3 soldiers feared dead, militants bomb NNPC gas pipeline again by Vanguard Media Limited

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GOVERNORS' FORUM: Together we shall overcome our challenges! From left: Governors of Zamafara State, Abdul’azez Abubakar Yari; Enugu State, Ifeayin Ugwuanyi; Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Rep. Halims Agoda, telling themselves as captured here after their meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday.

Plane crash: Buhari condoles President Al-sisi, Egyptians By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA-President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, government and people of Egypt over the crash of EgyptAir flight MS804 yesterday. The condolence message was delivered by the president himself through a phone call he made to the Egyptian president, details of which were made available in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the president on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu. The statement read in full: “President Muhammadu Buhari phoned President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt Friday evening to commiserate with him and the people of Egypt on yesterday’s EgyptAir crash which claimed many lives. “Condoling the Egyptian leader on the loss of 66 lives in the crash, President Buhari assured President Al-Sisi and the people of Egypt of the

sympathy of all Nigerians as they mourn the passengers and crew of EgyptAir MS804. “President Buhari told President Al-Sisi that the thoughts and prayers of Nigerians are with the families and friends of bereaved Egyptians and other nationals who are in sorrow as a result of the

AFRICRAD backs Buhari’s anti-corruption war By Mike Eboh

HE African Foun dation for Crisis Resolution and Development, AFRICRAD, has called on all Nigerians Nigeria to support the policies of President Muhammadu Buhari in his effort to rid the country of corruption. AFRICRAD, in a statement in Abuja, stated that the canker worm must be routed so as to give the nation a new lease of life to make progress. The group, in the state-

Gunmen kidnap Kwara APC Chairman, Secretary By Demola Akinyemi

HE chairman and the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state, Hon. Ishola Balogun Fulani and Chief Bode Adekanye respectively have been kidnapped at gun point along Lokoja Okene road in Kogi state. This development according to Saturday Vanguard checks have thrown the government and the ruling party into serious confusion as government officials and party members were seen in groups discussing the incident. The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari confirmed the incident last night in an interview with C M Y K

tragic air crash. “The President prayed that God Almighty will comfort all those who lost relatives and friends in the crash and grant eternal rest to the souls of those who died. “President Al-Sisi thanked President Buhari for his condolence and sympathy.”

journalists. Buhari explained that the incident occurred at about 10am on Friday while Balogun- Fulani and Adekanye were returning to Ilorin on their way from Abuja. According to him,”We received a call from the line of the chairman around this time, (10am) telling us of the kidnapping issue. No ransom was mentioned and all attempts to make further enquiries from them proved abortive as the line was no longer available”. “We are on it to see if we can still establish a link with them. We have taken all the necessary steps and linked up with relevant security operatives to ensure their safety and eventual release,” he added.

ment jointly signed by Mr. Aliyu Salisu-Sanni and Mr. Stephen Usman, National President and Acting National Secretary, respectively, argued that Nigeria was at the throes of death from corruption when Buhari was voted into office. The group expressed its support for the President’s policy on terrorism and insurgency in the North East, stating that the President’s decisiveness and result-orientated directives had seen the gradual return of peace to the once troubled region with Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) long displaced gradually returning to their farmlands and other prior occupations. The group said, “The vast majority of Nigerians hold that Mr President’s popularity owe largely to the fear of him that the most corrupt elites in the world have. Against this background, we are of the opinion that the anti-corruption fight just beginning should not be construed as though it is already at an end. “This fight must start somewhere and lead everywhere else and we therefore say, the fight is only just beginning and the end is nowhere in sight. What Mr President needs is the rapt attention, focus and encouragement of all Nigerians in this fight.

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3 soldiers feared dead, militants bomb NNPC gas pipeline *Buhari orders Navy to crush militancy in Niger Delta *Otuaro, Delta Dep Gov, Chevron confer on how to stop bombings *Community spiritual head tells govt to expect ‘worse things’ By Emma Amaize, Samuel Oyadongha, Livinus Nwabughiogu, Egufe Yafugborhi and Perez Brisibe

BOUT three sol diers attached to the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, allegedly perished in two detached boat tragedies in Bayelsa and Delta States, while suspected militants again bombed the Escravos Gas Pipeline, a facility of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in Delta State, at the weekend. Details were still hazy at press time, but Saturday Vanguard learned that the fresh explosion occurred near a military houseboat around Ogbe-Ijoh, headquarters of Warri South-West local government area. This was as President Mohammadu Buhari was directing the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Eke Ekwe Ibas to deal ruthlessly

with the militants who destroy pipelines. On the latest incident in Niger Delta, the Deputy Governor of Delta State and Chairman, Delta State Advocacy Committee against Pipeline Vandalism, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, whose committee is still in the creeks, carrying out enlightenment, told our reporter on phone: “We are not very sure of what happened, but we suspect it was rupture on the pipeline.” “However, the committee has put structures on ground to be able to arrest this kind of situation and we believe that we will be able to fish out the perpetrators if it is a case of sabotage in due course. We have reached out to traditional rulers, community leaders and youths and everybody is working to chase pipeline vandals away from the state,” he said. On how a soldier died in Bayelsa state, a com-

munity source said: “One of the soldiers escorting oil workers from an oil spill site drowned at Taylor Creek, near an oilfield operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC in Okordia, Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa, while the other two drowned when their gunboat capsized.” “The boat conveying the crew from Agip’s field capsized on their way back from the site at the oilfield across and before help could come, the soldier drowned and died, they were using a hand- paddled canoe to cross the workers one at a time. “The soldier was washing his boots when water entered that boat and it capsized and his rifle fell into the water. The other members of the crew had crossed and waiting for him to cross,” the source added. According to him, “The attention of the

fishermen operating along the creek was drawn to the distressed soldier and canoe driver of the ill- fated boat and they came and were only able to rescue the boat driver. Saturday Vanguard gathered that officials of NAOC, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Ministries of Environment (State and Federal), Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and oil workers were returning from a post clean-up inspection, PCI, when the incident occurred on Thursday evening. Youth President Kalaba community, Okordia, Mr Samuel Oburo, said that local divers recovered the rifle of the dead soldier on Friday. “Some soldiers from Elele Barracks came around after the remains of the soldier was recovered and asked me to mobilize local divers in search of the rifle of the soldier. “We went in search of the gun and we recovered the rifle and handed it over to them, later in the day, another senior officer came to show appreciation to the community,” Oburo said. An eyewitness who corroborated the story, said: “The tragic incident occurred at about 1.30 pm, it was not an attack by militants. The

Taylor Creek traverses JK4, Betterland, Ikarama and Kalaba communities in Rivers and Bayelsa states. He said: “A total of five soldiers and three police officers were said to have accompanied the team on post clean-up inspection of the area. The team had concluded its mission in the forest and was returning to the community en route Port Harcourt when tragedy occurred.” His words: “The first two canoes successfully crossed the creek when the third canoe ferrying the soldier lost its balance as the soldier was washing his muddy boots in the water while crossing. This caused the canoe to wave; he got frightened and jumped into the creek.” “One of our boys tried to rescue him, but the struggle was much and in the process, he drowned. By the time we succeeded in dragging him out, it was too late,” the eyewitness added. Speaking on the two soldiers believed to have died in Delta state, a security source who preferred anonymity, said: “A military gunboat had an accident in the early hours of this morning (yesterday) around Akpala, near Odidi, Warri South-West local government area of Delta state. I do not know if any soldier died but the

boat was carrying soldiers.” Regarding the gas pipeline explosion on Friday, a villager at Ogbe-Ijoh community told Saturday Vanguard: “The blast shook our houses, it was in the night, close to where soldiers have their house boat and I wonder what they were doing since they were supposed to guarding the pipelines.” “This one happened outside Gbaramatu clan; we heard the explosion in our homes and residents residing in communities around the Warri water front, Warri South local government area also felt the impact. “’But I think it is Escravos Gas Pipeline that they attacked again around Beneth Island,” he added. . Spokesperson of the Joint Task Force, Col Isa Ado, was unavailable for comment. However, a security source confirmed the incident, said they deposited the remains of a soldier at an undisclosed hospital. At Ekowe community in Southern Ijaw local government area of Bayelsa state, unknown gunmen invaded the home of the traditional head, Chief Togboro Godwill. According to community sources, the royal father was not at home when the gunmen struck, but his wife and Continues on Page 41

Nigeria in trouble, recession imminent •As economy hits worse plunge since 2004 •GDP now minus 0.36% •Unemployment rises By Omor Gabriel and Emeka Anaeto

IGERIA's economy shrank in the first quarter of 2016 as oil output fell and the manufacturing, financial and real estate industries declined considerably. This was coming at the backdrop of further increase in unemployment rate in the country. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, report on the economy released yesterday said that the gross domestic product, GDP, contracted by -0.36 per cent from a year earlier suggesting that the economy is now entering recession as second quarter is also projected to turn out worse GDP position given some recent developments. The GDP has been on steady decline since last year ending the year with a fourth quarter growth rate of 2.11 per cent. The last time the economy contracted was in the

second quarter of 2004, according to data on the website of the Central Bank Nigeria, CBN. According to NBS, ‘’in the First Quarter (Q1) of 2016, Oil production stood at 2.11million barrels per day (mbpd) 0.05 mbpd lower from production in Q4 of 2015. Oil production was also lower relative to the corresponding quarter in 2015 by 0.07mbpd when output was recorded at 2.18mbpd’’. Situation has since worsened in the sector with the Minister of State for petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, saying that production is now down to1.4 mbpd, due to increased militancy activities in the Niger Delta Region in recent weeks. In the non-oil sector, NBS stated that ‘’while activities such as Crop production, Trade and Telecommunications & Information Services supported growth of the sector, growth in overall was weighed down by de-

clines in Manufacturing, Financial Institutions, and Real Estate’’. The non-oil sector, consequently, slowed 0.18 per cent in real terms in Q1 of 2016 and this was 5.77 percentage points lower from the corresponding quarter in 2014 and 3.32 percentage points from the previous quarter . “It is going to be a difficult year, and probably will go into next year because the causes of the economic troubles are still there,” Magnus Kpakol, Director at Abuja-based consultancy Economic and Business Strategies, said. ”Oil prices are not just low, but production has also reduced.” According to NBS “during the quarter, aggregate GDP stood at N22, 262,575.97 million (in nominal terms) at basic prices. Compared to the First Quarter 2015 value of N21,041,701.10 million, nominal GDP was 5.80 per cent higher. Nominal GDP growth was however lower relative to levels recorded in the last quarter of 2015 by 14.15 per centage points. Continues on Page 42

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

More worries for EgyptAir as Nigerian teenage student sues airline for wrong routing By Onozure Dania & Oghene Omonisa

AGOS – WITH worldwide concerns over the crash of its flight MS804 on Thursday, with 56 passengers and 10 crew members on board feared killed, there appears to be more reasons why EgyptAir has to worry. The case of a 17year-old Nigerian medical student, Joshua Adekunle-AbdulAzeez came up same Thursday in Lagos where he filed a N500 million suit before a Federal High Court against the airline which wrongly routed him to Moldova, instead of Ukraine, where he schools. Adekunle-AbdulAzeez, a minor, filed the suit through his next of kin, Favour AnireGbenebichie, who happens to be his mother. He is seeking reliefs from the defendant in the sum of N500 million as general damages; the sum of N373,891 as special damages, being the cost of the full economy return ticket which the claimant had purchased from the defendant and which he was prevented from using. Others were the sum of 790 Euros or its naira equivalent at the prevailing exchange rate, as special damages, being the cost of additional one-way economy ticket from Istanbul to Kiev which the claimant’s mother purchased after he was deported to Turkey from Moldova;

the sum of 160,341 Indian rupees or its naira equivalent at the prevailing exchange rate, as special damages, being the value of the electronic appliances removed from the claimant’s damaged suitcase as a result of the defendant’s recklessness in the course of his four-day ordeal. Adekunle-AbdulAzeez is also asking for the sum of $1,721.74 or its naira equivalent at the prevailing exchange rate, as special damages, being the value of lost items from the claimant’s missing and damaged suitcases as a result of the defendant’s recklessness, and the claimant’s counsel’s legal fees. At the hearing on Thursday, before Justice C. A. Obiozor, the matter could not go on as the claimant’s counsel, Mr Godwin Omoaka, sought an adjournment pending when the claimant would be in Nigeria to give evidence before the court. However, Justice Obiozor adjourned the matter till June 27 and July 4, for further proceedings. Statement of claim The claimant in his statement of claim said that on August 15, 2014, he and his mother had gone to the defendant’s office at 22B Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos to book a passenger ticket from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to Borispol Inter-

national Airport, Kiev, Ukraine in order for him to return to school to continue his studies at Dnepropetrovsk Medical Academy, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. But on arriving at the defendant’s office, he and his mother met one Tony Nzam who identified himself as the defendant’s ticketing agent, and after much discussion with the defendant on the claimant’s proposed trip to Ukraine with the ticketing agent and examining the options available, the claimant then requested to purchase a full economy return ticket for a flight from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to Borispol International Airport, Kiev. However, Nzam explained to the claimant and his mother that his trip which was expected to terminate at Bristol

International Airport, Kiev, in Ukraine, would be routed from Lagos, Nigeria to Cairo, Egypt; from Egypt to Istanbul, Turkey; and then from Istanbul, Turkey to Kiev, Ukraine. After the explanation of the defendant, the claimant accepted and then purchased a full economy return ticket at N373,891 and then the defendant issued a ticket to the claimant. The claimant averred that upon a review of the ticket while still at the defendant’s office, he and his mother noticed that the international airport code indicated on his travel itinerary as “KIV” and Chisinau International Airport indicated on his ticket was irregular and unfamiliar as it was different from the airport code for Borispol International Airport, Kiev, Ukraine which is “KBP” which the complainant was familiar with from his previous trips on the same route.

Glo bankrolls 1st global ICC Arbitration conference in Africa

IGERIA’s pre ferred telecoms giant, Globacom, is the official sponsor of the first ever Africa Regional Arbitration conference of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The conference is billed to attract delegates from all over the world and is being organised by the International Court of Arbitration, an arm of the ICC, in conjunction with the International Chamber

of Commerce, Nigeria. The conference holds at Eko Hotel and Suites between 19 and 20 June, 2016 with the theme: “Arbitration and Africa: Prospects and Challenges.” The organisers of the event explained that the conference will focus on the relationship between inward foreign investment in emerging markets in Africa, the types of disputes which may arise, and the African experience in arbitration proceedings.

Light rail: Lagos procures $14.6m rail coaches ...Impounds 50,472 vehicles violating traffic law By Olasunkanmi Akoni And Monsur Olowoooejo

AGOS State Gov ernment, yesterday, said it had procured four single Electric Multiple Unit, EMU car train coaches, expected to operate on the Lagos Urban Rail Network, LURN, especially on the blue and red lines which are under construction in the state. The state Government under the previous administration had in 2014 approved $14.6 million to Messrs. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC/ China North Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry Corporation, CNR (JV (Joint Venture partners) for the purchase of the four EMU trains from the Chinese Government. Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Morebeola who disclosed these at the 2016 ministerial Press briefing in commemoration of the first year in office of the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, in Alausa, Ikeja, however said that 181, 986 of the 1, 023,812 vehicles inspected by the state transport enforcement agencies between May, 2015 and April 2016, were impounded or fined for violating the State Road Traffic Law 2012. On the light rail, Morebeola said, “The Government has procured a single Electric Multiple Unit

(EMU) four car train operations,” adding that the state government was presently discussing with stakeholders on the construction of red line from Agbado to Marina. His words, “The Right of Way has been approved by the Federal Government as it will run parallel on the existing corridor of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC. Also, the phase 1 is from Mile 2 to the National Theatre where infrastructure works are 95 percent completed. The phase 2 is from the National Theatre to Marina where we have achieved 40 percent completion.

…to face-out Danfos, other rickety buses

Worried by the rate of rickety buses plying the state roads, the commissioner said that plans have been concluded to professionalize and rebrand public transport system with the aim of phasing -out the 14-seaters Yellow buses popularly known as Danfo and replace them with 30seater vehicles with air conditioners. He stated that the rebranding would also include introduction of new number plates, colour uniformity and Body tags for all public transportation to ensure a more secured, safe and comfortable system that suits a megacity.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016 — 7

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DAPMAN asks FG to provide Forex for tunately for most of us, previous fuel imports that was the time when By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

HE Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPMAN) has asked the federal government to provide the foreign exchange for their previous fuel imports before the recent new petrol price regime. The Chairman of DAPMAN who led a delegation of the association to a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, in Abuja, yesterday, said that subsidy and foreign exchange differentials paid to the marketers by the federal government were sitting in their Naira accounts with their banks in the country but that they could not source foreign exchange to liquidate their previous transactions’ obligations offshore. His words, “You would recall vividly how desperate we were to get paid before this administration came in. It was so bad that but for the fact that we had faith in the Buhari administration that had just come. “Our bankers stopped supporting us which made it practically impossible for us to continue to import petroleum products during

the transition time. “We sat among ourselves and we decided that in good faith and because of our level of commitment and patriotism to this country we decided that we will wet the country with petroleum products, despite the fact that huge amounts of money was being owed us, just before this administration came in. “And as soon as the Buhari administration came in some payments were released to us. However this payments have been long outstanding ; we got paid in Naira and unfor-

the issue of availability of foreign exchange was in place. “Till this time, many of us have Naira sitting in our accounts but we have continued to plead with CBN so that we can liquidate our exposures to our foreign bankers that we have lines raised through our local banks. “However, up till now, most of us are still sitting on the Naira, because of the unavailability of the foreign exchange. This was majorly the reasons for the unavailability of products that the country experienced in the recent

times. “We thank you for the N42 billion that you paid us last week. We, however, want to say that this Naira payments will continue to sit in our banks. We look forward to seeing how you will help us in expediting the sourcing of foreign exchange to liquidate those positions because, I am sure you are well aware that our bankers have now a lot of past due obligations with their correspondent banks because of us. “We are very worried that going by the new dynamics that we are now working with, in which marketers are now going to be sourcing foreign exchange at the rates that

Our security challenges surmountable —Gen. Burataiand non-governmental best to provide seamless By Bashir Adefaka

HE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has given hope that, whatever security challenges facing Nigeria currently would soon be over, saying they are not insurmountable. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 16th annual conflict management seminar themed, “Harnessing the diverse expertise of government

organisations in rebuilding the socio-economic life of post conflict communities: North Eastern Nigeria in perspective,” held at the Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos, General Buratai represented by General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of Nigerian Army, Major General Henry Edet, ventilated his belief that the crème of officers present at the seminar would be able to brainstorm on how

logistics support for OP LAFIYA DOLE. The Army chief, who regretted that Boko Haram since it started its campaign of terror had destroyed hundreds of lives and properties worth millions of naira including schools, worship centres and villages, hinted participants at the seminar that robust steps had been taken to checkmate the activities of terrorist groups and other criminal elements in the country. Specifically, he said, there is significant improvement on inter-agency cooperation, particularly in terms of intelligence gathering and sharing. His words: “Similarly, our force structure is now more robust in terms of manpower and logistics support to effectively counter growing insecurity, not only in the North East but also other parts of the country. “I want to seize this opportunity to once again advise mischief makers and criminals to shun violence and all forms of criminality as offenders will surely be made to face the full wrath of the law. No reason can justify needless and wanton bloodshed which our country has witnessed in recent times.”

Fuel price increase: Civil Societies, professional groups engage Kachikwu in debate THE Civil Societies and Professional groups will on Monday May 23, engage the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr Ibe Kachikwu in an interactive session on the current increase in the price of petroleum product. The debate which will hold at the Banquet Hall of the Airport hotel, in Ikeja at 10 am will be anchored by Lagos lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo The minister is expected to defend the action of the government on the partial de-regulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum industry as well as other issues relating to his ministry.

LASU graduates can compete favourably anywhere in the world —Prof. Fagbohun By Ikenna Asomba THE Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. ‘Lanre Fagbohun, on Thursday, affirmed that graduates of the institution can compete favourably anywhere in the world. Professor Fagbohun, who spoke at a press conference to herald activities of the university’s 20th Convocation, where no fewer than 17, 695 graduands of the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic sessions would be graduating, said the university has continued to put every element of excellence in place, in terms of quality learning, researches and infrastructure to ensure that students are well baked to compete anywhere in the world. According to the Vice Chancellor, “The focus of our administration is on cultivating innovation, critical thinking and the realization of global citizenship. We have been working, hand-in-hand, with other critical stakeholders to achieve these. LASU as a part of the world cannot be indifferent to the never-ending competitions among institutions across the globe. This is one of the reasons we have made this 20th Convocation ceremony a priority. “You will agree with me that the university has since distinguished herself in the comity of universities in Nigeria, with ground breaking academic researches, trainings and production of quality human capital. A particular case worth mentioning is that of 26-year-old Aderomola Adeola, a graduate of the university who recently bagged a Ph.D from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Little wonder, LASU remains the University of choice in Nigeria. Our projection, however, is to be among the first 100 rated universities on the African continent in no distant future.”

“APC’s failings will boost PDP victory in 2019"

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has predicted that PDP will defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level come 2019. Onuesoke who gave the prediction while addressing a group of journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the signs on ground were enough evidence that the masses have lost confidence in the government of the day. He disclosed that the failure of APC to meet the yearnings of Nigerians was an opportunity for PDP to return to power in 2019. According to him, “The masses initially thought APC was coming to upgrade their lives with their ‘change’ mantra but unfortunately, APC did not meet their expectations. No matter the circumstances, PDP will take over power at the federal level and regain lost states as well as win more states in 2019.”

Ex-NIMASA DG, Omatseye bags five-year jail term over N1.5bn contract scam By Onozure Dania

USTICE Rita OfiliAjumogobia of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday sentenced former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Raymond Omatseye to a five-year jail term over N1.5 billion contract scam. Omatseye was charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on a 27-counts charge bordering on bid rigging and contract splitting.

Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) appeared as lead counsel for the EFCC, while Mr Edoka Oneyeke appeared for the convict. Delivering her judgment yesterday, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia found Omatseye guilty in 24 out of the 27 counts preferred against him but discharged and acquitted him in three counts bordering on bid rigging. The Judge found Omatseye guilty of the offence of awarding contracts above stipulated threshold. The Judge held that “in the instant charge, the

defendant testified in his evidence in chief that he was released on administrative bail and asked to come back the following day and in his statement, he responded that his threshold for supply was N2.5 million. “Furthermore, his statement was corroborated by Pw2 and Pw3; Pw2 stated in his testimony that in line with the Public Procurement Act, the Chief Executive officer had a threshold of N2.5 million for goods and N5 million for works.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

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PH Convention: PDP clears Sheriff, Secondus to contest BY JIMITOTAONOYUME

CTING National ChairmanofthePeoples DemocraticParty,PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has been clearedbytheparty’sscreening committeetocontestfortheseat ofNationalChairmanintoday’s convention. AlsoclearedweretheDeputy National Chairman, Prince UcheSecondusalongsideother contestantsforvariousnational office of the party. They were screened yesterdaybyacommitteeofthe party headed by Mr EmmanuelAguma,SANand Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Riversstate. Sheriff who spoke to newsmenafterthescreeningat theRiversstatesecretariatofthe partyonAbaroadsaidtheparty

will unite to achieve its vision for2019. Hiswords, “PDP istheonly partythatbelongstoNigerians and owned by Nigerians. There is no sole owner of PDP. PDP is for you, PDP is for our

brothersin the village,PDP is for the elder in Abuja, PDP is for everybody. Therefore, we will carry everyone along. “The way forward is for everybody to be united. Anybodythatisaggrieved,we

Day 3 of NLC strike: Federal Secretariat, NTA, FRCN shut doors BY FRANCIS IGATA

HE Federal Secretariat Enugu, Nigeria Television Authority, and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN,in Enugu State, were yesterday, shut to official activities following the indefinite strike action embarked upon last Wednesday,by the Ayubba Wabba-led faction of Nigeria

Labour Congress,NLC, to press home their demand for a reversal on the increase in pump price of petrol from N86.50toN145. This was even as Union Leaders barricaded the entrance of most federal establishments in the state in solidaritywiththestrikeaction calledbythefaction. At the Federal

Ekweremadu reiterates call for decentralised policing

HE DeputyPresidentof the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has reiterated the call of decentralised policing and reinforcement of the federal police to help combat the nation’s security challenges. He made the call in Abuja on Friday while decorating one of his newly promoted security aides, Mr. Uchenna Igwebuike, with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. Ekweremadu, who commended the Police for rewardinghardworkthrough the promotion, however

observedthatNigeriacouldno longer afford to do the same thing continually and expect a different result. He said unitary police, which the country currently operates, was out of sinc with a federal arrangement. He said: “First of all, let me say that I am happy with this promotion. It shows that hard work pays and this is the reward for hard work. The officerhasshowedexemplary dedication to his work; he has been a true professional. So, he deserves this promotion and I also believe that the sky is his limit in his chosen profession.

“All the same, I still hold my view that in addition to the central police, which we have today, we need other levels of policing. States, local governments, and possibly othermajorinstitutionsshould be able to have their own policethatiswellcoordinated. “But, in the interim, we need toensureefficiencyinthecentral policing we have. We need to ensure that they are equipped, trained,andmotivatedtodothe work they have been constitutionallyempoweredtodo, while we explore modalities to work out the decentralised policing system for our country in tandem with all federal institutionsallovertheworld.”

From left : Pastor (Mrs) Ewaoluwa Oluwarantimi, Ass. Pastor Femi Agagu, Deacones Busola Agagu, Engr. Femi Adekoya and his wife Ass. Pastor (Mrs) Adeyinka Adekoya Children of the deceased during the burial of late Mrs Christianah Taiwo Ogidan in Ibadan yesterday.

Left: Mr. Tony Adewole and his wife Mrs Adetutu Adewole Children of the deceased. C M Y K

will work towards getting our members on one page. “Wewantaunitedhouse.In party politics, it is natural that allviewsmustnotbethesame. As much as possible, we try to unite all views for everyone to have a sense of belonging.“

Secretariat,officeswereshutto businesses which took most civilservantsunawares. AtNTA,staffgatheredunder the Mango tree discussing in hush tones as Union officials moved round to enforce the strikeaction. Also,the usual traffic that dotted major roads within the metropolis,thinnedout,asmost motorists,whoarecivilservants were at home as a result of the strikeaction. Meanwhile,there was unusual presence of security operativesatstrategicplacesin the metropolis to forestall a breakdown of law and order by miscreants who may take advantage of the prevailing striketowreakhavoc. Similarly,customers thronged the banking halls in a desperate bid to withdraw monies to enable them stockpilefooditemsasdirected by the leadership of NLC for a protracted showdown with federalgovernment. Reacting to the development,Member,Board of Governors,Civil Liberty rganization,CLO,Danjuma Gambo,regretted that federal government was introducing an increment on pump price of petrol side-by-side with a hikeinelectricitytariff. “I cannot understand the rationalbehindtheincrement. Nigeriansaresufferingalready and you come up with a hike in petrol price and electricity tariffsimultaneously.Whatare the measures put in place by government to cushion the effectofthesefinancialburden. I do not see government moving in the right direction. “A lot of forces beyond government determine the priceofCrudeOilintheglobal market. From the look of things,we are yet to hear the last on the increase in pump price of petrol. The deregulation government professesisunacceptable,”the CLOBoardmemberregretted.

Left : Hon Ade Akinterinwa and Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN). Photo: Dare Fasube

BBOG faults military, says second Chibok girl an SS1 student By Omeiza Ajayi

HE Bring Back Our Girls #BBOG advocacy group has faulted claims by the Nigerian Military that the second returneeChibokgirl,SerahLukawasaSeniorSecondarySchool One student of Government Secondary School, Chibok at the time of her kidnap. The group also disclosed that Miss Luka was never abducted in Chibok, Borno state but in her home, Madagali in Adamawa state. Spokesperson of the group, Sesugh Akume made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja. “AccordingtoHarunaMutali,acommunityleaderinChibok, theirbackgroundcheckshaverevealedthatthissecondreturnee, Miss Serah Luka was an SSS 1 learner at GSS Chibok, who was abducted by the insurgents in her home in Madagali. “Every citizen returned is victory for us all. We appeal to the humanity in us to stay positively focused on emerging developments. We wish to advice caution in disseminating information too promptly, as we appeal that we respect the human dignity of our returnees and their loved ones, as we engage on this topic”, the statement added. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman had, in a statement on Thursday night, announced the rescue of Miss Luka. He said, “during debriefing, the girl revealed that she was a JSS1 student of the school at the time they were abducted. She further added that she hails from Madagali, Adamawa State. She averred that she reported at the school barely two months and one week before her unfortunate abduction along with other girls over two years ago.”

State of the Nation: CAN proclaims 3day fasting, prayers By Sam Eyoboka

ACEDwithmultiplesocio-economicchallengesafflicting the nation including industrial dispute over hike in fuel prices, the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has proclaimed three days of national fasting and prayers for the spiritual healing of the nation. A letter signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake and addressed to all heads of blocs, zonal chairmen, state chairmen, the Women and Youth wings of CAN, WOWICAN and YOWICAN respectively, said the leadership of CAN has approved the national solemn assembly. The letter made available to Vanguard said: “In response to the growing conviction in the nation that the Nigerian Church should hold a solemn assembly nationwide, to repent on behalf of Nigeria and seek God’s divine intervention on account of the of the multiple crisis afflicting the Church and the nation, the president of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has approved that a national solemn assembly should take place from May 27 –May 29.”

MultiChoice bags LCCI award EADING video entertainment company, MultiChoice L Nigeria, has won the Award for Excellence in Pay TV Services at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(LCCI) awards held on Saturday, 14 May 2016 in Lagos. The LCCI awards recognise, promote and celebrate private and public institutions operating in Nigeria for best business practices, growth through innovation, business sustainability as well as positive impact on people and the society. Receiving the award, Hasiya Abdu, representative of the managing director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe thanked the chamber for the recognition. ShesaidMultiChoiceNigeriaremainscommittedtoproviding excellent services to its subscribers. “We remain committed in providing quality pay-TV service to our subscribers and will continue to bring innovative technology to the business of payTV in Nigeria” she remarked. ShealsoreinforcedMultiChoice’sresolvetocontinuetopartner with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dr. Nike Akande, president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in her opening remarks, said the awards recognize corporate organisations and institutions that have contributed to the development of the country’s economy. She noted that the chamber promotes healthy competition as competition promotes value creation.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016 —9

B-R-I-E-F-S

Gunmen kill Gov Ortom’s SSA, soldier shoots undergraduate in Benue By Peter Duru, Makurdi

institution was alleged to have a long standing problem with a female student and supposed girl friend of a soldier. “For that reason, the soldier, Thursday afternoon stormed the institution to whisk Anthony to the ‘Operation Zenda’ base in Oju, but fellow students resisted the move. He was

asked to get an approval from the institution’s management before taking the student away. “At that point the angry soldier went away, promising to come back. That evening the soldier went back to the institution with some of his colleagues to abduct the said Anthony but were

resisted by students in the institution who also aided Anthony to escape. “Vexed by the action of the students the soldier opened fire with his riffle and the innocent girl who was sitting by the door of her room got hit at the side of her chest. “She was rushed to Adoga hospital in Oju where she was given two pints of blood because she had lost so much blood and thereafter rushed to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, for further treatment because the bullet could not be extracted and her condition was deteriorating. “As I speak with you we cannot ascertain the condition of the student but the Army Corporal has been arrested by the Police in Oju and transferred to the Command Headquarters in Makurdi.” Meanwhile, attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Assistant Superintendent, ASP, Moses Yamu failed but a top Police source who craved anonymity confirmed that the matter was being investigated while the Army Corporal was being interrogated.

