Kudos, knocks trail modalities

2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 3

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 5

2015 General Polls

APC is indivisible — Tinubu •assures that party will follow due process in selection of candidates captured.

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

Northern Elders Council Press Conference: From left, Secretary, Northern Elders Council, Chief John Mankilik ; Chairman of the Council Alhj. Tanko Yakasai and Former Minister of State Interior Alhj. Mohammed Shatta , addressing Pressmen on Peace in the North and other Places during a press conference in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan

2015: Atiku dumps PDP for APC

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

S

TRONG indications emerged yesterday that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will mid next week dump his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Saturday Vanguard gathered yesterday that the decision to take the action and leave the party which gave him a platform to be Nigeria’s Vice President, was borne out of the frustration and humiliation the PDP has made him go through, just as he has concluded nationwide consultative tours of the six geo- political zones of the country where he brainstormed with stakeholders, leaders and supporters on his next political journey ahead of 2015 Presidential election.

A source at his Jabi office told Saturday Vanguard yesterday that Atiku Abubakar has concluded plans to leave PDP for APC, adding, “ Iam optimistic that he will formally leave PDP for APC next week,” The 2011 Presidential aspirant on the platform of PDP has in the last two weeks visited associates, stakeholders, leaders, Elders in the South South, South East, South West, North Central, North West and North East geo- political zones of the country where majority of them voted for him leaving PDP for APC. Atiku had raised some grievances against the PDP and substantiated his marginalization of not being wanted, even as he stressed that he is a BOT member by right but

he is not being called to its meetings and so does not attend, adding that he is a NEC member by right under the constitution, but he has been barred from its meetings because invitations are not given to him.

He also complained that by the norms of the party, he is entitled to being invited to its PDP caucus and said that Dr. Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice President gets those invitations, but he gets none of those, adding that he is not considered as a major stakeholder in taking decisions affecting the Adamawa State Chapter of the party.

Atiku had said last week that, “there is a sustained effort by the party managers and government to entrench impunity and not to open up the party for democratic competition.

Above all these, it is clear by now that the Governors who have remained in the party have given Dr. Jonathan an automatic ticket.”

The former Presidential candidate of Action Congress, ACN said last week that as a member of a party that changed to Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and formed a coalition called APC, he will not be a new person in APC as that is a familiar terrain if he finally joins them because his friends are mostly there and as a party, it offers what he described as a real chance for change and reform in the country.

He said, “The citizens are tired of business as usual and seem determined to change from

business as usual. He wants to be on the side of the people.”

In a statement he issued last week and titled, “The Challenges of a Decision,” the former Presidential aspirant on the platform of PDP noted that he has begun consultation tour of Nigeria, Dubai and London, even as he said that there was what he termed a sustained effort by the party managers and government to entrench impunity and its lack of preparedness to open up the party for democratic competition, adding that his decision to defect to APC may be borne out of the fact that Governors elected on the platform of PDP have already given an automatic ticket to President Goodluck Jonathan for his re- election bid.

Meanwhile, a statement from his office to Saturday Vanguard yesterday said that the former Vice President yesterday concluded his nationwide consultative meeting with that of the NorthEast geo-political zone in Bauchi.

AS the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State chapter, began the process for the 2015 general elections, the national leader of the party and former Governor of the state, Bola Tinubu, has declared that the party is indivisible, despite all efforts from different quarters to divide the party. He however, assured all members and intending members that the party would follow due process to the letter in the selection of candidates for various offices.

Tinubu, who gave the assurance while addressing members at a stakeholders’ meeting at the weekend, held at the state Secretariat of APC, in Ikeja, urged all prospective and old members to register in accordance with the party’s constitution, saying that only registered members would get the party’s identity cards and be recognized as such.

Speaking shortly after the guidelines for party membership and registration were read to the large crowd by a senior officer of the party, Tinubu, said: “We love peace in this state and I can be at peace wherever you send me.

We want peace at various senatorial districts, local governments and ward levels. Let there be peace.

We will not allow those who are trying to divide us to succeed. We are indivisible. We are five and six; twin brothers and sisters and that is the only way we can achieve victory.

“If you are contesting and start running a caucus and campaign organ-

ization, once that campaign is over, you must dissolve into the party like a cube of sugar.

“We want to show example with Lagos State, because I am still sending some of you to other South West states.We want to show maturity, leadership and good quality; we want to show that we know what we are doing and we will bring the party to victory.

In this party, we will remain as one in victory and it must start from now.”

Tinubu warned against using the registration to create division among members. “There is discipline in APC. If you are caught promoting division, you will be suspended pending trial. APC is my party. I do not have a group. We cannot encourage grouping or caucuses in APC. If you want to contest for any office, the procedure is in the party constitution.

“You cannot claim to be an APC member until you register. I appeal to you all to formalise your membership of our great party.

The registration starts on February 5 and will last for six days. It starts from 10am to 6pm daily,” he stated.

He assured that all arrangements had been made to ensure a hitchfree registration, saying: “The registration forms are ready. They are pre-numbered and have security codes. Nobody can hijack or hoard the forms because they will serve no purpose.”

Tinubu also urged members to register at the polling units where they voted last, urging those who have relocated to register in their new locations as they will be adequately

He continued: “We are not be a party of riggers.

Your physical presence before the registration officers is compulsory. You cannot send your passport and form by proxy. That is where rigging starts and APC will never encourage rigging. You will thumb print and you will be given a counterfoil, which you will present later for the collection of your ID card. Everyone of you will have the opportunity to register. Do not postpone till tomorrow what you can do today. “ Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, who was also at the event, in his brief submission, appealed to members to always conduct themselves in an orderly manner during and after the registration exercise, stressing; “We should not fight ourselves over registration. Let us be patient, so that we can achieve our goal.”

APC chairman in the state, Chief Henry Ajomale, commended Tinubu for his quality leadership role.

According to him, “Tinubu has changed the country’s political template”, adding that he was confident that the national leader would lead the party to victory at the national level in the next dispensation.

Other bigwigs at the meeting were: the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Senator Tony Adefuye; Admiral Lanre Amosu (rtd.); Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; Mr. Ademorin Kuye; Mr. Rotimi Agunsoye and State Woman Leader Mrs. Adetoun Adediran.

Certificate forgery: Poly Rector clears self

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD, Kano

T

HE embattled Rec tor of the Kano Polytechnic who was accused of forging his PhD certificate, Professor Yusuf AlHassan yesterday presented empirical evidence to clear the air over the controversy.

The American trained

intellectual who hosted Reporters in his office displayed original copies of his disputed credentials pointing out that “it’s up to you guys to scrutinize and tell the world your findings”.

A visitation panel set up

by Kano state Government that was headed by Professor AT Abdullahi came up with damming report

last week that raised credibility question over the Rector’s academic laurel.

Professor Al Hassan stated that “left to me, I would have let go the controversy but the fact that the reputation of the state, the Institution I serve is at stake compelled me to present the other side of the story”.

Professor Al-Hassan,

who spent 30 years in the States studying and Teaching, was appointed Rector

By Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso eight months ago and stepped into murky water of controversy when he submitted photocopy of his credentials to the visitation panel who indicated in their report that Rector forged his certificate.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Police swoop on kidnappers’ den in Onitsha •Arrest two, one escapes

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO, Onitscha

O

PERATIVES of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday on a tip-off, swooped on kidnappers’ hideout at the GRA area of the commercial city of Onitsha and arrested two kidnap suspects (male and female).

The arrests, according to sources, were made following the escape of one of the kidnap victims from the hideout, earlier in the day.

According to the source, the victim whose identity was yet to be ascertained, as at the time of filing this report yesterday,was abducted by the suspects somewhere in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, late last week and brought into the hideout at Justice Onwuamaegbu Close, GRA and kept incommunicado for a ransom negotiation.

Sources said that both the kidnappers and the victim’s relations had settled for a ransom of N3 million and the kidnappers were already threatening to kill the victim if at the end of yesterday, the ransom had not reached them.

The source hinted that the three suspects, a male and two females had been operating in the hideout for more than two years without the neighborhood knowing what was going on in the area, to the ex-

tent that a lawyer managing the property wrote a sign post: “To Let. Contact me on certain phone number”. But the kidnappers allegedly mutilated the first and last numbers in the lawyer ’s phone number, so that callers

A

NGERED by the refusal of RUSAL to leave the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, on the order of the Supreme Court, youth groups from three local government areas that make up the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, have warned the firm to quit in its own interest or face their wrath.

The coalition of Ikot Abasi/ Mkpat enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency Youths contended that RUSAL had no legal basis to continue to hang on to the plant after the highest and final court in Nigeria

structed the female suspect to keep eyes on the victim with a pistol till he comes back.

It was gathered that as soon as Ugochukwu went out, the victim requested the female suspect to find him water to drink and as she went for the drinking water, the victim cleverly untied the rope on his

Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State [right] presenting a certificate of occupancy [C of O] to Mr.& Mrs. Oladejo & Bimbo Claudius-Akinyemi, while Mr. Hakeem MuriOkunola, Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau [2nd right]; Mrs.Dayo Akintoye, registrar[3right] and Mr. Aina Salami, Executive Secretary[4 right] look on during the kick-starting of e-C of O issuance held at Lagos State Ministry of Lands, Alausa, Ikeja. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

hands, removed the handcuff on his legs and waited for the female suspect to come in.

It was further gathered that when the female suspect came in, the victim, hiding the handcuff on his back, smashed it on the head of the female victim and when she collapsed, he scaled the fence of the compound and escaped into the nearby Nkisi River.

Few hours later, the victim returned to the hideout with SARS operatives and arrested the male and female suspects, while the second female suspect was no where to be found.

Some residents of the neighborhood, Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman/ CEO of GUO Transport Limited, expressed shock that he had been living in the same Onwuamaegbu Crescent with some dangerous kidnappers, adding that the authorities concerned should investigate the matter properly.

Shooting, assault at Kayriott: Navy returns to hotel, abducts owner, 3 staff hotel owner yesterday was

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE, Warri

T

HE tension generated by the Nigerian Navy invasion and assault on the staff and police guards at Kayriott, a four- star hotel in Effurun, Delta State on Thursday continued yesterday with the return

Vacate ALSCON now or face our wrath

BY SONI DANIEL Abuja

would find it difficult to get the correct number of the lawyer.

It was gathered that the incident was blown open when the male suspect whose name was given as Emma Ugochukwu who incidentally is the secretary of GRA Unit of commercial motorcycle union was going out and he in-

had sacked it and given the plant to the NigerianAmerican group-BFIG. Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, the President of the youth group, Ms Eno Winifred Akpaka, described the continued occupation of ALSCON by RUSAL and its collaborators in the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, as an affront on the Nigerian judiciary and a mockery of Nigeria by the Russian firm.

Akpaka pointed out that the illegal occupation of ALSCON by RUSAL had led to the massive looting of the core assets of the plant and the stoppage of production, thereby causing mass sacking of Nigerians, who were working there.

of the Naval operatives to the hotel where they abducted and whisked away the owner of the hotel, Efe Afe and three members of staff.

As it happened on Thursday when the Naval officers from the NNS Delta, Warri first invaded the hotel, their second visit created another scare among guests and staff who started vacating the establishment for fear of being caught in the web of the confrontation.

At yesterday’s visit which lasted between 2 and 4.30pm, the Naval team who arrived in another white Toyota Hilux did not engage on a shooting spree like the encounter which left victims battered and properties destroyed at the hotel the day before.

The military men however whisked away the Kayriott Hotel owner, Afe and three members of staff to a yet unknown destination after a shouting bout in which the leader of the Naval team accused Afe, former Delta State Assembly member of lying about the chaos that occurred the day before, particularly over who did the shooting at the hotel.

In a chat with Saturday Vanguard minutes after the

Navy whisked their targets away, Manager at the hotel, Mr. Tony Okosun said it was yet unclear where they were taking the hotel chairman and what the outcome of his abduction would be.

Okosun, it would be recalled, was taken away along with two Mobile Police guards at the hotel on Thursday when the Navy first stormed the place following a row between a plain cloth Naval officer and two companions who went for a time out at the hotel bar.

Explaining his ordeal on Thursday, Okosun said, “They took me to the Warri Naval Base where I was asked to tender a statement before being released me at about 9pm.”

It was also gathered that the two policemen also held by the Navy on Thursday were also released after the Navy extracted their statements. Meanwhile one of the Mobile Police is still receiving treatment at the Warri Central Hospital for alleged battery by the Navy.

Public Relations Officer, NNS Delta, Lt Ibrahim Yohana who was alerted moments after the Navy returned and took away the

yet to respond at the time of filing the report.

Thursday, day one invasion of the hotel by Naval operatives, it would be recalled, ended with shells of expended bullets from the alleged shooting littering the premises and the self automated main entrance glass door shattered just as bullet holes lined some of the walls.

Jimmy Roberts, House Service Manager at the hotel who narrated their ordeal said the alleged attack started with two men and a lady who patronised the hotel and insisted on leaving without enough cash to cover their bill.

Roberts said, “they came to the Pool Bar. but at the point of payment, they didn’t have enough to clear the bill. The waitress insisted they clear the entire bill and soon the shorter of the men and a lady started assaulting the waitress. ”I tried calming him but the beating on the waitress got worse and we had to alert our mobile guard. That didn’t work. We then called the Ekpan Police Division.

The police tried apprehending the two men but they resisted with the taller one identifying himself as.

Naval Officer, threatening more trouble.

Madam Bernadette Akuka passes on

•Late Mrs Bernadatte Akuka

T

HE death has been announced of Mrs B e r n a d a t t e Ihemesimnanwa Akuka, nee Adinna. She died after a protracted illness on Friday, January 10, 2014.

Born to the family of Edward Adinna of Umudurualim, Umuezukwe, AwoOmamma, Oru East LGA, Imo State in 1938, the late Madam Akuka’s life was greatly impacted by her eldest sister, Mrs Angelina Opara, a nurse by profession, under whose tutelage the little Bernadette was brought up.

In 1967, Bernadette got married to her late husband, Sylvester Ifeanyichukwu Akuka of Isieke I, Awo-Omamma and the marriage was blessed with nine children.

Madam Akuka, a nurse, teacher, wife and mother traversed many parts of the country with her husband who worked with the then NEPA. Some years into her marriage, and following her husband’s advice, she quit paid employment in order to take adequate care of her family. However, she engaged in trading and farming to support her husband.

The late Mrs Bernadette Akuka was a devout Christian mother as she served in various capacities in the CWO as well as in the women’s wing of various community associations.

She was notable for her exemplary leadership.

Mama was a peace-maker, a woman with a large heart who cared for all, especially the less privileged ones. She was a rallying point for all the women married into Akuka family as she was loved by all who came to her.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 7

Insecurity: Negotiate with B/Haram or crush them now — Gov Kwankwaso tells FG •Says Jonathan should offer amnesty to insurgents as Yar’Adua did to N/D militants

BY SONI DANIEL , Regional Editor, North

W

ORRIED by the wanton destruction of lives and property by insurgents in the North-Eastern flank of Nigeria, Kano S t a t e G o v e r n o r, D r.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has asked the Federal Government to either negotiate with the perpetrators of the violence or take concrete and urgent steps to contain them.

Kwankwaso, who made the call in an interview, pointed out that there was urgent need to put an end to the raging violence in the North-East and stabilise the region’s economic base so that the crisis did not spread to other parts of the country.

According to the governor, it is no longer fashionable for the Federal Government to claim to be tackling the insurgence in the region while more and more people and property were being destroyed daily.

Kwankwaso said, “I think that this is the right time for the President to come out and do the right think. The right thing is for the Commander-in-Chief to come out sincerely and either negotiate or fight what is happening in the North East and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

“I think the days of pretence should be over. I am surprised that many of those we spoke to said that many people were not serious in fighting the menace that is happening in the NorthEast and other parts of the north because some of them are saying that ‘na dem dem’.

And I don’t think that that approach will help. If you are a gove r n o r, e v e r y s q u a r e inch in your state should be your own and not owned by ‘dem dem’. This issue of security, economy and education is very important.

“I remember that at a time when there was a serious security challenge in the Niger Delta, the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua came up with a special amnesty programme whereby those men and women who were involved in the acts had to lay down their arms and ammunition for a better programme.

“I think the Federal Government should come up with some-

thing for the NorthEast. I am from the North-West and we are poor but the NorthEast is poorer and something needs to be done to arrest the worsening situation in the region. The issue is not allocating N2 billion in the budget for the North-East but taking the necessary steps backed by the required political will to end the violence in the region,” the governor admonished.

Solidarity Visit: National Chairman of PDP , Mu’azu Aliyu discussing with Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji and Deputy National Chairman of PDP Chief Uche Secondus during solidarity visit by Abia State PDP at Abuja. Photo

by Gbemiga Olamikan.

•••as sect changes tactics, plants EIDS on Federal Highways•Kills 7 passengers in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

M

EMBERS of the dreaded Boko Haram sect who are holding states of the North East to ransom, especially in Borno, have changed to a new strategy by planting Improvised Explosive

Devices (IEDs) otherwise known as bombs on the federal highways which yesterday led to the killing of seven passengers when the vehicle they were using along Gwoza Madagali road stumbled on it and exploded.

Gwoza is a council area in Borno state and Madagali is also a council

area in Adamawa state which had witnessed series of attacks and killings. The latest one was on Sunday when some gunmen suspected to be terrorists attacked Christian worshippers during Sunday Service in their Church in Waga Chakawa village of Madagali killing 22

worshippers including policemen on guard.

Our Correspondent gathered the planting of IEDs by suspected Boko Haram sect which exploded yesterday at about 7 O’clock in the morning around Kutura village along GwozaMadagali road led to the immediate closure of the

MASSOB declares war against erring members in Sweep” aimed at flushing Onitsha commercial city of Onitsha. them. out the bad eggs in MASBY NWABUEZE OKONKWO, Onitsha

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HE Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB yesterday declared war against erring members who use the name of the organization to extort money from traders and unleash mayhem in the

The chairman of Peace Committee and National Director of Information, Uchenna Madu who spoke to newsmen in Onitsha yesterday said the committee has declared “Operation Sweep” in the commercial city of Onitsha and its environs to rid the city of miscreants who operate under the guise of MASSOB to harass traders and extort money from

Madu also disclosed that the group has also suspended the Regional Administrator in charge of Anyamelum, Chief Arinze Igbani for his alleged involvement in the crisis between members of MASSOB and traders at Mgbuka market.

“From Monday, everybody should stay off the road, as MASSOB will officially launch its Operation

How to boost national, state economies — Gov Obi able option for Economic which he attributed to lack

G

OVERNOR Peter Obi has called for more proactive measures to save the country from the burden of mono economy.

Governor Obi was speaking at the Government House, Awka when participants of Senior Course Thirty-Six, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji paid a courtesy call to mark the commencement of their five day study tour.

This year’s study tour with the theme, “Internal Revenue Generation as vi-

Development” would take the participants to various parts of the State to research on critical areas. Governor Obi said time has come for Nigerians to look inwards to explore and harness available potentials in various sectors to open up fresh frontiers of revenue generation that would consolidate the economy as well as provide the country with multi-sources of revenue.

He explained that his administration was working to improve the poor internal revenue profile of the State

of confidence in governance by the people because of mal administration of previous governments. The Governor commended the contributions of the Nigerian Armed Forces to nation building and global peace and stability.

The Team Leader, Air Commodore Jeff Zanni said the tour would afford the participants opportunity of having firsthand knowledge of social, cultural, economic and ecological problems of the State.

SOB who use the name of the organization to rob people in the name of struggle. Our committee will begin a reconciliation visit to all the market leaders in the commercial city to know actually the cause of the recent clash between traders and our men and we have vowed to deal with any of our men that is found wanting.

