N5,000.00 Note: Nigerians says no! by Vanguard Media Limited

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2—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

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4—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

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Eid-el-Fitr celebration

N5,000 Note: Nigerians say ‘No’ …Say it’ll facilitate corruption, terrorism BY MICHAEL EBOH

LANS by the Central Bank of Nigeria to restructure the country’s currencies, especially the introduction of N5,000 note, will facilitate corruption, promote money laundering and increase financing of terrorist activities, say stakeholders in the financial sector. The stakeholders, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard, yesterday, said the introduction of the N5,000 note would adversely affect the economy and have a ripple effect on the populace. “I hope the new N5000 note is NOT another policy somersault? With steps already taken by CBN itself to address money laundering in the country such as Know-Your-Customers, revalidation of banks’ customers and the on going cashless Lagos, one wonders if the proposed higher denomination of N5000 will not undermine that effort, coupled with our inability to discover and disrupt terrorism financing,” said Mr. Tunde Salman, a financial analyst. He advised the CBN to delay the introduction of the higher note, until the year 2020, stating that, “What we needed now is how to replace the polymer notes (N5, N10, N20, and N50) that seemed not to have secondhand value in terms of durability “If, however, they are desirous of introducing the N5000 note, I think the CBN can wait till year 2020 when we might have achieved that tall dream called 20/ 2020 for the introduction and elaborate launching.” Also speaking, Mr. Eghes Eyieyien, Chief Executive Officer, Pharez Consulting, said, “It is clearly a wrong move; it signals the interment of all the currencies which are to be turned into coins and will no doubt induce inflation. The cash culture of Nigerians and our history with such actions point to these facts. The sad thing is that we never seem to learn from history. ”Sanusi is too fixated on being applauded as a ‘Reformer’ such that he would introduce any kind of change for its mere sake. That President Goodluck Jonathan cannot see the destructive impact of Sanusi’s many illconceived ideas is perplexing.” In his own view, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, an economist and Chief Executive

Officer, Financial Derivatives Company, FDC, Plc, said, there is no need for a redenomination of the currency, especially with the cashless policy. He said, “With the cashless policy, we do not need the high denomination notes as everybody is going cash-less.” Also speaking, Dr. Samuel Nzekwe, immediate past president, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN, said, “The introduction of high denomination would make it possible to carry large sums around. One of the reasons the local currency was depreciating was as a result of the inactive manufacturing sector and the importoriented nature of the country. “Most of the commodities consumed in the country were imported from abroad and this is making the currency to lose value.” Mr Olumide Adegoke, General Manager, Standard Alliance Insurance, said, “The higher note could encourage corruption as it would be easy to carry huge sums within the system.CBN should also be looking at ways of checking inflation.” Dr Solomon Nyagba, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), said, “It is clearly a wrong signal for the economy. Denomination is not the issue, the most important step is to encourage local production which will strengthen the currency and rev up the economy. “Any economy that is dependent on importation will never be stable no matter the size of the denomination.” Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, Chief Executive Officer, Resource and Trust Company, RTC, Limited, said, “It will also cost money; a cost I find indefensible, given the quite recent notes (polymer etc) introduced by immediate past CBN governor, Soludo. It does seem that unclear motives and logic permeates this proposal. “I, however, do not accept that there is scientific or econometric evidence to support the position that higher denomination currency automatically, without more, will necessarily result in inflation. “The only positive argument may be the lower cash processing cost that may be

incurred by banks with higher currency denominations. I do not consider this benefit sufficient justification for this seeming diversionary policy.” However, Special Adviser to the President, National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi said that the image of three distinguished women on the proposed N5,000 note was an honour for women. She said, “The move is historic for Nigerian women, as it marks the first time any government, will bestow them with this magnitude of recognition and respect. “The remembrance of these great women long after their death shows that our roles in times of national challenge will eventually fish us out as heroes or villains.” However, Mr. David Adonri, Chief Executive Officer, Lambeth Trust & Investment Company Limited, said, “The proposed introduction of higher denominated currencies may reduce the cost of producing currency notes. Fewer notes will be required for high volume transactions. “Due to high velocity in use of lower denominated currencies, coins can withstand rougher usage and last longer, thus further reducing cost to the monetary authority. However, acceptability of use of coins in the country could pose a major challenge to its reintroduc-

R-L, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, Marketing Manager-Lager, NB, Plc;Mr. Walter Drenth, Marketing Manager, NB, Plc, and Dr. Clement Bassey, Commissioner for Tourism, Akwa Ibom State at the press briefing heralding Gulder Ultimate Search 9 at Oriental Hotel, Lagos. Photo by Sylva Eleanya. tion. “I am not convinced about the causal relationship between higher denominated currencies and increase in inflation as believed by some critics of the policy. I believe that structural deficiencies in the economy, exacerbated by fiscal indiscipline are the main factors fueling inflation in Nigeria.” Commenting further, Eyieyien said, “Some examples of Sanusi’s many illconceived and inane ideas are: Stopping banks from having Automated Teller Machines, ATMs, in nonbranch locations after their huge investments and later reversing the policy at more costs; The “Cash-lite” Lagos fiasco which has

seen frequent adjustment of the minimum amounts for withdrawal. “There is also the AMCON charade that has created an over N4 trillion liability (almost equal to the annual Federal Budget!) through ‘bonds’ that can never be repaid; illegal and unconstitutional Islamic Banking; huge margin of about 2500 basis points between average bank deposit rates and lending rates consequent of CBN’s failed monetary policies and its unwillingness to deal with it. “Unnecessary confrontation with the National Assembly and failure to submit CBN budget to the law makers through the Minister of Finance, as all 31 government corporations (in-

cluding the CBN) are required to do per provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, because of Sanusi’s ego and arrogance. ”Derailment of the CBN’s focus by so called ‘interventions’ in non-core statutory functions such as its investment in multi-billion Naira hotel and conference centre projects like that being planned for UNIJOS and Abuja; CBN’s dabbling into issues of fiscal policy through “special funds” thereby usurping the role of Ministry of Finance ”These are just some examples of the very disappointing actions of the CBN under Sanusi which make one wonder why the President is unable to show him the door out of office.”

Abducted ESUT VC gains freedom BY TONY EDIKE Enugu

HE Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Cyprian Onyeji who was abducted by unknown gunmen last Wednesday, regained his freedom Thursday night. The VC returned to the warm embrace of his traumatized family nine days after he was held hostage in an unknown hideout. Unconfirmed reports said the kidnappers had demanded N200 million ransom from his family and when they were not forthcoming, the amount was reduced to N50 million. The Public Relations Officer of ESUT, Mr. Ossy Ugwoti, who confirmed the release of Professor Onyeji in the early hours

of yesterday, however, said that he was not aware if any ransom was paid before his release. He, however, could not

give details of how the VC was released but he declared that “our oga was released hale and hearty

at about 11 pm Thursday night and has already been reunited with members of his family.”

Seme Border to get weapon detection scanner in October BY GODFREY BIVBERE

S a means to control the influx of arms and ammunitions into the country through the land borders, the federal government will in October install a multimillion dollars fixed scanner capable of detecting explosives and drugs in a container. Ther scanner is expected to be brought in by Global Scansystems Ltd., one destination inspection firm, contracted by

government to provide scanning service at the border. The Nigerian own firm says it has acquired a multi-million dollars fixed scanner capable of detecting explosives and drugs in a container, as part of the contract with the federal government. Fred Udechukwu, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, disclosed on Friday in Lagos that the scanner could penetrate16.25 inches of steel. He said that the scanner, manufactured

by Smiths Detection Ltd in Wiesbaden, Germany, would be installed at the Seme Border in October. Udechukwu said that the company and representatives of relevant Federal Government agencies had concluded the Factory Acceptance Test of the scanner. “The test is a pre-condition for the shipment of the scanner and its accessories. The scanner has a dual view capability with three review image work stations.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Poor funding affecting police performance — IG T HE Inspector Gener al of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has said that inadequate funding was hampering the effective performance of the force. “The Nigerian police should be well funded, trained and equipped to enable it effectively constitute the first line of defence in matters of internal security,” Abubakar stated in Jos yesterday. Abubakar spoke during a lecture at the on-

going defence and security studies seminar for Course 34 participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos. In a paper titled: “Resource diversification and utilisation in the Nigerian police force for the maintenance of order and public security in the 21st century”, he also blamed the bad eggs in the force on “bad family upbringing”. “Most parents contribute to the problem of cor-

ruption by not giving their children the proper moral upbringing. “This situation is not even limited to the police force; it is everywhere including the military where there is high level of discipline and professionalism.” Abubakar said the police force had the primary role of arrest, intelligence, detention and prosecution, but explained that full efficacy in such statutory functions was only possible with adequate funding.

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar

HE sudden appear ance of a mysterious hand during a crusade organized at the headquarters of the Glorious Assemblies Ministries popularly known as Christ Endtime Military Academy, Calabar, Cross River State is now a subject of discussion among residents of the city. The mysterious hand which appeared on the fourth day of the programme radiated with light and pierced through the ceiling of the church building before young

70-yr-old landlord docked for allegedly stealing electronics T HE police in Lagos yesterday arraigned a 70-year-old landlord, Adeshowoju Oduru, for allegedly stealing electronics and wares valued at N273,000. Oduru, who resides at 3, Okobaba St., Ebute Meta, Lagos, faced a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and malicious damage before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court. The prosecutor, Insp. Ajala Ebi, told the court that Oduru on Aug. 9 destroyed and threw out the property of one Mrs Toyin Shomuyiwa. Ebi said that the landlord forcibly entered Shomuyiwa’s apartment and damaged her properties, including a DVD player,

radio and television sets, and 15 female suits all valued at N273,000. He said that the landlord also allegedly stole N10,000 cash which the complainant kept in her

room. The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 348 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011. Oduru pleaded not guilty to the

charges. Magistrate T.O. Abolarinwa granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till October 16 for further hearing.

Minister, SON, CPC under pressure to reduce substandard products by 30% BY FRANKLIN ALLI

HERE is a strong in dication that the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, the Directors General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Joseph Odumodu and Ify Umenyi of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), are under

pressure from the Presidency to reduce the current level of substandard products in the economy to 30 percent before the end of 2013. Accordingly, the Minister has signed a performance contract with President Goodluck Jonathan and one of his Key Performance Indicators (KPI) is to reduce

the level of substandard products across the country. In a statement from the Ministr y, weekend, Aganga said: “Within the next few weeks, I will be signing KPI contracts with the DGs of SON and CPC on the reduction of substandard products across the country.”

Mysterious hand causes stir at Church crusade boys who were part of the programme noticed it with amazement. Though many people have insinuated many things concerning the hand, the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Timmy Larry described the hand as the hand of Jesus Christ and that a day before the mysterious hand appeared, a lady saw a vision that a mighty hand came from behind and lifted and smashed a man. Larry explained that “the mysterious appearance of the hand came up on the

fourth day of the programme. “ I was busy praying for people after coming out from seclusion. I was told of the hand by a Camera man, but before that event, I was talking to people about the right hand. “It was revealed that 2012 was going to be an exceptional experience in His presence and I had told my people that the month of July was going to be a month of signs and wonders and it is the month this thing happened,” he said.

United Kingdom adopts Ikot Ekpene Prisons as reformation centre in africa — Akpabio

OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio says the United Kingdom has adopted the ultra-modern Ikot Ekpene Prisons as a Model Reformation Centre in Africa. Governor Akpabio, who dropped this hint yesterday when the President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, explained that the prison is to train the inmates for post-prisons engagement. The Governor commended the President and council members of NIM

for their decision to confer a fellowship award of the insitute on him, saying such recognition would encourage him to do more to improve the lot of the people. While dedicating the award the to one Ekaete and other orphans in the state who are enjoying free, compulsory education policy of the state government, the Governor acknowledged that the development strides in the state would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of his lieutenants and Akwa Ibom people, who, according to him, were ready for change.

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Declare emergency on reconstruction of devastated N/Delta region, Uduaghan tells FG •insists on fiscal federalism

es that we face and to compensate for the violence and despoliation visited on our environment, is a modest increase to 50 per cent derivation. It is entirely in order. My appeal is that as leaders and representatives of our peoples we should not

stop engaging others and reaching out at our different fora to press our case. “One such forum which has served us very well is the Governors’ Forum. We will continue to seek all avenues for a better understanding and fairer representation of the is-

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA A federation is not a colony of any zone”. Asaba Governor Uduaghan in his paper said, “my posiHE vexed issue of re tion is that one way we source control once can be assisted to address again came to front burn- the myriads of challenger, in Asaba, yesterday with the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan demanding for the declaration of emergency in reconstructing Niger Delta from years of devastation. Uduaghan stated this while delivering a lecture at the Business Hallmark Public Policy Forum titled ‘Niger Delta: Beyond Resource control, burdens & realities of Transformation’. Chairman Business Hallmark Public Policy Forum, Prof. George Obiozor in his welcome address called for caution, saying “don’t take any group for granted. Don’t From left, Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (middle) represay because they are humsenting Governor Aregbesola; wife of Ataoja of Osogbo, Jemilat; the Ataoja ble, they have surren- of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and his other wife, Balikis, at the 2012 dered. No, don’t think Osun Osogbo Festival, held at the Osun Groove, Osogbo, the State of Osun, that at all. It is dangerous. yesterday.

Five die in auto crash on Nsukka-9th Mile rd Five persons riding in a private car died at Ohodo in Igbo Etiti LGA of Enugu State on Thursday when their car brushed a cement truck and somersaulted. An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said in Nsukka yesterday that the accident occurred around 9.45 p.m. The witness said the Toyota Carina car, heading toward Nsukka, was overtaking the truck when they brushed and a 14-seater bus also ran into the car before it somersaulted. The witness said the three vehicles were heading in the same direction. “It was as a result of overtaking and the stubbornness of the truck driver who refused to give way for the car to

pass. “All the five males in that Carina car died on the spot. Many passen-

gers from the bus sustained serious injuries,” the witness said. When contacted, the

Commandant of the FRSC, Nsukka Unit, Mr John Eneze, confirmed the accident.

Woman 35, urges court to dissolve marriage due to husband’s deceit

35-year-old trader, Mrs Risikat Badmus, on Friday appealed to an Ikorodu Customary Court to dissolve her seven-year-old marriage over her husband’s deceit, maltreatment and desertion. Risikat, who resides at Ogolonto, Ikorodu, told the court that her husband, Yussuf Badmus, pretended to be an Alfa before their marriage. She accused her husband, who had failed to appear in court after be-

ing served many hearing notices, that he was living a false life and also used to beat her regul a r l y . “He pretended to be an Alfa so that I can marry him; it was after I got married to him that I discovered that he was a fake. “He drove me out of my matrimonial home due to severe beatings, he has no regard for me. “He sleeps with different women around our

community and I know some of them. “There is no point still remaining his wife. I am praying for divorce now to enable me move on in life, “ Risikat said.

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two cows belonging to Gov. Ibrahim Shema. Prosecutor Gyan David told the court in Dustsinma on Friday that Garba George, the Manager of Shema Farm, Dutsin-ma,

matter to the police. “Samaila was in charge of cows and rams in the farm. He stole two cows and one ram,” he said. David said that the ac-

more ignored aspect of resource control. “Despoliation of the environment of the Niger Delta has farreaching global consequences than the immediate suffering of its peoples. Gas flaring and the wasting of the Niger Delta’s rain forests are contributing to global warming, destruction of aquatic lives and their replacement with a wasteland that would displace millions of people.

Plateau NCDSC trains 160 officers on weapons handling

HE Plateau Com mand, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NCDSC) on Friday said it had trained 160 officers in weapons handling, arms drills and combat craft. The state NSCDC Commandant, Mr Desmond Agu, made this known at the passing out parade of the second batch of the armed squad. Agu said that some of the officers had previously been trained in weapons handling and arms drills at the Command and Staff College, Jaji. “Others were also trained on counter terrorism at the Nigeria Army Depot, Kachia, in Kaduna,” he said. He said that those trained would form a “formidable armed squad” that would work with the military, the police and other security agencies to check insecurity in Plateau. The commandant cautioned them against acts that could tarnish the image of the NSCDC and harassing innocent members of the public.

“As members of the armed squad, you should not at any time or by any means whatsoever, abuse the privilege granted to you by intimidating people. “Any corps caught with the slightest offence in the handling of arms would not only be dismissed but prosecuted immediately and this includes anyone who aids and abets the commission of the offence.” He appealed to the State Government to provide the outfit with five patrol vehicles to ease the performance of its duties. Gov. Jonah Jang, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Shedrack Best, commended the Federal Government for arming the NSCDC to enable them join other security agencies in combating the security challenges facing Plateau and Nigeria in general. He urged those trained to use the knowledge acquired during their training to defend the nation both locally and internationally.

Pastor in alleged rape of 12yr-old girl gets bail 32, was on Friday grant- the defendant should be After seven months in detention over allegation of defiling a 12year-old primary six pupil; Mathew Onakoya,

Herdsman arraigned for allegedly stealing Gov Shema’s cows Katsina, reported the cused person sold the 35-year-old man, Aminu Samaila, was yesterday arraigned before a Katsina State Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing

sues affecting the peoples of the Niger Delta region. “It is a matter of urgency, something in the realm of an emergency. I have often wondered if the Niger Delta environment cannot be reconstructed now, with its vast contributions to the economy what will happen when oil ceases to flow. Where would Nigeria find the resources and political will to clean up the environment? This is probably a more important, though

animals at N70, 000 to one Jamilu Halilu. He said that the accused person confessed to the police during investigation that he committed the offence.

ed bail by an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The defendant, who claimed to be a pastor, was first arraigned on Dec. 29, 2011 and charged with alleged rape of the girl on Christmas eve. Saturday Vanguard gathered that at his arraignment the ‘pastor ’ pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in prison custody by the court. Mr T.O. Shomade, the magistrate, ordered that

remanded in custody pending the legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). At the resumed hearing, Shomade said that the legal advice from the DPP had established a prima facie case against the defendant. ”A case of rape has been established against the accused and he is admitted to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties,” the magistrate said.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Court convicts 6 chiefs, 4 others for stealing A

N Igbokoda Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday convicted 10 persons, including six chiefs, for conspiracy and stealing. The court found them guilty on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing and fined them N2,000 each. Those convicted were High Chief Thomas Ogbaro (75), High Chief Owoloye Omotehinse (45), Chief Odopetu Og-

baro (61), Chief Wilson Ogbaro (79) Chief Segun Ogbaro (60) and Chief Rotimi Ogbaro (48). Other convicts were Prince Censor Ogbaro (49), Pastor Oye Ogbaro (44), Esimaje Ogbaro (62) and Toluwase Ogbaro (30). The convicts were alleged to have committed the offences on Jan. 21 at No. 31/33 Ikuemola St., Igbokoda, in the Ig-

bokoda Magisterial District. Police Prosecutor Insp. Sunday Efurubu said that the convicted per-

sons conspired to steal N870,000 belonging to the Ogbaro family of Igbokoda. All 10 convicts had earlier pleaded not

guilty to the charges and had been granted bail in the sum of N400,000 and one surety each. The prosecution called

Group lashes out at Ogbuagu over comments on Okotie-Eboh By FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

Court remands 2 farmers for alleged armed robbery

WO farmers, Tersoo Chaver, and Aondona Gwabee were yesterday remanded at the Federal Prisons, Makurdi, for alleged criminal conspiracy and armed robbery. The police prosecutor,Sgt. Gabriel Ebonyi, told the court that two complainants, Terkumbul Ngiga and Terngu Akaasema reported at Zaki-Biam Police Station that they had been robbed. He said the duo stated that armed robbers, numbering about 12, came to their various houses and robbed them at gun point. He said the first complainant, Ngiga, said that the robbers made away with his N100,000, o n e DVD player valued at N5,000, three Nokia cell phones worth N23,000 and one clipper costing N5,000. The second complainant, the prosecutor said, told the police that the robbers stole from him, the sum of N120,000 and two N o k i a c e l l

phones valued at N17,000 He said the accused persons were identified by the complainants and were arrested by the police during investigation. He said the others were still at large.

Gov. Rotimi Amaechi (middle) flanked by Gov. Peter Obi (left) and Godswill Akpabio ( right), after the emergency Governors’ Forum meeting at River States Lodge yesterday

Dickson rallies Ijaw leaders, charts new path for national integration By SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa

OVERNOR of Bayel sa State, Seriake Dickson, yesterday met with leaders and elders of Ijaw land, to discuss critical issues considered crucial to the development of the Ijaw nation within the context of the Nigerian state. The meeting which was held behind closed doors at the Government House in Yenagoa, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson lasted for six hours. Ijaw leaders and elders present at the meeting

took turns to speak on the outcome of their deliberation. According to Chief Albert .K. Horsfall, “We discussed security, political issues, peace and progress of this country, but particularly, how this

affects the Ijaw people who are scattered in various states throughout the c o u n t r y ” . King Diete Spiff also spoke on what transpired in the meeting: “Actually, the Governor briefed us on his stewardship and

notes by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was “a wrong signal”. The CBN on Aug 23 announced that it would introduce N5,000 notes beginning early 2013 as part of its currency restructuring exercise. Apart from the introduction of the N5,000 note, the apex bank said it would also convert the existing N10 and N20 notes to coins and thus

basically on how to improve the transportation of the state, develop some sea ports and make sure that some of the things penciled down are done, which are the refineries and LNG for Brass and Sea Port in Agge.

Airtel unveils 500% bonus airtime offer LeadingTelecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has brought a world of change to the vibrant Nigerian telecoms market with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind bonus offer that would give all its prepaid customers instant 500 per cent bonus airtime each day they utilise set

thresholds on local call usage. According to a release, if a prepaid customer’s assigned daily threshold is 100 Naira, utilization of this amount on a daily basis would earn him a whopping 500 Naira (five times his threshold usage) instantly, every day. The bonus airtime offer

Currency denomination not problem of Nigerian economy —Nyagba R Solomon Nyagba, the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), said yesterday that “the denomination of currencies is not the problem with Nigeria’s economy”. Nyagba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the planned introduction of N5,000 denomination

five witnesses while the counsel to all the accused, Mr Orimisan Okorisha, called two defence witnesses.

make the number of coins in the currency system six. Nyagba said efforts should be channeled toward promoting local production which would, in turn, strengthen the currency and the economy. “That is clearly a wrong signal for the economy. “Denomination is not the issue, the most important step is to encour-

age local production which will strengthen the currency and rev up the economy. “Any economy that is dependent on importation will never be stable no matter the size of the denomination,” Nyagba said. He said he was expressing a personal view but added the chamber would meet to adopt a stand on it.

tagged “Airtel 5X offer”, can only be utilized for Airtel to Airtel calls on the same day it is received as the validity expires every 12 pm midnight of the same day. Customers would be provided with information on their daily threshold via SMS or by calling the MAMO interactive voice service free of charge on 141. Speaking on the 500 % usage bonus offer, Airtel’s Chief Marketing Officer, Olu Akanmu said it is yet another testimony to the commitment of the company to empower, delight and excite its esteemed customers with innovative and exclusive offerings. Stated Akanmu: “We are committed to go the extra mile in giving back to our customers as much incentive as possible to encourage communication with friends, family, loved ones and business associates.”

group, the Urhobo Political Agenda, yesterday, lashed out at the House of Representatives candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in the Okpe/Sapele/ Uvwie Federal constituency in the 2011 elections, Mrs. Veonica Ogbuagu over her media comments on the State Chairman of the party, Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh. The group described media reports credited to her as a strategy to destabilize the party in favour of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP. The group in a statement by its National Chairman, Comrade Clement Unior said Ogbuagu; “till date remains a PDP member who is under the sponsorship of her party to destroy ACN.” It added that her imposition as a House of Representatives candidate for 2011 general election destroyed the constituency. According to the statement; “one of the resultant effects of this was the inability of of the ACN state wide campaign tour to access her home local government of Uwie”, adding that the party was set to sweep the Governorship seat in the state in 2015 due to the credible and purposeful leadership of the State Chairman of the party, Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh.

Church holds convention

CHRIST Global Church worldwide will hold her 31st Annual Convention from the 26th August, to 2nd September, 2012. According to a statement by the Secretary of the Church, Pastor (Mrs) Stella Bojeghre, the “Theme” of this year’s Convention is “Year of Mercy” as our God is God of infinite mercy, He will show mercy to all his believers.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012 — 9

Judge directs oil mar ket er s tto o approac h trial cour or mark eter ers approach courtt ffor travelling request BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH, ONOZURE DANIA & MICHAEL OLADEPO

USTICE Lateefat Fol ami of an Ikeja High Court yesterday directed some of the directors of Oil Marketing and Trading Companies (OM&Ts) who requested to travel abroad for Hajj and business trip to wait until their trial judge resumes from annual vacation. Justice Folami in a ruling on an application to travel brought by the trio of Mahmud Tukur, son of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Abdullahi Alao, son of prominent businessman, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arikesola-Alao; and Mr. Felix Ochonogor who recently regained their freedom held that she cannot overrule the earlier order granted by the trial courts while the matter was adjourned till November 13, 2012. In her ruling, Justice Folami held that she cannot grant their prayers,especially when Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, who ordered the seizure of their travelling

documents did so to ensure that they appear for their trial on the fixed dates. According to her, allowing them to travel for Hajj rites which would begin October will clash with the November dates earlier fixed for trial by the trial Judge. She also stated that the dates allegedly meant for their business trip abroad has been overtaken by event. The applicants who were arraigned over their alleged fraud in the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) have sought court’s permission to travel abroad. In their Motion on Notice dated August 14, 2012 before the vacation Judge, Justice Lateefat Folami of an Ikeja High Court, the applicants through their counsel, Olaniran Obele said they need to travel to Paris and London for a business trip. Specifically, Mahmud, the first applicant wants to travel abroad to attend a board and committee meetings of which he is a director and also intend to perform this year’s Hajj. Ochonogor, the second applicant also wants to travel to Paris to enable him attend a bond holder meeting which should

have held last month but was rescheduled to August 27 to enable him attend and explain his present situation before the board. In their application, they tendered three exhibits comprising Notices of Meetings which they intend to attend both in London and Paris. Their lawyer had argued before Justice Folami that the applicants will not abscond should their application be granted, adding that the first applicant’s father who is PDP Chairman stood surety for him and he would not want to jeopardise that.

Gov Suswam and Senator Gemade locked in 2015 senatorial battle BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

ENATOR represent ing Benue North East at the National Assembly, Senator Barnabas Gemade, has described the plot to draft Governor Gabriel Suswam into the 2015 senatorial race in his constituency as an act of mis-

N5,000 Notes: Emodi hails Jonathan for recognising women, National Assembly BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

HE Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi yesterday described the placing of pictures of Funmilayo Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Gambo Sawaba on the soon-tobe-introduced N5,000 by the Federal Government as a plus for Nigerian women. According to her in a statement she signed in Abuja yesterday, the representation of the National Assembly on the new currency would help boost the country’s democracy, adding that it was a confirmation of President Jonathan’s continued recognition of the parliament as the embodiment of the people’s sovereignty exercised through their elect-

ed representatives. Senator Emodi who commended President Jonathan for the gesture in recognising these women for their contributions to the development of the country, stressed that what the president did was a food for thought for all Nigerians especially the elite class that their contributions to the country in times of

The Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ola Sunday Makinde,(second left) receiving Governor Godswill Akpabio of AkwaIbom State (first right) in his office in Lagos,while Dr Iniobong Essien(first left) watches.

challenges will one day be remembered as heroes or villains. The governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had on Thursday announced the introduction of a new currency series where the existing denominations of N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1,000 will be redesigned and a new note of N5,000 introduced.

chief and conspiracy against his constituents. Senator Gemade whose comment is coming on the heels of a recent statement credited to a self styled elder of the ruling party at a reception for Governor Suswam in Katsina-Ala calling on the Governor to run in the election, noted that it was too early in the day for anyone to conceive that idea stressing that it falls within the purview of the party’s caucus to discuss such issues. Addressing newsmen yesterday at his resi-

HE Delta State Exec utive Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was yesterday inaugurated with a charge to reconcile all aggrieved members of the party. Speaking during the

inauguration ceremony held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi in his acceptance speech, thanked the State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and members of the party for the confidence reposed on them. He assured that they would do their best to

”It is a mischief by someone who is known for that. I for one consider the elders of North East Senatorial zone as people of repute. My investigation uncovered that majority of the elders who were at that function never had a foreknowledge of the decision of the person who made that call”. The former National Chairman of the PDP further stated, “As seasoned politicians and experience men in government we all know that matters like this are not to be spoken carelessly or irresponsibly”.

Governor Obi releases cheque to Aniagor’s family The Former Commis-

OVERNOR Peter Obi has released money for the return of the remains of the first Deputy Governor of new Anambra State, His Excellency, Mr. Vincent Aniagor from Miami, USA. The immediate former Commission-

Delt a PDP Ex co inaugurat ed Delta Exco inaugurated BY AUSTIN OGWUDA & FESTUS AHON, Asaba

dence in Makurdi, the Senator said, “It is an ill appropriate time to talk of elections now because it is only one year and few months after the last elections” ”I consider the call by someone urging the Governor to contest elecation in my senatorial zone in 2015 as a conspiracy and mischief against the people”. ”Standing election is a personal decision of a person who wants to stand election. Example abounds where people who are drafted to contest election never made it”.

move the party in the State, with the Governor as their leader deliver in the next election, appealing to members of the party to allow them concentrate on the building of the party. He told those aspiring for 2015 election to stop campaigning, adding that this was not the time for political campaigns.

er for Environment, Dr. Michael Egbebike disclosed this while speaking to journalists at the Governor’s Lodge, after collecting the cheque on behalf of the family. Mr Aniagor who was from Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area was Deputy to the last Military Administrator of the Old Anambra State, Colonel Robort Akonobi and the first Military Administrator of the new Anambra State, Navy Captain Joseph Abulu. According to Dr. Egbebike, Mr Aniagor died while on visit in Miami, USA and Governor Obi has released enough money to ensure that his body is flown back to the State without burden to the family.

sioner recalled that Governor Obi in addition to taking care of the late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu throughout his ailing days, equally ensured that he received a hero’s burial and funeral ceremony that would remain a point of reference in Africa and the entire black race.

St Enda’s Old Students meet

National Bi-Month ly general meeting of St. Enda’s College, (Agbarho Grammar School) Agbarho Old Students Association holds today at the school premises in Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Govt Area of Delta State. Time: 12 noon. C M Y K

10— SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Once again, the Southern and the Northern zones of the country, the 36 state Governors appear ruffled over calls to tinker the 1999 constitution for the creation of State police which to many people will curb the rising tide of insecurity, amongst other social vices in Nigeria. Saturday Vanguard’s John ike most Governors in Bulus in this special report galvanizes submissions of various opinions on the Nigeria , Governor Jonah David Jang of issue.

By John Bulus

Plateau State is not entirely a happy man. And he may not have always been since he got elected by the people of the state who obviously renewed his mandate for a second term in office in 2011 elections. Reason: Apart from necessary democratic essentials a governor provides for his people and the state, Mr. Jang may not have fully realized the security needs of the people because he is obviously not in charge of the headship of the state security. Perhaps, this could be why the governor recently agreed with the submission that though the governors are called the Chief Security Officers of their states, in reality, they are far from being one as they don’t have the control of the security apparatus of respective states. Similarly, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State is another man who is so much passionate about the welfare and most important, the secuC M Y K

But the call is not getting favourable acceptance by the majority of Nigerians especially from Northern Nigeria Of serious concern is the degeneration of the issue to ethnic debate

rity of the people and so, craved the need for a compre-

hensive security network with a fiscal federal status that will cater for the increasing population of the country, especially his state. No doubts, from the reactions, one would grasp that the two governors appeared to have obviously backed the plethora of calls for the establishment of state police in Nigeria . Hear Amaechi: “Rivers State has 5.6m people. Are 11,000 policemen enough for Rivers State? “We didn’t say police should be entirely in the hands of governors. We said create jurisdictions for each to handle. Those who support state police say after amending the constitution, make a law on what they can do, such crimes as robbery, murder, kidnapping etc. Let them not deal with election, right? “A whole country like Nigeria has no forensic lab. Is it not

shameful? You have no data of criminals. The argument of those who are in support of state police is that the law should be simple; those states with capacity to establish state police should be allowed to”. With a population of about 160 million people, Nigeria is seen as the most populous nation in black Africa . Made up of 36 states with Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory , FCT, many people have come to believe that the country is too vast to be left in the hands of central police system, stressing that it deserves a decentralized system that will give vent to a crime free society. Consequently, calls have reached their apogee on the need to give the federating states the powers to establish their respective state police systems expected to properly checkmate the rising tide of

insecurity in the country amongst other things, especially amidst recent happenings which seem to have plunged the country into an orgy of terrorism. Evidently, life has been snuffed out of many innocent Nigerians and sleep is also murdered in many states which make it expedient for states to introduce their security outfits to assist the federal government. But the call is not getting favourable acceptance by the majority of Nigerians especially from Northern Nigeria . Of serious concern is the degeneration of the issue to ethnic debate. There have been arguments and counter-arguments on the issue. While many support the call, many others see no reason for the establishment of state police. Those who oppose the call chiefly based their argument on the abuse of the system by state governors who wield enormous influence on their subjects. They also submitted that it is against the provision the 1999 constitution. But even at that, it does appear that there are more voices and superior argument for the cre-

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—11

Continued from page 10

C M Y K

Babatunde Fashola, Lagos State Governor also lent his voice: “The opposition to the establishment of state police structures in Nigeria has largely been driven by an exaggerated, misleading and unfounded precedent focusing on the abuse of state police through political interference and manipulation”. Chief Chekwas Okorie,

Much ado about State Police

zGov Babangida Aliyu

allege that some northern elites are trying to make mountains out of the anthills. For instance, the former Governor of old Kaduna State and the Chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, Alhaji Balarabe Musa recently accused the Southern Governors of having some things up their sleeves for insisting on the development.

