EKITI ELECTION: Fayose leads, APC kicks

C M Y K

PAGE 2 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 3

PAGE 4 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014 — PAGE 5

Ekiti Decides

•Voters casting their votes at Iyin Ekiti during the Ekiti State gubernatorial election yesterday.

Fayose leads, APC kicks *APC alleges infraction, arrest of members, agents *Fayemi commends INEC’s innovation results.

“The people of Ekiti have spoken”, Obanikoro s a i d .

Amid tight security, turn out of voters was impressive as the electorate made the sacrifice of trekking long distances to the polling booths to exercise their franchise.

•Continued from Page 1 th e p r e s e n ce o f P D P leaders in the state and the alleged attempted abduction of APC leaders.

As the results began to trickle-in from different parts of the state, late yesterday, the figures, though unofficially, showed Fayose jumping into early lead.

Reports said the PDP candidate won with a wide margin in almost all the 13 wards in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Fayemi reportedly led the election in his Isan ward in Oye local government area while the LP candidate, Bamidele, performed brilliantly in most of the polling units in his Iyin Ekiti country home in Irepodun-Ifelodun local government area.

In the meantime, the APC leadership, last night, issued a statement, rejecting the outcome of the election.

But the Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, welcomed the D

E

S

M

R E

A

T

E

A M

E

T

E

O

A

U

N

T

E

Y

R

N

V

H

E

A

U S

T

Y

A

I

T

R

E

E

T

O

O

U

I

O

N

O

G

N

P

I

S

T

N U

S

O

N

Fayemi and his wife, Bisi, voted at the Ogilolo polling unit 009 IsanIlafon Ward11 at about 1.01 p.m.

Speaking with newsmen after casting his vote, the governor expressed satisfaction regarding the T

A

O

O

S

U

M

T

E

U

T

P

A

I

S

N

N

G

S

E

E

E

C

O

T

Y

T

R

I

A

N

L

E

G

G

O

E

N

T

F

R O

S

U

A

N A

D

R

E

D

O

M

A I

A

T

E

D

O

T

R

A

A

L

T R

s

Fayemi commends INEC

S

S

r

Accreditation of voters commenced as early as 8 am in most of the voting units in Ado Ekiti, Ido, Ifaki, Oye, Isan, Ikere, Afao, Aramoko, ljero, Ikole, Ikere, Emure, Ilawe, Ijero and A r a m o k o .

INEC officials were said to have come with the materials as early as 7am.

O

O W

D

W

T C

N

V o t e accreditation

D

O

W

N

S E

N

T

I

L L

A

M

U

S

level of preparedness and the arrangement put in place by INEC. He c ommended the electoral umpire for bringing the electoral materials as early as possible and introducing innovation to eliminate delays in the voting process and eradicate irregularities during elections.

The governor said that with this development, there were indications that the Ekiti election would record fewer hitches than that of Anambra in November 2013.

He, h o w e v e r, condemned what he described as attempted abduction of some of his party men like the alleged invasion of the house of an APC leader, Chief Dapo Awojolu at Egbe Ekiti in Gbonyin local government area of the state by some security operatives.

Fayemi equally said he was not comfortable with the presence of some prominent members of PDP in the state during the day of election, saying they had no business in Ekiti when the poll was going on.

On the heavy presence of security operatives in the state, the governor said he could not see reason the electorate should entertain any fear in as much as the security operatives did not misbehave.

He implored his people to remain calm and allow INEC officials to do their jobs.

Director General, Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Hon Bimbo Daramola, said that on the eve of the election, some overzealous security operatives attempted to arrest him at his Ire-Ekiti

home town in Oye local government area of the state.

Daramola, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, told newsmen that some armed per sonnel stor med the house of his father, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola, but did not succeed in their mission to arrest him.

He said they ransacked the house and maltreated everybody they saw on sight including his 87years-old father.

I’ll accept outcome – Fayose

There was a huge turn out of voters at Afao Ekiti, the hometown of Fayose, the PDP candidate, who voted at his Afao Ward, Unit 001 in IrepodunIfelodun local government areas. He told newsmen after casting his vote that he would accept the outcome of the election no matter where the pendulum of victory swung.

Fayose said he would leave the out come of the governorship election to God. “I have campaigned enough. I did all that was necessary in this election.

I know my people love me and they want to see me return as governor, but I will leave my fate to God”, the PDP candidate said.

He, however, said he was ver y distur bed by the alleged level of violence and inducement in some polling units, saying that was very alien to Nigeria’s democracy and hoped it would not be repeated in the 2015 general elections.

I’m satisfied – Bamidele

Also speaking after voting at his Iyin Ekiti Ward in Irepodun-Ifelodun local government area, Bamidele, the LP candidate in the poll, said

he was satisfied with the two stages of accreditation and voting, adding that he would be in a better position to assess the exercise at the end of the election.

He commended the law enforcement agencies for giving all the candidates a level playing ground.

With the level of security put in place, he said, INEC would not have excuses to fail.

On the rumour that he had stepped down for Fayose, he said both the APC and PDP leaders had made overtures to him to step down for their candidates but he turned them down. ‘’The leadership of both APC and PDP made overtures to me but l turned them down. I remain a credible alternative. I never contemplated stepping down for any of them. That would have amounted to betrayal of my people,” the LP candidate said.

Five journalists arrested

Five journalists covering the election were arrested by security men for alleged illegal coverage of the p o l l .

The journalists, Jadesola Ajibola of Inspiration FM; Toyin Yusuf, Oyetunji Ojo, Akin Ogunsola, and Aremu Awolola (reporter and crew members of the Osun State B r o a d c a s t i n g Corporation, OSBC), were arrested at IfakiEkiti at about 11. 15 am by a team of Mobile Policemen.

One of the journalists, Ajibola, said they were picked up by the policemen, numbering over 50, who dropped at Kwara boundary with Ekiti.

The Inspiration FM correspondent said that the police team, led by one Mopol Commander, Patrick, handed them over to one G.B Seleke, another Mopol, who escorted them with a warning not to return to Ekiti. ”The Mopol Commander told us that we had no business being in Ekiti despite our protests that we were accredited by INEC to cover the election. We showed them our press election duty INEC accreditation but they were not bothered. INEC Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Taiwo Gbadegesin, accredited us for the coverage since Thursday, June 19.”

Police deny arrest H o w e v e r, police spokesperson in Ekiti State, M r.

Victor Babayemi, denied the arrest. He told Sunday Vanguard, “I’m not aware and I cannot confirm it”.

APC bemoans clampdown

Speaking on the election, the APC condem ned what it described as massive clampdown on its leaders as well as journalists during the poll.

In a statement in Lagos, yesterday, by its National Publicity Secretar y, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, t h e p a r t y s a i d M r.

Awodolu and 22 others were arrested at EgbeEkiti and taken to IkereEkiti; two leaders were arrested from Ilawe while 11 others were picked up from Ado-Ekiti.

It said those arrested at Ado Ward A Units 1, 6, 8 and 11 include Charles Fa s h u b a , To l u A j a y i , Elesun, Olu Hero, Gboyega Fabuero, all of whom were pointed out to security agents by one Femi Ogunleye, a member of the PDP. The APC said the arrested leaders were apparently being picked up to prevent them from casting their votes, monitoring the election and subsequently being present at the collation centres. ”Ekiti has witnessed a massive turnout of voters despite the massive deployment of troops and policemen, ostensibly to provide security for the election but in reality to intimidate and harass voters to stay away from the polling units”, the party said. ”Now that the strategy of the PDP-led federal government has failed despite their overmilitarization of the state, they have unleashed security agents on the leaders of the APC to prevent them from monitoring the collation of results.”

The party said security agents also descended on journalists who were duly accredited to cover the election, with at least five of them forcefully taken to the boundary of Ekiti and Kwara states by a detachment of police men.

The party listed other infractions to include: *The names of APC members were clearly missing on the list brought

by INEC officials to Wards 3 and 4 in Gbonyin LGA *Harassment of the fiancee and aged father of the campaign manager of Fayemi, Hon. Bimbola Daramola, by gunwielding security agents. *Plan to burn ballot boxes if APC should win Ward 2 Ifaki Unit 7 in IdoOsi LGA *Fake soldiers purportedly from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, acting under the command of PDP chieftains, were harassing and intimidating voters.

It called on local and international observers to pay urgent attention to the infractions and ensure they are rectified in the interest of a free and fair election in Ekiti State.

PAGE 6—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014

2014 EKITI STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Mr Ayodele Fayose, the PDP candidate, at ward 01, St David Primary School, Afao

A cross section of voters

APC candidate, Governor Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Erelu Bisi, about casting their votes at Ogilolo Ward, Isan-Ekiti,

An electoral officer displaying the ballot box.

A 91-years-old man casting his vote at Iyin Ekiti

A cross section of voters waiting to vote

Some old women waiting to be accredited for the vote in Iyin Ekiti

Peoples checking their names at poliing station

Photos by Dare Fasube, Kehinde Gbadamosi and Sola Oyelese

A helicopter hovering over Ad0-Ekiti

Soldiers at a road block along Ado-Iyin

The Fajuyi Road empty during the election

Voters waiting for voting materials at the newspaper distribution point in Ado Ekiti

How I murdered ex-Customs officer, daughter over N375m property—Agent *Detectives visit crime scene

BY EVELYN USMAN & DAUD OLATUNJI

F

ollowing the al leged confession of the suspected mastermind in the murder of a retired female Customs officer and her daughter in Ajuwon, Ifo local government area of Ogun

State, detectives, yesterday, visited the crime scene.

The suspected mastermind, being held alongside two others in connection with the murder, was said to be a property agent.

He reportedly told policemen that he killed

mother and child in order to cart away the Customs officer’s N375 million realised from the sale of her property.

Sunday Vanguard was informed that the alarm was raised over the disappearance of the retired Customs officer, identified as Angela Uzo Kerry, and her 10 year-old daughter, Obiajurum,

last month. Angela was said to have told one of her ralatives that she was going for a prayer session at Sango Otta, Ogun state on May 10.

Confirming the incident, the acting Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, told Sunday Vanguard, yesterday, it was a case

of kidnapping and murder.

According to him, it is not a case for Ogun State police.

Oyeyemi said: “It is a case of kidnapping and murder. It involved Lagos Command. The man killed a woman and her child and buried them in his house in Ajuwon.

He was arrested in Lagos and led the police to the crime scene in Ajuwon. What made Ogun Police involved was because of the attempt by the mob in the area to kill him when they got the information.

The police were there to ensure law and order and to prevent any breakdown of law”.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 7

Ekiti Decides SOLDIERS ACTION AGAINST AMAECHI, OTHERS IN EKITI

Jonathan has case to answer — Soyinka N

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

OBEL laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, wants President Goodluck Jonathan to tell Nigerians who authorised the military to prevent some governors of the All Progressives Congress,APC, from attending the final governorship election campaign in Ekiti State, describing the action of the army as unconstitutional.

He also called on the National Assembly to set up a commission of inquiry to unravel those behind the act, even as he regretted that the military dishonoured itself for accepting to be used to influence a democratic process.

Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) were among the APC governors stopped on Thursday by security forces from attending the rally in Ado Ekiti of Governor Kayode Fayemi, their party’s candidate in yesterday’s election in Ekiti State.

Briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Lagos, Soyinka urged the affected governors to seek redress in court, describing the matter as a dangerous precedent that should not be swept under the carpet.

His words: ‘’To prevent governors from entering Ekiti is unconstitutional. The matter should be charged to court. Supposing the governors were thugs, we will say that what the army did was constitutional. When the army starts acting like thugs, I see no difference between their action and waylaying the governors. So I am asking the military; when did you take up the job of electoral thugs? The governors should sue whoever is responsible’’.

The Nobel Laureate explained that the action against the governors was the kind a former Police Commissioner in Rivers State, Mr Joseph Mbu, considered a proper conduct. He said: “I want us to think about this. When did Police Commissioner Mbu join the military? When we spoke in this hall people said what business does Wole Soyinka have with Rivers, what does Femi Falana have in Rivers State? What we were saying that day was that if we allowed this kind of conduct to be accepted, there will be escalation. It will happen in dangerous dimensions in any other place in Nigeria.’ ‘’We have a responsibility in any part of Nigeria where the rights of the citizens are violated. It does not matter whether the person is a motor mechanic, governor or legislator. We have a responsibility to cry out and to tell Nigerians, ‘if you don’t speak now, it will come to you. And it is going to come with fatal consequences’. It is about time we put a stop to that.’’

Sounding rhetorical, Soyinka said, “Who gave orders like that? Is it the Chief of the Army Staff? Is it a General somewhere? Is it the Korofo as they call them? Enough is enough. Fayemi has a name, Amaechi has a name, Oshiomhole has a name. Why is it that those who prevented them from exercising their citizens’ rights do not have names? It is always ‘order from the top’.

Sometimes we don’t even know where the top is. It happened in Rivers State. And now there is ‘order from the top’ to stop the governors. That type of language should stop. The military is being paid from the public purse. They are now taking sides in a political election. What do we do about this situation? The legislative houses must live up to their duties. They must wake up to their duties. There has to be a commission of enquiry about what actually happened. We want a specific investigation. We want to know who is responsible. Who gave the order? We want these people to be called to give evidence. All the governors should sue for the violation of their human rights. They should make a case out of it. Let us make an example once and for all. We can not continue with this kind of misconduct which makes us a laughing stock all over the world. Can you imagine what happened in the States just yesterday after-

noon. Can you imagine the language that is being used to describe Nigerians. People were asking about what was happening in the wonderland of ours. Some said they heard that some governors were stopped, while one was tear-gassed.’’

Extracts from Soyinka’s speech:

We’ll put the govt on trial

‘’That embarrassment must stop. So we will not be satisfied with any thing less than making us know who gave the order.

If that does not happen, we will set up a citizens court. We did it in the fight against Abacha. And for Albashir of the Sudan. We got victims, witnesses and journalists to come and testify on the violation of human rights. We will ask for international help. If we can’t hold it here, we will hold it else where. It will be a shame if we are forced to hold it outside. We will place the government on trial. This must the very last time that such an incident will happen. I still can not believe that this thing happened. It appears like some kind of fantasy, some kind of Nollywood film.’’

Military allies of Boko Haram ‘’In addition to that, I insist that those governors go to court to sue whoever is responsible for the violation of their rights. I want them to remember that they are custodians of the democratic process.

So if they fail to defend themselves it would amount to dereliction of duty.

There is something called abuse of power and it is very real. Using the military is dishonouring the military.

I am talking to the military now.

somebody sent a photograph of the President and his daughters. I don’t know whether it was a careless, thoughtless action or a deliberate act of provocation. I was with the President on Bring Back The Book campaign years ago, today I am calling on the President to bring back the girls. It was in Port-Harcourt that we adopted the Bring Back the Girls slogan. I am very happy for the President that he is able to celebrate Fathers Day with his daughters. The President is the Commander-in-Chief. The military should be used specifically in bringing back the girls, not embarrassing the governors. Yes, we all want to pose with our daughters and children and I am very happy for the President for putting that on Facebook. He must ensure that the military is posted to places where they are really needed, not in any act that violates the constitution.’’ ‘’ What happened in Ekiti is a violation of the constitution and those who are responsible should be exposed and punished where necessary. I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians to accept that this is a very

To prevent governors from entering Ekiti is unconstitutional. The matter should be charged to court. Supposing the governors were thugs, we will say that what the army did was constitutional.

When the army starts acting like thugs, I see no difference between their action and waylaying the governors Allowing yourself to be used this way is demeaning yourself. It is bringing yourself down. And the military has a lot to answer.

I have called on Nigerians to please support the actions of the security forces in defending the security of this nation against Boko Haram. I have called for a nonpartisan approach to the menace of Boko Haram. And I have used the language of please support the efforts of the military. But when the military conducts itself in this way, then we have to consider them allies of Boko Haram. Because Boko Haram does not believe in democracy.’ ‘’Boko Haram despises democracy. Some of their allies internationally say that the way to transform the society is not through the ballot box but through the bullets. That is the language of Al-Qaeda, that is the language of a number of fundamentalists all over the world. When an election took place in Algeria and was won by some fundamentalists, the first thing they did was to say that they were discarding democracy. That was the beginning of the problems in Algeria.

And Algerians paid horrendously for it. We should not allow that to happen here. We want the President to tell us who sent those soldiers on a mission which very easily could have resulted to loss of lives. It is mind boggling. It is important we have it sorted out.’’

Use the military to bring back the girls ‘’I did not want to speak on Chibok but we can not help returning to it again and again. I was shocked the other day when

delicate situation. And to get back hostages is a multidisciplinary task. And I am not holding anyone accountable at this moment for failure in that respect.

What we will not accept is the misuse of facilities, especially security forces that should be directed at this priority. The security forces should not be used in any way to sabotage what we fought for.’’

Consequences of apologising to Yusuf’s family ‘’We have a problem. I am sometimes worried when certain claims are made especially in situations of great sensitivity like this. We have a problem which exemplifies and summarises my position.

I think all assistance should be explored.

The critical thing is to remove this burden of shame on us as a people. That is why I am very careful of not blaming those who are responsible because I know the nature of the problem too much. If somebody says I can talk and bring the children back, lets give that person the chance. I remember that there are people who have much to answer for this. Those who adopted the approach of appeasement at the beginning when this menace was supposed to have been dealt with.’’ ‘’ Those who went around apologising to the family of Yusuf, asking them to forgive and forget when a memorial service was being held for those killed at the United Nations Embassy bombing. Claiming that your mission there was to make peace is not the way to make peace. We are reaping the consequences of that kind of

appeasement. So that is all I want to say.

However if people want to make up for their past errors, realising the size of the problem, that is fine. They should go to Sambisa forest and apologise for whatever they feel Nigeria has done to the sect, and then bring back the girls.’’

Failure to bring back the girls ‘’I don’t have problem with foreign troops. They are experts and they have been doing this kind of assignment for a long time. In all activities including abductions, you look for experts wherever they are. So, we should go as far as possible in the search for solution. If it is the expertise that is suitable to the nature of the abductors, we should look into it. If for instance we used experts at the very beginning, we would have gone far. If for instance the government had taken this abduction very seriously instead of waving it as a ploy to bring them down, I have a feeling that very little local expertise could have extracted the girls. We don’t have to be soldiers to know that every day complicates the situation. It will be an eternal shame on us if we allow those girls to be forgotten. It will be an unforgivable act of dereliction if we allow those girls to be forgotten.’’

Sending troops to Ekiti ‘’I am not saying that troops should not be sent to maintain law and order and to ensure that rigging does not take place. I am talking about playing thuggery. Those who should be protecting the polling booths on election day, are being used to stop electioneering campaign. That is prerigging in grand-style. That is also abuse of security.’’

Amnesty to Boko Haram ‘’We must be very careful about amnesty. I said just now that I was actually involved in some of the efforts to resolve the MEND insurrection in the Niger delta. But I disagreed the way the amnesty was granted

by President Yar’Adua. I even told the President that I disagreed with the way that amnesty was implemented. So when you talk about amnesty, be absolutely sure of what you are talking about. Amnesty without restitution is a poor incomplete form of amnesty. When you extend amnesty to those who turned political insurgency to a way of making money, extortion, rape, intimidation, that is not amnesty. Amnesty is supposed to be a rigorous process not a loose kind of amnesty. So ask those calling for amnesty today the kind of amnesty they are talking about. Are you talking of amnesty for those who bombed the market in Nyanyna? Are you talking of amnesty for those who abducted those girls and even traumatising them even till today? Are you talking of amnesty for the junior members of the movement? Are you talking about amnesty for that creature? That monster, who was boasting to humanity in general that he is going to sell off the girls? There is a time to fight and a time to negotiate. that is what leadership is all about.’’

PAGE 8 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

EKITI DECIDES

BY JIDE AJANI

A

kin Osuntokun was one-time Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. He also served as Political Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and remains a strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – and a leader in Ekiti State.

Nothing demonstrates his commitment to his political party than his expression of loyalty in this interview.

Osuntokun worked in Vanguard as a Leader Writer and is presently on the Editorial Board of ThisDay. In this interview, he explains why Jonathan should not be chased out of office and why he remains the best option in the face of an opposition that seems to, as he puts it, is playing the ethno-religious card. Excerpts: Boko Haram and the North/South divide appears to be fueling the anxiety that the position paper by some Americans about the possibility of a break up of Nigeria may be playing out gradually?

If America was that good in projecting the future they will not be in the mess they are in Afghanistan and the one they left in Iraq. The fable of the so-called American prediction emanated from a conference sponsored by the National Intelligence Council (America) in 2005 on mapping sub-Sahara Africa’s future. This is no different from a graduate class seminar on war games, trend analysis and scenario building. You simulate the gamut of the best case scenario to the worst case scenario. And, mind you, nobody made any 2015 attribution.

This was a conference in 2005 projecting into the next 15years – that is any year from 2006 to 2020.

At any rate, you do not need any special gift of insight to identify the enormous potential of Nigeria to unravel in the foreseeable future. It is a tendency it once manifested spectacularly in the civil war and potentially in the 1993 presidential election annulment crisis. The Boko Haram insurgency is asking a similar question.

Let’s look at the emergency rule in the North-East. Some believe that it has not been effective because the political structures are still in place and may be hampering effective execution of the rule.

The state of emergency proclamation in those states is quite peculiar.

It is typical Jonathan - trying hard not to offend anybody but ending up displeasing everybody. State of emergency is no rocket

Jonathan’s re-election remains unassailable — Akin Osuntokun *Quote me, PDP will win Ekiti freely and fairly *Says APC opposed Yoruba agenda at the National Conference All said, if you were the science.

Tafawa Balewa did it successfully in the Western Region in 1963 and President Obasanjo did it in Plateau and Ekiti States with positive results. I think President Jonathan is too apologetic in exercising the powers of his office. In the performance of his role as the chief security officer of Nigeria he has no business wringing his hands and wondering how the APC and their supporters would react to the proclamation. He left the governors of those states untouched and see how Governor Nyako acknowledged his gentleman gesture. If I were in his shoes I would not hesitate in causing those disagreeable governors to go cool their

This election is going to be a proxy for all other elections coming in the next one year. I will be a bad omen for the APC. Just watch how the election will be won

by PDP freely and fairly heels somewhere and appoint administrators for those states, administrators who would report directly to me.

Jonathan should go and read Nicollo Machiavelli.

president, what and what would you be doing to stop the insurgency?

Whatever reservations we have about the management of the crisis aside, let us be humble enough to admit that on the Boko Haram issue, every Nigerian other than the president is speaking from the position of limited knowledge. I say this because the typical average Nigerian believes he is an expert on governance and leadership in Nigeria in all its ramifications. Back to Jonathan - if you are familiar with the book ‘The Godfather’

by Mario Puzo, you would recall where Tom Hagen was told he is not a war-time Consiglieri (Counsellor).

President Jonathan by his own admission is not a wartime president. Remember he

said he was not a lion, a Goliath or an army general. I do not mean this to be a criticism - being president of Nigeria’s requires a lot more than having the temperament of the black scorpion, Brigadier Adekunle.

Jonathan is a peacemaker, conciliator and potential statesman. Obasanjo told us of an instance when Onaolapo Soleye - then a lecturer at the University of Ibadan in the 1960s-invited him to come and give a lecture on ‘socialization into the army’. He laughed at Soleye and said you don’t socialise men into the army, you brutalise them into the army! He was dramatizing the point about the temperament that is unique to war situations.

Within the purview of my limited knowledge I will respond to Boko Haram as follows: I will issue an ultimatum of one month for them to disarm. I will relocate all the far flung villages in the affected axis to fortified central locations. I will declare that Nigeria is formally at war and put the country on a war footing. I will make the neighbouring countries alive to their responsibility - with substantial covert pressure if need be. I will hire foreign mercenaries and seek military support from where ever I can get it to supplement the Nigeria Army. I will make it clear that careless and subversive talks impugning the credibility of the Nigerian military are answerable under the War Powers Act. I think the insurgents have so far been defiant for a number of reasons.

First is loose indulgent talk by those opposed to Jonathan. Second is that they don’t see credible threat and feel intimidated. You remember the war armada Obama ordered to proceed to proximate waters of Syria preparatory to launching attack. And you saw how suddenly compliant Assad became thereafter. That is what we are talking about.

The National Conference is winding down now but there are those who, based on what has been happening there, say a sovereign conference would have been better?

The National Conference has served a useful purpose by providing a forum where each zone had stated the conditions under which they will voluntarily submit to the citizenship of Nigeria. To the extent that those conditions are not satisfactorily met or reconciliable the affected zones consider themselves as coerced into being part of Continues on Page 9

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 9

EKITI DECIDES religious sensibilities by its translation to power shift to southern Nigeria. Second is the qualitative difference between the pre and postSeptember 11, 2001, era. In Nigeria, this era has been defined by the religious conflict awakening Sharia crisis virulently reinforced by its rogue Boko Haram counterpart.

‘APC opposed Yoruba agenda at the National Conference’ Continued from Page 8 Nigeria and not of their freewill. So far it seems those seeking change are frustrated and largely because their agendas do not overlap. By this default they ceded the upper hand to those who want the status-quo to remain as it is, warts and all. In sum, futility stares us in the face, to the glee of those who did not wish the conference to succeed in the first place. But it is a Pyrrhic victory.

In one way or another nobody will be allowed to reap the fruits of an outcome that seeks to legitimise oppression.

The genie is already out of the bottle. I’m not happy to say so but the probability is that Nigeria will require some kind of dictatorship to lay these issues to rest - in the past it was at one time the dictatorship of colonialism and at another time it was military dictatorship. Sovereign national conference is similarly a dictatorship but it is mostly self-willed and selfmotivating and consequent upon a total loss of national legitimate authority.

Has Jonathan adequately justified the mandate given to

corporate existence of Nigeria - if it is truly desired.

There is no use crying over spilled milk but I’m not in any doubt that the preservation of regionalism as it existed in the First Republic would have landed Nigeria at par with Malaysia, Indonesia or even Brazil. As Nigeria presently exists - structurally and attitudinally, we are just making the best of a very bad situation.

Some of the president’s critics point to his tardiness and prevarication on issues as major drawbacks and they point to the Chibok abduction as a classic case?

You cited the Chibok abduction crisis. Now that is almost a perfect illustration of Nigeria’s dilemma. Nigerians can be quite egotistical.

We celebrate and magnify opportunities to rationalise our condescension towards government especially if it is not of our section; we enjoy malicious censure and have a predilection for self loathing. And we are past masters of hypocrisy.

Nigerians were falling over one another to run down the

In the performance of his role as the chief security officer of Nigeria he has no business wringing his hands and wondering how the APC and their supporters would react to the proclamation him some three years ago?

I think the problem of President Jonathan is more of style than substance. In terms of basic governance I have no evidence to judge him any worse than most of his predecessors. I think Nigeria is going through the motions of what it takes for the country to endure - analogous to the field sport of obstacle race and endurance test. Many of the challenges and difficulties Nigeria is facing are not of his making and taken together there is the temptation to believe that there is a conspiracy of fate against Nigeria. I think the attitude that will save Nigeria is for all of us individually and collectively to accept and take responsibility in calming passions; in perseverance and tolerance; in cultivating the temperament that can best secure the safety and

military because it reflects poorly on Jonathan. The army spokesman said the other day that villagers being attacked or expecting attack from Boko Haram will call the media before alerting the army so that the media can report that the military were tardy or nowhere to be found when they come under attack. You see Nigerian senators sparring with Nigerian military on CNN, Al-Jazeera in perfect imitation of Republican partisans savaging the Democrats.

Chibok symbolizes a nation at war with itself and a structural monstrosity. After the mass slaughter of students at BuniYadi, I think it was the height of irresponsibility and wickedness for any state government in that axis to encourage students in any remote area to sit in classes let alone lodge in hostel for whatever reason. It is only the living not the

What role do you see the South-west playing in the build-up to the 2015 election?

With regards to the Southwest and 2015 I’m going to campaign for my party, the PDP. I shall feel obliged to remind our people that the APC and its sympathisers were resolutely opposed to the South- west agenda at the National Conference. People cannot have their cake and eat it. Any party claiming proprietary rights to Yoruba nationalism should match its rhetoric with action; should walk the talk. The ungarnished reality was that the APC was hostile to us at our hour of need.

*Osuntokun.... APC hostile to Yoruba cause abducted or slaughtered that will benefit from education.

Why didn’t the state take a cue from the directive of the federal government to close down or relocate schools in remote parts; more so, that the state government is in no position to guarantee security - even though the governor is wrongly designated as the chief security officer of the state, speak volume about our country Nigeria.

Having explained all these, why should anybody be so simplistic in his or her appreciation of the problem of Boko Haram and dump it on the perceived tardiness of a president?

need a moment of respite to think ourselves through as a nation in the medium and long term. The problem with the movement driving the removal of Jonathan in 2015 is lack of altruism. The day APC resolves to pick Adams Oshiomhole, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Audu Ogbeh or even Dangiwa Umar, Nuhu Ribadu as presidential candidate, then you can persuade me to see some merit in replacing the incumbent president.

Otherwise, those who are pushing the logic of power politics should please themselves. Nigerians should learn to purge themselves of the politics of arrogance and intimidation.

Some people have talked about religion, ethnicity etc as factors that should determine the 2015 election. What do you think? Do you see Jonathan seeking re-election with all these crises?

The issue of Jonathan seeking re-election or not is beyond him. Nigerians would have to learn to sleep on their sleeping sofas as they made them. Students of political science are trained to seek options that best uphold order and stability.

From this perspective, no matter how flawed the Jonathan option is, I see no better prospect. I think Nigeria has accumulated sufficient animus and grievances that we truly

This talk of a Muslim/ Muslim ticket, how do you see it evolving?

Well, the fact that some people in present day Nigeria can contemplate that idea - the Muslim\Muslim ticket - illustrates the kind of self-inflated arrogance, the sheer hubris we are talking about. People talk glibly of the Abiola/Kingibe ticket. There are two vital differences.

First nobody proposed it as a deliberate objective. It did not occur to anyone before it was thrown up by the peculiar circumstances of the SDP primaries. It all took place in the heat of the moment; and was thereby accepted as a realistic pursuit of a victory that would inherently assuage

Let me put you on the spot.

The Ekiti election is 48hours away. We would be going to press at about the time the election would have been concluded but before results are announced. What are your expectations – mind you, they may not be met?

My friend, Governor Kayode Fayemi, has assured me that he would not hold it against me if I allied myself with my party, the PDP. I’m a bit anxious at his prospects in securing re-election. For whatever reason, Ekiti State seems to be in a state of rebellion against the APC. I don’t know how he does it but the PDP candidate, Fayose, appears to be able to connect with the grassroots in a manner that no other politician has matched. If he succeeds in this election then APC will find itself in a disorderly retreat in the South-west and Nigeria in general.

By the time the results are out, I would be vindicated in one important respect.

Thoroughly brainwashed by propaganda, nobody believed PDP won the five governorship seats in the South West in the 2003 elections.

People will come to terms with reality. This election is going to be a proxy for all other elections coming in the next one year. I will be a bad omen for the APC. It will generate a momentum that will have domino effect especially on the states in the South West. It will be a good day for Ayo Fayoshe, President Jonathan and PDP. And a caution that you don’t win elections on the pages of newspapers. Just watch how the election will be won by PDP freely and fairly.

PAGE 10— SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

By DAPO AKINREFON

P

ENULTIMATE Thurs day, June 19, 2014, anxiety over the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti State gubernatorial election gained momentum as tension pervaded the air.

There were expectations of violence.

And living up to expectations, the electioneering campaigns of the political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (CP)— were characterised by violence.

The violence reached the climax, since the commencement of electioneering campaigns, when a clash between the supporters of the ruling APC and the opposition PDP, resulted in the killing of one Taiwo Akinola.

The clash led to a shouting mach between Governor Kayode Fayemi and the State Commissioner for Police, Mr Felix Uyanna. Tongues wagged over the ugly incident. And there were allegations and counter allegations.

However, the frontline candidates, Messrs Kayode John Fayemi, (APC) Ayodele Peter (PDP) and Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (LP) went to town to sell themselves to the electorate.

Interestingly, the three candidates bear biblical names (John, Peter and Michael) but their supporters were neck deep in evil, engaging in attacks and counter attacks ahead of the election.

In the beginning Having retrived his mandate at the Court of Appeal on October 2010, which sacked the then Governor Olusegun Oni of the PDP who was declared by INEC as the winner of the April 12, 2007 gubernatorial election, Fayemi soon emerged as a force to reckon with as far the politics of Ekiti was concerned.

Also, his party, the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, now APC, gave the PDP a fight for its money.

It was believed that there won’t be any opposition especially within his party, thus ensuring his coasting home to victory four years after. This was based in the fact that the PDP was a non existent political party having lost the case at the Court of Appeal.

The PDP was in disarray especially in the South-west, leading to its dismal performance at the 2011 general elections.

Opeyemi’s labour romance No one anticipated a crack

Ekiti 2014: The road was rough! electioneering campaigns.

But the promise from Akure and Abuja never came.

Sunday Vanguard reliably gathered that a last-minute effort to get Bamidele to withdraw from the race to close ranks with the PDP candidate, Fayose, proved abortive as the LP flag bearer in the poll shunned the overtures made at him.

Though Bamidele was assured that all monies spent in the course of his campaign would be returned, as a typical Ekiti man, he turned down the offer.

in the defunct ACN. It came and suddenly led to the formation of the Labour Party in Ekiti, ably funded by Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Rahman Mimiko.

