N55m budget scandal: S-court okays Wabara, Osuji for trial by Vanguard Media Limited

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N55m budget scandal: S-Court okays Wabara, Osuji, others for trial •Says they’ve case to answer BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

HREE years after they were handed a clean bill of health by the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court, the Supreme Court, yesterday, gave the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the nod to prosecute erstwhile Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara and former Minister of Education, Prof. Fabian Osuji, over alleged roles they played in the N55million moneyfor-budget scandal that rocked the upper legislative house in 2005. Equally okayed for trial yesterday was Senator Ibrahim Abdulazeez who the anti-graft agency said was among the legislators that benefited from an initial N50million bribe that was offered to the then Senate by Prof. Osuji with a view to ensuring favourable passage of the year 2005 budget of the Federal Ministry of Education. The accused persons were hitherto answering to a 15-count criminal charge bordering on bribery and corruption. It will be recalled that the ICPC had on April 12, 2005, arraigned the exSenate President alongside six others before an Abuja High Court presided by Justice Hussein Muktar who eventually granted the accused persons bail on self recognition after they each deposited N10million. Aside the aforementioned persons, others who equally pleaded not guilty to the charge were Senators John Azuta Mbata, Emmanuel Okpede, Badamasi Maccido and one Dr Garba Shehu Matazu. Nevertheless, shortly after they were arraigned, the accused persons urged the trial court to quash the charge against them, insisting that the proof of evidence did not disclose a prima-facie case capable of warranting their prosecution. Following refusal of trial Justice Muktar to accede to their request, Wabara and four of his co-accused persons took the matter before the appeal court in Abuja, where they contended that the trial judge erred in law by

•Vice President Namadi Sambo (r) welcoming the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Tijjani Barde as the management of the Institute arrived for an audience with the Vice President at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

granting the ICPC leave to prefer a charge against them when its application to do so was not accompanied by statement on oath disclosing sufficient evidence of commission of any offence. It was also their argument that the application by the ICPC was not supported by statements of “Star witness” such as Senator Chris Adigbije whose three incriminating statements against them they said were not attached to the application. Besides, they accused the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo of prejudicing the minds of the public including the trial judge through a national broadcast wherein he was said to have directed the trial judge to go ahead and jail them for their manifest corrupt tendencies at the legislative house. In its verdict that was delivered by Justice Mary Peter Odili on June 1, 2010, the appellate court panel upheld the arguments of the accused persons and not only quashed the charge against them, but equally discharged all of them. Meantime, before the appellate court could conclude the proceeding before it, two of the accused Senators, Okpede and Maccido, who were part of those that endorsed the appeal, died. Dissatisfied with the judgment, ICPC, proceeded to the Supreme Court where it posed eight questions for determination, among which included whether the ap-

pellate court was right in holding that for the consent of the high court judge to prefer charge to be secured pursuant to section 340(2) (a) and (b) of the Criminal Procedure

Code, such application must be accompanied by statements on oath or otherwise disclosing sufficient evidence of the commission of an offence. “Whether the appeal

court was right to hold that the national broadcast by the President of Nigeria, was a communication to the trial judge by a person in command of influence over him and that the broadcast, was clear example of the manipulation of the judiciary and judicial process by the executive. As well as “whether the appeal court erred in law when they held that the accused persons had not in any way been implicated in the proofs of evidence supplied with the application for consent.” In their unanimous judgment yesterday, a five-man panel of justices of the Supreme Court led by Justice Dattijo Muhammad upturned the decision of the appellate court, saying “the judgment of the court below to the contrary is perverse.” The apex court further relied on the decided case-law in Oniah v Onyia, 1989, 1-NWLR, part

79 and the case of Adebayo V Babalola, 1995, 7NWLR, part 405, and held that after carefully examining the proof of evidence, statements of the accused persons, other relevant exhibits and documents tendered by the ICPC, it was satisfied that they disclosed “sufficient materials on the basis of which the trial court exercised its discretion judiciously and judicially. “On the whole, I hereby allow the meritorious appeal, set-aside the judgment of the court below, restore the trial court’s decision and remit the case to the court for the trial of the respondents to be conducted and concluded expeditiously,” Justice Muhammad held. The other Justices who concurred to the judgment yesterday were Justices Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, John Afolabi Fabiyi, Olukayode Ariwoola and Kumai Bayan Aka’ahs.

10 killed in fresh attack in Plateau BY TAYE OBATERU & NDAHI MARAMA, Jos

HE spate of killings in Plateau State again reared its head on Thursday as gunmen stormed Kogwon village in Jos South Local Government Area killing 10 people and injuring two others by suspected herdsmen. This was even as the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, yesterday engaged suspected Boko Haram members in a deadly clash yesterday in Maiduguri, Borno State. Sources said that the clash has left casualties on both sides. It was said that the heavy fighting started when some armed terrorists attempted to bomb the Ibrahim Taiwo Police Station, along Baga Street, but were repelled by the security operatives at the entrance of the police station. At the time of this report, sources told Saturday Vanguard that many houses suspected to be harbouring the sect members in Ummarari and Jajeri were being set ablaze by the security forces. Earlier on Thursday, a suspected suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device , IED, on a JTF patrol vehicle along Gamboru -

•As JTF clashes with Boko Haram Customs road in Maiduguri, leading to heavy exchange of gunfire which claimed the lives of three unidentified persons. JTF spokesman, Lt Col. Sagir Musa could not be reached for his comments as at press time. However, the night incident in Jos, it was gathered started at about 10pm during the 6am to 9pm curfew hours and lasted for over five hours. The gunmen dressed in

black with some wearing military helmets struck around 9 pm shooting sporadically killing and injuring in the process, according to eyewitnesses. An eyewitness, Habila Musa who narrowly escaped the assassins’ bullets said four of his brothers were killed along with six others in the operation which lasted about an hour.

“It was at about 9 pm, I was reading my books when I had sporadic gun shots behind my room. My door was still open at the time so I quickly moved out and started shouting, but we were helpless because no military checkpoint was close by”, he said. He said those injured were receiving treatment in a hospital which he did not disclose.

Alleged certificate forgery: ESUT expels 107 BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

HE Enugu State University of Science and Technology, yesterday, announced the expulsion of 107 students who are at various stages of their study in the University for alleged certificate forgery. The 107 students who gained Direct Entry admission were found to have forged the OND certificates they presented to the University during their admission. The Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Cyprian Onyeji, who disclosed this during the

32nd Matriculation Ceremony of the University held at Agbani, stated that the Senate of the University approved the expulsion of the affected students at its 238thRegular meeting held recently. Warning the fresh students to steer clear of any form of examination malpractice, Professor Onyeji also recalled that in the last one year, the University Senate had applied varied degrees of sanctions to up to 150 students for their involvements in examination malpractice. The Vice Chancellor disclosed that ESUT is currently capturing biometric data of all her students to

stem the incidence of impersonation during examinations, stressing that beginning from the new academic session, every student would be required to undergo biometric identification in the examination halls. Onyeji also announced that the University scholarships await students who make Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50 and said the measure was to encourage academic excellence among the students. A total of 4, 200 fresh students were admitted into various programmes of the university in the current session.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Court orders AGF, EFCC to submit details of assets seized from Ibru within 72 hrs to PSAN BY INNOCENT ANABA

Former ECOWAS Chairman Mohammed Ibn Chambers, Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Ambassador George Obiozor at the 2nd Claude Ake Memorial Lecture in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, ordered Attorney General of the Federation and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to within 72 hours, furnish President of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, PSAN, Mr Boniface Okezie, with details of property seized from former Managing Director of defunct Oceanic Bank Plc, Mrs Cecilia Ibru. It will be recalled that Ibru was sentenced to 18

EFCC arraigns seven internet fraudsters before the Federal High Court Benin served ruling on their BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned seven internet fraudsters before the Federal High Court in Benin City on separate charges of conspiracy to commit felony and obtaining money under false pretence. The suspects arraigned before Justice P.I.Ajoku are Philip Agbodobri (alias Daniel Karlssom) Peter Sunday (alias Richmon), Nnamdi Obinna, Amegor Ovenseri, Eloghosa Ocikiabor (alias Kristopher Kole), Osagie Aghedo Bliss and Idehen Obabueki Bleek. The suspected internet fraudsters were arraigned at different dates between Monday 18th, 21st and 22nd of February, 2013. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges. One of the charges against them reads in part; “that you Philip Agbodobri (alias Daniel Karlssom) Peter Sunday (alias Richmon), Nnamdi Obinna, Amegor Ovenseri, Eloghosa Ocikiabor (alias Kristopher Kole), Osagie Aghedo Bliss, Idehen Obabueki Bleek on or about the month of October, 2012 (and 18th day of January, 2013), at Siluko Road, Benin City within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire amongst your-

selves to commit felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable

under section 1(3) of the said Act. In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel sought the leave of the court for a short date for trial. Justice Ajoku re-

bail applications for February 27, 28, 29 and March 4; and adjourned to April 22, 25 and 29 for trials. The court ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison custody.

Oshiomhole stops farmers in Okada from paying N40m royalty to Benin Chief BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin

HE State Government has stopped Yoruba farmers in Okada, Ovia North East Local Government

Council from paying N40 million royalty per annum to a high ranking Benin Chief who sublet government land to the farmers. Governor Adams Oshiomhole, during a visit

Iran denies training militants arrested in Nigeria

RAN yesterday denied Nigerian allegation that it had trained militants arrested in Nigeria on charges of planning attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets there. Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said such allegations were “made up as the result of the ill will of the enemies of the two countries’ good relations”, Iranian state television reported. “Iran and Nigeria have friendly and close relations and despite the vast efforts of the two countries’ enemies in recent years, relations and cooperations have always improved,” he said. Nigeria’s secret service said on Thursday it had arrested Abdullahi Mustapha Berende and

two other Nigerians in December after Berende made several suspicious trips to Iran, where he interacted with Iranians in a “high-profile terrorist network”. It said Berende and his Iranian handlers were involved in “grievous crimes” against Nigeria’s national security. Berende, who will now be charged in court, told reporters at the Nigerian secret service’s headquarters on Wednesday that he had carried out surveillance for the Iranians. In 2004, Israeli sources said an Iranian diplomat was arrested on suspicion of spying on the Israeli embassy in Nigeria’s capital Abuja. Tehran denied any arrest.

to him in his office by the Yoruba farmers said Government has recovered the land from the Benin Chief and reverted it back to the state government. He warned the farmers, who said they were under constant threat by the Chief to pay this year’s N40 million royalty, that “under no circumstance should you pay taxes to an individual and I warn that if you do, we will evict you from the land.” The Governor explained that the land which the Benin Chief sublet does not belong to him, asserting: “as far as I know, there are only two custodians of land in Edo State. First, is that all land is vested in the state government; the second is the Oba of Benin by virtue of the fact of being the Oba of Benin and the history behind that institution as regards traditional ownership of land. “As far as I know, government policy across the country is that Nigerians cannot be tenant farmers particularly on government-owned lands”.

months imprisonment by former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu, after she (Ibru) pleaded guilty to a three-count charge of recklessly granting credit facilities. Ibru had admitted granting an illegal credit facility of $20 million to WAVES Project Nigeria Limited and N2 billion unlawful credit to Petosan Farms. She also agreed that she failed to ensure that the 2009 balance sheet of Oceanic Bank was a true view of the state of affairs of the bank. Yesterday, order was made by Justice Mohammed Idris in a judgment in a suit by Okezie,under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. Okezie had prayed the court to compel EFCC, to disclose the total cash and value of property recovered from Cecilia Ibru. He had sought to know the whereabouts of the recovered assets, and the portion of the asset returned to Oceanic Bank and its shareholders. He had also sought to know the source and amounts paid to EFCC, for the prosecution of former bank Chiefs in Nigeria, the list of criminal prosecution carried out by EFCC through private lawyers, and the reason for not utilising the commission’s counsel. He had also asked the court to compel the AGF, to disclose the list of criminal prosecution carried out by the Ministry of Justice through private lawyers, and why the Ministry of Justice had resorted to the use of private lawyers for prosecution, instead of lawyers in the Ministry of Justice. In his judgment, the court held that by the provisions of sections 2 and 3 of the FOI Act, the plaintiff was conferred with the requisite “locus standi” (right) to institute the suit. ”By the provision of the FOI act, where an information is sought, public institutions are required to deliver same within seven days. ”Where however it declines, it must elicit valid grounds for its refusal in writing to the applicant within seven days. In the instant suit, it appears that the AGF

has not declined to provide the required information, but had sought for adequate time within which to collate the required information and serve same on the applicant, whereas, the EFCC had bluntly refused to comply. ” I am of the view that on receipt of the plaintiff’s request, EFCC had a duty to respond, but in this case, they simply kept mute. Let me say, that non of the defendants has such powers under the law. ”The EFCC had failed to file any counter affidavit stating the reasons for its failure to avail the plaintiff with the required information. In my view, the defendant did not show that by its non disclosure, it was protecting the certainty, deliberative or policy making process within the agency. ”EFCC has not shown that it is protecting the disclosure of an information that will constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy of individuals in the agency, or that would contaminate its court proceedings. I am of the view in this case, that non of the information required by the plaintiff threatens the national security. ”The FOI act is meant to promote democracy, transparency, justice and development. It is designed to change how government works, because we all like Nigerians, have resolved that it should no longer be business as usual.

”Therefore, every public institution “Must” prepare itself for a full implementation of the FOI act, and the judiciary has no choice but to comply with the enforcement of the act. Obedience to the rule of law especially by those who take oath of office in public institutions, is a “desideratum” to good governance. ”Judgment is hereby given in favour of the plaintiff, and the defendants are directed to provide the said information within 72-hours of this judgment. The law is the last resort of human wisdom and the court will never sanction what is injurious to the public. this is the judgment of this court,” the court ruled.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—7

Murder: S-Court sentences man to death by hanging BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

HE Supreme Court, yesterday, ordered that one Emmanuel Egwemi should die by hanging after it was discovered that he conspired with eight other persons at large, and beheaded one Alhaji Umoru Bamaiyi. The accused person and his cohorts perpetrated the uncanny act at Okumaji in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi state on November 29, 1998. According to the facts of the case, on that fateful day, Bamaiyi who was in front of his house with his wife Ramatu and two of their children, had barely finished performing ablution for prayer when a group of persons including the convict, dangerously armed with lethal weapons including gun, knives and machetes, invaded their home and pounced upon him and his household. The assailants reportedly shot, stabbed and beat the deceased and his wife. Upon seeing that the bullets could not penetrate their victim’s body, they thereafter made a local stretcher and took away the deceased to the River Niger, drowned him and decapitated him. His headless body was thrown into the River Niger. However, following investigations into the matter, the assailants were identified by eyewitnesses, with some of them volunteering to tes-

Don bags International MIT Fellowship DR Johnson Akpojaro of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Western Delta University (WDU), Oghara, Delta State, has been awarded the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Fellowship. The award is sponsored by Total, Google, and MIT as part of MISTI Africa International Sciences and Technology Initiatives to empower African lecturers with proven track records of teaching, research and development in African universities. Akpojaro competed with other candidates (researchers) from different universities for the 12 slots allocated to Nigeria. The award was based on his researched work on ‘Quantization of sparse and Dense Mode Protocols in Ring Topology Network’ which was adjudged one of the best.

tify in court. Whereas one of the witnesses who eventually testified as the PW-3, said he hid in a compound beside the deceased house while the horrific onslaught lasted, the PW6 on the other hand, saw them submerge the deceased into the river with a view to drown him but eventually brought him, insisting that it was the convict that cut off the head and ran away with it. Others fingered in the crime were David Nwadike, Boyi Nyekwewu, Rapheal Boyi, Joel

Boyi, Udalor Uchegwe, Thomas Anayi, Edogi Nnaye and Okolo Achemoye, who have since vanished into thin air, leaving only Egwemi to bear the brunt of their dastardly act. Meanwhile, Egwemi was on July 16, 2003, arraigned before an Ayiogbe high court in Kogi state, where Justice S.T Hussaini who presided over the trial, on December 16, 2004, found him culpable and sentenced him to death. He was convicted for acting contrary to section 97, 221, 245 and 327 of the Penal Code.

Catholic Bishops flay FG over lack of accountability in oil business BY EMEKA MAMAH, With Agency Report

HE Catholic Bish ops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, yesterday criticised the Federal Government over lack accountability in the oil industry saying that this has continued to give the country a bad image. This is contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Arch-Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, President, Arch-Bishop Alfred Martins, Secretary of CBCN at the end of the bishops’ first plenary conference entitled “Faith and the Dignity of the Human Person”. According to the bishops, “the lack of accountability, especially in the oil industry in Nigeria continues to give our country a bad name, impoverishes the citizenry, and threatens national security.” They further reiterated their ”commitment to the unity of Christians,” and then ”reconfirmed its membership of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.” The bishops had last month announced its temporary withdrawal from

CAN saying it was being sidelined in the scheme of the things by the leadership of the association. They also stated that the lack of transparency and accountability were responsible for the high level of poverty and security threats in the country. The communique’ further stated, “To respect the dignity of a person is to concede his rights to him as fully human. We cannot fail to point out that the pervasive lack of accountability and transparency in governance in Nigeria has become a serious abuse of human rights. A government that is negligent in this regard, assaults the intelligence of the citizen; this, too, is a gross violation of human dignity. ’‘We call on leaders in every sphere of our society to be more accountable and more transparent in the conduct of public affairs.” It is a gross violation of human dignity that Nigerians, citizens of a richly endowed land, live in dehumanising poverty. That is why the government and the governed must renew sincere efforts to fight corruption and the theft and wastage of public funds in Nigeria.”

Adeleke, rtd Railway Director passes on

RETIRED Assist a n t Director with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, Pa Benjamin Adebayo Adeleke has passed on at the age of 82. Funeral activities marking the demise of the Oke-Opin, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State-born senior citizen kicked off yesterday with a wake keep at his residence 13, Erelu Danisa Street, Ijesa-Surulere, Lagos. Commendation service with take

place at the same venue today followed by internment and outing service at Victoria Court Cemetry (VCC), Lekki/Epe Expressway, Lagos. Reception will be at DIVA Rentals Ltd. Events Place. Km 25, Lekki – Epe Expressway, lagos. He is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren including ACP Adeleke Adeyinka, Commander, South-West border patrol, Seme.

L – R : Officials of MDS Logistics Plc - Customer Service Manager Abuja, Bode Ayanwale; GM, Warehousing & Depot Operations,Taiwo Ajibola; Managing Director, Solomon Aigbavboa; watch (4th rightwards), Customer Service Manager, John Oluwagbohun; Abuja Pharma Hub receiving the Team of the Year trophy from Hakeem Ogunniran (5th rightwards ), a NonExecutive Director, MDS Logistics Plc. and MDS Regional Customer Service Manager, North Central, Abdul Rasheed Bello, during the ceremony recently in Lagos.

2013 budget deadlock: Why Presidency days have since elapsed but Jonathan’s is adamant •30 late assent can’t invalidate budget BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

N D I C AT I O N S emerged yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan had stuck to his gun not to assent to the 2013 budget as passed by the National Assembly because of advice by legal experts that he has not committed any infraction by withholding his assent from the controversial document. Findings by Saturday Vanguard revealed that Jonathan, who had earlier fidgeted over the expiration of the30-day deadline stipulated by the Con-

— Malami, SAN

stitution for the signing of the appropriation bill, became hardened when his minders made it clear to him that withholding his assent from the document as long as the NASS refuses to shift grounds on the contentious issues, does not in any way infringe the law. Under the 1999 Constitution, the President is expected to sign the appropriation bill into law within 30 days of passage by the NASS after which the lawmakers could to veto him by two thirds majority of both chambers. The 2013 budget, which was overwhelmingly

Delta North makes case for 2015 BY ONOZUR DANIA

HE Oganihu Anioma has said that it was the turn of the people of Delta North Senatorial District to produce the governor of Delta State in 2015. This was contained in a communique’ issued after a meeting of professionals from Aniocha, Ika, Ndokwa, and Oshimili Federal Constituencies which make up the area in Lagos. They said that Delta Central and Delta South would have had eight years each on the governorship seat by 2015 when Uduaghan would complete his tenure, hence it was now their turn to produce the next governor of the state then. The communique’ also stated that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s ad-

ministration had made ‘’efforts towards infrastructural development in the state in general and in the Delta North in particular. What is on ground does not match promises made by the government,’’ as the ‘’state capital, Asaba in particular is still far away from what it should be when compared with other state capitals of same age like Uyo. The same can be said of other cities in the state.’’ It however, said that, ‘’in fairness to Uduaghan, we acknowledge the extensive foundation he has laid for infrastructural devlopment, but much of this is still at the basal or take-off level.’’ According to the group, the allocation to Delta State ‘’is one of the highest in the country and therefore, ought to be outstanding, not only in infrastructure but in all spheres.’’

passed into the law by the NASS on December 20, 2012, was eventually transmitted to President Goodluck Jonathan on January 14, 2013. The 30 days period stipulated by the constitution actually expired on January 13, 2013 without the president signing the document into law. Several attempts by the NASS, the Economic Team and the Presidency to resolve the knotty issues in the budget, have proved abortive, leading to the hardening of positions by parties while the economy inches towards comatose. Only on Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Mohammed, lamented that his inability to place a ransom on the head of fleeing Pension Task Team Chairman, Abdulrasheed Maina, was due to lack of funds arising from the non-assent to the budget. Similarly, many government ministries, departments and agencies are finding it difficult to carry out their normative functions without the approval of funds. But Saturday Vanguard learnt that the President was not in a hurry to append his signature to the budget because he had discovered that the NASS could not move against him having soiled their hands with spurious projects they inserted into the budget under their controversial “constituency projects” with mindbugling sums.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

DSS, Army rescue four persons kidnapped by ‘prophet’ in Anambra BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; CBN Deputy Governor, Mr. Tunde Lemo; and Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle; during the Burial Service for Pastor Obadiah Olusola Coker (father in-law of CBN Deputy Governor) at the Christ Anglican Church, Iporo Ake, Abeokuta yesterday.

OUR persons abducted by a group of kidnappers led by an alleged overseer of a church in Anambra State, Ifeanyi Nwaezeagu were yesterday rescued by a combined team of the Department of State Security, DSS, and soldiers from the 302 Artillery Regiment and 14 field Engineers, Onitsha. The kidnap kingpin, who claimed to be a prophet and founder of Unchangeable God Miracle Church, Awkuzu in Oyi local government area

Illegal Betting: Lagos lottery board arrests Serbian, 10 others BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

HE Lagos State Lot teries Board, has arrested a Serbian national for engaging in illegal online sports betting without being licensed by the board. Two illegal sports bet operators and nine public online lottery operators were also arrested by the board between January and till date. Lanre Gbajabiamila, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries Board confirmed the arrest of the Serbian, identified as Mr. Nenad Inkovic, saying he was caught while operating illegal online sports betting at Ilaje Street, Ajah, Lagos. Gbajabiamila, said the illegal activity was a breach of Section 43 (1) (b) of the Lagos State Lotteries Law. The Serbian was charged to court at the Special Of-

fences Court, Alausa, for operating online sports betting illegally. He was granted bail, while his international passport has been seized. However, the board’s CEO disclosed that two

illegal sports bet operators and nine public online lottery operators were arrested between January and February, 2013, saying that the arrest was carried out at Iju/ishaga, Ojodu Berger, Lagos Is-

Two killed as rival revenue collectors clash in Edo •Angry Oshiomhole suspends revenue collection in the state

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin-City

HERE is tension in Edo State following the killing of two revenue collectors attached to Akugbe Ventures licensed to collect revenue on behalf of the state government due to on going war between the Akugbe ventures led by Tony Kabaka and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) led by Os-

akpanwa Eriyo. Following the killing of the youths, the state Government Thursday suspended the collection of revenue in motor parks until the contending issues are resolved. But as it seems, the RTEAN members shun the state government’s directive and went ahead to collect revenue yesterday morning but were apprehended by the Akugbe group who handed them

FG compels us to go on strike — NASU, SSAUTHRIAI, ASURI press home their de•Say unions are open for dialogue BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Abuja

OINT Research and Allied Institutions Sector Unions, JORAISU, has accused the Federal Government of always compelling industrial unions to embark on strike instead of implementing agreements entered into with the unions. JORAISU which is comprised of the Non-Academ-

land, Ajah, Ikeja and Olowo Ira, adding that eight of the offenders were awaiting trial. Gbajabiamila stated that the board would not relent in its effort to rid the State of illegal lottery activities.

ic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, SSAUTHRIAI and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, ASURI, said having realized that the government enjoys unions going on strike; the unions will continue with it to

mands. Addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja, over the resumption of strike and the refusal of the Federal Government to implement the agreement it entered into with the unions in the research and allied institutions, the unions said that despite the unfriendly government disposition towards them, the leadership of the unions remained open and committed to dialogue on the issues in dispute.

over to the police. Meanwhile, two suspected armed robbers were shot dead Wednesday, while three were arrested after a gun duel between the robbers and soldiers attached to 195 Battalion, Agenebode, Edo State. The Army Public Relations Officer, 4 Brigade, Benin City, Capt. Rose Managbe, who conducted journalists around, during the parade of the three suspected robbers, including the bodies of the dead accomplices, said soldiers from 195 Battalion, a formation under the brigade received a distress call, while on their way from Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Government Council. However, Kabaka who spoke to newsmen shortly after he visited the families of two of his members who were killed, narrated that RTEAN members refused to allow his member collect revenue despite the fact that it has the license from the state government to do so.

of the state, is still on the run. Seven suspected members of his gang, two females and five men, were, however apprehended by security operatives during the raid at the church at Awkuzu. Those rescued by security operatives include 33year old Solomon Nwanna Okonkwo from Obosi in Idemili South local government area, 50 years old Monday Osagie from Edo State, Udenna Ikedigwe from Unukwu Anam in Anambra West local government area and Amechi Oraekie from Awkuzu in Oyi local government area whose kidnap was allegedly masterminded by some members his family. The four victims were kidnapped between Friday last week and Tuesday and taken to the shrine which happened to be the detention camp

of the self acclaimed prophet. Items recovered from them were four motorcycles, one generating set, one Dane gun and international passports of the victims, as well as other undisclosed materials. A Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) belonging to the prophet, which was abandoned near the shrine, was also recovered by the security operatives. It was gathered that before the victims were rescued, the suspects had demanded from the relations of the victims ransoms ranging from N10 million to N50 million. For instance, N20 million was initially demanded from the relations of Solomon Okonkwo, but the kidnappers later came down to N10 million, while the relations of Monday Osagie from Edo State were asked to pay N50 million.

Corruption charges: Daniel heads for appeal over ruling By DAUD OLATUNJI,Abeokuta

RSTWHILE Gover nor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Friday, urged the Ogun State High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta to stay its proceeding on count 1-13 concerning criminal charges on alleged abuse of land administration filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Daniel, through his lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipintan disclosed that he had filed an appeal against the ruling of the Presiding judge, Justice

Olanrewaju Mabekoje which rejected his plea to quash. Justice Mabekoje had struck out the application filed by Daniel which urged the court to quash count 1-13 on the ground that, the state government had maligned him by publishing the report of a panel of enquiry on land matters. At yesterday’s proceeding which had been for the continued hearing of the 38 count charge filed against Daniel by the anti-graft commission since 2011,Daniel’s counsel said he had just filed a motion of stay of action against the court .

Tension as Fulani herdsmen kill 2 in Delta BY EMMA AMAIZE & FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

HERE was appre hension , weekend, at Ohoro community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta state following the killing of two villagers by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The circumstances of the killing were still hazy, but angry villagers mobilized , during the week, and laid siege to the East –West Road and surrounding bushes in search of the cattle rearers. Their protest, disrupted traffic for several hours and left many travelers stranded on the busy

highway, while two caterpillars belonging to Setraco, the construction firm handling the dualization of the East-West Road were set ablaze, while soldiers and police officers were deployed to maintain law and order. For some time now, there had been skirmishes between Fulani herdsmen and some communities in the state over the destruction of their farm crops. The governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, early, this week, warned cattle rearers to stop damaging farm crops, saying the government would not condone such action anymore.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 9

Childless couple die in auto crash BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

RAGEDY has once again struck the Lagos State Government Civil Service, following the unfortunate death of two of its principal officers who lost their lives in a road mishap last weekend. The accident, which occurred at the Ogere axis of the LagosIbadan Expressway in Ogun state, claimed the lives of the civil servants who were c o u p l e , M r. Ro t i m i O l u g b u y i a n d To y i n Olugbuyi. They were said to be returning to their Ogun state residence after attending a wedding ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo state last Saturday. The couple, until their death, were staff of the Lagos State Civil Service. While the husband was a Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Ministry of Information attached to the state Scholarship Board, the wife was a Public Relations Officer attached to the state Judicial Service Commission. According to an eyewitness, the deceased were very unlucky as their car, which was driven by Rotimi, said to be in his late 40s, had one of its tyres burst while on motion and skidded off to the other side of the road where a trailer, already on a high speed and heading towards Ibadan, rammed into them, crushing the car and the occupants. As a result of the impact, their bodies were shattered. The dismembered bodies were later taken to the Ogere office of the Federal Road Safety Corps, where their relatives were contacted. It was gathered that the remains of the couple, who had been married for 13 years without a child, were buried side by side amid tears at their Mowe residence Colleagues from the Lagos state government secretariat, who were present at the burial,

described the couple as very nice, loving, caring and dedicated staff while alive A source, who pleaded anonymity, said Toyin was three months pregnant before the unfortunate incident. This is a very sad situation, after waiting for thirteen years, just when they were now expecting a child, they died. However, the Lagos Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by its Chairman, Mr. Deji Elumoye, has paid a condolence visit to Lagos Information Chapel of the union at the Ministry of Information and Strategy over the death of the couple While expressing regrets over the death of the two members, Elumoye stated that he was satisfied with testimonies of colleagues of the

deceased couple which indicated that they lived good lives worthy of emulation. He urged colleagues of the deceased to rededicate themselves to duty and impact positively on the lives of the people around them, noting that death is an inevitable end for all. The chairman also prayed to God that such calamities would not befall members of the union again. Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mrs. Ronke Osho, noted that it was consoling that people outside the ministry shared in the pains arising from the loss of the couple Most colleagues were short of words but described the couple as very loving, dutiful and easy going fellows. The colleagues are still wondering how could death dealt a big blow on the family, relatives and state civil service by taking them away at their prime.