Musa:

“The North is divided over having state police and it is the same with the South. The North had always welcomed the idea in the past but for the first time, the North is opposing it. The South-West has been calling for state police

zMuhammadu Gambo

ation of state police. First to endorse the move were the 36 state governors who underscored the need. Under the Governors’ Forum, the Chief Executives on June 24 this year, showed a desire for state police. The chairman of the Forum and governor of Rivers State , Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said: “Forum reiterated its commitment to convene a Governors’ Forum conference on security in Nigeria . “State governments are currently overstretched in funding security and call for a special intervention fund, from the Federal Government, especially to the states that are most affected. Forum identified the increasing need for State police as a strategy for combating the rising insecurity in the country.” Indeed, the unanimous decision of the governors was greeted with unusual applause from the members of the public who themselves agreed that owing to the incessant security challenges in the country, more drastic steps such as that needed to be taken. But to the chagrin of everyone, the Northern Governors’ Forum at its meeting on July 26, presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, barely one month after the unanimous decision of the Governors’ Forum made a Uturn. The NGF came up to say that it is not in support of the development. A communiqué issued by the NGF which had 18 of its 19 members read: “The forum is not in support of the creation of state police. It, however, resolved to prevail on the FG to embark on police reforms that will assist the states in the control and management of police affairs on a sound philosophy of modern policing by amending the provision of Section 215 of the constitution.” Quoting the section of the constitution, the communiqué read, “Subject to the provision of this section, the governor or such commissioner of the government of the state as he may authorise in that behalf may give to the commissioner of police of that state such lawful directions with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order within the state as he may consider necessary, and the commissioner of police shall comply with those directives or cause them to be complied with”. While everyone had thought that the debate was ebbing as it were, it rather became surprising to many who want to

possible. You must allow the local council to have its say in policing. The state government should have its say and then the Federal Government should have its own say in policing. Outside this country, we have federal parastastals, state parastatals and municipal parastatals. These things are found in the country”.

The North is divided over having state police and it is the same with the South

since the Second Republic and the issue is now so controversial. In the North, we are opposed to it, even though some still want it. The South only

plans to misuse the system and it would worsen our security condition.” Since taking the decision, their Southern counter-parts and indeed, most Nigerians have wondered why the NGF made the U-turn in its earlier decision to support the creation of State police. For instance, the Akwa Ibom State Governor.

Governor, Mr. Goddswill Akpabio

has this to say: “state police is the only solution to resolving most of the intra-conflicts in the country. In most developed democracies, policing is not a federal thing alone. In Abuja , policing 160 million is not

the founding National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in his own submission said “State Police is the reform that is needed to check criminal activities and even reduce corruption within the police force and the society. It is not that it is the answer to all of these but the issue of effective policing in Nigeria can never be achieved with the present structure of the Police. The geographical area of Nigeria is too large for a central police command. All the states in the world, especially the United States have developed state police. Now, you come to the police organization itself, there are some states in this country who have far more number of Commissioners of Police that even the entire geo-political zones. Let the revenue avenue be adjusted to give the state more money to handle their police and if they decide to make everybody Commissioner of Police, it is their headache so that the normal growth and reward will be noticed. Another thing is on the posting of police men. Some hardly go to their states of origin to work. They go to other states to make money because they have to make returns at home. That is why a police man will give bribe to be posted to another area of the country where they consider lucrative. If a police man is from a locality and prefers to be corrupt, at the end of the day, he will retire to live with his people. If a police man decides to live above his means, the people will know it. A police man posted to Onitsha and Aba is expected to build an estate. There are so many things to be looked into. A meeting scheduled by the Governors’ Forum to further deliberate on the issue penultimate week was rather a staleContinues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Continued from page 11 mate as most northern Governors who made up the Forum were said to be away to Saudi Arabia on Lesser Hajj. Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, is one man known to many people for his passionate zeal to champion the Northern cause at any given time. But IBB recently stirred the honest nest as he saw nothing wrong with the call for creation of State Police.

IBB:

C M Y K

Establishment of State Police:

The Unending debate

chairman of police service commission is a member, governors are members, the IGP is a member, and you bring your policing plan to the council, they will decide on what to do. We don’t need state police. The country will break up. Take it from me.” But fiery Lagos Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Femi

“There is the need for us to go forward; I do not think there is anything wrong with the state police and I believe that the state police will work. “In 1959, the police and Dandokas (local police) were used to beat and harass people in the elections, but the situation is different now. I don’t believe the fear of what happened in the 1950s should continue to haunt us. We should try to move on. We have gone beyond that level now in this country. Honestly, I don’t think any governor now can use state police to intimidate and harass anybody. The whole essence is to provide security of lives and property of the people. I feel the fear is unfounded.” But for certain Northern interest, IBB was to get the most lambastation of his life from his kinsman and former Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta. He said: “The likes of Babangida and his cohorts, who are calling for the creation of state police, are doing so because they want raw power to deal ruthlessly with situations, without regards and respect for the laws of the land. We better all unite ourselves those who can, to fight the mafia in this country. They have destroyed all systems in this country and the only thing they want to happen is for them to be exposed. So, anybody who loves this country has a tremendous job to do. We are no longer in the era where government would wake up in the morning and by afternoon they think of an idea and by six o’clock in the evening, there is a decree. “The former military president, who is in fact my boss, whom I served for a considerable time and I also happened to have read in details what he had said, because it was reported in the dailies, and all I would say is that there is, with due respect, a wide margin of differences of opinion between us, the operators and professionals in police administration and people like my former boss. I must say that while we were in office, while I was serving with him, we had serious differenc-

zIbrahim Babangida

es on a lot of law and order issues, on the differences in our position as operators and commanders of the system at that time. It was very clear to me that there was and as it is today, a lot of misunderstanding and total ignorance of the establishment of a law and order agency in a democracy. And as you could remember, the First Republic only lasted for about four or five years under a democracy when the military struck. And since then we have not been a normal nation. That is why today, we have a lot of misunderstanding and outright ignorance because the generation of today, thank God, since we came back to democracy, could not understand how a government would wake up in the morning and by afternoon, they

think of an idea and by six o’clock in the evening, there is a decree.” Even as the debate goes on, many believe that the National Assembly would tinker with the 1999 constitution to provide for the state police. But the development may suffer some lapses as the Presidential Committee which has just submitted its report on Police Reforms opposed the creation of State Police. Its chairman who also doubles as the Chairman, Police Service Commission, retired DeputyInspector General of Police, Chief Parry Osayande said: “ one, they (states) cannot afford it. Two, do you know how much it is to police a country? What we are recommending is this: “If they allow the Police Council to function, with the President as the chairman, the

There is the need for us to go forward; I do not think there is anything wrong with the state police and I believe that the state police will work

Falana thinks differently. To him, state police is an ingredient of a Federal system of Government which Nigeria operates. And so, it is of necessity to the country to strike a balance even though he appreciates the fears of many voices on the issue.

Falana:

“The issue of establishing state police is not really about whether the country is ready for it or not. It is necessary in a federation. What has been

militating against the re-establishment of state police has been the fear that the state executives, just like the Federal Government, can use the state police to harass political opponents.” To this end, if Nigeria adopts the option of a state police, it would be going the way of Britain whose police maintain separate areas of jurisdiction ranging from county to county, Borough or a group of many counties. The Metropolitan Police (under the Home Office), which covers an area of 15 miles radius, does not have jurisdiction over London , which has its own city police. Apart from this, the railway, dockyards, and armed forces have their own police. There are also other specialized units like motor patrols, police dog handlers and an anti-riot mounted branch. The US on its part has many police agencies that exist separately. While the state police take charge of highways and enforcement of state laws, cities have their separate police under the authority of a commissioner, who is an appointee of the mayor. At the federal level, there are nine agencies that work hand in hand with local police formations. Another country that operates a decentralised police is France . While the gendarmerie is supervised by the armed forces, the Surete Generale is under the authority of provincial prefects, the equivalent of governors. Paris , the capital, has its own police, called the Paris Prefecture . The Nigeria police too took off along the same line. When Britain established the Nigeria Police Force in 1861, it started with a 30-member consular guard in the Lagos Colony. It followed this up in 1879 with a 1,200 paramilitary Hausa Constabulary. Seventeen years later, it formed the Lagos Police and in 1894 the Niger Coast Constabulary in Calabar, under the authority of Niger Coast Protectorate. In 1888, the Royal Niger Company set up the Royal Niger Company Constabulary in Lokoja. But in the early 1900s, these were collapsed into two: the Northern Nigeria Police and the Southern Nigeria Police. Although there was an amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914, the two regions maintained two separate police forces until 1930 when they were merged to form the Nigeria Police Force with headquarters in Lagos . That merger is what has grown to become the centralised police system, which is at variance to a federal system Nigeria currently operates.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—13

STATE POLICE DEBATE: Canadian, better than American model M

r Mike Okiro has seen it all in the Nigerian Police Force. He retired after occupying the exalted office of Inspector-General of Police in 2007. Under his tenure as the nation’s police boss, he piloted the affairs of Nigeria’s topmost law enforcement agency through several storms. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, he bared his mind on the raging controversy over decentralization of the police force. What is your view concerning the raging debate over amending the constitution to accommodate police forces that would be run by state governments? First of all I want to refer you to the provisions of the amended 1999 constitution. The Constitution made it very clear that there should be a police force for Nigeria which should be known as the Nigeria Police Force. Although this Constitution was made by men, it could also be amended by men. The debate now is whether we can amend the constitution to accommodate state police. Although, the forum of exInspectors General of Police unanimously recommended that state police should not be adopted, I would have used this opportunity to express a dissenting view if I had any. I am against state police for various reasons. The first argument of those agitating for state police is that since there is a high level of insecurity in the country, state police would be more effective than the present Nigeria police force. However, the question I have asked is how would this be possible? The arguments that have been so far advanced are not convincing. I want to narrate to you the experience I had with the Governor of Rivers State Mr Rotimi Amaechi, while I was the Inspector General of Police. This was at the height of the kidnapping saga in Rivers State. He volunteered to train some Police Officers serving in the state on anti-terrorism in C M Y K

Israel. However, he gave a condition; that such officers must not be posted out of the. State for three years. I agreed. These officers eventually underwent that training and returned to Rivers state. Do you still hear about kidnapping cases in Rivers State today? Later when that crime spread to Abia State and the Governor there who was aware of the availability of those specially trained officers in Rivers State, he requested for them to be re-deployed to Abia State. But Amaechi refused based on the ground that an agreement was reached that those officers must serve in the state for three years. In this case, you could see that the Rivers State Governor was justified in the sense that he used the resources of his state to provide special training for police officers in order

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

dependence, regional, local and even customary police was in place. You should be aware of how these various types of police formations were misused. It was as a result of this that the Federal Government discarded the local police. You cannot lick your own spittle after you have spat it out. We can’t go back to failure. I am sure you can still remember what the Bakassi Boys did in some of the states of the South-East. Infact, what the Bakassi boys did would be a child’s play if they had been the top most law enforcement body in the South-East then. If we still want this country to continue existing as one in which all the smaller groups would continue to be accommodated, we should stick to the current po-

Those governors agitating for state police are doing so because they are there today; but they would leave office someday and they can’t tell who would succeed them

to serve the people of the state. So those who argue that even though the Constitution recognizes a state Governor as the Chief Security Officer of a state, he doesn’t exercise control over the police force is not right. The truth of the matter is that the Governor as Chief Security Officer of a state can give directives to the Commissioner of Police serving in his state. The Police Commissioner is bound to carry out such directives unless it is in conflict with the good governance of the entire nation. In such a case he might refer the matter to the Inspector-General of Police, who in turn might refer it to the President. So, the constitution has a provision which does not allow State Governors to exercise all the paraphernalia of power. Before Nigeria attained in-

lice force we have until sometime in future when Nigerians have become more mature. I am not saying that the police should remain like this ad-infinitum. Those governors who agitating for state police are doing so because they are there today; but they would leave office someday and they can’t tell who would succeed them. I know some serving governors today who wouldn’t have emerged if state police was in place. Some people could also argue that the Federal Government has also been abusing the federal police. But what I want to point out is that there are means through which the powers of the Federal Government over the police are kept in place. For instance, you have the Nigeria Police Service Commission. Both arms of the National Assembly also have committees on the Police. All

*Mike Okiro these serve as checks on the powers of the President over the Police. With all these checks in place, the InspectorGeneral of Police cannot act ultra-vires. During the second republic, the then Governor of Anambra State Mr. Jim Nwobodo who belonged to different political party from President Shehu Shagari, cried out over the uncompromising attitude of the Commissioner of Police Mr Bishop Eyitenne. Don’t you think that that scenario was an aberration in a federation like Nigeria? It wasn’t an aberration. I was serving in Anambra State at that time as an Assistant or Deputy Superintendent of Police. I think the clash between Eyitenne and Nwobodo at that time was more of a personality clash rather than something that was based on a legal principle. If you could remember, Nwobodo had what was called Jim’s Vanguard. Nwobodo as Governor at that time wanted to control all paraphernalia of power in the state, while the Police Commissioner had to refer to the Constitution to be properly guided in doing his job. If the Governor gives a Commissioner of Police directives on what to do, he is bound to comply. But if it is antithetical to the interest of the entire nation, the Commissioner of Police could refer it to the Presidency. What really happened was that since the Police Commissioner failed to

carry out Governor Nwobodo’s directives, he went ahead to establish Jim’s Vanguard. Why do you seem to prefer the Canadian federation police structure over and above that of United States of America , whereas our constitution is fashioned after that of America? In America, they have 1525 police forces. This is basically because you could buy a gun over the counter. Over there if you have a big office and could employ some armed security guards, you could have a set-up similar to the police. But they would have limitations . If there is any serious case, they could refer it to the nearby police division. But then we are not to ape America; we cannot say just because it has happened there, therefore it must happen here. We cannot also say because it has succeeded there, therefore it must also work here. In Nigeria, we have the extended family system. Here we also have villages and towns. It is not so in the United States. Let me give you a typical example. In the early 80s a decision was taken to post policemen to their states of origin. However, not long after, the Iyamu and Anenih saga occurred. Iyamu was a policeman who hailed from Benin and had been posted to his state in line with that policy. He later found out that Anenih was an armed robber but could not arrest him because he knew Anenih’s family and they all knew each other.

14â&#x20AC;&#x201D;SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

By Onyeka Obetta

he clamour for State Police now a central issue in the counrty have continued to draw interest from all segements of the society.The amber first fired by the Northern Governors had since earned the agitation of the Southern Governors. The heavy onus on everyone who care is, should Nigeria go for state police or not? Mr. T.C. Ezeiro, a legal practitioner in Ikeja says agitation for state police was informed by Governors who want more powers for political needs. He

State Police:Matters arising says state police are prone to abuse as the police personnel will be employed to ensure that political opponents are suppressed through oppressive, indiscriminate and clandanstine use of powers of arrest and prosecution. He dismissed the excuses advanced by the Governors that state police will afford them better charge of security matters in their states, as a far cry to the attendant danger that state

police portends. In the same vein, Mr.Nicol Afolayan who has his law office located in Apapa says state police might be the catalyast for the break up of the country. He says that discrimination will be promoted to the highest level with state police. The implication he says is that each state will only recruit into the state force officers and men from the particular state whose loyalty to the governor was

certain. Mr. Afolayan wonders if the present personnel of the Nigeria police force will haveto be posted to their respective states of origin, retained as federal police or given the option to choose where to serve.! Creation of state police no doubt raises constitutional implications. In brief, Sections 214 and215 of the 1999 consititution deals with the establishment of the Nigeria Police

comes an FBI affair. Every person knows its limitations. If you continue to take Panadol for your headache and the headache remains with you, it means you are taking the wrong prescriptions for your ailment. We have run the Federal Police for a very long time. Recent events have proved that the Police as presently structured are not performing as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You heard recently when the President expressed that security has become the number one issue in the country. So, why not we try a different level and start with the State Police. In virtually every state of the country where we have crisis now, you call in the Army and the danger is that we are in-

State Police: To be or not to be

C M Y K

DR PHILIP UGBODAGA (former Edo State Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association and National President, Save Nigeria Group):-

yond that although I do agree that it could be subjected to one form of abuse or the other. What we need to do therefore is to put necessary safeguards in its operation to prevent abuse by state governors and other state officers.

The Nigerian federation is very dysfunctional and requires urgent restructuring and the creation of state police is one of the fundamental requirements of the call by patriots for the operation of a true federalism in Nigeria. The opponents of state police are doing very serious disservice to the unity and security of the country. Recent security challenges in the country have made the creation of state police an imperative which should be done without further delay. The opponents think that once we have state police, a governor would just order the arrest of anyone for detention without trial. It surely goes be-

CHIEF FRED ORBIH (SAN) The unfortunate thing in this country is that persons tend to look at national problem from their own narrow selfish perspective. What I have discovered is that people carve little kingdoms for themselves when they are placed in position of authorities. There is no doubt that there are compelling reasons why we should have State Police and those who are opposed to the idea also have their own reasons. But it would appear that the strongest opposition is to come from the Police Force and ex- Inspectors General of Police and what that tends to portray is

By Gabriel Enogholase

There is no doubt that there are compelling reasons why we should have State Police and those who are opposed to the idea also have their own reasons

that they look at the creation of State Police as the balkanization of their own small kingdoms. That indeed, is unfortunate. The truth of the matter is that we run a Federal system of government. In other federations especially in the United States of America, where we copied this idea of governance from, they have their own State Police Department and there is the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) that is in charge of the whole country. The FBI is not called until an issue has crossed border between two states and immediately that happened, it be-

advertently inviting soldiers into the governance of the country. The primary function of the Army is to maintain the territorial integrity of the country while the Police are to take charge of Internal security challenges. The fact that we keep inviting soldiers to come means that we have accept the fact that the Police as presently constituted and structured is not able to perform its duties. That is not to say that one is not aware of the arguments against the creation of State Police. The argument tends to be that the experience in preindependent and the First

Force ,appointment of the Inspector General of the Police and control of the force. Section 216 on the other hand deals with the delegation of powers of the police by thePolice Council to the IG or any member of the force. Therefore for there to be a state police, an amendment of the constitution is mandatory . Specifically Scection 214 of the constitution states â&#x20AC;&#x153;There shall be a police force for Nigeria which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force and subject to the provisions of this section, no other police force shall be established for the federation.â&#x20AC;?

Republic shows that they are easily manipulated by politicians at the grassroots level. That they are used to play their dirty politics, they used to hunt opposition members and so on and so forth. If these are the reasons, I believe that they are issues that can be tackled in the sense that we put institutional frame work to ensure that they are not used for the purposes for which they were not created. The fact that something is capable of being misused does not mean it should be thrown away. We should understand that these are things that happened over forty years ago. Nigerians have moved on since then, the society is a little more sophiscated now, people are certainly more enlightened, we know that even the Federal Police are subject to abuses, some companies used them to collect debts, but Nigerians know that that is not the function of the Police and when that is done, they go to court to enforce their fundamental human rights. We have privileged to do that in number of cases for some of our clients and lessons were learnt from those instances. AFOLABI OLAYIWOLA (Constitutional lawyer and Notary Public): THE creation of State Police is long overdue in this country, so I am in total support for its creation. State Police apart from complementing the Federal Police in area of crime detection, will contribute to effective community policing, thus assisting in crime fighting and reduction. We are already practising State Police with the Sharia Police in the North, LASMA officials in Lagos and even the traffic police wardens that effectively control traffic on our roads. Again, the fact that we have state police will not anyway abolish the Federal Police. The Constitution will spell out the duties of each police system and their limitations. More on page 41

he signing into law of the symbols of nationhood by the Bayelsa State Government, this past week, adds a warning note to the anxiety expressed about the crumbling unity of Nigeria—but who is listening? The subsidy “robbery” raised a bit of noise in the recent past, but did the indictment stop where it should? More about that in the future. How prepared were the Kuramo Islanders when the ocean waves came calling? And, in another direction, how prepared are the young people now for the onerous tasks of growing up while they are growing old? The past brought up these among other questions which crave for answers this past week. people even suggested then that we should give our flag a name, a loving or “ rousing At the time we broke into examples like that of The name, at that time, but a Federation, there were United States of America somehow it never happened. three main regions. Each part which has not totally lost the The flag has remained “the had its own coat-of-arms, Texan flag but limits its green-white- green”, like a and it was beautiful. The Mid- appearance and is made to forbidding snake in the grass. West also came in to join the observe a severe protocol of We should love our flag others later —no problem. relative importance. It is enough to accord it a befitting However, the country had never permitted to rub title. There were complaints, only one national flag, and shoulders, as it were, with even in those early years, that one national anthem. But the “Old Glory”. Indeed, no it needed an icon of its own nation was divided into American would dream of which would help in giving it twelve later, thanks to the such a situation where a clash that name - like the “Stars and confusion of the civil war of importance would ever Stripes” of the USA, or the when Yakubu Gowon, the exist between his national flag “Black Star” of Ghana, or the Head of State, first decided and the flag of any other “Lone Star” of Liberia, or even that the basis for a united nation on earth, let alone the the “Rising Sun” of Japan. Nigeria had disappeared; but flag of a state. So highly do There would have been a which seemed to have the Yankees venerate “The emerged later, ironically, in Stars and Stripes”, to clash between that Japanese an initial structure of twelve mention its other pet name, idea and the defunct Biafran units, which have now that they have a protocol flag which was a well designed flag bearing a rising sun. proliferated to thrice that Sincerely, when I first saw number — and the counting that flag of Biafra, rebellion or continues. no secession, I almost There is no way of knowing tripped. There is something how the idea of fostering about a flag that can fracture unity became streamlined you, no matter the age you with the establishment of are, no matter the stage you lesser states within a are. I have often thought federation of unequal parts about it: why don’t we indeed and potentials, but it could do something about our flag not be because it would make something that would give it the peoples of different more meaning, more flesh? traditions, insufficiencies Something, for instance, like and aspirations the inclusion of the sun—not a u t o m a t i c a l l y , the half rising sun like the instantaneously, move Biafran insignia, but a full nearer one to another. blazing sun in all its golden Indeed, the dismemberment •Gov. Seriake glory! Would that not be just of the country had all but done away with any further designated as the “Etiquette right for us who are “The elaborate pressure for of the Flag” for the proper Giant in the Sun”? That could national unity, beyond the way of treating it with dignity even be the name of the flag. If a state could appreciate office of mere lip. The and honour. . the value of a symbol to Each nation’s flag also really raucous promotion of “One Nigeria” had gradually lost its means no less to her citizens. represent the worth of their appeal down the years as Not for nothing was the flag essence like Bayelsa State we events imbued it with a identified as the “standard”, should, as a nation, give it as glaring insincerity. “Statism” centuries ago. It has been the much attention. boldly stepped forward to symbol of the national spirit of nations, embodying their win and hold the field. here is much that The move of Bayelsa State national pride and extolling almost strikes one to adopt a flag and coat-of- their achievements for eons. arms of its own is thus in It is thus raised high in their dumb, numb even, with the keeping with the spirit of the moments of triumph, as we murder of Cynthia Osokogu. times. The monthly division witness at the Olympic She was the only daughter of Frank of the national “cake” now Games, for instance, when the Major-General seems to be the only cause to contingents of each nation Osokogu (Rtd). That virtually make us look towards Abuja also march into the arena makes her a heiress. She was as the national core of our under it. There is no greater an undergraduate who had a existence. Some other states pride for any athlete as the boutique of her own and, by have already shown similar one he feels standing on the all accounts, a successful inclinations with Bayelsa. winner’s rostrum under the young businesswoman who Oshun State already has its fluttering banner of his nation. had a car. By the looks of her, brand new coat-of-arms, as That is the moment in which she had the presence of a film well as Lagos State which has your love for your nation star, a startlingly pretty always retained its own from sometimes comes welling young woman. In short, here the early days, and each State down in tears of affection and was someone already has its own colours. The issue patriotism. It is the kind of blessed, and in the path of of flags, however, may have feeling that is genuinely more blessings, and yet she was lured to her death needed to be further unalloyed. There was once that kind of allegedly by some young examined, likewise the case feeling in this country too, students. of an anthem. They invited her all the way A flag speaks of wide during the immediate period connotations of nationalism. after independence. Some from the North through It is understandable when nationalities come together and merge their flags, or adopt a principal one like Britain, in the Union Jack in which are represented the banners of Wales, Ireland and Scotland. There are other

The move of Bayelsa State to adopt a flag and coat-of-arms of its own is thus in keeping with the spirit of the times

SATURDAY Vanguard , AUGUST 25, 2012—15 I too sometimes felt that way, communications on the internet, promising to obtain and would wince. I wish merchandise for her at a low something could have been price. They then took her to done—that wasn’t done—to a hotel where they inflicted have prevented the grievous pain on her body, and then loss of lives. But the strangled her, after drugging authorities deposed that they her. The police later obtained gave enough advice to the a close-circuit television community who mostly recording of the entry into turned deaf ears to the the hotel room, which they warning. Without prejudice, used to detect the one would only agree with perpetrators of the crime and that as typical. A way must their associates who have be devised to get people to been arrested. Commendable heed such warnings in order to avert such tragedies in our police work! The regrettable plight of communities. People simply this hapless young lady don’t budge at such official whose life was snuffed out in notifications of impending its prime proffers lessons to danger. And it is a shame. KuramoVillage, the scene of every enterprising person, especially the young and the the tragedy, occupied a big feminine who are usually the part of my life as a boy often most susceptible to such when I was a Wolf Cub in the attacks that are launched First CMS Grammar School :from close quarters. It is Lagos Park. It was a vast taking a huge risk to place stretch of sandy swamp, one’s security in the hands of interspersed by shallow little strangers alone, and without lakes overwhelmed with the knowledge of anyone clean, glistening tadpoles. The entire area was aptly else. named Kuramo Waters by hat should be of great the European civil servants, concern at this time, with a passion for the open however, is the involvement air, who developed it as a of young people, especially resort of sorts. It had three bona fide students, in the distinct lovely little beaches, commission of violent crime. each with a cabin near the It is now a wide-spread lagoon. There was a highly feature of general student life, sophisticated atmosphere in stemming from obnoxious a remote lodge at the edge of cult activities. These the lake on the Northern side, nefarious practices should with dunes of rolling sands never have been allowed to which scalded your feet in the continue for so long time. sun. It was reserved for the They are no longer funny, if grown-ups who knew they ever they were, and should had to defend their sole rights have been seriously dealt to the place, especially from with as the crimes that they prying eyes. We kept away are, firmly and fully. So many mostly, that is. But the swimming was instances seem to have been glossed over in the past when fabulous. Shrimps were they appeared to have been twenty for kobo and oysters considered child’s play, but were kicked in sport around new technology has now the sand, so plentiful were brought the muscle of the they. The spirit of adventure internet into the scene. We hung all over the area, and ought to raise an alarm. Our there were many games to be youth have taken a wrong played. You were inducted direction and we need to into it from the first visit. You guide them back from their had a map which showed the erroneous ways. As two of way to the “camp”, and you the arrested boys confessed, were encouraged to find your it was not their first time. way there the next day by They even operate within the yourself I remember how machinery ofa syndicate. May much trepidation I felt on the way which was somewhat deserted towards the end, but can still recall the feeling of exhilaration when I found myself in the midst of my comrades at the end of the journey. Apart from the Wolf Cubs and Boy scouts of various schools, other groups like the Bishop Vining Boys Campers also used the facilities of the camp. And in the evenings under the moonlight, we would light camp-fires and •Tunji Bello Cynthia’s soul rest in perfect sing camp songs, and—very important—listen to words of peace. advice from our elders who were notable people in the society. That last part was The reaction of several indeed very important. We people to the fatal surge of young folks paid a lot of the lagoon into the Kuramo attention to those words and beach, notwithstanding its can testify to how well they our lives distressing dimensions, is influenced what kept it so long? Many beneficially later in life. But people believe that this was when “development” came, a tragedy waiting for a long Kuramo was squeezed dry time to occur. They point to and reduced to a skeleton of the fact that the water its old self The camp was lost surrounding the village is a and all its beauty. But when such facilities stripe of the Atlantic Ocean and liable to over flow its existed some seventy years banks at any time. They refer ago, what student was ever to the considerable area of diverted to cultism , and land on the Victoria Beach crime and all that sort of antithat the ocean has eaten up social behaviour? The in the not-too distant past, authorities ought to bring and stress that there is no back Kuramo, in more ways predicting the ways of a an than one. The need is urgent. Time out. ocean, or sea sudden overflow.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

othing can be as gazundering as the launch penultimate week of a particular type of Television that uses battery as its source of energy. The product according to the brand owners LG was designed specifically for the Nigerian market and Nigerians simply because we have become a country of perpetual darkness, no thanks to poor and epileptic power supply by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria [PHCN]. On television, one could see the promoters of this insult dancing at our collective follies and reminding us of the durability of the batteries that would power the television in place of electricity. One could see the effrontery with which they displayed their new product waiting to capture the Nigerian market. Do you blame them?

eally, I find this development very disturbing and benumbing. In an era where the Okupes of this world have started singing new songs of performance and improved wattage of electricity, boasting on television that a nation that wants to be one of the most developed economy in the world is just operating at the periphery of 4,600 megawatts, such a geometric increase from inherited 1,700 megawatts, one wonders why the option of a battery propelled television should occupy the sensibilities of any serious manufacturer. And granting them the right to showcase this trash meant only for the Nigerian market is an admission of failure by government that irrespective of what they make us believe, power cannot improve in the country in the nearest future. On the one hand, government is battling with the underhand dealings and sabotage of generator providers, seeing them as one of the factors militating against improved power supply while on the other hand; government is tolerating and encouraging the importation to Nigeria of a particular type of television that uses battery as power.

or those categories of Nigerians who cannot boast of power supply, and who now see darkness as light, such introduction might mean good news to them. At least, it will help them to keep tab on issues around them and enjoy all the programmes and facilities that a television can provide; but as a nation that is on the “fast lane” of transformation, this is arrant nonsense. It is an insult on our collective sufferance and psyche. It is a big shame. No matter what anyone may say as to whatever advantage this might convey to the end users, it is to me a complete disincentive to our national

AUGUST 25, 2012

Nigeria:a potpourri of absurdities goals and objectives. Government will now be faced with the twin evil of battling generator importers and the importers of battery television. Since this is just a new product already launched, it is not likely that it will fizzle out soon. And once this becomes popular as is often the case with anything new in Nigeria, Nigerians might just tell government to go to hell with its power boosting effort. Agreed that power serves different purposes other than just for watching television, but the television is a resource for most homes in keeping with the trends in the society and once it is understood that there exists a battery television, you can be rest assured that it will be the new craze in town. LG or whatever name they call themselves should have intervened in the energy sector by helping government to find a roadmap around this energy crisis in a manner that will see them as partners in our collective effort to make meaning with the energy sector. All the mouthing of Barth Nnaji and co. as to the

16—SATURDAY

absurdities that have occupied our sensibilities in recent past. Reading daily newspapers in Nigeria today presents one with a very sordid tale of the several contradictions that are freely on parade. Imagine Nigeria under the grip of militants, exmilitants or whatever name one chooses to call them. Newspapers’ reports have it that some of the ex-militants enjoy government patronage to the tune of several billions of naira and dollars depending on the nature of the contract. As we speak, our coastal security is in the hands of Tompolo ditto our petroleum pipelines that are said to be under the surveillance of the militants or warlords. The exmilitants have taken over the responsibilities of the armed forces; Police, Navy, Air Force, and Army. I understand they have better knowledge of the topography of the Niger-Delta than the military and Police.

igeria is a country where criminality pays faster than rule of law and sheer intellect. It is a country where we celebrate absurdities to comic height

We give them awards and laurels. We organize for them ostentatious ceremonies to announce the deepness of their wallets

achievement of the present administration in the power sector is mere showmanship. This battery television has just told us that.

