SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 2019

$1.3bn Malabu Oil Scandal: Shell Faces Fresh Criminal Charges in Netherlands OPEC February oil output drops further Chika Amanze-Nwachuku with agency report Royal -Dutch Shell is to face criminal charges before Dutch prosecutors over its involvement in the

controversial sale of the $1.3 billion Oil Prospecting License (OPL 245), otherwise known as Malabu Oil Block.

The lucrative oil block was jointly acquired by Eni and Shell from Malabu Oil and

Gas, a company owned by a former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete.

Etete, who was oil minister under the Sani Abacha administration, was alleged to have used his official position

to allocate the lucrative oil prospecting license to Malabu, a company he had interest.

Reuters reported yesterday that Shell admitted that it had been informed by the Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office that

“it had nearly concluded its Nigeria investigation and was preparing criminal charges directly or indirectly related to Shell’s 2011 settlement of disputes over the OPL 245 oilfield off the West African

nation’s coast.�

A spokeswoman for the Dutch prosecutors was quoted by the newswire to have said: “Based on the preliminary Continued on page 6

APC NWC Suspends Amosun, Okorocha, Recommends Duo for Expulsion‌ Page 6 Saturday 2 March, 2019 Vol 24. No 8728

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Abdulsalami, Kukah Take Atiku’s Grievances to President PDP: Nobody can stop us from going to court

Omololu Ogunmade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

FIRST BANK@125...

L-R: Group Chairman, First Bank Holdings, Dr. Oba Otudeko; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu; Managing Director, First Bank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntun and Chairman, First Bank, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, at the ag hoisting to commence the 125th anniversary celebration of the bank in Lagos‌ yesterday etop ukutt

Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Revd.

Matthew Kukah, yesterday reported the discontent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over last Saturday's presidential poll to President Muhammadu Continued on page 6

Buhari Vows to Face Economy Squarely, Tackle Unemployment Says next 4 years will be tough Theresa May, Pompeo, Erdogan, congratulate President Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, admitted that unemployment in the country was now very severe, promising to focus squarely on the economy in his second term in office.

The President stated this

while hosting members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) that came to congratulate him on his re-election, at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa.

On the same day, the United States Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, the United

Kingdom Prime Minister, Theresa May and Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, separately congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, on his re-election.

Buhari said while receiving the FEC members: "On the economy, unemployment is a problem of this country as a

whole. More than 60 per cent of the youths, they need to be kept busy. I realised that God heard our prayers. It had been two good rainy seasons and we had the foresight to get the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Central Bank to try and give soft loans to farmers so that

everybody that is educated and looking for white collar jobs and cannot get it, can go back to the land.�

He said the next four years would be tough: "My last lap of four years, I think it is going to be tough because people are being forgetful. That was why wherever I went, I reminded

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them of the campaign promise of our party, particularly security, as I kept on saying that you have to secure the country well and institutions.

If you don't secure the country, you can't achieve anything no matter how many programmes Continued on page 6

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Ë&#x153; ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î

PAGE SIX

APC NWC Suspends Amosun, Okorocha, Recommends Duo for Expulsion Okorocha kicks, says Oshiomhole out to destroy party Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Amby Uneze Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C; The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, for alleged anti-party activities.

The party also suspended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani and

the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu for the same reason.

In a swift reaction, Okorocha accused the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole of plotting to destroy the party.

The decision to suspend the party chieftains was reached yesterday at a meeting of the party's NWC, presided by the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

In a statement issued by APCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, the party said it also recommended the expulsion of the suspended individuals to its National Executive Committee (NEC).

APC further asked its members to disregard directives and actions of the suspended individuals, saying the party would continue to live by the dictate of its constitution.

The party said it would also

issue a query to the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu over his glaring anti-party activities, which greatly affected the fortunes of their candidates in the recently-conducted presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

Before wielding the latest hammer, the APC said it had written to the suspended governors on their anti-party activities.

APC said that several other

steps were taken to ensure they desist from taking actions that were inimical to the interests of their party and candidates.

"Notably, these individuals have not shown any remorse and have actually stepped up their actions. The party reviewed the serial anti-party activities of the concerned individuals before and during the last presidential and National Assembly elections in their respective states and resolved to enforce party

discipline in line with our constitution," it said.

The APC pointed out that the suspended members have continued to campaign openly for other parties and candidates that are unknown to the party, â&#x20AC;&#x153;even while they have constituted themselves as opposition to APC candidates in their respective states.â&#x20AC;?

Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Theresa May and Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, yesterday separately congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, on his re-election at the February 23, 2019 presidential poll.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Pompeo congratulated the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election.

According to Adesina, the US Secretary of State also commended all Nigerians who participated peacefully in the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections and condemned those whose acts of violence, he said, were harmful to Nigerians and the electoral process.

He quoted Pompeo as saying, "We note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the

overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We also congratulate all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process. We call on all Nigerians to ensure successful state elections next week. Going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations."

Adesina also said Buhari received separate telephone calls from UK Prime Minister May and Turkish President Erdogan, congratulating him on his re-election and wishing the Nigerian people progress and prosperity.

He added that Buhari thanked the two leaders for their unflinching support to Nigeria and her people and pledged his commitment to continue to work with them to advance various areas of cooperation.

Continued on page 53

BUHARI VOWS TO FACE ECONOMY SQUARELY, TACKLE UNEMPLOYMENT you put in place.â&#x20AC;?

The President also stated that he deliberately campaigned in all the 36 states of the country, taking two at a time, to prove to the opposition groups that he was fit, and not to let any state feel left out.

He also expressed gratitude to God that the agriculture sector had helped a lot in strengthening the economy through what he described as soft loans to farmers, pointing out that agricultural output has consequently been rewarding because of the steady rainy seasons.

The President, who thanked God for the steady rainfall, submitted that investment in agriculture would have been a futile effort if there had been no good and promising rainy seasons.

He praised states such as Lagos, Ogun, Kebbi, Jigawa, and Ebonyi, which he said had played notable roles in stopping rice importation through large

scale rice cultivation especially with the unpredictable state of the oil sector.

He further added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are lucky the rainy season had been good. I think we are also lucky that through the governors in some states like Lagos, Ogun, Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, in particular, we don't import rice but we have savings from rice in terms of foreign exchange which we put in the budget and use for infrastructure.

"That is a very good thing because the oil sector is becoming very difficult to predict. It is becoming unpredictable and depending on it makes us materially insecure but thank goodness, agriculture has come to save it and people are appreciating it."

Earlier, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, while speaking on behalf of the cabinet members, said Buhari's victory at the poll was well deserved,

describing it as a referendum on integrity, uprightness and sincerity.

According to the SGF, the president had through the tripod of his campaign promises on security, economy and the fight against corruption, laid a firm foundation for purposeful leadership, which he said would take Nigeria to the next level.

He said: "Your Excellency, the change you promised four years ago to put the Nigerian economy on a sustainable development path; restore security of lives and property; and to fight corruption has laid the firm foundation for growth. Your commitment, dedication and purposeful leadership have indeed become the springboard that has taken us to the next level.

"Your Excellency, members of the Federal Executive Council are particularly delighted because Nigerians have validated and rewarded the long rigorous hours we spent in this Council

Chamber to deliberate on matters of national importance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You led us with assured calmness, understanding and ensured that we gave account of our stewardship openly," the SGF said.

He listed such reforms to include treasury savings account (TSA), bank verification number (BVN), open government partnership, whistle blower policy and federal civil service reform and implementation plan, among others, saying all the reforms have helped to make the public service more effective.â&#x20AC;?

Mustapha added: "Similarly, the leadership of the public service is happy because this reelection will deepen the on-going reforms aimed at strengthening its capacity for the delivery of good governance.

US, UK, Turkey Congratulate Buhari Meanwhile, the United States

$1.3BN MALABU OIL SCANDAL: SHELL FACES FRESH CRIMINAL CHARGES IN NETHERLANDS criminal investigation, public prosecutors concluded that there are prosecutable offencesâ&#x20AC;?.

In the charges before a Milan court, prosecutors alleged that the Shell and Eni knew that around $1.1 billion used for the acquisition of OPL 245 would be used to pay politicians, businessmen and middlemen. Both oil firms have denied any wrongdoing.

Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi and four ex-Shell managers, including its former head of upstream, Malcolm Brinded, are also facing charges of international corruption in the Milan trial.

An anti-corruption campaigner

at Global Witness which investigated the Nigeria case, Barnaby Pace was quoted as saying that the Dutch announcement â&#x20AC;&#x153;is an encouraging sign that no company is above the law. We look forward to the Dutch process getting to the truth of this deal.â&#x20AC;?

It was alleged that top government officials were offered bribes by the oil firms in their bid to frustrate governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to recover OPL 245.

In 2007, the House of Representatives Committee on Justice probing the Malabu oil deal had summoned former President Goodluck Jonathan to

testify before the ad-hoc panel investigating the deal.

Jonathan, however, in a statement by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, denied allegations that he received a bribe of $200 million as proceeds from the Malabu oil deal.

Some government officials linked to the criminal act, had been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Already, Shell and its partner, Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eni, both major players in the upstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry are currently facing charges of bribery in a trial in Milan over the

same deal, in what is considered the oil industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest-ever corruption trial.

The acting Chairman, of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, had last year vowed that the commission was revving up its investigations into the Malabu Oil scandal, and vowed that those found culpable would be prosecuted in line with the law.

In another development, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil supply fell to a four-year low of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) in February, a survey by Reuters has revealed.

According to the survey, top

exporter Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies over-delivered on the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply pact while Venezuelan output registered a further involuntary decline.

The drop of 300,000 bpd comes despite criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Monday tweeted a call for the group to ease its efforts to boost prices, saying they were â&#x20AC;&#x153;getting too highâ&#x20AC;?.

On January 1, OPEC and its allies began new production cuts to avert a glut that could soften prices. OPEC sources say the deal will go ahead despite Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pressure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are sticking to the plan,â&#x20AC;?

Reuters quoted one OPEC source to have said when asked about Trumpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tweet.

The 14 OPEC members pumped 30.68 million barrels per day (bpd) in February, the survey showed on Friday, the lowest OPEC total since 2015, according to Reuters surveys.

Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total of 30.98 million bpd was not revised.

Oil has risen to $66 a barrel after a dip below $50 in December, boosted by lower Saudi output, involuntary curbs in other OPEC countries and the prospect of lower supply from Venezuela after Trump imposed sanctions on its oil industry.

and Mr. President listened to us and has taken note of what we have told him.

"Well, Nigerians should please on behalf of this country and all of us, regardless, know that we need peace. This country is very, very important to all of us. We are not talking about self-interest; we are talking about the interest of the country.

"I keep saying, whenever there is violence, we are not going to see violence in Ikoyi, in the Villa and you will not find violence in the various government houses in this country. It is always the poor men that get to kill themselves and so on.

"So, please, yes, as much as we have grievances, l am glad that the PDP say they are going to court to challenge the process. l think this is the right way to go about it, and l hope and pray that we will maintain this.â&#x20AC;?

to Court

their strategy to ensure that PDP is distracted from pursuing its stolen mandate, Buhari's regime has decided to intensify their intimidation and strangulation of the opposition.

He noted that some prominent members of the opposition have been put on surveillance and their names listed to be stopped from traveling out of the country.

On the meeting with the Peace Committee, Secondus noted; â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was no condition.

Initially, we were not to talk with them because a decision had been taken to go to court.

But because of the personalities involved, we said ok, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just talk. It was no condition.

There was no request of any condition.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will go to court. Nobody will stop us from going to court and bring all of the facts both the international observers and some people have not seen. We will unearth them at the courts and I believe that justice will be done at the courts.â&#x20AC;?

ABDULSALAMI, KUKAH TAKE ATIKUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GRIEVANCES TO PRESIDENT Buhari in the State House.

This is coming on the heels of the declaration by the National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, that nobody can stop his party from approaching the court to reclaim its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stolen' mandate.

Abdulsalami, who led other members of the committee including Cardinal John Onaiyekan to a closed-door meeting with the president over the outcome of the February 23 presidential election, told journalists after the meeting that they tabled Atiku's grouse over the election before the president.

However, the former head of state who said the president listened to them and simultaneously noted the grievances of Atiku as presented to him, added that the former vice-president's decision to challenge the declaration of Buhari as the winner of the election in court was the right way to go.

The Chairman of the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu, had on February 27, declared Buhari as the winner of the February 23 presidential election.

According to Yakubu, Buhari polled a total of 15,191,847 to defeat Atiku whom he said scored 11,262,978 in the election.

But Atiku rejected the output of the election, describing it as a sham and the worst election in the country in recent times.

Consequently, on Thursday, the committee had met with Atiku, his running mate, Peter Obi, National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

At yesterday's meeting with Buhari, which lasted for an hour, and also attended by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, Abdusalami said the committee discussed

the complaints and observations of Atiku over the election with Buhari with a view to robbing minds on what could be done.

Disclosing that the quest of the committee is national peace, Abdusalami appealed to Nigerians to allow peace to prevail in the country, pointing out that whenever violence breaks out in the country, the masses are usually the victims.

He said, "Atiku presented his grievances and his observations.

He did not present any condition.

He gave his complaints, which we have presented and discussed with Mr. President to see what can be done."

He added, "Yesterday, l met the PDP Presidential candidate and his party in other to ensure peace that this committee is really after.

Our concern is about Nigeria.

And in other to listen to their grievances and what they think has gone wrong and we are here today to see His Excellency, the President in other to relay the fears and concerns of the PDP,

PDP: Nobody Can Stop Us from Going

Meanwhile, the PDP has vowed that nobody would stop the party from approaching the court to reclaim its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stolen' mandate.

Secondus, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja tagged, â&#x20AC;&#x153;APC Body Bag Electionâ&#x20AC;? in continuation of its update on last Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidential election, said that the party has enough evidence to approach the court.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders were threatening foreign election monitors with returning to their country on body bags, we didn't know that they had designed the same thing for Nigerians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As at the last count over 50 Nigerians have lost their lives last Saturday most of them from the South South region where a division of the army with their commander were turned on the people on the Election Day.â&#x20AC;?

Secondus noted that as part of

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î

NEWS

Ă?ĂĄĂ? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁĚ&#x161; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

LET PEACE REIGN...

L-R: The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Revd. Mathew Kukah; Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.); President Muhammadu Buhari; Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during an audience with members of the National Peace Committee at the State House, Abujaâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday

INEC to Conduct Rerun Election March 9, Decries Rape, Harassment of Staff AdedayoAkinwale Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that supplementary elections would be conducted in all areas where elections did not take place or where returns could not be made during the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 23, 2019.

The commission said the supplementary elections would be conducted on Saturday, March 9, 2019 alongside the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, disclosed

this in a statement yesterday, where the electoral umpire also decried high level of violence that characterised the February 23 polls.

INEC also expressed serious concern over the conduct of certain members of the security agencies in some states during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to Okoye, these decisions were taken during a meeting on Thursday, where INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) reviewed the February 23, 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections. Okoye said the meeting also assessed preparations for the governorship, State Houses

of Assembly and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections slated for Saturday, March 9, 2019.

He stressed that the meeting acknowledged the delays in the commencement of elections in a number of polling units, which necessitated the extension of the closing of polls in the affected areas, adding that the Commission was determined to rectify the identified challenges before the elections on 9th March.

Okoye stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The meeting noted a number of cancellations in certain areas due to violence, which prevented the Commission from deploying personnel and materials for the elections in a number of locations, it could not conclude the elections

due to disruptions and deliberate non-compliance with the use of the Smart Card Reader (SCR), contrary to the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consequently, the meeting decided that supplementary elections will be conducted in all areas where elections did not take place or where returns could not be made on Saturday, 9th March 2019 alongside the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The meeting also assessed the role of security agencies in the elections. While acknowledging their professionalism in the deployment of election personnel and materials in a safe and timely

manner, the conduct of certain members of the security agencies in some states is a matter of serious concern to the Commission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This matter will be further discussed directly with the Inspector General of Police within the ambit of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in preparation for the governorship, State Houses of Assembly and PCT Area Council elections.â&#x20AC;?

The commission further noted that although the elections were generally peaceful, the meeting observed and decried the high level of violence in a few places, which regrettably led to fatalities

in some states, in addition to the subjugation of some of its officials to threats, harassment, intimidation, assault, abduction and even rape.

The Commission however condoled with the families of its ad-hoc staff who lost their lives while on this national assignment, as well as other Nigerians who died in the course of the elections.

It also expressed deep regrets to and sympathy for all victims of the mindless violence, saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;we stand with them in these difficult times.â&#x20AC;?

Furthermore, he said that the RECs were directed to submit comprehensive reports of these incidents to the commission for appropriate action.

2019 Presidential Poll Result Robbed Nigeria of Real Development, Says Moghalu

FG Shielding Criminals in Bayelsa, Alleges Dickson

UdoraOrizu Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039;

Emmanuel Addeh Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;

The Presidential candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu has rejected the results of Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidential and National Assembly elections, describing it as the last gasp of the old political order that has robbed Nigeria of real development.

In a statement issued by Moghalu in Abuja, he lamented that the operational failures of INEC in the conduct of the elections, the massive vote-buying and vote-rigging through various methods as well as violence in several locations in the country had left the credibility of the election open to question. Adding that he trusts and believes that the situation would change by 2023.

He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being complicit in the malpractices.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The number of votes tallied for my candidacy by the INEC did not represent anything close to the electoral strength of that candidacy.

These false numbers were the result of brazen theft of our votes and the suppression of our voters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It appears, however, that the strong determination of many of our citizens to reject the APC at the ballot box far outweighed the desire for real change in our polity and governance in 2019. So, although we did not win this election in terms of overall numbers of votes, the presidential election result is an indication of where our society is at present.â&#x20AC;?

Moghalu expressed sadness over the loss of lives due to violence on election day and offered his condolences to families that lost their loved ones and prayed for speedy recovery for those injured.

He advised INEC on the need to reform the systems of registration, voting and collation of votes by making the processes more transparent through better use of technology.

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As of today, these processes are tedious, inefficient and prone to risks and performance

failures such as those we have experienced. We also must stiffen punishment and enforce accountability for electoral offences. Nigerians in Diaspora have continued to remit billions of dollars home every year.

Our fellow citizens living abroad must be able to vote overseas as from 2023.

Immediate action to achieve this goal is required once the present elections are over.â&#x20AC;?

He urged President Buhari to ensure inclusive and competent government that can heal the country of poverty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;President Muhammadu Buhari, who INEC announced as the winner of the 2019 presidential election, owes Nigerians an inclusive, competent government that could heal our land and take millions of Nigerians out of crushing poverty. This calls for a very different approach from recycling poverty through theAPC governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unsustainable populist initiatives that fail to create jobs or improve actual economic productivity and living standards.â&#x20AC;?

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t own the state, APC tells governor Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday alleged that the federal government was shielding suspected criminals in the state, for political reasons.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has dismissed the allegation as groundless and misguided a statement by the state governor in which he sought to discredit votes garnered in the state by President Buhari and APC candidates during the last presidential and National Assembly elections.

The governor also maintained that the Muhammadu Buhari-led government was not interested in securing communities, but empowering criminals masquerading as politicians, to promote violence and instability in Bayelsa.

Dickson was speaking against the backdrop of alleged manhandling of members of his party, the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) by the opposition in Bayelsa in collaboration with federal agencies during last Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elections.

He said that because of its quest to take over the state, FG had deployed the use of security forces, misguided youths and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cause mayhem and promote terrorism.

A press statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, noted that the governor said the federal government was sending a message that in politics, there was no playing by the rules or respecting the lives and property of citizens.

He added that as it was, the government at the centre was all about compromising the security forces, buying of arms to kill, maim and manipulate electoral results, while INEC declares the winner.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I say this particularly at this trying time, there are people who feel it

is right to take over our state by force.

By force of arms, military might with INEC power and promote terrorism in a state that we have worked hard to stabilise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They want to promote the reign of impunity and criminality and violence. So that to them the lesson the federal government is teaching, the lesson they are teaching beyond people is that even in the business of politics, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to talk to anybody, respect anybody or play by any rules. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One has to buy guns, compromise the security forces to stay with you, take them to your community to shoot and kill people, then take anything and write and INEC announces it and you have won an election.â&#x20AC;?

The refutal by the APC also dismissed Dicksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement as purported attempt to equate himself with Bayelsa by claiming in the said statement that the state condemned votes polled by APC.

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ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Presidential Poll and Voodoo Figures

I

t was an unprecedented sham. This is how best to describe the voodoo figures, mainly from the North-west and North-east, which INEC affirmed and used as the basis for declaring incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari winner of the February 23 poll. The figures were simply concocted by the ruling party to turn the tide in an election they obviously did not win. The voodoo figures, mainly from Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Jigawa, Borno, Yobe, Kano, Benue, Bauchi and Niger states did not tally with the realities on ground.

The fraud perpetrated in this 2019 Presidential election is unprecedented.

Katsina and Kano states witnessed the most impudent allocation of figures. Just as it happened in 2015, the two states produced the vote-changing numbers for our fantastically brilliant President Buhari.

He was allocated 1,232,133 votes in Katsina, his home state. In Kano State, Buhari was allotted 1,464,768. Not even Lagos State, with close to six million registered voters could produce this kind of figures. What a country!

In Kaduna State, 993,445 votes were invented for Buhari. This state has been under the throes of bandits and killer herders in the last 45 months, with hundreds of people sent to early graves. Suddenly, these people got up and gave almost a million votes to a man under whose tenure they have been in anguish. This is irreconcilable.

In Borno State, Buhari was allocated 836,496 votes. This same state gave Buhari 473,543 votes in 2015. What has changed in Borno State within four years that resulted in over 80% increase in vote cast for the President? Are there more people coming into the state? Obviously, this canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the case, as hundreds of thousands of the indigenes of this state have fled to Cameroon and Chad to escape Boko Haram assault. The massive vote allocated to Buhari in Borno State is also illogical. This is a state with 33 IDP camps, up from just 11 in 2015. Terrorists now control virtually the whole state.

I can clearly remember the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi, telling Buhari that â&#x20AC;&#x153;we, the people of Borno State, are still under Boko Haram siege.

Nobody can dare move out of Maiduguri by 10 kilometres without being confronted, attacked by Boko Haram.â&#x20AC;? Yes, Millions of people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t return to their homes because

Yakubu

the federal government has failed to secure them. What those who allocated these massive votes are simply saying is that the traumatised people of Borno State voted for a man who has failed them, so as to continue wallowing in trauma. This is what I call illogicality of votersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lucidity.

Buhari was also allocated 497,914 votes in another Boko Haram-ravaged state, Yobe.

497,914 people voted for Buhari in Yobe State? Haba! Where did the voters come from?

Those who engineered the vote distribution were also very sloppy in their allocation in some states. A good example here is Benue State where PDP won all Senatorial and House of Representatives seats. But in the Presidential election, 355,255 votes were allocated to Atiku while Buhari, whose party was massively voted against in the election to the legislature, got 347,668 votes, a difference of 7,587. This is laughable.

Again, it cannot happen in a state in which Buhari has failed to protect the masses of the people against killer herders. How can a people, still seething over the mass killing of their loved ones, go out and vote massively for the man that failed to protect them? It can only happen in Nigeria.

Other Voodoo allocations to Buhari were 1,464,768 votes in Kano State, 150,710 votes in Rivers State, 118,082 votes in Bayelsa State,794, 738 votes in Jigawa State; 798,428 votes in Bauchi State, 612,371 votes in Niger State and 581,552 votes in Kebbi State.

Aside from concocting figures, there was also massive intimidation of the opposition followed by illegal mass thumb-printing of ballot papers.A good example here is the account of an NYSC member, Ashimom Msuguhter, who served as an INEC ad hoc official at a unit in Nasarawa State. Msuguhter, a Doctor at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, said he was forced to hand over ballot papers to persons who thumb-printed them for a particular party, as his life was in danger.

Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so-called victory is evidently tainted. This is an illusory triumph. Our President is still celebrating the bogus conquest. Well, let him continue to wallow in self-deceit. He simply conquered Nigerians, albeit, for the moment.

On the flip side, this country must also end this analog system of having Resident Electoral Commissioners coming to Abuja to physically announce results of their states.

That was why our ludicrous INEC spent five days announcing results. We are no longer in the Stone Age. These results can be announced by the RECs in their offices and projected on the big screen at the National Collation Centre in Abuja for all to see.

The February 23 elections were bloody.

The desperation by the ruling party to retain power at all cost fueled the killings.

The killings in Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos and Delta states were horrendous. I can never forget the murder of Ms. Ibisiki Amachree in Rivers State.

The Situation Room, an umbrella group of more than 70 civil society groups that monitored the election said 39 people were killed in violence linked to the vote. 16 people were killed in Rivers State alone.

Bayelsa saw four deaths, and Delta, two fatalities. Eight other states accounted for the remaining fatalities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Situation Room notes that INEC has not managed the election efficiently and significant shortcomings have been recorded. The election has been a step back from the 2015 general election and actions should be taken to identify what has gone wrong and what can be corrected,â&#x20AC;? notes Situation Room.

Godswill Akpabio Saw War in Akwa Ibom

Akpabio

Former governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State became extremely high on something after he defected to the ruling APC from PDP. He openly boasted that the takeover of the state in 2019 would be as total as the 1940 invasion of Poland by the late German mass killer, Adolf Hitler. Senator Akpabio, who spoke in Aguobu-Owa, Ezeagu Local Government area of Enugu State, added that the 2019 general election in Akwa Ibom State would be a full scale war.

Akpabio said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When they asked Hitlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minister for information how was the war in Poland? He said Warsaw saw war and war saw Warsaw... We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk politics in the church but in 2019, Warsaw shall see war and war shall see Warsaw. The return will be victory.â&#x20AC;?

Remember that the sadist called Hitler

killed millions in Poland while capturing and asserting his control over the country. That was what Akpabio promised his people in his quest to deliver Akwa Ibom to the APC. Well, it was Akpabio that saw war last Saturday in Akwa Ibom and he was thoroughly thrashed. His people did not wait for him to attack. They massively and proactively disarmed Akpabio and his soldiers. The good people of Akwa Ibom came out enormously and protected their votes. Across all the voting units, the invading soldiers were too scared to manipulate votes or snatch ballots boxes when they saw the people standing alert.

By the time they finished with Akpabio, he lost his Senatorial seat and returned to Abuja empty-handed. Akpabio ran back with his tail between his legs. The garrulous Akpabio disappointed his pay masters. What a pity.

The Butcher of Oyo State, Ajimobi, Finally Butchered Another man that was deservedly trashed last Saturday was Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State. He wanted to retire to the Senate after a disastrous eight years as governor.

Voters in Oyo South rejected this. Ajimobi was trumped in the poll by Dr. Kola Balogun of the PDP. This governor was clearly told that he had no business running for any elective post again in the state. This is because he has been inflicting pain on his people for almost eight years now. Oyo State has never had it so bad. Virtually all the gains of the state since creation were wiped out by Ajimobi. This once peaceful and lovely state has degenerated significantly, with decaying infrastructure. Public utilities are in a mess.

Just visit any public hospital or school owned by the state government and you will be shocked at the state of these facilities. While Oyo State bleeds, Ajimobi and his cronies live big.

Ajimobi has failed to rise above pettiness.

He concentrated on destroying lives and property while the progress of the state suffers. A good example here was his ruthless and unlawful demolition of Fresh FMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building owned by popular musician, Yinka Ayefele. He pulled down the building despite a restraining court order. This was a clear case of executive rascality. It was stomachturning watching this governor on television celebrating the impunity. Coldblooded Ajimobi arbitrarily destroyed a building which Ayefele spent almost his entire life constructing. I watched the musician weeping during a press conference after the demolition and I also broke down in tears; tears for a country where many get away with impunity.

After much pressure, Ajimobi went back to reconstruct the building. It was medicine after death.

His defeat last Saturday was good riddance to bad rubbish.

Unending killings in Kajuru Just as I predicted last Saturday, the killings in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State continued this week. Early on Tuesday morning, 29 people were killed by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Karmai Village, (Maro Ward) in Kajuru LGA. It was a reprisal by Fulani herders in the area. The gunmen said to be in hundreds, invaded the community, shooting at people and burning houses.

A source from the area who witnessed the attack, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The gunmen were dressed in military uniforms.

The villagers attempted to repel the attackers, but could not withstand their superior fire power.

Our people have been killed and our houses have been burnt. For now, it is difficult to say how many people have been killed until the situation is calm. Many are on the run from the village.â&#x20AC;?

Because Governor Nasir El-rufai and security agents in this state have compromised, these killings and reprisals in Kajuru may go on for a long time. If President Buhari is genuinely interested in ending the killings, he has to urgently reconfigure the security architecture of Kaduna State. The leadership of all security agencies in the state must also be replaced with apolitical officers.

The current heads of security agencies in Kaduna State have compromised. This is the truth that must be told.

Memo to Police Boss, Mohammed Adamu Dear IG Adamu, I hope you have been properly briefed on the violence on Election Day in Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1 of Lagos State? The political thugs that caused the mayhem last Saturday are still intimidating non-indigenes in this area. You have to act fast, to protect these Nigerians. As you know very well, the constitution of this country allows all of us to live anywhere we chose in this country. A formal petition has been submitted to the Lagos State Police Command by the

aggrieved party. But I need to draw your attention to a section of the petition signed by the PDP Chairman in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, Sunday Olaifa, so that you can peruse and swiftly arrest the brigands who are still on the rampage.

It reads: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hoodlums and miscreants, with their co-cohorts, threatened violence in the face of security personnel and also threatened the non-indigenes, particularly the Igbo,

Ijaw, Itsekiri. A pathetic situation was foisted upon our members and leaders, particularly the candidates of the party during and after the election, before the results were imputed into the result sheets, when the hoodlums and miscreants led by Musliu Akinsanya a.k.a. MC Oluoma, Jamiu Adedumoye a.k.a. Desokan, Ijebeta, Kadiri Jamba, Olojo, Ahmed Killer, Sikiru Salawu a.k.a. Youngest, Sunday Oseni a.k.a. Stainless, Ganiu a.k.a. Koko Zaria and

others, took over the conduct of the election at the polling units stated above, with arms and ammunition. Dangerous weapons such as machetes, charms and amulets were not left out in the presence of the security agents, who made no effort to arrest the culprits. They rather supported the sinister motive and aided them to perpetrate their unlawful acts.â&#x20AC;?