Gov. Obi with students of Abbot Girls Secondary School, Ihiala, when he visited the school yesterday.

Cynthia Osokogu: Witness issued used receipt to Ezike Olisaeloka BY ONOZURE DANIA

prosecution witness Vivian Amunike, yesterday, told an Ikeja High Court that she issued

Oil businessman Ubah welcomes court judgment, says rivals instigated petition after what was described as presidential committee on BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

IL businessman Ifeanyi Ubah has welcomed last Monday’s court order restraining the police from prosecuting or arresting him on the basis of the report of the

verification of oil subsidy payments. In a statement yesterday, Ubah Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil and Gas Limited expressed hope that the judgment would give the company the opportunity to rebuild and focus on its objectives

Man, 45, arrested for allegedly raping 12-years old girl

45 years old man Taofeek Kolawole was yesterday, nabbed for allegedly having a canal knowlege of a 12 years old girl (name witheld) in his house in Abeokuta. Saturday Vanguard’s checks revealed that, Kolawole who was a security guard with a Chinese Company lured the primary six pupil with a mobile phone when she came into his house to fetch water. It was further learnt that,the girl had entered the house located at Kemta Housing Estate idi-

Aba to fetch water where the suspect was working as a guard before she was locked up by the man and was allegedly raped . Nemesis however caught up with the man when the mother of the girl traced her daughter to the place after her unsusal long stay. It was learnt that the mother of the girl was shocked when she saw the bucket outside the house while door to the house was under lock and key and the guard was also nowhere to be found.

a trying time. Ubah had last Monday secured a perpetual injunction from a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos which also awarded N10 million damages in his favour and against the police for detaining him on the basis of the report of the presidential committee. In his reaction issued by his company, Capital Oil and Gas Limited yesterday, Ubah expressed regret that some political and business rivals had sought to use his troubles to get the advantage over him in the political and business arena. “The general public may recall that various media were awash with all forms of baseless allegations against the company of collecting subsidy payments without importing or discharging any fuel. The smear campaign was so bad that the company was even labeled an ’oil thief’ even when no judicial pronouncement had been made in that regard.”

a used receipt to Ezike Olisaeloka, who is the second defendant, at the resumed hearing of the trial of the four men who allegedly murdered Cynthia Osokogu, a Nasarawa born lady they met through the social network, facebook. Vivian Amunike, a receptionist at Cosmila hotel and suits where Cynthia was allegedly killed,led in evidence by the prosecution counsel Attorney general and commissioner for justice of Lagos state Mr Ade Ipaye, she told the court how the first two defendants, who brought the lady to the hotel checked in to the hotel. She said that on the day of the incident, she got to work around 7:40am and her colleague, Ifenyinwa Njegbu, did the normal handover, but that while she was handling over, she saw a couple going out and Ifenyinwa informed her that it was an early check.”If you check in very early in the morning after 12am is referred to as early morning check.” She said Ifenyinwa handed over to her and told her the number of people they checked in previously and how many nights they paid

for. But that this particular early morning check of room C1 royal executive, was to expire by 12pm Sunday 21 of July 2012. Amunike said that nothing spectacular happened that day until night around 9:30 to 10pm, when two men came in on 21,of July 2012, describing the first defendant to the court Okwumo Nwabufo, who wore a check shirt as fair and short and the second

S. A. Twins Passes On

HE family of Rahman Twins from Epe-Bado, Epe and 30 Lawson Street, Lagos, announces the passing on of Saliu Ayodele Twins at 3. a.m.. on February 20, 2013. He was buried on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 in the UK, according to Islamic rites. There will be prayers at his residence, 48 Johnson Street, Surulere, Lagos on Friday, Febr uary 22, 2013 at 3 p.m. In his life time, he was a Senior Partner at DeloitteAdetona Isichei & Co, Director, Eko International Bank now Skye Bank and Director of NLPC Pension Fund Administration Limited.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

Goodluck Jonathan

2015: Furore over Jonathan’s eligibility to run that office under this constitution took the oath of Allegiance and Oath of office or would, but for his death, have taken such oaths. (3)If the federation is at war in which the territory of Nigeria is physically involved and the president considers that it is not practicable to hold elections, the National Assembly may by resolution extend the period of four years mentioned in subsection (2) of this section from time to time, but no such extension shall exceed a period of six months at any one time. As regards Disqualification – 137 (1)A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of president if (a)Subject to the provisions of section 28 of this constitution, he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or, except in such cases as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, he has made a declaration of allegiance to such other country; or (b)he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections, or...... However, the PDP seemed to have thrown its weight behind perceived President Jonathan’s re-nomination to run on the ticket of the ruling party in the 2015 race. Yet, Governor Aliyu’s claim of an agreement limiting Jonathan to a single term can not be substantiated for now as no one, even the other governors, have not come out to acknowledge existence of

the pact. Either Aliyu is keeping it tightly to his chest waiting for the most appropriate time for release or could be mere consultation or discussion of understanding between two parties, a moral code, without legal force or identity. Political analysts who spoke with Saturday Vanguard argued that the governors have not debunked the claim

OVERNOR Babangida Aliyu’s recent revelation that President Goodluck Jonathan signed an agreement with PDP and state governors to serve only a single 4-year term was like opening pandora’s box – now creating unexpected confusion and problems over the incumbent’s eligibility to run in 2015 for second term. Based on this agreement, (yet to be seen and substantiated), Aliyu insisted that the purported bid of President Jonathan to contest in 2015 should be seen as mere speculation. He recalled, during a radio programme, that at the time Jonathan was about to declare for 2011 presidential election, all the PDP governors were brought together to ensure that they were all in the same frame of mind. That given the circumstances of the death of President Umaru Yar ’Adua and the zoning arrangement of the PDP, it was expected that the North was to produce the president for a given number of years. It was then agreed that Goodluck Jonathan will serve only one term of four years and so the governors signed the agreement. Aliu stated that since President Jonathan has not declared a second term ambition, “so it’s all speculation based on those who are benefitting from the campaign.” Apparently hitting back at the Niger state governor who had foreclosed Jonathan’s hidden intention to contest 2015, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the president, cautioned that it would amount to violation of the constitution as President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure began in May 2011 to end in 2015 and so eligible for reelection in 2015. Gulak argued that it’s only the president himself who can decide whether to run or not to run in 2015 and therefore can not be intimidated. A cursory look at the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chapter VI The Executive. As regards Tenure of Office of President, it was stipulated under 135 (2) subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the president shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the date, when – (a) in the case of a person first elected as president under this constitution, he took the oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office; and (b)in any other case, the person last elected to

Junaid Mohammed in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja recently, he said the controversy over the one-term pact signed by Jonathan was unnecessary as the president was not qualified to seek reelection in 2015, advising him and his advisers to seek judicial interpretation of his tenure rather than engage in banal war over 2015 which he was yet to make up his mind.

Our leaders should be contesting among themselves on who can best provide welfare and development for the nation, reduce poverty, hunger and disease; not just about who becomes president without delivering dividends of democracy to the people

nor affirmed so as not to overheat an already heated polity. “You can see that most of the governors are not fully loyal or supportive of the president. They have one or two grievances with Jonathan over funds not adequately coming from the federal government. The governors are not happy but cannot come out in the open to show their grudge,” a political science teacher in one of the universities submitted. According to a former legislator of northern stock,

He frowned at people who made promises and cannot abide by such promises. For President Jonathan himself, it seemed as if he has made a u-turn, considering that during the 2011 electioneering campaigns, he reportedly told the electorate that he intended to run for a term. Even former Presidnet Olusegun Obasanjo supported him based on single tenure. But today, things have dramatically changed. Jonathan had contended that he was capable of seeking re-

election in 2015. Many ordinary Nigerians who spoke on the matter with Saturday Vanguard want him to stick to his one-term promise to ensure a peaceful democratic change of leadership in 2015. A secondary school teacher, Patience Omawunmi said 2015 must not be crisis-torn if this nation is anxious to successfully tackle the insecurity situation that has gripped our nation since the Jonathan presidency. “Nigerians will decide come 2015. PDP is not the only political party in this country. There are other parties who can field their own candidates and run in the presidential election. If PDP still wants Jonathan to contest, it is left for the party to decide. The electorate will make the final choice”, Omawunmi affirmed. An engineer, Stephen Amedu wondered why our leaders are only interested in the next election and not achieving developmental goals. “They are always thinking about who becomes the next president or Governor. They are not thinking about how jobs can be provided for unemployed masses, what number of roads have been constructed, housing units built, good hospitals and standard educational institutions provided, water and electricity not interrupted, availability of food, peace, justice and security assured. “Our leaders should be contesting among themselves who can best provide welfare

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—11

2015: Jonathan is interested — Sen Kanti Bello North is not prepared — Shettima Yerima ...says merger will not work

Shettima Yerima

Kanti Bello

There is suspicion between the two religions and it is also arousing ethnic sentiments. Recent happenings have clearly demostrated that we are not united. These are what we are looking at right now and that is our priority, not power.

ECENTLY, when the posters of President Jonathan took over the streets of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), many people began to draw conclusions on the impending interest of the President to run in 2015. Although the President distanced himself from the posters, but said those pasting them are only exercising their rights. With other permutations going on, the opposition parties have also stepped up activities with the on-going moves to actualise a merger which pundits believe is only a figment of the conveners’ imagination. Whether real or imagined, the rhythmic dance of the President even before the 2011 election may have been giving the opposition a nightmare and so, decided to smoothen the edges of their political weapons to challenge the President in case he declares his interest to run. Some of the party-men from northern extraction believe the President will stand in the 2015 election hinging their claims on what transpired at a caucus meeting sometimes in 2010. “I asked the President myself point blank that “can we have his words that by 2015, he should not run?” He did not answer the question. But I can remember people like the governor of Katsina State went ahead and issued a

communique that President Jonathan is going to do only one term. But the President did not say so.” These were the words of Senator Mahmud Kanti Bello, who represented Katsina North

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

take his words home to my people who were agitating for a northern president, he has never said he is not interested.” “But that is not the issue now. The issue is that Nigerians want to change the PDP

...the north is not prepared because we

have a lot of issues to contend with especially the issue of insecurity which has affected other parts of the country

at the upper chambers in 2003 to 2011. Giving credence to his claim that Jonathan will run in 2015, Bello said: “I can recall when we were doing the last caucus meeting before the primary elections. The order of primaries and general election were put into the Electoral Act. We had the meeting at the PDP headquarters. There and then President Jonathan was trying to garner support. The President, governors, some lawmakers, party chieftains and I were there. Then, I supported IBB because I felt he was a better candidate but when he lost, I was duty bound as a party-man to support Jonathan. But then, before supporting him, I wanted to

government. The government is not capble. There is no power, no healthcare system, our industries are completely gone, our textiles are not working, we cannot even clothe our people,” Bello stressed. He noted that any right thinking person would know that the country is sinking, adding: “for Nigeria to move forward, the government has to change. It is not also about how the north is preparing or scheming for power but how Nigerians will change their destinies.” The President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Shettima Yerima said President Jonathan cannot take oath of office three times. “After succeeding Umaru Yar’Adua

and again took aoth of office in 2011, it is not right for him to stand election in 2015,” he said. In view of this, Bello was very optimistic that the merger talks between some opposition parties will see the light of the day. He stated that since they all have a common goal to get Jonathan and PDP out of government, it will work out. “Our manifesto is to get Jonathan and PDP out of government and restore security to the country.” But Alhaji Shettima Yerima, an activist and President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has a different view. Yerima while speaking with Saturday Vanguard on the issue bluntly said: “The merger will not work. It didn’t work in the past and it will not work now. His reasons among others

were that the personalities involved are interested in power and would go their separate ways when it comes to the issue of who becomes the flag-bearer of the mega-party. “I see two different ideologies coming together to form a common front. I can predict without any doubt that the merger will not work. If you look at Buhari as a person and Tinubu as a person, you will see that they are two different people with different ideas. Even if you look at Shekarau of Kano and Buhari on the other hand, you will see that they cant work together. Every one of them is looking for power and at the end of the day, when who emerges the flag-bearer of the merger becomes the issue, you will see their true colours. Yerima said rather than learn from the past experience people still tried to live in the figment of their imgination believing any good thing will come out from the arrangement. Contrary to the views of Senator Kanti Bello, Alhaji Yerima said removing Jonathan in 2015 would not end the bad leadership in the country. “Even if you remove Jonathan, it will not end Nigeria’s problem. Which of the players is better? We know all of them. So, for me, Jonathan has not been a problem and he will not be if we have proper structure on ground. What tells you the next man coming in will not be worse, The problem of Nigeria is symptomatic,” he said. Yerima noted that the north unlike what most people think is not preparing for 2015 now. He added that the region is only concerned about how to mend fences with other groups especially their Christian brothers and the Southerners who share religious and ethnic sentiments. According to him, “the north is not prepared because we

Continues on page 12

Furore over Jonathan’s eligibility to run Continues from page 10 and development for the nation, reduce poverty, hunger and disease. Not just about who becomes president without delivering dividends of democracy to the people.” Saturday Vanguard investigation showed that the people only desire a credible, free and fair election in which their votes won’t be compromised, and be allowed to take their destiny in their hands, ensuring sovereignty of citizens and accountability of elected leaders for good governance. In a belated reaction to the one-term pact, the presidency

said President Goodluck Jonathan will not be distracted from his commitment to transform Nigeria by premature comments concerning whether or not he will seek re-election in 2015. According to presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, this is neither the time nor the season to begin electioneering or related discourse for the 2015 presidential election and so President Jonathan will not jump the gun. “He will therefore stoutly resist any disguised or open attempt to drag him into any debates, arguments or political discussions relating to the presidential election in 2015.”

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs

2015: Another loud silence from Jonathan BY JOHN BULUS

VEN though Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State had caught another jaw in the controversy surrounding President Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged intent for a second term in 2015, the number one citizen has rather chosen to concentrate on his job rather than clearing the air. Vanguard Saturday’s JOHN BULUS in this piece analyses the danger of the seeming elongated silence. “We wish to state categorically that this is neither the time nor the season to begin electioneering campaign or related discourse for the 2015 presidential elections and so, President Goodluck Jonathan will not jump the gun. Mr. President will therefore stoutly resist any disguised or open attempt to drag him into any debates, arguments or political discussions relating to a presidential election in 2015”. With these words, Dr. Doyin Okupe, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs on Wednesday dashed the hope of many Nigerians who had hoped to hear from President Jonathan in another round of provocation of thoughts on whether he entertains a two-term rule ambition in 2015. To some people, that was being smart while to others, it smacks some theatrical garb. But to Jonathan’s critics and anti Jonathan’s 2015 ambition, Okupe’s defense of his master was devoid of courtesy to Nigerians who in the first place, elected Jonathan as their President in 2011. To them, President Jonathan even though he has a duty to perform still owes Nigerian the obligations of declaring his stand on the 2015 controversy. Indeed, for months now, talks about whether the President will seek re-election in 2015 have reached a crescendo yet the President has continued to main-

tain what critical analysts referred to as “vexing silence”. In fact, more vexing is the fact that each passing day literally heralds one or two events that bring President Jonathan closer to the ring of contest. And when an opportunity presented itself for the President to line issues, he failed. Instead, chose to play politics. But there have been arguments and counter-arguments over 2015 in the past, many however believe that none has been as sensitive as the “bombshell” dropped by the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu on Sunday on the issue. Aliyu during a Radio programme “Guest of the Week”, aired on Liberty Radio 91.7, Abuja said that governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) signed pact of one term for Jonathan in 2011. And with the governor, like a gadfly provoked a thought and seeming touched some raw nerves. According to him: “I recall

that at the time he was going to declare for the 2011 election, all the PDP governors were brought together to ensure that we were all in the same frame of mind. “And I recall that some of us said that, given the circumstances of the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and given the PDP zoning arrangement, it was expected that the North was to produce the president for a given number of years. “I recall that at that discussion, it was agreed that Jonathan would serve only one term of four years and we all signed the agreement. Even when Jonathan went to Kampala , in Uganda , he also said he was going to serve a single term. “For now, President Jonathan has not declared a second term ambition and we must not be speculating based on those who are benefiting from the campaign. I think we are all gentlemen enough; so when the time comes, we will all come together

and see what is the right thing to do”. Presidency’s response According to analysts, this frontal statement is most sensitive of all issues surrounding 2015 and as such deserves either outright refutal or admission. But to the consternation of Nigerians, the Presidency, they said, played to the gallery and side-stepped the statement. Hear Okupe’s further defence on the issue. “Mr. President will therefore stoutly resist any disguised or open attempt to drag him into any debates, arguments or political discussions relating to a presidential election in 2015”. Groups gathering for Jonathan in 2015 Like the days preceding the keenly contested primary election of PDP and the presidential contest in 2011, the polity is heating up again with various interest groups initiating moves for a Jonathan’s presidency in 2015 even when the President has not categorically said he would run. Allow Jonathan enjoy his democratic rights – Dr. Frederick Fasehun, the President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). Leading a delegation of the OPC on a visit to Mr Kingsley Kuku, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Fasehun on Thursday said in Abuja that President Jonathan should be allowed to “enjoy his democratic rights” “We fought for the democracy. Democracy is a pervasive commitment and the President has his democratic rights to enjoy. I think Nigerians should allow him to enjoy his democratic rights by standing election in 2015. I agree that he should be allowed to enjoy his democratic rights. “And if Nigerians think he has brought peace. He has encouraged growth and progress, they should give him another chance to continue,” the OPC boss said. PDP women drum support for Jonathan’s presidency PDP National Woman Leader, Mrs Kema Chikwe at a presentation and launch of the PDP Women in Power calendar on Thursday in Abuja said expressed hope that President Jonathan will return to power in

‘Jonathan is interested’ Continues from page 11 have a lot of issues to contend with especially the issue of insecurity which has affected other parts of the country. Already, there is misgiving about religion in the country. There is suspicion between the two religions and it is also arousing ethnic sentiments. Recent happenings have clearly demonstrated that we are not united. These are what we are looking at right now and that is our priority. We have to unite our Christian brothers from all other parts of the country as well as the Hausa/ Fulani and not about power. This is a task that must be

done. We know that the moment there is dichotomy between us, we will begin to have problem,” he stated. Another view that cannot be withered is that of Senator Isa Kachako. Isa Kachako, a former Military Governor of Kastina State who later became a Senator agreed with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that the debate on Jonathan runs in 2015 is diversionary. Frankly, the Senator opined that Nigerians need more service delivery than the issue of Jonathan running in 2015. He advised: “You can only talk about campaigning when it is about nine months to 2015

and when it is four months to the election, you can tender your resignation. But talking about all these now amounts to betrayal of trust to the people. They should serve the people first. He lamented that instead of service delivery, politicians are concerned about power in an election coming up in another two years time. “It is unfortunate that some of these politicians knew how they got to power but they seem to have forgotten God and instead of providing the needs of the people, they are talking about 2015.” “We have very few politicians of integrity. How can people start talking about 2015 at this

2015 to give women more political positions. “We are confident that when President Jonathan returns in 2015, women would be talking about 50 per cent, no longer 35 per cent affirmative action. “As we give him unequivocal, undiluted, unreserved support and as we match with him to 2015, PDP women will reach the promise land,” Chikwe said. Jonathan /Sambo Solidarity Forum Home and Abroad (JSSFHA) In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday and jointly signed by the national President and secretary of the group, Hon. Franklin Ekong, and Mr. Idoko Hilary Nduka, the group explained President Jonathan should go for a second as president in office. “We want to call on Nigerians to join hands with this God giving leader to transform Nigeria rather than trying to engage Mr. President in uninteresting, wasteful arguments that are uncalled for. “It is our desire as a group to advise good people of Nigeria to disregard any arguments that is of personal or group interest that President Jonathan agreed to do one term,” the statement reads. We can’t be intimidated –Asari Dokubo On his facebook page, Alhaji Dokubo Asari on Thursday said that President Jonathan does not have the right to sign off the constitutional right of the people of south- south. “GEAJ does not have right to sign off the constitutional right of the people of the south-south to have to have the presidency for two terms…he cannot and no sane south southerner will allow him to do that. This is not an issue of integrity…the issue is the right of a whole region…we cannot be intimidated or cajoled to accept such perfidy”, he said. Meanwhile, as 2015 inches close, it is left to be seen whether President Jonathan will fly the flag of his party, the PDP and square up in another round of contest with whosoever that emerges the Presidential candidate from the leading opposition parties which have fused to form All Progressive Congress (APC).

stage of this administration. The security is still posing a serious challenge, and how can you do anything when the security of life and property is not guaranteed? There is palpable fear and despair in the country.” On the opposition coming together to join forces together against the ruling party in 2015, he stated that there is nothing wrong with the move. “they can come together first because they have a lot to do if they want to achieve anything meaningful. Fashioning out a constitution for themselves and other modalities for achieving their goals are some of the issues they need to talk about.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—13

Can APC stop Jonathan, PDP ? By CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR

OR the first time since the 1999 presidential elections, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP may be given a good fight at the polls if leaders of the All Progressive Congress, APC did their home work. Leaders of the APC, an amalgam of four opposition parties – Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP; Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, said they have joined forces to rescue Nigeria from the deadly grip of the PDP. The leaders said they were aware of the formidable challenge the PDP constitutes and would do the needful to surmount the hurdle. Currently, the ruling party has 22 governors, 71 senators and 211 members of the House of Representatives. If the APC merger sails through and it gets registered as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, it would have 12 governors, 32 senators and 131 Muhammadu Buhari Representatives. The figure would have been higher if other opposition parties like Labour Party, LP; Democratic Peoples there have been claims and (NCNC) and the Action Party, DPP; Accord Party, AP; counter-claims between PDP Group, AG could not stop the Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN and APC leaders over the via- Northern People’s Congress and the rival faction of APGA bility of the nascent political (NPC) because UPGA leaders association. While PDP top could not sink their ambitions were part of the merger. The LP has a governor, four shots said they were no los- and differences. In the Second senators and seven Represen- ing sleep over the issue, APC Republic, the Nigerian Peotatives. DPP has one senator, leaders said they would ple’s Party (NPP), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), People’s Accord Party has five Reps; thrash PDP at the polls. A day after the Lagos con- Redemption Party (PRP) and and PPN, one Rep. APGA has two governors, a senator and gregation, the joint merger the Great Nigerian People’s seven Reps but only one gov- committees of the parties led Party (GNPP) formed the Peoernor and two Reps are cur- by Chief Tom Ikimi announced ple’s Progressive Alliance rently part of the merger pro- the formation of the APC, (PPA) which also failed to click which 12 opposition governors against the National Party of cess. endorsed the following day in Nigeria (NPN). In 1999, the Abuja. Governors Peter Obi Alliance for Democracy (AD), How it started lthough lead (APGA) of Anambra State and which had swept the Southers of ACN, CPC and ANPP have been talking for over a year now, the merger efforts received a big boost on February 5 when 10 of the nation’s 14 opposition governors stormed Lagos and vowed to actualize the merger moves. Governor Rochas Okorocha of Segun Mimiko (Labour Party) West in earlier polls aligned Imo State, whose party was not of Ondo State are the only with All Peoples Party, APP that originally in the picture also opposition governors not in- dominated elections in the North with the intention of attended. With representa- volved in the merger. beating PDP at the presidentions from the six geo-politiPast alliances tial polls. It gave the PDP a cal zones of the country, the igeria’s political his good fight but failed to win the governors vowed to join forctory is replete with election. es to ‘rescue Nigeria’ from the failed alliances and In 2007, about 15 parties ‘iron grip’ of the ruling PDP, mergers. In the First Repubcame together and formed the which has been ruling at the centre since the return of de- lic, the United Progressive Action Congress, AC but the Grand Alliance (UPGA) con- party made little or no impact mocracy on May 29, 1999. Since the Lagos meeting, sisting mainly of the National in the presidential election. A Council for Nigerian Citizens move by ACN and CPC to join

Bola Tinubu

forces in the 2011 polls did not yield dividends.

Will merger work this time?

iven past failures, the polity has been awash with debates on whether or not the current move would stand the test of time and achieve results. Proponents of the merger said that they have the political wherewithal and public support to sink the ship of the PDP. They also boasted that they would avoid the pitfalls that derailed similar exercis-

Many people especially from my party are really disturbed. The joyful thing is that I didn’t say I quit politics. I will never quit politics as far as I am live. I only said that I will not present myself to contest but if my party members said they want me to remain in the race. I will.

es in the past. For instance, the main drivers of the process such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of ACN and veteran presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari of the CPC, have pledged to sacrifice their ambitions for APC’s collective good. Buhari is known to have always contested the presidential election on the platform of any party he joined since 2003, twice with ANPP

and once on CPC banner. Speaking on a Kaduna-based Desmin Independent Television (DITV) last weekend, Buhari said he would willingly offer himself for the next presidential race if the APC members and his supporters gave him the opportunity again, adding that only death would stop him from aspiring. However, he said APC would follow due process in selecting candidates for elective positions. His words: “Many people especially from my party are really disturbed. The joyful thing is that I didn’t say I quit politics. I will never quit politics as far as I am live. I only said that I will not present myself to contest but if my party members said they want me to remain in the race. I will. “Since I am in the new party as a member, if after consultations they included me among their aspirants, I will not reject their offer. This is what I want people to know. I want people to be patient with what we are doing now. They should allow the merger to succeed first. I am sure the new party leaders will know those that are relevant and saleable to Nigerian electorate.”

Continues on page 14

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

How far can APC go?

Governor Ibrahim Geidam

Governor Peter Obi

Attahiru Jega

Continues from page 13

Hurdles before APC

o realize their objec tive, APC leaders have to surmount some hurdles. Currently, the factional crisis in APGA is affecting the consummation of the merger with the committee battling with the issues of logo, symbol and other paraphernalia. The division in APGA has made it difficult to include APGA’s symbol in APC’s proposed symbols to avoid litigation.

APGA not part of merger – Peter Obi

overnor Peter Obi has distanced his faction of APGA from the merger. Expressing surprise and insisting that authentic leaders of APGA were not part of the merger, Obi reportedly said: “As far as APGA faithful are concerned, there is no merger because, ab initio, APGA has not even discussed such a matter not to talk of consummating the process. The governor said that he had refrained from making a spontaneous comment as a father and a leader intent on reaching out to the APGA family to know if any consensus was reached without his knowledge. His word: “I consulted widely on the matter. I called the party leadership and they said they heard it on the media. I called notable foundation members one after the other. When I got the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Bianca Ojukwu who is the wife of our late leader and hero, Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu and who from the onset was part of the entire process; she expressed outrage at the development.

“I called the only Board of Trustees member of APGA (BOT), Dr. Tim Menakaya, who said he was not aware. “I called the Nigerian Ambassador to Burundi, Odi Nwosu, who was the closest person to Dim OdumegwuOjukwu who also expressed shock. I called other notable foundation members of APGA and they expressed the same sentiments. “I also decided to call our recent notable members, namely, Sen. Chris Anyanwu; Former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili; former Ambassador and Minister of

lated in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 before they can be registered as a new party. It has to pass through the rigours of being registered as a new party. Speaking on the issue recently, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said any party that planned to contest an election must have been on INEC’s record long before the commission issues a notice on the election. “If a political party is to participate in an election, the party has to be on INEC’s register before INEC issues such notice. If a party is not on INEC’s register by

meet before they can be registered as political parties. Once they meet the conditions, they are eligible for registration.” Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution states that, “No association by whatever name called shall function as a party, unless the names and addresses of its national officers are registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission. The membership of the association is open to every citizen of Nigeria irrespective of his place of origin, circumstance of birth, sex, religion or ethnic grouping. “A copy of its constitution is registered in the principal office of the INEC in such form as may be prescribed by the INEC; any alteration in its registered constitution is also registered in the principal office of the Independent National Electoral Commission within 30 days of the making of such alteration “The name of the association, its symbol or logo does not contain any ethnic or religious connotation or give the appearance that the activities of the association are confined to a part only of the geographical area of Nigeria; and the headquarters of the association is situated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.” However, APC leaders said they would iron out grey areas in the merger talks and approach INEC for registration within two weeks. APC governors are upbeat and have raised a six-man committee to coordinate the sensitisation of Nigerians on the new merger arrangement. They also formed zonal contact committees after a meet-

“If political parties want to form a merger and they coalesce into an association, they would come to INEC with the identity of that association they have coalesced into not with their individual identities Culture and Tourism, Frank Ogbuewu; some other National Assembly members, namely, Hons. Uche Ekwunife, Eddie Mbadiwe, Chris Azubogu, Emeka Nwogbo, Victor Ogene, Cyril Egwuatu. I also called Chief Reagan Ufomba, a former governorship candidate in Abia State; Chief Chuma Nzeribe, a former House of Representatives member as well as Senatorial candidate, among other members and they all said they were not aware of the development that led to the so called merger.”

The INEC hurdle

o be able field candi dates for elections, APC has to pass the INEC registration test by meeting the conditions stipu-

the time the commission issues a notice, such political party cannot contest in that same election.” Section 25 of the Electoral Act says INEC should issue a notice of election 90 days before an election Idowu said that under Sections 222 to 225 of the 1999 Constitution, political parties cannot approach the commission for re-registration or registration as another party. “If political parties want to form a merger and they coalesce into an association, they would come to INEC with the identity of that association they have coalesced into not with their individual identities. The constitution stipulates the conditions that associations must

ing in Abuja, penultimate week. The zonal contact committees have six state governors drawn from the six geopolitical zones as coordinators. The zonal heads of the mobilisation committee include, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State (North-east), Nassarawa Governor Tanko AlMakura (North-central), Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari (North-west). Others are the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha (South-east), Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, (South-south) and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi (South-west). The meeting which was hosted by the Lagos State Gover-

nor, Babatunde Fashola, at the Lagos Lodge in Abuja, had 10 opposition party governors in attendance, including those of Ekiti, Oyo, Borno, Edo, Lagos, Osun, Imo, Ogun and Nasarawa. Addressing journalists at the end of the over three-hour meeting, the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, said the governors had expressed their support for the choice of APC as the name of the merger party. He said the new party captured the spirit and vision of the opposition coalition’s intention to redress the decay in the country. According to the communiqué, the party would focus on radical social, economic and political reformation of the country, overseeing agricultural development and providing free education, jobs, affordable health care services, power supply and poverty eradication. It said: “Given the desire of Nigerians for change, our party will undertake to facilitate radical social, economic and political reformation of the country. “Our programme priorities shall be agricultural development, job creation, free education, affordable health care, infrastructural development, adequate power supply, eradication of poverty and corruption and rapid technological development and industrialisation. “We shall pride ourselves as social democrats that are committed to organise our society based on the values of justice for all and individual freedom where everyone’s basic needs are fulfilled.” Speaking on the task before the committee, Al-Makura said they would mobilise support for APC across political, social, religious, ethnic and professional interest groups in the country. Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, who despite his party ’s objection to the merger attended the meeting, said he represented the real APGA in the merger arrangement. “Let me say emphatically that APGA is in the merger talks and we have our little challenges and we are just trying to sort out about who are the APGA-APGA and APGA PDP.” Also speaking against the background of his absence from the previous meeting of the governors, Oshiomhole dispelled fears that he was not fully behind the merger, insisting that he had always advocated the need for a credible opposition.