Bamidele formally defected to the LP on the grounds that his constituents had asked him to do so.

He, however, explained that he crossed to the LP, since the ACN, on which platform he was elected into the green chamber, had ceased to exist since its merger with other parties to form the APC. His action followed months of cold war between himself and leaders of the APC in the South-west Also, the lawmaker resolved to leave the party, when it became clear that Fayemi was to be given automatic ticket to run for second term in office.

Suddenly Opeyemi emerged as the sole governorship candidate of the LP.

The stop- andsearch operation caused traffic snarl in many towns across the state. The presence of the soldiers helped to tame violence during the electioneering campaigns.

The Akure connection Known as the Lone Ranger in the South-west, the Ondo governor, Mimiko, decided to form a secret alliance with the PDP at centre.

Bamidele’s romance with Mimiko got him support from Akure in all ramifications. As a matter of fact, the LP machinery in Ekiti was

handed over to him on a platter of gold.

Aside this, it was reliably gathered that Mimiko presented him to President Goodluck Jonathan.

At the meeting, the president was said to have assured the LP candidate of his support, especially in monetary terms, during the

•Fayemi

•Opeyemi

The PDP and the intrigues of its primaries Various aspirants, including the Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, Senator Bode Olowoporoku, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Senator Ayo Arise, Hon. Aribisala Adewale, Otunba O. O. Akerele, Prof. Adesegun Ojo, Amb. Dare Bejide, Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile, Rt. Hon. Odeyemi Tunji, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Mr. Bodunde Adeyanju, Chief Obafemi Peters, Hon. Ropo Ogunbolude, Pharm. Bimbo Owolabi and Dr. Kunle Afolayan, had thrown their hats into the ring to become the PDP flag bearer.

But to their amazement, Fayose, also called Osokomale, emerged as the party’s flag bearer.

The other aspirants kicked against Fayose’s emergence, but it appeared the Presidency had made up its mind on who would fly its flag in the Ekiti election.

The three - way battle The tussle to become the Ekiti governor became a three-horse race.

Thought other political parties fielded candidates for the plum job, Fayose, Fayemi

•Fayose

and Bamidele were the frontline candidates. They took the pains to traverse the length and breadth of Ekiti to sell their visions and dreams for the state.

Last- minute horse trading took place but none was prepared to step down for the other.

Barring of APC governors Also, the harassment of some APC governors, prevented from attending the APC rally in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, only two days to the election further heightened the already charged atmosphere.

The plane which conveyed Governors Kwankwaso of Kano State and Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State, who were coming for the APC rally, was not allowed to land at the Akure airport, while Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State was not allowed to take off from the Benin airport.

Also, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, whose plane landed at the Akure airport, was stopped at the Ondo/Ekiti boundary by soldiers who threatened to shoot him should he fail to heed their order.

The soldiers, according to reports, claimed they were taking orders from the Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and Police Affairs Minister Jelili Adesiyan.

Soldiers at border towns Military personnel took over strategic positions in Ekiti State ahead of the poll.

When Sunday Vanguard went round the state, the soldiers were seen in a stopand-search operation.

Vehicles coming and out of the state were thoroughly searched by the soldiers .

The stop- and- search operation caused traffic snarl in many towns across the state. The presence of the soldiers, according to some residents, further helped to tame violence during the electioneering campaigns.

Candidates in last-minute? campaigns The frontline political parties in the election-APC, PDP, LP in a bid to sell their candidates, engaged in last-minute campaign rallies.

In Ado-Ekiti, the APC candidate, Fayemi, addressed a rally. Also, in Ikere local government, supporters of the PDP candidate, Fayose, ? went round on a street carnival. In Iyin, the hometown of Bamidele, the LP supporters trooped out to canvass for peoples’ vote.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 11

486 arrested Muslims: CAN blasts JNI

BY SAM EYOBOKA

T

HE Tuesday arrest and detention of 486 northern Muslims suspected to be Boko Haram sect members by the army in Aba, Abia State has continued to elicit reactions as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), yesterday, lashed out at the Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI), urging security agencies to disregard protests on the suspects and properly investigate the matter.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar IIIled Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), had, on Wednesday, condemned the arrest, saying it was a crackdown on innocent Muslims and called for the suspects immediate release.

JNI’s Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said, in a statement: “Jolted by the arrest of 486 passengers near Aba, Abia State, by the Nigerian Army of the 144 Battalion, the JNI is very much worried and deeply concerned over this repeated crackdown on innocent Muslims in the name of Boko Haram”.

A statement signed by the National Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake, yesterday, condemned the claim by JNI that the arrested Muslims are innocent and

that they were going about their normal businesses while one of the wanted terror suspects was allegedly found to be among them, saying the claim is hasty and preposterous. The statement asked JNI to hands off security matters..

“This bellicose attitude of the JNI each time matters of national security involving Muslims are being handled by security agencies on account of their misdeeds, and often keeps quiet while Christians are being killed and their churches are burnt or destroyed does not help”, the statement said.

It went on: “JNI claims that the suspects are Muslims who go about their lawful businesses in their own country. Yet, the JNI did not show us the portion of the constitution of Boko Haram that forbids traders from joining the terror group. Let the JNI tell us the livelihood of members of Boko Haram, since it seems to have very deep information about the characters, constituents and operational limit of Boko Haram. ”We condemn this bellicose attitude of the JNI each time matters of national security involving Muslims are being handled by security agencies on account of their misdeeds.

We hate to believe that JNI has a hand in some of this security threats to the nation. Or how else can we explain a situation where it is squealing while investigations, which alleged that a suspected top commander of Boko Haram was among the 486 suspects arrested, are yet to be concluded? The claim by JNI that the arrested Muslims are innocent and that they were going about their normal businesses, when one of the wanted terror suspects was found to be among them, is hasty and preposterous. This is not only misleading, it is a mischievous attempt to cover up.

“There are questions the JNI must answer, failing which they should keep quiet the same way as they have always done when Christians are being killed and their churches burnt by Muslims.

How can 486 traders be travelling in a convoy of 35 Hiace Hummer buses at 2.00 a.m.? What kind of businesses are 486 traders going to ply in Port Harcourt in such a convoy?

486 Muslim traders all from one part of the Muslim troubled North emptying into Port Harcourt in a stealthy manner, under the cover of night!”

•Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, governor of Delta State (right); Mr. Li Yong, director general of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) (centre) and Mr. Chike Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner for Information, at the signing of a Technical Partnership Agreement between UNIDO and Delta State Government on promoting SMEs in Vienna, Austria... yesterday.

Kidnappers demand N10m to release Bayelsa Commissioner’s mother

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa

T

HE kidnappers of the mother of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Furoebi Akene, have demanded N10m ransom.

The kidnappers, who earlier demanded the resignation of the commissioner from the state executive council were said to have backed down on Wednesday and demanded N10m to set their victim free.

Though the police, it was learnt, had deployed men to the creeks and water-

ways of the state in search of the abducted 77, yearold woman, a family source told Sunday Vanguard that they had taken their case to God for divine intervention.

The source said: “They contacted our family demanding N10m. Though the police is working round the clock to secure our mother ’s release, we are also not relenting as we have taken the matter to God to touch the hearts of the kidnappers to set mama free unconditionally.”

Madam Patimi Akene

was seized, penultimate Saturday, by six armed men who stormed her country home by the waterfront at the riverside Fonibiri town in Southern Ijaw local government area of the state.

The victim was said to be returning from a night vigil when she was seized by the gunmen who reportedly contacted her son demanding his resignation from the state executive council as condition for her release fueling speculation that the kidnapping has political undertone.

Chibok girls: Why Russia is not sending security experts — Envoy

BY VICTORIA OJEME

A

MBASSADOR of Russia to Nigeria, Nikolay Udovichenko, has disclosed the reason his country is not sending experts to aid Nigeria in the search for the abducted schoolgirls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

He made the remarks, at the weekend, during his country ’s National Day celebrations in Abuja.

The Russian envoy, while responding to questions from journalists on whether his country plans to send security specialists to assist Nigeria in the search, said: “So far, I think that it is not very topical because there are some experts from different countries already and it is better for the

Nigerian side to coordinate their being here.

Because the question is not to send too many people; the question is how to organise, how to coordinate the activity?”

Udovichenko explained that what Russia plans to do is to engage Nigerian security agencies in the training that would assist the country not only to combat the present security challenges but the future problems.

“So, we, first of all, try to deposit in future and the way to the future is to train experts, specialists and to solve their social problems, economic problems,” he said.

Udovichenko hinted that the volume of trade between Nigeria and his country

currently stands at half a billion dollars.

•From left: Mike Finlay, Ini Onuk, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Reana Rossouw and Alex Otti at the Thistle Praxis AR-CSR Conference, held in Calabar at the weekend.

From left, Hon.Eddie Mbadiweeddie; wife of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Emeka Ihedioha; the new couple, Mr and Mrs. Ifeanyi Mbadiweeddie; and Ihedioha after the new couple’s wedding service at Our Lady Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Property war: Ojukwu family threatens to sue Lagos govt

BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

T

HE legal battle over the landed properties belonging to Ojukwu Transport Limited, OTL, in Lagos State has taken another dimension as the directors of the company have threatened to drag Lagos State government to court over its alleged role in the lease of one of the properties in Ikoyi, Lagos which is now a subject of a major dispute in the Ojukwu family.

The OTL was founded by the late Sir LP Odumegwu Ojukwu, father of the former Biafran warlord, Dim

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, to manage the assets he acquired in Lagos State and other parts of the country.

Several cases had been instituted in court by the directors over the controversial leasing of the properties by the late Ikemba Nnewi with a view to recovering them or have the rent reviewed.

Besides, the directors alleged that rent running into millions of naira from the properties in Lagos were being collected

by Ojukwu’s widow, who is currently Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, through an estate management firm

engaged by her late spouse without remitting same to the company.

Mrs. Ojukwu is party to most of the cases now pending in court over the landed properties.

The threat by the Ojukwu family to sue Lagos State government, Sunday Vanguard learnt, is as a result of the discovery in a lease agreement that an unnamed Lagos State Commissioner signed the document approving the lease between OTL and an investment firm Diplomat Investment Limited on behalf of the state governor.

“The purported approval in 2008 by the Lagos State

Commissioner on behalf of the governor is being scrutinized and legal action is being considered,” said a member of the Ojukwu family, who explained that 13 Ojora Rd, Ikoyi which is also 13 Alexander was the last residence the late Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu in Lagos.

The directors said the property never belonged to the late Ikemba and was not willed to him by their late father, stressing that the N5 million rent per annum on the property was a big joke as “the going rate for the location and size of such property is N60m to N100m or more.”

PAGE 12—SUNDAY Vanguard , JUNE 22 , 2014

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 13

Ochendo and inspirational legacy projects

No ifs, no buts only merit will do "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies." -- Groucho Marx

F

or some time now there been the incessant furore about the next governor of Lagos State and what religion he should belong to, despite the fact no one had put their hat in the ring. Some had said that there would be trouble if a Christian is not in the government house after the election. These people are trouble rousing and they are being divisive. It would be wise that any selection of candidate should consider, reflect and represent the population they serve, so above all else it should be on merit.

The last time I looked, we are all Nigerians and Black.

Why are we becoming so fuelled with self loathing?

The collection of concerned Christians are adamant and they put it so crudely by declaring the anticipated 2015 seat as "it is our turn". Nigeria needs some new thinkers and selfC M Y K

less leaders. Most importantly, the Nigerian voter should vote with their conscience and not sell their votes for a bag of rice or crumbs from the table of these greedy politicians.

Nigeria deserve more and our concerns are real should not be ignored. It should go beyond religion or tribal allegiance. It should be about security, tackling high youth unemployment, good and accessible health and social care, good and safe roads and transportation, responsible and accountable politicians, public officials and the police.

There should be separation of religion and the state. Nigeria and Nigerians deserve better and our young deserve much more.

We are often too quick to cut off our nose to spite our face. It has always been "my way or the no way at all".

Let me elaborate: some years ago, my nieces and nephew came to spend some time with me in south London. At the end of their visit, I called a cab to take them home to their parents.

The cab driver happened to

have become so partisan they have lost their objectivity.

Whatever Jonathan does will be viewed and presented through the prism of biased lenses. For some, the action can never be

Contrary to what most people believe, governments cannot create enough jobs to employ all the people; they can only create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create the jobs

,

faulted; for others, it can never be right.

Yet, that is precisely the sort of “journalism” we don’t need – if Nigeria is ever to have a chance of making solid progress.

And, it is for that reason that I have refrained from being a card-carrying member of any political party. If, as we all proclaim, we want free and fair elections, we must start with impartial “referees and linesmen/ women” in the Fourth Estate of the Realm. Being impartial does not mean not blowing the

made up my mind to investigate and comment on as many cases of controversy concerning the performance of governors in various states – without prejudice to anybody regardless of political affiliation. Selecting a starting point was easy, Abia comes first in alphabetical order and there is a storm of controversy about what had been or not achieved by its Governor, fondly called Ochendo, by the people.

So, to Abia, I went.

Just before my depar-

be a Nigerian. When nearing our destination, I handed the fare to the cab driver and asked for change, He took offence he did not have change and was very annoyed that I should have told him from that onset. I did not think it was a problem but he did. So rather than accept the money, he asked us to get off his cab and since it was about five minutes to our destination, we walked and got a cab ride for free. So you see what I mean. If something or someone does not serve our purpose we should be quick

to come and history is littered with such disasters.

Those who are paranoid will say, it is all well and good, that is because you are a Muslim. Wrong. I am for anyone who can do a thorough job and not empty the coffers, someone who is a unifier and has the best interest of the whole of the people at heart and not for some section. I feel politicians on both side of the political spectrum are using this distraction to divide, cast aspersions and pillage of our common wealth. We will be imprudent to take

,

P

192), he left us with an axiom which will stand the test of time. And, of all politicians on earth, the Nigerian breed is in a class of its own. It is the only specie of politicians known globally to practice “Politics without principle” (Gandhi in BOOK OF QUOTES, p 245) and he is not ashamed of it. A Nigerian politician would spend years raining maledictions on the opposition party and then call a press conference one day to announce that he had joined the “devils” he was denouncing just a few weeks ago.

Unfortunately, when Nigerian politicians operate at their worst, my fellow media practitioners forget the strong advice by Malvin Kalb in 1997. Said Kalb, “A journalist [or media practitioner] should be pursuing a fair rendition of truth without regard to popular moods, the journalist should not be swayed by public opinion..” (BOOK p 109).

Unfortunately, Nigerian “mediaticians” working for several newspapers

,

“We have six dialysis machines in the Diagnostic Centre. Two are reserved for people with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis separately, while the remaining four are used for other patients to avoid infecting other patients with those diseases.”

Prof.

A.U. Mbanaso, CMD, Abia State Untra-modern Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, June 13, 2014. olitics has reached fever pitch in Nigeria; even when the 2015 elections are still seven to eight months away. Not wanting to be left on the starting block, politicians have embarked on doing what they do best – peddling half truths or blatant falsehood against their opponents and in their own favour. The last thing the public should expect is absolute truth from professional politicians. When Louis Howe, 1871-1936, wrote that, “You cannot adopt politics as a profession and remain [totally] honest”, (VANGUARD OOK OF QUOTATIONS p

whistle for a foul committed; or even awarding a penalty, if it is deserved.

It means not prejudging every measure taken by an elected or selected public official in advance.

I have deliberately withheld comment on the Pension Bill passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly because it would amount to the highest form of hypocrisy for me to denounce it when it is only the latest in a series of pension bills passed by governors in APC and PDP – mostly without any protest from those who now denounce Akpabio.

On account of this, I

The facts do not bear out the truth. I don't buy the Christian/ Christian or Muslim/Muslim governor or presidency ticket, it should be on merit for every position

,

to discard it without any discerning rationale.

So my point is, why should we be voting for people on the basis of their religion, instead of their experience and qualification to do the job? Should we base their candidacy on merit regardless of their religious or tribal background? I believe it should be by merit and nothing less, will be disrespecting to the voter's intelligence and we run the risk of whipping up hatred that would define our people for a long time

our eyes off the ball and allow them to get away from the real issues. There is no crusade or jihad when it comes to taking the top jobs and with Nigerian politicians it is often a do-or-die for the greedy and power mad. The political position has got to meritocratic anything other than that we have failed to learn from our mounting political and ethical disaster.

The facts do not bear out the truth. I don't buy the Christian/Christian or Muslim/Muslim governor

ture, there was a news report about Governor T.A.Orji, being crowned as the AGRIC GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR 2014, at the AGRIKEXPO organized by NAFDAC among other sponsors.

Remarkably, this is governor being portrayed by his political opponents as a non-achiever. If out of 36 governors a fellow comes first, on food security, I don’t care which political party he belongs to, he has earned my deepest respect. My scale of preferences for elected officials is as follows: food first, health second, education third, infrastructure next. Contrary to what most people believe, governments cannot create enough jobs to employ all the people; they can only create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create the jobs. Let President, Jonathan or a Governor provide sufficient food for Nigerians to banish malnutrition and I will worship whoever it is – irrespective of party. But, before the deification starts, I will go out and find out things by myself – using official resources and branching out to conduct independent survey.

Rest assured I am sufficiently familiar with just about every part of Nigeria not to be fooled by official proclamations.

Since AGRIKEXPO had done my “dirty” work for me on Ochendo’s achievements on agriculture, I focused next on health. Here, I not only

received a rare education on the uses, and especially abuses, of DIALYSIS machines from the Abia State Ultra-Modern Diagnostic Centre, more on that later on, that I could hardly wait till this day to pass the knowledge across to Nigerians.

And, I urge everyone of the readers of this article to help pass the message.

Dialysis machines have indisputably served to prolong the lives of people suffering from chronic or total kidney impairment. But, unknown to most of us, they can also result in cross infection if the same machines are sued for all the patients.

HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis have been identified as possible risks patients dialysed on machines which serve all comers.

To the best of my knowledge, only Abia State’s Diagnostic Centre has made this life-saving distinction. Years ago, a book titled IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE was a global best seller. I learnt only one great lesson from that book. If you are searching for excellence in any field of endeavour in any country, get out, travel wide and see things for yourself.

Abia State’s Diagnostic Centre can only be described in one word EXCELLENT….

Don’t believe me. Go and see it for yourself.

Visit: www.delesobowale.com or Visit: www.facebook.com/ biolasobowale

or presidency ticket, it should be on merit for every position.

My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."

-- Abraham Lincoln

dren in some African countries.

People with the disease have two copies of the sickle globin gene, which produces an abnormal haemoglobin and red blood cells that have haemoglobin S instead of haemoglobin A. In sickle cell anaemia, the most common form of sickle cell disease, the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells that contain abnormal haemoglobin.

These red blood cells are less functional and block blood flow, causing pain and organ damage, and increasing the risk for infection. During which they have crisis.

It is important to know ones genotype and to seek help for those diagnosed with sickle cell. With proper treatment, the disorder can be managed. A combination of folic acid and penicillin seem to work for many and managing the pain with pain killers under medical supervision is strongly advised. They are also advised to reduce stressful environment and situations as it can ignite a crisis. Drinking regular water is very good to keep the person hydrate and small and regular exercises can ease some of the joint pains. Over in the UK it is routine, to test pregnant women from affected ethnicities and advise them if the baby they are carrying is a carrier or have sickle cell. Also they have support groups and those in crisis are often fast tracked at Accident and emergency so that they can receive so treatment.

Can someone confirm that the Governor of Adamawa State Murtala Hammanyero Nyako committed gross misconduct while discharging his duties as the Governor of Adamawa? If it is true, this is shocking but nothing is shocking in Nigeria.

It will stagger me if indeed he diverted N1.3Billion Adamawa State workers' salary for September and October 2011. And that he set up fictitious extra budgetary expenditure of N1, 740,785,246 on Special Assistants and another N166, 230,536.88 on Personal Assistants in 2013. There is more and it will be so sad that the first citizen of a state is duplicitous to his people that he vowed to serve.

Red for Sickle cell Thursday, June 19 is World Sickle Cell awareness Day. So in many countries there were activities to raise awareness about the disease that affects millions of children every year and significantly reduces their quality of life.

Sickle cell disorder is a "significant cause of mortality and morbidity that merits closer consideration," leading to the deaths of up to 5 percent of chil-

PAGE 14—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014

HE re-election bid by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as governor of Edo State was probably his publicly known stiffest challenge in life. The electioneering campaign leading to the July 2012 governorship election in the State was more or less a nightmare for him and his party, the then Action Congress of Nigeria. The heat brought to bear on the contest by the candidate of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was so intense that the previous daily beating of the chest by the governor that he needed no campaign ostensibly because of his development projects virtually fizzled away. Indeed, his tractors and caterpillars that were expected to campaign on his behalf were in reality inanimate.

By the time the PDP galvanized the three most celebrated political gladiators of the State against the governor, everything was thrown into the election -

public institutions and structures, vehicles and personnel thereby stretching the advantage of incumbency beyond rationality.

Overwhelming taxes which hitherto pitched several professional groups - lawyers, doctors, teachers etc. against the Governor were relaxed in the electioneer-

,

T

nents’ bedrooms. Of course, such a magical feat was not performed by one man.

Party chieftains played great roles. They attested to the comrade’s invincibility and overwhelmed every opposition. Ethnic sentiments usually associated with contests in heterogeneous societies were brushed aside and the title ‘Honorary Benin man’ was bestowed on the governor by some well serviced Benin leaders. When the highest court of the land dismissed

Whoever wants to move from APC to PDP and vice versa is quite free to do so. After all, there is no real difference between the two parties and as such, the notorious movements between and among them that are happening across board nationwide should bother no one

ing period. So it was with the demolition of houses that were ‘courageously’ done earlier to beautify the State Capital. It was a case of perverse desperation.

At the end of the election, the nation was told that the action governor won everywhere including his oppo-

,

the allegation of deficiency in the basic school qualification of the governor for reasons that only Senior Advocates comprehended, Edo citizens had cause to look forward to another four years of giant steps in massive developments.

PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos,

Notes on the beautiful game “

I

ron gate Emmanuel Okala throws the ball to Chairman Christian Chukwu. Chukwu taps the ball to dean of defence Yisa Sofoluwe; Sofoluwe sends a telegraphic pass to midfield maestro Mudashiru Lawal. Muda Lawal dribbles two opponents and sends the ball to mathematical Segun Odegbami.

Odegbami dilly-dallies, shilly-shallies, and locates elastic Humphrey Edobor.

The storm is gathering near the opponent’s goal area, and it would soon rain a goal. Edobor turns quickly to the right and returns the ball to Odegbami.

Odegbami kicks the ball towards quicksilver Sylvanus Okpala who shoots an intercontinental ballistic missile from outside the penalty box. It is a goal! It is a goal! Nigeria has scored!”

The commentary above is a brief reconstruction of late Ernest Okonkwo’s characteristic description of events in a football match between the Green Eagles (now Super Eagles) of Nigeria and a foreign national team. Okonkwo, formerly a staff of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, was one of the best radio commentators in the world. Indeed, as a secondary school student, I was so mesmerised by his virtuoso performance in football commentary on radio that I preferred his commentaries to watching matches on C M Y K

television. It is a disservice to the memory of that great man that Radio Nigeria has done nothing to keep his memory alive. For example, the station ought to play back some of Okonkwo’s iconic commentaries whenever it runs commentary on any game played by the Super Eagles, or record them on compact discs and sell to members of the public. Nigerians seldom celebrate genuine heroes; rather they celebrate those who amassed incredible wealth particularly through corrupt practices.

Commencement of this year’s edition of FIFA world cup in Brazil brings back memories of Okonkwo; it also offers an opportunity for reflection on the beautiful game, football. Ever since it was invented more than hundred years ago in England, the round leather game (called soccer by Americans) has evolved to become the world’s most popular sport. Like other forms of entertainment - in fact, everything created by human beings - football is fundamentally teleological. Probably, the game was invented to mitigate boredom. The principal actors in a football match are the twenty-two players in the field, eleven on each side, who must work cooperatively to ensure that the ball crosses the goal line of their opponents and prevent it from crossing theirs.

Football provides a wholesome outlet for com-

petitive deployment of talent, skill, determination, imagination, and team spirit required for achieving a collective objective.

It promotes the mental and physical well being of players and coaches, both of whom are under pressure to achieve good results for their teams. The need for sound physical condition and mental alertness during matches compels players to be careful about what they eat, what they drink and about their lifestyles generally. In order to attain the level of physical and mental fitness required for top class performance, therefore, players must be disciplined and focused. To play and make impact at the highest levels requires talent. But exceptional footballers do not rely on talent alone; they regularly push themselves to the very limit by working hard to develop their skills optimally. Through the sublime skills they displayed during matches, Pele, Zinedine Zedane, Christiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and other excellent players made football one of the most enthralling forms of entertainment ever invented by humans.

Currently, the game has become professionalised and commercialised; it is now a multi-billion dollar business. Top-class footballers (and coaches) are among the highest paid professionals in the world; many of them are engaged

the state has virtually become ungovernable. That is unacceptable.

Meanwhile, there is enough of government action that can annoy wellmeaning citizens. The airport road for instance is quite beautiful but we doubt if it fits into the priority of development of a state like Edo. Those who wish to tackle the governor should use research to put him to task over the rather huge cost of such a project even if to prevent a repeat of that style of public policy. Secondly, more than forty years ago, Ikpoba Hill served as the outskirts of Benin from Auchi and Asaba. It is still so. At that time too, Oluku was described as near Benin on the way from Lagos. The situation is still so. On the way to Warri, a traveller can feel that he has left Benin as soon as he passes Ekai Amusement Park. It is still so till date. But the same cannot be said of Effurun and Warri that have fully merged as a result of purposive development. What this suggests is that Benin is static as it has continued to witness unending efforts to straighten or widen the same three roads leading to Ring Road.

Unfortunately, those who are putting Benin under heat today are not talking about these. We hear that some members of the State House of Assembly are part of those who are now making the state ungovernable.

When that House was pass-

ing anti-people laws, where were such members? The point to be made is that no political grouping should be allowed to appropriate the peace of society. Whoever wants to move from APC to PDP and vice versa is quite free to do so. After all, there is no real difference between the two parties and as such, the notorious movements between and among them that are happening across board nationwide should bother no one. But it becomes a different matter if the game stretches to the posting of policemen to mount surveillance on Ring Road to checkmate political hooliganism.

Our condemnation of the on-going distractions to governance in Benin must not be misunderstood to mean that an erring governor cannot be removed from office. Our constitution has already provided for removal where an elected executive, has committed a serious offence, better described as an impeachable offence. Edo is too civilized to be engaged in the political rascality of a minority in the legislature claiming to have suspended the majority! It is in earnest unfair to turn the legislature to a House where people are suspended over political differences instead of misdemeanors. So our politicians should for now allow Edo to develop while they wait till election time to vote out those they are opposed to.

in philanthropy worldwide.

Businesses (including manufacturing industries) that depend directly and indirectly on football worldwide are substantial. It follows that right now soccer is a powerful socio-economic force which can be harnessed for national development.

Now, although football is a force for self-actualisation and national development, it is also a mixed blessing - it sometimes brings out the worst in people. For example, because of the huge financial and emotional investment in soccer, players, coaches, club owners, governments and fans are increasingly obsessed with winning at all cost, a situation that jeopardises the development and entertainment value of

natic fans forget that football is for humans, and not the other way round. Football lovers should realise that, irrespective of the outcome, football matches should celebrate love, friendship, solidarity, and the spirit of healthy competition. In the charged atmosphere of a very important match, and considering the huge financial resources expended on players, coaches and so on, it is very easy to become angry and disappointed when one’s favourite team loses.

FIFA recognises that football is not all about winning; it is a celebration of the joy of competition and wholesome entertainment.

That is why it introduced fair play award, and teams that win trophies hardly get the award in the same tour-

are many cases when, close to a very crucial match, the best player in a team gets seriously injured or sick.

Because of the inherent unpredictability of the complex events that determine the outcome of matches, fans must recognise that football is a game and moderate their expectations from players in order to avoid disappointment that could lead to unruly behaviour or illness.

The current world cup tournament going on in Brazil has confirmed that football is unpredictable, which makes the sport quite interesting and exciting.

Who would have predicted that the current world and European champions, Spain, would be eliminated just after two matches, or that Portugal, despite having the world’s best player, Christiano Ronaldo, would be beaten 4-0 by Germany? I watched Nigeria’s match against Iran; like most Nigerians, I was appalled by the mediocre performance of the Super Eagles. My impression is that most of our players are old and sluggish, and their attitude to the match was casual and unprofessional.

With the exception of Vincent Enyeama, Mikel Obi and Osaze Odenwingie, the rest played as if they forgot their football brains in their hotel rooms. But this is not the time for apportioning blames.

Finally, football is for enjoyment no matter the outcome of matches, because although winning is very important, the joy of participating at all makes winning and losing possible the two are inseparable.

Hence, even if the Super Eagles are eliminated in the first round, we should be happy that Nigeria participated, and enjoy the rest of the tournament.

,

Politicians: Let Edo Develop

With about only half of the tenure spent, it appears the beats are changing. Echoes coming out of the heartbeat of the nation seem to suggest that those who swore that Oshiomhole can do no wrong have waxed a new chorus. If so, we need to let them know that the tunes are immoral and no one should listen to them no matter how melodious they sound. Our people are not electric bulbs that can be switched on and off at will.

In a decent democracy, the declaration of the winner of an election puts paid to electioneering. The winning party ceases to be just a political party but government that must be allowed to implement its campaign policies; for which the people gave it their votes.

An opposition party can continue canvassing alternative options for solving societal problems, not to score cheap political points but to put government on its toes thereby helping to keep it in line only in the interest of society. Here, ample credit must go to the Chairman of the opposition party in the state, Mr Dan Orbih for doing just that especially his persuasive analysis of the inappropriateness of selling the Edo House in Lagos. In earnest, in none of his criticisms has his personal interests been glaring. This is a far cry from the visible blackmail that all others particularly the newly converted opposition members are currently engaged in. We hear that

Football lovers should realise that, irrespective of the outcome, football matches should celebrate love, friendship, solidarity, and the spirit of healthy competition

the game. Match fixing and other forms of corruption by different stakeholders constitute a serious threat to the credibility of football. Besides, football is akin to religion; it tends to generate extreme forms of emotional attachment and violent conduct in devotees.

In fact, some fans kill, maim and destroy just because their favourite teams lost. Evidently, such foolish and irresponsible behaviour is a symptom of neurosis occasioned by ignorance, irrational fears, anxiety, exaggerated unrealistic expectations and lack of self-control. In addition, fa-

,

nament.

Luck, the unintended, the unplanned and, therefore, the unexpected, play a role in human activities. Football is not an exception.

Thus, no matter how talented a player might be, there is no guarantee that a wellexecuted, goal-bound free kick will not suddenly veer away from the goal post at the last moment. Similarly, a referee may not award penalty against a team because at the exact moment when the infringement occurred he was distracted for a second while trying to brush off an insect that perched on his nose. There

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 15

C M Y K

PAGE 16 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22 2014, PAGE 17

Email: vanguardwoman@gmail.com

Nigeria’s economy will be sustainable if...

— Ayuli-Jemide, Founder, Winihin Jemide Series C

ould you tell us more about the Winihin Jemide Series?

The Winihin Jemide Series is an umbrella organization committed to leading the movement to increase the numbers of women in strong leadership positions worldwide. We have created several initiatives to achieve this such as the Women in Government and PoliticsWIGP conference; the Gender Emergence and Economic Development Forum-GEED forum; Succession Planning through Youth Experience Days AfricaYEDA and One Million Signatures Campaign- IMS for gender emergence. The series also powers active research that develops and monitors benchmarks for gender participation across developing countries.

Our premise is that gender cannot emerge until we give it a deliberate attention for it to emerge and that if gender does not emerge, the economy will not be sustainable.

When you said gender must emerge, what exactly do you mean and how soon do you expect that to happen in Nigeria?

What has happened in our polity has really surprised me and warmed my heart because since the incumbent President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan came into power. For the first time, we have seen over 30 per cent of Federal Government appointments given to women. His policy thrusts have positioned him as the first African leader to fully embrace and execute the Beijing 30 per cent quota. President Jonathan boldly appointed an unprecedented number of women into strategic federal level positions directly linked to his Transformation Agenda.

Women now have a fair chance to play a part in shaping the destiny of this great country. So, I feel that it can only get better.

He has started; anyone coming behind him must do better than he has done. So, I think gender emergence would be happening sooner than we think, though I cannot put a specific date to it because I am not soothC M Y K

M

rs. Winihin Ayuli-Jemide is the founder and president of the Winihin Jemide Series, a platform that serves to support and articulate conversations and initiatives on nation building. In this interview, she speaks on the need for more commitment by relevant stakeholders to encourage women participation in politics. sayer.

This year’s conference was the second in the series. What would you say your first conference has been able to achieve because the issue of gender emergence goes beyond the conference room...

W

IGP Africa Edition con ference in 2013 was a collaboration with the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Its theme was ‘Increasing Numbers: Access and Progress,’ creating a platform for the first ever Africa focused forum for women in government and politics. The conference brought together a wealth of experience from convergence of influential women drawn from the five regions of Africa. Its success is still ripple, continuing the conversation in the five routes of increased advocacy, employment, appointment, election and successive planning. An immediate outcome of the conference was a position document forming the basis of the manifesto, and after a thorough review of this document, we defined three focus areas where, with the collaboration of stakeholders, we are committed to influencing change. These key areas with gender emergence at their core are the support for research and information; advocacy of implementation of models such as the Beijing Convention and promotion of adoption of gender workplace policies. The manifesto from the first outing has been delivered to the UN Women and heads of gender of many corporations and civil society groups.