N I G E R I A : GOVERNED BY MILITANTS AND SUPER-MILITANTS.

If we are truly a sane country, we will not be in the realm of the several

and render awards to those who have undermined the system. It is a country where a trained military officer will salute a bloody ex-militant and regard him as General. When you see the roll call of militants or warlords in the Niger-Delta, you have all manners of ranks; General this, General that, General Today, General Tomorrow, General Creek, General Pipeline, General Waterways, General

Land ways, General Flying Boat, General Canoe. All manners of names! I am not aware of any country where such a prestigious rank of a General is entrusted in the hands of those who have never be in the military or received any formal training in any of the Armed Forces. But in Nigeria, the fear of militants and ex-militants they say is the beginning of wisdom. Boko Haram has taken its turn now with more dangerous approach than we had hitherto known in the history of armed struggle in Nigeria.

e celebrate corruption in Nigeria with pride. We rejoice when we see the corrupt being paraded before our very eyes. We give them awards and laurels. We organize for them ostentatious ceremonies to announce the deepness of their wallets. Those who are respecters of law and order are treated with disdain. We sack the honest ones among us and keep the thieving ones in office. We expose the whistle blowers in our fight against corruption and protect those who are known to be big rats in government swimming in corruption. For example, why is it difficult for Dr. Doyin Okupe to tell his story about contract or no contract fraud in Imo and Benue States? Why will PDP put up a vainglorious defense in support of an individual who is very much alive and being accused of corruption? I won’t be surprised if Dr. Doyin Okupe is given a national merit award or what is it called; national honours; OFR, MFR, CON, etc in the next edition of that wasteful exercise. It is a country where we reward those who are underperforming and reject those who are achievers in their different fields. It is a story that is scathingly painful but has refused to

go away. When I entitled this column; “Stomach Democracy”, some people were wondering what could have informed my choice of words. But with the realities on ground today especially the penchant to satisfy individual needs as opposed to the nation’s needs,I am sure the import of this would have dawned on all of us. Rather than have rolling plans that will put under focus our future agenda for national rebirth and development, we prefer to oil the pockets of a few individuals who ordinarily should be cooling off in jail; with juicy contracts and patronages. With such reward for criminality, why would anyone deserve to see an end to the Boko Haram menace when they could see how much of patronages their contemporary exmilitants are enjoying now in the name of amnesty? It is the only reason why the militants have been preaching war. Having taken so much than what they would need for their lifetime, they prefer to build new empires and fest their nest on their conquered territories. For a country still struggling to walk straight, too much money in the hands of ex-militants is an invitation to doom for the entire country.

espite the obsession for stupendous wealth acquisition with such a conquistador lifestyle by the ex-militants, the rationale for their armed struggle in the first place, still exists in the NigerDelta. There is still pollution, environmental degradation, oil spills, polluted streams and water, exploitation, bunkering, oil theft and other associated vices. The quality of life has dropped for an average peasant in the oil rich Niger-Delta whilst their so-called elite class wallows in byzantine squandermania. The reasons for taking up arms against a democratically elected government in Nigeria [which culminated in hostage taking and killing of innocent ones] have been defeated because the former bandits who have now become billionaires are now blinded to the challenges in the Niger-Delta. They now live in exotic hotels in choice locations across the world. They live artificial lifestyles; life of fear of the unknown. They live for today and not for tomorrow because the petro-dollars will continue to roll in with exuberant ease. That is the Nigeria story of today. A story of absurdities and incongruities. A story of the insane dictating for the sane. A story where intellect is subsumed in the aqua of hedonism and crass materialism, where money power speaks the language of power and not knowledge or ideas. That is the Nigerian story.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012—17

C M Y K

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 25, 2012

He can’t stay off other women I guess it is about being secure in your relationship. But how can you be when the man you love goes seeking pictures of other, younger, prettier, skinner women? I mean, you don’t look at pictures of men! Or do you? I don’t think you should continue in a relationship that hurts you a lot especially if your guy does not appreciate you or respect you.So many people say its what on the inside that matters, but we all know that is not all that matters. If you trust your guy, don’t worry about it. It’s natural for both sexes to admire the opposite sex. But if you feel threatened , do you have good reason or are you insecure? Being secure is a good thing while your man is looking at other women. Basically, it’s normal to look at a good looking person from time to time but it is not normal to stare

Aunty Julie, I’ve been dating my guy for close to a year now and he professes undying love to me. Yet, he cannot stay off other women. It embarrasses me when other women throw jabs at me that my guy is for all women and does nothing to show he’s dating me exclusively. I feel ashamed when girls crack jokes about us and talk down on me or think I’m not in a relationship because of what my guy does with other women. He ogles at pictures of other women on the internet and in women magazines and I’ve caught him masturbating while looking at photos of skinny naked women. Why do men always look at other women even when they say they are in love with you? Josephine, Lagos Dear Josephine,

everytime a nice looking person is in sight. That gets odd and can be annoying. There are many nice looking people that may pass by but why do you have to stop and stare? Personally, I think there are other things to tend to rather than worry about every pretty person that comes into view. To me, beauty is within and I’ve learnt that over the years. Beleive me, men would be more insecure than women! The reason why a guy looks at other women is that they’re struggling with their instincts, and ‘just looking’ is a small solace in an otherwise very controlling situation. There are many fish in the sea. If your man is hurting your feelings by “looking” tell him about it. If he loves you, he will curb it to a reasonable minimum. If he doesn’t, dump him and find someone better. Eventually if bad behaviour is no longer rewarded but punished, it will stop.

We lo ho ther but lovve eac each other we fight all the time Dear Julie, I’ve been dating my current boyfriend for about eight months, and we do love each other very much. However, I believe we both want very different things from our relationship, and we fight on a regular basis. We fight about everything from spending time with friends to how we feel we are being treated and so forth. We have a lot of trouble identifying with each other and being considerate of each other’s needs. Should I move on and accept that we are incom-

It’s difficult to talk to girls after my divorce and the overwhelming feelings of guilt, distraction, and disorientation you are experiencing are so normal as to almost be expected. Knowing that these emotions are common might not seem to make them easier to handle, but it might bring some comfort to know that the process of grief and loss is indeed universal. People cope with loss differently — some cling to feelings of remorse, guilt, and a notion that if they remain faith-

Aunty Julie, I haven’t really been able to talk to any girl since my breakup with my ex-wife six months ago. We haven’t really signed any divorce papers, so I feel very obligated to stay faithful to her even though our relationship as we know it is over and done with. Will I still have this problem even when we actually get divorced? And will I forever feel bad about making the first move to end this relationship? Because for the past three months, I could neither sleep nor concentrate on my studies. My commitment to her and my love for her was the only thing that helped me to go on with my life. Now that’s over, I am totally lost. Please help me with my problem. Emma, Abuja Hello Emma, Separating from a partner is one of the most significant stressors life can throw at you,

Love, Lust and Marriage

It can be very helpful to focus on who you are, who you want to be, goals for your future, and tangible steps you can take to get there

LOVE - When your eyes meet across a crowded room. LUST - When your tongues meet across a crowded room. MARRIAGE - When you try to lose your spouse in a crowded room. LOVE - When you argue over how many children to have. LUST - When you argue over who gets the wet spot. MARRIAGE - When you argue over whose idea it was to have kids. LOVE - When you share everything you own. LUST - When you steal everything they own. MARRIAGE - When the bank owns everything. LOVE - When your only concern is for your partner ’s feelings. LUST - When your only concern is to find a room with mirrors all around. MARRIAGE - When your only concern is what’s on TV. LOVE - When you are proud to be seen in public

ful to the relationship, they might be able to save it. Others feel numb and closed off from themselves and others. In both cases, it can be very helpful to focus on who you are, who you want to be, goals for your future, and tangible steps you can take to get there. In clarifying a new sense of yourself, it might be helpful to ask yourself reflective questions like: From what do you derive the greatest sense of satisfaction and selfesteem (apart from your relationship)? What can you do to make yourself feel a little better? (Exercising, dressing nicely, treating yourself to a massage or a special meal are all popular answers.) Who are the most supportive people in your life and how can you spend more time with them? What have you learned about yourself from this experience? What have you learned from this relationship that you’d like to take with you into

your next one? What new challenges can you overcome personally, professionally, or physically? Although you may feel like you’ve lost your most significant friend, it’s important not to go through this alone. It’s hard to offer a guess as to when you might start to feel better, whether it’s when the divorce becomes official or sometime before or after that. But allowing yourself to feel how you’re feeling and to fall apart a little bit may be an essential part of recovering your sleep and study habits, and emerging back into your life in a new way. You cannot rush the grieving process. Many people report that after letting themselves, undone they are able to put themselves back together, stronger than before. The path of healing may seem like an impossible uphill journey, but all mountains are climbed one step at a time.

C O C K - T A L E S with your partner. LUST - When you only see each other naked. MARRIAGE - When you never see each other awake. LOVE - When your heart flutters every time you see them. LUST - When your groin twitches every time you see them. MARRIAGE - When your wallet empties every time you see them. LOVE - When you’re only interested in doing things with your partner. LUST - When you’re only interested in doing things to your partner. MARRIAGE - When you’re only interested in your golf score. LOVE- You only leave the house to buy coffee and croissants. LUST- You only leave the house to buy condoms. MARRIAGE- You only leave the house when you’re allowed to.

The poor fool

patible, or should we try a new approach? Charity, Benin Dear Charity, You’re not the only one struggling to sort through whether it makes sense to stay in a relationship. It’s often a big step to acknowledge to others that you’re having relationship troubles, so it’s brave of you to write in. Hopefully, some reflection and conversation with your partner can help you decide what to do. Have you talked with your boyfriend about the situation? It’d be helpful to know whether you’re on the same page about whether you want to keep the relationship going, whether you see that there are problems, and whether you’re both willing to try to make changes in your behaviour to work things out. If you’re both dedicated to making changes, you might start by practicing your listening skills. Take turns listening to each other; describe what’s important to you in a relationship and a partner and what you value about the relationship you have. Rather than focusing on your own feelings, take time to probe and understand what the other person thinks and feels. If you practice this skill when the topic’s upbeat, it may help you be more empathetic and considerate when the going gets tough. If you can figure out what you both want from your relationship, it may be time to move on to talking about how you want your relationship to change. Conflict isn’t always negative, but it’s important to find healthy ways to address it.

Honey,” said this husband to his wife, ”I invited a friend home for supper.” ”What? Are you crazy? The house is a mess, I didn’t go shopping, all the dishes are dirty, and I don’t feel like cooking a fancy meal!””I know all that.” ”Then why did you invite a friend for supper?” ”Because the poor fool’s thinking about getting married.” Just Married Judi and Jon got married and she was at the drugstore looking at the men’s toiletries. A clerk comes up to help her and asks if she needs assistance. ”I’m looking for some deodorant for my new husband Jon, but I don’t know what type he uses.” The clerk says, “Is it the ball type?” ”No,” says Judi, “it’s for his underarms.” Another Late Night An angry wife met her husband at the door. There was alcohol on his breath and lipstick on his cheek. “I assume,” she snarled, “that there is a very good reason for you to come waltzing in at six o’clock in the morning?””There is.” he replied, “Breakfast.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard AUGUST 25, 2012—19

The fact that my husband didn’t show the slightest sign of discomfort made me wonder how many ex-girl-friends I’d met in the past.

How do you react when faced with your husband’s mistress?

very woman has this dream about when she meets the “other woman” in her husband’s life. She sees this “otherwoman” as plain dull and with an interesting background —a woman who would be pathetically grateful for any male attention. A woman she, the wife, would look down on with pity, convinced that her husband would be insane to leave her for cheap thrills like this one. She’s kidding herself, of course! The other woman is often ravishingly attractive and eager to give the wife at home a very stiff competition. Ifi said she never really met her husband’s women until recently. All she’d come to rely on whenever he was having affairs were the telltale signs—his reluctance to make love, his going to cocktails and dinners without her and his distance look whenever she discusses anything important with him. Ifi would be the first to tell you that Levi, her husband, did not get to the top today by being ‘straight’. He’d always bragged that he knew a great deal about human nature and had found out early in life how easy it was to arouse greed. It’s amazing the number of palm-greasing he’d been able to get away with —the fat commissions he’d pulled over the years showed just how successful he’d exploit the greed in his contacts. A very ruthless businessman, he’s always stopped any opposition in its track. Ifi and Levi live in one of the reserved areas in Ikeja, but Levi has a consultancy office on Victoria Island. Ifi was in Lagos early this year to do some shopping for

Easter, and since she didn’t bring her car, she thought she would cage a lift from her husband. The shopping centre she visited was a few minutes walk from his office. “Levi shares the same floor with his younger brother who is also a partner in his firm,”

needed? The intimacy between this woman and my husband was obvious. As I hesitated, his fingers played teasingly on the front of her blouse. I drew back swiftly and rushed down the corridor to the ladies.

took place in our spacious living room. But it seemed now that this whiz-kid company secretary had organized a buffet affair in a private room at a Chinese restaurant. My blood boiled with indignation but I said nothing. On the day of this buffet thing, I was

Ifi told me “Onome, his brother, is really Levi’s righthand man and I thought I would say hello to him first. The top of the door to his office is glass,and what I saw in that room made me dizzy with shock. At the desk sat this lovely lady. Vaguely,I remembered Levi telling me about a year ago that they’d just employed a brilliant company secretary. And there she sat, a beautiful lady in her thirties. She had class, I would say that for her. Levi was with her —sitting in Onome’s chair. Where was Onome? Discreetly disappeared to give the lovebirds the privacy they

“My first reaction was to go home in a taxi but why should I? Levi, was afterall, my husband. With head held high, I marched back to Levi’s office and waited for him there. His secretary had this funny look on her face as she hurried to go call my husband. Levi carried off his surprise very well when he saw me. I explained why I was there and he told me he’d gone to discuss the forthcoming official party with the new company secretary. In the past, I’d always been responsible for catering for guests at such parties which usually

determined to fight fire with fire. At 46, and with four children, my figure had gone a bit but I made the most of what I had. If I was going to be faceto-face with my husband’s mistress, I was going to make it a grand performance. “What a silly fool I was! Ellen, the company secretary was dressed simply but very expensively. And she looked more smashing close-up. I must also say that Levi behaved pretty well at the buffet. He introduced her as the best executive the company had and Ellen greeted me with just the right touch of friendliness and formality due to the boss’s wife. The fact that

my husband didn’t show the slightest sign of discomfort made me wonder how many ex-girl-friends I’d met in the past.

s Ellen turned to leave, I discovered her hair was also magnificently groomed. She was wafting a sweet cloud of Prada perfume. It seemed she’d doused herself in the stuff while I just dabbed mine behind the ears. Don’t these husbands have any shame? Fancy buying his wife and mistress the same brand of perfume! The office staff made an unusual fuss of her and I realized she was serious competition. What does a wife do when she is receiving a kick in the crutch? Rush to a lawyer? What if it’s the husband who wants a divorce, would she want one? My short answer was, of course ‘no’! My whole life had revolved round Levi and I didn’t like the idea of being a woman alone, though there were no tell-tale signs he wanted to replace his wife with the mistress. I was just feeling too vulnerable. “Guiltily, I realized that there were a lot of things he could find wrong with me. I drank a bit too much and had taken little interest in his affairs since we moved to our own house in Ikeja. He didn’t fit in with my new friends and, more often than not, he brought work home instead of talking to me. It took a long time but I changed. Only last week, he came home straight from the office, had his dinner and a nap. I stole a glance at him as he napped on the sofa. His balding head was a bit awry and his tie and shoes were off.

Be honest with how you feel here is a thin line between a romantic statement like:”I love you so much, I want to share my life with you until death do us part”, and the lunatic-fringe anthem:”I love you so much!hat if you try to leave me, 1 will kill you”. Cloud, a relationship expert says that people who say such things love others the way spiders love flies; they love to capture them, trap them in immobilizing fetters, and drain nourishment out of C M Y K

True love is based on setting the beloved free from his or her own choices

them at peckish moments, this is not the kind of love you want. According to him, the way you tell real love from spider love is simple:possessiveness and exploitation involve controlling the loved one,

whereas true love is based on setting the beloved free from his or her own choices. How you use the word ‘make’ is also a tip-off. When you hear yourself saying:”He makes me feel X”, or “He makes me do Y”,

you’re playing the victimized trussed-up fly. Even more telling are sentence like; “I will hide what 1 really think because it would make him angry”. You’re not the victim but the crafty spider, withholding and using manipulation to control your mate’s feelings:and actions. Either Strategy means that someone is being held too close, wrapped in spider silk. Getting out of this sticky situation is simple: Tell the Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Begin

by taking responsibility for your own choices— including the choice to obey the spider man who may have you in his thrall. Then communicate your real feelings; needs end desire to your partner without trying to force the reaction you want. If your relationship can’t thrive in the clear light of honesty, it is better, to get out of it than to sink further into.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25 25, 2012 hilippa had been in a relationship with Benny for two years but for Benny, it had been two years of horror as he had to condone Philippa’s jealousy throughout the period. Benny could hardly greet other ladies so as not to draw the ire of Philippa. She couldn’t stand him pally with the opposite sex or all hell would let loose. They fought all the time and reconciled but would fight again and reconcile. The only thing their friends considered odd was peace between them or when they were not fighting. But they claimed they loved each other and under their strange situation, were able to walk down the aisle and exchanged marriage vows. Jealousy may only be a simple word, but does not have such a simple definition behind it. There are many reasons we feel jealous and though it is a normal human emotion to feel, it tends to get out of control if we fail to tame it. In order to tame it and control it however, you will first have to learn where your jealousy is coming from. There is always a cause for jealousy to arise and once you jealousy is a good way of have those causes figured out, lowering it. So no matter controlling it will become easier. what the reasons may be, it When your jealous emotions is extremely important for come out, all you know is that you to conquer it, otherwise you are feeling that way, it can do great damage to correct? That is where you need your self-esteem. Once you figure out where to stop! It will be hard to remember, but you must take a pause your jealousy is coming from, every time you feel jealous and you will then need to discover ask yourself why you feel that why it makes you feel way. Does it have something to jealous. For instance, if you do with your own self-esteem, figured out that it makes you or does the person you are in a jealous when your boyfriend relationship with provide you or girlfriend talks to the with good reasons to feel this opposite sex, then you need way? Speaking of self-esteem, to discover why it makes you

How you can conquer your Jealousy jealous. Did you have an experience in a previous relationship that now causes you to feel jealous with similar situations, or do you just have a fear of being betrayed? If so, why does that fear exist? Is your self-esteem a little lower than you thought? As you can see, there is a huge line of questions that need to be asked and answered in order for your jealousy to be conquered and under control. Acknowledging it is the first and important step, so you are already on the right and smart

track! Once you have realized where your jealousy comes from and what causes it, you can then concentrate on keeping it in control and hopefully get rid of it. If the reason has something to do with your partner, then it is best to have a serious conversation with him or her about it. Do not be afraid or feel stupid for feeling the way you feel. You have the right to express yourself and they are entitled to knowing what is making you feel jealous. If they truly care about you, they will work on ways to prevent you from experiencing such emotions. It is also a good idea to make an appointment with yourself and find ways you can improve your self-love and health, so that you can gain more strength and confidence, and be ready to fight off such jealousies when they come to surface. Toning down your jealousy and possibly getting rid of it for good will take time. It all depends on the situations and reasons. If having a flirtatious partner makes you jealous and your partner stops flirting, then it may be easier to overcome. However, if your jealousy is coming from a different area such as your competitive nature towards other women, then it will be more difficult. It is very common for women to feel jealous of each other ’s physique, success and relationships. The best way to fight this jealousy off is to improve your own self-health and lifestyle. Do things that boost your confidence. If you

feel jealous of what great shape another woman is in and the attention she gets, then perhaps you should focus on yourself rather than her success. Concentrate on finding ways to satisfy yourself both physically and mentally. To keep yourself on the right track of jealousy conquering, just remember these steps: Acknowledge your Jealousy. Ask yourself where it is coming from. Question why it makes you feel jealous. Make self-health and lifestyle changes that will assist you in fighting it off. Combine jealousy with a more rational emotion. Then practice! As long as you keep those steps in mind and follow them, you will learn how to take control of your jealousy instead of it controlling you. The last step is important . . . practice! You know the saying, practice makes perfect. So if you continue to practice these steps, controlling this stressful emotion will become easier and easier, until you have become a total master at it. Taking

control of your emotions will make you the leader and not follower of your emotions, which can prevent you from entering many unwanted territories, such as break ups, low self-esteem, depression and even an increased amount of jealousy. You will be able to focus on the more important topics in your life and see things with a more clear and open mind, which will guide you into making better decisions and finding better solutions to the obstacles you will face in your relationships and life in general.

Should I have sex with an older woman? A

ll my friends are always telling me that I should try having sex with a girl who is 10 years older than myself. I am 22 years old and my sexual partners have always been my own age or even a few years younger than me. Personally, I don’t fancy the thought of going to bed with an older woman, even though my friends tell me that I would learn alot and would enjoy the experience. What do you think? Even though I live in Lagos, which is pretty liberal sexually, I really can’t bring myself to have sex with an older person. Am I abnormal or do you think I am right? Have you ever come across this type of

problem before and, if so, what have you advised the people to do? Tyson, Lagos Ans: What your friends are trying to say, in not so many words, is that many people believe that there are advantages to a younger man dating an older woman. There are many historic tales of older women indoctrinating younger men into the world of sexuality. Some of the stories are as ancient as the gods, whereas others are modern love stories of lust and woe. It is perceived (and in some cases true) that older women have more sexual

experience, including a wider range of possible behaviours, and that they will appreciate a youthful admirer. Older women are more likely to reach orgasm than younger women, and the expectation is that they will be able to act as wise teachers to indoctrinate younger men into the sensual pleasures. Myth or fact, different men are turned on by different things. It sounds like you know what turns you on, and what you find arousing. If it goes against your grain to be turned on by an older woman, then it makes no sense to try the experience. What works for your friends may not work for you, as we

are all different individuals, with varying needs and desires. And remember, many younger men boast of their sexual liaisons, and they are more likely to get away with the fantasy of being with an older woman as the women are less inclined, and have less need, to brag about their experiences. Most important, don’t participate in any sexual activity that you are not comfortable with. There are many other ways to get your sexual thrills that will be more palatable to your personal tastes. And maybe you’ll have a chance to teach your friends some of them!

•Ozzy, 30, from Delta State, needs a true love for a relationship that could lead to marriage on 08066479989 •Prince, 31, businessman,employed and also a businessman, wants a relationship with a lady aged between 25-30 years on 08064261877 •Sophia, 28,graduate from Edo state, based in Benin, wants to be linked to a working class or educated businessman aged relationship on 08152724016 between 30-35 on 08067500318 •Samuel, 45, tall,5ft 9,fair, businessman , desires a working •Kely, female, from Delta State, wants to meet a mature guy class , responsible lady who is ready for marriage on who is employed and Godfearing aged 32-36 years on 07066533134 07035119947 •Akpos, 28, resident in Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want Warri,needs a sexy and to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com romantic lady for a relationship on 08062409798 Do you want to be linked? •Dave, 31, goodlooking, Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be graduate, civil servant and linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people enterprenuer, needs a girl of who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or 18-30 for a committed embarrassments some people may encounter in the process. C M Y K

•Babs, 60, based in Lagos, needs a responsible Christian lady who is dark and busty and aged 45-55 on 08173040015 •Kunle, 37, fair, from Ogun State, desires a Godly Christian lady who is employed for a relationship on 08167359049 •Bola, 42, male, fair, businessman, needs a responsible lady who is ready for marriage on 07036936115 •Yomi, 39,HND Holder, workingclass, Christian, based in Lagos, needs a mature lady from any part of the country on 08129192044

SATURDAY Vanguard,AUGUST 25, 2012—21

ardly a day goes by without the headlines of the dailies telling tales of woe; be it the antics of the BH wasting human lives in their numbers in the northern part of Nigeria, the pensions of hard working civil servants being carted away by scrupulous Director Generals and their board or the death traps on our roads. Millions of money being poured down the drain of various awarded contracts that never get done or completed. The inadequate maintenance of our infrastructure that are left dilapidated purposely so that

info@katehenshaw.com

Proudly Nigerian?? someone can make millions from awarding the contract to bring them back to some semblance of good condition for usage. Strikes are embarked upon supposedly to right the wrongs but they end with no logical conclusion to the matter at hand; NUPENG, PHCN, ASUU,etc. How come all these stolen money is never recovered? Your guess is as good as mine. Discussing

thrown into jail with her two month old baby! We live in terrible times in Nigeria and not a few are certain of what the future holds anymore. We just simply exist and pray with hope in our hearts that our fortunes in this country will change for the better one sweet day. The social media is where the young and young at heart or those who are internet savvy

nother weekend is here. We all look forward to it and though the Sallah holidays were more than adequate as people travelled out in droves, not many looked forward to returning to the daily grind on Wednesday if the truth be told. It is with a sigh of relief that we welcome the weekend with open arms. We as Nigerians, we love the holidays, time off to chill, if we can; if PHCN would let us relax in our homes in peace without the head-pounding noise of the generators, I hear there are inverters now that can give one constant light for 12hrs straight but they too cost a bundle depending on how many batteries are needed. So here we are again sourcing for an alternative means of power for our daily existence in Nigeria; yet the electricity tariffs have been increased with no corresponding increase in the supply of power and we pay taxes!

Hardly a day goes by without the headlines of the dailies telling tales of woe

Nigeria is a daily staple and I have come to the conclusion that one has to steal big to make it worthwhile because then, you never go to jail nor return the money. Only the man who steals 5000 Naira or a bicycle gets thrown into jail and even the innocent woman who was just by the side of the road when a LASTMA official was killed by a bus driver, gets

go to discuss matters arising. This post by one called Osa caught my interest. Who is Nigerian by the way was the question. It read thus: Personally I believe before we can act Nigerian, we have got to learn to think Nigerian no? And who is a Nigerian by the way? And how does one qualify to be Nigerian? Is it by birth, marriage, by

association or by naturalisation? Too many questions and no doubt many people with ready answers to offer and seriously it is my Point of View that before we can truly make progress as a Nation, we should first distinguish between a real Nigerian and a counterfeit Nigerian. In the face of the current realities in the nation, real true Blooded “Nigerianess” requires a higher motivation to see the country remain one; a far cry from the call by ethnic bigots for a separation of the entity called Nigeria. A real Nigerian embodies a high dream and purpose rather than spend time whining all day long, she has learnt to evaluate her expectations and be on point at anticipating potential change opportunities around her.

he real Nigerian understands that one of the challenges we face as a nation is usually ourselves. A real Nigerian resists the temptation to blame ‘others’ for every short coming and can ‘see’ that while leadership goes beyond good intentions,

othing captured this as succinctly as a story I came across a few days ago. According to the report hotel workers had discovered an untapped goldmine, and have developed it into a very brisk ‘on the side’ business. Are you aware that there is a very high demand for used condoms? Did you just spit out some of your coffee? You read right ...used condoms. Ewww !!! What in the world would anyone want with used condoms right? Wrong. According to the report, the staff of these hotels, especially those ones that rent by the C M Y K

hour(‘short time’) didn’t realise that they were sitting on a veritable gold mine. They had hitherto gone about their task of cleaning up after patrons till they were approached by certain people (ritualists, herbalists?) who were desirous of buying used condoms for their content. Fresh sperm, as in the ones harvested almost immediately the patrons step out of the room go for a whopping ten thousand naira while one day old semen goes for five thousand. Still think it’s a joke? Undercover investigations found that tissue paper used as swabs by the girls when still fresh can attract the princely sum of three thousand naira. If you just suspend your disbelief,

The average patron can do maybe 2-3 rounds per session

disgust and fear for just a moment and look at the matter dispassionately, you will agree that even Fola Adeola or Mr Agbaje could not have come up with a better business plan.

o the maths. The average patron can do maybe 2-3 rounds per session…. Over ambitious? Okay even if na only one (talk true sha, Nigerians can shaaaggg!! What? We surely

t made for an interesting read. Indeed the true problem of this nation is the inhabitants, the Nigerians. Our ways are so convoluted and morals are askew. If you are one of the few good men/ women who challenge the status quo, the response you get is always the same “you know how it is in Nigeria”; you are seen as a trouble maker, an activist in the negative sense of the true meaning of the word. Things are falling apart and the centre cannot hold anymore. We cannot keep falling into this endless pit we have ostensibly dug for ourselves. Will the real Nigerians please stand up and be counted? Will the Real Nigerians be the ones to make that change? Do I see any hands being lifted up? that’s not counting the swabs and the 5k condoms oh! Selah. The sheer amount of money underscores the efficacy of the ritual or whatever the sperm is being used for (and its definitely not for procreation in this instance) oh you still don’t believe in juju? Even the Bible tells you that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities. Selah.

Life, Lemons and lemonade

uch has been said about the Nigerian resilience; our ability to adapt and make the best out of any given situation. Everywhere you turn you see evidence of Nigerians making ‘lemonade out of the lemons’ that life and our awkward socio-political situation continue to throw at us. Indeed, the average Nigerian is described as ‘industrious’ and hard working. We are natural born hustlers. Now, whether the‘hustle’ is legit or otherwise is a totally different matter altogether.

a little bit of empathy is needed to acknowledge the tensions encountered in leading a nation of such diverse people. A real Nigerian uses her power of ‘Occupation’ to make positive progress, the kind that will hopefully evolve into the change that we all desire. A real Nigerian is committed to making a difference and shirks rhetoric, choosing rather to adopt Nike’s slogan and ‘JUST DO IT’ and adding a large dose of FIFA’s ‘FAIR PLAY’ whilst dealing with everyone, then watch out for the score sheet. The real Nigerian is a constitution junkie and is engaged in the national conversation because she knows her rights. The real Nigerian is a game changer. Are You One? If you are then start today to think Nigerian and act Nigerian.

didn’t get to a 150 million and counting by gazing at the moon!) multiplied by say what,ten on a bad day? That’s still a hundred thousand Naira … for zero investment beyond cleaning up after an hour or two of debauchery. That’s 700k a week, 2.8million a month. Okay let’s even cut that by half saying it was a really dismal month that’s still 1.7million Naira. Okay e bad, bad, a quarter of that; we’re talking 850k a month and

nd that’s where we are. That is the kind of industry that our society unwittingly fosters. Factories and other industry have been run aground… if they were functioning and these boys and girls who find themselves in shitty dead end jobs with very little or no prospects for progress are absorbed and occupied, as opposed to this dog eat dog, every man for himself society that we live in; the thought, (much less the opportunity) to sell someone’s semen to ritualists for cash wouldn’t even cross their minds. That’s not to say that villains and savages won’t exist… I’m just saying that it shouldn’t be so blatant and our main way of life.

C MC YM KY

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Ayo Adesanya: Amope Alasela, my most challenging role By Ayo Onikoyi

ince appearing in a ‘waka pass’ role in Zeb Ejiro’s ‘Mortal Inheritance’, a film

that starred Omotola JaladeEkeinde and Fred Amata, in the mid-90s, beautiful Ayo Adesanya, who once said her

forget-me-not-eyes are special blessing from God, has worked her way to the very top of the ladder in Nollywood. She has seen both worlds of Yoruba and English speaking genres of films, having starred in more than a half a century films but among all those films only one film has stretched her to the limit of her enterprise as an actress. The film is her latest film ‘Amope Alasela’ where she plays a dual role. In a chat with HVP, discussing how well the movie is doing in the market, the mother of one who celebrated her birthday on Friday, August 11th with close friends, beamed, saying “ I really thank God for that. I have received positive comments and reviews about the movie, and they have continued to come in. The other day, I was in a bank, and a woman came up to me to give me a peck. She was like, ‘oh, that movie was great.’ I really thank God for that. I realised how much people have fallen in love with the movie. It was particularly tough for me to play a dual role, one a young housewife, and the other, an old mother-in-law. She was a very funny character who walks in funny way. Switching the roles was tough and very tasking. Playing two roles sapped all my energy, because I had to wear make up to play the old woman which was very hectic, and playing the young woman was not exactly a piece of cake too. Being one character and immediately switching to a younger person was indeed a big challenge for me. I will say tit my most challenging role yet” she said.