Dear IGP, a strong team of policemen must move into Oshodi/ Isolo, to enforce the laws of our country and tame these gangsters.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 2, 2019

SUPER SATURDAY Monalisa Chinda

I’m a Simple Home Girl Not Carried Away by Glamour, Trends The name Monalisa Chinda rings a bell. She’s one of the stunning faces to emerge in the entertainment scene in the 90s, and in no time, became one of Nollywood’s sweethearts and leading actresses. The lovely mother of one who seems to be in her acting “transition haze”, shares some interesting moments of her journey in the movie industry with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ou cannot help but notice Monalisa Chinda walk into Seven Seasons Lounge on a Sunday evening. She’s undeniably beautiful, matched with her spotlessly light skin that glows like the morning star. The superstar actress held her cute daughter as she makes her way to the showroom at the bespoke fashion and entertainment spot on Admiralty Way, Lekki Lagos.

She would soon join other top female guests from the creative and media sector, including Helen Prest-Ajayi, Chioma Ude of AFRIFF, and Adesuwa Onyenokwe, in an evening of glitz, music and fashion. She would strut the run way that evening in an informal setting, alongside 11 other female celebrities from different fields of arts and entertainment as part of activities for the night.

She seems as natural as Monalisa comes in to support the show. Nothing betrays her down to earth personality. Her turn on the runway elicited the most excitement among these female celebrities, leaving one with the impression of her as great. One could easily relate with Monalisa, depending on the side you are coming from. Weeks later, a chat with the gorgeous Nollywood actress and producer followed, revealing a vocal and interesting personality.

Personalities like her and some others still relevant in the industry grew organically, compared to the present stars that emerged overnight and live in the social media space. The import of their emergence has been acknowledged and attributed to reasons not far-fetched but the talent they bring matters. In her opinion, people are product of their time and season.

“They are a different generation and they are available for what is available.

Social media is available now in their time, so it’s a new generation coming at an era of GSM and internet. They are springing up so quickly because of the platforms available to them. Even at that, it’s your talent that will still take you

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 2, 2019

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SUPERSATURDAY I Believe Women Must Be Deep, Incisive to that level of excellence. If you do not have the raw talent, the discipline, the professionalism, you will still fall by the wayside, social media or no social media.”

What is that thing about Monalisa that will easily pop up online at random search?

Her response was quite blunt.

“Google that and find out yourself.” It got me laughing.

That may leave one to jump to a conclusion and pass her off as arrogant.

But the Monalisa Chinda personality, as against any perception of her, in sincerity, strikes a difference as she describes herself thus. “My character trait is a simple home girl not carried away by glamour and trends of everyday life. I like scholarships, intellectual works; I have a lot of admiration for intellectuals.

If I had my way, I would rather have been a lecturer somewhere researching and writing books.

Outside acting, that would have been my calling. Or be a diplomat in some country. I like serious work and owning my charity home.”

True to that, Monalisa once described her journey into acting as “divine”. The tale goes that her parents had wanted her to be a lawyer and she hadn’t quite made up her mind about what to study at the university but simply went for Theatre Arts.

Relieving that moment and how she meant ‘divine’, she said, “Divine connotes a Godly inspiration and that’s why from childhood, I was focused on the arts. And despite the obstacles, I had encountered in my odyssey, I have had victories because my career has a divine signature.”

She started from the stage and when TV and Nollywood came, she joined. The Nollywood diva was one of unique characters to emerge in the entertainment scene in the 90s. But now she seems to have taken a back seat acting-wise, as she appears to be occupied with some other businesses and no longer in so many movies as before. She slightly disagrees with the observation: “Not exactly a back seat but a transition haze, you will be seeing me a lot more soon.”

That would mean Monalisa making a comeback fully to the screens. Lately, she has starred in four other movies including her own production Catwalq Series, where she played the character Kima. The Long Weekend, Love Police, and Four Wives and a Mistress, are the other movies. One could remember seeing her just last year among the cast in one of the movies yet to be released; “The Bling Lagosians”, produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters.

From the insight she gave, she played the role of one of those women connected by nothing but money and a selfish and silly quest to be seen on top and amongst the rich and mighty. “A life called ‘bling’...a mirage; fake and transient,” she adds. Over the years, Monalisa has starred in countless movies, assuming different roles in different characters.

The Monalisa Chinda brand as a movie practitioner has evolved from when she made her Nollywood debut in ‘Pregnant Virgin’ in 1996 till date. She has tried out her

hands in a couple of ventures that cut through production to publishing and owning a television talk show, which she sees as natural transition borne out of creativity and force of art.

It could be said from her endeavours that she has drawn some life lessons that things are not always the way one plans it. But in all her experiences, she sees reasons to thank God. To appreciate every little achievement, to appreciate every little challenge of those not so privileged as she is, and to really be of help to those she could assist no matter how little.

At her level, at the moment, she declares she cannot be found playing nude as much as she believes there isn’t any role she can be challenged to.

“Look, I am a professional. I can play any role that challenges me professionally. Except for any act of nudity! It will be silly for me to do that now!” Those years have seen her move from being in front of the camera to being behind it.

Some of her roles have in reality reflected her character, like in her role in Catwalq.

“I love the character because beyond the glitz and glamour, the character is an intellect and a publisher of a magazine. It’s a bit of my kind of person simply because in spite of the stardom and celebrity status, I believe the woman must be deep and incisive.”

Also her role as ‘Adaora’ in the popular soap opera ‘Heaven’s Gate’, easily comes to mind. “That was most cherished because of the Christian values it held.” Although, Adaora was raised from a modest family, she held her principles and wasn’t ready to bend it just because she wanted to marry a guy from a wealthy family. So, the guy had to give his life to Christ.

So it was triumph of light over darkness. “That’s the woman I want to be; to send strong moral messages out there in a country where our cherished values are crumbling very fast.

And money is ruling the soul of our nation.”

Her point on delivering strong moral messages necessitated a follow up. The industry is beset with celebrity marriage issues that border on morals.

She says there is no difference between celebrity marriages and other marriages. “The only thing is that we are in the eyes of the people. We all face the same issues. We act like human beings and not like celebrities. So advice is because we are in the face of everyone we should try as much as possible to hold and sustain the marriages. We must endeavour to be the right sound board. Be good examples.”

Monalisa remains one of the very beautiful faces that have graced our screens. Being a woman naturally attracts men and being a beautiful woman and a celebrity combined, attracts more men.

How does Monalisa ward off such attraction and advances from men? “I don’t ward them off; I appreciate them as many as they come because they are fans. All I have to do is to manage them and let them understand fan/star relationship. But then, if you begin to go beyond the above mentioned, I’ll try to let you know that I am not available for such ventures.”

If I Had My Way, I Would Rather Have Been a Lecturer Somewhere Researching, Writing Books

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ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE INDOMITABLE LION OF DAURA Oludayo Tade urges President Buhari to place greater value on the lives of Nigerians

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he struggle for the number one seat of Nigeria has now climaxed with the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Indomitable Lion of Daura (TILD)â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as re-elected for another four years. In an undoubtedly tension-soaked â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Serie-Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; political contest which featured rough tackles, violence, deaths, accusations and counter-accusations and denials, the Peoples Democratic Party proved that it is better to organise than agonise. However, their organisational permutations did not hit the target at the centre at this time and they now have the choice to try their luck at the law court or try again in the 2023 polls. Until then, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;disatikulationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the PDP umbrella has exposed the party to cold and heavy downpours from the heavens in the raining season. Atiku and Buhari considered each other as the Jericho walls that must fall for the political goal to be realised.

Although all of them (including those who have cases in EFCC, present eaters in government and political appointees) commissioned Pastors and Imams to pray for them; it appears that it was the prince of Daura whose supplication was answered as showed by the powerful thumbs of 15, 191, 847 ayes against 11,262, 978 nays. The ayes made a difference with 3, 928, 869 more superior voices for the Daura prince over Atiku.

There are continuities and changes that determined the outcomes of the 2019 elections. The population and political consciousness of the North benefitted and sustained the love for the Lion of Daura. Clearly, the feelings of marginalisation, killings by herdsmen, kidnapping and robbery, bad economy, jaundiced anti-corruption fight, increasing unemployment, among others influenced the rejection vote suffered by PMB in most of the South. We also see that the gap is closing in on the political godfathers of Southwest; they must thread carefully and watch the slippery floor on which they walk. But for the low votersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; education and complacency in Southwestern Nigeria, voter turnout could have been more and outcomes could have been worse for the regional elites and godfathers.

Meanwhile, as Buhari â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;disatikulatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the PDP dream to Aso Rock, 2019 polls birth the demystification ceremonies of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jericho Wallsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at state levels. The demystified political warlords cut across the broom and umbrella but the people of their states punished them for taking them for a ride for too long. Some of them ran for cover in the broom party promising millions of presidency votes only to fail to win senatorial election.

One of them was punished for his vituperative loquacity on institutions and people of his state. They all have been governors and wanted to return to their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;retirement homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the Senate. Unfortunately, they were whipped mercilessly across the geopolitical zones: Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe/ Northeast), Bukola Saraki and George Akume(Kwara/Benue/ North central), Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano/Northwest), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta/Niger-Delta), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo/ Southwest) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) to mention but a few. They have all enjoyed democratic dividends for not less than 10 years since democratic experiment began in 1999.

Reduced to paper-weight, they will now wait on the president for federal appointments.

BUHARI MUST ATTEND TO THE QUERIES WHICH MADE HIS RE-ELECTION HIGHLY STIFF. FIRST IS SECURITY. SECURITY IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE ACTUALISATION OF EVERY OTHER THING

It is likely that the quit notice sentence handed to the aforementioned would resonate at during the state elections on March 9. Unlike the Buhari Tsunami which many benefited from in 2015, 2019 is showing already that we should expect upsets. While the president quickly learned that he had to hold his base to secure re-election, regional elites are starting to lose ground. This is clear from the outcome in the Southwest where the local grandmasters only managed to win Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos while losing Oyo and Ondo States to the opposition. It is especially pleasing to witness the evolution of Nigerian voters who elevated their game and demonstrated the capability to differentiate personalities from parties in casting votes. This is a sign that we shall eventually overcome these teething challenges. Unfortunately, there is still problem with voter turn-out and void votes. Whereas the former amounted to wastage of funds in printing electoral materials that were never used, the latter leads to loss for the candidates with the most illiterate voters.

We must also acknowledge the involvement of the EFCC in the polls by INEC. This is commendable as it reduced vote buying and forced buyers to either hide or evolve. We look forward to how INEC deals with this problem in the next round of elections. Meanwhile, more needs to be done to protect ad-hoc and full INEC staff. Threat to life and abduction creates insecurity and may dent the image of election outcomes.

Having said that, Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory appears as a strategic compensation for his previous three serial losses. Of course, a third term is impossible with the present law except he tinkers with the law and attempts a third term.

All in all, methinks that entering next level ought to bring a holistic improvement in the standard of living of Nigerians.

The prince of Daura must use this term to ensure that positive legacy projects are planted everywhere in the country. He must also attend to the queries which made his re-election highly stiff. First is security. Security is essential for the actualisation of every other thing. PMB must place greater value on the lives of Nigerians and ensure that no blood is spilled without cause.

When cause is established, there must be accountability, fairness and justice. Second is economy. Without a sound and booming economy, nothing can work. Economy is the super-structure upon which other social institutions rest. In his victory address, President Buhari has promised to restructure the economy, strive to ensure no section of the country feels marginalised or left out while also sustaining the fight against corruption. If the President will not go back on his words, then we would have left CHANGE for NEXT LEVEL. Otherwise we will be stuck in CHANGE without end.

There is no time to waste as there is so much to cover. Win or lose, Nigeria is greater than all of us. There is need for the whipped warlords to learn from their present predicament and turn a new leaf. Perhaps, they can enjoy their pensions in peace. For the rest of us, NEXT LEVEL from the Indomitable Lion of Daura must be devoid of clannish considerations. In arriving at, taking and executing decisions, PMB must consider Nigeria and Nigerians first.

Congratulations, Mr President.

Dr Tade, a sociologist sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com

ELECTION AS THEATRE OF VIOLENCE

The 2019 presidential and national assembly elections are wide off the mark, writes Demola Abimboye

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or many months before February 23, 2019, the world had focused attention on Nigeria as the country inched towards its crucial elections. At the local level, tension was high as to whether or not everyone would adhere to laid down provisions for the 2019 general elections, and thus ensure a free and transparent process.

The government of President Muhammadu Buhari took critical decisions in this respect, especially the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s order that ballot box snatchers should be shot on sight.

Thus, few days to the D-Day, hundreds of thousands of security agents from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, (DSS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were dispatched across the length and breadth of the country, especially flashpoints, to ensure smooth operations.

But in Nigeria, nothing, except death, is guaranteed. The popular prayer phrase among some Christians - â&#x20AC;&#x153;as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,â&#x20AC;? best describes the violence, intimidation, arson and killings often witnessed across Nigeria during elections.

Like all the previous elections the February 23 election was characterised by violence and vote rigging.

The Presidential election was supposed to be a straight fight between incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Alhaji Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) despite the motley crowd of contestants. But killings, ballot box snatching and technical hitches badly affected polling in many states of the federation.

Before the D-Day, pundits had identified some flashpoints. Among these were Kano, the commercial nerve centre of northern Nigeria; the Boko Haram terrorist ravaged states of Borno and Yobe; the politically restive states of the South South region especially Akwa Ibom and Rivers; Lagos and the wild, wild west and the South East geo-political zone. Also, analysts had pinpointed Kwara, home state of Bukola Saraki, the Senate president; Benue, Taraba and Plateau. On the eve of the elections, some of the predictions came to pass. Crisis erupted in Kano, February 22 when supporters of the APC and PDP clashed in Kofa town, Bebeji district of Kano. Two people were killed, while 40 vehicles, 12 motorcycles and houses were burnt.

At the end of polling on Saturday, February 23, the casualty figures were high. Aside a Boko Haram attack that killed more than a dozen people in Yobe, the civil society monitors said the death toll during Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest election was higher than that of the 2015 poll which attracted some localised violence. Clement Nwankwo, convener of the Situation Room, comprising over 70 civil society groups, said 16 people were killed in election violence across eight states, while the Lagos-based consultancy, SBM Intelligence, cited 35 deaths.

In many states, the card readers malfunctioned, thereby disenfranchising many registered voters. Indeed, many people complained that the entire election was fraught with irregularities and manipulations. The card readers, some said, were configured to suit the manipulations, rigging and overvoting in some states. In Zamfara State for instance, the PDP said no voting took place and there was no single result sheet in any polling unit in the entire state. There was an arrest in Shinkafi Local Government, where an APC member was caught thump-printing ballot papers inside his house.

In Rivers State, security men were involved in ballot box snatching while armed soldiers stormed collation centres in Ikwerre, Emohua and Okrika Local Government Areas, stole electoral materials while INEC Electoral Officers simply concocted results.

But the Army arrested dozens of suspects on suspicion of electoral offences. Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, its spokesman, said the suspects â&#x20AC;&#x153;include an army major and four policemen, a serving commissioner and a local lawmaker in the state.â&#x20AC;? They, addition to some thugs recruited by politicians to cause disturbances during the polls were handed over to the Police.

In Lagos, there were allegations of deliberate disenfranchisement of the Igbos who have a considerable voting strength. In one instance, a mob attacked the leader of the Odua Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Congress, (OPC) in Okota over alleged ballot box snatching. Electoral

materials were burnt in some polling units in this densely populated area of the state.

In Anambra State, 14 suspects were arrested by the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Police Command, for various electoral offences including ballot box snatching, disruption of elections, malicious damage.

Due to electoral malpractices, many political agents refused to sign election results sheets. In a particular case, the agent at the collation centre for Kwara Central Senatorial District, Isiaka Magaji, rejected the results of the election as announced by INEC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The report that I got from our agents in the four local government areas that made up Kwara Central said there was massive electoral fraud in some polling units, especially in Ilorin West Local Government Area,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Against this background it was not surprising that the main opposition party, PDP, rejected the results being announced by INEC. Could INEC have done better in this crucial election? Will it improve on the current lapses as the nation moves to the next elections â&#x20AC;&#x201C; governorship and houses of assembly - slated for March 9, 2019?

While no one can provide a straight answer, it is noteworthy that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy is endangered.

As a foreign group of observers noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;for a better election process, the functionality of card readers must be fully tested and properly calibrated before deployment to the polling units before the elections to reduce the use of manual voting which takes time and might be exploited.â&#x20AC;?

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ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Yes to 4+4...

Lessons from the 2019 Presidential Poll

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igeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidential election has come and gone.

Expectedly, a winner and losers emerged. However, the ultimate winners are all Nigerians and the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy notwithstanding the political party that won.

Political parties will someday pass away but Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ&#x201A;ag remains ďŹ&#x201A;ying. In fact, everyone that participated in the exercise deserves encomium irrespective of outcomes. Hence, unsuccessful participators should sheathe their swords, cheer their successful contenders and look forward to the future while winners show magnanimity in their victory. Interestingly, President Muhammadu Buhari enjoined his supporters not to mock the losers, along with assurances that the new administration will strive to strengthen unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel isolated. As the stage is set for Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Next levelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; packages having been reelected at the poll, let hostilities that largely manifested in the first term be eschewed. Numerous innocent lives were lost over unrestrained behaviours and rabble-rousing. Political killing in whatever guises which culminated to sending countless people to early graves is condemnable. Thus, politicians should opt for decorum in the interest of the nation. Let the political party that received the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandate be allowed to run its government for the betterment of the citizenry. In any democracy, the majority will always have the way while the minority; their say.

Essentially, let oppositions, this time be characterized by maturity instead of pull-down syndrome. The Democrats and Republicans in the United States are good examples.

Remarkably, Hillary Clinton was defeated by Donald Trump amidst alleged irregularities, yet faces her private life; allowing Americans to freely and fairly assess the Republicanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patriotism personified.

Furthermore, by the numerous challenges that confronted INEC particularly logistic problems that led to the postponement of the poll alongside infernos at some of its offices and other administrative issues, it is pertinent that the commission should prudently ponder on the advanced technology like other countries towards getting rid of such issues permanently.

Amazingly, in the recent presidential election in Senegal, a country with just 6.6 million registered voters, Senegalese citizens including those in Diaspora voted from 49 countries by digital system.

Meanwhile, Nigeria with over 84 million registered voters operates manual voting system. Obviously, migrating to full digital electoral system will defeat logistic and security issues alongside high financial burdens. INEC should work towards moving away from paper-and-ink elections to electronic system.

For instance, banking industry has credibly set the pace that a customer in one branch enabled with Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards can successfully do transactions in any other states and beyond without hitches, even via mobile devices.

In similar vein, Card-readers and Permanent Voter

Cards (PVCs) could be upgraded, configured to work akin to ATM cards which will enable registered voters to simply go to any polling units with digitalized PVC; slot in, scroll the political parties and exercise the franchise. With such mechanism, the issue of exclusions or conceiving that a particular group may vote in a certain direction will be overtaken by technology as the electorate can use any preferred polling unit. It simply implies that one can search for his state, LGA and ward from any provided electronic device irrespective of locations and vote freely since the system can locate the votersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; details from any point. Besides, the system will automatically transmit accreditation and voting records to the umpireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central database against manipulations. However, such devices must be coded to operate quadrennially; ensuring that any office is voted only once in four years to circumvent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;smartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; politicians participating in various states due to present distinct calendars resulting from judicial interventions in some states like Anambra, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo.

Rationally, the budget on printing materials that always end up as wastes after election dates is excruciatingly painful when digital equipment can be permanently acquired to efficiently handle the task with a little budget and above all, eradicate abnormalities, violence and casualties.

Carl Umegboro is a public affairs analyst and Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

The Struggle Continues

I

was very saddened by the loss of lives to various acts of violence during the February 23 presidential election and elections into the National Assembly. My heartfelt condolences go to the families that lost loved ones and I pray that those injured will recover soonest.

The operational failures of INEC in the conduct of the elections, the massive vote-buying and vote-rigging through various methods as well as violence in several locations in the country have left the credibility of the election open to question. The APC and the PDP have both been complicit in the malpractices.

The number of votes tallied for my candidacy by the INEC did not represent anything close to the electoral strength of that candidacy. These false numbers were the result of brazen theft of our votes and the suppression of our voters.

It appears, however, that the strong determination of many of our citizens to reject the APC at the ballot box far outweighed the desire for real change in our polity and governance in 2019. So, although we did not win this election in terms of overall numbers of votes, the presidential election result is an indication of where our society is at present: 2019 is the last gasp of the old political order that has robbed Nigeria of real development. I trust and believe that this situation will change by 2023.

As we move forward as a country, we need fundamental reform of our electoral system if our democracy is to have any real meaning. Elections as they are organized and executed today in Nigeria are a travesty. We need to reform the systems of registration, voting and collation of votes by making the processes more transparent through better use of technology. As of today, these processes are tedious, inefficient and prone to risks and performance failures such as those we have experienced. We also must stiffen punishment and enforce accountability for electoral offenses. Nigerians in Diaspora have continued to remit billions of dollars home every year. Our fellow citizens living abroad must be able to vote overseas as from 2023.

Immediate action to achieve this goal is required once the present elections are over.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who INEC announced as the winner of the 2019 presidential election, owes Nigerians an inclusive, competent T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R government that can heal our land and take EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE millions of Nigerians out of crushing poverty. This DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU calls for a very different approach from recycling MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE poverty through the APC governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unsustainCHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI able populist initiatives that fail to create jobs or EDITOR NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN improve actual economic productivity and living MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE standards.

A new, philosophically and conceptually grounded approach to economic management that goes beyond mere economic growth statistics to real economic development and structural T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D transformation remains an urgent priority for our EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA country.

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Our struggle for a better and well governed ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE society, a productive and inclusive economy that DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI breaks the backbone of poverty, and to restore SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership role in the world continues. I ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO for my part will remain engaged in that struggle CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI over the long haul.

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO Kingsley Moghalu, YPP Presidential CandiTO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com date in the 2019 Elections

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î

NEWSXTRA

In Brief â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;2.5m Children Suffer Malnutrition Yearlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

The International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) has disclosed that an estimated 2.5 million Nigerian children under the age of five suffer fromAcuteMalnutrition(SAM)every yearinthecountry.TheChiefExecutive Officer(CEO/Founder of the society , Mrs. Moji Makanjuola who disclosed this yesterday in Bauchi during a one-day meeting with journalists and Civil SocietyOrganisations(CSOs)organisedbyISMPHlamentedthatâ&#x20AC;&#x153;thisisan extremely dangerous condition that makes children nine times more likely to die from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia and diarrhea.â&#x20AC;? Makanjuola who also stated that UNICEF statistics indicate that 420,000childrenoutofthefigurediedyearlyfrommalnutritioninthecountry noted that SAM was widespread in the northern part of the country, though allstatesofthecountrywereaffected.Shealsoexpressedworrythatnearly half of all child deaths were related to poor nutrition adding that 10 per cent or more of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifetime earnings can be lost due to lower productivity, reduced cognitiveabilityand increased healthcarecost.

I Remain in PDP, Says Melaye

PLANNING AHEAD...

L-R: Director-General, PDP Campaign Organisation, Dr. Charles Egumgbe; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, during an interactive meeting with elected and appointed political oďŹ&#x192;ce holders at the Government House, Enugu, ahead of the March 9 governorship and state assembly elections...yesterday

Alleged N1.4bn Fraud: Court Grants NBA President, Usoro 250m Bail Orders arrest of Akwa Ibom State officials Davidson Iriekpen

A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday granted the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Paul Usoro (SAN), 250 million bail.

Usoro was re-arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on N1.4 billion fraud preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was alleged to have conspired to convert the sum of N1.4 billion, property of Akwa Ibom State Government, which sum he and other defendants reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity.

The anti-graft agency had first arraigned the NBA boss before Justice

Muslim Hassan on December18, 2018.

Also named in the charge, is the incumbent Governor of Akwa Ibom, Governor Emmanuel Udom, who is described in the charge as being â&#x20AC;&#x153;currently constitutionally immune from prosecution.â&#x20AC;?

Others charged are: Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Nkan; state Accountant-General, Mfon Udomah; Attorney-General, Uwemedimo Nwoko and Margaret Ukpe.

The aforementioned defendants are said to be at large.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the case before Justice Hassan was subsequently transferred to another judge, Justice

Chuka Obiozor, following application by defence counsel.

On February14, Justice Obiozor in a ruling, had personally recused himself from the case on personal grounds, and said that the case file would be returned for re-assignment to another judge.

The case was re-assigned to Justice Rilwan Aikawa, who is the third judge before whom the charge is presented.

Yesterday, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo appeared for the EFCC while Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) appeared for the defendant.

The 10-count charge was read to Usoro and he also pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Defence counsel then made an application for the defendant to

continue with the earlier bail granted by the previous judge, (Hassan) This application was opposed by prosecution who argued that having applied that the case be transferred from Hassan, the defence could not therefore, benefit from the bail granted by same judge.

He said that although he was not opposed to bail, the court should grant its own bail terms as the matter was commencing afresh before it.

After listening to respective submissions of counsel, Justice Aikawa, held that it was the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view that bail was peripheral to a trial as it did not affect the substance of the trial, adding that the court had a discretion to depart from or adopt the earlier terms granted.

Police Arrests Mastermind of Attack PDP, Candidates Warn INEC against Manipulating National Assembly Election on DCP Okunola in Bayelsa Alex Enumah Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; The Nigerian Police Force on Friday said it had arrested the alleged mastermind and ringleader of last Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attack on a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Kola Okunola in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State.

The suspect, one Israel Sunny Goli, a House of Representatives candidate in the National Assembly election held same day with the presidential election, was arrested Friday morning in Abuja.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Frank Mba, while stating that efforts were on to apprehend other members of the gang that attacked the police officer, disclosed that two persons, Tamarapreye Victor and Azi Newton were already in police net over their alleged complicity in the attack. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Police have arrested Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, the mastermind and ringleader of the irresponsible, unprovoked and unwarranted attack on a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Kola Okunola in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State, on Sunday, February 24, 2019.

Two other persons arrested in connection with the incident are (i) Tamarapreye Victor, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 34yrs and Azi Newton â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 34yrs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hon. Israel Sunny Goli, a candidate of one of the major political parties in the House of Representatives Elections in Brass Constituency, Bayelsa State, was arrested in his hideout somewhere in Abuja this morning, 1st March, 2019 in a well-coordinated covert operation. His arrest is in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IG Mohammed Adamu, for the immediate arrest, comprehensive investigation and diligent prosecution of all persons involved in the Sunday, February 24, 2019 attack on the DCP in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa Stateâ&#x20AC;?, part of the statement read.

It would be recalled that while leading the team providing protection for INEC officials, voters and materials, DCP Kola Okunola was brutally attacked and molested by thugs led by Hon. Israel Sunny Goli.

Meanwhile, effort is ongoing by the Police to apprehend other members of the gang involved in the unwholesome attack on the officer.

Data

Lalong denies complicity Seriki Adinoyi Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă?

The Peoples Democrat Party (PDP) in Plateau State and some of its National Assembly candidates in the last Saturday elections have warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against tampering with the records on smart card readers, especially for the positions in the Plateau Central Senatorial zone that were declared inconclusive.

Addressing a press conference on Friday at the state party Secretariat in Jos, Chairman of the PDP Plateau Central Zone, Benedict Shignugul, Senatorial candidate of the PDP, David Paradang and the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidate for Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal constituency , Hon. Timothy Golu, insisted that INEC must maintain its integrity by ensuring that the smart card readers were protected and the data in them secured from any form of alteration.

They said that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of

the review between the INEC staff and political parties in the elections it was declared by INECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s returning officer, Prof. Joseph Mangut that the elections were inconclusive in Kanam involving Nine (9) Polling Units in five (5) wards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Documents were duly signed by the INEC returning officer for the National Assembly to that effect in the presence of, and witnessed by the agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the APC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The PDP therefore rejects any purported announcement of results in Pankshin as the meeting between all stakeholders and INEC in Jos ended with the resolution that the results be reviewed by the returning officer in Pankshin and not declared.â&#x20AC;?

The PDP had written a formal complaint to INEC dated 25th February 2019 about the irregularities that trailed the National Assembly Election results and collation in Kanam.

Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West senatorial district in the Red Chamberhasdeniedrumormakingrounds that heisplanningtodecamptothe AllProgressivesCongress(APC).Thiswascontainedinapressstatementissued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media ,Mr. Gideon Ayodele. According to the Senator , the malicious satanic rumour was being spread by the APC supporters in Kogi State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ordinarily we would have ignored the rumour for the fact that it does not make sense that a man who went into an election as an opposition yet for the love and support of the good people of Kogi West defeatedthestatemight.Wewanttosimplystatethatthereisnorelationship betweenlightanddarkness.DistinguishedSenatorDinoMelayestandsforlight andtheAPCledgovernmentinKogiStaterepresentsdarkness.Itislaughable toimaginethatSenatorDinowilljoinagovernmentthathasforthepastthree years and half impoverished the good people of Kogi State which has led to several loss of lives,â&#x20AC;? he stated. He mentioned that their rumour had further shown how relevant Senator Dino Melaye was in Kogi State political stage and Nigeria at large.

Fayemi Pays N24m WAEC Fees

Governor KayodeFayemiofEkitiState hasapprovedN24millionforthepaymentofWestAfricanExaminationsCouncil(WAEC)administrativechargesfor 13,390candidatesinpublicsecondaryschools.Beneficiarieswerethestudents of public schools , who will write April/May 2019 School candidates WAEC Examination.SpeakinginAdoEkitionFriday,Fayemi,saidthestepwastaken toshowhowcommittedthegovernmentwastopromotehumancapitalinthe stateandalleviatepoverty.Hesaidhisgovernmentwascommittedtoensuring thatnostudentofEkitiorigindroppedoutofschoolsforlackofsponsorship underhiswatch.Fayemi,representedbythePermanentSecretary,Ministryof Education,ScienceandTechnology,Mr.Ayodeji Ajayi, saidtheapprovedsum would coverboththeadministrativechargesandotherincidentalexpenses relating to the examination. Fayemi , who warned that any school caught in examination malpractices would be punished accordingly, reminded the PrincipalsofthepositionoftheStategovernmentonexaminationmalpractice.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Pay You Back with Votesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

TimberdealersatKenyattaMarket,Enugu,whoseshedswereguttedbyfire on March 5, 2018, after recalling how Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu StateandgovernorshipcandidateofthePeoplesDemocraticPartycameto their rescue by rebuilding their burnt shops and providing each of them with N100,000 as grant to re-establish their businesses, yesterday told him that they will pay him back with their massive votes at the polls. Ugwuanyi and thePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP)trainwereattheKenyattaMarket,and othermarketsinEnugu,suchasEkeOtuinAmechiAwkunanaw,Garki,andCoal Camp, in continuation of their intense door-to-door campaign ahead of the March9governorshipandstateassemblyelectionscanvassingvigorouslyfor votes.Thegovernor toldthejubilantandexcitedtradersandsupporterstotake themessagethatâ&#x20AC;&#x153;PDPisthewaytogoâ&#x20AC;?totheirfamiliesandneighbourhood, stressing that â&#x20AC;&#x153;a vote for Gburugburu is a vote for all the candidates of the PDP inEnuguStateâ&#x20AC;?.

