major Fadipe.

The other three, General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Col. Jando and Lt. Col. Akiyode, were left out. But out of the three that were announced to have been pardoned from the group, only Diya has come out to confirm it and the payment of his entitlements.

A member of the family of one those reportedly pardoned, who spoke from Abuja in reaction to the revelation by Diya, e x p r e s s e d

disappointment. “Even at that, it baffles me to note that General Diya has only minded his own here and not concerned about others that he led into troubles,” he said.

When asked, based on the Diya’s interview to confirm whether or not she had received her husband’s entitlements, wife of the late Adisa, Modupeola, said the family was baffled when they read Diya’s interview, saying they had got nothing.

“I read all the papers where General Diya confirmed that he had truly been pardoned and paid all his entitlements.

And then I sat down to say, what is happening?

They know how many

people were involved.

How come Diya alone is the one they have truly pardoned and paid his entitlements? What about others?

“I have visited Lagos ten times to see General Diya but it was either they said he traveled to London or somewhere else. I have sent so many people to him; no one has seen him to speak with him about the matter. I went to the Chief of Army Staff, the immediate past one and he said it was the gazette they were waiting for before they could pay. Does it mean that they have now seen the gazette and then paid General Diya? I know they will eventually pay us because these things

are ours, but the earlier the better,” Adisa’s wife said.

When asked whether he had been paid, General Olanrewaju, a former Minister of Communications, said he saw and knew nothing about pardon and receipt of entitlements. His position, it was learnt, came from the standpoint of the fact that his name was not one of the three names consistently announced by the President’s aides as pardoned.

Olanrewaju, however, seized the opportunity to appeal to Mr. President to ensure that the other three, including himself, who were not pardoned should be pardoned and paid.

Bomb scare in Yenagoa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA,Yenagoa

R

ESIDENTS of PDP Road in the YenizueGene suburb of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, were, yesterday, thrown into panic following a bomb scare.

The incident occurred at about 1.30pm, close to an estate housing air force personnel when a man reportedly dropped two

bags suspected to be laden with explosives.

Though the identity of the suspect could not be ascertained, his movement was said to have arouse the suspicion of some vigilant residents and air force personnel who accosted him.

The unidentified man, when questioned, abandoned the two bags and took to his heels.

This led to panic along the road as people fled the

area while motorists were barred from using the road until men of the police anti-bomb squad were called in to ascertain the content.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, said he dispatched the anti-bomb squad of his command to investigate the bags.

He said the operatives opened the bags and discovered they contained electric wire.

Edo 2015: Ihonbvere’s, senator’s supporters clash

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

S

UPPORTERS of the s e n a t o r representing Edo North in the Senate, Senator Domingo Obende, and those of the Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Prof.Julius Ihonvbere, are engaged in war of words ahead of the 2015 National Assembly elections in the state.

Ihonvbere, from Owan axis, is seeking the senatorial ticket of the All Progressives

Congress (APC) in Edo North, a move that has pitched him against his bosom friend, Obende, who is the incumbent senator in the area.

Trouble started during the ward and local government congresses in the state as supporters of Obande, seeking re-election, accused Ihonvbere of using government machinery to cause crisis in the APC in Edo North.

But a statement from the Ihonvbere Foundation countered the allegation, accusing

the senator of using his supporters to disrupt the congresses in Owan West and Akoko Edo Local Government Councils of the state.

“Prof is a thorough politician and knows when to separate issues of governance from his personal ambition.

Government will not approve fraudulent duty tour allowances (DTAs) for anybody. If the senator and his group have evidence of his opportunistic, infantile, m i s c h i e v o u s , provocative, distractive

and desperate allegation, he should produce it,” the statement said.

“These are signs of a confused campaign with little grounding anywhere in Afenmailand resorting to smear campaign. After insulting Etsako people, the next is Ihonvbere. We wonder who the next target for denigration would be. People who do not understand how government works should not depend on rumours or invented politics of bitterness”.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE — 13

PAGE 14— SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

Booming business on Abuja

bridges n Abuja, pedestrian bridges and shoulders of the highways have become markets. There is hardly any type of wares that you cannot find on display on the bridges and shoulders of expressway ranging from jeans to tops, shoes, kitchen and phone accessories, beddings, pepper, punky leaves, etc.

More astounding is the claim that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is clean and safe at all times, is the same agency allegedly awarding spaces to the traders on pedestrian bridges to the extent of numbering the spaces for traders to avoid them encroaching on one another’s allocated spaces.

Sunday Vanguard, on investigative trip to Galadima pedestrian bridge, pretending to be in need of space on the bridge, was boldly told that all the spaces had been awarded and numbered accordingly, and therefore no vacant space.

A trader, who identified himself as Musa, said there was no more space on the bridge except at the foot of the staircase near the shoulder of the expressway.

And very conspicuously was the numbering from the first to the last trader on the bridge extending to the staircase.

Musa said, “Madam, there is no more space on the bridge except they will give you space down (pointing to under the staircase)”.

When prompted further on who he referred to as ‘they’, he innocently said environmental board, AEPB. “The spaces have been allocated long ago. I have been trading on this bridge for two years now”, he stated.

According to him, traders contribute between N200 and N500 each to appreciate AEPB for the kind gesture of allowing them to make a living on the

bridge. Little wonder the FCT administration has been fighting like a toothless bulldog to regain the lost glory of Abuja master plan.

The bridge traders are divided into two - Hausa traders on one side and non-Hausa who Musa described as the ‘Igbo’ on the other side.

Of course, one reason business is booming on the bridges and shoulders is that the sellers are getting the needed patronage from passers-by who may not have the time to go to conventional markets or even the patience to go to shopping malls after the close of work each day of the week.

The bridges are constructed as safety facilities to help pedestrians cross from one side of the road to the other without having to dash across at the risk of being knocked down by speeding vehicles while shoulders of the highways are meant to provide space for evasive manoeuvres to motorists by accommodating driver’s error; to provide increased sight distance for vehicles in order for any crossing pedestrian to be more visible to motorists in addition to easing traffic and also serving as a walkway for passers-by. That is not the case in the FCT as traders display their products on the bridges and shoulders of the roads with impunity, leaving only narrow spaces for pedestrians to use.

There are many laws made by FCT administration which have not been enforced, despite the hue and cry about the mission and vision of AEPB to take care of the environment, manage it and make the city beautiful and clean. One of the laws is the use of the pedestrian bridges at strategic locations across the FCT, particularly designed to reduce casualties on Abuja highways.

Besides the money sunk into

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By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

and tempting for drivers to drive at break-neck speed whereas corresponding bridges for pedestrians still did endure pedestrians to climb the bridges meant for safety of lives. About 60 percent of passersby prefer to cross the express road which ultimately paved the way for traders to convert them into markets, thereby causing traffic jam on the route for the number of passersby that are conscious of the need to continue to exist.

For instance, the 13kilometre Kubwa Expressway, which stretches up to the Kaduna-MadallaZuba Expressway, has five pedestrian bridges but the ones in Galadima and Gwarinpa are most notorious for trading.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that getting a shop for ‘business’ has become difficult due to high demand from landlords as a shop in satellite towns range from N150,000 to N300,000.

And residents of the densely populated satellite towns like Kubwa, Mararaba and Nyanya, still grappling with house rent, are left with no choice than to exert pressure on the major highways, a factor that is also causing high traffic on top of the bridges and shoulders of the roads.

Some pedestrians cited the

A trader, who identified himself as Musa, said there was no more space on the bridge except at the foot of the staircase near the shoulder of the expressway

constructing the bridges, the authorities went further to erect iron median barricades to force pedestrians to make use of the bridges.

But a survey of some of the bridges in the city centre, however, showed that while some are still under construction, those already completed are either taken over by traders or are deserted by pedestrians.

Worse still, some of the median barricades have been removed by pedestrians to ensure easy passage across the road.

Abuja, no doubt, is famous for its network of good roads, many of which are dangerously wide and smooth up to between four and six lanes that make it irresistible

distances of the bridges to the designated bus stops as their reason for not using the bridges; others said they find it scary using the bridges due to the presence of miscreants on some of the bridges.

Some people also complained of the heavy human traffic situation, on some of the bridges as a result of the presence of traders who had virtually converted the bridges into a place for their business transactions.

A resident, who was obviously going home from work, told Sunday Vanguard that the time and the stress involved in trekking from the bus stop to the bridge is such that one would always prefer crossing the road to using the bridge.

As reasonable as some of these excuses might sound, it cannot be a justification for the noncompliance with the use of the bridges, especially when compared with the dangers associated with crossing the ever busy highways A petty trader, Mr. Ifeanyi Chibuzor, is of the opinion that selling on top of the pedestrian bridges is a result of his personal economic situation and his inability to afford a shop. He said even a kiosk space in Abuja costs between N20,000 to N30,000 yearly.

He says, “After exhausting all my money on the upkeep of my children, I come here for business and I thank God that the market is moving gradually.”

By evening, petty traders swarm around most of the pedestrian bridges and shoulders of the highways hanging their wares on the railings to display the goods and calling out for customers.

Pius Chimezie is a petty trader on one of Lugbe bridges who deals in shoes. He said getting a space in the conventional markets around Abuja is far above what his pocket can pull out hence he had to take advantage of the bridge.

“You know we are petty traders and we don’t have much money to rent a shop, so we take this vantage position on the bridge here to sell our goods, We don’t pray to be on this bridge for long.

If our personal economic condition improves, we will gladly rent shops of our own and save ourselves the trouble of being driven most of the time”.

In a reaction to the traders claim, AEPB Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Okairo, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on phone, said it could not be true that the agency allocated the spaces to the traders on the bridge. ”We do not allocate spaces for business. Our mandate is to manage the environment and ensure that the environment is conducive for the safety of everybody in the FCT”, he said.

Though, he admitted that the agency’s hands are tight over taking total control of the pedestrian bridges as some of them are still under construction and have not been officially handed over to FCTA. In spite of the fact that he repeatedly denied the allegation of allocation of spaces to traders, he said the agency will not hesitate to deal decisively with any of its member of staff that may be indicted in the shame.

SUND AY SUNDA

We are redefining politics in Katsina – Bakori, PDP Chairman

BY ADEOLA ADENUGA Until his appointment in 2010 as the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Katsina State, Alhaji Bakori was Permanent Secretary, Government House, Katsina. He speaks on how his party is redefining politics in the state.

With the emergence of APC (a coalition of several parties) in the state and the party parading eminent people like Major General Muhammadu Buhari, many people believe that winning the governorship election in 2015 would be very difficult for the PDP? PDP has been and still everywhere in the state, just like there is nowhere in this country that you will not find PDP. PDP is a national party; other parties, including APC, are regional parties. In Katsina, for instance, you can talk of only PDP and CPC. If you go to Yobe and Borno, you talk of only ANPP. If you go to

Lagos, you are talking about ACN. Everywhere there is APC, the dominant party there would be the party the people knew before the emergence of APC. So for us here it is CPC. But what gladdens the mind in all of this is that if you assess these members of the opposition party individually, you will see that they cannot match that of the PDP, because it is the PDP that is doing what the people want; we are the one providing the infrastructure everywhere. It is easy to know the dominant party in Katsina. Go to the streets and ask people about the dominant party in the state and the benefits they have derived since the Shema administration came in. Make your findings. It is not because I am here; the fact is that you cannot change the truth. It is constant. The development this state has witnessed in the last seven years is unprecedented. I am yet to find it.

The kind of transparency in government of Katsina State is hardly anywhere else. Tell me which state government would be open and transparent such that the proceeds of its investment would be used to build the seat of government, that is, the Government House and the Governors Lodge in Abuja. The cost of these two projects is more than N6b, and this is just profits from investment. The investment is still there. If it were some people, that profit would not be declared.

The state has not borrowed a single kobo since 2007, yet salaries are paid as and when due and other commitments of government met.

You don’t find such leadership often. This explains why the party is waxing stronger by the day.

Internal democracy challenge is one of the reasons some of your members at the state and national levels are leaving the party? What are you doing about it?

That is relative. It depends on how you look at it. Where they are going, is it better? If it is better, why are some of their members joining us, the PDP? So that suggestion is debatable. Though there is nobody that would be happy that its members are leaving the party, any right thinking leader would do everything possible to have more members than losing them.

However, some of the reasons they are giving are circumstantial. You

know you must give a reason why you are leaving the party. Some of the reasons are mere cover-up.

Some of these defectors have held positions in the party at the national level, important positions for that matter. The question you should be asking is why are they decamping? Majority of them have their personal interests which they think is bigger than those of the party. So the only thing left for them is to leave but they must have something to tie to their leaving. If you are a true party man, if you have something against your party, I think the best thing is to make that thing known to the party and try to iron it out rather than cross defecting. I don’t think that is the best approach because the implication of that action is that if your new party does not meet your aspiration, you are likely to leave

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How has it been since you were elected as Katsina State ruling party Chairman?

I became the party chairman precisely in April 2010; so it is getting to four years since I have been here. We thank God, but running the party has by no means been an enormous task, it has simply been challenging. For one to say everything has been good and fine will amount to deceiving oneself, but then, on the aggregate, I want to state that the PDP has been solidly rooted in the state since my assumption of office. The party has through the leadership of the governor brought succour to the people of the state through various programmes and policies geared towards alleviating poverty. So in Katsina State I used to say that it is the people that are talking and not the government like we have everywhere.

Essentially, the concept of practical politics has been introduced by the party leadership to make sure that the ordinary person in Katsina State embraces no other party but the PDP. In the 2011 election, the party lost some seats in the House of Reps and the Senate. It is like that is a signpost that the PDP is gradually losing grip in the state.

Is that perspective correct?

That is what some people would say but in politics you cannot assume that you must win in all cases. Nevertheless, internal challenges caused the party to lose some seats in the National Assembly elections in 2011. And what we did apparently and quickly too was to go back to drawing board to critically look at what went wrong? In politics, you have to make amends (adjustments) here and there. This explains why despite the large votes they got in the National Assembly elections, when the governorship election came, we won by landslide. And you will agree with me that the governorship election is the most important of all the elections in the state. It tells how popular the party is in the state.

Even then, the so-called opposition party in the state is neither here nor there. Even among the members of the opposition party in the National Assembly, there is crisis. And many of the people in the opposition returned to the PDP during and after the 2011 elections.

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PPA AGE 15

Politics is not about war. It is about service. That is the message the governor has been preaching, that we should use politics to serve the general interest of the people

that one too. You are not different from a commercial sex worker. You are a political prostitute.

What are you doing now to see that the defectors are brought back to the party?

Fortunately, there is no defector from our state. If you say at the national level, there may be, but we don’t have such scenario here in Katsina State. The only one that is prominent in the state that decamped was a former deputy governor of the state. Before then, what was he? This party is cohesive in the state. The party is fully on ground here. To me, whether you are in opposition or not, if

somebody does something good, let us commend him. Politics is not about war. It is about service. That is the message the governor has been preaching, that we should use politics to serve the general interest of the people. You can criticize.

Criticisms should be for the improvement of certain things, not because you are in the opposition; just because you want to be heard or known. Criticize constructively.

In Katsina, majority of the politicians that criticize do it for criticism sake and are what I call absenteeism politicians. Most of them are in Abuja. They are never at home. They are not on ground, they don’t know what is going on here in the state; they don’t interact with the people. All they do is just talk just because they want to be heard.

Do you think this administration has done enough to warrant PDP returning to Government House again?

This is very important. We need to do some comparative analysis for us to have a clear picture of the situation on ground. The governor has been very lucky because he was part of the purposeful government of the late Musa Yar’Adua when he was governor of the state.

Initially when he became governor in 2007, some were sceptical if he would be able to meet up with the standard of his predecessor, but we were all surprised by the amount of work he has done and still doing now. First, there was serious departure from the convention of doing things. What he did was to continue from where his predecessor stopped. He didn’t initiate any project until he finished all the uncompleted projects of his predecessor. He spent two years completing the projects; from health to education to infrastructure. That action is not common. Most new governors would rather do their own thing than concentrating on old projects.

And when he started initiating his own projects, nobody was in doubt that this is a man that is here to serve. He has dramatically changed the face of Katsina State.

We are lucky to have a leader with a vision and mission. There is free education for everybody irrespective of party affiliation, religion or tribe. If you are Yoruba or Ibo, so far you reside here,

education is free. The free education includes studying abroad for any course of your choice. The state scored another first recently when the governor built skills acquisition centres across the three senatorial zones.

It is mainly to teach our youths how to be resourceful especially those that are not in school. And these centres have become models for other states in the country.

Graduates from these centres are self-reliant to the extent that some of them are employers of labour now. Most of the poles of the streets lights you see in Katsina State are products of these centres. There is no single labour strike in Katsina since 2007. This is because we have a passionate and concerned leader. In this state, every worker collects his or her salary by the 23rd of the month. All the projects executed and still being executed by this administration are funded locally. This government has not borrowed a kobo either in Nigeria or abroad. The roads we have constructed today are more than 2,000 kilometres. We are building one of the best orthopaedic hospitals in the country. It is a 250bed hospital. There are so many projects executed by this administration that you begin to wonder how the governor is able to do all that without borrowing a kobo.

Every month, 200 youths are supported while 100 women from each of the local government areas of the state are empowered. The destitute are also captured under this programme. Katsina is largely an agrarian state as we don’t rely on petrol dollars. There is a major irrigation scheme in Jibia. 100 hectares were being cultivated before this administration came in. Now over 3,500 hectares of land are being cultivated there annually. That is for Jibia alone.

The scheme is scattered all over the state. If you are talking of politics of development, politics that emphasises selfless service, you don’t have a better person than Shema. Fortunately, the ordinary person on the street of the state appreciates what this man is doing.

With what this administration has done, I am confident that the party would retain power in 2015. We define politics now from the angle of service to humanity. This is practical politics. It is there for everyone to see.

Do you think the national chairman can go far in his reconciliation effort before the next elections?

The chairman started on a very good note. Whichever way you want to look at it, he is reaching out to everybody. He is all out to ensure reconciliation. He alone cannot get it done. We must all support him to make the effort a success.

Just like I am here as the chair of the state chapter, I cannot do it alone; it is my ability to carry everybody along that would eventually make the difference.

The chairmen of the various chapters of the party are his foot soldiers, the national working committee members are his colleagues; everybody must support him to make his effort impactful on every one of us. I have absolute confidence in him that he will change this party for the better. You just watch and see what becomes of the party in months to come.

PAGE 16— SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

interview and walked away. Minutes after wiping the ‘ water ’ on his face, however, he was able to summon the courage to continue the interview.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

Tears for Nyanya In the Senate, Smart Adeyemi is one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators. He is always at the fore front of the move to thwart any plot by the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, against the ruling PDP. In terms of solid argument or debate, he is one of the senators to reckon with. But despite what people would describe as the ‘gra-gra’ nature of the Kogi State born senator, he betrayed emotion last Thursday when he, alongside Senators Philip Adudu and Emmanuel Bwacha, visited victims of the Nyanya bomb blast that claimed dozens.

The first time the former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, melted like ice block was immediately he came out of the Intensive Care Unit of the Asokoro General Hospital where some victims of the blast were being treated; he could not control his emotion; his white handkerchief was able to dry his eyes but could not wipe away the red eyes.

As if that was not enough, at the scene of the bomb blast at Nyanya bus terminus, after inspecting the place and it was time to brief the press on his impression, the FCT Committee Senate Chairman went dumb. He abandoned the

Race for life It was like, ‘To your tents oh Isreal on Tuesday’, as pandemonium broke out at the National Assembly following a bomb scare that forced some senators, members of the House of Representatives, National Assembly management staff as well as the staff of commercial banks operating within the premises to close offices and rush out of the complex..

It was a race for life as lawmakers that had gone to office to tidy up some files despite the fact that they were on Easter break jumped out of their offices when the rumour that Boko Haram insurgents had planted bombs at the National Assembly.

The development, which nearly led to a stampede, started around 2:00pm when the management of the National Assembly, led by the Clark of the National Assembly, Departmental Heads and Security Heads, finished an emergency meeting.

Immediately the meeting was over, some legislative aides and civil servants were seen discussing in groups following an alleged strange movement of some group of people whose mission to the National Assembly was said to be suspicious. Even a principal officer of the Senate, who went to office to sort out some issues, hurriedly left the office immediately the rumour of bomb scare filtered in. He even asked our corre-

spondent, “Are you still here, you are not aware of the bomb scare?” It was gathered that some strange elements had arrived the National Assembly complex around 11.30 am and demanded to see people that could take them round for sight seeing but they were said to have been directed to the Sergeant-at-Arms for proper guidance.

It was further learnt the immediate response of the security operatives whose attention was drawn to the suspicious strange movement heightened the tension by creating fears in the minds of the workers.

Security agents, comprising the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, were immediately drafted to the major entrances to the sprawling complex frisking visitors and workers.

At that point, senior officers in the offices directed their junior officers to lock up their offices and close for the day to avert any possible danger. The development heightened security at the National Assembly entrance gate where the police officers increased surveillance with the bomb detonation squad moving round the complex.

Some of the workers told Sunday Vanguard that their superior bosses directed them to close and go home.

Reacting to the development, the Acting Sergeant-at -Arms of the National Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Ndako, told journalists that there was nothing like bomb scare in the complex and attributed the workers’ panic to mere rumour.

According to him, “There is nothing like bomb scare. It is just a rumour. Those banks chose to close because we have assured them that there is nothing like that.”

How Kogi Speaker’s wife handed over two sons to kidnappers

By BOLUWAJI OBAHAPO, Lokoja

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wo sons of Kogi State Speak er, Momoh Lawal Jimoh, were kidnapped last week.

While many people are holding to the claim that the case is basically kidnapping, some are of the opinion that it is political.

Gunmen, on Tuesday, invaded the house of the Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Momoh Lawal Jimoh, at Okengwe, in Okene Local Government area, where they abducted two of his children. The gunmen, who gained entrance by scaling the fence of the house, also made away with valuables like jewelry, a television set, a generator set and N20,000 cash.

According to a source, the gunmen, numbering 10, came in at 4 o’clock in the morning, after scaling the fence and shooting into the air.

The source said immediately they gained access into the house, the

time the abductors came showed that the Speaker did not take adequate measures to protect his family.

A day after the kidnappers went away with Jimoh’s sons, the wife’s vehicle used to carry the children away was found abandoned at Nagazi area of Okene, in the Central Senatorial axis of the state.

gunmen assembled the wife and other occupants of the house and asked the Speaker ’s wife to produce her two sons. The sons: seven years old Ogirima Jimoh and three years old Afeez Jimoh, were fetched from the children’s room and handed over to the kidnappers. ”Thereafter, the gunmen took their time to ransack the house for valuables. On their way out, they demanded for the Speaker ’s number which was given to them. They took the boys into the Speaker ’s wife car, a Toyota jeep, and drove off ”, the source narrated.

Reactions What is raising dust in the state is the motive of the kidnapping. Many people are blaming the Speaker for leaving his family unprotected . Some people are of the opinion that Jimoh’s decision to leave his wife and children in his home town, Okene, a very volatile area, while he stays in Lokoja, was his undoing. To them, aside the legislative quarters in Lokoja, the state capital, the Speaker also has access to the Speaker’s Lodge, also in Lokoja;

Momoh Lawal Jimoh, Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly where he could have kept his family.

“Why does he stay in Lokoja and keep his family in Okene knowing the kind of place the area is. Even if he cannot keep them at the Speaker ’s Lodge due to many political activities there, he could have brought them to the legislative quarters”, a sympathizer lamented. Some people also felt the fact that there was no single security operative in the house at the

Ransom Family sources claimed that the kidnappers were demanding ransom. One of the sources told a television station they were asking for N200 million for the release of the two sons. However, the Speaker ’s aide continued to deny receiving such ransom demand. Though they said the kidnappers were in touch with their principal, no monetary demand was said to have been made.

Political angle Those who hold the opinion that the story is more of political than actual kidnapping are hinging their stand on the mode of operation of the kidnappers. The Chief Press Secretary to Jimoh, Mr. Akubo, said kidnappers would not have removed television set and generator from his principal’s house if the kidnapping was not politically motivated.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 17

bb pin: 75E17ABC

Adokiye:

Still a virgin?

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Naija’s wildest divas on the loose!

Love them, hate them, but the big chance is, they don’t care a hoot what your opinion is. The truth of the matter is that these hot, sophisticated, talented divas are riding the horse of fame and seem to be galloping from one great success to another.

They are daring and willing to tread the uncharted territories their predecessors never dared. You may say they have the wild streak in them but their answer to that assertion is that they are in show business and thus must play their part.

Maheeda: Can’t get sex out of her mind!

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t is still inconceivable that what Caroline Sam, known as Maheeda, does is gospel music. To her, using sexuality to sell it isn’t as despicable as many of us may think. She said her own concept of the Heavenly Father is quite different from that of many others.

Of course, that shouldn’t surprise anyone. Maheeda started out as a prostitute and claimed to have found God along the way. But that hasn’t stopped her from flashing a bit of nudity every now and then. There is hardly a video of hers that eroticism doesn’t come to play.

She once flaunted her crotch online, gleefully asking people whether it was clean or not, saying women who don’t use their God’s gift to make money

are failures.

But in a recent chat with one of our reporters, Caroline Sam or Maheeda admitted that her seeming obsession with sex isn’t just only a ploy to drive attention to her music, she said she is addicted to it.

“I’m addicted to sex and I have to have sex every day, at least once every day, and if there’s no guy around me , I will help myself by masturbating .I have a lot of sex toys, in fact I’m a regular customer. It’s like food to me, and you have to eat. It is very healthy and it gives you the right curves and my body is used to it.

Making love is like food to me”’ she explains.

Her recent video ‘Lasgidi Chick’ had the singer either nude or almost nude, in the midst of crowd of men, doing whatever.

Going nude in a video is no problem ynthia Morgan, a reggae, hipC hop, dancehall artiste, from Benin City, Edo State, may not have a profile

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•Maheeda

•Adokiye Kyrian

Dencia:

CynthiaMorgan:

as shocking as that of Maheeda, but the smoking hottie has got a bit of a wild streak in her too. Though not much is known about her, if her photo shoots trending online tell of any tale, it must be that of quantum of sex oozing in every direction.

In a chat with one of our reporters, the singer , who is signed to Jude Okoye’s North Side Entertainment, conceded she could go nude in a video shoot if the scripts so prescribes.

“It’s a craft and it’s all about your performance .It’s just a performance if I have to go nude, yes, definitely .It’s all about the performance. It’s about acting . It’s my job to actually do whatever fits in to whatever am doing. If a director comes and say ‘You know what? You are going’ to go nude and shoot a video like this”, you know that’s what makes you an artiste.

That is what makes you an exceptional artiste. So it’s fine,” she said. Her latest single, “Don’t Break My Heart,” is enjoying good reviews.

HEN Adokiye Kyrian told Pot pourri some weeks ago that she was a virgin, she started a wave of response that came with fire that was as consuming as it was amazing. Comments ranged from sheer outrage to total disbelief even though some went easy on the Imo State Ambassador. But when one considers Adokiye’s offer in exchange for her heart, “Who buys my mum the private jet I promised her gets my heart”, there may be something in it.

And those who disbelieved her may have their own reason for doing so. Especially when one considers that Adokiye shot into limelight on the back of a semi-nude photo shoot she had with a US tabloid, which reportedly paid her $200,000 for her effort.

Sa ying goodSaying bye tto o being black?

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•Cynthia Morgan

OS Angeles-based Cameroonian-Nigerian pop star, Dencia, hasn’t been able to break free from controversies ever since she became the spokesman for a bleaching product called “Whitenacious”. And the fact that the singer, upon signing the endorsement deal, transformed from her old ‘black’ beauty to a very ‘white’ damsel, all the more contributed to stoking the fire.

In an interview with Ebony.com, Dencia admitted to having lightened her skin but claims it was not “drastically lightened”. She is a firebrand who picks fight at the slightest provocation.

Recently, she was involved in a war of words with Twelve Years A Slave Oscar winner, Lupita Nyong’o, who reportedly attacked Dencia for encouraging African girls not to be proud of their dark skin but Dencia got her pound of flesh back when Lupita also signed an endorsement deal with Lancôme, a bleaching cream brand.

•Dencia

PAGE 18 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014

My experience being in love with a guy not in love with me —Toolz

Problem with the entertainment industry — Nonnie Roberson

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ROPHETESS Nonnie Robertson, who left Revival Assembly under Apostle Anselm Madubuko to form her won Ministry, called the New Wine, is an opinionated, charismatic Christian leader of far-reaching diverse experiences. She is the current President of Nigerian Women in Clergy and also the Vice President, Women in Clergy, worldwide.

Appraising the music industry in Nigeria, Pastor Nonnie said, “I love music, but unfortunately, with this generation, we have vibrant tunes and sound than local contents. The message is practically zero. It tells you the content in the head of the singer. Most of the songs have no message, but whenever you hear the message, your body must move. There is nothing that influences as much as music, but we have left it porous, as the more garbage, the higher they sell.

And talking about nudity, our youth are neither here nor there. They are stuck in the middle of the road. They don’t even know who they are. Back in the days, if you know that certain things will bring shame to your parents, you won’t even dare it. Your parents will need to face the entire family to defend every of your action. When you act weird, your chances of getting married become so slim. But these days, all

V

•Nonnie Robertson those cultures have gone with the wind” she observed In her rating of the Nollywood industry, the Pastor said “Talking about Nollywood, I’m not a very big fan. Reasons being that, the outcome of every movie is always known after you are being introduced to the movie. The prologue communicates virtually everything. Films in the industry are highly predictable, and they could be produced in 24 hours.

Another problem with their production is the question of setting. Nollywood movies have a problem defining their settings.

Sometimes varied times are portrayed in the same light and contemporary and extant settings are inexplicably mixed up.

However, I must give them the credit for their effort, especially, the earliest Nollywood actors like those that initiated the New Masquerade and a host of other popular soap operas that transformed into what we have as Nollywood today. I just pray and hope that the industry would be sanitized in no long time” she said.

OLUPTUOUS on-air-personality, Tolu Oniru, who has nicknamed herself ‘Africa’s media Mogulette’, has a drove of admirers that cut across every class of the society. If her faultless eloquence doesn’t get to you, then her provocative curves are sure to nail you.

Toolz isn’t exactly what you would call a greenhorn in matters of the heart, she has her own experience and, like most of us, it isn’t always ‘sunshine after the rain’.

The OAP shared one of her experiences on her website last week and it sounds like a good tip as any on relationships. In the article titled:’Thou shall not lie to yourself ’, she shares the tale of how she was in love with a guy that wasn’t in love with her , but liked her enough to keep her as a friend.

Her words:” We met during my final year of university; he had just moved from Houston and didn’t know a lot of people in London, and after a few random conversations about course work, he asked me out. Our first date was amazing, and after about a month of seeing each other a few times a week, I was almost certain he was ‘the one’.

“After dancing around the issue for a week or two, I was finally brave enough to bring up the ‘where are we’ issue. His exact words were ‘I really like you Tolu, but I’m not looking for a relationship right now’. I had to take a moment to mentally pick up the fragments of my broken heart, then I smiled at him and said ‘No worries, it’s okay’ “I did, however, learn a valuable lesson from this – one of the worst things you can do in life is lie to yourself, and potentially rob yourself of what you truly deserve. Whether it be a relationship, a job, whatever situation it is, do your best to be honest with yourself. If a situation isn’t giving you what you need, don’t fool yourself – have enough self-respect to say ‘I’m not getting what I want from this situation… and I honestly won’t be able to settle.”

I use ‘polite insult’ on randy men — Morenikeji

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

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•Morenikeji

•Toolz Oniru

he music industry provides a level playing ground for musicians irrespective of gender. A lot of musicians, male or female, have attained stardom doing what they know how to do best while a larger number still languished at the bottom of the success ladder. Some have been quite lucky hitting stardom with their debut effort while many others wait till after releasing about two to three albums before limelight beams their way.