You are making case for more

•Mrs Winihin Ayuli-Jemide

,,

BY ADEDAPO AKINREFON

When men were holding all the positions, Nigeria did not emerge as Africa’s strongest economy.

women participation in politics, but some people believe women are their own worst enemies, as some have made attempts in the past without getting the support of fellow women. How do you react to that?

One of the things that we have been able to discuss extensively at our various conferences is how to appeal to the psychology of women and make them who can actually do the job and give them adequate support. So, I think that convening conferences like the ones that we do and having the kind of conversations that we do, are also supportive of women.

A

part from the issue of support, there is also that of funding…

It was interesting that one of

our panelists at this year’s conference revealed that there are actually funds available for women interested in politics, and he gave the names of one or two institutions that provide these funds and the criteria that individuals interested must meet before they can access these funds.

To what extent do you engage the various political parties that provide the required platforms, so that women can actualize their ambitions?

In the Series, we do not engage the political parties. What we do is to work with those who can take the message of reform to the electoral commission.

Then it will be the responsibility of the electoral commission to engage the political parties and those who make policies at the political parties’ level.

You spoke about gender and sustainability of the economy, but we have seen situations where women have abused positions of authority given to them...

I must say that if I look at the fact that Nigeria has become the strongest economy in Africa, I cannot but admit the fact that at least 33 per cent of Federal Government positions are now in the hands of women. When men were holding all the positions, Nigeria did not emerge as Africa’s strongest economy. If you look at South Africa, which we have just overtaken in terms of the economy, about 35 per cent of the country’s top positions at

the regional and federal levels are in the hands of women. So, if you look at the two strongest economies in Africa, women have been very well represented.

You raised the issue of affirmative action, but some people believe that power is struggled for and not served. Don’t you envisage that it would be difficult for men to surrender power to women on a platter of gold?

For sure, I think so, but one of the things that we have learnt from our just held conference, especially from the Rwandan experience, is that we should start from policy formulation. In Rwanda, women hold an unprecedented 64 per cent of seats in parliament, more than any other country in the world. The prominent role played in the country ’s parliament and throughout the government has helped transform attitudes throughout Rwandan society.

Few today could dispute that the influence and leadership of women has been essential to Rwanda’s current social and economic progress. All we need to replicate the Rwandan experience in Nigeria is to take a decision that this is the way to go, and the political will. We are lucky that for the first time in Nigeria, we have seen someone who promised during his campaigns that he is going to give 30 per cent of appointive positions to women, and he has done so.

PAGE 18 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014

Shocking revelations of an actress Stories By BENJAMIN NJOKU

F

ast rising actress, Adaeze Pinky Oruosah took a trip down memory lane recently, narrating how she lost her virginity to a young man who later broke her heart.

The beauty, who described herself as “a very sensitive and emotional person”, said, the ugly incident happened several years ago, and she has since moved on with her life.

“It’s painful most times when you find out that your commitments are not being appreciated by the man you love, and all your time is wasted. I wouldn’t say I am a virgin. I lost my virginity when I was 18 to my first love. But we later parted ways,” she r e counted.

‘I was deflowered at 18 by a man who broke my heart’ Adaeze said, in her love life, she has learnt how to be herself, having realised that some men are good to the extreme, while many others are devil incarnates. For the actress, finding yourself in a relationship with the wrong person is bound to be disastrous while it lasts.

The Delta State-born actress who has featured in TV series such as Super Story, and Wonder Kids, said, she has learnt her lessons of life, adding that with the passage of time, she has also learnt to be strong

even in the face of despair. “I am highly emotional. I break down a lot, but with the passage of time, I have learnt to be strong even in the face of despair.”

She also recounted some of the challenges she has been facing in the industry as a beauty. According to her, “Because you are beautiful, everybody wants to make sexual advances to you.

There was a marketer who approached me at an audition some time ago, and told me that he would make me a big star provided I would agree to date him.

I rejected his offer, preferring to wait for God’s time, rather than sleeping my way to the top.”

Adaeze

It is hard to get true love - Lami Philips S

oul singer, Lami Phillips, who dedicated one of her songs, “Baby Mi” to her husband following the ‘undying love’ she has for him, is rarely known to be an expert on relationships. But for her wealth of experience in the field, the singer has become one as she has taken to her Facebook page to share with young women about her thoughts on the subject.

Writing on her Facebook page, Lami said, “Dear girl, it’s time to become a woman. Don’t let any man manipulate your mind into accepting mediocrity...booty calls can only take you so far because when its late at night, and you need someone around you. You will then realise you need a real man, not a boy. I am of the opinion that a man

The Jesse Jagz Experience is Back with “The Greatest Concert”

N

igerian rapper and producer Jesse Jagz returns with the 2nd edition of the sensational music concert; The Jesse Jagz Experience 2014.

This year, the live music concert is themed “The Greatest Concert” as Jesse Jagz alongside a 16-man hip-hop orchestra promises to deliver “the greatest musical concert ever seen in Lagos this summer ”.

Billed to hold on Saturday, August 2, at AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, this year’s edition is restricted to a limited number of fans.

With guest performances from various Nigerian artistes, a live band and a talented headliner, the concert is guaranteed to mesmerize music lovers.

C M Y K

never truly appreciates what he never worked for; a man will cherish what he nurtures.

Don’t feel special when that bbm/whasApp message comes through. Me thinks they scroll down the list and ponder who can I funk with tonight and probably send the same mes-

sage to three other damsels, waiting for the ‘fool’ that will take them seriously. It’s harder now to sift the roses from the weeds. Whatever happens, flow with someone who actually deserves you. Those women who are saying they want to marry good men.

Please, work on yourself too.

Being a good woman is work in progress. There’s always more to learn in a relationship.”

What a piece of advice!

Aity Dennis steps up with ACTA award G

ospel singer, Aity Dennis, has bagged an award at this year’s edition of Arts, Culture and Tourism Award (ACTA), which was held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital last weekend.

She won the award for her hit track, Amkpaidem.

Commenting on the award, the gospel singer who has several albums and numerous awards to her credit, described the award as a tonic that would encourage her to strive for more: “Amkpaidem is a track from my last CD titled Unstoppable. It is one of the songs of praise I wrote in Kenya during my Aity across Africa Tour; Amkpaidem means I’m amazed.

“I feel excited and encouraged that even though we most times suffer under Pontius Pilate while striving to give our fans the best, and shoot good videos, the effort is not gone unappreciated. This will inspire me to always aim at giving my best with the consciousness that someone somewhere is getting blessed by what I am doing. I’m still sticking to the course of giving joy, comfort and hope in Christ through the instrumentality of music,” Aity said.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 19

My memorable moments, frustrations as the anchor of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire — Frank Edoho

Charismatic Frank Edoho has anchored the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (WWTBAM) TV game show for ten years. As Nigeria celebrates the show’s ten-year landmark, Frank shared his memorable and intriguing moments on the show.

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

B

efore TV programme, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, who was Frank Edoho?

Frank was an On-Air-Personality. I cut my teeth in Radio Nigeria, Metro FM; they sent me on training in year 2000. I came back to become a radio announcer. I studied every aspect of broadcasting; news, news reading, commentary, documentary and voice over presentation. So, before I started “ Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, I was into radio broadcasting. I was an announcer on Metro FM. 97.6 and it was a fabulous pedestal that prepared me for upcoming projects in broadcasting. Little did I know that just around the corner, WWTBAM will come calling. So, I was just a lesser known radio announcer, and I enjoyed that anonymity until WWTBAM came on board, and everything changed.

Asides WWTBAM, what other things that occupy your time?

I do everything related to broadcasting; I do program production and I take myself to be more of a producer than a presenter because in broadcasting, presenting is a lazy job.

Everybody does it for you. In WWTBAM for instance, we have all the structures in place; we have the studio, the executive producer, we have a director and we even have a sponsor, MTN, which provides the finance.

Everything is set and all the presenter has to do is to walk in, sit down and say ‘Good evening Nigeria’. So, I consider myself as a producer, but not on a very large scale, especially on TV. Radio is my first love and I am into lots of radio projects, events, production projects and consultancy.

WWTBAM is already 10 years.

Considering the fact that many TV game shows didn’t last this long, how would you describe the game show, with respect to its consistency?

Well, the major factor that has made the show consistent for ten years, are the people behind it; they pay attention to details. The producers always say we should adopt the strategy of continuous improvement, and that’s what we have been doing. Every time a season ends, we do a review. We tell ourselves that we are doing well, but we could be better. So, in which areas do we need to do more work?

We do a post mortem of the penultimate season and we use that as a benchmark for the next show. It is very challenging because many people have been watching this show for ten years and the show has beC M Y K

come a template. We try to tweak the variables of the show, so that every season turns out to be like a brand new season.

Let’s talk about the values that this show offers: Entertainment, education and empowerment. Which of these would you describe as the strongest point of the show?

I think the show’s strongest point is its underlying philosophy that you have to work for what you earn.

There is no free lunch, especially for the Nigerian youth who don’t believe in putting work into any prospect. They want to drive that flashy car but not prepared to put in any effort. It’s okay to dream but you need to work for it. I think they get off the rail towards their destination and toe the dubious

Entertainment is a vehicle of change in the society but people haven’t realized it. direction. It looks like it’s easy to answer fifteen questions and get ten million naira. But when you see the drama and what goes into it, you will know this is work. So, ten million naira doesn’t come easy, no wonder we’ve only had one ten million naira winner. So, I think the philosophy of the show is that we want to entertain, we want to educate but most importantly, we want to pass on the subliminal message that you have to work, to earn the prize.

Could you share some of the memorable moments you have had as the producer of WWTBAM? I have two memorable moments; the first was when Aruoma Ufodike clinched the ultimate prize of ten million naira. WWTBAM is designed to safeguard fraud. I see the questions for the first time when everyone is seeing it. I don’t have fore knowledge of the questions, for security

reasons. Also, my demeanor will show that I am seeing the question for the first time. And when the questions pop up, the answer is not there. So when I see the question and the options, sometimes I am mulling in my head, what the answer is. So the day the ten million naira was won, I knew the answer to the question, but I had to keep my composure because I knew we were on the brink of history.

I had a dead pan expression on my face, a poker face that I had developed for the past ten years. The guy phoned a friend, the friend said he was one hundred percent sure, that was the answer. Aruoma said he trusts his friend, so I locked it in and said you know if you are wrong, you stand to lose N4.75m. The guy said ok. So I locked it in and he won N10m! The episode where I had the other memorable moment was not aired. The contestant was acting like he had mental issues. I will ask him a question; he will stare right into my eyes and ask me the same question, instead of responding with an answer.

Initially, I thought he was trying to be funny, but after a while, I knew something was amiss. Those were the two moments.

From your experience anchoring the game show for 10 years, do you subscribe to the general opinion that our youth are not interested in reading as it was the case back in the days?

It is the solution to the problem that has now become the problem. Let me put it this way: those days we didn’t have a lot of technology, we didn’t have social media and we didn’t have many distractions, so one of the ways

you could entertain yourself, is to carry a novel by Jeffery Archer and read. The ladies will pick Mills and Boon. I used to read pace setters, when we had writers like Helen Ovbiageli who wrote for Vanguard Newspaper. Since we didn’t have electricity to indulge in a lot of things, all you had to do was pick up a book and read; and we borrowed novels, swapped and read. Then technology came and took over and we now have many distractions. We must have missed it somewhere along the line, because even in the developed societies, they still read and their culture enables it. Someone in the UK is going to work in the train, what does he use to pass time?

He opens a book and reads.

Now, in Nigeria you are in a hold up, you are driving yourself because you can’t afford a driver. How are you going to read? You get to work at 8 am and you work till 7pm, especially in Lagos. On weekends, you just sleep or maybe you go to the cinema and see a movie and then before you know it, it is Monday again. Our lifestyle doesn’t allow us to read, it’s a deterrent.

Talking about sponsorship, MTN has been the sole sponsor of WWTBAM for quite a considerable length of time. Does part of the credit for its consistency, go to the sponsors?

Yes, let’s give MTN credit, because for a company to realize the potential of a programme, they must have tried it for a period of time. You know they can say, “our job is done here, we have tried on this sponsorship, let’s just leave it, since we are already synonymous with WWTBAM”. But they still insist that even though it’s been on for ten years, there is still potential in it. WWTBAM is the longest airing game show on Nigerian Television, and MTN has made it so. We only hope that other corporate bodies will follow suit in other aspects like entertainment. Whether you like it or not, entertainment is a vehicle for change. A lady approached me sometime back and asked me to talk to her son, I asked her why. She said the boy is very stubborn but she needs me, to come to her house and talk to the boy. He is intelligent but he doesn’t read and he is wayward. But anytime WWTBAM is showing on TV, he is very attentive. So I said alright, and I paid the boy a visit one evening. When the boy saw me, he couldn’t believe it! I started talking to him. The mother called me two weeks ago and told me about the boy’s progress. Maybe I had something to do with it, but the boy changed. So that’s why I said entertainment is a vehicle of change in the society but people haven’t realized it. When we started WWTBAM, it was quite challenging. There were many slots for sponsorship, but very few organizations turned up. When MTN came, all that changed. MTN saw all the potential and said they will take all the slots and they are still taking everything till today. So without MTN, the show wouldn’t have been this massive.

PAGE 20 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

By VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU AND PRISCA SAM-DURU

I

t is no longer news that the United States government is strongly committed in efforts to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, and electoral processes.

This, clearly explains the country’s extensive involvement in ensuring that the upcoming Ekiti and Osun states elections in the next few months are conducted credibly and peacefully.

Addressing election challenges in Nigeria, US Consul General, Jeffery Hawkins, said that Nigerians and Nigeria’s friends in the international community, are watching carefully for peaceful elections and results that uphold the will of the electorate.

He said that it is undoubtedly important and interesting to see who the winners and losers in Ekiti and Osun will be, and how the outcomes will affect the national political picture in advance of next February’s elections.

Beyond that, however, he also stated that, “The Ekiti and Osun elections are crucial because of what they will tell us about Nigeria’s preparations for February 2015, specifically, whether those elections will be, and be seen by Nigerians as, credible.

On the occasion of my multiple visits to each of the 17 states in southern Nigeria, I spoke with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Nigerians about democracy, elections, and the history of Nigeria, as it relates to both, and some of the lessons I learnt from the conversations were particularly relevant as citizens of Ekiti and Osun states approach election day, and head into the national elections next year.”

M

.K.O Abiola’s aborted election in 1993

The C/G also noted that through his conversations he got a clearer picture that elections in Nigeria suffer from a crisis of credibility.

“There have been a few contests, particularly M.K.O. Abiola’s aborted election in 1993, that have been widely viewed by Nigerians to represent the will of the people.

The international community, and in particular the United States, have gone C M Y K

US GOVT: Countering the Crisis of Credibility in Nigeria corruption, improving transparency, enhanced internal democracy in Nigeria’s political parties and fighting this trend is also a key element in ameliorating Nigerian democracy.

It is time Nigerians begin to hold elections that ALL believe produced the ‘correct’ results.

I am constantly struck by the degree to which Nigerians, on all sides of the political spectrum, assail elections which they believe were not credible, that didn’t produce the result that represented the will of the voters. It seems to happen after virtually every election, regardless of whether a particular election was generally perceived to have been credible or not.

Similarities in US and Nigeria politicians

Jeffrey Hawkins

The US has been deeply troubled by some of the rhetoric that has been thrown around in recent weeks and months as these elections have drawn closer on record as saying Nigeria’s 2011 elections represented a significant improvement over some earlier contests. But Nigerians have been disappointed at the LGA, state, and national levels by many of the electoral cycles in the country’s past. There are many reasons for such disappointment, some historical and some highly relevant to this day. Much work remains to be done by INEC, by the nation’s security services, and above all by Nigeria’s political class to build more trust in the electoral process,” the C/G said.

Still on the crisis of credibility in Nigeria’s electoral practices, Hawkins

disclosed that besides undermining voter faith and interest, this crisis of credibility has an additional, pernicious side-effect, which allows some politicians to refuse to accept an electoral result that was not in their favor by affirming that the election in question was ‘illegitimate’, thereby, threatening and or employing violence as a result.

“The electoral system’s shortcomings have thus helped to provide cover for rhetoric and actions by some politicians that only further subvert the interests of Nigerians as a whole.

Beyond broad systemic changes stamping out

In view of US-Nigeria binational relationship in key sectors of both countries economies, Hawkins noted that while the US strongly supports the notion that challenges to election results should be resolved through legal mechanisms, there has never been an election in the last decade in Nigeria that did not result in a legal challenge by one or more of the losers.

“My point is this, Nigeria elections are almost never considered legitimate by all the participants.

I would argue that there are lots of similarities between politicians in the U.S. and Nigeria in their conduct leading up to Election Day. The desire to champion one’s own accomplishments and or policy proposals, an equivalent desire to diminish those of an opponent, and the projection of confidence that ‘the voters are with me’ that is often accompanied by bold predictions of victory.”

“But it seems to me that the day after the election is where the similarities between U.S. and Nigerian politicians diverge.

With very few exceptions, by the day after the election, a losing candidate in the U.S. has called his or her opponent to congratulate them and publicly concede defeat, especially for the elections that garner media attention, following which they begin closing up their

campaign offices and operations, and for losing candidates it is about ‘going back to normal life’.”

Nigeria’s contrast

Continuing, Hawkins added, “For defeated candidates in Nigeria, the day after the election almost seems like the beginning of the real contest, which is the legal challenge to the election’s announced result.”

In view of this, the C/G raised two questions, asking, when will Nigeria reach a point where the system has enough credibility that losing candidates no longer regularly challenge their losses?

And more importantly, what can each Nigerian do to move Nigeria closer to that moment?

The latter question appear salient, as it questions reason elections in Nigeria would not be perfect and every Nigerian has to do his or her part improving on the elections.

S

pecial points to election success in Nigeria

In view of the foregoing therefore, C/G Hawkins suggested three points to which Nigerian stakeholders in the election process would adapt to make Nigeria’s elections work better.

He advised them to avoid sponsorship of violence and intimidation, and the rhetorical threat thereof, which are utterly unacceptable in a democratic society, and need to be expunged once and for all from the Nigerian polity and discourse. “The US has been deeply troubled by some of the rhetoric that has been thrown around in recent weeks and months as these elections have drawn closer.

It is perfectly acceptable, and even praiseworthy, to seek to defend your vote and that of your fellow citizens who share your support for a particular candidate. It is not, however, productive or reasonable to threaten violence, even when you perceive others have been guilty of misconduct. We were deeply troubled by the threat of ‘rig and roast’ issued multiple times by a major political figure in

Continues on page 22

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 21

SHOCKER Nyanya bombing suspect uses British passport - Sudan ambassador *Why it is difficult to extradite him *On imprisoned mother and child: It’s a crime to convert from Islam to Christianity in my country

By Victoria Ojeme

T

he Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Tagelsir Mahgoub Ali, speaks on the difficulties being faced by his home country to extradite the man suspected to be behind the bombing of Nyanya, near Abuja, the FCT, who fled to Sudan, to Nigeria.

The last time we spoke, the impression we had was that the arrested suspected Nyanya bomber would be extradited to Nigeria. What has happened between then and now?

What has happened is that Sudan of course is ready to meet its obligations but there are some processes which have got to be finalized before the person can be returned to the other country.

There is no problem with that because it is just a question of procedures. Once the procedures are finished then the suspect would be handed over to the Nigerian authorities. But it takes time because that is the way it is because there are some processes that have got to be done and these procedures are absolutely important because people are bound by extradition agreement between countries and that agreement is a bit lengthy.

I talked to the concerned authorities in the Ministry of Justice. I talked to the Minister of Justice himself, I talked to the Ministry of Interior, I talked to the security offices in Sudan and I was assured that things are on course. There is no problem. It is a question of time to finalize the processes and to complete the file, so that the person can be turned in to his country.

How long does the extradition process normally take?

It depends. I don’t know. It is very hard to tell because this is a technical thing that has to do with the authorities there and different parties that play their part in the procedure. And there are so many incidences in contemporary times about people who need to be extradited to other countries and so on. It takes a lot of time.

I remember the incidence of the Nigerian governor who was in Dubai and was supposed to be delivered to Nigeria and it has taken some time. There are terrorists world wide and very well known people and their home countries ask for them to be extradited, it is not immediately done. It is done at the appropriate time because you have to satisfy certain requirements before a person can be extradited and that is important because it saves you from criticism and you are sure you are doing the right things according to the agreement that is there.

For instance, this is a copy of the extradition treaty between the governments of the Republic of the Sudan and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

And this is a treaty that was signed in Khartoum during the last bilateral meeting with Nigeria; it was signed by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sudan. And this is now obligatory to the two parties.

From there you can see the kind of lengthy procedures that are required before the file can be completed. It is

Dr. Tagelsir Mahgoub Ali

very important because probably some people don’t know that. And here, these are the contents of the obligations to extradite, extraditable offenses, mandatory refusal, discretionary refusal, presentation of request documents to be submitted, waivers, authentication of supporting documents, supplementary evidence and information, provisional arrest, decision on the request, competing request, postponement and temporary surrender, surrender of the persons, seizures and surrender of properties, rule of specialty, transit, mutual

Justice and then it goes to the judiciary and then it goes back to the Ministry of Justice for the final release.

What stage is the process to extradict the Nyanya bombing suspect now?

The last thing I heard was that the Minister of Justice was waiting for the files to come to him so that he can take the final step of signing the warrant of delivering the suspect to Nigeria. So I don’t think it would be long.

Has Nigeria formally asked for the suspect’s extradition?

Of course they have. That was one of the things. This is probably what has been

It is not true. Sudan didn’t know about him.

And if they had known about him, they wouldn’t have allowed him into the country. Because we understand that he had British passport and he used to use this passport in getting to certain places that he would want to get to legal system and so on.

It has to cover many areas and that’s why you know it’s a process in every country and this is the same thing for Nigeria. If we ask for a person to be extradited, this would be the reference. They go step by step. First of all, they have to check the file, they must ensure that the right thing is done. Then it moves to the police, then to the Interpol, and from the Interpol to the Ministry of

delaying the process for some time now. I was informed by my people there to inform the security people here that they should start with the protocol issue, it is very important. Because this is the guarantee that the person could eventually be handed over to Nigeria. And I went there and I talked to the people and they started immediately working on the protocol issue and they have sent it to Sudan. That is how

the whole processes started.

It has got to go through all these steps.

Have Nigerian officials been allowed access to the suspect?

Of course yes. The ambassador there has access.

I learnt from him that he met the suspect himself. He is following up with the case there. I spoke to the Nigerian Ambassador in Khartoum, he told me what is being said in the papers is not true. We are following up the thing here and the whole process is moving on.

The impression that has inevitably been created is that the suspect escaped to Sudan for protection and will never be returned to Nigeria. How do you respond?

It is not true. Sudan didn’t know about him. And if they had known about him, they wouldn’t have allowed him into the country. Because we understand that he had British passport and he used to use this passport in getting to certain places that he would want to get to. But obviously as soon as the people here asked for him, he was arrested immediately.

You talked about communication between the two ambassadors, Nigerian and Sudan. How about communication between President to President?

I don’t think it should go to that extent of President to President. We are dealing with it at the level of the ambassadors with the ministers in the concerned

Continues on page 22

PAGE 22 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

Continued from page 21 ministries in Sudan and Nigeria and so on. And every other day I call the people down there and they tell me things are going on well. So it doesn’t need the intervention of the President or so.

People correspond to each other. And only a couple of days ago I received a letter to the President of Sudan from the President of Nigeria thanking him for his moral support on the abduction of the Chibok girls and the explosions that have taken place in Nigeria.

Do you not agree that your position now is informed by the negative publicity the issue has caused your government.

We are concerned obviously because it is not true. Had it been true, we would have faced it. But it is not true.

Everybody is saying so. Even your representatives in Sudan are aware of the facts that nothing is taking place and so there a lot of noise about this. This is not true and that is the reason why we had to tell you. It is very important to us.

And we initiated the extradition treaty between

Continued from page 20 recent weeks. Who benefits from that type of violent rhetoric, we wondered? And why would any ordinary Nigerian accept such provocative language, especially considering the history of post-election violence in Nigeria, and the truly horrific carnage that this country has been suffering at the hands of Boko Haram?”

“If a candidate believes an election is threatened, then that candidate should be doing everything possible to see that the rules of the game are enforced properly by having party agents in the numerous locations where they are permitted, for example, to bear witness to what happens or doesn’t happen. That is part of the painstaking work of participating in, and building, a democracy.

Drawing on or threatening violence is an attempt to short-circuit that process for the benefit of a few, but to the detriment of many.”

Secondly, Hawkins advised Nigeria’s politicians to

Why it is difficult to extradite Nyanya bombing suspect – Sudan ambassador Sudan and Nigeria because we are suffering from the same thing. We have got people there, we are afraid that these people might get into another country and cause problems. And that is why we finalized this extradition treaty hoping that, we cover ourselves, Sudan and Nigeria.

We don’t want infiltration of these people into countries to create problems for the people. Yes it can cause damage but we are here to correct things and to tell the people the truth about what is actually happening. There is nothing of the sorts. Sudan had never thought of not wanting to deliver the bombing suspect to Nigeria.

There is no influence from anybody. We are sure of that.

Because had it been true, we would have been in the picture, we would have known, and we would have been contacted for instance and so on, but nothing of such is taking place. And I don’t know where that information came from. :How far has the

international pressure on your country impacted the case of the imprisoned woman and her child?

It is not the case of the international community and the pressure that has been applied. We are being subjected to this for so many years for nothing. The international community would jump in and tell all sorts of stories and so on. It is a question of the legal aspects. Any nation has got its own values, its own penal code; it has got its own way of handling things and so on.

And the international community is sometimes free to say what they want.

But we look at the situation itself. We want to make sure that everything is proper, it doesn’t go against the rules of the nation and I am sure that there are certain incidences where people will get to a point where they will understand what the situation is like.

In every place, you have radicals; you have got people who are moderates; you have got people who are

temperate; you know their religion in the way they want to interpret it and so on.

Again it is also a question of values. For instance in Nigeria, in the case of when the National Assembly passed the law against homosexuality, the whole world was yelling, ‘why should Nigeria do this’.

There is the freedom of people and so on.

But again the country had to do it because they want to protect their values. Here it is not a question of Islam or Christianity or anything. It is the Nigerian personality that does not accept such things happening in the Nigerian culture.

And so it is the same thing in Sudan. For instance, it is an Islamic country and they don’t want people to deviate from it. But when it comes to taking legal actions or anything, here it is subject to so many things. Verification is very important and the final verdict also should be sensible enough, not to damage people. And so there are so many ramification to

this and I am sure it is the conscience of the Sudanese nation that makes the final decision on these things and not the pressure of the international community.

As a Muslim country, would you say it is a crime to be a Christian in your country?

No. It is not a crime to be a Christian. But then, for instance, a Muslim cannot convert. This is the difference. A Christian can convert to Islam; maybe we would have no problem. But for a Muslim to convert to Christianity after becoming a Muslim, in the Islamic religion, that is not allowed.

Although some Islamic scholars said that this is not in the real spirit of Islam, it is not and it is doubting. That is why some people now are for it and sometimes some people are against it and so on. But at the end, there is the national Constitution. It is the Constitution that determines these things.

Everybody has the right to go to the constitutional court and ask for his right and then the constitutional court will look into that.

US GOVT: Countering the Crisis of Credibility in Nigeria accept the fact that they undermine the democratic process when they systematically deny even the possibility of defeat in a free and fair process.

“The politicians should repeat to themselves the following sentence, either now or sometime before Election Day: ‘It is possible that I can lose this election if it is conducted credibly?’

I could reel off countless examples of elections in the United States in which one candidate or party had an evident advantage or advantages, and should have easily won. Sometimes even the toughest of candidates, a well-known, popular incumbent, for example, can lose, and lose badly.

Going into her re-election battle in 1994, Texas Governor Ann Richards had a national political profile and enjoyed a 60 per cent approval rating among Texans. But she lost, by a relatively wide margin, to the Republican candidate, George W. Bush.

Neither she nor anyone around her suggested that there had been cheating in the election.

She was just defeated and it was that simple.

Voters liked her, but they

The Nigerian electoral process is only as good as Nigerians make it chose to go a different direction. It is a fact that even in the fairest and most credible elections there must be a candidate who loses and if there are more than two parties, as is the case in Nigeria, you will have

multiple candidates who lose.

Accepting defeats

Hawkins stated, “Nigerian political parties and candidates need to start accepting that their defeats are not wholly, or perhaps even partly, a result of the malfeasance of their opponent or opponents’ supporters. Nigerian democracy will grow stronger the sooner that starts to happen.”

Giving his third and finally suggestion to credible elections in Nigeria, he said Nigeria has a wellestablished set of rules for elections which are produced

by INEC, in concert with the Electoral Act, and guided by the Nigerian Constitution, and it is imperative to abide by them. “There is no process, democratic or otherwise, that can survive when its basic foundation is undermined by those seeking to use it.

The Nigerian electoral process is only as good as

Nigerians make it. That doesn’t mean only worrying about what the other parties are doing.

It also means worrying about what you and your allies are doing.

The fundamental question is this, does what you are doing help build and sustain an electoral process that you want your children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren to take part in?

Nigerians have fought long and hard to earn the democratic rights they now possess, and Nigerians want and deserve peaceful, credible elections in Ekiti on June 21, in Osun on August 9, and across this great country in February 2015.

That’s why these elections are a critical juncture. Every Nigerian from the party leaders and candidates to average citizens should do everything in his/her power to help meet those expectations, and thereby counter this crisis of credibility”, the Consul General submitted.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 23

08112662589

Just how much noise is appropriate?!!

H

AVE you ever woken up the morning after some mind-blowing sex and think: “Why did I tell him all that stuff while we were cuddling last night?”

Apparently, you’re not unique. Recent research shows that women who had an orgasm disclosed more of their positive thoughts and feelings about their partner afterward than those who didn’t climax - and they don’t feel as if they’re taking a risk by doing that. Blame it on your brain chemicals making you feel trusting.

According to experts, an orgasm triggers the release of oxytocin, the feel-good neuro-chemical that also makes spooning (lying front to back with your partners) feet amazing. “People get looselipped after an orgasm because the oxytocin makes them think it’s the right time to say gooey things” explains author Amanda Denes. “In serious relationships, a little sappy gab might not be a bad thing, but in casual situations, it’s sort of a mixed bag. Professing your love to someone

you’ve been seeing for a few weeks could scare him away, but it could also help take things to the next level. So when in doubt, err on the side of taciturnity and see if you still feet like spilling in the morning.”

Deep down, we’re all animals in bed. Afterall, sex is an extremely primal act, and when we use our verbal human brains to talk about it it’s dear that the tongue and the groin are linked (in a much less graphic way that you readers are picturing right now!)

“Language communicates not only information but also meaning and feelings and symbols of internal realities”, says Amanda Denes. “We can use it to make sex better in a mechanical, instructional sense, but it also makes the act more meaningful.” In fact a few choice words can set off the arousal response as swiftly as a sensual touch - especially in women who are more turned on by ideas than by visuals. But an off-colour or way-too-raunchy phrase from a man in

your bed can turn you off just as quickly”.

When Annie, a banker met Herbert one of her bank’s directors at the bank’s award dinner, she was impressed by this sophisticated and powerful man sitting across her on their table. “I’ve always been drawn to powerful men:’ she confessed, “and Herbert was the type of gentleman that often attracted me. Weeks later, we hooked up in one of the bank’s guest rooms. He was married and I wasn’t looking for a permanent relationship. I just wanted fun!

“He was adept at

touching the right buttons and in minutes, we were writhing on the bed.

Then I heard this sergeant-major-Iike barking ordering me to: ‘Don’t just groan, tell me how you’re feeling. Tell me what I’m doing to you and what you really like ... ‘ On and on he went.

It was a shock. What the hell was wrong with him?

When I looked at his face, his eyes were bulging.

He looked more of a rapist than a man having consensual sex. I was a bit embarrassed afterwards but he seemed to be pleased with his performance. That was the

last time I went out with him.”

No one has the blueprint for a happy-ever-after relationship, but there are guidelines I have picked up along the line that could help. One of them is to take your time.

The foundations for a lasting love life are set at the start of your relationship.

Take time to get to know your partner physically.

Make it a mission to find new erogenous zones and give them pleasure in new ways. Try new things.

Don’t get lazy: Sex can get into a rut, so make a pledge to try something new every month, check out new sexual positions, choose a different pattern of foreplay or bring some sex toys into the bedroom.

Keep it fun. Bring a sense of humour into the bedroom. Play games, explore your fantasies and role-play, keep a spirit of adventure.

Make time: All this playing around requires time, so give it the space it deserves. Don’t wait for just before you fall asleep - treat yourself to a full

evening in bed.

Respect each other: There will be time when one person wants sex less than their partner.

This can be frustrating if you’re losing out but it’s important to respect your partner’s view and not to put them under too much pressure. Stress lowers libido, so when problems get back to normal, so will your sex life.

Keep intimate: Even during times of stress, when you’re not having sex, it’s important to stay intimate. Show your love and commitment through hugs, cuddles and getting close. Share the hard times - secrets can breed resentment.

Support one another.

Adapt: As you grow older together, adapt your sex life to suit changes in your home or work life. Children or ill health can impact on a relationship but you can get through it with a bit of imagination.