More cover on page 43

SATURDAY

he room tensed up; breathing momentarily seized and not a few hands flew to cover gaping mouths. This was the semi-finals of the African Nation’s Cup (AFCON),and I was watching the match against Mali with some friends. You would think, given the score-line at the time, the room would be relaxed. Unfortunately, one player called Victor Moses had just been injured … .The anxiety was therefore not because of a match we all knew —baring another ‘Miracle of Damman’ we had won. But we also knew the pivotal role Victor Moses had played in getting us to the finals and were worried that he might not be available on the final day. The anxiety we felt in the room was, judging from newspaper reports the following day, felt across the whole Nation including Kaduna where he was born and Abuja where our politicians hold sway. Three short months ago, Victor Moses was just another name, known to some Chelsea and maybe Wigan supporters. That day, he had become a key figure to the collective joy of a nation. This was the same lad, who, some 11 years ago, was orphaned and made homeless by the very people he grew up with and learnt to trust. People who burnt his parents and worldly possessions;people who would have burnt him alive if he was not lucky to be out playing football. Some of these people—because they were not apprehended— were probably applauding his skills on the field that day, and revelling in the joy he was bringing them.

a failure that they could not bring themselves to act professionally? Every elite athlete knows that it is never over until it is over in sports; that your mental strength is as important as your talent. That is why elite athletes learn to take their sport moment by moment until the game — whatever game — is over. That is why the supporting crew tries to build up fragile egos and do whatever is necessary to inspire its wards to greater heights.

he time when our officials should have suppressed their doubts and rallied around the coach was when they did everything to distract him. Now, they are laying claim to the victory. Success and its many fathers… . After the second match which we drew, I heard the coach Stephen Keshi, say at a press conference that he was satisfied with the performance of his boys and it was time to prepare for the next match. He said he would do everything possible including talking to them one by one, to motivate them for the next match. As a professional, he knew the importance of motivation and focus. He also knew the importance of not showing your doubts. One of the attributes of a man according to Rudyard Kipling is: ‘if you can trust yourself when others are doubting you but make allowance for their doubts’. Coach Keshi recognised the doubts of others but did not doubt himself. He believed his boys had ‘something’ and it was

C o a c h K e s h i recognised the doubts of others but did not d o u b t himself

would never know why Victor Moses did not turn his back on Nigeria. After all, the Nation turned its back on him. And the perpetrators of that heinous crime are still there in numbers, looting, killing and destroying dreams. That Victor ’s dream was not destroyed was not down to Nigeria or those sacred cows. It was down to providence. And now, the whole Nation, including Kaduna State, claims him as its illustrious son. Success after all has many fathers. Many critics wrote the Super Eagles off after the friendly against Cape Verde and the opening match against Burkina Faso. The few optimistic followers that remained, also gave up after the draw against Zambia and the lucky win— via penalties — against Ethiopia the ‘ whipping boy’ of the group. What we at home did not know was that our football officials had also given up on the team. By the end of the group stage, plots were being hatched to dispense with the services of the coach. The officials were already discussing about a foreign coach. We were also ‘to hear’ that they had made arrangements to leave South Africa immediately after the match against Ivory Coast. Were they so anxious to distance themselves from what they thought was C M Y K

his job to bring it out. In any case, he could not afford not to trust himself when every body was doubting because he was fighting for his professional life. The knives were out to crucify him. Now the same people shout ‘Hossanah’. Success, and its many fathers….

he President said the victory was part of his transformation agenda. Was it the denial of salaries, benefits and bonuses to the coaching crew that was transformational? Or the ‘spin’ that he would be at finals when he KNEW he would not be there? Now he claims the victory is a reflection of his agenda. Again, success and its many fathers… . There is no doubt that the nation needed the victory in view of what it has done to our psyche. But onl y one person, Steven Keshi has the right to claim the paternity of the victory. He it was who insisted on newer faces and fresher legs. He it was who insisted there would be no automatic shirts. He it was who insisted that talent was not enough. You had to be committed; you had to be a team player. You had to want victory badly and be able to fight for it; sacrifice even for it.

Something good is happening (IV) ith the Almighty change in the physical. strange God but prefer to W God, who is the However, God had started burn in the fire of man King of Glory, doing something good in than in the fire of God. As something Good is always happening. It may appear to man as though all is lost but when God is involved you can be assured that something good will come out of it. God’s works are always excellent and marvelous. He that began a good work is always faithful to complete it. God never starts a project without completing it. Remember how He told Satan in the book of Genesis that the seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent. Did He complete it? Of course He did. God made sure that He protected, guarded that statement until the seed (Jesus), came into existence and bruised the head of the serpent, and gave us absolute victory. There was this sister whom while in the world (not born again) so much enjoyed herself and ended up destroying her womb due to abortions. This sister heard about Jesus and gave her life to Jesus. She became committed to the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then a young Christian brother approached her for marriage. Before she accepted, she told the man about her womb and the young man said it didn’t matter because God can put in her a new womb supernaturally. So they got married and started trusting God for a child. Daily they spoke to the body of the sister but without any O

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Don’t turn away from God. That is just what the devil wants you to do, but listen to me, Satan is already a defeated foe and he remains so forever. God will not save you and leave you at the mercy of the devil. He will surely bring you to the place of rest, peace, joy and triumph. He always does. This is why He is God. Remember the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel chapter 3. These boys refused to bow to a N

It may appear to man as though all is lost but when God is involved you can be assured that something good will come out of it

the life of the sister through the words of God they daily declared over the sister. Not quite long after, the miracle working God did the unthinkable. The sister became pregnant and had a wonderful baby. Doctors could not explain it, but it happened. This is why if you are a child of God, no matter your past, know that God is doing something good for you if you have repented. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t give up. Don’t surrender.

The many fathers of success

Vanguard , FEBRUARY 23, 2013—15

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a result of their decision, king Nebuchadnezar was so angry that he decided to increase the heat of the fire seven times more than normal. I am sure that at this point in time, everyone present would be urging the Hebrew boys to change their mind and bow and go to God for forgiveness (this is what most of us do) but these boys instead said (vs 16-18) “0 Nebuchadnezar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, 0 king. But if not, be it known unto thee, 0 king, that we will not serve the gods nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up”. While this was going on, the people must have felt pity for the boys not knowing that something good was already happening. The bible says that when the three Hebrew boys were thrown into the fire, the boys were not burnt because in that fire, was a fourth man that provided air conditioning service that made it impossible for the fire to consume the boys. Now hear the words of the king who taught he had all power. “Vs 24:6-25 - Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They said unto the king, true, 0 king. He answered and said, lo, i see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt: And the form of the fourth is like the son of God”. No case, no man, no problem is too big for God to handle. If you are walking with God, then know that something good is happening to you. Jesus cares so much about you that He cannot leave you alone. He wants you to live a Triumphant Life. Do you want to experience fulfillment of promises of God in your life? The starting point is you receiving Jesus Christ in your life as Lord and Saviour, if you have not already done so.

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407. Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , FEBRUARY 23, 2013

he forthcoming Police Games recalls the role of the police force in our sports development. It also brings to mind the sterling contribution of various civil service sports units and various sports clubs sponsored by the private sector to our sports consciousness and progress. The way it used to be was that we had several clubs in the various branches of sports like football, cricket, table tennis, boxing, and even swimming. The clubs had their own championships at various levels, followed by the grand festival known for short as the “All Nigeria”. It could be the “AllNigeria” Police Athletics, or of the UAC (United Africa Company), or some other sport club. At the end of the season would then come the grand “All-Nigeria” athletics or hockey, or whatever in which all the clubs would compete against one another, their representatives having been drawn from their internal contests. Among the various national club competitions in athletics, the All-Nigeria Police was by far the grandest. It was held at the Obalende Sports Grounds in the early days, but was then moved to the Police Training College, Ikeja— which was recently in the news for unsavury reasons. Among the competitors were several national stars and record-holders, who represented Nigeria in international competitions. Since they came to the Capital, which Lagos then was, for the occasion, they attracted a lot of spectators. Only the Grier Cup, which was then the “All Nigeria” for Secondary Schools, was given any attention near the * All-Nigeria Police”.

hose stars of the late forties and early fifties included Joseph Adeola, who earned the nickname of “The Flying Policeman”, from none other than Nnamdi Azikiwe in the former President’s sportswriting days. There were other sprinters like Titus Obi who combined his fast and furious “furlong” with a feisty 120-yard hurdles. Then there was Olotu scraping the skies in the Pole Vault, while Sam Igun held sway in all the jumps — high, flat and the step, hop and jump. The arena took on a new sheen with the entry of the UAC into serious sports. They soon organized a formidable team which gave Adeola and his cops a run for their money. They

*up police *bye headmaster Commomweath Games medal, and AK. Amu, “Baby” Akraka and Vincent Gabriel, all of who represented Nigeria at one international sports competition or the other, after passing through the tests and trials of the “AllNigeria”. Those annual events truly enriched the development of our sports from the enthusiasm of the organizers coupled with the quality of the competition. The competitors were usually rivals who had met one another on former occasions during the year, leading to that grand finale. Varied as the antecedents were, it was undoubtedly the police force which provided the mainstay and served as a model for the congregation of athletes. But that was not a unique phenomenon.Our West African sister-country, Ghana (then Gold Coast) also had a preponderance of their athletes from the police cadre. In fact, throughout the world at that time, the strict amateur rules were also bent in countries like the Soviet Union and the United States, which hid the professional status of their athletes under the cover of the military or the

In Nigeria, we had policemen who were employed and openly promoted for their prowess in sports

were led by “Ar row ” Arogundade ably supported by Jimi Omagbemi, a product and pride of the CMS Grammar School, Lagos. These were former Grier Cup “graduates”, and the Prisons Athletic Club then grew out of the enthusiasm, experience and expertise of another of them, the venerable K.AB. Olowu, who was Omagbemi’ s senior at school. He was one of the first Nigerians to be trained at the Loughborough College in England, and one of the first Nigerian Olympians. Along with him was Majekodunmi, who was the first Nigerian to win a

academia. In Russia, they employed sportsmen as military men and paid them wages as such, whereas the so-called “soldiers” did nothing but sports. In the United States, the promising and champion athletes were covered by the umbrella of “scholarships” which amounted to lavish salaries. In Nigeria, we had policemen who were employed and openly promoted for their prowess in sports. The amateur rules declared that no one should be employed or earn emoluments through

stars to stay at home anyway, so that we would be able to guide the progress of our sports development in a systemic manner. We cannot do that under the canopy of a “festival”, a carnival to which the National Sports Festival has degenerated. It had no other way to go from the manner in which the organization was conducted, than in the path of a jamboree. That is the pattern which the Police Games too will have to follow, as different from the old glorious way directed by a sterling desire to promote and develop sports.

•IGP,M.D Abubakar sports. But thanks to our police force, we too were able to surmount such difficulties. Unfortunately, the rules became defunct before we could take full advantage of them, but the awareness of the importance of sports both in the well-being of the citizenry and the pride and place of a people in the comity of nations had been fully established.

he introduction of the National Sports Festival, following the success of the Second AllAfrica Games, practically blanked out the normal annual national events in different sports categories, especially in athletics. In fact, it virtually removed a lot from the importance of the individual branches of sports, except in the case of football. Though we recently came on top •Justus Esiri of Africa in football, that took us almost two decades to achieve. The enthusiasm for the game has been shifted to foreign teams in those parts of the world where there are worthwhile competitions featuring, in a painful paradox, so many of our own players. The National Sports Festival did not, at one time, welcome any participation of our sportsmen plying their trade away from the country, but then admitted them again. That left our top sportsmen disillusioned and discontented over a period of time. I have now lost track of the situation but, whatever it is, that festival has blunted the edge of our sports development in no uncertain manner. It is surprising that those who are in charge of sports could not think of a way to make our sports

owever, the Police Games can lead in the way to a return to the purposeful approach of the past. Before the National Sports Festival acquired the status of a mere “shindig” with the proliferation of states within the federation, we had suggested a practicable method of restructuring the organization so that the gains of the competition might be profitable. It was in the line of strengthening a series of competitions for each individual discipline in three tiers - at the state, the zonal and the national levels. That would have made it possible to keep track of talents that showed some promise, and grant them encouragement and opportunities for improvement. It would also serve to keep them at home with the provision of adequate emoluments. For instance, the late Sunday Bada, of fragrant memory, was able to serve this nation magnificently without recourse to living abroad, though more could probably still be done to encourage others to enrich the growth of sports by their remaining in Nigeria.

he Police used to be the leader in this country ’s sports. The InspectorGeneral, Mohammed Abubakar, an old colleague in the higher echelons of sports administration, is indeed well-positioned to restore the reins of sports development to his foice at this time.

Justus Esiri seldom spoke about himself. In fact, he really never did. That means he was not conceited. Yet he had so much to be vain about. He always seemed to feel that several others were into efforts greater than or, at least, at par with what he was about. Yet he knew his craft and appreciated quality. What it all amounted to was a winsome modesty very rare among actors of his class, and uncommon in professionals of his laudable attainments. His delivery of the role of “The Village Headmaster ’ was a palpitating mix of the urbane and the rustic, in a charming package that established firm control over selfconfidence, and made it all real. That is the acme of thespian proficiency, And so all, all, is gone, Lost like the sun, When day is done. God grant him eternal rest. Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 17

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18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

My guy goes to strip joints Aunty Julie, I’m in a dilemma over my husband’s lifestyle. How do I tell him that talking about going to topless bars bothers and hurts me? My husband of six years keeps talking lately about going to these places and it hurts my feelings very much that I cry. I know it is man’s nature to admire women but I feel these places are for guys that have no respect for themselves or their mates. We have a good sex life and get along great. He thinks he’s teasing me but it really hurts to hear him talk this way. I would never do it to him, to go to a male strip bar. What can you tell me to say to turn him

away from these thoughts? Philomena, Lagos Dear Philomena, The line between good hearted teasing and hurting the feelings of a partner can be difficult to negotiate. Discussing this with your partner in an open and honest way may assist you in resolving this dilemma. It may be best to pick a time when you are both relaxed and not distracted, and to start out on a positive note, rather than with what bothers you. Try to remain calm and allow for a conversation to take place. It is unclear from your question whether your partner is actually going to topless bars

or if he is only talking to you about wanting to go. Some women do not want their partners to go to topless bars or strip joints, while others don’t mind it if they’ve set ground rules together before hand. Some couples even go to strip clubs together. Since you are currently pleased with your sex life and relationship, would you ever consider incorporating his interest in topless bars into your mutual sex life? Perhaps explore mutual fantasies if your husband wants to continue talking about topless bars or visiting one together? Being honest is important. Your husband should know how upset his teasing is making you, but he should also know why. It sounds like you’ve already come up with some things to communicate and this is a good place to start. While it may be bothersome and hurtful to find yourself in conflict with your husband regarding topless bars, being open and honest with your thoughts and feelings may help in resolving the dilemma. It might also be helpful to speak with someone about your concerns. Talking through things may help you plan out your next move.

This older guy went too far

Dear Aunty Julie, I went to a movie with this guy recently who I met through my friend and her boyfriend. He is older than me and during the movie, he was going just as far as my last boyfriend did in like three months. I mean he touched me in areas that I wanted to wait for him to touch after we had been going out for a little longer. I mean, we aren’t even going out now. And I felt intimidated by his age, because he is so much older than me. I was trying to convince myself that this is what the girls must have to do when they get to be his age. And then after the movie ended, he wasn’t even walking beside me, or anything. He was walking up ahead with my friend’s boyfriend. He kissed me good-bye when my ride came, but I realized in the car on the way home that he wasn’t pressuring me as much as I was pressuring myself to go as far as he wanted. I don’t feel too good about going that far with him when we aren’t even dating, or going steady. I feel that he might think I am a slut, or

I felt intimidated by his age, because he is so much older than me. I was trying to convince myself that this is what the girls must have to do when they get to be his age something for not stopping him, and not letting him know, that I didn’t want to go that far that night. But on the other hand, I like him a lot, and I am scared that it’ll happen to me again with him or someone else. Agnes, Lagos Dear Agnes,

Anniversary Trouble Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary. The husband yells, “When you die, I’m getting you a headstone that reads, ‘Here Lies My Wife, Cold As Ever.’” “Yeah?” she replies. “When you die, I’m getting you a headstone that reads, “Here Lies My Husband , Stiff At Last.’” Dearest Wife There was this couple from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who decided to go to Miami Beach for a few days to thaw out during one particu-

Silence does not give anybody the go-ahead to touch you sexually. “No” means no, but remaining quiet did not mean yes. What you want to do sexually, when you want to do it, and with whom you feel comfortable being intimate should always be your decisions. You do not have to do anything you don’t want to do, or that makes you feel uncomfortable. It’s important that this guy and any guy you may go out with in the future, respects you. Respect means everything from asking permission to touch, to being paid attention to when you’re on a date. It’s also important that you respect your own feelings and what makes you feel comfortable or uncomfortable. Listen to your gut.Think about how you might respond if you ever find yourself in a similar situation in the future. In future be clear and direct, assert yourself, make sure you are heard, and repeat yourself. It’s also fine to end this relationship before it even starts. You deserve to be in a relationship with someone who makes you feel good and positive, and who brings out your best out.

It’s hard to break up with him I have been going out with a guy for over a month and it’s just not working, but the problem is I don’t know how to dump him. Tracy, Port-Harcourt Dear Tracy, It’s best to recognize and deal with your relationship problems now, rather than letting them linger for too long when they can become harder to handle. Of interest however, is your choice of words. Do you want to: “Dump” your boyfriend like yesterday’s rubbish with no explanation; trash him soap opera style with a phony blackmail plot or end the relationship cordially with minimal reasoning? In a situation such as this, it is important to remember that kindness and respect are what count. Of course, you have options. You can let him know over the phone, through an e-mail, or you can see him one last time. If you choose to meet, a quiet place, rather than a restaurant or party shows caring, and allows for fewer interruptions or opportunities for humiliation or even a dramatic scene. In the end, you simply have to tell him what you mentioned in your question: “It’s just not working.” You don’t have to blame him, and you don’t have to justify yourself. Keep your message short and clear. You may be doing him a favour by breaking up that is, saving him from wasting any more time or energy in an unsatisfying relationship that just ain’t gonna work. Thinking on the bright side, you are even giving him the possibility of meeting someone new. And as you give him this option, you also give it to yourself. After the break up, it might be helpful to spend some time with friends, whether old or new.

Our love is one-sided Dear Aunty Julie, My beau behaves as if I forced him into our relationship. He was the one that made a pass at me and after a period, I accepted. He was loving and caring but just few months into the relationship, he acts as if I am the one that forced him into it. I am the one showing all the love while he has taken the backseat and it is affecting me. All the lovey-dovey we used to share has ceased to exist in the relationship and my friends have even noticed that the love is one-sided and I seem to be the person showing all the love. As if it’s not just bad enough that I’m the only one showing the love, he is not even showing reciprocation. We work in the same office and it is thoroughly embarrassing when people ask if we are no longer together. Should I leave him? Daisy, Benin Dear Daisy, Unrequited love is used when one person has strong feelings towards another that are not reciprocated. Perhaps something happened along the line that made your guy to switch off . It is possible what he is not getting what he hoped to get from the relationship or he is disappointed that you are not what he thought you are. Most people become aware of mismatched affections after they have gone into it. Unrequited love can be awkward no matter what the situation. In fact, it has ended many friendships because problems develop when one person wants to keep the relationship going and is making all the efforts while the other perhaps wants out but doesn’t know how to say it. When unrequited love develops in the workplace, it can be especially tricky. People have been known to change jobs in order to avoid this type of situation. It can often be more awkward for the person who is the subject of the affections. Although it may be nice to receive the attention at first, it can become difficult to handle and may spiral out of control.

C O C K - T A L E S larly cold winter. The airlines have crazy frequent flyer rules, and the wife ended up on a flight the day after her husband. The husband made it down to Florida and arrived at his hotel. Upon getting to his room, he decided to open his laptop and send his wife back in Minneapolis an email.Unfortunately, he didn’t notice he had mis-spelled his wife’s email address. In South Carolina, a widow had just returned from the funeral of her husband, a Methodist pastor of many years, who had been called to glory just a few

days earlier. She decided to check her e-mail because she was expecting to hear from relatives and friends. Upon reading the first e-mail, she let out a loud scream, fainted and fell to the floor. The woman’s son rushed into the room and found his mother on the floor. He glanced up at the computer screen and saw the following e-mail message: To My Loving Wife: I’ve just been checked in. Everything has been prepared for your arrival here tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then. Your Devoted Husband. P.S. Sure, it’s is hot down here.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

OPING with the break up of a relationship you thought would last for ever, especially if you’re the one dumped, could be a living nightmare. Linda, a marketing executive in her early 30s suddenly found herself at a loose end after Linus, her boyfriend of 18 months walked out on her. Two months after, what she termed nothing short of a miracle happened. “It started at a musical concert of all places”, she told me, a lot of sparkle in her eyes.”1' d gone to drown my sorrow instead of watching TV and feeling sorry for myself. I went to the concert with Babs, my best friend’s boyfriend. I’d planned to go with Buky, my friend, but she was busy and had urged Babs to go

s he held me in his arms, I felt a slight jolt. It was like all that sexual frustration had sparked and become something else. Lust! Without speaking,he ran his hands all over my back and was grabbing my bum at one stage. My hand accidentally brushed against his groin and his response was instant! How could Buky be such a fool? She had what I didn’t, a sexy man who wanted her. Wel1,if she didn’t want him, I did! “We kissed on the dance floor because the music was very romantic— all around us, lovers were doing the same thing. As the tension built up inside us” Babs asked if we could go to my

Feeling Blue? Why not borrow a friend’s partner?! place. I instantly agreed. For the first time in weeks, I didn’t feel lonely or worthless. My sex life with my ex had become so boring before we’d split. And afterwards, that fact

— and more. We later went into the shower and romped some more. Much later, now a bit sober, Babs looked really contrite. ‘We shouldn’t have done that, Linda’, he

wonderful and once again; I’d felt like a desirable woman. What I had done to my best friend barely mattered. I wasn’t worthless or unlovable after all— and I knew Babs would be feeling the same reassurance as me. That night’s passion had simply proved just how sexy we both really are... “

had haunted me. Had he found me unattractive? Had he made love to me out of pity? “Suddenly, I had to prove I was still sexy, still able to excite a man. And here was Babs, already aroused and rearing to go. It was a miracle he got us home safety as his hand was all over me while he manoeuvred the car with only one hand! We were like love-starved animals; as soon as the door to my flat was shut. We hurriedly undressed each other and hit the bed. If we were being bad, I thought wickedly, we might as well be really bad! The sex was what I expected

said seriously, ‘it was a terrible mistake.’ I felt awful. It was bad enough for me to betray my friend out of spite. But Babs still loved her and they still lived together; it wasn’t like I wanted a relationship with him. I’d simply used him to boost my self-confidence, ‘I won’t tell her’ I assured him and he looked relieved. Did he think I would be panting after him and demanding sex after a one-night shag? “After he left, I felt elated— the delicious glow of satisfaction and elation tingle through my whole body. The sex had been

didn’t know what to make of Linda’s ‘triumph’.What’s with these young women anyway? They take their pleasure wherever and with whoever takes their fancy. Marriage? If it comes up, fine, if it doesn’t they could always find the perfect ‘father of my child’. Would she bed Babs again if the opportunity rears its head?” ‘No way,’ she assured. That fling had served its purpose and now I’m once again able to find

and start having the kids you want,” I urged her, “Aunty look at you! Do I have to get married to have kids? My problem is to decide who of the two men in my life fathers my child. One is very cerebral and kind while the other one is a livewire, more of a cad really. His dad is rich and he spends the money. Should I get pregnant for him or for the cerebral one who could give me a child that could be a genius? “It’s not as if the other chap is not smart, but he hasn’t tested his brain after his first degree, which he barely scaled through. He could give me a brilliant child too— and his dad’s wealth would mean my child would be properly looked after. But what if he turns out to be irresponsible? Means I have to raise the kid all by myself…” I didn’t say a word

without her, and take me instead. “It was a lively but private concert and different types of booze and canape flowed. Babs, wasn’t feeling on top of the world either, and I let it slip how being dumped made me feel inadequate and unsexy. I mean, if 1’d repulsed my own boyfriend enough for him to dump me that unceremoniously, would any man desire me again? “Well, that’s exactly how Buky made me feel, ‘agreed Babs. I felt a bit sorry for him. Buky had told me aU about their sex life. She was bored with him. He didn’t excite her in bed any more, she said, and she was getting ready to dump him. She hated how soppy and devoted he was, but could I tell him all that? We continued drinking as we talked about our hurt feelings, our rubbish sex lives. Then a lively number came up and Babs asked me to dance.

Vanguard FEBRU ARY 23, 2013—19 FEBRUARY

Did he think I would be panting after him and demanding sex after a onenight shag?

my own man— all I needed was that “little leg-up from Babs”. Not long after Linda’s outburst, three young ladies came to a friend’s house for a natter and one of them confessed to being broody. “Then get married

because she didn’t ask for my advice. She was merely bragging, letting us know she’s had her life mapped out with or without marriage. It’s a bit scary but there are loads of her type around these days... .

Ways to im pro ve yyour our general w ell-being impro prov well-being ive yourself a general review of the day’s activities before you go to bed. “It’s the most valuable thing you can do for your emotional well-being,” says Jane. Alexander, health expert and author of The Overload Solution. Each night, before you sleep, try to think of 10 events or actions that happened during the day for which you’re grateful. They could be as simple as a visitor arriving on time, or a hug from your child. * Do a good deed: Leave a loving text on your partner’s phone, make a herbal tea for a stressed colleague or let someone off the bus before you. Researchers from University of Essex found that doing something nice, however small, can C M Y K

make you happy as well as the recipient. ‘ * Take a break: Whether it’s a foreign holiday, a weekend in your village or an afternoon shopping, experts say a break from your normal routine can do wonders for your well-being.

lutein daily can also help keep your eyes healthy. * Make Love! Yes! Yes! Yes! For a fantastic time and a great work-out, but also to stay youthful. Clinical neuro psychologist, Dr. David Weeks conducted a 10-

If you have high blood pressure, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables

* Test your eyes: Every two years is the experts advice for most people. As well as assessing sight, optometrists test for conditions such as glaucoma and even diabetes, both of which can cause blindness if left unchecked. Taking the antioxidant,

year study of thousands of men and women and found that sex within a loving relationship was key to looking and feeling younger. So what are you waiting for? * Keep an eye on your blood

pressure: It only takes a couple of minutes, it’s painless, and may save your life. It’s vital as high blood pressure contributes to heart attacks and strokes, but it’s usually symptom-free. If you have high blood pressure, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables containing potassium, which has been shown to lower blood pressure levels, or you could take a potassi~upplement. * Enjoy yourself without guilt: Doctor’s orders, “Relaxing or enjoying yourself is not selfindulgent”, says Dr. Rob Hicks, author of control your Blood Pressure. It simply means contributors to poor health, such as smoking, unhealthy diets, too much alcohol and a lack of exercise.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

People in relationships Losing control is a sign of considering the partner should not hold back the less important or inferior. expressions of romance to Frequent act of losing the other person. There is no

Mistakes that can damage a relationship J

umai thought she was having the fun of her life

when she kept attending parties all over Lagos with her female friends. Her life was always filled with what her friends were thinking or talking or doing and most of the times, there was always a party to attend and an ‘asoebi’ to buy. And she did that irrespctive of what her husband said or did. But things got to a head and her husband decided he had had it and she came back from a certain owanbe and saw her load outside the gate. People often commit mistakes. It is a common rule referring the human behaviour that people learn from mistakes. But at the same time, some mistakes, if committed may cause irreparable damage to

relationships and life itself. It is always advisable to avoid relationship mistakes as relationships are union of two people; thus a mistake committed may affect both of them. Certain mistakes may lead to unfixable

breakups and being sorry after committing a mistake may not help regain the trust and love of the person. Marriage or mutual agreement of getting into relationship is not a license to express as you feel it.

control in conversations or actions may irritate the partner and lessen the intensity of the romance between two. Talking to each other boosts the relationship and reduces possible tensions. It is helpful to communicate what a person needs from the other and what is expected. Lack of communication or ill communication is equally destructive elements in a relationship. Your communication style should be one that gives enough respect to the listener. Intimacy is inevitable in relationships especially in marriage. Do not consider sex as your favour to the partner and never deny it as a resistance or protest to him/her. When a partner is denied intimacy, he/she may feel hurt and may feel less interested in the relationship. Betterstill, you can solve all the issues by proper communication before you get into the bed and start anew with satisfying sexual activities. When somebody protests by denying the intimacy to him/her, the person may look for the sexual satisfaction in some other person and the relationship may suffer a breakup.

situation that romance is improper in marriage. In fact, romance is the most obvious expression of affection and love in a relationship. Being committed to the partner is equally important to expressing romance. Unfaithful partners are the most common reason behind divorce and breakups. If you want the relationship to proceed happily, then be committed to the partner and always maintain the trust with him/her. Never keep secrets from the partner and importantly, even if you keep secrets, your partner should not come to know that you keep secrets from him/her. Be in control of yourself.

Many people lose control easily, especially with the life partner. Marriage or mutual agreement of getting into relationship is not a license to express as you feel it. Losing control is a sign of considering the partner less important or inferior. Frequent act of losing control in conversations or actions may irritate the partner and lessen the intensity of the romance between the two.