For Morenikeji Moses Adeleke, her debut effort not

only caught attention of those who matter she has also had stardom staring her in the face. The singer and a mother of two reveals that, since she went professional with her music, she’d had her own fair share of men’s advances and harassment, even as a married woman.

According to her, the sexual advances at her did not come with just her fame as a musician, she has always had to contend with randy men as a prophetess in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church where she belongs. However, the pressure has since increased with fame. “I am not new to dealing with randy men.

They have always been showing

up even before I started my music career. As a prophetess in the Church of God, men do come to me in pretence for prayers but when the prayer commences, you’ll find out they have hidden agendas and practically, they are coming for me,” she said.

If demanding sex from a married prophetess sound odd, the inspirational singer declares, she has a divinely aided way of dealing with them when asked how she copes, “Coping? God has given me the wisdom. I insult them politely. You know, with polite insult, they won’t get angry. It’s insult but, I present it politely and that way, I have been able to send many of them away.”

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 19

I’ve got a mean ass!

— Daniella Okeke D

anielle Okeke, the Lagos Cougar voluptuous actress, is not one to walk the conservative lane when it comes to flaunting her Godgiven asset -her butts. The lightskinned actress, who studied fine and applied arts at the Delta State University, doesn’t just get attention in movies, she also uses the social media to flaunt her sensuality.

Last week, she took to her Twitter page to express the hotness of her asset through a picture she posted. According to her: ’I ve got •Daniella Okeke a mean ass, and I mean that’.

Daniella sure knows her selling points.

What

Olamide

does before show

O

lamide Adedeji, known by his stage name, Olamide, has made excuses to anyone that he is from the ghetto of Bariga, a high density area of Lagos. He is a recording artiste that is riding jollyride of fame and sure smiling to the bank.

But as they say ‘You can take the man out of the jungle, but not the jungle out of the man’ and this could be the only explanation for Olamide’s post on Instagram last week. Where he posted a picture of himself, chilling with a bottle of small stout, before unleashing himself on stage.

Tracy Obonna’s slim figure causes uproar

Ella Mensah

•Tracy Obonna

C

anada-based Nigerian model and actress, Tracy Obonna, doesn’t take prisoners, not with her voluptuous curves and haunting beauty which she flaunts like she has a score to settle with the menfolk.

She has done it all- semi-nude, bikini and even the strip tease stunts.

But she has been touted as being fat because of her ass which has more than enough share of good flesh . One particular comment ‘fat ass’ must have irked her bad enough to have embarked on a diet.

And how has she turned out? Comments have been through the roof for the damsel simply known internationally as ‘The Nigerian bombshell’.

•Then...DJ Jimmy Jatt, Basketmouth and Julius Agwu •Olamide Adedeji

•Ella Mensah

becomes school girl in Nigeria

G

hanaian actress, Ella Mensah, has got it and she is never afraid to flaunt it. The actress,renowned for her tantalising backside, has said men fantasize about her and rightly so. She has no qualms about showing some parts of her body, even though she recently confessed to me she would never go nude.

Presently, the actress is in Nigeria, Uromi, Edo State precisely, on set of a movie, playing the role of a schoolgirl, but what looks more glaring is Ella’s quantum of sex appeal. Even as a student, clad in school uniform, Ellla still manages to connect with the whims of those who“fantasize about her”.

POTPOURRI TEAM AYO ONIKOYI -Entertainment Editor BENJAMIN NJOKU -Dep. Entert Editor KEHINDE AJOSE -Reporter

See Basketmouth, Jimmy Jatt, Julius Agwu before fame

N

ow, Comedian Basketmouth, Bright Akpocha, DJ Jimmy Jatt and Julius Agwu are living their dreams. No one seems to remember these guys from out-of-town weren’t having it easy sometime ago, trying to make something of their lives because they have given good account of themselves.

Last week, Basketmouth, posted a picture of himself, Jimmy Jatt, and Julius Agwu and what did we learn? Basketmouth, who now looks, all clean and creamy, was actually a gaunt, ugly guy, Jimmy Jatt, not too, hot and Julius Agwu was every inch, a guy you wouldn’t want standing on your doorstep.

PAGE 20 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014

CELEBRITY HANGOUT:

Comedians earn far more than actors in Nigeria — Okey Bakassi

Okechukwu Mac-Anthony known in the entertainment world as Okey Bakassi has been around in the make-believe world for over two decades. As an accomplished actor and stand-up comedian, Okey’s rich profile earned him appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment Affairs to the erstwhile Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State. He speaks with Richard Udofia on variety of issues, including his purported letter to God on the problems of Nigeria. Excerpts:

A

s the former Senior Special Assistant to the administration in Imo State on Entertainment Matters, will you love to serve if given an opportunity under the incumbent government?

The answer to this is dependent on my predisposition, and I don’t put such response in the public domain. But honestly speaking, I do embrace every opportunity to serve the people, but when the philosophy, ideology and beliefs of any administration are not in consonance with mine, I find it difficult to function. As for this administration in my state, I want to state it categorically that I will not want to serve in any capacity because we do not have the same philosophy and ideology.

You were quoted as saying that, being a comedian pays more than an actor in the movie industry in Nigeria.

How? An A- list stand-up comedian today in Ni-

geria earns more than an actor in the movie industry, that’s a fact. Forget about the glamour, the pictures or mansions you see, I speak as an authority.

Aside the entertainment industry, that is, comedy and acting, which area would you love to give a try?

I would rather love to stay in my area of strength, and maximize it.

As a graduate of Agricultural engineering, I can function in sectors like agriculture, engineering, among others. In life, it is needful to always give your best to that which you see as being your area of strength and develop on it.

You love being addressed as a comedian rather than an ex-politician. Why? I love being addressed as an entertainer, because as either a comedian or an actor, you entertain people and make them forget their problems. Entertainment industry is where I derive my joy from, and I won’t trade it for any-

•Okey Bakassi

thing.

Sometime ago, you were alleged to have written a letter to God. What prompted you to do it?

Long before our socalled bigwigs began to write open-letters, I had written mine to God. I woke up one day and I started reminiscing on the

fate of Nigeria, looking at all the corruption practices, wanton killings, high rate of inflation, political scheaming among others, and I said to myself, if I am given an opportunity to see God face to face, some of the questions I would love him to answers, and for me to get the items right, I needed to put them in black and white; that prompted me to write that letter that went viral.

Although if you go through the items I wrote, they were mostly national issues and not personal. We live in a country where nobody is safe, street urchins are there daily, unemployment is having a multiplier effect on the economy, corruption is glorified, insecurity is

With time and hardwork, Nollywood will grow to be a force to reckon with in the world

sky-rocketing, insensitivity of government to the cries of the ordinary man are ignored. There and many more issues prompted me to write that letter. I want to correct the notion that I meant death for myself, rather, it was only logical for me to put down things I would have loved God to correct in our country. Or have you forgotten that comedians are very logical, sensitive and clinical in delivery of content?

Recently, Nollywood celebrated her twentieth anniversary. How do you assess the industry?

Honestly speaking, we tend not to know the value of what we have until we lose it.

Nollywood has done a lot for this country, in terms of branding, packaging and delivery to the outside world. In my candid view, Nollywood is rated second or third in the world in the entertainment industry. I have met a lot of foreigners who were thrilled about our cultures and opportunities. Also, it has created more job opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.

Nollywood is striving to overtake Hollywood. Have you asked yourself how Hollywood was when it celebrated its twentieth anniversary? With time and hardwork, Nollywood will grow to be a force to reckon with in the world.

What can you say Nigeria needs in order to claim the ‘Giant of Africa’ status?

Nigeria is suffering from leadership problem; and until we get it right, we won’t get anywhere.

Corruption is the bane of Nigeria; and if we have leaders who are ready to serve, then our fortunes can be turned around.

Parting words My wife is the key to my success in this industry, aside God. She is indeed a friend who did give me time to nurture my dream and craft to the best of my ability. Many people don’t know that I am twenty years in this industry.

Although I did serve in government in Imo State, and also engage in other chains of businesses, people do think I am a rich man, in this industry, I don’t know of riches but one thing I know is that, I am a happy man.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, Page 21

Email: vanguardwoman@gmail.com

Social work practice in Nigeria too weak -Roselyn Akinroye, child protection specialist guide each social worker, we will have a better social system. Currently, they are not united. They need to be a force to be reckoned with and be recognized by government, with standard remuneration.

More importantly, there is the need for standards because currently, a lot of non-governmental organization operators are in that field even without having the required knowledge. If social workers in Nigeria can find their feet, they can push for professionalisation of their discipline. Presently, a social welfare bill sits

...we have social workers at all levels but then, they are fragmented and have not been working together.

at the table of the National Assembly and we believe that the passage of that bill into law will bring about a positive change for the profession in Nigeria.

Structures What we should be looking at is how to have an integrated structure. You know, we have social workers at all levels but then, they are fragmented and have not been working together. So many unqualified people are therefore doing social work. And we know that the problems are enormous- problems of children, women, etc, requiring the intervention of social workers. Home visits and others are not properly carried out as well because social workers are running into other fields due to marginalization.

GENDER EQUALITY: Nigeria hasn’t understood the dynamics of interdependence Roselyn

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

D

espite being signatory to international laws which seek to protect the rights of children, child protec tion in Nigeria appears a far cry from the dream of the international community. Abysmal acts like child marriage, sexual abuse, labour, trafficking, and more have therefore trended unabated in the country. Child protection specialist, UNICEF Lagos, Mrs.Roselyn Akinroye, thus believes that a viable social welfare sector is crucial to the implementation of the Child Rights Acts and realisation of child protection in Nigeria. In this interview, the child protection expert makes case for the reformation of social work practice in Nigeria.

Social welfare reformation place. So, from our own side, Most state governments, in- I think we’re on the right cluding Lagos State, have the track. Once the assessment is Child Rights Law in place. concluded, we hope to forge However, we believe that one ahead with the implementaof the cornerstones for the tion of the recommendations. implementation of this law is We believe they will be willa vibrant social welfare. ing to implement the recomTherefore, the United Nations mendations we put forward.

On its part, UNICEF is Children's Fund, UNICEF, looking at how to get the sothe United States Agency for International Development, cial workers to be more oriUSAID, and some other agen- ented such that they will be cies have just concluded a able to focus more on getting social welfare mapping in sev- the rights of the children reen states, including Lagos alized.

Social welfare practice in State. We’ve tried to look at the Nigeria structures we have and recomPresently, it’s a bit weak. mendations have been made.

We’re trying to see how we That’s why we’re trying to get can get government to buy social workers together as into it and also see how we professionals. We believe that can develop a work plan to if they can come together as ensure that we have a more a work force and a body, and vibrant social welfare in put up principles that would

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

T

he exclusion of women in key national positions is believed to be responsible for hindered economic and social advancement in the Nigeria. In this session therefore, Principal Transformation strategist, Mr.Olakunle Soriya, speaks on why and how best to reverse such long standing tradition.

Ownership and fight for gender equality in Nigeria I am certain to say that ownership and leadership in Nigeria still belong to men and Nigerian women would need to undertake a lot of consistent push to climb to the top and prove themselves capable.

To say something very critical, while climbing is a choice, ownership is as much a choice and women should understand that they do not need anyone to support them to own.

It is also imperative for women to understand that in Nigeria today, when you make up your mind to do something substantial and or productive, you will be visited by different forces, but determination would ensure you achieve that which you are negotiating.

In other words, I implore women and girls to begin to

Olakunle understand that they have within them the strength and ability to compel society to take a second look at them for progress in Nigeria.

Women and display of weakness The weakness women have in the society today is not because men have taken total charge. It is essentially because women have failed to accept that they can take charge, grow, and adverse.

Nigerian women do not need to fight for gender equality to achieve recognition because naturally, they are endowed with unimaginable qualities and the moment society begins to perceive their relevance in resolving major national issues in the country, they would have successfully compelled the society to

negotiate with them for progression. And as long as women continue to communicate their weaknesses, invariably they are asking men to continue to be in charge.

Confusing fragility for weakness I have noticed that women like to feel helpless and I feel deeply sorry for them, even globally. We have over 160 million people in Nigeria and half of them are women.

Physically, a man is obviously stronger than a woman, but which is superior between function and value or design and fabric in terms of strength and usefulness? The point therefore is that value should not be interpreted in terms of physical designs and forms, but in terms of purpose, functionality and role and when you think like that, you would quickly find out that something that is physically weak is not necessarily soft and fragile.

Polity in Nigeria Women and men can collaborate for progression in Nigeria and we must turn to that factor that allows us to understand that a part of me is incomplete till I lean on you and vice versa. The moment we begin to understand the dynamics, strength becomes the next experience. Gender equality and women empowerment are issues we have to bring to the fore front in the country.

P AGE 22—SUND AY Vanguard , APRIL 20 , 2014 SUNDA

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

When was the last time you made love?

A

new research re veals believing you have more sex than your neighbours is a crucial factor in making couples happy. But do you really? Is that young twenty something high-flier having more sex than a sixty-something entrepreneur.

Natasha is an up-andcoming producer in her late 20s. She vowed that: “The next time I have sex will be on my wedding night. I’m not seeing anyone, and I’ve no idea if that wedding will ever happen, but until then.

I’m going to be celibate.

“I’m not doing this for religious or moral reasons, but I want to abstain from sex to protect my very bruised and fragile heart. I only wish I could go back in time and erase my last sexual encounter - it was about four years ago with a man who promised me the world - then dumped me as soon as we’d slept together. He certainly bid his time - waiting to ask me to a proper dinner on our fifth date. By this time, there was so much chemistry fizzing between us that, caught up in the moment, we made a mad dash to his bachelor pad for the night, where we had sex and talked till dawn.

“By the time we kissed good-bye, I was already yearning for our next night together. But when we spoke on the phone later in the day, he teased me for being too keen to get a hold on him. After that, he became increasingly difficult to get hold of. Then he stopped returning my calls. I felt humiliated, hurt and furious. Obviously, all those sugary words were just to get one into bed. So, rather than be duped again, I vowed that the next man I would have sex with would be someone who

loves and respects me enough to make me his wife.

“I’m not a prude, nor am I particularly religious. By age 18, I’d already lost my virginity to my first boyfriend after we’d been together for several months. I’ve had nine sexual partners and everyone of them - my longest relationship lasted three years - broke my heart. I think sex itself is overrated, but giving it up hasn’t been easy because I miss the cuddles, kisses and emotional intimacy that accompany it. Being an attractive woman has only added to the challenge because I do get a lot of male attention .

“Although I’ve been on dates with men in the past four years, once I tell them my intention to wait till I get married to have sex again, I don’t see them for dust. Sometimes I question whether I’11 meet anyone with this level of patience and commitment, but I won’t have sex again until I do”.

Augusta, 571 is a PA to a company managing director. “I made love four and a half years ago and have fond memories of the last time it happened:!’My lover was a gorgeous AfroAmerican businessman who worked briefly with my boss. We’d met several times socially with my boss but as the chemistry between us sizzled, he invited me to dinner at his hotel, then we went to his room. Over the coming months, we slept together whenever he was in Nigeria, but I knew when we made love that final time four and a half years ago that it would probably be the last. His new posting was to the Middle East, making our paths unlikely to cross again. What I did not imagine is that

Y

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

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

Pushed forward

Forward movement is a necessity whether it is self initiated or circumstance initiated. Sometimes we are

us, we meet up when we can. But as for this new man I just slept with, I’m full of anticipation that I’ve found a man with whom I’ll be able to share much more than tantalising sexual chemistry.”

my sex life would cease altogether.

“Since losing my virginity at 15 1 I’ve had roughly 50 sexual partners, four of them before I met my husband. Sadly, my marriage broke down when our two sons were very young. After a traumatic birth with my first child, sex became increasingly painful. It was the beginning of the end.

But several months after we separated, I started dating again, rediscovered the pleasure of sex and never wanted for male attention. There were men I slept with once or twice - and others I could have slept with but turned down plus several long-term relationships lasting between two and six years and a mischievous fling with a Ghanaian prince, ten years my junior. My sons were at boarding schools, so I was able to ensure they were never expos¢d to the brief sexual encounters I enjoyed between my longterm relationships. Now that 60 looms, my priorities have shifted, and I’d dearly love to settle down for good with one special man.”

At 64 1 Ropo had a naughty glint in her eyes when she confessed she made love only the previous day! “I slipped into a gorgeous, slightly revealing blouse over welltailored trousers, ready for a lunch date with a lovely man nine years my junior. We met at the annual get-together of our club and have spent hours chatting on the phone between our four previous dates. He arrived to take me to lunch bearing expensive gifts and. two bottles of champagne. As the mutual attraction and conversation gathered pace during lunch, it felt natural to invite him in to sample some of the champagne he brought.

“One thing led to the other and we ended up making love for the first time. It was fun, electrically charged and romantic. We spoke of our hopes that this may lead to a lasting relationship and reluctantly kissed one another goodbye in the early evening as I’d arranged to meet friends to go to a party.

“I’ve had more sex in the past ten years than I

pushed forward when we refuse to move forward.

This is why it makes no sense resisting what is pushing you from the back.

The only thing we should fight are those things opposing us from the front. Push from the back is good for your advancement, Isaac was helped into his destiny.

As he was being pushed from the back, he didn’t look back or fight back. He just went forward until he arrived at Rehoboth. Gen 26:1-14 Don’t fight what is pushing you, fight only what is resisting you.

Chris Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015.

The voice I love so much

The voice calling me on my birthday, Voice telling me happy birthday.

did in my happy but virtually sexless 30-year marriage which ended 11 years ago. In fact, I’ve only properly discovered sex since then - and I told my ex-husband this when I saw him last year. There have been periods in the past ten years when I’ve been in a relationship and had sex two or three times a day. Divorce turned out to be a blessing, because my life since has been about making me happy and that includes in the bedroom.

“When I finally slept with the third man I dated after my divorce, the prospect of revealing my fifty something body was utterly terrifying. But I needn’t have worried.

Here was a man four years younger who was as concerned with pleasing me as he was with his own sexual needs!

“I have rules, though: I don’t date men more than ten years my junior, and I don’t do one-night stands, although I have had a ‘friend with benefits’ with whom I last had sex eight weeks ago. We’d earlier agreed that we don’t have enough in common for a relationship. But since the sex is always good between

A 419 Life-Saver?

(Humour) A young woman was so depressed that she decided to end her life by throwing herself into the ocean. She went down to the docks and was about to leap into the murky water when a handsome young sailor saw her tottering on the edge of the pier crying. He took pity on her and said: “Look, you’ve got a lot to live for. I’m off to the States in the morning, and if you like, I can stow you away on my ship. I’ll take good care of you and bring you food every day.” Moving closer, he slipped his arm round her shoulder and added: “I’ll keep you happy, and you’ll keep me happy.” The girl nodded yes. After all, what did she have to lose?

That night, the sailor brought her abroad and hid her in a lifeboat.

From then on, every night he brought her three sandwiches and a piece of fruit, and they make passionate love until-dawn.

Three weeks later, during a routine inspection”she was discovered by the Captain. “What are you doing here?” the Captain asked. “1 have an arrangement with one of the” sailors,” she explained. “I get food and a trip to the States, and in return, he’s screwing me.” “He certainly is,” replied the Captain.

“This is the Badagry Ferry!”

Voice saying I love what you are doing!'

Voice I LOVE SO MUCH! CENT OBAMA centobama@gmail.com +2348061379003

The meaning of love

I have searched for the meaning of the word love to no avail,it is only you and you alone that truly defines love to my heart and gave it a solid and vibrant meaning. It is a love that is like an ice that encases my heart and nothing seems to melt it. And if love exist in my heart you are that love because you are my only definition of love.

Akachukwu Ferdinand.

08063819314

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 23

08112662589

Shameless step-mum seduced her step-daughter’s boyfriend!

R

OPO was already an undergradu ate when her dad remarried. “We’d lost mum to breast cancer a few years before then,” she recalled, “and after a few ‘samplings’ of the available hopefuls, dad finally settled for Gladys!

A very sophisticated mother-of-two, she was a funky step-mum we all took to. She was certainly different from your average housewife. Instead of slaving in the kitchen, she came with her trusted cook and made no effort to hide her high-flying lifestyle.

“Simply put, she was gorgeous and dad was putty in her hands. She regularly downed wine and loved dancing at parties with her jet-set friends. ‘Don’t you mind her having so much fun?’

I once asked dad. But he assured me he didn’t.

‘She might be a flirt, but that’s as far as it goes.’

Yet with her stunning figure, expensive weaves and well-made up face, she attracted male attention wherever we went.

We were somehow close and she dragged me to some of these ‘exclusive’ parties she attended whenever I had time to go with her.

“I was in my last year at the university when dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He died a couple of years later but, Gladys, our stepmum was a rock. I’d already started dating Yemi, a promising lawyer, by this time and between both of them, they made the loss of dad bearable. Gladys became my confidant as my romance progressed. The more I got closer to her, the more my younger sister regarded me a traitor. As far as she was concerned, I had no right fraterriising with mum’s replacement. I told her she was just being silly. Mum was dead and life had to go on.

“Then a couple of years after we lost dad, I had a niggling feeling all wasn’t right with my love-life. Yemi was constantly blowing hot and cold. I couldn’t deal with his mood swings and I had these feelings he was seeing someone else. I was so worried I eventually confided in my step-mum. ‘He couldn’t be right for you if he’s giving you so much stress and heartache,’ she fumed. ‘I think you should give him his marching orders. There are plenty

more fish in the sea’. In the past, she’d always given me good advice, but this time, I couldn’t follow it. ‘I can’t just end it with him,’ I told her, ‘I really love him and want to make things work.’

“Not long after our talk, my aunty, mum’s younger sister, arranged a family gathering in her house. It had been a while since we’d all got together and I was looking forward to it - her parties are usually smashing. It also”looked like a good chance to get things back on track with Yemi, so I dolled myself up to impress him. Yet, despite my efforts to look attractive, he was even

more distant with me than usual and kept disappearing into the kitchen. ‘What’s your problem,’ I snapped at him. ‘Why do you keep sneaking off?’ ‘I don’t’, he snapped back. ‘I’m just being sociable.’

“I stormed off and complained bitterly to Gladys. ‘I think Yemi is having an affair,’ I told her. ‘He’s blatantly creeping off to call some mystery woman.’ ‘You can do so much better than that creep,’ she said, irritated. ‘I think you should end it.’ Before I could say a thing, she stood up. ‘I’ll go and tell him to leave,’ she said firmly. She left me talk-

ing to my aunt, and my siblings while she went to look for Yemi. Half an hour later, she still hadn’t returned, so my aunt and I went to find her. I went to the kitchen door but I couldn’t open it. ‘looks as if it’s jammed,’ I complained to my auntie. I tried to force it but a chair was in the way. My aunt helped me push, then suddenly the chair loosened and we burst into her spacious kitchen.

“What I saw will stay with me for the rest of my life. I froze to the spot and felt all the blood drain from my body. I could hardly believe my eyes.

Gladys was wriggling around on top of Yemi, stark naked! His trousers were round his ankles and he had a big triumphant grin on his face ...

Oh my God! My stepmum was bonking my boyfriend! ‘What the hell are you doing?’ I screamed at them. ‘This is disgusting!’

“I started wailing loudly. Seeing me, Gladys rolled off Yemi.

They both stared at us, horrified to have been caught in the act. ‘Get out!’ my auntie yelled.

I’:was really heartbroken.

Yemi pulled up his trousers and stumbled to-

wards the:. door as I wacked him on the head with a cooking spoon. ‘I don’t ever want to see either of you again,’ my aunty seethed, hugging me protectively. By now Gladys was so embarrassed she looked ugly.

She scambled around, gathering up her lacy briefs. If only dad could see the tramp he married, I thought. ‘How could you have sex with your step-daughter ’s boyfriend?” I yelled.

‘You’ve got something seriously wrong with you!’ Her humiliation was complete as we watched her get dressed in shame.

“I haven’t seen my so -called step-mother or my boyfriend since that incident over a year ago.

I refused to visit the family house. I still can’t believe what they did. I don’t know if it was a one-off or if it had been going on for a while and to be honest, I don’t really want to know.

Yemi must have had some kind of fetish for older women. And my gut feeling was right his mind was on another woman. I just couldn’t believe that woman was my step-mother!”

08052201867(Text Only)

The Locust for backpain

Technique IE flat on the floor with face down wards and keep the hands by the side of the body with the fingers clenched into fists. Rest the chin on the ground by raising the head. Inhale and stiffen the body by pressing the fists against the floor. Slowly raise the legs as high as possible.

Keep the legs in a straight line, while the two thighs, knees and ankles touch each other. The weight of the legs must fall on the body and hands. Contract the muscles of the buttocks, stretch the muscles of the thighs and further extend the position of the legs.

Retain the posture for a few seconds in the beginning and gradually increase the duration. Concentrate on the upper portion of the body, i.e. above the waist. Slowly lower the legs to the floor and simultaneously exhale. Relax with normal breathing. Repeat the posture two or three times.

Relax in

L

C M Y K

Makarasana.

Benefits

The practice of this Asana renders the spine supple and elastic. It relieves backache or strain on the spine caused by the hard work, etc. It also tones up the muscles at the back and the intestinal organs in the abdominal region and relieves pain in the lumbar and sacral regions.

Above all, it aids digestion and relieves gastric troubles.

Main Benefits: The Locust brings elasticity to the cervical (upper back) region, and strength to the lower back, but it is important to stretch the chin as far forwards as possible if these benefits are to be gained. When you first attempt the Locust, you may be dismayed to find that your feet rise only slightly from the floor. Do not be discouraged. This will improve rapidly with practice and time.

,

The Locust brings elasticity to the cervical (upper back) region, and strength to the lower back, but it is important to stretch the chin as far forwards as possible if these benefits are to be gained

,

Chin is stretched forwards.

Lower back is strengthened.

Flexibility of the upper back is improved

The Half Locust Both legs are straight Tune the raising and lowering of the leg to the breath.

The Full Locust Legs are kept straight and lifted as high as possible.

Hands are together Elbows are straight, and as close together as possible.

Chin is stretched forwards on the ground

Yoga classes STARTED at 32 Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island, Lagos, 9.10am on Saturdays C M Y K

PAGE 24—SUNDAY

Vanguard, APRI L 20, 2014

Why do men cheat?

By Yetunde Arebi

T

WO weeks ago, Angela, 44, a Banker, walked out of her 17 year old marriage.

It had not been a very happy ride anyway. But the shocking discovery that her husband had not only been cheating on her all these while and even sired a son outside their matrimony was the final straw. Until then, Chuks as she fondly called him, had been out of regular job for most of their married years. She had been responsible for virtually everything, including their recent family holidays to Dubai and London. It was not as if she fancied the idea of being the bread winner of the family, but she had to keep the family together because of their three lovely children and of course, the stigma she was bound to attract from society should she call it quits with Chuks. So, she had endured his discreet philandering with young university undergraduates until the bubble busted about a month ago. Angela confided in close friends that she cannot continue to finance a relationship that brought her nothing but heartache and humiliation. Naturally, Chuks has since been begging her to return home and asking everyone they know to help bring her back.

For the everyday man and woman, cheating has been around forever. At some point, both men and women would cheat or would be cheated on. Cheating, just like telling lies is a human flaw and would continue to generate arguments and concerns from society for a variety of reasons. Ironically, despite all the haggling, we are far from cracking the big mystery about why men, especially men who cheat even when they love their women and are happily married or involved in a longterm relationship. Every man knows at some point that cheating is wrong, otherwise they would not hide it. So, why do men cheat? The reasons are myriad, varied and may even be peculiar

to the individual. Today, as well as next Sunday, we will take a look at some of the theories that research has proffered and their relation with the African society.

Please read on: To end a relationship: This is an undisputable fact. Sometimes men cheat on their wives or girlfriends because they don’t really love them anymore, are bored with them, or even possibly unhappy with their relationship. A woman who finds herself in a similar situation can become unfaithful too. It is just that men are likely to cheat than women are, statistically speaking. Sometimes, a cheating man will have what is called an "exit affair" if

our society today, (Our wealthy, famous or powerful men and their women). On the flip side of this is the theory that success and power is like a magnet that draws women.

Women are easily drawn to men of means and power, even without them being attracted to the women at all. Every woman desires a man who can provide for and protect her.

And this has very little to do with love in most cases.

He can always get away with it: If a guy cheats on you the first time and you let him get away with it, chances are that he will do it again knowing there is very little that you can

Sometimes men cheat on their wives or girlfriends because they don’t really love them anymore, are bored with them, or even possibly unhappy with their relationship he wants to end a relationship or marriage. He will deliberately cheat with little caution so that he may be found out with the hope that the woman will get the message. Thereafter, she either picks a quarrel with him and/or ends the relationship. This is for the not so brave guy who does not want to man up and would rather take the coward's way out.He thinks it's a status symbol: A man will cheat on his wife/partner if he believes having more than one woman is a status symbol and sign of success. In traditional African setting, the wealth and success of a man is measured by the number of women and children he has.

Usually, a man with one wife is considered a weakling who does not have what it takes to succeed even in the society. Onuka, Okonkwo's father in the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a good analogy. Typical scenarios abound all across

do to him. A very close friend of mine recently walked out of her marriage after 13 years. According to her, she discovered by chance that her husband was living a double life, raising another family parallel to the one they have. She also revealed that it was not his first time of cheating on her as he had also had a child while they were still courting with a woman he introduced to her as a friend. She said she forgave him the first time after much pleading and promises not to ever stray again, only for him to do so several years after in a more damning and brazen manner.

The truth is that the typical African man believes from a young age that he is entitled to live a polygamous lifestyle should he choose to do so. The women are also raised to accept this, even though unwillingly. Often, you will hear mothers ad-

monishing their daughters for complaining about their cheating husbands. You hear such things as "your father did worse things. At least, he has not brought her home". An aunt-in-law once told me how she would run bath water for her husband and a mistress he used to bring to their matrimonial home at some point. The whole family had concluded that she would be wife number two until she sprung a surprise on them and married a young man. She said to her shame, her husband practically sponsored the wedding ceremony and was even the chairman at the reception. Such is the general laxity allowed the typical African man. When a man is made to feel that he is not accountable for his actions, then he can easily cheat on his partner. In fact, in African setting, a woman is taught to look the other way if her man is cheating as long as he is discreet about his affairs and does not embarrass his wife. Today, the further from home an illicit affair is, (like across Local Government Areas or even interstate) the more acceptable it ought to be for the partners. This is especially so as not to rock the marriage boat.

Poor role models: A man whose father, uncle, brother cheated on their wives, is most likely to cheat.

This is because he is likely to see them as the main role models in his life. Besides, it is the life he grew up to know, so, he may have been subconsciously programmed to follow their example, considering infidelity as a norm or way of life. This point is very rife in a society like ours. Oftentimes, parents of intending couples from monogamous marriages frown at the prospect of their daughters or sons marrying children from polygamous backgrounds because they believe that they did not grow up around good models that will encourage monogamous relationships.

High risk lifestyle: Men who lead high risk lifestyles, especially alcohol and drug usage, will ultimately cheat on their partners.

Ditto for men who engages in excessive partying and clubbing.

These are cheap avenues for onenight-stand. Also, these habits can lower inhibitions and impair good judgement resulting in behaviours

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that the cheater might regret afterwards. you may find the next few points a bit controversial but it does not remove the fact that they are true and have been proven over time by research, society and common sense experience to be true of human behavioural pattern. Unfortunately, a lot of men who cheat fall into this category.

Variety and change: Some men need a lot of variety in their lives.

They thrive on new experience and stimulation and are easily bored by the same thing every day. Supporters of this theory have tried to simplify this by drawing analogy between the variety some men desire in their relationships and the craving for food.

They argue that while it is possible to have one favourite food, it is not highly impossible that you will desire to eat the same food everyday. The pleasure of eating the same meal diminishes as the days progress and a strong desire to eat something else begins to build up. They went further to explain that a woman's heart works differently from a man's.