Temptation: If you find your eye wandering, remember the grass may appear greener elsewhere but usually isn’t.

08052201867(Text Only)

Firming up Buttocks and thighs (Answer to a letter) SINGLE LEG RAISE

tocks and legs.

Trunk up Number two Lie flat down on your stomach.

Now, keep your feet inverted and with your hands stretched out be-

I

had something else on my mind,but re ceiving this letter I might I had to reply immediately.

Now here we go.

The lady whom I’d describe I.O.From Edo State, mind in her letter that she is not so comfortable with the mind of her bottocks and fights.

She figures she has fat bums and thights. She wants to have them codod.

Well, my answer to hear problem are these.

Practice the following exercise.

Single leg raise

C M Y K

, * The Single Leg Raise Pose

,

TECHNIQUE: Lie flat on your belly. Place your hands by your sides and raise your fight leg for a slow count to ten. Drop the leg and repeat with the other leg. Rest for a while and go all over again. This is good for trimming up their but-

The spread eagle TECHNIQUE: Set your legs widely spread apart. Now, grasp your big toes with your freefinger and thumb around your big toes.

Stay in this position for another slow count to ten. Release the pose rest it while and repeat.

This is another Trimer of the buttomks and legs.

These postures should see you through your problems as it has done for some students.

* The Spread Eagle Pose

* The Spread Eagle Pose C M Y K

Lie flat down on your stomach.

Now, keep your feet inverted and with your hands stretched out behind you as illustrated and lift up your trunk

hind you as illustrated and lift up your trunk.

Stay in this posture for a slow count to free Drop down and repeat a great chest expander.

Yoga classes STARTED at 32 Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island, Lagos, 9.10am on Saturdays

P AGE 24—SUND AY Vanguard , JUNE 22 , 2014 SUNDA

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

08056180152,

SMS only

She jilted the love of her life because she thought she could do better

I

had the world at my feet 20 years ago when I became engaged to Tonye, the love of my life,” reminisced Ruke, a highly successful businesswoman with an extremely lavish lifestyle. “At the engagement party we organised, I thought I might actually burst with happiness.

Surrounded by our family and friends, I looked at Tonye and felt certain I had met the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. He was my soul-mate. We were so much in love we had our future life together mapped out. First, we would save enough for a show-stopping wedding then have lovely children.

“Only, four years later, at age 27, I walked away from dear devoted, loyal Tonye convinced that I could do better. I’d just had this fantastic promotion in my office and was transferred to head a branch of the bank I worked for. It was a case of out of sight, out of mind as our romance petered off. Tonye was his loving self, but I had changed. I’d smelt success and wanted more of it without being bogged down by wedding plans.

I’d also met Theo, a wonderful customer of the bank who treated me like royalty. I was having a better and more exciting, more fulfilling life, convinced that somewhere out there, a better and more fulfilling life awaited me.

“Sadly, that wasn’t the case. Now, at over 42, I have all the trappings of success - a high-flying career, financial security and a home in a gated estate on Lagos Island.

But I don’t have one thing I crave more than anything - a loving husband and family because I never did find another man who offered every-

thing Tonye did, who understood me and loved me as he did. Someone who was my best friend as well as my lover. Today, seeing friends with their children around them torture me, as I know I’m unlikely ever to have a family of my own.

I think about the times Tonye and I talked about having children, even discussing the names we would choose. I can hardly believe I turned my back on so much happiness. Instead, here I am back on the singles market, looking for the very thing I discarded without a backward glance all those years ago.

“How different things would be for me if only I’d listened to Tonye when he pleaded with me not to leave him all those years back, tears pouring down his face. I was crying too, and it tortured me to watch the heart of the man I loved breaking in front of me.

But I was resolute. I told him that a day could come when I looked back and realised I’d made the biggest mistake of my life. But that I needed to test the water of success.

How prophetic those words have proven to be!

“How did it all come to this? After we left the university, Tonye got a mundane job at the ministry whilst I landed the bank job. As time went on and my career - and salary advanced, I started to resent him as he climbed the slow salary structure of the ministry. I began to feel embarrassed by his boring clothes and annoyed that, despite his intelligence, he didn’t have a proper career.

Then he bought a ramshackled car. Why couldn’t he drive a decent second-hand one?

Things that now seemed incredibly insignificant began to rankle. I began

Y

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

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

My sweetheart

For ever you would be my love. If it will cost me giving out everything just to have you in my life

to wish he was more sophisticated and earned more. I felt envious of friends with better-off partners, who were able to support them as they started their families.

“I stopped seeing Tonye as my equal. I stopped seeing all the qualities that had made me fall in love with him his intelligence, our shared sense of humour, his determination not to follow the crowd. Instead, I saw someone who was holding me back. After I made up my mind to pack up our relationship, my parents were horrified that I was walking away from a man they felt was right for me. My father ’s words to me that day continue to haunt me: ‘Rukey, think carefully about what you’re doing.

There’s a lot to be said for someone who truly loves you.’ But I refused to listen, convinced there would be another, better Mr. Right waiting around the corner.

“I embraced single life with a vengeance. My career continued to soar and life was one long round of seminars, courses abroad and funky parties. Tonye and I remained close and told each other about new re-

lationships. A couple of years later, he met Beth, his first serious girlfriend after me. One night, I called to ask his advice about something. He was unusually abrupt and asked me not to call him again. ‘Please don’t send me birthday or Christmas cards any more either.

Beth opened your card last week and was really upset. I have to put her feelings first: What a cheek I I hated the fact Tonye was suddenly putting another woman before me. How dare she come between us!

“Over the next few weeks, I’m ashamed to say, I vented my spleen at both of them in a series of heated phone calls. I was completely irrational. I didn’t want Tonye back, but I felt upstaged by Beth. It was no surprise that, after one particularly nasty argument, Tonye put the phone down and refused to take any more calls. I didn’t realise it at the time, but I would never speak to him again.

Eventually, Theo and I became a couple after his wife relocated to their new town house. We had a traditional wedding and I moved to his house. He was a highly successful businessman and as he

forever I will. I will be hundred years old and still loving you as my wife, even when you are hundred years you will still be my sweet sixteen. I love you with all of me, this love life will never end.

Omorville Umoru Omorville@gmail.com, 08062486549

My treasure!

My moon,when you rotate around my heart 24 hours you make my day because you inhabit the very depth of my being. It is in you that I always see the gem I am longing for,a rare gem,a treasure worth having. Your love is like a perfume that spreads around my body.

took me on trips abroad, I thought I’d finally found the excitement and love that I craved.

But Tonye was never far from my thoughts and Theo complained that I often brought him into conversations, even comparing them both. They were so different. Although outwardly romantic, Theo was repeatedly unfaithful, and I never felt secure with him. Three years later and after two miscarriages, he walked out, admitting his first wife was expecting their fourth child!

“My life fell apart. Over the next year, I struggled to pull myself together and did a lot of soulsearching. I finally understood what my father had meant. I realised Tonye was the only person who had loved and understood me. So to those out there thinking of walking away from humdrum relationships, I would say don’t mistake contentment for unhappiness as I did. It could be a choice you’ll regret for the rest of your fife:’ Eat Your Heart Out! (Humour) An old woman is sitting quietly in his garden when suddenly a

genie appears and grants her three wishes. “I would like to be very rich and live in a mansion,’ she says. Whoosh! Her house turns into a mansion and fantastic gold jewellery adorns her body. “Secondly, I would like to be young and beautiful so I can enjoy my new found wealth.”

Whoosh! And her wish is granted.

“Finally”, she says, seeing her trusty dog lying on the lawn, “I would like my dog to be turned into the most handsome man that ever walked the earth.” Whooosh! And there in front of her is the most perfect man. The woman can’t believe her eyes. “Oh my, you’re incredible,” she whispers.

He replies, “Now don’t you wish you’d never had me castrated?”

A Shower Or A Deluge? (Humour} A couple had been trying for children for many years without luck. One day, their parish priest told them that he was going to Rome for five years but that while he was there he would pray everyday for them and keep a lighted candle in St. Peter’s. So a few years went by and eventually the priest returned home.

He went round to see the couple and as he walked up the garden path, he spotted a pair of twins playing on a swing. As the door of the house opened, he saw the poor harassed woman, heavily pregnant, with two small babies in her arms.

“Why, Father!” She exclaimed, “ we didn’t know you’d returned.” “Yes, a week ago,” he replied, “and I thought I’d come round to see how you are.

I see you’ve been blessed with children. Where’s your husband?” “He’s gone to Rome,’ she replied, “to blowout that bloody candle!”

Akachukwu Ferdinand.

08063819314

ALPHABETS OF LIFE...

"A"lways "B"e "C"ool. "D"on't have "E"go with "F"riends and Family.

"G"ive up "H"urting "I"ndividuals. "J"ust "K"eep "L"oving "M"ankind.

"N"ever "O"mit "P"rayers. "Q"uietly "R"emember God. "S"peak the "T"ruth.

"U"se "V"alid "W"ords. "X"press "Y"our "Z"eal....

Krispiration Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 25

By TIM OWHEFERE

I

n all my years of reading articles

written by some of the very finest in this noble profession called journalism, two articles are stuck in my brain like the hair planted on the scarf of the head.

The first of these TWO articles….WHY I WILL NOT FORGIVE MY TEACHER, was written many years back by Dare Babarinsa of the then Newswatch. I still remember it as if it were yesterday, cramped in the popular Lagos Danfo bus on my way from work, shuttling between Oyingbo through Orile and finally to Okokomaiko where I shared a tworoom apartment with my cousin. I had started reading the article out of boredom, little did I know that it would hold a lifetime influence on my literary reasoning.

The said article, written in the days when the military held sway in the governance of this country, in summary, depicted the regrets of the average Nigerian who was advised by his secondary school teacher, however correctly, into attending the university as against going into the army to become an officer. It was a fairy tale of the young university graduate looking for a non-existent job or working with lean wages side by side his counterpart who went to the Nigerian Defence Academy, graduated, went for further training in India, UK, etc., got a good job with the prospects of even becoming a military governor or Head of State at a young age. While the university graduate always feared being treated like the bloody civilian that he was, the NDA graduate was above the law. The police dared not question let alone arrest him for fear of being administered military discipline. Then, all you needed to lose your girlfriend was to pay her a visit and find parked in front of the parent’s house a Toyota Celica with moving headlight, a young Captain is visiting, fresh from a UK trip. This young officer, six feet plus and carries a six pack just like you but he has something you only dream of, C M Y K

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

CHIBOK: Between Jonathan and Obasanjo comfort, because he graduated from the NDA, and because he has comfort, he can even propose marriage to your girlfriend, something you dare not do as a young unemployed graduate. As the saying goes, that is the end of discussion.

The second article, THE SHOES OF IMELDA MARCOS, was written by Onome Osifo Whiskey working with the then Sunday Times. I worked then on the sub-desk of the then Daily Times and I proof-read this article during production but only realized the import of the message carried by the writer when the late Dele Giwa offered Mr. Whiskey a job in his Newswatch saying, these words: “Those who can write as fine as this, should be writing for Newswatch”. In brief, Imelda Marcos was the wife of the disgraced Phillipino strongman, Ferdinand Marcos, whose wife Imelda, was reputed to have had the highest number of shoes on earth.

The very foundation of these two articles was not merely just power but a show of it and how absolute power, as clearly enshrined in our military designed 1990 Constitution, can be applied, especially to perceived enemies. Someone wrote recently that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a born again Christian. I sincerely agree with this submission because if I were President Jonathan, in line with my constitutional powers, General Olusegun Obasanjo, former President will be sitting somewhere in jail. I heard someone asked how? That

,

President Goodluck Jonathan

It beats my imagination that in this moments of our grief, when our innocent daughters have been abducted, Obasanjo still openly admits that he is in contact with the abductors and waiting for President Jonathan to direct him before he can act appropriately.

,

person should seek General Sani Abacha and ask him how he did it because Obasanjo was already a former Head of State when he was clamped into jail and left to die. That he is bragging about him having contact with Boko Haram or being the only man alive in Nigeria that knows it all today is because Abacha dropped dead and the likes of Babangida and Abdusalami rescued and made him the hero that he is. It is only in this country that a former President assigns to himself the role of disparaging the very office he occupied from his Otta farm. If there is anyone who can access President Jonathan, Obasanjo is number one but because Jonathan will never do his bidding at the expense of the generality of Nigerians, Obasanjo wants him out by every means, even using his suggested measures of ridding South Africa of apartheid then.

It beats my imagination that in this moments of our grief, when our innocent

daughters have been abducted, Obasanjo still openly admits that he is in contact with the abductors and waiting for President Jonathan to direct him before he can act appropriately. Would his position have been the same if he had one of his grand daughters amongst the abducted girls?

The answer is NO. The painful aspect to this drama is that due to political differences and the desperate greed to wrest power from the PDP, mainly to have unrestricted access to the coffers of this country, the APC today sees Obasanjo as a saint. I am tempted to believe that some of our leaders see us, the led, as a bunch of idiots just because we have followed sheepishly. We are not, we are only being subdued by our fear of tomorrow. Am further amazed that Obasanjo has just woken up from his deep slumber of arrogance and suggested that Chief M.K.O. Abiola, may his soul rest in peace, be accorded some honour.

Is it now that Abiola will be the messiah? Sometimes I think Obasanjo sees himself as God, I hope not. Someday and very soon too, Nigerians are going to take a roll call of those in the PDP and the APC and attempt to spot the differences. Your guess will be as good as mine…the same old song.

If I were Jonathan, I will never lose sleep over the emergence of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi the former CBN Governor, as the new Emir of Kano. I will congratulate him and wish him well if that’s the wish of the people of Kano. There are so many traditional rulers in Nigeria, all of them enthroned by a sitting governor and to whom they must remain loyal. In Delta State alone, there are so many kings(emirs) and all of them with equal powers as the new emir. In Delta , you have the Olu of Warri, the Dein of Agbor, the Oroje of Okpe, the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom etc, all of them duly presented with staff of office as the Constitution demands by the Governor of Delta just as the Governor of Kano State has done to the new emir. Is there any basis for comparison between the new emir and President Goodluck Jonathan? Definitely not.

The new emir should be allowed some relative peace to rule over the people of Kano, while Jonathan rules over Nigeria and all her traditional institutions. And for those who talk about the new emir’s indictment as Governor of the CBN, the law provides that the emir is innocent until proven guilty. My take here is, the law must be allowed to run its full course, there should be no sacred cow. My friends asked me the other day what will happen if the new emir is found guilty. To jail of course.

Did Obasanjo not jailed by the emir’s kinsman from Kano. The whole world is watching how we navigate through this sensitive issue. Like I did advised before now, half a word is enough for a wise man.

Let Jonathan be, in the interest of our continued unity because those pushing for his fall are doing so just to own oil blocs and live in abundance for the rest of their lives. We are wiser. *Owhefere is a two-term member of Delta State House of Assembly where he represents Isoko North Constituency.

PAGE 26 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

INTRIGUING EXPERIENCES

MAD AM OMOPENU PIT AN’S MANY MY STERIES MADAM PITAN’S MYS

‘The enemy tied my mother’s womb; she carried my pregnancy for 39 months’ It is not everyday that you find somebody whose life is full of mysteries. So when you meet one, you are bound to appreciate what he or she has gone through. So it is with Madam Emumukade Omopenu Adedewe Pitan, 89, who claimed to have spent three years, three months in her mother’s womb; crept, as a baby, into a fire; and married according to prediction.

By LEKAN BILESANMI

C

an you explain how your birth took place?

My mother was the fourth out of the eight wives my father married. But despite the number,I never, for once, heard any quarrel among the wives. I was told I was in the womb for 39 months. My mother was into corn mix and was very comfortable with it.

As I said , my mother , to the best of my knowledge, was at peace with all the wives. So, one could not possibly think evil against any body because everywhere was peaceful. I learnt that while I was in my mother’s womb for those three years and three months, someone, out of pity, called my mother and offered to help so she could deliver me provided she would do whatever she asked her to do.

My mother didn’t say anything to me before she died; it was that same woman who helped my mother in the delivery that narrated the story to me. My mother agreed and she was told to buy some things for sacrifice which she did.

What were the things she was asked to buy?

I don’t know, like I have said earlier, my mother did not tell me this story before she died, the woman told me.

She said what my mother bought was accepted for the sacrifice and she then told her she would give birth to a baby girl and the child must be married into her family.

After I was born, I wasn’t up to four months when my mother resumed her business C M Y K

of corn mix. One fateful day, she was preparing her corn mix and I was placed beside where she was cooking. I was told that I was sleeping while she was doing the cooking. While she was preparing the corn mix, she went inside to get a bowl she was using to sell the corn mix and by the time she was back, I was inside the burning fire and I wasn’t even crying, but immediately she carried me, I cried out.

Who put your hand inside the fire?

I was put inside the fire by an unknown person. I wasn’t crawling at that age, so there was no way I could possibly crawl into the fire.

I was in the fire, yet I didn’t feel the impact until my mother carried me out of it.

This is why the scar of the fire in my right hand is indelible.

When your step mother told your mother you should get married to her family member, did it come to pass?

It did. I got married to her family member.

How did it happen?

It was amazing how it happened because we didn’t know each other before we met. He wasn’t even from Ijebu-Igbo. He was transferred there to work. I and my friends were fond of making fun of him, because he was not in the reckoning of the men I wanted to marry

and I would never have believed it if someone had told me we would get married.

It all happened when my elder brother called me to our uncle’s house, I met him (my husband) and, right there, in my uncle’s house, he was telling me that I would become his wife. I was angry at him, because that was the first time I was meeting him.

One would have expected that before any talk of marriage, there would be courtship, but this was a man I never knew, and here he was telling me he was going to marry me. Eventually we got talking and then we got into a relationship. As a civil servant, he was periodically going for refresher courses here and there. So he was in Ibadan for a nine-month course. It was agreed that as soon as he finished the course, we would wed . There was no phone then to communicate but he was always writing. When he finished the programme and returned to Ijebu-Ode, to my surprise, he went behind me

to perform the marriage rites.

It was my elder brother who called me to say my dowry had been paid and that I was now married to him. At that time, he had become a Level 9 sanitary inspector. Shortly after the rites, I joined him in Ibadan What advice do you have for those from polygamous

I was put inside the fire by an unknown person. I wasn’t crawling at that age, so there was no way I could possibly crawl into the fire

homes?

I don’t want to mention names, but when I was told about the person that did all the evil things that happened to me and my mother, I really thank God because when I heard the story, I wanted to avenge, but I thank God for standing by me. When my mother died, her burial was to be in the second month but because my elder brother was misled, my mother’s burial was suspended until after 21 years. Recently I have been thinking that is either my mother did something wrong to the woman or there is a secret behind her not telling me the full story, but I really thank God for her not telling me. Because the spirit of God told me if my mother had told me the story I would have hated the woman and even planned to burn down the house on her.

Let me tell you this, if anyone should go the extra mile to do evil against me and I know who the person is, I will never revenge because I know the gift of God in my life surpasses all evil.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 27

By SAM EYOBOKA

A

COMBINATION of two occurrences, one natural and the other human, almost marred the much advertised groundbreaking ceremony of the Eagle Heights University scheduled for last Tuesday in the sleepy town of Omadino in Warri South local government area of Delta State. The first was the torrential rains of Monday night in Warri which rendered the only road to the site of the university that the state government and other stakeholders had prepared for the historic occasion marshy.

The second element was the rumor that made the rounds as early as 6.00 a.m. Tuesday morning that President Goodluck Jonathan, chief guest of honour slated to perform the groundbreaking ceremony had cancelled the trip at the last moment making residents of Ughoton and Omadino who had lined the route to catch a glimpse of their President initially disappointed.

But, as early as 5.30 a.m, combat-ready security personnel, dressed in green, took positions directing vehicular movements along the traffic-prone stretch of road from Warri through Okpe local government to Omadino raising the hope of the citizens of the area. Similarly, desperate efforts were made by church workers assisted by the natives to recreate stands for all the different traditional dance troupes that spent sleepless nights rehearsing for the epoch making event.

Omadino is sandwiched between thick forests and the Warri River. As soon as choppers started circling the venue, the environment became electric as everybody turned towards the entrance in anticipation. Not long after Jonathan, with several members of his cabinet, emerged waving to the mammoth crowd of persons who had assembled. He was also accompanied by two eminent traditional rulers from the area: the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse II and the Ovie of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I. The initial unfriendly weather had given way to a bright day,. The one they call The Elegant Stallion, Onyeka Onwenu’s sterling performance and that of Sammie Okposo had to be stopped for the business of the day.

In his opening remarks, the CAN president and the visioner, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, explained that 42 years earlier, he had received a divine mandate: “Building and equipping the people who build the nation,” and building the people goes beyond spirituality, to include C M Y K

From left:President Goodluck Jonathan; Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; his wife, Helen; and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II

The Warri university and Delta’s triangle of development *The benefits of religious varsities, by Jonathan building physically, economically, educationally and socially. He noted that the mandate has given birth to the establishment of Eagle Flight Micro Finance Bank, Eagle Health Medical Centre, Eagle Hand Foundation for orphans and the less privileged, The International School of Ministry and the Eagle Heights International Schools, EHIS (Nursery, Primary and Secondary) amongst many others.

The Eagle Heights University, EHU, he continued, was a new but unique world class Christian university committed to serving God and humanity in Warri, and the world through leadership in high quality education and professional training, community development, character building, advancing research and knowledge, and utilizing state-of-the-art information and communication technology. The university, according to him, is set to be at the forefront of the academic transformation of Africa and Nigeria in particular Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, welcoming the president and his entourage to the state for the second time in 23 days, said “A few weeks ago, you were in Gbaramatu of formally flag off gthe marine the Maritime University. We know that in a few weeks’ time, you will be back to flag off the Gas City at Ogidigben, in

One advantage of universities owned by religious bodies is discipline and moral education

between, you are here today to flag off this Eagle Height’s University; a private university of the Word of Life Bible Church. Mr. President, you are sitting right in the land of Omadino in Warri South local government, there’s a connection between this land and the Maritime University and the Gas City.

“The three places form a triangle, and from my eyes of development, it’ll be the future triangle of development in this country, because from Omadino here, a road is being designed; it was originally designed, but the design is being changed by NDDC. That road will over N150 billion. It’ll connect Omadino with Gbaramatu and the Escravos axis. The road will service the Maritime University and also service

the Gas City. The future of this area is very very bright”.

According to the President, the university will mark the beginning of a great Omadino that will surely play a key role in the history of this country.

He therefore congratulated the Omadino people, “because this is the beginning of real development that will come to this part of this great state and indeed the Niger Delta and Nigeria”. Jonathan continued: `I’m also pleased, just like the governor mentioned, I was in Delta state not too long ago to lay a foundation stone for the Maritime University. Delta is blessed to have two specialized universities; University of Petroleum and of course the Maritime University.”

The President hinted that Delta State would even be greater because “the biggest petro-chemical hub in Africa will be sited in the state. The governor mentioned that in a couple of weeks or so, we are coming back to Delta state to flag off that ceremony. The target is that we must add value to the gas we produce, we cannot continue to export raw materials; we export raw crude oil, we export raw gas with the condensate and so on and so forth.

“When you export raw materials, you create jobs offshore, but when you add value to your materials, you create jobs within your country. We must add value to

the gas we produce before sending it out, and where it will happen will be in this great Delta.

“The road project, because if government is siting such major projects; Maritime University, the petro-chemical complex, that place must be accessible by road. It may not happen overnight, but we’ll drive to that place not too far away. We thank all of you for your cooperation.” Returning to the business of the day, he thanked Oritsejafor and his wife as well as members of Word of Life Bible Church, for establishing the university..

“I love the motto of the university: ‘Building and equipping the people who build the nation’. That has always been my philosophy that you have to build the people to build the nation.

Without building people, we cannot build a nation. You cannot give what you don’t have. You can’t go to the university and study biology then go and teach engineering or go and build bridges. You must give out what you have. And if we don’t put something into our children, they’ll have nothing to bring out to develop the country.

He stressed the need to invest in the younger generation because, according to him, sometimes people die and don’t even know where their money is, but the quality of their children, the quality of the younger ones that are coming will determine the level of their success in life.

“Today we have to thank Ayo because I’ve seen that without the private sector, government alone; both federal and state, would not be able to create university spaces for our children. Government is trying, within this period I’ve been here, we are talking about 14 universities, and still you have so many Nigerians, infact Nigerians are almost taking over Ghanaian universities. So without the private sector coming in to assist, we cannot provide enough spaces for our children, and that’s why government is quite passionate about universities by the private sector especially religious bodies.

“One advantage of universities owned by religious bodies is discipline and moral education. And you are what you are because of the background training you have, not just the academic training. The non-formal education, which is quite weak in conventional schools owned by government, is available in universities owned by religious bodies.

You cannot be a lecturer in a university here and you talk about sexual harassment. That word will not exist here because there’ll be no space for it.

PAGE 28— SUNDAY, Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

Images from the Efeisoghoba of Benin anniv er sar anniver ersar saryy Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor recently marked the anniversary of his conferment as the Efeisoghoba of Benin Kingdom. The occasion in pictures.

Chief Joe Austen Ogbebor with some of his children and Chief Oyuki Jackson Obaseki JP the Ohe of Benin

Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa Oba of Benin Kingdom and Chief Nosa Isekhure the Isekhure (Chief Priest) of Benin Kingdom as the Oba on the throne presents over activities.

Second right – Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor the Efeisoghoba of Benin Kingdom, from left: Chief Sam Iredia JP the Obaghayomwan of Benin, both with their right hand up saying Oba Gha to Okpere!!!Isee

From right: Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor the Efeisoghoba of Benin Kingdom and Chief M.E Nehizena the Ekhoe-Oreguae of Benin along with the Iyase, the Eson, the Osuma and other Chiefs all of Benin Kingdom.

Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor, with his two hands together,his sons and wife and other children on their knees, saying thank you to Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Ukpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa Oba of Benin Kingdom

Sixth from left – Chief Joe Assien Ogbebor the Efeisoghoba of Benin Kingdom others from left are: Chief Sunny Aguebor the Osamoba of Benin, Chief Kennester O Oteghekpen the Nobabor of Benin, Chief Eduwu Ekhator JP the Obosogie (H) of Benin, Chief (Dr) A Osunbor the Eson of Benin, Chief Sam O.U Igbe the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin, others from right to left; Chief Eric Omo-Oshodim the Obaizamomwan of Benin, Chief Oyuki Jackson Obaseki JP the Ohe of Benin, Chief Prof. E.U. Emonvon CON the Obayagbona of Benin, Chief Ozigbo-Esere MN JP the Osuma of Benin.

Clement Illoh gives out daughter in marriage

I

L-R: Chief Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity,Mr.Charles Emetulu, representative of Gov Uduaghan,the Couple, Mr And Mrs Justice Burabari Orage ,Mrs Rose Unamaka Illoh, bride's mother, Dr.Clement Illoh, bride's father and Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, Minister of Interior.

H.R.H Obi of Issele-Azagba, Delta State C M Y K

t was a high society affair when Dr Clement Illoh, a permanent secretary at Ministry of Labour and Productivity gave the hand of his daughter in marriage to Mr Justice Burabari recently. Many highprofile government functionaries graced the event. Photos by Nath Onojake

Sir and Lady Peter Idabor, DirectorGeneral,National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, Abuja.

R-L: Comrade Mike Okeme, sponsor, the groom, Mr.Justice Burabari Orage and Mr.U.Z Idabor.

R-L: Dr.Tunji Olaopa, Perm-Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications Technology with Dr.Madu Awa, consultant physician

SUNDAY, Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 29

Tinubu’s mother’s remembrance

P From left: Sheik AbdulAfeez Abou, Baba Adini of Lagos; Sheik Habiblahi Abdullahi, guest lecturer; and Alh. Tijani Gbajabiamila, representing the Chief Imam of Lagos.

rominnet Nigerians and All Progressive Party, (APC) stalwarts, stormed Lagos last Sunday for the one year memorial ceremony for the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, erstwhile Iyaloja General and President General of Market Men and Women in Nigeria and mother of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, political leader of APC. Photos by Bunmi Azeez

From left: Princess Serah Sosan, former Dep. Gov, Lagos State; Mrs. Serifat Aregbesola, the First Lady of Osun State; Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, the First Lady of Oyo State; and Mrs Olufunso Amosun, the First Lady of Ogun State.

From left: Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief [Mrs]. Bimtu Fatimah Tinubu, Iyalode of Lagos and Chief [Mrs] Folashade TinubuOjo, Iyaloja General From left: Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Chief Bisi Akande, and General Muhammadu Buhari.

The Balogun twin sisters nuptial

T

he Balogun family gave out their twin daughters, Halima and Rakiya Balogun in marriage, in Makurdi, Benue State. The sisters wedded their heartthrobs, Abdulhakeem Quadri and Ibrahim Mohammed Adoga respectively.

The families spared no expense in giving the twins a delightful wedding as guests who came from far and near were lavishly entertained. Photos by Peter Duru

The couples, Mr. & Mrs. Abdulhakeem Quadri (left) and Mr. & Mrs. Ibrahim Mohammed Adoga(right), with the parents of the brides and grooms.

The couples, Mr. & Mrs. Abdulhakeem Quadri (left) and Mr. & Mrs. Ibrahim Mohammed Adoga(right) C M Y K

The couples with Mr. and Mrs. Hassan Balogun, Dep. Admin. Manager, Vanguard Media Ltd.

From left:Dr. Azu Ndukwe, Alh. Abdullahi Nyako and Justice Uthman Mohammed[Rtd]

From left: Olori Fadeke Akiolu, Olori Olanike Akiolu and Olori Kudirat Akiolu.

L-R: Alhaji Musiliu Smith, Senator Olabayo Durojaiye and Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.

PAGE 30 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

RESOURCE CONTROL BATTLE

How the North hijacked National Conference Committee, by Asara Asara, Bayelsa monarch *On Chibok girls: There are many unanswered questions

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

A

sara Asara, Ake IX, the paramount ruler of Akipelai Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, is also a delegate at the on-going National Conference on the platform of the Federal Government He speaks on the battle for resource control among other issues in this interview.

Can you comment on the Conference’s controversial resolution that fuel subsidy should be removed in line with the recommendations of the Committee on Public Finance?

The problem we have in Nigeria is that we always like to leave the substance and chase shadows. The removal of fuel subsidy shouldn’t have been anything contentious. This is because, the fuel subsidy we are talking was meant to cushion the effect of increase in price of fuel on the masses. But the question we need to ask ourselves is whether the subsidy is actually achieving the purpose for which it was meant? Who is benefitting from the fuel subsidy? My answer is that it is rich men.

How many of the poor people can afford to buy a car? I have never believed in fuel subsidy. I want it to be removed completely. If we had allowed the Federal Government to go ahead with the price of N140 per liter it announced in 2012, we would have gotten used to it by now.

But the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, led the agitation against the removal of fuel subsidy. We all know that each time there is an increase in the price of fuel as was the case in 2012, what usually follows is a hike in transport fares and prices of goods generally.

But when eventually the price of fuel is brought down, nobody goes to negotiate with the transporters, traders and farmers to reduce their prices in line with the reduced fuel price. Once the bread seller has increased his price of bread to say N300 per loaf, in response to the initial hike in fuel price announced by government, he (the bread seller) will never reduce his C M Y K

Asara Asara....Oil has turned out to be a curse for the Niger Delta people price irrespective of the reduction in price later on.

After the government and NLC eventually agreed to reduce the price to N97 per liter in 2012, were the prices of goods and transport fares, which shot up due to the hike in price to N140 per liter, reduced? That did not happen. I blame our labour leaders for what is happening. Do you know what happens when they go for negotiation with government? They only come back to announce that strike has been called off. But the suffering of the masses continues.

What is your position on the issue of resource control and whether control of natural resources should be on the exclusive, concurrent or residual list of the Constitution?

The issue of resource control has been controversial even before we gained independence in 1960. I was in the Committee on Devolution of Powers and that was one of the most contentious issues. We had to reach a compromise in the sense that we discussed and agreed on certain issues which I will not be able to disclose now because the report is before the plenary session. I would only like to speak after we have debated the recommendations of our Committee at the plenary

Oil has brought poverty instead of prosperity to the people of the Niger Delta. Oil has brought devastation; it has destroyed the ecosystem. The aquatic life is gone and our environment has been degraded session. You don’t discuss something that is controversial or explosive before it is debated at the plenary.

Be that as it may, I believe that the reason why the control of resources is such an explosive issue is

because most delegates at the conference don’t know what the people of the oil producing areas are passing through in the hands of the multinational oil companies.

Most of them would be shocked when they get to the Niger Delta.

Oil has brought poverty instead of prosperity to the people of the Niger Delta.

Oil has brought devastation; it has destroyed the ecosystem. The aquatic life is gone and our environment has been degraded.

Everyday we see oil flowing on top of our water. We cannot use water for anything. Our mangrove forest is gone. Everything has been destroyed. I keep asking people why is this hydro-carbon found in the swamp of this country?

A curse In other countries, it is found in the desert regions. My answer is that God gave us this natural resource to use for the development and upgrading of our environment. But, unfortunately, the oil has turned out to be a curse for the Niger Delta people. And yet some people don’t want to see it in that light.

When you discuss with such people, they would say they used their money to prospect for oil in the Niger Delta. I have asked them which money they are talking about? At the time the British

were prospecting for oil in the Niger Delta, there was no independent Nigeria. So, at what point did they financially sponsor the prospecting for oil in the Niger Delta ? Oil was first discovered at Oloibiri, in present day Bayelsa State in 1956. This kind of argument is for lazy people. These are the same people who claim that they are the sole owners of this country. They can’t be sole owners of Nigeria because this country belongs to all of us.