Court Strikes out Balogun-Fulaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Case

TheFederalHighCourtsittinginIlorinonFridaystruckoutasuitbyAlhajiIshola Balogun-Fulaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sledfactionoftheAPCseekingtonullifythenominationofKwara APCgovernorshipcandidateAbdulRahmanAbdulRazaq.Balogun-Fulanihadfiled thesuitaskingtheFederalHighCourttoenforceaDecember19rulingoftheKwara StateHighCourtwhichhadpurportedlyproclaimedhimtheauthenticchairman oftheparty.ButtheAppealCourthadinajudgmentonFebruary12setasidethe rulingofthestatehighcourt,holdingthatthecourtbelowlackedthejurisdiction toheartheBalogun-Fulaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;scaseinthefirstinstance.Inthatjudgment,theAppeal CourtalsoupheldthenominationofAbdulRazaq,affirmingthatonlytheNational WorkingCommitteeoftheAPChasthepowerstonominatecandidatesforelections.

ButinanargumentbeforetheFederalcourt,counseltoBalogun-Fulani,Barrister WahabBamidele,hadurgedthecourttoadjournthematteruntiltheirappealat theSupremeCourtisdecided.ButcounseltoAbdulRazaq,BarristerJimohLawal, objected,urgingthecourttostrikeoutthecaseforwantofjurisdiction.Inaruling onFriday,

Lagos APC Disowns Afikuyomi

TheLagosStatechapteroftheAllProgressivesCongress(APC)hasdisowned aformermemberofthestateexecutivecouncil,Sen.TokumboAfikuyomi,saying hebelongstotheAccordParty,nottheAPC.AstatementfromtheLagosState PublicitySecretaryoftheAPC,Mr.JoeIgbokwesaiditwasnecessarytoalertthe public to Afikuyomiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sclandestineactivitiestounderminetheAPCinLagossoasto promoteoppositionpoliticiansintheprocessleadingtothegovernorshipelection.The partysaiditwasawareofAfikuyomiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sactivitiesandhispretensionofbeinganAPCmember whilehewasanAccordPartymemberfullycommittedtothepromotionofinterestsinimical toAPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.â&#x20AC;&#x153;WhilewebelieveitiswithintherightsofAfikuyomitoworkforanyintereststhatsuit hisfancy,wefeelobligedtowarnfaithfulandloyalAPCmembersthatAfikuyomiisnot oneofus,contrarytotheimpressionhegivestounsuspectingpartymembers.While wedonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tgrudgeAfikuyomihisrightstochooseandworkforanyplatformorcandidate ofhischoice,wewarnhimtodesistfromclaimingtobeamemberofourgreatpartyand proudlyownuptotheinterestofwhomeverh

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:H SUD\ IRU VWUHQJWK KHDOWK DQG ZLVGRP WR FRQWLQXH \RXU VHUYLFH RI ORYH ZLWK JUHDW HQWKXVLDVP

Plus Awwal Garba I Was Born into Privilege, I Have Worked Hard to Maintain it

Frederick Leonard Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Been a Struggle for Three Years Without My Mom

FASHION FILE GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 22 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 45

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PLUS

I Was Born into Privilege, I Have Worked Hard to Maintain it Awwal Garba is an Economist, who runs a chain of businesses under the Magma Group. He is a major player in the global oil and gas sector. Garba was born into privilege but that did not stop him from carving his own niche. He has worked very hard to maintain the privilege. Garba’s strict upbringing has helped him a great deal in navigating the murky business world. The Magma Group boss, who holds the traditional titles of Galadima Talban and Talban Dan Hausa Daura (Katsina State) shares the story of his life with Olaoluwakitan Babatunde My education was in Nigeria and United Kingdom attended the Bayero University Kano, Nigeria and the City University, London, United Kingdom, from which institutions I meritoriously obtained my first and second university degrees respectively. I am a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Business Management, UK. Since gaining my Master’s in Business Economics from the Queen’s land, I have in practice majored in the oil and gas sector of the global business environment, particularly in Nigeria. I spent my formative years in Nigeria, United Kingdom and Europe. Later on, I settled in the United Arab Emirates.

I

I was born into privilege Yes, I can say that I was born into privilege but that did not stop me from finding my own niche. More importantly, I have worked hard to create and maintain it. And I am still working hard!

Garba

We were taught to respect our elders at all times In my upbringing, especially coming from a strict home, adherence was the only rule. We were taught to respect

our elders at all times.I mean my father’s friends had as much equal rights on me as my father did. Be it the Abiola’s (May their gentle souls continue to rest in peace), Maitama’s or going to the Babaginda’s. No matter where I was, I was always at home.

My father, who is now late, was an astute businessman with wide spread interests in commodity trading, exports and imports. He was also a traditional title holder ‘Talban Kano’, one of the king makers. He was a good man.

While my father was alive, my mother was a full time house wife. However, she is still alive. Alhamdulillah.

The best gift I remember receiving as a child The best gift I received as a child was not entirely a tangible material gift but rather it was on shaping of my character. When I thought my parents were being hard on us as children, I have come to appreciate all those moments later in life. It actually made us humble, yet strong. You become acceptable and accessible, yet with a resolute and focus. I think the greatest gift is in character building.

The most difficult thing that ever happened to me I think the most difficult thing that ever happened to me was finding a

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PLUS The best gift I received as a child was not entirely a tangible material gift but rather it was on shaping of my character. When I thought my parents were being hard on us as children, I have come to appreciate all those moments later in life. It actually made us humble, yet strong. You become acceptable and accessible, yet with a resolute and focus. I think the greatest gift is in character building The Best Gift I Received as a Child was the Shaping of My Character balance by breaking away from my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s umbrella in order to find myself.

I call it the period of soul searching.

It took time to find what makes me tick, and since then, it has become a passion to reach out to greater heights.

The second time was when taking the decision of either taking the private sector or going into public service. In the long run, I have no regrets about going down this route of a business entrepreneurship. I get to enjoy both worlds, after all, as a private person, I can still engage in public service in my own capacity.

I do not think I believe in mistakes I do not think I believe in mistakes par say. The issue of considering anything as the biggest mistake I ever made does not arise. Maybe, when intentional recklessness is exhibited.

Otherwise, all life experiences are processes of learning, because life itself is a beautiful school that teaches us how to bring out the best in us. It refines and brings out the sparkles in us.

Put a smile on someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face and the picture stays with you permanently My indelible marks in life are many but I can name a few. Like when I had my first child, or when I first signed my major oil deal, or even realise the possibility which others do not see or understand. There are just countless moments but what you can do is to create one every day. Most importantly, put a smile on someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face and the picture stays with you permanently.

My biggest fear in life is not being able to meet up with the expectations of my family and my loved ones. I fear the day my heart will deceive me that I am anything different or special.

I am an ordinary person. Ego is a recipe for failure in life. I feel fulfilled in life, all the time. Yet, life itself is like sweet nectar from the most beautiful thorny fruit bearing tree. Once you taste it, you cannot but go back for another bite. I am always setting new goals to conquer.

Lessons life has taught me Life has taught me to be absolutely humble. Life has taught me to be analytical as well as critical with myself in my everyday dealings. I mean, all you have to do is to look around you... The seven year old selling sachet water or moin moin on the streets of Lagos in the early morning rush hour could have been you. He, also given your

opportunity, could perform as good or even better. There are always two sides of the coin.

I enjoy building bridges through investments I want to accomplish so much in good time from being an Entrepreneur to Ultrapreneur. Like the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oracle of Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Warren Buffett, I enjoy building bridges through investments.

I enjoy making deals in new frontiers.

I love to sing the gospel of unity My friends call me the preacher because I love to sing the gospel of unity at any given opportunity. I believe in the oneness of our country. You see, leadership is the ability to see beyond tomorrow and to commit to that vision totally. When those around you do not see what you see, but still follow you with absolute commitment. Those who do not remember history are certainly bound to be consumed by it. It has happened in many countries before.

The Asian tigers, from Singapore to Malaysia, Thailand to China they have all gone through what we are going through. Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy took over 200 years to get to where they are now. Ours is only 50+ and with such multi-ethnic groups, you can just imagine. But patience is the key.

Mao Zedong closed up China for 50 years before opening up. President Buhari is replicating the same not minding religion or region. But when you have pseudo intellectuals whose pocus hocus idea is as shallow and self-grandeur beyond logic, then the progress will be slow and unappreciated by many. Modus Prophetica for the overcomer has won the hearts of the righteous. We shall certainly get there.

I believe in what life has dished out my way and believe me, when I say if I have to do it all over again, I would not change a thing.

I used to be a gym fanatic When I was in my 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, I used to be a gym fanatic and could not do without the gym. I also played polo. The pressure of work increased with growth and time for things like that shrank. So whatever time I can squeeze out now for personal issues, I spend it with my wife and two children. We take the children to game parks when they are on holidays and try to have a feel of their minds by coming down to their level and appreciating them.

Garba

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PLUS

Frederick Leonard Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Been a Struggle for Three Years Without My Mom

Even as the new movie, Void, produced by popular Nollywood act, Frederick Leonard, goes to Cinema, there are areas in his personal life where void exists. In this interview with CHINEDU IBEABUCHI, he speaks about the void that the demise of his mother created, the void in his relationship and also snapshot on the excitement that the movie, Void, oďŹ&#x20AC;ers

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ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS We live in a time where marriages are ending every week for the wrong reasons

Y

our name, Frederick Leonard, sounds foreign?

I am a Nigerian from the Eastern part of Nigeria. CEO of Cineworx Entertainment, a filmmaker and lover of Nollywood. I am from a family of four but now we are two. My parents are late. I am left with my younger sister who is a student of Yaba College of Technology. I am pretty lucky to describe myself as someone who is doing what he loves very much; you know when your hobby puts food on your table. My greatest hobby, which happens to be what I love doing is film making and it is business for me as well.

Your new movie, Void, hits Cinemas February 22. Tell us about it?

Void is my second movie as a producer.

I am quite excited to have gotten on the project. Void is a thrilling love story that will catch peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fancy. No matter what we go through in life, there is a void to be filled. Void is a love story told from a very unusual perspective. So, I will like people to go out there and have a good time. They will not be disappointed at all. My first work as a producer is my movie titled Grey, a romantic comedy, in summer 2018. I just love to tell love stories because no matter how much we try to form strong and firm, we all need love in our lives. Grey tells a story of a woman with a terminal disease but finds love in her dying days. Void is my second work. I am really excited about Void. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s written by a very brilliant writer, Doris Chinasa Ariole. She did a wonderful job. So, I said to myself that I must do even a better job when translating the script to motion picture.

What should fans expect from the movie?

Fans should expect to fall in love again after seeing Void. Fans should expect a lot of captivating camera movements unlike what we are used to in our films where you have lot of still shots. Also, expect to see where a director tells a story through camera movements, we also donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to see that in Nigerian films. You see that a lot in Hollywood movies. Within the first three minutes in Hollywood movies, through the camera movement, you can tell if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a horror film, a psychological thriller or a romantic comedy. So with Void, you can tell through the camera works that there is something not right in the male character played by me. The director, Chris, who translated the script to screen did a fantastic job in telling the story through camera works. You should expect a fantastic acting in Void. I did the casting and I focused on getting actors who are very good, not just actors for the glam, but actors who understand the essence of role and character interpretation and making it quite believable. So, I have Chioma Akpotha who has great antecedents. There is fast rising actress, Lota Chukwu; a veteran, Ayo Adesanya; Empress Njamah and myself.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a movie of few cast but good acting and role interpretation. #Voidwill joggle your emotions.

What makes Void unique?

What makes Void unique is a love story told from a different perspective. Usually, a love story can either make you or break you. A love story can either excite you or bore you. In Void, we ensure that you are not bored, starting from the script to casting to interpretation. There is something else to look out for in Void, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the sound track. I co-wrote some of the songs. I went to the studio and sat down with the artistes that did the song and they did a tremendous work in ensuring that the music carries your emotions. The moment that the movie opens, you can just feel it.

In your personal life, what void exists?

Can you see while the movie Void is essential to all because we all have a void to fill (laughs)? I have areas in my life that I am working towards satisfaction. I have certain areas that I need to fill up and there are certain areas that I have filled up over the years.

The absence of your mom, is that an area that you have ďŹ lled?

Lota Chukwu and Frederick Leonard

That is a void that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anyone can fill. My mom had me in her early 20s.

So, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty more like we grew up together.

I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just lose a mom, I lost my best friend, I lost my gossip partner, I lost the love of my life, I lost the center of my world.

I do not think anyone can fill that void.

People say when I get married I would, but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if it will be possible because my mom was just my rock. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a struggle for three years to live without my mom. The death of my mom hurts more than any other thing. Whoever is reading this should know that the death of a mom hurts differently. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been hard and tough living without her but I am happy she saw a bit of the stardom. I am happy she saw a bit of what she worked so hard for. She saw me sign autograph for people who walked up to me at different points. She saw me buy her a couple of things when I travelled abroad.

I remember when I was jumping Molue and Okadas, she told me to hold forth, stay focused and remain consistent. But I just wish that she was here to see more. So, I miss my mom terribly. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a void that I have filled. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a void that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think will be filled. Sad to say, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the truth.

As a single celebrity in his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;40sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, do you feel any void?

I will like your newspaper to help me correct this. I am not up to 40 yet. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how bloggers came up with that figure. I am in my late thirties. However, I still think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about time that I got hooked.

But we live in a time where marriages are ending every week for the wrong reasons.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say that I am being very careful. I am looking for someone who understands family values. I am looking for someone who understands what keeps partners in

Frederick Leonard and Chioma Akpotha

marriage. What makes a relationship work is not just love. Love is not enough. What keeps you going is the decision to make it work. I am looking for a square peg in a square hole, someone whose life is patterned the way mine is patterned as well because it just makes it a whole lot easier. So for me, love only doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep relationship going, love is just a by-product, something by the side. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong. Yes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I create love story.

Love is something that creates that bonding, affection and the condiments that help relationship to flourish, but what keeps both of you together is the decision to make it work. That decision gives birth to humility, understanding, tolerance and compromise.

Valuing your partner is important but you rarely find that in this generation. We used to have that in Olu Jacob and Aunty Jokeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generation. Because of enculturation and imbibing the western culture, something has shifted and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we have a lot of broken marriages, baby daddies and babies mama all over the place. So, I am praying to God fervently because I do not want to fall into that hole, hence the delay. I am very careful because I do not want a broken home. I was brought up in a very beautiful family and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how God plans it to be.

What drives your fashion sense?

I have always been a fashion kid. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influence on my personality.

I remember as a kid, she used to take me to Lagos Island and she would tell me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Emekaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is my native name, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;point what you want.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sometimes, she guides my choices by telling me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;oh, pick that colour and match it up with this colourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. So, I am pretty much a fashionable person. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live above my

means and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care what societal pressure or social media says. I try to live within my means but also look good. Looking good doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you wear the most expensive outfits but once I can afford them, I go for them. It just comes naturally to me to put on the right stuff and step out there looking good and putting smiles on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face so when they look at me, smile and say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;you look goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and I would reply, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m humbled, thanks very much mahn!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Laughs).

As a handsome and tall actor, naturally you are ladies delight. How do you manage admiration from opposite sex?

And how do you satisfy that void â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their urge for you?

I think it creates a void for attention which I give to them. I try as much as possible to respond to thousands of direct messages on my Instagram handle. I shall be doing meet and greet for Void movie at the cinema.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of filling up the void. As it relates to the urge to meet Frederick Leonard, I am out there and I relate with them. I ensure we have cordial relationship. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get intimate and marry all your female fans.

How do you relax when not on set?

I stay indoors. I am not the party type. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fancy drinking or smoking, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my style. I have very small cycle of family and friends. I just relax indoors, go to church, visit family and friends when necessary.

Filming is just very stressful and tedious as much as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun. Pretty much, I am one who likes to be indoors, relax and have a good time with people that are very close to me before work takes me again because I am really always on the move.

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Fashion File Avore Style Presents the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Womanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Collection

MARCH 2, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

Avore Style Presents the ‘Womanity’ Collection AVORE Style, a fast rising women contemm mts her new colco oll porary fashion brand presents turing Nigeri ian lection titled ‘Womanity’ featuring Nigerian my mummy, Media Personality, the yummy Ariyike Akinbobola (@LadyAriyike).

Ariyike).

This Womanity by Avore collection llection is for gain and are real women who love a bargain confident in their own skin. The collection werful African represents the Beautiful, Powerful woman who embraces her flaws and is unafraid to rock fashion pieces ces that make her feel like a Queen. atures classy The ‘Womanity’ collection features and perfectly tailored dress pieces made from beautiful luxurious fabrics rics all sourced locally: They are dresses thatt high-powered ation and women wear with Sophistication ds.

Elegance being the key words. porate environn Whether you work in a corporate ment or are more artistically inclined, the ‘Womanity’ collection is a perfect erfect fit for er onions when every woman who knows her arefully chosen it comes to style. From the carefully ent themes such colors which represent different as the Money green, Love red d and more, this collection is set to ignite Positive vibes everywhere you go. uwa Egbetayo The Creative Director, Opeoluwa who got the crowd cheering her on when she showcased at the Nigerian an Students rong Fashion Week in 2014 is a strong an mantra, advocate for the #BuyNigerian ant for every y she believes that it is important Nigerian to own fashion pieces ces made by y Nigerians and Avore dresses are a must have for every woman of all sizes.

Credit Muse: ariyike akinbobola @ ladyariyike Dresses by: @avorestyle Hand bags: @lolaadeoti Makeup by: racheal adodo @ makeupbyaralolacollections g gShot by: henry @_tee_photography Creative director: egbetayo opeoluwa @happybillionaire Hair: @thehairfuseltd @ hairbythejulie

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 2, 2019

SPECIAL INTERVIEW Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu

As 5th Largest Economy in Africa, Lagos Needs to Set New Standard on How it is Managed Ahead of the March 9 gubernatorial election in Lagos, Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu speaks to select journalists, including Olaoluwakitan Babatunde, on why he is the best candidate to lead Lagos and his 21st century economy plans for Lagos

T

he Governorship election is just a week away, why do you want to be governor of Lagos State?

I believe at this point in time, Lagos, which is the 5th largest economy in Africa needs to set new standard in how the state is managed and get new direction. It needs to do a lot of things quicker, faster and better. It needs to have a path through which we can begin to deal with all of the challenges that come with Mega City States. It needs to rebrand and to position itself for the opportunity that abound. We need to recalibrate the economy of the state and make it competitive for local and international competitiveness. Lagos needs to expand the economic base to create more private sector jobs. We have

I will be my own man as governor. I appreciate all the support and endorsements of the party structure. I also think that happened because they know me, they know what I have done, my contribution in government, out of government and all the various things that I’ve done, that’s why they’re supporting me

infrastructural deficits across sectors that we need private capital to fund. All of these I am prepared to deal with and can do better than anyone contesting against me.

My desire to be governor also has a whole lot to do with poorest of the poor in the society. A lot must also be done with all the challenges that we see every day- in traffic, transportation, health, education etc. But beyond all that, I have a whole lot of passion for people. I have been a people’s person. I am someone who usually wants to give my time to ensure that the next person is better than whoever or whatever he is. Also, given my several years of experience, I believe this is the right time if I want to do it all. I need to do it right now and get it done. On a lighter note, we have the Not Too Young to Run guys who are ready to displace us. So I need to do it now before they say I am too old (laughing) You think you fall into that bracket?

No I don’t fall within that bracket. There are lots of young people in their 30’s and early 40s who also want to do this. They seem to be saying anyone above 40 is too old to be Governor or President. There is a lot of technological revolution going on out there and the younger people are pushing the boundaries. They have talent and energy which we must convert for the good of the state and the country. As Governor, I will tap into this and work with young people especially those of them the technology, entertainment and sports.

And you think you’re the right man to do this?

I believe that I am the right man, not thinking…

Do you think that the process that threw you up as the candidate of your party in Lagos was fair?

Absolutely; this is because I earned it. I won an open primary election. Party members freely chose the flag bearer of their choice. The party in Lagos and at the highest level provided an opportunity through direct primaries for

states and aspirants in various elective posts to emerge.

The party in Lagos followed the guidelines as provided for by the National Working Committee of APC. It was open, free, fair and transparent primary election that brought me out as the candidate. The party members are happy that they had a say in who is their candidate. The good thing now is we have united the party members across all the divides behind a common goal and objective which is to win the election next week Saturday and to also win all our House of Assembly seats in Lagos.

But traditionally, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode should have been given the first right of refusal. But he was not…

Yes as a sitting Governor he has the right to seek reelection just like any party member cannot be banned from aspiring to same office. The Governor exercised his right.

What usually happens is that people say candidates are handpicked. But in this case, the party decided to throw the contest open. The party said that every card carrying member must have a say, so we went through a direct primary. It has not been done since 1992. So over a million people voted and I got the highest number of votes.

So can you say your emergence was fair?

Very well. Yes, it was fair.

In that sense are you saying that you will be a man of your own?

At 53? Certainly I am and I will be my own man as governor. I appreciate all the support and endorsements of the party structure. I also think that happened because they know me, they know what I have done, my contribution in government, out of government and all the various things that I’ve done, that’s why they’re supporting me. This same question of if I will be my own man is a reference to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who is our leader. It is important to say that Asiwaju has never had any negative influence on

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 2, 2019

SPECIAL INTERVIEW The Father of My Child is a Single Man...Unfortunately, He and I Are a Completely Closed Chapter care

Nobody is in bondage in Lagos. This man you’re talking about comes out every four years to contest as governor, yet he talks about freedom.

Let me ask where Mr. Jimi Agbaje was when his party, the People’s Democratic Party held Lagos State revenue for over two years. So there was no cry of freedom in Lagos when the PDP led Federal Government failed to grant approvals for developmental projects

Rail, Roads, Job Creation, Housing, Youth Empowerment, Ease of Doing Business and National Competitiveness. his two successors. He is always about the development of Lagos. If anything else, he pushes us to be better than what we have done in Lagos. He is my leader and a father figure. I will be lying if I say I will not take advice from him. I will seek his wise counsel and guidiance, just like I will take advice from Alhaji Lateef Jakande and anyone who have had the privilege of leading the state from when Lagos was created 52 years ago. They all have rich experiences on the leadership and governance of the state. They say experience is the best teacher.

Your main rival, Mr. Jimi Agbaje has based his campaign on Freedom. Do you think that Lagos is being remotely controlled and it needs to be freed from stranglehold of a godfather?

Nobody is in bondage in Lagos. This man you’re talking about comes out every four years to contest as governor, yet he talks about freedom. Let me ask where Mr. Jimi Agbaje was when his party, the People’s Democratic Party held Lagos State revenue for over two years. So there was no cry of freedom in Lagos when the PDP led Federal Government failed to grant approvals for developmental projects. There was no cry of freedom when Lagos had issues with securing the right of way for Redline rail project from Agbado to CMS for six years and PDP refused to grant it. There was no cry of Freedom when Lagos was agitating for a special status for sixteen years. But Agbaje is suddenly talking about Freedom for a Lagos that has grown from borrowing money to pay salary in 1999 to a fifth largest economy in Africa. That’s unfair on the State and its people.

Is Lagos working?

Yes; it is working but it can do better and faster given the dynamics of where it was before now. That is why my running mate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and I are in this race to take the state to a greater level. We both have the credentials and the experience to make the state work better and smarter. We were part of the foundational work that started with Asiwaju Tinubu in 1999 through the Fashola administration that raised the bar in public administration.

If you win the election and become Governor, what will be your projection for the state in terms of working relationship with the Federal Government?

You need the Federal Government to do a lot of things.

Many things we need to quickly get out of the way. We need to work with them in certain areas like right of ways for rail, Waterways, Power, abandoned properties etc.

For example, when our government wanted to start a rail project, the PDP led federal government refused to give us right of way on the Red Line, which would have enabled us lay rail track from Iddo to Alagbado axis of the state for mass transit. And because they refused, we had to do the Blue Line, which is a lot more expensive. If the PDP-led federal government had allowed us, we would have

completed the rail project a long time ago and transportation challenges would have been better for commuters in the State. Also, we’ve had problems securing approvals to build Jetties. The PDP-led FG refused to give us permit to build jetties for our people. Thankfully, the APC-led government of President Buhari has given us approval for the Red Line and we hope to work better with them in some other areas like housing. The Federal Government is also intervening in major road projects in the state already like Sagamu-Ikorodu that has been abandoned for 40 years, the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonsoki road which has been awarded to AG Dangote, the Agbara to Seme Border end of the Badagry-Seme Border Expressway has also been awarded by the federal government. For many years too, Lagos wanted to fix the International Airport road up to Oshodi for redevelopment and the PDP FG refused to give approval. Again it is being done now by the state government though a Federal road. The Federal Government has also given the State House in Marina to Lagos State. Already, the State is enjoying the benefits of being in same party with the government at the centre. Imagine, the Federal Government issuing certificate of occupancy and granting planning approvals on our land from Abuja without any recourse to us? These are some of the areas of collaboration that we need to explore with the Federal government. I believe working together; we will do a lot better for the benefit of every Lagosian, because at the end of the day, it is the people that matter.

You’ve been talking about your projection for Lagos State. How do you feel that the Presidential candidate of your party, Muhammadu Buhari won his election?

I am very happy like every party man. Winning the presidential election is the ultimate prize for any political party. Like the President won his election I am certain we will win our elections in Lagos too. President Buhari and our party deserved to win. In the last three and half years of his administration, he has lived up to his electoral promises. Recall that he promised to fix insecurity, tackle corruption and revamp the country’s ailing economy.

You know that our economy actually went into accession for over a year and we’re coming out of it. We’ve seen the numbers, we are growing, although you may want to argue that we’re not growing as fast as we should. We are beginning to do a whole lot in Agriculture. For example, Nigerian farmers are doing a lot in rice production, which has given rise to partnerships between States such as Lagos and Kebbi States. The figures have shown a major decline in rice importation into Nigeria. This is how the economy grows and certainly how it becomes sustainable.

The government did a lot on security and other areas of life and this is why I believe that Nigerians did the right thing by given the Buhari-led administration a chance to continue for a second term so that they can wrap up all of the good initiatives they started in Power, Transportation,

You think this is the language that the average voter who is going to vote on Saturday in the governorship election in Lagos understands?

I believe so. I believe that as politicians and even you the journalists should educate the people. We should tell them rightly that all of these are what will revamp the economy and bring back the jobs. We have seen real development in critical infrastructure. We have seen Ajaokuta-Itakpe-Warri rail which had been abandoned since 1987, the Lagos to Kano rail project where the Lagos-Ibadan leg is almost completed. We have seen the airports being completed in Port Harcourt and Abuja, the Abuja Light Rail project among others are massive projects that help the economy to grow. We cannot have a productive economy without critical infrastructure. So the country is moving in the right direction.

Do you think that Nigerians trust your party?

I believe they do, because the President has honestly told us that if anything at all, he will never steal our money.

What Nigerians should ask for are quicker and faster interventions where necessary. That President Buhari is a man of integrity is enough for me because that is what all other things are built upon. That’s what I also stand for. So what we need to see from now is for the jobs to go up, the economy revitalized and wrap up a whole lot more.

What will be the most important thing for you if you win this election?

It’s to get a lot of Lagosians out of poverty. I’m going to do that with my project team, by ensuring that we push more fund into education, health and social services. Currently we do about 8% budgetary allocation to education.

We will see how we can push it up to about 15% in the next four years. Same with health. We need to cover a lot of the vulnerable and poorest of the poor Lagosians under our Health Insurance Scheme. I believe that if we do well in Education and Health we will be guaranteeing the future of the children and Lagos State.

Did you sign any deal to spend four years of one term only?

I didn’t sign any deal with anyone. It is also important to say that it is only four years on that is in INEC form.

Will you be willing to renew it if you win?

It’s Lagosians that will determine that for me. There’s certainly no deal anywhere. The only deal that I will be having will be with Lagosians.

Are you sure that you’re going to have two terms?

Again, that will be left for Lagosians to determine. I’m sure that they will do the needful if I earn it.

Finally, do you think you can win this election?

I know I will win.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 2, 2019

POLITY

Fall of the Big Boys The Senate in the last elections came down with heavy casualties; apparently having the biggest disappointments and surprises, as very influential and supposedly popular politicians were sent packing.

A look at some of them may prove a point in the political firmament, depending on which side of the divide one views it from, reports Ahamefula Ogbu Godswill Akpabio: He is the senator representing Akwa Ibom NorthWest district in the National Assembly and has lost his seat. Akpabio dumped the PDP and moved over to the APC, under which he contested for reelection. Akpabio could only get 67,487 votes against 136,373 votes polled by Chris Ekpenyong of the PDP which drove the death knell on his ambition.

His defeat was one of the surprises given his following which was adjudged massive especially when viewed against the margin of more than 60,000 votes.

Bukola Saraki:

He was arguably the most mentioned in the media for his running battles with the executive. His state, Kwara which has been under his vice grip from the time of his father had a liberation cry led by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who with the support of the executive, decimated the Saraki dynasty which they insistently described as a castle in the air. The Senate President who ran on the platform of the PDP will not return to the Senate in June 2019, as he was knocked out of the Kwara Central Senatorial District election by Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 72,277 votes against Saraki’s 38,919 votes. That sealed Saraki’s exit with 33,358 votes

Saraki

Abiola Ajimobi: The outgoing Governor of Oyo State is one of the surprise losers in the quest to return to the Senate. The two-term Governor lost his bid to represent Oyo South under the APC to Kola Balogun of PDP. Ajimobi polled 92,579 votes while Balogun secured 105,720 votes. He is a good sportsman as he said, “I hereby accept the result as announced. Although there were a number of grievous infractions and established electoral malpractices, I have decided to let go in the interest of peace. I therefore congratulate the declared winner, Hon Kola Balogun.”

Ajimobi

Olusegun Mimiko : He is the immediate past Governor of Ondo State who lost his quest for a senatorial seat for Ondo Central in the National Assembly.

He ran on the platform of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and lost to Ayo Akinyelure, of the PDP. Mimiko came a distant third as he polled 56,628 votes. Akinyelure is a giant killer as he defeated Mimiko and the incumbent Senator Tayo Alasoadura of APC after scoring 67,994 votes against Alasoadura’s 58,092 votes.

Barnabas Gemade: He moved from APC to SDP and lost his seat in the red chambers where he has been representing Benue Northeast. Gemade lost to former governor Gabriel Suswam. Gemade, who is seeking a third term, told newsmen at the INEC headquarters in Makurdi that he was at the commission to report noticeable problems which characterised the elections but Suswan advised him to stop whining and accept defeat.