Whereas a woman's heart tends to be able to love only one man at a time, most men's hearts are capable of and can truly love more than one woman at a time.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 25

INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES practicable. The exceptional attitude of Ajibola paid off as Babangida honoured him with the location, in his ancestral home of Abeokuta, one of the two universities of agriculture he planned to establish, that is, the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

A morning at the Hilltop with the former ICJ judge

*He escaped plane crash; survived cancer, suicide bid; healed miraculously of 5 broken ribs

SIX TIMES LUCKY!

Bola-Ajibola and his many close shaves with death

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

P

rince Abdul Jabbar Bolasodun Ajibola, SAN, is not new when you talk about eminent figures.

What keeps making the Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun Stateborn former judge of the International Court of Justice, IJC, at The Hague greener is his capacity to speak fresh words at all times.

Many people know of a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, whose tenure brought about the Law Report, a monthly journal that remains a major kit in the hands of lawyers and judges in Nigeria till today, to which they can invariably refer in times of need.

A highly history-loaded son of Oba Salami Adewunmi Ajibola, a former police officer, who, in 1949, became the Olowu of the popular Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, in the then Western Religion, now Ogun State and ruled the ancient C M Y K

Ajibola had to sell off all his properties for the singular purpose of using the proceeds to establish what has today become the Islamic Movement for Africa warlords’ community for 23 years before he kicked the royal bucket in 1972, Ajibola did what no Minister of Justice and Attorney General had ever done in the history of Nigeria. Whereas he remains the longest holder of the office of the nation’s number one law officer, for the six years, three months and few weeks that he was there, he never took a penny by way of salary.

He, however, designed how the salary would be shared. He rose through the legal profession to arrive at the consciousness of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, as his professional constituency, where he became the pioneer

President. Sunday Vanguard gathered that the NBA propped him up for the personal ability recognition, which registered him in the consciousness of the Federal Government under the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, who saw his activities and dispositions on the leadership of the legal practitioners of Nigeria as worth to be minister and custodian of the laws of the Federal Republic. In appreciation of the contributions of the NBA, Ajibola - who clocked 80 last March 22 – directed that a certain percentage of his monthly salary be paid directly to the lawyers

association.

He went on to give part of the salary to specified groups of needy across the country and others who found the sums substantial in taking care of their needs.

A large percentage of the salary, he instructed, should be paid back to the purse of government. Aside the mention of the fact that Ajibola gave stern warning to graft givers and particularly threatened few of them with jail for attempting to give or bribe him with large sums of money, those gifts he accepted were sold and he caused the proceeds to be paid into government treasury. It matters not, however, what such proceeds amounted to considering the total earnings of Nigeria.

What many appreciated was that, at least, Nigeria had one public figure, like the late Sir Tafawa Balewa, who had shown that achieving a Nigeria where citizens place the interest of the nation before personal interests was doable, possible and

It was around 9.30 am that Sunday Vanguard arrived the palatial compound of the former World Court jurist on appointment. Ajibola deals with many journalists but the place he reserves for the Sunday Vanguard journalist in his heart is right at the bottom, seemingly unchangeable. He had to ask him into his study for an initial briefing and then allowed others to join few minutes after. Ajibola is not used to being asked questions so that he would respond. Once he gets hold of the line of the discussion, he begins to speak such that by the time he says, “Thank you”, which signifies that he is done with you, you are likely to have had a full understanding of his perspective.

A religious personality Ajibola had to sell off all his properties for the singular purpose of using the proceeds to establish what has today become the Islamic Movement for Africa, IMA, which gave birth to projects namely, the IMA Nursery and Primary School, IMA Colleges, the Crescent University, Abeokuta and the newly established IMA Hospital, Abeokuta. What one can only infer from his many interactions with him is that the Olori Omo Owu keeps expressing fulfilment and appears more satisfied now than those virtually countless achievements he had made having traversed the world as Nigerian High Commissioner in the United Kingdom or a World Court judge . The gargantuan Mosjid Al-Jabbar, a multimillion naira mosque, and the Asalatu house which he built tell more about the fact that 80-year old Ajibola is now more at home with the service of his Lord than ever before. “I am more fulfilled at this time and I am more satisfied,” he said.

Continues on page 26

PAGE 26—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES

‘I have seen death six times but I did not die!’

Continued from page 25

Ajibola’s story of birthday celebration Ajibola is at home with the fact that a devout Muslim has no place for celebration of birthday. Even though the government of Nigeria declares public holidays on the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, which is seen by the Muslim community as acceptable gesture on the path of the government, Islamic education has always revealed that the best way to celebrate birthdays is to fast, engage in self-assessment of life lived so far, thank God, seek forgiveness and pray to Him for more blessings and successes in the years ahead.

This, perhaps, was responsible for why Ajibola had to take his time, during the meeting, to explain to his visitors why he celebrated his 80th birthday with fanfare and high profile Nigerians competing to steal the show at the event. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former governors of Lagos and Ogun states, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Olusegun Osoba, respectively; Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) were among those who graced the thanksgiving (birthday) celebration.

He said, “If someone in this natural and unnatural uphill has gone through all the situations of civil war and the rest of it, in this world and in this country; if someone says he has spent 45 years and he has again spent virtually double that number of years that he wants to live, he should necessarily do one thing, which in Yoruba proverb is said thus: ‘Adegoke t’o g’ori ose; t’oba le so, k’ofi aja b’ose.’

The idea is this: You know baobab is a big tree that is very fat and very heavily stood. It is food for elephants. If you are able to climb it to the top, to come down becomes tedious. The reason is not far-fetched.

There is nothing you can hold on to in coming down and there is likelihood that if you jump down, you die.

“Therefore, the first of the C M Y K

reasons why I celebrated my 80th birthday is to thank God that I have been able to climb that baobab tree and descended safely. That is one aspect of the celebration. To live up to 80 years in this world, in this surrounding, in this circumstance, you should have lived twice! That is number one.” “ Ajibola narrated further: Number two, I have seen death six times and, in spite

So, very reluctantly I obliged him, stayed back from that flight and went with him to Scotland only for us to hear, as soon as we got to Scotland, that the particular flight I was booked for but failed to travel in, had crashed and that all the people on board the flight had died

Ajibola...Cancer disappeared on its own of all that, it has pleased God to still keep me here. The first of them; there was a time that a poisoned food was served for me to eat. But for the fact that I overslept, I would long be dead.

Secondly, there was the time that I fell in the bathroom and broke my five ribs (pointing to the side of his ribs) and they tempted to punch holes at my lungs.

And it was said that if that had happened, I was going to die and therefore that I was going to be in bed for four months in hospital.

“I made a covenant with God and I said if He healed me in time, I would be in best position to carry out my covenant. On His own, God had the power to heal me in time less than the period given by doctors. And I was healed under ten days. The covenant was the orthopaedic ward that I built for the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Abeokuta. As a matter of fact, the day it was commissioned, the then President Olusegun Obasanjo was there and he built his

own.

“The third was when I was going to come back from Britain to Nigeria in 1969 and I had already been booked for the flight. But someone came to request me to go to Scotland with him; and he pleaded so passionately that he was going to pay for whatever damages that might cause. I tried to turn down his request but he never let me go. So, very reluctantly I obliged him, stayed back from that flight and went with him to Scotland only for us to hear, as soon as we got to Scotland, that the particular flight I was booked for but failed to travel in, had crashed and that all the people on board the flight had died.

“The fourth was when I was sick and diagnosed for cancer. And do you know what that means? That means the end of life. But by the special grace of God, that also went away on its own. The one in Jos had to do with the commission of inquiry headed by me, having been appointed by

the President of the Federal Republic at that time. It then happened that things were very tough and we were advised not to get there. And I said to them that we were going to come and we got there. When we got there, we saw how people were being killed and being thrown into wells. We saw that one.

“There was also the time that I was a student and we went to swim. I needed to prove that I could swim and I jumped, unfortunately, into the part of the water that was deepest. I had taking in water two, three times before my co-students knew what was happening at a point that my life was already going to give up. Then they rushed to rescue me. That was fifth. The sixth was when I felt that life was too hard for me to continue to live. Things were so hard that to eat was difficult. I had been told a very easy way to die without stress.

That was through gas. All I needed to do was to switch on my gas cylinder and I allowed it to come up without putting fire. When you inhale enough of it, you just die. But in my own case, I had done that and we were cooking right inside the room. I left my gas cylinder on and slept off only for me to wake back to life and starting to wonder, “What kind of unfortunate worlds! I had left one world of hardship and have landed in this other one that looks the same thing like the one I just left.” It later occurred to me that I had not died and that I was still in this world. And what happened was that the gas that remained in the cylinder was not enough to be inhaled to death.

Swollen CV “All these are things have happened to me in life as a result of which my CV has

become so swollen that one day, when Margaret Thatcher, the late former Prime Minister of Britain, gave me the honour of being her guest and my citation was being read, at a point she asked the reader to ‘stop!’. And she asked, ‘Bola, do you mean all these you have been able to achieve within this short time you have spent in life?’ I said ‘yes’. And she asked the young man to continue reading my citation. It gives you an idea of what one has gone through. But that is not all. There was a time that I was asked to come and give a lecture at a hotel hall venue in London. When the man that was reading got to a point, he said, ‘The only thing that I have not found in the CV of this gentleman is to read that he is the President of Africa.’ And he went on reading my CV so that by the time he finished, the manager of the hotel came to tell us that we had had our time. That ‘time is up.’ So, the lecture did not take place. It was one day in my life in which my paper was just given out to people and they were told that they could read it at home because ‘our time is up.’

“But that was not the only time. A good friend of mine, now late, was launching a book and I was invited to chair the book launch. When the man to read my citation wanted to read my CV, I warned him not to read my whole CV and that he should just go straight into the programme of collecting money. He ignored my warning (laughter). He was foolish and started singing my praises given all I had done vis-à-vis my CV. “By the time he finished, people had left. So, it was a very unsuccessful launch.

What I have now done is to find a way that my CV will be summarized into one page so that not the whole book will be read any longer.

“That is the CV of me and yet I have not completed it. If I should now complete my CV, I will tell the story about the Crescent University, Abeokuta; I will tell the story about the Islamic Movement for Africa, IMA; I will tell other stories. So, it is for that few reasons that one had come out to thank God for all that one has been able to achieve and for sparing my life to have been able to achieve them.”

SUNDAY, Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 27

Adisa Adeleye turns octogenerian

I

t was celebration galore for the family and friends of veteran journalist and Vanguard’s columnist, Chief Mogaji Adisa Adeleye when he turned 80 years old.

The celebration took off with a prayer session followed by a luncheon party at the Newcastle Hotel, Anthony Village, Lagos. Many old and new associates of the celebrant came from far and near to celebrate with him. Photos by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

L-R: Mrs Edith Nwaneri congratulating the celebrant .

Chief Adisa Adeleye and his wife, Omolola, cutting his birthday cake.

L-R: Mrs F . Ikomi, Chief Ayo Opadokun and Chief Lanre Awolokun.

L-R: Mr Agbo Alabi, Chairman of the occasion, and Pa Layi Jokotoye.

Mr. Chris Uwaje and wife.

Images from Ituah Ighodalo Foundation’s Awards

T

HE Ituah Ighodalo Foundation was set up in 2011 during Pastor Ituah Ighodalo's 50th birthday to support his vision to continue to make a lasting investment in the lives of Nigerians through his various NGOs. One of the major objectives of the foundation is the setting up of the annual award for best graduating Accounting student at the University of Lagos.

This is in recognition of the work that Pastor Ituah has done as a Chartered Accountant. The ultimate objective of the foundation is extend the award to become a national award in all Nigerian universities. The annual awards are usually presented on his birthday which this year fell on Sunday April 6.

Her Excellency, the first lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, who shares the same birthday with Pastor Ituah, was present during the service/ award presentation. The ceremony in pictures: From left: Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; wife of Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, the representative of a recipient (Chief Reginald Agiobu Kemmer) and Chief Sunny Kuku

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo dancing with a member of the choir

Pastor Ighodalo with Tomi, a saxophone prodigy

Dr and Mrs Ogunlesi

PAGE 28, SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

BY JIDE AJANI

T

his report will show that there is a serious challenge of not only ineptitude and incompetence but also ethnicity, nepotism and perception of alleged partisanship in the conduct of the affairs of the legal department of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The resultant consequence of this is that the Commission may be in danger of creating unintended problems for itself as the 2015 general elections approach. That is what Professor Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman, insists would not happen. This is a first in a series in the build-up to next year’s elections.

NEC AND THE JUNE 12, 1993, SAGA The department stole the thunder and unleashed it.

Headed by a young, intelligent and vibrant man, the legal department of the then National Electoral Commission, NEC, played a very strategic, nay positive, role in the political chess game that served as a precursor to the eventual annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

The head of the department was one Bukhari Bello. Once the confusion over the continued release of the results of that election suggested that some vested interests, ably encouraged by the then military junta, were determined to scuttle the process, especially with the role the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Clement Akpamgbo, was playing, it was up to the legal department of the electoral body to either acquiesce to the egregious game plan or save the situation by seeking judicial redress.

And whereas it had become all too clear that the courts in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, were under the jackboot, Bello headed to Appeal Court, Kaduna Division, to institute an appeal against the court order of Federal High Court, Abuja, stopping the continued release of the results.

By so doing, Bello sought to protect the integrity and sanctity of not just the Commission but its leadership as well as the professional capabilities of the Commission’s legal department.

Unfortunately, however, once the federal authorities at that time discovered that all indices suggested that the appeal would pass, an unsigned statement was innocuously issued from the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, annulling the election. But even with the annulment, Bello and his department proved one point: That it is possible to stay above the fray, keep your head high and maintain a decorum that is at once engaging but also protective of deep sense of value.

Today, Professor Attahiru Jega is Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. For a man of immense goodwill, goodwill hoisted on his pole of demonstrable integrity, a wealth of integrity that Jega himself guards with massive jealousy, there have been some unnerving developments at the headquarters of the Commission.

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER

2015 ELECTION SERIES (1)

INEC: The parable of ignorance on steroids * Why the Commission must look carefully into its legal department

Professor Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman

Sunday Vanguard has discovered that the composition of the list of lawyers who now handle most of the politically sensitive matters on behalf of INEC is: Ibrahim K. Bawa, T.M. Inuwa, Alhassan .A. Umar, Abulaziz Sani, Rahima Aminu (Mrs.), Ahmed Goni, Ibrahim. S. Mohammed, Bashir Mohammed, Nnamdi Nwaeze and Olawale Dawodu.

Of the 10, only two are from the South while the others are from the North.

However, were the problem only restricted to the issue of lopsided com-

to leave any curious observer wondering as to why it picks and chooses when to be neutral and when to be allegedly partisan.

For instance, in a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja by 79 lawmakers who defected from PDP to the APC, INEC did not file any process, choosing to remain neutral. This is in spite of the fact there was already a subsisting court judgment in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/605/2013(Between PDP& ors. V. INEC & ors) delivered

by Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja; that there was

Were the problem only restricted to the issue of lopsided composition, intellect and a deep knowledge of the law would have been expected to make up for that position, intellect and a deep knowledge of the law would have been expected to make up for that.

However, a report published by Vanguard last week and which cannot be denied, about INEC challenging the powers of the court to declare vacant the seat of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, set a new tone.

INEC’s position in recent on-going litigation has been so inconsistent as

no division or faction in the PDP. In the face of the said court judgment, INEC ought to have filed a process to assist the court in the present suit before Justice Ahmed Muhammed, by stating that there is no faction in the PDP as declared by a competent court.

This would have greatly helped the court in reaching a verdict. Yet it chose to remain neutral.

Now in the case of APGA V. Rochas

Okorocha, also before Justice Ahmed Muhammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which was the subject of last week’s report, with APGA asking the court to declare Okorocha’s seat vacant having decamped to APC, INEC, a constitutional and statutory body, whose legal department ought to be abreast of all constitutional and statutory developments within its purview, filed an objection that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter. This is in spite of the glaring provisions of Section 272 (3) of the Constitution which states as follows: “Subject to the provisions of Section 251 and other provisions of this Constitution, the Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of the House of Assembly of a State, a Governor or Deputy Governor has ceased or become vacant” By the virtue of Section 239 of the 1999 Constitution, the Court of Appeal had original jurisdiction to determine whether the term of office of a governor or deputy governor has ceased or the offices have become vacant. However, following the First Alteration of the Constitution in 2010, Section 272

Continues on page 30

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 29

BY UDEME CLEMENT

T

he Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr. Mohammed Idabawa, has served in different states at various capacities in the force. He was the AC Operations in Anambra State and moved to the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2005. He led the operations that uncovered the Okija shrine in Anambra State in 2005. Later in 2005, he was transferred to Plateau State, where he served till 2007, when he was transferred to Bauchi State. He worked in Bauchi until July 2010 when he was sent to Adamawa State Police Command, still as Deputy Commissioner, till November the same year, when he was transferred back to Bauchi still as Deputy Commissioner of Police. In December 20, 2010, he became the Commissioner of Police and was posted from Yola back to Bauchi. In July 2011, he was posted to the Police Academy in Kaduna, where he was in charge of Administration. In November 2011, he was sent to Nasarawa state, where he worked until February 2012, when he was posted to Rivers state. In 2013, Idabawa was transferred to Oyo where he serves now as the Commissioner of Police.

He spoke on the efforts of the police to curb crime, the strategies by his Command to tackle importation of arms into the state and the measures put in place to police Oyo. When you took over the Command, what were the structures you met on ground and what have you done to improve on the structures?

Talking about structures in terms of infrastructure, I met patrol vehicles and police stations, some are under renovation. I am working with my team to improve on the existing infrastructure while necessary logistics are provided for us through the Inspector General of Police.

Also, the state government is doing a lot to assist us in our operations. In terms of security, we have increased surveillance, communication network and patrol operations within the state. At the period I took over, three patrol vehicles were given to the Command to help in our operations and we are utilising them well. The crime rate in Oyo has also reduced despite the recent C M Y K

discovery of the evil forest.

Recently, the Customs Command in Oyo handed over 30,000 rounds of live ammunition to your Command and a suspect arrested along with the dangerous weapons. How far have you gone in your investigation to uncover the syndicate behind importation of such a large number of arms into the state?

We are not relenting in our efforts at ensuring that the culprits are brought to book.

The suspect arrested with the arms has been charged to court. Once a case is in court, we allow the law to take its course. I am assuring the public that in-

Our Soka evil forest story, by Oyo police commissioner *‘My Okija shrine tale’ challenge; this notwithstanding, we are doing our best to curb crime.

Aside from the last arrest, have you uncovered another case of ammunition in the state?

Yes. We are working tirelessly to protect the environment and we arrested arms at different operations, but when we seize 10, 20 or 30 cartridges, we charge the suspects to court immediately and continue our investigations without calling the media. We only publicize it when we arrest large quantities, because that is when it becomes of interest to the

vestigation Mohammed Idabawa, is on-going Oyo State Police on the matter, Commissioner but we cannot come openly to expose our strategies, because doing other offensive items are that may hinder us from intercepted along that axis. getting to the root of the If Oteri and his team were matter. This is a very serious not alert, the suspect would issue and we cannot joke have entered the state with with this type of case. those arms unchecked. We Our investigations rewill continue to work with vealed that Saki axis of Oyo the Customs and other State links Nigeria with our security agencies to police neighbouring countries and media and the the route is prone to arms In the Oyo forest, we public. Aside importation, as similar thing from arms, we met some bones of happened last year. What over measures are you putting in dead people, while recovered 60 stolen place to tackle the menace? others who were not dead vehicles The challenge is that the The were rescued. Beyond that, recently. borders in Oyo State are vehicles were porous and that is why some years back, a ritual brought into dangerous weapons easily shrine called Okija, was Oyo from get into wrong hands. We Sokoto discovered in Anambra Gombe, are working hand-in-hand and other with the Customs and other State. I led the operation places. security agencies in the state that discovered the shrine The discovto tackle the menace. Part of ery of the Soka the efforts led to the discovevil forest in Oyo, where ery and arrest of those arms the state well. We have also people were killed for ritual and the suspect. I appreciate increased security surveilis another dimension to the efforts and commitment lance along that route to crime in Oyo. What is your of the current Customs Area ensure that offensive goods command doing about the Controller (CAC) of Oyo are not brought into the situation?

Command, Mr. Oteri Richcountry through that region.

Before the discovery of this ard, for his wholesome The truth is that, aside forest, we have been having service, alertness to his from Oyo State, Nigerian cases of killing, missing statutory duties and ensurborders generally are very persons and dead bodies ing that ammunition and porous and this poses a

being dumped on the streets.

So, to us in the police, ritual killings are really not new in Nigeria, because some days after that of Oyo, another ritual site was discovered in Ogun State. In the Oyo forest, we met some bones of dead people, while others who were not dead were rescued. Beyond that, some years back, a ritual shrine called Okija, was discovered in Anambra State. I led the operation that discovered the shrine. I was a Deputy Commissioner of Police then.

You can see that we have been working hard to curb crime not only in Oyo, but in the entire country.

After the eight suspects arrested in connection with the evil forest in Oyo, have you made any further arrest?

We have not made any more arrest yet, but we have to conclude investigations first for us to ascertain the root cause of everything. I do not agree that there is any new trend of crime in this country. It is the same killings and that is the more reason we appeal to the public to always give timely information to the police, to enable us swing to action in time.

Oyo is a very vast state.

What are your challenges in curbing crime?

Lack of information and enough patrol vehicles.

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PAGE 30—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014

INEC: The parable of ignorance on steroids Continued from page 28 was amended to include a new Sub section 3 which gives original jurisdiction to determine whether the term of office of a governor or deputy governor has ceased or the offices have become vacant to the Federal High Court.

Yet the legal department of INEC was totally ignorant of this development.

Worse still, INEC went further to state that the suit be struck out or alternatively its name be removed as the suit discloses no reasonable cause of action against it.

Does this seeming lack of understanding of the provisions of the law a function of ignorance at the top or an inadvertent slipshod?

IN THE BEGINNING Sometime on the 13th day of June, 2012, Jega, at a retreat for senior officers of INEC, was confronted with what looked like a mini-rebellion from the lot. The bone of contention was the report of the Senior Staff Establishments Committee’s (SSEC) review of the findings by the consultant the Commission had hired.

According to documents, Jega had explained at the retreat that “PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was appointed as a consultant by the Commission in October 2011 and tasked with the development of recommendations on restructuring INEC”. The documents quoted the INEC boss as saying the consultant completed this task and submitted four volumes of its report between February and May, 2012, after conducting staff interviews, reviewing pertinent documents and drawing from comparative international experiences. “The objectives of the Commission in requesting this consultancy from PwC were to create an administrative structure that would ensure a trim, effective and efficient electoral management body that would deliver better elections in 20I5 and beyond,”

The legal department of a very strategic institution like INEC should be structured in such a manner as to guarantee a wholesome discharge of its responsibility he added. The outcomes of this engagement were understood to be a recommendation on restructuring INEC’s operational functions, clarification of job descriptions and a proposal on a new remuneration scheme in line with market rates.

The SSEC Report is a response and commentary on the PwC report, offering an alternative ‘structure’.

That alternative structure, Sunday Vanguard gathered, became controversial to the extent that its objective analysis by Jega created a controversy of its own.

Indeed, it was at that retreat that the issue of “Accounting Officer ” created a tussle between some senior staff and the Commission Chairman.

The INEC boss concluded thus: “Arising from my review of and comments on the SSEC Report on PwC Report, I wish to recommend as follows: “1.At this Retreat, we should not conflate the issues of restructuring and reorganization of the administrative structure of INEC and those of making National Commissioners as Executives. If we have to do the latter at all, the best forum might be in our in-

teractions with the members of the National Assembly as they undertake the review of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. We may then wish to ask them to make explicit provisions in the laws as to who is the Accounting Officer of INEC, whether National Commissioners are also Executives, and so on.

“2.Let us then review the recommendation of the PwC, those of the SSEC and mine and see what kind of trim structure we may come up with, to reduce over departmentalization and sectionalization; to remove duplication of functions and responsibilities; and to make for efficient and effective service delivery of lNEC’s programmes and projects even before the Constitution and the Electoral Act are further amended”.

RESTRUCTURING THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT It was while executing the recommendations of the consultants that a tsunami swept through INEC via the instrumentality of a ‘restructuring’ exercise.

What the Commission did was to attempt to put square pegs in square holes and round pegs in round holes.

Some heads of department were redeployed while some were promoted.

The massive waves, which swept through the Commission, touched every department – including its legal department.

The strategic nature of the legal department was such that, very competent sources disclosed to Sunday Vanguard, that even some of the legal consultants the Commission uses to prosecute its cases “had expressed some form of concern about the department”.

In fact, that was the reason the searchlight was beamed specially on the department during the restructuring.

Some officers of the department were moved around.

The then acting head of department,

‘My Okija shrine tale’ Continued from page 29 Though we usually get information from the public, what we get is not sufficient for us to work with. We are still appealing to the public to give useful information to the police to enable us function effectively. For instance, if they had given us information when they ought to, this ritual forest, that had existed for about 10 years, would have been discovered since and many lives would have been saved from such danger. Another challenge facing Nigeria now is unemployment. Some C M Y K

of these youths are jobless, which is why they go into crime. If they have jobs, crime rate in the country will reduce. We are doing our best even with the present situation.

How do you rate the police in the last four years of the Jonathan administration?

There are a lot of changes, especially since the current Inspector General came in.

There are regular training and retraining programmes for officers, promotion, improved welfare packages and work tools to enhance efficiency in the system. For example, this is the first time

training, promotion and welfare are given primary concern in the police. It has not been this good in the past years. Now we have four set of uniforms, which include the black, blue and others, unlike when we had only one-the black. Police officers now have access to housing facility, unlike before when such welfare package was not possible.

The current IG is doing well and still working to move the police forward. He has been able to tackle the issues of road- blocks and corruption, which people complained about in the past.

The IG has declared that

Ibrahim K. Bawa, was also moved out of the department.

Indeed, a review by one Madaki concluded that there was need to re-energise and infuse fresh blood into the legal department – that was how Bawa was removed However, by a stroke of fortune, after the waters of the tsunami receded, Bawa was returned to head the department.

Part of the concern of some sources at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, is that the counsel of some of the very senior lawyers who consult for the Commission may have been suffering injuries on account of how the department functions.

For Jega, whose integrity remains a driving force for the enthronement of peaceful, free and fair general elections in 2015, “he may have to look critically into what goes on in that department of the Commission”, a federal commissioner told Sunday Vanguard last week in Abuja.

“The legal department of a very strategic institution like INEC should be structured in such a manner as to guarantee a wholesome discharge of its responsibility. That was why the first wave of restructuring made a sweep of the department. But if the current trend is allowed to continue, the commission should be ready for whatever fallout from engagements on its behalf by its legal department”, another federal commissioner said.

No matter. It should be consoling to Nigerians that Jega’s integrity, which has been keeping the Commission afloat and above the fray, would play a pivotal role in redeeming the alleged discounts highlighted. *A MUDDLED VERSION OF THIS REPORT WAS FIRST PUBLISHED LAST WEEK. WE APLOGISE. THIS IS THE COMPLETE VERSION, OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENTHRONEMENT OF TRUE DEMOCRACY USING THE RULE OF LAW

discipline is key in the police. What sanctions are in place for officers in your Command who collaborate with criminals to kill innocent citizens?

Police is a very disciplined organization. It does not shield any officer found guilty of sharp practices, rather the officer is either dismissed or suspended, depending on the nature of the offense. Recently I dismissed a police officer for corruption. That is why I gave out my telephone number to the public to call and alert me of any thing going wrong in the state.

What is your message and what do you want the public to know?

They should have confidence in the police and give credible information to us to assist in curbing crime in the state and the whole country.

If they say the police is bad, then they are not helping matters. That is not true because we have hard working and committed officers. It is just like saying all Nigerians are bad. That statement is incorrect because they are many honest, hard working and credible Nigerians. Parents must advise their wards to be careful with strangers. They must not collect things from strangers to eat, especially with the cases of rape going on today.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 31

PROLOGUE

The Ghost of Nero

BY JIDE AJANI

T

he paradox of life! What is not good is very, very bad!Think of this: The manufacturer makes and sells it! The buyer buys but is not going to use it! And the one for whom it is to be used never saw it! What is it?

You will get the answer at the end of the script. Life! Figures may never mean anything in life beyond those that make up dates of birth, anniversaries or other such remembrances. But numbers made up of the same figures take up the garb of seriousness when they are attached to casualties or fatalities under any circumstance. For instance, the number of those who disappeared aboard a missing plane – 239 - in the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 In journalism, except you hit the double digits, figures of casualties or any other thing for that matter are to be rendered in alphabetic words – nine, eight, seven, three, one.

When the double digits come in, you write in figures – 75, as in the official number of the dead at the Nyanya bus park bomb explosion in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja; or 129, the figure earlier quoted for the number of girls abducted by members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati walJihad, which, in English, means, “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”, and otherwise known as Boko Haram.

Figures, numbers, damned numbers! What do they represent? They represent anguish in this instance.

These numbers represent lives lost or burdened. They represent, by association and multiplicity in terms of those affected, discomfort and discomfiture. They represent sorrow. However, the incremental nature of the number of the dead in terms of attacks appears to make a mockery of lives in Nigeria. At about this time last year, when casualty figures of any Boko Haram induced incidents oscillated between 10 and 15, they made banner headlines. Over time, towards the end of last year, the figure shifted to 20 and above before it could grab attention – headline attention, that is. Today, it appears a very conservative figure of 75dead does not have any psychological impact on Nigeria’s leadership as exemplified by what happened last week. Since 2010 December after the attack on a military barracks in Abuja, the mantra, in Ijaw language has been Omene a demo mene (we shall overcome). Last Monday morning, after the crocodile tears in some quarters and visit by President Goodluck Jonathan to the Nyanya park and hospital to commiserate with victims and their families,Mr President was in Kano within 24hours to attend a rally; a political rally of no meaningful significance other than the celebration of prostitution by politicians engaged in the

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Omene a demo mene (We shall overcome)

PAGE 32 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

the scene, what looked like the last phase of an evacuation exercise had taken place by rescue workers made up of officers of NSCDC, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the police, the Nigerian Army and other volunteer workers.

The scene was full and heavy with people.

The day they shattered Nyanya

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

S

he woke up with a bad start that Monday morning, ready to confront whosoever it was that made the sound. It was just 6:45 am when many people were still in bed.

The loud sound woke her; she headed for the gate to warn the local vigilante group maintaining security on her street to be alert. According to her, it was still very early to display any madness.

But on opening the gate, she found no one. Immediately, a feeling struck her that even if the vigilante had released bullets from their locally made gun, the fire power could not have made the deafening sound.

Then she heard wailings from same distance. Something so uncanny had happened.

She placed a call to someone who lived in the direction where the wailings came from. Lo and behold, it was a bomb blast. She raced to the scene to see for herself an ill development that later attracted

Madam, please, come to Nyanya under bridge”, a NEMA official talking, on one of the phones recovered from the scene of the blast to, perhaps, the wife of a victim who at the time hadn’t been certified dead or alive

Nigerians from all walks of life.

This is how Victoria, a resident of Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja, shared the news of the Monday bomb explosion that rocked the area’s commercial bus terminal otherwise called el-Rufai Motor Park with Sunday Vanguard. ”If not for this work, I would have just gone back to my house. I have seen a lot today”, said an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) whose name badge bore ‘Igah G.’ His remark got me started. “Pls tell me more. How did it happen?”, I shot at him. ”Look at those Okada (motorcycles) on the ground along the road there, the owners didn’t escape. They were all killed”.

A look in that direction did not only reveal burnt motor bikes that littered the ground but also a tray and loaves of bread, Lipton tea and tins of liquid milk. The tray, bread and tea ingredients belonged to a commercial tea operator popularly called “Mai shai” in Hausa language. He too was gone. Shortly before Victoria arrived

At the scene were some wheel barrows stained with blood. On the ground also was coagulating blood at different spots. One needed not be told that the barrows were used to evacuate the dead or injured persons.