“The five man committee led by my humble self, a Catholic Priest and other notable Igbo sons will also seek audience with other relevant authorities in the city to know the extent of damage to our economy by these miscreants who hid under the guise of MASSOB to perpetuate evil against Ndigbo” The MASSOB image maker also urged the traders to open their doors wide to receive the delegation which will begin their visit in Ogbaru main market before spreading to other parts of the markets within the commercial city of Onitsha.

road as security operatives and anti-bomb men who are busy patrolling the area to avoid further detonations.

It was also gathered that the bomb which exploded by the side of the road made the Toyota bus driver who was conveying the passengers to skip and stumble on the IEDs which exploded and killed seven occupants on the spot, while three others sustained serious injuries and are now receiving treatment at the General Hospital Gwoza.

According to a reliable security source, who spoke to our Correspondent on condition of anonmity , “ at about 0700hours yesterday, some insurgents planted IEDs in Kutura village alongside Gwoza- Madagali federal highway which exploded under a Toyota bus conveying passengers.

Seven of them died on the spot while three people sustained injuries.”

He gave the names of some of the deceased as: Suleh Adamu, aged 43; Zakariya Shuaibu 40; Bako Suleiman 35; Lami Baba 40 and Mohammed Maikanwa 50, who hails from Damagaram town of Niger Republic.

Others are Abdullahi Madu, Magaji Ibrahim and Ishiaku Ali of Hausari ward of Gwoza council area who sustained injuries and were rushed to General Hospital Gwoza for treatment.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Why we embarked on issuance of e-C of O — Fashola

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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OVERNOR Baba tunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, said the state changed from the yellow Certificate of Occupancy, C of O to the electronic format to eliminate activities of fraudsters in the state.

Fashola who spoke at the official ceremony to commence the issuance of the first 55 Electronic Certificate of Occupancy, EC of O, held at the office of the state Lands Bureau, Alausa, Ikeja, lamented that the activities of the counterfeiters had led to many citizens buying law suit instead of purchasing landed property.

The governor said, “We have migrated from the yellow paper C of O to the e-C of O and we embarked on this because we discovered that the sole printing of the previous paper, which rested with the state government press, has gotten to the hands of some private printers who had commenced printing of the yellow paper.”

He noted that some citizens have ended up obtaining the unauthentic copies that are in circula-

tion.

Fashola said, “This is more secured than the previous yellow paper.

The paper has some security code printed on it that if tampered with, it will lead to its destruction.

Also, I don’t handle the document. Rather, I sign the document online. So, all these are to eliminate cloning or issuance of unauthentic documents.

He assured property owners that “the government will intensify the process of the issuance to ensure that we cover the backlogged of the certificates. This will help to ensure safety and stop anyone from engaging in any land transaction that doesn’t belong to him.

“And for those with the previous C of O, they have no cause to worry.

We will invite the citizens to turn in the previous ones in order to get the new e-C of O,” the governor added.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola said that with the e-C of O, citizens can now sit at the comfort of their rooms and apply for the new document.

Muri-Okunola added that upon completion of

the necessary procedure, applicants would get their certificates within 45 days.

One of the recipients of the new e C of O, Mrs. Abimbola Akinyemi commended the state government for the initiative saying “it will put the mind of the property owners at rest.

According to her, “I feel so great getting this document and I want to commend the state government for the idea. With the new C of O, property owners can now feel safe as it has eliminated many documents with the old paper document.

“I applied online sometime ago and here I am with the document. This is unbelievable and it is really commendable,” she said.

Man to die by hanging for stabbing wife to death

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

T

HE Court of Ap peal, Lagos Division, has upheld the death sentence handed a man, Edet Okon, who was found guilty of the offence of murder by a Lagos State High Court

I didn’t authorise any statement against Jonathan — Afegbua

S

PECIAL Adviser, Media and Public Affairs to the Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has described reports purporting that he had written a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan cautioning him about worrisome developments in the country as an an outright blackmail.

In a statement signed

by Afegbua, and made available to Saturday Vanguard, it states: “My attention has just been drawn to a news story and statement purportedly credited to me with a blaring headline “Your Aides are misleading you; IBB warns Jonathan” published in, an online publication. To state the least, this is outright blackmail journalism and a sad commentary on journalism practice; a profession that I hold dear to my heart.

“I wish to state unequivocally that I am currently working in Edo State as a Special Adviser to the Comrade Governor on Media and Public Affairs, a position which was expressly endorsed by my boss-forlife, General IBB. Let me also state without mincing words that I did not issue the said statement that is flying around the

social media on behalf of IBB. Let me also declare with all the emphasis at my disposal that General IBB did not authorize anyone to issue any statement on his behalf let alone crediting same odious statement to me; Prince Kassim Afegbua.

Even though General

•President Goodluck Jonathan (r) being received by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Hailemariam Desahgne to the bilateral talks between both leaders as one of the meetings in the course of the 22 Ordinary Meeting of the African Union at the AU Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida

IBB has not officially appointed a Media Spokesman since I left, my acceptance of the offer of Special Adviser by my Governor automatically removes me from being General IBB’s Spokesman, a position I so cherished and a personality I so admire.”

and was sentenced to death by hanging, for stabbing his wife to death with a spoon at night.

A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal led

by Justice Joseph Ikyegh ordered that Okon be hanged for killing his wife.

The appellant had appealed the judgement, arguing that the lower court erred in law when it dismissed his plea of insanity.

But in a unanimous judgement, the Court of Appeal held that Appeal No. CA/L/553/10 lacked merit and dismissed it.

Justice Ikyegh, who delivered the leading judgement, said Mrs. Okon’s blood was crying for vengeance and her killer husband should

Kawuri attack: 40,000 residents displaced — NEMA

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

T

HE torching of Kawuri community by suspected Boko Haram gunmen last Sunday in Borno state, has displaced over 4, 000 residents, with the resettlement of 2, 000 villagers

by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Konduga primary school for safety, before their return to the community.

Speaking yesterday at the resettlement centre of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Konduga, the North-East information officer, Abdulkadir Ibrahim disclosed that over 4, 000 villagers were displaced, after their

houses, mosques, shops and other structures were set ablaze by the suspected insurgents last Sunday.

The agency, according to him, had no option than to temporarily resettle victims of attacks that claimed the lives of 85 villagers, including an Islamic cleric who was shot at the mosque.

Local officials and vigilante members also told Governor Kashim Shettima that they buried 85 locals that were killed on a market day.

On the humanitarian assistance of the Agency, Ibrahim said: “We can confirm the following update. 4,000 people have been affected by the attacks while over 2000 in-

ternally displaced people are camped in two locations- the College of Business and Management Studies and the Central Primary School, Konduga.”

“The village was attacked by unknown gunmen on Sunday. The Agency’s assessment was carried out to ascertain the humanitarian assistance to be provided. Security arrangements are being made to convey relief materials like food, beddings and basic needs to cushion the effects of the displaced.

Some of the affected people are believed to have also put up with relatives and friends at Konduga, Malari and Bama town, 20 kilometres away from the attacked village.

“reap what he has sown; blood for blood.”

Okon had claimed at the lower court that he was insane at the time he stabbed his wife to death and two witnesses called by the defence had given evidence that there were cases of insanity in the family of the appellant.

However the court rejected the evidence adduced in support of Okon’s claim, convicted him of murder and ordered that he should die by hanging.

Aggrieved, Okon took

his defence of insanity to the Court of Appeal, urging it to upturn the judgement of the lower court.

But in their judgement, the Appeal Court justices said the High Court was right in rejecting the plea of insanity.

The court further held that the burden of proving insanity rested on the appellant. The appellant, the court added, failed to discharge the burden on him to prove that he was insane at the time of committing the offence.

Ozoemena Nsugbe dies @ 70

T

HE management of Morgan Entertainment has confirmed the death of a veteran highlife singer, Ozoemena Nsugbe, a.k.a, Ayaka Igbo who passed away on Tuesday, January 28th 2014 at about 7:30pm. According to Morgan Entertainment General Manager Austin Oke-

chukwu Nzegbuna, the record label lost a great man. “This man touched many lives with his inspirational songs. Ozoemena Nsugbe started singing in 1967 and his first album was titled “Uwa nwa Ogbenye”.

“He signed to this record label in January 28th 2004, just then years this year.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 9

Presidency slams APC for embarking on anti people campaign

BY HUGO ODIOGOR

T

Gov. Obi presenting a cheque of N525 million naira for the provision of sick bays in all the public and mission secondary schools in the State

HE presidency has warned the All Progressive Congress, APC, against the acts of war it has declared on Nigerians through its anti-people directives to its members in the National Assembly who were elected and swore oaths of allegiance to perform their constitutional duties to their constituencies across the country.

The warning came against the latest directive by APC to its members in NASS to deny the Nigerian Police force its vote in 2014 Budget to press home its demand for the removal of Mr. Joseph Mba as the Commissioner of Police in Rivers

Election timetable: Jega played to the gallery — Buba Galadima

BY CALEB AYANSINA, Abuja

A

S reactions con tinued to trail the 2015 election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the former National Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) party, Alhaji Buba Galadima has stated that INEC had no right to give a timetable without electoral act, being passed by the National Assembly.

This was coming, when the Chairman, Prof At-

tahiru Jega and his counterpart from the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa agreed that electoral violence was as a result of failure of political parties and politicians to adhere strictly to the tenets of democracy.

Galadima, who was speaking at the kick-off ceremony of Youth Campaign Against Election Violence (Y-CAEV), organized by the Commonwealth Youth Council, in Abuja, explained that the INEC boss should know better that

he was playing to the gallery, by violating due process before the announcement.

Last week, INEC fixed February 14, 2015 for next year ’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections would take place on February 28, 2015.

According to Galadima, “When the processes are transparent and the level is plain, there will be no violence, but when this is not so, people feel f r u s t r a t e d .

Jega should know more than each and every one of us that, he has no au-

Herdsman in Bauchi chops off hand of farmer over cattle

BY SUZAN EDEH, Bauchi

A

farmer, Mallam Sani Abubakar who is a resident of Maduba Village of Zaki local government area of Bauchi state had his right hand severed from its wrist following an aftermath of a heated argument that ensued between him and a herdsman over cattle grazing on his farm.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occured when the victim who happens to be the owner of the farm attempted to drive away the cattle from his farm which made the herdsman to pick an offence over his action.

It was in the course of the heated argument that the

herdsman used a cutlass in his possession and severed the right hand of Malam Sani.

Narrating his ordeal to newsmen while recuperating at Hadeja General Hospital in Zaki local government, Mallam Sani said that on that fateful day, he discovered that some cattle belonging to a herdsman who is a son to one Alhaji Gainako Bayaro were grazing on his farm.

He said that the herdsman did not make any move to drive his flocks out of the farm and when he attempted to drive them away, it resulted to a heated argument between him and the herdsman.

According to Sani,“the herdsman hit me twice with the flat side of his

cutlass and then struck again with an extra force that cut off my right hand from the wrist as I also had to protect my face from sustaining any futher injury. When he discovered the magnitude of his offence, he panicked and escaped. Although the herdman is at large, the brother of the herdsman is in police custody to assist in tracing his whereabout.”

He demanded for justice and called on the state government to assist him financially as he is incapacited at the moment.

Meanwhile, the Fulani youth in Tashena District of the local government area have been prohibited from carrying weapons in public places.

thority to bring out timetable for 2015 elections without electoral act passed by the National Assembly in 2014, for 2015 elections.

“This means that somebody somewhere is instructing him to do the wrong thing, even though we could not see the hand of those instructing him. And those who instructed him are now crying than the bereaved, so that they would say they did not have hands in it, but we know they do.

“Jega should have waited for the National Assembly to pass the act for 2015 general election, but the fear is that the National Assembly is sliding toward the opposition and they are likely to produce electoral act that would provide a level playing ground in the field which those in authority do not want.”

State.

In a strongly worded statement made available to the media yesterday, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ahmed Ali Gulak said, “the Presidency views with seriousness this latest directive

by APC to its members in NASS to continue on the path of confrontation by guerrilla tactics in its war against Nigerian people” Alhaji Gulak said the APC directives to its members in NASS to starve government and its agencies of funds to execute their statutory and constitutionally assigned roles for the good governance are calls for anarchy to rein of the country. And give APC the opportunity to seize power through undemocratic means. This is the height of irresponsibility and affront on Nigerian people and the state.

To deny the police its votes in the Budget, is most irresponsible and arrogant display of presumed power in the National Assembly.

By now, it should be clear to Nigerians that the APC has a hidden agenda which it can achieve through frustrating through constitutional means of simulating crisis for the presidency of Dr. Jonathan, to provoke social and economic crisis in the country.

According to Gulak, “the action of APC was to threaten, to deny the National Conference of funds, to conduct its activities, the second

was to ask its members to shun debate of the budget and screening of the ministerial nominees as well as service chiefs, this time they have included the Police votes, which has serious internal and physical implications even as we prepare for the National conference and the election. Very soon, the APC will go after INEC or any other critical national institution for that matter “ Gulak said APC has declared an all out war a gainst the federal government and the people of Nigeria, but as the government in power, we urge all Nigerians to be vigilant and reject their ambush which is reserved for guerrilla situations.

He said, “their tactics so far have failed because the people of Nigeria have discovered that APC and its promoters are not interested in democratic contests but in trying to access power through the back door”’ According to the statement:”APC has no plans to transform Nigeria, because it has not organised itself as a political group, for the task of governance, it has no structures and credible manifesto and candidates to present to Nigerians, even with the release of election time tables at the States and Federal election in this year and 2015, but APC has concentrated its efforts in junketing around with threats of violence and civil anarchy.”

Olejeme will be Delta Gov in 2015-- Guanah

BY GAB EJUWA As the governorship ambition of the Chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme continues to

gather more support; former Delta State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Barrister Raymos Guanah has thrown his weight behind her. He described her as the best governorship material for the February 28, 2015 polls. “She appears more charismatic and more composed to raise Delta State to the next level of development” Guanah, who spoke with journalists in Asaba on Tuesday, expressed optimism that Olejeme would be the next governor of Delta State. “ Taking into consideration the public opinion prevailing among Deltans concerning the 2015 governorship election, Olejeme is a frontrunner.

She will break the jinx in 2015 and become the first elected female governor in Nigeria.”

10—SA TURD AY 10—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , FEBRU ARY 1 FEBRUARY 1, 2014

GOVT. SHUT DOWN:

The APC/PDP power show The National Assembly has apparently become more of headquarters of Nigeria’s major political parties than a legislative House. Saturday Vanguard in this report examines why it is so.

E

ven before their resumption from Christmas and New year holidays on January 21, 2014, apprehension had engulfed the atmosphere. Signs that there was an impending face-off were too obvious and too real to be ignored. And so, like scheduled serial events, it started happening in phases. First, in the Lower House and then, later sprawled into the hallowed red chamber.

Indeed, the last two weeks have been so exciting at the National Assembly.

Attention has shifted from every other part of the country to the place. Of course, one does not need to scout for reasons: The Assembly which is also the Legislative Arm of government accommodates 469 Nigerians elected from across the federation. And so, it passes to say that every nook and cranny of the country is represented there.

Constitutionally, the elected members’ task at the assembly, be it in the Senate or the House of Representatives, is primarily law making but no one can be sure that lawmaking was accorded the priority it deserved within the period. In fact, it took flight and created a space for heavy politicking.

Interestingly enough, the scenario has continued to feature the two major political parties which are presently engaged in a supremacy fight. While one is fighting for survival and retention of its lead in all spheres of the nation’s political life, the other is advancing very dangerously and menacingly.

They are the ruling but bleeding Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the bulging opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ‘war’ last week saw APC which inched close to stirring a change in the leadership of the House of Representatives by virtue of their increased number arising from a gale of

defections from PDP suddenly put off by a court injunction. Handicapped, the party and its members in the House went back to the drawing board. Fortunately for them, the injunction coincided with the party’s recent last meeting of the National Working Committee( NWC) on Friday, January 24, 2014 . Determined to entrench their marks, the party came up with a novel decision which is otherwise called a filibuster in the parliamentary parlance.

The decision was to block the passage of 2014 budget which is now begging for consideration. Another was to also stop the confirmation of the newly appointed Military Service Chiefs.

And as expected, the decision , since then, has left the country haemorrhaging. But there have also been a rash of condemnations of the statement from many sections of the public, the Presidency, the PDP, and other opposition parties in the country. Of more interest is that the statement for the first time, provoked the PDP members in the House into forming

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BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

the party has got reasons for its action.

First, it placed priority on the lives and properties of the people of Rivers and Gombe states where political crises have seemingly persisted. For Rivers State, there are feelers that anarchy looms. So, given the prognosis, APC warned that unless law and order was restored, the budget would suffer.

Meanwhile, a chronology of the happenings with their subtle political undertones as investigated by Saturday Vanguard will give a better picture.

The remote and immediate cause of the fight between APC/PDP The day was Tuesday. Date January 21, 2014. Time was about noon. The Speaker of the House of Representatives had been ushered into the chamber amid the usual exchange of pleasantries and cheers from his member colleagues. Perhaps, he was oblivious of what the day had in store for the House until mid way into a motion.

the House to pass a resolution to sack the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Mohammed Abubakar and the Rivers State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu over the escalating political crisis in the state.

Obviously, the motion was such a sensitive one that attracted comments from amongst the lawmakers who spoke for and against.

Then progressively, it got to the time of the Deputy Majority, Hon. Leo Ogor to speak. Of course, with his familiar gusto and candour laced with a voice sympathetic to both the cobs and the PDP led government, Ogor said the House needed to apply caution in their approach to sensitive issues so as to save itself from apparent public odium.

Not long after he rested his case was the Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila given the floor by the Speaker. Gbaja, a lawyer gifted with some oratory prowess however strayed in his contribution to the motion. In what appeared as a calculated “joke”, he, while making his input referred to Ogor as the Deputy Minority Leader.

With this, a rumpus ensued in the House.

PDP members became enraged. Seats changed and in quick succession, a mixture of PDP and APC members inched close to Gbaja’s seat. While APC treated themselves to some sniggers, PDP members insisted that the Minority Leader must withdraw his statement.

They became poised for a “fight”. For over 20 minutes, the House freely feasted on its own thrills.

Gbajabiamila’s controversial remark was a subtle way of informing the world that his party, APC has by the defection of 37 PDP lawmakers to it last December become the majority party and should therefore take over some principal offices.

Of course, meanwhile, the Speaker’s cabin witnessed a rushed tete- a -tete.

And when calm finally returned, Tambuwal found his voice regretting the action of the minority leader.

He said:“ This is a very expensive New Year joke. We are a parliament and we have our rules of procedure, derived from the 1999 Constitution. The issue of leadership change in this House is also the subject of a recent court order. I have the order here with me; I was taken aback when he (Gbajabiamila) made that statement.”

Expecting that Gbaja would withdraw the statement when he was given another opportunity by the Speaker to drive home his point on the matter, he rather insisted that he made a “statement of fact”.

Speaking further, he requested that Ogor should simply be addressed henceforth as “Hon. Leo Ogor”.

PDP and the court injunction

Many people who were privy to the court injunction obtained by PDP to stop any leadership change, ab initio, dismissed it as a rumour. But lo and behold, it was real. The move by the PDP was a fallout of the defection of its 37 members to APC which jerked up their number in the House. Being the majority in the House, it sees itself as supposedly a party to control the House but the PDP stopped it in that manner.