He was somewhat populist in his approach at the Senate and could be remembered for making public the jumbo pay that the red chamber members take home monthly. He will however not be going back to the Senate as he was defeated by Uba Sani of the APC in the Kaduna Central senatorial contest where he ran on the platform of the PRP after dramatically being denied a ticket and had to defect to PRP. Uba Sani polled 355,242 votes to send Shehu Sani who scored 70,613 packing. Shehu Sani was senator on the platform of the APC in 2015, but defected to PRP when he lost the APC senatorial ticket.

Emmanuel Uduaghan: He handed over to incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa after serving two terms. He defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress and contested for Delta South senatorial zone and lost to James Manager, the incumbent senator and a candidate of the PDP. Uduaghan scored 125,776 votes against 258,812 votes secured by Manager.

Gemade

Akume

Ibrahim Dankwambo: The Gombe State governor went back home after losing at the presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar.

He contested for the Gombe North Senate seat, but lost out to Alhaji Saidu Alkali.

Ubah

Uduaghan

Mao Ohuabunwa: He was in the House of Representatives for a while before moving up to the red chambers where he edged out the former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu in 2015. However, his loss to Kalu in 2019, though one of the surprises, has come to be one of the realities in Abia North Senatorial zone. Kalu of APC polled 31,203 votes to defeat the incumbent Ohuabunwa who polled 20,801 votes.

George Akume: He was a former governor and a serving senator of the APC. He lost to the candidate of the PDP, Orker Jev, a member of the House of Representatives who polled 157,726 to defeat Akume who scored 115,422 votes.

Mimiko

Shehu Sani:

Sani

Ohuabunwa

Akpabio

Patrick Obahiagbon: Known for his comics, he was former Chief of staff in Edo State. He lost his senatorial bid to PDP’s Mathew Uroghide in Edo South. Uroghide scored 135,588 votes to defeat Obahiagbon of APC who scored 121,957 votes.

Dankwambo

Andy Ubah: He has been in the Senate and trots with the reputation of the Ubah brothers who hold Anambra State by the jugular. He will however not be returning to the senate as Ifeanyi Ubah, the chairman of Capital Oil and Gas who contested under the Young Progresives Party (YPP) defeated him and his younger brother, Chris. Ifeanyi Ubah polled 87, 081 votes to win the Anambra South Senatorial District seat. His closest rival, Chief Chris Uba of the PDP got 62,462 votes.

Obahiagbon

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 2, 2019

27

POLITY

Ogun Governorship: Where will the Pendulum Swing?

Femi Ogbonnikan writes on the intrigues and horse-trading that characterise the governorship and House of Assembly election race in Ogun State

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olitics is a game of numbers. It is either you win or you lose. Thus, the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Ogun State last Saturday points to the direction where the pendulum would likely swing in the next two elections (governorship and House

of Assembly).

The stage is now set for strong contenders to prove their mettle.

By and large, Ogun State politics, unlike others, is characterised by revolt against any attempt by a sitting governor to foist his anointed “puppet” on the people of the state, as his successor.

Since the advent of the fourth republic on May 29, 1999, no incumbent Ogun State governor has succeeded in installing his preferred candidate as successor. The immediate past governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, attempted it, but failed.

However, the incumbent Ibikunle Amosun, appears to possesse a magic wand to spring surprises and break the jinx.

In late 2017, when the issue of succession plans began to gather momentum, the real traits in Amosun started to manifest. At various fora, he often made known his intention to pick a “wizkid” from Ogun West district as his preferred candidate.

But this development didn’t go down well with the people of Ogun East district who were laying equal claim to the number one plum job of the state.

Thus, the agitation for a power shift by the people of Ogun East eventually gave rise to the birth of “Ijebu-Remo Agenda”.

Amosun rebuffed every wise counsel from the chieftains of the party, leaders of thought and close aides, to seek collective input into “who becomes the governor of the state”. Rather, he insisted on single-handedly picking his preferred governorship candidate. At all levels of the party leadership, ranging from the state to the ward, he ensured that all his trusted aides were elected into congresses.

Subsequently, the development sparked off a violent protest from the rival camp (Olusegun Osoba) which kicked against the mode of electing the delegates.

Against all odds, the governor fortified his stronglehold on the leadership of the party and he was calling the shot. He was running the party, like a personal estate. Not surprising, when the issue concerning the mode of electing the governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly Abiodun candidates came to the fore, he was quick to opt for a “consensus” method. He unilateral picked his governorand he (Amosun) asked me to consider it. He asked me to ship candidate, Hon Adekunle Akinlade, the deputy, Mrs start making necessary contacts and consultations across the Adebimpe Adebajo, three Senators, nine National Assembly length and breadth of the state. We started consultations at and 26 State House of Assembly candidates. The situation all levels and he (Amosun) took his decision at the end of last generated bad blood. There was angst, disaffection and proAugust. test against the method, a situation that curried the prompt “The main reason I went a separate way with Amosun was intervention of the national leadership of the party. when the issue of going to the new party came up. Because The emergence of Prince Dapo Abiodun from the October Amosun’s candidate, Akinlade, wasn’t recognised by the 3, 2018 direct primary jolted Amosun. With his inability to acNWC, the governor mooted out an idea to me. He asked me cept the defeat, Amosun resorted to name-calling. He spared to get back to him. I got back to my people and they were no rod and boldly fingered the national leader of the APC, averse to the idea.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, “When I got back to the governor, what my kinsmen said, national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, and the thing was not well received by him. I don’t like switching former governor of the state and a chieftain of the party, political parties. I respect party’s supremacy, because my Aremo Olusegun Osoba, as the masterminds of his political political pedigree has to be maintained. I stay in a party and travails. build it. Turning my back on the party is like turning my back Amosun visited his political godfather, President Muhamon the people. The loyalty and commitment for President madu Buhari, in Aso Villa, Abuja, to wade in, on his behalf Muhammadu Buhari is to remain steadfast. I feel a sense of and reverse the decision of the National Working Committee responsibility to my followers to remain in the APC, because (NWC) of the party by declaring his preferred candidate, Akinlade, as the governorship flag bearer. This mission failed. it is critical to the development of my party. I knew the roles Amosun defied all pleas and persuasions, and elected to field my late father, Senator Jonathan Odebiyi, and mother, Mrs Kemi Odebiyi, former Lagos State Resident Electoral Comall his candidates in a fringe party, Allied Peoples Movement missioner (REC), played. So, leaving a progressive party, like (APM), to actualise his dream.

APC is tantamount to severing relationship with my people.

Shortly after, aggrieved loyal aides, who were unfavourI am not leaving the party and I am ready to give my support ably disposed to the movement to the new party, began to desert his administration in droves. Among them, his Chief of to President Muhammadu Buhari.

As if it wasn’t over, another casualty recorded in the Staff, Chief Tolu Odebiyi (who is an Ogun West senator-elect scheme of the power- play was Chief Bode Mustapha, whose on the APC platform); former Special Adviser (SA) on special appointment as the Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian duties, Princess Peju Shote; former Special Adviser (SA) on Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), was withdrawn Forestry, Chief Yinka Odufuwa; Special Assistant (SA) on and replaced by Mrs Ronke Shokefun, former Ogun State Energy, Mrs Adenike Osoba; Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Commissioner for Physical and Urban Planning Developon Environment, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga (now, newly ment. Mustapha was the Director-General (DG), second elected member, House of Representatives for Remo North/ term of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in 2015. The duo fell Ikenne/Sagamu); former Commissioner for Youths and out, following irreconcilable differences, emanating from an Sports, Mr Afolabi Afuape; Special Assistant (SA) on Culture, Mr Sunday Baminola; Chief Ayo Olubori and a host of others. alleged inconsistency of Mr Governor who failed to redeem his pledge to compensate the DG with a ministerial appointOn why he bowed out of the government of Amosun, the ment, which later favoured the former Minister for Finance, erstwhile Chief of Staff laid the blame on the doorstep of the Mrs Kemi Adeosun. former who had promised him the governorship seat, only Amosun, who is sponsoring Akinlade, didn’t leave the to change his mind mid-way. In a recent interview, Odebiyi APC, while he moved all his candidates to APM. said, “At various fora, Amosun said he was considering me According to a political analyst, Chief Segun Olakunle, for the Ogun State governorship ticket. I thought over it and who hails from Abeokuta South Local Government Area, I decided to contribute my quota to the development of the “they have started again and you seem not to know that they state. have their agenda. Amosun, who is sponsoring Akinlade, “We discussed the idea of looking at the governorship race didn’t leave APC, just like Gbenga Daniel did with Peoples

Party of Nigeria (PPN).

“Amosun knew he could not have won the senatorial seat without riding on the goodwill of Buhari (not APC).

If he had contested on the platform of APM, he would have lost like the rest that he planted in APM. Tolu Odebiyi was wiser, he persuaded him to move to APM but he declined.

“Unfortunately for them, they have always relied on godfathers who will never drive them to the Promised Land. The godfathers have always polarised them along ethnic lines by picking one person from one side of the divide while another godfather will also pick from the other side of the divide “Forget about your godfathers.

Where did they land you in 2011?

Obasanjo who sponsored Olurin eventually switched over to Amosun, his kinsman. Gbenga Daniel, who sponsored GNI switched allegiance in 2015.

“For somebody who had to ride on the popularity of Buhari to win election, to now be sponsoring the Yewa/Awori agenda.You had better think twice.

“Is Amosun really interested in the Yewa/Awori agenda? I have it on good authority that when Amosun assembled Yewa Elders in APC to pick a candidate from Ogun West, it was Biyi Otegbeye that came first followed

by Tolu odebiyi. He single handedly subverted the people’s will by choosing Akinlade. Is Akinlade therefore the choice of the Yewa/Awori people in the first instance?

I have never met any of the two candidates from Yewa/Awori but I know one is far more popular than the other and these are my reasons: One of the candidates who did not have any strong financial backing from any godfather was able to assert his influence as his personal popularity made his candidate for the House of Representatives from his axis to win very convincingly. “As a result of his popularity in Ogun Central, his party’s candidate came second in the senatorial election in spite of huge amount invested in vote buying by her opponents.

“Meanwhile, the Ijebu people have vowed not to vote for Amosun’s candidate because they are very bitter about the level of infrastructural decay under the Amosun administration.

“The Ijebus have a rallying point in Awujale who can always invoke the spirit of their ancestors on anyone who works against Ijebus’ interest. As a matter of fact, he (Awujale) refused to see Akinlade when he went there to visit, saying “Ijebu people have their own son”.

Daring the national leadership of the party of alleged anti-party activities, Amosun has begun campaigning for his preferred governorship candidate, Akinlade, of the APM. Meanwhile, the voting patterns in the last Presidential and National Assembly elections held on Saturday, February 23, in the state, and their subsequent outcomes are clear indicators of what would happen next Saturday in the governorship contest.

Virtually all leading figures the APM fielded for the National Assembly seats lost to the rival APC candidates. Prominent among them are the Ogun West Senatorial candidate, Segun Gbeleyi; Hon Mikhail Kazeem who vied for Abeokuta North/ Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency whom Olumide, son of Osoba, drubbed at the poll; Mr Rotimi Rahman (aka Arugbo) who failed to clinch the Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; Hon Yinka Mafe who contested for Remo North/ Ikenne/Sagamu Federal Constituency; Mr Leke Adewolu, who also contested for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency and Bayo Adeyemi who vied for Egbado North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency.

Amosun, who is relishing his electoral victory as Ogun Central Senator, has quickly forgotten the massive votes he enjoyed from his arch-rival group. Earlier, Osoba had, in both newspaper publication and short-message-service (sms), courted the chieftains and supporters of the APC in the Ogun Central, who were averse to the aspiration of the governor, but wanted to seize the occasion as a payback time, to jettison such a plan and throw their support for Amosun, just for the collective interest of the party, for posterity sake.

In his current travails, Amosun has a lot of hurdles to cross.

He has axe to grind in his face-off with Ogun State government workers who are poised for a total showdown for non-payment of pensions and gratuities, cooperative deductions and other allowances.

Abiodun stands a good chance of emerging governor. He is enjoying the support of the masses of the people, national leadership of the party, seasoned technocrats, organised labour, students and traditional rulers to shore up his political base that looks good to translate into victory next Saturday.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 2, 2019

POLITY PROFOH Volunteers: Nigerian Patients Receive Free Medicare in Lagos Justina Uzo

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team of medical doctors from the United States of America were in Lagos for a week, providing free surgical solutions to people who cannot afford to pay for the procedure.

The medical mission of surgeons from Israel and the United States of America was organised, recently, by a non-governmental organization, PROFOH NGO (Professionals for Humanity) for Nigerians living with health problems but could not afford to pay medical bills. They had surgery free of charge.

The doctors performed nasal reconstruction, breast biopsy; breast tumour and goitre removal. Umbilical defects were also corrected.

The team of medical experts, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists and clinical psychologists, were led by G.D. Kama, Executive Director of PROFOH/501 Status Organisation in the United State, established in Nigeria in 1998, and by G.B. Ghanaador, a Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas, USA. It was understood that PROFOH was supported by Lagos State APC gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Interestingly, the visiting medical personnel worked alongside their Nigerian counterparts at Somolu General Hospital and Onikan Health Centre, Lagos to give succour to the ailing during the weeklong volunteer work which took place from February 19 to February 26. The medical team from Israel came mainly for plastic surgeries and they took particular interest in young children. They worked at Somolu General Hospital while the others were at Onikan Hospital.

Despite the challenges, as the hospitals are basically equipped, with no safe surgical environment, no proper recovery room, the doctors performed eight to 10 surgeries a day, starting from 9 A.M. to 9 PM. The first day (last week Tuesday) was crowded with sick people, especially those with growth all over their body. Some of

them waited patiently to be examined while others, especially parents and guardians, who brought ailing children, were excited.

President, Centre for Destitute Empowerment, Idimu, Lagos, Pastor Samson Okoliko, who was ecstatic to hear foreign doctors are in Lagos for free medicare, was full of praises for the Israeli volunteer doctors and those who contacted them. He brought a three-month old baby who has Cleft Palate, a condition in which somebody is born with the roof of their upper lip split, making them unable to eat properly and speak clearly.

Okoliko said the baby was abandoned by the mother somewhere before she was rescued and brought to the Centre for Destitute Empowerment. “This girl (pointing to a little child held by a staff of their hospice) was very sick, malnourished and motherless. She has this problem (Cleft Palate) which made it very difficult for us to care for her. So, you see how happy we were when somebody gave us the information that the Israeli doctors are in town to help people like our baby who cannot afford the money to do operation,” he said.

“We are volunteers. We came to see the local people. We came with a lot of respect for the Nigerian people,” says Dr. Yitzhak Lippin, the head of the Israeli doctors.

He said: We did a variety of operations such as goiter, lapsectomy, biopsy and a child who could not lift his arm. We think human being is human everywhere. But if they live in difficult condition, they struggle to survive we help them. We care. We know we cannot solve all the problems. If we are able to help even one child or woman it will be for us a great achievement.”

While commending the Nigerian doctors, Lippin also stressed that health and education are very basic and so should be given the highest priority. “The Nigerian doctors and nurses were very good. They were warm and willing to help. I was very impressed.

They are doing marvelous work. Their environment is very difficult still they are doing their best.”

On equipment, the surgeon whose medical practice spans over 30 years said “Of course equipment is important. We brought a

lot of equipment and we will leave it in the hospitals here.” Part of the mission, according to him, was a follow- up; we left a very impressive instruction. We told them (Nigerian doctors and nurses) what to do.”

No doubt, the doctors were passionate about their work and some of them didn’t know how to handle the situation when it was time to say good bye. It was touching as some of the patients who were not lucky to undergo surgery came complaining to the doctors. “We try to come again to improve many things,” Lippin reassured.

PROFOH is said to have brought succor to thousands in countries around the world including Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Liberia, Egypt, Kenya, Nepal, Trinidad & Tobago, and Mexico through medical missions, manpower development, equipment donation, education support, and provision of safe drinking water.

The mission is meant to benefit the under-privileged and vulnerable people who are burdened by general medical and surgical ailments but cannot afford the high cost of health care.

PROFOH’s visit in Lagos last week was the second mission in Nigeria for 2019. The group was also in NCH, Abia State at the time working in partnership with Earthwide Surgical Foundation of Henderson, Texas, USA.

World Farmers’ Centre Targets 1,000 Farmer Millionaires in 5 Years Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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n line with its core value of encouraging Nigerian youths to embrace agriculture, the World Farmers Centre is embarking on a project aimed at raising 1000 millionaire farmers within the space of five years.

Speaking on the project in Lagos yesterday, the founder of Farmers’ Centre, Dr. Joseph Deji-Folutile, said the project would expose young Nigerian farmers to the different areas of investment in the agric sector, in order to broaden their perspectives.

According to him, there is a huge tendency for people to

concentrate on a few aspects of the farming industry that are considered to be lucrative at the expense of other value chains that are equally important and which could yield better profits.

“For over 10 years, we have had direct contacts with farmers in the country, trying to provide solutions to most of their technical problems. Through our monthly publication, the Farming Advice Digest, which is a specialized publication on farming, we have had robust interactions with farmers at all levels, thus giving us the unique opportunities of understanding the gaps in the sector. The Farmers’ Centre is embarking on the training series as part of its contributions to the development of the agric sector in Nigeria as a whole,’’ Dr. Deji-Folutile explained.

He added that farming remains a rich venture because it is a means through which food is made available to the people. “Everyone must eat. This makes farming a viable venture. But farmers need to be rightly guided and trained to use the huge opportunities before them very well. “The 1,000 young Nigerian millionaire project will involve regular seminars, butt camps, farm visits, mentoring and it is appropriate for private and public organizations,” he added.

The World Farmers’ Centre was founded in 2017 to help provide solutions to the problem of hunger in the country through knowledge transfer to the people involved in different aspects of farming.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Group Head, Business and Strategy, Integrated Indigo Limited, Tobi Tiyamiyu; Managing Director/CEO, Integrated Indigo Limited, Bolaji Abimbola; Executive Director, African Agro Limited,Samir Panich and Business Development Executive, Integrated Indigo Limited, Temitope Mustapha, receiving the Award for the West Africa’s Best In Class Public Relations and Communications Services Company of the Year 2019 held at Lagos Sheraton Hotel...recently

L-R: Executive Director Dangote Group, Engr Mansur Ahmed; Managing Director, Executive Trainers, Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan; and National Sales Consultant Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan at the African Union Summit/US - Africa Trade Investment Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia recently

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, 9mobile, Phillips Oki; Winner of 9mobile Magic Hour Promo, Adegbite Oyekanmbi and Vice President, Marketing, 9mobile, Adebisi Idowu, at the presentation of the 9mobile Magic Hour Promo to the winners, at the Ikeja City Mall...yesterday KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Actor and TV Host, Uti Nwachukwu; Actor and Singer, Nonso Bassey; Media Personality, Oreka Godis; Brand Manager Gulder NB Plc. Kolawole Akintimehin; and Media Manager NB Plc. Toheeb Azeez, After The “Own Your Journey To Success” Session By Gulder At Social Media Week Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

02.03.2019

NEWS

North London Derby PAGE. 32

Ola Aina

Permanent Deal at Torino

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Ola Aina

Permanent Deal at Torino With more experienced players like Cesar Azpilicueta, MarcosAlonzo and Emerson at Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fold, regular playing timewas hard for Ola Aina, he was therefore loaned to Hull City last season before another loan spell to Torino. With the season just a little beyond half, the Chelsea loanee is already enjoying a cult hero among Torino fans. It, therefore, came as no surprise that the Serie A club has handed him a permant deal

L

ast month, with the season halfway, Ola Aina was named the fastest player in the Italian Serie A. The official website of the Lega Calcio published infographics of the first round of the Serie A and the Chelsea loanee reached the highest speed peak calculated over a period of three seconds.

The Nigerian wing-back clocked a top speed of 29.66kilometres per hour to rank first, though Aina has to improve in the defensive phase, he is considered Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best offensive wing-back at the moment and his

strengths are his pace and acceleration, which helps him against his opponents.

Aina has completed a permanent move to Italian club Torino after the Serie A side completed the permanent signing of the Nigerian defender at the end of the season after his impressive games in Italy.

Aina has seen Cesar Azpilicueta consolidate his right-back position at Chelsea this term under manager Maurizio Sarri and even captaining the Blues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The football here is very tactical. You have to concentrate a lot.

They spend a lot of time on set-pieces and getting the right movement. It has

been very good so far and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m loving it,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Aina said.

With the deal sealed, Chelsea have lost Ola Aina even with the recent transfer ban imposed on them by the world football governing body after the club were found guilty of breaching codes guiding the signing of youngsters. The Premier League giants have also been handed a fine of ÂŁ460,000, while the English FA bags ÂŁ390,000 sanction. Though, the FA have a chance to appeal the fine, citing â&#x20AC;&#x153;concernsâ&#x20AC;? with FIFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disciplinary processes.

Aina has played in all but three games this season for Torino. He has

been one of the loan armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success stories of the season. Despite playing most his time at Chelsea and his 2017/18 loan at Hull City on the right, he has been Torinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting left wing-back since opening day.

Aina has already justified Torino executing his Euro 10 million option.

Torino are in a five-team battle for Serie Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final Europa League spot: 6th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10th place are separated by two points. If they qualify, they will need reinforcements for the additional campaign. Whether they do or not, they need to fortify their defence until they either return Andrea Belotti to last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form or find a goal-

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MARCH 2, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER I really like Turin. It’s not as big as London, but it’s a bit more relaxed and relaxing, a bit like me. In England, we train a lot in the morning, here it’s more the afternoon. I’m getting used to it though. Everyone is adapting to me, and obviously vice-versa. My teammates have made me feel good from the beginning, I thank them because it made it much easier for me to settle in

scoring solution. Additionally, Aina’s counterpart on the right, Lorenzo de Silvestri, will be 31 this summer. The Italian side need a line of succession for the wing-backs and Aina can cover either side as necessary.

Chelsea would have an easier time projecting their needs atdefence if they had anyone whose job it was to project such needs. Their current starting full-backs are looking increasingly uncomfortable in their positions, although extenuating circumstances wield strong influence.

Azpilicueta is likely at his physical and mental brink from overuse, having played nearly as many minutes as Kepa Arrizabalaga this season. He will

also turn 30 this summer, making workload management increasingly important. On the other side, Marcos Alonso is looking more like the journeyman left-back he once was than the world-class wing-back he more recently was.

With question marks surrounding Azpilicueta performances of late and a transfer ban on the way, Aina’s departure could be another deal that does not go down well with Chelsea supporters.

However, the Torino defender has said severally he is delighted with his new environment and the opportunity to hone his skills in Italy after he joined Walter Mazzarri’s

men for the 2018-19 campaign after extending his contract with Chelsea to 2021 last month.

After spending the majority of his career in England which included a season-long spell with Hull City last term, the 21-year-old highlighted differences between the two countries.

“I really like Turin. It’s not as big as London, but it’s a bit more relaxed and relaxing, a bit like me. In England, we train a lot in the morning, here it’s more the afternoon. I’m getting used to it though. Everyone is adapting to me, and obviously vice-versa. My teammates have made me feel good from the beginning, I thank them because it made it much easier for me to settle in,” Aina was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

“Serie A is very different from the Premier League, the football in England is more physical and fast. It’s slower here and there’s more time to think, but you need a very different, more intense, attention to tactics.

That’s good for me because that’s exactly what I need to improve.

“I chose Torino because of the coach Walter Mazzarri, I talked to him and I got the feeling he wanted me and wanted to help me grow. I also felt he wanted me to work for him, that I could be important for his cause.

Then, of course, Torino have a great history and the Italian league is one of the best, so I couldn’t say no.”

The 22-year-old believes he has started brightly this season and looks to continue to make a good impression on the first team.

He said: “I have started very well this season, thanks also to my team mates and to the coach, when there are challenges I always face them openly because I believe in my potential.”

He went on to praise Mazzari’s tactics and team set up,emphasising how he likes to be given the freedom to attack as well as defend.

Little wonder he has suddenly become a vital part of the team.

“I’ve been enjoying it so far. I’m enjoying training and the games, and all the challenges as there are some top sides here. I’m settling in just fine.

My Italian was good but it’s dipped a little.”

“The difference is a lot,” Aina said, adding “The level is a lot higher, the concentration and tactical side of things are a lot higher than the Championship. For me, that is what is key for me this season. Right now, the squad are just focusing on each other, and to take each match as it comes.

We want to play good football and get as many points as possible and win games. So if we can focus on this, then who knows.”

Normally placed on the right side, Aina has been operating on the left, though he admitted it makes no difference where he plays.

“Both right and left are the same,” Aina continued, “the only difference is you have to use your other foot.

Simple really.”

He was born in London and was raised by two Nigerian parents, he was also one step away from participating in the last World Cup in Russia. He was in fact included in the preliminary list but was not chosen in the final 23.

A few years ago, when Josè Mourinho was still the manager of the Blues, he spoke highly of the player and his efforts. Aina won a number of titles with the youth team at Chelsea which forced the Special One to say “He has great potential and I believe that he will represent the future of the club.”

After Mourinho left, Aina was mentored by Conte and with the Italian Aina played in the 3-4-3 and on 3-5-2 systems and knowing Mazzarri, a young player that knows how to play in a system with three defenders is ideal.

Aina said, “I only arrived in August, but I immediately got along well with my new teammates, I tied up with Meite, Ferigra, Edera, but also with many others.

“I feel at home and for this I thank them. I started this season very well thanks to my teammates and to the coach. When there are challenges I always face them openly because I believe a lot in my potential.

“Chelsea allowed me to be here because they know that this is an excellent championship and an opportunity to improve even tactically, I chose Torino because I talked to the coach and he immediately made me feel important for this team, and then because this club has an important history.”

The 22-year-old Chelsea Academy product is good in making short passes and is a good dribbler. He was a right winger when he first joined The Blues at U-11 level before he was converted into a defender.

It, however, remains a wonder how Chelsea allowed Aina to join Torino permanently considering the prevailing circumstance at Stamford Bridge.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î

GLOBAL SOCCER

North London Derby

Tottenham, Arsenal Battle for Top-Four Place

With two successive loses in less than one week, Tottenham Hotspursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Premier League dream is now in ruin, therefore, hanging on to top-four position is now the ambition. That is why todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encounter between the two North London rivals will be more than a derby as Arsenal are not prepared to lose their grip on the fourth position

W

embley plays host to the 198th North London derby today lunchtime as Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal looking to arrest an alarming dip in form.

Back-to-back defeats have threatened to drag Spurs into the top-four race, and their fiercest rivals could inflict more misery on them by moving to within one point with victory at the national stadium.

Following last weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shock defeat to Burnley, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino claimed that it could be up to 10 years before his team are able to win the Premier League title.

If that seems like a lengthy wait the past seven days will have felt almost as long, with Tottenham following that Burnley loss up with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of London rivals Chelsea on Wednesday.

The only team Spurs dislike more than

Chelsea is Arsenal, so the prospect of suffering three league defeats in a row for the first time since November 2012 at the hands of the Gunners - who were also responsible for the third defeat in that run, incidentally - will be a difficult one for them to stomach.

It is more than just their pride which could be damaged this weekend, though, as Spurs are in serious danger of being dragged into a tightly-contested top-four battle when just seven days ago they were regarded as outsiders for the title.

Victory over Burnley would have closed the gap to just two points at the top of the table, but Pochettinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side are now nine adrift of the leaders and very much looking over their shoulders with only five points separating them from in-form Manchester United in fifth.

Arsenal, United and Chelsea all gained three points on Tottenham in midweek

and the big matches keep on coming for the Lilywhites with Borussia Dortmund to follow this derby next Tuesday.

Pochettino can afford to push that match to the back of his mind for now, although if the current slump continues beyond the visit of Arsenal then even their 3-0 first-leg lead in that Champions League last-16 tie may not be safe.

One of the more surprising elements of Tottenhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two recent defeats is that they have both come away from home, where Spurs had the best record in Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top five leagues beforehand. The return to Wembley may be a welcome one, then, despite having still picked up more points on the road than they have in front of their own fans.

Tottenham have won their last four home games across all competitions, and another victory on Saturday would see them become the first team to beat Arsenal on three separate occasions at Wembley.

Pochettino has also never lost a home

Premier League game against the Gunners, and the pattern of home advantage proving important in this fixture continues in that only one of the last 16 league meetings have been won by the away team.

There are still plenty of signs pointing towards a Tottenham win, then, but they may not be relishing the visit of their closest enemies quite as much as they were just a week or so ago.

Unai Emery took over at Arsenal with top-four football as the number one objective, and as things stand he is on course to achieve it.

There have been questions throughout the campaign, but realistically breaking into those Champions League places in his first season at the helm was a big ask considering they finished sixth last season and needed to adapt to the end of the Arsene Wenger era.

The fact that Arsenal could move to within one point of a Spurs side that just a week ago were regarded as title challengers

ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

33

GLOBAL SOCCER

El Clasico

Barcelona Eye Bernabeu Double Triumph

H

should be applauded, then, but there is plenty more work to be done.

Manchester Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left little margin for error in the top-four race, while Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory over Spurs has the feel of a turning point for the Blues and manager Maurizio Sarri too.

It is in Arsenalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands at the moment, though, and it is up to them to keep clear of their rivals in a potentially season-defining run of fixtures which sees the Gunners face United in their next league game after this derby.

Arsenal are certainly arriving into that decisive domestic double-header in the sort of form they require, having won five of their last six Premier League games - as many as they had managed in their previous 13.

It is a different story when solely looking at away form, though; Arsenal have lost three of their last four outings on the road

across all competitions and their only two away wins since November have come against League One Blackpool and Premier League basement club Huddersfield Town.

Victory at Wembley would see Emeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side record back-to-back away league wins for the first time since October, but they have lost as many top-flight games as they have won on their travels so far this term and would sit eighth in the table if only away form counted.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that the old cliche of the formbook going out of the window for such matches is true to a certain extent this weekend, then, although they will also feel that this is a good time to be playing a stuttering Spurs off the back of their joint-biggest win under Emery.

Emery believes the opportunity to inch close to within a point of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;big motivationâ&#x20AC;? for his players ahead of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north London derby.

aving been beaten 4-0 in the reverse fixture of the La Liga and 3-0 in the second leg of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid will be hoping to save their face and restore parity and they take on arch rival Barcelona today Barcelona forward Luis Suarez returns to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid just days after knocking them out of the Copa Del Rey with a double in a 3-0 win After knocking Real Madrid out of the Copa del Rey, Barcelona now have the opportunity to send their rivals packing in the title race too.

Barcaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3-0 victory on Wednesday means they will return to the Santiago Bernabeu today with a spring in their step, even if Madrid were the better side and had the better opportunities until the chaotic final 30 minutes, when a Luis Suarez double and Raphael Varane own goal gave victory to the Catalans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They had more chances in the first half, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true,â&#x20AC;? said Gerard Pique. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But in the second we knew how to get at them. They left more space and in 10 to 15 minutes we scored three goals.â&#x20AC;?

A repeat this weekend in La Liga would leave Santiago Solariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side 12 points adrift of Barcelona, who would effectively have an extra pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advantage given their superior head-to-head record. That would be a gargantuan gap to make up with 12 games left.

Atletico Madrid are closer, seven points back, and they still have to play Barca in April, albeit at the Camp Nou, where they have not won in 18 visits. But there is no doubt bumping Real out of the chase would be a major step for the Catalans.

They should feel confident if recent form between the two sides is any guide. The Copa del Rey win was Barcelonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth in six games at the Bernabeu and in each of those they have scored three or more. This season alone, their aggregate total against Real reads 9-2.

And while Madrid will take heart from the handful of golden opportunities they created, it was their opponents that showed the killer instinct, delivered by players used to producing when it matters most. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When Luis Suarez is in the area, he is at 200 per cent,â&#x20AC;? said Valverde.

The question for Barca is also what these showings against the defending European champions say about their own chances in the Champions League.

A goalless draw at Lyon in the first leg leaves their last 16 tie delicately poised ahead of the home return next month and if Barca do come through, sterner tests will lie ahead.

Suarezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brace on Wednesday continues a timely return to form while Lionel Messi showed against Sevilla last weekend that he is ready to call upon his scintillating best when required.

It is in defence where doubts remain. The ease with which Madrid opened Barca up on the counter-attack suggests there is still a vulnerability on the break, which teams in the Champions League will be better placed to exploit.

Midfield has been bypassed too easily all season while neither Nelson Semedo nor Sergi Roberto have really convinced at right back.

There is still time to tighten up and Samuel Umtitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to fitness will be a welcome boost if he can find sharpness before the end of the season. But for those that crave success in the Champions League, more than either La Liga or the Copa del Rey, there is room for improvement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are happy to go through but we have do have to do some things a lot better,â&#x20AC;? Valverde said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are important matches to come.â&#x20AC;?

Atletico Madrid play a resurgent Real Sociedad on Sunday while Getafeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surprise challenge for Champions League qualification continues away at Real Betis.

Premiership Table Team Liverpool Man City Tottenham Arsenal Man Utd Chelsea Wolves Watford Everton West Ham Leicester Bournemouth Newcastle Crystal Palace Burnley Brighton Southampton CardiďŹ&#x20AC; Fulham HuddersďŹ eld

P 28 28 28 28 28 27 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 27 28 28 28 28

GD 49 55 26 22 19 18 0 -1 0 -6 -5 -14 -8 -6 -19 -12 -16 -30 -37 -35

Pts 69 68 60 56 55 53 40 40 36 36 35 34 31 30 30 27 27 25 17 14

Premiership TODAY

Tottenham v Bournemouth v Brighton v Burnley v Man Utd v Wolvers v West Ham v Sunday Watford v Fulham v

Arsenal 12:30 Man City 15:00 HuddersďŹ eld 15:00 Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Palace 15:00 Southampton15:00 CardiďŹ&#x20AC; 15:00 Newcastle 17:30 Leicester Chelsea

12:00 14:05

Hot Shot NAME

CLUB

GOALS

Sergio AgĂźero

Man City

18

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

17

Aubameyang

Arsenal

16

Harry Kane

Tottenham

15

Sadio ManĂŠ

Liverpool

14

Alexandre Lacazette

Arsenal

12

Eden Hazard

Chelsea

12

Raheem Sterling

Man City

12

Paul Pogba

Man Utd

11

Son Heung-Min

Tottenham

11

GylďŹ Sigurdsson

Everton

11

Callum Wilson

Bournemouth 10

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fulham

10

Richarlison

Everton

10

Glenn Murray

Brighton

10

RaĂşl JimĂŠnez

Wolves

10

Romelu Lukaku

Man Utd

10

Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY

Espanyol Villarreal Huesca Madrid

v v v v

Valladolid AlavĂŠs Sevilla Barcelona

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

v v v v

Celta Vigo Getafe AtlĂŠtico Bilbao

11:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

v

Levante

20:00

v v v

Parma 1 Sassuolo Roma

4:00 17:00 19:30

v v v v v

Chievo Frosinone Sampdoria Bologna Fiorentina

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00

SUNDAY

Eibar Real Betis Sociedad Valencia MONDAY

LeganĂŠs

Serie A TODAY

Empoli AC Milan Lazio Sunday Torino Genoa SPAL Udinese Atalanta

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R: Brand Manager, Trophy, Funsho Elubeku, Folarin Falana (Falz), Joseph Yobo and Femi Adebayo, all Brand Ambassadors, Marketing Director, Tolu Adedeji and MD, International Breweries, Annabelle Degroot, during the unveiling of the newly signed-on Brand Ambassadors for Trophy and the 5-a-side Field of Honour football tournament, at the Fun Turf, Lekki, recently.

L-R: Director, Headmaster Sports Academy Limited, Mr. Bola Adebanjo, former Super Eagles Icon and Director, Headmaster Sports Academy Limited, Mr. Mutiu Adepoju, Principal, Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Mrs. Chinedum Oluwadamilola and Vice-Principal, Pastoral, Corona Secondary School, Mr. Adejumo Olubunmi during signing of MoU between Corona and Headmaster on the forthcoming Easter Soccer Camp held at the school premises in Agbaraâ&#x20AC;Śon Thursday. Photo: Etop Ukutt

Yobo Backs Eagles for 2019 AFCON Glory Former Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has revealed that with the crop of talented youngsters in the current squad, Nigeria has all it takes to go on and win the Nations Cup in Egypt later this year.

Nigeria will on March 22, in Asaba take on Seychelles in a dead-rubber AFCON qualifying fixture but based on its importance, Yobo insists that the head coach of the team Gernot Rohr should allow the fringe players show their worth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve qualified so the game is not as important as it should be, so this is an opportunity to give the younger and fringe players to showcase their talents,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Yobo who was Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s captain the last time the Super Eagles was at the Nations Cup

in 2013 which Nigeria won, has reaffirmed that with the quality in the team, the Super Eagles can win in Egypt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Very possible, what surprised me is that this team qualified with a game to spare. It is always difficult for the Nigerian teams during the qualifiers. It shows they built on their good outing at the World Cup despite not making it out of the group stage, so the future is good for us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a sportsman you go into every game and tournament believing you can win and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ultimate.

Nigeria needs to go there and try to win. We got the trophy in 2013 and havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t qualified since then so this is a new opportunity,â&#x20AC;? he added.

The former Everton and

Fenerbahce defender has advised the team to take the matches one at a time and grow as the tournament proceeds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure they will go to the AFCON trying to win it but I think there should be no target, take it one game at a time in the group stage and build on your confidence. I believe in this team.â&#x20AC;?

Yobo has also identified Kenneth Omeruo as the man who will become the Super Eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rock at the back, saying the CD Leganes defender is someone the Super Eagles can build around for years to come. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am happy for Omeruo because he played along with me. I am happy that he is fulfilling his potential because he is a good defender,â&#x20AC;? Yobo said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Omeruo is someone I have hoped to take over from me and I am happy that he is in Spain and doing fantastically well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am also happy other defenders such as Leon Balogun and other players are performing as well. It is always good that we have our defenders fit and at the moment doing well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Super Eagles team is presently doing well now and they need the support of all Nigerians to do well at the AFCON 2019.â&#x20AC;?

The former Everton stalwart added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The future is bright for the team and I believe in them. In football, you go into the tournament with the mind of winning but the team should take it one game after another.â&#x20AC;?

Trophy Launches 5-a-side Tournament International Breweries Plc, a part of the AB InBev family, has kicked-off a football tournament for lovers of Trophy beer called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Trophy 5-a-side Field of Honourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. 5-a-side football is a variation of association football, in which each team has five players, with four being outfield players and one goalkeeper.

The launch, which took place at the Fun Turf in Lekki, Lagos, marks the beginning of a 10-week long football tournament organised by International Breweries, makers of Trophy Lager. The maiden edition of this event is expected to cover four states: Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo states with the team recruitment.

While the super fans of Trophy Lager beer will be selected nationwide. After the knock-out stages which will hold in all participating states, the semi-finals and finals will take place in Lagos State. The winning team will go away with N3 million and qualify for the all-expense paid â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Africa 5 tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; regional finals in Tanzania.

The football matches are open to all custom-

ers of Trophy Lager beer.

Interested players will be recruited as 10-man teams through accredited bars across the four states.

Details of participation are available in major bars. The tournament will kick-off with the teams representing their communities in a round-robin stage, after which winners will proceed to the knock out stages. The 10-week-long campaign will produce a final winner

by May 12, 2019.

In her remarks, BU President â&#x20AC;&#x201C; West Africa, International Breweries Annabelle Degroot, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At International Breweries we put our customers first and strive to give them all round value whether in an experiential manner or otherwise. That is why we are happy that the Trophy 5-a-side Field of Honour tournament will resonate well with our people who are also football lovers.â&#x20AC;?

Shedding more light on the tournament, Marketing Director, International Breweries, Mrs. Tolu Adedeji, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all know that Nigeria is a football-loving nation and the Trophy 5-a-side Field

of Honour campaign is not just another soccer tournament. It is designed to create an opportunity for our customers to celebrate and represent their communities.â&#x20AC;? She added that the unique tournament is also â&#x20AC;&#x153;designed to tap into the passion many Nigerians have for soccer as they enjoy the beer they love.â&#x20AC;?

According to Adedeji, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aside from taking home the winning prize of N3 million, the winning team will be meeting Samuel Etoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;o, the renowned African football superstar, and also have bragging rights as the best 5-a-side football team and an opportunity to participate in the continental finals taking place in Tanzania later this year.â&#x20AC;?

The teams will be selected via in-bar recruitment. Although this first edition is happening in four states, fans will also be recruited across the country. Football loving Trophy customers will be recruited as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Superfansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; across the country via weekly questions and sweepstakes thereby availing customers outside the four states, the unique opportunity to participate in

the tournament as fans. In addition to the grand prize of N3 million, winners at the knock-out stages will also cart home various consolation prizes and memorabilia, in appreciation for their participation.

Ex-Super Eagles international Joseph Yobo was unveiled as the campaign ambassador. Folarin Falana (Falz the Bahd Guy), will be joining Femi Adebayo as ambassadors for Trophy lager. Joseph Yobo has had a distinguished career as a professional football player, and his knowledge and experience will be very pivotal to his role as an Ambassador of the unique Trophy 5-aside Tournament.

The choice of Falz the Bahd Guy, as a Trophy Ambassador, added Adedeji, was deliberate as both Falz and Trophy represent bringinghonour to Naija.

Especially as Trophy, only recently, celebrated 40 years of facilitating goodwill, honour and celebration The high point of the launch was the novelty match between IB Plc team and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, team.

El Clasico Live on GOtv Max Today Spanish aristocrats, Real Madrid, will today, host their eternal rivals, Barcelona, at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 178th El Clasico.

The famous rivalry between the two teams, which takes centre stage in Round 26 of the 2018/19 La Liga season, will be broadcast live and exclusive to GOtv MAX subscribers on SuperSport Select 4 (channel 34) at 8:45p.m.

This would be the second LaLiga clash between the two rivals this season following the 5-1 win for Barcelona in October.

Barcelona, the defending champions and current league leaders, will be buoyed by their 4-2 victory away at Sevilla last week. The Los Blaugrana, who are seeking their 18th win of the season, will be led into battle by captain Lionel Messi, who currently tops the LaLiga goal chart with 25 goals.

But Real Madrid cannot be dismissed as no-hopers despite their patchy form this season. The Los Blancos, currently third on the log, trail Barcelona by a massive 12 points. Santiago Solariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men will be encouraged by their hard-fought 2-1 win against Levante last Sunday and will need no other motivation to halt, even temporarily, their rivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress. They will rely on their talented strike force of Karim Benzema, VinĂ­cius Jnr. and the resurgent Gareth Bale to deliver the much-needed goals. Form, however, rarely matters in the El Clasico, as it is a game traditionally runs on passion and near-tribal rivalry.

Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, explained that the broadcast of the high-profile match to GOtv MAX subscribers is a way of giving football fans access to the best Spanish football live. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Real Madrid and Barcelona are the most famous teams in Spain and have huge following in Nigeria. Being the home of La Liga, we are delighted to bring to our subscribers the El Clasico on GOtv MAX,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Mabutho urged GOtv subscribers, especially those on GOtv Plus, Value and Lite packages, to take advantage of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top Upâ&#x20AC;? campaign and upgrade to GOtv MAX by paying a reduced fee of N2, 500 in order to have access to the game and other exciting programmes.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games include: Espanyol versus Valladolid (showing at 1 pm on SuperSport Select 2 and 4); Villarreal versus Alaves (showing at 4:15 pm on SuperSport Select 4); Huesca versus Sevilla (showing at 6:30 pm on SuperSport Select 4).

Games to be broadcast on Sunday are Eibar versus Celta Vigo (showing at 12 noon on SuperSport Select 2 and 4); Real Betis versus Getafe (showing at 4:15 pm on SuperSport Select 4); Real Sociedad versus Atletico Madrid (showing at 6:30 pm on SuperSport Select 4); and Valencia versus Athletic Bilbao (showing at 8:45 pm on SuperSport Select 4).

Canaan House Wins MD School Inter House Sports Canaan House emerged winners of the M.D School, Oko Oba 13th biennial inter house sports competition held at the Agege Stadium on Thursday.

Canaan House beats Bethel and Gilgal to lift the giant trophy as champions.

Some of the events competed for are; match past, 100 and 200metres (Boys and girls), bursting the balloons, filling the bottles, building the castle, picking of candies and snacks, relay race, egg and spoon race and sack race.

In the invitational relays, Agidingbi Primary School won the boys category, while Oko-Oba Primary School were placed second. Royal Crest won the girls category while Dansol and Lara Day came second and third respectively.

Speaking after the competition, an elated administrator of the school, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe thanked all parents and participants for their commitment in ensuring a successful event.

Her words: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our vision is to ensure that our pupils to acquire value knowledge and skills to enable them in actualizing their life potentials.â&#x20AC;?

She also commended the pupils for being competitive and their spirit of sportsmanship throughout the games, saying the next edition of the competition promises to be bigger.

Legendary thespian, Chief Mrs Idowu Philip and musical art and member of the Midnight Crew, Mike Abdul thrilled the pupils and parents alike with music and motivational talks.

ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Taiwo Awoniyi

New Lease of Life

His season-long loan to KAA Gent may have spelt doom after failing to score a single goal, culminating in another loan move to Genk. Taiwo Awoniyi seems to have found a new lease of life as he was named in the Belgium Team of the Week

R

oyal Excel Mouscron striker Taiwo Awoniyi was included in the Belgium First Division Team of the Week for the fourth-time running, the last following his impressive performances in a matchday 27 fixture after he was on target in 1-0 victory against Lokeren last weekend.

The Nigerian striker has scored five goals and contributed two assists in his last six starts.

Awoniyi struggled for game time and was poor in front of goal when he was initially loaned to Royal Excel Mouscron Belgian rivals KAA Gent before a switch on the winter transfer window.

The Nigerian striker led the attack in the Team of the Week provided by Belgian media outfit Voetbalkrant.

Awoniyi has made the previous Team of the Week as now made it four consecutive starts selected among the best in Belgium.

After Nigerianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unimpressive performance at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Awoniyi stood out of the lot and immediately became the toast of most European clubs and he never hid his pleasure to play at the Stanford Bridge.

Swedish club Kalmar had tied up an agreement to sign Awoniyi when he clocks 18 on August 12, 2015, after his scintillating performance for the Golden Eaglets at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates caught the attention of scouts representing several European teams.

To prevent trafficking of underage players from the third world, as FIFA transfer rules prevent clubs from signing footballers yet to reach the age of maturity.

And it was that watertight regulation that has prevented Awoniyi from signing a professional contract.

Kalmar coaches believed they had a jewel in their hands and the young Nigerian trained with the first team on his arrival in Scandinavia.

Before the product of Imperial Academy decided to pitch tent at the Guldfageln Arena, he was courted by Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.

However, Kalmar FF has admitted that the club could lose the Nigerian even before he signs a contract in August.

Other clubs believed to be chasing Awoniyi then are FC Porto, Celtic and Red Bull Salzburg as well as Esperance of Tunisia, whose officials stormed the Flying Eagles training camp in Germany to try and convince the 17-year-old striker to sign for them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still a free player, but I hope my future will be decided before the World Cup,â&#x20AC;? Awoniyi disclosed to FIFA.com.

Manchester United were also reported to have courted the attacker, with one of their

representatives speaking directly with him but the interest from Old Trafford has waned due to uncertainty surrounding his registration rights.

On 31 August 2015, Taiwo signed for Liverpool for a fee of around ÂŁ400,000 but was immediately loaned out to FSV Frankfurt and only made his debut the following year.

In August 2016, he went on another loan spell to NEC Nijmegen and it was another loan spell the following year to Royal Excel Mouscron, scoring nine goals in 16 matches.

On 17 July 2018 he signed a new longterm deal with Liverpool and on 23 July, sealed a season-long loan to another Belgian club, KAA Gent, failing to score a single goal and in January this year, it was announced that his loan to Genk was cut short and Awoniyi was loaned to Mouscron again.

Awoniyi, however, showed early signs of returning to the top scoring form he had with the club last season, as he made the best of his second debut with a well-taken goal for the club.

Awoniyi is back at Mouscron, after an ill-fated loan spell with fellow-Belgian top-flight side, KAA Gent in the first half of the season and the ex-youth international

showed his quality with aplomb.

He put aside the woes he faced at Gent to romp home Mousconrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s match-winner against KV Oostende.

Awoniyi, who hit nine league goals for Mouscron last season, scored on Sunday in the 68th minute after getting off the bench in the 64th earlier.

Though Awoniyi failed to score a single league goal in 16 appearances with Gent, the product of Imperial Football Academy of Odogbolu, Ogun State has hit the ground running back on familiar hunting ground.

His effort helped Mouscron snatch a 2-1 home win that took them up to 14th on the table with 20 points from 22 matches, six points clear of relegation spot and Awoniyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction was overwhelming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am extremely happy to start so well in my first game back at Royal and that my goal helped us win this important match,â&#x20AC;?

Awoniyi posted.

Late Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi once gave the U-20 striker the green light to lead the Super Eagles to attack with the hope that he can bring his eye for goal to the senior team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gave Awoniyi his first call up to the Super Eagles sometimes ago because I know that he has the quality of a goal poacher

who can deliver the goals when needed, but playing for the age-grade national teams is different from the Super Eagles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Awoniyi is young and talented and has the quality of a good striker. So who says he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lead the Eagles attack? He just needs to be ready for the task and show it on the field of play which I believe the boy is capable of doing,â&#x20AC;? Keshi had said.

However, Taiwoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Solomon said he used to beat his son to discourage him from playing football, but that he never knew Taiwo would play football to global level.

He said the football career of his son started during his elementary school days, noting that he (Taiwo) would always disappear from the house to play football and the whole family would be looking for him.

Awoniyi praised the efforts of Taiwoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coach, Rasaq Olojo, whom he said discovered and nurtured him.

He said the striker was part of the team that participated in a Coca Cola competition in Ibadan, which later earned him a trip to London in 2010, where former Nigerian football stars Nduka Ugbade and Seyi Olofinjana, spotted him in a competition Awoniyi was voted the most valuable player and came home with the award from London in 2010.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

FAIRGROUND with

Tiwa Savage, Uti Nwachukwu and Obafemi Martins Funky Brunch Party

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

I

f we had to devise some demonstrable laws of the funky brunch, one of them would surely be as time increases, so too does the likelihood to spot Bonang Matheba one day.

Yes, celebrity spotting is practically a monthly norm at past Funky Brunches. The monthly day party and its off-site attract droves of A-listers (and plenty of lesser-letter celebrities) looking to either stand out or blend in with the crowd.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be on the lookout for more celebrities at the Funky Brunch this Sunday as the beach edition continues. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure as can confirm and explosive music, sound and light set up is in place to give you an unforgettable experience with some big names who already confirmed attendance.

In the meantime, here are some of the celebs that have been spotted already at past Funky Brunch.

Jibola Ayana, Efe Tommy, Sunky O, Uti Nwachukwu, DSF, Beverly Osu, Sep Nimi Briggs and Big Slim

Uti Nwachukwu and Kate Henshaw

Efe Tommy and Tiwa Savage

Aremo Segun Oniru and Guest

Dammy Krane

Jibola Ayana, Sasha P and a Guest

Koko

Vector and UshBebe

Jimmie and Mc Fish

Sunky O, Obafemi Martins, Koko by Khloe and Efe Tommy

Freda Francis and Armani Odenigbo

Larry Gaga

Yung6ix

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

FAIRGROUND

Following ‘Unfounded’ Copyright Claims, ‘One’ By Tiwa Savage Returns To Youtube

B

ack in November 2018, the music video for the hit song ‘One’ performed by award-winning singer songwriter Tiwa Savage was removed by social media platform YouTube following the filing of a copyright claim from a third party, Danny Young YouTube finds such claims to be ‘unfounded’ and have restored the video back online. ‘One’ is produced by Killertunez and co-written

by Wale Turner and Tiwa Savage. It is available on all music streaming platforms.

Ajibola Olumuyiwa Danladi, Danny Young perceived taking this up was in any way was go-

ing to trample the drive of Tiwa but unfortunately he seems not to have had any hold.

Honestly having a similar line wasn't a good base for a copyright infringement and it looks like the once popular act was barely looking for a shot at fame once more.

There would have been better ways to have handled this rather than hitting out, making mockery with a follow up post on this subject where Tiwa's song was played in the background and more.

With the air cleared Tiwa has an upper edge and rectification has been made to the state of things and the bid to take cheap publicity as a way to pave the way back in has failed.

Iya Rainbow and Tiwa Savage

Sola Sobowale, Ireti Doyle Reunite 3 Years After Wedding Party

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fter an outstanding performance in ‘The Wedding Party’, Nollywood actresses, Sola Sobowale and Ireti Doyle are back in a new film titled 1929. The two brilliant actors who have been delivering nothing but wonderful and exceptional performances for a very long time, have once again brought their skills and prominent talent into the historic movie to make it worth the while. The movie, which sheds light on the true life story of the Ikot Abasi, Opobo division’s women unrest of 1929, will see Sobowale and Doyle lead the women protest.

On the choice to cast both women, the director said: "These are strong, powerful and brilliant women who have changed

the face of film within and outside the country, their ability to interpret roles is impeccable and that’s what’s this movie is all about. This is based on a true life story and interpretation is very important."

The movie producer, Ndy Akan, also said: "I am particularly proud of these women and what they have achieved over the years.

The decision to cast them has been a long time coming, so to have them on a movie that showcases the history of a nation is nothing short of brilliant and I’m sure they will deliver to the maximum capacity.

The movie, which has received glorious accolades from the press and online users, will be in cinemas nationwide from the 19th of April 2019.

Ifunada

MultiChoice Launches Special BBNaija Pop-Up Channel on DStv, GOtv

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Sola Sobowale, Ndy Akan, Ireti Doyle and Sam Dede

s the countdown to the eagerly anticipated fourth season of Big Brother Naija heats up, MultiChoice Nigeria will be treating fans of the popular reality TV show to an exclusive reunion show and special pop-up channel on DStv and GOtv starting in March.

The BBNaija pop-up channel will open on Friday, March 1 at 10am and will run till Sunday, March 31 at midnight on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29. It will feature highlights from the previous two seasons – See Gobbe and Double Wahala. The excitement goes a notch higher with a special reunion show which will air from Monday, March 18 to Sunday, March 31 and will feature the

stars of the BBNaijaDouble Wahala season. According to MultiChoice Nigeria, the BBNaija pop-up channel is available to active customers on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, Access and GOtv Max and Plus.

This, it said, has been the most anticipated BBNaija season yet since the announcement of its return for a fourth season in January. Auditions for the show recorded a massive turnout in eight locations across the country followed by an innovative online audition process which closed on the 27th of March.

The pop-up channel, the company added, will take fans and viewers alike on a trip down memory lane while whetting their appetites on the start of the new season. Big Brother Naija is sponsored by Bet9ja.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

AUTO Uber Updates Partner Injury Protection for Driver-partners in Nigeria at No Cost

The new Jaguar XE

New Jaguar XE Packs Enhanced Exterior, Luxurious new Interior, Intuitive Technology Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he new Jaguar XE delivers an enhanced exterior design, all-new luxurious interior and advanced technologies.

An updated exterior design gives the XE a more purposeful and assertive stance. Continuing on from the beautifully judged proportions of the original car, new XE’s sporting intent has been taken up a level, with contemporary design cues inspired by the F-TYPE sportscar. XE appears wider and lower than before, with larger front apertures, bold graphics and muscular forms eluding to the car’s performance and advanced aerodynamics.

New all-LED headlights with a striking ‘J’ blade daytime running light signature create a more purposeful look. The rear of the car also features a new bumper design and slender allLED tail-lights with updated signature graphics which accentuate the visual width of the car, giving the XE a more planted appearance.

For an even more performance-orientated character, R-Dynamic models (Mauritius only) include additional exterior design elements including aircraft winglet-inspired sculpted surfaces, dark mesh detailing to the rear valance and alternative wheel styles. On the interior,

the sporting influences continue with sportsstyle seats with contrast stitching, Satin Chrome gearshift paddles and R-Dynamic treadplates.

The beautifully-crafted all-new interior features extensive use of soft-touch materials, premium veneers and all-new door trims that improve usability and practicality. New XE’s luxurious and technology-packed interior delivers more comfort, quality and connectivity for all occupants. Every aspect of the cabin has been enhanced for increased convenience, improved stowage and better passenger comfort.

The influence of Jaguar’s flagship two-seater sportscar is also evident as both the SportShift gear selector and JaguarDrive Control switch shared with the F-TYPE are on the revised centre console.A new steering wheel, shared with the all-electric I-PACE, features hiddenuntil-lit graphics and capacitive switches for intuitive, tactile control of key functions.

The new XE is also the smartest and most connected yet. Jaguar’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, shared with I-PACE, is also available for the first timein the XE, delivering instinctive control through a pair of seamlessly integrated high-resolution touchscreens. Wireless device charging and clever Smart Settings technology also make their first appearance in the XE. The first-in-segment ClearSight interior rearviewmirror improves safety and convenience by ensuring the driver has an unobstructed view of the road behind.

Using a wide-anglerear-facing camera, the system feeds images to a high-definition screen within the frameless rear view mirror; unhindered by tall rear passengers, poor light or rain on the rear screen.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: “XE’s uniqueness is its totality. Customers get a complete package of progressive design, innovative technology and extraordinary driving dynamics.

We don’t do ordinary and new XE personifies this. My team and I get huge satisfaction out of improving a car we’re all so familiar with; we’ve lived with it, we understand its character and it’s a wonderful opportunity to make a great car even better. With new XE, we’ve done just that in every way imaginable.”

Jaguar XE’s lightweight aluminium intensive body structure continues to play a major role in the car’s agile handling, exceptional safety and efficiency. Aluminium makes up 75 per cent of the body and combines with proven rear and all-wheel drive systems, double wishbone front and integral link rear suspension, plus some of Jaguar’s most advanced engines, for dynamic handling and performance.

Standard on all XE models, Dynamic mode amplifies the car’s sporting character, with faster gear shifts, sharper throttle response and increased steering weighting. Drivers are able to shape the driving experience with greater ease thanks to the optional Configurable Dynamics system.

Uber has announced that it has extended its Partner Injury Protection cover for driver-partners to include a daily payment benefit. Since 2017, Uber driver-partners and riders across Nigeria have been protected on the road, however, with this new update, driver-partners in Nigeria now have more peace of mind when using Uber.

Lola Kassim, General Manager for West Africa explains, “We believe this extended partnership with AXA Mansard Insurance will play a huge role in achieving our goal of reliable, affordable, and safe transportation options for all driver-partners and riders across Nigeria. This update forms part of Uber’s global commitment across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region and is a unique, first of its kind solution for driver-partners and riders using technology apps across Nigeria.”

Driver-partners are covered from the moment they accept a trip, while driving to pick up a rider, and until the trip ends, and riders will be covered from the moment a trips starts, until the trip ends.

In the unfortunate event of an accident resulting in an injury during a trip, driverpartners and riders will have access to the following benefits: Medical cover: If an accident happens OnTrip, this cover reimburses driver-partners and riders for necessary medical treatment costs up to NGN 600,000. In addition, this cover reimburses ground ambulance service costs up to NGN 20,000.

Death and Funeral payment: In the unfortunate event that a driver-partner or rider dies as a result of an accident On-Trip, their dependents or heirs will benefit from a lump sum payment of NGN 2,000,000 and NGN 100,000 to cover funeral expenses will be reimbursed.

Permanent Disability: In the unfortunate event that a user suffers a permanent disability as a result of an accident On-Trip, they will benefit from a lump sum payment of up to NGN 2,000,000 (the amount depends on the severity of the disability).

New | Daily Payment Benefit (injury): If a driver-partner is hospitalized for more than 24 hours as a result of an accident that happened On-Trip and are thereafter unable to drive because of those injuries, they will receive a daily payment of NGN 1,000 for up to 30 days whilst they are medically certified by a doctor as unfit to conduct their transportation business.

The Injury Protection cover has been tailored specifically for those on the road, building on the security available through the Uber app and ensuring a safer ride during every journey booked through the Uber app. This is an innovative and first of its kind solution for driver-partners and riders using technology apps across Nigeria.

CFAO Customers Laud Return of King Long Buses

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he relaunch of King Long buses into the Nigerian market by CFAO hasbeenlaudedbycustomerswho have been using the buses and dealers who were at the relaunch event in Lagos recently.

Asatisfied end user of the King Long buses, Mrs. Erinma Kanno, who is the proprietor of Troika Schools, Lekki, Lagos, noted that the quality of the bus is top class in all ramifications.

According to her, the buses which she has been using for some years now for school runs, are “fuel efficient, rugged, easy to maintain and importantly, affordable”.

She explained that before settling for King Long buses, she used tokunbo (second hand) buses of other brands, but got her hands burnt because of too frequent down time. When she turned to another popular brand, she added, the price was too expensive.

The challenge of transporting her school students from their homes to school and back was tackled when through a driver, she discovered the King Long brand. Some of the buses on her fleet, she revealed, have run over 200,000 kilometers and are still offering service.

Also, a CFAO dealer, Mr.Adeleke Samuel, stated

that he has been doing business with CFAO for over 10 years, and from his experience selling the King Long buses, there is always demand for the buses because it gives value for money.