Am I fantasizing in the wrong direction? I have always been attracted to men, and have only been with men. I am currently happily engaged to a man, and have no doubts about our relationship. However, I’ve discovered over the past couple of years, even when I was with my previous boyfriend, that I do not like porn with men in it. I like lesbian porn! And I’ve always fantasized about women (never one that I know or have seen.) It’s made me very uncomfortable, finally admitting it to myself. I do remember when I was in secondary school, there was a new girl at our school. When she got a boyfriend, I was very jealous; I just assumed it was because she was new and I didn’t have all her attention. Is this normal? Am I out of my mind!? Joy, Asaba Ans: Out of your mind? It actually sounds like you are very much in your mind, which is why you’re so aware of your fantasies, and that’s great. Fantasies serve a variety of purposes. They allow people to explore elements of their sexuality that they may not be comfortable with

or want to act out in their lives. Fantasies can also provide an exciting escape into something new, something taboo perhaps, or unacceptable to the fantasizer in their waking life. Some sex researchers assert that the brain is the central organ of sexual pleasure and a number of women report that they got their peak from fantasy alone. When fantasizing, a person engages this powerful instrument of arousal to produce whatever experiences s/he wants to imagine without the consequences of enacting them in real life. There are many factors that people consider when defining their sexual identities. These include physical, emotional, and erotic attraction towards others, dreams, fantasies, social networks, relationships, and ideal sexual orientation, among others. Fantasies can be one aspect of sexual orientation or identity, but certainly not the only or defining one. That is, having same-sex or oppositesex fantasies doesn’t necessarily mean a person is gay or straight, there is a lot more to sexual orientation. Researchers now view sexuality as a spectrum, with homosexuality on one end and heterosexuality on the other. Many people fall in the middle of this spectrum; exactly where a person falls

may shift throughout their life. Some argue that there are as many orientations as there are people, everyone defining for themselves their own rules of attraction, fantasy, and relationships. In fact, “normal” might not exist. Many sexual activities, including some we accept as normal and healthy today have been at some time considered deviant, and in other circles accepted as completely ordinary. “Sexually normal” is a subjective term, and defined by a certain culture at a certain time. To answer your question more directly: Yes! Society considers it abnormal for a woman to have fantasies about women. Other “abnormal” fantasies may include (but are not limited to) your partner having same-sex or opposite-sex fantasies, one or both of you fantasizing about having a threesome or group intimacy, fantasizing about watching your partner have intimacy with someone else, or switching partners with another couple the list goes on and on! It is not our culture and society frowns deeply at it. So, why not embrace a normal relationship with your guy.

from any part of the country aged 18-45

on 08121444610 *John, 47, male, from Edo State, Christian, based •Ikenna, 26, tall and fair, lives in Enugu in Lagos, needs a God-fearing lady of 23-35 for a and a graduate needs a mature lady from serious relationship on 0706122055 *Don Bee, 55,divorced, self-employed, wants to to hook up with a wealthy lady of 28-37 for a se- any part of Nigeria 08068817116 •Emmanuael,36, from Akwa-Ibom, meet a financially comfortable lady of 40-60 for a rious relationshipon 08074450030 based in Lagos an employed lady who is •Fada, 33, from Calabar, wants a good woman love and business relationship that would benefit well-behaved as his the wto of us on 07056719966 wife on Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want 08109870454 • Emmy 25 years, from Lagos needs an independent and sexually active lady in •Tasha, 23, fat, beautiful, busty, from Lagos on 07014332822 Do you want to be linked? •Obinna, male, from Enugu, wants a Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting Delta State, needs a to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa- relationship that can lady of 20-28 for a marital relationship tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for lead to marriage on on 08103602490 07058641454 •KC, 32, single,tall and handsome, wants C M Y K

SATURDAY

Dear Sir,

y aim for writing you is to solicit for your immediate help in solving my problem. The problem is:I can becoming fatter and having big tummy (belly). I have been doing different types of exercises, instead of reducing I am increasing. So I am confused, I don’t know what to do, hence I decided to write you. Sir, what exactly will I do, that will drastically reduce my big tummy and fatness (i.e types of exercise, food and if possible tablets to be taken). I need your advice and support to overcome this problem. I will be very grateful, if this letter is given a quick and favourable response.

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 —21

The case of a big tummy Attached is a self address envelope for your reply. Thanks and God bless for your maximum co-operation. Yours sincerely, K.O. Benin City. N.B: I don’t drink beer, and I have never taken beer or anything alcoholic. I occasionally drink crest (better lemon) and NESCAFE always. This is for your information! This is very likely the case of an sxiomorphic (natural fat) individual. But regardless of what cards nature has dealt out to you, no case is entirely hopeless. If you tend to put on weight

rather easily, one of the things you can do is to eat smaller quantities of food albeit more often. With smaller portions of food your digestion will be a lot more through and elimination more efficient.

Of course, you might have to overhaul the eating habits, eat less fatty and susary stuff. Shore-up on fibre to add bulk for satiety while achieving an overall lower calorific intake. You should eat lots of whatever fruits that are in season that you love without overeating them. Fruits digest very quickly leaving you with more energy for m o r e enthusiastic living. T o overcome t h e burden

of overweight you’re going to have to be committed. Want of seal will be your undoing; While tenacity of purpose will bring you results. On the exercise front there are various postures to help give you a slimmer waistline. Below are a few. The Rocking Technique: Sitting on your exercise mat with legs outstretched infront of you, draw up the knees and place the hands at the back of each knee. Now, slightly titting back and raise both legs off the floor and thrust them forwards and draw them backwards without scraping the heels on the floor. Keep this forward and backward motions of the legs continuous. In the beginning it will be a bit of a job keeping the rhythm going but practice will make you perfect in its execution. Leg and Trunk Raise Technique: Lying flat on your back interwine the fingers at the back of the neck. Keep the elbows spread out.

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

er collaboration with UK high street brand, River Island was one of the most anticipated shows of the week, and it met all expectations. It was everything Rihanna; a quick 9 minutes of her racy signature fashion, loud music, and cocktails. Rihanna stepped into the music scene back in 2005, and became a style icon within a few years. We know Rihanna for her pop hits just as much as we know her for her fashion. Whether she’s going for a walk in the park, or attending the Grammys, the effortless style that Rihanna has is so intriguing. She is a trendsetter and very well worthy of her own fashion line. Her first ever collection comprised of 120 pieces, and was co-designed with her

Fresh off the runway:Rihanna unveils clothing line at London Fashion Week costume designer Adam Selman. The River Island collection featured a good share of the styles we have seen on the singer recently, like skin baring crop tops, and maxi dresses with thigh high slits. Most of the outfits were satin, jersey, denim, and sheer fabrics that were predominantly black. The collaboration between Rihanna and River Island which the British press has reported she

op superstar Rihanna made a splash during the London Fashion Week as she debuted her first ever clothing line in collaboration with River Island, this past Saturday, February 15. London Fashion week is an apparel trade show held in London every year which attracts big name brands, and also some newcomers. Organized by the British Fashion Council, the London Fashion Week is one of the “Big Four” fashion weeks, along with New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion week. As this year’s shows wrapped Tuesday, top luxury brands such as Burberry, Tom Ford and Vivienne Westwood all delivered their collections in typically elegant style. However, all the buzz was about one designer; RIHANNA! The singer turned designer stole the show, and put her stamp on London Fashion week with a rare catwalk show, and some of the most risqué pieces to hit the runways the entire week.

The fashion show just like the clothes was very Rihanna

is being paid $1.2 million went without a glitch. The fashion show just like the clothes was very Rihanna. She opted out of the traditional runway for a concert like stage with her models strutting to loud Hip Hop music blaring. At the end of the showcase the singer

to an end there is no denying that Rihanna fans are sure to love her debut designs. However, the line has received mixed reviews from fashion critics. While some have praised the new designer for sticking to her personal style, a review by the Huffington Post called the entire line “a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.” MTV style’s ChrissyMahlmeister said in her review, “we’re totally onboard with her comfy girly-yetgrunge pieces,” and Elle UK’s Emma Sells said the singer didn’t disappoint. This line undoubtedly is designed for her young fans that follow her in millions on twitter, and the thousands who pack her concerts. They love Rihanna’s “good girl gone bad” image, that’s her brand and it’s what her young fans buy into. Many celebrities develop a fashion line and vow to design clothes that they will wear, but never deliver. Looking at Rihanna’s collection one can see her personality all over it.

•Rihanna & Adam Selman emerged from under the stage in a black jersey knit dress from her collection to take a bow. Speaking to reporters at the event, Rihanna said, “My first fashion week in London is my show. That’s amazing.” As the London Fashion Week comes

hile fashion critics are busy lashing out at the contents of Rihanna’s collection, she will have the clothes flying off the racks. Her target audience is young, and River Island will definitely see fans pouring in trying to get a piece of the singer. If you are interested in wearing Rihanna for River Island you should start doing your crunches, triceps dips and squats now or whatever you need to do to fit in these clothes. The collection of clothing and accessories will launch internationally at River Island stores online on March 5.

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Gbenga Adeyinka gears up for Laffmatazz A

Paul Play drags MTN, Ultima to court R

nB crooner, Paul Play Dairo has dragged mobile telecommunications giant, MTN and Ultima Limited to court for the unlawful use of his smash song, “Angel of my life” in the popular reality TV show, MTN Project Fame West Africa. The music star was faraway in the United States of America last year when the song was used without proper licensing. Speaking on the matter, Paul Play confirmed that his management was hiring the legal services of Festus Keyamo chambers to serve both organisations the suit. “Yes, it is very true that I am suing MTN and Ultima Limited for the unlawful use of my song. I have contacted my lawyers and they are on it” he said. According to reports, the Rn B crooner is demanding a huge sum of N500 million as compensation from both organisation. Meanwhile, in a reaction posted online, Ultima Limited (Ultima) which has produced the reality show for the last five years, claimed that it has annually made the statutory payments due and required for the use of musical works for both local and international artistes used on the Project Fame show. “In the first two years, Ultima paid the Performing and Mechanical Rights Society Ltd/Gte (PMRS) – which was the government approved collecting agency at the time, for all musical works that Ultima used; and from the third year when PMRS became Copyrights Society of Nigeria (COSON), Ultima paid COSON for all the songs used in those years. For the past five seasons of Project Fame therefore, Ultima has annually made the statutory payments due and required for the use of musical works for both local and international artistes used on the Project Fame show. Ultima duly paid

COSON for use of such music and as such if Paul Play has any issue with payment of royalties for the use of his musical works, it should be worked out with COSON and not Ultima nor MTN,” Ultima management stated.

HEAD of hosting this year’s edition of his popular premium comedy brand, Laffmatazz with Gbenga and Friends come Easter Sunday, March 31, Ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka has released the names of top artistes lined up to set the ancient city of Ibadan on fire. Among the artistes are HKN star, Davido, Capital Femi, Dammy Krane, LKT, Skales, May D, Jaywon, Seriki, Seyi Shay, Kayefi, Isaac Geralds, SB Live Band with DJs Van Vicki and Sexy on the wheel of steel. The event will not be about music alone as the crème de la crème of the comedy industry will hit the stage the same day. Stars such as Funke Akindele, Seyi Law, Omo Baba number 1, Owen Gee, Lepacious Bose, Baba Gboin, Bash, Laffup, Obama, Peteru, Shete and Eteye will be on hand to thrill the audience. Adeyinka unveiled the artistes recently while rolling out loads of events slated for this year. The concert billed to hold at the popular Jogor Centre in the heart of Ibadan is endorsed by the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi. According to him, the concert which promises to be an experience of lifetime will feature the best of music, comedy and dance. At the event, the comedy merchant dropped the alias CFR (Comedian of the Federal Republic) for GCON (Grand Comedian of Nigeria), saying “I deserve to be addressed as GCON.’ “I’m the only comedian who has performed in all the state of the federation. I have featured in some international shows in Ghana, Liberia, Serr-leone and other African countries.” •Gbenga Adeyinka

Goldie’s death generating too many dramas — Manager BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI TV personality, and bosom friend of late Goldie Harvey, Denrele Edun is still mourning the demise of his friend and pal, Goldie Harvey. Denrele reportedly witnessed the sudden demise of Goldie at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos, last Thursday. Since her demise, former Sound City VJ has been out of reach as he has permanently switched off his cell phones in honour of his departed friend. Showtime however contacted him on the telephone during the week. But unlike Denrele, he declined comment on the death of his close friend and pal. “I don’t want to answer any question please,” he snapped. All attempt by showtime to get his comment on Goldie’s last moments on earth met a brick wall, as he suddenly handed over the cell-phone

to the late songstress’ manager who muttered, “Right now, we don’t want to say anything at the moment because there are too many dramas already, and journalists won’t allow us rest.” Asked why the decision to keep mum on Goldie’s death, the singer ’s late manager replied; “We don’t want anymore drama about her demise. Her family members would appreciate it, if you all allow things to be. Already, a lot of stories have gone viral on the internet and newspapers.” However, before her sudden demise, Goldie and Denrele had planned to debut with own reality TV show this February called - Goldie and Denrele: True Friendship. The show, which is being produced by Tee Jay Star, is

about two friends in the volatile Naija entertainment industr y, and how they supported each other, had disagreements, their quiet moments, and their day to day struggles. They had already shot some episodes. Beside this, Goldie was also billed to make a special appearance on the set of Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin.Her death has generated a lot of controversies. First, the uploading of their wedding pictures online by her Malaysian based husband, Andrew Harvey, the emergency of a woman who accused the late songstress of snatching her husband from her and of course, the Kenyan rapper and former BBA housemate, Prezzo who has been accused of causing the bereaved family a lot of pain.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 23

J. Martins is living the “Good Life” BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

ultiple award-winning producer, singer and songwriter J Martins continues with his dream run as he releases another gem titled Good Life. A follow-up to his internationally acclaimed Good Time which saw him sweep multiple awards across the continent, Good Life boasts a pan-African sound which the world has come to love. On this song, J Martins shows creative genius by putting to great use classic samples from the ‘Les Garagistes’ of Ivory Coast The song is a stimulant for divine appreciation is such that provokes the will to thank God ultimately for the grace of life. Delivered in smooth English and pidgin rhythm, J Martins remarks, “We all go through different travails, but the fact that the grace of life is still available to you, it means you have a Good Life.” A reflection on the richness of the African

culture smoothly melded with equally smooth lyrics and vocals make Good Life a timeless beauty for that will ensure that J Martins stays around for a very long time. Good Life video will be

produced by Film Factory. To also regale you with some of his strides, Don Family Records owned by J. Martins has four artistes on the label,

pride of place despite his long absence from the scene has said that the song, “Ijo Wa”, is the song to beat. With Aje Film Works as the producer of the video, Kupa said that the video will define how musical videos are done in the part of the world when it finally goes on in the next couple of weeks. The reggae star who spoke to us at one of his location sites somewhere in Ikeja.

By AYO ONIKOYI

“Nowadays, it is not just enough to do a good song(s) and go to sleep. No, it must be accompanied with good, short film like musical video the kind of thing the late Michael Jackson ruled the world with in his days. I am coming out with a video that will compel my fans to go for the brand new CD. “You know that I had been off the scene for a while but that does not mean that I am

rusty. That is what I want to tell the musical with my new songs and video. My video will arrest the attention of my fans,” Kupa who has won all the awards that was there to be won when he first hit the scene in 1988 on Sol Records label. Now on his own label, Groove Tyme Records, Kupa’s latest single is already a delight of on air personalities who are giving it the maximum rotation it deserves.

Delta PMAN berated over alleged introduction of multiple performance permits BY FESTUS AHON

•Kupa Victory’

social crusader, Mr Clement Unior has berated the Comrade Emma Grey led executive of the Delta State chapter of Performing Musicians Employee Association of Nigeria, PMAN, over alleged introduction of multiple performance permits and increment of registration fee for old members from N1,000 to N10,000. Unior, in a statement

Shank signs with Quay Productions HANK,the musical act making wave across the continent in the recent times has signed with one of the biggest publicists across Africa, Quay Production. The marriage between the artiste and the image-making firm is expected to bear fruits in promoting the image of the star, who has already carved a niche for himself not only as the star of the future but a talented mind who reels out quality music at will. Shank, who is busy presently on club tours in South Africa, promoting his new hit songs for his forthcoming album, to be released soon, has smash hits like ‘Ghetto Julie” rocking the airwaves all over Africa. His upcoming album features collaborations with top American acts and a son of a top Jamaican music legend with the videos being shot in Brazil..

Stars storm Kupa Victory’s video shoot T was a full house recently at the video shooting of Kupa Victory’s latest songs. Both the young and old musicians gathered at the Oregun location site for the shooting. Among the acts present were Pa. Fatai Rolling Dollar, Weird MC, Kaffi (the dace champion). And the reggae musician who is determined to take his

one of who is Georgee; a budding songster set to debut with his single titled, Ticket to Love. The said single features J. Marins and Phyno.

yesterday, also condemned the introduction of a “working manual” which he said was launched by every member of the association. “The introduction of the controversial performance permit to be bought by every musician for every show for N1, 000 is not unpopular but for a musician to buy a performance permit in his zone and still be expected to buy another if he leaves his zone within the State is not

only inhuman but economically destructive. “It bites hard to see these aberrations by PMAN Gov Emma Grey when he is encompassed by comrades like Ambassador Okuigbedi (State Secretary) Ambassador Lucky O, Tebite Quincy (Tisio) Zubi Enebili etc who ought to advise him on the right approach,” the statement said. According to the statement; “Emma Grey is good as a person but needs to improve

•Shank

on his leadership skill by carrying every member of the association along when taking critical decisions on issues affecting the association. Commending the State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Richard Mofe Damijo for the role they played during the inauguration of the State Executive of body, the statement urged the Governor to call the leadership of the body in the State to order.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

When people fall madly in love, their dopamine levels soar. High dopamine causes a number of reactions, among them: exhilaration and difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Your heart pounds. You lose your appetite. And you become obsessed with your object of desire all elements of falling head-over-heels in love

hen people fall in love, the intimacy is incredi ble at first. But the hotand-heavy period lasts only six to 12 months; and when it’s over, even as love and commitment deepen in lasting relationships, ironically the intimacy becomes routine, even boring. Want to reignite lost passion? You can with a little help from biochemistry. Psychologists, poets, and lyricists have suggested a myriad of answers, but for couples interested in rekindling sexual passion, the key player is dopamine, the brain chemical that both lights fire of intimacy and throws water on it. When people fall madly in love, their dopamine levels soar. High dopamine causes a number of reactions, among them: exhilaration and difficulty concentrating and sleeping. Your heart pounds. You lose your appetite. And you become obsessed with your object of desire—all elements of falling headover-heels in love. In addition, as dopamine rises, so does testosterone, the hormone that fuels sexual desire in both men and women. But over time, dopamine levels return to normal and Fourth of July’s fireworks morph into Thanksgiving’s cozy affection. However, if you tweak your dopamine, longtime couples can enjoy the heat of second honeymoons. How do you boost dopamine? In a word, novelty. Doing new things together elevates it. In one experiment, psychologists gave 28 couples questionnaires that explored their feelings for each other. Then half the couples completed a tedious task, while the others engaged in a new and exhilarating activity. Afterwards, everyone completed the questionnaire again. The couples involved in the exciting activity reported greater relationship satisfaction, and said they felt more passionately in love. Credit their noveltyinduced spike in dopamine. Here are four effective ways to boost your dopamine and break out of sexual ruts:

Do exciting new things together

This is standard relationship-enhancement advice. It’s no coincidence that weekends away are often called “romantic getaways,” or that intimacy often feels more passionate in hotel rooms. You’re in new and different surroundings. That’s exciting and romantic and it spurs the libido. Of

course, there are different grades of new. The more novel the activity, the greater the increase in dopamine. But any shared new experience can echo in the bedroom.

Laugh:

Humour is funny because the punch line is a surprise in other words, something new and unexpected. Like other novel activities, humour raises dopamine levels. Ask couples how their relationships have endured, and many credit a shared sense of humour. When humour dies, the relationship is in trouble. Maybe that’s why we call relationship movies with happy endings “romantic comedies.” See or rent some, or attend a comic play or standup comedy show.

Keep them guessing

Oscar Wilde once said, “The essence of romance is uncertainty.” An age-old strategy for winning a love is to play hard-to-get, which spurs yearning and anticipation, but delays the reward. Guess what surprises, uncertainty, and delayed gratification trigger in the brain? A surge of dopamine. Romance experts Barbara and Michael Jonas, coauthors of The Book of Love, Laughter, and Romance, urge couples to schedule regular “surprise dates.” One plans an afternoon or evening outing, but keeps it secret, telling the other only what to wear and what time to be ready. “The anticipation makes surprise dates very romantic and enriching and each person sees the other expending effort to please them, which is flattering and arousing.”

Make love

The skin-to-skin contact of lovemaking and especially climax trigger release of testosterone in men and closely related hormones in women (androgens). These, in turn, raise dopamine. To make intimacy more exciting and to inject an element of playful surprise, try something new on the way to bed or between the sheets. Make love in a different place, at a different time, and with different accoutrements: candle light, music, lingerie or professional massages beforehand. Of course, love is a mystery, but on some level, everyone seems to appreciate its biochemical basis. Perhaps that’s why, when two people fall in love, they say: “We have great chemistry.”

When she wants intimacy more than he does

hen people fall in love initially, they can’t keep their hands off each other. But six months to a year later, the hot-and-heavy period subsides and sexual frequency declines. This is no problem if both people experience the exact same decrease in libido. But typically, one person wants intimacy more often than the other, and desire differences become a sore point in many relationships. In fact, today, desire differences are a leading reasons why couples consult sex therapists. When desire differences emerge, who wants intimacy more? That’s a no-brainer, right? The man. Perhaps you’ve heard the old joke: What’s foreplay to a man married for 10 years? An hour of pleading. There are plausible biological reasons why, in general,

ERT P X E S E H ASK T

men would want more intimacy than women. Male hormones (testosterone in men and a slightly different hormone in women) fuel libido in both genders, and men have much higher levels. Studies of trans-sexuals show that when men become women and take female sex hormones, they typically report a mellowing of sexual desire, but when women become men and take testosterone, they usually say, “As a woman, I liked intimacy but didn’t feel driven to have it. Now I do.” An evolutionary argument corroborates this. The biological purpose of life is to reproduce life, to send one’s genes into future generations. Women are most likely to do this by having a few children and nurturing them until they, too, reproduce.

As I pushed inside her, she began screaming and crying. Why did this happen? Ans: She was scared and you were not gentle with I am a 20-year-old man. If I have intimacy her. It could also be due to lack of experience. Request with a married woman and ejaculate inside her to apply gel, in and around her organ opening before the act. Ask her to insert her finger first and her, will it create a problem for me? Ans: It might create several problems for you. For then yours, before proceeding further one, her husband will be after your blood. She may I got married in 1997 . I was 35 years old then. I also get pregnant with your baby. If she is now have a 14- year-old son. But my wife is infected with a disease, you might contract it too. in intercourse and I hope she doesn’t blackmail you later. Also, not interested you’ll be easily caught; neighbours are good at shouts whenever I go near her. We have intercourse about once in two months snooping. and that too after I force her to. I want to know I am 22 years old and lean. My girlfriend is if she is normal? Ans: Of course, she is normal and has a sexual 21 and healthier than I am. Two weeks ago, I had desire but unlike you, she wants love and caring to intercourse with her, but I couldn’t penetrate her.

be excited and ready. Find out her reason for not withstanding you through caring and sharing. Using force is like rape. I am 27 years old and my wife is 25. We got married three months ago and enjoy a healthy sex life. However, each time I wear a condom, I am unable to sustain my erection for long. I have no problem when I don’t. Is this normal? Ans: Think of condoms as pleasuregivers rather than as barriers. Remember, wearing a condom during intercourse can increase intercourse time. This gives greater pleasure to the partner. If the problem persists, your wife can start the oral pill after consulting a gynaecologist.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 —25

Mariah Carey’s new single ‘Almost Home’ premiered By IYABO AINA

•Maria Carey

a r i a h Carey American idol judge premieres her new single “Almost Home”, a song featured in the forthcoming flick “Oz The great and powerful “, recorded by the 42-year-old entertainer for the new Sam Raimi film, it features the powerful vocals and extensive range that Carey is best known for. According to Pop/R’n’B diva, who said the song has a message that works beautifully with the film,” and “It’s a feel good record, it gives you the feeling of reaching your home and being with people that you love.” Also , Oz’s ‘’ The Great and Powerful”, which opens on March 8,

recently concluded its star studded red carpet Los Angeles premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Its cast alone bring in big names as James Franco, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff and Mila Kunis, among others. The new fantasy adventure film, a classic tale of good versus evil, follows the m a g i c a l transformation of a circus performer into the great and powerful wizard, where Carey’s

Lady Gaga hospitalised for hip surgery

he Poker Face star scrapped the remaining date on her Born This Way Ball tour earlier this month after being diagnosed with synovitis, a severe inflammation of the joints. This week she was seen using a wheelchair - which she had named ‘Emma’ - to take the strain off her legs. And now Gaga is going under the knife in a bid to address the problem. In a post on her Twitter page today, she writes: “Going in for surgery now. “Thank you so much for sending me love and support. I will be dreaming of you.” It is thought Gaga will lose millions after canceling the gigs as insurers argue the star’s injury was her own fault

•Lady gaga in wheel chair for working too hard and scheduling too many dates. The Born This Way Ball tour began in Seoul, South Korea on April 27, 2012 and was originally due to end in Tulsa,

Oklahoma, on March 20, 2013. It is not yet known if Gaga will find a way to play new shows to make up for those that have been canceled.

Celine Dion cancels Las Vegas shows for sinus infection

inger Celine Dion has canceled a series of Las Vegas shows after developing sinusitis. The Canadian star was sick with the flu last week, but she has now developed a more serious sinus infection, prompting her to cancel this week’s Sin City performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Dion’s doctors have ordered her to rest for a week, and she

hopes to resume her residency on February 26. A statement posted on the singer’s website reads, “We regret to inform you that Celine performances Tuesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 22, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace have been canceled. After recovering from the flu last week, Celine developed a secondary infection (sinusitis) which is being treated with antibiotics and antiinflammatory medicine.

•Celine Dion

feel good track fits quite well. “Almost Home”, co-written by Carey along with Simone Porter, Justin Gray and Lindsey Ray,was said to be set for radio release on February 19, with its music video

following shortly after. Meanwhile, Carey can be seen as one of season twelve’s four judges in the hit TV reality singing competition “American Idol”, taking on the big task of finding the next big singing star she shares with “Idol” mainstay Randy Jackson, country crooner Keith Urban and her feuding co-judge Nicki Minaj.

Photo of the week :

Sonal Chauhan

onal Chauhan is an Indian fashion model, singer and actress. She has won several beauty contests and made her acting debut in the movie Jannat directed by Kunal Deshmukh She was crowned as the Miss World Tourism 2005 at Miri, Sarawak state of Malaysia.[5] She is the first Indian to have claimed Miss World Tourism title.[6] She has been a popular

model of Delhi, and has appeared in a number of advertisement campaigns in print and electronic media. She appeared in the ads of brands like Ponds and Nokia.[2] She also appeared on the cover page of FHM[citation needed] and The Man magazine.[7] She walked the ramp as show stopper for jewellery brand YS18 at the India International Jewelry Week 2011.

26— SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Seasons of good tidings for Bob-Manuel Udokwu BY AYO ONIKOYI

op Nollywood actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu is one man many people would love to meet at the moment. Just when everyone was thinking he was been dealt a raw deal by Nigerian Breweries who replaced him as the anchor of Gulder Ultimate Search with Chidi Mokeme, the gangling Ogidi

man bounced back with a bigger stake up his sleeve by clinching the juicy position of Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Creative Media to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State. That was only last week and if truly there is an ‘angle of good luck’, that angel must still be lurking around the home of the actor who during the week had another reason

to cheer. This time, it was a family affair as he and his wife celebrated 13 years of marriage. The obviously elated Bob took to the Black Berry messenger last Tuesday to express his joy: “Today is my wedding anniversary. It happened 13 years ago... we pray God to bring happiness and love into your marriage. If you are not yet married, may God steer you to the right partner” His appointment and wedding anniversary are coming months after Anambra State University honoured him with award for excellence. The actor also just concluded an epic Igbo film “Ogbu Okwu” produced by OJ Productions and only working on completing the English version when the Anambra State Government snapped him up for higher challenge.

Nadia Buari becomes brand ambassador for Tablet India

ew days ago, actress, Nadia Buari was in Accra, Ghana, unveiled as an ambassador of the Tablet India Limited, a pharmaceutical company in Ghana. According to the company ’s MD Kapil Jhaver, their decision was based on the company’s need to connect with its consumers using the popularity and value of the actress. It wasn’t

immediately clear how much she was paid for the endorsement. But 30year old Buari is not new in the business of representing pharmaceutical companies. She was until 2012, an ambassador for Orange Drugs Limited, a Nigerian based pharmaceutical company.

Joseph Benjamin’s car stolen, recovered A

dorable actor, Joseph Benjamin, has applauded an insurance company, Mansard Insurance Plc, for

Amstel Malta thumps up O.C. Ukeje’s AMVCA nomination A

mstel Malta has stepped out to hail nomination of OC Ukeje for the maiden edition of the Africa Magic Viewer ’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) which is billed to hold on Saturday, March 9, 2013, in Lagos. Ukeje, a former winner of the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show, is a nominee in the Best Actor in A Drama category for his role in the movie, “Two Brides And A Baby.” Ukeje is however, up against Fabian Adeoye Lojede and Kenneth Uphopho for their roles in ‘Jacob’s Cross and Down & Out’ respectively. Also nominated in the same category are Edward Kagutuzi for Mirror Boy and Jafta Mamabolo for his character in Otelo Burning.