Ayo Adesanya

Bob Manuel-Udokwu bags excellence award B

ob-Manuel Udokwu who hails from Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has come a long in the movie industry. He belongs in the golden generation of top stars who started the engine of renaissance in the wobbly movie industry that has now become a power house known as Nollywood. He has toiled so hard and so long for his presence and contributions to the C M Y K

development of Nollywood to go unnoticed. So when Anambra State University found the gangling actor worthy of honour on Friday August 17th it came as no surprise. He was given an award for excellence and it almost looked like one of his moments on location when the Gulder Ultimate Search host mounted the podium to deliver a paper on “The Role of the Youths In The Economic Survival Of The Nation” as part of the prerequisites for

the presentation of the award. The diplomat-actor has had his share of awards but most have come from his professional affiliations and this particular one, coming from his home state is indeed a prove that it is not all prophets that are not respected in their own town.

Taiwo Aromokun

Taiwo Aromokun back in Lagos By AYO ONIKOYI

eautiful and sexy Yoruba actress, Taiwo Aromokun has not been circulating about town recently and she has not taken up any script or turning up tricks at any movie location. In fact there was so much rumours about the whereabouts of the actresses that mischief makers concocted all sorts of lies until their wagging mouths were shut when she turned up in Taraba where she is undergoing the National Youths Service Corps

Bob-Manuel Udokwu

programme. Now that the camp is over Taiwo is back in Lagos to get her acts together again. Whether she will toe the same line as Laide Bakare who also did her camping in Taraba state only to redeploy to Lagos for the primary assignment is not net known but the lively lady is back in town For those who knows little intimate details about the actress, she has been living her life of a movie actress and shuttling between locations and school. She only recently graduated from Lagos State University, LASU where she studied banking and finance. Born in Lagos, Taiwo attended, Innocent Children Primary School before proceeding to Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School for her secondary education. Though her foray into the world of acting dates back to few years ago but she has made a flourishing name for herself. Having already featured in many Yoruba films over the last few years the young but highly talented Taiwo has produced six movies of her own : Atinuke Ololo, Alasela, Aye Jagidijagan, Otan, Kutukutu and Nkan Lile. In 2010 she was nominated for city people award for best supporting actress of the year amidst scandals making rounds then that she was dating Odunlade Adekola and MC Oluomo.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—23

ZEB EJIRO

‘I’m returning with Ripples’ R

EMEMBER that longest running drama series on NTA in the 1990s, Ripples? The series is hitting the screen again, going by the information dropped by the creator, Zeb Ejiro. Ejiro, disclosed in a chat with HVP, in his new office, in Surulere, during the week that following popular demand, he has decided to return the now rested soap opera on screen. “Ripples” which ran for five years uninterrupted on NTA, rested in 1993. It featured the best brains in the industry, including Alex Usifo, Babara Soky, Clarion Chukwura, Kogi State-born Lola Alao and many others. “Each time, I talk about ‘Ripples’ people have always encouraged me to return the series on screen. We need to reenact those days when people used to rush home to watch their darling TV series. I’m coming back in a big way to tell the world that I have always been in the fore-front of film making

in Nigeria. ” Ejiro said. The veteran producer cum famed Nollywood godfather also hinted that the series which will be written by award-winning screenplay writer, Joe Dudu will now be known as “Ripples: The New Generation”, and featuring the ‘old horses’ as well as the emerging actors. “ It’s going to be highly glamorous.” he said, adding that the poor quality of some of the soap operas that are paraded on our screens nowadays informed his decision to return to the base. According to him, “I have looked around and feel dissatisfied with the kind of soapoperas that are pro-d u c e d nowadays. Some of them are good while many others are nothing to write home about. The days of “Ripples”, “Mirror in the Sun”, “Checkmates”

Structuring Nollywood: The MOPICON option T

•Zeb Ejiro

and “Behind the Clouds” are gone. M-net produced “Tinsel” is the only soap opera which is currently making waves on air. But Tinsel can be challenged by the return of Ripples”

Benita Akpofe lands mouth-watering deal FLORENCE

AMAGIYA

CTRESS Benita Akpofe is slowly clim of actresses to watch in Nollywood bing up the ladder . The rising star, who is mostly kno Girls”, “Desperate Maidens”, “Ya wn for her roles in “Sexy hooze Prophets” and many other movies, is currently living out her dreams. She has just sig ned a mu lti- mil lion nar ia con trac t wit h a top Ha ir Manufacturing company based in Brazil for one of their new hair products. The actress who confirmed the buzz to HVP, said she will be travelling to Brazil in December, to begin the shooting of both the still and motion pictures for the brand. She is also organizing a hair fashion show that will unveil her new beauty parlour (BENIT’S WORLD) which will also serve as the major outlet for the hair brand in the country in 2013. Presently, she is working on an info rmative rally project to create more awareness on Sic kle Cell Anemia. A striking beauty, Benita started her 2008. She was featured in 'On acting career in ly thereafter, she landed her first lead daughter'. And role in the movie titled ‘Before the war, where she acte d alongside Nonso Diobi, Mercy Johnson and other top actors.

Hollywood, Nollywood and Ghollywood unite for Mystery Beads

OLLYWOOD is about to witness a true revolution as a London trained Nigerian PR specialist, Egor Efiok, has unveiled a stellar cast for the shooting of her much talked about 3D movie, “Mystery Beads. The actors who are due to hit location before the end of the month include, Ghanaian actress, Jackie Appiah, Hollywood actor, Emeka Amene (NCSI, Angel), Anthony Monjaro (pilot in Last

Flight to Abuja), 2010 Gulder Ultimate Search first runner up, Julian Nnadi. Other stars are Ime Bishop Umo, Davies Bassey, Joseph Akahome, Frederick Leonard, Solomon Akiyesi, G-lory (singer), Ani Iyoho, Chelsea Eze, Shedrach Nwora, Belinda Effah, Captain Cassie Idagbo, Eric Anderson, Sammy Young, and Ani Iyoho. movie with a deep storyline and twist. It could come across

to a person as an epic but has a beautiful mix or use of modern technology in it. Efiok said the film, which story is based on the legendary Calabar dreaded sea goddess, Adidi Ata Ebua, tells a story of a string of spiritual beads stolen from the museum and given out to different people all of who escape its wrath until it gets to the last person, who unknowingly fancied and decide to keep it.

HREE months ago, the Minister for Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, revealed that the Ministry was at the verge of presenting the Motion Picture Practitioners Council of Nigeria (MOPICON) bill to the Federal Executive Council. According to him, the bill aims to professionalize the film sector and bring it in line with global best practices. I was not moved by this yet another ministerial posturing because, Maku’s predecessor in office, Prof. Dora Akunyili, made so much hullabaloo about being in possession of the original draft MOPICON bill and indeed, in her characteristic manner, vowed to ensure the passage of the bill by the National Assembly. She never did. This is why I wonder if any stakeholder in Nollywood believes Maku. For me, the much talked about MOPICON is gradually but steadily replicating the Freedom of Information (FoI) bill in terms of checkered historical antecedents. Let me historicize, albeit in capsule. In 2006, the Nigerian Film Corporation set up a steering committee for MOPICON. The committee, which was made up of what was then considered as elected representatives of all sectors of the motion picture industry in Nigeria, actually generated the much talked about draft MOPICON bill. The committee met severally and received memoranda from stakeholders cut across virtually all the zones of the federation. The committee completed its task and submitted the draft MOPICON bill about 5 years ago. If passed into law, MOPICON will be akin to the Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON). As motion picture practitioners await the “passage” of the MOPICON bill into law by the National Assembly, little did they know that the said bill was nowhere near the confines of the hallowed Chamber. I suspect that politics and personal interests set in soon after the NFC handed over the document to its parent ministry – Ministry of Information. In my view, two main factors are responsible for the frustration of the MOPICON document. These are the politics between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and its Information counterpart on one hand, and the rivalry between the NFC and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on the other hand.

he Ministry of Culture and Tourism believes, and rightly so too, that the MOPICON issue is its affair and not the business of the Information Ministry. The impunity of transferring the NFC and NFVCB from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to the Ministry of Information in early 2000s by then President Olusegun Obasanjo is largely responsible for the avoidable politicking between the two ministries. My take here is that globally, film and indeed the entertainment industry is inseparable from culture and tourism. Apart from conservative countries like China and France, no filmmaking nation in the world would pigeonhole an NFC or NFVCB under Information Ministry. Nigeria should not be different. The second challenge is the unhealthy latent rivalry between the leadership of the NFC and the NFVCB. MOPICON is manifestly an NFC project. This did not go down well with some top shots in NFVCB. This explains why somebody high up in NFVCB allegedly fired a petition to Mr. Maku, adducing why the ministry should not push for MOPICON. It is also an open secret that NFVCB under the leadership of former (sacked?) Emeka Mba, generously supported the setting up of a so-called ‘Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations (CONGA)’, a group of few persons mooning to be an interim MOPICON through the backdoor. Though this nebulous body still exists on the pages of few newspapers, it effectively died soon after it was launched about two years ago. Not a few seriousminded associations and stakeholders in Nollywood have refused to subscribe to it.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Anti-gay Russian activists sue Madonna for $10 million

TJ Jackson appointed co-guardian of M.J’s children T

J Jackson, nephew of the late Michael Jackson, has been appointed to share guardianship responsibilities for the late singer ’s three children Paris, Prince and Blanket. According to the Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ,who made the statement during a hearing on Wednesday named TJ Jackson as a co-guardian of the children who range in age from 10 to 15. TJ Jackson was said to share responsibilities with Michael Jackson’s mother,

Katherine, who has cared for the children since the singer ’s death three years ago. TJ Jackson is the son of Tito Jackson and performs with his brothers in the band 3T. According to court filings, he has remained close to his cousins, Prince, Paris and Blanket, since their father’s death. He was appointed a temporary guardian last month when Katherine Jackson was absent for several days and out of communication.

Whitney Houston’s last song ‘Celebrate,’ released

Lady GaGa Approves Prince Harry’s Naked Photos

ady Gaga is one of the many people who has seen Prince Harry ‘s nude pictures, and she is more than happy to offer her opinion on what she sees on the leaked photos. “HOLY MOTHER HARRY LOOKS FIT,” the Mother Monster tweets to her stylist Tara Savelo. One of the pictures in question sees Harry standing buck naked in his VIP suite while cupping his private parts with a nude woman behind him. Another features the third-in-line to the throne bear-hugging a naked female near a pool table. Soon after the photos hit the web, Harry’s advisors at St James’s Palace were “locked in meetings about how to best handle the scandal.” Senior royal sources told the Daily Mail that the Prince was in Las Vegas on vacation and had expected a “reasonable degree of privacy.” According to Radar Online, the Royal Family banned U.K. papers from publishing the photos. London-based C M Y K

Jordin Sparks & late

law firm Harbottle & Lewis sent Britain’s biggest newspaper a letter saying that the pictures were in breach of the Press Complaints Commission code. “The lawyers said any one publishing them would be in breach of the PCC. The media outlets were also warned that their privileges for access to media events featuring the royal family could be restricted if they did use the pictures,” a source said. Regardless, the damage has been done and the pictures have circulated around the globe via the internet since Tuesday, August 21.

Whitney Houston

he last song Whitney Houston ever recorded ‘’celebrate’’ has been released. Celebrate,which was written by R. Kelly, is a duet with former American Idol contestant Jordin Sparks and will be featured on the soundtrack to their upcoming film, Sparkle. The up-tempo track features disco beats and a positive message, as Sparks and Houston sing lyrics such as ‘I’m going to celebrate, celebrate you.’ The diva, who died in February at age 48, plays Jordin’s mother in the remake of the 1976 rags-to-riches film. Jordin performed a musical tribute to her late co-star at last night’s Billboard Awards, singing I Will Always Love You. Whitney ’s daughter also broke down in tears as she accepted the Millennium Award for her late mother at

the ceremony. Bobbi Kristina Brown said she felt ‘blessed’ to have been part of the hit maker ’s life and thanked people for supporting her family through all of the singer ’s difficulties. She took to the stage with Patricia Houston - her mother ’s sister-in-law and manager - and wept as she said: ‘I really want to say thank you to everyone who supported us through it all. ‘Not just from when it was good but when it was bad, too. Thank you for showing that much love, because she deserved it ... I’m just blessed to have been in such an incredible woman’s life. There will never be another one, ever.’ Whitney who died as a result of accidental drowning in her bath and the effects of heart disease and cocaine use was also honored by Whoopi Goldberg.

group of Russian antigay activists sued American pop star Madonna for $10 million on Friday, saying she had insulted their feelings when she spoke out for gay rights at a concert in St Petersburg last week. Performing in black lingerie with the words “No Fear ” scrawled on her back, Madonna attacked a city law adopted in March that imposed fines for spreading homosexual “propaganda”. She had earlier called the law a “ridiculous atrocity”. Homosexuality, punished with jail terms in the Soviet Union, was decriminalized in Russia in 1993, but much of the gay community remains underground as prejudice runs deep. “She (Madonna) had been warned with words that she should behave in line with the law and she ignored it. So we will speak in the language of money,” said Darya Dedova, one of the 10 activists who filed the lawsuit in a St Petersburg court. “Of course, it is difficult to measure moral damages and suffering but maybe people who earn money regardless of moral rules will better understand this,” Dedova said. She added if they won the case, the money would be sent to orphanages. “Maybe someone does not see the link but after Madonna’s concert maybe some boy becomes gay, some girl becomes lesbian, fewer children are born as a result and this big country cannot defend its borders - for me it causes moral suffering,” said Alexei Kolotkov, another of the activists who filed the suit.

lmost every marriage starts out as a huge celebration. Together with their family and friends, each couple is full of hopes and dreams for their future life together. But the road to a happy marriage is far from easy. And as today’s divorce statistics demonstrate all too well, many couples opt not to complete the journey. It would be easy to blame our high rate of marital failure on things like not spending enough quality time together, allowing bitterness and resentment to build in our hearts and failing to keep communication lines open. There’s no end to books, articles and seminars that tell you how to improve these and many other aspects of your relationship. But while quality time, forgiveness and communication are vitally important to creating a happy marriage, if such things aren’t happening, it’s usually a sign of a much deeper problem. And until this problem is addressed, no amount of external behaviour modification will work.

Conflicts in marriage

Before you get married

Sex

Lack of communication about sexual issues can tear a marriage apart. Some of the problems that can hurt a marriage include low sex drive, marital rape, and infidelity. Help in

O-Men

rekindling passion and dealing with masturbation are also included. Masturbation is sexual stimulation (not intercourse) that produces an orgasm. Many physicians believe masturbation to be a normal, natural activity that most people engage in throughout their life. A look at the pros and cons of masturbation and its impact on a marriage may prove otherwise. The fact that your spouse masturbates can have a negative impact on your marriage if it is taking the place of having sex with you. Masturbation can also hurt your marriage if your self esteem is damaged by the activity. Many therapists believe that couples should not make a big deal about masturbation as it is so common place. If the two of you can communicate your needs and desires with one another and accept that masturbation is natural and okay, masturbation should not be a problem in your marriage. Your spouse probably mas-

turbates to relax and because it feels good. Your spouse may masturbate because of a higher sex drive than yours. Additionally, for many people masturbation is quick and

Before you get married, you need to not only make sure you are marrying the right person, you need to decide how to propose, how to select a ring, deal with being engaged, look at the pros and cons of living together, take pre-marital prep classes, and understand any second thoughts about marriage. Everyone knows that getting married is a major life decision. Yet people have different ways of knowing when the time is right to get married and who to marry. How did you decide to get married? What do you wish you had known prior to getting married? What can you share with folks considering getting married? Marriage skills needed to build a healthy marriage include understanding of the soulmate concept, keys to having a successful marriage, making decisions together, dealing with conflicts, and marriage myths and expectations.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—25 who strays has spent years investing time, emotion and energy in the marriage. They may feel that no matter what they do, they cannot or, are not getting what they feel they need from the relationship. They lack the skills to do something different, something that might work in their favor and finally get them what they need from the relationship. They get stuck in a negative place. People who are stuck can see no way out, they view their problems as permanent and many times think the only way to get unstuck is to turn to someone else. A new relationship is a great way to distract themselves from the problems in a marriage. You are suddenly unstuck and enjoying the lust and passion that comes with a new found relationship. All of a sudden, they are getting every thing they need from another man or woman. After years of not getting their needs met in the marriage this can be a huge relief. If you are reading this article and are someone who has found relief in a relationship with someone other than your spouse, I have something I want you to do. Before you destroy your marriage by leaving for another person, I want you to think about what you are really feeling. Don’t use the new relationship as a distraction to warning bell should go off. This keep you from being honest is one of the most consistent with yourself and your spouse. things a cheating spouse will If you are a cheating spouse say. It is often said by a spouse make sure that one of the probgoing through midlife crisis lems below is not causing you also. Your spouse may have a to throw your marriage away just to keep from having to deal with them open and honestly. Do you feel your spouse is… •Controlling •Dismissive of your feelings. •Is financially irresponsible •Not spending enough time with the family. •Rejecting you sexually. •Working too much. deep, loving bond with you but, •Not working with you as a intense feelings of passion can couple to make the marriage override the bond with you and cause your spouse to loose better. Whatever you feel the probsight of his/her true feelings. lems are in the marriage you The cheating spouse will develowe it to yourself and your op what I call hormone - induced amnesia. The surging spouse to get honest with him/ hormones and passion they feel her. It may not be easy, it may in their new relationship can be painful for your spouse but cause some much-skewed it is the only way to solve problems because the “I love you thinking. This is what I feel happens in but I’m not in love with you,” many relationships that fall statement is a sign that somevictim to infidelity. The spouse thing is wrong in the marriage.

Lack of communication about sexual issues can tear a marriage apart

there’s no responsibility with it. When your spouse masturbates, it doesn’t mean that there is a problem in your marriage relationship. Some spouses masturbate when separated by distance, illness, or during late pregnancy.

‘I love you but I’m not in love with you’ If you hear these words, a big

Causes of impotence I

mpotence can be caused by a disruption at any stage in this series of events. Certain diseases, including diabetes and muscular dystrophy can cause impotence. Psychological factors can also lead to impotence. And, impotence can be a side effect of some common medications. Patient history Medical and sexual histories help define the degree and nature of impotence. A medical history can dis-

close diseases that lead to impotence. A simple recounting of sexual activity might distinguish between problems with erection, ejaculation, orgasm, or sexual desire. A history of using certain prescription drugs or illegal drugs can suggest a chemical cause. Drug effects account for 25 percent of cases of impotence. Cutting back on or substituting certain medications often can alleviate the problem. Physical examination A physical examination can give

clues for systemic problems. For example, if the penis does not respond as expected to certain touching, a problem in the nervous system may be a cause. Abnormal secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern, can point to hormonal problems, which would mean the endocrine system is involved. A circulatory problem might be indicated by, for example, an aneurysm in the abdomen. And unusual characteristics of the penis itself could suggest the root of the impotence—for example,

bending of the penis during erection could be the result of Peyronie’s disease. Laboratory tests Several laboratory tests can help diagnose impotence. Tests for systemic diseases include blood counts, urinalysis, lipid profile, and measurements of creatinine and liver enzymes. For cases of low sexual desire, measurement of testosterone in the blood can yield information about problems with the endocrine system.

26—Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012

Don Jazzy sad over N2m donation to cancer patient

HE recent donation of N2million to Funmi Lawal the law student diagnosed with malignant sarcoma by ace producer, singer and Chief Executive of Mavin records Don Jazzy may have stirred up the entertainment industry but it’s left one man sad. And the sad man is no other than Don Jazzy, the man at the centre of the donation. Mavin records source told Showtime that “Don Jazzy is really sad that the donation was made public. You know its not his style to talk about such thing in public. That donation was made in the name of Mavin records and that is why he is wondering why and how his name popped up in the matter”. “His decision to help out the sick lady was born out his desire to help out the needy once in a while. If you go to his twitter handle and facebook, you’d think its a market place as the pages are covered with thousands of requests from persons asking for all manners of assistance” the source further revealed. For now, no one can tell, what this development may have impacted on the former Mo’hit record’s boss. Lawal’s story made the headlines on August 20, 2012, with many soliciting help for her to stay alive.

•Don Jazzy The cost of her full medical treatment was put at N4m. Barely 24 hours later, Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy, who has previously shown philanthropic tendencies, has, according to sources, donated half of the money.

MBGN Isabella Ayuk touches lives of widows

...awards scholarship to pupils

HREE months after ascending the throne as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) Beauty pageant, 26 year old Queen Isabella Ayuk has started touching lives and rendering an impactful service to humanity across Nigeria. “The MBGN 2012 project is in line with the millennium development goals and Queen Isabella is using the platform to campaign against typhoid fever because I lost my sister to typhoid and also to empower widows (because my mum is a widow) by creating small scale businesses for them because I believe that one of the problem facing Nigeria today is extreme poverty and hunger and when u empower a woman, you have empowered the whole nation.” Some of the places and projects the MBGN Queen has done include primary schools, C M Y K

visits to some widows, hospital equipment donation as well as granting scholarships to some students. She also visited a refugee camp, distributed free Typhoid vaccines and also renovated some primary

schools as well as some houses belonging to widows. Among the recipients of the good heart of the Queen was a food vendor simply known as Mama Food Vendor, a widow with three children in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Nassarawa State. She also awarded scholarships to 10 students from Etung/Ikom Communities as well donated school desks to Three Corners Primary School at Effranya in Etung Local Government.

Tsegho Oteri rebrands By FLORENCE AMAGIYA

AIJA Sings season 2 contestant Tsegho Oteri has adopted a new stage name as he doubles effort at rebranding. The Warri, Delta born musician has adopted the new name Shojay as he puts finishing touch to new single expected to hit the industry any moment from now. Tsegho Oteri who won the Kano regional finals of Glo Naija Sings and made it to final 20, told Showtime that “ I needed to adopted a new name that will be befitting for the new things I plan to do in the industry. That explains the new name Shojay (pronounced Show Jay)”. For Tsegho professional music started in 2003 when he hooked up with KD World Records, a label based in Abuja, which had other artistes on the label like Naydo, Pherowshuz and OD Overdose. He released two singles “wifey”and “Best of me” in early 2004, songs which kept his fans and listeners stunned at his serenading voice and unique style which also made him popular in school and around Abuja. He also released the song “I go make Love” which was considered an aphrodisiac, and enjoyed airplay across major radio stations in and around

Abuja. He is often called “The Showstopper” by friends because of an incident that happened when he was in the university, while performing on stage he brought out a rose flower to give out and over 50 ladies stampeded themselves just to get the rose while 2 others fainted.

•Oteri

Rick Ross shoots video at Obalende BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

FTER his successful outing in Nigeria, where he played live at the Summer Jam Fest 2012 concert held at the exquisite Eko Hotel and Suites on August 17, Rick Ross has decided to test the waters before going back to the States. The American rapper who has been having the time of his life in the country, paid a visit to Sura Market, Obalande on Monday, where he shot some scenes for his new video, Hold Me Back. At Sura Market, residents of the area rushed out en mass to welcome him and also made appearance in the video. Rick Ross then tweeted about his experience at the scene, saying he bought a whole grocery store and distributed to the Rick-ross, locals.

... As Ex-MBGN Sylvia Nduka offers N1m through reality show

•Isabella

OST Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2011 Sylvia Nduka is offering N1m through her reality show ‘Face of Sylvia’s Hair 2012’. Nduka who will be giving young Nigerian ladies a chance to feature in the reality show recently launched her ‘Sylvia’s Hair Extension’ and opened her hair store in Surulere. In addition to the N1m, other prizes include a brand new KIA automobile and a trip to Dubai. The 21-year-old has gotten herself quite busy this year – she was recently spotted filming in a Nollywood flick along with Halima Abubakar.

•Sylvia

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012—27

By AYO ONIKOYI

HE era of pen pals or fans clubs are fast disappearing with the bug of information technology eating into every fabric of our everyday living. The most powerful tools of communication are shifting from what we used to know to what are taking over the way we socialise, even across great distances. In today's fast paced world of inter-connectivity from one part of the world to another, the social networking utilities like Twitter and the Facebook top the bill. Between the two utilities, billions of people around the world socialise freely, sharing information and even doing businesses,

•Genevieve

Nigeria's reigning superstars of twitter regardless of boundaries and time zone differences. Although Facebook is as good as it could get but Twitter has the edge for its configuration,which makes it very easy to determine the number of people who is connected with a person. It has become a platform through which a person's popularity could be measured. Facebook, for all the goodies it offers has a limitation as to the number of people who could stay connected with a person. On Twitter, the number is limitless.. Currently, the champion of

•Basketmouth

Twitter is the American diva, Lady Gaga, who has close to 30 million people following her on Twitter. Not even the most powerful man on the planet, the American President, Barrack Obama, comes close. Next person is another entertainer, Justin Bieber,a Canadian singersongwriter, musician, producer and actor. He has close to 27 million followers. In fact the first five spots are taken by entertainers, including Katy Perry, Rihanna and Britney Spears before a breather was given for President Barrack Obama to occupy the 6th place. After

•Genevieve

the American President, it was entertainers' party all the way.

igeria's entertainers may not play in the same league as their American counterparts but they sure can hold their own anywhere in the world. Gone are the days of the rag-tag entertainers who wait for handouts from people who, more often than not, ride on their prides, before throwing some tokens their way. Now they drive the best cars, live in most luxurious homes and some of them even fly their own jets to cruise around the

•D'Banj

world. So, who are the Nigeria's superstars of the Twitter? While the question may not provide answer to a popularity check among Nigeria's entertainers it goes a long way in giving an insight into those making the entertainment industry tick. Though the Twitter is updated constantly, almost every second of the day and that to a certain extent may affect the number of followers a star has at any point in time which may even change between a twinkling of an eye.

•Wizkid

Top 5 superstars of Twitter If only Goldiee will pick my T

UFACE Idibia, P-Square or D'Banj may be the names on the minds of most people but none of these superstars come first on Twitter with the highest number of followers. The Nigeria's number superstar of the Twitter is the new music sensation holding the music industry spellbound. Fast rising Nigerian pop star, Ayo Balogun popularly called Wizkid, is the most popular Nigerian artiste with a followers list of over 325, 100 people. No wonder, the little guy is snapping up every award here and there. Recently, he took the international scene by storm when he won the Best International Act (Africa) at the BET awards held in Los Angeles, USA. Trailing him with a bit of meanness is the Koko Master, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, known as D'Banj. No one can question D'Banj's popularity and the 'Oliver Twister' storm raiser has over 300,136 followers. At the last check, C M Y K

he was just some 25,000 short of overtaking the 22 year-old Wizkid. In the third place is Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W. The guy does Rhythm and Blues and seems to be winning hearts with his deft delivery. He has over 230, 000 followers and breathing down his neck is another musician, Eldee, born Lanre Dabiri. He has over 202,000 followers. Now, Nollywood makes it first entry and who could have pulled it off other than dear Genevieve Nnaji. Genevieve has been described as the queen of Nollywood and on the Twitter popularity check, the mother of one has not disappointed. As at last check, she has over 176,000 followers on her Twitter account. She can thus be regarded as the most famous female entertainer in Nigeria.

calls —Prezzo

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

he Kenyan born musician who is, the second runner up of the just concluded big brother star games, Prezzo 32, has apologized to Nigerians for what happened in the game between him Prezzo and Goldie. Addressing journalist yesterday, the GLO ambassador to Nigeria Prezzo, stated that his main mission for coming into the country after the game as to come and explain to Nigerians what happened in the house between him and Goldie and to also apologize to her for everything that happened. He also answered the question as to whether he has made any attempt to speak with Goldie after the show; he said no. That he has not been able to speak with her because, she does not pick her calls. I always remember what my father use to tell me that I should follow my mind in all my doings that is why I came all the way from Nairobi to Nigerian to reconcile with Goldie and to explain what happened. The handsome looking young man believes so much in the power of God. Saying that if

God says that they will be together, there is nothing anybody can do about it. So he sees his reconciliation with Goldie as what will make way if God is on his plans. According to him, the whole thing which was supposed to be a game has gone beyond what he expected it to be. Ever since they left the house, he cannot stay a whole day without thinking about Goldie. All just what he wants from her is for her to pick his calls and here him out may be they will start from there. He has no regrets if he was asked to marry Goldie as according to him, the both of them have the same body chemistry and they understand themselves so much and his is not getting younger. “I just want to use the media to reach Goldie and tell her to pick my calls that was why I called for a press conference”.

28 —Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012

Nollywood stars have paved way for me — Uru Eke F

movie. Sometimes, getting enough funds to produce quality films is a major problem among Nollywood producers, as such, they resolve to producing substandard movies.

ast rising actress, Uru Eke is surely a beauty to behold. Born in East London, she had her primary school in East London and secondary school here in Nigeria. She went back to the United Kingdom for her University education at City University. Before taking up acting as a career, she worked with Zurich Financial as an IT consultant. Having decided to take to acting, she was recently featured in a documentary on Nollywood in CNN’s Inside Africa. Her first movie was ‘Ebony’ after which she also featured in others like Forgive Me Father, Widow’s men, Friends in Love, Timeless Passion, a soap titled’Catwalq’ and others. Here in this interview, Uru talks about her career in acting, Nollywood and others. Enjoy; hat actually informed your decision to go full-time into acting? And how far do you think you can go? I’ve always had a burning desire to be an actress. As cliché as it may sound, that’s just the truth. Ever since I was a child, I’ve practiced being other people and mimicked things that I watched on TV. So it was only natural that when the opportunity to actualize my dreams came up, I jumped at it. I intend to go very far with this. I’m very determined and diligent. And when I put my mind and heart to do something, I always succeed. The Nigerian Nollywood is kind of saturated. What are your plans as an upcoming actress to overcome the ordeals and possibly get accepted within the industry? It hasn’t been easy. Good looks can only get you so far! Talent is what truly speaks for you and when people see that, it’s very easy to separate the wheat from the chaff. I believe I have been accepted otherwise I wouldn’t be getting the offers and recognition. So I’m grateful to God Almighty.

*Uru Eke C M Y K

What are those unique skills you are bringing to play that may possibly stand you out or better still that may give you recognition among all the big stars we have in Nollywood? The big stars are in a league of their own and helped pave the way for people like me coming in now. I try to play whatever role given to me as natural as possible and not force it. I study the craft and observe others then, infuse the key elements into a character. I don’t try to be like anyone else but me- that way, no one says “oh she acts like this person or

that person” What future do you think you have in Nollywood, say in five years? By God’s grace, my future in Nollywood and beyond is very bright. The possibilities are endless. There are lots to explore- producing, making my own films etc. I’m yet to be challenged in a role yet so there’s lots more to do. Come 5years from now, I want to be listed among the top 5 talents in the country and to also represent my people anywhere in the world! Already, which are the films you have acted in? So far, I’ve acted in ‘Ebony, Lucky Joe, Forgive Me Father, Widow ’s men, Friends in Love, Timeless Passion, a soap called ‘Catwalq’,just released “Last Flight to Abuja” and soon to be released “Weekend Getaway”

y all standards, what comparison can you do between Hollywood and Nollywood- which is more relevant to Africans? Hollywood is big and all over the world but trust me, our Nollywood is much more relevant to Africans and even the Caribbean! You’d be shocked the homes you go into and see a Nollywood

I’m very determined and diligent. And when I put my mind and heart to do something, I always succeed.

n your opinion, what do you think should be done in terms of sourcing for fund and maintaining world class movie productions in respective of this peculiar challenge? Before I embarked on this journey, I did some research to find out how Nollywood began, when and by who. At the end of the day, it was a very interesting discovery! One of the first Nollywood films is ‘Living in Bondage’ by Neks video links. It was one man’s venture into the unknown, he wasn’t quite sure how things would turn out but to his surprise, the film was a block buster. Then, lots of other people jumped on the idea and today, we have Nollywood. I guess because the industry was developed and grew to what it is today, through efforts by individuals with no help from the government, my opinion is that the government felt it didn’t need to pay much attention to it. Our films are the quality they are because the independent producers cash their savings and produce these films out of sheer passion and love for it. What they have isn’t enough to produce a world standard movie but it’s good enough for the Nigerian viewers. Now would be a great time for the Government to step in and turn the fortunes of Nollywood around by building studios and creating grants/loans that can be accessed to contribute great content to our movies. How much do you know about Inside Africa? I’ve watched Inside Africa a few times in the UK and its segments are very interesting. It gives us a look into various cultures and personalities in Africa How do you see the impact of CNN -Inside Africa programme on the Nigerian entertainment industry? I’m elated because the impact is ultimately positive! The Nigerian entertainment industry is growing bigger and bigger and our local talents are being recognized internationally. I’m super excited because a new guy like me has been selected to feature on CNN’s Inside Africa programme on Nollywood and it’s being introduced to a wide cross section in Africa. I’ve been told that Inside Africa’s viewership is almost 300million. That’s huge!!