Constitutionally, the elected members’ task at APC handicapped the assembly, be it in the Senate or the House of Having dashed their hopes to take over appropriate office due to the Representatives, is primarily law making but no the subsisting injunction, APC swallowed It was later to say that it would one can be sure that lawmaking was accorded the hard. abide by the court order until February priority it deserved within the period. In fact, it took 23 when hearing especially on the fate of 37 defected members would continue. flight and created a space for heavy politicking theHear Gbaja: “We will abide by the

a coalition pressure group christened “National Unity Group” (NUG) with three other opposition parties namely, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP) to fight the APC. But APC appears unperturbed in the apparent gang-up. It has, instead, stood by its decision to cause a showdown with the budget.

But suffice it to condemn APC’s position,

But first, the Speaker had started off well with the usual no- Muslim- noChristain prayer and then read through an avalanche of letters. Some from President Goodluck Jonathan, others from four members who announced their defection to both APC and PDP. When he was done, a motion came from controversial Hon. Aliyu Madaka (Kano State). The import of the motion was for

decision of the court until we have studied it and two, to vacate the order. We have seen the handwriting on the wall that they are only trying to buy time.”

APC “expensive” decision Arising from its Interim National Executive Committee last week Friday, the Party took a drastic decision. The

Continues on page 11

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continues from page 10 communique of the meeting reads: “The National Executive Committee of the APC commended the courage, maturity and political sagacity of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State in the face of serial unprovoked and unwarranted assaults on his person, his constitutional rights and those of the Government and People of Rivers State.

The conduct of Governor Amaechi represents our party’s maturity and compliance with the rule of law in response to escalating impunity. The APC is very proud of him.

“Any cursory observer of events in Rivers State since February, 2013 will be left in no doubt as to the culture of lawlessness and impunity being promoted and supported by the Presidency, and executed by the State Commissioner of Police Joseph Mbu, who has become the defacto military Governor of Rivers State and sole administrator of the PDP in the State.

“A few instances of the brazen lawlessness and violations of the Constitution will suffice here – the forceful dispersal of 13,201 newly recruited teachers in the Port Harcourt Stadium using tear gas; blockading the entrance to the Government House in Port Harcourt and forcing the state governor to use another entrance; preventing an aircraft chartered by the state governor from taking off, alleging that the governor was trying to smuggle out a legislator wanted by the Police, no apology was offered to the Governor; the disruption of a peaceful rally during which Senator Magnus Abe was shot with intent to kill; several disruptions of Save Rivers Group rallies, and the unlawful detention of anybody perceived to be a sympathizer of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, while allowing pro-Jonathan and Anti-Amaechi groups to organize rallies unmolested.

“The National Executive Committee of the APC has now resolved that if these acts of impunity and lawlessness continue unabated and the Police persists in being an enforcement arm of the PDP to the detriment of our members, it will have no alternative than to ask our teeming members all over the country and especially in Rivers State to take whatever steps that are necessary to protect their lives and property.

“Following on the forgoing and in view of the joint resolutions of the National Assembly on Rivers State, and other constitutional breaches by the Presidency, the APC hereby directs its members in the National Assembly to block all legislative proposals including the 2014 Budget and confirmation of all nominees to military and civilian positions to public office until the rule of law and constitutionalism is restored in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general.”

PDP reacts

In a swift reaction, the PDP condemned

Vanguard , FEBRU ARY 1 FEBRUARY 1, 2014—11

The APC/PDP power show

Aminu Tambuwal APC’s position, saying the party is out to destroy the country. Olisa Metuh the national publicity secretary of the party wrote: ”In asking that service chiefs should not be confirmed by the Senate, the APC has revealed its devilish plot to undermine the nation’s security system, create a state of anarchy and pave way to unleash mayhem on the people. In trying to frustrate the passage of the 2014 budget, the APC has also exposed its plot to cripple the nation’s economy and plunge the people into untold hardship. By attempting to cause confusion in the National Assembly, which is the citadel of democracy, it is now clear to all Nigerians that the APC has commenced the implementation of its orchestrated plot to truncate the nation’s democracy, push the country into a state of chaos and achieve its doomsday predictions; a plot which must be stopped.”

NUG speaks

n a bid to stop APC, PDP lawmakers in the House alongside AP, APGA and I AP members on Monday formed the

NUG. ”We decry the many acts of impunity and erroneous assumptions by the newly registered All Peoples Congress (APC) that are now trying the patience of most Nigerians. Just a week ago, in defiance of a court order, the APC in what the media next day admitted was a failed “attempt to take over NASS”, created a near breakdown in the chambers when the minority leader sought to claim that the majority leader was no longer the majority leader; in any case he was properly shouted down by most members. ”Now that APC are back at it again ! It has just committed another blunder that shows its true face. Just last Thursday 23 January, it issued a “directive” like all command-and-control anti-democratic political parties, to its members to do the following: 1. to boycott confirmation hearings of service chiefs without whom the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists would clearly fail.

2. to further boycott and

David Mark hence attempt to paralyze the Nigerian economy - everything from workers salaries to construction jobs - by not approving the 2014 National Budget now before the National Assembly even as the senate is set to devote all of this week to debating the N4.6trn national budget.

3. Calling on our colleagues who have followed their governors into the new assemblage of strange bedfellows, to stall and if possible, to disrupt the confirmation of President Jonathan’s ministerial nominees as a strategy to paralyze the federal civil service.

4. Encouraging APC members to shirk their legislative duties and oversight responsibilities by tying themselves to the complicated series of unfortunate developments in Rivers State where the governor and the police commissioner need to settle their communications problems.

We are happy to note that all Nigerians from various walks of life - civil service unions, technocrats and professionals, community leaders and statesmen, market women and rural dwellers, financial analysts and businessmen - have all risen to condemn these directives. These series of untenable positions adopted by Nigeria’s newest party - one which people pejoratively call Angry People’s Congressman not worthy of a party struggling for national relevance. In this sense, its noisiest members need to look back and then look deeply within. ”These latest directives are a provocation and as far as legislative maneuvers go, they will once again fail. Hence everything must be done to arrest the APC attempt to turn Nigeria into a laughingstock. We the National Unity Group in the House of Reps made up of PDP, Labor, Accord and APGA members, wish to aver as follows: That any attempt to tamper with the 2014 budget and hence the Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan administration, would be met with robust resistance; no Nigerian anywhere will stand by and watch an opposition greedy with mischief and power lust, frustrate the hopes of tens of millions of Nigerians with regard to health care, schools and universities, agricultural grants and projects, foreign investment promotion, water supplies, road works, utilities and other infrastructure including electricity, solar street lights and a dozen other necessities and obligations of Nigeria as a responsible nation whose duties are enshrined in Chapter IE of the 1999 Federal Constitution. If this budget is not passed soon, there will be hunger in the land, and the APC plan for anarchy will have succeeded.”

APC not perturbed

Obviously, APC is not bothered by the

threats of NUG. Just on Wednesday, its lawmakers in the House said they will abide by the directives of their party over the budget. It however soft pedalled on the recurrent expenditure of the budget.

Leader of the party in the House, Hon. Gbaja said: “While the focus for now remains the happenings in Rivers, our broad and overall concern remains good governance and covers the whole gamut of our national life.

“Let us be categorical, we intend to continue to protest the culture of impunity, immorality and illegality this government insists in entrenching in our system. We intend to insist on good governance, we intend to stand firm on our oath of office to defend the constitution and discharge our legislative duties in the interest of the people of Nigeria. Good governance is the end goal and filibustering or stalling executive bills is the means and we believe that in this case the end definitely justifies the means.

“On the budget itself, we will not support a budget that does nothing for the people we represent. We will not rubber stamp a budget that seeks to borrow more money at ridiculous rates and further impoverish the country.

“Indeed, we refuse to support a budget that comes in with a huge deficit. We certainly do not agree with a budget that allocates a pitiable 25 per cent for capital expenditure which capital component will only be implemented 30 per cent while recurrent will be implemented 100 per cent. How in the world do you stimulate an economy the size and population of Nigeria with a 25 per cent allocation to capital?

“We do not want to be accessories after the fact by passing a budget when the President or Minister of Finance, who has publicly admitted to the disappearance of $10 billion has not given explanations but seeks to borrow more money. And who continues to blame shortfall in revenue on crude theft by some phantom thieves. More importantly, we will not be party to the appropriation of funds and tax payers money to a police force that will turn around and use same to maim and kill the same tax payers. No we will not!

“In coming to this decision, we note that salaries of many innocent Nigerians are tied to the budget. However, we will do all we can to address this catch. We will hope that our progressive colleagues will agree to an ingenious and creative idea like we did through the doctrine of necessity to isolate the recurrent expenditure and perhaps for the first time pass a recurrent only budget.”

The senate side of the crisis

ven though, they have maintained legislative decorum, the senate has E within the period had its share of the

crisis. Senators last week almost knocked each other down over the Rivers crisis. But while, the effect was not allowed to permeate, a defection plan by 11 PDP senators to APC was obviously stalled.

For instance, Senator Bukola Saraki from Kwara State and Senator Danjuma Goje from Gombe who had written to the leadership of the senate over their defection to APC didn’t have their letter read accordingly. An inquiry of why it wasn’t read almost put them and the Deputy Senate President who presided over the plenary on war path.

The politics of 2015/ governance

Many analysts are of the opinion that the face-off between the two parties resolves around the 2015 elections. To them, the present fireworks are aimed at edging out each other especially now that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the election timetable. But will governance be sacrificed for politics? That is the question on the lips of many Nigerians at the moment.

But whether the budget will sail through lies in the womb of time as the House appears set to open debate on it next week.

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

PDP is suffering from political fatigue and cannot win again in Nigeria — Gov Kwankwaso G

Regional Editor, North

ov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State is among the five governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, who defected to the APC last December following irreconcilable differences with the party’s leadership. In this interview, he boasts that APC has what it takes to win the2015 election, insisting that the bid by President Goodluck Jonathan to contest in the election would amount to a third term, something he describes as taboo and unacceptable.

Excerpts: Are you interested in returning to PDP? Let me congratulate the new Chairman of the PDP, Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu for becoming the new Chairman of the PDP. He is yet to come to me but I know that eventually, he will do so. We will meet even if it means that he will come to me to tell me that he was elected the PDP chairman. I have read in the newspapers that he has asked me to come back to the party. I think he and others should know that it took us more than 14 years to be in PDP and we worked so hard for the party to succeed and that we have also benefitted immensely from the party. People must know that it was very painful for us to leave the party and now that we have left, they should know that we have a lot of supporters not only in Kano but across the country, and we took a lot of time to make consultations to leave PDP for APC and going back to PDP it can even take much longer time. But the issue is simple: for me, I have never told anybody about the way and manner the former Chairman of PDP, Bamanga Tukur, was handling the party because I understand the relationship between him and the President. I knew that whatever Tukur was doing, was not just initiated and executed by him but consulted the President before doing anything. But you know that things have backfired, whatever he was doing was not working, they had to remove him. I am happy for them they now have Ahmad Mu’azu. To me Mu’azu and Tukur have very many similarities.

One, they are all from the NorthEastern Nigeria and you know what is happening in the area now in terms of security and economy. I don’t think anybody in this country can be happy with this administration going by what is going in this part of the country. Two of them are HausaFulani and they can never support the candidature of Goodluck Jonathan especially that he is preparing to contest for a third term and I am sure many Nigerians will kick against a third term either by Jonathan or any other Nigerian. Third term is a taboo.

Of course, to us, their term started in 2007. He was Vice President for two year and Acting President for two years. It will be four years from 2011 to 2015 so if you add the two together,

•Insists any attempt by President Jonathan to run in 2015 amounts to a third term

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BY SONI DANIEL

The right thing is for the Commander-in-Chief is to come out sincerely and either negotiate or fight what is happening in the North East and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

whether you want to say six years or eight years depends on who is doing the Arithmetic. But for them, they are pretending that they started in 2011. I saw them the other day on the television that they are just two and a half years old in government and they can never be correct because they started long before 2011, at least two years before that year. I am not a lawyer but I keep on seeing eight years in the constitution and two plus six plus four cannot be eight that is if you don’t consider Jonathan’s day’s as Vice President. Even from 2015 to 2019, under normal circumstances, they are looking for extending the four year-term to six years. So you can see how the extension keeps on moving on and on. Under normal circumstances, many people would not have bothered about the extension

*Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso if the economy was in good shape, if the security was good especially in the North East and many parts of the north. And I think that this is the right time for the President to come out and do the right think.

The right thing is for the Commander-in-Chief is to come out sincerely and either negotiate or fight what is happening in the North East and other parts of Northern Nigeria. I think the days of pretence should be over. I am surprised that many of those we spoke to said that many people were not serious in fighting the menace that is happening in the North-East and other parts of the north because some of them are saying that “na dem dem.” And I don’t think that that approach will help. If you are a governor, every square inch in your state should be your own and not owned by dem dem. This issue of security, economy and education is very important. I remember that at a time when there was a serious security challenge in the Niger Delta, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua came up with a special amnesty programme whereby those men and woman who were involved in the acts had to lay down their arms and ammunitions for a better programme. I think the Federal Government should come up with something for the North-East. I am not from there but I think that something needs to be done to arrest the

worsening situation in the region. We are from the North West and we are poor but the North-East is poorer and somebody has to do something about it. The issue is not allocating N2 billion in the budget but it is beyond that. Some of these things can start from one corner of the country but if not well handled, it can spread to all parts of the country. We are very lucky that we have very friendly neighbours like Cameroun, Niger and Chad.

There is need for better action to liaise with them to ensure peace in Nigeria and their countries. There is need for closer working relationship among the four countries so as to control the security issues among them, particularly fighting drug cartels. I am saying so because there is always a relationship between drugs and criminal activities.

As a former Defence Minister, do you think it is possible as the new Chief of Defence Staff has said that

by April this year, Boko Haram would be a thing of the past? Or do you think we should negotiate?

You see, the Nigerian military are well trained and very competent but what is required now is their welfare and required arms and ammunition.

Once that is done, and if there is political will especially from the Commander-in-Chief, and with the right rule of engagement, it is possi-

*Continues on page 13

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—13

Continues from page 12

across the country.

ble to checkmate the insurgents. But you see, it has always been possible to stop what was happening within similar short periods of time in the past. I think the issue in my mind is the political will to do something. What are doing now is not an option.

The options we have is on one hand negotiation or agreement for those concerned to put down their arms and ammunitions or for the Federal Government to use whatever it can to ensure that there is peace in that region of the country. But as a former minister of defence who spend more than four years, I have no doubt that they have the capabilities and wherewithal to deal with the situation. What is required now is the real mobilisation of resources to ensure that there is peace in that corner of Nigeria.

Where you consulted by the President before the ministerial nominees from your state were selected?

Sometimes when I hear about the names they are parading, I laugh. These people before coming in did not have the history and Geography of Nigeria in their hearts. And they have refused to learn very fast. And they have been consistent in fighting what they are not supposed to fight. We are good people by any standards, well respected in our localities and so on. If you have an architectural work to do, go an architect. But unfortunately, the government believes that anybody they see on the street, they can just pick to fight us in Kano or Sokoto. So even though they have been very consistent in picking the wrong people to represent them, we see that as a punishment for those they pick. They even pick those that are not welcome in the society they still pick them to work for them. They are making a huge problem for them and a good thing for APC. Anybody who thinks that this calibre of ministers, not only from Kano but across the country, can deliver and save the larger interest of Nigeria, they are dreaming. If you put all of them together, only one or two can deliver.

You don’t just go to a state and pick somebody from the most minute minority and say he is representing the people and that in politics should not happen and once it happens it is an abnormality.

What advice would you give to President Jonathan about the 2015 Presidential election?

From what I know, if you are talking about the eight years that the constitution has stipulated, Jonathan is not qualified to contest. I am not a lawyer and I am not taking it from the angle of law because others will do that at the appropriate time, but for those of us who are politicians, we take it from the angle of public court.

Third term is not acceptable in this country and time limit must be respected not only in Nigeria but across the country. I was a governor from 1999 to 2003. Eight years after, came back and so many people came to me and said go to court, and many others were interested in going to the Supreme Court to fight on my behalf , saying that I still had a chance to contest again in 2015 depending on the pronouncement of the apex court. But I said no. You see, fact of the matter is that whether you are good or bad, you are not alone and you have to keep on moving.

Life is dynamic. I have been in the Kano system from 1998 to 2011 when I contested election up till now. In politics what is permanent is change and we have to accept the change and to keep moving.

One of the reasons why I left the PDP is this lack of appreciation of the mood of the Nigerian people. The Nigerian people are yearning for change and probably that was why the APC decided to adopt change as its slogan. That change is very crucial because people need change in this country. There are so many things that are going wrong. The problem is that those who should listen are finding it difficult to listen to even understand and to have the capacity to appreciate the situation in which we are. Sadly, whoever comes out to advise them, they will send their aides to come and take them to psychiatric

*Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

PDP is suffering from political fatigue and cannot win again in Nigeria—Gov Kwankwaso hospital when in actual fact it is their principals who should be taken to the psychiatric hospital. One has to know when they are strong and when they are weak. I worked for them in 1999, I did it in 2003 and 2007 and 2011. Many of us, who are the pillars of the party, are either out of it completely or are sitting on the fence or are warming up to cross over to the other parties. Nobody wants to stay under a collapsing decking. The decking there is collapsing. We are the leaders of the PDP whether they like it or not. It is now that they will see the effect of our defection.

The new chairman of the PDP can do nothing to salvage the party even though I know that he loves the party just like Tukur. I am sure he wanted the job. Muazu will always want to say something from the bottom of his heart while most of the other party leaders will speak from their mouth. But the fact of the matter is that they know that Nigeria deserves a better leadership in 2015.

Do you consider the 2015 Presidential election one of the avenues for you to move politically?

No no no. You see, let me tell you, first and foremost, I am a politician. You are a politician, you stop there. You make your own contribution and it is the people who will say we are going to support Mr. A or B. From history and statistics, it is very difficult to see anybody who decides to arrogate himself to that level becoming president in Nigeria. Most of those who were president, including this one, Jonathan, I am sure he never dreamt of becoming a Vice President or President. I think the way out of the problems we are facing in this country will be when we reach a point where the President of this country and chairmen of the leading parties are allowed to go through the rigours of election by themselves and allow people to elect them based on their belief that they are competent and that they can do the job in their own personal assessment, we will continue to have problems.

Look at the selection of the new chairman of the PDP, I don’t think anyone from my state was consulted. It was just within one or two persons deciding for all. Even in the case of Tukur, it was

just one person versus everybody in the North East when they wanted him and the same thing is happening again in that party. That is why they will continue to have problems in the PDP because the chairman of that party can never come out on issues to tell you his actual mind. He has to look at his shoulders first to see who is there so that he does make the mistake of annoying one man to be kicked out. And because of the enormous benefits associated with that office, nobody wants to leave the seat. They want to stay there and speak from both sides of their mouths and at the end of the day when chips are down, they will have to go. But I can tell you, the same system and the same way that others left, Mu’azu will also go.

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f you are called upon to be the Presidential candidate of your party, what would be your reaction?

You see, the issue is that we have elders, leaders, friends, supporters and associates not only in Kano but across Nigeria. What I believe is that at the appropriate time, the APC will sit down and decide who and who should be allowed or supported for the position. But I can assure you there will be internal democracy in deciding who should fly the flag and that is the only way we can show the difference between our party and the PDP where one man will sit down and decide who becomes the governor of Kano. If they don’t like you, whether you have 90 percent of the votes, others were sharing 10 percent of the votes, it does not matter, they will still say no to you. We have to change. You cannot be sitting in Abuja to decide who becomes a governor of a state or their chairman. We have passed that level of crude politics and that is why we have a very formidable party today and people really believe in us. They see us as being fair and doing the right thing. That is why we have a very powerful support base

Were you part of the agreement to allow Jonathan only a term in office?