By Innocent Anaba, Wahab Abdullah and Onozure Dania

one Ronke Shonde 37 on May 5, 2016, at about 2:30pm at 3, Tiemo street, Egbeda Lagos, by giving her fist blow on her head. According to the charge, the offence is punishable under section 221 of the Criminal law of Lagos state 2011. During his arraignment the charge was read to him, though his plea was not taken. Shonde however denied killing his wife saying “I did not kill her”. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione then urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody to enable him send the case file to DPP’s office for legal advice. The magistrate thereafter ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody pending DPP’s advice. Meanwhile the defendant’s counsel I. V Mohammed who appeared before the court did not oppose the remand order. It will be recalled that the dock worker allegedly killed his wife two weeks ago during a scuffle that ensued between them at their Egbeda residence in Lagos.

Mr. Fatai Owoseni, had on Thursday confirmed that the command had concluded its investigations and would charge the suspect to court. It will also be recalled that the Autopsy report which was released on Wednesday, revealed that Ronke died due to respiratory seizure due to injuries she sustained on her head. It will be recalled that the Kwara State born suspect reported to the Police, four days after going into hiding due to pressure from Lekan’s 90- year-old father and some friends who compelled him to show up at the Ikeja office of the Commander, Rapid Response Squad,RRS, Tunji Disu at about 1p.m. He maintained that his wife was his most priced possession but that she was hypertensive adding that death was his last intention for her. A friend of the suspect, Gbenga Soloki, said: “When we got the information, as law abiding citizens, we asked him to come out of hiding. I know him as a gentle man . His account proved it, but unfortunately, his wife is not alive to state her side of the story.”

UNMEN at the early hours of Friday, stormed the home of Mr. Denen Igbana, the Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to Benue State Governor on Security, and shot him dead in the presence of his family. This was just as an Army Corporal attached to the Benue State Joint Security Patrol team code named ‘Operation Zenda’, allegedly shot a year two female student of Primary Education Studies at the College of Education in Oju local government area of the state. Saturday Vanguard learned that Igbana, a retired Police officer, was killed by a gang who waylaid him in front of his house along Naka road, in the outskirts of Makurdi town. Narrating the incident to Governor Samuel Ortom who paid a sympathy visit to the family of the deceased, an eyewitness and Tax Collector in the area, Thomas Ayakpam said the assailants struck at about 1:32am He explained that the SSA had come home only to run into the assailants who were armed with sophisticated weapons. “They opened fire on his vehicle (a Toyota Hilux) perforating the car on all sides. “ Igbana ran out of the car, shouting and heading towards my own house but they shot him on his leg. He fell. At that point one of the gunmen came closer to him and he started shouting, ‘Gana so you can kill me, you want to kill me, what did I do to you?”. He was then shot severally and the people fled.” In his response, Governor Ortom who could not hold back tears said the deceased was one of his trusted aides who played a vital role in ensuring the success of the administration’s amnesty programme. The Governor who charged security operatives to apprehend the masterminds of the killing said, “they have killed part of me but I’m still alive and I will ensure that anyone responsible for this dastardly killing would be made to face justice.” Meantime, Saturday Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the female student of College of Education in Oju was shot while sitting in front of her residence at Lawani hostels, situated outside the school campus. According to the source, “the problem started when one student of the

•The murdered Denen Igbana

Egbema, Gbaramatu communities condemn pipelines bombings By Gab Ejuwa

HE people of Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms under the aegis of Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, has condemned the recent bombings of oil pipelines belonging to the Chevron Nigeria Limited in their area. The EGCDF in an emergency meeting held at its Airport Road office, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta state called on its people to refrain from such act saying there was no justification whatsoever. Mr. Jude Ebitimi Ukori, Secretary, EGCDF who spoke on behalf of the chairman, EGCDF, Chief Michael Johnny during the meeting, said: “EGCDF as an institution saddled with the responsibility of promoting peace and development of the constituent communities are highly worried by the unwholesome activities of the perpetrators.”

IMSG adopts BVN for salary payments By Chidi Nkwopara, OWERRI. N a renewed bid to arrest the issue of ghost workers and pensioners, Imo State Government says it would henceforth pay salaries and pensions to beneficiaries, using their Bank Verification Numbers, BVN. The Secretary to the Government of Imo State, SGI, Sir George Eche, disclosed this yesterday, while speaking with newsmen in Owerri. “It was for this purpose that the state government commenced the verification of civil servants with their BVN attached”, the SGI explained. While expressing optimism that once the government was through with the exercise, salaries would be linked to the worker’s BVN, Sir Eche argued that with this development, the ghost workers syndrome would be a thing of the past. On how he emerged the SGI, Sir Eche said “there is no extant law preventing civil servants from being appointed into the office, appointment of permanent secretaries are not promotional but political”.

Imo plans University of Science and Tech By Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri

BILL for a law to establish Imo State University of A Science and Technology, Egbema, has passed second Court remands man who allegedly reading in the state legislature. According to its chief sponsor and member representing The Lagos State killed wife Commissioner of Police, Ohaji/Egbema state constituency, Mr. Emmanuel Orie,

N Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court, sitting at Oyingbo yesterday remanded at Ikoyi Prisons, Lekan Shonde, who allegedly killed his wife Ronke Shonde pending the legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution DPP. Shonde’s remand came on a day his deceased wife was buried at Atan Cemetry in Yaba, Lagos amidst wailing from family members, relations and friends. At exactly 11: 30 am the alleged wife killer Lekan Shonde arrived EbuteMetta Magistrate Court in police Rapid Response pick up Van and after staying in the Van for about 20 minutes, the police then took him to Court 5. The defendant who wore a black Tee- Shirt, and a cream coloured combat short was arraigned at about 12:15 pm before Magistrate O I Adelaja on a one count charge of murder. In the charge sheet, Olalekan Shonde 51, a dock worker was alleged to have murdered his wife,

“the state has the highest annual enrolment in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME”. Orie expressed regrets that Imo candidates do not secure sufficient placements in the existing tertiary institutions across the country. “Should the new university come on stream, it would help to a large extent, in addressing the insufficient admission opportunities available to Imolites, who are thirsty for higher education”, Orie said. Contributing also, the Deputy Speaker, Chief Ugonna Ozuruigbo, affirmed that he had visited the Federal Government Skills Acquisition Centre, built by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration, which is being proposed as the site for the new university. “I have visited the Federal Government Skills Acquisition Centre. The Centre has adequate facilities for the successful take off of the proposed university”, Ozuruigbo said.

15th International Book Fair ends in Lagos

HE 15th Nigeria International Book Fair ended yesterday at the Multipurpose Hall University of Lagos. The book fair which started on May 9 featured an international conference on May 10. Speaking at the conference the minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu said education deserves special attention. The Minister who was represented by the Director National Library of Nigeria, Mallam Habib Abba Tato added that education is key to national development. His words “nations that are doing well are those nations that give education priority”. This administration will ensure that education gets adequate attention. The key note speaker Professor Hope Eghagha of the Department of English University of Lagos called on government and education stake holders to promote reading culture among the youths. The Director of Higher Education at the Lagos State Ministry of Education Mr. Sutton Semasa Bamidele who represented governor Akinwumi Ambode disclosed that Lagos State government is refurbishing moribund public libraries in Lagos Island, Ilupeju, Mushin and Agege.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

From Niger Delta To Buhari:

Intelligence, dialogue will end explosions • Uproar in Gbaramatu kingdom as JTF tracks militants • 5 arrested surveillance workers branded as militants regain freedom

•Soldiers By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South, Egufe Yafugborshi, Akpokona Omafuaire & Perez Brisibe

N Thursday, May 5, militants bragged about how their strike team 4, at 22.00 hours, blew up the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC crude line, which feeds Warri and Kaduna Refineries and the gas line that supplies electricity to Lagos and Abuja in Delta state, among others. Evidently mocking the Joint Task Force, JTF in the Niger Delta, spokesperson of Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, a militant group that devastated the oil installations, Col Mudoch Agbinibo, said: “Located some 100meters away from the blast of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline is a military houseboat stationed there, to protect the oil pipelines.” “But we want you public to know that despite the heavy presence of military operatives, our activities can’t be stopped and it is just waste of fund and time to let the Nigeria military protect oil installations,” the militants added. The big-headed statement noticeably irked the authorities as a miffed President Muhammadu Buhari gave orders to the security agencies to crush the rampaging militants barely 24 hours after. It was not, therefore, surprising when JTF operatives arrested five ‘suspects”

found lurking around after a pipeline belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, was blown afresh by suspected militants at Makaraba community, Gbaramatu clan, Warri South-West local government area, last Friday, May 13. Three days after, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in a statement by Spokesperson of the Army, BrigadierGeneral Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the arrest of suspected members of the resurgent militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) who were allegedly responsible for the attacks on oil pipelines. It was like a celebration for the military. However, the joy was short-lived, as enraged Gbaramatu leaders and groups punctured the claim and modus operandi of JTF personnel, who previously invaded Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the kingdom and later Kokodiagbene. Emergence of Red Egbesu Water Lions Indeed, the unease between the communities and the military, as well as the materialization of a new militant group, Red Egbesu Water Lions, which, Wednesday, vowed to join forces with the Niger Delta Avengers, has increased tension in the region. The new militant group in a statement by its Creek Network Coordinator, “General” Torunanawei Latei, said it was teaming up with the Niger Delta

Avengers and Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. “It issued the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to release Nnamdi Kanu, former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki and direct EFCC to defreeze the bank accounts of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupol, alias Tompolo, Threatening to shut down all oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta at the expiration of the ultimatum, the group also demanded “unconditional immediate payment to victims of the Bonga Oil Spill and Chevron gas explosion in Koluama, Bayelsa state.” “It is extremely important to note that the engine room of the national interest is the executive obedience to court orders, protection and preservation of citizens’ constitutional liberties. Justification of executive disobedience to court orders as

•Soldiers in a patrol van a protection of national interest is abominable. “This is a deliberate ploy to bend the law and suspend the 1999 Constitution. We ask, does President Muhammadu Buhari have any legal capacity to declare anyone a criminal? Disobedience to court orders is an act of executive rascality in the country,” the group added. Gbenekama’ s fury First to fly into a rage was the Bebemowei (Chief Mobilizer) of Gbaramatu kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenkama, who decried the invasion of Oporoza twice in seven days by armed soldiers, who he accused of preparing the stage to raze the community, maim and kill people like they did in 2009 under the pretext of looking for militants. He insisted that Oporoza and Gbaramatu

Continueson page11

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—11

them in lawful economic activities for a living.” “That would take some planning, skills and resources to achieve, but by far more cost effective and absolutely not destructive like the option of war against the insurgents. More importantly, executing this task must not be another opportunity to appease politicians. “Neither should the military be the lead facilitator. Core professions in security and conflict management should be engaged to run the project in partnership with security operatives. Besides Mese, several groups, including the Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, National Association of Gbaramatu Students, Gbaramatu Political Forum and Kunukunuma community have criticized the siege to the kingdom by soldiers.

•Gbaramatu communities Continues from page 10 people had nothing to do with Niger Delta Avengers and urged the military to verify its sources of information before using such information to hunt innocent people. Querying how the Niger Delta Avengers gained access to vandalize pipelines, which were a distance of about 100 metres from where Army, Navy, Police had their locations, he said, “I think the military may have compromised.” Calling for the release of the five workers, who he gave their names as Samuel Emiko, Alfred Timedi, Itsekiri and Isaac Edinde, Henry Arogboritse and Kelvin Mordi (Ijaw), saying they were on surveillance patrol when the soldiers picked them up. Gbenekama asserted that the Itsekiri Regional Development Council and Ijaw Regional Development Council, both community development platforms set up by Chevron should take up the matter as the workers were working under a pipeline surveillance arrangement known to them and the Chevron contractor, who hired them. The Ijaw leader, who condemned the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers, said: “We don’t know them and we don’t know where they come from,” adding: “The military should leave Oporoza and Gbaramatu alone, they should take their search elsewhere because we know they are looking for excuse to attack our people at the slightest provocation.” He accused a Niger Delta activist and Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayiri Emami, who fingered ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo of sponsoring the bombings by Niger Delta Avengers of feeding the military with misleading information about Tompolo and Gbaramatu kingdom. Tompolo sneers at Ayiri Emami Tompolo himself, in an open advertorial few days ago, asserted: “I am greatly touched and disappointed with the manner the Nigerian Government and the military are being arm-twisted by the unfounded claims of Ayiri Emami and others that I am behind the Niger Delta Avengers group when there is no single proof to back the claim.” However, Chief Emami, who also spoke to Saturday Vanguard, said he was not deterred by Tompolo’s outburst, saying” “What I am saying is right and I mean it when I say that I am ready to support the government to stop those bombing pipelines in my area.” ‘Masked men led JTF to Kokodiagbene’ While Oporoza people are enraged over the invasion of their community by soldiers, who discovered nothing implicating, JTF operatives, according to the chairman of Kokodiabene community, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, stormed the community, last weekend, molesting villagers and breaking doors. He said: “Information at our disposal is that the JTF was led to the community by two masked men from Koko, an Itsekiri enclave, who are non-indigenes of the area. We want to warn that the military should not try to rekindle the Warri inter-ethnic

Uproar in Gbaramatu kingdom as JTF tracks militants However, Chief Emami, who also spoke to Saturday Vanguard, said he was not deterred by Tompolo’s outburst, saying” “What I am saying is right and I mean it when I say that I am ready to support the government to stop those bombing pipelines in my area conflagration as the wound of the carnage was still fresh in the memories of the people.” Mulade asserted: “We condemn strongly the invasion of Kokodiagbene on Saturday by the JTF. They beat up some villagers, while others were harassed. This is uncalled for, at the end of the day, they found nothing incriminating in the community. They entered people’s houses by force, destroyed their properties and yet no single arm was recovered. We advise the military to do its homework thoroughly before invading any community.” ‘’We believe that the military should rely more on intelligence to do its work rather than resorting to the brute force, which they have been adopting over the years. We are law-abiding people. Now, we are living under terror. Fear of attacks from the Avengers and harassment, and intimidation from the army,” he added. “We therefore call on the federal government to call the army to order. Our fundamental human rights have been infringed upon,” he said. Host communities issue Cheveron ultimatum Four days ago, seven GbaramatuIjaw host communities to Chevron, gave the multinational oil company a 72-hour to ensure the release of five pipeline surveillance workers branded as militants by soldiers, accusing it of lethargy over the matter. Spokesperson of the aggrieved communities, Comrade Mulade, said: “It is pertinent to state that we are no longer safe in the hands of security agents going by the constant harassment of our people. We have handed a 72-hour ultimatum to Chevron to ensure the release of those arrested oil workers and if they fail to

do this, we will withdraw all our services from all the oil companies including, Shell, Chevron, NPDC and Neconde.” ‘’We are not Niger Delta Avengers, we are law abiding citizens of Nigeria and those workers were doing their legitimate work when the JTF pounced on them and arrested them, thereafter proclaiming to the world that they have arrested Avengers. They should adopt more of intelligence in doing their work otherwise, they would end up killing innocent people in the communities,” he said. Mulade continued: “Contrary to the reports, the five alleged militants were actually contract workers for the American oil giants, inspecting earlier bombed pipelines ahead of the visit of the Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) team to inspect the extent of damage when the military troops swooped on them”. “The workers were with their identification cards and were ferried to the site in Chevron’s boat, adding that their explanations that they were sent for inspection fell on deaf ears as they were taken to the military base at Koko and locked up,” he added. Security expert faults FG There is outrage in the kingdom, particularly over the invasion of Gbaramatu communities and arrest of the five workers by soldiers in search of militants. While Tompolo said from his hiding that the siege to Gbaramatu and hunt for him would not yield the desired result, a security expert and managing director of FBI Securities, Shola Mese, advised government to suspend the manhunt for Tompolo and ask those claiming to know the whereabouts of Niger Delta Avengers to keep quiet. “It is shame that the federal government is treating the challenge in the creeks as a war situation. Those blowing up facilities are probably not more than 20, at most 30. From their utterances and actions, they are not in any mood to do any battle with the army, they are not Boko Haram whose clear mandate is to waste human lives, including fighting the military.” “Their claimed objective matched against their modus operandi is to destroy the facilities to gain government attention for some covert economic benefit. It is a familiar script and the answer to that cannot be the drafting in of the military to create a war situation, which will come with untold collateral damage. Practical solution According to Mese, “A workable solution would be to employ dialogue for genuine disarmament of this group of persons, disabuse their minds from the violence and gainfully engage

Chevron moves to avert repercussion On its part, top management officials of Chevron met with the families of the surveillance workers on Wednesday in Warri to avert a backlash following the 72-hour ultimatum given it by seven Gbaramatu host communities to secure their release from the army. Speaking to Saturday Vanguard on phone immediately after the meeting, a relative of one of the arrested persons allegedly harassed by soldiers when he went to the 19th Battalion, Nigerian Army, Koko, to visit his brother, said Chevron assured that it was handling the matter at a high level. “They told us not to worry that the company was handling the matter. I had earlier tried visiting my brother at 19th Battalion, Koko, where I was molested and detained for some hours at the military guard room on allegation of conspiring with my brother to attack oil installations. “Though I was later released, I could not see my brother and was reliably informed that they have been transferred from Koko to Asaba for further interrogation,” he said. He asserted: “We threatened to take up the matter legally, but Chevron appealed to us not to, as they are on top of the situation, hence today’s (yesterday) meeting.” ‘Suspects’ seized while on lawful duty= Contractor Meanwhile, the Chevron contractor, who the ‘suspects’ work for, Gabriel Emiko, has given account of how soldiers arrested the workers. He told Saturday Vanguard on phone, “Following the explosion on the pipeline, the Chevron Single Sign-On, SSO under Utunana sent the boys to identify the spot on the platform that was attacked.” “The boys went there in a boat with a Chevron flag and logo, when they were apprehended by a team of JTF officials in a gunboat, who accused them of being the brains behind the attack,” he added. Volte-face Spokesperson of JTF, Col Isa Ado, has not been forthcoming on inquiries on the latest operations of the task force in the creeks of Delta state despite calls to his cell phone. However, the army appeared to have made a u-turn, as our sources said the military quietly handed over the five ‘suspects’ to the police , during the week, ostensibly to deflate the outburst. However, there was confusion, as one source said they handed then over to the police in Asaba, another said they handed over to the police in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. Yet, other informants said they took them to the headquarters of the task force in Yenagoa. However, the five ‘suspects’ were released on Wednesday night and asked to report back next Wednesday. The military had moved them from the creeks to the 19th Battalion, Nigerian Army, Koko, last Saturday, and continued grilling them until public opinion against the arrest forced it to beat a calculated retreat. Chief Gbenekama confirmed to Saturday Vanguard on Thursday that they had been released and thanked the press for the battle.

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

NIGER DELTA AVENGERS

Otuaro’s 6 days in Delta creeks to stop pipeline attacks •T ak ompolo as yyour our son, Gbar amatu cchief hief begs Buhari •Tak akee TTompolo Gbaramatu •The cchallenges hallenges and w or war d waay ffor orw ard

By Emma Amaize,

one-time national president of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, who is the Secretary.

Regional Editor, South-South Don’t return unless… THE directive, last weekend, by the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to the newly constituted Delta State Advocacy Committee against Oil Facility Vandalism, headed by his deputy, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, was unambiguous. It was that members of the committee should relocate to the riverine communities in the troubled part of the state with immediate effect to stop the vandalization of oil installations in the state by a rampaging militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, NDA. The committee members are to remain there until they finish their assignment. Besides Otuaro, a conflict management expert and notable son of Gbaramatu kingdom, who chairs the committee, the membership include Commissioner for Youth Development, Asupa Forteta, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mofe Pirah, Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Kelly Penaowu and Special Adviser on

As a nation and as a state, we are already in deep economic crisis by virtue of the fall in oil price in the world market. Any further attacks on oil facility will worsen our already bad situation Petroleum Matters, Bosin Ebikeme Others are Chairman, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Godwin Ebosa, Chairman, Delta Waterways and Land Security Committee, Chief Boro Opudu, Director General, Political and Security Services, David Tonwe and former Commissioner for Commerce/

Meeting with Warri monarch, other royal fathers

After a strategy-planning session, the committee started its assignment on Monday with a visit to the Olu of Warri, HRM Ikenwoli I, at his palace in Warri, Warri South local government area, where it unfolded its mission and moved thereafter to Egbema kingdom, Warri North local government to meet with the Agadagba of Egbema and youth groups. Otuaro told the Warri monarch: “As a nation and as a state, we are already in deep economic crisis by virtue of the fall in oil price in the world market. Any further attacks on oil facility will worsen our already bad situation. “This is why we have come to you as the custodian of the people’s culture and land in your kingdom to help government deepen intelligence towards stopping the bombings,” he said. In his reaction, Olu of Warri said: “I will send my chiefs to all nooks and crannies to help resolve the problem. The fact that the Governor had to send you, his deputy, to the creeks, shows that the thing is touching”. The Olu recalled that first, it was the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, and now, the Niger Delta

Avengers, NDA, whose activities have crippled the economy and hampering government capacity to deliver projects to the people. He asked, “What are they avenging? Vengeance belongs to God. Man’s vengeance is limited?” He lamented that the spate of vandalism was giving the state a bad name”.

Disappearing drama of Amnesty Coordinator

The committee took the same message to Egbema, but on Tuesday, when the committee met with the National Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (retd), there was drama, as the Amnesty coordinator, who earlier praised the state government for constituting the committee, reneged on an earlier agreement to join the team to the creeks. His reason was not clear, but when they got to the waterside at Warri Club after their meeting, the Amnesty coordinator changed his mind and returned to Abuja without the knowledge of Otuaro and others, who got to Oporoza and started looking for him,” a security source told Saturday Vanguard.

Naked truth

The committee had an enlivening encounter with Gbaramatu youths at a Town Hall meeting in Oporoza, where one of their leaders, Moses Yabrade, told the deputy governor straightforwardly that there was no synergy between the government and its agencies on pipeline surveillance. Brigadier-General Boroh would have seized the opportunity to

Continues on page 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—13

‘Take Tompolo as your son’, Gbaramatu chief begs Buhari Continues from page 12 shed more light on the amnesty programme and brief the youths on the plan of the federal government, but his absence probably denied the assembly the prized information needed for better understanding of the role the federal government and its agencies. Otuaro had earlier appealed to the youths of Gbaramatu to rise up and secure oil facilities in their domain, whether or not they were part of Niger Delta Avengers. His words: “We seek your partnership and collaboration to finding a permanent solution to the challenge. It is upon this honour that you will do to us your leaders so that we will engage the federal government to grant your requests. A dead man cannot ask for light or employment.”

Monarch advises Buhari on Tompolo

Pere of Gbaramatu, HRM Williams Ogoba, Oboro Gbaraun II, who played host to the deputy governor, said the manhunt for ex-militant leader, ex militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who is one of his subjects, was politically motivated and urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to see Tompo lo as an adversary to

facilitate the peace process. “Political aggression against one another will not bring peace to anyone. I appeal to the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government not to take up political aggression against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, but to see him as his son so as to stop pipeline vandalism and restore peace back in the Niger Delta region.” The Agadagba denied that members of the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, were his subjects, saying: “The accusation is untrue and unfounded; we do not know the Avengers. We do not know their whereabouts.” He warned members of the militant group to stop pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities in his domain, pointing out that he had given a marching order to all his chiefs to secure their various communities with a view to preventing further pipeline vandalism in Gbaramatu kingdom. The Agadagba also appealed to the Federal Government to engage the youths meaningfully by giving consent to the commencement of academic activities at the Maritime University of Nigeria.

Stop bombing, committee appeals to militants

Secretary of the committee, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, who spoke on phone from the creeks with our reporter, Thursday, said:”So far, we have met with the Olu of Warri , Agadagba of Egbema , Pere of Gbaramatu, Ebenanawei of Ogulagha kingdoms. We have also interacted with stakeholders, community leaders and youths in different meetings at each of the

Gathering of militants with guns

The manhunt for exmilitant leader, ex militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who is one of his subjects, was politically motivated and urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to see Tompolo as an adversary to facilitate the peace process

communities visited.” His words: “Our chair, who is the deputy governor laid emphasis on the need for communities to be more vigilant and make efforts to gather intelligence and ensure that no more vandalization is allowed within the

neighborhood of the various kingdoms.” “He appealed passionately for cooperation from communities in terms of Intelligence gathering to ensure that efforts are made towards opening contact with the Niger Delta Avengers with the hope of finding a lasting solution to the issues raised by the Avengers. “The committee also appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers to stay action on any further bombings and allow us the opportunity to broker a negotiation with the appropriate authorities on the demand they have thus far made,” he added. According to Ekiyor: ‘The

committee further called on all exagitators to join hands with us in reaching out to the NDA in view of the fact that there is an ongoing amnesty program that provides a large opportunity to address all misgivings.” • President Buhari

Response/grievances of the people

He said: “Issues of economic loss to both state and federal governments and the backlash on the communities, including inability of government to fund budget for developing the region and environmental degradation were noted.” Ekiyor asserted: “Response from communities were largely similar and include the following: All showed serious concern and commitment to the happenings and are apprehensive of the insecurity being posed to the communities as a result of the activities of the new group.” “They promised to cooperate as much as possible. The youths, however, raised concern over their inability to help because of disconnect and misconception on the part of the government and security outfit. “They mulled about a blanket assumption by the Joint Task Force, JTF that all youths in the region are vandals or criminal, which makes it impossible for concerned youths to even approach pipelines or go after suspected vandals, as the security agency will likely arrest both parties. They cited the case of the recently arrested chevron engaged community staff as example.” He went on: “Also, there were worries of undue harassment of royal fathers, women and youths at will by the JTF within communities.” “Furthermore, some youths claimed to be less concerned, as they simply do not know how the oil has benefited them since it was found. The various communities appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to allow the Nigerian Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko and the Export Processing Zone, EPZ project to kick off. “They said that if EPZ can take off, it will take care of 150,000 vulnerable youths, while the university will create the enlightenment that certainly will not allow young people to be recruited into armed struggle,” Ekiyor stated. The scribed continued: “In addition, they laid emphasis on the need for

tripartite working action between government security agencies, IOCs and communities in the securing of oil investment.” “As former national president of Ijaw Youth Council, I add my voice in appealing to the Niger Delta Avengers to give peace a chance. I also call on •Tompolo the President Buhari-led administration not to be in a hurry in the use of maximum force, but allow the Advocacy Committee set up by the Delta state government some time, so we could get to the root cause of this resurgence and find a win -win solution out of it,” he said.

We’ve not met Avengers yet

On whether the committee met face to face with the Niger Delta Avengers or any of its members, he said: “We have not met with anybody that told us that he is a member of the Niger Delta Avengers or the group itself. However, we are Niger Deltans and most of us know the pattern and structure of this struggle. He asserted that it was obvious that the boys understand the terrain of the region from the way they had carried out attacks on oil installations, but was quick to add that the militants could be suspicious of the committee and its mission. “That is why it is the duty of the committee to quickly do everything possible to get their confidence and create a platform for them to dialogue with the Federal Government to end the attacks on oil installations, which to my mind is the solution to whatever grievances they are talking about.” he asserted.

No retreat, no surrender

In keeping with the directive of the governor, the committee has continued with its assignment in the creeks, using their network of information and contact to reach out to the Niger Delta Avengers with a view to getting them to stop the bombings and agree to a dialogue with the federal government.

14—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, MAy 21, 2016

The PDP split: Showdown in Abuja and Port-Harcourt today

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Ben Agande

ow the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP came to its present distress would surely confound the likes of Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, a former national chairman of the party. In 2008, Ogbulafor had bragged that the party would rule the country for 60 straight years. Besides being shoved from the pedestal of power, the party is today at the point of disintegration. The most vivid indication of the collapse of Nigeria’s political behemoth is the strife in the party which is today polarised into two main factions; both of which are holding parallel conventions in Port-Harcourt and Abuja. It is also a struggle between the party’s grandees cum foundation fathers and a more youthful class in the party who want to push out the former from their position

of influence. Remarkably, the position pushing the party towards the conflict is the office of national chairman and the person at the center of the conflict is Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. It is a remarkable situation given that Sheriff, the immediate past governor of Borno State only joined the 17-year-old party just about two years ago. However, before his defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC to the PDP, Sheriff even as a top member of the APC and before then the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, had largely been seen as a sympathiser of the PDP while it was in power. Even when they were happy with his defection to the PDP, not many PDP insiders were, however, pleased to put Sheriff in a leadership position. The reason was mainly because of the negative insinuations that while serving as governor that he

created the environment that gave birth to Boko Haram, the Islamist group that took up arms against the country. Sheriff was reportedly pushed into the leadership saddle by an alliance comprising Governor Ayodele Fayose, Governor Nyesom Wike, and Senator Kashamu Buruji. The aim of the group it is alleged is to take over control of the party from the old forces. Their aim at today’s convention in Port-Harcourt is to formalise Sheriff ’s position as chairman. However, the foundation members of the party led by Prof. Jerry Gana and including among others, former governors, senators and national chairmen of the party will hold a parallel convention in Abuja today to reclaim what their party from the hoodlums and strangers they claim to have taken over their party.

PDP’s diary of crises BY CHARLES KUMOLU

HE 17 year old Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has passed through eventful moments since it was incorporated by some of the country’s leading statesmen on August 31, 1998. August 31, 1998: The party is formed from the nucleus of the G18/ G34 group of statesmen who led the political opposition to General Sanni Abacha’s military regime. 1999: Following pressure from President Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Solomon Lar was literally booted out of office as the National Chairman. 1999: The intrigues leading to the emergence of a new chairman polarised the party as a result of the zoning of the position to the North Central geo-political zone. Obasanjo’s preference for Barnabas Gemade to Chief Sunday Awoniyi on the ground that the latter was also a Yoruba despite hailing from Kogi State resulted to Awoniyi’s unexpected loss. 1999/2001: Having emerged as Obasanjo’s candidate Gemade inherited a party challenged by crisis in most of its state chapters. 2001: The disenchantment across its state chapters continued until the time of its National Convention where Gemade sought for a second term against Obasanjo’s advise. The presidency moved against him and in his place, Audu Ogbeh also from Benue State was elected as National Chairman. 2003: Gemade was expelled from the PDP for allegedly supporting another party’s candidate instead of PDP’s George Akume during the governorship poll in the state. 2004: The brigandage in Anambra with the imprints of the presidency pushed Ogbeh to write Obasanjo a letter urging him to avoid the politics of gangsterism occasioned by the implication of security agents in bombing, arson and shooting that were aimed at removing then Governor Chris Ngige. The letter literally damaged Ogbeh’s relationship with Obasanjo. 2005: Ogbeh resigned his position as chairman after he was reportedly forced to do so at gun point. His C M Y K

PDP and its colourful flags resignation happened in a dramatic manner, as it was shortly after he ate a meal of pounded yam and egusi soup with the president. In his place came in Col. Ahmadu Ali, a former senator and federal commissioner for education during Obasanjo’s military regime who came to national prominence during the Ali Must Go students riots of that period. Ali’s advent is the beginning of what is termed Garrison Politics in the PDP where Obasanjo’s word is law. 2005/2007: Perceived political foes of Obasanjo and his allies are deregistered from the party during a re-registration exercise under which Linkmen are appointed to handle the exercise in the states. Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, hostile governors and party

members are denied registration in their constituencies. 2007: The party wins a landslide election across all levels in elections, which the new president, Musa Yar ‘adua, however, admits as highly deficient in integrity. 2007: Former President Obasanjo is elected chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT in against the desires of the incumbent, Chief Tony Anenih. The drama around the election reportedly put the two men at odds. 2008: Strong contention between Anyim Pius Anyim and Sam Egwu for the chairmanship of the party leads to the emergence of a dark horse in the person of Prince Vincent

Ogbulafor as national chairman under the President Musa Yar ‘adua administration. 2009/2010: The party is embedded in crisis as a result of the hospitalisation of President Yar‘adua. The party leadership in collaboration with many governors try to cow VicePresident Goodluck Jonathan from becoming Acting President. 2010: Upon the doctrine of necessity, Jonathan becomes Acting President. April 2010: The national chairman of the party, Ogbulafor is charged to court for theft 2010: Irked by the belief that the party had derailed from the ideals of its founders, a former Senate President, Sen Ken Nnamani, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Continues on page 16

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—15

By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin City The fact-finding and reconciliation team set up by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Prince Olagusoye Oyinlola, to resolve the crisis in the APC in Edo State, arrived penultimate Thursday and held their first meeting with Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Other members of the delegation included Hajia Fatima Muhammed, a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT); Alhaji Ahmed Abdulahi, Prince Martins Bisong, Senator Osita Izunaso and Senator Ndoma Egba. Their mandate was to unravel the cause of the dispute between Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu and also find lasting solution to the crisis which had engulfed the party ahead of the September 10 governorship election in the state.