AmstelMalta congratulation came as the executive judge of the award,Mr. Femi Odugbemi recently stated that the essence of the event is to grow the industry. “We have to involve the viewers in it. Movies are emotional. They are a cultural art and not a commercial one. So, if someone is passionate about say, Genevieve and the person goes out to buy N10,000 credit to vote for Genevieve, it shows that Genevieve is doing something. People connect with movies and actors in different ways. There are many people who do not like Arnold Schwarzenegger as a governor, but when he came out to do another film, they still went out to watch it. So, as long as they vote and people know that their votes

will count, it doesn’t matter. Our own job is to pick out the best; it is left for the public to vote for who should win,” Odugbemi said.

helping to recover his stolen car. Last Sunday evening, armed robbers snatched a 2007 Toyota Camry car belonging to Benjamin around Magodo area of Lagos. The news of the robbery incident went viral on social media as tweets, Facebook posts and BBMs battled for prominence in blogosphere. At the time of the incident, the star-actor was in Aberdeen, Scotland, for the screening of his breakthrough movie, “Tango With Me.” A friend of the popular host of soar away music reality television show, MTN Project Fame, was driving the car. When contacted, Benjamin said the incident happened around 7pm. “I had just returned to London from Aberdeen for a photo shoot when my friend called and was hysterical on the phone. She said my car had been snatched around Magodo area. She was crying her heart out so I had to calm her down and assured her that there was no problem. Immediately, I called my insurance company, Mansard (former Guaranty Trust Assurance Plc) and informed them of the theft. And they told me not to panic that the car would be

recovered in no time. Though I did not doubt them, I was tempted to broadcast the news on Blackberry just in case anybody had a clue. I also put my London phone numbers if anybody had information that could lead to the recovery of the car.” Continuing, he said, “I was shocked when about 15minutes later, a staff of Mansard called me to say the car had been found in Ipaja area of Lagos, adding that it has been demobilised. I didn’t believe it until my friend went to confirm that it was indeed true.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 27

been an inspiration to up and coming artites. The Patrick and Ireti Doyle couple is blessed with three children and had a paratrick married Ireti after his first wife passed ticularly trying period when they lost one of their on. They dated for a while and got married. daughters. they have been able to build a nearly perfect The couple is blessed with six children, four from union that is worthy of emulation. With over 25 years in marriage, they are still standing tall and proud. Olu Pat’s earlier marriage. Despite the glamour and stardom, has this to say, “It is always good when God gives you they still have the newness of love blossoming in their your friend as spouse, when you meet your friend as union. They have been together for about eight years. your wife, life would be much easier beacuse when others fail, you would succeed with friendship.Joke is Tunde and Wunmi Obe more than a friend to me...” hey are like birds of the same feather that flock Joke and Olu Jacobs together-they sing and act. Tunde used to ap These two top Nollywood personalities have pear on TV alongside Charly Boy to present Zoom Time. The couple is still together and Wunmi, who recently took part in Amaka Igwe’s soap, has had her own fair share of challenges, but they have chosen the path of ‘no divorce’ and today, they are still standing.

n Nollywood, marriages are known to be contracted and broken within months and few years but despite this frequent break ups, there are still some players who are keeping it real and making the industry proud. They have faced challenges and some of these homes nearly collapsed, but for the couples’ strong resolve to make it work and the spirit of give and take coupled with God’s grace. They include:

Charles and Happy Novia e is a cerebral producer with a reputation for good movies. He married his wife, Happy who is the younger sister of Esse Agesse in 1999, a year after meeting her and both have been together. They both make the myth that husband and wife cannot run business together a nullity. They run November Production together with Charles in the driving seat.

Zack and Ngozi Orji ack Orji and his wife, Ngozi Orji have been married for the past 25 years and are blessed with three children, Lionel Chukwuemeka, Princess Laurel and lastly Mitchelle. The actor is also the former AGN president and have starred in close to 45 movies in the last few years since he became an actor. Zack owes teh success of their marriage to mutual understanding and their determination to make it work.

Prince Jide Kosoko and Henrietta ide Kosoko is married to Henrietta Kosoko and their daughter is Sola Kosoko, a Nollywood actress and a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University. Jide Kosoko is a veteran Nigerian actor, director and producer. He was the President of Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP). The fact that the actor is a polygamist has not made a mess of his love for his Delta State born wife. Sometime last year, it was rumoured that their marriage crumbled.It was alleged that Henrietta packed out from her husband’s residence in Ayobo,to an undisclosed location in Lagos.But despite the odds, the couple have washed off their hands from this tale, saying their marriage is still intact.

Norbert and Gloria Young orbert and Gloria Anozie-Young have been married for over 11 years without any re gret. Their marriage which has produced three beautiful kids was initially trailed by criticisms. But today, the union has stood the taste of time. Gloria was one of the very few top actresses who adorned the screen in the 90s. Her colleague in the industry accused her of snatching her husband from her, and went all out to discredit the marriage. But despite her criticisms, Gloria and her beau have moved on, enjoying the best that marriage life can offer them.

Nollywood pays tribute to Justus Esiri By ANOZIE EGOLE & IYABO AINA

He was a great motivator —Segun Arinze

It is so bad. Uncle Justus Esiri was a figure and a great motivator to us.He left a legacy that need to be sustained. Justus Esiri contributed his quota to the growth of the industry. It is a very bad news, we will miss him.

Justus Esiri mentored me —Joke Silver C M Y K

What do you want me to say about the death of uncle Justus Esiri? I am really confused and devastated. I started career with him. It is so depressing. He lived a fulfilled life, he loved his job and he was also a gentleman. We thank God that he achieved what he supposed to have achieved in life. At least, he has a son who is a superstar. I acted with him in the early 80’s though I cannot remember the title of the movie now. It is all about how well he has lived.

Our veterans are not catered for--Foluke Daramola

I am feeling very sad about what is happening to us. I have been on set with Justus Esiri in movies like “Everyday People” where he was my father. I am not happy the way our veteran actors are dying. It is a great lost to the industry. I have a feeling that our veteran actors are not properly catered for.

28 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

By AYO ONIKOYI

emitope Osoba isn’t just any rookie looking for the big score in Nollywood, she’s right in the middle of things and making things happen. Even though she would never agree she has arrived, she has done many Yoruba blockbusters to have her name written in gold. Beautiful, sexy and ever-smiling, Temitope bedazzled the movie world as stripper in the late Bisi Komolafe’s strippers’ film “Igboro Ti Daru” and certainly got some tongues wagging about her. In this chat with Showtime , she opens up on variety of issues. Meet the ‘golden girl’ of Yoruba film: Who is Temitope Osoba? Temitope Osoba is a simple girl, an actress by profession. I was born and bred in Lagos. I graduated from Olabisi Onabanjo University with a BSc. degree in Business Education. I have been acting since 2005 and to date I have done, well, if I am not exaggerating, over 20 films and I am still counting.

Someone once said doing music videos pay more than doing movies. Is that right? I wouldn’t say that but while I was a dancer I was appreciated for what I was doing and now that I am in acting I am being appreciated for that as well. Whoever said that might have a point because doing music videos consumes less time and pay just as well as movies, depending on your part in the movie. At least when I was dancing I made enough money to pay my way through school conveniently. Yeah, it was good but I would not go as far as saying it pays more than movies. In movies you can get a huge pay-off that makes all the difference. Moreover, nothing compares and pays more than producing your own films. Through that you make much more money. And definitely,

How did you actually start acting? My journey into acting was by accident or do I say by fate. It wasn’t a planned thing. I didn’t have any intention of acting, I was actually into dancing when the opportunity to act came knocking at my door. I was lucky to be there when they were rehearsing for a Yoruba dance movie titled “Ijoya” when one of my friends called the attention of the director of the movie, Bayo Alawiye, to me saying; “ that’s the Tope Osoba I have been telling you about” and they said okay let’s see what she could do. I was given the script and that was it. I played a supporting role to the producer of the movie, Laide Bakare who played the lead role. In the movie, I was the jealous girl who was always beefing the lead character because she seemed to be getting all the attention even when I thought I was a better dancer than she was.

I was a professional dancer. I used to dance with Weird MC. I did some videos for her. I also danced for Ayuba in ‘Ijo Fuji’ and I have featured for many others like Olu Maintain

people appreciate actors more than dancers. Now Temitope Osoba is a known figure in Nollywood. What were the challenges like trying to rise to stardom as an upcoming actress? So many; the first is getting noticed as an upcoming act. In the industry there are so many talents lining up there and they not given a chance, so it takes the grace of God and something extra in you to get noticed and be called for jobs. Secondly, moving from one location to another isn’t easy. Sometimes you are on location for days doing nothing and have to wait for your turn to be called on set. Then, you have to build a profile as a dependable actress to get called upon from time to time for roles. In a nutshell, I think the beginning is the hardest part. Once you have started and have created an impression the rest isn’t so difficult. For me, I was lucky. I didn’t even go looking to start acting it fell on my laps on a platter of gold but then it’s my passion and talent that keeps me going. Which movie would you say gave you your break? First of all, I must say I have not had my break yet. I am about to, very soon. I can feel it on the way.

But that is not to say I haven’t done a lot of lovely films that have pushed me out there to be known. “Oogun Mi” was my first major film and I guess it was from there people began to know there is an actress called Tope Osoba. It was produced by Dayo Amusa. Then “Gucci Girls” by Mercy Aigbe also launched into limelight and “Igboro Ti Daru”, produced by Late Bisi Komolafe, was the icing on the cake. And there are still a couple more es, “Igboro Ti Daru”, you played the role of a stripper. Wasn’t that a bit on the raw side? Common, it wasn’t raw. We were supposed to be strippers and we didn’t even strip. I played the part of the girl who was dating the Senator. The film was produced by Late Bisi Komolafe and I was her friend in the movie. As far as I am concern that movie wasn’t raw I was comfortable with the script.

Okay, maybe you didn’t actually strip but there was enough striptease in the package?

Well, I was only doing my job. We didn’t reveal vital parts of our body. Maybe we wore some sexy dresses, that was all. Hey! That isn’t raw, it just playing the part. But there were enough flashes of the cleavage, the laps and even your backsides weren’t so covered, so to say? I don’t know what you are talking about. Every day we see ladies wearing dresses that reveal their cleavage and shorts that reveal their laps. You wouldn’t call them strippers, would you? About the backsides, you are on your own because I don’t see where we revealed anything of sort. See, the film wasn’t about

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 29

How many movies did you do in 2012? Oh, I can’t really put a figure to it. 2012 wasn’t a bad year, I think I had my share of good jobs. I think I did about 5 or 6 movies. Don’t forget I am still an upcoming actress. I am not there yet but I know I am on my way. Presently, I have jobs lined up. It seems 2013 is going to be a good year too. What were y p a or e u n t sr reaction when you picked acting as a career? My parents are late, I was raised by my grandparents. When I picked up dancing I saw no negative reaction and didn’t see any either when I picked up acting. I can say they have been supportive, knowing this is what I have always wanted to do and I enjoy doing it. Have you ever encounter the issue of sexual harassment or the case of sex for role? Never. I have never encounter such a thing I only hear of it but never seen it happened. See, the question is when you offer yourself for a role; how many times would you want to do that? How many directors and producers are you willing to sleep with? It’s a bad thing. Those who do it never get any respect in the industry. Even though you think people don’t know, those you have been with definitely know what goes around and what goes around comes around. What’s your idea of sex generally. Some believe it should be for married couple alone? I think sex is meant to be enjoyed by two people who have serious feeling for each other. Sex is good, it is there for two lovers to enjoy themselves and share the secrets of their hearts. On whether one should engage in premarital sex or not, I would say, yes. Premarital sex is okay as long as it is a safe sex. Our society allows it. These days, you can hardly keep a relationship going without sex I once saw a picture of you and Desmond Elliot, as your Black Berry ‘Display Picture’ in a rather

showcasing the life of strippers, the message in it is to teach girls not to live wayward lives and that’s what we did in the film. You would see all the girls who lived waywardly ended up bad.

I think sex is meant to be enjoyed by two people who have serious feeling for each other. Sex is good, it is there for two lovers to enjoy themselves and share the secrets of their hearts

snuggling position. Is there something between the two of you? Nothing between us O. It was his birthday, I only used that picture as my ‘Display Picture’ to congratulate him on his birthday. That picture was taken the first time I met him on a movie location and I was so happy seeing him. You know, he is a great actor and I felt it was a privilege to meet him so I hugged him and snapped with him. Would you say you are friends? Yeah. He is a good friend. We don’t talk regularly but we talk once in a while. He is really someone I admire. I admire his talents and achievements. Have you ever dated anyone in the industry? (laughing): No, I haven’t Why? Because I haven’t seen any need for it. Must there be a need before you date somebody? Exactly. If there’s any need maybe I would have done so but so far I have no need to do that. After all, I am in a relationship that is working just fine. So there won’t be any need for that. So, what attracted you to your man? I guess it was a natural and mutual attraction between us. We have been together now for 3 years. By the grace of God we hope to go all the way very soon. What was your first love like, the first time you fell in love? Well, my first love was way back in school. I was a little girl and I think it was much of a childish thing. Seriously, I can’t remember the details. It’s been so long ago. What about heartbreak. Have you ever been heartbroken over a relationship before? Well, every girl must have had their hearts broken once or twice before. Yes, I have been heartbroken and I must tell you it wasn’t a nice feeling. It was as if the world stopped moving but life has a way of healing everything. Even when you don’t want the pain to go away life has a way of making it all okay again. Are you a jealous person? Every woman is jealous but to different degrees. Mine is mild not a wild kind of jealousy

woman?

hat if you catch your present man in bed with another

(laughing): I won’t do or say anything. I will just walk away. Of course, that will be the end of the relationship,no woman wants to share her man with anyone. I am a woman with feelings. Yes, I am a jealous person. Most of your colleagues are getting married to married men, would you? I have never considered doing that. Those who have done so have their own reasons for doing so. As for me, I can’t see myself doing that. I hate polygamy. It’s not a good thing. I can’t marry another woman’s man, it is like marrying another woman’s man, I can’t do that and I wouldn’t want it done to me too.

hat do you first consider before taking up a role? First of all, the producer. Then the director and the people I am going to be working with. The next thing is the script. I need to understand the story very well to know I can be comfortable with the role and my character. Which of the movies you featured posed the biggest challenge to you as an actress? I will pick “Oogun Mi”, it was done in 2009. It was my first major role. Before 2009 I have done many jobs but they were nothing compared to “Oogun Mi” where I took the lead role for the first time in my career. When I got the script, I was like “my God what was I going to do”. Playing the lead role in a movie that has top stars like Sikiratu Sindodo, Ronke Odusanya, Iyabo Ojo, Kemi Afolabi, Dayo Amusa and others was a big pill for me to swallow but thank God I pulled through. You have acted as a stripper before. Does that mean you can do a sex scene? Of course, that is just makebelieve, it is not like you are actually going to be having sex on set. I don’t know of pornography but in real movies there is never anything like actual sex taking place on set Have you ever missed your line on set? Yes, I have. Nobody is perfect. It is an annoying situation and you feel so terrible with yourself. Sometimes with the top celebrities you feel you are not good enough especially, when you see them going on without as much as any interruptions. Meanwhile, everybody makes that mistake, it is all part of the trade.

Why do you have tattoos all over your body? (smiles): I don’t have tattoos all over my body, they are just on my arm, my leg, my neck and my back. Do they mean anything to you or they are just fashion? Certainly, they mean something to me and I have had them before I even start acting. On my arm is a ‘Healing Cross’. My leg has a ‘Sun goddess’ and it represents brightness in my life. On my neck I have ‘Stars’ and on my back I have my late mum’s name. I have them because I like tattoos. Are you in any way related to former Governor Segun Osoba of Ogun State? Yes, I am related to the former Governor through my paternal grandfather. What is sexy about you? (smiling):The whole of me is sexy. I have a sexy body. I can’t say this is the sexiest part of me, the whole of me is sexy Who are the people you admire in the industry I admire a lot of people but if I am going to mention just a few I will mention Ayo Adesanya, she has been a great sister and a big inspiration. I will also mention Bimbo Oshin, she’s wonderful to me too. Then Yomi Fash Lanso and so many others I cannot mention here.

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Oseji Ephraim

ith the African Cup of Nations only recently behind us, we are turning the crystal ball to the future to present some of the continent’s finest young prospects. While none of these men were able to influence the tournament in the past, at least some of them will make their mark on proceedings in the future. Some of the continent’s star men who have already begun to make their mark at the continental level like Victor Moses, Younes Belhanda and Christian Atsu are not included in this list.

Africa’s finest upand-coming talents

Salim Cisse, Academica Vict or W an Victor Wan anyyama, Celtic alim Cisse, currently Coimbra plays for Academica is stock may have fallen Coimbra in the PrimeiH after Celtic’s underwhelra Liga. Having moved to ming home defeat to Juven-

Cisse

Rome from Conakry, Guinea to escape the country ’s political instability, Cisse was picked up by Serie D side Arezzo, who nurtured and developed his prodigal talent. His confident attacking displays and impressive scoring statistics caught the attention of Academica, who moved to sign him in July of 2012. His swift rise to the top has continued in Portugal, where goals against Benfica, Athletic Madri, and Braga already have seen him identified among the finest young forwards playing in the nation.

Richmond Boakye, Genoa Developed at Genoa, the Accra-born forward caught the attention of Italian giants Juventus in 2012. They spent €4 million to purchase the talented attacker. Despite choosing

Boakye

to continue Boakye’s education down in Serie B , there is a genuine hope among Juve officials that the striker will one day be a key player in the first XI. Having made his debut for Ghana last year, Boakye was called up by the Black Stars for the 2013 Cup of Nations. It’s fair to say that the sixfooter never truly got a chance to shine in South Africa. When the team were searching for a difference-maker in the crucial semifinal against Burkina Faso, it was perhaps telling that they turned to Emmanuel Clottey rather than Boakye. Still only 20, the explosive youngster has the potential to be a fixture in the Ghanaian lineup for years to come.

M’Baye Niang, Milan

espite turning out for France U21s, M’Baye Niang may go the way of Adel Taarabt, Victor Moses and Sofiane Feghouli and throw his hat in with the land of his parents rather than the plush metropole. However, at Milan, in the company of Italian strikers, Mario Balotelli and Stephen El Shaarawy, both of whom were born of African parents, it seems more likely that Niang’s future is with France.

Wanyama

Hope Akpan, Reading

tus in the Champions, but his earlier performances in the competition have alerted Europe to one of Africa’s finest up-and-coming talents. Capable of playing in defence or in midfield, Wanyama’s Glasgow side slapped a £25 million price tag on the youngster after his pair of stunning performances against Barcelona in the group stage. Bought for less than a million pounds, this represents a terrific investment for the Hoops. Already a seasoned international with Kenya, Wanyama could well become the symbol for a new force on the continental scene.

ot as high-profile a player as some of the others on this list, and playing for unfashionable Reading in the Premier League, Akpan could be seen as something of a left-field choice. Still only 21, Akpan has taken the long road to the Premier League, having been let go by Everton as a youngster. 18 months down in Crawley saw him find his feet in the professional game before Reading gave him the leg up back to the big time. Despite being born in Liverpool, Akpan has declared his interest to one day represent Nigeria, the land of his parents, at international level.

Akpan

Joel Obi, Inter Milan

n the euphoria and the ex citement of Nigeria’s first continental victory since 1994, few thought about the talented players who hadn’t made the cut for the tournament squad. Of the stars who didn’t make the final 23, Joel Obi may well have been the unluckiest. Eighteen months ago, Obi would have been seen as a shoo-in for the Afcon squad, but a year plagued by injury and an absence of form have seen the talented youngster slip away from the national scene.

Obi

Lacina Traore, Anzhi M.

ith the Golden Generation of the Ivory Coast gently fading into retirement and sailing off into the sunset after their latest and perhaps greatest failure, the national side are going to be in need of a collection of new heroes. The Anzhi Makhachkala striker may not yet have the aura of his predecessor Didier Drogba, but the youngster towers over the veteran striker and will doubtless be harbouring hopes of replicating his stunning career. Signed for €18 million as a key part of the revolution taking place in Russia, Traore has been flourishing in the exalted, moneyed company of Dagestan.

Ayew

Jor dan AAyyew Jordan ew,, Mar seille Marseille

ordan Ayew has already fea tured at an Afcon, but despite starting in Ghana’s opening game of their 2012 campaign, his contribution was negligible, failing to find the back of the net. Jordan may be a surprise choice, considering both his failure to make the Ghanaian Cup of Nations squad and his recent disciplinary misdemeanours against Evian, he came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, was booked in the 74th minute and was sent off in the 75th minute.

homevidpi

Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 31

Oseji Ephraim

How Milan silenced Barcelona Italian teams are masters when it comes to tactics

ilan’s 2-0 win over Barcelona was owed much to the gameplan put in place before the match, with the Catalans left stifled by an art that Serie A’s finest still do best But those who ignore Italian football, put it down, or even outwardly oppose it, are simply railing against one of the finer arts of football. Because even today, when it is considered to be playing catch-up on the rest, Italian football is the king of tactical ingenuity. While Barcelona certainly had the edge in technique, there was just no breaking Milan down. And it wasn’t as though they were battered and bruised by the end either. Their effective pressing in the right areas, blanket smothering of Lionel Messi, effective counterattacking and fantastic organisation in all phases of play meant they actually won with a little bit to spare. The cliches would tell you that “against Barcelona, you have to take all of the chances that come your way”, but the Rossoneri gained their win whilst also passing up opportunities in the first half, most notably when Stephan El Shaarawy took a heavy touch as he bore down on Victor Valdes. Instead, it was an effective use of coach Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical setup that won the day. Last Wednesday was also a great example of how a team with no real stars, lacking some key players, and up against the football world’s biggest collection of technical geniuses, can still x1(Joseph Benjamin).jpg win by carrying out their tactical roles as a collective. And in a way similar to last week, when much of the British reaction was about ‘penalties’ not given, and an energetic display by Celtic being proof that the Scots had outplayed Juventus, any over-emphasis on Barca’s no-show would be to ignore what won the game for Milan. Juve have now been to both Shakhtar and Celtic and won with superbly-drilled 90-minute performances, and the Rossoneri head to Camp Nou with a 2-0 lead thanks to a display right out of the same coaching manual.

Wenger plans historic spending spree to overhaul Arsenal squad

his squad needs rsenal boss Arsene Wenger accepts gap from the elite a massive overhaul to bridge the e after eight years ssur of Europe. Wenger, under pre eping changes swe e mak to ing without a trophy, is prepar to the squad in the summer. s between his side and He was shocked by the gulf in clas be told there is sigwill but y, sda Bayern Munich on Tue mer. Failure to finish in nificant money to spend this sum s and there is a back-up the top four could affect his plan plan if they miss out for the first time since Wenger joined in 1996. Arsenal have £150million in hand at the bank and that will be swelled when the £150m, five-year deal with kit sponsor Emirates begins this summer. The Arsenal boss has targeted Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, Bor ussia Dortmund attacker Mario Gotze and midfielders Victor Wanyama of Celtic and Toulouse’s Etienne Capoue.

Gozie Ugwu extends loan at home park GOZIE UGWU has vowed to do his best to improve Plymouth Argyle’s survival hopes over the next vital month. The on-loan Reading striker will be available to play in eight League Two matches for the Pilgrims after the two clubs agreed Ugwu should remain at Home Park until deep into next month.

Juventus eyeing Lille defender Chedjou

Juventus are eyeing Lille defender Aurelien Chedjou. The Cameroon international is up for sale at Lille for €9 million. Along with Juve, Chedjou has also been a longterm target for Inter Milan.

Galatasaray willing to break bank for Ozil Galatasaray are willing to make a bank-busting offer to Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil. After successful deals for Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder, Gala now hope to tempt Ozil back to the country of his parents. Turkish giants are willing to make the midfielder one of the best paid players on the planet to tempt him away from Real.

Arsenal eyeing Chelsea superkid Chalobah

TENNIS

Marino quits tennis because of bullying on social media

ebecca Marino, is a 22year-old Canadian tennis player who has been

ranked as high as 38th in the world in women’s professional tennis. Marino who has a 150-107 record in her WTA career, with no wins and one runnerup back in 2011 has announced that she would be retiring from professional tennis because she was struggling with all the online abuse she was getting from “fans” that berated her on social

media. Marino admitted during a conference announcing her retirement that she has been battling depression for over six years and all the negative energy from the social media outlets just pushed her into a darker place instead of improving her outlook on

life.

“Social media has also taken its toll on me,” Marino said, saying that she would receive numerous tweets that tell her to “go die”.

Abidal set for miraculous Barcelona return

arcelona have confirmed that Eric Abidal is available to play for the first team once again after completing his recovery from a liver transplant. The defender did not make an appearance since February 26 last year, in a 21 win for the Catalans over Atletico Madrid, though he has been training with the squad since December after undergoing a specific training programme leading up the end of 2012.

After undergoing tests to check his liver is healthy in January, Abidal was given the all-clear and is likely to make his return in a Blaugrana

shirt in late February or March.

Arsenal are eyeing Chelsea superkid Nathaniel Chalobah.Chalobah, 18, has starred for Gianfranco Zola’s promotion-chasing Watford during his loan spell this season. But Chalobah, who can play in central defence or midfield, faces a fight to force his way into the Blues first team when he returns to Stamford Bridge with a host of big names ahead of him in the pecking order.

Juve prepare •14m for Ogbonna Juventus are willing to bid €14 million to land promising Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna.The Bianconeri are desperate to avoid the situation they found themselves in with Marco Verratti, when they stalled with the signing and Paris SaintGermain swooped for the Italian starlet. Ogbonna, on the other hand, is believed to have attracted interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

32 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Nse Ikpe Etim marries in grand style N se Etim- Ikpe is truely in love. She chose the lovers’ day not only to express her love to her hearthrob but she also sealed it with a vow saying, ‘I DO.’ The actress is happily married to her beau, Clifford Sule, a senior lecturer at a UK University. Nse and Clifford got married last Thursday, February 14, at a registry, in Lagos. The couple then held a wedding celebratory dinner the next day,at Sky Lounge, Eko Hotel. Rita Dominic, Uche Jombo, Dakore Egbuson and Thelma Ojiji were some of her friends who were at the occasion. It is not yet clear if Nse will be relocating to the UK to be with her husband or not. Squealers say their white wedding will hold soon.

M.I apologises to fans for date shift R

AP royalty and Chocolate City Vice President for Music, Jude Abaga a.k.a, M.I has postponed the release date for the first single of his upcoming album from 21st of February to 7th of March. This postponement was due to an extension on his trip which started with an engagement at Harvard University earlier in the month. “I would love to be back in Nigeria for the release of my single, he explains, adding “We are moving this forward so that we can perfect everything we are working on. I would like to thank my fans for their patience, you know me, it would be more than worth it!.” Chocolate City who hinted that the rapper is working on a major collaboration, has kept mum about the specifics. “While we are apologetic that we have to postpone the release, we are certain M.I’s fans will be happy we did. It’s not about how soon the song is released, but that we are getting the good stuff out there. We believe they would love it!” said the Chocolate City representative that has chosen to remain anonymous. C M Y K

ARELY two weeks after wrap ping up the filming of one its flagship programmes, SISTAZ! the wheels of the revolutionary TV Channel, Ebonyilife TV are already in motion again with yet another stunning reality show in place. The show is yet to be titled, but the organisers say it is featuring four Nollywood stars and centres around the war against domestic violence. They are delighted to collaborate with Nollywood divas in the reality show that spotlights the plight of women across Africa who are victims of domestic violence. Driven by a talented and flourishing production crew led by Pamela Ofoegbu, Director, Reality Programming Ebonylife TV, the reality show is being shot in Calabar at a world-class Studios, Tinapa. Ofoegbu said, “We have signed up four electrifying Nollywood Divas each would play a role in the short film .She further said, “Due to their tenacity, talent and achievement on and off the silver screen, our Divas will give stellar attention to the silent issue of domestic violence while giving voices to those who areunable to speak up, as they raise the spotlight on a very dark issue.”

Ebonyilife TV set for another reality series

•Pamela Ofoegbu

Top fashion designer, Claire Otumemine ups her antes

OP fashion designer, Claire Nelson Otumemine Moore re cently relocated her business to the highbrow Dolphin Estate, in Ikoyi, Lagos, as she commissions a new branch of her fashion business. The store has in stock the new Claire Otumemine Diffusion line which consists of various fabrics including African and western fabrics like lace, silk ,chiffon, gown and styles comprising of ready to wear, easy and comfortable pieces that can translate from casual days to events, work and even a fun day at the beach. Claire, the CEO of Otumemine Designers said, her desire for perfection inspired her decision to go into fashion business. ‘Seeking excellence inspired what I’m doing today.” Clothing for her means everything. “I live it and I breathe it from childhood. So, somehow I knew I would end up with this. And I wanted to do it at the really high end. High end in terms of clothing and not necessarily in your purse. It takes a lot to produce at the level of the topend. It’s taken a while to get to this point. But this is the point where I want to be in my career,” she said.

•Claire Nelson Otumemine

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—33

AFI’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Joburg to unlock the city’s fashion potential F

rom 7-9 March, African Fashion International (AFI), in partnership with Mer-

cedes-Benz, will host the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg (MBFWJ) at

Model

Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown Cultural Precinct with two other shows on off-

site venues to be confirmed. This will reinforce Johannesburg as a world-class African city that serves as the global market’s gateway into the continent. AFI seeks to further echo fashion as big business with a host of potential in South Africa by attrracting the city’s talented and successful designers. The line-up of designers this season, which includes the likes of David Tlale, Thula Sindi, Suzaan Heyns and Fabiani, is testament to AFI’s commitment to excellence in presenting the best in creative innovation and commercial success. By taking MBFWJ 2013 to Newtown – a modern, aspi-

Model

rational capital of art, fashion and design – AFI aims to support the city’s young and aspirational entrepreneurs. This event will help AFI engage with young up-and-comers by facilitating a skills exchange using AFI properties, specifically the AFI FastrackTM and AFI Next Generation initiatives. Moreover, holding this prestigious event in Newton will see a flood of urban trendsetters into the area, promoting it as a secure, attractive and commercially viable place to network. AFI FUTURE PLANS In 2013 AFI plans to concentrate on growing fashion as a contributor to South Africa’s economy. In doing this, AFI is partnering with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency on two development initiatives: ·AFI Fastrack™ - The national graduate fashion platform offered by AFI which offers emerging young designers the chance to gain exposure with fashion week through seminars, workshops and career advice. ·AFI The Next Generation – A platform which offers graduates from the AFI Fastrack™ programme an opportunity to elevate their fashion businesses through continued growth opportunities like the recent mentoring programme. AFI Executive Chairperson, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe says, “My heart-felt belief, underpinned by research and market understanding, is that Africa holds the promise of a positive future for the production and consumption of luxury goods and fashion. Joburg, as more than Africa’s leading international business and networking hub, holds the key to this promise. The city is a world-class fashion and shopping destination and cultural centre and its designers are shining stars whose futures in the global market look increasingly bright.”