I was not a governor at the time and even if I was then, and even if I was a governor and he decides to go against what he had signed and you ask me this question, I would say, I don’t care. We are not layers to go to court to ask it to give one declaration or the other. Our own is to ensure that the good people of Nigeria will at the appropriate time take the necessary decision. Here, I want to advise all those concerned-the armed forces, INEC and all the stakeholders should try to do the right thing. I will be surprised if the members of the armed forces are happy with what is happening in the country because they are human beings and a part of the society. A lot of money is going down the drain, wastages everywhere. Before you heard of people stealing millions and now we are hearing of billions and trillions and all these things cannot help anybody, including the security agencies. And security agencies must understand the meaning of democracy and know that they are here to serve Nigerians and if they want to play politics they should go and remove their uniforms and we give them a place in the political arena. Look at what is happening in Rivers State.

That man called the Police

*Continues on page 45

14—SATURDAY Vanguard , FEBRUARY 1, 2014

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his is something that President Jonathan did not do; he did not make any law against same-sex marriage.

He only signed a bill that had been passed against it in parliament into law. That is what describes an aspect of his functions as the President of the Republic of Nigeria. It is as simple as that. He has enough controversies surrounding his office at the moment, what with the hanging issue of some ten billion naira that has missed its way to the Federation Account, the two bullet-proof limousines that are still attracting telling shots from several directions, the deplorable situation in Rivers State and other head-aching problems on his plate. And yet, to read the views of some pundits, it’s Jonathan, Jonathan, Jonathan — as if the man ing no welcome to the garish display of their offenhasn’t had his name mensive ostentation which is summarised by their selftioned enough. If there is anygiven title of “gay”. one to blame, it has to be the These are people who were once labelled as Nigerian people who were “queers”. That was what people thought they were, represented by the people and many still think they are. Some called them they elected to take such de“poofs” and some called them ‘’punks’’. At that time, cisions on their behalf. So, many of them effaced themselves from public purplease leave President view. They have been around for ages, in all culJonathan out of this. tures, with the predominance being in one gender or the other, from place to place, but the practice ith regard to the was always viewed as immoral and satanic even. people, they have a right to decide ON what they believe to be good for the health of the society in which they live, and in which they rear their children. It is not a matter for compromise. It is a matter of the greater good for the greater number of people.

That is democracy, isn’t it? Of course, it is. The National Assembly performed its duty as an instrument for the government of the people, by the people and for the people — no more, no less.

It is accepted that these homosexuals are human beings.

Yes, but so are criminals. They have rights as human beings, no less than maniacs. Some uninformed people call them “animals”, which is patently uncharitable — to animals, that is. I mean, did you ever see a tom-cat lusting after another tom-cat; or a stallion trying to mount another stallion; or a cockerel chasing after another cockerel? Of course not! It would be cruel, inhumane, to condemn homosexuals though, because they are •Lai Mohammed said to be unable to help themselves—like kleptomaniThe Holy Bible condemned it; The Holy Koran also acs, who suffer under an obdenounced it. But then the age of relativism stepped session to take what does not in to propound that concepts of what may be good or belong to them, even when it bad, true or false, heavy or light need not be considis of no value to them. ered absolute, but can vary from one culture to anSuch acts may rather be other. One man’s food is another man’s poison, so termed as unnatural since to say. The doctrine of permissiveness thus tended they are not in conformity with to overwhelm the canons of decency and common nature. good sense. But then one man’s food need not be

*throwing out the closet *a well-considered directive

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ut those whose charac ters are seized by such aberrations seldom gloat over their shortcomings. They conduct themselves with a respectable amount of diffidence while expressing the rights of their existence as assertively as tradition or the law allows them. On the other hand, it is now becoming fashionable, especially in Europe and the United States, to have homosexuals flaunting their perverted sexuality at the sensitivities of normal people as though they have to be accepted as the cream of the society. I, personally, don’t have to accept them — and neither did the National Assembly.

But I don’t condemn them while, at he same time, offer-

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I hope the law fulfils its purpose which is to keep the society less filthy. Even if child-marriage — with which the horrid act is compared by its apologists —is no less horrible

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everybody ’s passion. The fact that they love it in London does not compel me not to loathe it in Ajegunle. or wherever. The result of over-tolerance has now been the removal of guilt and shame, in which the perverts have not only stepped “out of the closet”, but thrown out the enclosure to boot.

A vicious but dangerously obscure aspect of this malevolent practice is that the ranks of its practitioners are full of paedophiles who lure young children into the habit before the innocent ones are aware of what they are being put through. Even those who

hold the most liberal views on the issue shrink where the plight of children, or even young adults, is concerned. Everyone desires a clean upbringing for their children, but can afford to be “modern” and liberal about others’. Or would you shrug off the tendency of any of your children being referred to as “AC/DC”?

I hope the law fulfils its purpose which is to keep the society less filthy. Even if child-marriage — with which the horrid act is compared by its apologists —is no less horrible, its eradication cannot be harnessed to the repudiation of same-sex marriage. They are too different misdeeds that should be cor rected separately.

Those who are against the anti-gay law are in support of homosexual practice. That is the summary of the whole matter. I do not support,. and cannot condone, a man and another man, or a woman and another woman, cohabiting together as “husband and husband” .... or is it “ wife and wife”? President Jonathan did the correct thing, in the correct manner, in this matter.

It is inopportune that the directive of the All Progressives Congress to its members in the National Assembly to block the passage of all executive bills became necessary at a time when the 2014 Budget is yet to be passed, because the process will definitely be adversely affected by the planned action. The necessity to accomplish that essential national priority though, should give the action more bite, just as it has already increased the controversy aroused by the APC proposal. But the season is just right with the rise of the opposition party’s population in the National Assembly.

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he myopic stance of those who cannot, or refuse, to see the propriety of the APC’ s resolve to establish sanity in the conduct of the River State politics deserve little more than a heartfelt pity. The nation had been witnessing, in that State, a steady corrosion of the principles of law and order and the degradation of the ideals of democracy to which we all loudly subscribe. Those in power were exercising it dis-

dainfully to the detriment of the security and welfare of the people they were there to serve and protect. A number of good people raised their voices against the injustice and its dangers, but that was all they could raise. The issue could only be confronted by a force of equal potency, that is, another branch of government with a similar sinew that could dare to confront the tide of evil and create a subsidence.

The balance of power enshrined in the tripartite structure of our system of government happily provides for the option of one arm having the capacity to create a balance in such an unstable situation.

That was in line with our desire published here last week, but the APC’s decision beat us to the punch by a clear margin of 24 hours. Nothing could be more welcome.

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t is all about democracy.

It is like the freedom it sponsors and supports. As Martin Luther King said, you can’t have freedom piecemeal. “You have it all, or you are not free.” A country cannot have democracy in only some sections within its borders; it is either totally absorbed in that form of government or its people are being misgoverned. If anarchy is allowed to be foisted on the lives of the people of Rivers State by the agencies or instruments of government sponsorship, then Nigeria has ground the face of democracy in the dust.

It would appear that, at last, the Nigerian legislature has come of age. For a rare moment in our political history, a group of parliamentarians are set, on their own terrain, to oppose misrule with a purposeful action, and under the ambit of propriety. The directive of the All Progressives Congress, APC , to its members in the National Assembly, to block the passage of any executive bill is a momentous event at this time of our national history. It should be seen as a well-considered move to direct the Jonathan administration to the path of good governance in a re-ordering of its political preferences. It contains legitimate contents of nationalistic ideals, no matter what advantages may be derived therefrom. The important effect is the improvement, already emerging, of the woeful situation in Rivers State.

Time out.

SATURDAY

Vanguard ,FEBRUARY 1, 2014—15 Vanguard,FEBRUARY

Mr president,Rivers State could be your banana peel

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get uncomfortable, peeved even, when I hear the sweeping statement that the Presidency has achieved nothing in what? Six years?

It is a statement that is shallow at best and, stretched further, uncharitable.

Even Lucky Igbinedion, as incompetent as he was, achieved ‘something’ in Edo State.

An unbiased assessment of the critical areas of the polity—the economy, security, democracy, institutions of governance—will show that this administration has not fared any worse than its predecessors. It might not be the transformational government it is touting itself to be and might even be described as mediocre given the national resources, but I do not in all honesty, believe that we are worse off in critical areas (save for corruption) than in Yar'Adua’s or even Obasanjo’s governments.

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esides, when you ask those who say the President has achieved nothing, whom they would rather have in his place, the masks go off and we hear comments that betray their true,

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selfish intentions.Some will say we need a better person. I agree; but who? Other say nothing good can come out of PDP. Again, I agree; but where is the alternative?

To those who say it is the turn of the North to rule again, I simply raise an eyebrow and ask who the North is coming up with.

The answers I get to these questions show many people want a change for its sake or for selfish, tribal and religious reasons.Even those who want Jonathan to stay on are not

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he third area is a touchy and sensitive one because it has become personal. It has to do with the developments in River State. I believe the President has allowed his personal relationship with Gov. Rotimi Amaechi and the feeling of betrayal in having ‘an enemy’ that is too close to home to becloud his duty as President and Statesman. The result is that the Presidency is going from blunder to blunder. The Presidency has tried to use a sledge hammer to swat a fly. He has not only missed the fly, it has hit and in some instances, dented many unintended places.

Let’s start with its decision to recognize the supremacy of 16 over 19 in a freely conducted election amongst peers. It was a decision that has thrown an egg on the face of the Presidency and on the faces of those who stood truth on its head. It has also cast doubt on the Presidency ’s ability to conduct a free and fair election come 2015. Then we went on to the supremacy of 5 over 26 as some House of Assembly members wanted to remove their Speaker.

This, like all crimes that need to be covered up, has led to an uneven sleight of hand in police investigations. In between all these, the governor has been harassed and belittled. He is, in case we are forgetting, the governor of an independent State in a Federal Republic. He is also the chief security officer of his State.

I do not in all honesty, believe that we are worse off in critical areas (save for corruption) than in Yar'Adua’s or even Obasanjo’s governments

pointing at his weaknesses or strengths.

It is the same primordial interest that has benefited no one except the caucus that feeds on people’s tribal and religious fears.

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his lack of preparedness on our part, and that of opposition, to grapple with serious issues of governance will stand the President in good stead in 2015— assuming he throws in his hat. In fact, he has an even better chance if he seizes the initiative and does one or two things quickly ‘before it is too late’ (to use the words of a famous General).

The first thing is to move against corruption. The deployment or outright removal of certain Ministers will go a long way to burnish the image of the Presidency. The immediate resolution of all pending corruption cases in pension, fuel subsidy and NNPC missing funds palavas will restore some confidences. So will an announcement that the Presidency is prepared to cut cost in the running of its affairs. This will show a President who is listening and responding to his people.

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six zones without silencing the minorities, then he would not only have done the zones, including his own oil producing south-south zone, a great service. He would also have done the nation a great service as well because the agitations for the centre would reduce significantly and inter zonal competitions would hot up as never before with we, the people being the beneficiary.

he second is the correct handling of the National Conference. If he can conduct the National Conference in a fair and equitable manner, if he can successfully devolve power to the

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am not in any way suggesting that Ameachi has been saintly in all his actions. In fact, I see arrogance and provocation in some of his actions. But a Statesman has to be a Statesman and the President has played not only into the hands of the opposition, but also into the minds of the fair minded Nigerian citizens.

The Presidency should have held back when the National Assembly first stepped in. It did not. The Commissioner of Police should have been deployed to avert unnecessary focus on him. He was not. Now the PDP has lost its majority in the house and the opposition is showing its teeth by threatening to block the passage of bills from the Presidency. This is untidy and could lead to impeachment grounds if not well handled. The impeachment of Richard Nixon in 1973 is instructive.

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anger, as it is often said, lurks in the little things that are allowed to fester.

One person killed, 3 others shot as kidnappers abduct two foreigners in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson, Akure ONE person was shot dead and three others seriously injured as two foreigners working with a construction company in Akungba Akoko area of Ondo state were abducted by four armed men.

A police officer simply identified as Olajide was one of those shot by the kidnappers and presently on admission in an undisclosed hospital.

The corpse of the person that died as a result of the gun shot has been deposited at the hospital mortuary while others are responding to t r e a t m e n t .

The foreigners who are working with Charvet Construction Company in the town were abducted while on site at state government owned University-Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba Akoko. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the foreigners who are from Syria were supervising the construction of the University’s senate b u i l d i n g .

In an attempt to get away, the kidnappers allegedly shot into the air and in the process the four persons were s h o t .

Ogodo however pointed out that the Nissan Jeep which the kidnappers used as their get-away vehicle has been recovered by the Police.

The Police Spokesman explained that the kidnappers stormed the University premises and started shooting sporadically into the air.

He said four persons including a police officer were injured in the shoot out that took place when the kidnappers arrived the scene to abduct the e x p a t r i a t e s .

Eyewitness account said the kidnappers came to the university premises in a Mercedes Benz car.

They reportedly in a commando like manner, abducted the expatriates who were in a ‘ white colour Nissan Xterra Jeep marked KTU 705 AL. It was learnt that they shot the driver in the leg and whisked the expatriates to an unknown destinat i o n .

Contacted, the Police Image Maker, Wole Ogodo confirmed the i n c i d e n t .

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16—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 “Mchshh” “ You hissed, Saka” “I didn’t,”Aminu answered. “ But you just did” “Ah! It’s just these papers, one cannot believe everything written on the pages of newspapers” ‘ Why do you think so? But you are reading it upside down” “ Are you blind? The matter is also upside down. Didn’t you see the headlines. INEC has released the timetable for 2015 elections” “ Oh that!! Let me see.

Presidential elections, guber elections, national assembly elections... Ha. But these are staggered elections” “ Before nko. How were we having it ?” “ But INEC agreed with the political parties that all the elections would hold in one day and not staggered.” “ Grammar. Which one is staggering elections again?”

Iyalode chimed in without being invited into the discussion. “ Who invited you into this talk?

Go to the kitchen woman and prepare my lunch. Men are discussing serious matters and you put your mouth...” Aminu scolded his wife. “ But I vote. I voted for CPC in the last election” “ My friend please help me tell my wife to go to the kitchen. She shouldn’t disrupt our conversation. Which one is CPC again?” “ Maybe she meant APC,”Saka added with a mischievous smile. “ God forbid. Boko Haram party,” Iyalode said.

“What is wrong with this woman? I asked her to go to the kitchen and she is still here talking” “ Let’s ignore her my friend. So, INEC has staggered the elections again” “ That is what I was telling you.

Look at the papers. They all reported the same thing.(Hiss)” “ So, we are on the march again towards another election?” “ Next year. 2015! It’s just close by.” “ Ha. PDP is finished.”

“Why did you say so? What about APC ?” “ APC na medicine. You never hear of the drug called APC? It was for head-ache” “ Na wa for you my friend. Let’s get serious please.” “ The truth is , I don’t believe in any of these parties. Jona is not man enough to handle the problems in his party” “ Is he the chairman of the party? What is Jona’s business with managing the party?” “ Haba. What are you saying?

But he wants to be president again.” “ Another third term agenda” “ No. Second term my friend” “ Don’t join the fray of those calling it third term. It’s second term” “But you know I’m a Buhari man” “ Tufia. Let’s get serious. We are done with military regime.” “ What do you mean by military regime? This is democracy” “So, Buhari is a politician abi?

What did he forget in government house that he wants to go back and take ?” “ The same thing that Obasanjo forgot which he has taken back.

The same thing IBB wanted to go back and take at some point” “ I prefer the PDP” “ No way. It is a finished party” “ I know but the difference between the PDP and the APC is like the devil and the deep blue sea.

Head, you lose, tail, you also lose.” “ Why do you think so?”

“Are they not the same people.

Haven’t you seen APC going around begging PDP members to come and join them? So what we have today as APC is made up of the same old PDP members. So, what’s the difference?” “ I think Nigeria needs prayers” “ Na today? We don dey pray since even before oyibo come colonise us. They are the ones responsible for the kwashiokor in

2015 conversations

Voters with INEC officials. this country. They have joined together strange bed-fellows and the house is on fire! Even those that joined us don’t want to see us again” “ It’s true oooh! Nigeria at the moment is not having the best of times in the comity of nations.

Our problems are too much. It will be impossible to discuss everything in one day. I believe the most serious problems can only be reduced by properly educating Nigerian students that are below the age of 18.” “ Did you say students? Which students? Those ones that have become touts and political thugs? Na for Ghana parents dey train their children now. Nigerian schools only teach students how to read and write and become thugs.

Schools in Ghana teach students morals and character values, critical thinking and good citizenship.” “ Ghana ke! Were they not our cobblers in this country?” “ That was then. Not now. Things have changed” “Our younger generation are more interested in making money, not education. Many Nigerian youths see a rich man as their role model and develop a compulsive urge to make money by any means necessary, including acquiring human body parts for juju or smuggling drugs to Malaysia, Indonesia or wherever. Our Igbo brothers don’t take their sons to school. They prefer them to hawk on the highways and they can hawk anything including human parts” “ Haba, my friend. Don’t talk like that. Don’t let my wife hear you. You know her mother is Igbo.” “ Our problems are more than education. Lecturers prefer to stay at home than to be in classrooms. So, don’t blame those who prefer their children to hawk.

Nigeria has gone bad. Nigeria ti ba je” “ No. Here, it’s eko o ni ba je.

The basic problems facing Nigeria are wrong leadership and compatriots themselves; any nation which is ruled by wicked leaders can never grow. Because we have not been treated humanely by these set of leaders, all they cared for was their interests.

“Many things have gone wrong and most Nigerians have gone astray today. That is why, as of today, you would see many Nigerians without bearing. For instance, you would see lawyers becoming Nollywood actors and doctors

becoming singers. Think of Dr Alban and Dr Sid. They are medical doctors singing jolomi all over the place. Funke Akindele and RMD are lawyers in Nollywood and Tonto Dike is a Petroleum Engineer who ended up an actress” “ Have you finished? The latest craze is Church business.

Everybody wants to become a Pastor, Alfa and Herbalist, all deceiving people in the name of money.Teenagers are being exposed to money. Youths are being exposed to rituals. Meaningless things become lucrative. Some artistes sing nonsense; become rich with the aid of evil spirit.

There are churches and mosques everywhere and yet evil is increasing ” “ Religion is the opium of the masses. It’s just like getting drunk and forgetting your sorrows.

Religion is such a sensitive issue in Nigeria that one has to tread carefully in discussions to avoid

the devil that give them guns?’

Haven’t you heard that some policemen and security operatives who hold guns loan same to armed robbers for a fee and they still get share of their loot after shedding innocent blood?”

“Too bad. There is nothing unemployment cannot cause” “But you said the devil before.

Now, you are blaming unemployment instead of bad leadership that brings about unemployment.”

“I think there is a problem. Nigerians always blame the government in power for the problems of the nation even though many of these preceded the government in power. Why do we always do this?

Ask any Nigerian what the problem is with Nigeria and they will say that it is leadership, forgetting that Nigeria’s leaders come from among us; and if we are saying that our problem is leadership, we are invariably supporting the doctrine that a black man would thrive best under white rule.”

Unemployment is the talk of the moment in Nigeria. This has rendered and is rendering many people frustrated. What happens to our graduates after their studies in the tertiary institutions ? flaring emotions, or being accused of taking sides or being misinterpreted. Religion is an important part of our lives, from birth to death, and commands immense influence in our national politics.

Of course there are voices that argue against mixing politics and religion and others who share the view that politics and religion are inextricable. But religion has not stopped fraudsters in church from operating. We hear robbers even go to pastors and alfas to pray for them before going for operations.”