The General Manager of CFAO Equipment, a division of the multinational company saddled with the responsibility of distributing the King Long brand in Nigeria, Mr. Laurent Friedrich, stated that his company known for distributing only quality products, settled for King Long because of its salient features.

Mr. Friederich said the bus can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as city and inter-city transportation, school bus, Church/Mosque bus, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and cargo distribution bus, ambulance etc. He added that there are plans to study local assembly of the buses in the nearest future.

The Kingwin-15 Seater bus which is ideal for modern day passenger transportation, comes with a 2.237 litre engine on a long wheel base, 5-speed transmission and safety features such as Anti-Locking Braking System, stop lamp, seat belts on all seats, and appropriate braking system.

The functional equipment of the bus include front fog lamp, rear view mirror, rear stepped bumper, speed limit device, among others.

KingLong Bus

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

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AUTO

New Mercedes-Benz Names GLC a Success Model Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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reedom in its most beautiful form– that is what the GLC has stood for since its launch in autumn 2015. Like its predecessors, the SUV combines outstanding on and off-road driving characteristics with spaciousness, practicality and comfort. In addition, the latest generation adds further advanced pioneering technologies, the distinctive design, connectivity and state-of-the-art infotainment. Thus, the GLC once more demonstrates how elegantly and effortlessly hallmark brand safety and intelligent adaptability can be combined to great success. The result is an SUV that sets new standards, on the road as well as in terrain.

With its distinctive appearance, the new operating concept, innovative driving assistance systems and a new range of engines, the GLC offers the best from the world of Mercedes-Benz. The exterior design captivates with the wide and sporty visual appearance. Muscularly sculpted surfaces and distinctive details such as the chrome elements, which now run from the front to the rear end as standard, the redesigned headlamps and the heavily contoured radiator grille ensure a strong off-road character. The interior combines luxury and user-friendliness in an uncompromising way: The workmanship is at the usual high level and the infotainment system has larger touchscreen multimedia displays. In addition, the latest generation of the MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system impresses with intuitive and versatile operating options such as touch, gesture control and the optimised voice control system. The driving assistance systems were considerably expanded and complemented with the exit warning function, the emergency corridor function and the tail end of a traffic jam function,

among others. Also new is Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, which provides assistance with manoeuvring in reverse in particular. For the market launch in mid-2019, the GLC will be equipped with new petrol and diesel engines of the latest engine family from Mercedes-Benz with more output and greater efficiency – more engines will follow later in the year.

The most important advancements of the GLC MBUX - Innovative telematics: The combination of the touchscreen multimedia displays, navigation with augmented reality, intelligent voice control via the talk button or the “Hey Mercedes“ prompt, connectivity and the user interface now brings the GLC also in line with the latest technological standards.

Drive system: The GLC will be equipped with the next generation of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with increased output at significantly lower fuel consumption – on the petrol engines thanks to the new 48-volt on-board electrical system with belt-driven starter-generator.

Advanced assistance systems: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC andActive SteerAssist provide even more comfortable support to help the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. Active Steer Assist helps with forming an emergency corridor and with changing lanes. The risk of potential collisions can be reduced by the turn-off function of Active Brake Assist by braking if the driver fails to see oncoming traffic.

Exterior design: distinctive appearance Modernity, strength and versatility: that is what the design of the GLC embodies. The design idiom of the GLC follows the design philosophy of sensual purity and illustrates the carefully considered interplay of aesthetics, agility and intelligence. The appearance is sportier overall, the chrome elements now run

Mercedes-Benz GLC from the front to the rear end as standard.

The distinctive lines, muscularly sculpted surfaces and distinctive details ensure a strong off-road character. The front end gives the impression of emotion, presence and dominance at the very first glance. This design message is made particularly memorable by the standard-fit LED High-Performance headlamps with the torch-design daytime running lights, as well as by the heavily contoured radiator grille with the dynamically shaped double louvres and the diamond lattice. The available paint colours now include graphite grey – with four flush aerodynamic

wheels with diameters ranging from 17 to 19 inches and tyres with optimised rolling resistance being another new addition.

The AMG Line impressively emphasises the dynamic appearance of the GLC – with the chromed diamond grille and the front apron with AMGspecific design as well as with angular exhaust tips integrated into the bumper.

In addition to sport seats with high side bolsters, this design and equipment line also includes the optimal mixed-size tyres from 19 to 20 inches in diameter (depending on the market).

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Receives Long-Term Ownership Value Award

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uilding upon its recent awards for innovative design, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is also a recipient of the 2019 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award for the mid-size SUV/crossover (2-row) class. The award was presented at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

The lowest-projected ownership costs of new vehicles and brands are based on Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost-to-Own data for new cars for the initial fiveyear ownership period. This data takes into consideration seven factors: depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance

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and repair costs, and state fees.

“We are very proud of our new Santa Fe winning this award from the industry leader, Kelley Blue Book,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

“For the Santa Fe, this award is yet another indication that the all-new 2019 model has outstanding value and is a vehicle our customers can rely on for many years.”

The Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Awards help shoppers make more informed new-car buying decisions by breaking down typical ownership cost details and naming the brands and models with the lowest projected five-year total.

his piece was published over two years ago. I have chosen to run it again following a discussion a friend dragged me into recently on the place of bad roads or inappropriate road furniture in our road crash enforcement strategy. I know somethings have changed as efforts are on to redress the situation. It is however important to be guided in the event that you are travelling on a road corridor that fits today’s heading. Please enjoy the piece whose heading I have twicked for necessary effects.. A fortnight ago, I received a very interesting mail from someone who from the tone of his mail, had eagerly waited for an opportunity to share his worry on the state of road safety in the country. The man whose name I prefer to keep to myself shared his worry on so many issues including the ongoing speed limiting device enforcement .Without really dismissing the novelty in the ongoing campaign, he however questioned the timing because of what he described as the state of our roads and the absence of the appropriate road furniture. Since I have chosen not to run excerpts of his mail ,I am however compelled to run a piece I did about two years ago that was influenced by Dr Terry Mene who was then the World Bank Project Consultant with the Federal Road Safety Corps.

An astute man that usually says it as it is, he once made a statement that caught at the very essence of my being during a discussion on the state of Nigerian roads. According to him, “Our

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

Beware of Naked Road SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 roads are naked”. Never one to be outdone on astuteness, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Osita Chidoka, embellished it this way: “No one builds a house and moves in without furnishing. A road is not a road without the appropriate furniture”. Those two statements set the pace for my piece this week.

The second pillar of the UN Decade of Action spells out the need to improve the safety of road networks for the benefit of all road users, especially the most vulnerable: pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Despite the current efforts of Nigerian government, what do you think of road signage on Nigerian roads? Inadequate?

Bastardized by hawkers, villagers? Do you know that a good number of Nigerians who drive are ignorant of road signs? What do you think about transportation safety generally? Well, reflect on America’s assessment of safety and transportation in Nigeria – ‘’safety of public transportation; poor, urban road conditions/maintenance; poor, rural

road conditions/maintenance: poor, availability of roadside assistance; poor- roads are generally poor condition, causing damage to vehicles and contributing to hazardous traffic conditions. There are few traffic conditions. There are few traffic lights or stop signs (bold/italics sentence not comprehensible. Remove??)

It is against this backdrop and the need to buy into the Corps’ strategies for safer roads that this piece will focus on road signage. It is common for us to lament over the state of our roads and the inadequacy of road furniture. Strictly speaking, how many of us truly comply with the ‘inadequate’ signs that we have? As a christian, the Bible says that he that is faithful in little will be faithful in much. I wish I have the Islamic translation.

A brief history of emergency road signs will be helpful in appreciating its importance. The earlist road signs were milestones, giving distance or directions. For example, the Romans erected stone columns throughout their empire,giving the distance to Rome. In the middle ages, multidirectional signs at intersections became common, giving directions to cities and towns.

Traffic signs became more important with the development of automobiles. The basic patterns of most traffic signs were set at the 1908 International Road Congress in Rome . Since then, there has been considerable change. Today,they are almost all metal rather than wood and are coated with reflective sheeting of various types of nighttime and low light visibility. Road marking was introduced into the United Kingdom in the 1920’s. The United

Nations harmonized and introduced international traffic signs after the second world war. That is why from South Africa in Africa to London in Europe, including the United States of America , their signs all look alike.

In 1995, the United Kingdom had 2, 500, 000 signs and signals, 850, 000 road markings and 700, 000 road studs within roads in England alone. In Nigeria , adequate records of signs are yet to be derived but available records of clustered billboards, which have little possible effect on highways safety, are about 50, 000 from 109 registered outdoor advertising companies.

Road signs are highway pictures provided to assist pedestrians and road users in the safe usage of the highway. They are basically placed at the roadside to impart information to road users on traffic regulations, special hazards and other road conditions. You should not only be familiar with the individual signs, you should recognize the special shapes and colours because the signs are classified and coded according to functions and retro-reflectivity. What then is retro-reflectivity?

It is the return of light incident to the source in the direction it came. Retro-reflectivity is the basic quality requirement of highway appurtenances.

Retro-reflectivity increases road safety. If some minimum reflectivity is not maintained, the signs, delinators or markings will not accomplish the job it was intended to perform. Our signs, according to FERMA publications, are yet to be of international standard. Except for roads in some parts of Abuja, Lagos, and now Akwa Ibom, our highways are yearning for United Nations international standard signs and markings both in shape, colors and above all in retro-reflectivity.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER หพ อบห อบอธอนฮ

MARCH 2, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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Ë&#x153; Ëž MARCH 2, 2019

VINTAGE Jihadi Bride, Shamima Begum

I Want to Inspire British Girls Not to Make the Same Mistakes

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hamima Begum, the British schoolgirl who left home at 15 in 2015 and fled to Syria to join ISIS, has begged for forgiveness in a recent interview and asked to be allowed to return to Britain so she can inspire girls like her not to make the same mistake she made.

Shamima, now 19, gave birth to her third child, a boy, last weekend while her husband, an Islamic fighter, is in jail. Cradling her one week old son, Shamima invited her interviewer into her tent. She now has a tent due to her recent fame.

The camp where Shamima is, is the Al-Hawl refugee camp. She is in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Daeshiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; section of the camp where displaced jihadi wives are. Daesh is the Arabic term used by its detractors to describe IS. Most of the displaced Jihadi wives, whose husbands are either in prison or dead, are still very loyal to their men and the brutal Islamic State Ideology. Some of them have even attacked people trying to help them. Among them are as many as a dozen Britons, but most are going to painstaking lengths not to be identified.

Shamima says she is scared and her life is in danger because the other Jihadi wives hate her for her recent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which had angered a lot of the other jihadi wives in the camp.

Shamima says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now a lot of women hate me, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m afraid of a lot of people.â&#x20AC;?

Shamimaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent interviews in which she exposed her face on TV have angered the more hardline IS women in the camp. There has been talk of her tent being burned down.

Shamimaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newborn son has been named Jerah, after a 7th century Islamic warlord. At just 19, she has given birth three times and lost two of the children. Her toddler daughter died a few weeks ago and she lost her other son at eight-months-old last year. Her husband is in jail.

Speaking to her interviewer from her tent, Shamima begs to be allowed to return home.

She says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am hoping to be given a second chance.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to be an example of how someone can change. I want to help, encourage other young British people to think before they make life- changing decisions like this and not to make the same mistake as me. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that if I am sitting here in a camp. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that for you.â&#x20AC;?

Shamima insists sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a victim in all of this, rather than someone who chose to leave her home and join a terror group.

She also questions why scores of other jihadi wives and their children have been allowed back to the UK after travelling to Syria to join IS while the UK government is using her as a scapegoat.

She says of the decision to strip her of her UK citizenship: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been discriminated against because everyone was saying I was a poster girl for ISIS. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m being made an example of. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m being punished right now because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m famous.â&#x20AC;?

Shamima complains of the hard life in the camp. She says she is sick from the cold. She is fortunate to have a tent but there is no oil burning stove for cooking. She says she is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stressedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from the lack of sleep as she nurses her son.

Opening up about what life was like under IS, Shamima revealed that she handed over her British passport willingly when she arrived in Syria with two school friends in February 2015.

She says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;They took my passport but I thought to myself â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what am I going to do with it? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have any use for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

She says she never expected to go back. The future she wanted was as a housewife in the caliphate. She made it known on arrival that she would like to marry an English-speaking fighter aged between 20 and 25 years old. Ten days after arriving in Raqqa, Shamima was taken to a room to meet Yago Riedijk, a 23-year-old Dutch convert to Islam. Shamima says Riedijk, who changed his name to Abu Zoraya was just her type.

When I first saw him, I was like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;OK, yeah, he is good looking.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; She says this while giggling like a giddy teenager. She even had a piece of paper in her pocket with a list of questions for him.

She continues: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I took out the paper, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what women do, you have to ask your questions. He was straight up and he was truthful with me.â&#x20AC;?

Her first question was: What do you expect from me?

She says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He told me that he was strict and he wanted a good housewife that stays inside. He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want someone who is Westernised and wants to always go out and stuff.â&#x20AC;?

Her next question for him was: Are you a fighter? He

Shamima with her baby

said he was injured still and he was still recovering but he was planning to go fight again soon.

A few more questions after, Shamima agreed to marry him. She says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I said yes, and he said yes.â&#x20AC;?

But she soon found out that life with the terrorist group was far from normal.

She says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went to ISIS thinking I would have a normal life but it turned out not to be true. I just got tricked, I guess.â&#x20AC;?

But Shamima is still in love with her husband and hopes to be reunited with him someday. She insists sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a married woman. Though Riedijk is a convicted terrorist who police believe was part of a cell plotting an atrocity in Europe, Shamima hopes for a future with him.

She says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope for him to see his only surviving child. He loved his children a lot; when I lost them I think it had a bigger effect on him than me. If he does get

sent back to his own country, he will do his time there in his own countryâ&#x20AC;Ś (I will) wait for him. I am still married to him.â&#x20AC;?

While discussing Home Secretary of the Unite Kingdom Sajid Javidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggestion that he might consider IS children being brought back without their mothers, Shamima burst into tears, saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;How can you ask a mother to separate herself from her son, especially after everything I have lost? This boy is all I have.â&#x20AC;?

When asked what she misses most about Britain, she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the feeling of being safe and secure, not having planes flying over me, not having to randomly move in the middle of the nightâ&#x20AC;?.

For now Shamima and her son will have to remain in their tent until their fate is decided by the British government. She shares the tent with Dura Ahmed, 28, a Canadian mother who tries to appease her crying baby with a chocolate biscuit.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

JOE/FAJ THEFRONTLINES

Udom Emmanuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fresh Ibom Air

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n this era of political infighting, propaganda and backstabbing, it is heart warming to hear and see that a new development narrative has been introduced

by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state to douse the tension and change the conversation to something refreshing.

Last week, the governor inaugurated the state-owned Ibom Air, a local airline intended to join others in the highly competitive airline business and give priority to Akwa Ibom people in its service delivery.

Accompanied by Senate President Bukola Saraki, the governor landed the Ibom International airport on the newly acquired CRJ 900 aircraft to the rousing applause of Akwa Ibom people who were on hand to witness the making of history.

Addressing a delighted crowd that thronged the venue, Udom pointed out that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The launching of Ibom Air is a monumental achievement in Akwa Ibom State and indeed Africa. The journey to achieve Ibom airline started in 2016 and today, it is a reality.â&#x20AC;?

He also explained that Ibom Air is expected to employ 300 people directly while 3,000 people will be involved in its daily operations, adding that the aircraft, registered as C-FWNK, is only six years old with a sitting capacity of about 90 persons and constitutes the newest and modern fleet of the Canadian airbus.

The governor said that one other aircraft would arrive on Friday in addition to the already unveiled ones.

Rationalizing the choice of floating the airline where most people believe government has no business in doing business, Udom assured that â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are running Ibom Air as a business, paying particular attention to Akwa Ibom people.â&#x20AC;?

The inauguration of Ibom Air is indeed a watershed as well as a defining moment for the people of Akwa Ibom state. In my view, it is an evident example of how a people, with the gift of good leadership have turned adversity into opportunity.

Let me digress into a bit of history for those who do not know.

For years, after the creation of Akwa Ibom from Cross River state, the people of Akwa Ibom had always traveled all the way to Calabar for their air travels. In all these years, Akwa Ibom people considered Calabar international airport a better alternative to Enugu, Owerri or Port Harcourt for obvious reasons.

But that obvious bond was broken when the federal government ceded 78 oil wells from Cross River state to Akwa Ibom. In the ensuing protest and drama that characterized the agitations, some disgruntled elements threatened to stop Akwa Ibom people from using Calabar airport for their daily air travels.

Then Governor Obong Victor Attah decided to take action.

Shortly after this development, he began the building of

E

40-yr-old Saraki Hegemony Unraveled Perhaps the most astonishing surprise was the defeat of the Scion of the Saraki family, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the incumbent Senate President and medical doctor. He was shockingly trounced by his 2011 rival, Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, also a medical doctor and former majority leader in the Kwara State House of Assembly (1999-2003). Oloriegbe polled 123,808 votes to Sarakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 68,994 in the Kwara Cental Senatorial race.

To underscore the rooted displeasure of his kinsmen, Saraki equally lost in his longtime stronghold, Ilorin West LG (30,075 to Oloriegbeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 51,531).

As if that personal decimation was not enough, the rival APC (the party under his control barely six months ago) took the entire Kwara State into the bag for President Muhammadu Buhari with a whooping 308,984 votes, compared to his leading opponent, Atiku Abubakar - 138,184 - with a handsome 170,800 votes as â&#x20AC;&#x153;changeâ&#x20AC;?.

The Sarakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had held Kwara State on the jugular since the late 70s - a tortuous 40 years of the 51 year old state that has barely stepped into modernity in spite of billions of federal allocations and other largesse in an essentially agrarian landlocked spread; a land betrayed by self-appointed messiahs who seem serially challenged by integrity and vision.

The roiling dynasty of the Sarakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - sired by the original Oloye, late Dr. Olusola Abubakar Saraki - is well known to all political habitues. Since the late Saraki tried his hand, albeit

JOSEPH USHIGIALE e-mail: jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com mobile phone: 08023422660 (sms only)

Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom International Airport. The airport was completed

by Governor Godswill Akpabio and Emmanuel has now completed the value chain by inaugurating an airline.

I have written somewhere before that Akwa Ibom state is blessed with visionary leaders. The airport project is a living example and these leaders mentioned above adopted and pursued this project with singular purpose to complete it and save their people from the agony of traveling through another state. They have also saved them from public ridicule and given them a sense of pride and belonging.

Today, Calabar airport is a shadow of its former self and Ibom International airport is the greatest beneficiary. Gone are the days when Calabar airport used to witness a scramble by airlines for scheduled flights.

Ibom International airport is the bride whose hand is well sorted by every airline in Nigeria today. As a result of the competition, the prices of tickets are equally competitive and cheaper, while Calabar tickets are not only exorbitantly higher, traffic has reduced to just an airline daily -Air Peace.

Beyond politics, Emmanuel must be saluted for this achievement not only for its monumental size but also for the timing.

This is election period and most governors who are standing for election have virtually rested governance for political campaigns.

Most importantly, he deserves commendation for achieving a

Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? ͺ͸͚ΠĂ&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?

ventually, the Presidential and National Assembly Elections took place last Saturday, February 23, 2019. As the results trudged in, and yells or guffaws of various emotions - disappointment, disgust, euphoria, bewilderment, etc - seeped through the nation, we could not ignore the costly and wasteful losses of lives and property, distressed hopes, punctured permutations and genuine fears of serious trouble.

Treasured humanity and structures were undercut by thuggery, vandalism, brutal victimisation, crass arrogance and murderous aggression of political actors and their henchmen.

Those irresponsible expressions of our faultlines as a nation of diverse tongues and cleavages should be strongly condemned, perpetrators must be apprehended and prosecuted accordingly.

Even as we look forward to the state elections next Saturday, it is not presumptuous to review a few of the acts, threats and consequences of the fallouts witnessed in the days before, during and after the last election day.

WITH

unsuccessfully, as an independent parliamentary candidate three years before the state was created in 1967, the seed for a sprawling hegemonic hold on the Emirate of Ilorin, and by extension, the entire state was sowed.

Most Kwarans had watched in suppressed animosity and permissive indignation as the Saraki machinery rolled over opposition and wearied constituents, installing vassals and vessels, irrespective of their capacity to deliver, and ability to inspire.

In 2019, by myriad of contending forces and providential missteps, the Saraki dynasty tottered under the virulently toxic exclamation - â&#x20AC;&#x153;O to geâ&#x20AC;? - a ditty best preserved in its Igbomina (a Yoruba dialect) coloration. In the pithiness of â&#x20AC;&#x153;O to geâ&#x20AC;? (roughly translated as â&#x20AC;&#x153;enough is enoughâ&#x20AC;?) the Kwarans found their voice and located their guts. End-result?

The immensely strategic and opulently endowed generalissimo of the Saraki rump was devastatingly worsted... Until the battle next time... for the campaign chief of the main opposition.

Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victory: Brutal Class Battle It appears that scholars of political science and keen researchers of mass behavioural tendencies will find a mine of materials in the different dimensions of the presidential election. My preliminary reaction was that in many parts of the North and South West, the contra-strategy to deflate the ambition and socio-economic master plan of the Atiku juggernauts was essentially to provoke the poor (after all, Nigeria was recently tagged the headquarters of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most impoverished) to see the election as a life-time opportunity to get one up on the elite, and to some extent, the nose-raising educated middle class. The APC strategists apparently up-turned Abraham Lincoln dictum on democracy: the government of the people, by the people, and for the people... by basically inserting â&#x20AC;&#x153;the poorâ&#x20AC;? wherever there is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the peopleâ&#x20AC;?. And it worked almost to a hilt.

A cursory look at the voting pattern, of course, without prejudice to the usual irregularities and manipulation in different degrees...the clear tone, arguably, is the trenchant determination of less-privileged Nigerians to re-install the man they consider as one who is most concerned about their welfare. Watching hundreds of polling units on TV screens, we saw armies of ordinary folks in far-flung rural settlements and villages, determined to make their votes count...for the man, rightly or wrongly, seen as the friend of the Talakawas. Of course, more vigorous statistical interrogation will prove or disprove this observation.

feat which even the federal government is still struggling to find a way around floating a national airline. Emmanuel is not the first governor who mooted the idea of floating a state-owned airline but he is the first to float and inaugurate a state-owned with such elaborate precision.

Governor Rochas Okorocha collaborated with Dana Air to float Imo Air, but little is being heard right now about the airline initiative. There was also talk of a CallyAir by Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state. Again that has also remained on the drawing board and yet to see the light of day.

Since the day Emmanuel mooted the idea of floating a state-owned airline, his critics have condemned him arguing that it would end up as a white elephant project because government has no business doing business.

The idea that government has no business in doing business may ring true for Nigerian businesses because of corporate governance issues and no one has proven this fallacy wrong.

However, there is a subsisting global trend where governments own businesses even in the highly capitalist US, mortgage companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are among the most notable state owned enterprises. In China, there is the Jin Jiang Hotel, a Shanghai-based entity that is fully owned and operated by the government and Petrobas, our own equivalence of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Even in Africa, South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eskom, a utility company, is one of the biggest entities in terms of its power generation capacity, and it is owned and operated by the government of South Africa.

Therefore, it is important Emmanuel should be given the support and allowed to deploy his rich wealth of knowledge garnered from the private sector to deliver cutting edge niche investment in the public sector.

On the developmental front, under his watch, the state government has been able to link all the strategic major towns in the state by constructing over 1,000 kilometres of roads across the state. Work on the Ibom Deep Seaport is ongoing and the governor has assured that it would commence operations before the expiration of his second term in 2023.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

COUNTERPOINT BY

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON e-mail: fajalive1@gmail.com mobile phone: (08182223348 - SMS Only)

INEC National Collation Centre: Between The Snail And The Tortoise It is indeed a daunting assignment waiting on emerging results of the presidential election from the National Collation Centre of INEC located at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja. With hours on end devoted to the excruciating routine of listening to a retinue of Vice Chancellors acting as SCOPEs (State Collation Officers for the Presidential Election) can render an avid reporter or observer catatonic.

Sitting pretty across a battery of microphones, was the placid-faced INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, flanked on either side by half a dozen corterie of National Electoral Commissioners looking glum and frazzled with boredom.

The professioral SCOPEs tagged along with each stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resident Electoral Commissioner, and would seize the hotspot, reading from a large spreadsheet of scores collated from all the 774 local government councils, over 8,000 wards - in all the 36 states and the FCT. Some of the uncomfortable Profs were stressed to display their â&#x20AC;&#x153;oratorialâ&#x20AC;? prowess in announcing each partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initials, and its score - all the 73 of them! A few Profs stumbled over this tiresome drag of a task - in need of more light, or even a â&#x20AC;&#x153;rulerâ&#x20AC;?! (I kid not).

The Collation process is so tedious, painstakingly sluggish time and energy-consuming, that it would have been comical if it were not a critically important assignment.

The collation centre opened a day after the election (Sunday) and final declaration of winner was conducted few minutes before 5am on Wednesday(!!) The Commission must find a way to upgrade and digitalise its processes and deliverables in a manner consistent with modern critical capacity-building infrastructure. We cannot be taken seriously when we deliver national assignments in such snail-like timelines, (or is it tortoise?) I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know which is slower.

Yet, we must thank Nigerians who stayed behind, dug in, queued at empty polling units, rallied and queried on open fields and social media...to produce another civilian-to-civilian political transition. Kudos...as we await the usual legal fireworks!

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Sloppy Headlines

EBERE WABARA

B

USINESSDAY WEEKEND of February 8 gave readers a paragraph they should distrust: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Electricity sector stakeholders and consumers have hit back at the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s claim that the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electricity generating capacity has reached 4,000 megawatts, saying the claim was false and that generation has indeed nosedived to less (sic) 3,600 megawatts.â&#x20AC;? Even without being professorially numerical, the reality here is that reduction from 4,000 to 3,600 can never be a nosediveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is only a slight drop!

Let us avoid malapropism, especially when a Diageo Africa Financial Newspaper of the Year is involved.

For the reader that sought the meaning of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; via SMS: It is an adverb that means â&#x20AC;&#x153;thus (added in brackets after a word or expression in a quotation which looks wrong or absurd, to show that it has been quoted correctly).â&#x20AC;? Source: The New Lexicon Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dictionary of The English Language.

From THE NATION ON SUNDAY of February 10 comes the next notoriety: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Five arrested over registration malpracticeâ&#x20AC;? I will not arrest the editor for (not over) this solecism! The daily edition of Tuesday, February 15, also fell into the same ditch: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eight arrested in Ibadan over food poisoning scareâ&#x20AC;?

The next three headline blunders are from Vanguard of February 15: â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Edo lawmaker sworn-inâ&#x20AC;? Phrasal verbs (stave off, swear in) abhor hyphenation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relocation of varsity: Only 2 people die in protest â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Policeâ&#x20AC;? Tense characterization of headlines notwithstanding, only 2 persons

BY

(not peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even without being a lexicologist!) died (not die, contextually) in protest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A money bag threw some wads of naira notes into the airâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Atikuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political campaign tragedy: A money-bags.

The Guardian of February 16 equally jumped on the bandwagon of headline slovenliness on two embarrassing occasions: â&#x20AC;&#x153;PENGASSAN is not aversed to PIB, says Ogunâ&#x20AC;? I am averse to ubiquitous headline gaffes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Post conviction bail only granted under exceptional circumstancesâ&#x20AC;? An all-time critical element: Post-conviction bailâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obasanjo, Saraki, Atiku condole victimsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; familiesâ&#x20AC;? Either condole with or simply console. â&#x20AC;&#x153;UI Lagos alumni restructuresâ&#x20AC;? (THE PUNCH Headline, February 14) Alumni (plural) restructure or alumni association restructures. Avoid mix-up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Atiku overated himselfâ&#x20AC;? (TheNEWS Headline, February 14) Spell-check: overrated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I said there is no more monolithic northâ&#x20AC;?

(Tribune CHURCH On Sunday, February 24) A rewrite: I said there was no more monolithic north. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ministry drafts health officials to cholera infested areasâ&#x20AC;? (SATURDAY TRIBUNE Headline, February 16) Community News: hyphenation (cholera-infested areas) makes a lot of difference in lexis and structure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Promoting values based leadershipâ&#x20AC;?

Leadership initiative: just as corrected above.

The Guardian of February 12 circulated copious headline goofs and other gaffes as follow: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gowon advocates revival of education sectorâ&#x20AC;? Sound literacy: educational sector. Adjective: educational; noun: education.

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

â&#x20AC;&#x153;British based Nigerian, Aderotimi dies enlarging her backsideâ&#x20AC;? First, British-based.

Second: a comma after the name to foreclose confusion because â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;comaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in headlines represents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;andâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To eradicate the level of illiteracy in the stateâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? You can only reduce illiteracy. Even the most educated nation in the world still has a percentage of illiterate population.

Some people are either circumstantially or naturally uneducable! The intro also did not qualify the level of illiteracy in the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tafawa Balewa crisis: Yugudaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soothing balmâ&#x20AC;? What else would balm do if not soothe. So, Yugudaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balm â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fake journalist arrested in Imo with 4,054 voters cardâ&#x20AC;? (Nigerian Tribune, February 13) Two terse observations: votersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students invest N2m on science lab rehabilitationâ&#x20AC;? (SUNDAY PUNCH Headline, February 3) Invest in (not on). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dozens feared dead as Atiku flags-off (sic) campaign in S/Southâ&#x20AC;? Confirm before going to bed whether they were dead or not! â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Feared deadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; does not convey anything. A canon of journalism: when in doubt, leave out. And this: phrasal verbs (flag off/kick off, etc.) do not admit hyphenation. As nouns, yes: kick-off is 4 p. m â&#x20AC;&#x153;Voter registration: A post mortemâ&#x20AC;?

All-time little things that matter, but look insignificant: post-mortem, please. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śbecause they are not entirely immuned from the adverse consequences of pervasive poverty in third world nations.â&#x20AC;? (THE PUNCH, February 16) Get it right: immune (not immuned) from. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śpay them their retirement benefits as and when dueâ&#x20AC;? Just when due. (Daily Independent, February 16) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;As and when dueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; smacks of language poverty â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are the major factors but there is

a final secret with regards.â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? (NIGERIAN Tribune, February 16) Get it right: as regards or with regard to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Encumbered by the demands by many who need her services, she atimes turn (sic) cases to colleagues in Owerri townâ&#x20AC;?. (Leadership, February 15) No encumbrances: at times (two words). â&#x20AC;&#x153;LAST week Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press briefing by the administrator....â&#x20AC;? (Nigerian Tribune, February 16) Functional communication: LAST Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press briefing. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is redundant in the construction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today on the continent, there are all manners of refugeesâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? (THISDAY, February 16) Not yet in want: all manner of refugees.