If this oil is to be found today in Lake Chad, you would see that the same people opposing the derivation principle in sharing national revenue would be the same that would change the laws.

They would say they want 100 percent control of their resources. What type of country is this?

A country in which our fellow Nigerians would be glad over our misfortune, but when they have their own misfortunes, they make it look like a national problem.

Take for instance during the period of militancy in the Niger Delta, did these people make it a national issue? It became a national issue when it became clear that government was about to shut down due to decline in oil revenue. They didn’t make it a national issue based on a patriotic concern.

That was when the late President Umar Yar’Adua decided to call for amnesty.

Even before he granted the amnesty, he sent the then Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan to talk to his people. The Vice-President went to the creeks and camps of the militants to meet them. He met them, appealed to them and discussed with them and they agreed to lay down their arms. Did any northerner follow him to the creeks and camps in the Niger Delta at that time?

Compromise But, today, Boko Haram has become a national issue. So, anything that happens to them is a national issue, but anything that happens to another section of this country is regarded as a local issue.

Infact, at the peak of the militancy, some of these people advocated that the entire people of Niger Delta

Continues on page 31

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 31

‘There are many unanswered questions on Chibok girls’ Continued from page 30 should be killed. They said so and it was published by the newspapers. But God is wonderful.

Yes, we want to control our resources, so that we would be able to manage them. This is because the Federal Government is not managing our oil properly. We want to control our resources without undermining the interest of other sections of this country.

We also want other sections of this country to benefit from our resources. This is the reason some of us who are moderates agreed to reach a compromise.

These people thought they are sensible. They don’t know that people from other sections of the country are also intelligent.

When we were meeting at the level of the Committee on Devolution of Powers, the membership of the Committee kept increasing everyday. At the end of the day, some of us from the Niger-Delta suddenly discovered that the Committee had been taken over by the North. It was the leadership of the Conference that assigned members to different committees. This was possible because the Committee Chairmen did not have the power to object to the inclusion of new members in any of the committees.

They even brought a motion to cancel the 13 percent

was revised through a decree by the military regime of Gen. Yakubu Gowon. The war has been over since 44 years ago but they refused to revert back to the former Constitution and its revenue sharing formula.

Instead, they only approved one percent for derivation at a stage. They later increased it from one percent to three percent. They later increased it to 13 percent. So, for how long are we going to remain with 13 percent?

For us to make progress, we are saying let us give a timeline. We have also recommended that other resources have to be developed. We even recommended that the Federal Government has to set aside 4.5 percent of national revenue for the development of mineral resources in the country. We want to give a time-line within which other mineral resources could be developed. Those are some of our recommendations but I don’t know what the plenary session is going to adopt as a resolution. It must be mentioned that our people are still insisting that we need to control and manage our resources.

What can you say about the insecurity in the North-east?

Security is everybody’s business. You must secure your environment. You don’t

Why is nobody asking Governor Shettima questions?

What was Shettima elected for? Is part of his responsibility not to protect lives and property in that state? derivation formula which is contained in the present Constitution. They also came with another motion to introduce the onshore/ offshore dichotomy for the sharing of revenue derived from oil.

When we eventually discovered that we had been outnumbered, we decided to exercise patience until we get to the plenary.

We are saying that in the 1963 Constitution, the principle of derivation was endorsed. This provided that the regions should keep 50 percent of revenue realized from whatever resource they have and pay 50 percent to the Federal Government. It also provided that 30 percent of that 50 percent should be shared among the federating units while the Federal Government keeps the remaining 20 percent. During the civil war, the Federal Government said it had no money to prosecute the war.

That was why the Constitution C M Y K

just sit down and say government should come and secure you. How many policemen do we have in this country to effectively secure 160 million people?

Security is not only the Federal Government’s business. The terrorists who have been wreaking havoc have not been killing the government but human beings. It is not right when you see a car parked near your house and you don’t ask questions about it. You want government to come and look at the vehicle that was parked at your door? It is not possible. You must also pass information to security agencies to be able to know that something is happening within your environment.

Some people blame government for everything.

You know why it is so? This is happening because the current President is a man they, said wasn’t qualified to occupy the office. They said because he doesn’t come from

Asara Asara a certain part of the country, therefore he is not a Nigerian.

That is the problem. From day one, they said they would make this country ungovernable for him. So, what is happening today is a fall-out from that statement they made. They created the problem and they are now talking about a Nigerian problem. It is not a Nigerian problem. They said they would not allow this government to survive.

I have been asking people whether they are sure that those Chibok girls were actually abducted? Where could the terrorists have taken over 200 girls to? What did the terrorists use in conveying them? They have been talking only about the Federal Government. You can now see that their plan is to give a dog a bad name in order to kill it. That is just their plan.

Otherwise, there is an elected governor in Borno State. And that governor was the man who said there was enough security in Chibok and that the West African Examination Council, WAEC, should go ahead and conduct examination in that school.

Even when the Ministry of Education wrote to the governor and told him that the school was not conducive enough and the centre should be transferred. The governor insisted that they should go on to conduct the examination there. Is anybody accusing the governor of Borno State of any wrongdoing now? Is anybody abusing him now? Is anybody demonstrating in Borno State?

All the demonstrations have been taking place here; their demand is that President Jonathan should bring back the girls. Why is nobody asking Governor Shettima questions? What was Shettima elected for? Is part of his responsibility not to protect lives and property in that state? What effort has he made towards locating those girls?

You can see clearly that it is all part of a script.

But the All Progressives Congress, APC, has argued that the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Chief Security Officer of Nigeria......

(Cuts in) So what is the responsibility of the governors? What do they use their security vote to do? Most governors use almost 50 percent of their state’s monthly allocation as security vote? Are you saying they only line their pockets with all that money?

When you look at the activities of the APC, you will realize that they are out to destroy this country. They are desperate to take power by any means. But they will not succeed because Nigeria of today is not Nigeria of yesterday. The people are more enlightened. The people even know more than what the politicians know.

Everything that is happening is a script written by APC. They thought by engaging in what they have been doing, Nigerians would vote out out the present administration.

But President Jonathan would be re-elected in 2015.

What makes you so sure that President Jonathan would be re-elected?

President Jonathan has performed well. Do you know why the President is having problems? It is because the man is too honest, sincere and humble. Nigerians don’t believe in somebody who is honest, sincere and humble.

They have never seen an honest government in the past.

This is the first time a doctorate degree holder has been elected as President of this country, but they keep saying the man doesn’t know what he is doing. Has there been any government in this country that has performed as well as the present administration? Look at what

he has achieved despite the distractions and the security challenges his government has faced.

Can you mention some of his achievements?

Let us look at the educational sector. This is the only government in the history of this country to establish 10 universities at the same time.

This government’s policy is that in every state of the federation, there must be a federal university. Look at the Almajiri school he established in the North. The system of child exploitation has existed for a long time in the North and they were not able to do anything about it. How many schools were they able to build for the Almajiri children ? Go to the federal universities. Have they ever been given funds for infrastructural development in the past?

Look at the power sector. Has any government in recent history of this country been able to provide us with uninterrupted power supply for even one hour? In the past I relied on my generators. In this Abuja, sometimes, I would use generator for a whole month. In Bayelsa State, there was never public power supply and so we relied on power generated by gas turbines.

Today, the public power company has been unbundled. Electricity is not something you can deliver overnight. It involves a lot of technicalities. Many of the power projects have been completed. Very soon we would have uninterrupted power supply in Abuja.

Since President Jonathan was sworn in as President, has there been any scarcity of petroleum products in this country? No. Our railway that was abandoned is today functional under this administration.

Look at our roads. Were they like this before? They have been given a facelift. Last week, my driver spent about seven hours on the road from Yenagoa to Abuja. If there were no road blocks on the way, he may have reached Abuja earlier. In the past, that journey used to last for about 11 or 12 hours.

A lot has also been achieved in the agricultural sector. It has never been this good like this in the past. In the past, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture was only used for fertilizer importation.

But today, a farmer only needs to send SMS to the Ministry and he would get fertilizer.

The fertilizer is now going to the farmers directly. There is no third party anymore.

Let us talk about aviation. Can you remember what was the state of our airports before this administration came on board? Today, remodeling has changed the face of our airports. Our airports have now met international standards.

PAGE 32 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

08116759757

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO, Lokoja

F

riday, May 16, 2014 will remain forever fresh in the mind of Mr. Kayoda Obas, popularly called Jolukayo, in Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East local government area of Kogi State. The memory of that day is not of good but of bitterness, anguish and emotional trauma. It would remain a day he wishes never occurred in view of the calamity that visited him.It was the day the devil chose some arsonists to bring to ruin all that he has labored for.

Jolukayo is a young enterprising man until that day when some people instituted an emergency “Oro” ( a traditional festival) which arsonists took advantage of to burn to ashes all that belonged to him.

The arsonists burnt down his three-storey hotel along with 10 vehicles belonging to his customers lodging there, his business complex that housed his pharmaceutical office, his computer center with close to 100 computers and building shops. Not done, the arsonists stormed his personal building which he just completed and moved into and razed it.

It was divine grace that saved his family from being lynched..

What could have led to this large scale destrruction?

Though those behind the mayhem are yet to be made known, the tragedy came to Jolukajo amid a family squabble. The police, however, said there was no evidence to link the family with the destruction.

*Jolukajo Pharmacy ... in ruins

A GENERAL OVERSEER’S WORST MOMENT

FAMILY TROUBLE he family, which raised Jolukayo, had allegedly been against him ever since his adopted father, Prophet Jolugba, died.

When Joluba, founder and General Overseer of Jah Zion Worldwide, was about to die some years ago, he was said to have anointed Jolukayo as his successor. As if the late prophet had premonition of what was to happen after his demise, Joluba was said to have used one Sunday sermon to intimate his church members with his imminent death and also raised Jolukayo’s hand up as the spiritual head after his demise.

Three years after the founder’s death, some of the children, however, began to demand from Jolukayo to relinquish the church to them.

To them, Kayode was sitting on their father’s inheritance.

And as far as they were concerned, Kayode was an adopted child and should have no right to their father’s ‘properties’.

The tussle over church control was alleged to be the beginning of Jolukayo travails in Isanluland.

In truth, Jolukayo never said he was a biological child of the late Prophet. He admitted he was adopted by the late prophet at the age of three when the founder came to beg his biological father to release him during a crusade.

Kayode said the General Overseer picked him out of the crowd during the crusade to pray for the congregation saying that he possessed some spiritual gifts. “My father released me to him and I lived with the prophet until I started my own family.”

T

C M Y K

‘I lost N1billion property to Kogi mayhem’

It was the interest the late overseer had in him that made him to train Kayode to the university where he graduated as a pharmacist.

Kayode in returning the good deed of the Overseer named all his businesses as Jolukayo: Jolu from the first four letters of his adopted father, and Kayo from the first four letters of his name. The hotel, pharmaceutical office, laboratory, computer center, building shops and others were named so.

However the family trouble over the ownership of the church degenerated to a level that some children of the late prophet were said to have dragged him to the police station asking the police to persuade him to hands off the church. Some of the children even claimed that the hotel, and other properties also belonged to their late father.

Kayode was said to have shown the police that all the properties and businesses were registered in him name, it is only in name that the late prophet showed up. The police was said to have begged both warring factions to desist from using the church premises until the matter was settled.

When the situation became unbearable, Kayode allegedly announced to the church of his intention to leave the premises for the prophet’s children; many of the church elders and members were said

to have followed him to his new church. Kayode new church in a matter of time received more members; a situation that led the children to ask him to drop Jay Zion as the name of his church.

Kayode was said to have insisted on retaining the name on the account that the late prophet asked him not to drop it.

It was in the process of settling the issues that, weeks later, Jolukayo’s properties were burnt by some yet unknown arsonists.

JEALOUSY

out when the community is preparing to instal a new king, and other times; especially when there is a calamity believed to have been caused by witches or wizards.

Sunday Vanguard also gathered that the community also brings out ‘Oro’ whenever they want somebody out of their land.

The ‘Oro’ festival was allegedly instituted in the community in the 80s to drive out an influential farmer who allegedly was involved in “Keda” (a situation where by dead persons are commanded to work in the farm as labourers).

But Jolukayo was not a

I will never go back to that land again, and I doubt it if any good thing will visit that community again

T

he connection of the community was alleged to be the involvement of the ‘Oro’ which the arsonists were said to have hid under to perpetuate the mayhem.

The day the arson was carried out, the ‘Oro’ was said to have surfaced in the day time. The ‘Oro’ is not organised by one person but by the community..It is a traditional festival organised on special occasions. The festival is not for celebration. It is only

farmer, he was a businessman who hadineen involved in buying and selling of medicine since his undergraduate days.. He was said to be planning to commence the production of table water before the arsonists struck, and the equipment for the water company also destroyed by the mayhem.

One of the Isanlu residents said, “The good fortune combined with his youthful age of just 40 years old

angered some of the people who felt he was too successful. I must confess to you that many people viewed him with disdain, wondering why it was only his businesses that continued to thrive in the area. They are also angry because he is not a native of Isanlu. Kayode is an indigene of Mopa, a very close town to Isanlu though.”.

It was as a result of this that some of the community members were said to have hid under the pretense of the ‘Oro’ festival to inflict this pain on him. While he was not in town on the said day, his wife and children were only lucky to escape the attack when the arsonists stormed his house, burning the house, his three cars after extending their action to his hotel, his business building and office vehicles.

Kayode said what he lost was close to N1 billion.

LEGISLATOR’S CONNECTION he lawmaker represent ing Yagba east at the state House of Assembly, Hon.

T

Henry Ojuola, was mentioned as a supporter of the unjust cause from the community.

But Ojuola denied being involved with the arsonists.

Ojuola said he has personal and intimate relationship with the embattled Kayode and would never have supported the unjust cause.

“Last year when my daughter was getting married . I rented the hotel because it was the best in the land. Kayode gave me a discount. This is to show you that we are close. In few months time,

Continued on page 33

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 33

08116759757

‘My mystery stroke cure’

BY EPHRAIM OSEJI

T

he mystery behind the cure of a cocoa/palm kernel merchant, Alhaji Andrew Audu, of decades of stroke paralysis is still amazing to his neighbours.

Narrating his ordeal to Sunday Vanguard, Audu said but for Dr. Okhue Iboi, a traditional healer, he still would be down. The former UAC staff was retired in 1979.

He narrated: “I remember how it all started some years back. That night I started having some funny sensation on my legs only to wake up the following morning to discover I hardly could move my legs. I quickly rushed to a hospital. But two days later, the doctors referred me to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, IdiAraba, where I was diagnosed with a partial paralysis.

Immediately treatment started. For several years I was receiving treatment there without improvement. Because I didn’t want to die I had to travel abroad for further treatment, but all to no avail. I had to return home since overseas trip didn’t give me, the desired result. Little did I know that what I was looking for in LUTH and abroad could be cured by a traditional doctor. It was a friend after seeing my health condition who suggested I should see a traditional doctor, Iboi. Since I had tried orthodox medicine and it failed, I reluctantly yielded to his advice, and he took me to Dr. Iboi where I found solution to my plight.” Iboi, while corroborating Audu’s story said his

life, as a renowned traditionalist with accurate prediction of national events, is not without thorns.

The traditional doctor unveiled the mystery surrounding his birth, even as he spoke on the battles he fought against witches and wizards to free people from spiritual bondage.

“My life trajectory is not without thorns and thistles.

In the late 1950s, my father, Chief Okhue Iboi, a respected community leader, a farmer and a hunter was versed in magic. He left my home town Otue, in Owan L.G.A to Okpe in Akoko-Edo L.G.A, Edo State with his five wives, based on Ifa divination, that he should move out of his hometown, if he wished to have his own children,” Iboi narrated.

“So, when eventually I was born, instead of the usual nine months, I spent 18 months in my mother ’s womb. When I was born on April 6, 1959, I mysteriously had in my hand a mystic object that is fundamental to

my earthly mission.“During the mission, my food was always placed at the usual corner in my parents room and the meals would disappear without any-

Saving Audu

Alhaji Audu

parents sought a spiritual intervention and an oracle consulted confirmed that I was well and safe in the hands of my spiritual guardians, where I was undergoing spiritual purification and preparation to accomplish

b o d y knowing who had eaten it.

At the end of six months, I was suddenly found sleeping beside my mother on the day I clocked three years.”

Asked the difference between him and his late father, he said, “My father, Chief Okhue Iboi, pos-

OGUN COMMUNITY PLEADS WITH GOVT ‘Help before LUTH renders us homeless’

By Charity Ukaegbu

T

he residents of Ifesowapo Community Development Area in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State are in fear of demolition of their houses.

The residents, including those of Ilepa, Onihale, Igbusi and other small villages in Ifo, have survived several threats from Lagos University Teaching Hospital Annex situated in Ipakoto area of Ifo on the grounds that the land which they occupy, according to the leader of the community, Elder P.K. Idowu, belongs to LUTH. The residents, Idowu said, lived in fear of demolition and this has caused the death of some of the landlords. The community leader called on the federal and Ogun State governments to come to their aid by calling LUTH to order.

“We are peaceful people and we are urging the Federal Ministry of Health and Ogun State Government to “save our souls,” Idowu said. “The lands which we built our houses on were genuinely purchased and we don’t know why LUTH wants to demolish them.”

‘I lost N1billion property to Kogi mayhem’ Continues from page 32 one of my children will be getting married, in which hotel am I going to host

my guests?”, Ojuola stressed.

‘I have taken it in good faith’

K

modern day society. I was born with leaves in my palm which was a symbolic prelude to what I am renowned for today, a herbalist.

“Mysteriously, at the age of two, I disappeared from my mother’s bed for six months, without a trace.

My hapless

ayode however said though

his loss is painful, he is trying to pick the pieces of his life back. “The late prophet has hinted me that something like this may occur. I didn’t know it will come to this high level. I have taken it in good faith as one of those things that happen to mankind,” he said.He, nevertheless, has this to say: “I will never go back to that land again, and I doubt it if any good thing will visit that community again. I have relocated and will restart my business no matter how small. I know I will bounce back.”

sessed the ability to speak and understand the languages of animals. Thus, he could command them to do whatever he wanted them to do. But, I am versed in the knowledge of roots and leaves. I can speak to leaves. I understand them and I know when to cut a leaf, how to cut it and what to say to it before cutting it, to retain its potency.

At times, if I cannot get the leaves and roots here in Lagos, I travel to the cemetery in my home town, to get them.

I don’t charge people or ask for gratification for the good works I do for people. My activities are being monitored, controlled and directed by my guardian spirit.”

Iboi spoke on Audu, saying he was brought to him by one of his friends from the defunct Daily Times of Nigeria. “They got to my former office at Egbeda before they gave them my phone contact to call me.

When they eventually met with me, I consulted my oracle to know what was wrong with him. Against what he had been told by seers he earlier visited, my oracle revealed that his problem originated from his hometown, that the image of his wife, as revealed by seers earlier visited was used as a deception by his (relation) biological sister. It was when I gave him some spiritual items to use in his father’s compound, that his (relation) biological sister started confessing her misdeeds,” he said.

“What I did was to remove her hands from the sister ’s body, so that he can be treated and healed. Today, he is a happy man and has continued his business of exporting palm kernel and cocoa.”

The grand plan to celebrate Soyinka at 80, by the Thespian Family T

hespian Family Theatre and Productions Is celebrating one of Africa’s literary icons, Professor Wole Soyinka, as he turns 80 in July. The production company, after staging Five Maids of Fadaka, one of their signature plays at MUSON Centre, Lagos, is bringing two of Soyinka’s most popular plays, The Lion and the Jewel, and The Trials of Brother Jero, to the theatre community and general public.

“Thespian Family Theatre and Productions has carefully chosen both plays for performance to once again serve as a catalyst for the creation of social capital and the attainment of important community goals through the intrinsic messages of the plays,” its founder, Mrs. Ayodele Jaiyesimi, said. “We have

remained front liners in the doggedness that it is still possible to find essential spaces within which the performance arts persist as a critical force as a balanced agent for social change and development”.

The Lion and the Jewel, being directed by Toyin Oshinaike, focuses on several conflicts that Soyinka present but does not attempt to resolve. It features star actors like, Soibifaa Dokubo, popularly known as ‘Waka’, Bharia McNwizu of the AMBO Fame, Patrick Diabuah and the world renowned Thespian Family Theatre Troupe. The director, Toyin Oshinake, who has played Baroka in a couple of performances of the play, says it is an

interesting task for him directing the play for the first time and also challenging to throw something unique, not a show as he had seen or performed. The lead characters Lakunle and Baroka, embody the contrary urges toward modernity and tradition. They personify the two sides of the major social and political issue in Africa during the last half of the twentieth century.

The Trials of Brother Jero is a light satiric comedy that takes aim at religious hypocrisy in the form of a charlatan, or fraud, named Brother Jero, who preaches to his followers at the Bar Beach area of Lagos, Nigeria.

The shows are billed for July 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30.

PAGE 34—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

japhdave@yahoo.com 08056402376

By USMAN ABUDAH FILM

T

he Afenmai dialect has fur ther been raised on a higher pedestal on the creativity format with the emergence of Adeke (a fool) home video wherein the indigenous dialect in its entirety has been fully unveiled by the producer/director, Godwin Okpere.

The production and directing

by Okpere, who is an Esan man further enhances the understanding in creative production when the storyline is fully understood.

Adeke is a story between two hunters – Osho bughe (Anthony Aluokhaemo) and Izuagbe (Fred Imokhai). The forest location of the film apart from unfolding the green pasture of the area for the shooting, also buttressed the flow of the dialect between the main cast of Mrs. Oshobughe (Miss Sube Egbeadokhai) Mrs.

•The King (Idris Amin) and Mrs Izuagbe(Mrs. Afusat Ikharo) as captured in the film

Adeke (a fool), an Afenmai home video, a nerve soothing film intrigues in display between friends in real life wherein the other person harbours a secret

The film is a must for Afenmai-speaking people as it embellishes the promotion of a people’s dialect in addition to its realisitic plot format

,

Izuagbe (Mrs. Afusat Ikharo), Chief Idris Amin (a Chief in reality) Izuagbe (Fred Imokhai) and Oshobughe (Anthony Alokhaemo).

In effect, Adeke unfolds the life

,

agenda to outwit the other sometimes fueled by over ambitious wives, as this was evidently unfolded by Mrs. Izuagbe (Miss Sube Egbeadokhai) who was suspi-

cious about the invitiation by Oshiobughe to transfer his killing of the palace guard in the forest to his friend to cover his track of murder.

Oshobughe was lured to scene in the forest, while away, Mrs. Izuagbe , who displayed good intentions of a matured and caring housewife, felt uneasy at home while her husband was tricked into the trap by his so called trusted friend of many years in addition of being hunters together for many years.

The plot revealed why the palace guard was killed for playing pranks with the princess. The unfolding aspect of the plot came to the fore to expose Izuagbe as the real killer of the palace operative when the King (Chief Idris Amin) decided to turban Oshiobughe with a title for getting rid of the mess inflicted on the palace.

Upon hearing of the pending installation of Oshiobughe as a title holder, Izuagbe rushed to the palace to state he is supposed to be titled because he killed the palace guard and not Oshiobughe: this climax unfolded dubious roles of bad

friendship and bad housewives.

The pilot further unveiled a good lesson for people towards assessing the realities of good and bad friendship.

This further draws one to a saying by Benjamin Franklin — “be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing”.

With his eagerness to snap the title for even a bad deed, the plot further unfolded the traditional format of common sense and truthfulness when the king gathered his subjects to hear Izuagbe’s personal open confession.

Productions in indigenous languages apart from creating an exposure for the development of themes, it also creates a relaxing score for the viewers in addition to the re- documentary opportunities of recalling some lost incantations that make the sleeping leaves open up for the herbalists to utilize in the preparation of some healing oilments.

Besides all the above, Adeke footage is a must purchase for Afenmai speaking people as it embellishes the promotion of a people’s dialect in addition to its realistic plot format by the producer/director in establishing that there are other thoughts from a fool that can capsize the evil plan of a dubious and jealous friend like Oshiobughe.

•Abudah Founder and Artistic

Director, Afenmai Heritage and Cultural Studies

Celebrating Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha gwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe is the traditional ruler of Onitsha, a town in South East Nigeria famed for its commercial activities. As the revered traditional ruler marks a decade on the stool, author, Uwechia Nzegwu, as part of celebrating him, come out with two publications entitled, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu and Achebe Onitsha at the Millennium.

While His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe Onitsha dwells on the bio-data of His Majesty, the traditional ruler of the town, Achebe Onitsha at the Millennium is focused on the assembly of studies bearing on Onitsha since the mid-nineteenth century, that is, the beginning of Onitsha contact with the Europeans who arrived as traders, missionaries and colonizers in addition to the complex reaction of the indigenes to these developments.

The book, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, celebrates His Majesty’s accomplishment in the sphere of human endeavour, especially as it translates into success in many ways.

With over 600 pages, the book is described by Sylvanus J. S. Cookey as an unfolding manifestation of promises fulfilled, born of a singular commitment to serve a community. In his review, Cookey says that within a decade on the throne, the author portrays the monarch of Onitsha as rewriting the responsibilities of a modern traditional ruler. As a consequence, his kingdom is witnessC M Y K

•Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe ing a renaissance unprecedented in living memory.

“The overwhelming popularity of his

,

I

By JAPHET ALAKM BOOK NEWS

Cookey also described the book as an answer to those who question the relevance and possible role of traditional rulers in governance.

He list the roles as including playing a natural role in the preservation and development of culture and tradition; performing the judicial role of resolving disputes among individuals, families, kindred, etc; exerting moderating influence in periods of instability among others.

“The Obi of Onitsha from the evidence of this book has excelled in all these functions and even gone further. In the concluding part of the book, a revealing dimension is added to the role of the traditional ruler when the contribution of his consort is factored into the governance of the community,” Cookey adds.

The Dedication page of second title,

The volume can also be seen as a report card on the monarch, by the monarch, and for the public, covering a decade of intense activity, physical as well as mental

choice as the 21st Obi of Onitsha is being justified. The volume can also be seen as a Report Card on the monarch, by the monarch, and for the public, covering a decade of intense activity, physical as well as mental,” says Cookey.

,

Onitsha at the Millennium, states that it honours all those who in various ways have conducted research on or about Onitsha, and subsequently published books, book chapters, articles, pamphlets, and journals on any aspect of their research.

“Whether the contents of the volume should actually fall within the ambit of Igbo Culture Studies or stand entirely on its own could and should be debated.

But this cannot be undertaken here. We shall be content to admire and marvel at the rich and diverse materiel on Onitsha uncovered by the editor and brought together in this massive book. In all, they help to explain why the Onitsha people hold themselves, and are held by their Igbo neighbours, to be distinctive - just like the Aros (obviously for different reasons) at the Eastern border of Igboland,” Cookey opines. ivided into seven parts, the sub jects are critically examined by several authors in Parts Three, Four, Five and Six which evidently form the core of the volume. European trade and missionary enterprise clearly enlarged the world view of Onitsha indigenes and offered them opportunities for advancement in a dynamic modern environment.

“Part Six, titled Zik of Africa: The Holy Agitator, deserves special interest and is rightly accorded considerable space.

D

The articles included provide an engaging analysis of the early years of this well-known pan-Africanist who became a foremost Nigerian nationalist and then the Owelle of Onitsha. The contribution of Nnamdi Azikiwe himself to this section titled “Essentials for Nigerian survival” bears careful reading especially by the ladies and gentlemen currently assembled in Abuja under the banner of a National Conference,” Cookey says. Cookey, said the two volumes ought to be read by every traditional ruler, the political elite and the academic community as well as Ndi Igbo and Ndi Onitsha.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014—PAGE 35 japhdave@yahoo.com 08056402376

My book celebrates writers, critics and Nigeria – Prof Ebele Eko

By PRISCA SAM-DURU INTERVIEW

Prof. (Mrs.) Ebele Ewa Eko earned her BA and MA (French) from University of Minnesota USA, and PhD in Comparative Literature from University of North Carolina. She lectured in the U.S for 7 years before returning to Nigeria with her family in 1977, to the University of Calabar. The retiring Anambra State-born writer who has served the University of Calabar in many capacities; as Head of Department, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) (2000-2002) and Chairman, Environmental Committee, in this interview, speaks on her new book, “Masterpieces of African Literature” and other sundry issues.

Excerpts: hy Masterpieces?

That’s what it is, masterpieces! These are the very best works of African writers and the choice is not mine alone. It took a lot for us to choose what people will agree are the very best from African writers. For instance, you know that every one of Achebe’s works is a classic but we picked the very best.

Others will come in the second edition but we have to give some space so that younger writers will produce. There will also be short stories and some works which we couldn’t feature in this first edition, will get a space.

What are you trying to achieve with this book?

To bring the best works under one cover. It is a must have handbook for any lecturer in African literature because the works are in one book. For post graduate students, this will also make a big difference in their studies.

The book is a celebration of our writers, the critics themselves and a celebration of Nigeria. Its good that we brought them together to get something more substantial otherwise we’ll have them in pieces, besides, it won’t hit the mark. For people overseas who keep arguing if there’s really African literature, this is an evidence. My book is a great achievement in the area of literature because it is to preserve African Literature in the mist of world literature and civilisation.

Why special love for Elechi Amadi’s works?

Nothing in particular. I just enjoyed reading Elechi Amadi’s The Concubine and The Great Ponds. I also enjoy Chinua Achebe but since Achebe is more popular, I decided to work on Elechi’s books and I have finished reading his books. Recently, I have completed his entire work, its actually out in Port Harcourt but not yet in the market.

How do you hope to deal with piracy?

How to deal with the stealing of somebody’s work is like asking me how corruption can be ended immediately. I believe C M Y K

that piracy can only stop when each individual decides that there’s no longer any •Prof Ebele Eko other way than living a clean life. Because the end of know who has given me the living a crooked life is death, ability. Since I gave my life to endless death in hell fire. Pi- Christ in my second year, in the racy has become so common in University of Ibadan, there was Nigeria and Africa that writers a major change. I have a duty cannot make it if they depend to help students to be the best only on writing. We can’t stop they can be but I don’t take any

,

W

My book is a great achievement in the area of literature because it is to preserve African Literature in the midst of world literature and civilisation

writing because of piracy and I believe that this book will get to libraries and every other place it is supposed to get to.

The Libraries know it should be bought from the publisher but if they choose to get it from the road side, there’s nothing I can do. I’m satisfied that I’ve done the best I could. I give all glory to God in this particular book because it is something to mark my 70th birthday and pulling out from the university. God did it in a miraculous way and in such a short time he helped me in organising the book. It is not a work you can do alone. About 60 scholars and editors also contributed to the success of the book.

Highpoint of career as literary icon?

Am not a literary icon but I’ve enjoyed my teaching career.

I’ve taught in the university virtually all my life from 1970 in the United States, for 7 years before we came back and since then, I have taught there on sabbatical or as a visiting professor. I’ve always enjoyed being a lecturer because I just love the students and I see them as my children that is why I start each lecture with a short prayer. I don’t have to take permission from anyone because I

,

praise for my achievements.

Impact of ebooks on writers?

Innovation of ebooks will not affect works of authors which are in print. You see, I think we

haven’t really gotten to the stage where ebooks replace prints like in the western world. So many people here cannot access ebooks that easily and I think hard copies will always have their place because the other one you are just reading it there on the screen. But for hard copy, you go out with it, sleep with it, keep it, so both of them are important but sincerely, for students and people in secondary school, we are not at that stage.

Feminism especially amongst elite?

It depends on what you term feminism. I thank God that women can stand on their feet and some of the wicked cultures that were very rampant in our society are in the past.

Only a sensible person will know what is right and the Bible gives the women since the time of Jesus Christ, a noble stature. So, if feminism is the fact that women should be regarded as co equals because God created us as coequals and no man came out without a woman, women must be treated with honour. They have the right to enjoy their full right as given by God. If this is feminism, I am 100% for it.

How do you hope to be remembered?

I should be remembered as a lecturer that loved God and her students. A lecturer that did her best to teach them, treat them with respect and integrity also, did her best to direct them towards God. I love the ministry of help and always looking for students who are stranded with the aim of preventing them from dropping out.

Chimamanda creative writing workshop entries opens

By TARE YOUEOWEI LITERARY WORKSHOP

N

igerian Breweries and Farafina Trust have opened entries for the 2014 Creative Writing Workshop. According to information released by the organizers of the annual 10-Day workshop, interested writers have till June 30, 2014 to send in their entries. The workshop led by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigeria s international award winning writer, is aimed at improving the craft of Nigerian writers and is designed to encourage published and unpublished writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling. Interested writers are expected to send their names, addresses, a few sentences about themselves and a writing sample of between 200 and 800 words (fiction and non-fiction). Writing samples should be pasted or written in the body of the email with subject titled 3Workshop Application .

Applicants are advised not to include any attachments in their email as this would automatically

disqualify them. Only those accepted to the workshop will be notified by July 30, 2014.

The Creative Writing Workshop sponsored by Nigerian Breweries since 2009 has trained about 100 creative writers and has featured several international writers. Amah Ata Aidoo, award winning Ghanaian writer, Chika Unigwe and Binyavanga Wainaina have also been part of the literary workshop since its inception six years ago. ing workshop.