“Those are the lucky ones. At least they are working, getting busy and making money with the blessing of their pastors and their guns. What about those who have no talents at all? Sorry, they have talents as armed robbers and many are graduates” “ So, what do you expect them to be doing after graduating for years without job. A jobless man is an idle hand and that is the devil’s workshop” “ You have started again Saka.

Now, you want to blame the innocent devil for nothing. Is it

“ So if our problem is not leadership, what then is it?” “ Unemployment!”

“There you go again. Unemployment is the talk of the moment in Nigeria. This is rendering people frustrated. What happens to our graduates after their studies in the tertiary institutions? The situation pisses many Nigerians off. This is one of the major causes of increase in crime in Nigeria. When graduates stay in their parents homes for a long time, the next thing is the inflow of negative thoughts. This makes them to start engaging in filthy things because their minds are occupied with bad thoughts. Do you know that till today, some who graduated about four years ago have not seen any area of their study to fit in? I must tell you that this is a torn in the flesh of Nigerian graduates. That is where the devil comes in and that is in the form of insecurity.” “ Ha! Nigeria we hail thee! Now, this problem of insecurity is giving many citizens of this country sleepless nights. People can no longer walk comfortably on the streets. Nobody knows if bombs

are planted under the ground he wants to step on. Today, Boko Haram is a well-known agent of destruction in Nigeria. Many innocent families and individuals have been wiped out, many others maimed and thousands rendered homeless while schools, markets, churches, media houses have also received bitter doses of Boko Haram tragic attacks. The students in northern parts of the country pray for safety every day forgetting their studies because of these hidden anti-security group” “ You know my friend, there is this deduction from media reports that more than 935 people have been killed in about 164 suspected attacks linking Boko Haram since it launched its campaign of shooting and bomb attacks in July 2009. Report and survey put the number of deaths in the last three years of Boko Haram insurgency at over 4000” “ Innocent lives.”

“Yes, innocent lives” “ The ruling government is not performing its functions very well.

They do not allow the youths to be fully involved in decision making.

Many who are ruling in many areas do not play their roles very well. They are busy enriching their pockets due to their selfish interests.”

“I agree with you. They have many faults: the law makers are at the same time the law offenders; the anti-corruption agents, the corruption promoters; the fraud fighters, the public fund embezzlers; preachers of peace, agents of disunity.

“It is now left for you if you want to remain in poverty, if you cannot give your votes to people that can bring smile on your face.

“Some people would be saying if Nigeria splits, they are not concerned; which means your life is not their concern . You should not open your eyes and allow particles to fly into it; be wise enough.

Everybody in the land must be very inquisitive in choosing their leaders, if you don’t know, these are the people controlling your life directly or indirectly.” “ Our leaders have failed us.

And we don’t have a good alternative. Both sides have betrayed irretrievably Nigeria’s high destiny. The countless billions that Providence poured into our national coffers would have been enough to transform the lives of our poor and needy. But what have we done with it? Stolen and salted away by people in power and their accomplices; squandered in uncontrolled importation of all kinds of useless consumer merchandise from every corner of the globe; embezzled through inflated contracts to an increasing army of party loyalists who have neither the desire nor the competence to execute their contracts; consumed in the escalating salaries of a grossly overstaffed and unproductive public service.” “ That is corruption you are talking about. It has eaten deep into our body polity, Saka. It is safe to say every problem we have in Nigeria today has its roots in corruption. We would be living in a fool’s paradise for years . Rather than roll up their sleeves and concentrate on fixing Nigeria by fighting corruption frontally, our leaders have resorted to wishing the problem away by selling a warped ideology and diverting attention to insecurity. We are doomed! I wish them good luck.” “ Where is the goodluck? Patience is what we need now because the way everything is going, if we don’t have patience, things can get worse.” “ Or should we drink APC to calm our headache?” “ That one na expired drug. Do you still remember the company that produced APC? It is expired my friend. APC is no longer effective.” “ Then we are finished” “ That’s a bad case then. May God help Nigeria” “Amen” Saka and Aminu chorused.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1 1, 2014 — 17

C M Y K

18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

I make more money as a model than most actresses—Mariam Elisha into it. I modeled for about 8 years before I retired into fashion designing. I modeled for so many companies like, MTN. I did bill-board, and TV ads for MTN. Presently, I am a full time fashion designer. I have not really acted, though I love acting. I do not think I am called to act. Acting takes a lot of time trying to be what you are not, and I do not really love that. You know every career has its challenges. Way back when I started modeling , I had several challenges of casting.Most of the time, models are not well treated you have to wait in line, But, all those things are not really challenges because, I would tell you that, there was money in modelling then. I made

something in common with my career as a fashion designer because it has to do with interpretation.

Fashion designing is all about interpreting what people want, you have plans and ideas while, English is all about interpretation of Language. So, both of them have interpretation in common. But, the funny part of the whole story is that, I never knew I was going to be a model. All I know is that, I have always loved and admired models but I didn't know I would become one someday. The whole story started when someone called me one day and told me that I could be a model. I was like, I do not have money to start

,

I never knew I was going to be a model.

All I know is that, I have always loved and admired models but, I didn't know I would become one some day

,

more money and I had fun.

They paid me really well then unlike now that models are giving peanuts. I think then, they had few models and few people were willing to dabble into modelling business unlike today where everybody wants to be a model. All I can say is that I was well paid.

T

By ANOZIE EGOLE

what to expect from her this year.

M

Maryam Elisha is a y name is Maryam model and A-list fashion Elisha, I am a designer.

In this fashion designer. I inter view, she talks was once an ex beauty queen. about her reasons for I have been an ex model for not going into acting and about two years and I am still

alking about my growing up, I will tell you that it was fun. I am from Kebbi State, I speak Hausa fluently. I attended my primary and secondary schools in Kano State before I relocated to Lagos State where I studied English in the University of Lagos. After my graduation, I started doing fashion. Well, I would say that fashion designing is not all about what the person did in school. It is all about style, glamour and creativity. My course in school, I would say, has

Sta ying In taying Try Cooking:You can use the time you are around to tidy up the house and cook for the upper week. It can also help you to try a dish you have never tested before.

For Maryan Elisha, an A-list fashion designer, who spends most of her week days in the office working, she uses her weekends to cook and to keep the houses clean since she is not the type that goes out a lot.

C M Y K

looking for costumes. The person said, "No you don’t have to spend, just indicate your interest. We will do all that for you". So, I decided to give it a try and that was how I found myself in it. I think one of the first brands I modelled for, was V-mobile when they were new in Nigeria. I was the face of the brand then. I did recharge cards, billboard and Television series for them. At the beginning it was not that easy, but when I got the first job and saw the money in it, my interest intensified. It was really fun. I did not only model for telecommunications companies alone. I have done for Diamond bank, Locozade Boost billboard and MTN. The secret of my good looks is, that I keep fit, I workout a lot, I am very conscious of what I eat. I take more of fruits and water.

Besides that, I do not really have anything special that I do

to stay young. Anything goes for me. I can't do without my nails looking neat. I don’t really know what attracts men to me, I think my looks and charisma. I know that most people come to tell me that they love the fact that I am a young, pretty hard working girl. It is not only men who tell me that, my female friends also tell me that as well. People just look at me and tell me that they like me, I dont really know what my selling point is.

M

y ideal man is a very nice, calm and polite man. Just a normal gentleman.

A man that is willing to accommodate other people besides me. A man that can help other people and is willing to be there when the need arises, not just financially, but otherwise. Am not particular about being handsome, tall or whatever, you just have to be like a normal human being and be nice. You must have a good sense of humour and you must be God-fearing. Be nice to every other person and to me.

As a model, I do not think I have been sexually harassed unlike what people say that models are usually sexually harassed. As a beautiful girl, guys will sure ask you out but it all depends on what you want. It is not just in the industry, if you see what you like and you feel like having a dinner with the person, you are free to do that. It is not like, anyone is forcing you. I was invited recently to the Washington DC fashion week to showcase my collections. It was really fun knowing that we can have African and Nigerian designers especially, being invited to such an event without paying a dime. We were treated well and everything was properly done.

We were asked to showcase our products.

This year, I have been invited for, New York fashion week, Washington DC fashion week and Paris fashion week Mercedes Benz fashion week.

Going Out There are many places you can visit that are always very exciting to be in the weekends especially, when you do not feel like staying indoors. You can as well learn and meet new people by visiting those places.

Visit recreational centers

A recreational center, amusement parks could be wonderful places to visit on weekends when you feel bored indoors.

For Maryam Elisha, since she is not the type that loves clubbing a lot, she loves to visit the cinemas to watch latest movies with friends most of the weekends when she is indoors.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 19

08111813022

I don’t enjoy kissing on set —Yvonne Nelson

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

G

hananian actress and film producer Yvonne Nelson recently revealed in an interview that she doesn’t enjoy kissing on set. In her words: ’I don’t enjoy kissing on set. I can count how many times I have kissed on set. Majid and John are the two people I have kissed on set. But we don’t attach true feelings to it. If you do, you won’t do well in your career. Majid and John are friends and brothers. We have come a long way in the industry, we don’t even see the kisses as something important because this is what we do for a living’ she said.

Zik Zulu

Halima Abubakar opens up on the ‘problems’ of Nollywood

wins AMP election again!

M

• Yvonne Nelson

ovie producer and actor, Zik Zulu Okafor has been re-elected by members of the Association of Movie Producers, AMP. Zik, a member of the AMVCA jury, was reelected without contest from any member of the association.

Zik was sworn in alongside other executives on Friday January 31, 2014 at the association’s head office in Surulere, Lagos,

•Halima Abubakar

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

T

Zik Zulu

he Kogi State-born role interpreter, Halima Abubakar, renown for her seductive backside has opened up on what she considers as Nollywood’s major problems.

In her words : “Tribalism and the pull-down syndrome are the major problems. Particularly the ‘Pull-down’ syndrome . The jealousy, the envy, the maliciousness of some minds is really not necessarily .I thought by now we would have been like one family in Nollywood, but we still have a long way to go when it comes to love in Nollywood’ She said.

Uduaghan’s daughter turns Actress, Liz Benson who makes movie producer a Veteran return to Nollywood after a 14-year

O

rode Okpu-Uduaghan, the 24-year-old daughter of Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan has produced a Nollywood movie which features renowned Actors, Liz BensonAmeye and Nobert Young.

•Orode OkpuUduaghan

absence says being an evangelist was pivotal in motivating her to accept the script, especially because of its theme which championed and brought to fore the societal cause of ‘creating awareness about breast cancer.

‘With my status as a pastor, I have to be critical on the movies or productions I appear in. As someone that counsels people in church, I identify with the challenges women face here as I have had to encourage women to go for a scan when they tell me their health challenges.

‘Living Funeral’ is a great movie as it xrays the scourge of breast cancer among women‘, Liz Benson says.

Orode who makes her debut as a producer, surprised everyone back in November, 2011 when she got married at the age of 22.

The movie titled ‘Living Funeral‘ is a project under the auspice of Orode’s Pink Pearl Breast Cancer Foundation and was premiered October 27, 2013.

The Udoka Oyeka-directed movie has since been nominated in eight categories at the Africa Magic Viewer ’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) which will hold on Saturday, March 8, 2014.

•Mbong Amata

Mbong Amata tangoes with Majid Michel in new movie J eta Amata’s former wife Mbong Amata has landed her first acting role after splitting from her husband in 2013.

Mbong will be playing the lead role alongside Ghanaian star Majid Michel in a flick titled ‘Darima’s Dilemma‘.

The movie is being produced by Emem Isong and directed by Lancelot Imasuen.

The movie also features upcoming act IK Ogbonna. Casting for other roles is still going on.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

08111813022

By JULIET EBIRIM

N

ollywood

isn’t

exactly a haven populated by married women even though most of the women are the most beautiful that can be found anywhere in the country. Most of the women are either single or divorced and plenty more still searching. Those that have been able to hold on to a marriage have come to accept their lots of being the second wife.

In a recent interview, Lola Alao must have spoken the minds of many of them when she cried out “ where

Mercy Johnson M

The tale of Nollywood’s second wives are the single guys?” after being asked why many of her colleagues are going for other woman’s man and even made bold to claim that married men make better husbands.

Many of them who have toed this line have had their lives embroiled in hot waters

ost talented and sought after actress in the English sector of Nollywood, Mercy Ozioma Johnson got married to Prince Odianosen Okojie,who is married to a Canada-based lady named Lovely with two kids, a boy and a girl.

The whole drama got messier, when Lovely came out of the blues claiming that she is the legally married wife of Prince Odianose, who Mercy was planning to get married to and that she can’t get abandoned like that because she is still legally married to her husband, Prince Okojie.

However from all indications Mercy seems to be having a ball with her husband.

of controversies, and yet survived while some are not so lucky. Even there are cases of those who rushed into the arms of the other woman’s man only to rush out. Here are a few of them and their different tales of woes and triumphs.

Caroline Ekanem-Danjuma

T

he story of

Nollywood sexy actress, Caroline Ekanem-Dajunma is not hidden. She is a one-time glamorous screen diva who later became the second wife of billionaire Musa Danjuma.

Since then, Mrs. Danjuma who gave up her career in acting for the marriage has enjoyed all that money can buy and good things of life.

However, it appears something is disturbing the actress.

She

Bose Arowosegbe

I

f you have been wondering why Nigerian actresses prefer marrying other people’s husbands, wonder no more, because Nollywood Yoruba actress, Bose Arowosegbe, has come out to support the trend of actresses going after married men. Just like some of her colleagues have done in the past, Bose is a second wife and she is proud of that. Her reasons are that single men are immature, childish, poor and do not have what it takes to give the actresses the kind of life they deserve.

Here is what she said: “I am married to a married man. I have not told anyone this before. Why actresses go for married men is that most single men out there are not mature enough to handle the fact that actresses are normal women.

Mosun Filani P

recently confessed on her Facebook page that being the second best and being in

second place is not fun. It appears something is actually missing here.

Liz

Dasilva

T

here hasn't been any con crete evidence that this Togolese-Yoruba actress has married her baby’s father who she bore a bouncing baby boy some months ago. But the fact that the actress went ahead to convert from Christianity to

Islam, changing her name from Elizabeth to Aishat, in a bid to please her supposed husband, Alhaji Olaoye, is a sign that something more than just mere man-woman relationship is in the equation.

Alhaji Olaoye is said to have many other wives and Liz or Aishat is just one of many in his harem.

But it appears Liz has no qualms in marriage as she is reportedly having a ball even if she has to accept her fate of seeing Alhaji every now and then

opular Yoruba Actress, Mosunmola Filani secretly got married to Simeon Oduoye in Ibadan not too long ago.

The light-skinned Yoruba actress, as we were told by an industry source, was full of surprise getting married to Simeon, who is believed to be a woman’s guy.

Information gathered revealed that Mosun secured the love of Simeon at the expense of Yemisi, Simeon’s wife at the time.

Mosun, who once had hot romance with Odunlade Adekola and Muyiwa Ademola, was said to have hijacked Simeon to herself, thereby making him pay less attention to his wife, Yemisi, who has two kids for him.

Mosun has gone on to bear the man a baby girl and their marriage seems to be in ship-shape with no detectable cracks of any discord.

Mercy Aigbe

N

ollywood actress Mercy Aigbe is surely having the fun of her life in her polygamous marriage. She was nicknamed a husband snatcher by a fellow actress few months ago when she got married to Bimbo Akinsanya‘s husband, Lanre Gentry.

Ini Edo

I

n November 2008 she got married to Philip Ehiagwina, a businessman. Edo had a second wedding in February 2009 in America, in Houston, Texas, where her husband is based.

Their relationship had been in the newspapers: not just because Edo is one of those people that newspapers like to write things about, true and untrue, but also because Ehiagwina had already been married, to Ruth Okoro, a NigerianAmerican model and actress. Okoro made his leaving her for Edo ugly and public, both of them saying terrible things about each other.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—21 Aunty Julie, I am in a relationship right now that is very complicated. I have been hanging out with him for a very long time. We talked on the phone, online and in person every day for several months. We both get jealous of each other being with a potential other person and his body language signifies that he likes me more than a friend. All my friends and his friends all say that he acts as though there is feelings between us, that we don’t even have to say anything but they know we have a “connection.” He centres all his activities on what I do every weekend and does everything that every guy will do when they like someone more than a friend. Problem is he tells everyone that asks him what is going on that we are just friends and that’s all he sees me as. I have, during this time, fallen in love with him. I don’t want to lose our friendship but I want to be with him more than just a friend!

Isabel, Benin City Dear Isabel,

We have not been steady

He’s not telling people the truth about us

Unfortunately, this is a very common situation and I really don’t know what’s holding your “friend” back. You didn’t tell me anything about his background so I have no way of knowing whether he has been burned in an earlier relationship which is making him phobic about entering into a new one. One thing you can do is not be so available. Why should he ask you out when he can see

you anytime he wants to? My advice would be to start seeing other people and when he calls, occasionally tell him you’re busy or going out. Maybe that will snap him out of the “we’re just friends” routine. The way it is now, why should he make a move when he has you anyway? I also think it would be wise for you to take a good hard look at his relationship history to

Will this love work?

Dear Aunty, I am an twenty-three year-old male with a four year old problem. I am in love with one of my best friends. At least I think I am in love with her. When I first met her, I really didn’t like her. She was always so annoying. But then, we got to know each other better and she sort of grew on me. Not very long after, I started to get to know her, I started to think about her romantically. Soon after, we became like brother and sister, always together. And my feelings have done nothing but grown since then.

It took me about a year to work up the courage to tell her about the feelings I had for her.

When I finally did, she told me that we had too good of a friendship, that she didn’t want to ruin it, that I was like a brother to her and that she couldn’t feel that way for me. But I just can’t shake off this feeling.The pain I feel has grown so strong that I needed to take a ‘vacation’ from her, which just gave my mind time to fantasize about how great she is and how someday she has to give me a shot.

But when I am away from her for so long, I miss her to the point where the only thing I want to do is be with her. No matter how much it hurts to know, she doesn’t feel the same way. I have actually cried about this almost a hundred times.The only advice I have gotten so far is to ‘get over it’, and if I could, I would. But I can’t. I think that the reason I can’t get over this is because I can’t let go of the

hopes that some day, she may change her mind. And I truly believe that if she did feel the same, I would marry her in a heartbeat. And there I go again with the ‘ifs’. I’m sure that you get a lot of mail, and what’s going on in my world doesn’t affect you, but please, help me.

Eddy, Makurdi, Dear Eddy, I know this is hard and painful, but we can’t force someone to love us just because we love them.

At some level, we all have to re-

alize that the right person will come along for us. While we are waiting for this magical event, we have to work on ourselves non-stop to be the best person we can possibly be while we are waiting. That means doing things to build our self-confidence by succeeding in our life activities. If someone just wants to be your friend, it actually may be too painful for you to hang out with her right now. You do need to make some new friends and actually ask some other girls out, even

try to understand what is really holding him back. Has he had other girlfriends and, if so, what has happened? Once you do that, you will know if, in fact, he is really a relationship material .

Maybe friendship is all he can do right now. The bottom line is you need to take care of you. He may be jealous and possessive but unless he steps up to the plate, what do you really have? By the way, I would definitely let him make the first move. He’s scared of something and he has to deal with whatever that is before he would be ready for anything deeper.

though right now it may just be going through the motions.

Get involved with new people and new activities and try to build a life separate from her.

She may even look at the new you and think, “Hey, he’s hot!”

Wasting your life mooning after her will just make you seem pathetic to her and you don’t want that. You could play a little harder to get and she may even start wondering why you are not panting over her as much as you used to. The more you move on, the more appealing you will become, not just to her, but to everybody else.