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—29

SOCIAL NET WORKING OR SOCIAL TIME TIME— WASTER?

S Hello Jets’, Dearest Jets’, It is indeed a sad story to tell about how many young women and men who had lost their lives because they trusted a certain person. Just the other day it was a case of three students that conspired to kill one of their classmates just to buy a blackberry phone. Today it is the sad case of Cynthia who met untimely death because she trusted her internet friends. Who are your friends? Who do you give your details to? Where did you meet them? No doubts friends are important to us but we should be careful the kind of friendship we keep and the information we give to our friends. For Cynthia it is passed giving her advice but you can learn from her mistake. A word they say is enough for the wise. These and others are on your darling page. Have a great weekend.

meet other people. The more sites you sign up to, the more work it takes. If you’re not careful you could easily spend hours every day moving from social network to social network updating statuses, replying to comments, accepting new requests, or just reading comments. Think carefully about how much your time is worth and what return you get back from the Social network.

ocial media has taken the world by storm and changed the way people of all ages interact with each other be it business, play, politics, or just passing information about almost anything. Even though Social Media & Networking has been with us for some time now, it seems that it continues to gain more momentum on a daily basis with easy access to the internet via different platforms like the desktops, laptops, androids and mobile phones. These devices also have social network applications for easy access. Virtually everyone uses it today According to recent comScore data, it says that 98% of the online population of USA uses social media sites and w o r l d wide, 6 out of every 10 persons use social networks and forums while 1 out of every four minutes is spent on social network sites. With over a billion Social Media users

worldwide, it’s very hard to stand out in the crowd. What Is Social Networking? Social networking is the grouping of individuals into

Cynthia’s mistake

specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Although social networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools, it is most popular online. This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to

Anonymous Cynthia was a 24 year-old daughter of retired Major General Frank Osokogu. She had arrived Lagos from Abuja on Sunday, July 22, 2012 was received at the airport by some people when she literally disappeared. For days, then weeks, family and friends agonized over her whereabouts. Relations were reached at home in Agbor, Delta State, friends were contacted but none had heard from her since she arrived Lagos. Her telephone lines were off and as the uncertainty grew, despair set in and the question continued: “ where is Cynthia?’ Then the police working with the Immigration Service authori-

•Late Cynthia

ties were able to ascertain that hers was the body that had been taken to a mortuary in Isolo from a hotel in Festac Town. Just the other day we heard from the police and selfconfessed friends she met on the internet how the young post graduate student of Nasarawa State University, was killed at the hotel before her corpse was deposited at the mortuary. The internet friends were alleged to have killed Cynthia in a hotel around Festac Town in Lagos. She was raped and murdered. The police got a lead into the case when they got the suspects’ photographs in footage from a Close Circuit Camera TV (CCTV) that was installed in the hotel. The suspects have been caught and they confessed to have killed the lady, but that didn’t bring Cynthia back.

Advice for the young

aking new friends can be so much fun as that they get to know a lot about us at a short time. Most times it is difficult to know if they are telling the truth about themselves so it is advisable to be careful about the information we share while making friends and having fun. The following should be considered while making new friends. • Do not meet new friends or people you don’t know at a private locations • Do not give personal or private information to people you do not trust especially on social network sites • Do not accept gifts from people you do not know what they do o where they are. • Always tell your parents and family members your whereabouts when leaving home C M Y K

Could Social networking be said are a major distraction from learning? People are spending far too much time on social networking sites, and away from books, newspapers, and other educational resources. The information contained in social networking sites is generally shallow and trivial as compared to these other valuable sources of learning, since there is limited time in the day and in life. Popular social networking sites are having a distracting effect on school children and their studies, according to a survey. We just want to remind young people to allocate some free time for productive studying.

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012

Fact or Fiction: Latest transfer rumours L

ess than two weeks remain in the English Premier League transfer window, and the deals are heating up. Manchester United made perhaps summer’s biggest splash by signing Dutch striker Robin van Persie from Arsenal last week. That deal will continue to send shockwaves through the league all season, but is it possible the Red Devils aren’t done yet? United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be considering a loan move for a former FIFA World Player of

Nuri Sahin not the answer for Gunners’ Midfield

RSENAL is reportedly closing in on Real Madrid centre midfielder Nuri Sahin, but he is not the player who will complete the Gunners’ midfield. Centre midfielder Alex Song left London after Arsenal agreed to sell him to Barcelona for a £15 million fee, as reported by the BBC. Before the deal was completed, BBC Sport’s David Ornstein reported that the team was close to securing Sahin on loan. Now that Song is no longer with the team, Arsene Wenger will be even more motivated to bring Sahin to Emirates Stadium. Jose Mourinho,the 23-yearold’s current manager supports the midfielder’s prospective move to the English Premier League, saying at a press conference, “It is all the same to me, though, which club he goes to. I just hope that it happens soon for him, as it is best for him.

C M Y K

the Year. Could the whispers really be true? Across town, Manchester City have made only one big signing this summer, bringing in midfielder Jack Rodwell from Everton. But before the window shuts, City could have another striker in their ranks (ESPN FC). Finally, Premiership legend Michael Owen is looking for a new home after being released by Manchester United this summer. Owen, who made his name originally at Liverpool, might be heading back to the town where it all started. But which colour would he be wearing?

Arsenal: Is Lukas Podolski really the man to lead Arsenal into the new era?

Arsenal E

very player comes to Ar senal as a simple player and Arsenal make them into a big player. But they can’t keep everyone together to fight for titles. Every year, it’s similar - they lose players, buy players, make them class players and the next year, they sell again. They are always in the same place. It is battling misinformation about Arsenal and trying to shed light in areas of the club that are obscure: Areas that engender criticism from the fans and the media, where in the case of the former group, genuine lack of knowledge is responsible, and in the case of the latter, the need to appeal to popular sentiment is the culprit. Arsenal fans who desire to be measured in their reaction to Arsenal’s current situation, the lack of silverware for a complete season, the figurative seven, and thereby appeal to patience during the inevitable bad patches that must overshadow the team’s effort from time to time, have tended to draw the ire of their fellow fans, who have mischievously coined the term AKB, meant to be derogatory. It is that clever ploy of turning an otherwise positive word or phrase into a weapon of mockery with the aim of vilifying the targeted group.

•Podolski

Podolski

odolski features in the title of the article because this is a continuation of a new era series, although this has turned out to be a polemic. Will Podolski lead us into the new era?

Only to the extent that this is another rebuilding effort, and that there is a guarantee it will not be undercut, but will be sustained. As Eduardo says, Wenger will turn more players into worldclass materials, but with better wages elsewhere, and owing to the fact that Arsenal are

Alex Song W H E N quesions are asked about Song’s sale, it is based on principle. Matters of principles are never in lieu of other factors, such as, perhaps, there must have been something tangible that forced the Song sale, or that it might be best to cash in on van Persie right now. Matters of principle are often painful choices, such as retaining van Persie to score an ethical point even though that may come with a painful financial cost, or requiring Arsene Wenger to employ his highly praised ability to work with difficult

constrained to undercut their chances at winning titles through the sale of such players, these players are bound to leave, ensuring the continuation of the cycle of departures. Unless some kind of change is made, how is the situation to end?

players in the case of Song, if, indeed, his exit was forced by disciplinary issues. In these two scenarios, the principle isn’t unaware of the difficulties it engenders. But just because there are difficulties does not mean that one cannot even state the ideal, even if in the final analysis it proves impractical. One would consider oneself an AKB indeed if one's support of Arsenal and Wenger means that one never examines any issue concerning these two critically, but always feel constrained to say something “positive” about them, however silly and insincere. Readers that have followed their story should expect that if one pursues an angle that seems uncharacteristic , there must be a reason why.

good example of this is the word “fundamentalist,” which, at one time, was a positive reference to those who wanted to go back to the fundamental tenets of their beliefs, much like at the renascence of the classical spirit, scholars wanted to go back to the fundamentals of classical texts. This word has, of course, become a stigma of sort. In recent series of articles, the activities around the building of the Emirates Stadium have been examined: how that developed and how Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov came to be on the Arsenal board. The addition of Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla is a good step in the right direction because all three are at an age where, unless Arsenal decides to sell them, they’ll retire at the club.

•Robin van Persie

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012 — 31

Premier League Scouting Report:

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard Eden Hazard is the real deal. After only two Premier League matches, it’s already clear that Chelsea have found a star. He may only be 21 years old, but he’s played a key role in Chelsea’s early-season success. Additionally, on an individual level, Hazard is an incredibly intriguing player.

TENNIS

Novak Djokovic: Star must re-assert dominance with deep run at US Open 2012 E

VER since this year’s Australian Open, the story of Novak Djokovic’s life on the court can be summed up with one word. Inconsistency. There have been moderate successes followed by big disappointments. Ever since that fateful win in Melbourne in January, there have been abundant questions, most of which carry negative connotations. Now, with one final chance to seize a major title in 2012, the biggest question is whether or not Novak Djokovic actually stands a chance of doing it. A few months ago, the answer would have been a resounding yes. A few months ago, when Djokovic defeated

Beginnings Hazard was born in Belgium to football-playing parents. They both played professionally, which undoubtedly had an effect on him at a young age. He grew up around football. And, as corny as it sounds, he’s clearly a natural. He began his youth career at Royal Stade Brainois and Tubize in Belgium before moving to Lille in 2005, where he eventually broke onto his first senior side. Time at Lille Hazard signed his first professional contract in 2007, and he made his debut for the Lille senior team in November. He made a few appearances as a substitute that season, but he spent most of his time on the reserves. The next season, as a 17-year-old, Hazard was a first-team regular and earned Ligue 1’s Player of the Year award. Then, in the 2009-10 season, he was better than ever, earning his second consecutive Player of the Year award, as well as being named to Ligue 1’s team of the year. Playing Style Now that he’s in England, it’ll be interesting to see how Hazard’s style transfers. He’s an attacking midfielder, and he creates scoring chances. He has three assists in two matches, while also setting up penalties by getting fouled on two separate occasions. Therefore, out of six goals, Hazard has been directly involved with five of them. He has yet to score himself, but that’s not Hazard’s niche. He will score plenty of goals; it will just take some time. Inherently, his style is about setting up teammates, not scoring goals. As he develops, he will find the net on a regular basis. For now, though, he will continue to maintain possession and give teammates chances to score. On the possession side of things, Hazard has one of the best touches on Chelsea’s roster. His control is superb, and his first touch is always in the right direction. He has a high IQ for such a young player, and it is clear that he knows what he’s doing on the pitch with and without the ball. Hazard is always in good control of his body. While he can fend off defenders, Hazard understands when it’s time to hit the deck. At times, it appears that he’s going down too easily. However, it’s usually a case where he is avoiding serious contact and risking injury. This may cause some naysayers to question Hazard’s toughness, but his unique ability to get knocked down will help him be successful in the long run. He won’t take as much of a beating, and he will be more likely to play 90 minutes on a regular basis. Future at Chelsea Chelsea are in a transitional stage as a football club, attempting to get younger without sacrificing competitiveness. Accordingly, the Blues still expect to win a trophy this year. Ideally, it would be an EPL and/or European crown at the end of the year, but it will be incredibly tough with such a young lineup. With that said, growing pains aren’t an excuse. So far this season, Chelsea have won maximum points, and their best player has been a 21-year-old. While it hasn’t been against the toughest competition, Hazard has proven that he can get the job done. C M Y K

•Djokovic

Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final, he needed just one more victory in a major tournament to register a sweep of the last four Grand Slams. All he needed was a win at Roland Garros. That is where it all seemed to go wrong. In the French Open final in fact, the first time he’d ever advanced to the French Open final, Djokovic lost to Rafael Nadal after beating him in three straight Grand Slam finals. That loss wasn’t necessarily about succumbing to the pressure; it was about succumbing to a player who has firmly established Roland Garros as his personal kingdom.

GOLF

Barclays Golf 2012: Breaking down top contenders at Bethpage Black FOR those Golf enthusiasts who focus on more than just the four major championships each year, there is plenty of golf yet to be played on the PGA Tour in 2012. The Barclays tees off on Thursday at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y., complete with some of your favourite golfers, including PGA Championship winner Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley. Dustin Johnson is the defending champ at the Barclays. He’s gotten into the habit of surging late in the season. Despite missing the cut at the PGA Championship last year, Johnson was still able to win the Barclays. Here’s a look at my top contenders this year.

Rory Mcllory

t’s official, folks: Rory McIlroy is back to playing dominant golf. Sure, McIlroy had six top-10 finishes and a victory this year before the PGA Championship, but he hadn’t shown the level of dominance that he did when setting records at the U.S. Open in 2011. That changed at the 2012 PGA Championship, when he shot a 13under-par 275 to capture the second major of his young career.

Tiger Woods

K, so Tiger is still having trouble grabbing that elusive 15th major championship, but there’s no question that he’s been much better in 2012 than in the past few years. Tiger has six top-10 finishes in 2012, including three victories. He also generally played well in the PGA Championship, despite some struggles down the stretch.

Justin Rose

ustin Rose has been consistent this year, with seven top-10 finishes in 15 PGA Tour events, and he won the Cadillac Championship

back in March. The 32-year-old is also coming off a third-place finish at the PGA Championship and placed sixth at the Barclays last year. Rose ranks first on tour in greens in regulation percentage (70.88), sixth in scoring average, sixth in sand saves and 23rd in driving accuracy this year.

Keegan Bradley

eegan Bradley has really turned it on in August, winning the Bridgestone invitational and placing third at the PGA Championship. Bradley missed the cut at the Barclays last year, but I like his play on the links right now and he’s showing the allaround game that makes him a dangerous contender.

Carl Pettersson

arl Pettersson only has six top-10 finishes in 22 PGA Tour events this year, but he did win the RBC Heritage in April and he’s been impressive in his last two tournaments. After placing third at the PGA Championship, Pettersson finished fourth at the Wyndham Championship on Monday. Ranked No. 32 in the world, the 34year-old Swede ranks 11th on tour in putting (strokes gained) this year.

32—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 , 2012

Early betrayal in life shaped my character

r Shoga was born 52 years ago to Mr and Mrs Michael and Regina Shoga. He attended five different primary schools as a result of constant transfer of his parents. He proceeded to Loyola College where he passed out in 1976, then to The Polytechnic Ibadan for HSC. He was among the first who got admission into the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. He had a stint in the General Hospital, Lagos as a surgeon before moving to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi. In this interview, he speaks on the several lessons he learnt early in life and how it has helped in shaping his character. I was born into a Catholic family. My father was a sanitary inspector while my mother was a staff nurse. We were brought up in a Catholic way. We couldn’t derail from the way because my father was a displinarian. This is one factor that has helped me in the development of my attitude. I grew up under the watchful eye of a Catholic priest. We were trained to do the right thing at the right time and using what you have to get what you want. This greatly impacted on my ability to

Dr. & Mrs Shoga C M Y K

keep to time and proper planning. At every stage of my life then, we pondered on what was the next thing to be done and you must be seen to be towing that line. This eventually became part of me. Even after my studies at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos and subsequently in life, it helped in shaping my character. I am very strict and resolute in whatever path or decision I make. The decision to study medicine was from God. I was told that at the age four, I was admitted into a hospital as a result of an ailment. When I returned home, I used to tell people I would be a doctor, giving people injections. From then, people began to call me doctor and everything worked out the way I wanted. I never failed any of my science subjects. I later found myself studying medicine. I actually didnt think of anything else other than that anyway. That is why I say it was from God. As a result, I learnt to be strict and insist on things to be done properly. I also know that it is good to give people a chance to prove themselves either right or wrong. It is also good to be slow in judging or punishing people. Those lessons have taught me to be patient. Although our parents are simple minded peo-

Dr Shoga

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

I grew up under the watchful eye of a Catholic priest. We were trained to do the right thing at the right time and using what you have to get what you want

ple for whom their yes is yes and no is no. This becomes important if you consider the fact that majority of people cannot be trusted.‘They usually have other motive behind their actions. That was my initial problem because I tend to believe what anybody said. If you say that is the way, I believed it must be the way. But overtime, I realised that life is not like that. It really affected my ability to cope with people. Thank God, nothing untoward ever happened. Life outside

where I was brought up was not really the same with the real world. You wouldn’t know your friends and your enemies. You must not take everything people say hook , line and sinker, because life is not as easy as I thought initially. Right from the level of student politics while I was in school, I began to learn that people cannot be trusted. In my second year in medical school for example, the school authorities wanted to change the format of our ID card and I was a member of the Students’ Representative Council. We jointly took a decision that we wanted the old format and that we were not going to take the new format. The authorities insisted and most of the students went and obtained the new ID card, and before I knew what was happening, all my class mates and other members of the Students’ Representative Council had gone to obtain the new card. I was about the only one who did not collect the card. For a moment, I thought something terrible would happen to me. But a day after the betrayal had taken place, suddenly the authorities realised the point we were making and why we prefered the old card. They withdrew the new card and reveresed to the old format. But for a while, I pondered, what if they had not realised and reveresed to the old format. From then, I learnt that people cannot be trusted. You can also see politicians betraying each other. If truly people want to serve, it should not be a do-or-die thing, people shouldn’t have to kill or swear at one cult or the other. If things were better, I would have loved to be in politics to serve and contribute my quota to the system. But what you see today are people ready to line their pockets and swell their bank accounts and care very little about the people. If they do anything at all for the people, it is cosmetic. But despite all the lessons of betrayal, my mind is still very simple and trusting. It is just that one needs to be careful in life. I’m now less quicker to believe and act on what I hear. It is a system of being masterly in activity, you can actually pretend to be following while you make effort to understand the situation. It is unfortunate that people cut corners to make money, killing, maiming and all what not. The more unfortunate thing is that the society even celebrate

those who make money through fraudulent means. Things would have been a lot better if our society punishes those involved in the act, but we rather celebrate them. The younger ones should learn that those kind of ill -gotten wealth are always temporary. There is no alternative to hardwork to reach success in life. Contentment can also help in maintaining dignity in the search for materialism. My wife and I I had gone to the ward that morning to see my patients, and immediately left for the clinic for another responsibilities. The nurses and student doctors suddenly realised that there was something they did not bring to my attention. The senior nurses wanted to send one of the junior nurses but none was ready to go. I heared everyone was reluctant because they knew I don’t take nonsense and would rather not face the fire. But she volounteered to go. She came and invited me and I followed her without any complaint. And that was what brought her to my attention in the first place and we became friends from then. We even realised we had lived few houses apart from each other when we were younger. We have been married for 22years now and she has great influence on my life. She is very prayerful and takes her time in taking decisions. She is no doubt a strong pillar in every move I have made. My involvement in Rotary has given me the opportunity to pursue and achieve those things I would have loved to do individually. You will agree with me that working alone may not give you the same level of success you would have attained working collectively as a group. It is in sync with my desire is to make life better for othe people. Politiics would have been a better opportunity to do that inorder to touch more lives through the instrumentality of government, but if I cannot touch the lives of one million people, I can still touch the lives of the few downtrodden though Rotary International. Philosophy I believe that wherever I found myself, I want to leave it better than I met it. I don’t like taking too many things at a time. I believe that anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. I believe in fairness, kindness and sharing with the needy.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—33

industry? The industry should be allowed to spring up. Genuine entrepreneurs should be encouraged, not frustrated. Does it mean that spare parts and providing after sales services is a must in auto business? Spare parts are the core area of any automobile company.Automobile business goes beyond just having the resources to buy and sell cars, it requires sound technical knowledge and after sales service. In those days, people who go into automobiles without the technical knowledge because they have the finances are called t h e auto cem-

I started in 1974. After graduating from school, I decided to set up a business in automobiles, spare parts and also providing after sales service. In 1979, I sent a proposal to Peugeot Nigeria Limited requesting to be one of their major dealers. After due process, I was given distributorship as one of the major dealers. We had workshops where we carried out after sales services. After sales service is the most viable area in automobile sector. You can’t be selling a product without providing after sales service. Apart from dealing in automobiles, I was keen about after sales service and so we provided training for people. Over the years, how has the experience been, dealing in a business that is dominated by men ?

t has been very interesting; because I have a vision and a mission. I have not been distracted by intimidation. For instance, when I tender a proposal or propositions to supply vehicles or trucks to a company, any other competitor can be there; after all we are all there for business. It depends on my presentation and how I relate with my client. For me, customer relationship is important and goes a long way.

Mulikat Fehintola Sanni

There are no shortcuts to success —Mulikat Fehintola Sanni How has the challenges been? Challenges come in different forms. For instance, buying vehicles from some automobile company like Peugeot requires that you make an order and payment at the right time. You find out that when it is time for allocation, it’s not forthcoming. Before you know it, there is a price increase which affects payment even when it was made before the increase. Financial institutions also pose as a challenge; they find it difficult to provide genuine entrepreneurs with facilities. Rather, they prefer to assist the fraudulent ones who will not pay back the loans. And even when they do, the interest element will decline the business. It is a bad experience. It can be very nauseating and at the end of the day, we have to pay through the nose. In civilized countries entrepreneurs don’t have to tender collaterals nor have god-

rincess Mulikat Fehintola Sanni is t h e Chairman /Managing Director of Mulifelong Motors Limited, an auto company that deals in automobiles, spare parts and after sales services. She is also a council member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and chairman transport group. From a family background of seasoned entrepreneurs, Princess Mulikat is one of the pioneers of the automobile industry. Born and bred in Lagos state, Fehintola is an indigene of Ikorodu in Lagos State. As a woman wearing a man’s shoe, she has over the years maintained her pedigree and integrity and this no doubt has earned her several merit and recognition awards. Starting her business in 1974 with an empty space ,she has grown her company into an enviable height with several outlets and presently plans to launch her automobile assembly plant. In this chat with ESTHER ONYEGBULA, she talks about her experience in a terrain that is densely dominated by men.

Spare parts are the core area of any automobile company. Automobile business goes beyond just having the resources to buy and sell cars, it requires sound technical knowledge and after sales service

fathers to secure a facility in the bank. Because it is assumed that no customers, no business, no business, no economy. It is as simple at that. How have you been able to manage these challenges?

very entrepreneur has their turbulent period; in business it is called the business hazard, it comes and goes. When I encounter a challenge, I keep forging ahead because I have a vision and a mission. In my business, I don’t relent my effort and I don’t allow anything to weigh me down. What do you think can be done to enhance the

etery. That is the reason why many dealers are having difficulties. Customers need to know that there is availability of a particular product and its spare parts. It doesn’t make sense if you can’t find the spare parts of a particular automobile. For instance, some people desire to buy Rolls Royce. It is good to buy Rolls Royce but where do you get the spare parts when something happens to it? What is the point if you can’t find the spare parts of a particular automobile or provide adequate after sales service? But we have dealers who deal in automobile

but don’t major in spare parts or provide after sales service . That is what is killing the country. We don’t have what we call standardization industry. People just import what they like in the name of automobile and at the end of the day, they turn our cities and streets to junk yard. When you have a vehicle and there are no spare parts, no after sales service provider, the vehicle becomes un-serviceable which is the reason mechanics exploit people. And when vehicles that are not serviceable are continuously imported into the country as we find today, it affects our foreign exchange. What is the life span of a vehicle?

vehicle can be used for 50 years with the right after sales service and spare parts. Experience of our mechanics in this country and the level of their education is affecting the life span of vehicle. What has kept you this long in the industry since 1974? What has kept me this long is the fact that I am very courageous and determined irrespective of challenges. Once you are courageous and determined, the sky is the limit. I love to aim high and get to the peak. I never allow anything to derail me from my focus. What do you think were the reasons why these six automobile assembly plants in Nigeria went underground? Setting up an automobile assembly plant is not a mickey mouse business, it is highly capital intensive. Hence it requires seasoned professionals to run an automobile assembly plant. But unfortunately, Nigeria operates a different business environment where people believe in bickering and stealing. The numerous shady deals in the automobile assembly plant ruined it. At that time, some of the people in charge were involved in diverting the CKD components meant for manufacturing of automobiles. Government inconsistent policy, inflation and the instability of exchange rate were also contributory factors.

Don’t you think Nigeria at this time should have a vehicle manufacturing company? In Nigeria, we have professional engineers in every field of engineering. Nigeria can manufacture most of these spare parts because we have the raw materials. But because we are not honest, we don’t want to develop our technology. So, we remain

stagnant. Take a look at Ajaocuta steel industry and Steel Rolling Mills in Osun state, they are no more functional. And the foreigners are happy, because they are making money out of us. C M Y K

34—SATURDAY

Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Egbayelo Olatunde.S Raphael Email: youthfulvibes@gmail.com

lot of things to a growing child, that singular act had a lot of negative effect on me. I was shy, never spoke in public and had low self esteem until I met my mentor (Oladele Raphael Olunike) at age 17. He taught me most of the things I know, which were the rudiments for getting this far.

y academic pursuit overseas I had always wanted to study abroad as I believed that it would give me the right exposure that I needed, not only as a student,but also someone who is striving hard to make impact amongst my peers and the nation at large. I remember applying to MIT once and hoped to get scholarship but unfortunately, it didn’t work . When the idea of Finland came, everyone around me was against it but then I went with it . I would not in anway want to compare the Finnish educational system to that of Nigeria as the knowledge transferred to students in these two countries differ greatly especially in sciences, biomedical and technology. For instance, three percent of the Finnish budget is spent on research and massive development. Nigerian Universities are not well funded,not to talk of investing in research and development. We need to understand that

•Abayomi Ayoola

We have to discover our passion — Abayomi Ayoola

arly Life I am the first of a family of four. I have a younger sister, whom I cherish so much. I attended Army Childrens’ High School, Military Cantonment, Ikeja. I went on to study Business Administration and Management at The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, five years after leaving high school in 1998 due to my ability to get C M Y K

bayomiAyoola (29) is another young Nigerian living in the diaspora. His love for information & telecommunication technology, entrepreneurship and youth education & development among many other dates back to his academic pursuit at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro where he studied Business Administration & Management and he later bagged a B.Eng in internet technologies from the Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku Finland. He gives us an account of how his journey began.Excerpts.

I have the understanding that every man is passion in a body, locating your area of passion makes things work easier as you get to do what you love

the JAMB cut off mark. I worked with Daltrade Group, Nigeria, a PolishNigeria construction company between 2005 and 2006 after which I moved on to Skye Bank, Plc as a Marketing Assistant between February and August, 2007 before leaving the shores of Nigeria. Not for greener pastures (smiles), but for more education. Growing up for me wasn’t what might be obtainable with a lot of the families in Nigeria as my parents were divorced for as long as I can remember, and that means a

whatever is achievable in the West is achievable anywhere else but like I do say, our leaders do not have the capacity to see vision and so they can not live with that understanding that it’s possible. I have the understanding that every man is passion in a body, locating your area of passion makes things work easier as you get to do what you love. I’ve always been passionate about computers and the internet and how they work. I did sciences in High School and had to switch to management sciences since I couldn’t get into the University despite my high

(‘t.s ralph) is a distinctive and creative media entrepreneur & a classical change agent. He is a toply sought after orator(speaker) & writer . He attended EKUM schools for his primary education and Cardoso senior high school, badiaijora for his secondary education. He has served in many change-making NGOs; executive, CLEAN-UP NIGERIA CLUB, JUNGLE FEVER CONFERENCE ’11, member NAIJA PROJECT ’11. He co-founded BRAVEHEARTS ENTERTAINMENT KULTURE(BEK AFRICA)- currently the ADMIN & I.T DIRECTOR of BEK AFRICA and the M.D, BEK T.V. He has also served as two times president of SOCIETY OF HARMONIZERS(SOH),a youth forum poised at redefining the mindset of the young ones. For His passion for cinematography and photography,he is presently a freelance cinematographer/ photographer of Microres Nig. Ltd (Google aggregator) and also for WIN TV(a youtube channel). He is the Managing Director/C.E.O, SUPER CHANGE BRANDS COMPANY..a media and social enterprise created to transform the AFRICAN YOUTH lives positively,the company focuses on creating high standard films, videos, change documentaries, magazines, photography &t.v as a strategical tools of reaching our target minds. Also,to partake in the trend of promoting HUMAN CAPACITY BUILDING via its impact arm called MINDBUILDERS INT’L. He is presently studying COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY at YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, Yaba.

scores in JAMB so I’d say it was part of the strategy to get me educated somehow. My dream was to become a doctor but I guess I outgrew it, that’s what the Nigerian factor can do to your dreams but then I’m also grateful as I’m yet to regret taking that path.

mpact on my generation and the diaspora community. Understanding that India leverage for leveling up with the first world nations came under the platform of technology, I initiated the DrupalCamp Lagos, which is presently in it’s fourth year and was to introduce upcoming developers and enthusiasts to Open Source Technology. This has led to the founding of the Open Source Initiative, Nigeria, a not-for-profit organization founded with the motive of improving use of technology tools by setting standards, providing on-going training & re-training, engaging in research & technology innovations and to build bridges among different constituencies in the open source community with the sole aim of achieving economic development. Also, I introduced CloudCamp to Africa in 2008 and it has since taken place in a number of Nigerian cities and we hope to extend it Nairobi, Kenya, Johannesburg and Capetown, South Africa and Accra, Ghana in the coming year. CloudCamp is an unconference where early adopters of Cloud Computing technologies meet to exchange ideas, share experiences, challenges and solutions. CloudCamp has also evolved into what we call Open Cloud Summit, West Africa, which we hope to have the inaugural event in June of 2014.

eadership perspective A friend once told me that our problem in Nigeria has gone from psychological to mental, and if care is not taken it would go on to become genetical. That is very sad. The truth is you cannot live beyond your level of understanding, and since the present crop of leaders do not seem to realize this, there’s a need for revolution. Revolution not only of the mind but in every sector of the economy. See, one of the major factors that got China to where it is today is self-awareness and understanding who they are as a people, and knowing their history, where their past leaders succeeded and knowing where they failed, and using that as a basis to build a pathway forward. The present crop of leaders has nothing to offer us,and so it must be told that if Nigeria is ever going to move forward, it lies with you and I to make little effort that we can, like they say a single drop of water makes the ocean.

dvice I work to inspire young people in achieving all they can, this is made possible via public speaking engagements and volunteer services. My advice goes thus, you can’t live beyond your level of understanding so you must find your area of passion, hit hard at it by working hard and working smart, dedicated and consistent and focusing on it. It’s mandatory that you read books as you’ll never believe what it can do to you. Most importantly, anything God is a part of becomes successful but you must work for God to prevail.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

C M Y K

Vanguard, A UGUST 25, 2012—35 AUGUST

36—SA TURD AY V anguard, AUGUST 25, 2012 36—SATURD TURDA Vanguard,

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—37

How to deal with gray hair N

atural peroxide bleach is responsible for hair turning gray or white with age, scientists have discovered. Researchers found hydrogen peroxide created by cells plays a role in agerelated loss of hair color. Professor Heinz Decker, of the Institute of Biophysics at Mainz University in Germany, said: “With advancing age, hydrogen peroxide builds up in larger amounts in the hair follicle and ultimately inhibits the synthesis of the color pigment melanin.” Hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2, is a byproduct of metabolism, the process by which cells burn fuel for energy. Generated in small amounts throughout the body, the chemical is normally neutralised by an enzyme which breaks it down into water and oxygen. With age, levels of the enzyme fall and hydrogen peroxide

•Rihanna wearing side-swept-downhairstyle

builds up. Professor Decker from Bradford University, found hydrogen peroxide interfered with melanin production by disrupting a biological pathway. At the same time it inhibited enzymes needed for repair of damaged proteins. This set off a cascade of events leading to the gradual loss of pigment from the hair ’s root

to its tip.