Conditioner verely ttangled angled matt ed hair Conditionerss are not designed ttoo de dett angle se severely matted BY LOLA

omen are actually causing more harm to their very tangled matted hair when they use hair conditioners to detangle according to Tangled Hair Techs, Hairdressers that detangle hair. “We receive an endless number of service calls to detangle hair from women and hairdressers alike who have made knots or clumps of tangled matted hair worse, tighter, harder and stickier from using an assortment of conditioners.” Knots, clumps, or masses of tangled matted hair have become leading causes of hair loss and damage in women and children. Water based conditioners are made to moisturize the hair, keep it smooth and

shiny; using too much can actually do the opposite for hair. Industry research has shown that a buildup of conditioner may cause the hair to look dull and coarse. The overuse of conditioners can convert hair into a dull mess and may even cause dry scalp or dandruff. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, defines hair conditioner as a hair care product that alters the texture and appearance of hair. Hair conditioner is different from creme rinse (sometimes spelled “cream rinse”). A creme rinse is simply a detangler and, as its name implies, has a thinner consistency than conditioner. Hair conditioner is a thicker substance which coats the cu-

ticle of the hair itself. One of the ways that people keep their hair texture healthy and polished is to use conditioner after shampooing in the shower. Conditioners are great Moisturizers, Re-constructors, Thermal Protectors, and Glossers. Detanglers are designed to close the cuticle of the hair which causes tangles. Most detanglers “shield” the hair shaft with polymers (polymers are strings of “like” molecules- a chain). Some detanglers such as the Take Down Remover Cream are instant; while some take 1-5 minutes to work. When it comes to detangling the hair, it is most important to immediately use the right type of detangler. This will inevitably prevent from making the tangles and matts

worse or tighter. And if assistance is needed to further detangle clumps or knots in the hair, contact your hairdresser or hairdressers that have specialized training in detangling

Scattered hair

hair. For more questions and concerns, contact: Global Beauty Action. email:Globalbeautyaction@yahoo.com

34—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 , 2013

e owns the hotel making waves in

Surulere/Yaba axis in Lagos right now , a Gargantuan edifice he got when he came back from Spain two years ago to do business in his fatherland. Though he was born a prince, Akinwande said that had no hand in handing him life on a platter of gold. Like everyone one else, he had to wait in line for even the simplest of things life has to offer. He is a Prince of Ilaro from the Adekanbi-Tella Royal family and his civil servant father could only give him education in the simplest manner possible. He was born in Surulere, schooled in Surulere, at both Obele Community Primary and Secondary schools before obtaining higher education at Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and University of Lagos. That was all he had but his dream never to work for anybody but own his own business took him to Spain where his life really began to take shape as a successful man. Hear his story: Would you say you are born with a silver spoon? Not at all. Coming from a royal family does not mean you are born with a silver spoon. You must understand that the royal family is an extended family setting. You have many ruling houses, all you have is just to know you are from one of the ruling houses. My parents were average civil servants. They were just able to give me good education. Did you leave for Europe because you couldn’t make it here? Not really. Right from the word go, I have decided that I was never going to work for anybody. Though before I left, I did some menial jobs; like I was an office boy for a lawyer ;then I picked up another job as a waiter with a catering company. I did all these after my secondary school to get some money to further my higher education. After my higher education, I decided I wasn’t going to work for anybody. Before then, I was already doing some buying and selling business of wines and other supplies. I later travelled to have outside contacts to expand my business because I discovered that Nigeria is an import-dependent country and this is why the Igbo boys are doing so well, importing all sorts of things into the country. These boys were not even educated, all they do is apprenticeship under somebody. At a point, I thought I should join them but their conditions were too stringent for me and I thought the only way I could make it, expanding my importation business was to travel abroad to learn how they do it.Initially I thought I could go and learn what I need to know under one year but I ended up spending over eight years.

You can never make it by working for somebody —Victor Akinwande What were the challenges trying to make your contacts abroad? It wasn’t easy. In Europe, Nigeria has a bad reputation, business-wise. The people who have gone before us created a negative image of our people. An average white person has a human psychology of trust embedded in him but over the years our people, West Africans, especially, have moulded that into a psychology of distrust because of our sharp practices. So for us, it was difficult to break through and establish that trust. It took longer time to do business because you have to establish a relationship first. What was the turning point in your life? I can’t say there was anything like a turning point or the big hit as you put it. What I have achieved is a cumulative effect of years of hard work. What I have is as a result of turnovers over the years. I cannot say this is the point things took a turn for better. It was little by little before we got to this stage.

the rank of a supervisor and then you must have worked for about 30 years. I was not ready to do that, so I left about a year and half after, but by then, I have seen what I wanted to see. The owner of the hotel has 52 hotels in Europe. I learnt a lot from his periodical meetings with his staff. He used to say he didn’t want to keep people for very long. “Come and learn and go and start your own business” was what he used to tell us and that sort of motivated me.

What informed your coming to

When did your idea of starting

By AYO ONIKOYI

Well, my first job abroad was as a waiter in a Hotel. That was in Spain. I applied for the position of a waiter but all they gave me was a cleaner’s job.

Nigeria to run a hotel? Well, my first job abroad was as a waiter in a hotel. That was in Spain. I

applied for the position of a waiter but all they gave me was a cleaner’s job. The name of the hotel is ‘Hotel D’Alcorcon’. I went to the interview for a waiter’s position but they employed me as a cleaner. What they do over there is to keep you on reserve and allow you to know the system so when they upgrade you, you must have been used to the system. As a cleaner, I was still doing some waiting job on the side as a backup person. See, one of the limiting factors of working in Europe as a coloured person is that you have a limit you can rise. The highest you can climb is

your own business start?

It started from my secondary school. I am a books’ person. I read a lot of books. The book I remember most is “Psychology of a Rich Man”. I have forgotten who wrote that book. It was my first book and I read it at the time I was thinking of what to do after secondary school. The first thing I learnt from the book is that you can never be rich by working for somebody. How did you secure this location? It is by providence and they say in business, everything cannot be perfect. If you want to wait for a perfect situation, you would never get started. When I came back, I was

looking for a highbrow area to build a 2-3-Star Hotel but the resources available were not enough to secure such a place. So, I kept postponing. Then, I read on the internet about a rich Egyptian who built a real estate in a slum. He got the land at a cheaper rate and built a state-of-the-art estate. Everybody thought he was crazy until the Chinese revolution started. Knowing the Chinese philosophy of providing quality products at cheaper price, there was a need to have shops close to the local people in local area while still maintaining a certain standard of quality. So I said to myself, if I cannot get the upper end that I want, let me start in the local area, using the Chinese psychology because the Chinese trend to do high level products at cheaper price. Their watchword is turnover. So, I said why not have where I can have 80-90% occupancy per year instead of being in Lekki where I would have less than 50% because of many competitors. Why the name ‘Inglesias’? ‘Inglesias’ is a Spanish word and it’s like a sacred place. Inglesia is a church,

when you put ‘s’, it means a special place. I decided to use that word ‘Inglesias’ because on my first arrival in Spain. I had accommodation problem and I was staying in a church. Then, I didn’t know the word ‘church’ in Spanish and I was always saying ‘Englesia’ and people were correcting me that it wasn’t ‘Englesia’ that it was ‘Inglesia’. That word stuck with me. So when people want to refer to me they say ‘Victor Inglesia’ to mean that guy who used to stay in the church. So, I thought it would not be appropriate to use the word ‘Inglesia’, meaning church for an hotel, so I added ‘s’ to make it ‘Inglesias’. I have a sort of attachment to the word.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—35

r (Mrs) Philipa Idogho is an alumni of the Federal Polytechnic Auchi and today she is the Rector of the institution after

serving in ifferent capacities in the school. She was re-appointed late last year as the Rector of the institution for a second term by the Federal Government but the reasons are not far fetched. Under her tutelage, she created a second campus of the institution and embarked on massive development of infrastructures. She instituted dress code for staff and students resulting to her being refered as the “Iron ady” of the institution. Before her coming as Rector, Auchi Polytechnic was known as one of he notorious schools in terms of cultism but today, with the strategies she was able to put in place, engaging the students practically so that after their education, they can be self reliant, she was able to bring sanity to the system. However Saturday Vanguard spoke with Mrs Idogho last week how she has been able to cope with her family and job over the years and it was quite revealing. You have spent over twenty years of your life in Auchi Polytechnic, how were you able to survive with the men folk and coping with family responsibilities? Infact, I have never rested in Auchi Polytechnic right from when I entered as a student and staff. I started as a time table officer, then as exam officer, coordinator, HOD now Rector. And there is no committee that I will not be a member. But I was lucky that I have passed through raising up children. Right now, I don’t have any small child at home, all my children are grown up, I am a grand mother now. So it is just my self and my husband. My husband has equally been helpful because he is a medical doctor, he is always in the hospital, he can be called at any time for one emergency or the other. So we have been managing ourselves but most times we stay together in the evening. Inspite of your beauty, some people who are not close to you see you as a very harsh woman, how do you cope with that perception? If you are not close to me, you will be looking at me as an iron lady (laughter). You see me as a harsh person when you’re not close to me. You see, leaders have different BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, qualities. We have leaders who we Benin City easily know their character, we have leaders who are conservative and you good innovation that you are bringing will always misinterpret their but he should teach the students how characters. I am a very playful to use the internet before he starts person and again my upbringing giving such an assignment. The shaped my style of life. I can be an lecturer was shocked and asked me iron lady if you cheat in examinahow I heard about it but I said don’t tions, collect money from students or bother, that we can resolve the caught in illegal activities in the matter. I got the information because I school (laughter). We have zero am very close to the students. tolerance for corruption and that is But how did you meet your why some people also feel that may be I am wicked but I am not. I grew up in a conservative family, we are not the out-going type, we were brought up to be on our own, not make friends, stay at home, so we are used to that type of life. My routine is from work, to church because I am into a lot of church activities. So when you don’t meet me at home, you will either see me at the church or in the market. You will only see me in somebody’s house may be the person just had a baby or is having a birthday party. If you don’t husband owing to the fact that have opportunity to interact with you came from a very conservame, you will actually think that I am tive family? a no go area, but it is not so. My No, it was not as if my background students call me directly or they send was a holy, holy, thing (laughter). me text messages and they give me Infact, I am following a male and a information on things bothering male came after me, so I am in them and I will always call the people between the two of them in the family. involved and sort out the matter. So you will even say that I am more of Like I got a text message recently a tom-boy. So I did not have any where a student reported to me that a problem relating with our mates both lecturer has not taught them any female and male. My parents are thing about doing assignment on the Catholics who are open minded and internet and now he wants to give the truth is that when you are bringthem assignment through the ing up children, you don’t do it in a internet. So I told the lecturer it is a

My parents gave out my daughters for marriage before they are 22 yrs —Mrs Idogho

•Says ‘I am not an iron lady but I can be for corrupt lecturers’ manner that they cannot mix with others. They will need their liberties to relate with others, but the most important thing is that we know our limits. Again, my parents don’t allow any of their daughters to exceed the age of 22 before they get married and that was exactly what I did with my only daughter. Once you have finished secondary school, they will encourage you to get

My parents don’t allow any of their daughters to exceed the age of 22 before they get married and that was exactly what I did to my only daughter

married while you go further in your education. My late mother married at the age of 13, so she does not want any of her children to stay at home because of education. So all the four females that she had got married before the age of 22 and if your husband could not train you, they would train you. That was the encouragement they gave to us.That was why we did not really enter so much into the world before we got married. Some persons fought against your re-appointment, what was their problem? I think it was lack of information

because as a sitting Rector, I have the opportunity to be given a second chance if I have performed very well and it does not call for any body’s opinion apart from the opinion of my supervisor. If my supervisor says I have done well, I need to come back and continue with the good work I am doing. It is the prerogative of my supervisors. And when it was time, my supervisors recommended me to the President for reappointment which he did. So, I felt it was just lack of information on the part of those who were fighting me. God knows the passion I have for this school because I schooled here and I know the problems which I am tackling today. What was your experience in Auchi Poly? When I was in this school as a student, we did not have all the structures that we have today. We did not have the population that we have today but our lecturers then thought us properly. And when I came back after graduation to teach, we discovered too that. In my department for example, students were admitted with the certificate that they have. We did not have this over flow of population. The school was going on smoothly but development was slow. But we did not know what was happening because we are not in government. Besides, I am somebody that does not like poke-nosing into other people’s affairs. I always work according to the rules and regulations.

36— SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

My passion is to provide healthy food — Enunua M

r Ebele Enunua, is M D CEO Sundry Foods Limited and owner of Coral Blue Seafoods restaurant. He is our guest on this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. He speaks on his passion for good food. What kind of food do you like to eat? I don’t choose food, rather, I eat good food. I enjoy good food and that is my culture. What is your interset in fast food? Generally, I like the hospitality industry. I travel and lodge in hotels a lot. There and then, I developed interest in good food. Although, my plan was to be involved

Ebele Enunua

in all aspect of travels and tourism industry. As a banker, I was transferred to Port-Harcourt. I had lived all my life in Lagos and when I got to P.H, the food industry was nothing of equivalent value. So, I saw the opportunity of running a food industry. I believe it was wise to help the city and provide quality food for the people. So, I started a restuarant. Running a hotel was more capital intensive, so I started with restaurant nine years and since then, I have been stocked. What can you say about good food? It can be a double-edged sword. As good as food could be, it can be harmful if not carefully prepared. People should know that food with

Toda y’s Menu oday’s

Tummy Health Tips F

3 Foods to eat for a flat belly

or flat belly or lose weight, eating the right food would work. Check out the following food categories that would help lose weight. Dairy. Found in cheese, yogurt, and milk, the pro-

tein helps build lean muscle. Calcium also makes a potent flab fighter. Avocado. Unsaturated fats like those in avocados help regulate fat-causing hormones. Plus, avocados are

high in potassium, a nutrient that curbs bloating. Dark Chocolate. A Harvard study found that people who eat dark chocolate three times a month extended their lives by a whole year.

Tit Bits Coral Blue Seafood debuts in style

new restaurant, Cor al Blue Seafoods has debuted in style. The restaurant is aimed at providing seafoods in different formats in a unique way. Managing Director, Sundry Foods, Mr. Ebele Enunua disclosed that the dining culture in hospitality industry especially restaurant has been on a low pace adding that introduction of dining culture in Coral Blue would provide a unique way of giving good and quality food to customers. According to him, "we realised that no one specilises on seafood as a cuisine which is why the Coral Blue idea emerged", he said. On the challenges of getting seafood in Nigeria, he said, there are still

some certified companies that deals in all kinds of seafoods business including clams, calamaris, shellfish among others, although seafoods industry is not poultry farming. For us, “Selecting a suppliers chain with strict quality control is key to avoid unhealthy seafood". He advised that people should consider seafoods as the healthiest food for human consumption. He said, dinning in seafood culture is not a new innovation in the hospitality industry, but the new idea by Coral Blue is to thrill customers in whatever way they wish to eat seafood. Explaining that, apart from fish pepper soup, there is what is called seafood chowder (Indian soup) which consists of shrimps and fishes. And aside, the regular way of eating fish, he said, a new

menu; shellfish menu has been introduced alongside calamaris, mushrooms, crabs, prawns, lobster which are very good but not common. His words: “We have an experienced curlinary, fish and snail pepper soup. We have also introduced Sunday Family Brunch/Buffet (which is breakfast and lunch for families) and that would be a regular offer. There are lots of African cuisines including Rivers’ native soup prepared with periwinkle, seafood okra which has lots of shrimps. We will have a blend of local and continental cuisine”. He added that Sundry foods is a food services company operating restuarants including Kilmajaro, Coral Blue with the aim of providing quality and ready to eat food to the customers in whatever format.

too much calories has lots of health hazard. But the truth is that good food nourishes the body and keeps the body healthy. However, there is need to balance your food intake. I love to eat good food and I encourage people to follow suit. Your drinks... I like sweet drinks preferably non-alcoholic, though, it is not too good. I’m learning how to drink little alcoholic drink, preferably rosy or cocktail. Fruits... Whoever wants to live a balanced life must learn how to take lots of fruits. When I noticed that I had eaten so much, I would retreat and find solace with fruits at least for two weeks to flush the system.

Seafood Chowder (Indian soup)

ake this wonderful sea food chowder recipe f or a delicious hearty meal. Recipes Pound salt pork, cut into pieces , Olive oil , Onion , Cups chopped celery , Quarts fish stock Peeled russet potatoes , Bay leaves , Shrimp, Clams , Cod, Cream , Cayenne pepper , Coarse salt and freshly ground white pepper Preparations Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add salt pork and cook

for 10 minutes; drain. Heat olive oil in a medium oven over low heat. Add pork and cook for five minutes. Add onion and celery, cook and stir until it is softened. Add fish stock and bay leaves, and bring to a simmer. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Add shrimp, clams, and fish, and simmer for five minutes. Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Season chowder with cayenne, salt, and white pepper. Serve hot.

Seafood Chowder C M Y K

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 37

I love charming hairstyles

— Aramide Sarumoh ALL , dark and slim , Aramide strikes you like a goal getter. The University of Jos graduate grew up in a music orientated family where her love for music began. In 2006, Aramide was on ‘Star Quest’ one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and competitive music talent hunt shows. For Aramide, music is not only a full time job, it’s her life. Aramide is our celebrity guest on today’s Hair & Style. Read on. Growing up, my mother was very strict, in fact, a disciplinarian. My father was a bit mild but one thing I remember is his love for kids. As an only girl, I was my father ’s favourite. My mother as well was very loving but she made sure I learnt how to do the important things like cooking, washing, kindness and generally how to take care of a home as well as myself and people around me. All these made me stronger, focused

and organized, and of course, loving and sweet. I started music five years ago. For me, music didn’t just start today. It started in my teen years and I can remember that I started with song writing. Music is the only way I can

I’m not among those ladies who feel ashamed to wear their natural hair.

*Aramide

C M Y K

express myself without talking, and, it is the only thing I do so well without thinking so hard. I just love music. I got signed unto eLDee’s Trybe Records when I heard eLDee was looking for a female artist. So I sent my music to him. From there, he showed interest in my music and sound and then, negotiations started. After some time, we were able to agree on something’s and I got signed.

orking with eLDee makes me feel protected and loved but you know how it is to be the only female in the midst of men- sometimes you have to shout the loudest. He has a lot of experience in the music industry so, most times,he pushes me to work extra hard. With him you’ll always get an honest opinion and he is always willing to take a chance on we his artistes. I’m learning a lot from him. My songs are written out of real experiences that people face in relationships these days. Everyone has had good, bad or ugly relationships. So my single “ I Don’t Mind” talks about all the odds people face in relationships. Most of what I write about is drawn from personal experiences or people’s experience s . ’I Don’t Mind’ is about all the odds people talk about in relationships. For instance, the guy is broke, he doesn’t have a car or the girl is too dark, too tall and all sorts of attributes. So I Don’t Mind is basi-

*Aramide

cally about kicking or going against those things that are seen as wrong or contrast. While Its Over is more about moving on and saying ‘NO’ to an ex-boyfriend who has become a stalker. For me, music is about expression through sounds and words.

very lady gets advances from men so I handle male advances same way ladies handle it. The guitar helps me with my song writing especially forming melodies. I love it like my baby, it’s inspirational. As a lady, my hair is one of my assets. My natural hair is

dark and full, a bit long. I’m not among those ladies who feel ashamed to wear their natural hair. My natural hair looks good so, nothing stops me from flaunting it. I like charming hairstyles a lot. For me, I don’t really have a particular hairstyle that I prefer. Anything cool and creative works for me. Besides, I don’t like colours in my hair. That’s why I go for black or colour two hair extensions. For me, going bald isn’t an option at the moment. I don’t know what on earth will make me cut my hair. But I may consider it maybe for a movie.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—39

Basic fashion essentials for every woman T

rends in fashion keep on altering. But, you have to keep in mind the essentials which fit every fashion season. Clothes, shoes and bags do keep on changing according to trends. But, some fashion essentials never go out of style. They remain in fashion season all through the trends. Like use of black and white color in dresses always remain in style. Even if you are not too fashion conscious, you should keep in mind these basic essentials. Having these essentials can get you out of any fashion style. These things can never go out of style and fashion. * JEANS A pair of denims is a basic requirement in your wardrobe. All clothes may come and go with seasons. But, pair of comfortable jeans always remains in fashion. A trendy and slim fit denim jeans is a must have in your fashion essential. Along with this; having a comfortable white shirt is also very essential. * WHITE SHIRT A white shirt remains in fashion all through the seasons. As, white color never goes out of style, white shirt always remain in fashion.

The highlight of having white color shirt is; it can be worn in formal and casual meets. It should necessarily be included in your fashion essentials. * TANK TOPS Tank tops are also a must have in your fashion essential. A comfortable tank top of a bright color gives you respite from heat. The benefit of tank top is; it can be worn with jackets and pencil skirt for work. The color of tank top depends on your personal choice. * BLACK DRESS Other than this, having a black dress is also very important. Black is a color which can be worn in casual, formal or party occasions. When you can’t simply decide what to wear, a black dress bails you out of the situation. A black dress should always be included in your fashion essentials. * FLAT SHOES Stylish flat shoes. For those times when you just want to walk freely, with a bit of style in your look

*Black And White Flat Shoes

*Loveth Ajufoli *Little Black Dress

*Audrey hepburn Style

*Metalic s

*Black Jacket

*Harlequin Vampire White Shirt

.A.C (Make –up Art Cosmetics), a certified brand of choice launches into Nigeria with its first store in one of Africa’s fastest growing cites, Lagos. The store will be located at Ikeja City Mall, one of the most dynamic, newest shopping destinations in the city. Addressing members of the press in Lagos last week, Karen Buglisi, Global Brand President, M.A.C Cosmetics revealed that they have been aware of the growth opportunities in Nigeria and the demand for M.A.C Cosmetics for some time now. She says “We are delighted that we will now be able to bring the expertise of the brand to the Nigerian consumer in our first free-standing store in Ikeja City Mall. To be able to offer the true M·A·C experience through fully qualified and trained makeup artists, and to ensure the consumer can now purchase the authentic M·A·C product in Lagos is very important to us”. The M.A.C store is designed to offer a destination of unrivalled artistry, services and education where the brand can be experienced at its maximum. Wide range of the product can be found to suit all skin tones from foundations C M Y K

to array of colours for eyes, lips and cheeks – delivering the latest in product innovation and focusing on authentic relevant shades. With the help of talented professional artists who has the latest trend, techniques and tips to share, Nigerian women will finally be able to dig up the make up look she desires. Essenza Company, the number one and largest cosmetics retailer in West Africa is the brands Retail Partner. Owner Kayode Kasumu noted that they are extremely pleased to be entering into partnership with The Estee Lauder Companies and in bringing M·A·C to our market. The brand he says is perfect for the Nigerian woman who has a strong passion for fun, colour, creativity and fashion. “We’re confident that this will be a long and fruitful relationship for both of us” he said. As part of meeting the consumer’s desire, there is a plan for a second M.A.C store to be opened at The Palms Mall in 2013.

*Victoria Beckham Jeans

Mac cosmetics lunches in Nigeria

40—SATURDAY VANGUARD , FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Ssangyong kick-starts 2013 with impressive performance

SANGYONG Motor part of the US$15.9 billion Mahindra Group, has announced that the company sold a total of 10,620 vehicles in January 2013 – 4,035 vehicles in domestic sales and 6,585 in exports including CKD. Ssangyong Motors is represented in Nigeria by Stallion Motors. It speciaises in the production of sports utility vehicles, mini buses and Pick-ups. Despite the end of individual consumption tax cut and off-season, Ssangyong’s sales exceeded 10,000 vehicles for five consecutive months with a sharp increase of 29% from the same month last year. Exports increased by 21.3% from a year earlier, exceeding 6,000 vehicles for the fifth straight month thanks to upward trend in sales of the Korando C with 3,000 monthly export sales. Ssangyong’s domestic sales also recorded a sizable increase of 43.9% from the corresponding period in 2012 based on robust sales of the Korando Sports and Korando C. However, compared to the previous month, it showed a decline of •Hyundai Sonata 24.8% since a temporary individual consumption tax cut had ended by the end of last year. The company expects to increase its sales in the domestic market soon by resolving backorders of some models such as the Korando Sports through increased production of SUVs in March.

Hyundai Sonata ranked most dependable midsize car by JD Power H

YUNDAI’S Sonata received the distinct honor of most dependable midsize car by J.D. Power and Associates in their 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The annual Vehicle Dependability Study shows Sonata ranked highest in its class, beating out leading competitors. The Sonata offers striking fluidic design, high fuel efficiency and comes equipped with Hyundai’s own Blue Link infotainment system. The Sonata recently broke its alltime yearly sales record in 2012 surpassing the 225,000 mark. “In one of the most competitive segments within the industry, Sonata places highest in its class,” said Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai is committed to providing customers with high-value vehicles that withstand the test of time. The quality and dependability of our models is important to reassuring owners that we care about their Hyundai experience beyond their initial purchase at the dealership.” Sonata builds on its C M Y K

trailblazing recipe of high-design and high fuel efficiency with more features, higher value and advanced technology. Sonata is powered by the original Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, contributing to an overall improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The Sonata sets the benchmark for midsize sedans offering sleek design, class-leading interior comfort, functionality and practicality all at an incredible high value. The J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of threeyear-old (2010 model year) vehicles includes 202 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle systems. The study results include industry insights, model rankings in each of the car and light-truck segments, and full nameplate rankings. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

•Honda CR-V

Honda’s ECO Assist honored as Top Green Car Technology ance from consumers and government alike, key enabler of tomobiles. Which is cer- ers also can engage an we wanted to highlight A high fuel-econo- tainly the case for ECO ECON button that re- the innovative technolomy marks throughout the Assist. Available in tunes important vehicle Honda lineup—the automaker ’s ECO Assist feature—has been named to the Top 10 Green Car Technology List for 2013. The annual recognition program is presented by the Green Car Journal and was created to honor the new technologies that are helping to create the next generation of environmentally friendly au-

many of the brand’s most popular and efficient models, ECO Assist actually provides drivers with two ways to squeeze the most mileage from their Hondas. First, the system uses instrument-panel graphics to “coach” operators into driving more efficiently; then, for enhanced fuel-economy performance, driv-

systems for optimum efficiency. “Honda’s ECO Assist system was selected as a Green Car Technology Award finalist for its innate ability to help drivers enhance their fuel efficiency,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal. “In an era of increased demands on environmental perform-

gies like ECO Assist that make their incredible achievements possible.” “Honda developed the driver guidance and driver feedback functions of ECO Assist to help drivers improve their fuel economy, and in turn, to also benefit our environment,” added Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda.

SATURDAY, Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—41

Pa Gbinije’s first year remembrance

L-R:Mrs Kesiena Atari, Mrs Rebecca, Mrs Luckyivwighren, Sir Henry Gbinije and Sir Augustine Gbinije

t was fanfare all the way and a family reunion of sort when the family and children of Late Hon. Chief Pa. Gbinije (Okpagha of Okpe Kingdom) came together to hold the first year remembrance of their patriarch. Notable dignitaries from Delta and State and beyond, including a host of the State G o v e r n m e n t ’ s functionaries graced the occasion to pay their honour to the late man and commemorate with the family.

Funeral rit es ffor or Madam rites Patricia Ganagana

t was meant to be the funeral ceremony of Madam Patricia Ganagana, mother of Delta Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Barr) Basil Ganagana at Akugbene in Bomadi Local Government Area but the event turned out to be a power parade of who’s who in Delta State.

R-L: Delta State Dep. Governor Prof. Amos Utuama, Dr. Pius Sinebe, Senator James Manager and Speaker DTHA, Rt. Hon. (Engr) Victor Ochei

Chief and Chief (Mrs) Debbie Bobson Gbinije

L-R: Otota’s wife, Chief (Mrs) Onokpasa, and Chief (Mrs) Unukegho

Cross section of Delta Lawmakers, Honorables Dr. Alphonsus Ojo, Princess Pat Ajuduah, Dan Yingi and Keston Okoro.

L-R: Ben Bakpa Eboh

and Emmanuel Okotie-

Doris and Partick

ormer Miss Doris Nwachukwu Chidinma married Nkenchor Okechukwu Patrick on February 1 st at Lord’s Worshippers Assembly, Lagos

Mr and Mrs Nkenchor Patrick Okechukwu C M Y K

L-R:Chief Philander Okumuye and Engr. Ukoko

Laila St. Matthew-Daniel @ 60 It was celebration galore when Mrs. Laila St. Matthew-Daniel celebrated her 60th birthday in Lagos

R-L: Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, exchanging pleasantries with the Speaker of DTHA Rt. Hon. (Engr) Victor Ochei, Delta State Dep. Gov. Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) and members of the State Executive Council

L-R: Oyindamola St. Mathew-Daniel; Mrs. Laila St Mathew-Daniel, the celebrant; Oyebade St. Mathew-Daniel and Funke Kuti

Fourth from left is Delta Dep. Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Barr) Basil Ganagana flanked by his wife, Barr. Joan and his younger sister Mrs Frances Pouberni and her husband and Mr. Thaddeus Ganagana,Mrs Justina Ndoni and her husband

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Police barricade kidnap gang in Delta •Kill one, 2 flee with bullet wounds •Rescue kidnapped Hon Mayuku’s wife, 10-yr-old daughter BY EMMA AMAIZE, AUSTIN OGWUDA & FESTUS AHON

OLICE in Delta State barricaded a three-man kidnap gang, which abducted the wife and daughter of the chairman, Finance and Appropriation Committee of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Saturday morning, at Effurun, Uvwie Local Government, and shot dead one of kidnappers in a gunfight. Wife of the lawmaker, Mrs. Oritsejsemaye Mayuku, was shot on her right leg, but doctors extracted the pellets, yesterday. S h e w a s driving with her 10 – year-old daughter, Moshe

Mayuku, in a KIA SUV, registration number, AJ 749 KRK, when they were seized at Delta Steel Company, DSC, roundabout, Effurun, along the EastWest Road at about 7.30 am. Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, gave the name of the kidnapper killed on the spot as Emeka Akumu, adding, “The police were combing the surrounding bush for the fleeing members”. The Area Commander, Warri, ACP Hussain Rabiu, who also spoke to Saturday Vanguard said that acting on i n t e l l i g e n c e

Family of slain girl seeks justice BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO Lokoja

HE family of late Grace Abata who was murdered by un-

known gunmen in Okene weeks back is begging the police to help fish out her killers. Mother of Grace, Hajia Abata who expressed shock at the development said Grace was the hope of the family. While still battling with the tragedy, she said every member of the family was busy preparing for Grace’s wedding which was scheduled to hold in April. According to her, the hoodlums stormed their residence on the said day and started shooting into the air until one of them aimed at Grace and fell her with rounds of bullets. She begged the police to unravel the mystery behind her daughter ’s death stressing that only justice could calm the nerves of the family members who

have been in pain since her gruesome death. Late Grace, 30, who held a Master degree in Sociology was said to have died before she could receive medical assistance when the hoodlums rainned bullets on

her.

information, police officers attached to the Quick Response Unit, Warri, engaged the kidnappers in a shootout and rescued the victims. Emphasising that the kidnap was abortive, Commissioner Aduba asserted, “Response to distress calls in the state is within five minutes or I roast the team. We have never failed the public and we will not fail them as long as they call the police”. Saturday Vanguard, however, gathered that the kidnappers were trying to escape with the victims through Otokutu, but ran into a heavy traffic gridlock, where the police accosted them. Two fled with bullet injuries. Mrs. Mayuku was supposedly taking her daughter to school when the incident occurred. Her husband, Hon. Mayuku, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard reporters, yesterday, thanked God for saving the life of his wife and daughter. He admitted that pellets were removed from his wife’s body she was in stable condition as the time of this report.