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•Gov Adams Oshiomhole

•Prince Olagusoye Oyinlola

•Pius Odubu

Rescue mission Prince Oyinlola who disclosed that the negative press emanating from the state necessitated the decision by the national leadership to send the delegation to the state, said the intention was to resolve the crisis in order not to give the state back to the PDP. Addressing Oshiomhole when they paid him a courtesy visit, Oyinlola who condoled with the government and people of the state over the demise of the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, whom he described as a father to all, said they were in the state “with a specific mandate to bring the great APC family in Edo State together once again. We are here today on behalf of the national leadership of the party with a specific mandate to bring the APC family together. We must not become like a tribe of people who got victory but failed to manage it. We will continue to brief you as we go ahead with our assignment in Edo state.”

Edo 2016: Revelations from Oshiomhole, Odubu, reconciliation meeting

“Some PDP defectors to ACN behind APC crisis” Oshiomhole who gave an insight into root of the crisis, said some people who defected to the then ACN from the PDP were behind the crisis. He however expressed surprise that nobody from the national secretariat had called him to find out the cause of the problem before sending the fact-finding committee. This, he said, could signal that the rumoured rift between himself and the National Chairman of the party, Chief John OdigieOyegun was true. Oshiomhole said: “I want to thank you for coming on the strength of the very bad press that we have seen particularly over the past two months. So, I can understand that anybody picking up the newspapers and reading those stories will imagine that Edo State Government House is on fire, the House of Assembly is burning. The truth is that this might be the wish of our enemies. The more dangerous enemies are those who have purportedly joined the APC, but their soul is in the PDP. By their choice of language, style and tactics, it is clear that they wish to be in APC while actually working in futility, hoping that they can discredit APC so that their own party that we have grounded, dismantled and rested can hopefully be

Each time they make a statement they always say things like unless the Comrade wants to return the party to PDP, but this state cannot return to PDP

•What Oyinlola told APC members

revived. I have no doubt that the God that we worship and who directed our thoughts and empowered us to dismantle the PDP rigging machine, that God is on duty. And as long as He is on duty and we served him sincerely, no man born of a woman can undo what God has done. “I like to remind you that when we arrived here in 2007, everybody in this state told me it was not possible to dethrone the PDP, that they had the money and they boasted of it. We were also told they had the control of the military and they celebrated it. They had control of the police, the immigration, and that they had everything. They zoned Edo State to various warlords. Different parts of Benin City were partitioned to different warlords. I brought my

skills here as a labour man and we fought. They stole my mandate, I pursued them. I reclaimed it and I became a governor. In 2012 we went for the real battle and for the first time in the history of the Midwest Region and the old Bendel State and Edo State, no living or dead politician has had such uncommon support or goodwill, translating to electoral victory across all the 18 local government areas, including the enclaves of the three ruling families that I used to address as godfathers. I accomplished this feat in spite of their federal might in Abuja. “Then the Police Commissioner was afraid to pay me a visit. But all of these crashed and I won 73 per cent of the votes in Edo State. So I believe that if I could win all of these in spite of federal might, with the help of God, we will do it again. Today we thank God; we started without one councillor from my party. We started without one local government from my party. We started against a PDP state government and federal might yet we achieved what I just narrated. We fought battles and we conquered people they thought were invincible, so we are tested and trusted and the confidence flows from what people can vow for, not empty rhetoric. I think the weakness we have now is that Abuja wants to settle us. I also plead that Abuja should also settle itself. We are privileged to have a good representation at the national secretariat; nobody has ever picked up a phone on the face of a headline story to say to me ‘Comrade what is it that we are reading; what is the problem?’ “Perhaps, in seeking to settle us, we also need to settle Abuja otherwise we might be shedding

crocodiles tears. When you read the language of some of these people on the headlines that I spoke about, you will wonder if it is coming from people in the same party. When you trace their record, you will find that these are people that came from PDP that we rehabilitated because we thought they were decent people. “They are now the ones, having benefited from my labour, are using the most uncouth and violent and even vulgar language to describe my person. Each time they make a statement they always say things like unless the Comrade wants to return the party to PDP, but this state cannot return to PDP. We have done enough that Edo people have bought our party. And we can distinguish the fifth columnists from the genuine APC people. I am talking about those in Edo who jumped out earlier from PDP when they knew their party had been grounded; they are the ones behind all these. When they make those statements that we want to return Edo to PDP, I will say who is talking?For me, things have been blown out of proportion. But it is also the hallmark of a free association; the fact that everybody is free to speak their minds. No godfather to impose and decree a particular direction. For me there is no problem with that.” Obaseki, Oshiomhole’s choice After the Thursday courtesy visit, members of the committee met with stakeholders of the party the following day. Those present include the Governor and his deputy, Dr Odubu. A youth leader of the party, Tony Kabaka, and Bisi Idaomi and others showered praises on Oshiomhole’s leadership role in the Continues on page 16

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAy 21, 2016

Edo 2016: Revelations from Oshiomhole, Odubu, reconciliation meeting

Continues from page 15 Governor’s preference for Mr Godwin Obaseki as the APC governorship candidate. As a matter of fact, Kabaka in that meeting noted that the Deputy Governor had spent 16 years in government both as a House of Representatives member and Deputy Governor of the state, and therefore urged him to give others the opportunity to serve. But in an apparent reply to Kabaka’s comment, Odubu in a meeting with delegates in Esan Saturday, asserted that his experience in government gives him an edge over other APC aspirants in the forthcoming governorship primary of the party. However, the high point of the meeting was when Oshiomhole started speaking and he went head on with his deputy. He reminded him how he (Oshiomhole) stood by him when some leaders of the party then wanted to drop him as his deputy while they were seeking reelection in 2012. While lamenting how he had allegedly been ridiculed by persons he perceived as loyalists of his deputy, Oshiomhole reminded Odubu that since 2007, he (Oshiomhole) has always won his ward, local government and senatorial district but that has not been the same with his deputy and some other leaders whom everyone sees as political gurus. Oshiomhole also took a swipe at a former member of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie whom he accused of using the media to rubbish his name. He described as blackmail the insinuation by Osagie that the state might lose the governorship to PDP

if urgent steps were not taken to address the problems in the state. Oshiomhole, who remarked that most of the political gurus had been riding on his back to win elections, declared that the APC cannot lose the election despite the fact that Osagie lost his senatorial bid. While asserting that he was ready to lead APC to another victory come September 10, Oshiomhole noted that “in the last presidential election, we also tried to establish who is who in this state. Mr. Chairman, sir, I delivered my booth, I delivered my ward, I delivered my local government and I delivered my senatorial district. If we have a senator today from Edo State APC, he is from my senatorial district. If you have House of Reps members, they are from my senatorial district. Those fomenting this trouble could not deliver their booth, they could not deliver their wards even in an election which they were candidates. It is the empty drum that makes the loudest noise.” “If I contest election in Delta State, I will win” Oshiomhole who lampooned the PDP governors for boasting to take over Edo State, also reacted: “Last week I read a newspaper report that PDP governors in the South-South met in Asaba to say that they were strategizing on how to win in Edo. And I looked at those who were talking; if I contest election in Delta State, I will win. My pedigree speaks for me. I am not a radio-

manufactured or newspaper-created activist; I can communicate vertically and horizontally. They are lucky but we are waiting for them. This is not the place where you destroy the card reader then every minute you ask what is happening in another local government. Then you increase number of votes and compromise INEC. If I defeated them when they were in power, is it now they will defeat me? They are free to wallow in their dreams, but if I contest election with any of them in their own states with or without card reader, I will defeat them. We are paying salaries, these same governors can’t pay salaries. So they think they can return Edo to Egypt. They are wasting their time; they will be defeated hands down.” Mission accomplished? After the well-attended meeting, Oyinlola told journalists that “we have interacted with so many stakeholders since we came. And one thing that can lead us to peace, contrary to my earlier opinion and belief, is that our Comrade Governor’s performance has surpassed those of other holders of the office before him. My belief until I came was that nobody had done anything to surpass the achievements of Samuel Ogbemudia. That was my belief, and when I said so, and I kept hearing from all stakeholders that nobody has done what Comrade has done in this state I asked the question, ‘You mean his

PDP’s diar diaryy of crises Continues from page 14 Aminu Masari and others formed the PDP Reform Forum. May 2010: The death of Yar‘adua makes room for Jonathan to take full presidential powers. May 2010: Prince Vincent Ogbulafor bows to pressure, resigns from office. June 2010: Dr. Okwesileze Nwodo a former national secretary of the party becomes national chairman. Nwodo came with an agenda to take the party from the grip of the governors. 2010: The unity of the party is tested between August 2010 and December 2010 when a group of Northern elders styled as the Northern Political Leaders Forum, NPLF insist that the presidential ticket of the party should be given to a northern politician. Four aspirants, Bukola Saraki, Atiku Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida and Aliyu Gusau vie for the endorsement of the group. Atiku handsomely wins the endorsement of the group. December 2010: Nwodo, who assumed leadership of the party pledging to reposition the fold through e-registration and other measures, saw his moves opposed by the PDP governors. Intractable crisis in his state chapter resulted in court cases including an injunction by an Enugu High Court which stopped him from parading as national chairman. December 2010: Nwodo is forced to step down as national chairman at the national convention floor in Abuja. The deputy national chairman, Dr. Haliru Bello takes over as acting national chairman and presides over the convention. December 2010: Jonathan wins the presidential ticket of the party defeating the NPLF’s Atiku across the country. 2011: Jonathan wins the presidential election. 2011: Haliru Bello steps down as acting national chairman upon his appointment as a minister. The party’s National Secretary, Alhaji

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PDP flags on display Kawu Baraje takes over as acting national chairman. March, 24 2012: Despite being rejected at home, Tukur, whose candidacy for the chairmanship of his party, was backed by Jonathan, emerges chairman of the party at the national convention. April 3, 2012: President Obasanjo surprisingly resigns his appointment as Chairman of BoT, saying it would enable him focus as a statesman and devote himself to international duties. 2012/2013: Tukur’s stewardship of the party is characterised with crises. Governor Chibuke Amaechi of Rivers State is suspended, becoming the first time a governor is suspended. He is eventually expelled. Another governor, Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State is suspended but his suspension is lifted. January 8, 2013: Ten members of the NWC disowned Tukur’s actions as national chairman including his actions in Adamawa State. February 24: The PDP formed its own governor’s forum Governor Godswill Akpabio as chairman. The development arose from President Jonathan’s bid to cut down the influence of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, headed by River State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. June 2013: Tukur survived the hammer as the National Executive Committee meeting named a 20 man team to fill the vacancies in its National Working Committee, NWC. INEC report had faulted the process adopted during the party’s national convention that led to the emergence of certain members of the NWC. May 27 2013: The National Working

Committee, NWC, of PDP suspended Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State. It is the first time a governor is suspended. June 5 2013: The PDP slammed the hammer of suspension on Governor Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State. August 31, 2013: On a day it marked the 15th anniversary of its formation, the PDP, was factionalised, resulting in the formation of a splinter group known as New PDP including Baraje, the former acting national chairman, Atiku and seven governors. September 2: The battle for the soul of the PDP escalated further with the Baraje chaired faction filing a lawsuit at a Lagos State High Court seeking to sack the Tukur-led executive from office. September 2: New PDP opens party secretariat in Abuja. September 7: Police sealed off the New PDP secretariat. September 10: New PDP lost legal battle to get secretariat re-opened. September 12: The Rivers State chapter of the New PDP opened its secretariat and it was sealed off by the police shortly after it hoisted its flag. September 15: Jonathan, G-7 Governors held a decisive meeting to determine the future of the factionalised ruling party. October 10: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected Alhaji Kawu Baraje’s request to be recognised as PDP chairman. November 4: G7 Governors visit former

achievements have surpassed those of Ogbemudia?’ They told me that it was Ogbemudia himself that said so. And that gladdened my heart. If we have a performing Governor who has done so much credit to our party, why then do we not want to continue with this kind or this trend of achievements by making sure that we go into battle united and deliver Edo State to APC? It is the only state that is under our control in the South-South Zone, and it is an open secret that some of the governments in other states of the South-South have gone to do a meeting on how to wrestle power from us in Edo State. Our good Lord will not allow that to happen.” He called for a level playing ground in order to secure victory for the party in the forthcoming governorship election. “That is the reason we are here. And I want to say we have interacted with the aspirants, and I can say, as a guideline to the interaction, they came up with what they believe is needed to be done for us to move successfully. All of them are talking about a level playing ground, and I said yes, there is no other sensor that we have on the ground both from the Governor and from the National Chairman of the party; we must allow a level playing ground. So, be rest assured that that is what is going to happen.” It was learnt that Odubu who did not make a comment at the meeting later met with his boss in company of the committee members where they allegedly decided to allow the sleeping dogs lie. He however has continued his campaign in the three senatorial districts of the state. President Obasanjo to brief him on the developments. November 26: Five PDP governors, Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers, Rabiu Kwankwanso, Kano; Murtala Nyako, Adamawa; Aliyu Wamakko, Sokoto and Abdulfathah Ahmed, Kwara renounce membership of the PDP as the New PDP merges with the opposition APC. December 11: President Obasanjo’s missive to President Jonathan is unveiled. The former president accuses his one time protégée of serial acts of incompetence. Jonathan vows to reply. December 22: President Jonathan replies Obasanjo saying that the former President deceitfully manipulated facts and figures to impugn his credibility, vowing that he would not for any reason mortgage a bright future for the country. He also accused the former President of instigating the PDP crisis. January 10, 2014: Obasanjo wrote another letter, few weeks after his letter to President Goodluck Jonathan caused uproar in the polity. In the one-page letter dated January 7, 2014 to the chairman of PDP, Obasanjo said he would, temporarily, cease to be a member of the party by withdrawing from its activities at the local, state and federal levels. January 2015: Obasanjo tears his PDP membership card in public. March 2015: PDP lost the presidency after 16 years as the ruling party, resulting in the massive defeat in so many states during the April 13 governorship elections and wave of defections. May 2015: National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu resigned following pressure from party leaders, stakeholders and supporters of the party. December 2015: A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sacked the PDP Acting National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus. The court order followed a suit filed by the erstwhile Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Mr. Ahmed Gulak. February 2016: The crisis rocking the party took a new twist among organs of the party over the choice of former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as national chairman. February 2016: The party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, and most members rejected Sheriff as chairman, kick-starting the current impasse which has factionalised the fold. May 2016: A former Minister of Information and a founding member of the party, Jerry Gana, led a group of other leading members to announce the takeover of the party from Sheriff.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—17

Biafra cannot be achieved through mere demonstrations —Chekwas Okorie

BY FRANCIS IGATA,ENUGU

he renewed clamour for the secession of Biafra from the Nigeria nation agitates the mind of Ndigbo on the rationale behind the strident call. After the Civil War,General Yakubu Gowon(Rtd) had enunciated, as a panacea to remedy the battered infrastructure in the south-east geopolitical zone, three Rs,reconstruction,rehabilitation and reconciliation as veritable, to integrate the people into mainstream governance in the country. But the Igbo have continued to agitate for better government presence, claiming that successive governments had not treated the region fairly culminating in the activities of groups calling for secession although they have been rightly faulted severally. The Chairman United Progressives Party,UPP, and former Presidential candidate,Chief Chekwas Okorie, told Saturday Vanguard that mere protests and demonstrations embarked upon by MASSOB,IPOB and other affiliate groups for Biafra secession cannot achieve any desired result. “Mere demonstrations and protests cannot achieve Biafra. I will advise them to use a political option. As a matter of fact,President Muhammad Buhari has tacitly suggested that when he spoke with an international news channel. Buhari said ‘Nigeria is a multiparty democracy. Igbo people should take advantage of that,organize a political party and use it to vote for what they want’. Last February, Republic of Ireland celebrated its 100 years of struggle for self determination to breakaway from United Kingdom. And they are still counting because it is not over yet. In 2014,Scotland also had a referendum. In that referendum,what Britain did was to give some concession to Scotland. The referendum failed to achieve what it was set out to achieve. Today,majority of their people,voted to remain. “Even if you want to do a referendum in Nigeria,it cannot be possible without

Political Editor

the cooperation of the sovereign country covering the area. Merely demonstrating on the streets cannot achieve a separate country. It can’t. It has not achieved it anywhere in the world. “He(Buhari)had almost given them a hint to what they can do. It is like somebody you want to breakaway from advising you on how to go about it. I toe the line of our late great leader,Dim Chukwuemeka Odumuegwu Ojukwu who said,’Biafra of the spirit is indestructible,but Biafra of a geographical area will require a superior Tank,to the Nigerian Tank’. “That means a superior military force to the Nigerian military force. Which means it has to be war. Ojukwu tried and failed and advised that it should not be tried again. And I agree with that completely because that is the reality of the present day. Look at the Palestinians,they have been fighting for donkey years. But when they used a political bend instead of fighting Isreal, today,Palestinians have attracted the attention of the United Nation. “That is why I said a lot of diplomatic leg walk and political efforts will be required. Merely raising Biafra flags and blocking the roads,streets will not achieve anything. I know my view may not please the youngsters. Biafra cannot be obtained by a mere broadcast on radio. Things have changed. Part of what agitates the youngsters is the complete absence of federal presence in the region. “Not one. Look at the 2nd Niger Bridge, it has been talked about for ages.

emmanuelaziken@vanguardngr.com 08052201189

Is Metuh’s mettle melting? One person that would be conspicuously missing at today ’s national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP whether in Abuja or Port-Harcourt would be Chief Olisa Metuh, the outgoing National Publicity Secretary of the PDP. On Thursday, Metuh’s physical frailty seemed to compound his seeming political pains when he vomited twice in court. Today’s convention, if it holds, would be the first one that Metuh would be missing from or not involved in an active role. The convention would also draw a curtain to Chief Metuh’s ascendancy in the party. Undoubtedly the longest serving member of the outgoing National Executive Committee, NEC, Metuh had been an ex-officio member, Youth Leader, National Vice-Chairman Southeast and lately, the National Publicity Secretary. The rumour among some in the inner circle of the party until recently, was that Metuh was destined for the milk and honey position of National Organising Secretary of the party. As National Organising Secretary, foes C M Y K

and friends had claimed that Metuh was set to use the office to make billions of naira. It is no secret among top PDP members that the office of National Organising Secretary is about the juiciest office you can get at the national secretariat given the fact that it is the office that handles the internal primaries of the party from state House of Assembly to presidency. Indeed, few months ago before his trial for allegedly receiving N400 million to run the affairs of his office from the office of the NSA, Metuh’s star and stature in the party was almost unassailable; it was especially so after the loss of the General Election when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had stepped out. Metuh was among the first to correctly project that the next direction of the PDP presidential candidate of the party would be towards the Northeast; but certainly not Ali Modu Sheriff. He actually had his plans well laid out; and perhaps in cahoots

The Akanu-Ibiam International airport is only international by name. I flew it the other day and it was riddled with portholes on the tarmac. There are no lights. So, no plane can land or takeoff there in the night and you call it an international airport? Our roads are death traps. No federal presence anywhere. There is no way we can get development if we remain politically docile and all we do is to join other political parties of others and become their errand boys. We will continue lamentation if we do not form a political bloc. We must take concrete steps to mobilize our people the way Nnamdi Azikwe did in the first republic and we were relevant in this country. In the second republic the same Zik did it again. The All Progressives Grad Alliance,APGA, would have done it. But again,traitors among us destroyed that vision. So,we are starting all over from the very beginning.” UNEMPLOYMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR AGITATION Chairman, Enugu Unity Forum,Chief Tahil Och told Saturday Vanguard that,”the Federal Government has a big role to play in making sure that some of these regional agitations are addressed. With what is happening in the NorthEast,South-South and South-East,it will be difficult for President Buhari to achieve his ‘Change’ mantra if there’s no peace in the land. “These agitations from the youths are because of the unemployment situation

with his political soul-mate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the highest political office holder in the PDP, they had envisioned how the PDP could win back power in 2019. Those in the know also would tell you that the Southeast contributed handsomely to the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and that; mainly because President Goodluck Jonathan despite shelling out N400 million to the PDP through Metuh left the outgoing National Publicity Secretary out of his reelection plans. In 2011, Metuh was covertly and openly involved in the Jonathan campaign. However, in 2015, Dr. Jonathan by some accounts because of some differences excluded Metuh and instead appointed Mr. Peter Obi to coordinate his election in the Southeast. It was no surprise that despite the fact that Jonathan swept the elections in the Southeast in 2015, the margin of victory, or as APC activists would say, the rigged votes that the PDP produced in 2011 when Metuh led operations were largely absent. Indeed, as Governor Kassim Shetima once acknowledged in an interview with this correspondent, the Southeast played a significant role in the election of President Buhari. He noted that if the PDP had in 2015 returned the kind of votes that it did for Jonathan in 2011, that the PDP would have won the election given that the difference in votes between Muhammadu Buhari and Jonathan from the rest of the country could have been erased in the Southeast. With the political pathway clear

•Chekwas Okorie in the country. If federal government can channel the N500 billion for social welfare into agriculture,it will go a long way to address some of these agitations. When the youths are busy,they will not have time to carry guns against anybody. MASSOB LEADER REACTS Uchenna Madu, MASSOB Leader, exclusively revealed that,”the current struggle for Biafra actualization which was started by MASSOB with mobilisation, sensitisation and rallies in September, 1999 during Obasanjo’s administration was a reaction to government’s inaction in the area. “Though the Biafra struggle for actualization which is anchored on non violence has lasted for about 17 years, MASSOB still believes that the continued application of non violence is better.

before him, Metuh upon pressures from family and friends withdrew himself from seeking another office in the PDP NEC. The pressure undoubtedly flowed from Metuh’s trial for allegedly receiving the N400 million alleged to be from government coffers to run the party’s publicity machine. Apparently they have had enough. However, it is not as if the political field did not bring rewards. It also brought immense power that saw Metuh confront the high and haughty. Some would remember how Metuh as National Vice-Chairman of the party nearly came to fisticuffs with Chief Chris Uba, the powerful godfather of the PDP at the Owerri Airport in December 2010. Metuh’s step aside from the PDP NEC would inevitably be applauded by some, especially Chief Uba with whom he has been in perennial conflict over control of the PDP in Anambra. It would, however, leave those aligned to him in the state bereft as orphans.

Ogbemudia As TTrrouble Shoot er Shooter

That the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State is troubled by the governorship succession battle would be understating the facts. The deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu and most of the aspirants for the party’s governorship ticket are hardly on talking terms with the outgoing governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who they believe is determined to foist Godwin Obaseki as his successor. But the governor and his associates claim the governor has a right to support someone. However, the trouble in the party has led to some stakeholders calling on Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia to intervene. But Ogbemudia according to sources has so far put aside the entreaties. The gist is that the revered Ogbemudia is not sure that either Oshiomhole or his traducers would agree to peace.

18—SATURDAY

Vanguard , MAY 21, 2016

How we kidnapped Kaduna Pastors, others — Fulani Herdsmen

•Victims recount ordeal, identify kidnappers By Ifeanyi Okolie

esidents of Kaduna Metropolis can now sleep with their eyes closed following the recent clamp down on a dreaded gang of kidnappers made up of Fulani Herdsmen who had held the entire State hostage. The suspectsý who were rounded up from their hideouts in Kaduna and Zaria by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team, IRT, were alleged to be behind the March 21, 2016, abduction of the President and Vi c e President of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, HEKAN,ý, Rev Emmanuel Dziggan, and Rev Illiya Anthony respectively and another pastor of the church, ýRev Yakubu Dzarmaý, at Dutse village in Kaduna State. The gang was also said to have kidnapped a staff at the Presidential Villa, Abuja and many others. Crime Guard gathered that IGP Solomon Arase was inundated ý with complaints about the activities of the gang within Kaduna State, as they made the Kaduna-Abuja Road ýhellish for motorists. Members of the gang were identified as Kashimu Shehu aka Baliago , the gang Leader; Aliyu Mato, aka, Yellow; Muhammedu Mamman; Hassan Bello; Bala Mohammed and Ishiaku Kabiru. After picking their victims, members of the gang would make them trek for hours in a deep forest off the Abuja-Kaduna Road, before arriving their camp close to Tapher Village Kaduna State. The gang was also said to have also raked in millions in ransom from their respective victims, creating an overwhelming sense of insecurity among residents of Kaduna State. Arase, who was said to have been miffed by the development in Kaduna State then ordered the operatives of his elite Special Intelligence Response Team, IRT, to proceed to the State to track down the hoodlums and put an end to their activities. It was gathered that the operatives, on arriving the state gathered several intelligence from the locals for two weeks before swooping on the suspects. Two of the suspects, Kabiru and Bello were said to have been arrested at the naming ceremony organized by their gang leader, Shehu, at Gidan Kasimu, MaiYahsi Village , in Dutse-Wai Kubua Local Government area of Kaduna State who provided information that led to the arrest of other members of the gang. During interrogations, Crime Guard gathered that the suspects confessed to crimes and they also

•Suspects narrated how they kidnapped their victims. Some of their victims were also able to identify the suspects. Suspects’ confessions Aliyu Haruna I am Aliyu Haruna, 30-years-old and I am a Fulani by tribe. I was born in Kastina State but I grew up in Sabo Gayan area of Kaduna State. I attended Alamajiri school at Gidan Abdulmumuni, Sabo Gayan Village. I am a famer, I rear cattle and I am also a commercial motorcycle operator. I am married and we are blessed with three children. I have about 10 cows. But on the 24th of April 2016, I was arrested by some policemen from Abuja at a naming ceremony at Gidan Kasimu, in Mai Yahsi Village, in Dutse-Wai Kubua Local Government area of Kaduna State. The naming ceremony was organized by one of our gang leaders, Kasimu Shehu, aka Babajo. I joined the gang of kidnappers some time in April 2016, and we are six members in that gang. The other members are Shehu, Musa, Yakil, Aliu and Bashiru. We have one Ak 47 rifle that is always in the possession of our gang leader Kasimu Shehu. Some time in April, Shehu called me and said I should bring food for them, that they had kidnapped one man Auden in Jangwan village off Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. I saw Shehu with AK 47 rifle in the bush when I went to deliver the food to him. I used my motorcycle to deliver the food to them inside the bush. Shehu promised to pay me N200,000 once the ransom has been paid, but I was given just N1000 when I delivered the food.

I know I have committed a crime. One of us, Mohammedu Maman, a cousin to Kasimu Shehu is our gang member, his duty is to guard the hostages in the camp. He was the one who guarded one Nassarawa State indigene in the camp when he was kidnapped. Aliyu Haruna I am Aliyu Haruna, 30 years-old, a Fulani by tribe and a native of Kaduna State. I am married to two wives and I have five children. I had Alamajir Education and I work as a security guard at a satchet water company on Yakowa Way Kaduna State. I am also into land business with my friend Sani. I joined this kidnap gang last year and we are six members in the group. Members of the gang are, Kasimu Shehu who is our leader; Bashiru, Yaki, Musa, Bello and myself. We have one Ak47 rifle and it is always with our gang leader Shehu. Sometime in January 2016, my gang kidnapped somebody whom I didn’t know. I was aware they kidnapped someone but I didn’t see the person, it was after the person was released that our gang leader, Shehu called me and gave me N100,000 as my share. On April 14, 2016, I, Shehu, Bello, Musa, Yakub and Bashiru went to Audu Jagwan with one Ak47 rifle to kidnap a staff at the Presidential Villa. We found him praying along the road and we ordered him to follow us at gun point into the bush. I don’t know the person who gave Shehu the information about the man but we got a ransom of N1million before the man was released . I got N200,000 as my share and the only role I played was to escort the man to the camp where he was kept.

Kasimu Shehuý I am Kasimu Shehu, 27-year-old, a Fulani by tribe and a native of Mai-Yahsi Village in Dutse-Wai Kubua Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I attended an Alamajiri School at Peleke-Tasher Tsamya Village, Zaria, Kaduna State. I am married to two wives and I am blessed with two children. I have over 40 cows at Audu Jangwan Village along the Abuja- kaduna Road. I am not part of the kidnap gang as my friends; Aliyu Haruna, and Hassan Bello alleged. I am not the leader of any kidnap gang. I was not involved in the kidnap of the pastors or a staff of the presidency as alleged. I don’t have an Ak47 rifle as alleged but I have a locally made gun which I bought for N600,000 from one late old man who lived in Kauran Wali-Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am using the gun to protect my cows though I don’t have a license for the gun. The locally made gun is with one Mathew for repair at Tunga Sabo Village, Rigina, Kaduna State”. Victims Narrate ordeal Rev. Yakubu Dzarm a “I am Rev,Yakubu Dzarmaý , I am 63-year-old and I am a native Kaduna state. On march 21, 2016, myself, Reverend Emmanuel and Ilia Anto, went to a clear the church site for a seminary school around 4pm and when we were done with the clearing and were about to enter into our vehicles, a Toyota Highlander SUV and a Sienna saloon car, some hoodlums who were all armed with AK47 rifles

Continues on page 19

SATURDAY

Vanguard , MAY 21, 2016—19

I killed my step-brother in error—suspect

•Irate father chases wife from home over tragedy By Evelyn Usman he shrill cry of a baby welcomed this reporter, on entering Numer 29, Showemimo Street, Ajangbandi area of Lagos, Monday. Effort by the baby’s elder brother to pacify her as he rocked her continuously failed. At a point, the elder brother burst into tears, thereby eliciting emotion from some of the tenants. From all indications, it was obvious that the baby was in dire need of breast milk. Unfortunately, her mother who would have attended to her need has been allegedly sent away from home by her husband, Mr Robert Ijeoma, owing to an ugly incident that stole the family’s joy last Wednesday.