Please give this a try.

I cheated on my boyfriend Aunty Julie, I am 21 years old and have been with my boyfriend for almost eight months. This is my first relationship and I am truly in love with him. I traveled recently with two guys from my home town .

One of the guys had a crush on me and I used to have a huge crush on the other one. I have been friends with both of them for years and so has my boyfriend and there was nothing for him to worry about. The only problem was when I was drunk, I hooked up with the guy I used to have a crush on. I told him I would never tell my boyfriend because we were just having fun but he suspected something. I told my boyfriend the truth which really hurt him but he says he wants to work it out because he loves me and does not want to lose me. I felt so guilty before he knew I felt so

Confessions *Bill sat alone in the hospital room at his dying wife’s beside. It was difficult to hear her above the many life sustaining devices, as her voice was little more than a hoarse whisper. “Bill darling,” she breathed. “I’ve got a confession to make before I go... I ... I’m the one who took the $10,000 from your safe in the house ... I spent it on a fling with your best friend Jimmy. And it was I who forced your mistress to leave the community in utter disgrace. I’m afraid I also was the one who reported you to the IRS for income tax evasion...”

“That’s all right dearest; don’t even give it a second thought.” said Bill. “I have a small confession too. I’m the one who poisoned you.”

guilty afterward but I really do love him and want to be with him. I think I was just scared that he was going to be the last person I am ever going to be with.

I need some advice how to get over what I did. Also, do you think we can work things out knowing that I deceived my “true love.”

Lola, Lagos Dear Lola, You are really in love for the first time and that is absolutely wonderful. But there is a part of you that doesn’t feel ready to make a full on commitment just yet. That’s the part that slept with your friend.

Yes, you can work it out and probably will, but are you really ready to give up “playing the field.”

While it is wonderful and joyful to have found a soul mate

at your age, as mature as you think you are, very few people are ready to give up being an adolescent/young adult. Most would need more time to develop, mature and find out who they are. Only then can they possibly be ready to say that they want to spend the rest of their lives with someone. As hard as this sounds, part of you just does not feel ready to give it all up just yet. The good news is that you behaved honorably towards your boyfriend by telling him the truth. It is even better news that he forgave you. Now, all you have to do is forgive yourself and stop feeling so guilty about what you did and be more responsible. If you want to stay in a committed relationship right now, that is fine, as long as you tell yourself you are not ready to even consider marriage.

C O C K - T A L E S Harmonica *A solider stationed in the South Pacific wrote to his wife in the States to please send him a harmonica to occupy his free time and keep his mind off the local women. The wife complied and sent the best one she could find, along with several dozen lesson and music books.

Rotated back home, he rushed to their home and through the front door. “Oh darling” he gushed, “Come here... let me look at you... let me hold you !

Let’s have a fine dinner out, then make love all night.

I’ve missed your lovin’ so much !”

The wife, keeping her distance, said, “All in good time lover. First, let’s hear you play that harmonica.”

Dear Julie, There is a guy that I have been “dating” on and off for about six months. We were friends first and then we hooked up one night. Since then, we’ve been hanging out a lot.

The problem is that in the beginning, we were both dating other people and it was fine, because we were building a friendship/romantic relationship. Now it seems to me that we are really close. Sometimes, I think I love him. But the problem is he still sometimes hangs out with his exgirlfriend (who is still completely in love with him) and dates some other girls. I am dating also, but I realize that the one I truly want is him.

But I can’t tell him because I am afraid of losing his friendship as well. He sometimes says that he can’t see us in the “long term” but then he asks what I think. I tell him I just don’t know, because I’m afraid that we’ll grow apart if he knew how I felt. He also tells me he can’t let go of the ex yet because he can’t afford another long term relationship to go bad. I think he and I have that potential, but I need to know how to show him that. How can I truly find out about how he feels without completely scaring him off?

Flora, Warri Dear Flora, He is being really honest.

He is telling you he isn’t over his ex and that he can’t see the two of you long term. This is all you need to know. If you pursue this guy, it will probably not be the best thing for you. If someone isn’t over their ex and is still dating others, he himself is not emotionally ready for anything more.

Save yourself some heartache and keep the friendship as it is. If you continue to hook up and be romantic with no commitment, it will only hurt you in the long run. Perhaps he will want more with you down the road, but frankly, he has everything he wants now. So why should he change anything? He is definitely not a sure bet. I wish I had better news. My advice is to withdraw anything physical and romantic, tell him that you respect his wishes to stay friends and that you want to date a lot of people until you are ready to meet the right one. You may think he is the “right one” but he would have to think so too in order to be a couple. Doesn’t sound to me like he’s there yet.

Dream Condo *The middle-aged married couple finally moved into the Condo of their dreams, but right next door to a very sexy fashion model. The husband had taken to borrowing this or that from their neighbour and it seemed to the wife that it always took him way too long to return. One time, the wife had had enough and actually pounded on the wall between the two apartments. There being no response she telephoned, only to get the answering machine. Finally she went to the model’s door and just kept ringing the bell.

When the model answered, the wife fumed,”I would like to know why it is my husband takes so damn long to get something over here.”

“Well sweetie,” the model purred, “all these interruptions sure ain’t helping none either.”

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

means of getting a relationship say about you? If he/she could be seduced away, could this person be just as easily seduced away from you someday by another very cunning admirer? Don’t forget that karma works both ways - you get back what you give out.

If you went with accepting reality, then you would have your wits about you and were very concerned about not wanting to hurt anyone (including yourself).

After all, your crush’s partner

08052201257 anyagafu@yahoo.com

Forbidden love Y

ou have found an amazing man or woman who makes you smile all the time. You look forward to seeing him or her. This person is smart, attractive, thoughtful, and has a really incredible personality. You feel so good inside every time you think about being with him or her. There is only one problem though: your crush is already seeing somebody else, and maybe even in a serious, committed relationship.

If you managed to succeed at driving your love interest from his current love to you, you have pushed beyond the boundaries of natural soul mates

So, what can you do? You have four basic options. You could: Make it your mission in life to make this person see that you are meant to be together, which might make you seem desperate and could cause some major drama; accept the reality of the situation and make the decision to just be friends and not interfere with his/her relationship; send out good vibes that you want him/her and let fate take its course, whether that means you end up together or are driven farther apart; acknowledge

found him or her first and there must be something that bonds the two of them together. Right? Being friends is fine if you’re truly fine with the relationship going no further. Do not have any expectations. Also, be careful about spending too much of your free time with your “friend” when you should be setting your sights on finding a mate of your own. To have love, you need to be open to it and looking around.

We cannot always have who we want or what we want - period. If your crush likes you as a friend but loves loves another, then that

how special you are and have the confidence and faith in yourself that when the time is right, you will meet someone who is free to love you as much as you deserve to be loved.

Give this a great deal of thought. What you decide to do is up to you, but remember that there are other people’s feelings involved and there is more than just one person out

there for you.

If you managed to succeed at driving your love interest from his current love to you, you have pushed beyond the boundaries of natural soul mates. What does the lack of loyalty and ability to be pushed from one love to another say about him or her? What does this

Is this love or infatuation?

Ques: I have been dating this guy and our relationship was so sudden and we have gone all the way several times. We have not even defined the relationship and I cannot therefore call him my guy. He has never introduced me to his friends as his lady and yet we meet and have sex all the time. I need to know, what is love?

Does he love me? I cannot do without him and I have this feeling I love him more than he loves me. Is it right? Who should love more - the guy or the girl or should there be equality? Also, how do I know if it’s a crush, infatuation or love?

Please help me...

Phina, Ibadan Ans: Thank you for your excellent questions. These are easy to ask and

difficult to answer . I’ll start with the second one first. In the beginning, infatuation (or a crush) and love feel exactly the same. We feel like our hearts are opening up for the first time and being around the person of our choice feels just like magic, like someone has cast a spell on us and that the world fades away in the presence of our beloved. Colours are brighter, birds sing more sweetly and happiness overwhelms us. This is wonderful news when it happens.

Unfortunately, the down side is that these feelings of being inebriated on love do not last for very long. Once they fade, people are disappointed that they no longer feel the crush or infatuation to the intensity that they did before; they therefore feel they have fallen “out of love.”Actually, this is where love begins and infatuation ends. Real love means

understanding and sharing with our loved ones as deeply as possible. Real love is the total acceptance of another human being with all their flaws, and believe me, we all have them. Real love means letting go of all pretense, fantasy, expectations that our lover will be perfect and that we will never feel negatively and get angry at them.

This is pure nonsense. The problem that most young people have is that once this infatuated feeling dies, they don’t have the understanding to let the love pass into the next stage which is more like the one I just described and, while it doesn’t seem as exciting anymore, it is replaced by a feeling of security and completeness which is marvelous and comforting, safe and loving. As far

relationship that will lead to marriage on 08063596153 •Femi, 40, businessman, wants to meet a Yoruba lady of 30-35 for marriage on 08161181990 •Adeyemi, 48, employed, God fearing, wants a matured woman of 40-45 on Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want 07013083292 to share with our readers? Please e-mail,chiomagabriel@vanguardngr.com •Ola, 30, male, undergraduate, single, needs a caring lady for a Do you want to be linked? godly relationship that will lead Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to marriage on 08060391690 to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa•Bruno,36,needs a lady for a tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for relationship that will lead to disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process. marriage on 07067646293 • Ibrahim, 35, businessman, based in Lagos needs a Muslim lady aged 25-34 for a serious relationship on 08146375498 •Chibike, from Rivers State, 49, fair, business man,widowed, based in Lagos, needs a dedicated lady of 35 and above for a

C M Y K

is that. Send out good vibes that say you are ready for lasting love to come into your life from another source.

The last option is the best and most effective choice because it takes the focus off this unavailable and unattainable man and shines the spotlight on you. You are as deserving of love as every other individual is. It can be disappointing, sad, and downright discouraging when love seems to be in the air for everyone but you. It feels like you have been excluded from a club that you want so desperately to be a member!

What you need to do is to find ways to reinforce how special and precious you are.

There are many ways to do this. You might want to try out a new look, spend time with friends who make you feel important and popular, read a book that resonates with you, or take some time to get in touch with your spiritual side.

The important thing is to build your confidence in such a way that it will show on the outside and others will take notice! In order to find a man or woman for yourself, you need to first be happy with who you are.

Find joy, fulfillment, and enjoyment in your own life and before you know it, that crush you are thinking about presently will be replaced in your mind and your heart with a real love interest who is totally into you!

as your first concern: all real love is based on mutual respect, admiration and concern with each other's well-being.

Having said that, equality is the only way! Now this doesn’t mean that we all always feel equal in our feelings. Sometimes, one person in a relationship will feel closer and the other more distant but, overall, people in close relationships should feel equally close and equally loving. They should feel the complete safety to be wholly themselves and they should feel that, while they could probably survive life on their own, having this particular person enhances their sense of why they have been put on this planet!

Remember, nothing else matters without love. Love is all you really need!

•Winifred, 24, female, humble, seeks a caring man aged 27-32 for a serious relationship on 08174974884 •Best, 49, female, based in Lagos, needs an honest God fearing man aged 50 and above who is ready for marriage on 08121276609 •Blessing, male, wants a lady of 25-30 years from any part of the country for a strong relationship that will lead to marriage on 081233442688

SATURDAY Vanguard,FEBRUARY 1 1,, 2014—23

It’s alright for women to be as sexually experienced as men!

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EX has always meant different things to different people. Whilst a hand of young ladies hold on to their virginity (as bargaining chips maybe?) a lot of men scoff at the myth of ‘deflowering’ awoman. “What’s the big deal in that?” Scoffed K amar, a mar ried medical doctor with three children, “Someone has to get there first, I had a virgin girl once but after she’d tasted the forbidden fruit, she was off on a sampling spree. By the time I met my current wife, she wasn’t a virgin and she refused to let on how many men she’d ‘sampled’. I was quite at home with that. Better you know the package you’re getting than your girl flaunting her virginity at you.”

I recently came across the views of a 25-year old adventurer who said: “My mum first talked to me about sex when I was just 10 years old.

‘It’s something very special that happens between two people who him. However, I missed the love each other,’ she said. sex more, I definitely didn’t

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e just couldn’t keep our hands off each other. But six months after first having sex, we split up.

We both loved each other but felt we were too young to settle down, I really missed C M Y K

want another relationship, yet 1 craved intimacy.

“A few weeks later, I was on a night out when I met a tall good-looking guy who was a few years older than

,

H

er words stuck with me, so in my early teens, when my friend started experimenting, I wasn’t interested, I didn’t even kiss a boy until I was 16. There was no way I was going to lose my virginity in a quickly fumble. I wanted it to be special. “I met David at university. He was funny and sweet, and when he asked me to go to the cinema with him, I was thrilled, soon he was my boyfriend and just before my 17th birthday, I lost my virginity at his house. His parents were away and he’d cooked dinner and bought presents.

‘I love you’, he says as we lay in each other ’s arm after wards. Even though we were young, we had an exciting and experimental sex life. As we both lived at home we’d often have a bonk in his car or in a field by my house.

me. ‘Do you want to go back to mine? He asked after just an hour of chatting, ‘sure,’ I said without hesitation. As 1 left the club, 1 sent my mates a text message telling them where I was going. The sex was mindblowing, and as I left his flat the next day I realized not only did I not have his number, I didn’t even know his name. But I wasn’t bothered at all, I know it’s dangerous going home with a stranger but I loved the buzz, it was the first of many one-night stands. By the time I’d left home, I’d slept with 25 men and was in no hurry to get a boyfriend; I later met a boy at the university who lived in my hall of residence. I went back to his room.

We had sex and both fell asleep, I woke up in the early hours and sneaked off.

We just couldn’t keep our hands off each other. But six months after first having sex, we split up

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here was no way I wanted to hang around for the morningafter awkwardness!

“Over the next four years, I had many men— in fact, my flat mates would be shocked if! didn’t bring a man home after a night out!

To celebrate graduating, my course mates and I went on a weekend away. Within three hours of arriving, I was heading back to the apartment of one of the hunky local men. These days, I’ve calmed down a little, but only because working full-time stops me from going out as much.

“To be honest, I have no idea how many men I’ve slept with. I stopped counting at 100. But I know how important it is to be careful and I always use condoms. I’d never had sex with a guy who refused to wear protection. Generally, men like my refreshing attitude to sex but most say I’m not girl friend material.

They couldn’t cope with a woman who’s slept with more people than them, that attitude frustrates me —it’s 2013 and things should be equal. I know having sex with a lot of people isn’t for every one, but I think they ’re missing out!”

Give ‘it your body an MOT this New Year!

Quiz: Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement.

1. If you are a man, a score of up to 0.95 is good. A score of 0.96 and above is bad.

2.

To calculate your body mass index (how fat you are), measure your weight in kilograms (this is value A). A measure your height in meters and multiply this by itself (the result is valued B). A score of 18 to 25 is good.

Anything else is bad.

3.

Have you had a major illness in the past ten years (Yes/

No).

Have you, ever had any serious illness in the past ten years? (Yes/ No).

When you cut yourself, does the wound take a long time to heal? (Yes/ No).

Have you taken several antibiotic courses for infection? (Yes/No).

Do you catch a cold easily? (Yes/No).

When you have a cold, does it usually take over three days to get better?

(Yes/ No).

10.

Do you feel old?

(Yes/No).

11.

Do you have any heredity related disease or diabetes? (Yes/No).

12.

Have two or more parents or grandparents died before the age of 70?

(Yes/ No).

13.

Does your job or lifestyle involve danger?

(Yes/No).

14.

Do you travel - more than 10,000 miles a year by car? (Yes/No).

15.

Do you work somewhere noisy, dirty or dusty? (Yes/No).

9.

Do you get any of the following more frequently than once every six months; thrush, cold sores, mouth, ulcers infections? (Yes/No).

Scores 1and 2: ‘No points for a ‘good’ response, one point each for a bad.

3 -15: One point for a ‘Yes’

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

and a point for a ‘No’.

Your total is 0.1 Amazing! our body is younger than your age. Make sure you keep it that way.

2-3:Ok.You are in good condition but could improve.

4 -7:Not great. Look carefully at your answers to see what changes you can make.

8 -15: Oh dear! Your body is older than your age.

Tackle problem areas and see your doctors for a health check.

Adapted from: Stay Young Longer Naturally by Dr. Marine Kyriazis

Adapted from: Stay Young Longer Naturally by Dr. Marine Kyriazis

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Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

here’s no deny ing the potent power of Nigeria as a country or Nigerians as a people. Meeting just one Nigerian (depending on who) can have life altering effects not to talk more of walking into a room full of us or better still, drop a jonnie just come in the middle of Lagos during rush hour….

Trust me, it has a profound effect.

See the way our music and dance has colonised the world, our

actors are recognised in nooks and crannies; their work consumed voraciously by Nigerians and non –Nigerians alike. Foreigners come here and in no time they’re picking up our slang, gestures, body language and God forbid; bad habits. No, there’s no denying that we are highly addictive.

The force of Nigeria is so potent people who live within a certain geographic area begin to take on certain personality traits peculiar to that region, like how Lagosians are aggressive and Jos people are pretty laid

Nigeria: a great potent force back… or like the expatriate businessman who arrives our shores with the intention of doing things properly and applying best global practice till he be begins to spend quality time with his Nigerian partner who will school him in the ‘ way we do things here’.

A friend of ours; a fine gentleman, accomplished, devoted father and husband, spent most of his adult life in the obodooyinbo, U.S of A for that matter.

I draw emphasis to that because we all know how particular Americans are about personal space.

According to the story, this friend was riding shotgun in a car when ahead of them, a lorry

driver got reckless, crashed into a truck pusher, ruined his truck, then sped off.

The truck pusher in desperation to seek justice jumped unto the tailgate of the lorry and held on for dear life.

They caught up with them at a junction having asked one of the road safety officers to apprehend the driver. It was reported that our friend was so incensed by the injustice of it all, that he landed the guy a dirty slap…three times.

Don’t get me wrong. I get; totally. In these parts, a bully is taken out using the same methods only double the force. But that’s a “Nigerian” response. It is in our nature, we lash out. We have very little

respect for “personal space” and are only beginning to get a grasp of the concept.

We are quick to have fingers in each other ’s faces and before too

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24 — SATURDAY

a very last resort and mostly only in extreme situations. (Hm... maybe that was an extreme situation for our friend…) and don’t get me wrong, I

Foreigners come here and in no time they’re picking up our slang, gestures, body language and God forbid; bad habits

,

long someone has shoved someone else and it’s on. Americans don’t do that. I beg!

I’m not talking about Shanaynay and Roshan or those other characters that appear on the Springer show.

Americans agree to disagree and no matter how heated things become, striking out is usually

am not disappointed or think any less of him. (But let’s face it, no matter how reckless the driver, in America, it would not have ended in three slaps).I’m just curious.

I know that in the last several years he’s been coming home a lot. And he’s also been spending a lot

I

n my young mind in those days(over 40 years ago), I often wondered how parents concluded that this child was their favourite. My confusion was the fact that my parents did not show favouritism towards any of us, so I had no first-hand experience to fall back on. It was simply and always a case of who was right or wrong, who needed what, and whose needs were more urgent at any point.

These were the criteria that determined where the pendulum swung.

As I grew older, I began to notice some of the criteria parents used to choose favourites. One was the eldest son. He another case, a man who occupied a special place; lost his only son was to he was untouchable. He lamenting was exempted from sympathisers in the of the household chores; all his presence daughters that “I am needs were met somefinished; who will inherit times to the detriment, anger and envy of the my properties?”

Another criterion I other siblings. His pornoticed was tion of food was more intelligence.