Artefacts trafficking: FG pays N170m to 37 antiquities’ vendors

By CALEB ANYANSINA VISUAL

F

EDERAL Government has handed over payment advice worth N170m to 37 antiquities vendors, to curb illegal trafficking of artefacts.

This followed a memo written by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) through the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to the Minister of Finance for the release of the intervention funds to pay the antiquities vendors of the outstanding debt owed them.

The money which will be paid into their accounts through e-payment, according to Vanguard’s finding, is to douse the apprehension created by some quarters, alleging the management of the NCMM of corruption.

Speaking at the Hosting of the Antiquities Vendors and the NCMM Sports Contingent to the Federal Public Service Games(FEPSGA) 2013, in Abuja, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke said the desire to check illegal trafficking of artefacts compelled the government to release the fund.

”Government is undoubtedly mindful of the values of our artefacts and has not spared any effort at ensuring that our collective patrimony and symbol of identity which is exemplified in our arts collections are adequately protected and preserved. ”There is no gainsaying therefore that the swiftness and the magnitude of the fund being released for the payment of vendors is another effort of trying to check the illegal trafficking of our artefacts. ”I enjoin all vendors and other stakeholders in the culture industry to collaborate with government in ensuring that the cultural sector enjoys its pride of place as it is been seen and done in other climes,” Duke said.

The Director General of NCMM, Ahlaji Yusuf Usman urged people to always be reminded that there is a process to be followed before money is released for any programme, adding that labeling the commission is not best option.

According to him, “there have been negative comments from different quarters as to the possibility of paying the antiquities vendors the money being owed them by the commission.

PAGE 36—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

All letters bearing writers' names and full addresses should be typed and forwarded to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, Kirikiri Canal, P. M. B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E-mail: sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com

An appeal to Gov Oshiomhole on Okomu land Dear Sir,

W

E the youths of Ijaw-Apoi of Okomu land,a land which our ancestors have inhabited for hundreds of years are a peace loving people who seldomly complain hence our present predicament. Now the situation has become so unbearable such that if immediate action is not taken to ameliorate our situation only God knows what will happen next To draw your attention, Okomu was founded many hundred years ago by the Kalasuwei of Ijaw Apoi and his (9) nine families. They stayed there for very long time before leaving for their present domain. in Ese-Odo area of Ondo State. They arrived in Ese-Odo area directly from Okomu here long before anybody today in the former Okitipupa Division of Ondo Province.

While leaving Okomu land, they left one of the nine families with some others and left their war god, the Oborowei Shrine (Ijaw National Congress History Website and many other Literatures refers). So there can be no doubt about the authenticity of 1jaw Apoi’s claim to Okomu land. Since then, Okomu Apoi’s and their kin folks’in Ondo State have remained intact.

As regards the companies on Okomu land, the maltreatment of particularly Okomu oil palm company Plc cannot continue. Apart from total neglect, the attitude of the company’s’ Managing Director leaves much to be desired. He has shown total contempt for many Nigerians regardless of class; for instance, after some complaints by Okomu people in 2011, Edo State Government ordered an investigation into their complaints.

The deputy Chief of Staff to the Government was sent with other officials to the company. On arriving at the company’s, gate, the deputy chief of staff was locked out.

Again, after our April 2014 open letter to the President, on this same issue, the Edo State Government ordered the Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission to step in. The commission after meeting with Okomu people sent 2 letters of invitation to the MD in late May for a meeting on June 11th 2014. One letter was hand delivered, and the other letter through UPS.Till date, he has not sent even a word to the Commission and refused to attend the meeting. For more than 3 months now, the only access road people of Okomu have to take their plantain and other perishable produce to the market has been blocked. The people have suffered tremendous economic loss as well as mental anguish.

There is no access road of any kind, even a bulldozer or excavator cannot drive to Okomu Not one naira is ever paid to Okomu community in form of

royalty or otherwise There is only a pre-colonial day primary school which has since collapsed and being rebuilt

by Okomu Community and roofing assistance from past OOC Plc’s chairman. You can only imagine the condition of this school in this day and age.

The (18) eighteen communities that made up Okomu will have up to 7 or 8,000 population Yet no secondary school nearby, the nearest one is about 45 kilometers away. The youth chairman and his youths are currently providing JS 1 and 2 education to the community on their own without any assistance from state or local government or any other source. Lack of roads and all other social amenities made development in our community impossible, as such we are relegated to such a backward state. Sir, as a socialist and people oriented Governor, we do not have to tell you what all these meant

for our youths. The impacts on youths are horrendous. Neither Ovia SouthWest local Government nor the companies on our land recognizes our position as the host community.

We the youths of Ijaw-Apoi of Okomu land hereby state categorically that enough is enough; that in order to avoid youthful restiveness and break down of law and order in the area, immediate action is requested to solve these problems.

We recognize you as a fair minded governor. We also appreciated the gesture you made after our last open letter to the president, by asking the Edo state Peace Conflict and Resolution commission to look into; of which nothing has come out up to date.

Lawrence Yanbor writes in from Okomu, Edo State 07062923428

The need for spirit of sportsmanship in Delta guber election Dear Sir,

A

S the 2015 general elections draw near, I, the National Co ordinator of Niger Delta Grassroots Organization (NDGO), wish to use this medium to advice governorship aspirants for the Delta State governorship election to emulate the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, who reportedly said he was willing to work with any person decided on as consensus aspirant from Delta North Senatorial District.

It is therefore important for aspir-

ants from the other senatorial districts, Delta South and Central, to yield the governorship position to Delta North as sacrifice for equity and unity of the state. In fact, the sportsmanly spirit of Elumelu is capable of averting litigations that had taken the state backward.

While agreeing with Governor Uduaghan who said it is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that would select its flagbearer, I also believe that the PDP would do well to be a stabilizing force in the Delta polity by promoting unity and peace inherent in giving the

governorship to Delta North area.

In apparent response to critics who cite mediocrity as product of a zoning arrangement, I wish to make it clear that peace and unity are the necessary ingredients for rapid development even as Delta North district boasts of some of the brightest and best of personalities in Nigeria that can govern Delta State.

Mr. Weyinmi Olley, is the National Coordinator of Niger Delta Grassroots Organization (NDGO)

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 37

SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

E

verything about this agrarian community hurts. The pain that flows from the abduction of the innocent school girls

coupled with the inability of the security agencies to locate and secure their release almost two months after they were seized by malevolent gunmen, torments the parents of the affected Chibok girls like a timeless mirage. Chibok is plagued by many ills that leave it at the mercy of fate and uncertainty.

Although it serves both as a community and a local government headquarters with a population of 66,105 according to the 2006 census, it has not been blessed with the necessary security infrastructure to shield it from the slightest invader. From the absence of basic amenities that support decent living to the establishment of schools, health and social services, the community is lagging behind.

Tucked in a forest that is 140 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Chibok bears the imprint of a ghost town even at normal times. It crawls behind in terms of development just as its natives have been stripped of modernity.

Life in Chibok can at best be described as a natter with all that is uncivilised but the daring ones have managed to trudge on.

With a predominantly Christian population, this makes it attractive for Boko Haram that is opposed to any religion that does not recognise Islam. The April 14 invasion that saw the Islamists carting away over 200 girls was not their first onslaught and may not be the last, going by the apprehension that now pervades the town with an area of 1,350 square kilometres.

Why did they allow things to get to a precarious level leading to the seizure of the girls, whose parents had laboured to send them to school at a time when many others in the northern part of Nigeria do not consider education as important as begging or farming? Many questions have continued to poke the mouth over the failure in Chibok that led to the kidnapping of the young girls.

Why was it necessary to keep such a large number of children in a school that had no sufficient security arrangement to ward off potential invaders? Reports have it that only a handful of policemen were on hand to confront the invaders who were armed with more sophisticated weapons. The ease with which the insurgents plotted their mission and accomplished it; and the time it has taken to even locate the victims, smack of a grand C M Y K

*Abducted children

THE PAIN AND SHAME OF CHIBOK A CONSPIRACY THAT BLEEDS THE HEART conspiracy. It remains a puzzle how the irritants managed to carry the children in over 30 trucks and drive through the myriads of checkpoints mounted at every pole in the city without being seen by soldiers and policemen on duty.

Now, tongues are wagging as to why the Borno State Government allowed the girls to take the WASCE in the school when it was clear to the authorities that it was unsafe to do so. In fact, the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has joined issues with Governor Kasshim Shettima, blaming him for allowing the girls to assemble in Chibok for the examination knowing the danger that was lurking around the environment. Wike said in Abuja that Shettima should accept the blame for the abduction of the girls, having ignored his directive not to host the examination in Chibok but in Maiduguri, the state capital, which according to him, was considered safer.

Wike said he personally wrote on March 12, 2014 to the governors of the three northern states under state of emergency to make proper arrangements for their students to sit for the WASSCE in their respective states but that none of them responded to his letter with reference number HMSE/FME/ 147/VOL.1/150 and entitled: “Security challenges and the conduct of the 2014 WASSCE and SSCE in Borno, Yobe and

parts of Adamawa States”.

The letter read: “In view of the current security challenges in the Northeast states of the country, the West African Examination Council, WAEC, and the National Examination Council, NECO, have expressed concerns over the safety of their officers who will be deployed to supervise the conduct of the 2014 edition of the examina-

forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Education and the two examination bodies for their information and necessary action”.

But the Borno governor, who managed to attempt a reply to the allegation that he did not do much to prevent the abduction, said that as a father he did his best to stall it. Shettima, said he would, however, not join issues with those who

It remains a puzzle how the irritants managed to carry the children in over 30 trucks and drive through the myriads of checkpoints mounted at every pole in the city without being seen by soldiers and policemen on duty tion in your state.

“In response to the concerns, I have directed that the candidates in the Federal Unity Colleges be assembled in the respective state capitals where they are to sit for the examinations in safe locations. You are please enjoined to make contingency arrangements for candidates from public and private schools in your state to sit for the examinations in safe locations”.

The three paragraph letter concluded: “Details of your arrangements should be

accuse him of stage-managing the abduction, saying such claim was as painful to him as the kidnapping of the children.

Whatever might have informed the governor of Borno not to respond to the minister’s warning and what has happened is now part of world history, which is difficult to retrieve but the danger is that government at the state and federal levels failed the Chibok girls and people.

In reality, if the provision of security as enshrined under the First Schedule of the Nigerian

Constitution and the education of the girl-child had been accorded priority by the Nigerian government, no calamity would have befallen the children.

The odds against Chibok are legion: the other day on television, many of the school girls, who were lucky and brave enough to escape from their captors’ den, were seen speaking in Hausa as if they had never seen the four walls of a secondary school. The questions arises: Could it possible that the girls who were writing their WASCE as at the time they were seized on April 14, 2014 were unable to speak and write English? If the answer is in the affirmative, what language were they using to write the WASCE? Many have tended to argue that the girls featured on television as the lucky ones who escaped, could not have been the ones from Chibok while others insist they are the victims of the poor education system in the North, where Hausa language is used freely by poorly trained teachers, who can hardly defend their own certificates.

At least, such teachers, who can hardly spell their names, were recently discovered by Kaduna and Bauchi state governments, which have now decided to administer written tests on teachers with a view to flushing out those who have no business in the system. But can Governor Shettima afford to conduct a similar examination to gauge the true state of his teachers either in Chibok of elsewhere?

Chibok has become a metaphor for failure, pain and anguish for parents and exposed the level of decadence in the Nigerian education and security sectors to the world. But while the world watches with utter outrage and disbelief, the parents are the losers of an unending war by Boko Haram: head or tail, the poor souls are the losers. And, it really hurts!

PAGE 38—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

Jonathan on scale!

THE thrust of the Transformation Agenda at the commencement of the 2011 presidential election campaign was that Nigeria would be transformed into a new nation in various aspects of human endeavours. Less than one year to the terminal date of the four-year administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, an analysis of the pledges made shows the administration succeeding in some sectors and also struggling to attain key parameters of the agenda in some strategic sectors.

During the campaigns across the 36 states , the President had pledged to fix the following sectors: power, economy, energy & gas, education security, agriculture, water resources among others. He also promised a better deal on the Niger Delta issue, women empowerment, and reforms where necessary. Whether these promises have translated into visible results, is still debatable in many quarters, as most analysts believe the president is yet to walk his talk.

A quick look at the various areas, where the present administration claimed to have made tremendous impacts, would provide answers to the poser on whether, the present leadership had actually carried out the transformation it set out to do.

BY JIDE AJANI AND CHARLES KUMOLU Road construction

As a response to the ranking of Nigeria as the country with the second highest road traffic accident fatalities among the 193 countries in the world, the Federal Government launched ‘’Operation Safe Passage” OSP in 2012.The OPS, SundayVanguard gathered that project was embarked upon in the 4th quarter of 2012. Although ongoing projects could be seen across most Federal roads across the country, there are still questions as to what OSP has so far achieved.

The initiative resulted to the recovering of failed portions of federal roads across the country.

From Ilorin to Jebba, Lafia to Makurdi, Aliade to Oturkpo, Oturkpo to 9th Mile, Enugu to Port Harcourt, Kano to Katsina, Lokoja to Okene, Okene to Benin, Lagos to Ibadan, and Odukpani to Itu, work is progressing on Federal roads.

Highlighting these recently at an interactive session in Lagos, an insider in the Presidency, and Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation C M Y K

and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglass, said in 2013, no fewer than 2, 000 kilometres of roads were constructed or rehabilitated by government.

Further checks indicated that other completed projects include; the construction/rehabilitation of GboganIwo Road in Oyo State; rehabilitation of Owerri-Aba Road in Imo/Abia State; rehabilitation of Katsina-Daura Road in Katsina State; rehabilitation/construction of Ijebu Igbo-Ajegunle-Araromi-IfeSekona Road (Section II) in Ogun State; reinstatement of collapsed section of Gombe-Potiskum Road in Gombe State; rehabilitation with Spur from OnitshaOwerri Road to Okija-Ihembosi-AforUkpor-Ebenator-Ezenifite in Anambra State and construction of Jalingo-Kuna Lau Road (Section 11) in Taraba State.

Notwithstanding, the presence of other failed federal roads across the country, has continued to attract knocks for the presidency.

Power

The nation was promised constant supply of electricity by the year 2015 so that small and medium scale industries can thrive again, exploration of the coal

A president's development strides amid doubts *Why he must strive to finish strong

deposits in Benue and Kogi states, construction of more dams, building of more hydro-power stations.

There was also an assurance that Nigerians would not use generators more than two times in a week, increment in power generation to about 4,747 megawatts by December 2011 and reduction in the importation of generators by at least 90% by the year, 2015.

Though the exit of then Minister of Power Prof. Bath Nnaji, affected the earlier gains recorded since 2011, the successful privatization of the sector against all odds, made many Nigerians optimistic that the move would guarantee stable electricity supply.

But that enthusiasm was short-lived by

the absence of improvement in electricity supply since the sector was privatised.

The Federal Government had said on several occasions that the gas pipelines were being sabotaged and that this had impacted severely on supply of electricity despite the privatisation of the sector.

Aviation

Even the most ardent critics of the administration, would score the federal government high on the aviation sector.

A flashback on the state of airports across the country before 2011, is enough to attract kudos from critiques, particularly the nation’s reactionary

Continues on page 39

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 39

numerous industrial actions by the lecturers of tertiary institutions across the country.

Health

Continued from page 38 opposition.

It was hard for any body or organisation grounded on aviation matters, to give the sector commend before now, because aviation was prominent among the failed spheres in the country.

However, four years down the road of renewal, everyone can testify to the ongoing transformation across the airports.

But the doubts that trailed the commencement of remodeling, are giving way to rays of hope, following the commissioning of some completed projects.

At the moment, findings showed that massive construction work is noticeable in the terminal buildings of Murtala Muhammed Airport (International Terminal), Murtala Muhammed Airport (General Aviation Terminal), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (International Terminal), Port Harcourt International Airport, Kaduna Airport and Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar.

Other airports undergoing remodelling are: Benin Airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, Yola Airport, and Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos.

Agriculture

How a country, which was prominently known for production and export of essential agricultural commodities in the 1960s, now depend on food produced by less endowed nations, has remained surprising. The failure of several policies initiated to salvage the sector since its neglect after the First Republic, speaks volume about the disservice past administrations had done to the sector.

Like other spheres, the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, ATA, did not come without doubts from Nigerians.

Not even the assurance that ATA would raise food production and secure supply, could convince critics, who argued that the policy might go the way of previous policies that were unproductive.

Nonetheless, checks on the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development since May 29, 2011, showed the existence of policies aimed at developing the sector through private sector growth strategy in order to diversify the economy.

In achieving this, the Federal C M Y K

Government, FG, is reportedly focusing on food security, reduction of expenditure on food imports, generation of foreign exchange, job creation, among others.

Thus, to avoid repeating past mistakes, the FG decided to treat ATA as a business venture rather than a development programme.

Little wonder the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, had won many international awards for the remarkable achievements in the sector.

Meanwhile, the envisaged addition of 20 million metric tons to domestic food supply by 2015, 2 million metric tonnes of rice, 17 million metric tonnes of cassava and 1 million metric tonnes of Sorghum, has been described as unrealistic by some experts.

Oil & gas

The President pledged to make Nigeria go beyond producing and exporting crude oil to exporting refined petroleum products, create 600,000 new jobs in the gas industry, boost gas supply from 1.0 billion cubic feet per day to 10 billion cubic feet by the year 2020, facilitate the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Law with emphasis on local content such that jobs are created for Nigerians among others.

However, these promises have been largely unfulfilled. The Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, is still stagnating in the National Assembly, Nigeria is still largely dependent on imported fuel even while a large amount of money is still spent on refineries that are not producing at capacity. The administration has been dogged by its failure to fully address the corruption emitting from the payment of petroleum subsidy to importers and the continued insinuation of the sector as a nest of corruption. Same is also being witnessed by the President’s handling of the alleged missing oil money issue.

In fact, the actions and inactions of the presidency regarding the alleged missing funds, have become one of the lowest points of the Jonathan presidency.

Notwithstanding, the administration it was gathered, had constructed gas pipeline from Oben to Geregu and from Itoki to Olorin Shogo.

Education At the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile

The actions and inactions of the presidency regarding the alleged missing funds, have become one of the lowest points of the Jonathan presidency Ife Osun State, Candidate Jonathan on 12th March 2011 promised a holistic review of the nation’ education policy.

He also pledged to establish at least one Federal University in each state by the end of 2012, improve on hostel facilities across the nation, revamp Almajiri system of education, work towards improving the education sector as a prelude to transforming economy and as means of empowering the people.

The administration initiated a programme to provide 400 schools for itinerant scholars in Northern Nigeria known as Almajiri.

There is also a reported 15 percent increase in pass rates in school leaving examinations in Nigeria in 2012.

The number of federal universities in Nigeria was increased by 12 as well, just as blocks of classrooms in 15 states were completed as part of efforts to meet Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. However, the increase in the number of federal universities has been met with criticisms over the administration’s failure to improve on the standard of the existing universities all of which have fallen out of global reckoning. The condemnation is buttressed by the low budgetary allocation to the sector, which is grossly below the UNESCO recommendation of 26 percent.

Whatever achievement recorded in this sector, has been rubbished by the

Notably this sector witnessed the introduction of Saving One Million Lives, SOML. As revealed by further checks, over 433,650 lives are believed to have been saved from November 2012 to June2013.

It is under this administration that 1500 primary healthcare facilities have been refurbished and supplied essential drugs.

There was also the establishment of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. It is still to be seen whether the initiative has been able to reduce the spread of disease.

In the area of immunization, since the inception of this administration, the National Immunization Coverage reportedly increased from 38 per cent in 2012 to 82 per cent in 2013, thereby representing a shift from the past.

While these statics sound convincing, the general consensus is that much has not been done in the health sector. Various reports by reputable international organisations, can give credence to it, as the various indices used in measuring the quality of the sector, have continued to score the nation low. Currently, the mortality rate is still high, just as the average life expectancy is is now 47 years, making it the lowest among west African countries.

Economy The president pledged to work with the private sector and all the relevant agencies to stimulate industrial growth, introduce 5-year term budgeting, diversify the economy, to revive the Ajaokuta Steel complex and Itakpe Iron Ore Company, address the issues of unemployment through diversification of the nation’s economy to that of sustainable agricultural development across the 36 states of federation, reduce production cost by inviting manufacturers of high demand commodities in the country to set up production factories in the country and get industries in Lagos up, bring industries to the Niger Delta, create 1.5 million jobs within 2 years, constitute a special committee drawing experts from the MAN, NACCIMA and related bodies as well as key government officials to deliberate regularly on policies that will improve the nation’s economy among others.

While the administration has claimed economic growth of 6.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 with inflation down to single digit, fiscal deficit of 1.8 of GDP and foreign reserves $48 billion, others argued that the reality is to the contrary.

Similarly, the successful rebasing of the economy, leading to the country ’s acclaimed position as the largest economy is Africa, attracted more knocks for the nation. The irony of this is that an estimated 70% of the nation’s budget is spent on servicing paraphernalia of government, while foreign debts are accumulating.

PAGE 40—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

I ascended the throne in place of my nominee – 96-yr-old Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom O

VIE R.L.Ogbon, OgoniOghoro, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom in Delta State, in this interview, goes down memory lane on how he started school at the age of 20 with his fellow students thinking he was their teacher, how his father and uncle tried to stop him from going to school because they believed education was for the lazy child and three reasons why he hated the Nigeria Police.

What was your growing up was like?

Thank you very much, my growing up compared to the present times was very wonderful, I was born on January 20, 1917 into a polygamous and pagan family, my father, a traditionalist had six wives and 21 children. Today I am the only surviving child of my father.

However, I grew up to meet my father as a very old man. Christianity then was not as common in our area as it is now. I grew up as a normal African child, I did all what a child of my age could do, I went to farm with my parents, we had moonlight plays, we did all sort of local dances, and folklores and song and others. Also, we did a lot of laborers’ work because I went to work for people and they paid only two pennies for a full day job with no feeding from 7.00 am till about 6.00 pm every day. Then, education has no relevance with our people, out of the 21children of my father, the one who attempted to attend school did it briefly and that was the end. So I had no idea or my parents never thought of sending me to school. Up to about 20 years, I was still trading on Tapioca, I was going to Ekiugbo-Ughelli to buy tapioca and take them to Umolo to sell. I went to Edjekota market to buy cassava and sell, this is what we did, we also set traps to catch animals, we went fishing, hooking and so forth.

This was my life until 1936, when the idea of going to school came to my mind.

A that time, I was staying with my cousin called Joshua Ekuale, who is now late, he was a far younger cousin, but we stayed in my apartment given to me by my father. When I was doing all these running around, he was going to school. His mother, who traded in on local mortar saw the light that there was need for education and sent him to school.

Sooner than later, Joshua was already writing letters for people, he was reading letters sent from Lagos, Ijebu land and other places. Whenever letters were received, he would carry his ink bottle and a pen and he will write for them, what amazed me then was that I was thinking how somebody in Lagos could write a paper and somebody here will be able to interpret it. So it was a surprise to me personally then, I became ambitious, I wanted to be able to write letters for people, I wanted to be able to read letters for people, because of this, I decided that I must go to school.

I sat with Joshua and two others to think of a name that I will bear in the C M Y K

school because then, native names were not allowed, it was only English names. Several names were suggested among which Richard was chosen and we agreed for a day for me to go to school, it was CMS Central school at Okpare-Olomu, a few kilometers from Ogoni where I reside. So just by the appointed day, I went with him to the school, when we got there, you know I was already a man at 20 years, I was even paying tax of seven shillings because my age groups were paying, it was not oppression though. However, it was said that pupils should not pay tax, but many pupils then who were grown were paying taxes so we went to the District Officer, a white man at Ughelli to complain, but we could not succeed because age was against us. In the school that day, my late cousin handed me over to the headmaster, an Ibo man; I attended school with him, a T-shaped building with thatched roof. Many were then thinking I was a teacher, so they were saying which class is this teacher going to take, so at the end, I was put in infant one class, very humiliating because those days, we had infant one and two before you can pass to standard one, so that was how it happened.

How did your father take your decision to want to school at that age?

I could say I was like a pet to my father; I served him when he became old till he died in 1942, about 125 years then. When I took a decision to go to school, he was not happy, particularly his most eldest son, his heir apparent, the late Chief Aganre, however, because I was so ambitious he allowed me to go. But my late brother, Aganre, was bitter that he went to confront our father for allowing me to go to school and to become a lazy man.

They felt that people, who go to school, were not very responsible, so at the end, he permitted me to go.

At that time, one of his six wives was a Christian, her name was Mrs. Irevwierhurhu Ogbon, he was the mother of the eldest son, she had a Bible, in those days every Christian must have a Bible, whether you can read or not. At night, they use it as a pillow, so she gave me the first Bible I had, he did not stop me but when I came back from school I gave him his service. I was converted to Christianity in 1936 and I stopped participating in pagan affairs.

So, after that, you proceeded to where?

Yes, by that time like I said, I was already a grown up man, one of my father ’s sons by name late Akpovihwughwu, he was very much interested in the Police Force, I was very robust, round and strong with all agility, so he was urging me that as soon as I finished school, I should join the Police, but that was not my choice, I was not prepared for that, I disagreed with him because Police officers then were being transferred very far, there were three reasons why I did not like the police. First, then, we were with the Cameroun, the police were transferred very far, I did

•HRM Richard Layaeguen Ogbon not like going too far from home; secondly, policemen in those days I don’t know what it is now, were fond of making medicines, they do a lot of medicines, they don’t love themselves so much, and thirdly, they take bribes which is one of the thing I hate so much in my life up to this time. Up

,

EMMA AMAIZE, REGIONAL EDITOR, SOUTH-SOUTH

proceeded on the bicycle to Oleh without knowing why I was wanted, I never forgot that day because I suffered to get back home, I left home at about 7.00 am and could only return at 8.00 pm, I didn’t go with any money, so I was in hunger. At Oleh, I met some of my ex-standard

The community did not allow me to stop being president general. So, the man I nominated, who accepted to become the traditional ruler happened to be involved in a certain crime, which he could not tell the community whether he did it or not.

to this day, I don’t take or give bribe; I know what I have lost in some places because of not giving bribe.

I also had another person, who I called my mentor, he was David Arigi, he was doing stewardship in Lagos, whenever he came home, he will bring tea, at that time, we never drank tea, but because he lived in Lagos, he was drinking tea, so he was urging me to go to Lagos, still I was reluctant, but no sooner than I finished primary school, the result came. I told you I was getting double promotion, provincial first school leaving certificate, I came first, we were just waiting in the house without any plan, so one evening I got a message from the late Bishop Agori-Iwe of the Anglican Mission, Ughelli, he sent a catechist, Abi Oghenekaro, that I should see him the next day, so early in the morning, I took by brother’s Akpovihwughwu (bicycle) because the family members were to support him in the building of his house that day, I rode to Ughelli, when I got there, he told me that he was not the owner of the message, but was also a messenger, that the General Manager of CMS schools, Rev. M. Carr, who was resident at Oleh was the one who wanted to see me. So I

,

six pupils in school, who were seeking employment, they applied to become teachers, but because I came first in the final examination, that was why Carr got me employed, even though I never applied for a teaching job. I was posted to a place called Uduophori, but all my friends who applied were not taken, It became a family debate when I finally got home whether I should accept it or not, the only saving grace then was that it was said that it was a threeyear probation job, that if the person does not do well, he will be relieved of the job, and that if he chooses to resign after three years, he could do so too. The family saw that of all the people, who applied for the job, none was taken, but I, who never applied was appointed. So they said I should accept it and do it for a while, that is how I became a teacher in the Anglican system.

Can you talk about the turning point in your life?

Well God is marvelous, that my late cousin when he finished standard six also became a teacher under the Baptist Mission, he was talking about senior service, senior service those days

were people who work in public office and whose salaries were fair, they lived in good accommodation, I never one day thought that I could reach that position, then the turning point, is this position I am holding as a traditional ruler, when it was the turn of my ruling house to get somebody to feel the vacant position for so many years, I suggested several people, the people I suggested some declined, one particular man in this my community accepted, then I was the President General, which I started since 1954 and continued till I was made the traditional ruler. The community did not allow me to stop being president general. So, the man I nominated, who accepted to become the traditional ruler happened to be involved in a certain crime, which he could not tell the community whether he did it or not. Without my knowing, my ruling house (Imoghoro), summoned a meeting to Okpare, three of us were nominated, I did not apply, I did not tell anybody that I wanted the position; the other two persons were interested that they wanted to be, so they voted for us. One of them got three votes, the other got five votes and I got thirty-five votes, this information was brought to me in Benin-City, I rejected that I wouldn’t be, when it became serous, I came home to my senior brothers, but all of them said, well you did not apply just like the teacher ’s job. So I was persuaded to accept the office of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, this is a turning point in my life. My becoming a Christian was the first turning point in 1936 and the traditional stool in 1980 is another major turning point as I never applied.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 41

C M Y K

PAGE 42—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014

Email: vch@vanguardngr.com

08038819763 SMS only

On derivation, fiscal federalism we stand C

Despite all the good intentions of the Constitution, the Mineral, Oil and Gas Producing Areas are complaining of deprivation. The 13 percent derivation stipulated in the constitution is seen as a serious act of marginalisation and deprivation, which does not augur well for peace, unity, justice, equity and good governance in Nigeria. Some people have argued that an upward review was overdue. This is the focus of this edition of the Conference Hall, which will also examine other developments in the polity.

Let me start with Eder Fred Agbeyegbe.

What is your assessment of the National Conference so far?

The National Conference, for me, has been a total disappointment. I say so because I was too optimistic of what to expect, but what I see playing itself out, is to me, a direct opposite of everybody's expectations. Pointedly, the idea of a National Dialogue that President Goodluck Jonathan came up with is being trivialised and it looks like the whole thing is meant to be a C M Y K

From left: Mr Charles Kumolu, Barrister Jesutega Onokpasa, Engr. Charles Ambaiowei, Mr. Hugo Odiogor, Elder Fred Agbeyegbe, Mr Kingsley Eppeh Kpobiri Kingsley and Mr. Agbereowei Ebi Benson Photo: Akeem Salau

The history of derivation formula under different constitutions: ·Lyettleton Constitution (1953) 100% ·Independence Constitution (1960) 50% · Gowon Regime 45%, (1966-1969) · Shagari Regime (1982) 20% · Buhari Regime 1984) 1.5% · Babangida Regime ( 1992 ) 3% · Abubakar Regime (1999) Not less than 13%.

mockery of what was intended. I will not point accusing fingers at this stage but I am tempted to say that I wonder if the president is in control.

Firstly, there has been the issue of representation. When it degenerated to granting membership and representation to market women, trade unionists, lawyers and others, it became clear to me that somebody may well have said since you want to have a conference, let’s go through the motions and leave out the essentials. That is why emphasis was not put on the ethnic nationalities, the people who actually have grievances and want to restructure Nigeria.

Maybe, it was a miscalculation on my part to

think that the purpose of this conference is that having decided that things have gone so wrong for everybody, we have to talk about how to find a way forward.

But how have they dealt with the issue of resource control? I will put the question the other way round. Why are we talking about resource control?. This conference is about bringing about fiscal federalism. Once you adopt the principle of fiscal federalism, the issue of resource control goes out of the window, because true fiscal federalism means that whatever resource that is found anywhere will be under the control of the owners of the land. Of course, there has to be a

centre for federating units. The latter would tax themselves to contribute what is required from them, to keep the centre going,. A federating system is where all the federating units have agreed that they should have a common centre and they

are the ones who would set it up and dictate what happens there.

They are the ones who pick and choose what rights they want to cede to the centre. What we are doing at the National Conference today is reinforcing those things that

PARTICIPANTS 1.Elder Fred Agbeyegbe, President Itsekiri National Congress/ Lower Niger 2. Engr. Charles Ambaiowei Acting President Ijaw National Congress 3. Barr Jesutega Onokpasa Legal Adviser Niger State Patriotic Initiative 4. Mr. Agbereowei Ebi Benson Assistant Sec. Ijaw National Congress, Lagos State Chapter Lagos State 5. Mr. Eppeh Kpobiri Kingsley Publicity Secretary, Ijaw National Congress, Lagos State Chapter Lagos State 6. Hugo Odiogor Moderator/Co-ordinator 7. Mrs. Nkiru Nnorom, Conference Rapporteur, 8. Charles Kumolu, Conference Secretary

we want to change. We have those who are ignored and treated as second class citizens and we have those that think that

,

ONTRARY to the 1999 constitutional provision on derivation, which stipulated "that the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as not being less than thirteen percent (13%) of the resource accruing into the Federation Account directly from any natural resources”, there are renewed agitations by delegates from the northern part of the country that derivation should be reduced to five percent.

Although the constitution envisages a periodic upward review, there has not been any exercise in the past 15 years.

It is important to observe that it was when Mineral Oil and Gas became the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, that the principle of derivation was jettisoned. After the civil war, the principle was abolished to prosecute the programme of 3Rs Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation.

The programme has since been terminated and the derivation principle has not been reverted to. This is responsible for the protests and agitations in the Niger Delta Region.

Once you adopt the principle of fiscal federalism, the issue of resource control goes out of the window, because true fiscal federalism means that w h a t e v e r resource that is found anywhere will be under the control of the owners of the land

,

they came from superior ethnic group.

I am totally disappointed that the National Conference is not doing anything for me. I haven’t found many people, who would say that the conference is doing a good job either.

Agbeyegbe: Continues on page 43

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 43

On fiscal federalism we stand Continued from page 42

All what they are doing there is a direct opposite of our expectations and in fact, they are re-emphasising the injustice and everything that has transpired before the National Conference was put in place.