When the going was good All was going on well for Ijeoma’s family until penultimate day when the eldest son, Chibuike,(20) allegedly stabbed his stepbrother, Ifeanyi (18) to death, during a scuffle over a missing ear piece. The incident occurred barely three months after the deceased was re-united with his father, Mr Robert Ijeoma, a business man, his step mother and siblings. Crime Guard gathered that the re-union was, however, not easy as Mrs Ijeoma allegedly refused to allow him into her home. The disenchantment from her children reportedly led their father to report the case to the Police where the suspect was made to sign an undertaken over his late step-brother’s safety while in the house. How tragedy struck Tragedy, however, struck late at about 7am after the deceased announced that his ear piece was missing and accused Chibuike of stealing it. This led to a quarrel which was resolved by their mother . Both left for their respective places of work, only to resume fight in the evening in the process of which Chibuike allegedly stabbed Ifeanyi to death. In this interview with Crime Guard , the Imo state- born suspect expressed regrets over his action, wishing that the hand of the clock could be turned back in order to right his wrong. He stated that he never had any intention of killing his step- brother but that

he only wanted to teach him a lesson he would live to remember. Suspect narrates Hear him : “That morning, our mum separated us with a broom and I left to install Close Circuit Television, CCTV. When I returned to the office at Alaba International market in the evening, my boss told me that some boys had been looking for me. Barely ten minutes later, some fierce- looking persons came in demanding to see me. I stood behind my boss , while he asked them who sent them. To my surprise, they said it was Ifeanyi, my younger brother that sent them. Ifeanyi was also learning a trade at Alaba International market too. My boss pleaded with them to go and they did. As I left for the house , I was fuming and wondered why my younger brother should send boys after me. When I got home, I saw him standing in front of the gate. I charged at him and asked where he got the audacity to send some boys after me. He tried to deny it . In anger, I picked a broken bottle , smashed it on the wall and stabbed him at the back of his right leg. “Immediately I did it, I returned to my senses and called out for help. My mother immediately rushed out and used her wrapper to tie Ifeanyi’s leg that was gushing out blood. We rushed him first to Sabo hospital around our area from where we were referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. Because of the distance from Ajangbandi, we decided to take him to another hospital, (Goodness hospital) , from where we were again asked to rush him to a General hospital. Unfortunately, they could not make it to the hospital as Ifeanyi reportedly bled to death.” It was gathered that the stab affected a vein in the leg. Thereafter, Chibuike reportedly went to Ajangbandi division to report the incident and was subsequently apprehended. Asked why they never welcomed the deceased into their home, the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination holder described the claim as a lie. Rather he said: “He (late Ifeanyi) was even closer to my mum than us. We only got to know we had a brother four years ago. Although no one was happy about it but there was nothing anyone could do. He started staying with

•Suspect Chiuike

Late Ifeanyi

us on weekends in 2014 but was staying permanently since February this year. People said my mother sent me. She never ever did. Rather, she showed late Ifeanyi love than her own children. I know this is not ordinary.” Regret ? In an emotion-laden voice, Chibuike said he had fasted for three days while in police detention , to beg for forgiveness from God over the incident. He stated that if released , he would become an evangelist and win souls for God. He was, however, not sorry for himself alone but for his seven months old baby sister whom he said his action caused her to miss her mother’s breast milk for days. Their mother had been chased away from the house by her husband who is of the view that she instigated her son to kill Ifeanyi. This led to her arrest as well but she was later released because she was discovered not to have direct link with the death of Ifeanyi. As if the arrest was not enough punishment for her, she was not allowed to leave her matrimonial home with her baby. Mother laments In a telephone conversation with

Crime Guard, the woman cried profusely, describing the allegation that she sent her son to carry out the dastardly as as untrue. “How can I tell my son to kill Ifeanyi? Was he not born the same way I gave birth to mine? I leave everything to God . It is unfortunate that Ifeanyi is dead, he would have been in the best position to state his own side. I am confused at the moment but more painful is my seven months old baby whom I was deprived from taking along with me.” Father hospitalized Efforts to speak with her husband, Mr Robert Ijeoma ,failed as he was said to be on drip where he was undergoing medicla checks after the incident. Meanwhile, the suspect who was transferred from Ajagbandi to the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Yaba was charged to an Ebute-Metta Magistrate court , Thursday. Court takes over The presiding Magistrate, Miss K.O. Ajibade, ordered that the accused should be remanded for the first 30 days, at the Ikoyi prison , pending an advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,while the matter was adjourned to June 20, 2016 .

How we kidnapped Kaduna Pastors, others — Fulani Herdsmen Continues from page 18 surrounded us and ordered us to surrender all our valuables including cash . They collected fro me N64,00 cash, my Techno Phone valued at 78,000 and my shoe, valued at N20,000 and they ordered us into the bush and we started trekking. One hour after we’ve trekked a very long distance, one of our pastors Ilia Anto, who was sick told them that he could not go any further and he complained about his health. They started beating him and when they saw that he wasn’t ready to move again, they left him but used his phone to call his last dialed number and gave the person the location where to find pastor Anto and we then continued trekking. 24 hours later we got to their camp. They have four camps within the area. Each camp contains nothing less than ten men all armed with AK47 rifles. The next day they used my cell phone to call my wife and gave her three numbers she should call.

They gave us five days to pay the ransom or they would kill us but we stayed with them for nine days before a ransom of N4million was paid to them. They shot indiscriminately into the air while we were all at the camp. We also left four kidnaped women in the camp, one of whom was pregnant. I can confidently identify one of the suspects arrested by the IRT Operatives and his name is Kasimu Shehu. Muhammed Dan Azumi I am Muhammed Dan Azumi, 40year-old. I am a civil servant and a native of Nasarawa State. On April 14, 2016, around 5:30pm, I was with my wife and one other woman, Hajara , praying at Audu Jangwan and after a while some hoodlums came out of nowhere and surrounded us. They took my wife and asked her to go because she was eight months pregnant. The hoodlums then ordered Hajara and I into the bush,

but on our way one of them took Hajara on a bike to the camp. They were six gang members with one Ak47, machete and sticks. They claimed to be Boko Haram and we trekked with them for 18 hours inside the bush before we got to an uncomeplted building that was used as their camp. When we arrived they asked me and Hajara to cooperate with them or they would kill us. They demanded N10million as ransom but after serious negotiation it was reduced to N3million , but they later collected N1 million from my boss before Hajara and I were released after three days in the bush with them. They also collected the sum of N20000 that was with me when I was kidnapped whilebthey inflicted a deep cut injury on my head. When I heard that the hoodlums had been arrested I went to Metro Police Station Kaduna, though it was night but they brought the suspects to me and I

was able to identify Haruna Aliyu, aka Yellow “ Meanwhile, the Police Force Public Relation, Olabisi Kolawole, while confirming the arrest said the kidnappers, who had been terrorizing Kaduna and Zaria areas of Kaduna State will soon be arraigned in court. She added that the arrest of the kidnappers was an indication of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the fight against all forms of crimes and criminality in the country. According to her, ”the IGP while commending the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and other Police operatives involved in the arrest of the suspects for their dedication and professionalism, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.ý The Inspector-General of Police also appealed to the citizens to support the Nigeria Police Force by providing useful information that could help in unmasking the criminal elements in the country.”

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

he has rolled over many times. But they never come to their fill. They have taken her milk and her peace. She is desolate and inconsolable. But they are implacably ravenous. Many shades of hyenas. The latest, the avengers. A beautiful bride isn’t heart broken because her beauty would be consumed. She wants love and care , some requital. Niger Delta. The goose that has laid the golden eggs since Oloibri. Adaka Boro was prescient, fairness is not a given. The civil war left her frightened, and she went for safety. Like Saudi Arabia in the arms of America , her immediate neighbours were her nightmare. So she rolled over , and they , whom she trusted, plugged in. They shared and occupied all her teats. And left her bruised by their inconsiderate teeth and implacable greed. The military was a national agency with a northern soul. Until 1999, military rulers owned the country. Their pretense to law and order and correction could not resist the lure of the bosoms of the delta. They shared the blocks and fields amongst themselves and amongst their friends. Scavengers. Yes, the treasure lies in the midst of misery and anguish. The forefathers of this Canaan were happy with local brews and with crumbs. And with name-dropping. Until Saro-Wiwa was struck by his epiphany. Colonialism is better by Europeans. Their exploitation may be loaded with derision but their cruelty is moderated by their claims to civility. They would have known that roads and hospitals are not luxuries. SaroWiwa was a threat to the tapeworms that had fastened to the lumens of the Delta. The military junta, masters of divide and rule, sowed dissension amongst brothers. And killed Saro-Wiwa. But Saro-Wiwa had lit a flame death cannot quench. Oil may have dispossessed them of their women. Many answered the call of prostitution. The conspiracy between abject poverty and the debauchery of oil workers

By Juliana Ebere Obi

igerian women live under the fear of domination and marginalization; they live in a constant state of inequality. They are also seen as inferior gender in some cultures and ethnic groups in the country. A bill aimed at the elimination of discrimination against women was turned down for a second reading at the Nigerian Senate on March 15 2016. Among others, the bill was designed to address women’s freedom of movement, female economic activities, girl’s access to education, equal rights for women in marriage, divorce, property/land ownership and inheritance. This issue has caused reactions from most Nigerians who felt the bill was long overdue. However, the bill enjoyed the support of many senators who spoke in its favour, senators like Bala Na’ Allah. “The discrimination is a worldwide issue and there is a need for adequate measures”, he was quoted as saying. He also stressed the need to protect the widowhood and inheritance rights of women. The Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu, supported the contents of the the bill, but not C M Y K

The Scavengers of the Niger Delta

Militancy in the delta now, even by insane avengers, is a wasp perched on a swollen scrotum

intoxicated by petrodollars proved too much. But oil shouldn’t deny them rights to health care, good education and peaceable living. Oil that has fattened strangers cannot be a curse. It has turned rivers to sludges and stolen their livelihoods. Without arable lands, without education and now , without peace. Multinationals mouthed human rights and conservation of nature. But they funded crackdowns and ignored calamitous spills. They let Saro-Wiwa die. Abject poverty inevitably breeds frustration. And breeds raw anger if the poverty is inflicted by dispossession. The oil that built cities on water in Dubai has been hopelessly impotent in the Niger delta. And those who should know, self-professed arbiters of morality, chose the easy course of unscrupulousness. They will settle local chiefs and noisy youths , buy their peace. Servility can be subtle. But the greed and selfishness they endorsed predictably became uncontrollable. And after spending billions on the community relations , attending to the private fancies trouble makers and lackeys, the multinationals could point to nothing concrete their Machiavellianism achieved. The elders, accomplices, contributed active collusion and cowardice . They left jarring injustice. The youths imbibed indolence and greed and bellicosity. Before long they acquired effrontery and grew wings. But instead of starting the cleansing from within, from local collaborators who pocketed monies meant for the region , they

went after white oil workers. It was ineffectual. Because in truth the foreign companies are not the government though they have a leash on it. So the youths that found righteous anger managed to let local officials continue their incest. Leeching worsened and greater resource control yielded nothing. Local officials grew gravid with putrid money. Hopelessness helped the youths find moral justification for illegal oil bunkering. “Na our oyel”. Work ethic was repudiated, spoils of public office and illegal oil bunkering were the paths to success. With guns everywhere and peace no where, the region was a furnace. Amnesty came in time. The whites had left, and kinsmen had turned on their kith. War lords had sprouted everywhere and every village had a General. Boys had stopped going to school because they were told they were all oil sheikhs. Every boy enlisted in one real or imagined gang and was duly recognized as a strongman entitled to some nursing. The tendency to cheap violence was valorized. The amnesty programme was to buy peace. Militants pocketed millions and took to frolicking in Dubai and other exotic locations in the name of rehabilitation. Well, they are not more fortunate than others who had for many years done nothing but sell contract papers in Abuja and built dachas in the middle east. The buying of peace has been the order since Saro- Wiwa. There are still no hospitals, no bridges, no roads, no food. Militants lay claims to freedom fighting but have the attitude of wretched mercenaries. They have remained mercilessly greedy and thoroughly selfish. Like those who came from far to appropriate all the wells and blocks, these ones disregard the local communities in even more cynical ways. They can stop the construction of a community hospital , demand the money and share it. Schools are built in the region at more than 5 times the real costs. Everybody who has a hand must be settled. Host communities have to be bribed to allow establishment of basic social amenities. Listen to the tales surrounding the maritime university. And these charlatans are freedom fighters? In the midst of squalor they erect grotesque mansions - proceeds of theft , criminal collaboration and opportunism. In their lifestyles they are more like Columbian drug lords than Saro-Wiwa. The cost of extraction in the delta is astronomical . Companies , all drilling companies have thousands of ghost workers on their payroll. People are paid monthly for staying home. A crippling sense of entitlement has bred widespread indolence in the Niger delta society.

Equality Bill: Fate of the female gender

•Saraki, actually as a law. “Only last night, I was going through a document prepared by George Bush of America. Those countries that are doing well are those that give women opportunities. Where I came from, women don’t eat egg and are restricted from touching the non-essential parts of animal.

•Al-Hassan But now that has changed. What is needed is time and education; not necessarily legislation.” Sadly, senators like Ahmad Sani Yerima, who is also a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Rufai Ahmed, Senator Adamu Aliero, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, among

others spoke against the bill and eventually, the nays had it. How exactly are we meant to prevent violence against women and girls when parliament can’t pass the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill? What then does the future hold for Nigeria when a good number of her female citizens are given cane instead of sugar-cane and the ones below 18 are forcefully given ‘penis instead of pen’? This action by the parliamentarians shows how women are not valued in this part of the world. No wonder the present condition of the abducted Chibok girls still remains uncertain. In a survey conducted on 50 doctors and nurses – 28 nurses, 13 doctors – it was discovered that the respondents had at one time or the other treated injuries resulting from physical abuse and sexual molestation and an overwhelming percentage of the patients were females below 18 years. Facts like these, quite unfortunately, have been overlooked by the Nigerian Senate in its failure to pass the bill into law. The voices of the

Genuine enterprise has been banished. On the street where President Jonathan lives a certain General has a mansion many times bigger than that of the ex- president. His gates have bold inscriptions screaming at passersby. He is still a general after exchanging his arms for amnesty cash? He is a visible role model, the path to certain success. A hero – he was able to grab something. Well, the other billionaires from other distant tribes didn’t invent anything. Did they? And now the avengers. Pretenders to a higher cause. They are blowing pipelines and flow stations at will. The other militants who have renounced militancy must not be made to feel like losers. The avengers are defenders of narrow private interests that are in conflict with the welfare of the poor people of Niger Delta. The avengers have the debilitating selfishness of those who took all the oil blocks and became emergency billionaires while the oil communities writhed in pains of poverty. They are as contemptuous of the people of Niger Delta as the Ostriches who want the bill for North East Development Commission fast tracked but want the PIB stalled. They are all scavengers. But the avengers are more stupid . They are brainless surrogates, pawns. What needs avenging a few months after their kin , with whom they were well pleased, left office? If they have any real bitterness it should be towards those who took their turn but didn’t ,in real terms, uplift them. But we would be supposing they are genuine freedom fighters. Were they real freedom fighters they would fight for greater resource control while concentrating their vengeance on scavengers that have eaten the trillions meant for the development of region. But they are pawns of petty politics. So their priority is to avenge the grievance of a bitter dissipated elite: the north was alleged to have made the country ungovernable for the last regime. They are taking secret high fives from coconspirators disavowing them publicly. States can barely pay salaries. Saro-Wiwa wrote a bill of rights. These ones , soliciting for the stoppage of criminal trials of thieves, cobbled together incoherent nonsensical demands. Descent into the abyss. Anyway thugs need not meet demands of reasonableness. They want Biafra. They want it now. That put a finishing touch to their stupidity. They like “abandoned properties”. Militancy in the delta now, even by insane avengers, is a wasp perched on a swollen scrotum. It has to be eased away , not crushed. Poor Niger delta. Too many scavengers. commoners as well as those of the elite have been raised in support of the plight of the female gender. That of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister is worth recalling here: “We live in a strange country where evil is swept under the carpet and often justified, and where those that expose it and speak truth are demonized, hated, despised and more often than not, threatened with violence persecution, intimidation, arrest, litigation and court action. There is clearly a perpetuation of evil in this country among the ruling elite and the feeling that anyone can get away with anything provided they have money and power.” Chief Fani-Kayode was commenting on the case of 14-yearold Ese Oruru who was allegedly adopted by her lover and taken away from her loved ones in Bayelsa State to the city of Kano, to be married. This is one of the numerous cases of female discrimination and molestation in this part of the world. If a bill that was designed to protect the female gender in Nigeria did not survive second reading in the Senate, what then is the fate of womanhood? •Miss Obi wrote from the Fed. Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, MAY 21, 2016 —

spent a very delightful evening with a certain gentleman in a village somewhere in the middle belt last week. It was an evening that stretched far into the night. With choice liquor, soft jazz music and the enveloping peace and quietness of an agrarian village night to keep us company, we discussed what many Nigerians gather together to discuss these days—the state of the nation, our profligate and reckless leaders, the fuel situation, the general level of impunity, and the increasing poverty level in the country. Almost as an afterthought, the subject of giving back to the society, and empowering the young ones, creeped into our conversation. This was when he told me about his ongoing project in the village which had gulped millions. This was when an earlier visit of seven youth corpers, explained itself. Somehow, the youth corpers had found out that he was in the village and asked to see him. He met with them in my presence and after asking where each of them came from, offered words of encouragement and advice. He told them that he had once been a corper like them and urged them to be focused and dedicated. He explained that the NYSC was one of the finest policies of our past leaders and urged them to keep the Nigerian dream alive. Finally, he told them in simple words, that whatever he had achieved, they could achieve more as ours was a land of opportunity. I did not fully understand why the young corpers wanted to see him until he told me his story. This story is so intriguing, and the message so necessary in today’s acquisitive society that I begged to mention it in my column. He reluctantly agreed after some persuasion, but with the condition that his name would not be mentioned. I agreed because half a loaf as they say, is better than none. It is also, at the end of the day, more about the message than the messenger. Fortunately, I have to say a little about the man in order to get the context of his story. If his friends and those who know

titbits2012@yahoo.com

Giving back… He took up a secondary school five of him recognise him from my vague description, I hope it would minutes’ walk away from his house in not only give him the recognition the village and proceeded to do a he deserves, it would inspire and complete refurbishment one block after encourage them to emulate him in the other. So far he has spent over a hundred million naira and still counting. their respective communities. This gentleman, in his late 50s, When he finishes with the physical was born in Lagos of middle belt structure, he intends to retrain the parents. The main occupation in teaching staff and make the school a his village is agriculture, or to put model one in the neighbourhood. Then it more bluntly, subsistence he would go to the next village…. The farming. This was what his fore youth corpers play a part in the project. father did. This was what he would Meanwhile, he has told the principal not have done had his father not to disclose his identity or give his contact out. His explanation was that broken the circle and joined he is not doing it for public the Nigerian Army. This recognition or accolade. Just explains why he was born in an inner conviction to lift Lagos. But his father did not people from poverty through rise beyond the rank of RSM Many in the Army because of his even climb education. Again, to put his profile in lack of formal education. some context. He told me he This made him determined to the top has been in private that his children must be and employment all his life and educated. This explains why remove the has never handled a this gentleman went to government contract. He is, school. But unlike many of ladder he said, just a lucky person us with a similar who because of his banking background, he remembers his humble beginning and the background, was able to recognise and value of education in his life. He take advantage of the opportunities in the told me simply that he was a land. So he has no need to launder his beneficiary of Chief Awolowo’s money or his conscience. He also has no progressive policy on education interest in politics of any hue. Birds of a same feather obviously flock and wanted to lift others up through education. So as soon as his together as I met him through a mutual business was in a comfortable friend who told me a somewhat similar place, he decided to set up a story of giving back through education. foundation the corner stone of I am sure he will recognise himself as he reads my column whichever part of which was education.

uth is in a rude shock. She is bemoaning the fortune that came to them and “tore” her and her husband apart. Ruth, her husband, Gerald and four children, two boys and two girls, “were living happily in a three-bedroom flat where we cramped ourselves. Male visitors stayed in the boys’ room while female guests stayed with my daughters.” “Then my husband got promoted to the top management cadre and that came with many goodies, including a mortgage and enough money to build our own house. Naturally the family was happy. When I saw the plan for the play games into the next day. I new house, a five-bedroom, I just felt complained and complained, but it the house was meant to match our new fell on deaf ears. “If I cannot have my wife, let me status, or maybe I was carried away by the presence of a swimming pool. I at least have my sleep so that I can did not pay attention to, or ask be fresh for next day’s work, but my questions about, who the extra room wife did not care; she was too addicted to her gadgets. I conceded upstairs was meant for. “The real shocker was to come when defeat to her gadgets. But when the we moved in and my husband told me opportunity to build a house came, that we were now to sleep in separate I made it five bedrooms so that she rooms. That there is a connecting door can have peace with her second between our rooms is not enough husband, (or is it first husband consolation. We have been in our new self?) while I have my own peace. house for some time now and I yearn There is an interconnecting door to for our former three-bedroom flat our rooms and it’s open all the time. where I could snuggle up to my The only proviso is that she should husband without travelling to his not bring her other husband to my room.” room.” Ruth accepted that she brings Anger and pain are your initial feelings when you hear Ruth’s story, gadgets to bed and Gerald had but as you know, you can never do a consistently expressed his thorough job in counseling and displeasure about this. I told her adjudication until you hear all sides of point blank she is the one the story. Hear Gerald: “I was a very destroying her marriage. When you happy husband before the advent of vowed to “forsake all others” during GSM. I had my wife all to myself. But your exchange of marital vows, you since about 2003, I have been sharing were not referring to men or women my wife with her phone. The arrival of alone. It means anything that comes iPad, iPhone and other gadgets between you and your spouse; worsened my situation. My wife brings anything that takes the place of your these gadgets to bed. She can be on the spouse in your life, including work phone till midnight, doing meaningless and habits, as in Ruth’s case. It is a pretty straight matter talk with her siblings or friends. She can

“Forsaking all others”

C M Y K

really. Gerald has thrown down the gauntlet: “Choose between me and your gadgets.” Ruth must get her priorities right. Gerald is at work much of the day and Ruth can fiddle with her gadgets all that time, if she has nothing better to do with her life, but she must now learn to keep those gadgets away once Gerald gets back, especially now that all the children are in school and they are home alone except during holidays. Come to think of it, there are many couples who have separate rooms, but have happy marriages. When both or any spouse wants his/her space, he/she gets it. When they need to be together, they do just that. Whether or not a couple should share a room or have separate rooms is like whether couples should have joint or separate accounts. As long as there is openness and accessibility, whether they have common or separate rooms is inconsequential. There is a couple who has separate rooms, but the wife virtually lives in the husband’s room. Her room has become a huge wardrobe for her extensive collection of clothes, shoes and accessories. My other problem with Ruth is her addiction to phones and gadgets. I generally have issues with unproductive addictions. Yes, there are productive and unproductive addictions; not that I am encouraging

the world he is in. He went to play golf and found the caddy he had hired— those young men who carry golf bags— to be quite intelligent. After the game, he took him aside and asked a few questions. It turned out the guy was interested in continuing his education but was facing financial challenges. My friend took up his education which also included a monthly stipend so he could concentrate on his studies. When he finished, he impressed his benefactor to no end when he wrote to say he had graduated and his allowance should be discontinued and given to another indigent person. Today, that young man is in the employment of the United States Government. I also once sat near an in-law at a public function where her presence was recognised. Soon after, a young man approached her and introduced himself. He told her he was a beneficiary of the grant she had given his university and had been dying to meet her. Such stories of people giving back exist but are sadly, not enough. Many of those who benefited from community or government scholarships have forgotten their past and the need to give back. Many even climb to the top and remove the ladder. Such people must learn from the story of this gentleman. They must realise that nothing we have is really ours and that we are where we are for a purpose. They should try to discover the indescribable joy there is in giving back and helping others succeed through life. I end with this anecdote. An old man walking along the sea shore was putting small crabs that had been washed ashore in a basket so he could put them back into the sea. A child noticed what he was doing and said: ‘Sir, there are so many of them that what you are doing won’t make a difference.’ The old man looked at the child intently and said, ‘It will make a difference to the ones I have saved’.

any form of addiction, but the truth is that there is a difference between bad and worse. I think Ruth should also ask herself whether this good life that she is now enjoying is sustainable if suddenly Gerald is out of the scene. Nobody prays for widowhood, but it does happen. I think it is a possibility every married woman should think about once in a while. Every active person should be engaged in economic activity. I am against women being fulltime housewives, especially when it is permanent. But I am okay with taking some time off to sort out the home front, especially in the early stages of the children’s lives. Finally, there are some circumstances in marriage that courtship does not prepare you for. We normally encourage courtships to enable would-be couples know themselves better. But no matter how long the courtship lasts, even if you decide to put your cart before your horse by being live-in partners, there are things you will never know about your spouse prior to marriage. In the case of Gerald, they got married in the 90s when there were no mobile phones, iPhone and the other gadgets. So he could not have anticipated this addiction. Unfortunately these post-wedding manifestations are the killers of many marriages. Many spouses just do not know how to handle them. Those with open minds (small security prison inmates) adjust, but uptight and closed minds (maximum security prison inmates) struggle. Empathic communication, openness to change, accommodation, patience and love do help. After all, they say love conquers all. Just remember at all times to act in love.

22—SA TURD AY Vanguard , MA Y 21, 2016 22—SATURD TURDA MAY

he Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has been reported as saying that the President, Muhammadu Buhari has never been opposed to the policy of petrol subsidy. But, on the contrary, the President is on record to have been vehemently opposed to it all along. He simply did not believe in it. He has even yet shown no noticeable enthusiasm about its acclaimed removal. Osinbajo has, himself also said that there was not much to be removed as subsidy, anyway, while claiming that its removal, no matter how little, would still be a significant contribution to the health of the ailing economy. There are many knowledgeable Nigerians who still share the President’s former position, anyway. They had argued down the line that the entire policy had been a crooked deal contrived by some clever dishonest parties, housing a cabal, to fleece the nation of billions of naira in a systemic process. While the argument raged, they produced scientific data to support their stand that Nigeria was being robbed blind with the support of those who had been appointed to protect our economy. And, indeed, it was later shown that several claims had been made for subsidy payments fraudulently. One or two of such daylight robberies were said to be in the process of being prosecuted. Well, they are not the only sensationally announced cases that we have not been hearing much about lately. The Dasukigate and its proliferation, ably supported by the multiple charge against the Senate President, Dr, Bukola

*a seemingly magnanimous touch Saraki, has continued to grab media space with every new discovery of alleged wrongdoing. Along those lines, we have also been made aware of what losses the nation has been called upon to bear. The mind boggles to think that people in such high and responsible positions could roll up their sleeves in that disdainful manner, and plunge their fingers into the national coffers. So that when loose-jawed David Cameron opened his mouth to spill out his fantastically disgusting characterization of Nigeria at the feet of his queen, we could only reply him with the answer fit for a fool. To put us back on our feet, according to Alhaji Lai Mohammed, it was necessary to remove the subsidy. The Minister of Information puts it simply and painfully: “We are broke.” That didn’t stop him, by the way, from acquiring some thirteen million naira from one of his ministry’s agencies to fritter away in China on some feather-brained junket. That, he cannot but have realized, is how to get us “broke”. That is the kind of uncaring attitude that comes from a mindset of impunity. Alhaji Lai would have been scandalized if his predecessor

had done that, especially at a time he openly admitted that the nation is “broke”. In such a situation, it indeed behoves us to look for money by all fair means. It has been suggested in various assemblies that since our goose that lays the golden egg, oil, has come upon hard times, we should “diversify”. That has been intoned like a Hindu mantra for over three years, and more. All the wise ones on every occasion say it, and repeat it as though it were a new thought. We are still saying it. We have been informed of the hidden treasures in solid minerals. We are still waiting for more to be revealed, it would appear, because there seems to be very little accompaniment of an urgency in the progress being made to unleash all the promised goodness on our economy. And then there is agriculture, good old agriculture, where all condiments have now taken a leap for the ceiling in the market these days. And upon enquiry as to how tomatoes and onions are costing so much more, the unsmiling market-women reply with wry humour. “The dollar has gone up, or haven’t you heard?” The dollar...with tomatoes and onions? But, in

The Minister of Information puts it simply and painfully: “We are broke”

igerians are having a spread of consequences in last week’s

Federal Government increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol from N86 to N145, an increment of over 67 percent. Subsidy take back generated controversy among the government, the labour movement which called its members to strike and indeed Nigerians. The Nigeria Labour Congress had told the Federal Government that its members that live on a minimum wage packet of N18,000 monthly have been highly traumatized that any increment in the pump price of PMS would further impoverish the working class. They accused the government of not using the instrument of collective agreement before the unilateral fuel increase. In these brouhahas are the Nigerian people the critical factor mobility? Would there be an ease of economic change? One’s guess may be as good as President Muhammadu Buhari’s whose sleepless nights pundits’ perceive as factitious. The President’s stance mid-year 2015 was: ‘’I have received many literature on the need to remove subsidies, but much of it has no depth.” He said that lack of security, sabotage, vandalism, corruption and mismanagement, not necessarily subsidies, are the most serious problems of Nigeria’s oil sector”. According to Mr. President ‘’ When you touch the price of petroleum products, it may trigger price rises on transportation, food and rents. That is for those who earn salaries, but there are many who are jobless and would be affected by it”. So subsidy is good. Subsidy anywhere is a cushion to enhance the welfare and well-being of people all over the world. According to Oil Change International fuel subsidy is: ‘’any government action that lowers the cost of fuel energy production, raises the price received by energy producers or lowers the price paid by energy consumers.” Considering the Nigerian people the President was right. But the modalities for achieving this patriotic and puritanical zeal may be lacking in his team of petroleum resources managers. Narrowing the solution to petroleum products supply to removal of subsidy or pump price increment makes them miss the point. It totally defeats the good intentions of President Buhari. It baffles one when Ministers of the Federal Republic mount podiums and tell the world

Buhari, Nigerians and the petrol between

Subsidy anywhere is a cushion to enhance the welfare and well-being of people all over the world how disorganized and inefficient we are. They tell the world that reason for scarcity of products is that products are smuggled into Niger Republic, Chad, and Cameroun etc. And their solution is to inflict pains on their countrymen and women by price increases. So why do we complain of Boko Haram, militias and indeed foreign herdsmen with sophisticated weapons, arms and ammunition invading, maiming and killing Nigerians with reckless abandon if our borders are so porous? One equally hears them with lame arguments of products price increases because outside Lagos and Abuja one cannot get fuel at control prices; so prices must go up. The Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) was established for equal products pricing and are duly paid for accordingly once products are moved 400 km from any point of loading. The ordinary Nigerian in the South east and elsewhere is made to pay extra for this lack of enforcement and corruption. The Minister of State for Petroleum said the situation which had allegedly forced importers out of business imposed a 90 percent products

supply on NNPC in 2015, far and above its supply strength of 48 percent. He told Nigerians that there were no resources for the supply needs of Nigerians; no foreign exchange and cannot open letters of credit to import products. Dr. Kachikwu gave assurances that price increase will open the space for more participants to sustain supply as well as reduce the suffering of Nigerians. But let him be told that the NNPC was established on the 1st of April 1977 by the retired General Olusegun Obasanjo administration for refining, treating, processing and generally engaging in the handling of petroleum for the manufacture and production of petroleum products and its derivatives. President Buhari was then the Federal Commissioner (Minister) of Petroleum Resources. The NNPC has been reduced to a marketing company importing and distributing petroleum products. The standoff was sequel to the Minister of State and Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu’s summation that Nigeria was paying a subsidy of N13.7 per litre since the second quarter of 2016. The claim he said translated to N16.4 billion monthly so completely removed subsidies having worked with the price modulation introduced in January 2016. From the PPPRA April 11 - May 11, 2016 template the landing cost (cost and freight) of PMS is N109 per litre (i.e one metric tonne is $741.97). Other charges of lightering expenses, NPA charges, NIMASA charges, Financing, Jetty thru’put charges, and storage charge translate to N119 per litre (i.e $ 810.04 one metric ton). We pay all these for importing. If we were refining locally, all we pay would

all fairness, that is where it all begins, and that is where it ends— in the market, and on the table. When the argument about the removal of subsidy was still fresh and at the loudest, those who were in support of its removal based their stand on the harsh effect it would have on the common man if it led, as it surely would, to a hike in the price of petrol. But the supporters of the removal swiftly came back with an argument which surprised everyone. They stated that, on the contrary, the removal would, in fact, ease the lot of the common man. The benefactors of the subsidy, they maintained, were the wealthy men; the poor gained nothing from it. They are still promulgating that profound falsehood, even now that the subsidy is said to have been removed, and the price of petrol has consequently gone out through the window. When the price of petrol goes up, the cost of every commodity rises. The Labour movement, fragmented as it appears, might have achieved much in the way of forcing government to bring down the cost of a litre of petrol from N145, which is what they have now fixed it at. It is a waste of time to argue whether there has been deregulation, or liberalization, or “price fixing”. It is also futile to wait for so-called “palliatives”. The people’s spirit has been broken by the rigour of long queues and interminable waiting at fuel stations. If the Labour unions fail, the nation may be heading for a crisis we will find very difficult to handle. But it would even be ascribed to the authorities as magnanimous if they would bring down the price of petrol with little pressure on their own. Time out.

be cost of crude, refining cost and margin, local tax and margin for distribution of N18.37. All of these may not translate to more than N80 per litre (i.e. $544.57 per metric ton) for refining locally. Even as oil price rallies around $50 per barrel because of Niger Delta militias, the cost one metric ton will still be $350 (i.e. $50 x 7 barrels). From one product PMS (47 percent or refining chain) there is profit of almost $200. The ordinary Nigerians are pained and saddened by Reuters London news agency’s report last Sunday those 75 ships with 2.5 million tons of petroleum products are waiting for importers in Nigeria who are mopping up dollars to pay for cargoes. These importers set sail from Western Europe and arrived about a month ago with tankers laden with petroleum products in the Nigerian waters speculating a federal government subsidy take back for cargoes bonanzas. Nigeria embarrassingly imports petroleum products from net consumer producing nations. A net consumer producing nation produces 10 percent or less of their oil consumption. Japan, Germany, South Korea, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands and Turkey are in this category; most of Nigeria’s products are imported from the Amsterdam-RotterdamAntwerp world leading trading hub. China, India, Japan and South Korea, biggest users and importers of crude oil are benefitting from low crude oil prices. SK Innovation Company, South Korea’s largest refiner, says it is the best time they have ever had as a buyer enjoying an overflow of oil. South Korea has the 3rd, 4th and 5th largest refineries in the world. India with the largest refinery in the world is also enjoying from low prices of crude. Problems compel countries to challenge their citizens to action. We run away like water that will always follow the line of weak resistance. Our thinking caps are urgently needed in this period of low crude oil prices. We have gone this whole hug of subsidy for about two decades. Rather than confronting the problem of corruption, inefficiency and technical incompetence we dissipate energies on price differentials of petroleum products imported from Europe which we call subsidy. President Buhari should tackle these issues and rehabilitate, upgrade existing refineries and also build new ones. Therein lies his sleepless nights problems.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—23

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

Would you mind your spouse communicating with an ex? Old flames, they say, die hard, though some people may have contrary opinions. But supposing you’re faced with the reality of having a spouse who is in the habit of communicating with his or her ex-, would you look the other way and allow the past into the present? Would you want your spouse to be friends today with someone with whom they used to be in love? Here’s what some of our celebrities think:

Old flames burn back

No, he should focus on our marriage

- Mercy McJoe, Actress

- Adokiye, Singer

t depends on what they are still talking about. But no, I wouldn’t want them to communicate. Old flames always burn back. It’s always a bad idea for someone to communicate with their ex. The communication serves to prevent the last strings of emotional attachment from being severed and it also serves as a means to quickly re-establish emotional bonds

e should avoid any contact with the ex and focus his time and energy on the new relationship. This arrangement would not be healthy, especially when he’s trying to establish a new, solid relationship with someone else. It’s hard enough building trust in relationships. How much more difficult do you want to make it by speaking to an old beau?