Some and he got the choicest and biggest pieces of parents tend to favour the most brilliant meat . children. I visited a The other criterion I female friend in those noticed was the only son days for the first time. (and in rare cases only She was a stunning daughter). They were beauty and I imagined special children. Their that she will be adored sisters were tutored to in her house. How live for and serve them. wrong was I?She had a I visited a home where younger sister who was the mother was proudly not as beautiful but telling the older apparently more daughters to leave “my brilliant, judging by the son alone... the only way the mother kept child because the sisters referring to her. The will marry to join other mother had invited me to families and change help in carrying out surnames while the only some assignments for son carries on with the family. In the course family name).” In of planning the mother

The fa e cchild hild syndr ome favvourit ourite syndrome said: “if only your sister was around”,repeatedly made degrading remarks about my friend’s intelligence every. The irony is that my friend is very intelligent, maybe not as gifted as her sister. But my surprise was how my friend put up with so much mental abuse and still

if we should, must we also flaunt it to the detriment of others ? I am following my parents’ footstep. I do not have favourites. All my children have different attributes which appeal to me differently.I am learning to understand

I am learning to understand each person’s personality and help them develop their potentials

,

emerged a very confident and successful young lady.

Surprisingly, she adored her mother!

Some other parents have favourites based on looks, behaviour and other reasons even they cannot adequately explain. But my concern is should we have favourites among our children, especially in their developmental stages, and

,

each person’s personality and help them develop their potentials. I remember the day my eldest son came to tell that he learnt eldest sons are special. “There is nothing special about eldest sons”, I shot back angrily. “They are normal children like the rest of the

children.” I did not want him to harbour any such thoughts in his mind. In those days in Warri and its environs in Delta State, a lot of these eldest sons derailed.

At a point, young people like me began to think eldest sons were cursed (“E be like say dem swear for them” was how it was said in Warri pidgin).

I never really knew what was responsible for the trend, but I guess they were just spoilt brats.

But the bottom line is we must create an enabling environment in our homes where every child can blossom and develop to his or her full p o t e n t i a l s .

Sometimes, when parents favour a particular child and give him preferential

of that time in Abuja, I gather in and around government circles… now I’m not saying anything (your conclusions are all yours). I just want to know what he has been exposed to over the last several years that has eroded his basic intrinsic respect for another. When and how, did he become a Nigerian?

Is it us? Is it the way we comport ourselves, treat one another? What is it about Nigeria that encourages lawlessness and impunity? That encourages employers to short-change staff and treat them appallingly? Is it true what they say that in Nigeria some things don’t apply? And if yes, does that extend to commodities like courtesy, consideration and respect? Nigeria… a potent force! Imagine if our influences were more of a positive kind? Or is it simply because sooner or later everyone comes to the realization that you can get away with anything...?

I’m yet to see my friend, but I am certainly looking forward to the encounter perhaps he’ll give me a glimpse into the workings of his mind and the influences of Nigeria on his heart….

Hmm…Nigeria… a potent force!!! treatment they prevent the child from developing normally like other children. This can become a stumbling block in the future. Some sent their parents to early graves.

Sometimes favouritism leads to animosity and avoidable enmity among children .(Remember the story of Joseph and his siblings, even though we later found out that it was part out God’s plan to sort out Jacob’s family during famine). Today there are families that are torn apart where siblings are at one another’s throat.

Meanwhile, the parents who created the mess are not there to clear it; they have passed on.

My current worry is for young couples who I see threading this path. They must realise that they might just be playing with a cobra unknowingly. There is a way to run the home and give every child love, attention, his/her due sense of belonging. Love, peace and a strong bond reign in families where there is a level playing field, fairness and equity.

But even if parents want to have favourites, which is their prerogative, at least give to Caesar what is Caesar ’s and to God what belongs to God.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—25

BY JULIET EBIRIM AND ANOZIE EGOLE

Ban on smoking in public places The recent law banning public smoking by the Lagos State Government has generated various reactions from members of the public. While some say it is a welcome development, others argue that it is an infringement on their rights.

As usual, Saturday Vanguard went to town to sample the reactions of some Nigerian entertainers on the issue.

People should cut down on their excesses

It’s for our own good

— Jesse King Buga, Musician

I

think it’s a good thing that the state gov ernment has done, because smoking in public places poses serious damages to nonsmokers too. I think people should control themselves and cut down on their excesses as it could be very dangerous to their health.

— Mary Lazarus, Actress

I believe there are better things to think of than that. I also believe that it is for the safety and good of Nigerians. For modesty sake, I think it’s okay because smoking in public places affect nonsmokers more, and it is even very dangerous to them. We don’t have freedom in Nigeria any longer, but I think it’s okay for our own good.

It’s a perfect decision

— Rhymzo, Musician It’s a perfect decision. Since smoking is dangerous to our health, I think it’s a very welcome development.

— Ayo Adesanya, Actress It’s a good thing because even in developed countries, there are places you don’t smoke. I personally don’t like smoking because of its health implications.

So I think it’s a good one, Kudos to the state government.

It all depends on what the govt means

Other states should borrow a leaf

Well, it depends on what they mean by public places.... If it’s in enclosed places like a night club, a pub, then its understandable, it’s not harmful to the next person.? As long as it’s not enclosed or in a four wall.... Open space na open space . In the UK, people come outside the club to stand in the cold to smoke because inside the club is an enclosed place.

I think it’s a good decision in the right direction because we know the hazards of cigarette smoking, it’s even worse for second-hand smokers. It’s not an ideal thing smoking in public, we have enough air pollution already.

So, I hope they maintain that standard and other states should borrow a leaf from this. People should smoke in their private homes.

—Yvonne Jegede, Actress

C M Y K

Kudos tto o the State Government

— Mike Okri, Musician

It’s a good thing for the kids

— Fathia Balogun, Actress

I think it’s a good thing because smoking in public places has a huge effect on our kids. If a kid sees an adult smoking on the road, that kid will think it’s a good thing.

For the kids, I think it’s a good decision.

C M Y K

26 — SARTURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

V

ictor Essiet of The Mandators fame, who just returned to the country after sojourning in the United States for over two decades now speaks on why he has not married again after the death of his former wife, Peggy. He also talks about his upcoming album, his American experience and his plans to revive the reggae music in Nigeria

By SAM ANOKAM

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hat’s your latest album, ‘Freedom Train’ all about?

You must know that the track is an introduction of the upcoming album which is 15-tracks. The message of redemption is still strong today. There is no prosperity for the suffering masses and their ordeals are on the increase.

Freedom is our right, it should be demanded for; it is not earned. We are not going to beg for our freedom. But it is a collective effort of the masses; the masses should come together and demand for their freedom. It is a message that we are bringing as usual that since the world is not getting better, we cannot relent on our efforts to mount pressure on those oppressing us. I am working with independent records companies such as Mystic Records California and PP Records based in New York to release this major work. We are still working on this album. This is one single that is dropping very soon. I will be shooting a video of this very track in Los Angeles before we embark on a world tour. We are planning to release the first single in February while the second single will be released in April. The album itself will be released in June.

Were you surprised that no Nigerian artiste was invited to perform at Mandela’s funeral?

I was not surprised because this is Africa, and in Africa we have a lot of wicked people. They do not believe in doing the right thing. Yes, we stood for our sister country during the apartheid era, and one had expected South African leaders to use Mandela’s funeral to honour Nigeria. Until Africa finds the right people who would put things in perspective, things would remain this way.

What is the essence of this event?

Do you know that Nigerians keep asking me why I left Nigeria for America? I went for a radio and television interview session, and the listeners were calling to find out what I’m doing currently and why I travelled out of the country. I realised that I am so much loved and the things I did while I was in Nigeria and which I took for granted were appreciated by the masses. Yes, I sojourned in America for a long time and while I was there, I got blessed by God. I didn’t make much name in America like I did in Nigeria. But I gained in terms of monetary compensation much more than I did in my own country. The big names in Africa didn’t buy my cassettes and video cassettes. The masses bought my video cassettes and listened to my songs. The masses made me who I am today. I got to America and I didn’t have to introduce myself because I was seen on TV, the papers, recordings and so much more.

The Americans were elated by the way Africans applauded my arts. So, I got their attention and made something for myself because of my popularity in Africa. As you know, Nigeria is dying because the truth is suppressed. I am using this medium to tell all my contemporaries that I am back home and ready to support everybody.

Is it a way of reviving reggae music in Nigeria?

Yes. Reggae is about truth and justice and the reggae artistes need to earn a good living singing their songs. I have just signed a franchise in America known as ‘Reggae meets Africa’. Reggae in Africa has to be exported. I happened to be the only reggae artiste from Africa known in America, and this is not supposed to be so. Honour is never given to whom it is

Why I have not remarried — Victor Esshiet of The Mandators fame

•Says I’m back to revive reggae music in Nigeria

You were known to be a social crusader. Is it that you have

changed since you got to the United States?

This is the mistake we make. Back in the days, I made my first album; it didn’t make it because it was not promoted very well. I made another album, it didn’t also fly. I produced the two albums while I was still in college in Lagos. The third album which was Crisis contained songs such as ‘Rise to the Top’, ‘Inflation’, ‘System’, ‘Redemption’ which canvassed for the emancipation of the blacks in South Africa and the song, ‘I love You’, which preached love and unity in Africa became a major hit and automatically turned the music industry around in this country.

There are ghettos in America; joblessness, sufferings but it is not in the same magnitude that we have here. Wherever I am, I represent the voiceless people, the downtrodden people.

I am not going to be shooting a music video depicting some kind of things that is not part of me. I am a sufferer from time immemorial. As long as there are suffering people, people that are not having enough to eat then, I’m a sufferer. We are not alright until my African brothers or sisters are doing well.

Again, I said there are 15 songs in the album. We will be shooting the video in Nigeria as well as other parts of Africa.

How have you been able to maintain your dread locks?

It has been with me almost all my life. I handle my dreadlocks just as you wash or comb your hair.

Have you re-married?

Not at all. I am just being focused on my career. It is very difficult to make it on the international scene. It demands a lot of commitments. So, I have been putting a lot of energies into my music to be able to achieve what I have achieved internationally. I’m still a single father. I have a son and his name is Essien. I love him so much.

Don’t you think you belong to the old school, and hip hop has taken over in Nigeria?

SARTURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

due. But I have won an award in America as ‘Best New Entertainer’ by International Reggae World music. If I have won the award, that means I have what it takes to stand the test of time. My coming back is to show them that I appreciate them and wants to carry them along in whatever I am doing.

When I left Nigeria for America, I didn’t relocate because I don’t like my country. But I left for America because I got to go to somewhere else and do something differently. I am not using this medium to try to get back into the Nigerian music scene because I am ever present in the scene.

I am going to continuously offer quality music. I am looking at the situation where every good reggae artiste in Africa would be known by the world because of the message they are conveying to the masses. For instance, Rhymzo is a very good reggae artiste, but he hasn’t done much for himself in monetary value. How can he survive this way? There are other good reggae artistes wallowing in poverty because of the truth and justice in their songs. Meanwhile, the government is sponsoring artistes doing meaningless songs because these musicians are not condemning their wicked attitudes toward the masses. I cannot fight this battle alone. That’s the reason for this invasion. We are not only talking about reggae artistes in Nigeria, but all my brothers in Africa. We want a situation where we can take a reggae artiste from Nigeria to South Africa and bring in Ghanaian reggae artiste to Nigeria.

When I left Nigeria for America, I didn’t relocate because I didn’t like my country. But I left for America because I got to go to somewhere else and do something differently. I am not using this medium to try to get back into the Nigerian music scene because I am ever present in the scene

I just want to correct another thing. I lived in the US and I would want somebody to tell me where music is highly sophisticated in the world? I want somebody to tell me where the centre of entertainment is located in the world today?

When you tell me that, then I am going to tell you that hiphop that we are talking about today is not the hip-hop we know internationally.

If I belong to the past, King Sunny Ade was in the past, Chief Ebenezar Obey, Late Sonny Okosun, Fela, Victor Olaiya et al were there before I was born. When I came into the scene, I had a place in the Nigerian music industry. I am strong and resolved in the things that I do. I can do anything.

As a matter of fact, I am not boasting, I can do what every other musician is doing. But they cannot do what I do. I was there before so many musicians that are here today just like many where there before me. They made ways for all of us like I made ways for others. Others came to make way for us, they did not come to destroy or drive away other people. I have been doing music for a long time now and I have been growing from strength to strength even when I am not here. I am here joining hands with the young people who we have paved the way for . Myself, Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono, Onyeka Onwenu, Evi Edna, late Xtian Essien, among many others were in the forefront and are still doing it. Let’s face the reality. The reality is that old school is the real music. All the songs I have released are evergreen. What is going on in the country today? It’s the same thing I was singing against in the 1980s. We are yet to have another Moses who would lead us to the promised land. What we have today is hypocrisy. It pains me because I went through this and only God helped me to be able to be sitting here. Not that I am fully back but I am going to be here doing the things that we need to do to move our country forward. I don’t have problem with what kind of music we have in the country today. But the problem is within us as a people, let us promote whatever we have but gear towards the emancipation of the real people.

C M Y K

SATURDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—27

Coconut:Oil from the tree of life T

hai people are not only fascinating, but remarkably healthy. They eat amazingly high quantities of saturated fats such as coconut oil and lard, yet have extremely low levels of disease on average. A large part of their diet consists of coconut, fermented foods, meat, a variety of vegetables, and rice. If you’ve ever tasted Thai food, you know that they also have bold taste in seasonings and make use of potent herbs and spices like curry, lemongrass, basil, and chilis. Overall, the Thai people consume very little soy, except for fermented condiments.

People consuming a traditional diet in Thailand have less instance of heart disease and the lowest rates of cancer for the 50 countries studied by the World Health Organisation.

So how does all this interest us?

Healthy food Coconuts are an excellent source of nutrition and have healthful meat, juice, and oil. Even the Scripture refers to coconut as the “tree of life”. The oil is arguably the most nutritious and has many incredibly understated health benefits. Coconut oil is over 90 percent saturated fat and has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It has antioxidant properties and it helps in the absorption of other minerals. High in short and medium chain fatty acids, which are easily digested and sent right to the liver for energy production, coconut oil is a healthy food even for those with diabetes or those who have gallbladder problems.

Saturated fat warning Saturated fats are necessary for cell function and growth, and have been linked to increased health and even weight loss. But at least onethird of the world’s population depends on coconut for staple diet. Anyone who has been around the real food community lately much must have heard many references to the benefits of coconut, healthy fats you ingest. It especially coconut oil. Unfairly is also helpful in ostracized by the medical assimilation of fat soluble community for its saturated fat vitamins. content, coconut oil is finally Second look making a comeback in the Saturated fat is getting a mainstream health community. second look from the For years, “health” advice medical community, so if warned against consuming you are still concerned, saturated fats, and coconut oil take a second look. Not all has been thrown out with the saturated fats are alike rest of the “junk foods”. and coconut oil is Nutrition powerhouse exceptional depends on But take it or leave it, the coconut for food, and if coconut is a nutrient-packed you haven’t already, you powerhouse and the coconut should consider oil is the most nutrient-dense incorporating coconut oil part of the coconut. Among into your diet! saturated fats, coconut oil is an When speaking about all-star with many benefits coconut oil, we are only beyond its strict nutritional looking at one part of the content. Due to its high lauric amazing coconut palm. acid content, it is actually Each component, beneficial to the body. It is including coconut hull solid at room temperature like fibre, coconut protein and butter. It doesn’t break down coconut water has in heat or light or become experimentally confirmed rancid like many oils, and has therapeutic applications. a wonderful tropical aroma.

Over the years, coconut Adding coconut oil to your oil has dragged itself out diet/lifestyle is a wonderful of the muck of vast way to increase the amount of misrepresentation, but it

Coconuts are an excellent source of nutrition and have healthful meat, juice, and oil

•Coconut oil,benefitial to the body and to the hair

•Coconut oil...with many benefits

still rarely gets the appreciation it truly deserves.

Healing agent Not just a “good” saturated fat, coconut oil is an exceptional healing agent as well, with plenty of useful health applications. Coconut oil has so many great uses.

Not only is it great for cooking, it is useable in almost every body care need. Coconut oil has antiviral and anti-microbial properties and is known to

work wonders for diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, Crohn’s disease, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc. Despite its high calorie and saturated fat content, some people use coconut oil to lose weight and lower cholesterol... .

Ways to use coconut oil Obesity and reduction of belly fat —Contains enough saturated fat which can accelerate the loss of midsection fat (the most dangerous kind). Just two tablespoons a day (30ml)

visibly reduces belly fat (waist size) within 1-3 months of use.

Brain-boosting: Administration of medium chain triglycerides (most plentifully found in coconut oil) in persons with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, resulted in significant increases in measurable cognitive improvement comparable with those with less severe cognitive dysfunction.

Clearing head lice —When combined with anise spray, coconut oil is superior to the insecticide permethrin.

Healing wounds —Used for wound healing since time immemorial. Healing effects based on the ability to accelerate re-epithelialization, improve antioxidant enzyme activity, and stimulate higher collagen cross-linking within the tissue being repaired; works synergistically with traditional treatments, such as silver sulphadizine, to speed burn wound recovery Anti-ulcer activity - Coconut milk (which includes coconut oil components), has been shown to be as effective as the conventional drug sucralfate as an NSAID-associated anti-ulcer agent.

Dandruff remedy and hair conditioner:Coconut oil can effectively get rid of dandruff when rubbed into the scalp a couple times a week.

28—SATURDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

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or more than 18 years of her sexually active life, Sarah did everything possible to keep from getting pregnant. She narrates in graphic detail how, from when she turned 17 till she was 32, she took birth control pills with clockwork regularity. Now, in her late 30s, Sarah is ready to settle down and build a family. But nature has been unkind.

Read on: My name is Sarah. I’m the typical woman next door or on the street. This is the story of my life and I need to tell someone. It is stimulating and memorable. Mine is one of those tales best described as stranger than fiction. From age of 17, I have had my share of sexual activity. And I had a lot of sex. I made my sexual partners use condoms; I even abstained from penetrative sex from time to time when I thought I might be particularly fertile, substituting lesser, though no less pleasurable, means of sexual gratification.

It made sense at that time.

All of that messing around bonded me to partners in serious, intimate relationships. It helped me explore and discover my own body and pleasures. It helped me become a confident adult who knows what she likes and does not like, and is not afraid to say so. I knew, even in the heady days of experimentation, that eventually all of this sexual activity would lead to a life.

That the intimate mixing and mingling of bodily fluids would one day create a new living being, and that my sensuality, and that of my partner, would be forever embodied in another person.

Now, in my late 30s, I feel ready. I have found a man to respect, admire and love, and who feels the same way about me, and together, we want to build a loving and

Lifeline

Sarah’s story caring family. But nature, as we’ve found out, does not work on our time clock. For several years now we have been trying to conceive, and every month, as the end of my cycle approaches, I wait with great anticipation, and then deep sadness, as my period comes.

All of those years of lovemaking have come to this: an empty stillness in my body where I had hoped one day a baby might be.

I have read all of the statistics, that one in five couples have difficulty conceiving, that pregnancy gets exponentially more difficult to achieve as a woman enters her midthirties. But somehow I never thought I’d be one of those numbers. Somehow, I thought when I was ready, my body would be too.

There is no comfort in knowing others are going through what you are experiencing. Their pain does not alleviate mine.