Remains of human beings had been picked and conveyed to waiting ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

Also littering the scene were shoes, wallets and bags. One of the bags contained a West African Examination Council (WAEC) original certificate. It could be that the owner was on his or her way for an interview which of course ended at Nyanya.

There were also mobile phones which had been gathered by NEMA officials.

Suddenly, one of the phone began to ring. But who would pick? How do you start a conversation with the caller? Already, words had gone out.

The videos and pictures of the incident had gone viral on the internet apparently posted by individual who had taken shots of the blast. Most people in Abuja who knew their loved ones went in that direction began to work their phones.

It was Monday morning and anyone familiar with Nyanya/Keffi/Abuja road must have known the usual serpentine traffic that characterizes the motor way. So, it was possible that apprehension had taken the air to necessitate calls. ”Madam, please, come to Nyanya under bridge”, a NEMA official talking, on one of the phones recovered from the scene of the blast to, perhaps, the wife of a victim who at the time hadn’t been certified dead or alive, said. ”Oh! You are in Kano”, the rescue worker spoke aloud. That was the last thing I heard before I sighted a local delicacy called “Okpa”. It was seated dumbly on a table, unharmed by the blast or the fire that ensued. Again, the owner was gone. The gap between it and the spot of the blast was so close to prove otherwise.

At the middle of the park, which had been marked off with the police crime scene tape, was a crated hole by the explosion. A combined team of anti-bomb squad from the police and army were busy digging and picking the debris of the bomb. Beside them were the wreckage of the vehicle which was used for the operation. No one would believe that it was a complete vehicle before the blast.

Of course, there was an array of high capacity buses called el-Rufai buses.

Both the park and the buses got the sobriquet from Malam Nasir el-Rufai who, during his time as the Minister of FCT, banned commercial motor bikes within the metropolis and initiated the urban mass transport scheme that brought about the buses.

The buses had been burnt while other commuter buses operated by

Continues on page 33

SUND AY SUNDA

Continued from page 32 individuals, said to have loaded and ready to depart the park were now the shadow of themselves. They were burnt beyond recognition.

71 persons were killed while a total 124 persons were left critically injured. These were the official figures. But eyewitnesses disagreed with them. In their estimation, over 150 died.

Now, there was this 15 year old boy whose legs were shattered by the explosion. The boy had cried “Mummy! mummy!!, don’t let me die” as he held on to his mother amid the melee that ensued. These were all the relics of the blast.

According to the press officer of NEMA, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on Monday, the victims were distributed as follows: ”In Abuja Clinic, we have four injured people, Nyanya hospital 11 injured, Nigerian Customs Service Hospital, 14 injured and one person dead, Asokoro General Hospital, we have 25 injured, 27 dead, Maitama, 27 injured, 14 dead, Wuse 10 injured, 15 dead, National Hospital, 25 injured, 14 dead, Garki Hospital, one injured, Maraba General Hospital, we have 7 injured. So, by and large, Asokoro has the largest death figure,” he said.

But by Tuesday, the figures rose to 75 for the dead, while 216 were injured.

This was according to the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, who briefed journalists at the National Hospital, Abuja.

How the act was carried out Eye witnesses said a man drove a red Volkswagen space bus into the premises of the big capacity bus terminus and parked in front of two of the buses which were loaded ready to leave for town.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that upon protest from drivers of the buses that he was obstructing their exit, the driver, who allegedly came with four other passengers, said he was going to get ‘change’ to settle his ‘passengers’.

About five minutes after their hurried departure, the bus exploded, killing everything, both animate and inanimate that was nearby.

Relatives count losses A relative of one of the dead victims, Sadiat, who could not hold back tears, told Sunday Vanguard that his nephew was to travel to Taraba and left home about 5 am in spite of the fact they live not far away from the park just for him to catch the first bus since Taraba is far “ only to hear deafening sound of a blast and rushed to the scene.

She said it took quite some time before she could locate his nephew’s charred body and identified his with his dress. She wept sorely.

At the Asokoro General Hospital, relatives of victims were seen in different corners, waiting to see them.

One Adigun Bidemi, looking for her relation, Mr. Gbenga Oladele, an architect, said her mother called her and told her about the blast and that her brother used to join the high capacity bus to work.

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 33

The day they shattered Nyanya

She said her mother and her brother left home together that morning but that they parted ways at the park shortly before the explosion and that they had not been able to contact the young man.

God saved me

Very funny you may say, but Timothy Okorie, a commercial bus driver, was grateful to God that He took him away from the park at the time of the blast to buy Alomo Bitters. Alomo Bitters is a Ghanaian alcoholic drink that has gained patronage in Nigeria. For most commercial bus drivers, conductors and thugs popularly called “Agbero” who usually lurk around motor parks in most Nigerian cites, the drink is a delight.

Speaking to Sunday Vanguard’s Ben Agande at the scene of the blast, Okorie, who was distraught, said he routinely terminates his trips at the park and loads for a returning trip to Masaka, another settlement along the road.

His words: “I left my house at about six in the morning to bring passengers from Masaka, Maraba, One Man Village and Ado to the Nyanya bus terminus where they will board El-Rufai Bus to the city centre. I dropped the last passenger under the Nyanya bridge and was supposed to enter the park to carry passengers back to Masaka. Strangely, I had this sudden and strong feeling to take Alomo before beginning the day’s job.

So rather than enter the park, I took the next turn, went round the bridge and headed towards Jukwoyi to buy a bottle of Alomo”.

That decision turned out to be his saving grace as less than three minutes after he left the bus park, the huge explosion occurred. Okorie said though the decision to indulge in alcoholic drink so early in the morning, especially as a commercial bus driver, was something he would not have been proud of in normal circumstance, the fact that decision alone saved him from certain death has made other

According to the excited but shaken bus driver, God intervened, using a most unlikely avenue to save his life: a place where cheap alcohol and Marijuana are sold.

“I should not be proud ordinarily to be saying this but God has saved me this morning” considerations to pale into insignificance.

According to the excited but shaken bus driver, God intervened, using a most unlikely avenue to save his life: a place where cheap alcohol and Marijuana are sold.

“I should not be proud ordinarily to be saying this but God has saved me this morning using the most unlikely place. I had no reason to go there this morning because it was a rush hour and every driver knows that Monday mornings are the best time to get passengers. But I could not resist the urge to go and buy the drink. That decision saved my life!” he said.

He said it was just as he parked his bus and was about to disembark, that he heard a deafening explosion that threw his bus high in the air before slamming it to the ground. According to the bus driver, the first thing that came to his mind was that a reckless driver had rammed into his bus from the back but when he looked up, he saw a huge black smoke billowing to the sky from the bus park where he had passed less than three minutes

ago!

“People started running helter-skelter.

Cars and buses suddenly exploded into flame. There was loud wailing from the direction of the bus park. I was too dazed to move; but after a few minutes, I gathered courage and moved close to the place.

My colleagues who less than ten minutes ago I exchanged pleasantries with were stone dead! I couldn’t believe my eyes. That spur of the moment decision to make a detour to buy Alomo Bitters saved my life. God saved me using the most unusual place. I thank God,” he said almost at the verge of tears.

Who is responsible?

At the time of filing this report, no one or group had claimed responsibility for the attack. But everyone including the government is pointing finger at the deadly Boko Haram, a terrorist cell that has dealt decisively with Nigeria and her people since 2009.

The guess is predicated on the previous bombings that had the imprint of the group.

Last line Expectedly, the explosion has prompted a renewed call for drastic measures to be taken to stem what has appeared to be an escalated insecurity situation in the country. The deaths, the carnages on the streets across the federation are just too alarming that government should be greatly perturbed. Many Nigerians believe government still has not done enough to contain the situation. But piqued by the magnitude of the recent attacks, including the abduction of scores of school girls in Chibok, Borno State, President Goodluck Jonathan swiftly visited the scene of the incident that Monday and subsequently summoned a state security meeting apparently to discuss how to contain terror in the country with all relevant authorities. It is left to be seen what the result would be in the weeks ahead.

PAGE 34 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

NYANYA BOMBING

How we mitigated the pains – FEMA

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

lhaji Idris Abass, Director-

General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, is not a novice in risk management having been an astute insurer and a broker. Abass, in this interview, speaks on managing disasters in the FCT and the need for residents and indigenes to avoid disaster in the best possible ways in the wake of last week’s Nyanya’s bomb blast.

Excerpts: Can you briefly tell us what your agency is doing to manage disasters?

The mandate of our agency is to coordinate all disaster related activities within the FCT and to promptly and proactively respond to all disaster calls from the FCT. Since our establishment in June last year, we have carried out a lot of interventions, a lot of enlightenment and a lot of collaboration with stakeholders and development agencies.

Is FCT Emergency Management Agency FEMA not a duplication of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA? Disaster refers to an emergency caused by natural hazards or human- induced actions resulting in a significant change in circumstances over a relatively short time period. Typical examples are death, displacement, disease, loss of crops, damage to physical and service infrastructure, depletion of natural and social capitals, institutional weakening and a general disruption of economic and social activity. A broad definition of disasters include the fact that they are dramatic, sudden, unscheduled events that are often accompanied by large losses of human life, suffering and affliction to a society or a significant part of it, and a temporary breakdown of prevailing lifelines and systems.

So, FEMA is not a duplication of NEMA. FEMA is a mirror replica of NEMA, NEMA is the coordinating agency for all states and FCT emergency management agencies while the FEMA is coordinating the activities of emergency management agencies within the FCT. So it is the same function but narrowed down to FCT. So what is your agency doing to manage

FEMA did a lot in order to ensure that there was sanity in the coordination of the Nyanya victims. For those of you who witnessed similar disasters within the FCT, you would have seen some improvement in the way we coordinated rescue operations disaster in the rural areas places like Bwari, Abaji?

First and foremost, we are coming up with the establishment of shops and town hall meetings with the communities to tell them what to do and what not to do; we are also strengthening our volunteers in the rural areas and within the cities to ensure that they educate the public and take measures before we come in to intervene on any disaster. We are also coming up with some innovation on fire outbreak, we are introducing the special fire marshal which is going to be a volunteer group, we are going to train them and give them the mandate to also educate the public in their communities and try to prevent fire outbreak and if there is any they should be able to curb the fire situation immediately. We are also trying to introduce a professional disaster management club, we are going to get all the professionals in the field to train them so that we can try to avert professional incompetency within the system which is also leading to disaster; for instance, building collapse; if you look at the building industry, there are so many professionals there: architects, engineers etc. So, we bring them and tell them the implications of all those things. By doing so we will now broaden the scope of

knowledge of the public to know that this is our role and this is what is expected of us.

As a growing concern and a young agency, how do you bring your experience to bear and change the face of disaster management?

Nationally and in the FCT, disaster management has voiced a paradigm shift from being ‘response & relief ’ centric’ approach to becoming a ‘mitigation and preparedness’ approach.

Monitoring and observing environmental factors that signal the onset of a hazard are fundamental to early warning systems. Monitoring and assessment play an important role in generating relevant information that assists in identifying risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities to promote community resilience.

Approach to disaster risk management aims at utilizing environmental knowledge and practices in all stages of the risk-cycle so as to reduce the risk from disaster, and to ensure sustainability in reconstruction and recovery process. It starts with the understanding of the basis of disasters, or in other words – recognizing disasters as natural and human events.

As professionals, we should be able to act professionally and you cannot do that without carrying everybody along by training him or her on the principles of disaster management and also on the principle of emergency. The essence is for people to really respond promptly to the stress calls and also to be able to provide succour to the victims. But we in FEMA, our principle is that we try as much as possible to prevent and that is why we have to work within the four principle of disaster management which is preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.

In all of that, you left out media enlightenment campaign.

It is there, we can’t do it, we are not professionals in terms of the media, and we go along with the media. We are organising jingles and we will soon start playing them in some selected media houses, then we will also start newspaper publications, handbills, billboards etc.

What do you think is the cause of endless accidents in the FCT? The major causes identified are recklessness on the part of the drivers, bad

roads, vehicles that are not suitable for driving; these are the three major causes of road accidents in Nigeria.

Do you take time out find drivers who destroy FCT facilities?

Yes, there is an agency doing that. If you bring down a tree, the Abuja environment protection body will take you up; if you bring down any of the poles, the development control will also do that for facility maintenance. In this kind of situation, we only alert the agency responsible because we are coordinating agencies. In road accidents, the road safety is the first respondent, but we are coordinating agencies, when we see it, we tell the agency in charge. For example, if we see a broken down truck, we notify the Federal Road Safety Commission to remove it but if the road safety staff are in the scene of an accident and they are people to be rescued, then they have to call us and they have to call the fire service because the fire service are trained for rescue too maybe to cut the metal of the vehicle involved in an accident and bring out the victims if there are any trapped and take them to hospital.

What are your challenges?

Majorly budget. Funding is the major thing. The growing trend of disasters in the FCT has implications for sustainability. This is because disasters, irrespective of causal factors, are associated with diverse externalities such as mortalities, loss of income, home, farmlands, social networks, livelihoods and infrastructures. And understanding that resources earmarked for preventing and mitigating the impact of natural phenomena are very high-yield investment, both in economic, social and political terms in line with long-term growth. Second, the spending actions and decisions that are taken once a phenomenon has arisen must be seen from the perspective of reducing vulnerability. In other words, a combined reconstruction and transformation approach aimed at positively and progressively modifying the degree of vulnerability and, therefore, the prospects for future development, is paramount.

Do you think that what you have been allocated this year will be enough to carry out your projects?

It will not be enough because this is a new agency and we need a lot of things which we know we cannot get now but, being that the constraint is a general one, we prioritize our needs.

What was your involvement in the Nyanya bombing rescue operation?

FEMA did a lot in order to ensure that there was sanity in the coordination of the Nyanya victims. For those of you who witnessed similar disasters within the FCT, you would have seen some improvement in the way we coordinated rescue operations. We took accurate stock of all what happened and we went round hospitals to ensure that victims get medical attention.

The police, the army, the SSS, Red Cross, NEMA, FEMA, NCSDC, FRSC etc, all the stakeholders converged and visited about nine hospitals, What we also did was, at the end of the exercise, we reviewed and agreed on the figure of casualty and you will agree with me that the papers that we saw the following day had almost the same figure; this is the type of collaborations that is supposed to take place in any situation like this.

We really have some challenges which have put us on our toes. First and foremost, we need talk to security agencies to beef up security within the FCT so that the safety of lives and property is assured. We however discovered that most of our stakeholders have some lapses which we want to address especially when it comes to health.

PAGE 36 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

The Ghos er Ghostt Of N Ner eroo Continued from page 31

100 kidnapped girls in the Sambisa forest Continued from page 35 vehicles conveying them to the camps

of the terrorists broke down in the bush, while the 10 others escaped when they were asked to go and wash plates for the terrorists in a nearby stream.

He explained that contrary to report that over 100 girls were abducted, the official figure of those missing as reported by their parents and the school authority stood at 50.

Shettima stated that he had wanted to relocate to Chibok until the students were rescued, due to the security situation in the area, he had been advised to step down till further notice.

“I have already gave an instruction to all the security agencies to marshall all resources to see that these innocent students are rescued.

I have to thank the security agencies, the principal of the school, the District Head and the Caretaker Chairman of the affected council

alive among parents,” said one resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. But the unsubstantiated report that most of the children were now safe “has shattered that hope”, he said.

Another resident, Mallam Hyeladi Ibrahim, said, “Gunmen stormed Chibok late Monday and torched several buildings before opening fire on security forces guarding the Government Girls Secondary School.

They killed two guards, then forced their way inside, herding the girls on to 911 truck and Hilux vans before driving away.

Three of the girls who escaped said they were taken to the Sambisa Forest part of Borno, an area where Boko Haram is known to have well-fortified camps.

Three of the girls who escaped and returned to Chibok area briefed locals about the attack, said Madu Thomas, whose daughter was among those abducted.

“The girls told us they were taken to the Konduga district part of Sambisa forest by their captors,” said Thomas, referring to an area where Boko Haram is known to have well-fortified camps.

The girls said they ran after getting permission from the gunmen to use the bathroom and were helped back to Chibok by nomadic herdsmen from the Fulani ethnic group.

“My daughter is not among the three lucky girls but their escape and the news on the whereabouts of the other girls has given me more hope”, Thomas said.

On behalf of the government and the people of Borno State, we have pledged N50million to anyone who gives information that will lead to the tracking/ rescuing of these our innocent daughters

for their support and cooperation since the sad incident happened”, he said.

“On behalf of government and the people of Borno State, we have pledged N50million to anyone who gives information that will lead to the tracking/ rescuing of these our innocent daughters, “I want to appeal to all and sundry to continue to pray for these students and for peace to return back to our troubled state”.

Clarification Parents in Chibok swarmed the home of the area’s tribal chief on Wednesday and Thursday, demanding clarification after the military’s claim, residents said.

“The feeling that the military was in pursuit of the kidnappers kept hope

shameful act of carpet-crossing pax Nigeriana.

What went wrong?

It was Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924), who, while writing on art, character, growth, guidance, judgment, life, seriousness, spirit and spirituality, posited, “A man is the part he plays among his fellows. He is not isolated; he cannot be. His life is made up of the relations he bears to others - is made or marred by those relations, guided by them, judged by them, expressed in them. There is nothing else upon which he can spend his spirit - nothing else that we can see. It is by these he gets his spiritual growth; it is by these we see his character revealed, his purpose, his gifts. A few (men) act as those who have mastered the secrets of a serious art, with deliberate subordination of themselves to the great end and motive....

These have `found themselves’, and have all the ease of a perfect adjustment”.

When Wilson talks about “those who have mastered the secrets of a serious art, with deliberate subordination of themselves to the great end and motive”, he was referring to the greater need for introspection, deep thinking and a realization that leading a country of over 170million people is not about what the leader merely wants for himself or what catches his fancy but what he has to offer for the general good. That singular incident in Kano blighted the President’s mournful disposition of the day before. Why did Jonathan fall so cheaply for the shenanigans of his party jobbers?

Only one explanation: The ghost of Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, simply referred to by historians as Nero, reigns supreme in the land. He is notoriously known to have been fiddling away while over 70% of Rome was burning. Paradoxically, he was also recorded to have been a bit popular but the controversy about that engages the overdrive gear when placed side by side his viciousness and nihilistic disposition. At the Kano rally, it was as if nothing had happened in the last 24hours. What was so important about the Kano rally that Mr. President could not postpone it? What level of deep thinking went into not passing off that event till another time?

What were the leaders of the PDP and Aso Rock thinking of that the loss of 75 Nigerians appeared not to move them? The importance of statistics and numbers dawns on every individual when tragedy hits hard at home, in the family, at the work place or in the neighbourhood. Pray, had any close family member of the leaders of PDP and

Aso Rock been victims of the Nyanya blast, would the Kano rally still have held?

Just last Friday, three-days of mourning were declared for the Mexican Nobel Laureate, Gabriel Garcia Marquez – this was declared by the country’s President. In Nigeria, because we are gradually but strangely being inoculated against the strong effects of losing fellow countrymen to the cold hands of death in the hands of terrorists, the government did not call for days of mourning. What has gone wrong?

What is going wrong? Even the statement issued by the ruling party’s megaphone, Olisa Metuh, pointing accusing fingers, was disgusting at best and embarrassingly insensitive to right thinking Nigerians. Then add the ever present All Progressive Congress, APC, leadership that relishes jumping into any fray with pretensions to siding with Nigerians.

W

hat does this say of the crop of leadership in the country?

As if dramatizing a tragic-comical script, the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by Jonathan, was made to look more impotent when terrorists stormed a school in Borno and abducted 129 female students before the dust raised at the Kano rally could settle that same night of last Tuesday. And as if waking up from a slumber, the Presidency then summoned a security-council meeting of PDP governors alone – after the fact; and after the Kano rally. Worse still, the military authorities, within 24 hours, went to town with the news that it had rescued all but eight of the abducted girls. Then, suddenly, another fact was released damning the first rescue report – only 14 of the girls “escaped on their own steam”. Between January and this April, over 2,000 lives have been lost. Yet, government acts after the fact – this is without prejudice to the episodic gallantry of the members of the armed forces who continue to risk their lives.

It is time for President Jonathan and his handlers to sit back, reflect, think deeply and engage a more proactive and meaningful approach.

The answer to the puzzle is: A coffin!

The sizes and the shape of the coffins that would be used to bury the identified bodies from last Monday’s bomb blast were never seen by those to be buried in them just seconds before the bomb went off. It could have been anybody. A governor or a minister may have scheduled a visit to the park that morning. Therefore, government should not continue to dishonor the memories of the dead by acting as if once the victims are not close home, then we can all go about our businesses as if they do not matter.

What is not good is very, very BAD.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 37

The filth called Boko Haram and a season of shame

P

BY FEMI FANI-KAYODE

ERMIT me to begin this contribu tion with some basic truisms: First ly that God is great and that He alone forges the destiny of nations and rules in the affairs of men. Secondly that He is faithful and true and that He alone is worthy of our fear and of our praise.

Lest despair and despondency set in, it is right and proper to always remember this and to continue to reiterate these truisms given the horrific things that we are witnessing on a daily basis in our country today. This is a season of brutality, sadness and fear.

A season which has witnessed more carnage and bloodshed than ever before. A season of tears and sorrow that has brought pain and shame to our nation’s doorstep. A season in which the entire world has focused it’s attention on Nigeria for all the wrong reasons. A season in which over 200 of our compatriots were slaughtered in cold blood by a bomb blast in Nyanya, Abuja and in which over 100 pubescent girls were abducted from their school in Chibok town, Borno State. A season in which horror, blood, sweat and tears have pinned us down and gripped us. A season in which children were plucked from their mother ’s arms and slaughtered like rams and infants mourned the loss of their parents, grandparents and siblings.

Even by Nigerian standards, what happened last week was particularly chilling. Our story seems to be the same- horror after horror, carnage after carnage, ineptitude after ineptitude and insensitivity after insensitivity. And in all this, it is the poor, the vulnerable, the less privilaged and the weaker members of our society that suffer. What a tragedy. We have entered a season of anomie and utter anarchy. I hereby condemn, in the strongest terms, both the bomb blast that took place in Nyanya and the abduction of the young girls in Chibok. Once again, I hereby call on the Federal Government not to hold back and not to give an inch or a quarter.

Kid gloves They must take off the kid gloves, cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war. They must rise up to the occasions, crush the terrorists with ruthless precision and protect the Nigerian people. And we the people must give them our full support as they do so. If we can do that, I have little doubt that those who are secretly behind Boko Haram and employ the use of terror for political ends will soon be exposed.

Those who delight in bloodshed and revel in carnage will soon be defeated. Those who secretly encourage them and covertly fund them will soon be shamed. Those who rejoice each time they hear that others have had their limbs blown off, their lives snuffed out and their children abducted will soon be brought to justice. And those who are confused and that fail to understand what is really going on or what purpose this sheer madness and pure wickedness is designed to serve will soon be enlightened.

Let us make no mistake about it: Nigeria is in for the fight of her life. What we are faced with in our country today is nothing less than a full scale war. It is a war between the forces of light and the forces of darkness. A war between Islamists and secularists. A war between the agents of the devil and the servants of God. It is a war that was fought in the 19th century in Turkey and in the early 1990s in Algeria. It is a war that was also fought in Lebanon, Chechyna, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt, Somalia, Malaysia, Palestine, the Phillipines, the Sudan, Syria and Indonesia in recent years. It is a war that is being fought in Pakistan, Afghanistan and, once again, in Syria today.

In Turkey, Kemal Attaturk, the founder of that great Muslim nation, slaughtered no less than one million Islamists in order to establish a modern-day secular state in which the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims were guaranteed. In Algeria, the military slaughtered no less than 150,000 Islamists in a brutal and pro-

•Boko Haram fighters longed war in order to achieve the same goal. In Lebanon, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Chechyna, Iraq, Palestine, Somalia, Yemen, the Sudan, Syria and Malaysia, thousands were slaughtered over the years in order to preserve the secularity of the state and to protect it from the evil of Islamic fundamentalism. Today, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the full support of NATO and the American military machine, they are waging the same war and are doing the same thing and hundreds of thousands have been killed in the process.

In Syria, once again, we are witnessing the same bitter struggle: you have an embattled secularist government being challenged by a brutal and unrelenting Al Qaeda-sponsored Islamist army that is hell bent on turning that country into a primitive Islamic fundamentalist state.

Whether we like to admit it or not, we are faced with the same struggle and war in Nigeria. It is not a war between Christian and Muslim or between the North and the South. It is not a war between the ethnic nationalities or between the HausaFulani and the rest of us. It is a war between the Wahabbi-indoctrinated and Salifist-inspired Islamists who wish to send us back to the stone age on the one hand against the secularists, the moderate Muslims, the Christians, the agnostics, the athiests, the traditional worshippers and all the rest of us, who wish to preserve and develop a modern 21st century Nigerian state, on the other.

And whether we like it or not we must fight that war and we must win. The truth is that an Islamist is not a true Muslim and he does not represent Islam. It therefore does not matter how many Islamists have to be killed in the process of fighting this war. They must all be eliminated and sent back to hell where they came from.

They shall fail and ultimately the Nigerian people shall prevail. Of this I have no doubt because the one true Living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of the armies of Israel, the God whose name is the I AM, THAT I AM, the God who never slumbers or sleeps and who never lies, the God that is known as the Man of War, the Lord God of Hosts and the Ancient of Days wills it and because He has said it. And every single Nigerian, including this writer, is here to fight that war when and if he or she is called upon to do so.

Disinformation Yet we must guard against ignorance and disinformation which may further divide our ranks. And one of the most dangerous submissions that is presently making the rounds in the North was well captured by a misguided and misinformed individual by the name of Usman Jimeta who wrote the following: ‘’All northern Muslims must know that the killings in the North of Muslims is solely sponsored by Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan agreed with his people of Southeast and South-south that our population must be eliminated through massacres.

Those carrying out the massacres in the different states of the North are well trained Igbo and former Niger Delta

militants who were trained in Israel and clandestinely in some countries. President Jonathan once told a northern elite that a revolution must be started in the North to pave the way for killing all our elites.

“Jonathan assassinated General Mohammed Shuwa, assassinated Jarman Katagum, attempted to eliminate Ado Bayero, Kwankwaso, the Sultan of Sokoto, to mention but a few. Jonathan has declared a genocide on Northern Muslims! President Goodluck Jonathan gave orders to the Military to wipe off Fulanis in Nigeria. It is now clear to even skeptics that Boko Haram is trained and funded by CAN, Christian Association of

Those who delight in bloodshed and revel in carnage will soon be defeated. Those who secretly encourage them and covertly fund them will soon be shamed Nigeria, and in collaboration with President Goodluck Jonathan. Under the design, Muslim clerics, Muslim elites, Muslim cities are to be obliterated under the watchful eyes of the ethnoreligious Goodluck Jonathan. Why Ayo Oritsejafor, the CAN President, is not talking is because a job well done is carried out by Boko Haram, the militant wing of CAN, in their desire to wipe out Muslims in Nigeria!’’

Have you ever heard such senseless and unintelligent rubbish? Yet as absurd as it is, I believe Mr. Usman Jimeta’s dangerous and hateful assertions deserve a clear response lest some people are misled by him. The suggestion that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is BEHIND Boko Haram and that they are using it to attempt to ‘’wipe out northern Muslims’’ is absurd and reckless.

In case those that are peddling this divisive rubbish did not know, thousands of Christians have been killed by Boko Haram in the last few years as well and hundreds of churches burnt to the ground.

Is CAN behind that too? Equally importantly, thousands of southerners that live in the north have also been butchered by Boko Haram. Was that the handiwork of CAN as well Homicidal maniacs The leadership of CAN may have made some mistakes in the last few years and indulged in one or two strategic errors but that does not mean that we ought to peddle lies and falsehood in order to create even more division and strife in our land. That does not mean that we should accuse them of being homicidal maniacs that seek to ‘’christianise’’ Nigeria and wipe out the Muslim faithful and Islam.

Nothing could be further from the truth and, as a Christian, I take great exception to such absurd categorisations.

People like Mr. Usman Jimeta are being misled by some of his own northern Muslim leaders and it is those same leaders that secretly rejoice whenever Boko Haram strikes and kills our people. For example, a highly celebrated northern Muslim friend of mine who is a former Minister has consistently peddled the idea that Boko Haram is a creation of CAN, MOSSAD and the CIA and that they are using it to fight and destroy northern Muslims and the entire northern region.

This is absolute nonsense and he must desist from saying such things otherwise he must provide us with his evidence.

His covert campaign to try to discredit the leadership of CAN particularly and to divide the North and the South in an attempt to create a political constituency for himself must stop. If he does not do so some of us shall take up his challenge, rise to the occasion, call him out on it and join issues with him in a very forceful and profound manner indeed.

I would never seek to undermine, discredit or accuse the Supreme Council fors Islamic Affairs or the JNI for terrorism, mass murder, child abduction, slavery, waging war against the Nigerian state and subversion without any tangible evidence against them out of respect for the Muslim community and out of my fear of God. He should stop doing the same to CAN unless he can provide us with the necessary evidence to back up his claims.

Boko Haram is an enemy to EVERY Nigerian, whether northerner or southerner and whether Christian, Muslim or traditional worshipper.

They are not a creation of CAN designed to wipe out northern Muslims. Rather, they are a creation of Satan mandated to wipe us ALL out, to destroy our collective destiny, to put us back in the stone age, to shroud us with a cloak of darkness and to capture and steal the very soul of our nation. They are of the devil and they are from the devil. Anyone that suggests otherwise is simply insane. Meanwhile I call on every able-bodied Nigerian to brace up and prepare for war. No sacrifice is too great for our motherland Nigeria. Let us remember that we are first and foremost Nigerians and that we must be ready to do whatever it takes to jealously guard and protect the lives and integrity of our people and to destroy the enemies of our destiny. Let the bickering stop and let us identify our real adversaries and face them down.

Whether we are Christian or Muslim, APC or PDP, APGA or Labour, northern or southern, in government or outside of government, believer or athiest, lightskinned or dark-skinned, young or old, rich or poor, military or civilian, our collective enemy makes no distinction and seeks to kill us all and change our way of life forever. If there were anytime to come together, drop our differences, draw the line and say “enough is enough”, this is it.

We must rise up like men and collectively fight this evil. We must encourage and support our security agencies and armed forces and let them know that they are going into battle with the whole nation fully behind them. We must let them know that every single self-respecting Nigerian is praying for them and willing their victory. It is time to knuckle down and get real and to stop running away from the problem.

Final battle Our very lives and destiny as a nation depends on it. This is the final battle of the war for Nigerian independence and, no matter the cost, we must win it. And, by the grace of the Living God, the Lord God of Hosts and He that is more than able, win it we shall. May the souls of all those that were cut short by Boko Haram, last week, rest in perfect peace. May God the Avenger, the Defender of the Weak and the Deliverer of the Poor avenge us speedily, defend our nation and deliver us from our enemies.

PAGE 38 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

ABUJA BOMBING, SCHOOL GIRLS’ KIDNAPPING

Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab are helping Boko Haram — Rawlins, American security expert

*’Why Nigeria is not winning war against terror’ *Speaks on ‘Inside The Church of Satan’

By EBELE ORAKPO

D

r Lionel Von Frederick Rawlins, a forensic criminologist, is the Security Coordinator at the American University of Nigeria, Yola and the President and founder of California, US-based The VonFrederick Group, a counter-terrorism and criminological organisation. Rawlins has worked in Europe, Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and the Far East, in the capacity of a counter-terrorist and criminologist. Prior to founding the VonFrederick Group, he was an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sociology, Ethnic Studies, Physics, Chemistry, and History. He has also lectured at Gakushuin University, in Tokyo, Japan. Rawlins who served as a US Marine, was a Marine Corps Drill Instructor in South Carolina, an NCO Academy Instructor in Japan and an Officer Candidates School Instructor at Quantico, Virginia. In this interview in Yola, Adamawa State, the author of ‘Satanic cults and ritualistic crimes: Fact or fiction?’ speaks on various issues bordering on crime, war and terrorism. He says the Boko Haram insurgency has gone beyond religion, politics and ideology. Rawlins spoke as terror peaked in the country last week with the Nyanya bombing that killed scores and the abduction of school girls in Borno State.