Yes, as long as there’s trust - Liz Da Silva, Actress

f course, I would allow them communicate. As long as there’s trust between myself and my spouse. It’s no big deal. We’ll be able to maintain relationships with healthy boundaries.

He should leave his past behind

- Debie Rise, Singer

ranted, they may be just friends, but is it worth making his new partner insecure, untrusting, confused and even jealous of their “innocent” relationship? When you have decided to move on and begin anew, you are choosing to leave behind your past and look towards your future. Entering into a new relationship means that you are choosing to look forward and not back. No, I won’t like my spouse communicating with his ex.

C M Y K

No, I can’t stand it - Adol, Singer

ven though I’m not the jealous type, I still can’t withstand her talking to an ex. It’s something I just can’t take.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard,

MAY 21, 2016 By KEHINDE AJOSE 08054680266

Kiss Daniel surprises all at album concert

He *Kiss Daniel and9ice performing on stage

By Kehinde Ajose

oju singer, Kiss Daniel held his anticipated album launch concert tagged “New Era” last Sunday. The 5- hour concert was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. It was a night of great music, glamour and glitz. Though the event was slated for 7.00pm, but eventually kicked off around 10 pm. Most entertainment pundits thought Kiss Daniel was not big enough to staged a concert of that magnitude, but the youngster proved them wrong. The concert was hosted by ace broadcaster, Olisa Adibua who was on point with his baritone voice. Upcoming acts like Pryse, Terry Apala and others opened the show while comedians like Seyi Law, Pencil, Kenny Blaq and Akpororo spiced it up with their own dose of humour.

e whets

The top musical performances of the night Y

*Kiss Daniel

Mizgold “show off” on red carpet

The Kiss Daniel Moment

iss Daniel kicked off his performance with a dramatic entry. His dancers stepped on stage dressed in white shirts and an Ankara. Then a praise singer came on stage singing the praises of Kiss Daniel in the most engaging way. Kiss Daniel rendered his songs “Laye”, “Woju and Mama.” He looked stressed when he mounted the stage and his voice wasn’t clear enough to thrill the audience. Moments later, he got his groove back and became immersed in the performance. The rave of the moment changed the rhythm of the show when he invited 9ice and 2face on stage. The crowd roared in excitement.Together they performed 9ice’s Afropop tune, Street credibility which got the audience dancing in nostalgia. Unfortunately, 9ice couldn’t keep up with the pace of the song because of his hoarse voice. He lost his melody. He had to stop the song halfway and prayed for Kiss Daniel.

izgold, a Ghanaian singer and TV presenter kept eyes glued on her for wearing a sexy outfit on the red carpet. Her outfit, a leopard patterned blouse and bum short got people talking, with an ample view of her “Assets”. Since then, her picture has been trending on the social media.

Duro”! Reekado Banks: He whets the appetite of his fans by hopping into freestyle of Kiss Daniel’s latest song, Mama. He did it so well that a colleague said he has stolen the spotlight from Kiss Daniel. He proceeded to perform his highlife tune Oluwa ni. The young singer’s performance showed a side many hardly see: an ambitious performer determined to break barriers. Emma Nyra Former Triple MG artiste, Emma Nyra stepped on stage in a sexy outfit ready to take her fans to another level of ecstasy .She gave a sultry performance of her song For my matter. Dremo and Mayorkun The duo of Dremo and Mayorkun are the newly signed act on Davido’s HKN label. Mayorkun got the crowd cheering with his splendid rendition of Eleko. He delivered his vocals convincingly. Dremo’s raspy voice did the trick as he got the audience dancing to his Afropop rap song. His delivery was powerful and got the crowd screaming in approval.

It’s no longer advisable for musicians to drop out of school — Myro By Kehinde Ajose

Mizgold

media.

•Myro C M Y K

cee: When the Jagagban sensation, Ycee was mentioned as the next performer, you could see the excitement on the faces of the audience. His performance was simply magical, holding the audience spellbound with his charisma and dance steps. The ladies screamed, while some parts of the audience stood throughout his performance. His showmanship that night was impeccable. Solidstar: He stole the heart of the audience with his infectious dancehall song,”Wait.” The likes of AY and 2face had to stand up to show off their Galala dance steps. At a point, he came down from the stage and bonded with the audience. Tekno: Years back, the Triple MG artiste was nothing but a rookie singer finding his feet in the music industry. Judging from last Sunday ’s performance, Tekno has mastered his craft and now comfortable with the crowd. When he proceeded to perform his hit song Duro, the crowd went wild with unlimited excitement screaming “Baby

ghenemairo Ozah a.k.a Myro is a budding artiste who wants to make a statement with his musical prowess. His songs, “Plantain and Ocha” are fast gaining acceptance. The architecture graduate of Caleb University in a recent chat with Showtime counsels young artistes not to drop out of school. “Young people must understand that being educated gives you a broader view of the music business. So, it is no longer

advisable to drop out of school to do music. Technology has made it possible for people to multi-task and be good at all they are doing if they are focused. Education taught me from the onset how to manage my music career. Davido is a graduate. He didn’t have to drop out from school. Pursuing a career in music is no excuse to be out of school. School on its own, instils discipline because there are things you learn in school that you cannot learn on your own . You can also build your fans-base from school,” he said.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—25

By TOFARATI IGE 08068792241

Desperate things Nigerian artistes do for fame By TOFARATI IGE

ou don't need a prophet or soothsayer to tell you that Nigeria's music industry is very lucrative. The industry has made millionaires out of several 'studio rats', and there are millions of others out there waiting to get their own break“The bad news is that not all dreams come true. Forget that saying of the sky being wide enough for all birds to fly, the Nigerian music industry is a dog-eat-dog world. It is very savage, demanding, bitchy, unforgiving and unappreciative. Folks really go hell to breathe easy.This is more so because there is an inherent lack of structure which makes it difficult for record labels to thrive.“EME's DJ Xclusive put it most succinctly with his post on Instagram during the week when he wrote, ‘No matter how talented you are, it's hard for most people to understand how hard it is to make it in music. The pains, the hard sacrifices, the let-downs are endless...You can't give up on you!'“In this piece, we'll get you acquainted with some of the desperate things Nigerian artistes have to do to get to the pinnacle of their careers...

usually big-time show promoters who organise popular and successful annual sold-out concerts. These fat cats also run consultancy services, where they help entertainers secure juicy brand endorsement deals. They can turn you to a star at the tap of a finger. They wine and dine with high-ranking government

*Night club in full swing Becoming close friends to OAPs and. DJs: In the music industry food chain, OAPs and DJs occupy prime poitions They are more like gatekeepers, who have the power to keep intruders at bay. These OAPs and DJs often have their own legion of fans too who hold whatever they say sacrosanct. They can do so much for an artiste’s career just by talking about him or her on their shows, or playing a particular artiste’s songs on air. Paying to be on record labels: This is another puzzling and desperate act perpetrated by Nigerian artistes on their race to the top. In an ideal situation, a record label is supposed to pay artistes a hefty amount of money, and even give them material possessions like cars and houses for signing to them. However, the extreme opposite is what happens at times in Nigeria. Artistes now pay big record labels to be attached to them and enjoy the benefits that come with being associated with their name. Meanwhile, the record label would put out press releases that it has signed the artiste for a mind-blowing fee with other benefits. In reality, the artiste would have to pay for his own studio time, videos, and other costs of pushing his career.

*Artistes at a show

Paying Pirates to Pirate their Work: Does the above make any sense to you? If you're from a 'developed country' reading this, it wouldn't, but we in 'Naija' know better.“Nigerian artistes actually pay bootleggers to proliferate their works, just to make them popular.“They do this by way of Alaba Mix, where the DJ includes their songs in a mix of selected trending club bangers. The Alaba ‘mixtapes’ are usually played at parties, street corners, bus stops, and places with high concentration of people.“However, this only pertains to the rookies in the industry; or those out of relevance. The established acts who are toasts of the town don’t need to do this. Their own songs are rather used to ‘sell’ the others. Another angle to this is the fact that even established artistes sell the rights to their CD sales to these Alaba kingpins, who pay them a certain sum of money, and pocket the rest of the profit. Performing for Free: It is a fact that there is no artiste in this country that has never performed at an event for free. In fact, it is the order of the day, especially in the early part of their careers.“Even the biggest shows in the land are guilty in this regard of not paying upcoming artistes for their services. However, it is a win-win situation because the artistes also gain a lot from this arrangement. They aren't paid in physical cash, but they get mileage, brand awareness, and opportunity to interface with their fans, which invariably translate to much more than cash. Romancing the 'Power Brokers'“ There are several power-brokers behind the scenes, who are the big names that everyone knows. They are C M Y K

*Female fans with their music idol at a concert functionaries, business executives with the fat cheques, and they have a large following of hungry youths. It is these power brokers that artistes always do all sorts to win their attention so they can call them for free shows and help them secure endorsement deals.“Nowadays, every artiste knows better than to depend on album sales. The major part of their money comes from shows, concerts, endorsements etc, so anybody who can make it happen for them will be courted ferociously. Even though the power brokers are also in it to make money, as it is not charity, they have been a 'blessing' to the industry. Attaching to an established act:

One way Nigerian artistes make their way to the top of the music industry is by attaching like leeches to already established acts.“It is common to see artistes working as Personal Assistants (PA), Secretary, Manager, etc. for other stars.“That way, they're always with the superstar whenever he meets the power brokers and people that matter in the game. They use this opportunity to network and establish their own careers.“Examples of people that have this as part of their story are Terry G, who was formerly a back-up singer for Faze, and Ubi Franklin, who is the co-owner of MMMG Record label, was PA to Julius Agwu“

Sugar mummies: In their desperate attempt to embrace the klieg lights and paparazzi, artistes sometimes become boy-toys to wealthy society women. They hawk their manhood and youth to these funloving socialites who, as a form of reward, ply them with dollars, pounds, and other exotic currencies, which they, in turn, use in lubricating the machinery of their careers. Black Magic (Juju): Whenever a new shining star emerges on the scene, it is not unusual to hear side-talks on the streets of how the artiste must have dined with the devil to get to where he is. The truth is that several artistes sell their souls to the devil in the course of trying to find their way to the top. They often have to take blood oaths, and visit shrines to pledge allegiance to strange gods. Many of the artistes become successful this way, but the repercussions are usually very grave, as some of them lose their lives on the cusp of fame. Those who don’t die, live with heavy conscience, and are usually tormented for the rest of their days.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016 Edited by Ayo Onikoyi 08052201215

There’s no real love in our industry, Praiz laments BY JULIET EBIRIM Most people thought Praise Adejo popularly known as Praiz was a pretender on the music scene until he released his ‘Rich and Famous’ album which won wide accolade from within and beyond Nigeria. And when the MTN ambassador was honoured with his ‘own day’ in faraway Minnesota, USA, it dawned on the industry that another star is born. Is Praiz living his dream or has he finally arrived as one of the big ones? He speaks in this interview on the music industry and a lot of other issues

the time. I’m glad to be the first African to be honoured that way. What did you do to deserve that honour? I think it’s just God’s blessing. I guess God rewarded me for those good deeds I do that I don’t broadcast. You can’t buy or lobby for such proclamations. I tell people to keep being the best at what they do because you never know who’s watching. What should your fans except from you soon musically? I’m about to drop another album and also an Extended Play (EP) before the album. The EP will give a platform to upcoming

So far, how has the year been for you? It has been a great year for me and I’m grateful to God. My year started on a good note and by God’s grace, I believe it will get even better. It started with a major achievement – I was honoured by the Governor of Minnesota, United States with my own day. Usually when people are honoured with their own day, it’s a big deal. But you were given that honour and most people didn’t notice or appreciate it.... I think it’s just too big for them to comprehend. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. Everyday I wake up and stare at the plaque, wondering if it’s real. When I started, I never knew I would achieve this. I just wanted to win awards, make money and be comfortable. I didn’t think I would be honoured in a different way in a different continent altogether. I think it’s a lesson for Nigerians to learn to appreciate their own, we celebrate foreigners we don’t know in our own country and look down on our own. So a particular day of the year is dedicated to you? Yes, even when I’m dead and gone, 6th of February will remain Praiz Adejo Day in America. Just the way you have Martin Luther King Day. If you go to the government website in Minnesota, you’ll see it. The only individual who has gotten that recognition is the great Rollingstone in the UK. The greatest rock band at C M Y K

artistes who are really good at what they do, especially at my genre of music, RnB. They’ll sing with me and this will let people out there know that there are people who are even better than me. I’ll drop the EP to encourage upcoming artistes and also the album this year.

What would you have been doing if you weren’t into music? I would have been playing football. I actually wanted to become a footballer. I played club soccer. Celestine Babayaro was my senior. I played for the Islanders FC in Kaduna as a striker.

You’ve stuck to doing R&B songs even though it’s not really appreciated in Nigeria, how have you managed? The genre of music we love is influenced by the economic situation. We have so much hardship and most people would not want to just sit down and listen to slow music. People want to forget their problems, but that doesn’t mean that there are no people out there who appreciate R&B music. I got my endorsement deal with an R&B song and when I was about to get signed, they told me that the reason they were signing me up is because I’m different. I’m doing good by God’s grace. I do shows, I travel to places and people love my songs. I travel to Kenya and do shows in East Africa and I do my R&B, they love it and want me to come back. I just want to be true to myself. Recently, I released Oshe, Mercy and Sisi and these are not your typical R&B songs. They are Afrobeat sounds. I believe in being versatile. R.Kelly is the king of R&B but he does other genres as well.

What influences the kind of songs you do? My environment and experiences – either personal or indirect. I like to do songs that people can really relate to. I prefer to write or sing songs that are inspired by life’s situations.

To what extent has the Nigerian factor affected your brand? I don’t think it has affected me because I have remained true to my art, even though I try to be versatile sometimes and it is paying off. I was on my own when famous international rapper, Obie Trice, who is associated with Eminem heard my ‘rich and famous song’ and said he wanted me to feature in his album. I didn’t feature Obie Trice, he featured me. People out there recognise the talent in this country more than we do.

•Praiz

What keeps you going? I surround myself with real people. I try not to allow fame get into my head. I don’t have a lot of friends. The friends I have are my childhood friends. They grew up with me and if I’m messing up, they can easily call me to order. I like to surround myself with people who can push me to be better. My family has been very supportive and I also have a good management team. I’m blessed to have the right people around me.

You didn’t win Project Fame, but you don’t seem to be struggling... I feel blessed not to be struggling. But the fact is that the hustling continues. I always tell people that my hustling story is a lesson for me. It teaches me that you need to be humble, consistent, persistent and prayerful. You did a song ‘Rich and Famous’. How rich and famous are you? Right now, I’m confident to say I’m rich and famous because I impact lives. I drive a Benz, I did not borrow money to buy it and I pay my bills. I also take care of my family and friends. How soon will you be tying the knots? We’re in the era where marriages crash incessantly. It’s crazy. I never knew marriage to be this way. So I just try to take my eyes off these marriage break ups and focus on my parents. I don’t want to rush into marriage in as much as I know that time is running out. What are those qualities you look out for in a woman? She has to be ambitious, understanding, patient and I also like someone who can engage me in a conversation. A lot of people do not know I’m a quiet person. I can be here and not just say anything. I love someone who really loves God, who can pull me back on track when I get distracted. You’ve not really done much collaborations, why is that so? Personally, I’m very selective of the kind of collaborations I do. It has to be a high quality song. I don’t water down my standards. This year, I’ll be doing more African collaborations though. I have collaborations with Sarkodie from Ghana, Vanessi Mdee from Tanzania to name a few. What do you think about the rift ‘beef’ among colleagues in the industry? ‘Beef’ in the industry is not healthy. I don’t encourage it. Over time, I’ve come to realise that there’s no real love in the industry. But I don’t encourage bad blood. Couple of years from now, where do you hope to see yourself? I see myself, at least, as a Grammy nominee. When the time is right, I’ll also like to start my own family and have properties. I’m a family person.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016 — 27

Kehlani speaks out about suicide, depression

BY IYABO AINA

URING her first show since her attempted suicide, the RnB songstress Kehlani, opened up to the crowd about a cause that’s near to her heart, one that landed her in the hospital in March this year. “I’m very honest with the people that support me,” she said, referring to her suicide attempt. “It wasn’t a first time thing and that’s not okay. That’s not okay for anyone, not the people around you, not the people who love you, not the people who care about you.” Kehlani added that she will be working to raise awareness about suicide prevention, because she

feels these issues are often overlooked. “It’s something that so many young people are dealing with,” she said. “So many young people just slip under

the rug things like depression and severe anxiety and many disorders that people know nothing about.” Before ending her speech, Lani also advised her fans to support others who may be suffering as well. “If you have a friend and they’re scaring you a little, just love them,” she said. “Hug them and love them up and tell them that it’s good. And from me to you, you are worth it. You are perfect. You need to be here every single day that you are meant to be here. Get up every day and know that and tell yourself that.”

Kanye West, wife, Kim celebrated at 20th Annual Webby Awards

ANYE and his wife Kim Kardashian on Monday took home two of the Annual Webby night’s most coveted awards, while other hip-hop and R&B mainstays appeared on the show as well. Yeezy won the Webby for Artist of the Year, despite being absent, but in the tradition of the show, he did deliver a 5word acceptance speech. “I can’t stand short speeches,” he said in a pre-taped video. However, Mrs. West was in attendance at the event which took place at Cipriani Wall St. and also went home a winner in a category that was basically made for her: Break the Internet Award. For her 5word speech, the model-turnedm o g u l delivered an on-brand mantra: “Nude selfies ’till I die.” •Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

• Kehlani

Tyga breaks silence on breakup with Kylie Jenner

HORTLY after reports of his breakup with Kylie Jenner surfaced, TRaww has finally opened up about the split. While at LAX, TMZ caught up with the rapper, who confirmed that he and Jenner have gone their separate ways. “We’re both just focused on our

lives, our individual lives right now,” he said. “Sometimes things don’t work out, but I love her.” Tyga also addressed his ex Blac Chyna’s engagement to Kylie’s half-brother Rob Kardashian. “People grow,” he said, when asked about the couple, who is expecting a child together. “It’s time to evolve. Everybody should have opportunity at love and to live their life.” But when asked if he thinks Rob is a “good stepfather,” he paused. “Don’t go too far,” he

Ciara loses custody battle against ex-hubby •Tyga and Kylie Jenner

Keyshia Cole meets biological father after 34 years

•Keyshia Cole C M Y K

R&B songstress Keyshia Cole, who was adopted by family friends Leon and Yvonne Cole at just two years old, has reunited with her dad after 34 years. In an Instagram post, Cole shared a photo of Virgil Hunter, a boxing trainer, and opened up about their emotional reunion following a paternity test. “While in NYC I was overwhelmed with emotion, I explained while on stage at the Barclays, the situation I was faced with at that moment, which was, my father and I finding our way to each other. After 34 years,” she said. “I knew at that time, a paternity test was in place, well the results are in, and this is my father”. According to reports, Keyshia is currently in her hometown catching up with her dad. “His name is Virgil Hunter, and at this present time, I’m in Oakland spending time, getting to know him,” she continued. “The story behind this is beyond me. God has his hands all in this. I’m so excited”. She said Hunter happens to be a famous boxing trainer, who’s worked with top athletes like Amir Khan, Andre Ward, and more.

VER the week, a Los Angeles judge sided with the “Jumpman” rapper Future, granting joint custody of the former couple’s two-year-old son, baby Future. According to reports, CiCi fondly called by fans lost her fight for sole custody while reportedly claiming that her ex is a bad person. The report also claims that California courts, in general, favour joint custody. Recall that earlier this year, Ciara filed a $15 million defamation lawsuit against Future and last month, he countersued.

Future and Ciara

28—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

AMAA 2016: Adesua Etomi, OC Ukeje set to make history again

•Adesua Etomi

ising actress, Adesua Etomi, who declared that “I’m not afraid any more” after wining the 2016 AMVCA best actress for her role as Muna, in “Falling” is living up to her claims. The actress is gearing up to rewrite history as she has been nominated again for her role in the same movie in the forthcoming Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA. Adesua was pitched against Thishiwe Ziqubu also nominated for her role in “Tell me Sweet Something”, Maureen Okpoko (Missing God), Ijeoma Grace Agu (Jimi Bendel/ Taxi Driver), Bontte Modiselle (Hear Me Move), Nthati M o s h e s h (Ayanda), and Linda Ejiofor who was nominated for her role in “Out of Luck.” She has only sojourned in the industry for two years, but Adesua is already a force to reckon with

in Nollywood. By nominating her in the AMAA best actress category, Adesua is on the way to write her name in gold as the best African actress on the continent. But she has actresses such as Linda Ejiofor, Thishiwe Ziqubu, Ijeoma Grace among others to beat in order to set a new record in Africa. No doubt, Adesua has proved to everyone that she’s on top of her game, and the possibility of her clinching the prestigious prize at this year’s AMAA is not in contention. Looking back, the faircomplexioned actress broke record last year when she beat the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Belinda Effah, Fulu Mugovhani and Mary Lazarus to clinch the AMVCA best actress award. Also, OC Ukeje and Daniel K Daniel will be slugging it out in the Best Male in a lead role category alongside their contemporaries from other parts of Africa. Announcing the nominations at a press parley last weekend, in Lagos, the Head of the jury, Shuaibu Husseini said, AMAA received over 420 films from filmmakers across 25 African countries of which 25 feature films and eight short films were nominated by the jury for the awards. Nigerian flicks, “Soldier ’s Story” and

*Uche Ogbodo C M Y K

maker. She writes: “Dear God, it has been another year… A year You have crowned with great harvest and overflowing abundance for me. You have filled my life with Your blessings and grace; abundant blessings for the joyful times, and abundant grace for the sad. When I am weak, You carried me; when I am strong. You are always faithful. You have anointed me with the oil of Your Spirit and Your grace is upon me. I will prosper in your glory, there is no sickness, poverty or shame. Like a tree planted deep by the living water in You, I will not be anxious even in drought. But I will stay green and fruitful, no matter what the situation is. Give me the faith to be bold and courageous.”

“Osimiri” had the highest nominations this year, followed by South African highly rated flick, ‘Ayanda’ and Ghanaian flick, ‘The Cursed One.’ The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on June 11, 2016 in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

I ‘ve found refuge in acting after the death of my husband —Nnenna Okonta

Uche Ogbodo on her birthday, writes to God

che Ogbodo is in a happy mood this weekend and the reason is not far-fetched. The single mother of one was a year older on Tuesday, May 17. She released a new set of photos on her Facebook page to celebrate her birthday. But that’s not the buzz. Rather, it is the fact that unlike the previous years where she would throw birthday parties, the lightskinned actress decided this year to seek the face of her

•Ukeje

*Merit

lthough she has since found refuge in her first love-acting, Nnenna Nwabueze-Okonta popularly known as Merit in the pioneer movie, “Living in Bondage”, will not forget in a hurry the good times she had with her late husband, Chief Okonta. Okonta died few days to their 22nd wedding anniversary, which came up on March 15, 2016 and the actress will forever miss her husband. In a telephone chat with HVP, the actress said her husband died on the 7th of March after a protracted illness while their wedding anniversary came up on the 15th of March. He was buried on the 19th of March. “It has not been easy, but I am coping with my new status. It’s painful loosing a loved one to the pangs of death,”she added. Merit may be at a loose end following the death of her hubby but doesn’t want to impose herself on anybody, hence she finds refuge in acting.

Courage, emotions as The Voice Nigeria enters episode 6 Highlights of the show include the per-

n what is already turning out to be one of the most exciting competitions on African television, viewers were once again treated to a spectacular blend of entertainment and display of talent as aspiring singers thrilled coaches and fans alike in episode six of The Voice Nigeria, proudly sponsored by Airtel Nigeria. Sunday’s episode saw TeamTubaba win over the silky voiced Obed Ogbonna and the petite songstress Precious. TeamWaje continued her impressive streak as she won over male vocalists, Promise and Uche Michael, while TeamPatoranking scored with Benjamin and TeamTimi successfully wooed Kofo.

formance by visually impaired Adim, who inspired a rousing applause from the audience for his courage, and opera singer Amanda who could not garner support from the coaches despite a sterling performance. At the end of the episode, the teams were neck deep in competition with Team Waje leading the pack with 11 talents. TeamTubaba, TeamPatoranking and TeamTimi each have 10 talents in what is turning out to be one of the most exciting competitions on African television.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 21, 2016—29

Kiss Daniel in love with YBNL first lady, Temmie Ovwasa

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Rotimi Agbana 08137741609

Mixed reactions trail Burna Boy’s pregnancy scandal

-worldwide leading act, Kiss Daniel, has openly declared his affection for YBNL’s first female act, Temmie Ovwasa. The sensational singer who recently launched his debut album with an album concert, resorted to social media to declare his love for the new YBNL nightingale. Temmie Ovwasa posted an acoustic rendition of Kiss Daniel’s latest single Mama on Instagram, which attracted Kiss Daniel’s attention. Basking in the euphoria of her musical dexterity and possibly physical beauty, a love-struck Kiss Daniel wrote “I love her so much mehn! Perhaps my first industry crush.” Who knows, maybe something good will come out of this. Our fingers are crossed and we’re watching.

My contract with Chocolate City expired two years ago — Ice Prince By TOFARATI IGE

opular rapper, Panshak Zamani, fondly known as Ice Prince, let out a bombshell during the week when he confirmed that he’s no longer signed to Chocolate City Entertainment, the label that spawned his music career. Even though fans had been speculating on the status of his contract with the label for a while now, because his latest singles like ‘For Days’ and ‘Seasons’ do not bear the imprint of Choc City, it still came as a rude shock to many. The rapper was a guest on Cool FM’s Midday Oasis, where he revealed that his contract with the label expired two years ago and due to his personal relationship with the label owners, decided not to make it public. He however, made it clear that he still has some working relationship with them. This is even as he released a new single, ‘Chike’ featuring Korede Bello on Thursday. Ice Prince, who is gearing for the release of his third album tentatively titled, ‘Jos To The World’, now sits atop his own label, Super Cool Cats, which may soon be signing new acts. Meanwhile, Ice Prince is the third act to depart Chocolate City in the past six months, following in the steps of Kahli Abdu & VHS Safari, and rapper M.

•Burna Boy

Seyi Shay lands another endorsement deal

or some days now, the news buzz on social media has it that Jealousy singer, Burna Boy, is in a messy pregnancy scandal. The controversial singer who has earned himself a reputation for getting in and out of scandals recently added another feather to his controversial cap. The drama began on social media when Burna Boy took to his Instagram page to celebrate his mother on Mother’s Day. His accuser, simply known as Uju Stella, then stormed the comment section to accuse him of abandoning her after getting her pregnant. She further accused the reggae-dancehall singer of threatening to send assassins after her, advising him to visit the rehab to fix his psyche. Following these allegations are a myriad of reactions as trolls have invaded the ladies’ Instagram page to hurl insults, curses and abuses at her for openly accusing the singer of impregnating and abandoning her. She has been described by many as a gold digger and attention seeker who desperately wants to become a celebrity babymama like Sophie Momodu, Sola, Pero and others.

opular star singer, Seyi Shay, has landed herself a juicy endorsement deal with telecommunications firm, Samsson. The sensational Murder crooner, whose album is still enjoying massive airplay, signed the deal when she was hosted by the firm at their headquarters on Tuesday. Sources close to the singer report that she was signed on as the firm’s official celebrity for the ‘Cloud 9 Celebrity Hangout’ organized by the telecommunications firm. The deal entails the star singer spending 30minutes with a lucky winner at any chosen location, where they get to take selfies and have a lot of fun together, after which a special gift will be presented to the lucky winner by Seyi Shay. Meanwhile, the singer recently acquired a plot of land in one of the highbrow areas in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Ebenezer Obey promises memorable performance as Orlando Julius joins the trio

•Ebenezer Obey

usic legend, Ebenezer Obey, has asked his fans to get ready for his top of mind performance, while expressing his joy to be performing alongside two other Legends, Onyeka Onwenu and KSA after a long time. He also expressed his gratitude to the organizers, Uber Space and Motbensonz, for coming up with such a great idea and advised that concerts like this should hold at least three times a year, as a way of recognizing music pioneers such as himself and others. CEO of Motbensonz Solutions, Omotoye Benson, who is one of the organizers also confirmed that Orlando Julius will be joining the trio for a special appearance. The event is slated for this weekend at Oriental Hotel, as Timi Dakolo is to perform as the opening act for the event.

Adekunle Gold set to quit YBNL F

ew weeks ago, Olamide’s protégé, Lil Kesh, took a bow out of YBNL record label, to float his own label, YAGI, which is also the title of his newly released album. Shortly after, Olamide signed his first ever female act, Temmie •Seyi Shay Ovwasa, who has been making buzz on the airwaves with her first single Jabole. However, after Lil Kesh’s exit, rumor making the rounds is that Orente singer, Adekunle Gold is next in line, as his record deal with YBNL expires anytime soon. Recall that he signed a two-year record deal with the Olamide-led record label, YBNL, just like Lil Kesh, Temmie and Viktoh. So, he may leave to float his own record label rumored to be called ‘Gold Records’. Though Adekunle Gold or his management have not made any official statement as to the authenticity of the rumor, but sources •Adekunle close to YBNL’s camp Gold claim there are speculations that the rumor will find reality as soon as Adekunle Gold drops his debut album sometime in June 2016.