Afreximbank President Jean-Louis Ekra (right), stresses a point to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nigeria, at the Bank’s Cairo Headquarters. (Afreximbank photos)

Crisis tears ex-militant group, NDLF apart •John Togo’s successor, Peter Doloebiowei sacked •New leader, ‘General’ Asi Eniegbolokumuo takes over BY EMMA AMAIZE

RISIS hit the defunct NigerDelta Liberation Force, NDLF, a militant group

formed by the ex-militant leader, the late “General” John Togo, weekend, with the group torn into two factions. Spokesperson of the group, “Captain” Mark

Capital Oil faults bank on judgment •Access Bank: we won’t dignify it with a response

APITAL Oil and Gas Industries Lim-

ited yesterday faulted Access Bank Plc’s claim that it was not affected by a Federal High Court judgment voiding its indictment by the report of the Presidential Committee on the Verification and Reconciliation of Oil Subsidy Payments. When contacted last night, Access Bank’s Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi said the lender: “Will not dignify this statement with a response.” Capital Oil, in a statement,

alleged the bank was mis-

leading the public on the judgment delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which voided the report of the Presidential Committee headed by the Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje A i g - I m o u k h u e d e . In a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Nick Hayes, the oil firm expressed shock “over the media theatrics engaged in by the bank over the matter.” The company said: “We wish to state that the Judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Aneke, quashed the Report of the Presidential Committee on the Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments, which had earlier indicted Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited and its Managing Director, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah. ”The attempt by the Bank to disclaim the judgment is futile.Firstly, it should be noted that the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede is the Managing

Director of Access Bank Plc. Access Bank Head Office was also used by the Presidential Committee for all its sittings. But Access Bank had in a statement last Tuesday said it will continue to furnish relevant regulatory authorities with updates on the status of its recovery actions. It also determined it will fulfil its obligation to its depositors and shareholders regarding the recovery of debts due from Patrick Ifeanyi Uba and Capital Oil and Gas Limited. The Bank, in a statement said that it remained confident of the overwhelming success of the recovery actions it had initiated against Uba and Capital Oil and Gas Limited. It said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the bank confirms that the recovery actions it embarked upon against Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas have not been in any form or substance affected nor prejudiced by the proceedings or judgments of the Honourable Court. “The honourable court in its considered judgment of Mon-

day February 19, 2013 did not make any declaration nor grant any perpetual or interlocutory injunction against the bank in favour of the plaintiff or any other party in the proceedings.” The bank said its attention had been drawn to news media reports and text messages purporting that a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos

presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on Monday February 19, 2013 gave judgment against Access Bank and three others in Suit No FHC/L/CS/07/13 involving Capital Oil and Gas Ltd and Patrick Ifeanyi Uba. It said, “The massive SMS campaign has triggered enquiries from our stakeholders regarding the status of our ongoing debt recovery actions against Patrick Ifeanyi Uba and Capital Oil and Gas Limited. “We deem it necessary to make these clarifications to correct any unfortunate misinformation contained in the said reports.

Anthony, in an exclusive electronic mail statement to Saturday Vanguard, confirmed that Togo’s successor, “General” Peter, has been deposed by NDLF on allegations of bad leadership, betrayal and corruption. However, the toppled leader’s faction, reacting to his purported sack, yesterday, insisted that he was still in-charge of NDLF leadership. It also denied the allegations of embezzlement and highhandedness. “Captain” Anthony in statement said, “The NDLF has unanimously endorsed Commander Asi Eniegbolokumor, (former CSO to NDLF) to replace the deposed leader as the new substantial leader of NDLF.” The statement, co-signed by Commanders Asi Eniegbolokumo, Adobo Ozidi, Ogbowei Allah and Jerome Demebide reads in part, “We, the undersigned leaders of Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, have sacked NDLF ceremonial leader, Peter Doloebiowei and suspended him indefinitely on offences against the rules and norms of the organization. Therefore, Peter Doloebiowei ceases to be the leader of NDLF…”

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—43

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

enator Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa is a first time Senator in the Seventh National Assembly, representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, on the banner of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. In this interview, Ashafa, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development spoke on the viability of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the proposed party that some leading opposition parties merged into, his experience in the Senate and controversies trailing reported damages to underwater structures of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Why APC merger‘ll work — Senator Ashafa

His take on APC merger Sincerely, Nigeria is gradually becoming a failed state. We the opposition cannot fold our arms and see things going wrong all the time. The merger has already embarked on a rescue mission to save Nigerians from the shackles of the ruling party. The reason for the merger is not to share political positions but to bring hope to Nigerians. This is why for the first time both the South and the North are coming together to govern and not to oppress. Some quarters were claiming that the merger will fail but I am telling you that the merger is here to stay for the betterment of our people.

Nigeria is gradually becoming a failed state. We the opposition cannot fold our arms and see things going wrong all the time. The merger has already embarked on a rescue mission to save Nigerians from the shackles of the ruling party. The reason for the merger is not to share political positions but to bring hope to Nigerians.

What is your plan for 2015? Will it be the Senate or Governorship seat? Right now, I will like to concentrate on the one I’m doing. When 2015 comes, we will play along. Governor Babatunde Fashola has just spent just five years and some few months out of a total number of eight years, I believe it is too early to be talking about who is going to be the next governor in 2015. Why are we all talking about who is going to be the next governor now when the present governor is doing wonderfully well and everybody can testify to that? The position I am occupying right now is still very much okay by me. Let us run this senatorial race to the point that people will feel my impact, only God knows the next governor. Nigeria will be 100 years next year, are you satisfied with the marriage of 1914? It was not an accident that the marriage occurred in the first place. What has been accidental is the leadership lag to keep the marriage in proper shape. If the right thing is done, by practicing a true federalism, nobody will pick holes in the marriage.

How are you so sure that the merger talks between your party and other opposition parties would work this time? I am very convinced that with the pace at which the merger traverses, it will work. If you look at the level of its acceptance and the supports garnered throughout the country, you will agree with me that it will work very well. You will be convinced as it progresses. On the Third Mainland Bridge fresh alert Everybody was happy when the FG attempted to renovate it, during that period, everybody Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa made the sacrifice to use other route, after it was reopened, everyone assumed that the bridge was now okay, but about a week ago, a petition was written to the senate concerning the current condition of the bridge, going through this petition, we discovered that the consultant that did the pre assessment detail as corrective measures to put the bridge back to shape submitted the details of what to be done. But after the bridge was reopened, quote and unquote, he went back there to assess it, not only the surface that we His experience in the Senprocess. Recently I heard from can see alone, he went as far some quarters that some were ate as a first timer as beneath the water to cross My first time as a senator has saying I am been political check the result given to them been tough with different about the issue, are we going with what they have seen unto be political to the detriment kinds of challenges here and der the water. there. But at the same time, I of the lives of the people? After the investigation, it Nothing is political about it, have been able to summon the was revealed that the bridge it is a matter of saying it as it courage to face the challengmay collapse soon. If the fedis and if the federal govern- es that accompany the task eral government disagrees ment is calling it a false alarm, and the result of which you are with this I think they can go they should also carry out seeing today with different ahead and counter the claim. their own investigation and kinds of achievement both on A very good example is the counter the report of Prof Kim, the Senate floor and in my conDana airline that crashed restituency at large. I have been the consultant. cently, if somebody raised I repeat nobody is sounding able to empower our youths alarm like this earlier about a false alarm; something has and sponsored some bills that plane, may be a lot of lives to be done to salvage this ca- among others. could have been saved in the At the initial stage when I lamity.

Putting all these into consideration you will agree that the Senate is out to make a difference.

was sworn in as the senator representing Lagos East Senatorial district, it is normal to first face some challenges that you never expected but now I can boldly say they are minimal now, although I’m still in the learning process. How fast have you learnt? I have really learnt pretty well because within a very short time (a year and 8months) as a senator have been able to sponsor and cosponsor bills (5) and motions. What is your assessment of the present National Assembly, especially the Senate? The Seventh National Assembly has not done badly at all. It could be recalled that several issues on national interest has been deliberated upon and concrete steps have been taken to making sure that sensitive issues that affect the common man in the society are not swept under carpet. Among such issues include: probe on fuel subsidy, probe into the deteriorating GSM network, probe into the Police Pension fund among others.

His take on high rate of youth unemployment in the country No reasonable individual will be comfortable with such. But, at the same time, unemployment is a global phenomenon. You will recall its paramount place in the American voters’ behaviour in their last election. You will also recall how Hollande made it to the French Presidency and so on and so forth. Because I am not comfortable with it, I have done a lot in this particular direction, like the multi-million naira Energy Students Project. What then can be done to address the issue? One viable way to go about this is to create an environment that can make individuals to be self-employed. This can be done by adding skills acquisition programmes to school curriculum. Also, the Small and Medium Enterprise Schemes (SMES) must be made to function well. Also of assistance is our Micro-Finance Banks; they should grant small loans to the petty traders and so on and so forth.

44—SA TURD AY Vanguard, FEBRU ARY 23, 2013 44—SATURD TURDA FEBRUARY

The eagle is stranded!

'Being permanently aroused is TORTURE' 'Being permanently aroused is TORTURE'. Shop worker, 22, has 50 orgasms a day, and is even turned on by her mobile phone. Amanda Gryce, 22, suffers from Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome.The condition means she can have up to 10 orgasms an hour. Triggers include ringing mobile phones, car journeys and loud music. Florida native Gryce describes living with the condition as 'torture'. She says it has affected her relationships and intimidates men.

escuers spend four hours saving bird which got tangled in power lines. Sea eagle became entangled because of a fishing hook embedded in its talon. Rescuers said it was all too familiar because of careless disposal of equipment. Stricken red-backed bird spotted by passers-by and taken to wildlife hospital.

Shrinking my 17stone legs

ope for woman

whose

limbs wouldn't stop growing after doctors develop pioneering treatment. Mandy's condition has caused her legs to grow uncontrollably her whole life. hese protective lionesses lashed out without hesitaDNA study retion vealed it is the first when a lone male approached their precious cubs— known case of its prompting all hell to break loose among the pride as they kind in the world. joined the attack. The lion was set upon by lionesses in Cambridge doctors Kenya's Masai Mara game reserve, where the unwanted have developed a stranger was soon forced to flee. Their rumble in the jungle medication they took place within the Mara Triangle, which forms the hope will reverse western part of the reserve, bordering Tanzania. it.

Pride and prejudice

Watch a three-year-old's dream come true ingly

eartbreak-

cute toddler Madeleine is simply overjoyed as she gets to ride a train for the first time.

Mother told to abort

other told to abort her baby as he had 'no chance' of survival speaks of her joy as he comes home from hospital. Jade Clarke was offered a termination after doctors said baby had 'no chance' of living a full life. She refused and gave birth to Riley who had heart on wrong side of his body. He spent first 17 months in hospital, but has now been allowed home.

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013—45

BY ANOZIE EGOLE Are the people of Edo state complying with the recent property tax bill signed into law by Governor Adams Oshiomhole? How supportive and willing are the electorate to government in a bid to achieving this tax drive considering the virulent protests that heralded the passage of the bill into law? Can Oshiomhole succeed in delivering the dividends of democracy without the tacit support of the people that gave him a resounding mandate during his reelection last year? This report reflects some of the opinions of some groups and persons sampled in Edo state recently. Clerics should pay tax-Bini Crown Prince, Eheneden Governor Adams Oshiomhole should tax the rich church leaders in the state. It is difficult to draw a line between the House of God and business houses because private jets are now owned by men of God. The Governor should find an angle through which to collect taxes from some church leaders without taxing the House of God. There should be an exemption for some low income earners by taxing the extremely rich in our society. Close those ventures that don’t want to pay tax. Tax is a basic thing. In Europe, you will be thrown into jail for not paying taxes. Property tax should be targeted at the super rich to provide for the poorAlh. Dada Akpeji, Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa In Oshiomhole’s search for solution to meet the development obligations through property tax, he assured us that he was not going to turn on the poor to raise money for the Edo projects. The poor needs support. Therefore, Oshiomhole’s government should never, ever under any excuse evolve policies that would affect those classified as p o o r . Governor Oshiomhole told us during a Town Hall meeting that he won’t take blood from a sick person to treat another person. It applies to those in the rural areas because the tax has nothing to do with them. I am sure you know that market women are Oshiomhole’s people, and he knows where they live. This law is not about them. It is meant for those who have choice houses in certain parts of the state. The spirit that goes with this new law was misunderstood at inception but, we now understand that it was tar-

How Edo people react to Oshiomhole’s property tax geted at the rich and government should do what it needs to do to enforce compliance in order to help the poor. Basically, I can say that we are in support of government because its targets are specified. And above all, the resources that will come from this process will be used judiciously to rebuild Edo State for the poor to benefit. The law will discourage crass accumulation of wealth-Hon. Washington Osa-Osifo, Edo Is In Safe Hands The property tax drive reminds me of Ujamaa; the basis of African Socialism. In a socialist society, it is the socialist attitude of mind, and not the rigid adherence to a standard political pattern, which is needed to ensure that the people care for each other’s welfare. This law for me, will discourage our attitude for crass accumulation of wealth, including land. Remember that the man who uses wealth for the purpose of dominating any of his fellows is a capitalist. So, if Oshiomhole is taxing them, why should I complain? Acquisitiveness for the purpose of gaining power and prestige is unsocialist. In an acquisitive society, wealth tends to corrupt those who possess it. It tends to breed in them, a desire to live more comfortably than their fellows, to dress better, and in every way to outdo them. Besides, they also begin to feel that they must climb as far above their neighbours as they can. The visible contrast between their own comfort and the comparative discomfort of the rest of society becomes almost essential to the enjoyment of their wealth, and thus sets off the spiral of personal competition-which is then anti-social. We really need to bridge the inequality gap- Eugene Okolose If this law means bridging the gap between the haves and the haves-not, it is a welcomed development. It is sad that while majority of our people are living on 50ft by 50ft, and the old traditional face me, I face you, there are others who live in 10,000 square meters. What we are saying is simply that, individuals in such kind of houses cannot pay same taxes. That will mean furthering the inequality gap. You can’t take so much

land and you do not want to pay tax on it. You have squeezed a majority of the people into a cubicle and you take a football field. This new law simply states that all our poor people who live in high density area will not pay anything. We are happy and will assist government to achieving it’s p u r p o s e . It is un-African, and corrupt to abandon the poor-Chief Nosagie Irabor, PDP Chieftain An ideal African society ought to be so organized that it cares about it’s individuals. One thing is certain, provided the people are willing to work, no individual within that society should worry about what will happen to him tomorrow if he does not hoard wealth today. Society itself should look after him, or his widow or his orphans. This is what traditional African society succeeded in doing-both the ‘rich’ and the ‘poor’ individual were completely secure in African society but today, reverse is the case. The law is basically designed to ensure that those who take so much land pay a little more so that government can build the state and provide for those who have no property. This law is not for tenants, it is not for Churches, it is not for traditional family houses, it is not for mosques, it is not for palaces, burial grounds, and owner occupiers, but it is for the rich who have choice houses in certain parts of the state. The spirit behind the property tax law for me is simple; for a better and ideal society, we take care of the community and the community takes care of us. The law must respect and be fair to all-Mrs. Oizamsi Onaivi, Labour Party I have no doubt that Governor Oshiomhole will respect everybody that deserves respect but must enforce the law exactly the way it is. God expects everyman of authority to be fair to all irrespective of the economic circumstances. Oshiomhole’s first step therefore, must be to reeducate our people to regain our former attitude of mind because it never occurred to anyone to try to claim land but now that we have one man, occupying ten plots of land and yet, acquiring more at the detriment of the so-

ciety and it’s citizens, they should pay something to develop the community in the form of property tax. The law will safeguard the rich and balance social inequality-Miss Iyobo Ozakpolo There is one thing that I am happy about this law; it does not know if you are a rich man. It expects the rich to behave more responsibly, because they benefit more. They have greater stake if the system collapses. According to Karl Max, if there is confusion, the poor like the prisoner will have only his chains to lose, but the rich man will carry his house, cars and his estates. But the poor man will just run. He does not have anything. So, the rich must understand that they have a greater stake. Those who are rich should ensure that the country or Edo state, as

Governor Adams Oshiomhole the case may be, live in peace and the poor are given every reason not to attack the rich. Government must keep them busy, put food on their table, create employment, and use the instrument of state to address public welfare otherwise, there would be no peace in the society. A chieftain of the Action

Congress of Nigeria, Mr. John Mayaki said, it is one thing for the law abiding people of Edo state to pay their tax especially the property tax and another thing which is one of the cardinal objectives of this administration is to instill the value of maintenance culture in the citizenry of the state.

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

MIMIKO:

Beyond the hollow ritual of oath taking

new dawn looms in Ondo State, as Dr Olusegun Abayomi Mimiko takes the oath for a second term in office As it is customary of this type of epoch making event, the people of the state and indeed, the general public, both local and global audience will be treated to the theatrics of a colourful event. With an estimated guests attendance of about thirteen thousand people (13,000) the swearing in ceremony of Governor Mimiko slated for Sunday 24 th February 2013 at the Democracy Park in Oja Oba area Akure promises to be another historic event in the annals of the state. Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his Deputy, Alhaji Alli Olanusi will be inaugurated amidst pomp and pageantry. Nonetheless, activities for this great event will be rounded off on Sunday 10th, March with a thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Church of God, Provincial Headquarters along Ilesha Road in Akure. Notwithstanding the elaborate plans put in place by the cerebral team of the Inauguration Planning Committee headed by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Akin Adaramola, the import of an occasion like the swearing-in of a major political office holder like the governor of a state should not be under-estimated. Not even in the least, the inauguration of a political iconoclast like Governor Olusegun Abayomi Mimiko, who advertently or inadvertently destiny has accorded the honoric duty of using such moments to galvanize hope in his people irrespective of their situations and circumstance. Precisely four years ago, Mimiko made historical statements on the occasion of his inauguration before the mammoth crowd that gathered to rejoice with him. It was shortly after the Appeal Court Tribunal restored his hitherto stolen mandate after rigorous months of exhilarating legal battles. Specifically, it was February 23rd, 2009, at the Akure Stadium that Mimiko,

the avant-garde politician popularly called and known a s Iroko made that avuncular historical declaration as a covenant with the people. Standing humbly before the joyous crowd, the, elated Mimiko, reflected on the rising frustrations of his people under previous administrations seized the moment as he declared: “I will strive at all times to make decisions that will benefit the greatest number of our people. I will work for you. “As the Iroko made this pronouncement, he struck a cord in the declining spirit of his people, who were obviously and earnestly yearning for a messiah of some sort. Giving their concomitant predicament political and social situation at the time, such an assuring prophetic message of hope was all the people needed to give the new occupant at Alagbaka Government House all the support to steer the ship of state. For other politicians, such statements are often regarded as normal political gibberish that have little or no nexus between the speaker and the target audience. However, in the case of Gov-

By JOHN AJAYI

Mother & Child Hospital is an open book. Located in the state capital, Akure and Ondo, the hospital with facilities of world class standard and other well-equipped health institutions across the state, which has become a catalyst for the success o f Abiye, the popular Safe Motherhood Programme of the state government has become an international bench mark . The success of the Abiye Programme is not only measured by the sheer number of lives that have been saved, or brought to life free of charge but also by its recognition and endorsement by the international bodies such as World Health Organization (WHO) World Bank, and UNICEF as a benchmark for developing world in the war against infant and Maternal Mortality. The international recognition of Ondo State today is not only in the area of commendable attention of Mimiko to the health of his people, the state has also been acclaimed for development in Human Habitat Renewal. This was manifested recently with the honoring of Mr. Governor in far

The international recognition of Ondo State today is not only in the area of commendable attention of Mimiko to the health of his people, the state has also been acclaimed for development in Human Habitat Renewal

ernor Olusegun Mimiko, the inaugural pronouncement on 23rd February 2009 has become the defining character of the first four years term tenure of Iroko in the Sunshine State. The statement, “I will work for you” has reverberated throughout the governor’s days in office in the last four years of his administration in Ondo State. A cursory review of developmental programmes and projects under Governor Mimiko in his first term in office will certainly prove cynics wrong. The administration’s

away Italy for his exceptional performance in Urban Renewal. Without any equivocation, this honour can be seen in the new look of major towns, especially Akure, the State Capital. The beautifications, the road dualization, organized market and transport systems along with other noble initiatives of the administration have earned the state a pride of place amongst its peers. As once stated, by John Henry Newman, a renowned English author, “growth is the only evidence of life.” In the last four years, Gover-

Governor Olusegun Mimiko nor Olusegun Mimiko has demonstrated the wisdom in Henry Newman dictum in almost all spheres. In the administration’s 12point Programme Christened – A Caring Heart, Agriculture and Food Security have received requisite attention as food supply in the state in the period under review has received tremendous boost through a number of steps taken to assist farmers. These include the mobile farm in-puts supply system, the farm produce buy back policy and the establishment of Agro-Cities in the three Senatorial Districts of the state to encourage youths on mechanized farming. The Iroko has in the past four years connected significantly with the grass roots through the popular Quick-Win Projects which are found in more than four hundred communities with different projects such as Basic Health Centre, Town Hall, School Infrastructure, Road, electrification and cottage industries amongst others. The people are happy for being part of governance as they make their choice in whatever they want from government. Specifically, the rural populace makes the project choice, execute and take charge to guarantee sustainability. Each of these communities can boast of at least three projects that are life-changing and community centred. The state government has also ahead its peers in the area of empowering its people. This the government has creditably done for groups like

Market Women, artisans, widows and farmers through the different credit windows. The past four years has also witnessed tremendous growth in education with the Mega Schools introduction. It has also embarked upon aggressive infrastructural provisions in all its tertiary institutions. The state government has equally placed its name on the global tourist map with its transformation projects on commerce, trade, Culture and Tourism. The Sunshine State, hither to a far away zone to tourists in Europe and America has today become a haven for tourists on yearly mountain climbing adventure. In view of these and many more giant strides, Mimiko’s second coming to be preceded with an inaugural ceremony should excite all progressiveminded people. While elaborate plans have been made to make the occasion colorful and unique, Governor Olusegun Mimiko again patiently awaits the historic moment to relaunch himself as the selfless patriot who is an harbinger of good tidings to his people. On the 24th February, all lovers of history, all lovers of development will watch out for yet another historic and prophetic pronouncement from no other person than the Iroko himself. It is an auspicious occasion for a great expectation that certainly goes beyond the hollow ritual of oath taking! Iroko, again, history beckons!!

John Ajayi writes from Lagos

SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 47

Nigeria Yesterday Today:

An Anthology of Social Commentaries Book Review

Title: Nigeria Yesterday Today: An Anthology of Social Commentaries Author: Godwin Sogolo Reviewer: Professor Eghosa E. Osaghae, Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada Publishers: Safari Books Ltd (Ibadan, 2012)726pp Distributors: Booksellers Ltd, Nigeria

here is a genre of writing that Nigerians have learnt over the years to take seriously. It is one that can be described as public-minded – some would add populist – analyses in newspapers and magazines. Publicminded analyses are typically found in regular columns and features that bear the imprint of their authors after whom, it is now the fashion to say, they are branded. Such analyses often combine elements of responsibility, enlightenment, activism, entertainment and sophistication, with some demonstrating the logic and systemization usually associated with academic journal writing.They are also quite capable of simplifying the most difficult subjects in readable, digestible and light-hearted ways, which is a major factor in their ever-growing popularity. The effects of these writings are selfevidently tremendous, and have ranged from thought and debate provocation, to public agenda setting and devoted followership and discipleship. They also include the extensive use of the articles by scholars, researchers and students as veritable references. However, although public-minded writings have grown in importance and have been buoyed by the regularity of essays in the branded columns, the writings have fleeting memories and a tendency to disappearinto the recesses of forgetfulnessas issues analyzed change from week to week. Only those who create archives of newspaper cuttings can manage to extend the relevance of the articles beyond the week, but even the archivists themselves would acknowledge the difficulty in keeping up with this.And yet, as social commentaries, weekly and regular essays have common threads, continuities and timeless relevance that unfortunately get diminished in scattered collections that terminate with every passing week. This is wherethe book under review,Nigeria Yesterday Today: An Anthology of Social Commentaries, by Professor Godwin Sogolo, marks a new and welcome chapter in the annals of public-minded writing. It is a collection of 203 articles written by Sogolo and published in The Guardian, the flagship of the (liberal) press in Nigeria, between 28th July 1986 and 9 th September 1991.In possible anticipation of how to evaluate the

Professor Godwin Sogolo impact of the articles in the manner of feedback and effects discussed earlier, the book also has a very thoughtful section on selected rejoinders and letters elicited bySogolo’s articles. The content of the twenty-four articles in this section and the caliber of their authors bear eloquent testimony to the seriousness with which his articles were taken by the attentive public. While some, like Professor Godwin Emerole who corrected his postulation that garri, palm wine and groundnut were cancer-causing agents disagreed strongly with his views, most applauded his courage, insightfulness and prescriptions, though I find it remarkable that for all critical and nonsparing analysis of politics, governance and the economy, and

The effects of these writings are selfevidently tremendous, and have ranged from thought and debate provocation, to public agenda setting and devoted followership and discipleship

even of the persons of the military president, governors, ministers, traditional rulers and other high ups, there were no official rejoinders, disclaimers and dismissals. Perhaps the author has chosen to hide these from the public, thereby depriving us of a good measure of the impact of public writing on governance and politics, but

if not, could it be taken as a suggestion or indication that those in government eitherdo not read these essays or if they do, that they really do not care what they say? This is an interesting point to ponder given that the country was governed by the military in the period covered by the essays. The 203 articles in this book address virtually all the important and controversial issues that Nigeria and Nigerians had to grapple with between 1986 and 1991, including articles that reviewed the state of the nation in October celebrations of independence and in December/January reviews of the passing year and prognoses of the New Year. The issues tackled ranged from those of the economy (remember these were the years of SAP), religion, rising violence, education, corruption, police, football (the national opium), military professionalism and rule and labour, to campus cultism, road safety, national cohesion, leadership, peacekeeping, political transition, women’s issues (including the paradigm of Margaret Thatcher), smoking, ethics and values, development, environmental remediation, and judicial integrity. In between, and as they evolved, Sogolo also analyzed a few global issues that had bearings on Africa’s state and future development, including South Africa’s transition and the Mandela magic and Samuel Doe’s fall in Liberia. The topicality and appropriateness of the issuesare indicative of the presence of mind and acute sense of responsibility that Professor Sogolo had as a social commentator and publicminded analyst. But it was more the lucidity and self-consciousness on display in the articles that defined the Sogolo phenomenon as a Guardian writer.

hey reflected the quintessential philosopher, teacher and academic analyst in Sogolo, working hard successfully to credible objectivity and general understanding amongst readers of different ilk. Unlike some social commentators who turn their fault-finding lights only on “others”, Sogolo’s incisive – and pungent attacks – did not spare his own primary constituency of the academia, as in the interrogation of non-professing professors, the crack in UNIBEN, the vice of a chancellor, and the critique of WAZOBIA balancing acts in the institution of the national merit award. Another remarkable element in the various articles is the profound general knowledge displayed in various subjects, but most notably political economy and economics, as attested to by discussionsof SAP economics, including SFEM, privatization and poverty reduction, as well as the data deficits and gaps in budgeting and economic planning. It must truly be that philosophy is an all-encompassing discipline, which is probably why one of the rejoinders

makes a case for the philosopher-king in Nigeria, never mind that Aristotle considered politics and not philosophy to be the master science! The third characteristic of the articles in this book is that although they address disparate issues, they have points of convergence and mutual reinforcement that make them a readable whole. A major factor here is the emphasis on a few recurring or ‘frameworking’ issues, notably, police, religion, violence, education, university sector, military governance and political transition, corruption, in several articles. The other factor is that Sogolo’s thoughts were consistent, well-rounded and interconnected, something that the arrangement of the articles in chronological order does not quite articulate. Perhaps an arrangement of the articles into sections of related articles would have brought this aspect of the book into bolder relief, but that is an editorial matter for another day. The final attribute of the articles, which shows its great scholarly value, is the contemporariness and timelessness of (the analyses in) the different articles. Social commentaries almost by definition are time-bound and soon become dated, but this is not the case with most of the articles in this collection.

lthough written over 22-26 years ago, they are as relevant and topical today as they were then, a point made by Professor Sogolo himself in the narration of the making of this book. Indeed, not only have the issues analyzed remained relevant, they seem to have come full cycle, unraveling in magnitudes that were unimaginable in the 1980s. Take the issue of terrorism and religious violence for example. In his analysis of the Maitatsine riots in 1986, Sogolo postulated that religious mobilization even in its most extreme form was not likely to reach the levels of violence and terrorism in Pakistan, India and Northern Ireland, but was sure that except proactive measures were taken, the blessing that Nigeria enjoyed at the time could not be guaranteed. Similarly, at the rate the military was militarizing civil society in the late 1980s, Sogolo was sure that violence was going to become more endemic in the country’s sociopolitical landscape. How true these have turned out to be! In sum, it can be said, the continuing relevance of Sogolo’s analyses is largely to be attributed to the analytical prowess that led to valid conclusions and predictions rather than the fact that the more things have changed in Nigeria, the more they have remained the same!! In closing, let me return to the importance of this book that I only hinted at in my introduction. It is that those who enjoyed the lucid analysis of Sogolo’sGuardian writings now have the opportunity to refresh their readings in one single volume.