Who is Dr. Lionel Rawlins?

Dr. Lionel Rawlins is a small boy from St. Kitts, a small island in the Caribbean. You have to always remember that because I am proud of my country. Being here, by the way, in Yola, Nigeria, makes me feel at home because everywhere I look, I see people who look like the people of my country.

What is your background like… educational and otherwise?

My background essentially is more military than anything else. I was a US marine for many years and I was recruited for intelligence and went to work for the US government. Between being a marine and my subsequent jobs, I was able to develop and learn a lot of things, a lot of skills relating to the military. That is where I got most of my stuff from. Now in terms of education, I have been lucky and blessed to go to school and studied a variety of subjects. I have a degree in criminology, forensic science as well as business management with focus on leadership.

So what brought you to the American University of Nigeria?

When Professor Margee Ensign became the President of AUN in July 2010, she realised that the security situation here was not so good, it was not as bad as it is now, but she was able to see that things may deteriorate and she felt that the security outfit there was not adequate to protect her, the students and staff as most of the officers at that time were outsourced. Most of the security officers could neither read nor write; they were poorly paid if they were ever paid so they were easily corrupted by students, faculty and staff. The President noticed that and called me to come and take a look and see what we could do. I came several times and in the end, I told her that we needed to do something revolutionary, something that had never happened before, that is, to create a private security force for the university; this was unheard of in Africa, it had never been done because everyone outsourced, you hire people. When I brought it up to her, there were some people who did not want it but, in the end, she decided that was what she wanted and she listened to me. The plan was that I would train the

personnel, turn the outfit over to the university and go back to the US but after I finished training 350, I had to stop to make sure that it is working. It took three years to make sure that it is working. Right after that, the Boko Haram attacks started to take place; so my time here was more than in the US. I found myself spending more time in Yola, than anywhere else and that is why I am here. And then the place started growing.

You’ve been to all the hot spots in the world… from Iraq to Syria, Afghanistan, Congo, Rwanda etc. What has been the experience?

The experience has been bitter-sweet. It is good and bad. I see it and I know what it is. I know what the experience feels like. It is bad because people are dying on both sides. War is ugly, war is bad; war is not good and if anybody could avoid going to war, then they should and I know there are a lot of people who will jump up and say, ‘let us go to war, let’s go fight; let’s go and kick somebody,’ but what it comes down to if you are ever at war, you will never make those statements because war is not good. It has nothing to do with how good you are; it has to do with how lucky you are. For example, one time in Iraq, I was in a vehicle that was going down a road, following three other vehicles. I was in number four vehicle and two of them in the front ran over a roadside bomb which just blew up and killed everyone inside those vehicles; all great men, very good marines, very good military men. I was supposed to be in one of those vehicles blown up had I come out earlier. But when I came out of the room to join the vehicles, the first three were already full; so

I ended up in the fourth vehicle. War is not a thing I will wish upon anyone and if the world leaders had ever fought a war, they will see that war is not good and we would have more peace because they will not want to put anybody through that.

How do you see the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria? Do you think the Nigerian government is handling it the way it should?

I think the government is doing its best to fight it. I don’t believe government will sit idly and watch these people kill Nigerians without feeling some kind of responsibility, feeling the pain that everybody else has been feeling. I know people will say government does not care but I don’t believe so. Anyone in power who sees that kind of carnage, that kind of macabre murders taking place has to feel something. What I will say is that they need help and they need support, not to bring in forces from outside to help them fight because the Nigerian military is capable of doing that. I just think that people need to come and teach them how to take the fight to the aggressor. Look what they are doing in Kenya. Kenya brought in all these people to help them fight Al-Shabab. I mean, they realised that they need help and no man is an island. You cannot do it all alone. If you need help, ask for it and the rest of the world will come and help you, but Nigerians are very proud people and probably wouldn’t ask for help. But they only have to

Continues on page 39

SUND AY SUNDA

‘How Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab help Boko Haram’ Continued from page 38 ask and they will send people. I can train and teach and do stuff to them.

But the fundamental thing is that government is responsible for the safety and welfare of citizens and any time the citizens are being killed or their welfare is being abused, government must take some kind of action; I believe that it has gone beyond the stage of just blaming government and politicians. Some people believe that it is politically-motivated, may be it was and it started off that way; some believe it is religiouslymotivated but I don’t know if that is true, I doubt it because Muslims are killing Muslims as well, not just Christians and non-Muslims; so if you want to look at it that way, it is a fallacy. What I would say is that it has got to the point where Boko Haram is killing people because Boko Haram is now proving a point that it can kill and get away with it.

It has gone beyond religion, politics and ideology. It is a belief: ‘I can kill people and I can get away with it and let me show you I can do it.’

That is what it is now. It is a showman thing. I know most people won’t think of that because they always believe it is religious or political. May be it was at the beginning when they said they were formed by a governor; maybe it was religiously-motivated when they wanted to Islamise the North and bring in Sharia law; all these may be true but it has gone beyond that.

It has reached the point of ‘Ï can kill you and there is nothing you can do,’ and they have proven it; so the more they do it, the more emboldened they become. A case in point: Look at what they did or tried to do in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri recently.

They tried to take on a military base! That alone tells you that these people are so emboldened they don’t even care about attacking a military base where soldiers are with weapons.

It has gone beyond the normal talk of politics,

religion, ideology or corruption. It is now showmanship: ‘I can kill you if I want and there is nothing you can do.’ That’s my theory. If it was religion and they want to Islamise the North, they would capture people and try to convert them. They don’t do that. If it was politics, they won’t be killing politicians in different parties. If it was religious, why would they be killing religious leaders? If it was money, when they blow up banks, they would be taking all the money but they don’t. They may take some but they don’t go robbing banks all the time. Yes, they do kidnap people which brings in very lucrative income. It is easier to kidnap people than rob a bank because robbing a bank involves blowing up things. The Nigerian government needs to bring in people to train and advise in intelligence-gathering,

It has gone beyond the normal talk of politics, religion, ideology or corruption; it is now showmanship: ‘I can kill you if I want and there is nothing you can do’

surveillance and special force training. I know they do have it but could never have enough. They also need to get support in terms of resources like weapons.

The people as well have got to work with the armed forces and give them information. If you know something or see something, say something to somebody; don’t just hold it and if you don’t feel safe giving it to the ordinary policeman or soldier, then go up the chain and call the highest man and give him the information. He will ensure that something happens.

Boko Haram insurgents started as a rag tag army but today, they seem to be very sophisticated in their mode of operation and many people are thinking that,

*Rawlins... Boko Haram insurgency has gone beyond religion

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 39

perhaps, foreign soldiers from Chad, Niger etc., may have joined their ranks…

No, I wouldn’t say soldiers; they are insurgents from other countries. They are trained by Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab and other groups. They send people here to train them. They also go for training and come back but you must remember, many terrorist groups are in this together and they don’t have problem training and supporting each other because they know that one day, they can call each other for help and when they do, they expect that you will come and help.

They may say ‘we need you to help us get Mali, and then you send people because they trained you, gave you funding and all the resources you need, so that was done for you to pay back. So, you are correct to say they got people to help them. There are times also that survivors report that people who came with Boko Haram to kill them were speaking a language they have never heard before; nothing out of Nigeria, so they could be French, Spanish, something from Mali, CAR, Kenya, etc. They know instinctively that it is not a Nigerian tongue which proves the fact that they bring in outsiders.

President Jonathan has been called names by people who feel he was not doing enough about the insurgency and when he decided to declare state of emergency in three north-eastern states, the same group started screaming blue murder, and then human rights groups keep accusing soldiers of human rights abuses when insurgents are killed. What is your take on that?

Very good question. You have these human rights groups who go out and try to find reasons why the army is abusing the people. I have never seen anyone of them go to Maiduguri to tell Boko Haram insurgents that what they are doing is bad. All the atrocities, violation of human rights, are against the sanctity of human life and they need to stop. They (human rights groups) don’t even speak out against Boko Haram but the moment the military over-extends its reach, they bring down kingdom come and start blaming the military for all the deaths.

Meanwhile, none of them was there when the fight took place, none of them was there to see how the soldiers had to fight to defend themselves. All they know is that many people died and so they blame it on the soldiers; it is wrong! It is just the liberalization of the world; they make liberal statements. I would equally like to see them condemn the insurgents, the same way that they write stuff about the military committing all these atrocities. I am challenging all of these human rights groups to go and visit the Boko Haram people and tell them that what they are doing is wrong; go to Kenya and tell AlShabab that what they are doing is wrong or write about it. But they don’t, they write about those fighting the good fight. Now, I am not letting the military off the hook either; they have done some stuff that they probably should not do but it all comes down to training because when you are in a fire fight and adrenalin gets going, you get so pumped up and so hyped up that you will almost kill anything and anyone in front of you but that is where discipline and training come in. Discipline and training are very good. You know it’s tough, once you get your fingers on the trigger, anything can happen but they are doing a good job; they are doing the best with what they have. They don’t want to die either; they are fighting a good fight but they are not trying to get killed. So many soldiers have wives, children, mothers, sisters and brothers, they want to come home alive; they do their very best to come back alive, it’s not as if they go and sit up there and say ‘kill me,’ no! So we have to give the military the support that it needs and if you don’t give them

that support, it is very demoralizing for the soldiers. It erodes their confidence and their morale to know that ‘I am fighting to defend you and then when Boko Haram insurgents are killed, you turn around and blame me, but when Boko Haram kill 50, you don’t say anything.’ You don’t go after them with the same force and the same venom; you don’t go after them like you go after the military when people are killed and to me, that is unfair. If you are going to do it, do it both ways. Tell the bad guys that what they are doing is wrong and tell the good guys as well that what they are doing is wrong when they go wrong.

The Governor of Borno State recently alleged that Boko Haram insurgents are better equipped than the Nigerian Army. Could that be true?

Yes and no. The military uses what they call Table of Organisation’s Weapons so essentially, if you are a soldier, your basic weapon is AK-47 unless you bring in the tanks or the artillery. When you see a Boko Haram guy, he’s got the rocketpropelled grenade (RPG) over his shoulder, two machine guns, AK-47 and a bunch of hand grenades. Soldiers don’t walk about with that. And when these people are walking about with all that kind of fire power, they can use it at will and indiscriminately so he may see a car and decide to use the RPG to blow it up when AK-47will do. But he just wants to blast his way into the news or acknowledgement. So yes, to a large extent, they do have more fire power and better weapons than the average soldier.

But if you want to compare them with an army command – brigade, battalion or division, which has tanks, armoured carriers, helicopters, artillery, cannons etc., the army has more but as individual fighters and detachments, they have far less fire power than the insurgents.

What’s your book: Satanic cults and ritualistic crimes: Fact or fiction? all about?

It was the thesis for my master’s degree in criminology. I was fascinated by cultism and Satanism, witchcraft, voodoo, juju and how they used to kill people. They never called it satanic murder. The Press would call it satanic murder but the court of law would not because there is no such thing in law. The court does not have any law that says it is a satanic, cult or juju murder. I was fascinated by how these people would commit murder and keep it secret and no one knows and they get away with it.

So in doing that, I had to go interview witches in the US, it’s a legitimate religion so they don’t mind telling people they are witches protected by the constitution. They go to the church of Satan and they are proud of it. I had to go the Church of Satan.

And what do they do there?

They didn’t do anything weird in front of me. To get in there, I had to apply and they interviewed me. You can’t just walk in because they don’t know who you are or what you want. After a couple of months of trying to get in, they finally let me. They worship like everyone else but instead of singing praises to God, they sing praises to Satan and the cross is turned upside down. The singing was dark and evil but I wanted to interview many of them to see what actually they were about. The fact is, there are satanists, witches, juju, voodoo etc. They are all there. Many of them are fraudsters though. They defraud people out of their money but I would not tell people to be afraid to go out and do things because you are not going to find a bunch of people all around the world trying to kill you because Satan told them to.

Continues on page 40

PAGE 40 — SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

Continued from page 39 You were the executive director of an NGO, a facility that houses teenage female gang-bangers involved in drugs, prostitution and extremely violent crimes, could you tell us about that?

Yes, I used to work in a facility in California where we have some female gangsters. They ranged from 12 to 18 years. It was a level 14 facility; level 14 is the highest facility and it only houses dangerous people and some of these girls were into killing. They could stab or shoot people; they were selling drugs and prostituting themselves. They were like Boko Haram guys, they were such terrorists and they did not have any compunction killing people if they wanted to. For me, working with them as the head of the facility was to bring them out of that mind set of the gang and send them to school to get education, training and skill, re-civilise them into a way of thinking that by the time they turn 18, instead of going to prison, they can either go to college or go into society as productive persons. It was a very difficult job because most of these girls came from homes where the mothers were also gang-bangers and other relations were gangsters and in the house they had guns, they would take them around in the cars where they shoot people so they would see these kinds of things and what do you think will happen to an eight-year old who just saw his uncle murder someone? After a while he starts feeling it’s funny but by the time he is 12 years old, he would have committed his first murder.

The courts would send them to this facility for us to work with them. Some of them have psychological problems,

‘Inside the Church of Satan’

*Rawlins... I interviewed witches some were crazy and were taking psychotropic medication so the court rather than sending a 13-year-old to prison for attempted murder, would send them to this facility to try and turn their lives around. They give us one year to work with them and some of them would be here for two or three years. So in one year, you are trying to change a 13-year-old who has been a gang banger all her life; you are trying to turn around 13 years of bad life in one year. The problem with all of that is that after certain point in time, you send them home to visit their families and if they go back home and see their mother smoking marijuana, the father or brother out there murdering people and the friends are

By Yommy Dauda

I

They tend to think: ‘that I am a woman does not mean you should look down on me, I am just as bad as all of you. I am going to show smoking, shooting, looting and you. Not because I am 13, 14 or 15 drinking, so they just end up coming years old, you are not going to use back to the facility after the me for anything, don’t think I am weekend, hyped up because now, weak or defenseless, I will show you I everything you taught them have am not... so they have a reason to gone out the window so you are back prove that they are bad. Women beat to square one. And the court says we up each other more in the facility should send them home because they than men. So if you are a weaker want to reintegrate them into the woman, sooner or later, you will get family but it never worked because really vicious because of the beatings each time they got home and they see you will get from other women, they what was happening at home, will turn your life around so you have whatever we taught them in the to become vicious. It was a good facility in the past three months went experience working with them for five out the door. One wing of the facility years. had boys and the other wing had girls. The girls were more dangerous How successful was the and more vicious than the boys. It programme? may sound strange.

It was successful. If I have to put a figure to it, I would say it was 20 per Why is that? cent success and 80 per cent failure.

Women work on emotions and emotion could go up or down. A man Some people will say that if you save one life, you’ve done well but if you is more balanced, he would want to save one out of 100, you’ve failed. show he is macho so he will do That’s the way I see it. One of them things to show he is bad. He may pick a fight with you and stab you or went to college and got a college shoot you just to prove that he is bad degree, she got a job, had a family and turned her life around. To me that but you might insult a woman right is success. For most of the girls, if they now, she may or may not fight you don’t get killed, they went to prison or and in the night, while you are end up having children for different walking on the street, she confronts men, living in squalor in poor you with a knife or gun in her hand abandoned, rundown condemned and blow your head up or stab you building, unable to take care of the and cut you up so they are more cunning; they don’t fly off the handle children; they depend on welfare cheque every month. To me, that is not or flare up like the men do. They success. And most of them will go plan, plot it and carry it out. And back to practise what their mothers also I think too, they have more of a reason to show people they are bad. were doing when they were children.

nfertility is a condition that is as old as mankind. Though it is a divine mandate to reproduce according to our kind; many individuals find it difficult to fulfill this mandate. Reports show that out of 20 adults, (male and female), between3 to 5 of them bear tendencies and risk factors that may make them infertile.

Infertility can be described as the inability of a couple to achieve conception (pregnancy) a minimum of one year of regular sexual intercourse. The inability to achieve cyesis (conceptiqn or pregnancy) may be due to factors related to the man or woman or both parties, thereby requiring thorough clinical and diagnostic investigation in order to identify the caus~u of the problem Infertility could be primary or secondary. In primary infertility, the woman has never achieved pregnancy ever while in secondary infertility, the woman may have achieved pregnancy in the past but can no longer achieve it.

Likely causes and risk factors in Female Infertility. 1. Hormonal imbalance which may cause (a) Failure of the ovaries ton produce mature eggs (b) Malfunction of the brain (hypothalamus) (c) Malfunction of the pituitary gland.

Scarred Ovaries - As in the case of multiple surgery to remove ovarian cysts;: Pre-mature menopause (which may be genetic) .

Follicle problem ( non-rupture of the follicle) , Infection - especially sexually transmitted infections affecting the reproductiv~u organs 6 Abdominal diseases e.g. Appendicitis and colitis which may cause fallopian tube scarring and blockage.

7. Previous surgeries causing adhesions (stick nature) making eggs not to travel effectively.

Ectopic pregnancy - pregnancy in the fallopian tube.

Endometriosis - Accounts for 19% of all cases of infertility characterized by excessive nature of the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) (womb). Symptoms are painful, heavy and long menstrual periods, urinary urgency, etc. At times, it could be without symptoms. .

10. Fibroids, polups and adenomysis (endomyosis Endometrial tissue found within the muscle of the womb.

Smoking reduces fertility by one third.

Alcohol increases risk of birth defects. It causes fetal alcohol; syndro[T1e.

Certain drugs may trigger hormonal imbalance. , Lead poisoning - may be Abortifacient ( may cause artificial abc1t1ion). Repeated exposure to X-rays may cause ovarian problems and more.

LIKELY CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF MALE INFERTILITY

Infertility: Why you must have your own child Smoking reduces sperm count and motility.

Drug abuse may cause testicular shrinkage and testosterone imbalance.

Highly intensive exercise increases adrenal steroid hormone thereby decreasing testosterone.

4. Inadequate vitamin C, E and Zinc in diet.

5. Tight underwear - increases temperature in the testes, thereby killing sperms. 6.Hyper Prolactinemia - increase prolactin in males, reduces sperm count.

Hypo thyroidsm - Low thyroid hormone causes poor semen quality Vario cocele - characterized by swollen scrotum.

Infection - especially sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, herps etc. Others are mumps, tuberculosis etc.

Retrograde ejaculation - A condition in which semen is released into the bladder.

Pre-mature ejaculation - especially in s case when a man ejaculates before he is able to achieve penetration.

12. Ejaculatory incompetence - inability to ejaculate during sex but able to do so normally during tnasturbation.

13. Erectile dysfunction - Impotence - occurs in 12 to 15% of male infertility.

LIKELY INFERTILITY SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN (a) No menstruation (Amenorrhoea) (b) Painful menstruation (Dysmenorrhoea) (c) Two or more periods in a cycle (Metrrohagia) (d) Heavy menstruation Pain during sex 3.Skin changes - like acne 4. Change in sex drive 5.Dark hair growth in lips, chest, and chin Unusual weight gain Milky discharge from nipple in relation to breast feeding.

INFERTILITY SYMPTOMS IN MEN Changes in hair growth Change in sex drive. (drop in libido) Pain, numbness or swelling of testicles Problems with erection Problems with ejaculation Unusually small or firm testicles

HERBAL MART

REMEDY Our fathers and mothers never had any challenge with child bearing. They got pregnant with ease, whenever they wanted.

This was so because they had acc~uss to very potent fertility herbs. With indepth research and thorough investigation, we have access to these herbs at Qumas Herbs and we have been using them to demolish the stronghold of infertility for over 28 years. At Qumas Herbs, we believe “IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR OWN CHILD”.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE — 41

2015: Nigerians won’t accept mistakes from INEC — Hon Shaibu

,,

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM Hon.Philip Shaibu is the Majority Leader of Edo State House of Assembly and a former students union leader. In this interview, he expresses the fear that the activities of Boko Haram might disintegrate the country. He declares that President Goodluck Jonathan has not told Nigerians the truth on why Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, was suspended. He also speaks on 2015 and other issues.

Excerpts: OU were very concerned when students were killed in Yobe State recently by Boko Haram. Are you satisfied with the efforts made so far by the Federal Government to quell the insurgency?

Security issue is not something that I like talking about because of the sensitivity of it but I think the Federal Government should listen to the cry of Nigerians; even the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum spoke after their meeting and raised the alarm. And Mr. President should take seriously the statement of the governor of Borno State; they should not sweep the statement under the carpet, they should take it seriously and I didn’t expect the security forces to react publicly. I saw Doyin Okupe reacting to the statement of the governor.

Instead of responding to the statement of the governor, they should have gone inhouse, discuss and look for solution. The response Nigerians are expecting is for them to resolve the problem If we don’t take time as a nation, Boko Haram will seize the entire North and that will lead to the disintegration of the country. So we must not politicise Boko Haram like some persons are doing. Rather than tackle the issues raised by the Borno governor, some people were busy trying to please the President to the detriment of Nigerians who are being killed every day in those areas.

National Confab I see it as another jamboree that will bring all Nigerians together, make them busy and divert their focus from the real issues of governance. I don’t want to pre-empt the outcome but I am sure that with what I have seen in the past-Vision 20:2010, 20:2020 and all of that, what they are doing is another visionless exercises. Looking at the composition, who will be in charge and how people will be mobilized, especially who will

I believe in Sovereign National Conference, I don’t believe in President Jonathan’s conference.

There is a whole world of difference between Sovereign National Conference and this Jonathan’s conference

Y

Philip Shaibu be the Chairman and the rules guiding the conference, it is obvious that it will be another jamboree. I believe in Sovereign National Conference, I don’t believe in President Jonathan’s conference. There is a whole world of difference between Sovereign National Conference and this Jonathan’s conference.

There have been comments that the conference is usurping the powers of the National Assembly?

Yes, we were all voted for to represent our various constituencies and, when we speak, we speak on behalf of our constituencies and, before now, questions are being asked about the present Constitution saying in the opening statement, “we Nigerians”, as if we wrote the Constitution. Who consulted us before the Constitution was enacted? People say it is military Constitution but as time goes on it is gradually becoming the Nigerian Constitution because those that are now amending the Constitution are elected by Nigerians. But the truth is that I do not believe that the conference will end well. I want to see where the resolutions that will come out of the conference will be taken to because the President cannot implement them without the approval of the National Assembly.

Your party, the All Progressives Congress, embarked on the registration of its members; what do we expect from the exercise?

I am happy because what many people thought would happen didn’t happen and Nigerians have seen that APC is a disciplined

party, a party that is focused, a party with ideology. People always say that Nigerian parties are not based on ideology but I am confident that Nigerians are gradually seeing a party with ideology because our ideology has obviously shown from our membership registration and the turnout was massive. I think it is all about the wind of change. Nigerians are yearning for positive change which the party represents. It was very peaceful all over the country; in some areas where we had skirmishes, it was as a result of the opposition party, the PDP, that tried to do what they are used to doing by mobilizing people to disrupt the process. I am happy that we brought the exercise to a peaceful end.

The APC recently lost Senator Ehigie Uzamere to the PDP. It is like it is a big blow to your party?

I am not comfortable with it. But Uzamere is some body cleaned up by the Comrade Governor and the APC but he still decided to go back to where he came from. I think those who earlier said he should not have been given senatorial ticket were right and we were wrong. We believe in admitting our wrongs and rights too. But if you recall, Uzamere’s election was the most difficult for the party to execute because many Benin people rejected him. Their argument was that he was not representing them but something else. For us, it is good riddance to bad rubbish, we are not losing sleep because he is a political liability. We have moved beyond him. For you to bite the fingers that fed you is a curse; so we leave him to God and the gods of the land.

Do you not think that the process of searching for a suitable presidential can-

President Jonathan’s verdict on Shema

BY ABUBAKAR SALISU OLITICS is about development “ Pand not shouting on pages of

newspapers.” This was the declaration of the highly-elated President Goodluck Jonathan during his two-day official visit to Katsina State recently. One can easily deduce two things from the statement.

The first impression is that despite all the propaganda against Governor Ibrahim Shema-led administration, without reaction of any form from the state governor, the President saw many things on ground to disprove it. The adage, which says ‘seeing is believing,’ has been proved in Katsina.The second interpretation of the President’s statement is that ‘it is the empty drum that makes the loudest noise.’

Jonathan must have spoken from experience. He has been to virtually all the states in the country. His assessment of developments in those states may be that the achievements of most state governors only appear on pages of newspapers, with nothing on the ground to justify the revenue allocated to them.

Apart from this, most governors are leaving behind huge debts for their predecessors, debts that could hinder the future development of those states.

Within seven years of the Shema-led administration, more than 200 new secondary schools were built across the state. This is in addition to 34 newly established girl-child secondary schools across the state. Similarly, special foreign scholarship fund scheme was introduced for students. Through this

scheme, over 700 students have been sent to foreign nations to study in critical areas of the need of the state - pharmacy, medicine, computer engineering, environmental engineering, marine engineering, physiotherapy, dentistry and geology.

Record shows that every student sponsored to study abroad, the state government pays up front to the university the entire course fee for the duration of the programme. The state government also pays stipends, accommodation, book allowances to the students so that they will not have reason to bother about fees or feeding.

The process of picking the students was transparent. Findings revealed that there is no local government in Katsina State today that does not have a medical doctor, a pharmacist, marine engineer, environmental engineer, physiotherapist, and radiologist. Not less than five were trained from each of the state’s 34 local governments.

The Shema administration equally embarked on massive construction of projects. The roads leading to eight local government headquarters have been dualized and fitted with street lights; Katsina, the capital city, has a ring road around it. The government established an ICT Institute because information technology is the way of the world today. In this direction, the government is partnering with an institute in Singapore.

The government built a 250-bed orthopedic hospital and hostel and also signed an MOU with a centre in Egypt

•Governor Ibrahim Shema

to run the hospital.

The government built about 80 primary health centres in collaboration with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Medicare is free for malaria patients, for people who need constant dialysis, for children from date of birth to age five in Katsina State. Shema’s administration also introduced the rural-urban ambulance scheme because there are some hard-to-reach rural areas, such that some medical personnel would have to be taken there to attend to patients.

Agriculture is on the state’s priority list. As a means to boost food production and supply, 27 irrigation schemes were expanded. The state government provides for farmers, seeds, fertilizers, mechanized inputs. About 340 tractors were purchased and sold to farmers, with each local government getting 10 trac-

didate ahead of 2015 might tear the APC apart?

I am not losing sleep over it because we have leaders of integrity, leaders who are knowledgeable in politics, in the workings of Nigeria and knowledgeable in all what is happening in this country and they are also knowledgeable on how to fix Nigeria and that is what has resulted in a very strong, dynamic, viable and vision- driven APC. And for them to have reached this point, I am convinced that God is with us and, if God is with us, He will give us a presidential candidate that will bring about that required change that our party represents.

Sanusi’s sack I don’t know the criteria that were used to appoint him and I don’t also know the criteria used to suspend him. But if it is because of his revelation that money was missing, I don’t think they have solved the problem.

The issue is whether money is missing or not. The number one banker in Nigeria, the governor of the CBN, said money was not remitted to him; I think the real thing is for the NNPC to remit that money to the CBN. NNPC should not sit down and tell us about spending money. NNPC does not have the right to dip their hands into our resources and tell us how they spend the money that is supposed to be in the Federation Account.

Whether they remove Sanusi or not, we need that money. Lagos State governor, our own governor, all the governors were unanimous, whether PDP or APC, shouting that allocation was dropping. NNPC said oil theft was responsible and now we found that the small crude that was sold the money has not been remitted. I think the issue is to remit the money and whoever they have put there cannot cover the fraud if there was fraud.

2015 Prof. Jega should know that he should write his name in gold. He is one man who has proven that he is a comrade. I want him to live up to his name as a comrade and one thing I like in him which we don’t want to hear again is that he admits mistakes. The Anambra election was one that he admitted the failure of INEC. Unlike the past, Maurice Iwu would justify that the election was the most peaceful, most credible that we ever had and since he has identified that INEC goofed in Anambra, what I expect him to do to write his name in gold is to make good other elections that will take place in the country. Nigerians are law abiding but don’t push them to the wall.

tors. The administration also slashed the cost of the tractors by half. Livestock development is not left behind.

The state government has been paying the WAEC fees for all the students in public secondary schools.

As a testimony to the Shema administration’s feat in agriculture, it won the Central Bank of Nigeria award for the best state in implementation of Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) in 2008. It won the African Independent Television (AIT) award for the fastest growing state capital in Nigeria.

At the cost of almost a billion naira, over 10,000 families across the state have benefited from the state government Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme aimed at providing cash support to poor households on the condition that those households nroll and support their children’s education. Similarly, to support the Almajiri education, Shema built over 70 ALLO Model Schools across the 34 local government areas of the state with total students’ population of 17,091. In the ALLO model schools, everything is free for the pupils including feeding and school uniform. The schools were established to address the menace of almajiri system.

Shema has achieved so much without obtaining any loan. No wonder, President Jonathan asked, ‘Shema, ata time every state and the Federal Government are complaining of lack of funds, where did you get the funds to execute these monumental projects?’. Definitely, Shema administration will for a long time be a case study in honesty and prudent management of public resources. *Sanusi is resident at Ibrahim Badamosi BabangidaWay, Katsina.

PAGE 42—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

MURDER IN THE HOUSE OF GOD S

unday, April 6, at 11 a.m. in St .

John’s Anglican Church, OkeSopen, Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu-North local government area of Ogun State, ten gunmen invaded the house of God and snuffed life out of Chief Adetola Okuneye, a furniture maker and alleged informant to Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Okuneye, a septugenarian, was said to have just finished reading the Bible lesson when the gun wielding men stormed the church, headed to where Okuneye sat and shot him in the head in the presence of the pastor and members of the congregation.

Sunday Vanguard findings revealed that the deceased may have stepped on the toes of some powerful people who vowed to take his life.

Security sources disclosed that the killing of a cult leader in IjebuNorth, simply identified as ‘Ajango’, in Oru, on March 30, led to the assassination of the septuagenarian one week after.

Okuneye was a furniture maker of 50 years experience who rose to become the Chairman of Cabinet Makers Association in Ijebu North and later Zonal Chairman, Ijebu Division and Vice -Chairman of the association between 1980 and 1990.

It was learnt that after after his retirement from furniture making, he became a community leader and was made the Chairman of lthe ocal security outfit otherwise known as vigilante in Oke-Sopen where he lived. He was also made the leader of the security group for Ijebu-Igbo after which he was promoted to be the overall Chairman of the vigilante in Ijebu North comprising Ijebu-Igbo, Ago-Iwoye among others.

Sources explained that soon after he became the leader of the vigilante in the area, he focused more on University -Olabisi Onabanjo University, (OOU), Ago Iwoye, where he reportedly led an onslaught on cultists.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that when Amosun became governor three years ago, he held meetings with Okuneye over insecurity in the area.

The development led to ‘Operation submit your guns and be pardoned’ in Ijebu North. The governor gave hoodlums, reportedly equipped with guns by politicians during the 2011 elections, an ultimatum to hand over their guns and be pardoned or refuse and be arrested.

C M Y K

‘Why cultists killed Ogun chief during church ser vice’

At that period, Ijebu-Igbo had become a haven for criminals to the extent that for close to one year, no bank opened to customers because of incessant attacks.

It was learnt that the governor subsequently made the septuagenarian his informant in the axis.

Further investigation revealed that Ijebu-North had been without a paramount ruler since 26 years ago when the last Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo joined his ancestors.

The other first class Obas in different sections of Ijebu were said to have been concerned about security in their domains only.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the vacuum made Ijebu North prone to crime.

Some residents said cultism reduced in the area as a result of the efforts of Okuneye.

According to one of the residents, the vigilante outfit leader successfully flushed cultists out of the area including OOU. He also ‘punished’ landlords that harboured cultists in their houses.