•Wizkid

Wizkid to perform alongside Chris Brown, others on Amsterdam tour

tarboy Records frontman, Ayo ‘Wizkid’ Balogun, is obviously not taking a chill pill in 2016. Since the beginning of the year, he has been doing a lot with his musical career that has wowed his fans and music lovers beyond expectation. Right now, the Baba Nla singer who is currently topping the global charts of Billboard, Spotify and iTunes, all thanks to his feature on Drake’s One Dance, is set to storm Amsterdam alongside top American acts like Chris Brown, August Alsina, French Montana and others at Chris Brown’s One Hell of a Night tour billed to hold in June 2016.

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

08 11 6759 759 081 6759759

Meet the Miss Bum-Bum twins who make £20k a month by taking BELFIES

‘I’ll be lucky to get 75% of what I used to have’

CANCER patient who has received the first penis transplant in the United States is in recovery and hopes to have a love-life again. Thomas Manning underwent a 15hour procedure after receiving the transplanted penis from a deceased donor last week. The 64year-old was suffering from an aggressive and potentially fatal penile cancer, according to The New York Times. Thomas, who lives in Massachusetts, admitted that he’ll be lucky to get “75 per cent” of what he used to be. Dr Curtis Cetrulo, who helped lead the surgical team, said that normal urination should be possible in a few weeks, with sexual function possible in weeks to months. “We’re cautiously optimistic,” said Dr Cetrulo, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, adding that “its uncharted waters for us.” Mr Manning said he experienced hardly any pain during and after the procedure. But he was rushed to the operating room after beginning to haemorrhage the day after surgery. Although his recovery has been smoother since, he still isn’t ready to take a close look at the transplant. The bank courier revealed that he wasn’t in a relationship when the cancer was discovered, and the amputation made new relationships impossible. The donor penis came from the New England Organ Bank. It told the newspaper that the donor ’s family wished to remain anonymous, but had delivered well wishes to Mr Manning. The transplant took three years of preparation, including

operations on corpses, before the team was ready to perform transplants. Around a dozen surgeons and 30 other health care workers were present during the operation. Dr Cetrulo said his team will likely perfect its technique on civilians before providing transplants for injured veterans. He said the Defence Department doesn’t “like to have wounded warriors undergo unproven techniques.” The world’s first penis transplant was performed at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa in December 2014.

IM KARDASHIAN’S voluptuous bottom has got K nothing on the junk in these curvy

twins’ trunk. Dana and Nadia Bruna, 30, who live in Miami, Florida, make £20,000 a month by posting ‘belfies’ – bum selfies - of their rounded rears online for their 1.1 million Instagram fans to ogle. “We have the most famous bottoms on Instagram and the bottom sells a lot,” said Dana. “We’ve had a lot of work offers because of it. We are the selfie queens and we’ve made a successful business out if it.” The sisters, who were born in Argentina, decided to boost their already genetically pert posteriors by transferring 3kg of fat from other areas of their body. Nadia said: “Our bottoms were already fatty. “We always had bottom - it was never a difficulty to have bottom, but six months ago we did a fat transfer with a really good doctor in Columbia and it has given us a positively perfect one. “We did the fat transfer because we are vain. We are vain women and the more surgery you have the more you want.” Dana added: “We were blessed with having a curvy body because of Latin and Brazilian blood, so it’s easy for us to keep the bottom well-toned.” The pair, whose bums measure 102cm each thanks to their love of surgery and bum-boosting exercises, take up to 150 selfies every day. The cosmetically-enhanced twosome have had over £40,000 worth of surgery for free by advertising the jaw-dropping results on their social media pages. As well as having their buttocks inflated, they’ve also had three matching breast enhancement surgeries each, lip fillers, porcelain veneers and regular Botox. The twins are hoping to rake in even more money by selling ‘belfies’ on the Supe app, where users can purchase photographs and short video clips. Nadia said: “The app is a new concept, similar to SnapChat, but with the sexiest Instagram models where we have to make short videos or take photos, then they have a price. “It has existed for two months and we are already earning £6,000 per month with the videos. “Between

that and Instagram we make between £10,000 and £12,000 a month each. In total it is around £20,000 together.” Nadia said she “felt bad” at the beginning and feared she was just a “sexual object for men”. She said: “Now I see it as a blessing and to be honest I am thankful to them – it is a positive thing. “Even if people don’t believe it, our idea is also to help women be able to lift their self-esteem and to give them a hand too. We can give tips to other women.” But not everyone agrees with the twins’ attitude and they have received abusive comments online. Nadia said: “We have had problems with ‘haters’ lots of times. A lot of the time without knowing you they say you don’t have brains.

“The envy exists – it bothers them that we are superficial but because of that we live in Miami Beach and we are happy. “We just block them because we are not going to start an argument with them.” She added: “Everyone is free to do what they want to do and you have to respect that. I can’t fight with every person that criticises me.” Dana commented: “We feel very secure about who we are as people. We are upright citizens and clever women. “One thing is what we show in Instagram and another is our private and personal life. This is a business - our image is a business. Our body is a work company like any other.”

A 115-MONTH-OLD 5-MONTH-OLD girl has been ffound ound tied ttoo a rroc oc ockk in a sweltering construction site...

ittle Shivani is tethered to a rock by her parents’ work with red and white ‘Caution’ ticker tape to stop her from wandering off. She is left in temperatures of up to 40 degrees so her parents can earn money for the family. Her mother cannot afford childcare so has to keep Shivani tied to the 4.5ft long tape to keep her from harm’s way. She spends hours every day digging holes at the construction site in Ahmedabad, western India. She prepares the ground for electrical cables and only earns 250 rupees each day, equivalent to £2.63. Sarta Kalara, 23, said: “I tie her so she doesn’t go on the road. My younger son is three and a half so he is not able to control her. “This site is full of traffic, I have no option. I do this for her safety.” She says that there is nowhere to safely leave her child. According to Kalara, construction workers “don’t care about us or our children - they are only concerned with their work.”Shivani was

photographed on 20 April by a Reuters photographer. He was pelted with rocks by the other labourers after he took the photos. Kalara’s problems are not unusual in India. Across the country, children are forced to sit by the roadside or in construction sites as their parents do back-breaking work. Many families cannot afford childcare so have to take their

children to work with them. Parents often wait until their child is about seven or eight before they send them to live with their grandparents. Prabhat Jha, of Save the Children India said: “There should be crèche facilities, either from the government or the construction companies. There should be a safe place for these children. “They are at real risk of being hurt.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—31

Maria Igbinedion celebrat es 80 celebrates

aria Oredola Igbinedion mother of the former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion celebrated her 80th birthday in Benin City last weekend. The ceremony was attended by the who’s who in the society including former governors, prominent politicians, captains of industry and a host of others.

Emmanuel Ogbon gives out daughter in wedlock PRINCE Emmanuel Ogbon, proprietor of Royal Bliss Events and Gardens, Lagos, member, Urhobo Social Club, Lagos and son of the 99-year-old Ohworode of Olomu, Ovie Richard Layeguen Ogbon, recently gave out his daughter, Oghenekaro, in marriage to Mr. Denis Ogon. It was a celebration of Urhobo culture and tradition.

Celebrant and her children, cutting the cake The couple and their parents: L-R: Prince Ogbon, Mrs. Ogon, the couple, Mr. Onoriode Ogon and Mrs. Onome Ogbon

R-L: Chief Tom Ikimi, Abubakar Musa and Chief Lucky Igbinedion.

R-L: Chief Solomon Igbewe, Lucky and his father , Chief Igbinedion . Sponsors of the couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Diedjemahor and the chairman of the occasion, Prince Austin Enajemo-Isire and his wife, Kigho.

R-L: Matthew Urhoghide and the celebrant

R-L:Captain Hosa Okunbor, Chief Igbinedion and his wife, the celebrant.

The Iy ok os’ nuptial bliss Iyok okos’ Mr and Mrs IG Iyoko sealed their nuptial vows on April 30, 2016 at the Christ Anglican Church, Umunede, Delta State. Family and friends were there to witness the union.

The couple;Mrs and Mrs IG Iyoko.

The groom's sisters with the couple

L-R: Chief Chris Umukoro, first Vice President, Chief Johnson Barovbe, chairman, board of trustees and Chief Simeon Ohwofa, President, all of Urhobo Social Club.

L-R: Diamond Okotete, Ovie Oghenekaro, Francis Ewherido and Bright Apinoko, all of Urhobo Social Club

32—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

1 American to have penis transplant says it’s ‘starting to take shape’ st

week after his revolutionary surgery, the first American to have a penis transplant says: it is “starting to take shape”. Thomas Manning, 64, spent 15 hours on the operating table at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston last week as doctors attached a dead man’s penis. Manning had his own organ amputated in 2012 after developing a particularly aggressive form of penile cancer, leaving him with a one-inch stump. The procedure will mean that, once his new penis has healed, he will be able to urinate while standing and have sex. Manning’s new penis was donated by a younger man who lived in New England. The bank courier has spoken to the man’s family and hopes to meet up with them for donuts, if they want to. ‘Maybe somewhere down the road we can get together, go to Dunkin’ Donuts or some place and say “Hello how are you doing?”.’ “There is no doubt in my mind that everything is going to work. And I mean everything. You can interpret that any way you wish.” He said doctors were in ‘no rush’ to leave the hospital until he was fully healed, adding: “Let’s get this done right.” He vowed: “I’m going to walk out of here complete.” Manning does not have a wife but said he hopes his penis will still be working by the time he falls for someone. “When it happens it happens. I don’t have to push it,” he said. ‘I hope to be around for another 20 or 30 years. Will it still be working by then? I sure hope so.” He said he was “really devastated” when his penis was amputated. “I didn’t feel like less of a man, but I went through my own version of hell,” he said. “I would have went to the moon for this, I mean, why not? They cut my penis off, and I wanted it back. It’s not that complicated.” He added that he has never worried about what people think of him and that he was was not concerned with going public. But Manning said he never hesitated about going public.

The procedure will mean that, once his new penis has healed, he will be able to urinate while standing and have sex

•Dr. Dicken Ko, left, and Dr. Curtis L. Cetrulo, leaders of the surgical team, at Massachusetts General Hospital

•Thomas Manning, receiver of transplanted penis

“You’ve got to get on with your life. I happen to be the first person to receive a penis transplant. What’s the big deal?” Manning is the first American to have a penis transplant but hopes the government will help fund the procedure for veterans who suffer horrific injuries on the battlefield. There has been an alarming rise of veterans committing suicide after damaging their penises, with 1,367 soldiers suffering such injuries between 2001 and 2013. “I’m hoping that the end result [is] the government

will give the hospital and the vets enough money so they can begin getting treated properly, and that trickles to down to the general public,” Manning said from hospital. “In the long haul, I hope to get myself together physically, have the hospital send me out there, be a sponsor, be a representative for this, and let’s get this on the road,” he added. He said he has had support from his mother and siblings and was looking forward to getting back to work soon.

Manning said earlier this week that the operation “quite literally saved his life”. “In 2012, my life changed forever when I suffered a debilitating work accident, followed by a devastating cancer diagnosis,” he said. “Today, I begin a new chapter filled with personal hope and hope for others who have suffered genital injuries, particularly for our service members who put their lives on the line and suffer serious damage as a result.”

He added that the ground-breaking surgery allowed him a ‘second chance’ he had never believed was possible. Doctors had first noticed Manning was suffering from cancer after he suffered severe injuries in an accident at work involving heavy equipment. During his treatment, medics noticed a growth on his penis and he was later diagnosed with an aggressive form of penile cancer. From Mail .

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard,MA Y 21 anguard,MAY 21,, 2016—33

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

When a ‘husband-snatcher’got her comeuppance

HANCES of remarrying after a divorce might be slim; but some women are so lucky they even have third chances! A few weeks ago, Debbie, a once distraught wife, who has now got the hang of living with the intricacies of her husband’s shenanigans came to the house looking radiant. “Would you come to a wedding party with me tomorrow?” she asked. Wedding? As eagerly as families look forward to their offsprings getting married, the long-drawn ceremonies usually leave me climbing the walls. Engagement ceremonies I give a miss if I could get away with it. With the weddings proper, I usually ask the driver to be at the ready to get away anytime I get bored. Debbie knows of my aversion to weddings and assured me this one would be different. “The couple had already got married abroad; they only came home for the wedding party,” said Debbie. “Actually, the groom is Uncle Tony’s wife’s son.” The plot thickens, I muttered. Debbie’s Uncle Tony had been abroad for years and was married with four children, full swing when we got when his wife got tired of his there. Bisi, the groom’s philandering ways and kicked mother was having a him out. By the time his hushed furious talk with a divorce went through and the few of her friends when we courts slapped a generous spotted her. Debbie waved maintenance allowance on to her and she quickly took wife to be paid each month us to where Uncle Tony was for the kids’ upkeep, Uncle seated amid a few of his Tony came to Nigeria on friends: “That looks like the holidays and never went high table,” Debbie back. He was determined his bragged. As soon as we wife and kids wouldn’t take were seated, Bisi him to the cleaners without a disappeared. Uncle Tony fight. offered drinks from a big Instead, he used the nestice chest under the table: egg he’d brought back with “Where is the food?” I him to complete a bungalow hissed at Debbie. his ex-wife had no inkling he Ordinarily, I always eat was building. His friends before I get to any out-door rallied round him by helping party to avoid a rumbling him set up a blockmaking business, and he was comfortable enough to take a new wife. The new wife, Bisi, was also married with five children before the husband exchanged her for a new model. They were both lucky to find each other, and Bisi This is my relished her second-chance own party marriage. Debbie was still jabbering on and she was now and my telling me what fun we would husband have and how Bisi would treat us like royalty. “She’s a is footing damn good cook too,” she the bill. No taunted, knowing my weakness for mouthtrollop is watering food. She knew she going to needn’t twist my arm—we’d always been there for one disrupt it another and ready to be helpful at a minute’s notice, if need be. The wedding party was in

tummy while you hustle tor food from caterers who look perpetually harassed. This time round, I’d reserved my appetite for the delicacies Debbie bragged Bisi would laden our table with. Bisi was still having the heated conversion with her

friends and some of the guests, when Uncle Tony sent for her. Her face was like thunder when she came over to where we were, “What’s going on?” her husband asked. “Sandra is here, purportedly on the bride’s side,” she hissed. Sandra is another ‘scarlet woman’ who had successfully dislodged one of Bisi’s friends from her matrimonial home. And the friend was at the party as Bisi’s guest! “I’ve told her that she couldn’t stay and those useless people from the bride’s

side are insisting that she could,” fumed Bisi. “This is my own party and my husband is footing the bill. No trollop is going to disrupt it. Awon Gbokogboko! (husband snatcher),” she hissed. The husband patiently pointed to us and asked her to get us something to eat. “Ah!Auntie Debbie,” she said smoothly, “my favourite sister-in-law. Let me take you to where the food is so I could give the caterer instruction for you to take whatever you want.” As Debbie reluctantly followed her, she kept chanting: Gbokogboko ... gbokogboko ... and clapping her hands like a warring market woman. “Women” mused uncle Tony, who’s known to have a good sense of humour. “If it weren’t for a ‘gbokogboko’, I wouldn’t be free to marry her after she’d been sent packing from her matrimonial home.” Debbie was a bit miffed as Bisi completely ignored us for close to an hour. “I think we should keep our envelopes,” she whispered to me as we reluctantly dished food on our plates. We’d agreed on how much to give the

groom’s mother but Debbie now wanted us to give her nothing... She was still smirting from the way Bisi ignored her. Then, almost out of the blues, Bisi came bounding towards us, full of glee .... “I’ve sent her packing,” she jubilated. “The nerve of some people. She knew my friend would be here, yet she showed up in my house, and at my party! This party is not big enough for the two of them! Let her go and tell her husband of the humiliation she got tonight!” She then made a fuss of Debbie and I, by which time most of the guests had left. She was in the middle of her victory speech when Debbie got up and I quickly followed. Bisi now saw us to our car, giving us the background of the Sandra saga, which she allowed to almost ruin her son’s wedding party. The extent to which some aggrieved women take revenge could be mind-boggling.

What is your body telling you about your health? Ehin, listen to your body—it might be trying to tell you something. Hair: If you’re fit and healthy, your hair will be shiny and strong. If it’s a bit fluffy, you could be lacking magnesium—found in spinach, nuts and seeds. If it’s lank, dry or thin, then you could have an underactive thyroid gland, which can leave you tired and weak. Too much hair on your face could be a sign of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which can cause fertility problems. Visit your doctor for tests. Skin: If your skin is dry and flaky you must be dehydrated—especially if, when you pinch it, it takes a while to return to normal. Look out for coloured scaly spots, about the size of a small coin, on your face, hands, upper chest and back. This may be Actinic Keratosis— Precancerous growth. If you

find any, see your doctor. Also, watch out for any new moles or moles that have changed shape or colour—These could be malignant melanomas (skin cancer). Severe itching, or a scab that won’t heal can also be warning signs, so visit your doctor to get them checked out.

How to be a success magnate

What makes one person a failure and another a success? Some people are “success saboteurs”— nothing seems to go right for them. They’ve driven off success by believing that it’s for others. They’re embarrassed at the thought of achieving their goals, even though they desperately want to.

Others are “success magnates”—everything they touch turns to gold; they know that if you attract success a little bit at a time, you’ll become used to having it in your life. Here’s how to get on good terms with success: Reduce your goals into manageable chucks. If you want to be a singer, make your first target singing lessons; then sing at a wedding then perform at a nightclub .... Look no further than the next small challenge, so you’re not putting too much pressure on yourself. Reward yourself for every little achievement. - Adapted from Confidence Booster Workout, by Martin Perry.

34—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016 YETUNDE AREBI Yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk tweeterhandle@yetundearebi 08054700825

encouragement, while some are eager to please but are too confused by the silence of their women to know what to do. Women cannot expect their sex life to get better if they continue pretending that they like the (bad) sex they are getting.

Learn to be a better lover B

eing a good lover is a challenge because not all of us are born with the gift of being able to please people easily. But when it comes to dealing with someone we profess to love, it is important and absolutely necessary that we must put in some effort. This conscious effort when performed over time becomes a habit and can only win you points from your lover. Being a good lover does not mean that you need to shower your partner with gifts and make them feel like royalty, or hero worship them, bending over backwards just to please them. In fact, it is much simpler than you think. Let’s go through these few simple tips and you’ll soon have your partner purring all over you. Love yourself first: To be a good lover, you must be able to love yourself first. After all, how can you truly know how to treat a partner well if you do not know how to treat yourself right? It is said that charity begins from home. Find out more about yourself and determine your strengths so you can build on them. This can help you build self-esteem and improve self-confidence, which in turn can make your partner more attracted and comfortable with you. These will help you determine what you want from a relationship and how to identify those signs when you see them in a potential partner. Pay attention to your partner: Once you fix time to be together, the person to whom you intend to show affection must become your single point of attention. You must be able to make them feel like they are the only person in the world at that moment. Always be attentive to what they are saying; there is a difference between listening and hearing. Don’t take random calls, watch TV or scroll through your Ipad. These might sometimes be very irritating. Try to notice the small things about them by watching them closely. With time, you’ll discover that they have certain habits and ticks that you will come to adore about them. This discovery may even come in handy when getting them gifts because it helps to define their personality. Most people only get to know these things after a long time in their relationships but if you start early, you will start feeling closer to each other quicker. One good advantage of knowing your partner is that you can easily figure out when something is wrong with them or the relationship, especially when they are cheating or no longer in love with you. C M Y K

Pay attention to your partner: Once you fix time to be together, the person to whom you intend to show affection must become your single point of attention Learn the art of flirting: Flirting does not only happen in the early stage where you are trying to attract your partner. In fact, if you want to keep your relationship healthy, you should also continue flirting with your partner once in a while. Flirting gives a sense of intimacy, intrigue and suspense at the same time, adding spice to your love life. This keeps things fun and spontaneous between the two of you. Try never to feel embarrassed to get intimate with your partner. I’ve heard of couples who can’t walk around naked in each others presence. I’ve also heard that seeing your partner ’s nakedness removes the mystery of their bodies, thus making them lose interest in intimacy. I think this is subject to debate. So, please feel free to share your views with me. Explore your partner: This is a must if you want to be a good lover. Never forget that when things get intimate, this is the canvass you want to work on. After all, you must know where and how your partner wants to be touched. People are sensitive in all sorts of places and to varied levels or degrees. A friend recently told me that she just discovered she could get so erotic from a simple foot massage. You too may find that your partner goes nuts if you kiss them on the back of their knee or nape of the neck. You’ll never know until you try! While many men are guilty of this sin, many women are also too indulging, bearing it all out in pain just to make the relationship work. Women must stop the stereotype that all men are the same. Some of them are just as confused as women are about sex and only need a little

Learn to be a super kisser: This is a must, since all forms of intimacy begins from, evolve around and ends with this simple action. Being a great kisser is very important. It may earn you points and land you in places you’d probably thought might be difficult to get to faster than you imagined. Just as it can be a real turn off, making you wonder where you went wrong even before getting started. Learn how to enjoy your upper lips as a couple. Lick, nip, bite, suck and chew if possible. However, always remember that the more gentle you are, the more sensuous your kisses. Kissing, like lovemaking is an art; you can learn and practice various types to spice up your intimacy. A word of caution please; cleanliness is very important. Not everyone is insensitive to odour. Many lovers, especially women have learnt to bear the excesses of their men and thus, may not complain about their little faults such as bad breath. Remember that saying about a loving eye not being able to see the faults of a loved one? This however does not mean that one should just let go and make little or no efforts to set things right or make it better. I once observed a friend’s underwear and asked what her man thinks of them. Her answer was both disgusting and hilarious. “Is he interested in the sex or the underwear?” While one may not be too fixated about dolling up and nice to keep things natural, neat and presentable. It makes your partner comfortable. Spark up the romance: This may get you to your final destination faster than you imagined possible. When you master the art, it can only keep your partner coming back again and again for those special and sensuous moments. Guys should learn to kiss and give pleasure without expecting or demanding to end it with sex. It makes a woman feel comfortable that she can trust you to take care of her and protect her. Go dancing. Invest in good music and you can even have your own special favourite love song. I love “Endless love” by Celine Dion. Exchange gifts for special dates and just for the fun of it. It shows that you appreciate your partner. Remember, gifts don’t have to be expensive, just as they must not be ridiculous. Always let your partner know that you desire them with your action and not just words. And if you are intimate, don’t let it become a routine. Making it a routine takes away a lot of the romance and enjoyment, so choose a different location, position or even time of day as often as possible. Never use intimacy as weapon: This is very cruel and women are usually the culprits in this game. Never use your intimate relationship as a weapon in arguments. Never negotiate intimacy for rewards or benefits with someone you claim to be in a loving relationship with. Leave that for your boss for your next promotion! (just kidding). Guys often use sex as a weapon to teach a lesson, even scores or let a woman know that he can always seek his pleasures elsewhere, among other reason. Whichever way, this is definitely a no, no, in a loving relationship. And don’t promise sex and not deliver. Using sex as a weapon will hurt both parties in a long term relationship as it will teach you to associate sex with negative emotions and disappointment.

Please note: For further discussions, consultation and answers to your burning questions on relationships and intimacy, you may reach me via the e-mail address above. Do have a wonderful weekend!

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016—35

By Michael Eboh

hough stakeholders are divided over the impact of the fuel price hike on the Nigerian economy in the medium to long term, it is however, a general consensus that in the short term, the effect of the hike on the economy would be unpleasant and near disastrous. In the wake of the hike, the Federal Government and other stakeholders had stated that the new price would bring temporary hardship on Nigerians, stating that it is a bitter pill that everyone must swallow for the country to survive difficult times and move forward. The action of the Federal Government, it was agreed, would bring about a hike in the price of essential commodities, including services; erode the value of the naira against major international currencies; distort the economic direction of the country and bring about increased hardship, among others. Specifically, the policy had opened a wide vista for the devaluation of the naira, especially as the PPPRA had acknowledged a parallel market rate of about N290 to a dollar. It is expected that the price hike and the liberalization of fuel importation would further put pressure on the country’s foreign reserves, leading to a declining value of the naira and bringing about a sharp rise in the prices of goods and services. With the liberalization of fuel importation and removal of subsidy, more companies will seek licenses to import the commodity and the demand for the dollar would rise significantly. Also, the absence of a workable transport infrastructure meant that Nigerians would spend more on transportation, while the cost of fuel and transportation would be added to the cost of goods. Already, data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, a few days ago, had seen Nigeria’s inflation rate climb to a near six-year high of 13.7 per cent in April, 0.9 percentage point higher than the previous month’s level of 12.8 percent. The latest inflation report indicates worsening economic conditions in the country, where gross domestic product, GDP, growth was just 2.8 percent as at last quarter of 2015, its lowest rate since 1999, and speculation of a further decline in the first quarter and first half 2016 is rife. Analysts are of the view that at the current inflation rate, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, appeared to have been pushed to the wall once again on its benchmark interest rate, as the existing Monetary Policy Rate of 12 per cent is now grossly negative. It is expected that when the data for May is eventually released, inflation would have further spiked to as high as 14 or 15 per cent. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, had confirmed that the policy would inflict pains on Nigerians, while he stated that the inherited difficulties of the past and the challenges of the current times imply that the government must take difficult decisions on these sorts of critical national issues. To mitigate the impact of the C M Y K

FUEL PRICE HIKE:

Nigerian economy on the precipice With the liberalization of fuel importation and removal of subsidy, more companies will seek licenses to import the commodity and the demand for the dollar would rise significantly

hike on the Nigerians, Kachikwu disclosed that along with this decision, the federal government has in the 2016 budget made an unprecedented social protection provision to cushion the current challenges. In their analysis of the fuel price hike, analysts at Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, stated that in the short term, increase in PMS prices will pressure consumer spending as households re-prioritize consumption upon steep increase in electricity tariff, imported and locally produced consumer nondurables and now petrol prices. They noted that real income will also further experience a drag, as they estimate inflation rate to likely overshoot the 14.0 per cent mark in May. Continuing, the analysts said, “The hike in fuel price will worsen prices, most especially in major

cities like Lagos and Abuja, as transport and electricity, gas and other fuels which constitute 23.2 per cent of the Consumer Price Index, CPI, weighting pressure, in the May inflation report and beyond. Hence, increase in general price level will hurt real wage rate significantly. “Accordingly, Labour Union will be justified to propose review of the minimum wage. Thus, Government will have to choose between readjusting pump prices downward or an upward review of minimum wage. On a balance of factors, an upward review of minimum wage will moderate the gains from subsidy savings but will ease consumption spending and have a much more long lasting impact on the economy.” Also, the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, NAEE, projected that the hike would bring about some macroeconomic instability in the short run as a result of this shock arising from the sudden but inevitable rise in the price of PMS under the circumstances. NAEE also stated that it understands the concerns and fears of the masses on the impact of the rise in petroleum product price and subsidy removal on the cost of living in the country, explaining that these concerns can be attributed to the failure of past administration in the area of transparency and accountability. It, however, added that in the long run, the gains would add significant value to the economy in terms of trillions of naira to build the national economy for infrastructure, capacity building and development. Continuing, it said, “There are a number of necessary conditions that government must put in place as soon we get out of the current economic hardship to ensure that the full deregulation of the sector

succeeds and the downstream sector regains its ‘lost glory’. Among these conditions are the following: “First, guidelines to support open access of common infrastructure in the sector including farm tanks, storage and depot facilities to enable marginal players to be able to participate in the market without serious ~advantages. The owners of the infrastructure must not discriminate among potential users after clearly established conditions have been met. “Second, the government must provide necessary support for those who want to establish local refineries. The key to Nigerians enjoying the benefit of the ownership of huge petroleum endowment is when local refineries are up and running. We advocate for a clearly defined fiscal and other forms of provisions for locally established private refineries that are efficient and cut some of the associated costs with imported refined products. “Third, the competition law must be passed to ensure that firms with significant market power do not collude to influence market prices. The exercise of market power, without vigorous oversight is not consistent with an efficient market system. The government must ensure that all forms of collusion to influence market outcomes are promptly dealt with. “Finally, government must be resolute in ensuring that it pushes through the deregulation, whatever the opposition that is expected. Other white products, including diesel and kerosene, have been deregulated without major negative economic impact; studies have also shown that the inflationary impact of deregulation of petroleum product prices is also limited.” However, NAEE was of the opinion that as the government pushes on with petroleum products market deregulation, it is imperative for it to also put in place measures to support the vulnerable groups of the society.

36—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016

By Umana Okon Umana Many boisterous and healthy debates have broken out on social media platforms and, indeed, other fora on the recently adjusted price of petrol. But quite unexpectedly, some of the arguments are grounded in myths. Here are a few and my attempt to burst them. The first myth is that subsidy does not exist. There is a subsidy when the pump price of petrol is below the effective cost. The effective cost is the landing cost plus the distribution cost plus margin. Subsidy is the difference between effective cost and the pump price of fuel. Landing cost for a litre of refined petroleum depends on the price per barrel of crude oil. When government fixes the pump price of fuel below the effective cost, distortions are created. In elementary Economics, when a price is fixed below the equilibrium price, there will be a shortage and a black market will be created. The government in Nigeria was paying for the difference between the effective cost and the pump price. Government was therefore subsidizing the cost of fuel. Nigeria spent over $35 billion between 2010 and 2014 to subsidise petroleum products. The second myth is that subsidy favours mostly the poor. This is not true. By paying fuel subsidies, we were subsidizing the consumption of imported petroleum products. We were therefore supporting production abroad and creating jobs abroad at the expense of Nigerians. Besides, outside Lagos and Abuja and other major cities where the controlled price of N86 was enforced, fuel was sold at between N150 and N180 in the rural communities. The government guaranteed price of N86 was therefore a myth as the poor people outside Lagos and Abuja had always paid N150 or more for a litre of fuel. The reality is that it is the rich and not the poor who benefit the most from Nigeria’s fuel subsidy. Findings by the IMF show that globally, the bottom 20% of households take only 7% of fuel subsidy while the richest 20% take 43%. Nigeria’s fuel subsidy at some point accounted for 30% of total expenditure of the Federal Government and 118% of the capital budget. It also accounted for over 90% of annual oil revenues. Payment of oil subsidies was not only not sustainable, it crowded out spending on core infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and power with grave consequences for the standard of living of Nigerians. Besides, the artificially low and government guaranteed and subsidized price of fuel was a disincentive to private investment in the oil sector. It is not surprising that although the Federal Government approved over 20 refinery licenses to private investors many years ago, not one refinery has been built. I must however commend Aliko Dangote for his entrepreneurial acumen in this regard. His new refinery being built in Lagos and scheduled to be completed C M Y K

The five myths of

fuel subsidy

late 2018 will enhance local refining capacity. Rather than subsidizing the consumption of imported petroleum products we should support the private sector to build new refineries. Fuel subsidy also took a disproportionate share of dwindling foreign exchange allocated based on official rate. There was therefore an imperative need to free the resources deployed for the payment of fuel subsidies. Thankfully, government has made meaningful appropriations in the 2016 capital budget to upgrade infrastructure in the areas of roads, railways, agriculture, education, and provide support for small businesses. The third myth is that at N86 per litre, Nigerians were already paying too much for fuel. The facts do not support this position. The Table below shows that at N145 per litre, the petrol price in Nigeria is about the

lowest in West Africa. It is now clear why, at the old price of N86, the opportunities existed for arbitrage and corruption as fuel for which Nigeria already paid subsidy was smuggled to Niger, Cameroon, Ghana, etc, where there is no subsidy regime. Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Senegal and Mauritania have petrol pump prices of N185, N218.9, N228.85, N234.82 and N256.71, respectively. Removing fuel subsidy will fuel inflation is the fourth and the commonest of the myths. While it is true that the upward adjustment in the price of fuel will affect some components of the Consumer Price Index, the overall impact on prices will be cushioned by activities in other sectors of the economy, upgrade in public transportation and improved fiscal discipline. Over time, the efficiency of the market will drive down prices.