Engr. Ambaowei: It is a great pleasure to be in this Conference Hall organised by Vanguard Newspaper to advance public discourse on critical national issues. Let me say here that before the National Conference was put in place, the Ijaw National Congress advocated for it through one of our powerful communiques issued on the 17th of May 2013. We called on Mr. President to formally put in place a process leading to the convocation of a National Conference. We said this would be the best centenary gift to Nigerians as we approach the 100 years of the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates to become this country called Nigeria. The other point that we critically examined was the fact that the National Assembly has done too much of playing to the gallery and politicians, have failed woefully to really deal with the issues of making core structural changes that our country deserves.

We felt that a National Conference, driven by ethnic national representatives, as the bedrock, C M Y K

Elder Fred Agbeyegbe,

was going to take us away from this quagmire of people going around with their class world view oligarchs and other sentiments.

In other words, we ex-

pected the National Conference to be an assemblage or a convergence of people who are knowledgeable on the subject matter and committed to recreating a true federalism to come from the nooks and crannies of this country.

We expected that such a conference would not

Mr. Eppeh K. Kingsley

Mr. Hugo Odiogor

. Engr. C. Ambaiowei

Barr J Onokpasa

Mr.Ebi Benson

rised and sustained by unitarism. This is to the extent that it is working, attenuated by all manners of violence, Islamic fundamentalism. So, this was the thinking. Lastly, the Nigerian constitution is a codified document with so many unjust laws.

For example, somebody would make a decree in the military era and as we go into a democratic rule, these decrees are described as Acts of Parliament. Before Nigeria’s independence, we had the Minerals and Mining law put in place by the Colonial members. When we got our independence in 1960 up till 1963, when we had the republican constitution, including the period to the military coups and the civil war, the Nigerian parliament did not enact any new law for the country in terms of mineral resource exploitation, On May 24, 1966, Major General Aguiyi Ironsi issued the controversial

Unification decree but the idea of unification was resisted. Then, there was

be bogged down by sentiments, but being so intent on understanding the problems of Nigeria, and give us scintillating debate that would help us understand the issues

from a knowledgebased point of view. This means that we would be able to convince each other based on the tenet of what true federalism means and see the practical examples of how it works elsewhere and how it can be applied in a diverse ethno-linguistic society like Nigeria, which has been milita-

,

MODERATOR Engr. Charles Ambaiowei, can I have your own perspectives still on the National Conference, which many people have rightly or wrongly hinged the survival of Nigeria on its outcome.

As a matter of fact, my simple conclusion about the National Conference as it is going on is that they are on the same path with the National Assembly, that has over the years been playing politics with our lives

,

a counter coup in which Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi was killed. Those who staged the counter coup were opposed to the idea of unification of the federal structure. They prefered the regional system where there was true fis-

cal federalism.

They countered unitarianism but later they embarked on the same path.

While the civil war was ongoing, the military promulgated the Petroleum decreed in 1969 through which they took away the principles of derivation which gave the regions 50 percent and everything that was generated from their region.

This was when Cocoa, groundnut, palm oil, rubber and timber were the mainstay of the economy.

This was done in the guise that we were fighting a civil war and we needed money to prosecute the war to keep the country together.

But since the end of the war, nobody has returned to the original principles of derivation. So, these are the issues that we felt that this National Conference should address and give the component people of this country a new lease but that is not what is happening.

As a matter of fact, my simple conclusion about the National Conference as it is going on is that they are on the same path with the National Assembly, that has over the years been playing politics with our lives. This is a very sad commentary.

Ebi Bensons, My perception of what the National Conference is doing now, is not satisfactory. I had expected that those who are representing us should go there and come up with concrete resolutions that would help to save this country from the brink of collapse.

But like my Acting President has said, they are not talking about true federalism. I even expected the Confab to also go back to the 1963 Constitution when we were practicing true federal Continues tomorrow

PAGE 44 — SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 45

08023145567 (sms only)

sameyoboka@yahoo.com

Boko Haram: Join hands

tic from religion in Nigeria, knowing that the major problem of this country is religion?

Anybody who says he knows God must know the truth. I’m not going to sit on any religious camp and tell lies when I see the truth. Those who reject truth, reject God. Its not a difficult problem. The darkest hour precedes the dawn.

You must remember that the greatest weapon used to separate us has been the instrument of fear, intimidation and discrimination and that is the weapon of this hydra-headed monster. It has used fear so much in Nigeria, and because the authorities have not been careful to understand the delicate situation here, it has allowed it. There should be a lot of creative thinking but...I’m not interested with what government has to do, I’m interested in the fact that for once we have come to the place where the average citizen cannot look away anymore. So the major move to bring about peace in Nigeria is not going to be based on government, it’s going to be based on you and me.

The African will always fight for the future of his children, it’s one of our traits. We are a spiritual people, and we are also people who care about family. I’m assuring you that if we do our jobs well by educating everyone to the point that we understand that 80 per cent of the job is not military and that the major part of the job falls on the common man in the streets, not the major mighty man of God or the imam, but all the followers will have to listen to what God gave to Africa, that we either be together as brothers or perish together as fools.

I’ve mentioned already that we gather information, we educate people, we build consensus; that is when we now come to negotiation to help them to see the truth. When they cannot see the truth, then we have to confront them with the truth; not to defeat them as persons, but to defeat the evil that they are practicing, and win them if possible to our sides. If they refuse to be won and continue to commit crimes, that’s where we have the military aspect.

For 1400 years, God put in Africa the solution to this madness. If we are foolish enough to say because it is an African solution, we don’t want to take it, we are deceiving ourselves. The same thing you see in that omoluabi engineering of Oduduwa is available in Ubuntu of South Africa. If we can embrace truth...there may be sacrifices that we may have to make: if you can remember years back, my name came out on the fatwa list of Boko Haram. We look at these things and we realize that these people are ignorant. I don’t hate the Boko Haram because of that. I realize that if they have my kind of background; they had the opportunity to have an education, they won’t be like that. I have been valued, they have been devalued, it’s not part of religion or politics or all those things that people think it is. It's this hydra-headed monster, the same instrument Adolf Hitler used in Nazi Germany and killed 6 million Jews.

If there had been this treasure that Oduduwa taught us to separate devil’s works from politics, Nazi Germany would not have killed 6 million Jews. He would have detected earlier. So it’s not too late, if we get into the programme of information dissemination; educating people, consensus building and we move on time, we’ll not only salvage Nigeria but we will actually be a model to the rest of Africa and the world. We would have created a model that will wipe out corruption; we would not only destroy the big liars it will also destroy corrupt politicians. We would have come to the place where we realize that all those deadly acts of Boko Haram; they are not cause but they are contributory.

God designed Nigeria to redeem African nations; that will show the way to the rest of Africa to get our seat of dignity at the table of nations without shame. Since our independence, we have learnt a lot of lessons, we have learnt what not to do and I can assure you that we are in a better position than any African nation right now if we make up our mind to do what is right and use the truth.

If it took Dubai 23 years to transform a desert into what it has become today, it will not Nigeria eight to transform Nigeria into the full world power trhat we are designed to be. We are at the point now where we either redeem the destiny of our nation or destroy it.

to redeem Nigeria or...

---Rev. Thompson

Continued from Sunday (June 8)

*Rev. Ladi Thompson

,

In this concluding part of the interview, Rev. Thompson speaks on the country can join hands to move Nigeria forward What was the favour he did to us?

He started a revolution, created an economy, created refinement and instituted conflict resolution programme into the civilization in such a way that in 1400 years, you will never hear that a Sango worshipper ever fought with an Oya worshipper. There are, at least, 402 deities in the pantheon of gods in that area, but in 1400 years, there has been no escalating conflict between them.

There are certain things the man did which can be applied to Nigeria and Nigeria will give the solution to the rest of the globe. What that man did in the 8th to 9th century had the ability to separate all these issues and separate the religious cover completely.

This is what must form 90 per cent of our strategy. Do you know that the engineering of Oduduwa is what resulted to the fact that if you go to the SouthWest today, you will see marriages between Christians and Muslims. The Yoruba people refused to accept it because Oduduwa was not a Yoruba. He was a North African.

The civilization reached its pick between the 12th and 15th Century. Now to fight the Oduduwa engineering, the Boko Haram of those days created the prince of Persia called Bayajjida who had seven legitimate sons and what they called the Banza Bakwai (the seven bastards). The seven bastards, according to the Bayajjida myth, is Yoruba. Unknown to the Yoruba people, the word Yoruba actually means a worthless bastard.

Whether you like it or not, if we bring all these truths to the table, they will have to accept their role as the custodians of the solution, not only to the Nigerian challenge, but also to the challenges that can tear the whole of Africa apart and what is disturbing the whole world. If the Yorubas will have the humility to lift truth above pride, nobody can hide this solution anymore, you may not know it’s there, but once you are taught to look for it and you look inside it, you will see it.

So in the so called 'Yoruba Omoluabi ethos' there’s a short division between religion (efin) and the product of this particular deity which is called ise esu odara, the devil’s arithmetic. If the devil's work disguises under Christianity, anybody who is a product of the social engineering of that North African will look at it and say that is not religion.

That is the devil's work. That's why it has been difficult for them to penetrate the South West and that's there have been no bombs in Lagos.

There are scholars all over the world who are trying to crack this code to destroy it; because if you blow one bomb

Whether it takes us six months or 60 years, we will track all of them one by one and we're bringing them back home no matter how they have brainwashed them

in Lagos, the entire Oduduwa project will bang together and their hope of taking the entire nation will be lost completely. So Boko Haram, Al Qaeda et al is raging to crack this code. They have realized that this is the only formula, and it’s only within Nigeria that it has resisted them for 1400 years. It’s not a tribal foundation; it’s the work of a social engineering of a North African. If we cannot admit the truth, we will perish together as fools.

We have come to a place in Nigeria now where we either learn to be together as brothers or die together as fools.

These our girls that they have taken, we recognize that it is an act of war; those girls are not children. If it takes six months or 60 years, we will track all of them one by one and we're bringing them back home no matter how they have brainwashed them. Woe betide the soul that is joining hands with anybody to take any Nigerian citizen, whether a young girl or otherwise to brain wash, to rape; if it takes us 1,000 years, we will track you down. Africa is for Africans. We are the solution to all these type of wars. Any African who wants to be a European or American, migrate. Any African who wants to be an Arab, go to the Arab world.

How do we differentiate between the devil’s arithme-

,

PAGE 46—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014

I

OFTEN ask fellow Christians if our sins are forgiven or if they are paid for. Did Jesus die for our sins or do we need to repent?

Most say it is both, but it cannot be. If our sins are forgiven, nobody needs to pay for them. But if our sins are paid for, then we don’t need to be forgiven.

If I owe a man N1,000.00 and Jesus pays my debt, then I was not forgiven the debt. Indeed, if Jesus died for our sins then God never forgave anyone.

Jesus teaches about repentance and the forgiveness of sins. But Paul talks about blood payment for sins. Whose report should we believe?

Most Christians disagree with Jesus. Jesus says God does not desire sacrifices. (Matthew 9:13).

But Paul says Jesus sacrificed himself to God for us. (Ephesians 5:2). Whose report should we believe? Most Christians disagree with Jesus.

Nevertheless, we say Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).

Good Shepherd Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11).

This statement is often mistaken as indicating that Jesus will die as a sacrifice for sins. However, since the ways of God are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8); the good shepherd must not be confused with the typical shepherd. Indeed, the life of the good shepherd is a deliberate anti-type of

JESUS CAN NEVER BE A SACRIFICE FOR SINS (I) the Mosaic sin-sacrifice.

In the typical sacrifice, the life of the sheep is sacrificed for the shepherd. But Jesus contradicts this by saying he is the shepherd who gives his life for the sheep.

Obviously, this cannot be about dying for the sheep for the simple reason that a dead shepherd is of no use to his sheep. On the contrary, Jesus is talking about living for the sheep. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep by devoting his eternal life to taking care of them. Without a doubt, it is far more difficult to live for the sheep than to die for them. Indeed, when you give your life for someone, you don’t have to die.

Jesus' crucifixion was a one-time event, but his priesthood as our shepherd is everlasting. Jesus did not say “the good shepherd will give his life for the sheep.” Instead, he talks in the present continuous because he is “the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). “The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” This shows Jesus is not talking about Calvary. Jesus remains our shepherd today and he is still giving his life for us. The enemy decided to kill the shepherd so that the sheep would

Primate to rally religious leaders for peace

BY CALEB AYANSINA BUJA --- THE Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Matters, Comrade Jude Imagwe, have resolved to rally other religious leaders in Nigeria for peace.

Okoh stated his readiness to use his influence to bring other religious leaders to work with Nigerian youths when Imagwe paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.

“That you will go to the nation's Muslim, Christian, traditional and po-

A

litical leaders to get them to see that your future is in danger if not corrected, is commendable.

"That is something I will join you to pursue, that as you are going round to campaign for the resurrection of the original Nigeria, I will join you to do so, because I have looked at it and found that there is no way out, except to live in peace and make progress.

"So, I want to pledge my support for your initiatives and encourage you to go on in this campaign,” Okoh pledged.

Earlier, Imagwe said Nigerian youth have taken initiatives to move to religious leaders

If Jesus’ death was a sacrifice, it can only atone for sins committed before his death. High priests don’t atone for future sins scatter. (Zechariah 13:7).

However, God countered this by raising him from the dead, showing that this shepherd cannot be sacrificed or killed.

Surrendered life Jesus teaches that physical life is inconsequential. He says: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Matthew 10:28). Therefore, the life he lays down cannot be the inconsequential life.

It must surely be the spiritual life. Hear him: “My Father loves me because I lay down my life that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” (John 10:17-18).

This shows the life Jesus laid down is not his physical life, as many Christians presume in the sacrificial atonement fallacy. The physical life was taken from Jesus against his will. When he was to be crucified by men, he said to God: “Not my across the country to urge them to start preaching peace and unity.

“We are duty bound to see how we can galvanize all Nigerians, especially religious leaders to see that Nigeria comes back to its glorious days, where people can freely move from one part of the country to the other without fear of persecution.

“Those that are predominantly affected by the crisis are youth; that is why we are here to see you as a point of contact to other religious leaders, they have the power to call our youth to order by preaching the message of peace and unity.

“Let us begin to preach peace and unity, let us continue to encourage things that unite us rather than what is dividing us, we are duty bound to contribute to the peace of this nation,” he said.

will, but yours be done.”

(Luke 22:42). However, no one took his divine (eternal) life from him. He voluntarily relinquished this in order to take up a mortal life on earth.

This shows the cross of Jesus was fundamentally his incarnation. His cross was in laying down his life in heaven in order to come to earth as a man to show us the way of salvation. After his earthly death and resurrection, he took up again his heavenly life.

Ransom not sacrifice Before Jesus went to the cross, he says to his disciples: “Love each other as I have loved you.” He then describes his love for them as laying down his life: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15: 12-13). This love was expressed in the past; before his crucifixion.

Therefore, Jesus’ definition of laying down his life has nothing to do with

dying on the cross. It is about loving others and living a life of service for them.

The laying down of life that Jesus talks about cannot be about Calvary because he asks his disciples to lay down their lives also. Surely, it cannot be said that he was requiring them to die also as sacrifices for sins, especially since misguided Christian doctrine says Jesus laid down his life once for all. (Hebrews 10:10).

Furthermore, Jesus says to his disciples: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slavejust as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:2528).

This injunction is further proof that the doctrine of Jesus has nothing to do with sacrifices for sins. Jesus says he gives his life as a ransom. However, a ransom is fundamentally different from a sacrifice. A ransom is not paid as atonement for sins but for the release of captives. It is not given to God but to kidnappers.

Kidnappers are evil, but God is righteous. Ransoms are paid by the in-

nocent, but sacrifices are given by the guilty.

If Jesus’ death was a sacrifice, it can only atone for sins committed before his death. High priests don’t atone for future sins. However, if Jesus’ life is seen correctly as a ransom, its lessons remain relevant even to those of us born after his death.

Fear of death Satan holds men captive through our love of life. We sin as we try to save our lives. Therefore, Jesus warns: “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

(Matthew 16:25). Jesus ransomed captives with his life by allowing himself to be killed; only to rise from the dead.

Thereby, he exposed the counterfeit of death by demonstrating that our fear of death is baseless.

Hebrews says: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death---that is, the devil---and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

The Good Shepherd lays down his life and takes it up again. Therefore, we can now confidently lay down our lives, without fear of losing our lives. Thanks to Jesus: "Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.” (Psalms 124:7).

Responsible parenthood will curb abortion---KSM

By Akoma Chinweoke S part of its cam paign against anti-life practices such of abortion, gay practice, and use of contraceptives among others, the Knights of Saints Mulumba, KSM, Nigeria, Maryland sub-council has said responsible parenthood would help both the family and society at large to curb the worrisome trend.

Speaking at a recent pro-life seminar with the theme: 'The human family: A fountain of grace', in Lagos, Mr. Bernard Nkwo, grand knight, Knights of Saint Mulumba, Maryland Sub-Council in his welcome address noted that the knights' battle against abortion which started

A

four years ago, has become very challenging due to the erosion of the country's cultural values.

“Our values as Nigerians have been westernized,” he lamented.

Also speaking, Rev. Fr. Nwachukwu, in his keynote address noted that the family is a reflection of the society and emphasized that human life is of a fundamental value.

According to the priest, all deadly acts such as abortion which is aimed at deliberately destroying human life are offensive and evil, adding that every society should realize that life is sacred; and should be protected at all cost.

He noted that education is key to the well being of every child and the role

he plays in the society, adding that there must be a responsible parenthood to help build and transform the society “Today's topic is a problem not only in Nigeria but globally. News of senseless killings is very disturbing and it is one of the greatest sin that annoys God because life is sacred and no one has the right to take away another's life in any circumstance. Today killings come in various forms and the worst of them is abortion To check the trend, he said, the society needs to be enlightened on the dangers of cutting short the lives of unborn babies through abortion which poses a serious threat to value of human life.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 47

Amnesty: Itsekiri women allege N100m fraud against kinsmen

….Petition EFCC

A

N Itsekiri women group, Warri Women Consultative Assembly has accused some Itsekiri natives of collecting N100

million monthly from the Federal Government’s amnesty purse and diverting the money into private pockets.

The women petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 10, 2014 to investigate how some of

their kinsmen, including a federal legislator, had been parading themselves as representatives of the ethnic group and alleged-

ly pocketing money meant for the training and empowerment of 500 Itsekiri youths.

The petition, which the EFCC acknowledged on June 11, was jointly signed

by Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor, Queen Eweto, Queen Tene, Isaac Bojoh, Bawo Mene and Bemigho Boyo.

They alleged after the government granted 500 slots to the Itsekiri nation under the amnesty programme in 2012, some persons hurriedly went to register a body purporting to be responsible for coordinating the programme on behalf

of the Itsekiri nation. The women further accused the natives of presenting fictitious names of 75 beneficiaries and using an individual’s office and relatives’ address abroad to achieve their selfish interest.

Expressing worry that Itsekiri children who were supposed to benefit from the amnesty programme had been shut out, the aggrieved women lamented that a few natives were allegedly drawing N100 million and also deducting N15,000 from each of the beneficiaries.

The women urged the EFCC to compel the accused kinsmen to give account of every kobo collected so far on behalf of the Itsekiri people.

Agunloye tipped for Senate

L

ABOUR Party chief tain and former Minister for Power and Steel, Dr Olu Agunloye, has been urged to contest the Ondo North Senatorial District seat to give the people of the district a worthy and plausible representation at the Red Chamber.

A social –political group, the Akoko Prestige Circle, in a statement by its President, Otunba Babs Joshua in Akure, at the weekend, urged the former Federal Road Safety Corps Chief Executive to be ready to represent the district because he has what it takes to give the district more than a lukewarm representation in the Senate.”

The group said, “The district is in desperate need of a virile representation which has eluded it at the Red Chamber and Agunloye has been discovered to be capable of giving our

people the kind of service they desire at the level”.

Imploring Agunloye to see the call as that of service to his people, the group said the former Minister has been chosen by his people to give them good representation adding that only his consent is needed for them to set to work and ensure the actualization of the demand.

It described Agunloye as a loyal son, saying the people took a lot of things into consideration before calling on him to vie for the senatorial seat.

“His integrity and loyalty cannot be questioned and his love for the people is not debatable” the group said, adding that “ we are living witnesses to how he used his previous public offices to better the lots of our people and we are sure he will deliver again”.

From left: Tolu Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer, Maximedia Audio visuals Ltd; Mojisola Saka, Chief Operating Officer, Public Consultants Soulcomm; Anthony Ekun, Creative Director, SO&U Limited; Kemi Evbota, Human Resources Manager, SO&U Limited, Femi Adefowokan, Chief Operating Officer, Maximedia Ltd and Friday Okuwe, Director, Strategy and Planning, SO&U Limited at the Lagos Business School Alumni Association's President Dinner in Lagos.

Why I visit Ojukwu’s grave whenever I win a case – Umeh

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

S

TILL basking in the euphoria of his vic tory at the Court of Appeal which affirmed his position as the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor has again visited the grave side of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, saying he does so whenever he wins a court case because the Ikemba Nnewi is always behind his political

successes.

Umeh, who stormed the late Biafran warlord’s Nnewi country home with hundreds of APGA supporters venerated in front of Ojukwu’s mausoleum and showered praises on him and explained that his strength is usually renewed whenever he visited Ikemba’s graveside.

The APGA national chairman who spoke in Igbo said: “I am here to renew my strength. Ojukwu groomed me for five years.

PAGE 48—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014

2015: How PDP can win Lagos – Gen Olanrewaju •Odumakin: State needs vibrant opposition

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

W

EDNESDAY May 28 was a day members of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State addressed the problem that has cost them four elections in the Centre of Excellence.

Whereas the Leader, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George; and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, could not personally make the historic event, held under the theme, “2014 Democracy Day Colloquium”, at the Ekiti Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, the presence of another state party leader and a former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, made the day. Olanrewaju, at the event meant to be a platform for dialogue on governance in Lagos State, was Colloquium Chairman.

The General was however not alone. The Afenifere Publicity Secretary, Comrade Yinka Odumakin, special guest speaker, addressed the audience on the topic, “Fifteen years of democracy in Lagos State; what level of dividends?” And there was, of course, the state chairman of the party, retired Navy Captain Tunji Shelle. Also present were Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Relations, Dr. Olusanya Awosan; members of civil society groups, religious organizations and ethnic nationalities living in Lagos State.

Welcoming the participants, Shelle said the colloquium was organized to enable PDP members, representatives of the civil society groups, and other nonPDP members discuss Lagos State and democracy in the last fifteen years.

Olanrewaju spoke on “Selfless leadership and its relevances in party politics: Lagos PDP as a focus”.

He started: “This topic presents a big challenge to the leaders of our party – PDP- particularly at this crucial period when 2015 elections are so close in time and space. In this political dispensation, party systems become the organizational model for acquisition of power not only for parties but also their

•Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju

leaders. What offers the best hope of success for any party other than strong leadership and responsible followers? The late Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Britain, said, in politics, leadership must be earned and not donated.”

Leadership, Olanrewaju, who was a member of the Provisional Ruling Council under the Abacha regime, said, is about who shows commitment, respect and admiration.

He traced the reason PDP failed in Lagos State in past elections to “a deliberate elitist conspiracy”.

He however acknowledged that peace and promise of internal democracy has returned to the Lagos State chapter of the PDP but that the party “must stop behaving like a permanent opposition and see itself as a potential government in the making come 2015 elections in the country and in Lagos State in particular,” he said adding: “Lagos State is the largest economy of the nation, but structurally it is a high cost economy with very serious implications.”

Lagos and 2015 elections Olanrewaju went on: “The general elections are about seven months away. The PDP must go into the elections as a unified body with common aims and visions and must fight the elections on a promising outcome. We cannot continue to do things in the same way as we have been doing in the past and get a different result.

Whoever will emerge as our gubernatorial candidate and oth-

ers must do their best to rebuild Lagos as a free and prosperous state (not as a state that belongs to the cabals) relieving the business organizations, middle and poor classes of people of tax burden and harassment. We have many areas we can use to win the 2015 elections, but much as victory is beaconing to us, we are running away from the victory.

Comrade Yinka Odumakin “We need a morally convinced politician who has the intellect, the integrity and humility that can foster good relationship and command respect among people of diverse opinions and backgrounds. That candidate must have the drive to achieve the challenging task in 2015.

We will create a society that would be more tolerant, more just, more inclusive, more compassionate and more caring “Our chosen candidate must create conditions in which the value of the money you earn and the money you save or spend can be protected. The party must move the state to the centre ground of politics away from the far-right disposition as it is. The entire Ibile Divisions should be the focus of our vision, assimilation and development, not just developing one part of Lagos State and leaving the rest undeveloped. Our party must engage with all the classes of people in Lagos with particular attention to the low income earners. Recent opinion poll indicates that we have about sixty percent of uncommitted voters in the state. We have to get these uncommitted voters on our side. If we work very hard, victory will be on our side.

Speaking on the governorship material Lagos PDP needs, the former minister said,

In PDP, the door is opened for genuine indigenes from the state to contest the next election. We will create a society that would be more tolerant, more just, more inclusive, more compassionate and more caring.

“There is no doubt that the present Lagos State administration has showcased many areas of achievements mainly on infrastructures and visible security arrangements but, obviously there are deliberate oversights such as provision of affordable houses for low income earners which form over seventy percent of the population in the state.

We are yet to see low income housing as promised years ago under the previous administrator, Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

We are yet to see that promise fulfilled because he could not do it the Jakande way; he could not do it the Otedola way. Jakande, Otedola and even Group Captain Gbolahan Mudashiru did it and Lagos did not go

bankrupt. That is what the American governments always do to cover up the shortfalls of capitalism so that the common man can survive. The other face of capitalism is cabalism that his only for the elites.

“Lagos is already a privatized estate. How are we going to get out of this? It is to ensure that governance gets back to the people”.

Odumakin on democracy After taking the microphone from Olanrewaju, Odumakin, currently a member of the National Conference in Abuja, said, against the mega city status of Lagos State, the last time he had potable water in his house was 2004.

“The last time I had pipeborne water in my house was in 2004 and a bad experience. It was the day I had human finger from my tap in Lagos. I do not see a mega city without pipe-borne water. Dubai is a desert. It rains two or three times maximum in a year, yet there is water everywhere for people to drink,” Odumakin said, adding: “Lagos has not received dividends of democracy in the last 15 years because there was so much of leakage in the governing system.

“What we have in Lagos is a privatized democracy. I do not believe that they are unbeatable but beat them with the right formulae. And for them to be beaten, we need a vibrant opposition.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 49

The President’s Political Adviser’s masterstroke on the APC

BY IKWOMTA ISUMA, ABUJA

P

ROFESSOR Rufai A h m e d Alkali is not a man that is not known politically but has endured torrid political times in the country to ensure his kind of political leadership gain currency.

A man of his word and character, Alkali has held several political offices yet remained unblemished by his commitment to personal philosophy of leadership.

To him, this philosophy is service. This axiomatic predisposition recently played itself out when he wasted no time to congratulate the All Progressive Congress (APC) for successfully holding its convention.

Not a few political analysts, including APC members, were shocked. Extending such hands of friendship, engendered by progressive political thinking aimed at ridding the country of political jejune, is most desirous in a country like ours.

Indeed, Alkali must have striven to obey the ancient Greece practice of friendship with all including their foes so as to create a good political space. Or it was a diplomatic move as they say no permanent friends or enemies but permanent interests.

Fortunately, this move bol-

sters the faith of Alkali’s supporters and admirers that he is a man who pours water on a burning fire no matter whose house – enemy or friend – is on fire.

A gentleman of high repute often at odd with political experience in a country like ours, Alkali is a man who, from a very humble background, rose through a divine pathway to the destined greatness of becoming the National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Yet, he does not allow the success he singlehandedly achieved to becloud his sense of responsibility.

A man that is naturally loved and admired by people, he is a respected democrat and pivot of mass mobilization, who achieves greatness through assiduousness, self-will and sheer determination without compromise. Speaking to him assures the speaker of a man who observes the noble adage of listening more than speaking.

Alkali is one man who sees Nigeria as an industrious, entrepreneurial nation, robust in growth, rich in culture, vibrant in labour and attractive for investment. That is why many people, especially PDP loyalists, see him as a man that is fully equipped with the pedigree, integrity and capacity to drive Africa’s largest political

•Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali

Acting swiftly to congratulate an opposition party is not known in this country party, PDP, through the pathway of phenomenal positive changes to a destination of greatness.

Perhaps, President Goodluck Jonathan saw into this unmatchable political wisdom and unquenchable thirst for nationalist struggle when he appointed him his political adviser.

During Alkali’s inauguration, the president advised:

“We are supposed to be nation builders. Even though it is extremely difficult to agree that a politician could be a statesman because we tend to be partisan, but at least in our utterances we should give Nigerians hope that this country will be together and that we must unite and we must collectively forge ahead to develop our country.”

The president, despite being overly optimistic, expressed faith in Alkali’s character that he will portray a good conduct, utterances, actions and inactions. He further said Alkali would portray a good character, a character that politicians and young people would use as role models.

Alkali, not a man of too many words or a politician with a mantra of prevarication and equivocation, replaced Ahmed Gulak, who was embroiled in a political wit with one of the president’s ardent supporters, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio had accused Gulak of ignoble and contemptuous role as he went to the state “to inaugurate a sectional and unknown Support Group in favour of the President without bothering to pay any courtesies to the state leadership of the party.

He must have watched his predecessor’s downfall knowing full well that politics in Nigeria is like banana peels that

fall anyone who steps on it without precaution. Alkali is a political scientist from Gombe State and is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Alkali must be commended for an all inclusive political style. Acting swiftly to congratulate an opposition party is not known in this country. As he advised the party to use their position to strengthen democracy and douse tension associated with electoral contest especially at this period of Nigeria’s political history as well as security challenge, he opened the way for new political thinking and practice.

He also advised the actors in the political process in Ekiti State to play by the rules. “President Goodluck Jonathan has laid solid foundation for conduct of free, fair and credible polls in the country and all hands must be on deck to ensure the people of Ekiti state are allowed to exercise their right to elect their leaders without let or hindrance,” he said.

Other politicians would learn from this.

The years of forcing themselves on the electorate without service while allowing the country to burn should be done away with. Alkali has shown a leadership quality that is uncommon.

I am not at war with Mimiko — Enikhomehin, ex-NDDC chief •’How I was schemed out of commission’

M

R BENSON Enikhomehin, a former representative of Ondo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC, in this interview, states that for his criticisms of the Olusegun Mimiko administration in the state to stop, the governor must ensure that there is an end to the selective implementation of projects across the state.

BY CHARLES KUMOLU You were an integral part of reelection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Labour Party in Ondo State. And at a time you fell out with him. At what stage did the relationship break down?

It would be a wrong notion because I never fell out with Mimiko. If I complained as a member of the family that the food being served in this house is not good enough, that does not remove me from being a member of that family. It is because as a member I said ‘Sir, these areas are wrong’ I discussed with him privately and the issues are not being addressed.

I even spoke with one or two persons but the issues still remained and I had to speak out. I have not left the Labour Party, they can’t sack me. If they do it illegitimately I will take them to court. The point is this, as a member of the family I have spoken out. You know the fad in the country is that as soon as you speak out you are falling out. For instance, if two brothers quarrel and disagree over a point, does that mean that one of them would stop bearing the family’s name. So we should

quarrel and settle because when everything is smooth we are telling lies to ourselves.

Have the things you complained about been addressed?

You know the sickness of 20 years that has made a man so emaciated may be difficult to address overnight. But a process must be put in place to know that the man would recuperate. And whether that process is put in place is another issue altogether. I have raised them. For instance, the caterpillars that were used to flag off the road on the 12th of April were removed. And truly those caterpillars disappeared as soon as the flag off took place the following day. We didn’t see the carterpillar. Not even shovel. I drove round from Igbokoda to Ugbonla to see whether I could see a trace there was none. Then I shouted. That shouting brought two of the caterpillars back and whether they are working is a different story. When I shout more they would bring additional two.

By the time they bring more I would begin to praise them. Let the administration begin to work I would go back and praise them and tell the whole world that they are working. I am not condemning or shouting because I want to ruin the administration. No. I sent a text message to his excellence Gov. Mimiko reading “My criticism of your administration is because your government has not done well for my people (the Ilajes)’. The criticism is not for me Benson. I am not looking for money though I am not a rich person and I am not begging. For instance, Kwankwaso is not from my

• Benson Enikhomehin

I sent a text message to his excellence Gov. Mimiko reading ‘my criticism of your administration is because your government has not done well for my people (the Ilajes)’ ethnic group or from my state. I went to Kano and saw what he did.

I can recommend that man for any position in this country. I go to Lagos and see the transformation Fashola is doing. Is Fashola in Labour Party? I have been to Akwa Ibom and can see the development going on from a PDP man Akpabio . I am very objective and I will say it the way it is. So I am not at war with Gov. Mimiko.

Gov. Mimiko once recommended you to represent the state at NDDC in 2009. It seems the crack in your relationship with him was pronounced when your name was

missing after it had been announced late last year when a new board of NDDC was being inaugurated. What is your view?