Sunday Vanguard, however, learnt that the last straw that broke the camel’s back was the death of

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BY DAUD OLATUNJI, ABEOKUTA

Okuneye, a septugenarian, was said to have just finished reading the Bible lesson when the gun wielding men stormed the church, headed to where Okuneye sat and shot him in the head in the presence of the pastor and members of the congregation

one of the leaders of the cult groups in the area in the hands of Okuneye’s vigilante outfit.

“He incured the wrath of the ‘big boys’ in the area following his role in the killing of the notorious guy, Ajango, at Oru about a week before he died.

“Consequent upon Ajango’s death, his boys reportedly began to trail the vigilant outfit’s leader.

They made attempt on his life four times. He was said to have been shot at close range on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, but he escaped before they got him in church that Sunday”, a source who was close to the deceased

told Sunday Vanguard.

It was said that the deceased had metaphysical power, and that it was for this reason that the assailants waited for him to go to church after he would have removed the charms protecting him and their game plan worked out.

An eye witness in the church said Okuneye had taken his seat after reading the Bible lesson before the four gunmen entered and shot him in the head.

According to him, the gunmen were carrying AK 47 rifles and a pistol. He said the one that was carrying a pistol was the one that

pulled the trigger. “His blood littered the floor and all of us including our pastor lay face-down while the attack lasted,” he added.

As the operation went on, four other gunmen reportedly stayed outside the church while two were in the two cars that brought them.

The state governor, who visited the scene shortly after the incident, expressed shock over the killing. Amosun assured that government would do its best to get the killers. ‘’The heinous manner the life of a good citizen who had invested in security was terminated is uncalled for,” he stated. ‘’I don’t know why men of the underworld will terminate the life of a man who will not hurt a fly.

They even went as far as carrying out the dastardly act in the sacred house of God. ‘’This was a man who did his best on security of lives and property as a way of serving humanity. As a government, we will do our best to ensure that the perpetrators of this act are brought to justice”.

Okuneye is survived by six wives and about 20 children.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014 — PAGE 43

RECORD BROKEN IN IBADAN

The Olubadan at 100 on the intriguing throne

BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan

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s the events marking the centenary birth day of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, was rounded off, yesterday, a new record was set in the history of Ibadan. Since the ancient city started the monarchical system in 1820 with Baale Maye Okunade as the first king, Odulana is the first king to attain the age of 100 years on the throne. Others who reigned before him were actually old due to the wellarranged traditional structure that is adjudged the best in the South-west.

This orderly arranged ascendancy to the throne of the Olubadan makes Ibadan unique in Yorubaland. Unlike other cities in the zone where crowning of kings is preceded by fierce battles by contenders, Ibadan is not known for such. There are two lines to the throne of the Olubadan: civil and military, which is translated to Egbe Agba and Balogun. Title holders are appointed on rotational basis to occupy the stool immediately a king passes on. The next to the Olubadan and most senior on both lines are the Otun Olubadan and Balogun.

The remaining chiefs in the Olubadan-in-Council are the Osi Olubadan, Asipa Olubadan, Ekerin and Ekarun, as well as Otun Balogun, Osi Balogun, Asipa Balogun,

Ekerin and Ekarun Balogun, Seriki and Iyalode. Right from the commencement of the activities marking the 100th birthday of the monarch, Ibadan was a beehive of activities as notable Nigerians started trooping into the city to felicitate with the monarch.

Among them were President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator David Mark, the Senate President, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ikhedioha; and the Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide (SAN).

Jonathan, who could not attend the thanksgiving service held at the Anglican Communion of St. Peters, Aremo, Ibadan as a result of the Abuja bomb blast, used the opportunity to advise other geo-political zones in the country to learn from the South-west, where Muslims and Christians live together in peace. The President, represented by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said, “Yoruba land is a symbol of peace where Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers embrace one another. If there is no religious violence in Yoruba land, there is no reason for religious violence anywhere in the country”.

Also at the thanksgiving service were the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola

Ajimobi; Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Minister of Communication and Technology, Omobola Johnson; former governors of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Dr. Omololu Olunloyo; Seyi Makinde, PDP governorship aspirant; Dr. Ola Makinde, former Prelate of Methodist Church; Archbishop, Ibadan Catholic Archdio-

said the monarch played a pivotal role in his administration’s transformation and restoration programmes. “In the Olubadan is a demonstration of the elusive concept of Omoluabi. The Omoluabi, for the purpose of clarification, is that man who carries nobility, human goodness and trust around him like a pouch.

With kabiyesi, you know where you stand as he does not suffer fools gladly. In him you find the discipline of a trained soldier, the consummate nobility of a gentleman and the astuteness of a man of honour. His own politics transcended the type found on the streets today; it was the politics of a statesman. To a statesman like him, politics could not be worth its salt until it transforms the lives of the collective citizenry and

Jonathan described the Olubadan as a very unique monarch being one of the very few around who were born when the Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated cese, Most Revd. Gabriel Abegunrin; and Oba Obateru Akinruntan, Olugbo of Ugboland.

Jonathan described the Olubadan as a very unique monarch being one of the very few around who were born when the Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated. According to him, it is the clean mind, good character, clear conscience and good record of service, that the monarch has that made him enjoy longevity.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi appreciated the life worthy of emulation that Oba Odulana lives.

Speaking on the celebrant, he

repositions society on the path of transformation,” the governor said. Ajimobi also described the Olubadan as one of the first people to acknowledge the urban renewal initiative of his administration.

“As a fitting demonstration of his acknowledgment of our effort in this regard, Kabiyesi bestowed on me the traditional title of Atunluse of Ibadanland. While delivering a short sermon, Most Rev. Segun Okubadejo described the celebrant as an embodiment of virtue who has served mankind meritoriously.

He said, attaining centenary in one’s lifetime is an uncom-

mon phenomenon. “This is unique because it is 100th birthday of royalty. We should offer sacrifice of jubilation and songs of praise to God for what He has done in the life of our king. Looking at the hopelessness, restlessness, insecurity in the world; looking at a world where life expectancy is now 49, it is worthy of praise for somebody to attain 100 years” Turning to the celebrant, the cleric said, “You are a unique and distinguished personality. You are the first Olubadan to clock 100 years on the throne and the first Olubadan to serve his subjects meritoriously.

Making reference to the book of Isaiah 3:10, he said the word ‘righteousness’ in the text does not connote perfection but connotes someone who has done justice to all.

“Your impeccable record and invaluable contributions to social and other facets of life would remain indelible. As you live on, you must praise God because he has been so faithful to you.

Praise Him because his undying love is still available to you till you breathe your last”, he said.

Also rejoicing with the monarch, some members of Olubadan-in-council, High Chief Eddy Oyewole, Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Oloye Lekan Alabi, Aare Alaasa of Ibadanland, said, “Kabiyesi is a successful and a private individual. He was a teacher, soldier, member of House of Representatives, Parliamentary Secretary to the late Premier of the Western Region, Sir Tafawa Balewa in the first republic and he climbed about 22 steps before he became the Olubadan of Ibadan. We thank God for God’s mercy for him. What other contribution can anybody make that he has not made”.

PAGE 44 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014 sameyoboka@yahoo.com

08023145567 (sms only)

Many Nigerian Christians mark Easter in pain, anguish

BY SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA

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ESPITE the security challenges facing the nation, Nigerian Christians have vowed to celebrate the resurrection of the proginator of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ who was crucified on Good Friday and rose again from dead on Easter Day as they join the rest of the world to mark Easter.

Many Christians worldwide celebrate Easter with special church services, music, candlelight, flowers and the ringing of church bells. Easter processions are held in some countries as they view Easter as the C M Y K

greatest feast of the Church year.

It is a day of joy and celebration to commemorate that Jesus Christ is risen, according to Christian belief. It is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, as written in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

According to the Gospel of John in the New Testament, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb where Jesus was buried and found it empty. An angel told her that Jesus had risen.

Today, in Nigeria, Christians will mark the day with mixed feelings as very many of them

are in deep mourning following several terrorist attacks in different parts of the country.

Violence has increased in North Eastern region since the beginning of the year, including a high-profile attack on a boarding school in Yobe, which saw dozens of students slaughtered in their beds.

Over 100 persons died and another 245 injured last Monday in a bomb attack that rocked the crowded Nyanya Bus terminus at about 6.45 a.m. No fewer than 16 luxury buses, 24 other vehicles were burnt in that attack. Twenty four hours after that incident, some unidentified gunmen abducted over 247 female students of

Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State after killing a security personnel suspected to be a soldier man.

While several injured persons in the Abuja bomb attack are asking to public-spirited individuals to come over to Macedonia to help them pay their bills; controversy still trails the kidnap of the young girls as government officials continue to embarrass the nation singing discordant tunes while parents and relations wallow in pain and anguish waiting unend for their wards.

A very grim picture of the situation reveals that between January and March this year, more than 1,000 people have

been killed by this militant sect while 249,446 persons have been displaced. It must be noted that one in five of the total population are not living in their own homes.

Which is why most Easter messages this year focused attention on the security situation with many clerics calling on the Federal Government to do everything within its power to address the situation squarely.

Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche described the level of insecurity in the country as alarming "which is why it has become imperative for each and everyone of us to be extra vigilant and security conscious because Government alone cannot be left with that responsibility.

"For our country to fulfill her dreams, take her place of pride in the comity of Nations and for us as individuals to attain our goals and aspirations, we must recognise and embrace the significance of His sacrificial death for us on the cross and His resurrection.

"As we journey through this very crucial and important moment of our national history, I use this opportunity to remind us that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ died on account of the sins of humankind, including ours today, and He rose for the redemption of history, including our own. So my message today is intended especially for peoples and communities who are undergoing a time of suffering, that the Risen Christ may open up for them the path of freedom, justice and peace.

May the splendour of Christ reach the peoples of every part of this country, so that the light of peace and of human dignity may overcome the darkness of division, hate and violence.

"In the current conflict confronting us, may diplomacy and dialogue take the place of arms and may those who suffer as a result of the conflict be given comfort. In every part of this country, may all citizens, especially young people, work to promote the common good and to build a society where poverty is defeated and every political choice is inspired by respect for the human person.

"May peaceful coexistence be restored among the peoples of this country especially in the Northern parts where there is an urgent need to tread the path of reconciliation and pardon, in order to heal the deep wounds caused by the recent violence," he stated.

"May the peoples affected find consolation and hope as they face the dramatic consequences of the recent attacks which have sown pain Continued on Page 45

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE — 45

RCCG updates its administrators on ICT

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S the world is embracing ICT as the latest driver of innova tion and competitiveness, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, for three days organised a conference for its Administrative Department to sharpen their technological competence, reports OLAYINKA LATONA. Theme of the programme which held at the Youth Centre, Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was; “Emerging Technologies in Information and Communication” and it was attended by hundreds of the church administrative officers and computer secretaries drawn from across the country.

Speakers included Deacon Kemi Ajisebutu who spoke on a topic: "Update on ICT Church Management System," and Pastor Femi Olunuga who spoke on "Overview of ICT Management System---Computer Application".

Earlier, the participants were advised to do their job conscientiously, dedicate themselves with sense of commitment to the church mission, build reputation as forward looking administrators, endeavour to be qualified and be actively recognized by statutory professional bodies.

L-R: Personal Assistant to Pastor Johnson Odesola, Mr. Bisi Akande, President, Admin Officers' & Computer Secretaries' Forum, Deacon Akingbade Oluseun Fasola, Special Assistant to Pastor Adeboye on Admin/Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola and Deputy Director, Admin/Personnel, Pastor Rotimi Adegborioye at the RCCG annual administrative officers/computer secretaries conference at the Redemption Camp.

Delivering a paper themed: “Sustaining Your Chosen Career,” Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Administration & Personnel, Pastor

Johnson Odesola explained that the programme is necessary for RCCG to sustain its growth and continue to make better impact within the society.

He added that there is a need to sharpen the administrators' skills for them to be relevant, consistent and make progress. The cleric advised the participants to maintain their employability by preparing themselves for any eventuality that is ahead of them.

Pastor Odesola maintained that any employee who fails to adapt to new and emerging technologies will find him/ herself working harder and achieving less; noting that RCCG will not pay for the value of the job but for the value of the person's performance.

His words: “Technology has made the world a global village and now it’s almost becoming impossible to do anything without technology. It is also important to associate with winners, distance yourself from backbiters and dubious characters. Become practitioners that excel beyond academic contents.

Become versatile in computer skills, information and communication applications.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Administrative & Personnel, Pastor Durotimi Adegborioye, revealed that RCCG has over 550 administrators across the country and that the church has been helping the society in manpower management and ensuring that the labour market is not saturated.

Many Nigerian Christians mark Easter in pain, anguish Continued from page 44 and anguish. May heaven and earth rejoice at the witness of those who suffer opposition and even persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. May the proclamation of his victorious resurrection deepen their courage and trust," Uche added.

Catholic prelate tasks Confab delegates

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Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Alfred Adewale Martins has called on delegates to the ongoing national conference to ensure they put the interests of the nation over and above parochial tribal, ethnic and religious sentiments.

In his Easter message signed by the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Archbishop Martins said it would be most unfortunate if at the end of the day the confab fails to move the nation forward despite the enormous resources it has gulped.

According to him, the confab offers a veritable opportunity for all segments of the country to dialogue on the way forward for the country and to address the lopsided political, social and economic structures which have often favoured a few over the majority of the people.

"I am happy that the confab is now on despite initial setbacks experienced. I believe it is a window of opportunity for us as a nation to get it right.

"For the past 100 years that we have been living together, so much water has passed under the bridge. We seem not to have gotten it right. So, I want to call on all the delegates to use this opportunity to ensure that we get it right this time. There are so many issues to be discusses. There is the issue of insecurity, the right form of government

we should practice, resource control, equality and justice, etc.

"One only hopes that our representatives there would rise above primordial interest and work for the overall good of Nigerians," he said.

While wishing all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration, the Prelate condemned the spate of ritual killings in the country, especially the cases reported in Ibadan, Abuja and Abeokuta, called on all to prayerful and alert at all times in order not to fall prey to the hands of evil men.

“In this season when we celebrate the risen Lord, I want to call on all Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for peace in our country. There is no doubt that perpetuators of evil activities are on the prowl, but we should not be discouraged. Rather, we should move closer to Jesus for he alone can protect us from the snares of the evil ones," he stated.

ment within their vicinity. He called on the Federal government to strengthen the the security forces in the county praying that the issue of insecurity will soon be a thing past in the history of the country.

“What is happening in Nigeria presently is beyond human knowledge. It is only the hand of God can deliver us," he said, explaining that Christoans ought to celebrate the feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread and not Easter, saying it was the Roman Empire that changed the Passover celebration to Easter celebration.

In his words: “Passover is a time of remembering the day God set the children of Israel free from the land of slavery. Passover is only 24 hour period while Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts for seven days. It is also a time of remembrance for the Sabatarian when we gain our freedom from spiritual enemy because we are no longer in Egypt and Christ Jesus died in this same period.

Before Christ died he instructed us to do it in His remembrance”

n the spirit of the season, the founder of Holy Ghost Sabbath Mission, Pastor Peter Amasiatu called on both Christians and Muslims in the country to embrace peace and unity for the country to experience progress.

Speaking during the church's Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread, Pastor Amasiatu said Nigerians needed to live peacefully with one another and pray for the country’s peace and unity. The minister of God advised Christian leaders to fear God, preach more on holy living, unite and stop discriminating, explaining that God is not God of confusion.

He also advised government officials to desist from looting the nation's reasury, adding that such exercise only hampers the development of the country, pointing out that leaders should abide by the oath they took after being elected and take care and always provide for the welfare of the masses.

On insecurity, Amasiatu said Nigerians should be security conscious, vigilant and report any unusual move-

Daystar gives out food items to over 2000

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The Benevolence Unit of Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos gave out food items to thousands of people on Saturday in commemoration of this year’s Easter celebrations.

While ministering to the people on behalf of the Senior Pastors, Sam and Nike Adeyemi, an associate of the church, Pastor Lawrence Oladele encouraged participants who had come for pecial Open Day tagged 'Love at Easter', to be of good cheer because they have secured destinies in Christ Jesus. “God loves you and He is very interested in giving you a better life, only if you would commit your life to Him,” he admonished.

Mr. Akin Ademosu, head of the Benevolence Unit, reiterated that the project is simply one of the means through which the church exemplifies its message of love to the society at large.

TAC stages musical concert

It was time of celebration, joy and musical fiesta as choristers of The Apostolic Church, national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos thrilled the audience a series of melodious songs ranging from hymnal, blues and natives.

Themed: “He’s Alive” both the Orchestra and Choir of the Church treated guests to brilliant performances of classical and local pieces meant to bring to light the true essence and reason for the season.

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he choir all clad in navy blue suits and white shirts for men and navy blue jacket, inner white top and navy blue skirt for women, entertained guests with several soul-searching inspirational rhythms and local renditions to the glory of the living King. For more than three hours, the choristers treated guests to the best of golden tunes accompanied by soul-lifting sounds from keyboards, trumpet, talking drum, percussion and voice in their varieties which comprised of soprano, treble, alto, tenor and base.

Some of the songs rendered included, He’ Never Late, Jesu Olugbala Mi, Emi Mimo, It is my Turn to Shine, God Be Praised, Oro mi ti di Ijo and several others.

The highpoint of the concert was the presentation and rendition of He’s Alive, a song that was rendered with all enthusiasm. It was composed and lead by the church Organist, Kayode Ajetunmobi, a song that told the story of the crucification and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a simple form. The song dramatised the story of Jesus’ agony on the way of the cross taking the audience through the story of the crucifixion.

Appreciating the church and the invited guests, the Choirmaster, Elder Rufus Ayodele said that the musical concert is one of the several programmes organised by the church to remind the people about the second coming of Jesus Christ and live Godliness life.

PAGE 46 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014

BOOK SERIAL: Winning the mind game of life, by Tunji Odugbesan

sin; why it is so easy to sin, what is being done to man; and how Satan seems to succeed so easily in deceiving us.

Life is a battle-field, and battles are won the more by strategizing than employing sophisticated weapons. A winning strategy can only be plotted, planned and executed with a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of one’s enemy: his weapons, their deployment, their numerical strength, etc. These warfare principles also apply in the spiritual! It is, therefore, imperative that we understand spiritual matters and be able to appropriate the promises of the Bible. It is our lack of understanding of these truths that allows the devil to perpetrate “his schemes” on us (Eph. 6:11). But for one to confidently appropriate the blessings of this earth and look forward to death, it is imperative that you live this life with knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

We shall explain how and why the devil makes us sin, and then ensures that punishment is enforced. Not only does he know mankind deep enough to manipulate and/or control our lives, he knows the Bible better than you and I because he is a spirit! We underestimate him too much, and to our own peril. Although the Bible is used exclusively to explain the principles herein, the fact remains that what is expounded upon here affects everybody ---regardless of one’s religion. The only way you can claim exception is if, in decision-making, your thoughts do not oscillate between two opposing points of view. I dare say there’s no such person, because we all exercise that God-given right to make choices through our free-will.

The Bible (Mankind’s Operational Manual) in trying to help us is very categorical about the opposition forces that man constantly battles with every minute of his life. Our battles and weapons are spiritual in nature (Eph. 6:12 and 2 Cor. 10:4). So we need an understanding of what those battles and weapons really are when translated into the human experience.

control of Satan. When we, thereafter, go ahead and attempt to bind Satan, he will only laugh at us because he realizes we do not have any HE content of this book is what knowledge. This is the I would refer to as “downloads” incongruity that we do not from the spiritual. By the time understand and desperately you finish reading this serialization you need to. To buttress this, all you will understand what is meant by this need do is look at the present assertion. If we take this in good faith day attitude to sex: care-free (for the moment), we will be able to ask and unserious---to say the least! a few questions: Unfortunately, we do not seem Who can explain the Bible? to appreciate the fact that sex Obviously, the One who wrote is a spiritual activity which is it---GOD. performed in the physical.

How did He write it?

This exposition is definitely not a result By inspiring the writers of the of any effort or wisdom of mine, but a different books through their result of God’s love and mercy for individual spirit-man, the same mankind, so that we may not be way this book was written. destroyed the most debilitating and Through this book, God is permanent way---spiritually.

Two opening up new vistas of thousand years ago, Jesus prayed to His understanding so that we do Father to forgive the people who were gone astray from God’s plan for us. not get destroyed. He has given insistent on killing Him “for they do not us a few basic facts, which were know what they are doing.” (Luke Why does evil seem to easily (hitherto) unknown or not very 23:34); a people who had said “Let his dominate? clear; and through these facts, blood be on us, and on our children” Aside from not knowing our explain more deeply what had (Matt. 27:25). Is there a possibility that rights in Christ (which one can not been so apparent in the ---even today---we still neither know appropriate only through Bible. what we are doing nor realise the fact righteousness), we do not And why is mankind being given this that we are being manipulated by the realize the fact that the act of message? devil…and as a result we are perishing sinning brings us under the Because we have seriously “from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6)? The unfortunate answer is a resounding “YES”.

ATHOLIC Archbishop year. Delivering the homily, to keep the dignity of priestOur main aim in of Lagos, Most Rev. Prelature of Opus Dei, Rev. Fr. hood and not forget the grace this book is to Alfred Adewale John Taberner urged the priests and honour given to them. explain the Martins Thursday urged the mechanism of Federal Government to tackle sinning so that one insecurity in the country and can begin to underensure a lasting peace, reports OOD Friday was marked in Ibadan, the Oyo State capi stand how death is OLAYINKA LATONA. tal, by Christian fathfull with a procession depicting a result of sins and Speaking at a Chrism Mass the persecution and crucifixion of Jesus Christ by the real wiles or held at Holy Cross Cathedral, Youths of St. Mary Catholic Church, Oke Padre, Ibadan. Picschemes of the Lagos, the Archbishop said tures below show the different stages of the persecution and devil. We will exgovernment at all levels should Crucifiction of Jesus Christ as staged by the Youths of St. Mary's Watch out for the continuation, plain how a person be more serious in arresting the Catholic Church, Oke Padre, Ibadan on Friday.

Time and Eternity next Sunday. is ‘encouraged’ to security challenge in the SHOTS: DARE FASUBE country, adding that Nigeria should move from talking and analysing instances of violence and terrorism to strategising on measures to curb them.

In his words: “Our government should be more serious HE Pastoral Care Team have made wonderful and in arresting the challenge of of Olivet Bible Church, great impact in the lives of the insecurity. They should put in Festac Town, Lagos recently church members. adequate resources and equipIn his words: “It is pertinent presented an Toyota Highment needed by the security lander SUV to the senior pas- to appreciate the chief servant agencies to do their work. We tor, Owen Nle-kwuwa just as of the church, and other passhould remember that if we it honour-ed the pastor in tors in the ministry who have allow our children to be more charge of the children church, made great impact in the lives vulnerable to kidnappers, we Iyke Ogunna for their diligent of all the church members. are not only failing this present In his message, Director service and positive impact in generation but also the coming the church, reports General, Institute for National generation”.

Transformation, Prof. Vincent OLAYINKA LATONA. Urging all hands to be on The event, the first of its Anigbogu described the deck, he called on all Nigerians kind, was put together by the Church as an agent of change to be courageous in pursuing Pastoral Care Team to appre- in the society, explaining that greatness of the country. ciate the impact of the pastors it has to wake up to her reAccording to Martins, the in the lives of members and sponsibilities by organising mass was a yearly event which life-changing programmes for non-members of the church. usually takes place during the In a welcome speech, Dea- the youths and raising selfless Holy Week in every Catholic con Clem Ndubuisi on behalf leaders who have the mind of diocese; during which the of the team, said the church is Christ. clergy renew their priestly According to him: “There’s not unaware of the sacrifices vows and the bishop blesses the ministers of God have need to develop programmes the holy oils that would be used made for the church over the that will take away the youths in ceremonies throughout the years, adding that the pastors Continued on Page 47

GENERAL OVERVIEW

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Martins urges Govt to address insecurity

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Good Friday in Ibadan

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Olivet Bible Church gives SUV to senior pastor

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SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 47

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OD did not send Jeremiah to unbelievers. He sent him to the “Christians” of his day. God told Jeremiah to stand at the gate of the Lord's house and make a proclamation in the hearing of all those coming to church: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.

Do not trust in these lying words, saying, ‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are bers in your eyes? For I these.’” (Jeremiah 7:3-4). see all the evil going on Don't think because you in there. ‘Go to Shiloh, the go to church every Sun- city I first honoured with day; that means you are my name, and see what I going to heaven. Don't did to her because of all think because you read the wickedness of my your bible and pray every people Israel. And now,’ day; that means you are says the Lord, ‘I will do going to heaven. Don't the same thing here bethink because you pay cause of all this evil you tithes and give offerings; have done.’” (Jeremiah that means you are going 7:9-13). to heaven.

and scraped, just as Jesus foretold. Furthermore, the Romans slaughtered over one million Jews and cast their bodies into the fire at Gehenna; a rubbish-dump outside Jerusalem.

inherit the kingdom of God? God cannot be mocked.

When we were given the vision of God’s wrath in Ezekiel, the killing started in God’s temple, and the first victims were the sons of the kingdom.

God said: “Kill everyone whose forehead isn't marked. Spare not nor pity them--kill them all-old and young, girls, women and little children; but don't touch anyone with the mark. And begin right here at the Temple.” (Ezekiel 9:5-6).

The modern temple

Few are chosen

Christians are not saved

Judgment of God

Pastoral deception

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eremiah stood by the door of the church, and he preached a message different from the one the pastor had prepared for that “Sunday” service. He did not deceive the people that their sins were not serious.

(Jeremiah 8:11). He did not prophecy like Adeboye that “all shall be well.” He did not say: "Get ready, get ready to be blessed;” like T.D. Jakes. Jeremiah called the people to repentance and warned them about the impending judgment of God. “Do you really think that you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and worship Baal and all of those new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, ‘We are saved!’-- only to go right back to all these evil things again? Is my Temple but a den of rob-

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hat did God do to Shiloh? The temple of God used to be there, presided over by Eli and his wicked sons.

Through little Samuel, God gave the prophecy that he would destroy this so-called house of God because of the wickedness of the Israelites. But the people did not heed the warning.

God brought the prophecy to pass with devastating effect. The Philistines fought against Israel, killing 32,000 Jewish footsoldiers. The two sons of Pastor Eli were among the dead. Moreover, the ark was captured. When the pastor heard the news, he had a heart attack and died. His daughter-inlaw was expecting a baby.

When she heard the news, she went into premature labour; gave birth to a son; named him "Ichabod" (meaning: "the glory has departed from Israel") and then she

The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved! died.

God told Jeremiah: “Go and stand at the gate of the temple in Jerusalem and remind all those who come to church what happened at Shiloh. Tell them if they don’t change their ways, God is going to destroy the church again.”

Jeremiah ended his message with a heartbreaking lamentation.

He said: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!" (Jeremiah 8:20).

That is a prophetic word and not just a historical record. In the context of today, Jeremiah’s words provide much-needed warning that: "We are Christians, but we are not saved. We are the children of the kingdom, but we are not saved.”

Desecration of the temple

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hat happened to the Jerusalem temple? The Babylonians destroyed it under Nebuchadnezzar; just as Jeremiah prophesied.

(Jeremiah 52:12-15). It was rebuilt under the

leadership of Zerubbabel. Herod further repaired and refurbished it.

But all these were cosmetic. The people were not saved.

Jesus’ kingdom dynamics is expressed in the Jeremiah tradition. Jesus went into the refurbished temple and drove out all those who bought and sold there. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of the dove-sellers. He then quoted Jeremiah: “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matthew 21:13).

Jesus prophesied that the temple would again be destroyed: “Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Matthew 24:2).

In AD 70, this prophecy also came to pass. The Romans destroyed the Jerusalem temple; burning it down to the ground.

The gold in the ceiling melted and flowed down over the brickwork. In order to recover it, every brick had to be removed

T

he angel said to John: “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10). What is happening in the temples and the churches of today? I don't need to tell you. They are still the same den of thieves. But now we specialise in betraying Jesus with a kiss. Our churches are the citadels of moneydoubling pastors. They are full of pickpockets screaming hallelujah.

They are packed with fraudsters, shouting: “Praise the Lord!” Catholic priests are raping young boys. Anglican priests are practicing homosexuals. Christians persist in fornication, adultery and abortion.

Moses says God has been our dwelling place in all generations. (Psalm 90:1). But how do we live with God and indulge in internet pornography?

How do we live with God and cheat and steal? How do we live with God and dine with the devil? How can we continue in sins and still fool ourselves that we shall nevertheless

Accordingly, Jesus warns: “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:1112). Christians are today’s sons of the kingdom. But, alas, we are not the sons of God. Don’t be deceived. Salvation does not come from answering an altar-call at the beginning of our Christian walk. It is attained at the end of our earthly relationship with God. Therefore, Jesus warns that: “he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22).

Salvation comes from bearing the fruit of righteousness. (John 15:1-8).

This is achieved as we lay down our lives out of love for God, even as Jesus did. Jesus says: “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35).

Ok onkw o leads other ola' Okonkw onkwo otherss for Ogunt Oguntola' ola'ss book launch

E

FFECTIVE media relations for churches and pastors written by head of the Religion Desk of

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

It's time to wake up

I

T'S high time for Ni geria to wake up, get down on our knees, and beg God for forgiveness, wisdom and moral backbone.

Otherwise, far too many Nigerians face the same judgment that Apostle Paul warned the Romans about: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrightC M Y K

eousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:18-20, ESV).

At Gettysburg 150 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln declared “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.”

Lincoln was talking about the end of slavery, but his words could also apply to the moral quagmire we face today. As Nigerians grapple with harsh economic conditions, what we need most of all is true freedom from the enslavement of sin—salvation through the new birth made possible in Jesus Christ.

The Nation Newspaper, Mr. Sunday Oguntola, is slated for presentation today.

The presentation holds at the Business Club, Ikeja, Alausa by 4.00 p.m.

Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Dr. Mike Okonkwo, will lead other preachers such as Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Rev. Yomi Kasali, Pastor Alex Adegboye and Rev. Ladi Thompson, among others to present the book.

President of Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina, will deliver a keynote address at the occasion with the theme "Winning the me-

dia war."

The Diocesan Communicator of Lagos West Diocese of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Mr. Bolade Omonijo will review the

book.

Oguntola, in a statement, said the book is his "humble contribution to the church community, which I have covered for 15 years".

Church donates SUV to pastor Continued from Pg 46 from the streets and clean them up and help them to discover their potentials and guide them to engage so that they may have a better future. This is part of job description of the Church”.

Prof. Anigbogu said one of the solutions to the nation's current challenges is for both leaders and individuals to

tolerate one another and build a selfless spirit towards one nation, adding that it is impossible to build a nation where there is no rule of law and the justice.

His words: “I do not believe in the disintegration of the country. Once you start dividing into the different tribes, at that level, you will still discover differences. The answer is not division.”

PAGE 48 — SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20 , 2014

Our privatisation fears, by oil sector union

BY UDEME CLEMENT

Being the concluding part of the interview with the Lagos Zonal Chairman of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Comrade Folorunso Oginni.

T

HE privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is still generating controversy following erratic power supply after the exercise. W hat is your take on this?

Privatisation of the PHCN is a total failure because there is no constant supply of electricity after the exercise. South Africa with a population of about 40million generates about 36,000 Mega Watts (MW) of electricity, while Nigeria with over 170million people generates only 4,000MW. The investors who bought PHCN are still abroad looking for technical partners. It is quite clear that the privatization of PHCN despite the noise making has not achieved the desired result. Everyone has seen that the intended purpose has not been achieved.

Government is saying that privatization is the order of the day, yet we still do not have electricity supply after selling of the assets of the company to private individuals. In some areas, there is no electricity for over a week now. So,

what is the benefit of the privatization? The reality is that some of the investors looking for technical partners abroad do not even have the money to invest in the plants they bought.

Aside from PHCN, are you saying that all the privatized government enterprises are not doing well at all?