Natural remedies for gray hair

In some cultures, silver hair can conjure up an aura of maturity and respect. It is the physical manifestation of wisdom, something to look forward to. In the West, unfortunately, the onslaught of gray usually brings an avalanche of less-thanflattering connotations, unattractive, geriatric and even enfeebled. Now, we can either ignore naysayers and rock the adage of embracing old age, or we can comply and color our silver strands. Since most of us aren’t Helen Mirren, accepting and embracing the gray just isn’t an option. L e t ’ s look at some

natural remedies darken our tresses.

Nutritional Supplements

According to the experts at the National Institute of Health, nutritional supplements, vitamins, and other products cannot reduce or reverse the rate of graying. Graying occurs as specialized cells in hair follicles called melanocytes lose their ability to produce pigment (melanin) over time. According to the November issue of the Berkeley Wellness Letter, it’s not that hair actually turns gray, but that new hair with less melanin grows in. White hair has virtually no melanin. Genes play a large role in graying, of course. Moreover, men tend to turn gray earlier than women. Smoking is linked to premature graying. In rare cases, gray hair may be a sign of illness. Nutritional supplements such as Melancor and Reminex decrease grey hair by allegedly boosting melanin. But Chicago Tribune health writer Julie Deardorff says there is no evidence to back up these claims, nor is there reason to believe these substances would affect hair color. Furthermore the Wellness Letter concludes that the products are a just a big, expensive, waste of time: [they’re] supposed to take six months or

longer to work, by which time you’ve spent hundreds of naira to find out that the product doesn’t work.

H o m e m a d e Treatments

Nevertheless, there are still natural treatments that can be easily concocted at home to both promote shiny hair and reduce gray. Natural Dyes: Instead of reaching for a packet of hair dye, try some natural applications. According to Deardorff, Henna is excellent for shades of light brown and red; coffee or black tea may be on brown hair, chamomile and lemon juice will color light hair. Amla Indian gooseberry, has been heralded as a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth & hair pigmentation. Regular massage of amla paste into the scalp may reverse graying and prevent hair from falling out.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: In TCM, hair

reflects the quality of blood and strength in the kidneys. He Shou Wu, or Fo-Ti, is a Chinese herb used to strengthen the kidneys, and thus is also thought to restore the hairs natural color.

Dietary Choices:

Minerals like zinc, iron and copper, and protein promote shiny and healthy hair. Include foods such as green vegetables, chicken, whole grains, cereals and soy in your diet. Avoid eating excessive meat, diary, and salt (iodine has been shown to cause premature gray hair). C M Y K

38â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SATURDAY, Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Julius Odupitan celebrat es 80 in style celebrates

eputable lawyer, grandfather and a worker in the house of the Lord, Barrister Julius Odupitan, his family and friends stormed the Our Saviours Anglican Church, Oke Afa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Isolo, Lagos for order of service and Holy Communion and Thanksgiving to mark the 80th birthday of the

Barr. Julius Odupitan cutting the 80th Birthday Cake with Children

Grand burial Atsedagho

for

he Atsedagho family, the Arenyeka family, their relations and friends recently bid Madam Titi Atsedagho final farewell with a grand burial ceremony full of pomp and pageantry.

learned fellow.Photos by Diran Oshe

Mrs and Mrs Adewaitse Arenyeka

L- R: Mrs Funmilayo Durojaiye, Mr. Godwin Okwuzi and Mrs Olubunmi Okwuzi

L- R: Tunde Odupitan, son, Mr Sola Odupitan, son and the celebrant, Barr. Julius Odupitan

Matriculation ceremon ok o College of Education ceremonyy of K Kok oko

econd matriculation ceremony of the College of Education, Warri, Koko, took place recently at the Student Centre and one of the highlights was presentation of a cheque covering fees for 26 beneficiary students by Imilar Education Foundation

R-L: Mr. Clem Ogbor, presenting a cheque to Dr. Iniyama, Dean of Education

Oluchi and Ugo

C M Y K

A group photograph of lecturers

Oyin and TTunde unde

L-R: Odewortse Ben Arenyeka, and cousin Margaret Pinnick

Grandchildren of the deceased, Madam Titi Atsedagho

Anniv er sar Anniver ersar saryy

UGO Christopher Asielue, son of a community leader and retired Army Coloner, Alex Asielue was joined in a conjugal bliss with Miss Oluchi Ezenwajiaka at the All Saints Cahtolic Church, Onicha-Ugbo, Delta state

OYINDAMOLA Ogunnika and Babatunde formalised their union in a Holy wedlock in faraway Texas recently.

ALL Power In Christ 7th Anniversary held recently with the launching of 1 Million Naira Poverty Eradication endowment fund

The couple, Mr and Mrs Ugo Christopher Asielue

Couple,Mr and Mrs Babatunde Odunsi, flanked byparents of the bride, Mr. & Mrs Tolulope Ogunnika.

2nd L-R: Elusope and Members of Pastorate of the Church

SA TURD AY VANGU ARD , A UGUST 25, 2012—39 SATURD TURDA VANGUARD AUGUST

Vehicle recyling plant set to take off in Abuja

HE era of used and abandoned cars littering our streets may soon be over as Kaiho

•Kia Cadenza

Kia partners Kanu ‘Heal a Heart’ project to raise N5b K

IA Motor is partnering with The Kanu ‘Heal a Heart’ foundation to raise N5 billion for children with heart problems. To this end the leading Korean automobile marketing company in Nigeria has donated a brand new Kia Cerato for logistics and is the official car of the Kanu Heart Foundation. Vanguard gathered that the former Super Eagles captain and Portsmouth of England player Kanu Nwankwo has recently launched a lottery fund for the Kanu Nwankwo Cardiac Centre to achieve this goal. Titled the ‘Kanu Heal a Heart Lottery’, this project

is estimated to raise about N5 billion for the Kanu Heart Foundation which has been catering for Nigerian children in the area of heart surgeries for over ten years. In Nigeria, the Foundation has been at the fore front of providing free surgeries to children between ages one and twelve with funds usually sourced from partnerships, donations and now the Kanu Heal a Heart Lottery. One of such partners is the automobile car manufacturer KIA which will serve as the official car of the Kanu Heart Foundation. KIA Motors which

recently won two awards for its Picanto and Rio models in the 2012 Nigerian Auto Awards donated a car for logistics and supplied brand new cars for the lottery. Brand new KIA Cerato cars are up for grabs in the Kanu Heal a Heart Lottery where participants can text KANU to 33811 and stand a chance to win a brand new car, smart

With this initiative, KIA has aligned its desire for a better Nigeria with the Foundation’s by making it easier for it to do as many heart surgeries as possible for affected Nigeria families. At the media launch, Kanu Nwankwo noted that establishing a Cardiac Specialist Hospital is the ultimate aim of the Foundation and he has initiated the lottery programme to urge Nigerians to contribute their own quota to his efforts to save those suffering from heart diseases.

NAC DG bags pillar of Auto industry award

HE Director General of the National Automotive Council (NAC) of Nigeria, Engr. Dr. Aminu Jalal recently became the recipient of

KIA Marketing Manager, Kayode Adejumo presents KIA car key to ace footballer, Kanu Nkwankwo with other members of the Kanu Heart Foundation present at the launch of the Kanu Heal A Heart Lottery. C M Y K

phones and other such prizes. “We believe in the initiative of Kanu Heart Foundation and the numerous projects it has embarked upon. This is why we thought it appropriate to support the mission. As an automobile company, we are committed to ensuring the success of the foundation as many Nigerian families benefit from this. We have therefore put all our weight squarely behind it to ensuring its success.” stated Mr Kayode Adejumo, Marketing Manager KIA.

Sangyo Company Nigeria Limited is set to flag off a vehicle recycling plant in Abuja. As part of preparations towards the establishment of the Pioneer End of Life Vehicle Plant in Nigeria, the Chief Representative and National Representative of Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) Seki Tetsuo and Masato Mikamo respectively paid a courtesy visit to the Head Office of Kaiho Sangyo Company Nigeria Limited, Lagos Nigeria recently. During the visit, Mr John Gbassa gave a detailed report of their effort towards the preparation for the takeoff of the End of Life Vehicle Recycling plant in Abuja, Nigeria. The feasibility study of the project is financed by the JICA. Seki Tetsuo who was impressed by the report informed the Kaiho Nigeria team that the E n d - of- L i f e -Ve h i c l e plant project has been chosen to represent Africa at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development V (TICAD V). TICAD V is an event that holds every five years; it is a major framework for Japan and World Bank to collaborate in promoting Africa’s development. It ushered in a continuing process of support for Africa and consensus-building around African development priorities.

the prestigious PILLAR of the Automobile Industry award at the recently concluded “The Nigeria Auto Awards” ceremonies held in Lagos. According to the organizers of the award, the conferment of the award is coming on the heels of Engr. Dr. Aminu Jala’s distinguished carrier as an astute professional and administrator, particularly his contributions to the development of the Nigerian automobile industry in the areas of local manpower development, local content development and the need for local industrial parks for the sector. In the words of the organizers, the PILLAR of the Automobile Industry award is a Lifetime Achievement

Award that remains a significant part and essence of the entire award project itself as it is aimed at recognizing and rewarding local and foreign nationals who during the course of their lifetime in Nigeria are able to make significant impact on the progress and positive development of the local a automobile industry. They pointed out that Engr. Dr. Aminu Jalal, on the occasion of this event is the sixth recipient of the distinguished award haven joined the ranks of previous recipients that include Chief Ade OJo, founder of Elizade Motors and Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Ltd, Sir, Chief, Dr. OkoyaThomas, the Chairman of the CFAO Group, Dr. Cosmos Maduka, Chairman and

Managing Director of Coscharis Motors, Messrs. Leventis and Mandilas who were the founders Leventis and Mandilas Motors respectively and Dr. Masad Boulos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of SCOA Motors. In his appreciation remark, Engr. Dr. Jalal thanked the organizers of the Award for their keen interest at elevating and increasing brand visibility via n e t w o r k i n g , partnership and publicity of Nigeria’s auto industr y. He expresses his delight at the role of TNAA as a major platform that has been a veritable platform for promoting hard work and industry consciousness in the industry.

40—Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012

hen and how was the album idea born? When you do good, one way or the other, no matter how long it takes you, you would reap your harvest. I have Beautiful Nubia (Dr Segun Akinlolu) who is in Canada to thank for this new album. He has done many works both in Nigeria and outside the country; performing music. He came with his uncle once to see me at Ijebu Ijesha. His uncle is a recording engineer who had worked in Afrodisia Studios for many years. Beautiful Nubia returned home for the first time and presented me with six albums of his music. He narrated the story of the first time he met me in 1996 when I was the managing producer of Premier music. He said I’d offered him my advise and opinion about the album he wanted to record and he went away. But when he came back in 1997, he found out that Prince Ajilo had left Premier music. He found someone else on my seat and lost interest. He told me this story last year (2011) when he visited me at Ijesha. I told him about my book and the forward that was to be written by Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi. I also told him I have no recorded music to be launched with the book. He assured me we could do it even though he lives in Canada. I thought it was a joke but he was serious. He made good his promise by inviting me to Ibadan where we started rehearsing with some musicians he works with. A few weeks after the rehearsals, we ended up in a recording studio where the recording engineer was the same uncle that I knew at Afrodisia studios. .

o 50 years after releasing your first album, would you say this is a dream come true? Yes it is. Although I was convinced it is natural. If I had been bad to him, I wouldn’t have got the help he rendered. And what do you plan to do with royalty you’d earn from the songs? (laughs) You are a true Nigerian. Well for me, if I have survived up till this age, I don’t think adding a million or two to my account would make me more satisfied than with what God has given me. It is not all about the money but the legacy it would leave behind for the C M Y K

Why I’m dropping new album, 50yrs after my first — 83 yr-old Pa Ajilo A

t 83, Chris Ajilo is one of the oldest surviving legends of highlife music in Africa. But this is not the news. The story is that 50 years after he released his first album, the Ijebu-Ijesha, Osun State born famous producer is perhaps set to break into the Guinness book of world records by dropping a new album. The album was produced by Canada based Nigerian artist Beautiful Nubia. He is not only dropping a new album, he is also ready to unveil his first book, The biography of Chris Ajilo. He shares his story with Ogbonna Amadi, our Entertainment Editor. Enjoy;

young and unborn generation. They would be able to read the book and key into the music in later years. Although the new work contains some of my old and new tracks, I still have many unrecorded songs.

ow many of your new tracks are contained in this new album? If I should mention them, I’d be letting the cat out of the bag. I know he co-produced with you, but my fear is that he may have adulterated your music? Just leave that to me. It is my music and as Chris Ajilo, I never impose my self on my artistes. When I was a producer, my job was to direct you to the best sound that can come out of you. He on the other hand did not impose himself on me and I always believe in cooperation. I cannot change who I am. I guess I’m too old to change.

Are you not overwhelmed that you could still perform on stage at 83? When I go on stage, I am Chris Ajilo and not just an old man. This is the way God created me, I’m a musician by

birth and there is a performer inside Ajilo. I love the stage, I love the studio. When I go in, I become a totally different person. Are you going to perform some of the songs on the day of the album launch? Why not? I am going to have a band performing with methe musicians that recorded the music would be there with me. The boys were extremely excited and privileged to have recorded with me. Because of their contributions, the recording was a success. I am very proud of them. I’ve known some of them many years back and they were very happy. Lets talk about the book. Would it be controversial? Look, I am one person that do no believe in washing my dirty linens in public. You have to read the book. It is based

When I go on stage, I am Chris Ajilo and not just an old man. This is the way God created me, I’m a musician by birth and there is a performer inside Ajilo

on what I have been through in life. I came into the world 2000 and one day after Jesus Christ, he’s my brother. Why should I be worried? You have always talked about leaving a legacy. What about that dream you had about setting up a music school or library, is it dead? I have been teaching music back to the time I was in England. I have always had a music school. I have taught at the music school in the University of Ibadan. So, it is not just a dream but something I have been into for a long time. When Baba Ani Tajudeed Adepetu was a student of Yabatech, I taught him music and he was with me for many years before joining Fela. Life is good when you do what you love best.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—41

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

C M Y K

zDiepreye Alamieyeseigha

zSenator

Clever Ikisikpo

Bayelsans differ on state police... security officers over sighting the police, how it will look like?” Senator Ikisikpo said though the country has about 350,000 policemen, if those in support of state police feel we don’t have enough they are free to ask the federal government to recruit more personnel instead of calling for the creation of state police. For the Founding Director,

HE recent surge of insecurity in some parts of the country may have informed the agitation for state police in some quarters as the panacea to the lingering scourge. But others have kicked against this saying it would turn some state governors into despots. In Bayelsa State where the wound of the defunct Operation Famou Tangbe is yet to heal most of the residents who spoke to Saturday Vanguard were vociferous in their opposition to the call for state police saying it would be hijacked by the powerful few in society to do their bidding at the detriment of the majority. But the pioneer civilian governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and the National Youth Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Mr. Ebikibina Miriki, said there was nothing wrong with the state police, insisting that the state is more familiar with the terrain they are expected to police and stand a better chance to prevent and deter crimes For Chief Alamieyeseigha, the demand was timely and proper especially in a supposed federal state like Nigeria. “There is nothing wrong in the agitation for the creation of state police in this country. The demand is timely and proper but the modalities for operational efficiency should be worked out to minimize conflict. The former governor who faulted claims that state police would lead to the dismemberment of the country said it would rather improve security in the country. “The demand for state police is a very simple matter. It is right and this is the time. But there are modalities. There must be federal police and there must be state police. The modus operadi have to be worked out where the federal police will be involved and where the state police would be involved. It is the understanding that matters and it will work perfectly,” he declared. Similarly, the National Youth Leader, Action Congress of Nigeria ACN, Mr. Ebikibina Miriki aligned himself with Alamieyeseigha’s view saying the creation of state police would further strengthen security in the country. “We more than ever before need state policing to check the security challenges facing the nation. The Boko Haram scourge has exposed the inability of the over stretched Nigerian police to effectively contain the spate bombing and senseless killings in the Northern part of the country not to mention the upsurge in armed

robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings and assassinations, cult war and killings among others in the country. All these are pointer to the fact that there is a need for paradigm shift in line with the practice of true federalism. Concentration and regulating the activities of the police from the centre is unhelpful and a security risk. There is the need for state police,” he said. But those against state police said the country was not ripe for the practice and as such the idea should be discarded for now. Senator Clever Ikisikpo representing Bayelsa East senatorial district in an interview with Saturday Vanguard declared that the country was not ripe for the creation of state police due to the inordinate ambition of some state governors.He recalled the excesses of the defunct Bayelsa

security outfit ‘Operation Famou Tangbe’ an outfit funded by the state government and feared by many as the terror machine of the former Governor Timipre Sylva administration. Though the security outfit succeeded in reducing crime rate in the state especially in Yenagoa the state capital but it was high handed and violated the rights of the citizens and perceived opponents of the administration as well as its alleged involvement in extra judicial killings. “I don’t believe in state police. I am a politician; I know what governors can do. Despite the fact that the police are from the federal, of course, you are eyewitnesses to Famou Tangbe. You saw how some of the governors use the police when they have the opportunity. “Tell me, what will happen when they are the chief

We are not there yet; we lack the maturity and social institutions to make it desirable

Ijaw Council for Human rights, (ICHR) Comrade Patterson Ogon the issue of state police should be discarded for now citing the inherent contradiction in the Nigerian democratic experiment. Ogon who is one of the architects of the famous Kaiama Declaration posited, “The confusion and debate over the creation of state police remains of the biggest challenges in the

current Nigeria democratic experiment. Sadly, state police will be very unhelpful in building and sustaining the promotion and defence of social justice because the democratic institutions in Nigeria such as the judiciary, police and other organs of law enforcement are so weak and lack the character and content expected to act independently of the executive arm of government. He also cited the atrocities of the defunct Operation Famou Tangbe in Bayelsa State which was under the control of the then executive arm of government. Also Comrade Alagos Morris, who is the Bayelsa State Coordinator, Environmental Rights Action as well as the state Secretary, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) spoke against state police. He said, “The issue of state police shouldn’t have been a matter of debate if we are actually operating true federalism because it is a feature of a true federalism. Again, those of us who might be against state police wouldn’t have shown disproval if the right, strong institutions are in place. The right and strong institutions are a mark of sustainable society, maturity and good government. Since these characteristics are lacking presently in Nigeria, it would amount to giving a little child a gun or knife to play with if we accept or allow for state police at this point in our quest for good governance. “ We are not there yet; we lack the maturity and social institutions to make it desirable. Experiences abound where state governors use the Federal police to perpetrate violation of Human rights. For instance, during the anti fuel protests in Lagos, we saw how leaders like Tunji Braithwaite and other old patriotic Nigerians were tear-gassed through the orders of the state authorities. “In Bayelsa State, leaders of women who protested in support of the creation of Oil Mineral Commission were arrested and detained. We heard of how a state governor kicked against a senior police officer and took him to Government House for further humiliation. “Talking about the political terrain, opposition parties will not be allowed space in states where particular parties are in power. Also, with the kind of very ugly human rights violation exhibited by the banned “Operation Famou Tangbe,” where extra judicial killings, torture and extortion were rife in Bayelsa State, we should not allow state police for now. We are not ripe. First thing, put strong institutions in place before we talk about state police.”

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

State Police is about security of lives — Amaechi G

OVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi has never hidden his desire for state police. Even when nineteen governors of the northern states kicked against it after all the governors had collectively endorsed it under the aegis of Governors Forum which Governor Amaechi heads, the latter still maintained his stance on it. In an interview with the Saturday Vanguard in Port Harcourt recently, the governor dismissed fears being expressed against state police in several quarters as not strong enough to stop push the concept aside. According to him, state police was not all about governors or the political class but about security of lives and properties. “At the end of the day the governor will leave office, will he leave with the state police? So if he fought people with it, the next man will fight him with it. I don’t think that is the problem,” he argued in that interview. An eminent professor of Po-

litical science, Prof Kimse Okoko who also spoke in favour of establishment of state police said it would guarantee the nation better security. He also said state police should not be treated in isolation from the agitation of true federalism. “My position is clear, restructuring the coun-

By Jimitota Onoyume

Prof Okoko said areas opposed to formation of state police could be taken care of by the federal police while states that want state police should go ahead to set up theirs. “If there are parts that don’t want state police it should not stop others from having theirs”, he said.

The governor dismissed fears being expressed against state police in several quarters as not strong enough to stop push the concept aside

try along the lines of true federalism with state police part of it. Every state must have a state police but this should not be singled out of the call for true federalism, it should be part of the total restructuring. He said there was urgent need to restrict the functions of the federal government to matters of foreign affairs, Customs etc. While things like state Police should be devolved to the federating units.

A frontline activist and National Coordinator, Ogoni Solidarity forum, Comrade Celestine Akpobari said the country was not ripe enough for state police. He feared that it could be abused by state governors. According to him, with state police, governors would deal with opposition without any limitation. “It is because they don’t have direct control of the police that is why we still hear some degree of

z Gov

Rotimi Ameachi

opposition in the states. Executive Chairman, Institute of Human rights and Humanitarian law, Anyakwe Nsirimovu said the fears against state police were far less than the benefit. He argued that a state Police would bring security closer to the people and create better funding for the police. He said state police would enhance intelligence gathering since they would be people familiar with the neigh-

bourhood and the culture of the area, adding also that state police would bring into reality the much talked about community policing. For Nsirimovu it is not true that the federal police were not being controlled by the governors. According to him, some of the Police Commissioners get contracts from the governors and for this reason they do anything to please the governors. “The federal police system is still being abused by the governors. They control the Commissioners with contracts. I think for purpose of accountability, we should have state police”. He said those charged with policing their states would want to be accountable to the people. “Understanding an environment also help to achieve effective policing. A rivarine man can do better in his areas than an upland police man who is not familiar with the water ways and the creeks”, he said. He also said a state police would be better funded Leader Niger Delta Activists forum, Mr Success Jack also said the country was not mature enough for state Police. According to him, our institutions were still weak so they could be manipulated heavily by the highest bidder. He said state police no doubt is a good idea but the country should strengthen its democratic institutions first before opting for it.

Let’s do our homework first—Lar R

Solomon Lar

C M Y K

ecently, there have been serious arguments among Nigerians about the creation of State Police in the country. While some applaud such initiative, many more feel the time is not yet right for the country to have a State Police. Even the Governors’ Forum, an umbrella body for the governors of the 36 States irrespective of their political parties who initially supported the idea saw many members especially from the Northern States backing out of the initial agreement except for few governors especially Jonah Jang of Plateau State persistently clamouring for the State Police as according to him, it will enable State governors who are the Chief Security Officers of their respective States to tackle insecurity before it goes out of hand. Governor Jonah Jang who has taken every opportunity to explain that functional State Police would help in address-

ing the security situation in Plateau State once said at a gathering in Government House in Jos said, he is a Chief Security Officers who could not command a fly because security apparatuses in the State always await order from Abuja before any security breach is tackled.

By Akaninyene Ezekiel

sonnel to promptly act on security situation. However, on whether it is right or wrong for States to establish their Police, other Plateau residents react. According to Ayuba Pam, the Special Adviser to the Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang, “Governor Jang is an apostle

The nation is not yet ripe for State Police as they are trying to hide from their shadows

Besides the governor, the Chairman of Plateau Joint Traditional Council and the Gbong Gwom, Jos, Da Jacob Buba also said at the funeral of the late Senator Gyang Dantong and at other stakeholders’ fora that governors are not capable of effectively tackling security challenges in the State because of their inability to give order to security per-

of State Police and the entire State is in support of it. State Police can address issues of security in States though some governors in the northern State backed out of the idea. “Nigeria is over 50years old and there is technology everywhere, those saying the nation is not yet ripe for State Police are trying to hide from their

shadows because it means the nation is not yet ripe for the practice of true federalism”. Contrary to this opinion, the first civilian governor of the State, Chief Solomon Lar called for caution saying similar idea was implemented in the 1950s to late 1970s and the term “Yan Doka” was used for the State Police but politicians of those times exploited the policy using it to intimidate, harass and oppress perceived enemies until the creation of the Nigeria Police in 1979. Lar said there should be thorough homework done so that such idea would not be detrimental to the development of the nation. Reacting further, the SA to Jang said there is nothing to fear about the State Police because the law is to protect lives and property of citizens. Pam reiterated that oppressive tendencies and violence are found even in the federal Police adding that the gains of State Police far outweigh the losses.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—43

State Police will breed tyranny — Ibrahim Babankowa E

lderstateman and retired Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Babankowa has warned that current agitation and attempt by some influential groups to introduce state police against the existing status quo will relegate the country to pre-colonial era where tyranny was the order of the day. Speaking exclusively with Saturday Vanguard in his farm House located along Hadejia Road Kano, the septuagenarian former security goon stressed that Nigerian federation is not ripe for state police maintaining that “any attempt to introduce it will breed chaos and tyranny”. Alhaji Ibrahim Babankowa said that idea of a state police will further empower the state Governors to dominate their political environment without recourse to other tenants of democracy pointing out that

By Ebun Sessou

lder Wole Oyelese, is a seasoned businessman as well as a former Federal Minister for Power and Steel in Nigeria. In his opinion, creation of state police will give room for abuse and molestation of citizens. Historically, we have seen the evil in the state police. We should not forget that the primary function of the police is to maintain law and order but you now see that situation can be abused. Right now, we have the Nigerian police responsible to the IG who is responsible to the minster of police affairs who in turn is responsible to the president in case of any problem. But, when there is state police, the box stop on the table of the governor. I wouldn’t what designation they would give to the commissioner of police, perhaps, he will become the another IG of the state who will be responsible to the Governor. I wouldn’t how they will be able to maintain sanity. And that is one of the terrible evils because if the Governor is not the kind of individual who is broad minded, is not the kind of individual who knows the implication of the state police in the right way, there might be chaos because the state police will be turned into hurdling dog against the opposition party. I remember in those C M Y K

By AbdulSalam Muhammad, Kano

Nigerian federation is not ripe for state police because “any attempt to introduce it will breed chaos and tyranny”

our experience with the way they handled local government election is enough warning for the wise. “Those agitating for state police at this particular time does not meant well for the federation, and I see such move as a conscious attempt to relegate us to pre-colonial era where the feudal lords have

total control of state apparatus and decided the fate of supposed equal citizens with impunity and violation of human right”, Ibrahim Babankowa maintained. The former Police boss explained that the activities of the defunct native authority police during the colonial era are still fresh in the mind adding “it therefore did not come as a surprise to me that Northern governors back out of the arrangement with their southern counterpart”. “It’s a bad combination to confer absolute power on an African or Institution that tend to see people with opposing views as enemies and will do anything to crush it and more especially in the north where our experience with Native Authority police renowned for their excesses and violation of rights done in line with instructions and directives of the monarch who have total control of apparatus of Government”,

Ibrahim Babankowa

Babankowa said that state Governor have demonstrated in several front that they can not hold their head high in event of competition as manifested in the way and manner they organized local Government elections and run their finances to the detriment of the downtrodden. “Look at the issues of local Government elections where the party that control the state win a landslide and it is a pointer that we are heading towards serious crisis if you

allow such people that have little or no regard for the rule of law to have a control of police” Babankowa who faulted General Babangida reasons for supporting the state Police as “hollow and shallow” wondered “ why a former the military President that appears to have seen it all and knows the level of sophistication of the society should ordinarily knows that we are not ripe for it” The Elderstateman however canvass for a regional police with full autonomy in line with the current geo political set up of the country, adding that each geographical zone will be headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police. Alhaji Ibrahim Babankowa suggested that under the arrangement, the Inspector General of Police will assume supervisory role, and handles such issues that has direct implications with national interest for maximal effect. Alhaji Ibrahim Babankowa stated that the regional police set up will no doubt ginger competition among the 6 geo political zone, adding that “ you need local content in effective policing of an area with similar expressions, background and culture”.

It’s abuse of national unity—Oyelese

Wole Oyelese

days when we had the local government police in the Western part of Nigeria and police will come and knock on your door in the morning and accuse you of stealing some blanks which probably they would have put there. In a nutshell, the creation of state police will give room for abuse. But, if we will have a state police that is well utilised, equipped, remunerated it can help to contain the problem of crime. They will be readily available because they know

they are responsible to the governor. Personally, I think that rather than have a state police, we need to admit that Nigeria is under-policed. In the advance, countries especially in New York, police are so visible. No matter where you go through in New York, you will find a police almost everywhere. I want to believe that the ratio of the citizens to the police in Nigeria is rather too high. I think, it should be brought down. And that will entail employing more people preferably graduates. They are so many unemployed graduates in the country who can be trained as policemen. Training them will become easier and less expensive. And then, equip them properly, therefore eliminating the reasons why state government want the creation of state police. And what the governor will want to achieve with the creation of state police would have been achieved without any fear of abuse. The view is that the police are people who know the terrain of the state and locality? So, if they are going to employ more people, then it is necessary to employ the people within the state. There is

something called federal character which entails making sure that every state in the country has its own share of appointment. So, if they want to employ policemen, they should make sure that they are graduates from every state. People who will know the terrain and I think, the problem of knowing or not knowing the terrain who have been eliminated. The reason why we have Nigerian police is because of that the country is homogenous and we wouldn’t want a sec-

tional policy to be employed. Police should not be under the control of the governor who can abuse it but they will be responsible to their IG who can discipline them. It will interest to you that, a policeman who is not known in a community will achieve more in terms of investigation a particular case in an area. I think, creation of state police is counter productive. Nigeria is under policed, there is need to employ more credible people, train, equip them well.

Nigeria, not mature to handle state police —Akinyemi

or Chief Olayide Akinyemi, Baale of Pako, Igboora, Oyo State, agitation for state police is myopic and should be discussed in the Nigerian context. Creation of state police is not new but the abuse of it politically is what people should taking about. My advise is that government should improve on the Nigerian police so that they cam be more productive. But if there is state police, the government of that state will continue to use that against the people because they might have it as a personal weapon for them. I can only advocate that the Nigerian police should be maintained. And government must have a close watch on them. So, that everybody will have his or her freedom unmolested. The federal government should control the Nigerian police force. Nigeria is not mature to handle state police.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

By Ishola Balogun & Moses Nosike

We can ha ederal and stat e havve ffederal state Police — Zemani Lekwot

Zemani Lekwot

here have been comments on the issue and we have been watching. The first thing that we should understand is to know the ratio of the population visa-vis the Police. Is it appropriate? Because of the insecurity situation in the country, every border should be properly policed. If the Nigerian Police can cover it, then it is fine. If they cannot, there is nothing wrong with the issue of State Police. It is just that people are afraid of what will happen with the coming of State Police but appropriate legislation can allay those fears. Every Nigerian de-

served to be properly protected by the police. The option is that you either empower Nigerian Police appropriately, recruit more so that they can reach every nook and cranny of the country or we can do what they did in the United States. There are federal and states Police and they are working very fine. What Nigerians want is to be properly protected by the police. At the moment, the Nigerian Police are seen on the ground but they are not properly equipped. The Nigerian Police are faced with many problems in terms of remuneration, accomodation and other fringe benefits. If the government can solve those problems so as to make them cover all areas of the country, then it will be fine. Again, a proper law should be made so that every state government can contribute in the financing of the Police affairs. So, eiFederick ther ways, we can make Fasehun them effective. In any case, the Police Force is not anybody’s private property. It is to protect the intergrity of the whole country.

Isa Kachako

don’t think that is the right thing for us to do. It will further compound the problem of ethnicity, sectionalisim and will not give us as a people a sense of belonging and unity. Nobody should try to polirise

o my mind, the current grow

Barr. Okoye peoples). Emphases should rather be laid on restructuring and sanitizing the police force as it is presently constituted vis-a-vis re-orientation of the police officers and men toward a more efficient crime fighting and a society-friendly organization; improving the welfare of the terribly demoralized officers and rank-andfile; ridding the police organization of the bad elements that infiltrated and have now swollen its ranks; and amending the 1999 Constitution by giving the Governors full powers as chief security officers of their individual states and to exercise lawful control over the Police Commissioners. With the level of our political development, state police may readily be subject to abuses by the Governors, who may use it as an instrument of oppression and sundry excesses that attend unrestrained use of official political power, and the contemporary appetite for the dismemberment of Nigeria, which ultimately guarantees the state Governors a firmer grip on power and its benefits. For now, it is unfortunate to even moot the idea of state police in this country, since our political class is not yet ripe for the existence of multi-parallel police forces, quite unlike the advanced democracies like the USA, Canada, etc, which the proponents of the creation of state police seek to ape. Until the Nigerian political class evolves towards a more mature and tolerant level of political development, the necessity of a state police shall be founded just on utopia.

this nation by bringing any idea that is not in concert with federalism. It is not a sign of unity that officers of the Nigerian Police would be asked to go and serve in their various states. Sooner or later, they will begin to agitate for regional or state Army. It is not ideal for us as a people. Nigeria is not yet ripe for that, I don’t support it. Let Nigerian Police be Nigerian Police. It will only bring about disunity of purpose.