The next failed sentence is from The Guardian On Sunday of February 24: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Extremism had also brought about the death of 37 left-wing intellectuals when the hotel in which they were holding a conference in the central town of Sivas was touched (torched) on December 2, 2010.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Nigeria today, it needs these props to support its misrule and no amount of talks about human rights will make it surrender its very life wire.â&#x20AC;? (DAILY Sun, February 16) Lexical reality: livewire.

DAILY Sun Editorial of February 25 committed the next faux pas: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some years ago, the CBN raised alarm (the alarm) that the banking industry was threatened by cybercrime defacement attacks from e-fraudsters.â&#x20AC;? From The Business Report of February 25 comes this fault: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Private sector driven (Private sector-driven) economy will pull W/Africa out of povertyâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;How Supreme Court judgment restored sanity in (to) IPMANâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;MWUN issues 21 days (either 21-day or 21 daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) ultimatum to Chevron on unioinisation (sic)â&#x20AC;? (Source: as above).

PERSPECTIVE

PMB, the Principalities and Powers Femi Adesina

T

wice on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari displayed an uncommon generosity of spirit.

We had set forth at dawn, shortly before 5 a.m, to visit the presidential campaign office in CentralArea ofAbuja. The purpose was for the President to read his victory speech, having been pronounced winner of the February 23 election by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This portion resonated loudly in the speech, and was widely applauded by theAll Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts in attendance: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts.â&#x20AC;?

Holy Moses!

Was the President telling his supporters not to stick out their tongues in derision, to mock those who had fought a bitter, if not acrimonious electoral war? Is all not fair in love and war again?

Surely, the millions of Buhari supporters were raring to do the Dino Melaye stuff, open their eyes to the widest, and say ntorrrrr, or oooobiiii, to those who just lost the election. But the President said; no, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it. They are your brothers and sisters.

So dissatisfied with the instruction was one of the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest online supporters, that she was ready to start a rebellion on Facebook. Jewel Ifunnaya is a dyed-in-the-wool Buharist. She loves the President to the marrows, and proclaims it from the rooftops anytime. But on Wednesday morning, she was almost embarking on civil disobedience. She kicked like a wild horse, querying why the President must tell her not to gloat, when she was ready to embark on a gloating party against theAtikulators (as the online supporters ofAlhajiAtikuAbubakar, the greatest challenger in the presidential election, are called). I read the protest by Jewel, and appealed to her to respect the wishes of our principal. She then agreed.

Again on Wednesday, President Buhari showed that he meant what he said. By 2 p.m, he was at the International Conference Centre, inAbuja, to receive his Certificate of Return, from INEC. Hear the President in his speech again: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat. Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition.All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.â&#x20AC;?

Jumping Jehoshaphat! What generosity of spirit from the President. This was time to preen like the peacock, swagger like a man of war just returning from battle, hunch up your shoulders in pride, and tell the members of opposition to hug the nearest

electricity transformer, if they were not happy. But President Buhari chose to play the true father. What an enduring lesson. I know one of his predecessors in office, who would never have done that. When that man was president, and he won re-election despite the fact that university lecturers had been on strike for many months, he came out after the polls to say he had broken the back ofASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) irredeemably. That same predecessor was publicly opposed to President Buhari running for a second term in office, and had engaged in a campaign of calumny both locally and internationally for more than a year, and if he had been the one who won at the polls, gloating would have been endless. But our political hero said: donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gloat.

This reminds me of a story Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d told in a piece I did in 2017, when President Buhari just came from medical vacation. Permit me to repeat the story, as it is quite germane.

In 1998, when the country was groaning under the jackboot of Gen. SaniAbacha, I was deputy editor of National Concord, a newspaper owned by Bashorun MoshoodAbiola, whoAbacha held in military gulag for five years.Abiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offence was that he sought the actualization of a mandate freely given to him by 14 million Nigerians to be president in an election held on June 12, 1993.

Gen Ibrahim Babangida, then military dictator, had annulled the result without explanation.

One bright June afternoon, news wafted out thatAbacha was dead. It turned out to be true. Every newspaper house was buzzing with activities, seeking to be the one to report the news with best perspectives the following day. My editor, DeleAlake (later, Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos for eight years) was away, and the lot fell on me to edit the newspaper. I relocated from my office upstairs, to the compugraphy room on the ground floor, where I could treat the stories faster. It was not yet the era of computer then. Dr. DoyinAbiola was Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Concord Press. She was wife to the detained president-elect. On her way home about 7 p.m, she stopped over in the compugraphy room to see me.And what did she say? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Editor, please in your treatment of the story, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gloat!â&#x20AC;?

If anyone would gloat that GenAbacha was dead, should it not be anAbiola? But my boss said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gloat!.And I learnt an eternal lesson about generosity of spirit towards even those who have treated you spitefully and disdainfully. Never gloat if anything untoward happens to them, or you come into a better station in life than them.

See how the principalities and powers of Nigeria had arrayed themselves against President Buhari. Some former military rulers and leaders turned themselves into an evil confederacy, acting as if they owned Nigeria. They had always determined who aspired to certain offices in the country, and who should not. They had held the country by the jugular for ages, almost asphyxiating her. But this time, they met their match. The President looked at them straight in the face when they told him not to seek a second term, and told

Buhari

them to pick one: get lost, or go to hell. They chose not to pick any, but rather turned themselves into an opposition force. Formidable they were, but not with a man that had the true army behind him. The ordinary people. So, last Saturday, President Buhari and his peculiar army gave the opposition a bloody nose.

The retired generals were not alone. They recruited pliant members of the international community, who had their eyes on a slice of the Nigerian economy, whichAtiku had vowed to run along Western principles. Thank God for China, which charted a separate course, saying Nigeria should be left alone to resolve her internal matters without interference. Also withAtiku were many questionable characters, who had questions to answer on what they did to the public treasury, when they had access to it. Nigeria would simply have been done for, if they had regained the levers of power again.

The ordinary people fought valiantly behind Buhari.And the impending army of occupation was worsted. Given a drubbing. Yet, no gloating? Very noble.

On Wednesday last week, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the President had told members about millions of dollars seized by security agencies at the various entry points into the country: air, land, sea, all towards compromising and manipulating the election. They wanted to buy each and every electorate, and possibly the electoral officers. But the plans were thwarted. The President also told of a more sinister stratagem they had, which Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll rather keep close to my chest for now. Desperate people.All due to lust for power. BashorunAbiola used to say you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t urinate inside a well you would later fetch drinking water from. These ones not only urinated, they also did the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inside the well. But God proved greater.

Yet, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gloat? Strange and curious. Human dictum is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;an eye for an eye.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t brook principalities and powers. Rather, you take the battle to them, and cast them out into the dry desert places. But President Buhari now says an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to make them like this older and less ruthless Buhari anymore. We continue to learn. Sai Baba! â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

45

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ali Baba

The Footpaths I Created Gave Others Road to Follow KOJE KEVIN

Ofime, Peters, Paste Signatures on ‘Zero Hour’ pg. 48

My Dad Was My First Inspiration pg. 47

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

The Footpaths I Created Gave Others Road to Follow Stand-up comedian/actor, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Ali Baba, is, without doubt, the founding father of stand-up comedy in Nigeria.

His footpaths helped birth the many success stories of most comedians in the country today. With 30 years of remarkable success and excellence, he has a lot to be thankful for and celebrate; hence he is putting together a 30th year anniversary event. Ali Baba tells Tosin Clegg how he started, his anniversary plans, the success stories, impacts on many and much more How it all started ver the years and since I discovered the talent of comedy, I have seen a lot more done with it and my growth is in six phases.

First, was the discovery of the talent which was in 1988 and between that time and 1993, it was now how to battle with family to convince them of my convictions and belief that comedy was what I wanted to do. Then I developed it to the environment and adapted it with where I found myself and promoted it. And gradually between 1993 and 1998, I decided that, since I discovered the talent, I needed to promote it and that was the second phase, and all these were in a period of five years. The promotions were on television, newspaper houses, night clubs, universities, polytechnics and a few corporate bodies like Coca Cola, Guinness and Nigerian Breweries which wanted my services at that time.

That was at the end of the second wave of my career. I had built some momentum and it was then onward that the commercialisation took hold. In 1996, I joined Guinness to promote a drink, where I made my first N1 million. What that did was that it gave me the strength to continue because I figured and realised there was a lot more to this potential.

Commercialisation of my talent This went through corporate and it involved me getting an office at Eleganza House, registering the business, building proper communication channels and networking. A lot more was involved and that happened between 1998 and 2003. In the fourth phase between 2003 and 2008, I started diversifying and I had a television programme, I was contributing to newspapers and I became a motivational speaker. I also worked towards having an event place and built Excuse Moi event centre and organised two concerts within that time and then worked in a movie with Bashorge. I was also doing stage plays around that time and I figured at that time I wasn’t going to make as much money as I wanted, then I diverted to stand-up comedy alone.

O

Towards 2013, I started consolidating And that means I had to build others through the institutions, invest in their career and create structure towards having a media empire.

And following up, I started organising Ali Baba January 1st shows in 2016 and towards the sixth phase, it was more of building legendary projects which involved my January 1st Show. It also included Spontaneity which was to help and support the comedians that were working in the sector and there was the need to reposition myself as the front line comedian and within that time, we did six hours performance. And that came about because a lot of people hadn’t seen me perform, as I was doing a lot of private events.

Moving forward After 30 years, I then thought what again can we do? As we have done events across Africa and in some parts of the world and thought we need to do a show in London, as we are planning the 30th anniversary. This show would be one

Ali Baba

of such and would be before the show in the US and others in Canada and Germany. It’s my 30th year and because of how this show has been planned, there would be the need to let people know in phases how it would run. We fixed the 25th of August at the O2 Indigo in the UK and it’s going to be different from the shows you see because of the kind of audience we are looking at attracting. We have secured some acts and we would be unveiling them bit by bit.

My 30th anniversary is on We want to thank the press for supporting my career during my promotional stage, but I also had a few good people who supported me and what I was doing. They helped to drive my career and we would be giving special recognition to those people and how much they have supported us in all those projects they contributed into. The 30th anniversary would be about shows, my performances and other

projects I would be involved in, like expanding the media empire I’m going to build. I would also be celebrating a lot of people that gave me platforms to grow.

What life has taught me in 30 years It taught me that whatever you do as a thing of success is something that should encourage other people to be successful. This is one thing I live by; that if your success doesn’t encourage others to be successful, you have failed. Which is why after I had built a career path for myself, there was need to make that available to a lot of people and encourage them. It has taught me to open doors for people who need it.

Why I chose London to kick start There are several places we want to go but we have done something in Lagos, Abuja and we have another show coming up in Lagos, though.

We would also have a roast, and it would be the

first one, no matter who the person is. Nigerians are very sensitive and after the London show, if it’s not too cold, we would go to other places.

There was no precedent when I started stand-up comedy We had people who were MCs and dabbled into comedy, but they were plying the trade and were not into stand-up comedy. When I came in, I devoted my time fully to stand-up comedy and those who weren’t too sure of it and didn’t see it as lucrative as it should have been, melted into other stuffs.

But we continued because I knew what I wanted and that I was going to make it a commercial success. So, a lot of people borrowed from that as I stood and stuck with it, continuing to promote it and earned a good living, making it something that was enviable. I was head of the pack and the footpaths I created gave others road to follow.

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Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MY STORY

Gists SEYI HUNTER REVEALS WHY SHE CREATED SEXUAL SKILLS WHATSAPP GROUP Nigerian actress, filmmaker and sex therapist, Seyi Hunter has explained why she decided to create a sex education whatsapp group. According to her, ‘Sinfulfriday’ WhatsApp group is an offshoot of her vlog called ‘SinfulFriday’ with Seyi Hunter Uncensored which helps to ignite the sex lives of people and also provide the needed tips and techniques on how they can improve their sex lives. “When I started my YouTube channel called ‘Sinfulfriday’ with Seyi Hunter Uncensored, I didn’t know we were going to get the kind of response and positive feedback we got.

“Lots of viewers were sending mails requesting for a WhatsApp group; they needed an avenue where they could easily reach me and learn more on a one-on-one basis. So, this made my team and I to decide to start the WhatsApp group where I can teach people sexual skills and how they can ignite and improve their sex lives. In the group, I mentor, counsel, inform, educate, solve sex-related issues. It’s also a place to network.

Once you’re a member of the group, you have automatic access to free therapy sessions and mentoring. Above all, it’s a place to rant and vent about sex. You don’t know how to talk dirty during love making? You’ll learn that and more in the group... more importantly it’s an extremely private group.

“I am a trained sex educator and over the years, I have helped rejuvenate the sex lives of people, home and abroad.”

On her plans for 2019, Hunter noted that she had plans to release more movies and organise a sex therapy masterclass for Nigerians.

BIG BROTHER NAIJA HAS BEEN A BLESSING TO ME, SAYS IFU ENNADA

KOJE KEVIN

My Dad Was My First Inspiration Adedoyin Yomi Joseph is the creative director of Koje Kelvin. He is a seasoned designer, stylist, lifestyle enthusiast and a PR expert. He tells Tosin Clegg about himself, his brand, projects and more

W

ho is h i Koje j Kevin? i

Big Brother Naija star and Beautician, Ifu Ennada is today regarded as one of the most successful contestants from the ‘Double Wahala’ edition, despite not being a part of the top five finalists. Prior to being a contestant on the famous African reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, Iheme Faith Ulomo popularly known as Ifu was an upcoming actor, writer, content producer, fashion designer and TV presenter but was barely in the limelight with little or no social media prominence.

Less than a year after portraying her skills, talent and abilities to the world, winning endorsement and cash prizes from Pepsi and Heritage Bank during the show, Ifu has set up her beauty business ‘beautIFU Ennada’ pioneered by her HairCare Line with distributors all over Africa and the United States.

Since her exit from the show, the Computer Science graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University has gone on to establish an empowerment foundation for women where she recently supported two young fashion designers with sewing machines and cash. She has also partnered with top brands including; Legend Extra Stout, 7UP, Pepsi, Quickteller, Access Bank, Zhenas Closet, Terra Cotta and Dukez & Duchezz.

The most popular TV reality show in Africa, Big Brother Naija has no doubt continued to birth some of the greatest talents and pop culture celebrities Nigeria has ever produced in the entertainment industry since its debut in 2006. Some of these celebrities include Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Bisola Aiyeola, Tobi Bakre and Ifu Ennada.

I’m first a fashion designer but I enjoy doing everything relating to fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. As a PR expert and also a stylist, I have styled celebrities and also worked with foreign and corporate brands to promote them.

Tell us about what you do and how long you have been in it?

I’ve been doing this from my undergrad days and from buying and reselling of outfits I won the best dresser back then in school.

My fashion skills were incomparable and that prompted the brand, as it became a side hustle. But officially, we have been doing this for two years.

What project do you have and what are the plans in executing it?

Right now we just launched our debut SS’19 collection and it’s already making waves. The SS’19 Groom collection focused mostly on the classic groom and groomsmen but can also be switched up and be used for other functions, extending the life of the suit.

What’s exceptional about your works and the pieces you make?

Koje Kelvin is a brand centred on creativity and growth, a few years from now. We would have stores spread across West Africa and other parts of Africa and, hopefully, outside Africa.

I intend making Koje Kelvin the go-to brand for all Grooms regardless of your walk of life or your level we have a product that fits everyone.

Where do you see yourself and your brand in a few years?

Be a household name where my clients and customers are not mere customers but members of our family. It’s always a different experience with Koje Kelvin. We are also having a launch sometime very soon and it’s going to be epic as the idea behind the launch is dope.

Who are your role models and influencers?

My role model has to be my dad. He was my first inspiration.

I have other people I draw inspiration from; their pieces mostly internationally. Locally, I have very few mentors who are unknown but their work ethics speak a lot.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ofime, Peters, Paste Signatures on ‘Zero Hour’ Described as romantic drama/thriller with the established imprints of Rogers Ofime and Robert Peters on it, there just might be more than what the movie ‘Zero Hour’ takes to the cinemas. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

A

s movie making goes in Nollywood, the combination of Rogers Ofime and Robert Peters on any cinematic project would possibly be considered a win. Hence, the context in which their new movie ‘Zero Hour’ is situated. As producer and director, both men have got their names established with critically acclaimed works in film and television production.

Ofime is best known for producing several notable Nigerian television soap operas including the very popular `Tinsel’ series on M-net/Africa Magic platform. Some other movie projects with the imprints of Ofime include The Johnsons, Madam Dearest, One of Several, Hotel Majestic, Hush, Spinsters, Maid of Honour, With Love, Prince of Spice, and Oloibiri, the Best West Africa movie at the AMVCAs 2017.

Peters, who began his career first as an actor in Nigeria before relocating to the US, has worked on a number of AfricanAmerican productions. He is best known for directing the 2014 Nollywood breakout movie 30 Days in Atlanta as well as the movies Shades of Attractions, Boxing Day and A trip to Jamaica. In 2014, 30 Days in Atlanta was the highest-grossing film of all time at the Nigerian box office.

The movie was also featured in the 2017 Guinness Book of Records as one of the films with the highest domestic gross in the territories of Bollywood, Nollywood and Hollywood.

The co-produced “Zero Hour’’ movie featuring Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Eucharia Anunobi, is set for premiere in cinemas across Nigeria on March 22. The ace actor, RMD who played the role of Alhaji Danlami while on the set of the movie, said this about his role: ‘The character is from the North, but this is not my first time acting a character from the North in a movie.’ The ‘Hush’ star is one of Nollywood evergreen actors, one who has made an indelible mark on Nigerian cinema with an array of successful movies to his name.

To his credit are appearances in movies that include Diamond Ring, Out of Bounds, Keeping Faith and Violated.

The superstar actor also made a name for himself in the television industry appearing in Checkmate. After his political stint of late, he has graced a good number of the movies to the big screen like 30 Days in Atlanta, 10 Days in Sun City, The Wedding Party 1 & 2, God Calling, Chief Daddy, and Merry Men. The ‘Zero Hour’ movie plot follows the story of Alhaji Danlami (Richard Mofe Damijo), a two-faced individual, and Zamani (Alex Ekubo), a heir to an empire who returned home after his father passed on to take over his business but get caught in a web of crime.

Zero Hour has a lot of Family Love, Business, Money Laundry, Crime and Murder handing all around its fold.

Eucharia Anunobi, making appearance in the movie sort of puts a classic touch to it in the role that sets her distinctly apart from her new found calling in ministrations. As seen in the ‘Zero

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

49

SHOWBIZFLAIR Ofime, Peters, Paste Signatures on ‘Zero Hour’

L-R: Alex Ekubo; Ali Nuhu; and Richard Mofe-Damijo

Hour’ trailer, her role in it rekindles her super status in her movies of the past like Abuja Connection, The Bank Manager, Titanic Tussle, Society Lady, and Black Night in South America. The Nollywood ‘Glamour Girl’ of yesteryears plays the role of a business woman suspected to be involved in a shady deal of crime and death.

‘Zero Hour’, is a blend of cast from the movie industry. The movie also features star actors Ali Nuhu, Alex Ekubo, Rahama Sadau, Halima Yusuf, and the very Ene Oloja among others.

Oloja would be starring in her first Nollywood movie. One of the pioneers of the Nigerian film industry, Ene Oloja, became a household name in the 1980’s and 90’s for her compelling acts on the screen and stage and was famous for her appearance in the now rested soap opera, ‘Cock Crow at Dawn’. She played the role of Hauwa, the mother of the lead actor.

From the stables of Native Media, in partnership with FKD Productions and Galaxy Holdings & Construction Services as the executive producers first time, the star-studded romantic thriller is expected to open in Filmhouse IMAX cinemas.

The trailer further shows lifeless body of a man hanging from a roof and a woman screaming as she discovers the horror in a car park, Rahama Sadau driving and being tailed by someone who might kill her and a security operative thrown off a building to meet his death.

As solitary scenes, they look interesting and might arrest one’s attention.

However interestingly, since the ban of Rahama from the Hausa film sector of Nollywood (Kannywood) in 2016, for merely ‘hugging and cuddling’ a male actor in a music video, the beautiful Nigerian actress, has in no time, had her career upped in English movies, becoming the first Hausa speaking female celebrity to appear in the top ten Hottest Female Nigerian Celebrities.

The ‘Zero Hour’ movie plot follows the story of Alhaji Danlami (Richard Mofe Damijo), a twofaced individual, and Zamani (Alex Ekubo), a heir to an empire who returned home after his father passed on to take over his business but get caught in a web of crime

Shot in locations in Abuja, and Accra, Ghana, It is highly anticipated as one of the movies with collaborations from movie stars across different regions in Nigeria. ‘Zero Hour’ has an Hausa flair – the language and culture and this is another indication of how movies with a Hausa-speaking cast are becoming mainstream.

The movie is a romantic drama/ thriller, and it further emphasizes the current boom of action/thriller movies out from Nollywood these days (Merry Men, King of Boys, Knock Out Blessing, etcetera).

Rahama and Alex

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Paul Okoye and His Twins Singer, Paul Okoye, spending quality family time with his adorable twins, Nathan, and Nadia as they stepped out at a recent function.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t."3$) , 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Nollywood Actress Ini Edo Flaunts Sexy Curves

Ini Edo

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Lulu-Briggs: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Not Succumb to Diversionary Tactics of Opponents in My Quest for Governor Wike behind my travails in court Ernest Chinwo Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;

The embattled governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Rivers State, Chief Dumo LuluBriggs, has vowed that he would not succumb to diversionary tactics of opponents in his quest to become the governor of Rivers State.

This is as he accused Governor Nyesom Wike of being behind the legal tussle over the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gubernatorial ticket in the state because of his (Wikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) fear of standing election against any credible opposition.

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had on Thursday sacked the Accord governorship candidate and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace him with one Sir Precious Baridoo.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, Lulu-Briggs, said he was still in the race for the office of the governor of the state despite the judgment of the Federal High Court.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My quest to liberate Rivers State from the shackles of wicked politicians who want to continue to punish and impoverish our men and women, instigate our

youths into violence and bloodshed and deny our children quality education, is still on track. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dumo Lulu-Briggs is still in the race by the grace of God. I have no godfather but God the Father, and by the grace of God and the will of Rivers people, we shall triumph and start the process to secure the future of every Rivers man, woman and child.â&#x20AC;?

Describing Baridoo as a surrogate of Wike, he said his legal team had already approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision of the Federal High Court as well as to seek for a Stay of Execution order over the judgment.

Lulu-Briggs said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We state in very strong terms that we are aware that this case is another dubious shenanigan by Governor Nyesom Wike who is afraid to go into any legitimate contest in the forthcoming Rivers State Governorship elections and is doing everything possible, including sponsoring court cases against strong opponents in order to achieve his primitive ambition to contest the 2019 governorship election against himself alone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our considered position that Mr. Precious Baridoo is nothing but a willing tool in the hands of dubi-

WE SHARE IN YOUR JOY...

L-R: Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev Oluyemisi Ogunlere; Celebrant, Mr. Olugbenga Akindele; Celebrantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Mrs. Kemi Akindele; and Circuit Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria, Palm - Avenue Circuit, Very Rev Ogunsiji, at the 50th birthday thanksgiving service of Mr. Akindele, held at Methodist Cathedral of Blessing, Palm-Avenue, Lagos...yesterday

ous and unprincipled politicians who are bent on scoring cheap psychological advantage a week to the governorship election. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Precious Baridoo in all purposes and intent does not

APC NWC Suspends Amosun, Okorocha, Recommends Duo for Expulsion The APC further said that the NWC was closely monitoring the activities of its members across the country, particularly those in the states of these suspended members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wish to reiterate that any member of our party who takes any action solely or in line with the directives of the suspended members to undermine our partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidates in the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections would face disciplinary actions,â&#x20AC;? it said.

Okechukwu may have incurred the wrath of the party, following his scathing criticism of Oshiomhole over the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to recognise the Special Adviser to the President, Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku Nwagu, whom he contested against in the senatorial primary election.

But in his swift reaction, Okechukwu dismissed the suspension, insisting that he had not done anything to warrant such an action.

The VON D-G said he should not be blamed for the triumph of bigotry in Enugu State and in the South-east in general.

According to Okechukwu, if anything, he was instrumental to the most consistent advertisements placed in several media in the South-east, on behalf of the party.

Okorocha: Oshiomhole Determined to Destroy APC Meanwhile, Governor Okorocha has accused the national chairman of the APC of planning to destroy the party, with his suspension.

Okorocha maintained that Oshiomhole was determined, right from the outset, to

destroy the APC in the Southeast which was unknown to party Chieftains in the zone who had genuinely supported his chairmanship.

In a statement signed by Okorochaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, he stated that Oshiomhole was playing the politics of 2023 in 2019 and that in doing so, he had thrown caution to the wind.

He said there were crises in all the South-east states, and that all resulted from the alleged fraudulent manner he (Oshiomhole) conducted the primaries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the APC members across the nation are still celebrating the success of the party in the Presidential and National Assembly elections, Oshiomhole in his wisdom or lack of it, felt that the best action in the circumstance was to suspend two governors who did well in the election, even when he played safe in 2015 and 2019 in Edo State without any known pressure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Again, Oshiomhole coming up with the purported expulsion, this time, was only acting out of the fear that God in his infinite Mercy could give Governor Okorocha a role to play in the Senate, in the overall interest of the nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The truth is that Oshiomhole is only labouring in vain to play his own part of the deal that warranted his giving out the tickets of the party to non-deserving elements like in the case of Imo,â&#x20AC;? he stated.

The problem between the Imo state governor and the APC national leadership began during the conduct of primaries to select the governorship candidate in the state. While Okorocha

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from Pg.1

wanted his Chief of Staff and son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, Oshiomhole was vehement in opposing what he said was a plan by the governor to create a family political dynasty in Imo state.

After the primary election panel headed by Ahmed Gulak upheld the election of Senator Hope Uzodinma as APCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governorship candidate for Imo State, Nwosu was said to have dumped APC and picked the ticket of the Action Alliance (AA) on the advice of the governor.

Amosunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ogun APC Battle The face-off between Amosun and the party came to a climax when both sides clashed during the presidential campaign rally in Abeokuta attended by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Amosun had disagreement with the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership over the choice of the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governorship candidate for Ogun state.

While Dapo Abiodiun emerged through the primary election conducted by the APC national leadership, another candidate, Abiodun Akinlade, anointed by Governor Amosun, also laid claim to the ticket, having emerged from a parallel primary election conducted by the faction loyal to the governor.

In the ensuing tussle for the APC ticket, Oshiomhole-led NWC insisted on the choice of Dapo Abiodun.

An aggrieved governor Amosun directed Akinlade to move to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and subsequently switched his support to the new party.

aspire to be Rivers State governor but to swell the ranks of political jobbers working for Governor Nyesom Wike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not deterred by the pronouncement of the Federal High

Court sitting in Port Harcourt as our legal team has promptly filed a Notice of Appeal and a motion of Stay of Execution of the judgement of Justice E.A Obile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As unfortunate as the court

judgement was, it is a mere 24 hours setback as we are sure that the Court of Appeal will do justice and grant our stay of execution and finally set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.â&#x20AC;?

Imo Elders Adopt Ihedioha as Governorship Candidate Amby Uneze Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;

The agitation for Imo Charter of Equity was yesterday rectified by the Imo State Advisory Council of Elders by adopting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emeka Ihedioha, as the sole governorship candidate come March 9, 2019.

The council comprises elders from Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zones of the state enjoined all Imo citizens to vote Ihedioha as the next governor because the council found the manifesto of the party more appropriate to recover the economy of the state.

In a four-page communique signed by leaders of the council as well as its key conveners: Prof. Francis Dike (SAN) for Orlu zone, Mr. Charles Ugwu for Okigwe zone and Air Commodore Luke Ochulor (rtd.) for Owerri zone said that the council consulted, interviewed and evaluated candidates from different registered political parties and their

respective manifestoes and resolved to adopt Ihedioha.

According to the council, the manifesto presented by the candidate of the PDP, Emeka Ihedioha in the opinion of the council, best satisfies the aspirations of Imo State. Therefore, we endorse and adopt him as the candidate of choice for Imo State to be voted for at the governorship election on March 9, 2019.

The council called the people of Imo State to come out en-masse and vote Ihedioha of the PDP on Saturday, March 9, 2019, urging Imo citizens to endeavour to protect the integrity of the electoral process against miscreants.

The communiquĂŠ, however, appealed to the various security apparatus, particularly, Army, Police and DSS to stay aloof and allow the citizens to choose their governor instead of aiding and abetting some leaders with government apparel to

manipulate the system and thwart the wishes of the people.

The elders had observed that the absence of synergy for peace, stability, development and good governance of the state created political rascality and irresponsible government, lack of respect for the rule of law and the traditional institution, moral and educational deterioration which the state was not known for. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By reason of the foregoing; criminality has become prevalent and basic infrastructure and healthcare are near primitive standards. Cognissant of the benefits of good governance, justice, equity and good conscience, the Council is of the strong opinion that the issue of Rotation of elective political offices (particularly the office of the Governor of Imo State) must be strictly adhered to; commencing now with Owerri zone being given the opportunity to produce the governor of the state come March 9, 2019,â&#x20AC;? they stated.

Coalition of Candidates Allege APC, INEC Plot to Sabotage Guber Election in Rivers ErnestChinwoĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;

The Coalition of Governorship Candidates in Rivers State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plotting to sabotage the next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State.

The coalition also reaffirmed its endorsement of the re-election of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, declaring that they would work for his success during the governorship election on 9 March.

This is as the candidates also condemned what they described as the militarisation of the just-concluded

Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, which led to the killing of innocent people as well as the snatching of ballot boxes and harassment of electoral officers in no fewer than nine local government areas in the state.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, Chairman of the group, Samuel Ihunwo, said credible intelligence at their disposal indicated that the APC had compromised INEC to deliberately exclude the name and logo of one of the political parties from the ballot papers for the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Rivers State.

Ihunwo further said based on the intelligence, the affected political party would proceed to

the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to inevitably nullify the outcomes of the March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the people of Rivers State are yet to recover from the pains and trauma of awful violence and bloodletting that characterised last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general elections, we have intercepted yet another heinous plan to deliberately sabotage the March 9th 2019 Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State in order to advance the partisan interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party that is not on the ballot for the said elections.

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Widows, CAN, Muslim Community Fund Umahiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Election BenjaminNworie Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;

GOOD TO SEE YOU...