I want the media to correct us if we are wrong. Let the media investigate and tell us if there is any success story about government enterprises privatized in the past. A typical example is the privatization of the Daily Times of Nigeria. Before the company was sold, government said their plan was to make the Times viable, that the new investors would pump money into Times to expand the place. Where is Daily Times today? Is Daily Times anywhere on the news-stand? It has been widely reported that the person who bought Times succeeded in selling all the assets of the company, including those assets located abroad. But the same government said before that after privatization, investors would pump in money to expand the company. Can you see the short sightedness of our government?

NICON Insurance is any example. It was sold off.

Where is NICON today?

Air Nigeria is another company. After privatization, no aircraft is flying in that fleet again. It is on

record that most people who lost their jobs in Times are yet to receive their entitlements. Another sad situation in government privatization is the downstream sector of the economy, where three companies were sold. Before selling those firms, about 8,300 staff constituted the work-force of those companies. Today, after privatization, less than3,000 staff are remaining there. About 85 per cent out of these 3,000 staff are casual and contract staff. You can see the sad situation we are in this country and government did not even go back to find out how those firms are doing after privatization.

May be government does not know the real situation of things in those companies after privatization?

The government knows what is going on there because we write and even make presentations, yet government does not have the political will to do the right thing to move the economy forward.

Can you tell us specifically which companies in the oil and gas sector are involved in this privatization?

There are three of them and we may not want to mention their names now, but when the time comes, their names will be made known to the public. In fact, in one of these companies, the buyers now brings Indians to work here in Nigeria, while our

Comrade Folorunso Oginni. youths are jobless in their own country. You can see the negligence of our government. They management of this company ensures there is no unionism there, so that no one will advocate or fight for the interest of the workers, as they are being treated like slaves. You can see the type of government we have in Nigeria and their insensitivity about the plight of the citizens.

Labour has the right to rise against these companies indulging in sharp labour practices. What is PENGASSAN doing about this?

We are doing our best because we are always in the forefront of fighting for the workers and the masses.

We also joined in fighting for the democracy that we

are enjoying today. There is an aspect of our law, which says you cannot force a willing employer and employee. So, they capitalize on that clause in the constitution to cheat and enslave Nigerians.

What is the contribution of the Labour Minister in ensuring that Nigerian workers are treated well like what obtains in other countries?

He has tried his best and he is working very hard to help us, but there are forces working against him.

Also, the power that be does not want him to achieve good result. Some of these clauses in our constitution must be changed.

The labour Minister cannot do beyond his power on what he has the ability to tackle. There is also an as-

pect that gives management the authority to hire and fire workers. So, even the Minister is facing some challenges in the system. In America, some people prefer working on contract, because contract workers are well paid and their work is flexible. But look at our own country, it is the other way round. When you look at the whole scenario in Nigeria, it is quite glaring that the willingness for government to do the right thing is lacking. Every year, we turn out millions of graduates who are jobless.

Government is talking about privatization, may be in future, government will privatise all the citizens in Nigeria.

What is the position of PENGASSAN on the move by government to sell the four nation’s refineries?

We had several meetings and we are saying no to the plan. We work in this industry and we know what is going on there. Now, almost all the spare parts needed to do Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of those plants are about entering the country. They want to privatise and when the spare parts they used billions of our money to buy arrive, they will do TAM and claim that they turn around the fortune of the refineries. They want to sell to their friends and cronies. You can see the level of deceit in our country.

SEPLAT on London Stock Exchange

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EPLAT Petroleum Development Company Plc was formally received at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) on Thursday April 17, 2014 in a ceremony that saw the chairman, Dr. ABC Orjiako ring the opening bell.

A similar ceremony held earlier in Lagos on Tuesday April 14, 2014 at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Dignitaries in attendance at the LSE event included Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vice president of Nigeria and his wife, Dr. Mrs Helen Ekwueme; Mr. Andrew Yakubu, GMD of the NNPC, Basi Omiyi, former MD of Shell, Ifueko Omogui-Okauru, Mr. Emmanuel Nweke, 2nd Secretary at the Nigerian High Commission who stood in for the Nigerian High Commissioner in London, Ms. Chinelo Anorom Acting DG of the National Pension Commission, Celine

Loader of CBN and many others.

The event is coming on the heels of the dual listing of the company’s shares on the NSE and LSE following the company’s very successful and over-subscribed IPO. Speaking at the LSE event, Dr. Orjiako expressed delight at the vote of confidence in SEPLAT by foreign regulators and investors. In his words he reiterated that “We are delighted with the support shown and happy to welcome a range of blue chip investors to our share register. Despite a challenging market for oil and gas stocks, the response has been excellent and demonstrates strong demand in both London and at home for a leading Nigerian indigenous E&P player with Nigerian investors making up 40% of the total.”

In his comments at the event, the Group Man-

From left: Austin Avuru, Chief Executive Officer, SEPLAT, Dr. ABC Orjiako, Chairman SEPLAT and Xavier Rolet, CEO of the London Stock Exchange group, during the formal welcoming ceremony for SEPLAT at the London Stock Exchange. aging Director of the NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu said the NNPC was anxious about granting operatorship to SEPLAT at inception but today “Seplat is the only oil company, not indigenous company, the only oil company producing above its technically allowed capacity.”

The Chief Executive of

the London Stock Exchange Group, Xavier Rolet presented the Chairman and CEO with a commemorative plaque and limited edition bottle of champagne after the signing ceremony.

It will be recalled that SEPLAT announced its intention to float on Tuesday, March 11, 2014

in which it said it was seeking to raise $500m and thereafter list, simultaneously, on the NSE and LSE. On Wednesday April 9, 2014, the Company announced that its Offer Price had been set at NGN 576 per Ordinary Share for shares to be listed on the Official Trading List of the NSE (the “Offer Price”) and 210 pence per Ordinary Share for shares to be traded on the LSE’s main market.

The commencement of unconditional dealings on both the NSE and LSE took place on Monday 14 April 2014 following the full Admission of SEPLAT’s Ordinary Shares to the Official Trading List of the NSE, under the ticker symbol “SEPL AT” and to the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as well as to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE under the ticker

symbol “SEPL” SEPLAT was founded in 2009 by Shebah Petroleum Development Company Limited and Platform Petroleum (Joint Ventures) Limited for the purpose of investing in Nigerian oil and gas opportunities. Maurel & Prom, a French independent oil company, subsequently acquired a 45 per cent equity interest in SEPLAT; this interest was later spun-off to form Maurel & Prom Nigeria S.A (now Maurel & Prom International).

In July 2010, SEPLAT acquired a 45 per cent participating interest in, and was appointed operator of, a portfolio of three onshore producing oil mining leases (OMLs 4, 38 and 41) located in the Niger Delta.

SEPLAT’s successful IPO and dual listing on the NSE and LSE clearly signposts a new era in the Nigerian E&P market and sets SEPLAT apart as a veritable national champion.

SUNDAY Vanguard,

Rebasing: Truths and fallacies –2

BY DELE SOBOWALE “One must show the truth to posterity with boldness and to his contemporaries with circumspection.

It is very hard to reconcile those two duties.” Voltaire, 1694-1778. ( BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 255.)

HE great Albert Einstein, 1879-1955, reputed to be the most intelligent person to have walked the earth, was the father of one quaint formula, E= MC2, which had been driving physicists and mathematicians crazy ever since it was published. Only God knows how many Ph.Ds have awarded to scholars conducting research into several aspects of the formula. And the end is not in sight yet. Like all Americans, Einstein tried his hands at other subjects, including music and economics. He gave up both for different reasons. Music he found “too simple and economics, too difficult”. I gave up Medicine because it was too difficult and took up economics because it was simple enough to enable me go through a university with the minimum of effort – while leaving me with a lot of time to read wide. What has that got to do with rebasing? Wait a few minutes and you will soon understand it.

What did Einstein find so difficult to grasp in economics? He told us; his problem was reconciling the paradoxes which are so thickly embedded in economics.

They simply drove the Professor of professors up the walls. To me, an economist, if he/she is any good, must have a mind made out of soft rubber – capable of taking any shape in order to reconcile the paradoxes inherent in our ‘science’. The public debate, on rebasing the Nigerian GDP, is be-

T

ing conducted, mostly, by people whose minds are set in concrete.

They simply don’t know how to deal with the new information – which contradicts everything they have been told, learnt and experienced. That the governments of Nigeria, generally, lack credibility has not helped matters. And, this statement applies to all governments – not just Jonathan’s.

The fact that we are already caught up in 2015 elections and the tricks politicians play had further made objective considerations of the result of rebasing almost impossible. The inanities the spokesman for APC – a lawyer – reportedly announced in response constitute the worst form of ignorance on the subject.

Similarly, the attempt by some PDP members to claim credit on behalf of Jonathan for the ‘achievement’ represents dishonesty of the highest order.

The adjustments started from 1991, when Jonathan was nowhere near government, and they will be reflected in our annual GDP figures henceforth – long after GEJ would have departed office; either in 2015 or 2019. So, this thing has absolutely, nothing to do with Jonathan’s performance in office.

Permit me to quickly repeat a statement, about Dr Kale, the Statistician-General, from last week’s column, which documented the skeptics complaints about “positive” data supplied by governments whose credibility is in doubt. The statement said, “…………..”. The message I intended to get across then was clear to me. Dr Kale is a victim of “guilt by association”. Most Nigerians don’t know him; and, certainly, many more don’t even know what are the mandates of the nation’s Chief Statistician. As

•President Goodluck Jonathan far as they are concerned, he is part of government and, as such, cannot be trusted. It is in that respect that he still continues to earn my sympathies. The man had undertaken a gargantuan exercise, which others before him had avoided, like the plague, and instead of, first of all, being commended for the great effort, he had been condemned all around for the results. I will come to the end result later. But, it is important we first of all separate the process, the exercise, the result and the person responsible for all three from the rest of government.

That way, we can critically examine the work objectively and derive from it all the innumerable lessons it can teach us as a nation. Believe me; rebasing had revealed several important truths about our economy, such as should we engage hundreds of Nigerians studying economics to look into for their Ph.D. Howev-

The fact that we are already caught up in 2015 elections and the tricks politicians play had further made objective considerations of the result of rebasing almost impossible er, this is not the forum to list some of them.

Having spent last week paying tribute to the pessimists and skeptics, without whom governments would have turned all of us into praise singers, let me now demonstrate what I mean by the mind of soft rubber needed to understand the paradoxes of economics. Dr Adeleke, recently retired Commissioner of Police, for Health Services, and a worthy old boy of Igbobi College, used to tease me that I am the only economist who does not say “on the other hand”. I wish him a well-deserved and happy retirement; but, I will disappoint him this time.

On the other hand, REBASING IS NOT ONLY A LEGITIMATE EXERCISE BUT ONE WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST -- irrespective of what we think of the motives for un-

APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 49

dertaking it. Dr Kale deserves at least that credit and, perhaps more. Meanwhile, Dr OkonjoIweala, who was Federal Finance Minister, when one was due in 2004/2005, but failed to order one exercise to be conducted, should spare us her comments about this one. Politeness to ladies is still important.

Does that mean I accept the $510b GDP figure? The answer is NO. But, before the critics and the supporters of the Federal Government start to react, let me state the reasons for my disagreement. To me the rebasing exercise, just concluded, despite being a step in the right direction, has not gone far enough. Don’t forget, I talked to Dr Kale last year and I got a feel for what was being done.

Because, the exact GDP of any country would never be known, mostly, on account of invisible trade, it is my strong belief that the Nigerian GDP is actually bigger than $510b. To be quite candid, I think Dr Kale recoiled from going all the way to demonstrate how large the potentials of our economy really are. I can’t blame him. If he received the sort of reactions we read in the papers or listen to on electronic media, for declaring $510b, someone would probably have asked that he be put in a straight jacket if he declared $700b. I don’t have Dr Kale’s constraints; perhaps, because one needs to be a bit crazy to write columns in Nigeria these days. To me the Nigerian GDP, which by the way is an annual figure and not static, is larger than $510b. Let me quickly start to explain – before the straight jacket is ordered for me.

TO BE CONTINUED Visit: www.delesobowale.com or Visit: www.facebook.com/biolasobowale

The Lagos tax collection model I

N any language, growing the internally generated revenue of a state from N6billion to over N20billion monthly over a period of eight years must spell success. This is what the scorecard of Lagos State shows as the fruit of the re-engineering of its Board of Internal Revenue. Prior to the return of democracy in 1999, the internally generated revenue of the state stood at a measly average of N600million monthly. But the next six years would deliver a steep rise to N3.6billion monthly, the equivalent of 500 per cent jump. That was under the Bola Tinubu administration, which was convinced that Lagos State still had the potential to deliver a more exponential jump in internally generated revenue through a radical remodeling of its tax administration architecture.

The remodeling process began in 2005 with the appointment of Mr. Babatunde William Fowler as the Chairman, Lagos Board of Internal Revenue and Chief Executive Office of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS. The appointment of Fowler, a US-trained economist, business administrator and banker of vast experience, was preceded by the government presenting a bill to the state legislature to make the Board of Internal Revenue an autonomous and selfaccounting entity. The bill, which was passed into law in 2006, made it the first agency of its kind to be autonomous in the country.

The revolution had begun.

LIRS, the chief revenue-generat-

•Gov. Babatunde Fashola ing organ of the state, was on its way to implementing the ideals of the revolution through a variety of radical programmes and forward-looking strategies. The LIRS knew it was not going to be a picnic. Given the endemic nature of tax avoidance in the country, not many organisations would relish the job of collecting taxes. LIRS accepted the challenge. It started, in 2006, by removing impediments in tax payment, making tax assessment and payment easier for tax payers by establishing mini-tax offices in markets around the state.

As at the last count, there are 38 of such across the state. Two years later, LIRS introduced the Self Assessment Filing System for individuals outside the formal sector. This has since ensured that

individuals could conveniently pay their taxes at any of the 1,200 branches of the designated banks as well as the LIRS tax stations and receive their receipts within 72 hours of payment. Voluntary compliance was vigorously encouraged. Realising that the success of its operations is largely contingent upon public buy-in, LIRS raised awareness among businesses and individuals on how their taxes would benefit citizens, communities and commerce in the state. It launched a war against tax evasion, part of which was its hugely successful publicity campaign that uses prominent Lagos residents across tribal, religious and professional lines for testimonial adverts on the need to pay tax and highlight the importance of tax obligations.

LIRS simply took a scalpel to the tax payment process and conducted a reconstructive surgery, which has ensured that all payment to the Lagos Internal Revenue Board were to be made directly to designated revenue collecting banks for the state. These are electronically linked to databases that issue electronic receipts to tax payers. The LIRS also introduced personal electronic tax clearance cards (eTCC), the first of its type in the country. The opaqueness that characterised tax collection in the past was banished, as the process was made more open to tax payers, who can now access their records via the internet. The results have been astounding. Between 2008 and 2012, the average monthly IGR of the state

leapt from N18.9 billion to N29.9billion, a fact attested to by Governor Babatunde Fashola during the 2012 Annual Public Lecture of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN. Lagos State IGR has also accounted for over 65 per cent of government revenue, making the state less dependent on proceeds from the Federation Account.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, and Joint Tax Board, JTB, attest to the success of the tax administration revolution spearheaded by the LIRS. Released last December, the figures showed that Lagos State generated more revenue than any other state of the federation between 2010 and 2012. Broken down, the figures show that the state recorded N185.9 billion in 2010, which increased to N202.76 billion in 2011 and rose further to N219.2 billion in 2012.

Of the N219.2 billion in 2012, Lagos realised the highest revenue of N172.44 billion from through PAYE. A total of N4.36 billion came from road taxes, N1.89 billion from direct assessment of companies domiciled in the state, while N40.513 billion came from other revenue sources.

About N120.25 billion was realised from PAYE in 2011; N7.97 billion from direct assessment, and N74.54 billion from other sources, while N104.681 billion came from PAYE in 2010; N7.51 billion from direct sources, and N73.704 billion from other sources.

In second position was oil-rich Rivers State, which earned about

N49.59 billion in 2010; N57.19 billion in 2011 and N66.28 billion in 2012. The state earned N55.1 billion through PAYE in 2012; N485.9 million through road taxes; N22.075 million through direct tax assessment and N10.668 million through other revenue sources.

Delta State realised N106.4 billion within the three years under review, earning N26.1 billion in 2010, N34.75 billion in 2011 and N45.57 billion on 2012.

PAYE fetched Delta State over N42.565 billion in 2012. Also, N244.195million was realised from road taxes, N123.4million from direct assessment, while N2 .635billion came from other sources.

For LIRS, the scope for improvement and greater success still exists. Early this year, it was disclosed that an additional 1.1million taxable adults have been captured by the tax net, pushing the number of taxable adults in the state to 4.2million.

Fowler, LIRS Chief Executive, attributes the spike in the number taxpayers to the benefits the paying public has seen its taxes deliver. “We now have 4.2million adults in our tax net. And this testifies to the fact that residents can now see the importance of paying their tax through the various projects that have been embarked upon by the government,” he said.

LIRS’ success is a contagion, with many states, including Edo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kano, Delta and Bayelsa substantially adopting the “LIRS manual” for use.

PAGE 50 — SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014 japhdave@yahoo.com 08056402376

Unique weavers: Preserving art of Akwa Ocha making

By JAPHET ALAKAM

H

CULTURE

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•Mrs Momodu passing instructions to her weavers at the workshop of Akwa Ocha is unique in the sense that while others use vertical loom that weave small pieces, she modernised her own and introduced different background colours.

The uniqueness of this product is that it is an identity for a given geographical area of

,

ulture, they say, is a way of life and that is why people go extra miles to preserve it. But in the case of Nigeria, it is a different ball game as many had abandoned theirs in preference to foreign culture in the name of modernisation.

But despite the influx of foreign culture to Nigeria, there are few who are bent on preserving theirs and one culture that has retained its value is the specialised woven cloth, known as Akwa Ocha. Akwa –Ocha is the pride of the ANIOMA people and as the name implies Akwa Ocha is “Cloth that is white or better still white cloth.” It is the traditional cloth worn and used by the ANIOMA people of Delta State, otherwise known and referred to as “Delta Igbo.” Akwa Ocha is a fabric made from wool and exists in wrapper; this fabric is worn mostly during important occasions like weddings, marriage ceremonies and birthday parties.

The cloth, which is handwoven by women, is very strong that it can last for 100 years.

It was on the need to preserve this culture that Mrs. Bridget Momodu, the Chief Executive Officer of Unique Weavers, at No. 35, Charles Street, Boji-Boji, Agbor, joined the business.

At book launch, Bash Ali, other otherss sue for peace

tered a lot of challenges, with the major one being finance, to adequately cater for the business. “For instance, she said, “here, we are staying is a rented flat, we are not the owner and the place is small. We need a bigger place that can accommodate our machines so that we

“Self-employment is what is required in the country now. This business, if well funded, will help to alleviate the suffering of many as they will be on their own after the training and there will be no need for looking for jobs. All you need is to establish your own business and before you know it, you will be employing other people.

“The idea of people coming here to acquire knowledge is what the government should look into and that can be realised if we are given the incentives to do so.

“Giving loans to the unemployed to buy Okada will not solve the unemployment problem, but if such loans are channeled to businesses like this, it will make a lot of difference in the society.

“To buttress the point more, buying Okada will not help the country, rather you are promoting the economy of Japan. But if you expand small scale businesses like this you will help in employing other people apart from feeding your family.

“We are talking of not being able to meet the demand, which means people are interested in the Akwa Ocha, but with the looms and machines we have, we cannot meet the demand and that is why the government should do something for us,” she added.

e is noted worldwide as a fighter whose fame accrued from inflicting deadly punches and “knocking down” his opponents. He is also currently angling to emerge in the World Guinness Book of Record as the oldest man to engage in an organized boxing.

But at a recent occasion in Warri, Delta State, Bashiru Ali (aka ‘Bash Ali’), the World Boxing Federation cruiser weight title holder and Nigeria’s boxing legend, left behind his boxer ’s gloves and instead, turned, even if momentarily, to preaching peace, brotherliness and unconditional love.

The event was the launch of the book “Brotherly Love” written by Ulisanmi Edukugho, a pastor and music minister which focused on ensuring friendship as a panacea to societal disintegration. The event which held at the Lifespring Church in Warri, attracted several people from across many fields in the society.

“If we must see lasting peace in Nigeria, we must imbibe the spirit of genuine friendship regardless of our tribe and religious orientations,” said Ali. Betty Abah, Lagos-based writer activist and a friend of the writer ’s, said the book was most timely. Our nation and indeed, our world is tettering on the brink of enmity-induced collapse and only a return back to love as advocated by this book can be the panacea”, she said.

Akwa Ocha weaving is a gold mine and Drinking from Oba Erediauwa’s fountain of ideas if supported by the government, it will

Benefits of the trade According to the Utagba Ogbe, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State born weaver, the weaving business is a gold mine and if supported by the government it will generate revenue, employ many and definitely reduce the number of unemployed people in Nigeria.

For the 2007 Business Administration graduate of Delta State University, Abraka, who have been into weaving for the past two decades, she is “a weaver by profession, it is my hobby, though I did not study it in school. My going into the business derives from two needs: to help provide a means of living for teeming unemployed youths by training them and to revive the weaving of Akwa Ocha.

“I have been into weaving for over two decades and have also been training people on how to weave and after training them, I give them jobs and pay them salary at the end of the month.

She disclosed that her brand

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generate revenue and provide jobs for many unemployed people in Nigeria

Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili people, but it has now transcended to other local government areas in Delta State. Anywhere you see Akwa Ocha, people know the value, they appreciate it, it is symbolic.

Continuing, she said that her going into the business really changed her perception in many areas. She said: “Before I went into study Business Administration, I was already into weaving and when I graduated there was no job, so I said, ‘ why look for a paid job when I have a job that can take care of me.’ So I entered to it fully. I thank God for the job because I don’t have to start hunting for job in Nigeria where they are no jobs.

“You saw what happened during the immigration test where many applicants died and some wounded. I don’t need to go into those ones. I now find out that being selfemployed is very good.

“Currently, I have over 15 people that work for me; they are paid, they are all weavers, I trained them and now they are working for me and I pay them. Even when they were in training I paid them too.

In the course of running this business, she had encoun-

can increase production.

Apart from Akwa Ocha, we also produce rug and bedsheets of all kinds, but we cannot do it here because we do not have space.

“We need a lot of materials to work with, look at the type of loom I am using, it can be upgraded, it has two shafts, if we can get a bigger one that has four shafts, it will help us.

“The machines need to be modernised to an extent, so that they will make production faster. If you look around there are no finished products, so the products cannot be exhibited because they not available, they are all booked.

“Once we finish the products, they are delivered to those who booked for them. That shows that there is a great demand for Akwa Ocha. We cannot meet even the demand. So there is need for expansion, increasing the loom and shafts so that we can produce more. On that, we are appealing to the federal, state governments and corporate organisations to come to our •Mrs Momodu posing with one of the aid. finished work

Present atiom Presentatiom

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FFECTIVE media rela tions for churches and pastors written by Head of the Religion Desk of The Nation Newspaper, Sunday Oguntola, is slated for presentation today, April 20.The presentation holds at Business Club, Ikeja Alausa by 4pm.

Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission(TREM), Dr Mike Okonkwo, will lead other preachers such as Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Rev, Yomi Kasali, Pastor Alex Adegboye and Rev. Ladi Thompson, among others to present the book.

The President of Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina, will deliver the keynote address at the occasion with the theme winning the media war. Oguntola, in a statement, said the book is his “humble contribution to the church community, which I have covered for 15 years.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 51

A kidnap, the Nyanya Park bombing, and the last straw

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he insurgency itself we have been told is led by a group that calls itself “Boko Haram.” The April 14 bombing of the Nyanya public transport hub in the Abuja suburbs, and the kidnapping of 186 students from a Government Girls Secondary School, a girls boarding school in Borno State on the same day, also presumably by Boko Haram fighters, once again raises very fundamental and unanswered question about this insurgency.

First, Boko Haram has not made any public claims towards ownership of the dastardly act in Abuja; secondly, the government and the media simply, on very slippery grounds of presumption, has lumped these acts as “Boko Haram.” Its signature is in the action, we simply tell ourselves. But what is Boko Haram? How is it organized? To this day, the Federal Government of Nigeria has been unable to tell Nigerians specifically what this group is all about; the faces and the hands behind it, its demands, and its full modus operandi. The federal government seemed basically to have embarked on a firefight with a masked, contemporary Scarlet Pimpernel, and the effect is quite clear: the government has no solution or grounds to contain this attempt at subverting the Federal Government of Nigeria and the national integrity of the federation.

The federation of course has been shaky from the start, and tilts now even further towards the same fate as Humpty-Dumpty. That is, if nothing is done urgently, to recalibrate Nigeria’s national security strategies that would allow the Federal Government take the initiative, and place it in the proper stead of an active counter action against an increasingly bold and powerful enemy – unseen, fierce, and mocking in its strikes against the state.

But let me piggy-back a bit to my opening statement: the bombing of Nyanya this past week is a bold act of war brought finally, and closely to the doorsteps of the Federal government. For many years, Nigerians thought that Abuja, the Federal capital is impenetrable and safe from acts of terrorism.

It is the seat of the Federal Government and it has all the forces of the state arrayed at its doorsteps and at all its corners, protecting it. Whoever dared to come to Abuja was dead meat, Nigerians assured themselves. That illusion was first shattered by the Independence Day bombing in

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specter hangs above Nigeria. It is the specter of war and violence. The election year 2015 draws very close, and closer still rises this spectre that will mark the coming year as Nigeria’s second annus horriblis.

Since the election of the current President, Nigeria has been inundated by serial acts of extreme violence and subversion, coming mostly from the North.

The impression that was given very early in the life of the Jonathan administration was that powerful interests from the North of Nigeria, used to having the full run of power, felt isolated, alienated and disempowered, and vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for this minority Southern president whom they regard as nothing more than a usurper. These masked interests set about organizing and unleashing low grade acts of insurgency in defiance of Nigerian laws and with the intention of making the Jonathan led Federal government appear weak and incapable of holding the nation together.

This low grade insurgency has since grown into a full scale war prompting the Jonathan administration to, first, reorganize its National security administration, and second, deploy an arsenal of the National Defense Forces to the North Eastern sector, the hottest grounds of the insurgency.

To this day, the Federal Government of Nigeria has been unable to tell Nigerians specifically what this group is all about; the faces and the hands behind it, its demands, and its full modus operandi

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Abuja in October 2011 by MEND. It was followed by many others that have done nothing but paint a disturbing picture for Nigerians, of the vulnerability of the Federal capital and the seat of the government of the nation. Three weeks ago, in a bold escape move, members of the Boko Haram seized the offices of the Department of State Security (DSS), holding two officers hostage, and forcing the escape bid of some of the members held by the Security Services. The escapees were never captured; there was no inquiry into the methods by which these escapees took hold of the State Security Headquarters very close to the office of the President. All Nigerians were told by Rueben Abati, Presidential spokesman was “No cause for alarm, the president is safe.” The point one makes is, that this president by no means is safe.

The nation itself is at a full emergency. Right now, it seems that everybody is confused. The Federal government is confused. The parties contesting for power are confused about the real situation. They have

just resorted at going for each other ’s throat while Nigeria is disintegrating right before everybody ’s eyes. The PDP National spokesman, Mr. Olisa Metuh in fact, for the very first time, directly accused General Muhammadu Buhari, former Military Head of State and potential presidential candidate for the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) of being a key sponsor of the Boko Haram Insurgency.

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he General shot back asking for proof or a withdrawal of the allegation and an apology. He has threatened legal action against the PDP for soiling his good name. Last week, the President summoned a national emergency meeting with the governors of the federation. But the opposition APC governors refused to meet with the president. Two things are rather clear: the president has not told Nigerians everything he knows about Boko Haram, and if he hasn’t, it is either he does not know much himself; his security briefs are far too thin, and therefore his security advisers are either without the full picture or are withholding strategic national security information from the president, or the President knows more than he is willing to tell Nigerians about this strange insurgency.

Secondly, it is clear today that Boko Haram is not a mere Islamic movement targeting Christians. It is an equal opportunity terrorist group, targeting everybody including Muslim children as well as Christians. The abduction of the young girls from their boarding school should tell all the tale: this people are primitive, and are intent on nothing other than blood. Their mission is anchored on a warped ideal.

The Federal government led by President Jonathan has enormous power, and his critics are quite right that he has failed thus far to use Presidential power to its limits in containing this movement. It is about time, Mr. President, to reorganize your National Security Strategies. Mr. Sambo Dasuki has tried his best, and it is now time to find a new National Security Adviser, to design new national security protocols to deal with the asymmetrical nature of this insurgency. You cannot fight the mosquito sting attack method of the Boko Haram with a full military attack only.

It is time to bring out the iron claws, the equally dark and shadowy operators, a well-trained Black-Ops group to go after this dark brood of vipers called Boko Haram. It is also time to look closely at the local and international dimension of this insurgency because, quite clearly, Boko Haram has an international piece to its puzzle. Somebody provides the funds; the training, and the logistical support: we must follow the money.

PAGE 52—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014

NJC vs. Rivers State: Vertical and horizontal dividing lines (2) VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Litmus test for separation of power

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HE NJC recommended the Honourable Justice Daisy Okocha to succeed the Honourable Justice Iche Ndu as Rivers State CJ. She ticks the mandatory boxes. One trusts however that a sitting member of the NJC, who was said to have actively campaigned for Okocha to be appointed the state CJ rescued himself when the matter came before the NJC. Given how proactive the NJC member has allegedly been in this saga, one cannot but conclude that the earlier overt promotion of the candidate’s cause further served to question the position of the NJC.

DLA: The relief in Delta VIEWPOINT

BY DAVID IHIMEKPE VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The giant strides of a road agency

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HE law establishing Delta State Direct Labour Agency was apparently the first that was passed by the Delta State House of Assembly at the inception of the current democratic dispensation in 1999. Though the law was established by the Ibori administration as an interventionist agency to complement the developmental efforts of the state Ministry of Works, many saw it as duplication of duty, especially as the task the agency was being created to undertake fell within the job description of the Ministry.

Its establishment was also seen by many as a gambit by the Chief James Ibori’s administration to

VIEWPOINT

reward political cronies.

However, 14 years down the line, it’s a different tune altogether: the DLA has evolved to become one of the most effective and strategic agencies the Delta State government has established since the creation of the state on August 27, 1991.

The DLA has since brought great relief to Deltans through its prompt intervention in infrastructural (construction and rehabilitation of road) challenges confronting the state. The DLA, from being an agency that was mainly known for partching and amending failed portions of roads across the state, has become an institution that builds and constructs major roads.

One factor that has particularly set the agency apart is its quality of work. This attests to the fact that the agency is truly purposedriven and result-oriented. The DLA has proven that it is irrevocably committed to serving Deltans in the best way possible.

Going through the three

One can only imagine that some of the members of the federal judiciary and NJC must be wondering how they allowed themselves to be sucked into the vortex of political machinations that is Rivers State politics

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federalism. It is inconceivable that the role and functions of the NJC could ever have been conceived as the means of a breach in the boundaries of true federalism. Such a provision flies in the face of the very fundamentals that federating units assign to the centre.

Woe betide us if we fail to see what continues to play out in Rivers State as anything but

senatorial districts of the state, one, is amazed by the achievements of the DLA. No doubt, behind the success story of any organization is the team that drives the vision. From the beginning, the DLA has had its affairs piloted by capable and experienced hands.

But, again, it’s difficult to take away the fact that its present Board stands out for commendation in relation to its vision, commitment to duty and quality of service delivered.

Having acknowledged the remarkable performance of the DLA Board, is pertinent to extol the member representing Delta Central District on the Board, Chief Luck Ayomanor, for his commitment to attracting massive construction and rehabilitation of roads district. From 2011 when the Board was constituted by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the DLA has constructed or rehabilitated over 57 roads in the district. The rehabilitation or construction of these roads has no doubt brought succour to the people of the district.