It was an abracadabra of the highest order. My name was announced along with other members of other states in the papers. I was cleared by the security agent and didn’t have issues. I didn’t steal on the board of NDDC. I maintained my integrity all day. When I was invited to the EFFC I replied them that I was coming and even got there on time. I went with loads of document that I showed them. I didn’t stay extra one hour at the place because I was given a clean bill. I even went back with 14 page documents and 48 exhibits and gave to the chairman of EFCC. That was the end of the matter. In fact, they wanted to come and arrest those who wrote a petition against me that they gave them false information. I had to plea because some of them were in their 70s and 80s. If they should take them to Abuja they would not come back. That is my life because I was not involved.

Do we see you play any role in the next dispensation?

As the event unfolds we would unfold with the event. The bible says it is not ripe for you to say I would do this and that tomorrow.

So whatever will happen tomorrow is in the hand of God. Today is my own and I am going to maximize it. In future whatever happens I will embrace it. If opportunity arises I will and if it doesn’t I will sit in my office and do my work because I belong to the crop of politicians who believe that your means of livelihood should not revolve around politics. By the grace

of God I am not hungry and not begging for bread. Sometimes ago I said if they count the names of poor men in the world I would not be on the list. My desire now is God should give me the enablement to do more for humanity.

Don’t you think recent relocation of your Law firm from Abuja to Akure is a signal that you want to be close to grassroots as a build up to 2016 elections?

I don’t think people will have such notion because upon my call to the Nigerian bar on March 22, 1995, I resolved to do my best and contribute my quota to the development of legal profession in Nigeria. I first developed the Lagos office called Shalom Chambers but not to the taste of my dream law office. My sojourn to Akure in 2003 could not have availed me of the law firm I dreamt about in 2005. When I moved to Abuja in 2008, I proposed to build a National Law firm which would be second to none in Nigeria and probably in West Africa. I decided to invest in law books which culminated in the commissioning of my Law Library in Abuja. In 2010, my architect designed a five story law centre to be erected at the central area of Abuja.

The vision was killed by the invasion of Boko Haram ravaging facilities in the federal capital. So I decided to relocate my dream law firm to Ondo State. The office that was commissioned in Akure recently is the boys’ quarters to the edifice now under construction. By the grace of God it will be ready in the next one year. So it has always been my dream to have a law center of repute and moving it to Akure did not have any political undertone.

Page 50—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

Shema, Katsina and challenges of development

BY ALIYU ISA VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF A lesson in governance

T

HERE is a silent revolution in Katsina State which will, sooner or later, take the whole country by surprise. From all indications, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema is intoxicated with the idea of youth empowerment, a situation that is rapidly changing the state for good.

More than 40,000 youths across the 34 local government areas of in the state are beneficiaries of a zero interest loan scheme. This is aimed at supporting their trades within three months.

Under the poverty alleviation initiative of the governor, about 200 youths from each local council area will benefit from this gesture for a period of three months. And he has promised that it would be sustained until most youths and women in the rural areas are fully empowered.

Similarly, 5,471 families have benefitted so far from the state

government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme at the cost of N520 million. This is aimed at providing cash support to poor households for their children’s education. Through this programme, Shema wants to ensure that every child in the state has access to education. 70 ALLO model schools were built across all the local government areas of the state to support almajiri education. Presently, the ALLO schools have a total student population of 17,091. Feeding, working materials and clothing were provided free to pupils and their teachers.

Also, over 2, 000 tricycles (Keke NAPEP) were purchased and distributed to 60 youths in each local government in the state. The scheme has, no doubt, impacted positively on economic activities in all the council areas of the state.

One of the visible gains of this initiative is the relative peace in the state. While beneficiaries are full of joy and praise for the administration of Shema, those that are yet to benefit are also waiting

,

VIEWPOINT

Fees are also highly subsidised in stateowned tertiary institutions, including the state university

,

patiently for their turn.

The Katsina Youth Craft Village was also established to train youths in various skills that will make them self-reliant. This training institute has the capacity to train over 2, 000 youths annually. So far, activities at the village have attracted a positive attention within and outside the country, including the commonwealth secretariat. In addition to this, at least 5,000 youths were offered opportunities to acquire various skills at the 10 basic apprentice training centres in some of the

Adeola: The ‘Yayi’ factor in Ogun

BY KAYODE ODUNARO VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The life of a serial representative of the people

I

T started like a whispering campaign a few years back in Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State. A certain Hon. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing Alimosho Federal Constituency of Lagos State at the House of Representatives, was staging a homecoming to his Ogun State home base. The Pahayi, Ilaro indigene was a twoterm member of the Lagos State House of Assembly where he was the Chairman of the Finance Committee. Back in Lagos, he has popularized his nickname ‘Yayi’, a shortened form of the Yoruba name ‘Omoyayi’, meaning a ‘distinguished’ or ‘ worthy’ son, to all and sundry. Essentially that sobriquet reflects his exemplary life and large heartedness in touching the life of people individually and communally with his resources.

This was what he imported into Ogun State that soon caught on like wild fire particularly in Ogun West District. In no time, Adeola, an All Progressive Congress, APC, politician was able to endear himself to the high and mighty as well as the downtrodden. From traditional rulers to clerics and all others, it was marveling all round to the people of the area that they have such an illustrious son that could make a difference in the development trajectory of the area staying away in Lagos for so long. For the downtrodden, it was admiration for the humility of one they have come to see as a role model to stand up for them at any level. His large heartedness in festive times and to those he came across was confounding to many.

Predictably his activities became the common denominator in Ogun West political calculation as the formal greeting associated with him, “Yayi ni oo, Yayi ni jare” was on the lips of all.

Based on his antecedents and

his wealth of experience as a legislator, Adeola is aspiring to represent the Ogun West Senatorial district at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly. So far that ambition, which he is always

,

VIEWPOINT

Indeed the people of the district see in him a true representative that will carry his people along as well as protect their core interests in Ogun State and Nigeria

,

quick to tell anyone, is not “a door-die affair ” has received endorsement from key politicians and leaders of thought from the district and beyond. For once, the leaders and indeed the people of the district see in him a true rep-

local councils in the state.

Furthermore, about four years ago, the Shema administration sponsored a sizeable number of youths to study high tech welding for oil pipelines at the Nigeria Naval Engineering Training College, Sapele in Delta State. It is of great interest to note that these youths have completed their training and secured employment in various oilrelated industries in and outside the country.

The Islamiya school system is not left out. About 400 graduates of this system have so far benefitted from the state government’s education scholarship abroad.

In the last seven years, there has been free education in all the state-owned primary and secondary schools. This includes the payment of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB fees for indigenes and non-indigenes in such schools.

Fees are also highly subsidised in state-owned tertiary institutions, including the state university.

As a testimony to the governor’s probity and accountability,

resentative that will carry his people along as well as protect their core interests in Ogun State and Nigeria. The ground swell of support transcends party lines as Adeola is known for carrying everybody along in his philanthropic activities with many vowing to support his ambition on non partisan basis.

So who is this man making waves in Ogun West? Adeola was born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ayinde Adeola Ogunleye of Ago Isaga, Ilaro at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital on August 10, 1969. He grew up in Alimosho where he began his education at State Primary School in Alimosho, Lagos. He proceeded to Community Grammar School, Akowonjo, Lagos for his secondary education. His quest for knowledge took him to Ondo State Polytechnic, Owo now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo state where he bagged a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting. He is a distinguished Chartered Accountant-Associate Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN).

Following his decision to join

ADB chief at Thistle Praxis AR-CSR confab

‘Only 24% of Africans own bank accounts’ THE

President of African Development Bank (ADB), Dr Donald Kabernka, says African economies are operating below global indices and “less than 24% of people in Africa own bank accounts”.

Kaberuba spoke at the 2014 edition of the African CEO Roundtable on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR), held at Tinapa, Calabar.

The ADB chief, who was the keynote speaker, in a videotaped address at the occasion, noted that financial “inclusiveness seeks to bring in those left by the wayside.”

Despite the dismal picture painted, he stated that “African countries continuing to make good progress.”

The event, the 4th in the series which proceeded under the

theme, “The intersection: Financial Inclusion, Economic Sustainability and Social benefit” opened with a welcome address

by Ini Onuk, CEO of Thistle Praxis and lead convener of the conference.

In her opening remarks, Ini said “the AR-CSR is not a talk shop” but an annual conference that seeks to provide a meeting ground for much needed conversation between the corporates and the civil society and advocacy groups.

The lead discussant, Brian Kuwik, VP and African Regional Head of Accion, presented a paper that showcased his bank’s ongoing engagements in the area of financial inclusion with a video testimony of a Nigerian woman who is now running a school with over 400 children and 45 teachers thanks to financial sup-

port from Accion.

Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River state and chief host of the event said the theme of the conference was “one that is very close to my heart” in a state where “we are striving hard to foster financial inclusion and empower our citizens.” “Concluding his remarks,

Imoke said his administration “remains resolute in its commitment to empower Cross Riverians.”

Other discussants and panelists included Alex Otti, Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of the Lagos Business School, Duncan

former chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, recommended Katsina State as a model. Ayoola, who was in the state for a town hall meeting, later took tour of projects executed by the state and local governments, after which he said he was “extremely sure there is hope for Nigeria in the fight against corruption and the institutionalisation of good governance.”

In recognition of his selfless service to the people, Shema was recognised as a guest of the Nigeria-US Bi-national Commission, during which he discussed his experience in an effort to ensure good governance in an unbalanced federal system.

The commission invited only two out of the 36 governors in the country, namely, Shema and Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State. It is widely believed that Fashola is doing wonderfully well in Lagos State.

One can, therefore, comfortably say that Nigeria needs true leaders like Shema. As the 2015 general elections draw near, the electorate must be wise with their votes. *Isa lives in IBB Way, Katsina

active politics, sometimes at the dawn of the 4Th Republic, Adeola was nominated by then ruling Action Congress, AC, and was subsequently elected as a member to represent Alimosho State Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2007 to 2011. A man of immense financial and political skills, he was reputed to have been instrumental to the enactment of the law that strengthened the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, a legislation that catapulted the revenue of the state from N5billion monthly to over N20billion!

His sterling performance in public service of Lagos State naturally promoted him to the Federal Legislature when he was elected to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives in 2011 which will culminate in 12 years of unbroken legislative experience at both state and federal legislature.

•Odunaro JP ( a freelance journalist from Ilaro in Ogun West District) is of 125, Segun Osoba Way, Abeokuta

Onyango of Acumen, Sivana Wanjiru of Capita Registrars, Kenya, Prateek Shrivastava of Beyond Branches International, Kalu Ojah of Wits Business School, Leila BenGacem of Blue Fish, Tunis, Hajara Adeola of Lotus Capital, Franklin Ngwu of Glasgow University, Mike Finlay of Risk Business International South Africa, Reana Rossouw of Next Generation Consultants, South Africa, William Derban, Director Fidelity Bank Ghana and Ayo Teriba of Economic Associates amongst others.

Next year’s event will hold June 18 and 19, 2015.

LG boss lauds Uduaghan on performance

T

HE Transition and Caretak er Committee Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Sunday Onoriode, has lauded the transformation agenda of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration, saying it has earned the state several awards.

The council boss who also passed a vote of confidence on

Governor Uduaghan’s administration, lauded during the Delta Central rally of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held at Otorho Agbon, headquarters of the local government area to sensitize the people on the forthcoming local government election, explained that the governor had done well in his threepoint agenda.

While commending President Goodluck Jonathan and the Governor Uduaghan, for the nomination of Dr. Steve Oru for ministerial appointment, the council boss said that the people of Ethiope East local government area are prepared and waiting to give their votes to the president come 2015 general elections.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 51

Danagogo aims to take Nigeria’s sports to the next level •As he clocks 100 days in office

BY PATRICK OMORODION T is like yesterday but it was ex Idayactly 100 days in office on MonJune 16, 2014 for debonair Min-

ister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, NSC, Dr. Tammy W. Danagogo. Some would say that 100 days is too short a time for any minister to make any appreciable impact, but not so for the Rivers State-born administrator who seems to have hit the ground running.

Few days after he was appointed as replacement for Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, former Sports Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Opukiri Jones-Ere, the minister’s Special Assistant on Marketing and Business Development, announced to the whole world that Dr. Danagogo was going to be a departure from the past, that is focusing attention on football alone, but truly work as a minister of sports.

The minister, a lawyer by profession, is not only living true to his promise but has proved it practically by not only extending recognition to the so-called lesser sports, but participating in their activities and giving them a sense of belonging, with an assurance that “no sport would be regarded as a lesser sport during my time as sports minister and I am going to give all sports equal attention.”

His first port of call was as a Special Guest of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) during the first phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League which held at the Indoor Hall of the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium in Abuja in April 2014.

He was also on hand to support Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team during their campaign at the FIFA U-17 tournament in Costa Rica in March where he passed President Goodluck Jonathan’s message to the team. Though the team eventually crashed out of the competition in the quarter finals, Dr. Danagogo reassured the girls of government’s willingness to provide standard facilities across the country for athletes to train with and excel in competitions.

On June 13, 2014, the cricket family were pleasantly surprised when the Honourable minister drove into the Cricket pitch at the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium to grace the occasion of the 1st National Cricket U-15 tournament aimed at catching the talents young and grooming them into future stars.

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Engineer Emeka Onyema commended the minister for being the first ever to attend a junior competition of the federation, stressing that the visit will also leave a lasting impression on the young cricketers who were meeting a government official of the minister’s caliber for the first time.

While responding to the request of the cricket president to allow cricket into the National Sports Festival, Dr. Danagogo reiterated his earlier position that no sport should be labeled lesser sport as they are all avenues for engaging Nigerian youths positively and bringing honour to the

country.

Within the 100 days in office the minister, who believes in government as a continuum, ensured that the young athletes who qualified to represent the country at the African Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana were camped even though at short notice occasioned by late release of funds.

He followed this by visiting them in their various camps to ensure they were getting the desired training and also pass the president’s message of adequate support from the government for their welfare. He equally assured them that he would personally take them to the president for a rousing reception where they would be rewarded for making the country proud. This, in no doubt, boosted the morale of the athletes who promised him they were not going to let the country down.

Judging from the outcome of the first edition of the competition in Morocco in 2010 where Team Nigeria garnered 10 medal comprising 7 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze, Dr. Danagogo charged the athletes featuring in athletics, taekwondo, judo, karate, swimming, boxing, golf, weightlifting, cycling, volleyball, badminton, football, tennis, table tennis and canoeing to put in their best and double the medals this year.

Signs that the athletes were going to live up to their promise and also meet the minister’s target showed on the first day of competition when Nigeria’s female weightlifter, Joy Chika Amalala won three gold medals from her event and set two new African records in the process.

At the end of competition, Team Nigeria placed third behind perennial rivals Egypt and South Africa but surpassed their 2010 feat by winning a total of 41 medals comprising 19 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze, four times better than what they did in Morocco.

About 11 of the 115 member contingent to the Games qualified to represent Africa at the Youth Olympics scheduled for China in August this year. And as a continuation of his promise to ensure that our athletes get the best, the minister has promised to ensure that those who qualified for the Youth Olympics are given adequate preparation for them to excel in China.

Dr. Danagogo’s focal point is to follow the President’s Transformation Agenda as it concerns sports, that is using sports as a tool to mobilize Nigerian youths for self actualization and national development. He has continued to stress this by harping that government cannot do it alone, hence the call on the private sector and well-meaning individuals to join hands with the government to take Nigerian sports to the next level.

It is based on this that he commended the Tijjani Umar-led Board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF for partnering with the United States-based International Management Group, IMG to seek ways to develop the game in Nigeria and make it a multi-million dollar business for both athletes, administrators and club owners in the country.

“I want to see to it that government pulls out of sports gradually.

With what IMG and the Nigerian Basketball Federation are going into, government will no longer need to throw money into basketball as it will become a high income earner for everyone involved. What government will just do is provide the enabling environment for it to thrive and assist in the provision of standard facilities,” he assured a delegation of the NBBF and IMG group who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja recently and urged other federations to emulate what the NBBF was doing.

He has rightly identified sports as a catalyst for social development and peaceful co-existence and believes that because sports and social development are closely related, they can serve as a developmental platform to tackle specified social issues in the society.

As a result therefore, Dr. Danagogo recently assured the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties and Social Development, Mrs Sarah Pane that the National Sports Commission would collaborate with her office in its efforts to encourage young and exceptionally talented Nigerian children who want to develop their career in sports.

He maintained that one of the cardinal objectives of the NSC is not only to hunt and discover talents but also to nurture them to podium athletes that will bring glory and honour to Nigeria.

According to him, “sports have the capacity to bring about peace and prevent conflict, thereby strengthening interaction between communities, peoples and culture”. He added that his goal as the sports minister is to make sports a way of life, stressing that sport has been identified as a ‘considerable ingredient of a healthy way of life and keeping fit’.

On facilities, the minister assured that efforts will be made to concession some of the sports facilities like the National Stadium in Lagos to private concerns or even the Lagos State government, if they present a good bid, to ensure they are put back in good working conditions for Nigerians to use.

He equally wants to ensure that the National Institute of Sports gets the right funding to carry out its programme of training coaches and administrators, the technical manpower needed to drive Nigerian sports to the next level.

Most worrisome to the minister however, is the minimal allocation from the annual budget to the sports sector which is hardly enough to cater for the myriad of problems facing the sector. He expressed hope that the private sector would partner with government which should also approve more funds for sports as it not only serves as a major vehicle needed to keep Nigeria as one country but as one which can employ millions of our youths who form a larger percentage of the country’s population.

Mr. Omorodion is the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable sports minister,

•Dr. Tammy Danagogo

PAGE 52, SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014

T

HE on-going World Cup is proving to be more than just a soccer fiesta as many organised groups from various parts of the world have been capitalising on the global fiesta to initiate social campaigns aiming at correcting anomalies.

The campaigns have been aimed at highlighting peculiar plights in the society and efforts at re-addressing concerns as well as explaining polices or misconceptions.

The Brazil’s Federal Government has been using the forum provided by the World Cup to highlight its accomplishments, and programmes aimed at improving social welfare for the citizenry.

Some of the issues bother on racial discrimination and the positive efforts aimed at bridging racial divide.

In the same vein, some interest groups from Nigeria have since their arriving in Brazil for the World’s most glamorous sporting spectacle, been striving to sell various campaigns in solidarity with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Some of such groups from Nigeria have been sending out strong messages in a bid to rally international support toward the Federal Government and people of Ni-

F-L-I-C-K-S! Honk and be haunted!

F

World Cup as battle ground against Boko Haram geria, currently fighting the menace of insurgency, a major local programme that had assumed international dimension.

It was a matter of interest to read banners being promoted by the group of stakeholders, urging the world to unite against the Boko Haram insurgency. “World Unites Against Boko Haram” was one banner spotted at some venues of the World Cup. The group had also been giving out T-shirts with such inscriptions and unveiling banners that were being conspicuously displayed at virtually all the 12 world cup venues in Brazil.

One of the stakeholders for the campaign, who pleaded anonymity,

Standing trade booms

W

•President Goodluck Jonathan explained that the campaigns were aimed at sharing the dreams and aspirations of a president, with an honest intention, but largely misunderstood and misrepresented.

FIFA suspends referee

F

IFA has suspended Colombian assistant referee Humberto Clavijo for making incorrect decisions during the World Cup’s MexicoCameroon clash June 13 at the Arena das Dunas.

The referee disallowed

ELIPE is one of the few taxi drivers who speak passable English and has been very helpful since I arrived Brazil, a country so dear to my heart and many others because of their football culture and heroes they have produced. I’ve had bitter experiences in the hands of coy drivers that I had to try their fast trains. But my first experience was not palatable. It was on the day that Brazil played Croatia. It was an exceptional day as thousands stormed into the train. It was like boarding the only existing train in Lagos, from Iju to Lagos with people perching on top of the roof. Not exactly the Lagos experience but the crowd was much. Together with Adekunle Salami, we ran into Felipe on our way back to our luxury hotel, Santana Gold, Felipe manoeuvered the traffic and we paid the least amount since boarding taxis. I collected his card and we became friends. The other day I was fiddling with his steering when my hand pressed on the horn and I saw a different person I called a friend. ‘’Why? You horn, Police haunt”, he blurted out. I exchanged glances with Salami and pressed him further. He explained that they hardly use their horns except on rare cases. ‘’No noise. You drive patient and use brain”, he said in his smattering English. And truly, since I arrived here, I’ve not heard any horn despite the crowded streets. Traffic lights remain the controller of movements. Its unlike in Nigeria where motorists blare their horns on traffic lights to force the red to turn to green

two goals for Mexico in the first half by Giovani dos Santos, yet Mexico ended winning the game 1-0.

FIFA said Clavijo will be replaced by Ecuador’s Christian Lescano.

HEN it comes to money, no amount is ever enough. Because if not for money, why would one risk her life standing on the street in a very cold weather? Those of us inside dressed like Eskimos are still shaking like epileptic patients while others dare the weather to look for money outside. It’s a common sight to see beautiful girls hang out in the night for pleasure associated with nocturnal groove. Night time used to be the best in Lagos, Warri, PH, Enugu, Calabar etc. But not again. We know the reasons. Not that it has stopped completely. Girls must change their wardrobes and buy the latest handbags, shoes and the latest phones. Others claim they use the money to cater for themselves and at times help their parents to pay school fees. Anyway, it is a global phenomenon. I went out on my endless adventure to see Brazilian women hustling. This standing trade booms. Old and young. It remains the only trade that is not affected by language barrier. ‘’Dollar, Reais, Euro, Pounds”, they chatter reminding one of black marketers Shitta area in Surulere, Lagos back home in Nigeria. And it is expensive. It costs as high as 200 Dollars for all night while half night goes between $100 or $120 Dollars. The prices vary with the age and beauty of the women. Like my friend will always say, ‘’there is no romance without finance”.

B

Get ready for cheeky excuses

EFORE the beginning of the World Cup, there were high hopes of the Super Eagles winning the World Cup. Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo sparked this blind patriotic dream or is it nightmare. Before you knew it, it had gone viral like wild fire. I remember clearly meeting Stephen Keshi at Ibis hotel, off International Airport road, Lagos. Keshi asked me if those who win the World Cup have two heads. Just after one match against Iran, I asked him how far? He looked up and started stammering. ‘’You saw what Holland did to defending Champions Spain. Did you see Germany humiliate Portugal and Chile beat Spain and Uruguay beat England bla-bla-bla.

Laughter! The elders say that the manner a man borrows money is different when he is reminded to pay back. We should prepare for excuses. And to excuse yourself is to accuse yourself. With all the uprising in the Eagles camp, riddled with player’s friction, the NFF watching the drama from afar, we are heading for buck-passing and more excuses. Remember, when we get frightened, we look for scapegoats.

Tears for the nation, not for the dead

NFF can improve Keshi — Pinnick

C

HAIRMAN of the Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation to help build the capacity of national team coaches in order to get the best out of them.

Reacting to reports that quoted him as saying Keshi had reached his limit as a coach, Pinnick said, “I was misquoted. I said the NFF should help build his capacity. He has already achieved a lot within a short time with the team. Keshi is a national hero, no doubt.

But I believe he can achieve more if he builds his capacity. That is why I am calling on the NFF to help.”

The Delta State Sports Commission chairman

who doubles as the state FA chairman said another way of improving Keshi’s performance is for the Nigeria Football Federation to employ the services of a consortium of coaches to assist Keshi.

“Yes,” he said, “they can help him assemble the best coaches in the land who will be assisting him in his duties. I believe Nigeria will be the better for it.”

On the poor outing the Eagles had against Iran in their first match, Amaju said, “ what I noticed in that match is that the players may not have played to Keshi’s instructions. He however blamed Keshi for not sticking to the Nations Cup winning team.

“Keshi disorganised

I

•Keshi that team and probably threw away the luck element in the team. He should have stuck to that team. That team had nothing extra-ordinary but that element of luck was there. They won the Nations Cup with nothing extra. He should have taken all of them to the World Cup.”

VORY Coast midfielder Serey Die said he broke down in tears on Thursday over the emotion of representing his country at a World Cup Die was crying as the anthems played before they faced Colombia in Brasilia, with rumours circulating that his father was dead before the match. His father died in 2004. Cote d’Ivoire lost the Group C match, 2-1.

The public outpouring continued after his mistake led to Colombia’s second goal, Die caught in possession by James Rodriguez as Juan Quintero ran clear to put the South Americans 2-0 up in the •Serey Die 70th minute.

A sombre Die, who was replaced three minutes later as Gervinho pulled back what proved to be a consolation goal, said the emotion of the occasion had got to him.

“I was going to play for my country,” he said when asked about the tears. “(But) it’s true that I thought about my father, who died in 2004,” he added.

Colombia’s injured forward Radamel Falcao appeared to be one of those to make the mistake of thinking Die’s father had passed away just before kickoff. “A big hug for Serey Die today he was a great example for all of us who love this sport,” the striker posted on his Twitter account.

Fellaini vows to cut his hair if Belgium win World Cup

M

AROUANE Fellaini has confirmed that if Belgium win the World Cup he will cut off his hair.

The Manchester United midfielder is known for his wild hair but in an interview with Belgian outlet Sporza he has confirmed that he will cut it all off if his side goes all the way this summer.

This is not the first time that the big Belgian has made such a claim.

He has previously stated that if a side he played for had claimed the Champions League title then he would have cut it all off.

Unfortunately, none of the sides he has represented - Standard Liege, Everton and Manchester United - have managed that feat.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014, PAGE 53

C M Y K

P AGE 54—SUND AY Vanguard , JUNE 22 , 2014 SUNDA

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 22, 2014 PAGE — 55

FIFA test 7 Costa Rica players for drugs W

ORLD Football governing body, FIFA, have added to the myth surrounding the fairy tale run of Costa Rica at the World Cup, as they pulled seven of their players to be tested after the 1-0 win over Italy on Friday 20 June 2014.

The body then explained the reason after it became an issue, because the rule says that only two players are tested after each game.

Italian media had reported that seven members of the winning squad were taken away for drug testing after the final whistle in Recife, raising questions over the win.

However, FIFA officials explained that two Costa Rica players were tested as per normal post-match procedure.

But that Five other Costa Rica players were tested because they had not yet done the precompetition testing.

Coca Cola sings for World Cup

C

OCA-COLA’s com mitment to ensure that Nigerians enjoy a personal experience of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has gone a step further with the company offering soccer fans download of the Nigerian remix of its globally acclaimed 2014 FIFA World Cup anthem, ‘The

Soccer fans in Brazil

T

ELEVISION cover age of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is still breaking viewing records during the first round of group matches in Brazil, highlighting the growing popularity of the competition and football around the world.

While the opening matches set new audience high for 2014 all over the world, fans watched in record numbers in coun-

World Cup viewing record tries such as Brazil, Japan, Germany, the U. K., Argentina, France, the Netherlands, Croatia and Italy.

However, an all-time high was set in the French-speaking part of Belgium.

Here are some of the key figures: • 42.9 million watched Brazil and Croatia on Bra-

zilian channel TV Globo, the highest sports broadcast of 2014 • England and Italy’s opener attracted 14.2 million on BBC1 in the UK and 12.8 million on RAI 1, the highest TV audiences in both countries in 2014 • 34.1 million watched Japan play Côte d’Ivoire on Japanese channel

NHK, twice the size of the next biggest sports broadcast of 2014 • Germany’s win over Portugal reached 26.4 million on ARD in Germany, the biggest 2014 TV sports audience • 11.1 million watched the USA v. Ghana match on ESPN in the United States – a record high for ESPN’s coverage of men’s FIFA World Cup matches

World Is Ours’ as ringtones. The Nigeria remix of the theme song, was originally produced for Coca-Cola by David Correy, features two Nigerian musicians, M.I. and soul singer, Waje.

“Coca-Cola is using this offer to connect Nigerians to two of their greatest passion points – football and music – and to unite all Nigerians in one singular tune as we affirm our national resolve to bring home the FIFA World Cup from Brazil”, said Olufemi Ashipa, Brand Manager, Colas.

“As a FIFA Partner with unmatched reach in every nook and cranny of this great country, no other brand is better placed than Coca-Cola to rally Nigerians to this cause”, he added.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 22, 2014

Idah: Eagles still in contention F

ORMER Nigeria interna tional, Peterside Idah has observed that the Super Eagles can still progress to the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup going on in Brazil, despite the team’s not too impressive start in the tournament.

In a chat with Sports Vanguard over the weekend, Idah who is also a sports pundit on cable network channel, Supersport said the first match in a tournament is always the most difficult as most teams find it difficult to adjust to the demands of the tournament.

“It was unfortunate that the Eagles could not bury Iran despite their dominant showing. Iran just refused to play but decided to park buses in front of their goal post.”

Idah said the Eagles must not be crucified for their showing against Iran because every country in Brazil deserves its place.

“We must learn to respect other countries. We have seen the so-called favourite teams crash out of the tournament, while those who were termed as underdogs are the ones making waves. Imagine Costa Rica topping a group where you

have Italy, England and Uruguay. Every country must be respected. It is a World Cup final.”

He said Nigerians are always too serious over Super Eagles’ performances at tournaments. “We take everything too serious. There are 32 nations and only one trophy. So it means there cannot be two winners at the same time.”

Idah would not be dragged into predicting the fate of the Eagles or how far they can go in the tournament. “I can only assess the performance of the team after their last group match against Argentina. For now, the Eagles are still very much in the race for the trophy, notwithstanding the outcome of their match with Bosnia-Herzegovina.”

He reviewed the performances of African representatives at the tournament saying, “so far it has been neither here nor there. I want to wait till the end of the first round matches because a team could just pick form and run all the way. It could be Ghana, it could be the Super Eagles, Ivory Coast or Algeria. Except for Cameroon that are sure to go home, the others are still in the race.

All is not lost for Nigeria, says Ameobi

S

HOLA Ameobi says Nige ria are down but not out after their World Cup campaign got off to a slow start.

Ameobi came off the bench against Iran on Monday night, but he couldn’t fire the Super Eagles to victory.

And Stephen Keshi’s side have come under fire in Nigeria for their performance in the goalless draw ahead of tomorrow night’s Group F fixture against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Ameobi – who has been released by Newcastle United after a 14-year first-team career at St James’s Park – remains positive.

“It’s a very proud moment for

Results Argentina Germany

vs vs vs

1 2

it was instead the fans of Argentina – including a watching Diego Maradona – who were celebrating their place in the last 16.

As expected, Argentina began with the 4-3-3 formation that Messi has been so publicly advocating but which does restrict his influence to a starting position on the right of a three-man attack. Gonzalo Higuain was instead the pivotal attacking figure through the centre and, with Sergio Aguero to his left, the match soon settled into an entirely predictable test of whether Argentina could turn more than 70 per cent of ball possession into goals.

Messi magic breaks Iran O NE moment of authentic ge nius was enough here in Bele Horizonte to defeat 90 minutes of extraordinary courage, effort and organisation. Iran, the country whose kit reportedly shrank in the wash and whose preparations were largely derailed by political sanctions, had first contained and then even threatened to beat the most extravagantly gifted attacking team in the tournament. It had been a truly heroic performance but then, seconds after fourth official Norbert Hauata had lifted his board to indicate five minutes of added time, the ball fell to Li-

onel Messi.

Argentina’s captain and talisman had been negated until then but, with a quick shift of his feet, he suddenly created just a yard of space in front of a tiring Iran defence. It was all that was needed, with his subsequent finish of deadly precision almost inevitable even from a position outside the penalty area. The whole of Iran was certainly poised to erupt in spontaneous street parties for what would have been the best result in their entire history but

CROSS WORD PUZZLE •Shola Ameobi me,” said the 32-year-old.

“Unfortunately, we could not get the win in that first game.

We have to look at the positives. “Hopefully, we can move on to the next game where, hopefully, we should have more attacking options.”

TODAY’S MATCHES Belgium Korea Rep USA

TALISMANIC ••• Argentina captain Lionel Messi celebrates his late goal against Iran

Russia Algeria Portugal

Iran Ghana

5 p.m.

8 p.m.

11 p.m.

0 2

ACROSS 1.Nobel-winning Archbishop (7-4) 5.Sailor (3)

DOWN 1.Sleeping vision (5) 2.Possessor (5) 3.Tax (4) 7.Consumed (5) 4.Depressing (9) 8.Domesticates (5) 5.Argentinian dance (5) 9.Ovum (3) 10.Electricity counting gadgets6.Wash lightly (5) 11.Greek letter (3) (6) 12.Distress call (1-1-1) 13.Highlander (4) 14.English boy’s name (5) 15.Poem (3) 16.Obstacle (3) 17.One that contests (9) 17.Bovine animal (3) 20.Nigerian tribe (5) 18.Mindfulness (9) 22.Cereal (5) 19.Alarm (5) 24.Demoted (9) 21.Help (3) 27.Pig’s pen (3) 23.Village house (3) 29.No one (4) 25.Gnome (3) 30.Sulks (6) 26.Vast age (3) 33.Away (3) 27.Condescend (5) 35.Presses (5) 28.Youthful (5) 36.Till (5) 31.Circular (5) 37. Swine (3) 32.Trades (5) 38. “The Man Who Saw 34.Old Russian King (4) Tomorrow” (11)

1

2

3

7

4

5

6

8 9

10

11

12

17

22

27

18

23

14

28

15

19

16

20

24

25

29

33

30

21

26

31

32

34 35

37

13

36

38

SOLUTION on page 5

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Advert Dept: :01- 7924470; Hotline: 01-4544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. Email website: sundayvanguard@yahoo.com, editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com. Advert:advert@vanguardngr.com.

Internet: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: JIDE AJANI. 08111813023 All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.