— Chief Federick Fasehun

Chik e Ok oye Chike Oko

C M Y K

— Senator Isa Kachako

State Police is the way to go

The clamour is untimely — Barr Barr.. ing clamour for a Constitutional amendment allowing for the establishment of respective police force for the thirty-six federating Nigerian states, is untimely, self-serving and dangerous in view of the fact that an average Nigerian politician has not yet risen above his overriding desire to abuse political power, however briefly he may have it. Such a power in the hands of an unscrupulous state executive Governor, when reinforced by the Constitutional immunity shielding him and his Deputy from criminal prosecution while their tenure endures, would prove a deadly tool of political repression, arbitrariness, election-rigging and the attendant unspeakable vices which the Governor may visit on political opponents and both actual and imagined enemies. What is more, most of the states can ill-afford the expense of maintaining a state police going by the recent experience of the Minimum Wage issue, which a number of states found hard to implement. The major problem we have with our police force does not rest on decentralizing it but that of thorough reforms by way of de-colonization (the present police force being merely an offshoot of the brutal Royal West African Frontier Force, RWAFF, which was used by the British to torment the colonized

Let Nigeria Police be

he state of insecurity in the country is very precarious. Everything to make the police very effective must be worked out and the creation of State Police is one of them. It will undoubtedly enhance security in every state. We have always argue that state Police will know the hide-outs of criminals, their homes and families as well as their method of operations. It is only the local police will be able to know all these things. If you bring sombody from Sokoto State to police Gbaramatu in the Niger Delta, he will not be effective because he knows little about the area. You need the son of the soil to make it work. The argument that they may be used as personal tools by the state chief executive does not hold water because Nigeria has gone past all that. Just like we can say that anybody who misuse public funds will face the wrath of the law. The law is there to take its course on those who do that. I think Nigeria has gone past all that.

It wouldn’t work T

he agitation that g o v e r nors should take control of the police in their states has been on for a very long time, but I dont think it will work in this country because people have not really learnt to live up to their expectations. The aspect of it I dont like is the possibilities of using it to feather their own nests. You know the Nigeria factor, after some time they become instrument of the hands of the state. The Police themselves are immersed in this situation because of ineffectiveness. You know what

Chief Reuben Fasoranti the Police are doing, until we have a better trained police like the ones we have abroad and possibly making them to be independent, we will still continue the way we are.

SATURDAY Vanguard,AUGUST 25, 2012—45

The president should convoke a conference of ethnic nationalities... zBoko Haram wears the face of religion but it is political zOpposition does not mean warfare BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME mbassador Chief Chukudi Dixon O r i k e is a lawyer. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in June 1961. He obtained an Honours Bachelors degree in Law from the University of London and a Masters degree in Political Sociology from the London school of Economics and Political science - University of London. He was an elected member of the Nigerian House of Representatives in 1964. In this interview, Ambassador Orike, a front-line elder in the Niger Delta region speaks extensively on the security situation in the country. He calls on the federal government to convoke an ethnic nationality conference where representatives of all ethnic nationalities would evolve clear conditions on how we can all continue to exist as a nation. He laments the deplor-able state of the Niger Delta region, stressing that creation of a Niger Delta Ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC were not key solutions to the challenges of pollution in the region. He urges the government to call on the United Nations Environment Program, UNEP to conduct a similar environment assessment of the entire Niger Delta region like the one it did on Ogoni and publish its report for the federal government and its international oil company partners to conduct clean up exercise in the area. Islamic sect, Boko Haram has told Mr President to resign as a condition for cease fire in some northern states. What is your response to this? Well! Security is a major concern in any society. Infact in literature, Shakespear’s Macbeth said that security is human being’s “chiefest enemy”. Nigeria’s constitution said the main function of government is to provide security for the life and properties of citizens of the country. Obviously, national security is a very

Ambassador Chief Chukudi Dixon Orike

all the Service Chiefs in attendance to discuss the issue of Boko Haram as a security threat to the nation. The forum may examine the necessity of holding a meeting of the ethnic

important issue. If you narrow it down to the Boko Haram, my personal view about it is that it is more political than religious. Boko Haram wears the face of religion, they don’t want anything western, giving the impression that such injunction is the teaching of Islam but behind it is more of politics. Obviously, it is an opposition element that does not agree with the present regime. But I see it as a wrong way of carrying out the functions of opposition. In democracy there must be opposition in order to keep the government in check. But opposition does not mean war or warfare or destroying everything in the land. Blowing up schools, police station, hospitals, killing and maiming people. These are not opposition. I think Mr President should summon an emergency meeting of the Council of States with

It is not in any way unpatriotic to say that Nigeria is not one nation. This is elementary, everybody who did history in primary school knows that Lord Luggard amalgamated several ethnic nationalities into one, and before him, the British colonial masters who took this area called Nigeria for trading purposes. They did not mean to establish a nation. But as they occupied it for a long time before they left, they had to organise it as a country. This is the problem in most African countries. Many of the African countries were originally trading territories of European countries like Britain name it. Congo DRC, Rwanda, Burundi all these were Belgium trading territories while all the French speaking countries in Africa were French trading territories. Ghana, Sierraleone, Nigeria and others were British trading territories. At the end of the exercise they were set up to become countries. But the problem is that while they were trading territories, the different ethnic nationalities did not worry because the issue of power was not there, it was trading. But when they established them as countries and the issue of rulership came up, the various ethnic nationalities went into rivalry. This is the bane of our problem and many African countries. In this kind of rivalry, there can never be progress. This is why you find instability.

In democracy there must be opposition in order to keep the government in check. But opposition does mean war or destroying everything in the land

nationalities of this country to really decide the fate of the country, whether we should continue as one, if so, under what structure or should we break up peacefully like Czechoslovakia did which famously has now come to be known as the velvet divorce.

So there is need to sit down and talk. We have to go back to how we came, and then decide if we have to remain one. How can we do so peacefully or is there a structure we can design that can ensure peaceful co existence?

We either to breakup peacefully or to be together but design structures that will provide safeguards and ensure peaceful co-existence. In the interim what can be done in the face of the threat from Boko Haram that Mr President should resign? For me the threat means nothing. The government was elected by popular wish of Nigerians, overwhelmingly in a free and fair election so Boko Haram cannot overrule the will of the one hundred and seventy million Nigerians, that is not the way governments are changed. Boko Haram should wait for 2015 and if they feel that they control the majority will of Nigerians then they can at that time influence through their majority Nigerians to elect a different group. There is no way a minority called Boko Haram, how many are they, call them ten million, will now come to overrule what over one hundred and seventy million people decided. In that case anybody who is elected from anywhere whether from the West, South South, East will be told to resign by anybody or group and he will resign, is that how they run government. In Spain, you have the Basque group in North West Spain creating problems, that has not made the Spanish government to resign. In Ireland you have the IRA; you have these things in different countries. The opinion by Boko Haram that the government should resign is not an issue. It is not democracy. You will have disgruntled groups in any democracy but they cannot tell a government to pack up and go. Any word for the northern elders? I don’t know what is in their mind. If they are not of the same opinion as the Boko Haram they should come up and speak loud and clear to the nation, condemn it. Because some of the northern leaders are old enough to know how this country had been run in the last fifty years that we had independence. They know who had been in charge at all times. And they know what part of this country had been in charge of the government of the country for majority of the fifty years period of independence. And if they feel what is happening now is what should happen when the rulership is from another section of the country then, that is ok, that is a precedent that would have been established for the future. And therefore when somebody from the north ascends to power Continues on page 46

46—SATURDAY Vanguard,AUGUST 25, 2012

they should also expect this turmoil because if you establish it as the order or our system of governance then you should expect it. But don’t you see the northern elders been attacked if they condemn Boko Haram like the militants did to President Jonathan when he was Vice President? Remember they attacked his house at Otuoke. Well! If President Jonathan spoke against militancy is not that a good reason why northern leaders should speak against Boko Haram. You said when Goodluck Jonathan was Vice President, he spoke against the Niger Delta militants , is not that a good lesson for northern leaders to also speak against Boko Haram. If leaders are afraid to condemn what is bad because of attack, then, I don’t know whether they can be truly called leaders. What is your reaction to the threat to impeach Mr. President? Well! This is democracy. During former President Obasanjo’s eight years in office, there were several threats of impeachment. In the different state legislators, there have been different threats either against governors or speakers. The thing is that there are laid down rules for what will constitute impeachment behaviours. There are also laid down procedures on how to follow it. If they are saying that it is be-

Boko Haram wears the face of religion but it is political mean the money is there. The government decides to see how to fund the budget. And this is through projections. Our economy is mono, only oil which constitutes no less than 90 percent of all the

Continued from page 45

When the money you had expected to carry out the budget did not come into your coffers, what do you do? That is why I said I hope that the legislators have their facts because this is just an example

Ambassador Chief Chukudi Dixon Orike

cause of non implementation of the budget I hope that they have enough facts because they are in government. If a budget is not implemented

several factors could be responsible. Budget, is merely estimates of cost. All ministries bring their cost of running the system; this does not

country’s income. We make projections on the revenue we will earn from oil. Still this is projection which may be affected by several factors. Things you did not foresee today while making projections can happen. There can be turmoil

in the oil producing areas and production drops from your projections. Obviously, your projection is not realisable for that period. Also, if the world market price falls, your projection is not realisable. When the money you had expected to carry out the budget did not come into your coffers, what do you do? That is why I said I hope that the legislators have their facts because this is just an example. Assuming this is the case, then, the President will have no money to implement the budget. Or are they saying the fiscal cash is there in the bank and Mr President just enjoys looking at the money. In that case, they would be right to say Mr President ,that is not what the money is for; it is for execution of projects. But if the money is not there, how the hell is he going to implement the budget. So in such a case you are just blowing hot hair. That is why I said I hope they know the facts. I am an outsider, I don’t know, so, the House of Representatives should tell us the facts so that the public should know. The public will join them in telling Mr President to implement the budget if they are right.

Delta State, EFCC and Ibori bribe money By Temisan Oviasojie

simmering debate has issued from the controversial $15 million cash allegedly used by the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, to bribe Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The debate was spawn by the recent actions of the EFCC, the federal government and the Attorney General of the Federation on one hand and the Delta State government on the other. The story broke in 2007 when Ribadu alleged that Ibori had approached him through a middle man with the humungous amount to compromise investigations on the former Governor of Delta State by the antigraft agency. That allegation kicked up a whirlwind of brickbats. Ibori, the man in the centre of the storm, had since been convicted in the United Kingdom for

sundry financial crimes and is currently doing his jail term. In convicting Ibori, the UK government said it would remit all recovered monies from Ibori and his cohorts to the coffers of Delta State. Even though this was not the basis for the argument in the UK court, the Judge of Southwark Crown Court 9 in London, Justice Anthony Pitts, ruled that the monies recovered from Ibori should be returned to Delta State. That was on April 17, this year. On the heels of the judgement by the UK court, the federal government, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the EFCC, either flying a kite or in a deliberate act of mischief approached an Abuja High Court through an exparte motion (something strongly repudiated by the leadership of the judiciary) seeking to compel the court to make a pronouncement declaring the forfeiture of the said amount to the federal government. Strangely, the plaintiffs got

their wish granted but only temporarily. Justice Gabriel Kolawole did not only uphold the federal government’s claim that the said sum, “if left untouched and unspent in the state it was kept in the strong room (of Central Bank of Nigeria) since April 2007, may eventually be destroyed, defaced, mutilated and become useless”, he also granted the EFCC’s request for “an interim order forfeiting the $15m being an unclaimed property in possession of the CBN to the Federal Government, pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for the final forfeiture order of the said property.” Kolawole thereupon ordered that the interim order should be published in the newspaper “for anyone who is interested in the property to appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.” September 17, this year has been fixed

to hear the motion on notice for the final forfeiture of the said sum. To the undiscerning mind, the case against Ibori in Nigeria is different from the case in which he was convicted in the UK. But they are not. The case against Ibori at Southwark Crown Court 9 in London for which he was convicted is ipsilateral with the case against him in Nigeria. Both are criminal cases bordering on financial heist against the same person who was governor of Delta State when both offences were said to have been committed. It is therefore strange why the Nigerian government and in particular the EFCC would approach the court to action the forfeiture of the $15 million to the federal government rather than to Delta State government. The manner the money was offered and for what purpose it was offered may be controversial but the source of the money should not be embroiled in the same web of controversy. ·Oviasojie writes from Benin City

SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 25, 2012—47

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF TRADE UNIONISM IN NIGERIA

•President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd right), with Labour leaders and Labour minister, Emeka Wogu (left)

How Nigerian trade unions were born This is the thirteenth and concluding edition of the serial on OWEI LAKEMFA's latest work: "One hundred years of trade unionism in Nigeria". The twelfth part was published yesterday.

In Nigeria , the British invaded and seized cities like Bonny, Calabar, Opobo and Lagos and placed their inhabitants under the gun. After the invasion and seizure of Lagos in 1861, the colonialists had to set up an administrative structure. They had to employ some of the colonised people to serve this administration

RIGINS of Workers: The British colonialists did not set out to create wage labour in Nigeria. Indeed nowhere in the world were deliberate steps taken to create wage labour, it was merely an inevitable by-product of a new age. As the feudal system gave way in Europe, new technology was developed which allowed for mass production of commodities. The steam engine was also discovered which helped production and mass transportation. With the Industrial Revolutiion in the 18th century, European production lines were hungry for raw materials while finished products needed to be pushed to other parts of the world since the European markets had become saturated. Given the urgent need for raw materials and new markets, European governments and companies fanned out into the world smashing any local production system in their way and seizing territories by force of arms where the people refused to peacefully hand over their lands. In the process of feasting on other peoples, Europeans were anxious not to eat themselves so they gathered in Berlin (188485) to carve up Afiica. Th colo-

nisers in sharing other peoples lands, adopted what they termed. “The Principle of Effective Occupation.” Under this, each European country was to refrain from taking any land where another Berlin partner has shown some presence. What followed this unholy pact was a “scramble for Africa”. European traders and even missionaries seized territories in the name of their mother countries after which they asked such countries for “lease” of the stolen land. The European countries sent armed gangs to subdue unco-operative Africans. This they christened “Gun-boat diplo-

Uba Ahmed

macy.” In Nigeria for instance, the British invaded and seized cities like Bonny, Calabar, Opobo and Lagos and placed their inhabitants under the gun. After the invasion and seizure of Lagos in 1861, the colonialists had to set up an administrative structure. They had to employ some of the colonised people to serve this administration. This was the nucleus of what became the Nigerian public service. The Royal Niger Company seized the Niger Delta area and was recognised as the political authority in that area of Nigeria by the British which granted it a “Royal Charter” until Britain took possession of the Niger Delta in 1900. With these events, some local people had to be employed. The churches with their strong ties to the colonial state, set up

Gen Adefope

schools mainly as part of their evangelising mission. They also needed a crop of teachers including local ones to run the schools. To ensure the quick and cheap transportation of raw materials from the Nigerian hinterland to the seaports enroute to Britain, the colonialists began the construction of the Railway at Iddo in 1898. It was later to be extended to Ibadan, the centre where cocoa was being collected, to the north where tin, cotton, groundnut and hides and skin could be sourced, Enugu, the coal city and Port Harcourt another major seaport. All these led to major recruitment of workers, and with it, the need to protect and defend their collective interests. How the Nigerian Trade Unions were born: In 1900, a growing body of wage earners had been called into existence in the country following the expansion of the civil and public services due to the transfer of the “Protectorate” territories under the control of the Royal Niger Company. More workers were added from the marine, the newly developed railway, teachers and of course commercial workers. Five years after this, an association of Civil Service Clerks in Lagos was established, followed in 1911 by a similar association in the commercial establishments. But the first recorded trade union was the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) which was inaugurated on August 19, 1912 at a meeting attended by 33 employees.

Popular support The meeting was convened by Mr. H. Libert a Sierra Leonian who had been transferred from his country to Nigeria. A similar organisation had existed in Sierra Leone and Libert and some of the men who attended the meeting were conversant with the Sierra Leonian example. Noted labour historian, Wogu Ananaba, wrote of this first union: Since the union was not known to have held any mass meetings during the period, it is even more difficult to determine how much popular support it commanded. Its strength lay perhaps, in the fact that its leaders (Nylander, Joseph McEwen, N .A. B. Thomas and 1. O. Gilbert) were among the most influential and highly respected members of the African Civil Service. This fact, more than anything else, would seem to have won it recognition. Its weakness lay in the fact that it was aristocratic to a fault. It did not just abhor strikes, but it lacked the courage even to make threats in furtherance Continues on page 48

48—SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 25, 2012

Michael Imoudu

Abdulwaheed Omar

Adams Oshiomhole

Hassan Sunmonu

How Nigerian trade unions were born of its demands.” Later, unions like those of the railways, public works and marines sprang up. A salutary point that has to be made is that trade unions came into existence from 1912, some two decades before any law legalizing their existence. The British colonialists had feared that if unions were allowed to spring up, they would be catalysts in dismantling the colonial structure. They were not to be disappointed. The Department of Labour Annual Reports for 1940 and 1941 revealed that in 1940 the number of trade unions in the country had risen to 14 with a membership of 4,629 workers. The following year the unions had increased to 41 with a total membership of 17,521. In July 1941 with the World War raging and cost of living rising, unions in the public sector got together and founded the African Civil Servants Technical Workers Union (ACSTW). Its President was the popular Michael Imoudu while C. Enitan Brown was Secretary. Agitations by the new federation led to the colonial government’s inauguration of an 18-person Committee of Inquiry chaired by A. F.B. Bridges, a Senior District Officer with members including ACSTWC scribe Enitan Brown and Civil Service Union President, J. A Ojo.

Interim award to public employees On December 5, 1941 due to increased workers pressure, before the Committee’s report could be submitted, the colonialists granted a three pence per day interim award to all public employees in Lagos. In 1941, the situation was generally deteriorating for the British in their war against Germany, for the workers in their battles against ever rising cost of living, and for the nationalists, whose ranks were decimated by internal wranglings and splits. On the political plane, there was a felt need for unity if the British were to be kicked out of the country. So in early 1942, a body, the Nigeria Reconstruction Group (NRG) was set up primarily to

research into the country’s problems and proffer solutions. Its members included the charismatic, Nnamdi Azikiwe, M. O. Balonwu, M. E. Okorodudu, a lawyer and nationalist, I. A. Onajobi and the trade unionist E. E. Esua who was General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The NRG concluded that unity was paramount, and in November 1943 a youth rally was organised at the instance of the Nigeria Union of Students a body founded in 1939 on the inspiration of the Rev. I. A RansomeKuti, President of the NUT. The students union was led by Olubunmi Thomas, P .E.N. Malafa a Camerounian, and the noted journalist Anthony Enahoro. Radical nationalist and historian Mokwugo Okoye wrote of that rally and its consequences “The Rally took place in the country estate of E. J. Alex Taylor at Oju Oloko, Lagos. Mr. Alex-Taylor was at the time the leader of the Nigeria Bar Association... Many youth leaders attended the rally, including Olu Alakija (son of Sir Adeyemo), H. O. Davis, Nnamdi Azikiwe, A. O. Omage and J. O. Ebo. At the meeting, a resolution was adopted urging the formation of a National Front with the NYM (Nigeria Youth Movement) as spearhead and the students union was empowered to set the machinery to work. After a series of campaigns, the National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns (NCNC) was formally inaugurated on 26 August 1944 with the veteran nationalist, Herbert Macaulay as president and Zik (substituting for Archdeacon Dr. J. O. Lucas who declined) as General Secretary..."

Arrowhead of anti-colonial struggle The NCNC was to become the arrowhead of the anti-colonial struggle in the years following its formation. In the trade union movement, a similar move for unity had been set afoot. The workers felt the need to unite based on the formidable colonial power they had to contend with. The colonialists had in its General Defence Regulations of 1941 virtually made strikes in any es-

tablishment an illegal act. The Labour Movement realised the need to fight this provision, but it was yet a fragmented group. There was therefore no central organisation to call all trade unions together. The concerned unionists including M. A. Tokunboh. Secretary of the Railway Station Staff Union and his Public Works Department Technical and General Workers Union counterpart, I. S. M. O. Shonekan sought the assistance of the noted journalist Ernest Ikoli. Ikoli who was Editor of the Daily Express, member of the legislative council and president of the Nigeria Youth Movement (NYM). The NYM called a meeting of trade unions in October 1942 under the chairmanship of Ikoli. Apart from discussing the irmmediate danger of the Regulation, the meeting decided to establish a labour centre that would address issues of joint concern to all the unions.

Private sector workers A committee to help implement this was set up. The African Civil Service Technica1 Workers Union (ACSTWU) assisted the Committee by convening a meeting of all union presidents and secretaries in Lagos. Finally on November 23, 1942, 23 unions met. The outcome was the formation of the Federated Trade Unions of Nigeria (FTUN) under which public and private sector workers were brought together. The new body passed a resolution which was a signed by the Presidents and Secretaries of the unions affiliated to the FTUN. That resolution which was sent to the colonial regime expressed its belief that the Atlantic Charter applied to African Workers and that what was therefore necessary at the workplace was a “... democratic and collective approach to problem “solving. It said that trade unions in Nigeria are interested in the Regulations, measures and legislation made under the on-going war and therefore asked the colonial government to consult them on such issues. A provisional executive with T. A. Bankole as president and M. A. Tokunboh as secretary was put

in place. In March 1943, the FTUN worried by the railroading of railwaymen to doing compulsory service for the colonial armed forces, Paschal Bafyau and imposition of censorship, declared in a manifesto, the right of Nige- properly organising an annual rian workers to “Full citizenship, congress of all trade unions. Othfree collective bargaining, free ar- ers aims were the establishment ticulation, subject only to ordinary of a workers newspaper, building rules of courtesy, timely consul- of a trade union secretariat, estation on Labour and kindred mat- tablishment of a Nigeria Labour ters, logical water schemes, equal- College and procurement of ity of opportunities and privileg- scholarships for trade unionists to es, protection against ignorance, study abroad. This first labour want, disease and exploitation.” centre in the country joined the The main achievement of the National Council of Nigeria and FTUN was the successful conven- the Camerouns (NCNC) as an ing on Saturday July 31, 1943 at affiliate. Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, of a Conference of all trade unions Concluded in the country with men like Hon. Ernest Ikoli and H.O. Davies as guests. M.A. Tokunboh who was secretary to that historic conference said of its significance and historic nature: “It was the first conference of a national movement held in Nigeria and in later years the example was followed Two hundred not only by trade unions but also by political parties and other bod- delegates repreies. Two hundred delegates rep- senting 56 trade resenting 56 trade unions from all parts of the country attended the unions from all conference which demonstrated parts of the the unity and vitality that qualified the labour movement as a country attendfactor to be reckoned with in the ed the conferaffairs of the country.

Continues from page 47

Workers' interest It was an assemblage of the new power block in Nigerian affairs and, judging from its representatives of workers interests, the conference put into motion a social consciousness that was bound to have far-reaching effect on the lives of the community.” This conference changed the name of FTUN to the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUCN) T.A. Bankole was elected the President and M.A Tokunboh the Secretary General. Wogu Ananaba wrote that eleven-point aim of the TUCN included uniting all trade unions under one umbrella, addressing workers problems countrywide,

ence which demonstrated the unity and vitality that qualified the labour movement as a factor to be reckoned with in the affairs of the country

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Hope and Possibilities Ride; a positive vibe Nigeria needs

received a letter from a youngster of 18 years asking for means to improve his chest and shoulders. I thought of replying him privately since he’d enclosed a self addressed envelope, complete with postage stamp. But I thought that the reply could benefit others so I decided to publish these postures, the practice of which, among others, should broaden the shoulders and deepen the chest. Apart from Nauli— which is isolation of the rectus muscles of workouts. The following e x e r c i s e s should help

The Spinal Twist

public and international relations tool for would be sponsors and our country. A foreign volunteer and Ashoka ASN-member for hope and possibilities ride, Mrs. Marij, feels that this ride is an opportunity to show a different side of Nigeria. Today, in the media, and especially the foreign media,Nigeria is pictured as a place of struggle, bombings and negative incidences following one another. Only a few of the positive and inspiring events are covered by the media. Marij told me that when she informed her children that she would be taking them to Nigeria for summer holidays, the children were at first excited about the trip, but quickly became reluctant. In

Nigeria, she noticed that the children were scared of moving around. She then realized that they had been feed with a lot of negative information about Nigeria. However, after a few days interacting with Nigerians, the children started to loosen up and went home with a total different view of Nigeria.

s a frequent visitor to Nigeria, the negative perception about Nigeria in the international community seems unfair to her. She knows Nigeria is so much more. Nigeria has its difficulties like every other country in the world, but there is hope. She has been blessed by the opportunity of meeting amazing Nigerians. Social entrepreneurs,

business men and women, politicians, etc. people who sincerely want to make a positive change. It came to her as a surprise that many of the Nigerians she spoke to about the project looked at it as a political protest and were not enthusiastic. She found out that possible sponsors are afraid of the advocacy and the project is still struggling with funding. But imagine what the Hope and Possibilities Ride can do for Nigeria´s image? Wouldn’t the impossible become possible? She believes that with a lot of courage and teamwork mountains can be moved. The Hope and Possibilities Ride can inspire other people to reach further and never give up.

f a disabled man would be able to ride 75 km a day with hand-propelled manual tricycle from Lagos to Abuja, through 12 states, what else won’t be possible in Nigeria? I am convinced that Hope and Possibilities Ride is what Nigeria needs at this time and that we can achieve so much with this project. An everyday activity does not make news, what makes positive news are unique and rare events that seem impossible to achieve. This is what Hope and Possibilities Ride represent. I feel that the fact that there is paucity of

activities like this in Nigeria is the reason why some Nigerians think that this project is a mission impossible. I cannot also rule out the fact that because there is so much stigma associated with disabilities in Nigeria, some people are bound to think that this mission cannot be accomplished. For me, negative reactions like this tend to spur me to prove the pessimists wrong by pushing harder to accomplish my goal. At this juncture, I want to remind us that in this country, persons with disabilities have consistently proven to find their way where able bodied persons seem to find no way. Take sports for example, right from their first outing in international sporting event, Nigerians with disabilities won medals. They have continued to win medals ever since while none disabled athletes are not doing so well. This is not in any way to suggest that our none-disabled athletes are to blame for their poor performances; the blame lies squarely with the sports administrators. However, since the athletes with disabilities suffer even worse neglect and still manage to excel suggests that Nigeria should pay more attention to this segment of our society.

Fun and fitness improve the chest and shoulders of the practitioner regardless of sex. The Peacock Technique: Arrange the hands such that the palms are placed about a foot apart with the triceps (back of the arms) tucked along the sides of the belly and the chest. Place the forehead down on the ground or the bonnet if you’re using a

The Camel

vehicle. Now gently raise the legs off the ground and then the head. This should leave you upported just on your hands. This takes a bit of time to accomplish. Take up the challenge and persevere. The Camel Technique: Sit on the heels and arrange the hands next to the

hough Hope and Possibilities Ride was primarily conceived as a tool to create awareness that will help achieve the following: 1) Put issues of disabilities on the front burner of national discuss. 2) Promote polio eradication through creating awareness on the need for immunization of our children against preventable childhood diseases particularly poliomyelitis. 3) Promote road safety through creating awareness on safe driving culture and road safety tips. 4) Promote our organization’s plan to take our empowerment services to the disabled in Nigeria. It is also a very powerful

Vanguard, A UGUST 25, 2012—49 AUGUST

The Peacock

the heels briefly before repeating once or twice more. The Spinal Twist Technique: Sit with both legs streched in front of you. Bend the right knee and place the right foot on the outside

Take in a deep breath and raise the buttocks up from the heels, hump up the chest and gently drop the head

feet with the fingers pointing backwards. Take in a deep breath and raise the buttocks up from the heels, hump up the chest and gently drop the head. At that stage, keep the breathing normal. Retain the posture for about 10 seconds. Then sit back on

of the leg at the knee. Grab hold of the left leg with the left hand while placing the right hand at the back with the head, neck and trunk turned rightward and breathe in deeply. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat in the other

side. The abdomen, in which one is advised to refrain from until the onset of puberty, all the other postures can be done unless where there’s a medical problem. Even in a case like that, there will be other postured whose practice should help the problem. For instance, a person with a weak heart might have to refrain from say, the abdominal waltz uplift, but encouraged to practise the headstand. But in an instance where the health is generally good, an overall improvement can be attained by moderate but regular practice. Benefits: The Peacock strengthen the arms, chest and back

muscles. It also massages the internal organs improving their functions. It is also said to slow down the aging process. Benefits: The camel strengthens the muscles of the shoulders and helps to expand the chest. It gives a gentle massage to the digestive organs, improving digestion and elimination. Benefits: The twist helps with the lateral flexibility of the spine. It massages the digestive organs, curing constipation. It expands the chest and reduces adhesions brought on by rheumatism by improving the Synovial fluid of the knees.

50— Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2012

dren sustained various degree of injuries at the leg and hand resulting from gun shots. According to him, the police on receiving information about the gruesome act, rushed to the scene, rescued the wife and children to the Federal Teaching Hospital, FETHA, where they are receiving medical attention. Etta stressed that there was no need for the occupants residing where the Corporal committed suicide to be on the ran as it was clear that nobody had a hand in his death. He called on them to remain law abiding and go about their businesses. It should be recalled that on August 19, a police corporal, Mr. Anthony Ug-

Iwillalwaysloveandforgivemyhusband — laments wife of Police Corporal that killed self after shooting wife and two daughters

HE ugly incident that took place last Sunday at Edda village in Ugwuachara, Ebonyi local government area in Ebonyi State has been described by the people of the state as black Sunday.This is as a result of the horrific scenario that occurred in a compound, located directly behind kings and Queen primary and secondary school, along Onwa Ali Onwa Street of the State. The event which took place in the morning hours of the fateful day led to the death of Corporal Anthony Ugwuoke who shot himself after shooting his wife, Mrs. Nkechi, 30, at the neck and shoulder, and his two daughters, Adaeze, 3, and chidinma, 1, on the hand and leg respectively. When Crime Guard visited the scene of the incident, occupants of the compound had deserted the area for fear of being arrested by the police as only two persons were seen in the compound discussing the ugly episode which took place on August 19,2012. Speaking with Crime Guard, the wife of the deceased who is presently receiving treatment at the Female Surgical Ward of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, FETHA, looked visibly confused and wondered why her husband committed suicide by shooting himself on the chest. The woman, who was still nursing bullet wounds, looked upon God and the medical personnels for the restoration of her health and that of her two children. According to her, she will always love and forgive her husband despite the ugly C M Y K

incident that happened to her.

ecounting her ordeal, she said: “That Sunday, my husband told me that he wanted to go to my place with his friend for condolence visit. After he finished preparing, he told me that he was ready to go and I said okay, when you are coming back, please help me bring one of my sisters, a nineyear-old girl, from the village who will be helping me out with domestic work. After I said this, he got angry and started saying that he was not bringing anybody; that he did not marry me for anybody and that he was not even going to my place . And he insisted that I should pack my things and go. I was surprised because as at that morning, we have not had any quarrel or fight. As he was quarreling, his friend who came to escort him to my place told him that it has not gotten to that and that he should take it easy. “But my husband insisted that I should pack my things and go. So, based on the advice of his friend, I decided to gradually gather my things including my clothing. Then the friend left the house to go and take care of his family. I had the premonition to tell him to stay in the house but I didn’t. So, by the time he left, I started gathering my things, then my husband told me to only collect my clothes and forget about that of the children. In fact, that I should leave the children with him, if they die let them die. So, as I continued gathering my clothes, my husband came and said that I should select only the ones I

bought with my money, and leave behind the ones he bought for me. “In the process, I don’t know what came over him, he rushed to the door and locked it with key. Before I could realize what was happening, he started beating me and then he brought out a pistol and shot me on the neck and on my shoulders, shot my two daughters and shot himself on the chest.” Mrs. Nkechi who is from Ikwo local government area of the state advised her fellow women to mind the way they treat their husbands, considering her present predicament and appealed to the State government to come to her rescue by assisting her train the children and pay their hospital bills. “My advice is that as they have seen my condition and what has happened, they should watch the way they treat their husband. My appeal to the state government is that they should come to my aid to assist me train my children. I will forever forgive my husband; despite what has happened, I still love him.” (starts crying).

ne of the neighbors who pleaded anonymity described the wife of the deceased as very quiet and respectable person. She noted that “the wife teaches at the school behind the yard, Kings and Queen’s nursery and primary school. She just came back from the village about a week ago after she left the house about three weeks because the husband beat her up and chased her out of the house, giving her

big injury on the eyes.” Another neighbor who also did not want his name mentioned said the deceased (Mr. Ugwuoke who hails from Nsukka in Enugu State) was possessed with bad spirit. He described him as an arrogant policeman who usually misbehaves and beats up his wife on a regular bases. According to him: “When I returned from church, I noticed that the compound was unusually quiet. Then I met a neighbor who told me what had transpired. The late corporal has not been a good neighbor; he has always been beating up the wife. At one time, I intervened and I even fought with the man because of this his behavior. I even took the caretaker and one other tenant and we went to police station last October to report the matter to the DPO; that in case the man killed somebody in the yard, none of the tenants should be held responsible. “The man is likely to be possessed with bad spirit because he doesn’t greet anybody. He doesn’t go to church. It is even recently that we got to know his name despite the fact that he was one of the first tenants that packed into this yard. Also he was in the habit of smoking Indian hemp.”

he Divisional Police Offic e r , DPO, Kpirikpiri Police Station, Superintendent Sampson Etta who wondered why the late Corporal decided to end his life by committing suicide, noted that he (Ugwuoke) shot his wife at the upper shoulder and at the back of the neck, while his chil-

BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

My appeal to the state government is that they should come to my aid to assist me train my children. I will forever forgive my husband; despite what has happened, I still love him.

woke attached to ‘B’ operations in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State and an orderly to a High Court Judge (name withheld) shot himself dead after shooting his 30 year old wife, Mrs. Nkechi Ugwuoke and his two daughters. M e a n w h i l e , speculations are still ripe that the deceased committed the dastardly act under certain level of influence.

he Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebonyi state command, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Sylvester Igbo who confirmed the incident, said the body of the deceased had been deposited in the mortuary of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, FETHA. According to Mr. Igbo, one berretta pistol, expended shells and one live ammunition were recovered from the scene. He said the command had begun full scale investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012 — 51

Our daughter’s death, a lesson to youths ----Cynthia’s parents BY AKANINYENE EZEKIEL, Jos

HE parents of slain Cynthia Osokogu have described the death of their only daughter as devastating, illogical and highly incomprehensible saying that though vengeance belongs to God, those who perpetrated the dastardly act should be brought to book so as to deter those who take pleasure in killing innocent people at will. Speaking at their ECWA Staff new GRA home at Farin-Gada area of Jos, the parents in separate interviews with newsmen further described the late Masters Degree student as a very intelligent girl who was not playing pranks but had a promising future, full of life. According to the father, MajorGeneral Frank Osokogu (rtd), the death of their daughter though painful and shocking has not been in vain as it is a caution to youths who get to know friends on social media of whatever name and venture to meet the unknown people. Osokogu described the daughter’s action as an adventure which was a bit too much. However, the mother, Chief (Mrs.) Joyrita Osokogu who said she had been on fasting since their daughter went missing disclosed that she had some worry because their daughter was too fast in life and accomplished so much in her young age that she had to caution her on the need to settle down in marriage. According to her, “My daughter had been very wonderful and intelligent. She attended Command Secondary School, Jos where she won many laurels and she graduated from Nassarawa State University with good grades at the age of 21 and she read English Education. “She was Miss NYSC Batch ‘B’ 2010; she was a queen as she was a runner-up in Miss Nigeria 2010 which she participated in. She was studying Public Administration in her Masters programme and just finished her exam before she met her untimely death”. T he late Cynthia was working with the just folded -up MTN call centre in Jos and was running her boutique, Dress Code in Keffi in Nassarawa State. She stated that Cynthia was not living a rough life and she was urging her to think about getting married and she promised she would introduce her fiancé to the parents very soon. Both parents confirmed they did not know about their daughter’s death on time as her killers took her phone and kept promising them

that she was in a hospital which they gave the name as Symbol hospital in Benin but the hospital turned out to be a fake one. Her killers eventually told the family of Cynthia’s death and the MTN assisted the family in tracking the area where the calls were made from Festac town in Lagos. They said it was when friends whom she told of her trip to Lagos to get her goods did not see her return on the appointed day that they got worried and called the f a m i l y . Meanwhile, Miss Patience John, the sales girl who assisted the late Cynthia in her boutique described her late boss as very humane. A condolence register has been opened in her family home and sympathizers who had one good thing or the other to say about her were seen signing the register.

•Cynthia Osokogu

State police: Threat to national unity – Politicians D

ESPITE the tactical with drawal of northerner governors for the clamour of State Police, the southern governors seem to have returned to the trenches insisting on their earlier stand but politicians outrightly condemned the creation of State Police. In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, renowned politicians declared that creation of state police will jeopardise the fragile unity of the country. Elder Wole Oyelese, former Minister of Power and Steel said the creation of state police will give room for abuse and molestation of citizens. The elderstatesman stated that historically, the evil of state police cannot be forgotten in a hurry. “We should not forget that the primary function of the police is to maintain law and order but you now see that situation can be abused. “I will not know how they will be able to maintain sanity. And that is one of the terrible evils because if the governor is not the kind of individual who knows the implication of the state police is in the right way, there might be chaos because the state police will be turned against opposition party,” he said. Similarly, first civilian state governor of Plateau State, Chief Solomon Lar urges caution, recalling that similar idea was implemented in 1950s to late 1970 and the term “Yan Doka” was used for the state but lamented that politicians at that time used officers of the state police to harass, intimidate and oppress perceived enemies until the cre-

I.G. Abubakar ation of the Nigeria Police. The politician cautioned that thorough home work must be done so that such idea would not be detrimental to the development of the nation. Collaborating this view, Senator Clever Ikisikkp representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District told Saturday Vanguard that Nigeria is not ripe for the creation of state police. The lawmaker who predicated his position on the inordinate ambition of some state governors recalled with nostalgia the excesses of the defunct Bayelsa security outfit “Operation Famou Tamgbe” funded by former Governor Timpire Sylva. Ikisikpo who applauded the effort of the Vigilante group towards crime reduction in the state, also described it as a terror machine of some privileged politicians and the state governor. According to him, the group unleashed mayhem and

violated the rights of the citizens as well as perceived opponents of the administration. Senator Ikisikpo said though the country have about 350,000 policemen, if those in support of state police feel we don’t have enough, they are free to ask the federal government to recruit more personnel instead of calling for the creation of state police. Also, elderstatesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti described the creation of state police as an exercise in futility. “I don’t think it will work in this country because people have not really learnt to live up to their expectations. The aspect I don’t like is the possibilities of Nigerians using it to feather their own nests. You know the Nigerian factor, after some time, they become instrument in the hands of the state,” he said. Senator Isa Kachako in his reaction posited that the creation of state police will further compound the problem of ethnicity which the country is currently experiencing. The lawmaker warned that nobody should attempt to further polarise Nigeria by canvassing an idea that is not in concert with federalism. “It is not a sign of unity that officers of the Nigerian police would be asked to go and serve in their various sates. Sooner or later, they will begin to agitate for regional or state army. It is not an idea for us as a people. Nigeria is not yet ripe for that. I don’t support it. Let Nigeria police be,” he said. Additionally, Ijaw Council for Human Rights (ICHR), Com-

rade Patterson Ogon stated that the issue of state police should be discorded for now, citing the inherent contradiction in the Nigeria democratic experiment. Ogon who is one of the architects of the famous Kaiama declaration said “the confusion and debate over the creation of state police remains the biggest challenge in the Nigeria democratic experience. His word: Sadly, state police will be very unhelpful in building and sustaining the promotion and defence of social justice because the democratic institutions in Nigeria such as the judiciary, police and other organise of law enforcement are so weak and lack the character and content expected to act independently of the executive arm of government,” he said. Additionally, elderstatesman and retired police commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Babamkowa warned that the current agitation and attempt by some groups to introduce state police against the existing status quo will relegate the country to precolonial era where tyranny reigns supreme. Alhaji Babamkowa further warned that state police will further empower the state governors to dominate their political environment without recourse to other tenants of democracy. The retired police officer who stated that the way and manner governors used police and other security agencies in their states against opposition parties during the conduct of local government election is enough indication that state police will not be a welcomed development in Nigeria.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Lost in the wilderness By JAcob Ajom

ridget Azin Omang is just 30, a mother of two. She is a single parent whose plan for a good life saw her pass through the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Obubra although she could not secure a job before the unforeseen happened. Bridget fell ill and became a psychiatric case. She ran mad. Real mad and this did not make things easier for her parents who have searched everywhere for a solution. After a futile search in their state the family decided to go for a spiritual solution. Bridget’s mother, Madam Nkagbor Agbor, told this reporter that she decided to take her daughter to a popular church located in Ikotun, Lagos state. Madam Nkagbor and her sick daughter arrived Shomolu, Lagos May 29 and on the 30th headed straight for Ikotun. “On getting there, things did not go as smooth as I had thought,”she said, Everything that will stand as an attacker of your life shall be disgraced this year. The bible says that any tree not planted by God shall be uprooted. Believe God and you shall be established, believe His prophet so shall you prosper. No matter the design or plan of the devil and his agents concerning you and all your concerns, know for a surety that they shall surely fail. Who is he that has spoken and shall come to pass when the Lord has not spoken? Listen, no matter your present circumstances God has the final say always. His word is final authority. His word is forever settled in heaven. Everything that is in you that appears dead or that is dead will rise again. Once again I beseech you to just receive and believe this word of the Lord. He sent D

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hey left the church. “At Ikotun motor park, the unexpected happened,” I turned round to buy pure water and I thought my daughter was by my side. On buying the water, I turned to give her one sachet water but

His word and healed them and delivered them from destruction. Hear me, God’s word cannot fail. The entire world is upheld by the power of God’s word. In John 11, Lazarus was sick and later died. He had been buried for four days and was already stinking when Jesus got there. In this case the devil thought he has succeeded in cutting short the life of Lazarus and that Lazarus story was over but then

Bridget Azin Omang she was nowhere to be found.” She has not been seen ever since. Madam Nkagbor Agbor still

got to Shomolu where she raised an alarm. At Shomolu she heard of a meeting of her clan, the Kakwagom Family

Divine alteration

recalling that “ we met long queues of people from all over the country and abroad in wait to see Pastor T. B. Joshua.” “We spent two days and two nights waiting, without success,”she recalled sadly. After an agonising and futile wait, the woman who looks shattered decided to return to Shomolu. With their clothes dirty and in need of a refreshing bath, coupled with the fear of another long and hopeless wait, Bridget’s mother felt a temporary return to Shomolu might do them some good. She decided to take her daughter away and prepare for another day she could return to the church with her.

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there is a God who has a plan for His people. While people were weeping Jesus came to divinely alter the plan of satan concerning Lazarus. The one that was dead and stinking was brought back to life by His word and multitudes gathered together to see him. Hear the Spirit of the Lord, for you it is not over until you win. Don’t accept your present situation as final. The Glory of the Lord shall be seen all over you. The God who altered Lazarus situation is alive and will do the same for you. The devil shall not rejoice over you nor sing your last song.

Beloved, this is not your last bus stop. There is still a great journey ahead of you. The doctors or financial report is not a determinant of who you are or what God is capable of doing. The bible says now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us (Eph. 3:20). God shall divinely alter the plans of your enemies and challenges. Know that God is a master planner. The economic meltdown that the world is experiencing has caused nations, companies and individuals to suffer great losses. Many have committed suicide

meeting in Lagos. Her entrance into the venue interrupted proccedings, according to the President of the Kakwagom Family meeting Lagos, Emmanuel Ayim. “She was shouted down and almost sent out of the meeting, by members who did not either know her or felt she did not follow the rules.” But Ayim said he pleaded with them to allow her talk and she was able to relate her story. “We took it up and immediately I contacted the senior operations officer at the Kirikiri Police Station,” Ayim recalled. The Police said they could not act on the information as the girl did not get lost in the church, although anybody who finds her can report to the nearest Police station. Right now, the search for Bridget continues. Anyone who sees her can contact Emmanuel Ayim, Phone number 08056279145. or the Senior Operations Officer, Kirikiri Police Station, phone number 08024772906

while some are contemplating suicide. Many can’t see their way out and things are getting more difficult. Despite this condition, there is good news for you. In 1st kings 17, a woman was in a very difficult situation just like everyone else in the land. There was great scarcity of food and water. Barrenness was the order of the day. It was a case of everyman for himself and God for us all. This widow had an encounter with God through the prophet of God. She said to God’s prophet “as the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruise, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it and die. And Elijah said unto her………for thus saith the Lord God of Isreal, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruise of oil fail, until the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth……and the barrel of meal wasted not, neither the cruise of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which

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: 07029235279, 07029235280. 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.

He spake by Elijah”. From the above text the woman has made up her mind to eat her last meal and die. But then God had set out to divinely alter her situation by sending Prophet Elijah to her. At the end she believed God’s prophet and obeyed his instruction and began to prosper in the midst of lack. Instead of death she began to celebrate life. This did not come as a result of her own strength but by the mercies of God that divinely altered her destiny. Know that your destiny is not in the hands of any man or devil. If you will turn to God and ask Him to alter any challenge in your life He will do it. No situation is greater than Him. He is the most High. I pray that God by His mercies shall extend His grace to you to divinely alter your life into His perfect plan for you in Jesus name, amen. God bless you and alter your life in to His perfect will and bless and alter the great destiny of our great nation Nigeria. Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer. Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012—53

Police kill four robbery suspects during shoot-out in Lagos BY EVELYN USMAN & RUTH CHUKWUEMEKA

OUR suspected mem bers of a notorious robbery gang that has been terrorizing residents of Ilasamaja and its environs were at the early hours of yesterday shot dead during a gun duel with a team of policemen from Ilasamaja division. The robbers numbering over seven as gathered, stormed a building on Ibadan street where they reportedly held the residents hostage and carried out a room-to room operation. They reportedly dispossessed the residents of cash, phones and other valuables. They however met their Waterloo, when the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ilamaja division, Mr Ochogwu Ogbe, drafted Anti robbery policemen to the scene, following a distress call he received. Sighting the policemen, the robbers reportedly opened

fire and during the cross fire, four of them laid dead. Residents of the area throng the police station as early as 7am to their surprise, the dead suspects were discovered to be res-

idents of the area. The onlookers identified two of the dead men as members of the Bale chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. Their identities were given as

Soji Afolabi and Ahmed Babalola, both from Ondo state , who resided number 3 Osoyintola and 3 Sofuye streets respectively. One of them was also said to be a member of the outlawed

Odua Peoples Congress. Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide said two of the dead suspects were arrested last month for vandalizing a

vehicle but hinted that they were later released after the complainant decided to withdraw the case , saying he did not want to go to court.

NUPENG members resume work at Apapa, Ejigbo depots

EMBERS of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria (NUPENG) have commenced full loading of petroleum products at

Ejigbo and Apapa depots in Lagos. Saturday Vanguard gathered on Friday that normalcy had returned as many workers and marketers were seen

negotiating for turns to load. The proposed strike was called off on Thursday night by the NUPENG President, Mr Achese Igwe.

Mr Isiaka Aremu Yayah, the Auditor General of Petroleum Tanker Drivers Unit, Sahara Unit, confirmed that full operation had commenced following NU-

Over 1,000 AK 47 rifles in illegal hands in Okene — Commissioner

HE Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Mohammed Katsina, said on Friday that more than 1,000 AK 47 rifles were among the dangerous weapons believed to be in circulation in Okene and its environs. He said this in Lokoja while parading some suspects,

including a man in whose possession two AK 47 rifles, belonging to two soldiers killed in Okene on Aug. 7, were found. Katsina said that politicians and clan heads were responsible for the massive illegal circulation of rifles in Okene and the entire Central

Senatorial District. “There is no Boko Haram in Okene,” Katsina said, adding that the killing of 17 worshippers at the Deeper Life Bible Church at Eikha-Adagu, Okene, on Aug. 6 and two soldiers near the secretariat of Okene Local Government Council on Aug.

7, were “pure cases of armed robbery and political attack”. He also said that all those arrested in connection with the two incidents and other crimes in the area were all Ebira-speaking indigenes from Okene and other surrounding towns.

PENG President’s directive. “ We have started full loading of petroleum products this morning as directed by the President of NUPENG and every truck driver has been collecting the products and moving to their locations,” he said. Yayah appealed to the Federal Government to address some of the issues raised by their union like the repair of the Apapa-Wharf road. “This is the only road used by the tanker drivers to load petroleum products and it has not been repaired since 1983.”

54—SATURDAY Vanguard,AUGUST 25, 2012

myself and the late Oba of Benin, no other person. In 1959 too, I went to Obas and Chiefs conference which was published in Southern Nigerian Defender. The Oba whom I went with to Obas and Chiefs conference have gotten their own states. Why can’t we get our own state? Being the second longest reigning king in the whole world, can’t they give me that right and honour. They should give me that right. I want a State, Anioma State .

Virtue is the one and only nobility, according to Juvenal, a Roman poet. That was what flashed through my mind when an 88 year-old monarch, Obi James Ikechukwu Anyasi II, the Obi of the ancient kingdom of Idumuje-Unor in Aniocha North local government area of Delta State began to share the secret behind his longevity, why he has is waxing stronger day by day despite his age. It was indeed, very clear that imbibing the right virtues in life is a leading path to stardom. As this reporter saw him bending down like a teenager while digging into his archives without optical aid for relevant literature materials about himself and the kingdom, shuttling from one place to the other in such an alacrity, shortly before the commencement of this interview, the inquisitive mind has no choice than to commence this way: Your Royal Majesty, what really is the secret of your longevity? The secret of my longevity is that since I was enthroned, I tried to be very careful with myself. In the olden days, traditional rulers used to marry many wives and from there, getting many wives became a stress in life. I avoided that. I never married many wives. I have only two wives, one is late and I have only one now. I am not a drunkC M Y K

ard. I don’t drink, I avoid those things that can stress somebody. I don’t think much , I don’t think about riches. I just keep myself as God created me. Doing all these made me to be much younger. But before then, I have to come back to say that when I was installed the Obi of Idumuje-Unor on the 9th of October 1946, I was already a Christian . But by

By Austin Ogwuda

palace and keep it aside, God should renew me to start life again. I called Christian pastors and they helped me to remove them. After removing them from that place which was forbidden, I started to build a church there. And since then, God actually started to renew me. Are you saying that you single handedly em-

The secret of my longevity is that since I was enthroned, I tried to be very careful with myself. In the first place, in the olden days, traditional rulers used to marry many wives and from there, getting many wives became a stress in life. I avoided that.

the time I came into the throne, they started to drag me into idol worship. I managed to follow them up to 1958 and then, I decided to tell the community that I won’t be serving two gods. I want to follow one God. The old palace which they built for many years, when my father died the palace was deserted. It became a bush but when I was installed, it was there that they made a throne for me. They asked me to move away from that place to come down to this area ( present palace) because of the evils they have done there. I actually decided to follow one God and I told God that if I remove idol worship in that

barked on the building of the church at the old palace site? Yes, but people are helping me. It is a chapel just closer to the old palace. Because I handed over to God, God started to make things to be better than when I was worshipping idol. Wasn’t there opposition from at least some of your chiefs who were not willing to give up idol worship? There was nothing like opposition because I didn’t deprive anybody from worshiping his own god. Before I did it , I called a town’s meeting and told them. In fact, this book I gave to you entitled,

‘The Dawn of a New Era’ says it all. There was no opposition. What do you think would be the role of traditional rulers as amendment into the 1999 Constitution is about to be carried out? Yes, in the South-South Monarch Forum, I was made the chairman to say something about the changing of the Constitution. I made a remark that traditional rulers during the colonial era were given a chance in Government. But since the presidential system , it never gave room to traditional rulers. We are now saying that the Federal Government should give them a place. They should give us a place and maintain us because before the colonial masters came, we were the government, we were everything. With the colonial masters gone, politicians relegated us to the background; even though some traditional rulers used to go and lobby and find their way but that is not the proper thing in this country. On quest for creation of Anioma State ? I don’t believe in dividing the power. Why I am saying this is that after my installation in 1946, in 1950, myself and the late Oba of Benin were chosen by the colonial masters to go to a meeting at Ibadan to discuss the welfare of traditional rulers that time. We went in the name of Benin province. It was only

From my interaction with one of your subjects, Chuks Egbe, I understand you want to embark on foreign trips to further broaden your horizon on cross culture. Which of the countries do you intend visiting? Yes, it is true, I have decided because I have toured parts of Nigeria . This time now, I am preparing to go outside the country. Even the Queen of England, all the celebrations I have been doing, I used to invite her. My last invitation of 65 years on the throne was passed through the embassy. I have to go first of all to where there is monarchy. I will like to visit the King of Thailand which I am second to even though he is not well. Can you please tell us the advantage of the monarchical system and other traditional systems of government? The advantage is that where you have , monarchy , it’s just like the Queen, you know all the powers she has. If you come to Nigeria where you have monarchy in place , they have very good respect. They respect it more than where traditional rulers are appointed and rotated and whatever manner. But a hereditary system is more comfortable to the community. How can dignity be restored to the traditional stool, what is really your advice to your colleagues? Some of my colleagues don’t respect themselves. For instance, as I am saying now, some of them go about fighting to get contracts. Why should a traditional ruler be looking for money that way. It’s a shame. This will now make them to be insulated. The advice I have for them is that everybody should mind his domain. Communities should not go against a traditional ruler recognized by government and dethrone him. That is an abomination . I have heard of some of the communities where they are making trouble that they dethrones this one, appointed another. That is condemnable.

SA TURD AY V anguard, August 25 SATURD TURDA Vanguard, 25,, 2012 — 55

Transfer Update...Transfer Update....

Wenger ´w or king´ on more signings ´wor orking´ A RSENAL manager Arsene Wenger says the club could still be involved in some late transfer business as the window

Ferguson rules out more signings at U nit ed Unit nited

ANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists the club will not be signing any more players this summer. Ferguson said that the purchase of Angelo Henriquez would be the last piece of transfer business that the club is involved in. ”We definitely won’t be buying anyone else,” Ferguson said on Friday. ”There is no movement about anyone going the other

•Ferguson

way.” After tracking Henriquez for a number of years, Ferguson was pleased to conclude their final signing of the transfer window by bringing in the exciting striker, having been impressed with his form and development over the past few months. ”Henriquez is on his way

back to Manchester, he had to go back to Chile,” he said. ”He came over when he was 15 and 16. We kept in close contact with him and, when he got to 18, it was a matter of whether or not we left him for another year or decided to get him in. ”But he had such a good summer, that we decided to bring him in.”

AVB cage aar t’s future cageyy on Der V Vaar aart’s

OTTENHAM manager An dre Villas-Boas has refused to rule out the possibility of Rafael van der Vaart leaving the club this summer. “In football you never know. Anything can happen but he’s a player we are counting on. This is football. If I let Rafa go it’s because I’ve allowed him to go. It’s not because someone is forcing me to. He’s a player I obviously count on. Rafa was very unlucky because when he came back from his vacation after the Euros he got injured in the game against LA Galaxy so he missed most of our pre-season in America.

•Villas-Boas ”He was a player that came back to us late so the selection was pretty straightforward for Gylfi Sigurdsson in the game against Newcastle. Now Rafa has trained with us all week and he’s looking strong and is in contention.

Yes, Nigeria can win Olympic medals in 2020 N

IGERIA’S dismal outing at London 2012 made me cast my mind back some 15 plus years to some of my experiences while working in Nigeria as the National Marketing Manager for the Seven Up Bottling Company and being very involved in sport and sports development. In addition to the Pepsi Football Academy [founded in 1992 and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year], I was also directly involved in the sponsorship of the Pepsi Pro League, the Pepsi Female National League, the Super Falcons and the Seven Up Basketball League. Additionally, I was ‘formally’ appointed to assist, as best as I could, on several sports committees as:· Chairman of the NFA’s Female Football Development Project Team · Member of the Organising Committee for the 1st AfriC M Y K

can Women’s Championships. · Deputy Chairman of the National Collegiate Sports Foundation · Chairman of the Organising Committee for the All Nigeria Secondary Schools Shell Cup · Deputy Chairman of the Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Competition · Member of the NFA’s Committee on the Nigerian Professional League · Participant in the Vision 2010 for Sports · Member of the National Sports Hall of Fame, Board of Trustees · Trustee of the Kanu Heart Foundation My experiences from my involvement all conclude with the reality that success in the development of sport [and some Olympic medals for Nigeria in 2020] is absolutely realistic, with one proviso only:Those involved in planning and administering the vital sports development programs over the years ahead must have

•Wenger

Allardyce keen on poaching Carroll only finish with Matt and no-

Olympics FALLOUT!

BY IAIN NELSON

edges towards its close. “Some things can still happen,” Wenger told the club’s official website. ”I don’t want make a promise that I cannot keep. It does not only depend on me. But there still could be some action on the transfer market - ins and outs. ”We are working in the market. We’ll see what we can do. ”The transfer market is open for two months and yet for one month and three weeks it is nearly closed. It wakes up completely in the last week and then every minute becomes important. ”Everybody has played for time for seven or eight weeks and now suddenly everyone is in a hurry. And that is when the most intense activity happens.”

Iain Nelson CCI. C: Committed. They have to be really committed to their task within the development program C: Competent. They must be very competent in fulfilling their role within the development program I: Integrity. Their integrity can never be in question Without the involvement of committed and competent people with integrity, any project or developmental program cannot succeed in achieving the objectives set. Let me share some of my experiences. As Consultant to The Pepsi Football Academy:Since 1992 the motto and the focus of the academy has remained as “Committed to the

body else I would be happy with the squad I’ve got. ”While it is not quite as big as I’d like it to be, I think it has got a lot of quality. My problem is there may not be funds available for Andy now.. If Andy became available or anybody became available and they wanted to join West Ham, I would ask the owners. At the moment that is not the case and we just have to wait and see if and when that situation arises.”

development of today’s youth and Nigeria’s future stars.” By all accounts the Pepsi Football Academy has helped the development of thousands of youngsters, many of whom have gone onto successfully progress their careers as professional footballers [Mikel, Osaze, Apam to name a few] Some of the lessons from the Pepsi Football Academy are that it solely focuses on football development [in effect it’s an example of a ‘vertical’ approach to youth sports development]. And, those involved possess CCI. Chairman of The NFA’s Female Football Development Project Team:I viewed this task as a marketing challenge. The ‘product’ [female football] existed but had not achieved ‘brand’ status....in other words, not many people were either interested nor aware of it. We needed to significantly raise the sports profile and knowing that success breeds success we focussed on the Falcons and ensured the 1st African Women’s Championships were held in Nigeria. We further raised the sports profile by ensuring that some of the Falcons themselves became almost household names through their appearances as interviewees on many TV programs.The Falcons. of course, won the 1st AWC and went onto the FIFA World Cup in the USA and then to Sydney 2,000.

One of the lessons from this experience was the benefit of focussing on the stars themselves....we tried and succeeded I believe in turning them into role models, attracting many more young girls into the sport. As Deputy Chairman of the National Collegiate Sports Foundation :This was an interesting initiative of the late Sports Minister Emeka Omeruah. His wish was to further help the development of sport in Nigeria, not with government funding but through the efforts of the foundation to attract private funding in support of sports development programs. Those appointed from the private sector as part of the foundation included, as Chairman, the Chairman of IGI, and myself as Deputy Chairman. From the world of sport, we had the then Secretary General of the NFA and from the public sector we had representatives from the ministry of education. I suppose we were the first attempt at a “Private/Public” initiative!! Certainly I recall the different views and approaches of those from the private and the public sectors and, in retrospect, some of the appointed members of the foundation were more ‘political’ rather than ‘practical’ appointees.

EST Ham boss Sam Al lardyce has stated that the club have not yet given up in their pursuit of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. “Many things in the final week of the transfer window emerge and should it be the case that we would be able to do something then I think it would probably only be a loan. We would see if we could pursue it and clinch it, but if we

Continues tomorrow .. Nelson is Consultant to Pepsi Football Academy

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 25, 2012

Okorodudu blames father for woes — Page 54

NATIONS CUP CRACKER:

EPL FIXTURES Swansea Aston Villa Man Utd Norwich Southampton Sunderland Tottenham Chelsea

v v v v v v v v

West Ham Everton Fulham QPR Wigan Reading West Brom Newcastle

12:45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 5:30pm

Keshi drops Mikel, Osaze again ...invites Moses, Yobo for Liberia

UPER Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi has called up Skipper Joseph Yobo and Russia-based powerplaying forward Emmanuel Emenike, as well as eight other overseasbased players for next month’s final 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Liberia in Monrovia. At a meeting in the NFF Secretariat in Abuja yesterday, the former libero briefed the NFF Technical Sub-Committee on his conviction about all players on the list and it was duly approved. Also listed are goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, defenders Efe Ambrose and Elderson Echiejile, midfielder Obiora Nwankwo and forwards Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Ikechukwu Uche. Effervescent midfielder Nosa Igiebor and inform marksman Brown Ideye complete the list of 11 players, who will team up with the homebased players that played a 0-0 draw with the Mena of Niger in an international friendly in Niamey last week. Chairman of the NFF Technical Sub-Committee, Barrister Chris Green, said after the meeting: “Coach Keshi gave his reasons for inviting each of the players and we all agreed with him that these players are in good form presently and will do the job for Nigeria against Liberia.” INVITED FOREIGNBASED PLAYERS Goalkeeper: Vincent

BROTHERLY WAR....Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel (R) battles Victor Moses of Wigan during a match.on August 19. Chelsea won 2-0.

Victor Moses is Chelsea’s future — RDM •Opens up on Osaze, R Mikel’s exclusion

Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Ashdod FC, Israel); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal) Midfielders and Forwards: Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic, England); Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal, Spain); Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine)

Foreign pros don’t frighten me — Reuben — Page 54

OBERTO Di Matteo has said that Victor Moses will play a key part in the club’s future. “Roberto Martinez has done a wonderful job with this player since signing

him. He’s really developed him.“He had a very good season last year and hopefully we can progress his development.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

“He can play on either wing and will give the team width. He is a joker of sorts. He has good dribbling ability, has pace and is powerful.

“We’ve tried very hard to get this player. We like him very much. He’s young and hopefully he’ll be the future of the club.”

ACROSS 1. Qatari Capital City (4) 3. EFCC spokesman, Mr. Femi (8) 7. Super Eagles Midfielder, Haruna (6) 10. L.G.A. In FCT, Abuja (4) 11. Hazard (4) 12. Adult Female Cattle (3) 13.NFF Vice President, Chief Mike (4) 15. Egypt ‘Pharaohs’ Goalkeeper, Essam (8) 18. Tree from which Wine is produced (4) 20. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Abdulwaheed (4) 22. Iraq Prime Minister, Nuri (8) 25. He invented the Telephone, Alexander (3) 26.Minister of Science & Technology, Bassey Henshaw (3) 27.Anambra State Capital (4) 29. France “Ligue 1” Clubside (4) 30.L.G.A. In Ogun State (6) 32. Ivory Coast National President, Alassane (8) 33.State in Nigeria Known as

“Fountain of Knowledge”? (4) DOWN 1.Juventus Striker, Alessandro (8) 2.Limb (3) 3.Benin Republic National President, Mr. Yayi (4) 4.L.G.A. In Zamfara State (8) 5.Ebonyi State Governor, Martin(6) 6.Ethnic Grove in Nigeria (4) 8.Hebrew Alphabet (4) 9.Parched (4) 14. Sinister (4) 16. Land Measurement Unit (4) 17.‘Halian’ Serie A’ Clubside (8) 19. Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday (8) 21. Former Nigerian President, Sani (6) 23. L.G.A. in Akwa Ibom State (4) 24. Ferrous Metal (4) 26. Resound (4) 28. Papua New Guinea Currency (4) 31. State in Nigeria Known as “Heart Beat of The Nation”? (3)

SOLUTION ON PAGE 53

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