Notably amongst the roads are: Airport Road, Refinery Road, Urhobo College By-pass, Omimi/

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NE of the commonly heard refrains in Ekiti state, especially the capital, Ado-Ekiti, now that the gubernatorial race is around the corner is: “Fayemi will coast home – like the famous sprinter, Jamaicaborn Usain Bolt – to bag yet another gold medal, in recognition of his brilliant performance in the administration of the state.” At Adekunle Fajuyi Square, Ado- Ekiti, not so long ago, a group of professionals, artisans, university teachers, employers of labour, students, skippers of nongovernmental organisations, pensioners, representatives of road transport workers union, amongst others, told this writer, over a period of four days, that Fayemi was the one everyone in the gubernatorial race would have to beat, which, of course,

said a second-year university student, Yemisi Oladoyin-Olajide: “Fayemi looks certain to trounce every one of his challengers in the governorship race. And if he’s accused of using banned drugs, to that effect, the so-called banned drugs would turn out to be his long list of impressive development projects in all parts of Ekiti State.

He deserves my vote.”

Indeed, as most of those interviewed said, Fayemi’s name is literally written in almost all the towns and villages of Ekiti State, which is, interestingly, one of the most homogeneous states in the Nigerian federation. “Fayemi”, said a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of AdoEkiti, who craved anonymity, “is synonymous with the development and attendant transformation of Ekiti State: Fayemi means good roads; Fayemi is another name for peace, security and orderliness; by Fayemi, most of the people of Ekiti state will tell you, is a reference to

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A look at Ekiti State forthcoming gubernatorial poll

The DLA has since brought great relief to Deltans through its prompt intervention in infrastructural (construction and rehabilitation of road) challenges confronting the state

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Niger Cat Link Road, Oil Field Road, D.D.P.A Police Station Road, Alegbo, Akpagha, Road and Sokoh Estate Road. All the roads are in Warri. Other roads that have been rehabilitated or constructed by the agency in some other parts of the senatorial district, for instance, in Ughelli, include Awhinawi Road, Uduere Road, Aro Road, Olori Road, Osia Road, Akpodiete Road, Esemodafe Street, Oghenewheta Street, Uloho Avenue, Orho Agbarho Road, Amekpa and Okorodafe roads.

Ondo 2014: Between Fayemi and Ekiti people

BY NDUKA UZUAKPUNDU VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

what it truly is: a struggle to preserve an antiquated conception of federalism that continues to see the centre as some kind of Big Daddy to be obeyed, feared and curried for favour, versus a vision of federalism that accepts that it is the federating units that must determine what to consign to the centre.

It has, as I said, fallen upon Rivers State to be the lightning rod around which the current struggles crystallise.

The state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, clearly relishes the role of gadfly and seems to be to the manner born. Many do not care for him, seeing in him haughtiness at variance with the sounds of service that he readily emits when on the public hustings. It matters not. He is not my cup of tea but I am still honour-bound at the cost of my personal

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BY BIOLA PHILLIPS

One can only imagine that some of the members of the federal judiciary and NJC must be wondering how they allowed themselves to be sucked into the vortex of political machinations that is Rivers State politics.

It is naive in the extreme to imagine that the choice of a CJ in a state in which there is open warfare between the state government and an array of adversaries inside and outside the state could be a process devoid of extraneous considerations.

Every appointment of a state CJ is, by omission or commission a political appointment; by leaving the final decision to the state governor, the crafters of the constitution understood that and enabled it.

The crossover point in this particular saga from vertical to horizontal lines is yet another front in the struggle for true

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VIEWPOINT

In addition, such ambitious element must be a believer and follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; he must, like Fayemi, have a record of dressing like the deceased, unnaturally tenacious apostle of free education and socialism

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rural development, which comes with the empowerment of farmers, swift response to the needs of the thousands of pensioners in the state; the name Fayemi reminds me and a majority of the people of Ekiti state of food security, a promising improvement in electricity supply, prompt payment

of workers’ salary, within the limits of available resources in the state government’s till; Fayemi, put tersely, symbolises transparency, good governance, aggressive, but constructive, drive for internallygenerated revenue, aimed at fattening the revenue base of the state.”

The lecturer, from Oye community, had a picture of Fayemi proudly nailed at a visible point in his office.

Some political analysts in AdoEkiti and Ikole said Fayemi’s brilliant performance, if improved upon in the next four years, may introduce another factor in the administration of the state: the minimum requisite qualification for any one running for the post of governor would be another Fayemi – an academic or medical doctor.

In addition, such ambitious element must be a believer and follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; he must, like Fayemi, have a record of dressing like the

integrity to acknowledge that he has not shied from raising his head above the parapets in reaffirming the most basic tenets of a federal system of government. And for that reason alone he is deserving of our steadfastness.

The manner in which the NJC has acquitted itself in Rivers State – interfering and interposing itself in the realm of politics – is a siren we would do well to heed. The invisible but known hand behind the NJC has clearly made its preferences known. The vertical walls that lie at the heart of the doctrine of separation of powers (between the executive, legislative and judiciary) are again tested in their extremities; they must remain impervious to fleeting attentions.

•Phillips is a Lagos based legal practitioner In Sapele L.G.A, the agency has reconstructed the following Otite Road, Abeke Road, Owumi Road, Ogodo Road, Oleh Road, Okpe Road, Adeola Road and Commercial Avenue, among others. It is impossible to list the other roads the agency constructed or rehabilitated in other parts of the district. But the fact remains that there is hardly a local government in the Delta Central Senatorial District that has not tasted the developmental stride of the agency.

According to Ayomanor, the agency, the agency ’s main objective is to meet the yearning and aspiration of Deltans, particularly in the area of infrastructural development and needs. He that there will be construction of more roads in the current year. The achievements of the DLA Board would have been impossible without the support of Governor Uduaghan, who has gone out of his way to ensure that the agency succeeds.

To say that Ayomanor has served Delta Central very well is to say the obvious; he has indeed meritoriously served his people.

*Ihimekpe lives in Asaba

deceased, unnaturally tenacious apostle of free education and socialism and he must convince the king-makers of the APC that, like Fayemi, read all the great works of the sage –including The People’s Republic.

But what is paramount to all stakeholders in Ekiti politics, for now, is the 2014 gubernatorial race.

And if a majority of them agree that , indeed, there’s little vacancy at the State House, in Ado-Ekiti, it may well be because Fayemi, the incumbent, has, in keeping with Abraham Lincoln’s “with malice to none, but charity to all”, inadvertently, rented every available space with people-oriented projects – in justification of the tax-payers’ money. Such projects could be found in ares where the leaders are vociferously conscious of the APC. Currently, there is a spirit of latterday Ekiti parapo, as drums are being beaten, enthusiastically, in support of Fayemi’s campaign for secondterm.

*Uzuakpundu is a Lagos-based journalist

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 53

Hard work separates good players from great players — Ronaldo R

EAL Madrid star and World Footballer of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo has said that his work ethic sets him apart from other players, while adding he is determined to win a tournament with Portugal before he ends his career.

The 29-year-old believes that sheer hard work separates the greatest players from the good in world football.

The Portuguese star won his second Ballon d’Or in January and lifted the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night - albeit having watched on from the stands with injury - to add to his sizeable silverware haul.

And the former Manchester United man has credited his incredible work ethic behind his extraordinary consistency.

He said: “I’ve always watched the players who had the best performance and realised one thing: what makes the difference

between good players and stars is the work. ”The difference between good players and best players can be in those details.”

Ronaldo has often been criticised for possessing an arrogant streak, but though he readily admits to making mistakes, he remains confident he is a better person and footballer than his younger self. ”I’ve made mistakes but I’m happy to have committed to my craft,” he added. “I’ve become a better player and a better human being. ”I always want to be the best and I always want to be successful, that never changes.

I put pressure on myself to perform.”

The forward added that experiencing success with Portugal remains one of his unfulfilled dreams and would “cap off a great career”.

Funds pour in for Okoku’s Greater Tomorrow Foundation

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HE dream of former Eagles midfielder Paul Okoku to put a smile on the faces of less-privileged children in the society has been given a big boost as the Greater Tomorrow Foundation was launched at a colourful ceremony in Abuja.

The setting was the Nicon Luxury Hotel, where eminent personalities, including the First Lady of Kastina State, Hajia Fatima Shema, Eagles coach Stephen Keshi and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr, Sani Ndanusa, amongst a list of other top guns in the society, gathered to raise funds for the Greater Tomorrow Children Fund, a charity-based Trust for the under-privileged kids that dot the length and breath of Nigeria.

The roll-call of top dignitaries at the colourful and posh event also included officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, the League Management Committee, the Nollywood industry, the current Mr Universe, Tseye Ogedegbe and ex-internationals led by Folorunsho Okenla.

Setting the tone of what informed the floating of the Foundation, Okoku, a 1984 African Nations Cup silvermedal winner and 1983 Flying Eagles star, said that he was moved to start the project because of the pressing needs of less-privileged kids, who he said were the future of tomorrow, but who sadly and ironically were not getting enough attention in terms of care, guidance and mentoring.

Recalling his days growing up in Lagos, Okoku said that as kid C M Y K

he was faced with poverty and made a vow to help reduce poverty and starvation if God made him rich.

He said that it was this guiding principle that propeledl him to give to the needy in his base in the United States of America and now saw the need to expand the scope of the programme to encompass charity on a larger scale with active support from corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians.

Challenging the wealthy to think of the less-privileged, Okoku said that nothing was too small in terms of donation to help put smiles on the faces of those in need.

And moved by the thoughtprovoking speech of Okoku, the guests at the event, while pledging their support to the Foundation, also made monetary pledges.

First to stick out his neck, Sani Ndanusa, while commending the initiative of Okoku, called for active support from all in the actualization of the objectives of the Greater Tomorrow Children Fund Incorporated.

Ndanusa pledged N100, 000 for himself and another N100, 000 from the NOC. In her own remarks, the First Lady of Kastina State, Hajia Fatima Shema pledged N200, 000, the NFF pledged N250, 000, Folorunsho Okenla pledged N200, 000, the League Management Committee said they will give N250, 000, the President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, pledged N100,000 as an individual, N100,000 as SSANU President and another N100, 000 for TUC.

•Ronaldo, world’s best player.

Ahubi: Once opposed Mark building of a golf course but now plays it A

golf tournament in honour of the Senate President, David Mark is ongoing. Drums are being rolled out and grand speeches are being read. The one that touches the heart most is from the next male to David Mark, Ahubi Jonathan Ahubi. By Idoma tradition, he is the head of David Mark’s family. It doesn’t matter that David Mark is ahead of him with some 15 years.

Ahubi is humble and he talks straight from the heart. He disclosed that when David Mark was about to build his championship course at Akpegede, Otukpo, he opposed it. He claimed that the money was much and he felt it was a waste of good fund. But he wasn’t playing golf then.

Through a lot of push from his

•Paul Okoku

brother, he now plays of 11 Handicap and he is so hooked to the game he plays everyday.

“I told my brother he was wasting money when the idea of the golf course was tabled”, Ahubi said. “But my brother told me he was giving it to the youths who he wanted to be developed as honest, loyal and people with integrity in future.

He told me he was building for our unborn children. That is the way he thinks. He is always ahead of everybody when it comes to planning. He urged me to take up golf. Even though I am the head of the planning I still have to show respect by coming into the game against my wish. And when I came in it was like a miracle. I am now glued to a game my brother forced me to play. I am so passionate about the game that I personally tend to the course here in Akpegede.

“My brother is not all about golf. He is passionate about the country. He tells me often that he will endure all pressure just to keep Nigeria one. To any cause he believes in, to people he relates with, he gives 101 percent loyalty. He loves youths so much. He pushes them to be something in life. The minute you show him you can be something in life, he will get out of his way to support you. He is a pillar. You will never hear him shout. Even when he is mad at you, you can only know through the way he will look at you. He is such a pride to this nation for he takes decision wisely. He doesn’t care what part of the country you come from. He won’t even ask you.

Just tell him a good thing you

can do and he is for you. This is why his gate, even today is open to everyone. Severally he has favoured outsiders more than me. I asked him once why such could be and he clearly told me the outsiders had better ideas than me. I told him this was unkind but he told me he wanted me to strive harder. I learnt in a big way. I am okay for it. Anytime I want to get an idea through him, I work it over and over. And now he believes more in my ideas”.

•Ahubi Jonathan Ahubi

PAGE 54 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014

World Cup: Coaches, Ex-Internationals differ on Eagles’ wives, kids

BY OJIEVA EHIOSUN Just 54 days to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, some Nigerian football managers and ex-Internationals have called on the Super Eagles players, their managers and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to save Nigeria from disgrace at the Mundial following rumors making the round that Super Eagles players are bent on taking their wives and kids to the World Cup. Why some see it as a welcome development, others say it will make the players to lose concentration, adding that Nigerian players are not yet ripe for such.

•Keshi

•Chukwu

•Ekpo

•Amoo

•Izilein

•Nwobodo

it is not the best for us.

Yes we may want to emulate other countries, the structures those people have on ground we do not have it. It is wrong for anyone to support such a thing. On the other hand, the players’ wives can go to Brazil to enjoy themselves, but not to the detriment of the entire nation. If they go, they should not be allowed to come near the camp of the players, they can reach their husbands through phone calls. Eagles are not going to the World Cup for jamboree, the World Cup is like a battle field, the only difference is that at the end, both the winners and losers come together to embrace themselves.

So we must be very careful to do things that will not make other people mock us at the Mundial.

Dominic Nwobodo aka Alhaji: This is a very sensitive issue, it all depends on the coaches and the NFF. It has never been in the interest of Nigeria seeing players take their wives to the World Cup. It is a thing the NFF and the coaches must seat together to iron out so that they will not start trading blames when eventually things do not go as expected. The NFF are the decision makers in football, so they should be able to say Yes or No. When things go wrong, Nigerians will hold them accountable for it. If the players do not take their wives to the World Cup in Brazil, the Heavens will not fall. In our playing days, you dare not talk about a woman let alone having them around you when serious competition is going on. I remember that many Nigerian players have had issues with their coaches over leaving the camp in the night to club. So Keshi should not do things that will bring problems to him, because at the end of it all, it is him and members of his team that will carry the blame.

Christian Chukwu: If the head of the coaching crew has giving his blessing to his boys to come to Brazil with their wives and kids then what else do you expect anybody to say about it. As long as they have the financial muscle to do it and it will not affect their performance and training , I do not have problem with it. And if at all they decide to take their wives there, as a member of the technical committee, I do not think we would allow them to come to the players camp, because the players need absolute concentration in camp.

In fact during our days we do not even have money to take care of our immediate needs let alone carrying wives and loved

ones to trips. Today Nigerian players can decide to sponsor a whole community to Brazil because the money is there.

Well, if women give present day players morale boosting, I’m yet to see it. What we want is result, but I know that NFF will never agree to it and they do not have money for such things.

Godwin Izilien: There is no need deceiving ourselves, Nigeria is not ripe for such things now. In future, I can say yes but now it is uncalled for.

No matter the level of professionalism of our players, they are not mature for it. We do not need any distraction now, we have to tell ourselves the truth. If the idea is from the coaches, then they do not know

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ATAI Amaoo: To me it is a welcome development in the history of Nigeria football.

In developed countries, it is done and people there do not see it as any big deal. It is very good for the players and even the officers. I think it will make the players to be focused and not think of their family. If a player’s wife and kids are there to watch him, it will boost his morale, thereby making him know that he must put in his best because he would not want a situation where his wife and kid would say, Dad you were not at your best today. All the current world best players, I mean those who are already married, do it. So I think the NFF should allow the players choose a course of happiness for themselves, provided it does not affect them. It is not as if they are going to be in the same hotel, but they should be given access to see their loved ones at least during trainings and after matches.

More so, as long as they have the financial power to carry their loved ones to Brazil, there is no harm in it. That should not pose any problem, rather we should be more serious with the level of preparations for the games, and they should be total support from all Nigerians.

Friday Ekpo: First and foremost, I’m happy that Nigerian football is gradually regaining its lost glory in the continent, and I must give kudos to those behind this huge successes that we have recorded in the past three years.

For the Super Eagles and their wives going to the World Cup, I do not know whether the plan is from the FA or between the players and their managers, but which ever way it goes, I do not think it is the best for us.

This is our 5th appearance at the World Cup, it has never happened where players carry their loved ones to a world class event like the World Cup. Yes it is good for you to have your wife around you, but not in a situation like this. You can not be thinking of your wife at the war front, it will only make the team to lose direction of their aim and objective. I personally do not subscribe to such thing,

what they want for themselves.

Keshi should realise that there are people out there waiting for him to fail, and if such thing should happen, he would be the one to take the blame, not me, so he must get his priority right.

This is not the time to gamble.

Also I want to appeal to the FA to allow Keshi do his job. We should be talking about our preparations. I’m not too satisfied with the level of our build-up for the competition. We have forgotten World Cup competition is for those that have proven themselves, so we must not go there to disgrace the country or continent.

Tony Emeduofu, aka Poropo: Look there is nothing wrong if players want to take their wives to Brazil for the World Cup. Every Nigerian player is sex crazy and like having beautiful girls around them. In my days as a player, girls give me motivational spirit, I used to take my girl friends and loves to the pitch, it made me fly high. So the NFF should allow the players to have their wives around them to avoid players leaving the camp in the night to clubs.

These players have the money to throw around, nobody should pity them, they can spend their money the way they wish to, that does not stop them from doing their best. Why are they saying no to it. Majority of the NFF members sleep with more than three girls a night. So why the noise about this. They are not even ashamed that we have the worst preparations so far. If we fail at this World Cup, we will call on the Federal government to disband the entire NFF. Again they should allow Stephen Keshi to pick his players and stop interfering with his job.

Don’t kill C/River grassroots programme, Imoke begs future governors

BY BEN EFE

C

ROSS River State governor, Liyel Imoke has urged his would-be successors not to jettison his grassroots sports development programme that has made the State a powerhouse in youth sports competitions in the country.

The governor who was speaking in Calabar last Thursday night during a reception for the State’s athletes who won medals at the 2012 National Sports and School Sports Festivals, said that Cross River is now a dominant factor in Nigerian sports and it will be good to sustain the programme being coordinated by former Nigerian quarter-miler, Bruce Ijirigho.

“To have the idea is one thing, and to use it in overcoming challenges and producing young men and women who would exhibit potentials to become greater human beings,

Don’t kill my dream, Gov Imoke begs successors is another thing.

The state has produced champions with the introduction of our aggressive sports developments programme.

We have consistently dominated the National School Sports Festival for three years. Today, Cross River has become a household name in sports. There is a need for us to continue with the programme,” said the governor, who doled cash worth N38m to

the athletes.

Speaking during an interview, Dr. Ijirigho stated that Cross River has a large pool of grassroots athletes and within the next five years, these athletes will dominate the national scene. He looked forward to an era where the private sector will partner with the State government to fund the programme.

Cross River won 12 gold, 14 silver and 23 bronze medals to place 8th at the at Eko 2012. It also won a total of 268 medals to emerge tops on the medals table at the National School Sports Competition, held in Port-Harcourt that same year.

Cross River also won the maiden National Youth Games held in Abuja last December.

And as the State prepare to host the 2014 National Sports Festival, youth and sports commissioner, Mr Patrick Ugbe, assured that the Cross River’s representatives will surpass their previous achievements.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 20, 2014, PAGE 55

Martial artists ready for battle in Benin

BY BEN EFE

T

OP Nigerian taekwandoists, judokas, kick-boxers and karate practitioners have their sights set on the maiden National Martial Arts Festival tagged ‘Agoma Opens’, scheduled for May 13- 18, 2014 in Benin City, Edo State.

Top Nigerian martial artists have signed up to vie for the top prizes at stake and according to former Olympian, Emmanuel Oghenejobo-Peters it will be an interesting prospect as young, up and coming

martial artists are hoping to dislodge the old timers.

He stated that the event, the first of its kind and biggest in terms of prize money in Nigeria, is ready to go as all necessary arrangements have been made to have a successful festival in Benin.

“If the competition were to hold today, we are ready.

The officials are ready, the venues have been fully equipped and the programme approved by the main orgainising committee.

“The festival is the biggest tournament for martial artists in Nigeria. And from here

Nations Cup: CAF inspects 4 Moroccan cities

A

team from the Confederation of African Football are currently touring Morocco to inspect sites selected for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed on Friday.

The Caf representatives will visit four host cities namely Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir and Tanger where they will inspect stadiums, training facilities and hotels, according to officials.

“Meetings are scheduled with city authorities for a total involvement in the organisation process. The

Caf delegation and Local Organising Committee (LOC) are working together to make the inspection process a success,” the Moroccan FA said. Newly elected FA chairman Fouzi Lekjaa has promised to make the hosting of the 2015 Afcon a major priority as well as the recruitment of a new head coach for the Moroccan national team.

The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations will take place between January 17 and February 7 in the North African country which hosted the tournament for the first time in 1988.

we hope to see upsets as younger talents are emerging and itching to make a name for themselves, most especially in taekwondo,” said Oghenejobo-Peters, who won a silver for Nigeria, when taekwondo was first introduced to the Olympics at the Barcelona 1992 Games.

He added that tournament will be preceded by a technical workshop for, technical officials, coaches and players to enable them update themselves in modern scoring and safety methods. The festival is open to male and female practitioners in both senior and junior categories.

LMC fines Kaduna United, bans Supporters Club

F

OLLOWING reported breach of security around Match Officials in Kaduna by members of the Kaduna United Supporters Club after the Match Day 6 encounter between hosts Kaduna United and Heartland FC, the League Management Company (LMC) has banned the official Supporters Club of the team from all league games for a period of one year.

Kaduna United in addition to some financial sanctions have also been

Izilein: Why Omidiran should speak up now?

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few weeks ago, former Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Sylvanus Okpala opened up on why he took the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF to the Court of Arbitration for Sports. The former captain of both the Flying and Green Eagles said he was seeking justice over his wrongful sack and needed the NFF to pay him off his contract which was supposed to run till after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Okpala narrated how the President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari banged phone on him when he sought to know why his bonuses were cut during the 2013 Africa Nations Cup in South Africa and how Maigari even said if he likes he could even report to President Goodluck Jonathan who cannot force him (Maigari) to pay the bonus.

Okpala also narrated that his efforts to get the Senate and House of Representatives help him make the NFF pay him his money hit the brick wall as both houses ignored his letter to them.

While the heat on the Okpala matter was on with many Nigerians calling on the NFF to pay him his money because he deserved it, Chief (Mrs.) Ayo Omidiran, ironically the deputy chairman of the House Committee on sports added her voice.

•A press conference was held Maryland, Ikeja in Lagos during the week to usher in the 3rd Nestle Milo Under-13 African Championship. From left are Dr. Samuel Adenekan, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Rufai, Ex Super Eagles goalkeeper, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, MD/CEO, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Mrs. Doja Ekeruche, Category Business Manager Beverages Nestle Plc, during the event.

Photo: Bunmi Azeez

ordered to install or restore electricity supply and proper lighting in the tunnel and dressing room area before their next home game or be made to pay N100,000.00 for each game during which this situation persist.

These decisions and others are the outcome of the LMC investigation after consideration of the Match Commissioner’s report and have been communicated vide a letter signed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar who also announced a decision to fine Kaduna United the

She told Nigerians that if she had seen the petition of Okpala, she would have ensured that the matter was settled between Okpala and the NFF and Okpala wouldn’t have needed to go to CAS to seek redress.

Chief Omidiran shouldn’t be saying that she didn’t see Okpala’s petition when Okpala said he wrote to the House.

In fact the Chairman, Godfrey Gaiya alluded to it when he told a newspaper that the NFF couldn’t have said they don’t have money to pay Okpala when they didn’t come to the National Assembly which appropriates money to the body to ask for more money.

Anyway, this is by the way as Okpala has already gone to CAS and the NFF has filed its defence. If there is anybody Omidiran should do something for,right now, he is coach Godwin Izilein, former coach of the Super Falcons who is still being owed about $12,000, being his accumulated bonus during the Super Falcons campaign at the African Women’s Championship in South Africa in 2004.

It is no longer news that the Super Falcons protested in South Africa and threatened not to return to Nigeria if their allowances and bonuses were not paid them in South Africa. Omidiran was

sum of N250, 000.

“Kaduna United is held responsible for the conduct of their fans as provided for under Rules 115:16 and is therefore fined N250, 000 as a first offender to serve as an appropriate deterrent to all others”, Abubakar wrote.

The Club was also held liable for access of unauthorized persons to Match Officials and thereby exposing them to danger. The LMC ruled that “Kaduna United failed to secure egress leading to the Dressing Rooms thereby allowing unauthorized persons access to match officials

a member of the NFA then and leader of delegation to the competition. She was reported to have instructed Izilein to appeal to the girls to call off their protest and return home.

Now as a parliamentarian who is representing the people, sports people so to speak now as deputy chairman of the House Committee on sports, it behoves on Chief Omidiran to wade into Coach Izilein’s case more so when she was right there in South Africa when the embarrassing protests of the Super Falcons took place.

As leader of that 2004 delegation, Chief Omidiran should tell Nigerians what Coach Izilein’s case was and why he was not paid his bonuses by the then NFA and why he was not included on the list of those rewarded by the Federal Government for the Super Falcons feat in South Africa?

If as we hear, he wasn’t paid because it was alleged that he instigated the girls to protest and carry the Biafran flag, who investigated the protest? How could Izilein, an Edo man, have instigated players to carry the Biafra flag? Who instigated the girls to implicate Izilein? And what were the roles of a former national team player based in South Africa as well as an Ex Falcons player who was on ground with the team there?

These questions, Chief Omidiran, as leader of delegation, as well as Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, then Secretary General of the then NFA, must provide answers to in order that Izilein gets his dues paid him, even 10 years after he laboured to see the Falcons retain their title as African champions.

If the deputy chairman of the House

who were now exposed to potential danger.

“For this; Kaduna United shall pay a fine of N100, 000 and undertake to conduct a Supporters’ Enlightenment seminar to which leaders of their Supporters Club must be invited to before their next Home game. This seminar must be observed and approved by the LMC”.

Abubakar informed the Club that to the Supporters of Kaduna United are being reprimanded for rowdy behaviour after the match and have therefore “been put on notice of possible heavier sanctions should this type of behaviour repeat as envisaged by Rules 13:22”.

Committee on sports had promised to help Okpala get his dues from the NFF, she should equally do something to see that Izilein gets his dues, after all she was there in South Africa as leader of delegation when the whole drama of the Super Falcons show of shame happened.

If the players who protested and hoisted the Biafran flag could get their dues and it was not reported that all the accompanying officials, including the leader of delegation, forfeited their estacode, justice demands that Izilein, alongside his assistants, Mrs Lizzy Ogiemwonyi and Ann Agumanu-Chiejina should be paid their bonuses totalling $28, 750.

For 10 years, Coach Izilein has begged that his bonuses be paid him even if the Federal Government largesse is with-held. “At least I laboured to see that the team retained their title. Even while we were in South Africa awaiting the resolution of the crisis, I ensured I monitored the players to see that they remained in camp and did not mess around. Is this what I’m getting back for working for the country? Is it a curse to serve one’s country?” From 2004 to now, it is 10 years and three regimes of the NFF have been in charge.

Administrations are supposed to be a continuum, so liabilities and assets remain, irrespective of who is in charge. The Aminu Maigariled Board may plead it was not incharge when the incident occurred, but Izilein’s debt remains a liability for the NFF which must be paid.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2014

Sunderland dent Chelsea’s title hopes S

T R U G G L I N G Sunderland yesterday handed Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho his first home loss in 78 games as the Blues’

manager as they beat their host 2-1 with a 82nd minute penalty goal from Fabio Borini. This result gives leaders, Liverpool opportunity to go five points clear if they beat Norwich at Carrow Road today.

Sunderland’s win severely dented the Blues’ title hopes and gave Liverpool a major boost, considering too that the Luis Suarez-propelled side host Chelsea next Sunday.

Meanwhile Crystal Palace secured Premier League survival and a club-record equalling fifth straight topflight win as a Mile Jedinak penalty saw off West Ham. The Eagles had a penalty appeal turned down after the ball hit Kevin Nolan’s shoulder, but almost fell behind to Andy Carroll’s header before the break.

Carroll fluffed a good chance and West Ham paid the price when Pablo Armero tripped Cameron Jerome in the box.

Ameobi ends goal drought HUSSLE...Chelsea’s Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o (3rd R) scores his team’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge in London on April 19,

World Cup: Iran, not Nigeria, will qualify with Argentina — Dejagah

BY BEN EFE

N

IGERIA and Iran will open the Group F of the 2014 World Cup on June 16 and both countries’ football officials and players know that a bad start will spell doom for their campaign, most especially when Argentina have been tipped to clinch the top spot in the group.

Iran midfielder, Ashkan Dejagah who plays for Fulham in the English Premiership said that Team Melli, as the Iranian national team is called, will be the one to qualify alongside Argentina. He stated that Iran has talents to stop Nigeria and Bosnia and progress.

“We can go there and just

play. If we get into the next round, it’ll be the first time for Iran. Argentina will go through as group winners, but against Nigeria and Bosnia we have a chance. Why not? We have a talented team,” the player was quoted by Iran news agency.

Iran are currently in South Africa training with 11 players, after Iranian club side Sepahan refused to release its players for the tour. Coach Carlos Queiroz has since dropped the players from his team. The team will remain in South Africa till May 6.

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF secretary-general, Musa Amadu stressed the need for Nigeria to take all three points from the game against Iran, because a win will almost

TODAY’S MATCHES Norwich Hull Everton

v v v

Liverpool Arsenal Man Utd.

12 pm 2.05 pm 4.10 pm

DSTV BASKETBALL RESULTS Union Bank Police Baton Customs Kano Pillars Bauchi Nets Gombe Bulls

80 66 62 84 51 W/O

Islanders Dodan Warriors Oluyole Warriors Kada Stars Mark Mentors Niger Potters

73 71 66 36 62

guarantee a good outing for Nigeria in the group. Iran coach Queiroz is also targeting a win against Nigeria.

Meanwhile group favourites

Argentina are sweating over the form of Lionel Messi, the fitness of Fernando Gago and panic over a hamstring suffered by Sergio Aguero.

RESULTS Tottenham Aston Villa Cardiff Newcastle West Ham Chelsea

3 0 1 1 0 1

Fulham S’hampton Stoke City Swansea Crystal Sunderland

1 0 1 2 1 2

N

IGERIA international and Newcastle of England forward Shola Ameobi has scored his first English Premier League goal in his side’s 2-1 home defeat against Swansea yesterday.

Ameobi put Alan Pardew’s men ahead with his 23rd minute strike before bowing to a brace from Cote d’Ivoire striker Wilfried Bony.

The lanky forward received a pass from De Jong in the six yard box, turned and rolled it past goalkeeper Michel Vorm who impressive for the visitors.

Newcastle United have now lost their fifth straight Premier League game which piles more pressure on Alan Pardew’s men now placed now ninth on the log with 46 points from 35 games.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. House of Reps Speaker (8) 5. Assistant (4) 7. Praise (5) 8. Upright (4) 9. Lantern (4) 11. Tradition (6) 13. Lagos masquerade (3) 15. Exclamation (2) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 18. Agent (3) 20. Glitters (6) 24. Forward (5) 25. Nigerian state (6) 27. Boring tool (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric (5) 31. Perform (2) 32. Oshiomhole’s state (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 36. Vow (4) 38. Musical quality (4) 39. Inclination (5) 40. Eager (4) 41. Damages (8)

DOWN 1. Sample (5) 2. Niger state town (4) 3. Observe (5) 4. Lecture (6) 5. Everyone (3) 6. Use (6) 10. Inquires (4) 12. Carpet (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Resistance unit (3) 17. Coax (4) 19. Rollicked (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 22. Satisfied (4) 23. Nigerian state (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 27 . African country (6) 28. Endure (4) 29. Child (3) 30. Spoke (6) 31. Adorn (5) 33. Baking chambers (5) 35. Asterisk (4) 37. Possessed (3)

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SOLUTION on page 5

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