The fifth myth is also a fallacy. It states that if other oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are paying fuel subsidies, why can’t Nigeria pay? Saudi Arabia pays out of a huge surplus after meeting the expenditure needs of the country. Nigeria’s revenue is not enough to cover basic expenditure requirements. We cannot continue to run a country that spends more on subsidies than on the total capital budget. Other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Ghana and Angola already took the bold step to remove subsidies on fuel prices. We should commend President Muhammadu Buhari for taking a decisive action to deregulate the downstream petroleum sector in the face of dwindling oil revenues and the pressure on the Naira. Umana, an economist, was the APC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State in the 2015 elections

SATURDAY VANGUARD, MAY 21, 2016—37

Regional recognition, empo werment will pr omo empow promo omotte SMEs, entrepreneur ship—OR U entrepreneurship ORU orried at the rate of youth unemployment and inability of government to develop the economy W through a well organised SMEs and entrepreneurial

process which developed countries embarked upon. Chief (Barrister) Andrew Ovikuroma Oru, is a Certified Management Consultant and Chairman of companies whospokeinthisinterviewwithMosesNosike,revealed steps to address youth unemployment, SMEs and entrepreneurship and economic development in Nigeria. Excerpts: What is your view on youths being the future of this country? We’ve been hearing this for quite sometime, unfortunately if you look back 20 years ago, we said the youths are the future of tomorrow, 20 years later that tomorrow has not yet come because the same players who were there 20 years ago are still there today. So, when is that future going to come? The people who are the adults of today were the youths of 20 years ago. The people who were elders of yesterday are the same persons who are playing the roles youths are supposed to play today. So it appears that the youths of yesterday and today have been pushed out and certainly from what we can see, the people who are youth today will not be in any position to control this country tomorrow because they are inequipped and don’t know anything about governance and society. This is very unfortunate because by that time those who were in charge yesterday and are still in charge today would have been too old to do anything, it becomes difficult to replace. Which means actually that the future of Nigeria is bleak and that is something we should begin to weep over if you ask me. The economic system is creating little or no jobs for our teeming youths, with many losing their jobs, how can we as a nation tackle this national challenge? It is not only that the Nigerian state is not offering or creating new jobs, they are even removing the ones that are there by closing up the economy. An open economy is the only one that can guarantee the opening up of spaces, employment and engagement, unfortunately government seems to be concentrating more on banning this, banning that, restricting all sort of things, thereby creating a restricted economy that only ensures that only those who have few slots of employment in government parastatals are the only ones that make up Nigeria at the end of the day. It is bad to think that both federal and state governments can only employ a maximum of 2 -3% of the Nigerian populace and yet we spend 70 – 80% in actual terms of Nigerian earning on recurrent expenditure. It simply means that the rest of 90% or so should go to hell. Unfortunately, the only avenue through which employment could be created which is through the provision of infrastructure for the survival of industries and private enterprise are being shut down. The infrastructural development is woefully inadequate because of the level of corruption, embezzlement and aggrandisement inside government. Until we actually tame these monsters called corruption, nepotism, self aggrandisement, there is never going to be a situation whereby there will be infrastructure to encourage the establishment of industries and public enterprise to absorb the teeming youths who are in dire need of employment. FG through its agencies has provided credit scheme, even recently to reposition SMEs and young entrepreneurs in the country, but a lot of them complaining lack of access to these funds. What should be done for them to access these funds? The people in government are the thieves in this country. All those purported SME funds are meant for their surrogate companies and not for you and me or for the younger ones at all. First and foremost, how do you ask SMEs for collateral before they could access the funds? How do you get a collateral when you are a youth? So it actually not designed for the youths but for those who are already established. Who are those already established? the surrogates are the actual players in government are the same people who are recycling these funds among themselves because that is the easiest means they can siphon money from government coffers. So, don’t think that bringing money into SMEs will do it. Forget about giving SMEs loans and all of that, government should create the enabling environment;

C M Y K

Oru: Regional development is the way to go lick up all the communities by either road, rail or water transportations for the easier conveyance of goods and commodities and for people to be able to traverse across the land looking for a better opportunities. Provide electricity which is critical. There are so many people who are self-employed who can actually grow to such an extent that they can employ people. Hair dressers, people with cassava grinding machines, pepper grinding machines etc. which all these need electricity to operate. Once they can have access to electricity their enterprises will grow and there will be greater

opportunities for unemployed ones. M a n y developed economies of the world, achieved it through well organised SMEs a n d entrepreneurial process, what is your advice to Buhari’s administration? The new administration on ground is not different from the previous administration because it is the same dramatic personnel, the same people, the same mind set. What policies has this government supposed to play that is different from Jonathan’s policies. Today they are still talking about the same SMEs, power that gets embezzled at the end of the day. The only solution is that all these policies they are talking about will go the same way as other policies have failed. There are a lot policies that have worked in other countries because there is no serious level of corruption. But here, nepotism, tribalism are prevailing. Again, let’s face it, Nigeria is not one country, so trying to pretend as if we are one country is one of the

most serious problem we can ever encounter. Pretending to govern Nigeria as one country without recognising the boundaries that actually exist is one of the biggest setback that will keep besetting this country. We must recognise our diversion, if though we crave for every person to work as one. However, the beliefs and tradition of one people are different from tradition and practices of other groups. You cannot force people in South South to live the same way people from North East live, or people who live in North Central to live in the same way the people in the West live. You recognise that diversity and different opportunities existing in different regions and you must approach those opportunities differently. Trying to centralise it as if we are in Britain where everybody is an Englishman or Frenchman will not work. We must begin to recognise that there are activities you can practice in one region that may not be the one you can practice in different region. So, centralise it as SME loans, what are you talking about? what are the parametres? centralising it and just coming up with one policy that would go from top to buttom without recognising the differentials, it is bound to fail severally in different areas because the person who is in position of the policy comes from one of the regions and he sees Nigeria from region.

Par tner Mobile ent er artner enter erss Nigeria new phone brand, Partner phones has entered the A Nigerian mobile market. The new entrant introduced three android-based mobile devices to its trade partners in Lagos. The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Simon Klepper, while unveiling the three phones, PS1, E15 and KS1 in his presentation highlighted the phones selling points and functionalities, saying that the company has mapped out strategic marketing and sales plan that will be deployed through advertising campaigns across all mediums, using three Nigeria major languages. While understanding that customer care service remains an important aspect of every business. Partner Mobile already have spare parts in case the need arises, he stated. Klepper further stated that the brand stores will have a Customer service department, ready and equipped to meet the demands of buyers. Also, Dealerships around the country will also have customer service facilities, the company’s website will offer customer support, & we will have dedicated contact numbers to help solve any queries that our customers may encounter. In his words, “Partner Mobile isn’t planning to limit her services to Nigeria alone, but works are already in place for the brand to launch into other African countries beginning with countries in West Africa.” After the presentation of the COO, Tu Face Idibia stepped in cutting the comedian “Forever” to make a big announcement.

Etisalat, AAbuja buja Global Shaper tner ttoo empower education Shaperss par partner tisalat, Abuja Global Shapers in efforts to E empower schools as part of rebuilding the North-East states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa

affected by Boko Haram insurgency, as an offshoot of the World Economic Forum. The initiative which is part of Etisalat’s Community Schools Support Programme involved the delivery of educational materials: 1,000 school bags, 1,000 set of uniforms, 10,000

exercise books and 1,000 set of writing materials to pupils in primary One in 10 schools across the three states. Speaking at the official presentation of the items in Yola, Adamawa State, recently, the Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim

L-R: Ahmed Dikko, Head Teacher, Wuro Hausa Primary School, Yola receiving some Back-to-School Kits donated by Etisalat Nigeria to primary schools in Adamawa State from Mohammed Suley-Yusuf, Head, Government and Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria; HRH Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, Galadima Adamawa; Hassan Muhammed Toungo, Executive Chairman, Adamawa State SUBEB, and Rahima Aminu, Manager, Special Projects, Abuja Global Shapers Community in Yola recently.

Dikko, said the partnership with Global Shapers is aimed at making basic education available and sustainable, especially in the North East. He was represented by the company’s Head, Government and Community Relations, Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf. “Etisalat Nigeria is committed to delivering sustainable community support programmes that will complement public services and extend benefits to the grassroots across Nigeria. We are proud to be able to contribute positively to achieving the objective of improving our partner states especially in the area of Education.” Also speaking, the Curator of the Abuja Global Shapers Hub, Jake Okechukwu Effoduh, called on concerned stakeholders to accord priority to qualitative education especially in the North East, expressing alarm over the increasing rate of illiteracy in the region. “As at 2013, 52 percent of males and 61 percent of females aged six and above in the North-East had no education. Today it is about 85 percent. This calls for swift emergency intervention. We have lost an entire generation in terms of education and the fastest way to restore and better our education system is through cross sector collaboration,” he added. Also speaking, the Governor of Adamawa State, Muhammad Jibrilla Bindo represented by the Executive Chairman of Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Hassan Muhammed Toungo, commended Etisalat and the non-governmental organisation for their support for education. He assured that his administration would continue to support initiatives that can accelerate development in the state while noting that inadequate attention to education is one of the factors for slow pace of development in the region.

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

Amina’s Boko Haram ‘husband’ calm, cuddles their baby •Chibok celebrates her return, hopeful about others •Aso Rock receives her

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

is every move was calm and deliberate as if he was scared of attracting unnecessary attention, but his gaze was directed at the baby in his hands. With eyes full of emotions and compassion as he lovingly cuddled the four-month-old baby, it was extremely difficult for onlookers to believe the man was a member of the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist group. Amazement can best be used to describe how the witnesses who gathered at the Borno State Government House, Maiduguri on Wednesday, felt as they watched the Boko Haram husband of rescued Amina Ali Nkeki display such love, for members of the dreaded sect are generally known and perceived to be monsters whose stock in trade is the unleashing of sorrow, tears and blood. The scene was at the handing over of rescued Amina and her baby as well as her Boko Haram husband who allegedly surrendered. They were received by Governor Kashim Shettima from the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu in a brief ceremony. Amina, 19, was found with the baby by an army-backed vigilante group on Tuesday in the huge Sambisa Forest. She was one of 219 schoolgirls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, missing since being abducted in April 2014. Security was tight around the premises, however Amina and her Boko Haram husband had some elements of freedom as they moved around. Anxious waiting journalists were barred from neither taking any picture nor speaking to Amina who spent that night at the Government House amidst tight security, before being moved to Abuja on Thursday to meet President Muhammadu Buhari. Rescue, movement to Maiduguri Immediately after her rescue, Amina was airlifted by Nigeria Air Force Super Puma aircraft from Damboa to Maiduguri alongside her baby and supposed husband, Mohammed Hayatu. According to Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations in a statement, “Prior to that, they were examined at Air Force medical facility and were found to be stable and normal blood pressure was observed.” Colonel Kukasheka buttressed that in continuation of “Operation Crackdown”, troops of 25 Brigade Damboa in conjunction with Civilian JTF deployed in one of the blocking positions at Baale, near Damboa rescued Amina and received Hayatu. “Both were brought to Headquarters 25 Task Force Brigade, Damboa at about 2.30pm today. Preliminary investigation shows that she is indeed one of the abducted Chibok School girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on April 14, 2014 in Chibok and her name is Amina Ali Nkeki as against Falmata Mbalala that was earlier stated. In addition, she is a

•Amina's Boko Haram 'husband' calm, cuddles their baby nursing mother with a 4-month-old baby girl who was named Safiya. Both the suspected Boko Haram terrorist and the nursing mother have been taken to Maiduguri for further medical attention and screening. “Thereafter, she was released to the Operation LAFIYA DOLE Headquarters in Maiduguri for further investigation and handing over.” Meanwhile, the supposed husband is undergoing further investigation at Joint Intelligence Centre. The Military Spokesman further assured that Mohammed Hayatu, the acclaimed husband to Amina was well treated in line with Operation LAFIYA DOLE Rules of Engagement regarding insurgents who voluntarily surrender to the military. Aso Rock reception On Thursday Amina arrived at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, for audience with President Muhammadu Buhari. The girl, her baby, her mother and her brother were led to the Villa by Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima. The Governor and the girl, with her child were quickly taken to the President’s office by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, for a closed-door interaction with the President. With both she and her baby dressed in hijab, they were shielded from newsmen by security officials. Apparently elated by the rescue of Amina, President Buhari said that her recovery had opened a window of new hope to Nigeria and an opportunity towards a vital information. He added that she would be given the best care Nigerian government could offer

and that her education would be the priority of the government. “We will ensure that she gets the best medical, emotional and whatever care that she requires to get full recovery and be integrated into the society “, the President said. He reassured of his government’s determination towards rescuing other girls who are still at large. Hope raises for Chibok parents In interviews with some parents, guardians and relatives of the abducted schoolgirls, who did not want their names mentioned for security reasons, they said they hoped that with the ongoing crackdown by military and civilian JTF members in the heart of Sambisa Forest, an enclave and hideouts of Boko Haram terrorists, they were optimistic that some of the missing girls would be rescued safely like Amina. Speaking to Saturday Vanguard, Mallam Chiroma Adams whose brother’s daughter was among the missing ones said what the people of Chibok were waiting for was to see that Military has stormed Sambisa Forest as most of them have the belief that their abducted daughters are held by their captors in Sambisa Forest and that he was very optimistic that as the military sustained its crackdown in the forest, more of the missing schoolgirls would be rescued. Another concerned indigene of Chibok who gave his name as Mr. Ali James said it was unfortunate that a day after the abduction, “we the parents, including youths in Chibok sacrificed our lives and stormed the forest because the military had allegedly failed to enter the forest

and rescue our children. “If the military had accompanied us to the forest, we would have stormed Sambisa to rescue our daughters, but now that they have stormed the heart of Sambisa, we are hopeful that more girls will be rescued from the insurgents.” Narrating their experience, Mallam Amos Chiroma who was among those who combed the Sambisa Forest told Saturday Vanguard that a day after the abduction, they saw a lot of strange things in Sambisa Forest, “but we will not be able to disclose all for security reasons. Borno and indeed this country require prayers from all and sundry.” Mallam Chiroma continued: “While we were in the forest with over 200 volunteers who only had cutlasses, bows, arrows and sticks, we came across different make-shift camps suspected to be owned by the terrorists. It is however unfortunate that we had to turn back when we met one good Samaritan in the forest who advised us that it was in our own interest to go back because the area we were approaching in the forest was a dead zone dominated by terrorists. “If soldiers had accompanied us to the forest that time, we are optimistic that our missing children would have been rescued, or we would even have found the corpses of our daughters.” Another parent, Mallam Shettima Yau Haruna, who spoke on behalf of parents of the abducted school girls, said, “I have been telling people that since the incident, we have been having sleepless nights, but with the rescue of Amina alive, hale and hearty, we are hopeful that others will be rescued in no distant time.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—39

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

ust when Benue farmers were beginning to enjoy some respite from the incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen, the dear-devil marauders struck again last Friday night at Tarfi village, Binnev Ward in Buruku local government area of the state, and in their usual fashion killed scores, injuring many and razing down houses and several property. The Buruku massacre came on the hills of a similar incident at Agatu where over 500 were killed and Tse Tia village in Tarka local government area, where the youth leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Aondohemba Kasa and three others were also butchered in cold blood. The latest incident has elicited angry reactions across the state following allegations that the village was sacked just few minutes after the security personnel who were posted to the area to maintain the peace supposedly abandoned their duty posts. This prompted an outcry by Governor Samuel Ortom who lamented that Benue was under the siege of the herdsmen and that his government had become helpless and overwhelmed by the unending killings in the state. Governor Ortom who spoke shortly after the news of the killings filtered into town stated that his government could no longer contain the activities of the herdsmen whom he accused of killing, maiming and raping women in several Benue villages. He said, “after committing these atrocities they sack the locals from their abode after which they occupy the ‘captured territory’.” The Governor who fought back his emotions urged the herdsmen to either live in peace with their hosts communities or vacate the state immediately in the interest of peace. He said he had continually restrained the people from carrying out reprisal attacks on the marauders, but cautioned that the people might resort to self help if security agencies could not prevent the massacre of the innocent farmers. “It is a bad situation, everyday you hear how my people are being killed, raped and maimed by these mercenaries. They do not have respect for the rule of law nor for security personnel. “The situation has gotten to a point where we will contain the crisis in one community and they would move quickly to another to massacre the people just like the Buruku case where innocent persons have been killed. “These are wicked mercenaries under the guise of herdsmen attacking us and taking over our farmland. I have said it several times that we do not have land for grazing in the state, let them move out of the state if they cannot respect the rule of law and the sanctity of human lives.” “There is a limit to which I can appeal to my people to restrain them from reprisal attacks, if all of them are killed

My people did not elect me to preside over the dead •Benue Governor cries over Fulani herdsmen •Says ‘We are now helpless’

•Some relics of the crisis

•Gov Ortom

My people did not elect me to preside over the dead, we have been overwhelmed and Benue people are gradually becoming refugees in their own land which is certainly not acceptable then I might be the next target. I will have to represent the matter to the President because we are helpless and if nothing urgent is done we might have a major crisis in our hands. “My people did not elect me to preside over the dead, we have been overwhelmed and Benue people are gradually becoming refugees in their own land which is certainly not acceptable.” The Governor who debunked allegations that the crisis was sparked by rustlers in the affected communities said, “those behind cow rustling are the herdsmen themselves because they are the only ones that

speak the language that cows understand. “For instance, even at my village in Guma they claimed that the people rustled their cows and they went ahead to kill 50 of my people and took over the land, this is genocide. Enough of these killings.” He wondered why security operatives stationed in these areas were unable to arrest the herdsmen who perpetrate these heinous crimes. He accused them of failing in their responsibilities and demanded an explanation from security heads in the state. The Governor also went a step further to plead with United Nations Organization, UN for assistance and collaboration to end the killings and destruction of property in the state by the invaders. He made the plea when he hosted the Regional Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, Dr. Benoit Sossou, in Makurdi. Ortom lamented that the crisis was crippling genuine efforts by his government to engender sustainable development in parts of the state. He stated that an end to the crisis was of utmost importance to his administration since it would usher in peace in the affected communities and pave the way for the smooth running of the developmental programmes of international organizations and those of the state government. Governor Ortom said, “the crisis has paralysed economic activities in many of our communities because farming which is the main occupation of Benue people can no longer take place. “Our people cannot go and farm in the air. Farming is done on land, but if the land becomes a no- go- area, where would our farmers run to? If the farmers are allowed to farm in peace, they can raise money to fund the education of their children.” While the state government and stakeholders in the state continue to search for a lasting solution to the crisis, some pundits are of the view that the government must discountenance the idea of setting up vigilante groups in the

various communities to checkmate the activities of the daredevil herdsmen in the state as is being done in some South Eastern states. For Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, a retired Lagos State Police Commissioner, resorting to vigilante groups for the protection of lives and property could be counterproductive. Tsav who blamed the crisis on the activities of some Fulani thieves whom he claimed had invaded the state, berated the Police for failing in their responsibilities to check the crisis. “The issue of creating vigilante groups to check their activities could pose another security problem in the country, members of such groups could be used for criminal activities.” “The solution to the issue is simple, my advise is that government should identify the true and genuine leadership of Fulani herdsmen in Benue. That leadership should be accountable to the Governor, and should have direct access to the Governor and also answerable to him and no other on any matter concerning the Fulanis in the state. On his part, the Benue state chairmen of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, Mr. Baba Agan called for the improved funding and better working environment for the Police to enable them discharge their responsibilities diligently. Agan said, “I think the State Police Command is actually doing its best despite the challenges they are facing. All the Command needs at the moment is the required support and encouragement that would enable them do more. Secondly I blame some of our traditional rulers who are in the habit of collecting monies from the herdsmen in order to allow them free access into Benue communities for grazing. If we are able to stop that practice the herdsmen would not be able to gain access into our villages.” “The issue of forming vigilante groups in the communities is certainly not tenable, because it could be used for political vendetta if not properly managed, and question is who will be in charge of the group if not politicians.”

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

Nigerian Navy: The Diamond Sail

By Emmanuel Aziken

uccess indeed rolls into success, and so it is no surprise that the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigerian Navy is attracting the high-level international participation. At least 26 naval chiefs and flag officers from international navies are expected to grace next week’s international conference on maritime security which is part of the activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the Navy. The high level participation also affirms the nation’s increasing position as one of the naval powers in Africa. The International Maritime Conference holding from May 24 to 25 is part of the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy that was founded on June 1, 1956, as the Nigerian Naval Defence Force, NNDF with eleven ships and by an act of parliament was designated as the Royal Nigerian Navy. Nigeria’s evolution into a republic in 1963 led to the renaming of the force as the Nigerian Navy. The Navy has since its establishment grown in size and responsibility shocking the world with its achievements during the country’s civil war when it mounted the coastal blockade that cut off the Biafran regime from getting international support through the seas. Besides the blockade, the nascent Nigerian Navy was also involved in the amphibious landings on the coast, including the Bonny landing in July 1967 which was lauded the world over as the first ever by a third world country. The success of the operation helped to underpin the fact that Nigeria as a coastal country could not afford to neglect its coastal security. It is no surprise that following the war that successive administrations sought to build up the capacity of the Navy.

However, it has not always been a fair sail for the navy especially given the tides of budgetary constraints that confronted the country. The navy which has had 20 naval chiefs since it was inaugurated has Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as its current chief helping to navigate it towards calmer seas. Apart from its success in its key mission of warding off external invasion through the country’s territorial waters, the Navy has also had successes in calming the country’s restive creeks. The navy under Admiral Ibas launched the Choke Point Control Regime under which a strict watch is mounted by naval patrols to ensure that all vessels which pass through the creeks and channels within the country’s territorial borders are interrogated. It is thus not surprising that under the present administration that the rate of Crude Oil Theft (COT) has drastically reduced with a number of those involved in the illicit activities being apprehended. The NN commenced the choke point regime to ensure that no vessel goes in and out of the creeks/channels without being interrogated. Two houseboats have been deployed at Akassa and Ezeotu long Num and Pennington rivers while another 4 are at the verge of deployment. This has enabled enhanced presence at the estuaries where vessels transiting in and out of Nigeria’s backwaters could be interrogated in order to check illegal oil bunkering, Crude Oil Theft (COT) and other forms of maritime crimes. Key indicators of the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration between May 29, 2015, when it came on board and the end of 2015 included the arrest of 42 vessels involved in suspicious

activities, the foiling of 16 piracy attempts and the destruction of 221 illegal refineries, 34 barges and 167 wooden and Cotonou boats. The success achieved by the Navy under Ibas underpins the naval chief’s strategic directive 2015-1 which according to him is focused on ensuring zero tolerance for illegal conduct within the country’s territorial waters. Besides its increasing siege on militants in the Niger Delta, the Navy is also set to deploy its platform and Special Forces in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast in the Lake Chad region. The exercise aimed to augment the military operation codenamed as Operation Lafia Dole is also expected to deploy troops and equipment to Tongeji Island by the Nigeria-Benin maritime boarder. The navy has also had successes in the building and refitting of its platforms within the country and by that not just saving foreign exchange for the country but also providing invaluable experience for local military and other maritime experts. Among the local efforts in ship building is a tugboat which is expected to be commissioned during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Even more, the navy under its current leadership has been involved in the renewal of its fleet with the launching of 30 riverine warfare boats which have been deployed to fight crude oil theft in the creeks of the Niger Delta. Another 50 boats also manufactured locally are expected to be commissioned during the ongoing celebrations. Under the current administration, two mine sweepers, NNS Ohue and NNS Barama which have not been operational since the mid-nineties are currently undergoing trials before being re-launched into service. Besides the navy under the Buhari administration has enhanced effective maintenance activities leading to

•Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas

availability of ships, boats and helicopters to confront threats to the country’s maritime security. Among the ships are NNS Centenary, NNS Okpabana, NNS Prosperity, NNS Andoni and NNS Obula while helicopters NN08, NN09 and NN10 are operational. Nevertheless, challenges continue to confront the Nigerian Navy. Among the challenges currently facing the Navy are shortage of platforms, degraded operational support infrastructure, low level of Research and Development (R&D) efforts and low national industrial capacity. Others include poor maritime culture, inadequate Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) infrastructure, inadequate facilities for operational training, requirement for improved personnel welfare and inadequate funding. It is significant that a number of the platforms have seen better days and their situation compounded by lack of operational service over the years. Even more, naval dockyards and Forward Operating Bases, FOBs which were established to help local service of platforms have not always been in operational service or developed forcing operational platforms to go long way to harbour. Besides the maritime conference, a two-day maritime exercise is expected to be mounted in Lagos between 26th and 27th May. The exercise which is aimed at boosting international cooperation between participating countries and Nigeria will especially see navies in the Gulf of Guinea and foreign partners such as the United States and the European Union upgrade their strategies on maritime safety and security. The participating countries will also expand their scope of synergy and collaboration, according to information supplied by the Nigerian Navy.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016 — 41

B-R-I-E-F-S

Strike: Tinubu begs Wabba-led NLC By Joseph Erunke

By Emeka Mamah HE Enugu State government has said that it would summon a Town Hall Meeting anytime next month “to tackle the lingering water situation in the state and fashion out the best ways of ensuring improved water supply.” It also approved the release of N341 million for the completion of the State Diagnostic Centre, subject to due process certification. Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, who spoke in an interview with newsmen after the state Executive Council’s, EXCO, meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi yesterday said that N50 million was approved as the state’s counterpart fund contribution for the World Bank Assisted CSDP Projects Udeuhele noted that payment of the money would enable the state to benefit from the additional $140 million fund the World Bank, just as another N75 million was also approved by the council for the extension of electricity to Umuoma, Umuopu, Umuagama, Aguibeje, Umuonu and Olido Communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area.

ATIONAL leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday, stormed Labour House, the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Cong-ress, NLC, to beg the leadership of the union,led by Ayuba Wabba,to suspend the ongoing strike it embarked over increment in the fuel pump by the federal government. But after taking the plea from the politician, the factional NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, who said he was open to resume negotiation with the government,vowed that the strike would continue. The APC national leader, who arrived Labour House in company of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State,senators Kabir Marafa and Suleiman Hunkuyi among some members of the party, appealed to the union to call off the strike and resume negotiation with government on the contending issues. “I am here to appeal to you to understand that whatever you are doing now and whatever this government,led by Buhari is doing is for the development of all Nigerians. “I have come to appeal to you to suspend the action you have embarked upon and return to the negotiating table,” he said. He added: “I came to appeal to you to go back to history that we worked very hard to bring Nigeria to progressive path. Tinubu, who attributed misunderstanding between government and the people to dearth of teaching of history in schools,tasked senators to urgently initiate bill on compulsory teaching of the subject. He insisted that the National Assembly must initiate the bill on history because according to him, “the problem now is that political history is no longer being taught.” Pleading for the Buhari administration,he said: “I can guarantee that this government is the government of honesty and integrity. “Whatever is the anger,we must apply anger manage-

Enugu to call town hall meeting over acute water supply

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (middle), presenting a gift to the Chief Executive Officer, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija (3rd left) while other members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, watch during a courtesy visit to the wife of the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday.

ment. “Whatever is the difference, I appeal to you,let’s go back to the negotiating table,let’s call off this strike. He added:”Yes,it’s good to fight out your differences,we are in a democracy,we have

the freedom but we will end up negotiating and agreeing with one another. I come on behalf of my party,I come on behalf of our government. It’s our collective government, APC is for progress, APC is for change. That is my sub-

mission. Responding,NLC factional president,Ayuba Wabba,said he had heard the Tinubu-leddelegation’smessage, assuring that he would convey it appropriately to the union’s various organs.

3 soldiers feared dead, militants bomb NNPC gas pipeline Continued from Page 5

newborn baby narrowly escaped death. The gunmen stormed the riverside community, host to a Federal Polytechnic, at about 3.00 am in a 200 horse powered Yamaha engine speedboat. They reportedlyvandalizedtheresidence. Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said he was not aware of the incident. Pipeline explosion: Buhari directs Chief of Naval Staff to deal with Niger Delta Avengers In Abuja, President Mohammadu Buhari was on Friday directing the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas to deal ruthlessly with the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA and other militant groups responsible for the incessant explosion of oil pipelines and gas installations in the coastal region. Thepresidentstatedthathis government has decided to curb the increasing wave of militancy more than ever before, saying that it threatens

national development. The president spoke at a meeting with the Global Director (Upstream) of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Mr. Andrew Brown in his office at the presidential Villa, Abuja. Mr. Brown had appealed for an urgent solution to risingcrimeandmilitancyinthe Niger Delta. In a response to the appeal, President detailed Naval Chief to reorganise and strengthen the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta for the assignment, assuring the oil companies operating in the Niger Delta of Federal Government protection. He said that all necessary actions would have to be taken to protect strategic assets in the region from vandals and criminals. The President further told hisvisitorthattheoperationsof the JTF were also being enhanced by increased support andcooperationfromtheUnited States and Europe in the areas of training, intelligence, equipmentandlogistics. “We have to be very serious with the situation in the Niger Delta because it threatens the national economy. I assure you that everything possible will be done to protect personnel and oil assets in the region,” he said. A statement by Mallam Shehu, the presidential media aide stated that “the President urged aggrieved persons, militants and communities in the Niger Delta to drop their confrontational stance and work with those who have been charged by the Federal Government to review the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Yar’Adua Administration for the benefit of all parties.” President Buhari also hailed the resilience of Shell and its resolve to continue working in Nigeria despite

the operational challenges of the environment. He however urged the company ensure the end of gas-flaring in the Niger Delta quicklyandproducemoregas for electricity generation to support manufacturing and job creation in the country. Meanwhile, the Shell Executive has dispelled speculations that the company was pulling out of Nigeria. He said that contrary to such speculations, Shell was currently in discussion with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on new joint oil and gas projects. Otuaro, Chevron confer on how to stop bombings Meanwhile, Delta State Deputy Governor and Chairman, Delta State Advocacy Committee against Vandalism of Oil Installations, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, held a closed-door meeting with top officials of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, at Warri, Friday, to discuss the bombings of oil installations in the state by militants and deepen intelligence on the perpetrators. The meeting with Chevron was at its Ecravos Operations base. Otuaro told the press after the meeting: “We have just heard from Chevron. We are deepening intelligence to know who is directly and indirectly involved. His words: “We are deepening intelligence to know the remote and immediate causes. At the end of the day, we will be well positioned to advice as to what possible steps to take in addition to the intelligence they have gathered.” The committee, which inspected ongoing work at the Otunanapipelinebombedby militants, also visited Chevron facilities in the creeks, Ugborodo and other riverine communities, yesterday.

Delta Deputy Speaker lauds Okowa over PDP congresses By Oghene Omonisa

EPUTY Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Osanebi has hailed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the peaceful and successful conduct of the local government, state and zonal congresses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the emergence of Elder Emmanuel Ogidi as National Vice Chairman (South-South), PDP. Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Agbanashi Obinne, the Deputy Speaker felicitated with Elder Ogidi on his emergence as the South-South Chairman of the Party, describing it as a round peg in a round hole.

FG sacks Christian pilgrims boss, Kennedy Opara

By Omeiza Ajayi

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission NCPC, John Kennedy Opara. The sack took effect from Thursday. This came just few days after the president sacked the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Martin Kure Abeshi. A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the. Federation, David Babachir Lawal and made available to journalists Friday in Abuja said the president took the action in exercise of his powers. “President Muhammadu Buhari, has in the exercise of his powers, approved the disengagement of Mr. John Kennedy Opara as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) with effect from Thursday, 19th May, 2016. “Mr. President, however, thanked him for his invaluable services to the nation and wishes him well in his future endeavours”, the statement read.

Atiku unfolds plans for cattle ranches nationwide By Omeiza Ajayi

ORMER vice president, Atiku Abubakar has said he would build cattle ranches to reduce the incidences of violent altercations between Fulani pastoralists and sedentary farmers. Consequently, Abubakar is set to open a factory, Rico Gardo, in Abuja which would produce animal feeds of various types including for cattle, small ruminants, horse and poultry. According to a statement issued Friday in Abuja and signed by the Media Adviser to the former vice president, Mazi Paul Ibe, “abundant animal feed, according to analysts will make possible the plan of the Federal Government to limit and control the movement of herdsmen and their cattle through the provision of ranches in selected locations across the country”.