L-R: Deputy Ambassador of Isreal, H E Nadar Gore; Ambassador of Isreal, H E Ambassador Shimon Ben-Shoshan; Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; and Supervisor for Federal Matters, Mrs. Idiat Babalola, during the visit of Ambassador of Isreal to Governor Oyetola at Awolowo House Asokoro, Abujaâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday

Opposition Parties to Form Govt of Unity Against APC in Oyo KemiOlaitan Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;

With the gubernatorial election a week away, opposition parties in Oyo State are to form an alliance to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Friday, the Bodija home of former governor of the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, played host to four governorship candidates in the forthcoming governorship election.

Present at the meeting were the candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seyi Makinde, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Sharafadeen Alli and Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief

Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN. THISDAY gathered that the meeting was to concretise arrangement on a possible coalition of the leading opposition parties to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress.

However, though expected, the arrowhead of the proposed coalition, the ADP governorship candidate, former governor Adebayo AlaoAkala, was absent at the meeting.

The absence of the Ogbomoshoborn political gladiator fueled speculations that he might have succumbed to persuasion to rejoining the ruling APC which he left late 2018 after failing to clinch the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governorship ticket.

The meeting which lasted barely

an hour and half behind closed doors agreed to continue discussion today (Saturday) and reached an agreement on the planned â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;government of unityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Makinde while speaking with newsmen after the meeting, said it was fruitful and progressive but that they agreed to continue today (Saturday) to finalise talk, expressing optimism that all arrangement and agreements had been reached but awaiting final ratification of all concerned opposition parties.

On his part, the SDP candidate, Ayorinde said the proposed talk was not a merger of any sort but plans to form a government of unity, adding that all the necessary documentations and agreement had been reached.

He noted that many other parties in the opposition in the state were daily showing interest to be part of the plans and they were being accommodated.

He denied that the absence of Akala stalled the meeting from finalising the agreement as initially speculated, stating that it was shifted for more cohesion and integration of other interested parties.

When asked if Akala sent any apology for his absence at the meeting, he noted that he personally spoke with him (Akala) and that he had the assurance that Akala as a person with genuine concern for the people would do what is right.

Disappointed by Foreign Investors, Ayade Group Accuses APC-AKIDA Seeks N648b to Fund Superhighway Members of Plotting Political Crisis Bassey Inyang Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;

Unable to attract foreign investors to partner with him on the superhighway signature project, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has made a volte- face, writing to the State House of Assembly to seek approval to borrow N648b to fund the superhighway.

This latest move is believed to be aimed at further subjecting an already cash trapped Cross River State into hard financial state in the event that he loses at the March 9 polls.

A letter written and signed by the Secretary to Cross River State Government, Mr. Tina Agbor acting on the directive of the governor has exposed the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest resort to an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) of the sum of N648.8b in favour of Messrs Sydney Construction Nigeria Limited.

The letter sighted exclusively by THISDAY dated February 19, 2019 with reference number SSG/S/300/ VOL.XVII/1199, addressed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. John Gaul Levi, is seeking the state legislature to consider and pass a resolution granting â&#x20AC;&#x153;an approval for the state government to issue an ISPO of N300m monthly through the United Bank for Africa

(UBA) in favour of Messrs Sydney Construction Nigeria Limited for the Construction of the 275KM CalabarIkom-Katsina-Ala Super Highway subject to issuance of Interim Payment Certificate (IPC).â&#x20AC;?

The correspondence to the Legislature for the Award of contract for the construction of the 275KM Super highway to Sydney Construction Nigeria Limited valued at the sum of N648, 870,730,739.23 which is expected to be drawn through an ISPO. It reads, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In line with Article 6A and 6B of the Contract Agreement, an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order in the sum of N300, 000, 000 (three hundred million naira only) monthly is required in favor of Messrs Sydney Construction Nigeria Limited in respect of the construction of the Super Highway Project.â&#x20AC;?

It would be recalled that the State Executive Council meeting of Monday, February 18th, 2019 had approved the issuance of an ISPO to United Bank forAfrica to the sum of N300m monthly to Sydney Construction.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. John Gaul-Lebo, denied the allegations of any offer of gratification from the governor for them to do their legislative duties.

FrancisSardauna Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;

A political group, Katsina State Progressive Movement, Thursday accused members of APC-AKIDA, a factional group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting political crisis, saying the scenario if unchecked will truncate the March 9 governorship election in the state.

Addressing journalists on Friday, the Chairman of the Movement, Sameer Ismaila Musawa, said the antics of APC-AKIDAwas a deliberate ploy to distract Governor Aminu Bello Masariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration from delivering its mandate ahead of the elections.

There have been reports of spat between Governor Masari and supporters of APC-AKIDA, since the latter dumped APC to form the group, a development that has heightened political tension in the state.

The APC chieftain reiterated that the group which was out to create confusion and misunderstanding amongst party chieftains did not vote for President Muhammadu Buhari during the last Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidential election.

He refuted claims by members of the APC splinter group that they were loyalists of President Muhammadu

Buhari, adding that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If they are his supporters, why is it that they do not vote him during the presidential election? â&#x20AC;&#x153;They did not vote President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina State. The president visited all the states of the federation to canvas for vote but none of them followed him during the campaign. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If what they kept on hammering was working for Buhari, why were they absent when he came to Katsina and even at their polling units during his election.â&#x20AC;?

He reaffirmed that the approach to politicking by the factional group of the party was a deliberate plan to stir up violence and insecurity in the state and scare off investors the Masari administration had succeeded in attracting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All what they are after is to distract Governor Aminu Bello Masari from executing meaningful projects for the people of the state. But the governor refused to be distracted.

Musawa, who accused members of the group of embarking on campaign of calumny against APC stakeholders, said the group must have realised that the people had finally known the truth about their intention of causing disaffection for the party in the state.

Widows, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as well as Muslim community and market women have contributed money to fund the reelection of Governor David Umahi ahead of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

The Coordinator of Widows in Ebonyi State, Magistrate Stella Ogoke disclosed this yesterday while briefing the governor on the preparedness of the widows who have been empowered by the state government ahead of the general election next week during a townhall meeting with the governor at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki.

Ogoke said the widows have been in prayer and fasting to seek Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing towards the re-election of the governor, adding that the widows on their own decided to contribute money individually and collectively towards the election of the governor whom they described as husband to the widows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The widows on their own have been indoors since to seek the face of God ahead of the reelection of the governor and on our own, we have contributed N500 each among over 2000 widows whom you have

empowered towards your election.

We decided that we are going to give you the money to buy cow and other things you will use to receive visitors who will be coming to congratulate you on your reelection after March 9th Governorship election.â&#x20AC;?

On his part, the State Chairman of CAN, Rev Fr.Abraham Nwali said the church in the state have adopted the governor for the second term because he has delivered on all his campaign promises.

Nwali said the church will always stand by the governor, noting â&#x20AC;&#x153;since you are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, the church will not be ashamed to stand with you. We have made personal contributions toward your election because we know you are a child of God. CAN made it clear even at the national level that we are standing with you fully because we want a man of God like you to continue to be the Governor of Ebonyi State.â&#x20AC;?

In her speech, the leader of the market Women in the state, Mrs. Rose Akochi said all market women in the state also made various contributions towards the reelection of the governor because of his commitment to the economic viability of the state.

NIMC Begins Diaspora Enrolment in South Africa The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is to commence enrolment of Nigerian adults and children in South Africa into the National Identity Database (NIDB) for the issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN).

The inauguration of the diaspora enrolment in South Africa is in collaboration with a licensed partner, Messrs. Thebez Global Resources Limited (TGR). The company is in the business of providing similar services by themselves and in partnership with other similar companies in Diaspora jurisdictions.

TGR is working in collaboration with Cox & Kings Global Services Limited â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CKGSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (a premium outsourcing partner for government and businesses across the globe) to enrol Nigerians in diaspora by setting up enrolment centres in different countries. CGSKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

comprehensive range of services include consular services, identity management solutions, document processing services and an extensive suite of technology-enabled business process accelerators.

The South Africa NIN enrolment centre which is located at 205 Rivonia road, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2057 will open for enrolment from Wednesday, 6th March, 2019; and appointments can be made via the TGR website,nin.thebezglobalresource. com as from Monday, 4thMarch, 2019.

It is expected that other countries will come onboard on the platform of Thebez Global Resources Limited after the South Africa pilot experience.

The Director General/CEO NIMC, Mr. Aliyu Aziz explained that the diaspora exercise was in a bid to ensure that the section of Nigerians living outside the country were not disenfranchised.

NEMA Receives Another 326 Repatriated Nigerians from Libya ChineduEze

The Nigerian Emergency ManagementAgency (NEMA) has announced that it received a batch of 326 stranded Nigerians from Libya who returned to the country early Friday.

The Coordinator of NEMA, Lagos territorial office,Alhaji Idris Muhammed received the voluntary returnees on arrival in two different flights at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The first flight arrived Nigeria with 143 returnees aboard Al Buraq Air Boeing 737-800 with flight number UZ189 and registration number 5ADMG, while the second batch of 183 passengers were airlifted by Nouvel Air flight UZ 175 with registration number, TS-INA. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) organised the repatriation of Nigerians, supported

by Assisted Voluntary Returnees (AVR) initiative with funding from European Union (EU) for reintegration of the returnees back into their community.

At the end of profiling, the breakdown of whole returnees showed that

291 adults were brought back with eight children and 27 infants.

The NEMA Coordinator while addressing the returnees assured the youths of a better and prosperous life in the Nigeria.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS NGOZI CALISTA MPEJI, now wish to be known and addressed as

MRS NGOZI CALISTA U D E M E Z U E .

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BENJAMIN OMAWUNMI OKOTETE, now wish to be known and addressed as

B E N J A OSEMUDIAHME

M I N OKOTETE.

All former documents remain valid. The

general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EBINIYI BABA DAMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as EBINIYI LAWRENCE DAMILOLA and my was wrongly written as 8th day of October, 1994 instead of 8h day of October, 1994 All former documents remain valid, the general public please take note.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Î

55

NEWSXTRA

Gloin60seconds Competition Winners Receive Cheques

CONGRATULATIONS...

L-R: Director Political Section Embassy of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China, Mr. Du Sheng; The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjin; and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, during the presentation of congratulatory letter of the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the re-election of President Buhari at the State House Abuja...recently

Akpabio: Court Restrains INEC from Issuing CertiďŹ cate of Return to PDPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chris Ekpeyong Alex Enumah Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039;

Justice Valentine Ashi of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from issuing its Certificate of Return to Peoples Democratic Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (PDP) candidate, Chris Ekpeyong, winner of the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District Seat in the just concluded National Assembly election.

Justice Ashi gave the restraining order in a short ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the All

candidate in respect of the seat of senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district on the account of election held on the 23rd February, 2019.â&#x20AC;?

The ex parte application which was supported by an affidavit deposed to by one Daniel Idoko, was argued by Akpabioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawyer, Sunday Ameh SAN. In a short ruling Justice Ashi, held that the case of Akpabio is meritorious and that there is need to keep things in status quo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to apply for judicial review for the issuance of a writ

of Mandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declaratory reliefs against the respondent.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leave granted shall operate as stay of further action of the respondent and particularly in respect of issuance of certificate of return to any candidate in respect of the seat as sought by the applicant,â&#x20AC;? Justice Ashi held.

While adjourning the matter till March 8 for hearing of the substantive suit, the judge however directed that parties must first address him on the issue of jurisdiction on the next sitting.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Still in Kwara Guber Race, Says Atunwa

Tobi Soniyi

Hammed Shittu Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;

NYSC adhoc staff of INEC were all involved in the manipulation by wrongly misleading elderly voters on which party to vote for.

At some polling units, some wore tags and a rubber band chanting â&#x20AC;&#x153;you can only vote for PDP here oooâ&#x20AC;?

She said that at Orsu Local Government Area, there were neither a card reader machine nor any PVC. She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What INEC officials did was to bring the paper that had the photocopy of the PVCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, they would then ask you to sign, after which they would stamp and give out the ballot papers for the thumb printing and also insisting on the particular party to be thumb printed.â&#x20AC;?

These scenarios, she said, were unfair and a threat to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s democracy.

She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that, it is unfair to impose any candidate on the electorates. Nigerians must and should be allowed to freely choose their representatives but what happened was a clear demonstration of selfishness and power drunk by desperate politicians.

Above all, Orlu, Orsu and Oru East federal constitutiency in the past had not witnessed such fraudulent and open manipulation of results and other forms electoral irregularities with armed uniform men, who pretended to be guarding the polling units whereas they were working for a particular purpose against the interest of the masses.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Hon.Razak Atunwa has said that, there was no iota of truth on the the insinuations that, he had withdrawn from the governorship race ahead of March 9 governorship polls in the country.

Atunwa who spoke with our Correspondent in Ilorin on Friday during an interview said that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so more intact in the race to Ahmadu Bello Government House, Kwara, come March 9 polls.â&#x20AC;?

He said that,. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want my supporters and members of our party, PDP to shun such rumour and move out enmasse to vote for me during the poll so as to move the state forward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have all it takes to provide good governance to Kwara State and no amount of blackmail will stop me from emerging the next governor of the state come March 9 polls.â&#x20AC;?

Also, corroborating the Atunwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand in a chat on Friday in Ilorin, the state chairman of the party, Hon. Kola Shittu described the rumour of Atunwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s withdrawal from the governorship race as â&#x20AC;&#x153;totally false, mischievous and misleading. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Atunwa remains in the race and will emerge victorious by the grace of God and the support of Kwarans.â&#x20AC;?

He however said that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the insinuations of the issue was the

handiwork of the members of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to appeal to Kwarans to come out on March 9 governorship polls so as to vote massively for Hon.Atunwa so as to move the state forward.â&#x20AC;?

On the just concluded polls in the state, Hon.Shittu said that, the party had rejected the outcome of the polls in the state as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it took this decision after a thorough review of the conduct of the election, which it said was marred by widespread irregularities in different parts of the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reports we received from our polling agents across the state indicated that the electoral process was characterised by massive anomalies that put the credibility of the exercise in doubt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although the election was largely peaceful as there was no record of violence in any part of the state, our agents reported that the exercise was fraught with several discrepancies such as card readers failure, over-voting and inflation of figures.â&#x20AC;?

He added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition, our agents were also harassed and intimidated by some compromised security officials for complaining that card readers were not used for voting in their polling units.

include Jonah Ochoma, Ejembi Simon, Lewechi Chidiebere Timothy, Rowland Olabode and Eze Paul Ike, who collected their prize of N50,000 each at the Gloworld shops in Abuja. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Lagos, two schoolmates, Iyaomiye Israel Bayo and Oladokun Feyisayo Theophilus, and two others, Edechime Nnamdi Cyril and Akhilele Ehimare Ose received their prizes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Enugu, Ajogwu Queen Ogechi, Omeya Chinemerem Gifty and Okpala Chioma went home with their cash prizes, while in Ibadan, Omoloye Oluwasegun Emmanuel, Egbuaba Favour Chibuikem and Adigun Temiloluwa Daniel were also presented with their prizes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Up north, Chikezie Tochukwu, from Kano, Gabez Lynda from Warri, Delta State, Chuke Chimuanya Progress, Benin, and Offong Imaobong Bassey, Port Harcourt, also got their prizes,â&#x20AC;? the statement said.

FG Shuts Station over Alleged Critical Elections Coverage Seriki Adinoyi Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă?

Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio in the suit No: FCT/ HC/M/2680/19 and filed on February 28 prayed the court for, â&#x20AC;&#x153;An order granting leave to him to apply for a judicial review for the issuance of a writ of Mandamus, prohibition, injunction and other declarative reliefs sought against the respondent (INEC).â&#x20AC;?

He also prayed the court to direct the respondent to stay further action â&#x20AC;&#x153;particularly further action in respect of issuance of certificate of return to any

SDP Candidate Demands Fresh Election in Orlu, Orsu, Oru East The Social Democratic Party candidate for the Federal House of Representatives of Orlu, Orsu and Oru East in Imo State, Mrs. Christina Ude, has called for an outright re-run of the February, 23, 2019 National Assembly election in Orlu, Orsu and Oru East, citing gross irregularities and fraudulent manipulation of results by Independent National Electoral Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff, corpers, opposition party and security operatives attached to the polling units.

Mrs. Ude, stated in a release that, on the election day she and her partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agents were fully prepared for a peaceful election.

She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, the issues within the 29 polling units in the three local government areas, as observed by my agents, were a gross manipulation of electoral process, intimidation of voters by both hired thugs, security agents alleged to be working for some political parties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While in some polling units, agents and adhoc staff were seen thumb printing the ballot papers, there is also available records of total discovery of vote buying in Oru East and Orlu Local Government respectively.â&#x20AC;?

She also said the lives of her agents and those who wanted to vote for her were threatened in 29 polling units by hired thugs.

According to her, the rigging was done in such a way that the

Twenty-one more Glo subscribers have been given cash prizes in the social media competition organised by Globacom, tagged #GLOIN60SECONDS. A statement from the telecommunications company said the 21 talented Nigerians, who are the last batch of weekly winners of the competition, were presented with their cash prizes of N50,000 each at various Gloworld shops across the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a combination of the winners of weeks six, seven and eight of the competition that has generated excitement among Nigerian youths since it was launched in December, 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The grand finale is expected to happen in weeks, wherein a subscriber will cart home the star prize of N1 million, while five others will take home N200,000 consolation prizes each. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The latest weekly winners

Jay FM, a Jos-based privately owned radio station has been shut down indefinitely by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) following its alleged critical coverage of the recent Presidential and National Assembly elections.

A letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of JODAJ Global Communications Ltd, owners of the broadcast station, and signed by the Jos Zonal Director of NBC, Dr. Igomu Onoja on behalf of the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director General, ordered that the radio station be shut down from operations with effect from March 1, 2019 until further notice.

Jay FM, which is famous for its critical analysis of issues ranging from politics to economy and sports, won the Best Radio Station of Year on the Plateau in 2018 to the admiration of it thousands of listeners.

A source from the station told THISDAY that the travail of the station was not unconnected with â&#x20AC;&#x153;the elaborate and critical coverage of the last Saturday Presidential and National Assembly elections, which the DSS and NBC considered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;threat to national security.â&#x20AC;?

An announcement from the radio station in Jos on Friday night before it went off-waves confirmed the

development.

It said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The management and staff of Jay FM 101.9 regret to announce to our teeming and ever supportive listeners of the challenges we are facing from the regulatory agency that is responsible for monitoring broadcasting in Nigeria (The NBC). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yesterday on 28 February, 2019, operatives of the Department of State Services stormed our office and insisted that one of our senior staff follow them to their office.

Today again, March 1st, the Station Manager and the Managing Director were also invited by the operatives to their office around 5 pm and have just been released around 7:30 pm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Few minutes after, the NBC ordered for the shutdown of the station. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a radio station, we have faced countless challenges. The conversation should continue on our social media platform. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We regret that we will be shutting down until the situation is fixed; your favourite station will be shutting down immediately after this announcement. Thank you for your maximum cooperation.â&#x20AC;?

Lamenting the development, thousands of listeners, who took to the social media, condemned governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuous threat to freedom of information.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Work with Dogara to Defeat Bauchi Governor,Vows Lawmaker Segun Awofadeji Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;

The lawmaker-elect, Bauchi Federal Constituency, Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi has pledged to work with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara towards enhancing the socio-economic and political growth of the state.

Abbullahi, who won on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) stated this when the Special Assistant to Dogara on Domestic Affairs,Bulus Ilya led a large crowd of supporters on a courtesy call on him at his residence, to congratulate him on his victory at the polls.

The Federal Lawmaker-elect thanked them for the visit also

promising to pay a visit in person to Speaker Yakubu Dogara at a later date to congratulate him on his re-election despite the plans to thwart his return and to see how they can fashion a common ground to work together to improve the fortunes of the state as well as well-being and health status of the citizenry .

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to be a blind supporter of Governor Mohammed Abubabakar in the All progressives Congress.

Dogara and the Governor were not in good terms but I was on the side of the governor, until he tried to stop my ambition of going to the National Assembly but God in his infinite mercy gave me victory.

Saturday, March 2, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Moghalu to Buhari “President Buhari, who INEC announced as the winner of the 2019 presidential election, owes Nigerians an inclusive, competent government that can heal our land and take millions of Nigerians out of crushing poverty” – The Presidential Candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) Prof. Kingsley Moghalu rejecting the results of Presidential and National Assembly elections.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Now that Presidential Election is Over, Life Continues

F

ellow Nigerians, let me say congratulations to both President Muhammadu Buhari and his main challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for different reasons, even as Atiku claims that it was as if he has been robbed in broad daylight. For me, what we witnessed last week was one of the worst elections ever in Nigeria, in many ways. It is a big shame that the opposition was totally annihilated and obliterated in multiple attacks. What should have been a simple and straight-forward election was turned into full-scale war. It is saddening that a leader who was the greatest beneficiary of a much freer and fairer election in 2015 would not provide a level playing field for others to play, despite his much vaunted public avowal to ensure credible elections by not interfering with the electoral umpire and the security agencies.

APC and Buhari decidedly and deliberately set out to frustrate the main opponent, Atiku, using the appurtenances of power in a reckless and inconsiderate manner. It is my hope that this has not set a dangerous precedent for others to follow. The over-militarisation of a democratic process was unconstitutional and unnecessary.

Maybe our insurgency and militant problems would have been long curtailed if the same might and firepower had been deployed in these problem areas. Disenfranchising voters in different parts of Nigeria in various ways from failed and ineffective card readers to intimidation and the irresponsible Inflating of voter turn-out in some areas and reducing them in other areas was undemocratic. Voiding ballots like pop-corn was farcical. The infractions were just too brazen, to say the least, although Atiku, and the PDP itself, cannot be absolved of being involved and culpable in some of these infractions.

Despite all these hocus-pocus, I’m a very practical human being. Over time, I have learnt so much about the meaning and significance of sacrifice. Disappointment and pain go together.

As mere mortals, we find it hard, and sometimes impossible, to forgive those who have wronged us, remorselessly. The recent election was nothing to rejoice about, in good conscience, after the worst evil of death was visited on fellow Nigerian citizens. I sympathise with the families of these unfortunate deceased patriots and offer them my condolences. May their souls rest in peace. But no matter our agony over spilt milk, we must all clear the mess while awaiting God’s judgment.

There is a saying in our culture that whosoever you can’t defeat by your own power should be handed over to God. That is my attitude to this unfortunate saga.

Nigeria has gone through great difficulty and hardship in recent times. Expectations have turned into mirage and ashes. Hope has vaporised. But there are those with mighty faith who still believe Buhari will move mountains in his second term.

To them and the government, I say good luck.

Nothing is impossible. For me, the government has been given a reprieve, like a condemned man on death row. The hope and expectation are that the Yoruba saying “eni a wi fun, olorun oba je ko gbo” (the person we talk to, we can only hope will listen) will be imbibed. After every election, we must take stock, learn new lessons, and settle down to keep working. I’m happy that many serious-minded Nigerians have corroborated and supported my sincere advice on the way forward. I have come a long way in political struggles in Nigeria not to know our dear country well enough.

I witnessed one of the worst Nigerian general elections in 1983. The ruling NPN party had claimed landslide and “moonslide” victories everywhere, including the most unlikely of places.

Buhari

My boss, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, was one of the beneficiaries having been declared the winner of the Ondo State Governorship election. A perfect gentleman, Chief Omoboriowo was extremely reluctant to follow the NPN to Golgotha, but was persuaded by desperate party members who told him “that’s how they do it…” By the time things fell apart, and the blood started flowing like a river while human beings were roasted like grilled suya, my boss had to retreat and give up the mandate that was stolen for him by his party, NPN. We all knew there was no way Omoboriowo would have defeated his erstwhile boss, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, in Ondo State at the time. Omoboriowo had been the Deputy Governor to Ajasin. I was barely 23, when I served as his Private Secretary. That was my baptism of fire.

About 36 years after that conflagration erupted in Nigeria, we witnessed a similar event last week.

It seemed the militarisation was copied from that ungodly era. The heavily militarised Nigeria Police Force was in the centre of operations at that time and not soldiers like Buhari drafted out last week although the Police headed by the Inspector General of Police, Sunday Adewusi, was equipped with armour-tanks and military hardware to take on innocent Nigerians. What happened thereafter? Three months later, the Mallam Shehu Shagari government collapsed like a pack of cards and the cookie crumbled.

Who took over power in the military putsch?

The one and only Muhammadu Buhari. One of the reasons adduced for the military coup was the recklessness of the ruling party NPN, which acted similarly to what APC has now repeated, before our very eyes.

Buhari and his deputy, Major-General Babatunde Idiagbon, announced their intention to instil discipline in Nigerians and banish corruption totally. Poor Nigerians rejoiced, believing their Messiah had come to liberate them from the brigands and looters. Politicians were hurled into detention, faced military trials and received horrendous and unprecedented sentences. But recession soon set in. Essential commodities had to be rationed. Anyway, the government itself fell in 1985 and the same people who hailed the coming of Buhari were seen rejoicing.

Please, fast forward to 1993. Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the June 12, 1993, election, fair and square, by defeating his opponent, Alhaji Bashir Tofa. I left Nigeria on June 9, 1993, and was in Vienna, Austria, by June 10, 1993, to represent Chief Abiola, at the Bruno Kreisky Awards, where the gadfly, Chief

Gani Fawehinmi, was a distinguished recipient.

The award ceremony took place on June 11, and I departed Vienna on June 12 to London. I was in London on June 14, when I made a call to Nduka Obaigbena, an uncommon Publisher who had shown extraordinary knack for sniffing major news from a tender age. Nduka told me he’d been trying to locate me. I told him I was in London. His next statement shocked me to my bones and out of my wits: “Dele, it seems your man Abiola is going to win the election, but the military won’t hand over to him. You need to reach him urgently to talk to his friend IBB…” I thought “Nduka must be joking”. “How can someone win a Presidential election and he won’t be allowed to govern?” I soliloquised. I later discovered that Nduka passed the same message to Dr (Mrs) Doyinsola Abiola.

One thing led to another, but the effort to get Chief Abiola and President Babangida talking did not materialise. There were too many expert advisers, with all manner of suggestions. Babangida soon came up with an Interim Government, headed by Chief Ernest ‘Degunle Shonekan who lasted only three months before the Abacha coup sacked him. Abacha came on the pretence that he was going to redress the injustice by spending a short period, sack the Babangida boys in the military, and hand over to Abiola. That too was a charade, indeed, phantasmagoria!

On a personal note, I got caught up in the imbroglio. First, I was detained at Alagbon Detention centre. Whilst incarcerated, some people were busy abusing me, “what’s your own, are you Abiola’s biological son?” There were those who said my arrest was fake, that I was working for government. Such is the pain of fighting for social justice in our country.

People regretfully sit in the comfort of their homes casting aspersions at those willing to make the necessary asacrifice.

Chief Abiola was arrested and detained in 1994. Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele (of blessed memory) and I were vehemently opposed to Abiola being captured by Abacha. We felt that Abiola should disappear once more and fight from abroad. But some elders opined that he needed to be in Nigeria to defend his mandate.

I will never forget the night Abiola was arrested.

We had gone to Chief Wahab Dosunmu’s house in Surulere to bring Chief Abiola back home. We arranged a human shield at Abiola’s home so that it would be difficult to arrest him. Abiola’s family did all they could by arranging food and drinks for his huge crowd of supporters.

As Abiola’s motorcade drove into his home in Moshood Abiola Crescent, we noticed about 600 police officers perching along Toyin Street.

Everywhere was bustling.

Once he entered his bedroom, Chief Abiola said I should go home to freshen up because I had been part of some crazyqq11 operations for the past 48 hours with his Personal Assistant, Fred Enoh. Ironically, the crowd dispersed after eating free food. I returned later in the night to discover that the police had cordoned off the building. I went to a business centre, telephones were not common then, to call Chief Abiola. He told me not to worry and that I should go home.

“I’ve been told they are coming to arrest me at 1.00am but I don’t think Sani (Abacha) can try it o…” Those were Abiola’s last words to me on earth. As soon as Abiola got arrested, he was taken to some terrible prison in the Northern part. He was able to smuggle a letter out in which he instructed Dr Abiola to ask me to visit him. I was on my way to Gashua, via Maiduguri and Damaturu, when we heard he’d been moved from the prison to another

location. The crowd around his house began to thin out. Abiola spent about four years in solitary confinement and never came back alive.

Whilst doing my utmost to support Abiola during his incarceration, one day, I myself had to flee as, on July 22, 1995, my wife told me that I had to run for my dear life. I have told the story of my escape to London via Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana several times. I spent three years in harsh and difficult years in exile but did not relent in the struggle to see democracy return to Nigeria. Despite my significant suffering, some people were busy saying I ran away, bla, bla, bla. The lesson I learnt was that Nigerians are generally not ready to make any sacrifice for democracy, and those who are willing would always be discouraged by negative comments and abuse. My thesis is that this is why we have not been able to sustain any struggle.

Most Nigerian politicians cannot survive in opposition. When tomorrow comes, Atiku Abubakar, will see many grumblers saying they can’t die because of him. At the beginning of the Abacha government, a meeting was held in Abiola’s house. Abiola and loyalists were shocked, when politician after politician, started giving reasons, and excuses, why Abiola should let them join the Abacha Government. Chief Abiola had given me names of those who have decided to join the new government, prior to the meeting and so he was not disappointed when they did confirm they were leaving him.

Nigeria is a very complicated society where most lives depend on government patronage.

Chief Abiola used to say, “you can’t blame a hungry man for looking for food”.

I have witnessed enough of Nigeria’s trajectory and the future is still very bleak for opposition because elections in our country are usually a matter of winner-takes-all. The Jonathan concession now seems an aberration. It was partly for this reason that I enjoined Atiku to accept his lot and congratulate President Buhari. It is my view that Atiku would have demanded the same had he won. What would he have done if Buhari refused and tried to cling on to power? A sitting President has the power and might to do as he pleases. Atiku must demonstrate that he is the Statesman that some of us believe he is by being gracious. The other reason is the fact that no successful litigation has ever been achieved by any defeated Presidential candidate in Nigeria.

The rigours and demands of an election petition make it practically impossible for such success.

The panacea for peace is for members of the Peace Council and other well-meaning Nigerians to do everything possible to bring Buhari and Atiku together, face to face. I accept that Atiku is not in the same position as Abiola because he has no mandate and therefore should not be making demands of the government. However, the example of Kenya should be adopted. While it is not possible within our Constitution to attempt the Kibaki/Odinga hybrid, as President and Prime Minister, it should be possible for Buhari to show uncommon magnanimity by tolerating and accommodating Atiku in some mutually acceptable manner. Buhari and Atiku can jointly appear in an interdenominational day of prayers and seek to unite our divided country. They should say the right things to affirm that the country is greater than both of them.

No Nigerian henceforth should be oppressed or victimised on account of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or gender. Nigerians should be treated as citizens of one indivisible country created by God. No price is too heavy for peace.

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