48 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

W-I-C-KJealous brother hac Merchant Navy to d •Biodun

The compound where the deed took place BY DONALD ARJI & KUNLE KALEJAYE

olicemen attached to Ilemba Hausa Division have arrested a 30-yearold man who allegedly stabbed his brother, a Merchant Navy to death while he was asleep. The incident, occurred at the early hours of Wednesday morning at Oritse Street in Imude community, under Oto-Awori local development council area of Lagos. After allegedly committing the devilish deed, the suspect, Allen Biodun, 30, reportedly dragged the remains of his brother, Allen Olawale Ayetimi,24,toan uncompleted building behind their compound and dumped it inside the foundation of the building,covered it with leaves.Thereafter he quietly went to his room and took his late brother’s ATM card, his Merchant Navy uniform and phone. Crime Guard gathered that the deceased only returned from an official trip to Port Harcourt at about 11pm Tuesday. Although, the

late Olawale was based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. But his mission to his family’s house as reliably gathered, was to settle a score between his elder brother and mother. Neighbours who referred to Biodun as a terror in the area, alleged that he was also responsible for the death of his father two years ago. He was alleged to have poisoned his father’s food in order to take over his three-bedroom bungalow as inheritance. After his father ’s death, Biodun reportedly chased his mother and siblings out of the main building,giving them the two shops in front o f the house. Noone, could however tell whether there was any scuffle between Olawale and his elder brother on his arrival. But Crime Guard gathered that there had been a lingering dispute between the duo. Sources attributed the dispute to petty jealousy which could be likened to that of the biblical Cain and Abel story. The death of their father as gathered, saddled Olawale with the responsibility of catering for members of his family, since he was the only one who was working among

them. Unknown to him, his good will did not go down well with his elder brother, who on the other hand, reportedly resorted to buglary and bullying as a means of survival. At other times, Biodun reportedly did menial jobs. But the fear of Biodun in the environment was the beginning of wisdom. “After the death of his father, he took to burglary. Everybody is afraid of him in the street. The only thing people did was to close their doors or even enter their rooms whenever they see him coming. Even if you see him stealing your property, you have no option than to beg him to return them because if you shout at him, he will beat you and nobody will come to your rescue”, a resident said, when Crime Guard visited. Another possible reason attributed to the seeming ‘cold war’ between the duo as gathered, followed Olawale’s refusal to sometimes meet with Biodun’s financial demand, an action the latter took as intimidation and disrespect

on his person.

Journey to death

On arrival from Port Harcourt that fateful day, Olawale reportedly washed his uniform, took his bath and shared a brief moment with his mother and siblings in the shop they were confined to,during which he informed them that his mission home was to convince his brother to accept them back into the main building,unaware that he would never live to see his mission accomplished. Before retiring to his bedroom which he shared with his elder brother, Olawale was said to have instructed one of his sisters to boil water for him to bath the next morning. But apprehension set in at about 7am Wednesday, after his sister went to inform him that the hot water was ready, only to discover his blood stained clothes on the floor,without any sight of him. As she was about to leave the room, she reportedly met Biodun, who informed her that Olawale had gone to the bank. Unsure of what to do, his sister, reportedly alerted her

mother who raised an alarm that created a scene in front of the building. At that moment, a neighbour identified as Mr Sunday Abogunrin, disclosed to the gathering that he saw Biodun hours back, dragging something on the ground. Their greatest fear was confirmed when Biodun bolted at the verge of being questioned about the whereabouts of his younger brother. Noone,could at first run after him, apparently unsure of what he could be up to. It only took the efforts of a man among the crowd to catch him. After much persuation, Biodun reportedly took the crowd to where he laid the remains of his younger brother. On closer look, a deep cut, was discovered in the late Olawale’s neck and forehead.

How I killed my brother

A mild drama reportedly unfolded as Biodun, according to eye witnesses, started behaving like someone that was mentally ill,following his incoherent statement. But at a point, he reportedly

Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 49

E-D ks cks death

Controversy trails death of commercial sex worker in a Lagos brothel •Late Olawale

confessed to have stabbed Olawale while he was sleeping. The neighbour who claimed to have seen Biodun dragging the body of Olawale, told Crime Guard that: “I came out at about 1 am to ease myself at the backyard, when I noticed some movements. Out of curiosity, I peeped to see who it was, only to find Biodun dragging something on the floor. When I finished from the toilet, he was returning from where he went. I noticed his hands were stained with blood and when I asked where the blood came from, he said he just killed a goat. I never suspected anything, so, I went inside to sleep. It was when I heard shout from their compound in the morning that I had to disclose what happened” The residents who wondered why a man could go as far as taking his own brother’s life, were however not too surprised, as some of them claimed they saw it coming. According to one Ochukwo:“It is unfortunate that Olawale died. Biodun has actually made do his threat because he had on several occasions boasted that he would be the one to kill Olalwale someday. He had stabbed him before during a fight and since then, had told several persons that he would kill him someday”. On why nobody cared to inform the police about Biodun’s threat , the residents said they would not want a situation whereby he would come after them at the end of the day. Crime Guard gathered that Biodun’s mother and siblings were currently not only devastated by the tragic incident but were also afraid Biodun could carry out a more dastardly act if let off the hook. He was however, handed over to the traditional ruler of the community, who thereafter, invited the Police.

ONTROVERSY has begun to trail the death of a commercial sex worker in a brothel on Empire Street, Mushin, Lagos, and the police are yet to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The deceased simply identified as Ifeoma, a mother of eight, was reportedly found dead inside her apartment in one of the brothels, recently. While some of her colleagues are of the opinion that she could have been poisoned by one of her male customers, others, are of the view that a ‘Judas’ among them, could have perpetrated the deed. Crime Guard gathered that the late Ifeoma who was in her early 40s, left Enugu State for Lagos, in search of greener pasture, after the demise of her husband. When Crime Guard visited the brothel, some of her colleagues kept sealed lips on the matter. But others who spoke on condition of anonymity said she left the brothel that fateful evening, for a junction where she usually ‘hustled.’ One of her colleagues narrated thus: “ The last time we saw her was when she was going out in the evening. At midnight, some neighbours informed us that she was seen throwing up at the junction where she ‘ worked’. From there, she managed to stagger back to the brothel. As she was staggering home, her colleagues who thought she was drunk hailed her while others booed her. On getting to the hotel, she went

•Empire Street

BY UJU MBANUSI

While some of her colleagues are of the opinion that she could have been poisoned by one of her male customers, others are of the view that a ‘Judas’ among them, could have perpetrated the deed

straight to her room, without talking to anyone and locked herself inside. The next thing we heard was the sound of music. She later increased the volume and we thought she could be having a good time . But when the noise persisted, we had to knock on her door to at least caution her to turn down the volume of her radio because it is against the rule of the brothel”. Apprehension as gathered, set in following silence from Ifeoma after several bangs on her door. Out of curiosity and anger over Ifeoma’s defiant attitude, her colleagues decided to forcefully open the door. “ We called in some boys to come and break the door. But to our shock, when it was forced open, we found Ifeoma lying on

the floor. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was confirmed dead. From there she was taken to the Lagos Island General Hospital mortuary”, a colleague said. Continuing, she said, her death baffled all of us. We suspect she must have been poisoned. But the question is, who could have poisoned her and for what reason? If it was one of her male friends, what will the person achieve? And if it is one of us, particularly those she fell apart with in the course of the job, what will the person achieve”? She asked. But on further investigation, Crime Guard learnt that few months before her demise, Ifeoma was struck with a mysterious ailment. On whether she was adequately treated remains a riddle to be unravelled.

Shock, disbelief greeted bereaved family

When news of Ifeoma’s death filtered into her family’s house back in Enugu, her aged mother was reportedly shattered. But family members were reportedly greeted with shock on discovering their daughter’s profession. Worst hit, was her mother in whose custody are Ifeoma’s eight children. Since she left the village, Ifeoma was said to have been sending money home on weekly basis for the upkeep of her children,with a promise that she would come for them when she was financially stable someday.

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FG concludes procurement for 2nd Niger bridge •Julius Berger emerges preferred bidder BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

HE Federal Government has yesterday announced that it has completed the procurement process for the construction of a 2nd Niger bridge with Julius Berger/ AIIM Consortium emerging as the preferred bidder. The Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen while briefing journalists on the progess made so far in Abuja yesterday after enclosed meeting with the consortium, disclosed that Julius Berger/AIIM Consortium emerged after slugging it out with other world class construction companies which include, ARM Consortium, Bouygues Consortium, China Harbour Consortium and Johnson-Matiere Consortium. The project, which is packaged under Public Private Partnership arrangement for a period of 25 years will be delivered under design, finance, built, operate and transfer model. Onolememen said the Federal Government has earmarked N30billion for the 2nd Niger bridge under the Subsidy R e i n v e s t m e n t Empowerment, SURE-P programme as part of its contributions to the project. “I am glad to announce that Julius Berger emerged as the preferred bidder for the 2nd Niger Bridge” He continued, “With this now, we will now move into the second phase that will necessarily lead to preliminary site work.” Onolememen who said the ministry has obtained a no objection from the Infrastructure Concessioning Regulatory Commission, ICRC, which regulates all transactions under PPP, stated that with no objection, the ministry has launched into the second phase of the project which included detailed Hydrological and Topological Survey, Geotechnical Survey, detailed Environmental

Impact Assessment and Indepth Traffic Survey of the project. The minister said,” We have gone through painstaking procurement process that has lasted for about 13 months and at the end of the procurement, a preffered bidder has emerged and we have since obtained a no objection from the ICRC, the regulatory authority for all PPP transactions in our country and no objection also provided that we move into the 2nd phase of the transaction discussions.” He remarked that building the 2nd Niger bridge was one of the election promises of President Goodluck Jonathan to the people of Nigeria, stressing that getting a world class construction company to handle the project signaled the commencement of the journey toward the actualisation of the project. The President had at

the inception of his administration promised to deliver the 2nd Niger bridge and the emergence of a preferred bidder for its construction, is first bold step towards the realisation of the project. The minister informed, “With the dilapidating state of the 1st Niger bridge, there have been calls, particularly from the people of the SouthEast of Nigeria, for the construction of a 2nd Niger bridge”.

Why we converted Rivers N100b bond to loan — Amaechi R IVERS State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has cleared the air on why his administration asked the State Assembly to convert the already approved N100billion bond into loan. Amaechi explained that the conversion from bond into loan of the said sum

As the world awaits the 266th Pope •Onaiyekan says election will be based on laid down laws BY SAM EYOBOKA & PETER DURU

VERYONE who has ever been to a Vacation Bible School has sung the old song, Peter built the Church on the rock of our faith ……Catholics believe, however, that it was Jesus Christ who built the Church on the rock of Peter’s faith, going so far as to give his disciple Simon the name Peter, which means “Rock.” Christ didn’t just give Simon a new name—he gave him a new job. Peter was the first pope, a fact which we celebrate today, February 22, in the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. The Papacy has continued, unbroken, down through 265 popes of the Roman Catholic Church over two millennia. The length of time that this institution has survived is a remarkable

From left; Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, his wife, Olukemi, wife of Deji of Akure and Celebrant, Olori Mojisola Adesida, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, at the 60th Birthday Thanksgiving service of the Olori, at St David’s Cathedral Church, Akure, on Friday.

achievement—and, one might argue, itself proof of the divinely ordained nature of the office of the Vicar of Christ. In 2013, the celebration of the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter is, of course, bittersweet, in light of Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement of his resignation, effective at 8:00 p.m. Rome time on February 28, 2013. Yet even as Catholics prepare for the Chair of Saint Peter to become vacant, they know that in March the College of Cardinals will meet in conclave to elect a new pope, who will most likely be installed before Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday. These are troubling times for the Church, and no one believes that Benedict XVI would have resigned if he had felt physically and intellectually up to the task of guiding the Church through rough waters.

is to enable his government complete ongoing projects in the state before the rainy season sets in, noting that with the long and difficult process of obtaining the bond, the state government will fail to complete ongoing projects in the state before the rains set in. Governor Amaechi made the clarification shortly after signing into law the Rivers State 2013 appropriation bill of N490.3billion and also the state’s Internal Revenue Service bill in Government House on Friday. He thanked the legislators for promptly passing the appropriation bill and noted that the Executive will immediately start implementing the budget. “I have always told my cabinet that we must go by our budget, nobody should spend outside the budget, there should not be any extra budgetary expenditure because I will not sign. I like to know that every expenditure is backed by the budget. Nobody should undermine the authority of the State Assembly .” “Having said that, I want to join the conversation in the Assembly and say that nobody should go after my reputation. If you go after my reputation I will come out and fight like a

lion. When we asked for you to convert the bond you approved, N100 billion bond which you have approved for long and to convert it into loan because we looked at it that by the time you finish the process of bond and all that and bond currently is at 14 percent, it will affect development and the reality is that we have

effectively one dry season, so if I have one dry season and you have already approved by law, you members of the Rivers State House of Assembly approved by law the debt financing of the budget by N100 billion, all I did was to come back to you to say, this N100 billion you have approved convert it from bond to loan.

Brief Delta PMAN leadership berated over alleged multiple performance permit

social crusader, Mr Clement Unior has berated the Comrade Emma Grey led executive of the Delta State chapter of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, over alleged introduction of multiple performance permits and increment of registration fee for old members from N1,000 to N10,000. Unior, in a statement yesterday, also condemned the introduction of a “ working manual” which he said was launched by every member of the association. “The introduction of the controversial performance permit to be bought by every musician for every show for N1, 000 is not unpopular but for a musician to buy a performance permit

in his zone and still be expected to buy another if he leaves his zone within the State is not only inhuman but economically destructive. “It bites hard to see these aberrations by PMAN Gov Emma Grey when he is encompassed by comrades like Ambassador Okuigbedi (State Secretary) Ambassador Lucky O, Tebite Quincy (Tisio) Zubi Enebili etc who ought to advise him on the right approach,” the statement said. According to the statement; “Emma Grey is good as a person but needs to improve on his leadership skill by carrying every member of the association along when taking critical decisions on issues affecting the association.”

52— SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Cycling has made me look Lagos desperately needs marathon, says AFN boss like a man — Akaegbu •Plans to quit the sport early to get married BY OSARETIN EMUZE

ULIET Obiagele Akaegbu is a cyclist of great repute and she rides the bicycle with ease to the admiration of all and sundry, because of her unique way of riding. The native of Uzagba Umaeze in Ikeduru local government of Imo State said she came into cycling by default. “I came into cycling in 2001 by a stroke of luck. I went with a friend to the National Stadium (in Lagos) for sight seeing but returned a cyclist. It was like a miracle. I had learnt how to ride the bicycle in some of the trips I made with my parents to our village in Imo State, and was ridding for fun. On that fateful day, I saw some girls riding a different kind of bicycle but I was interested. I asked to be allowed to ride and they obliged me. That was the beginning of my becoming a cyclist. The coordinators of Iloh cycling club who saw me ride, picked interest in me and recruited me into the club.By and large, Lagos state cycling coach Joe Izibili sported me and included me in his team to the National Sports Festival in Kaduna tagged Kadda 2008. There I performed creditably, but I did not win any medal due to my young age and lack of experience. On returning to Lagos, I was recommended to the Rivers State cycling coach, Emmanuel Adesanya who took me to Port Harcourt where I was employed. With his encouragement and the help of two great cyclists, Odozi Godfrey and Innocent Emmanuel, I was able to improve on my stride and speed. Through watching of foreign tapes on cycling competitions, I was able to carve a niche for myself and created a new style of riding which made me comfortable and fast during competitions. As God would have it, I

THLETICS Federation of Nigeria, AFN president, Solomon Ogba has declared that Lagos is desperately in need of a world class marathon race, after the Lagos International ½ Marathon was rested in 2009. Ogba stated that it was regrettable that the Lagos International ½ Marathon has gone into oblivion, but added that discussions are on with the Lagos State government to revive the event, which received recognition from the world athletics ruling body IAAF and attracted top athletes from around the world. “Lagos is a popular City and it is a destination for tourism. It is rather unfortunate that the Lagos marathon was allowed to die, it is

a window of opportunity for visitors to explore the City. “However, we have plans to revive it. We are in talks with the Lagos State government and when the time comes we will see how it goes.” “Besides, there is a need to have a marathon culture in Nigeria. This is because we have countries like Kenya coming into our traditional strong holds and so we must make every effort to have athletes in the long distance events too,” said Ogba. Telecoms company MTN sponsored the Lagos ½ Marathon for five years. The AFN signed a new deal with rival brand Globacom, but that romance seems to have run into cold water. Ogba stated that

the contract with Globacom has expired and the AFN is looking for a new partner. However, an official of Globacom disclosed that they still have a contract with the AFN. “We only have issues with the AFN and we are still in talks. It was the death of Sunday Bada that stalled the talks,” he said. The last edition of the Lagos international half marathon was held in 2009 with world elite runners like Lornah Kiplagat, Hilda Kibet starring in the women’s category, while in the men’s event, athletes Luke Kibet, Tsegaye Kedebe and Dieudonne Disi were in attendance. Ethiopia’s legend Halie Gebrselassie was a guest.

•Akaegbu on her bicycle. did the 200 metres individual time trials in the 17th National Sports Festival hosted in Port Harcourt and won the gold. In the last sports festival in Lagos, I won silver because my bicycle dissappointed me during the final event of the 200 metres individual time trials. I had conditioned my mind to retain the gold, because I had beaten my opponent in the final several times in competitions but unfortunately, my bicycle failed me. That defeat pained me to my bone marrow. Right now cycling is my life. I derived a lot of joy from it. My joy now is that I have been invited to the national camp by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, CFN Technical Director, Bashiru Mohammed and I will work hard to represent Nigeria in major competitions,” she vowed. Juliet said she had planned to retire this

year to face her studies because she had completed her three mandatory sports festivals. “I wanted to quit cycling and face my studies, but because the festival is now open, I will wait till after the 19th Sports Festival in Calabar in 2014 before quiting the sports that has brought me fame and joy.” On why she wants to quit despite her young age, the dark complexioned girl stressed that cycling is not good for women who intend to marry and have children in the future. “I intend to mary and have children, so I will quit early to regain my lost stature. I now look like a man because of serious training”. She gave credit to her parents for encouraging her to forge ahead despite being the last born. She adviced upcoming cyclists, especially female cyclists, to be serious and hard working. “Cycling is not easy but with hardwork and dedication, they will make it.”

•Long distance runners during a race at the U.J.Esuene Stadium in Calabar

Pistorius murder saga rattles Bolt

ORLD sprint king, Usain Bolt said he has been left astonished at the shooting incident involving fellow Olympics icon, Oscar Pistorius. The South African track star allegedly shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine day and has been charged with ‘premeditated murder’ by South Africa prosecutors. Bolt, the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, said he was still trying to come to terms with the unfolding drama. “When I heard [about the murder], I was like, ‘What? Who? The amputee guy?’ I was asking all sorts of questions because I was thinking, ‘This can’t be the same guy that I’ve seen and I know.’” “I still can’t process it really. As far as I’m concerned, I’m just listening out and listening to the news. I’m still in shock.” Bolt says he will be following the case closely in the media as it unfolds.

Pistorius

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SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 — 55

Court grants Pistorius bail at $113,000 *Bans him from drugs, alcohol, foreign trips

OUTH African track star, Oscar Pistorius regained his freedom until June when the trial for the murder of his

girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, will resume. Pistorius was accused of ‘premeditated murder’ in shooting

Chukwu hails Keshi at Heineken Champions Planet L

AST week the Heineken Champions Planet opened to consumers, media representatives, celebrities and football legends. For Heineken, international Premium Lager beer, it is important to continue to strengthen its brand role by engaging consumers with the Heineken Champions Planet experience. At the press conference, Victor Ikpeba, and Christian Chukwu spoke to Heineken consumers and guests on the legendary performance of players at the UEFA Champions league. With the recently concluded AFCON still a fresh topic, Heineken consumers spark interest in upcoming Nigeria players who displayed acts of legendary behaviour while at the AFCON games.The first Nigerian skipper to lift the Africa Nations Cup trophy 33 years ago, Christian Chukwu, hailed Stephen Keshi, the next successful skipper who has also become the latest coach to win the trophy. Christian Chukwu, fondly referred to as ‘Chairman’ because of his charismatic disposition as a player, was the first Nigerian legend to share his views about the exciting moments of the knock out stage of the UEFA Champions League at the Heineken Champions Planet, Victoria Island Lagos. He praised Keshi for his courage in taking risks. “Taking risks is the hallmark of good coaches all over the world,” Chukwu said. “Keshi did exactly that in South Africa, even though he knew he did not have the required support by most football followers and would be sacrificed if things went

wrong.“Considering that 17 of the 23 players paraded at the competition had not participated in previous Africa Nations Cup made his team look suspect,” “Without any doubt whatso-

ever, Keshi has made the world believe that there is a lot of talent in our domestic league. This can eventually affect the league positively in such a way that our future national team would be built around players

at home and we can return to our formidable status,” said Chukwu and if we play our cards well we can be sure to see more Nigerian Players in the UEFA Champions League tournament .

Don’t bother about Ambrose, Celtic tell European clubs F

OLLOWING his good runs at the Africa Cup of Nations, top European clubs are eying Eagles defender Ambrose Efe, but his Scottish club Celtic said they are unlikely to let the maturing player leave. Liverpool is one of the clubs interested in Efe Ambrose and he has admitted that it would be an interesting move. But his coach Neil Lennon said they have no intention of losing the player in the summer. “Efe has been brilliant for us and there’s been a lot of interest in him. There is definite interest from top teams, not just in England but on the continent as well. There’s been nothing concrete so far, but I’ve been made aware of it, put it that way. I don’t think we will lose him in the summer, as he’s just in the door and there’s more he can add to his game. But he’s got a few admirers out there with his performances last season,” he said. Ambrose shook off the misfortune of earning a red card in his first AFCON game and contributed to the Eagles’ success at South Africa 2013. He said playing in England was his dream, but that will have to wait. “I am happy to be linked with a club like Liverpool. My dream is to play across the border. The English league is the best but I am happy at Celtic. I love the fans here and we were unlucky against Juventus,” he said.

Gala slam Schalke over Drogba protest

Ambrose

YSFON pledges to sustain youth football devt *As Kano wins Ramat Cup

ANO State has emerged winners of the 33rd edition Youth sports Federation of Nigeria [YSFON], organized RAMAT cup competition. In the keenly contested final decided at the Kano Pillars Stadium, the Kano team beat their Ogun State counterparts 4-2 to cart away

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the giant trophy. In the third place match also decided at the same venue, Bauchi state defeated Katsina by a lone goal. Speaking after the closing /Final ceremony, President of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, commended the Kano State Government as well as the organizer’s and the participating

death of his girlfriend on valentine’s day. A four-day hearing culminated yesterday with shouts of “Yes!” when a South African chief magistrate Desmond Nair announced he was granting the Blade Runner bail. Pistorius, who kept his head bowed when Nair announced his ruling, was ordered to post 1 million South African Rand (about $113,000) as surety and surrender his passport to prevent him from leaving the country. Although Pistorius, who claims he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he shot her through a bathroom door on Feb. 14, still faces charges of premeditated murder and could receive a life sentence, this outcome after four days of testimony is a major victory for the 26year-old and his legal team before they are due back in court on June 4. Among the stipulations of his bail, Pistorius was also ordered to surrender all his firearms, must appear at Brooklyn Police Station (where he had been held) every Monday and Friday, may not enter any airport, cannot talk to any witnesses and is not allowed to drink alcohol. Nair, who admitted the decision was an”unenviable task,” stated he did not believe Pistorius to be a flight risk and that the prosecution did not show he had a propensity for violence. Pistorius will be relieved to be out of Pretoria Magistrates Court, where he spent four tense days under heavy scrutiny, much of it in floods of tears.

teams for their spirit of sportsmanship before, during and even after the championship, adding that YSFON will continue to be at the vanguard of youth development through grassroots football. “YSFON over the years has been known for its commitment to grass roots football development and we will con-

tinue to do that through the organization of similar tournament in all parts of the country. As vanguards of grass roots football development in the country, YSFON will not relent on its efforts to ensure that our football is developed at the youth level,” he concluded.

ALATASARAY has slammed Schalke’s decision to seek clarity on Didier Drogba’s Champions League eligibility as “nonsense.” The Royal Blues announced in the aftermath of their 1-1 round of 16 draw at the Turk Telecom Arena that they would contact UEFA over whether the Cote d’Ivoire forward was properly registered to feature on Wednesday. Galatasaray official Bulent Tulun has hit back, insisting the Istanbul giant is innocent of any wrongdoing and that Schalke is deliberately trying to start fires ahead of the return leg in Gelsenkirchen. “Everything is fine with Drogba,” Tulun told Bild. “Schalke are just trying to provoke us. What is this nonsense?” Meanwhile, Tulun’s German counterpart, Horst Heldt, confirmed his intention to seek clarification over the matter. “We have discussed this with our lawyers intensively,” Heldt said. “Not protesting at all would be negligent towards the club. We are not trying to obtain something by fraud. We only want legal certainty.”

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SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 23, 2013

Muamba to present Cup F

ORMER Bolton star Fabrice Muamba will present the League Cup to the winning captain in Sunday ’s final between Bradford City and Swansea City at

Wembley. Muamba will be the sponsor ’s guest of honour and will also watch the match from the Royal Box as well as being introduced to both teams

Keep the momentum — Emeteole charges Keshi, Eagles STORIES BY EDDIE AKALONU

ELECHI Emeteole has asked coach Stephen Keshi to keep the momentum of widening opportunities for homebased players in the national team, saying that Nigerian league players have been ignited to action by contributions of their colleagues like Godfrey Oboabona and Sunday Mbah.in the Africa Cup of Nations victory in South Africa. “The country is on fire after regaining top position in Africa and we all know it’s not just about becoming champions again but that players from our league played a major part in making it happen. So, Keshi should keep the momentum going by giving more home-based players the opportunity. Our victory in South Africa has vindicated those of us who have cried all along that we must look inwards for players. Good players are all out there crying for recognition. The case of Sunday Mbah is an eye opener. He was marvelous out there and

reminded me of my active days. Now I do expect that Keshi and his assistants would continue along this worthy path because as facts show, it is rewarding to do so. Keshi has got to continue doing what he was doing before the Afcon 2013 in South Africa,” he stated. Ahead the 2014 World Cup qualifying series and the Confederations Cup in Brazil, the former Spartans of Owerri hit-man said it will not be easy as he enjoined the Eagles not to relent but give both campaigns a bigger push. “Confederations Cup will not be easy but as you know this is not the first time our country is taking part in the competition. I think we now have matured and experienced players who I feel are determined to give out their best because it involves continental champions like Spain, the reigning world and European champions. And if they do we will hold our heads high in the competition. The World Cup is also important and needs very deep and greater push to enable us be among countries to fly our national flag in Brazil next year,” he said.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.L.G.A. in Ondo State (9) 6.Colour (3) 8.CBN’s Director of Currency Operations, Mohammad (3) 9.Cross River State Governor, Liyel (5) 11.Former Poland Skipper, Jacek (3) 12.Cape-Verde Capital City (5) 13.Nigerian Vice President, Namadi (5) 15.Fabric (5) 17.Cereal (3) 19.Ogun State Governor, Mr. Ibikunle (6) 20.L.G.A. in Lagos State (6) 21.Yoruba Word for “Beans” (3) 23.Muslim Religion (5) 26.Town in Delta State (5) 28.Desert’s Fertile Spot (5) 29.Tune (3) 30.Italian “Serie A” Premiership Club-Side (5) 33.Fish Eggs (3) 34.Period of Twenty-Four Hours (3) 35.German “Bondesliga” ClubSide(9)

DOWN 1.Adamawa State Governor, Dr. Peter (3) 2.State in Nigeria Known as “Land of Hope”? (3) 3.L.G.A. in Oyo State (5) 4.Delta State Deputy Governor, Chief Amos (6) 5.Ethnic Group in Nigeria (5) 6.Morocco’s Capital City (5) 7.Kebbi State Governor, Saidu (9) 10.Warri Wolves Midfielder, Sunday (3) 13.Country in Africa (9) 14.L.G.A. in Plateau State (5) 16.Niger State Governor, Babangida (5) 17.Number (3) 18.Beverage (3) 22.L.G.A. in Kebbi State (6) 24.Vehicle (5) 25.Everton FC Coach, David (5) 26.Valuable (5) 27.Female Foul (3) 31.Common Name for “Garri” (3) 32.Insect (3)

before the game. The 24-year-old was forced to retire prematurely after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton Wanderers in an FA Cup quarterfinal against Tottenham Hotspur last March. The midfielder ’s heart stopped beating for 78 minutes but, because of the prompt treatment he received on the pitch, he defied the odds to survive and make an incredible recovery.

CELEBRATION.... Super Eagles players celebrate after one of their many victories. Garba Lawal has charged them to stop the celebration and focus on the assignments ahead. Photo: AFP

… As Lawal wants end to victory celebrations F

ORMER Super Eagles midfielder, Garba Lawal has called for an end to celebrations by Nigerians and the Eagles over the Africa Cup

of Nations victory, saying focus for now should be on the FIFA Confederations Cup coming up in June and preparations for the World Cup qualifying

SOLUTION on page 15

series beginning next month. Lawal, an Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medalist told our correspondent on telephone that the celebrations are being overstretched, saying such was not in the national interest in the face of urgent assignments around the corner. “We have to cut short the celebration and get on with the World Cup and Confederations Cup campaigns. It is pertinent that the players and coaches focus on these two assignments. The World Cup especially is very important that it is given top priority because we have to get ready and vie for the slots. It is necessary we make a success of it. This is the point I think the NFF and

NSC should intervene and end the celebrations because football must move forward and the best way to move forward is to plan and build on our success on a sustained basis” he stated. With more reception planned for the Eagles by corporate bodies and some States, Lawal reminded Nigerians about the need for the Eagles to work harder than they ever did in order to build on what has been achieved, noting that the country must plan how to sustain what have been achieved. “To remain on top, we need to work harder, hence wining and dining has to end for the players to resume and focus on urgent assignments,” Lawal stressed.

Pistorius gets bail — P55

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