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

PDP Govs, Senators, Reps for P/Harcourt Convention By Jimitota Onoyume, Henry Umoru, and Emman Ovuakporie

HE Port-Harcourt convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was yesterday set to take the shine off the parallel convention of the party in Abuja after all 12 PDP governors and the majority of PDP National Assembly members arrived the Garden City for the convention. However, the prospect of legal controversy overhanging the convention was being raised yesterday after the chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, CPC, Governor Nyesom Wike vowed to go ahead with the election of a new national chairman irrespective of a court order against it. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC which has also said it would observe the Port Harcourt convention hadalsoaffirmedthatitwould not observe the election into offices of chairman, secretary, and auditor in deference to a court order. The acting national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who joined the partyfromtheAllProgressives Congress, APC about two

yearsagoisseekingtobeconfirmed as the national chairman by the national convention, a move that has been strongly opposed by some party elders led by Prof. Jerry Gana who has some former national chairmen, former governors and National Assembly members backing him. They have in reaction pledgedtoholdaparallelconvention in Abuja today. However, affirming the determinationofthemainstream of the party to forge ahead with the convention and the elections into a new National Executive Committee, NEC, Wike at a pre-convention press conference said: “Assuming though not conceding that there was a court order that there should not be election for the chairmanship position,themanthatyousaid went to court(acting National Chairman of the party) is participatingintheelection.Ittells you he did not file any court process. We will do the election and know the next step to take,” the governor said. HewasflankedbysomefellowgovernorsincludingOkezi Ikpeazu of Abia State, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Dave Umahi, Ebonyi State andtheMinorityLeaderofthe Senate, Senator Godswil Ak-

pabio. GovernorWikesaidtheparty had acted timeously against any court order challenging the convention. GovernorWike,whosaidthe party had sought a stay of execution order against any court order challenging the election, said they also appealed the court orders. Continuing, he said the timeous action of the party had made it clear that it will not be disobeying any court order with its resolve to go ahead with the convention. Wike said the twelve governors on the platform of the party and other leaders of the variousconstitutionallyrecognisedorgansofthepartywere already in Port Harcourt. “Which other organs can holdaparallelconvention,”he asked rhetorically. The governor said that INEC, will be on ground to observe,stressingthattheelectoral body was not coming to supervise the exercise. The governor said those routing for a parallel convention were still members of the party, adding that their action was merely politics. Senators, Reps storm PH Members of the National Assembly elected on the plat-

form of the party have shown their preference for the PortHarcourt convention of the partyandturnedtheirbackon thefactionalconventionbeing organised by some of the party’s founding fathers in Abuja. SeveralsenatorsandHouse membersinpracticaldemon-

‘’As a share of the economy, the Oil sector contributed 10.29 per cent of total real GDP, marginally lower from the share recorded in the corresponding period of 2015, yet higher from the share in fourth quarter of 2015 by 2.24 per cent points. In the non-oil sector GDP, NBS stated that while activities such as Crop production, Trade and Telecommunications & Information Services supported growth of the sector, in overall growth was weighed down upon by declines in Manufacturing, Financial Institutions, and Real Estate. The sector slowed 0.18 per cent in real terms in the first three months of 2016, and this was 5.77 percentage points lower from the corresponding quarter in 2014 and 3.32 per cent points from the previous quarter . In real terms, the NonOil sector contributed 89.71 per cent to the nation’s GDP, marginally higher from shares recorded in Q1 of 2016 (89.55 per cent) yet lower from and Q4 2015 (91.94 per cent). Crude Oil and Non-Oil Growth The other major factor in the decline of GDP came from the four main activities that make up the Mining & Quarrying sector, which include, Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas, Coal Mining, Metal

ore and Quarrying and other Minerals. According to NBS “on a nominal basis, the sector slowed by 34.98 per cent (year on-year) during the first three months of 2016. This was 11.22 per cent higher from growth recorded in 2015, and marginally higher from growth recorded in the previous quarter. The decline in year-on-year growth is attributable to the falling oil prices. The sector contributed 4.14 per cent to overall GDP in the first three months of 2016, lower than the contribution recorded in same quarter of 2015 and the preceding quarter by 2.60 per cent p and 1.04 per cent points respectively. In real terms, Mining and Quarrying sector slowed at 2.96 per cent (year-onyear) between January and March 2016, a relative improvement from the same period in 2015 by 4.94 per cent and Q4 2015 by 5.08% points. “While Crude Oil output weighted on growth, the sector was supported by a substantial improvement in output in Metal Ores. The contribution of Mining and Quarrying to Real GDP in Q1 2016 was 10.34 per cent, marginally lower relative to the corresponding quarter of 2015 yet higher from the previous quarter by 2.13 per cent. According to the report “In nominal terms, the agricultural sector grew by 14.15 per cent year-on

year between January and March 2016. This was higher than growth rates recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2015 and the Q4 2015 by 6.71 per cent and 4.65 per cent respectively. Growth in the sector was driven by output in Crop Production accounting for 83.67 per cent of overall growth of the sector. Agriculture contributed 19.17% to nominal GDP during the quarter under review. This was higher than shares recorded in the corresponding period of 2015 by 1.40 per cent yet lower than the contribution in the last quarter of 2015 by 3.39 per cent. “Real agricultural GDP growth in the first quarter of 2016 stood at 3.09 per cent (year-on-year), a decrease of 1.61 per cent from growth recorded in the corresponding period of 2015 and also lower by 0.39 per cent from the last quarter of 2015. While positive, growth in agricultural output has been relatively lower compared to the corresponding period of 2014 as a result of lower crop output which in turn was as a result of lower productivity during dry season farming during the quarter. Agriculture contributed 20.48 per cent to Real GDP during the quarter under review. This was higher than shares recorded in the corresponding period of 2015 by 0.69% points yet lower than shares recorded in Q4 2015 by 3.70%

ing has been reserved for them for the event. Confirming the inclination ofthemajorityofthePDPsenators in a chat with Saturday Vanguard, Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi said that majority of the PDP senators were in PortHarcourt.

L-R: Manager, Product Marketing, Mr. Chaejin Im; Director, Information Technology & Mobile, Mr. Olumide Ojo, both of Samsung Electronics West Africa; Winner, Samsung “Inspire Bigger Dreams” contest, Ibrahim Ambali; and Director & Business Leader, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas during the presentation of Samsung mobile devices and accessories to winners of the just concluded campaign at Samsung Offices.

Nigeria in trouble, recession imminent Continued from page 5

strationoftheirpreferencehad byyesterdayarrivedPort-Harcourtaheadofthecommencement of the convention this morning. Saturday Vanguard gatheredyesterdaythatmajorityof PDP Senators had already arrived at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt where lodg-

points. “Nominal GDP growth of Manufacturing in Q1 2016 slowed by 2.98% (year-on-year), 4.23% points lower from growth recorded in Q1 2015 and 9.91% points lower from growth in Q4 2015 as a result of slower growth in 10 of 13 subsections of the Manufacturing sector. On a Quarter-on-Quarter basis, the sector slowed by 11.92%. The contribution of Manufacturing to Nominal GDP was 9.93% in Q1 2016, lower than the 10.17% recorded in the corresponding period of 2015, and marginally lower from 9.09 in Q4 2015. In Q1 2016, Real GDP growth of the manufacturing” sector slowed by 8.39%, 14.17% points higher from growth recorded in Q1 2016 with Oil Refining, Cement, Food, Beverage and Tobacco and Electricity activities weighing on growth. Growth was however 7.27% points lower from rates recorded in Q4 2015, (Figure 6). On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the sector slowed on the margin by 11.91%. Unemployment rate soars further The escalating economic crises in the country has resonated in the labour market as unemployment rate rose further to 12.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Unemployment rate has been on steady rise since second quarter of 2015 when it

stood at 8.2 per cent before rising to 9.9 per cent and 10.4 per cent in third and fourth quarters of last year respectively. According to the labour market report released yesterday by the NBS, the number of unemployed in the labour force, increased by 1,449,18 persons as against increase of 518,000 recorded in the previous quarter. With this figure, under the previous methodology of NBS, Nigeria’s unemployment rate would have been 31.2 per cent, the third highest in Africa behind Djibouti, Congo and Kenya. The report also indicated that, there were a total of 24.5 million persons between the ages of 15-64 that were willing and able to work and actively seeking for job that were either unemployed or underemployed compared to 22.45 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, and 20.73 million in the third quarter 2015. Also within the same period in 2016, the total number in full time employment decreased by 528,148 persons or 0.97 per cent, and this figure, according to NBS, consists of people who lost their jobs and were either forced or for various reasons, chose to move from full time employment to underemployment. Against this backdrop, the number of underemployed in the labour force during the review quarter, however, increased by 607,613 persons, bring-

ing the total number in this category to 15.02 million and resulting in an increase in the underemployment rate to 19.1 per cent in the first quarter 2016 from 18.7 per cent in the previous quarter. NBS defines the underemployed as those working but doing largely menial work or jobs not commensurate with their qualifications or not fully engaged and merely working for few hours, less than 20hours. According to NBS the increase in underemployment is in line with an increasing trend of informal sector job creation outpacing formal sector job creation forcing people to settle for less preferred underemployment, but it also included those that choose to work fewer hours or not be engaged in work full time for various reasons. Unemployment and underemployment were highest for persons in the labour force between the ages of 15-24 and 25-34 years which represents the youth population in the labour force. Accordingly, 56.1 per cent of Nigerians in the labour force (not entire population) aged 15-24 years were either unemployed or underemployed in Q1 2016 compared to 53.5 per cent in Q4 2015 while another 32.8 per cent aged 25-34 years were either unemployed or underemployed in Q1 2016 compared to 31.3 per cent in Q4 2015.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016 — 43

EGYPTAIR CRASH: Body part, bags, plane seats found

An Egyptian military search boat takes part in a search operation for the EgyptAir plane that disappeared in the Mediterranean Sea. gypt’s military has E spotted a body part, seats and suitcases in the

Mediterranean Sea in the area where EgyptAir flight MS804 disappeared from radar, Greece’s defence minister has said. The debris was believed to include parts of the missing plane and was found 290km (180 miles) from the Egyptian city of Alexandria. The flight had left Paris at 10.09pm BST on Wednesday but vanished at 1.30am BST, just over three hours into its four-

hour journey towards Cairo. Egypt’s armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Mohammed Samir said that passengers’ belongings were among items found by a navy vessel and aircraft sweeping the area in the hunt for the black box of the Airbus A320. The Brigadier General added that the “part of the wreckage” had been salvaged. France’s foreign minister said yesterday that there was “absolutely no indication” what

brought down the flight despite the Egyptian authorities saying terrorism was the most likely cause. JeanMarc Ayrault said the French government was looking at “all possibilities” into what caused the jet to disappear from radar screens over the Mediterranean. Junior minister for transport, Alain Vidalies, added on France-Info radio that “no theory was favoured” and urged “the greatest caution.”

Suspect shot near White House Secret Service officers shot a male suspect near a security checkpoint near the White House Friday, after he apparently brandished a weapon, a law enforcement source said. The suspect was shot in the abdomen and taken into custody, according to two sources familiar with the incident. President Barack Obama was not at the White House, and Vice President Joe Biden was

secured in the White House complex during the incident. An earlier report said the suspect had opened fire on the White House complex, but it was not immediately clear what happened. The city’s EMS (Emergency Medical Services) said a patient identified as the suspect has been transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. The U.S. Park Police

said Friday a shooting had occurred in close vicinity to the White House. “Shooting on W. Executive Dr. PIO en route to 17th and Pennsylvania,” the law enforcement agency tweeted. Earlier in the afternoon, Secret Service officers cleared the White House North Lawn, Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Park. Officers drew guns and ordered reporters to move inside.

Clinton: Donald Trump is dangerous

illary Clinton labeled her Republican r i v a l Donald Trump “divisive and dangerous” and “unmoored”, saying his recent behavior shows he’s not qualified to be president. The Democratic presidential front-runner unleashed her sharpest attacks yet on Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee. She pointed to Trump’s attacks on British politicians, his willingness to speak with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, his call for the United States to back away C M Y K

from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and his assertion that more countries should have nuclear weapons, and said it “adds up to a very troubling picture.” “I know how hard this job is, and I know that we need steadiness as well as strength and smarts in it, and I have concluded he is not qualified to be president of the United States,” Clinton said. When asked whether Trump was qualified in April, said, “Well, the voters will have to decide. I’m going to lay out my qualifications to be president.”

Clinton was particularly critical of Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States, calling the idea “provocative” and saying it sends a “message of disrespect” to important majority-Muslim nations that are U.S. allies. “When you run for president of the United States, the entire world is listening and watching,” she said. “So when you say you’re going to bar all Muslims, you’re sending evidence to the Muslim world, and you’re also sending a message to terrorists.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

Thrills as Nigeria’s

Moyo Kasim is inducted into Volleyball Hall of fame in USA STORIES BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

aturday, April 23, 2016 will remain green in the memory of Nigerian volleyball legend, Dr. Moyo Kasim. It was a special day. He flew his family from Atlanta to Pennsylvania. He had to. It was a day the iconic volleyball great was inducted into the prestigious Volleyball Hall of Fame in the United State of America. Kasim, who started playing volleyball for Nigeria at 18 and played for about 20 years, winning national, continental and international laurels is the first African to be inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame, a remarkable storyline for the son of the late Oluepe of Epe, Oba M. D. Kasim. Recalling the events that climaxed with his induction last month at the Penn State University, Pennsylvania, Dr. Kasim, who is currently the Provost of the Lagos State College of Health Technology said “that day would remain indelible in my life because the hall was filled to the brim, with volleyball greats and bidding stars all in attendance, making for a great show that saw my induction into the Volleyball Hall of Fame”. Speaking on the moment he was called out for the induction, Dr. Kasim said “at that moment, I remembered my parents, I remembered my family, my wife and children, who were there at the occasion and I wished my parents were still alive to see this epochal day. “I say this because without God first and them, I would not have achieved what I achieved all these years and for me to be so recognised after all these years goes to illustrate the immense roles they played in shaping me into what I have become and these accolades from the international community and Lagos State government “For me to be so recognised and honoured after so many years of quitting the game is so gratifying and I can’t be more thankful to those who shaped me into what I am and to God for his mercy and love”, he added. Dr. Kasim, who was featured many years ago in the umber sports magazine in the world, Sports Illustrated, with comparisons being made to then basketball stars like Magic Johnson and Abbu Jamal, with his induction, joins an elite group of 13 in the all-time volleyball hall of

Dr. Moyo Kasim (cent re) with wife Rolake, da Wane Stalick, his coac h on the left during his ughter Tomisin, niece Courtney, Dr in Pennsylvania, US A, April 23, 2016. On induction into Volleyball Hall of Fame the right is Roy Shay Induction Committee ka who used to be Moy o's assistant coach, Wa , President of wife Wunmi and Moy o's daughter Tobi siu Ojulapo, his

fame, a feat which evokes rich memories in the Epe born native. “I’m the only Nigerian and only African to be inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fames till today. Three of us were inducted on that day and I felt proud to be a Nigerian and a native of Lagos State. “I represented Nigeria for about 20 years and even in the USA, I was known and celebrated. Its a great honour for myself and my family and the credit goes to my late parents, especially by late father, the Oluepe of Epe, Oba M.D. Kasim, my coaches, Suraju Olajide, popularly called Coach Mansu, my college coach, Dr. Wayne Stalick, who was my trainer in the USA and the Lagos State government, who gave me the platform to showcase my volleyball talents”. In the Sports

Illustrated issue of May 13, 1985, the writer wrote that “Kasim came to visit his uncle in the U.S. in 1982 and decided to stay after watching Akeem Olajuwon, with whom he had played on the Lagos state basketball team, on TV. “When I tell people that this guy is my best friend at home, they say, ‘Come on, get out of here’’’, Kasim says with a laugh. And 35 years on, Dr. Kasim is having a big laugh now with his induction into the volleyball of fame. “It ‘is quite astonishing and remarkable how things have turned to favour me that from nowhere, I am now somewhere and back at home, contributing something great to my people in Lagos State. I am just grateful to God for this remarkable

story and how well he has blessed me and my plan is to continue giving back to the society, whether in the health sector or sports beat”, Dr. Kasim told Sports Vanguard. Surely, sports runs in the family of Kasim. His wife is Rolake Olagbegi now Kasim, the tennis sensation that dazzled on Nigerian courts before she jetted to the USA to study and also play tennis. She played briefly on the circuit and still coaches till date. At the National Sports Festival in Lagos, Delta State hired her for the games and out of five gold medals Delta won 3 and pocketed two silver and two bronze medals. Their domination in the sport attracted good comments from then governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Over 24 teams scramble for Delta Football League .Basalt Oil and Gas joins train

he recently inaugurated Delta State Football League Management Board has secured a sponsorship deal to run the 2016 State football league season. Disclosing this to Sports Vanguard, Chairman of the board, Lucky Sunday said the new deal would help the body achieve its mandate to organise a well-run league season from next month. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Corporate Headquarters of Vanguard Media Limited in Lagos, Sunday said the Delta State League,which will be a grassroots programme,has already secured a major

sponsorship deal with Basalt Oil and Gas Limited owned by a renowned and avowed football promoter, Stanley Okafor. This sponsorship deal comes a time that Nigeria is being confronted by mounting economic woes, with the attendant effect of a lull in economic activities and thinning sponsorship drive occasioned by companies inabilities to meet their mandates. An excited Sunday, who hailed the Managing Director of Basalt Oil and Gas for s accepting to sponsor the 2016 edition of the Delta State Football League said that sports development would remain a

•Lucky Sunday (2nd from left) with members of the Delta State Football league Board after their inauguration in Asaba.

myth without the financial support of corporate Nigeria. While promising that the funds from Basalt Oil and Gas will be judiciously expended, Sunday, who once played for BCC Lions of Gboko said that he was hopeful that the new sponsors will stick with the Delta State Football league Board for many more years to come. Meanwhile, a total of 24 teams have registered for the state league with 24 other teams expected to join soon Sunady told Sports Vanguard that teams will be zoned into the three senatorial zones,with the two top sides qualifying for the ‘Super Six’ tournaments,which will last for one week. Sunday said “the venue of the ‘Super Six’ tournament will be determined by crowd attendance at the various venues during the preliminaries The teams are Maters Academy, Swasong, Delta Rovers, Golden Friend, Great Tomorrow, Aghogho United, Vigo Money, Partakers, Igho, Young Shall Grow, Sundof, Prodigy and Ibusa United. Others are Lisborne, Ekete United, Invincible Leopards, Ede United, Ihu-Iyase, Heroes Sports, Koko, Andona United, Oracle of God Church, Texas and Sunsel FC

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—45

Okpekpe Race: Of Ecobank, Oshiomhole and Julius Tetrault

•The Canadian immigration exper ak en expertt who has ttak aken ‘Patoranking’ to Quebec BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

e dey fine, no wahala,” Julien Tetrault replied as he answered a telephone call. Everybody around was surprised. The Canadian has not been long in Nigeria but he is quickly adapting to ways of life here. Actually, Julien does not live in Nigeria. He only visits and has done that just a few times. But he appreciates the Nigerian man and his way of life. The telephone conversation was with the wife of his Nigerian friend and business partner, Mike Itemuagbor. Julien described her as “my sister,” and he proceeded to say “how now, how you dey?.” That drew laughter from those around. Just before he impressed with Pidgin English the television in Mike Itemuagbor’s Pamodzi Sports Marketing, Lekki office last Monday night was playing Patoranking’s My Woman and Julien was singing along, demonstrating some Skelewu dance moves although he was sitting by the conference table. “My woman, my everything, my woman, my everything,” the Canadian sang along, his hands up, beating around. Julien said he loved the song and would like to buy the CD and take home to Quebec, his base in Canada. Julien is President and founder of JTH Lawyers, a company into immigration consultancy in Canada. They also cover USA, Antigua and Barbuda. Theirs is to process citizenship for families that invest in Canada and Julien’s somewhat humanitarian inclination makes him lay emphasis on free universal healthcare and free education for children of the investors. At college level, schools fees are very affordable, according to him. Julien just left Nigeria Tuesday, 24 hours after he entertained us with his seeming mastery of the Nigerian nation. He was at Okpekpe Road Race two weeks ago where he championed a campaign for breast cancer awareness and also donated to an orphanage. His company added colour and another dimension to the IAAF-sanctioned race by partnering with organizers to promote cancer awareness. Free tests for rural women were provided. Julien

•Julien Tetrault and Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director of Ecobank at the Okpekpe Road Race

“

•Managing Director of Ecobank Charles Kie presenting the VIP winner trophy to governor Adams Oshiomhole who came first among the VIPs himself is a cancer survivor and he wants cancer patients to know that going through it is not the end of life. Some people now survive cancer. He is one. Julien, like many cancer survivors, draws inspiration from Lance Armstrong, the great cyclist, his doping problems notwithstanding. Lance Armstrong won Tour de France more than five times, enjoying fame and wealth. His cancer had gone beyond stage 4 and surviving looked a matter of miracle. He survived it and went on to win Tour de France. His books “It’s Not About The Bike” and “Every Second Counts” were bestsellers and a great inspiration to many readers, including this reporter. “Mine was at stage two and nothing close to Lance Armstrong’s,” Julien said in a conversation with this reporter. He survived cancer of the testicle, the same that attacked Armstrong. But he lives well today and strives to help people while also running his consultancy. But

Ecobank contributed to the sponsorship that Edo State largely shouldered, and their staff also attended. Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director of the bank said it was a great weekend for mankind and he spoke eloquently about the good impressions the race made on their Managing Director, Chales Kie who had the honour of presenting Governor Adams Oshiomhole the trophy he won for the VIP race

from his activities, there’s inclination to humanitarian gestures. He was cheerful and was still talking about his experience in Okpekpe, the village in Edo State that is now a well known town, thanks to the road race that is of bronze status in the world events of the IAA, the world governing body for athletics. “The topography of Okpekpe is amazing,” he says. “The hills, the vegetation and the roads are unique. You may be fine with the race but you will not find it easy after seven kilometres. It was an interesting event and I like the village, the rural setting.” Ecobank contributed to the sponsorship that Edo State largely shouldered, and their staff also attended. Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director of the bank said it was a great weekend for mankind and he spoke eloquently about the good impressions the race made on their Managing Director, Chales Kie who had the honour of presenting Governor Adams Oshiomhole the trophy he won for the VIP race. Oshiomhole came first and became emotional about the race which was the last he would attend as Governor of Edo State. He made the Okpekpe race possible and the race has tremendously promoted the village which is now a well known town not only in Nigeria but also internationally. Even constructing the road for the race is one development for which the people of Okpekpe would always remain thankful. Zack Amodu, race coordinator, rated this year’s event best. There were innovations that impressed the IAAF officials. “There are structures that will make the race a yearly event. It has run for four years now and we intend to continue,” Mike Itemuabgor of Pamodzi said. He is JTH’s Nigerian partner. They hope many Nigerian families will explore the chance of paying nothing or less school fees for their children in Canada through the immigration opportunities JTH lawyers are offering, about which more information can be obtained at www.jthlawyers.com

46— SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

As race for Rio Olympics over-age players rages:

•Siasia

Siasia meets Mikel, Ighalo

•Mikel

•Ighalo

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN s the waiting game over the identity of the overage players Nigeria will be parading in the men’s football tournament of the 2016 Olympics goes on, Samson Siasia has met with John Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo, two Eagles stars holding out for the chance to be on the flight to Rio. Though the competition is primarily for players below 23 years, a provision has been made by FIFA for each participating team to register three players above the stipulated age limit, sparking a battle for these slots by the likes of Chelsea midfielder, Mikel, Watford’s forward, Ighalo, Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who only last weekend made the French Ligue I team of the season and CSKA forward, Ahmed Musa. Speculation over the identity of the Dream Team’s fantastic trio for Brazil seems unending despite Siasia’s statement that he knows the three over-age players who will make the flight to Rio as Nigeria seek a second gold medal some 20 years after their first at the Atlanta Games. And Siasia seems to have stoked up the heated debate after meeting Mikel and Ighalo recently. The two Nigerian Premier League exports are currently vacating after a gruelling European football season ended last weekend In England and in a post on his official handle, Ighalo shared a picture of himself alongside Siasia and Mikel at what seems an exquisite restaurant The picture shows Siasia smiling as he warps his hands around the two Eagles stars, suggesting that they have made the flight to Rio, smiling in turn as they united with their former coach at the junior level and recently with Eagles during the last two AFCON 2017 qualifying games with Egypt in Kaduna and Alexandria. Speaking recently on his Olympics plans, Siasia “my target in Rio is to pick the gold medal having won the silver medal in Beijing in 2008””. Brazil, parading captain Neymar go into the August tournaments as firm favourites, but the the Nigerian challenge will be a very real one, as long as Siasia selects the right over age players to bolster their chances of a second gold.

FA Cup Final:

It’s win or burst for Man U against Palace •Martial

ouis van Gaal would rather scrape an ugly 1-0 Wembley win over Crystal Palace today than leave the “prestigious temple” empty-handed. The Manchester United boss also believes winning the FA Cup is more important for the club and the Reds support it is for his managerial CV. “Always your starting point is to impress and perform well,” he said. “That depends on a lot of factors, including your opponent. Then you get a fantastic match. Our starting point is to win well and score beautiful goals. “But if we win 1-0 that is also enough. Winning is the most important thing in a final, otherwise you have nothing. “I have read the last FA Cup win was 2004. That’s a long time ago for Manchester United so this is a big title.“A club like Manchester United needs silverware. We need it and the players need it. It is always important when you win silverware. It is important for the players. They can look and they can hold the cup and that is an exciting moment. We can win something. We are very close but you have nothing if you don’t win. But we have to beat Crystal Palace and that is not so easy. They have a lot of quality. They have a lot of speed in their attack and on the counter attack.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016—47

Pogba: I must win Champions League before Ballon D’Or J

uventus midfielder Paul Pogba claims he is not ready for the Ballon D’Or: ‘First I must win the Champions League’. “The next step is to win the Champions League. I still have to improve before I can aim for the Ballon D’Or.”

•Pogba

As Champions League final approaches swiftly:

Pique attacks Real Madrid B

arcelona continue to outdo rivals Real Madrid in terms of success according to the Catalan side’s experienced centre-back, Gerard Pique. While Real Madrid could end the season with their hands on the Champions Leaguetrophy, should they beat Atletico Madrid on May 28, Barcelona are still vying for a domestic double, something Pique sees as confirmation of the Blaugrana’s superiority over their arch rivals. “They can continue to make their films in Madrid,” the outspoken 29-year-old told reporters ahead of Sunday’ s Copa del Rey final. “We meanwhile, continue to win more trophies

to show off in our museum. “What is the difference between them and us? I don’t know. Maybe the talent of the players. It is a fact that, at the moment, we are the team that wins more, even if every cycle comes to an end.” Despite the animosity between the two outfits, Pique insisted that he would not be resentful should Los Blancos win their upcoming European final. “I would settle for the double every year,” he continued. “And if [Real] win the Champions League, then we will congratulate them.”

•Pique

As French Open stars tomorrow:

•Morata

Madrid eye massive money sale of Morata J

uventus are unlikely to hold on to Alvaro Morata this summer, as Real Madrid continue to plot a way of receiving a significant profit on the Spaniard. The La Liga giants intend on activating their buy-back clause in the coming months, which will allow them to re-sign Morata for • 30m. However, their ultimate goal is to make a profit on the 23-year-old, with both PSG and Arsenal ready to oblige, according to AS. Both clubs are prepared to offer him significantly higher wages, up to double what he currently earns, with Real hopeful of receiving a bid of around • 60m. Given that Morata has raised concern over competition for places in the Spanish capital, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema ahead of him in the pecking order, he is expected to be inclined to make the switch to either Ligue 1 or the Premier League. It appears as though England would be his preferred destination, but while that remains unclear at this stage, what is certain is that the Bianconeri will be the ones to lose out. Morata has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions this season, playing a crucial role as part of Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

Serena seeks place in history

hallengers to Serena Williams’ throne have proved as fickle as a Paris spring and as the year’s second grand slam starts the veteran American is again seemingly in a league of her own. The 34year-old’s charge to overhaul Margaret Court’s record 24 grand slam singles titles may have stalled since she chalked up major number 21 at last year’s Wimbledon. But after fine-tuning her claycourt game by winning last week’s Italian Open she will begin the defence of her French Open title as the strong favourite. With twice French Open champion Maria Sharapova suspended pending the findings of an anti-doping hearing after she tested positive for Meldonium in Australia this year, the list of players capable of toppling a fully firing Williams is short. She has played only three tournaments since losing

to an inspired Angelique Kerber in the Australian Open final. But former champion Martina Navratilova says when the big prizes are at stake, the American can be relied upon to perform. “She hasn’t played that much this year, but she came back with a vengeance (in Rome), played great tennis, as well as she has on clay, and she is the big favourite going into the French Open,” 18-times grand slam champion Navratilova told the Tennis Podcast in the build-up to Paris. “When she loses it’s an exception... Serena is now healthy, hungry, eager and fresh. She’s match-tough after Rome, but still fresh - that’s a tough combination, and it will be hard for anyone to beat her.” The main obstacles between Williams and a 22nd singles major which would take her level with Steffi Graff in second place, appear to be Germany’s Kerber and former world number one Victoria Azarenka, although both have struggled for consistency.

Juve battle Milan for Coppa Italia

•Serena

uventus named their squad for the Coppa Italia Final with Milan, but Leonardo Bonucci and Sami Khedira cannot play. It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome tonight at 18.45 GMT. Bonucci is suspended, while Khedira has a muscular injury, but both are making the trip to Rome anyway. The likes of Evra; Pogba, Hernanes, Cuadrado and Dybala make the list.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MAY 21, 2016

Juve battle Milan for Coppa Italia

As race for Rio Olympics over-age players rages:

>>44

Siasia meets Mikel, Ighalo

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

•Martial

>>46

FA Cup Final:

It’s win or burst for Man U against Palace >>46

•Siasia

Okpekpe Race: Of Ecobank, Oshiomhole and Julius Tetrault

•Ighalo

>>45 Today’s Fixtures FA Cup final Crystal Palace v Man Utd

5:30pm

Coppa Italia final AC Milan v Juventus

7:45pm

German Cup final Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund 7pm French Cup final PSG v Marseille

8pm

NFF Presiden Secretary Gen t, Amaju Pinnick (r) with breakfast mee eral, Fatma Samba Diouf Sathe new FIFA ting, in Abuja on Thursday. moura after a

•Mikel

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Country in Africa – (7) 5 Anambra State Capital – (4) 7 Cohesion – (4) 8 L.G.A in Akwa-Ibom State – (4) 9 Former United States President, Mr. Dwight – (10) 13 Former Delta State Governor, Mr. Felix – (4) 14 African Desert – (4) 16 World’s Longest River – (4) 17 Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kelechi – (4) 19 Kingdom – (5) 20 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (4) 21 Italian President, Mr. Sergio – (10) 26 L.G.A in Abia State – (4) 27 President, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Dr. Femi – (4) 28 Former Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Charles – (4) 29 Leicester City Coach, Claudio – (7)

DOWN 1 Kogi United Chairman, Abdul – (4) 2 Solar Planet – (4) 3 Feline Animal (4) 4 Former Flying Eagles (U21) Striker, David – (4) 5 Public Relations Officer, national Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Abosede – (10) 6 Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti – (7) 10 Igbo Word for “Six”? – (4) 11 Senate Vice President, Mr. Ike – (10) 12 Japan “Samurai Blues” Winger, Keisuke – (5) 15 Venomous Snake – (5) 16 Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogbonnaya – (7) 18 Fabric – (4) 22 Travel – (4) 23 Precipitation – (4) 24 Togolese Capital City – (4) 25 Oyo State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Ismail – (4)

Solution on page 41

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