Their sadness is not my own, and does not ameliorate what

Celebrity

I’m feeling. My husband has done all of the tests. He’s fine, and I’m happy about that. That’s one hurdle down. Now it’s my turn to be poked and prodded, and mused over. I’ve already had half a dozen blood tests and an ultrasound, with other tests to come. The wait is interminable, literally: I had to wait nine full months - a life in itself, to get the specialist appointment, and another few months to do the tests. It all seems so difficult now, somehow. Pregnancy was not supposed to happen like this – with the cold medical hands of specialists leading me through an intricate web of possible bodily malfunctions, but through a spontaneous moment of grace, a sacred orgasmic moment when one plus one makes three.

We’ve now had to face that we may never have a child of

our own flesh and blood. At first, this was devastating and we both cried buckets of anxious tears over what we should and should not do, and what we should have and could have done.

But now, at last, we’ve reached a kind of peace, a fateful acceptance that what life holds for both of us is a surprise, and not to happen according to our will and wants. It is what people who’ve experienced the death of a loved one know and learn intimately – that the biggest things in life are not in our control.

Life, like death, makes me

Lady Gaga

Rocking a predominantly healthy lifestyle

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ou may not love or admire Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta a.k.a. Lady Gaga.

In fact, you probably disapprove of the American singer, songwriter and philanthropist’s outlandish dressing, curious approach to music, and controversial utterances and conduct. But

regardless of your disposition, the famed and multitalented 27-year-old is currently one of the most successful and influential personalities of the modern world. Even without a University Degree (she dropped out of New York University), Lady Gaga wields a formidable C.V. that puts many degree holders to shame. She currently rakes a phenomenal 54 million likes on her Twitter profile.

Fame Monster Talk about image, esteem and accomplishment in the world of entertainment, the iconic rock pop-star stands heads and shoulders above the pack. Less than six years after she shot to fame in 2008 through her debut studio

album “The Fame”, she has been rated No.2 on Forbes Celebrity 100 in 2013 trumping far more experienced and celebrated musicians like Madonna and Beyonce. On Forbes Lists, Lady Gaga is rated No. 2 in Press, No. 3 in Social; No.7 in TV/Radio; No. 9 in Money, No. 45 in Power Women and No. 65 in Marketability.

Meticulous diet/exercise routine With her killer dancer’s body, Lady Gaga is as meticulous in her diet as she is with her wardrobe selection. She follows a dedicated, well-recognized and practical diet and exercise routine that sets a good example for young female fans. Combining music, fashion, art and technology, Lady Gaga is a

celebrity who takes her health as seriously as she does her art. Even though she raises a few eyebrows, she rocks a predominantly healthy lifestyle as well as a powerful voice. Often criticized for being too thin and wearing too revealing clothing, Lady Gaga is truly a healthy glam rock pop star.

Workout routine Lady Gaga upholds a healthy lifestyle where foods, ingredients, meals and workout routines are all done in the theme of fives. First, she warms up usually by slow

wonder at the bigness of it all, and how little, despite our childlike playing with reproductive technologies, we really comprehend.

So we will keep on our journey, practicing, through the intimacies of lovemaking, to make a life, and hope that one day it may happen for us too. We wanted to build a family, to love and nourish, and that’s just what we still plan to do.

running. Then, she switches to rope skipping for about 5 10 minutes. She never misses cardio as she knows that proper cardio is also necessary for getting a fit body. She is very strict to her workout as she has to look fit during her stage shows.

Besides these, Lady Gaga does yoga and stretching exercises as well. Her workout lasts for 30 minutes a day and she follows this routine from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are dedicated to just cardio to burn fat.

Breakfast: Apple cinnamon oatmeal frittata Lunch: Curried chicken salad Snacks: Brown rice cake with a slice of vegetarian salami or celery with nonfat cream cheese and pickle wrapped in turkey pastrami Dinner: Lemon salmon, quinoa and a green salad

SATURDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—29

Spicy

Spice up your life! stomach.

T

echnically, spices are vegetables in concentrated form. They contain thousands of healthy phytonutrient compounds, including antioxidants. They are calorie-free and require no prep.

Curry Research has shown that curry could actually be good for you, easing arthritis and even protecting you from Alzheimer ’s. The starring role in this blend of herbs and spices belongs to turmeric, which contains curcumin, a powerful antiinflammatory that’s 50 times more potent than vitamin C or E. Curcumin inhibits the growth of certain breast cancer cells, and other research suggests it may also protect against stomach

and colon cancer. Most curries contain turmeric, cumin, allspice, cardamon, ginger, garlic and capsicum - spices with strong antibacterial properties. That’s why they’re found in dishes from hot countries, where meat needs to be preserved.

Oregano One teaspoon of dried oregano leaves contains not only six micrograms of bonebuilding vitamin K, but also the same amount of antioxidants as three cups of spinach. Preliminary research indicates that oregano can help fend off stomach flu, keep bacteria from multiplying and making you sick.

Turmeric Curcumin is the primary active compound in turmeric which is found in curry

powders, as well as being used neat in curries. Eating turmeric can slow down the build up of plaques on the brain— the main cause of Alzheimer’s - by up to 50 per cent. Turmeric has also been found to help with digestion as well as guard against heart attacks and cancer of the colon. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic A wonderful spice found to have a wide range of health benefits, from protecting the heart by lowering cholesterol to helping to purify the blood. It also contains allicin, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, and it increases protection from stomach cancer by promoting the production of protective enzymes in the

Cumin Cumin contains phytochemicals — chemicals that are found in plants.

Several phytochemicals, including that in cumin, have been found to block various hormone actions and metabolic pathways that are associated with the development of cancer and heart disease. The phytochemicals appear to work alone, as well as in combination with vitamins and other nutrients in food.

The main anti-cancer agents in cumin are carevol and limonene. Studies show that patients consuming high levels of cumin were less likely to develop prostate cancer. One tablespoon of these aromatic seeds fulfills 22 percent of daily requirement for iron, a mineral that helps keep energy level high and immune system in flufighting shape. Cumin may also boost brainpower.

Human Nature

Don’t let stress put your Driv e int oP ar k Drive into Par ark L

ack of sex drive (lack of libido) is common in women, but rarer in men.

Many women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are asking: “Where did our sex go?”

Even men with who have difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) usually have a normal, or even high, sex drive. Loss of desire is common among women in the years before and after menopause. Desire problems peak between ages 35 to 65.

However, some men do find that their interest in sex diminishes as they get older. And a very few have never experienced any sexual desire in their lives.

Hormones don’t deserve all the blame, though. The causes of lost sex drive are complex. At midlife, many men and women are deep

into a marriage, a job, raising teenagers, and care giving. Any of these can amp up stress, and stress puts your sex drive in park.

Avoiding sex can, in turn, cause tension with the spouse. Low desire is more common in long-term relationships. Because all this happens at once, it may seem like menopause or andropause is the cause, but there are many hidden factors. Whatever you do, don’t let stress put your Drive (D) into Park (P) permanently.

How common Lack of libido in men is far less common than Erectile Dysfunction—with which it should not be confused.

Most men with lack of libido can achieve erections, but have lost the desire to have

sex. In women, before menopause, sex drive peaks just before and after ovulation. But when the periods stop, estrogen dips, and those revved-up days in the cycle are gone.

Menopausal women may respond less, and find it harder to get aroused. Less estrogen also means less blood flow to the sex organs and more dryness. Sex actually hurts.

Causes In both sexes, desire tends to fall with age. Women are two to three times more prone to a drop in desire. In part, blame dropping androgens — male hormones that are also

found in women. As is the case with women, lack of desire in men can be of either physical or psychological origin.

Physical causes include alcoholism, drug abuse, such a cocaine, obesity, anaemia,hyperprolactinaemia, low testosterone level, a major disease such as diabetes, head injury and an underactive thyroid gland.

Psychological causes include depression, stress and overwork, exhaustion, latent homosexuality and relationship problems.

What to do

Animal studies show consuming cumin extract was shown to improve performance on memory tests.

Capsicum Capsicum is the main phytochemical found in red peppers. It works as an antiinflammatory, reduces cholesterol formation in the liver and is also used in topical preparations for arthritis relief, although eating it won’t have the same effect.

Rosemary While grilling and sautéing require little to no added fat, cooking at high temperatures produces compounds called heterocyclic amines, which are harmful free radicals that may cause cancer.

Luckily, marinating meat in a mixture made with rosemary before firing it up prevents the formation of heterocyclic amines by as much as 84 percent.

Take the focus off intercourse. See a physician.

Ask for a physical check-up, and also any blood tests which the doctor thinks necessary, like a blood count or thyroid tests. If your doctor can’t help, he or she can refer you to a specialist.

All the above causes of lack of libido can respond well to therapy. Among the most difficult to treat are those that involve marital problems or hang-ups about sex.

Medication At the moment there are no medicines available that will increase male libido except where there is a testosterone deficiency, in which case it is worth prescribing this hormone. Drugs like Levitra and Viagra have no effect on sexual desire - only on erection. For women, first, stop the pain. Try over-thecounter water-based lubricants. Fight the dryness. Traditional hormone replacement therapy doesn’t seem to kindle desire for most women.

30—SATURDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

A

condom tear, small or big, is not always obvious. One common reason condoms break is inadequate lubrication.

That can tear the condom and create little holes that you can’t feel. Oil-based lubricants degrade rubber and shouldn’t be used with latex condoms — pick water-based instead. An expired condom, or one stored improperly can both be reasons for an unwanted tear. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place because heat, air and light exposure increase the risk of breakage.

Rough sex can leave a man with a broken sex organ Fact!

Broken male sex organs are real and really painful!

There’s no bone in there, but it sure can break. It’s called a penile fracture and it’s painful! Very vigorous sex or an abrupt change in position can cause the

corpus cavernosa — the cylinders that become engorged with blood during an erection — to rupture. It would require surgery.

Syphilis is a disease of the past Fiction! Syphilis rates are going up. Rates of syphilis have increased particularly for men and women aged 15-24 according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). You can contract it just like any other STD — through direct contact with an open sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Don’t underestimate syphilis. A case of untreated syphilis can lead to organ damage including the brain, nerves, eyes, liver,

Fact or ffiction? iction?

You can feel a condom break Fiction!

blood vessels, bones and joints, and can even be fatal.

Sexually transmitted Infections can cause cancer Fact!

Human papillomavirus or HPV is a cancer-causing STI and it’s nothing to mess with. There are about 40 types of HPV, and most go away on their own without

Mother & Child

Immunisation, life saver!

Vaccine

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

M

y friend’s second son, Ikechukwu, was born healthy and full of life. Ike had his first immunsation at the 6th week. On the second shot, he started screaming right away and continued to cry. When they got home, he went to sleep. But continued to scream and cry for the next few days. After screaming and crying, he would fall into a deep sleep.

When awake, he had a glassy, odd look in his eyes, as though he was not seeing. It was not okay and my friend was worried.

Several times, when she checked her baby, he was stiff as a board with glaring eyes. He had no expression on his face. She picked him up, but his head was floppy and unresponsive. Then, after a few minutes, as if nothing happened, he sat up. Sometimes, he exhibited jerking movements. We later got to know they were seizures. On advice, she took the infant to a paediatrician who dismissed her worries. He is okay, just take him home, feed him normally and keep him well wrapped up. He will sleep it off. My friend was not convinced, but went back home. Like magic, the strange behaviour vanished after a few weeks and have

since not returned. Ike is now six and fast growing up into a healthy, intelligent boy. In several respects, immunisation is crucial to the survival of every child.

During the first five years of a child’s life, the risk of death from the most dangerous is high. To ensure child survival and disease control through appropriate mother and child care, basic immunizations for common ailments are crucial.

Every parent wants to do what is best for their children and one of the best ways to protect your children is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations. Immunisation programme has almost wiped out some dangerous illnesses. Smallpox is an example of a disease that no longer exists anywhere in the world, and many other diseases are now almost extinct. However, even though many dangerous illnesses are now rare, they can spread again if not enough children are immunised. Proper immunisations can save your child. With the advances in medical science, a child can be protected against more diseases than ever before.

Immunisation is very safe and effective. Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals.

Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious

side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

Immunisation protects future generations. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future.

you ever knowing you had it. But certain types of HPV can change normal cells into genital warts, while other strains can cause the cells on the cervix to become cancerous. If untreated, they can lead to cervical cancer. Prevention includes use of condoms and HPV vaccination to help lower the risk of transmission. Risk of getting cancer is also increased with HIV infection.

A woman can get pregnant while breastfeeding exclusively Fact! Although unlikely, getting pregnant while nursing can happen. Less than one in 100 women get pregnant while exclusively breastfeeding. For up to six months after delivery, a woman may not have had her period. While breastfeeding, she is creating hormones that

work against ovulation.

However, she can ovulate two weeks before her first period and so can be fertile and not know it yet.

A contraceptive while breastfeeding is necessary for extra protection.

Semen can cause an allergic reaction just like dust and pollen Fact! It’s true. Some women have a semen allergy. You can actually develop an allergy to semen. Like other allergies, a reaction ranges from a rash to hives to anaphylactic shock, The most effective treatment against a semen allergy is using a condom.

If you want to get pregnant but you have a severe allergy, try IVF or insemination, where the sperm is separated from the proteins that cause the allergic reaction.

Health-Tech Dr. iPhone ThermoDoc takes your temperatu k re

w health expert in tow n. Dr. TiPhehoreneisMa edneisa na ThermoDock

gets you one step closer to having a me “Star Trek.” Just plug dical toolkit like Dr. McCoy on iPhone, point it at yo the infrared device into your or your anywhere thaur forehead, your arm, dog’s nose, temperature. The nic t takes your fancy, and take its don’t have to stick thee thing about infrared is that you shine. That means yo ThermoDock where the sun don’t from steaming coffee ur iPhone stays at a safe distance germs, and grumpy chmugs, people carrying around flu to check the ambient ildren. The gadget can also be used temperature of your roo great outdoors. The Th m or the VitaDock app to track ermoDock works with the free get before, during, an data. You can see how steamy you hardware component d after a workout, for example. The Firebox. Watch a pot costs roughly N16,000 through as it boils. Burn the ca ends. With a ThermoD ock, you’ll know exacndle at both that is. tly how hot

32—Vanguard, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

anozieegole@yahoo.com

Chika Ike bags most disciplined actress 2013

08116759764

B

arely few weeks after she was given a chieftaincy title in her home town for her good works in the country, popular Nollywood actress Chika Ike has grabbed another award:‘Most disciplined actress of the year 2013,’ from the Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN. The sultry actress took to her instagram page recently where she shared this achievement with her fans and anticipated congratulations,but to her amazement they were in doubt as though she did not deserve the award. Instead of applause for her achievements, she was rather getting controversies. As it were these mixed reactions were indeed sparked off by her trip to Dubai for Christmas shopping and her crashed marriage...and the fans conjectured that the likes of Omotola Jalade, Chioma Chukwuka, Mercy Johnson among others would have been better choice for the award .

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hings are undoubtedly looking great for Nick Mutuma this year as he grabs yet another job as a host for Mashariki Mix, a popular lifestyle show that airs on DSTV’s Africa Magic. Nick is no stranger to the cameras and to the industry. He has featured in a popular series ‘Shuga’, ‘Tabasamu’, a local Kenyan drama series, ‘Changes’ an M-Net series, and is also a radio presenter.

“I am grateful to M-Net for giving me this opportunity to speak to a Pan African audience. I have always looked up to M-Net and I am very excited to be a part of the family,” he s a i d .

Mashariki Mix is a 30minute weekly lifestyle series that will take you on a spectacular journey.

Holiday destinations, exciting places to shop, access to VIP parties, updates on the leading fashion brands, state-of-the-art tech gadgetry to trendy hotspots and dynamic lifestyles. The contemporary magazine show also profiles personalities in the East Africa region and beyond with a wide range of activities from musicians and models to television divas and business icons.

•Nick Mutuma

KaySwitch romances Meenakshi Monica I

•Chika Ike

Tonto Dikeh, AY at war

BY JULIET EBIRIM

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Tonto Dikeh

Nick Mutuma to host Mashsriki mix

IGERIAN born ace comedian, AY is in the news again but this time, it is between him and the Nollywood queen of controversy, Tonto Dikeh. The duo are in verbal war over a link reposted by AY on his blog about Tonto Dikeh’s attire to the just concluded Calabar Christmas Carnival. The comedian wrote on his blogger link as follows, AY COMEDIAN,@AYCOMEDIAN, AY comedians blog photos, does this lady look like Tonto Dikeh? The lady pictured with...fb.me/ 147VNvYRI. Apparently angered by the story, the actress took to her Twitter page to pour out her mind. A visit to her twitter handle revealed thus, TONTO W.C DIKEH @Tontolet, @AY, fuck you brother, AY immediately responded to her tweets and a heated argument ensued.

It would be recalled that AY and Nollywood bad boy, Jim Iyke recently engaged in a Twitter war, when the comedian released a very hilarious skit where he delivered comedienne, Helen Paul, apparently mocking Jim Iyke’s recent deliverance at the Synagogue Church of All Nations.

f this news is anything to go by, then it will be very safe to say that, Nigerian born pop singer, KaySwitch (D’banj‘s younger brother) and Liberian beauty queen, Meenakshi Monica Subramani, have become an item. Matinee gathered that, Kehinde Oyebanjo, a.k.a. KaySwitch and his long standing lover, celebrated their first anniversary together recently.

The liberian beauty, who took to her instagram page to announce their anniversary says,“1 year and still going strong. I love you baby. #Always n Forever ”. In 2011, she was crowned Miss Liberia after winning the country ’s top beauty pageant.KaySwitch’s younger sister, got married last year to her CoolFM heartthrob, Dotun, maybe KaySWitch will do same this year.

•Meenakshi Monica Subramani

SATURDAY

Change of environment leads to skin problem — Akhimien Amanda Akhimien is a woman that has her heart sold to making people look beautiful. For the past five years, her company, ‘’Ever After’’, has been providing quality skin care to Nigerians of all tribes and gender. Saturday Vanguard had a chat with her about how it all started . Enjoy

By IYABO AINA

I

t’s been more than five years since you started, how does it feel making women beautiful in the last five years ?

I would say it’s been God’s grace above all else to still be relevant in the beauty business. It gives me great joy and intense satisfaction to see women of all ages happy to achieve the look of their dreams in my outfit.

What have been the challenges so far?

Actually nothing serious, just the usual economic factors, like price fluctuations and irregular power supply.

What led you to this kind of job because so many people believe you recreate what God has created?

Would I say by accident or by proxy? Can’t really say.

My sister is actually the owner of Dazzle Bridals and when I was in school, I was always with her and people would come and appreciate my skin and my shape. So, the flair for doing it just came because I started with makeups actually and immediately I finished from school, I went to France to study Dermatology and since then, I have been into this business. As for the name, I got it from my dream. I dreamt about it. I was sleeping when Ever After came and the name kept popping into my mind and I thought fine, people can always look happily ever after with their looks. I started from Allen Avenue before I moved down to Omole Phase 1 to be able to serve my clients in a better, bigger, more spacious, more beautiful place than where I was before and to accommodate some of my latest services like body massage which I do now and so many other new things

because of my clients’ needs and wants.

You just opened a new spa ,how does it feel seeing your dream come true?

It feels great and it’s really a dream come true because it’s another avenue of caring about the wellbeing of my clients, where they can come and get a massage, facials, and a host of other services we render. I really give God the glory.

What are the pains and gains of being a business woman?

I don’t think there is any pain. I can’t really put a finger on any because I am a woman. I would just say that there are more gains than pains because people trust me.

Women are more dedicated to any thing they believe.

Since my line of business is not dominated by men,it has been good and easy .

What separates yours from them all?

My services are usually personalized. I look at a client and know what she needs.

Sometimes,I could be massaging a client and I would

Akhimien Amanda

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—33

notice something that the client doesn’t know is a problem and I will fix it. We don’t only attend to what a client pays for,we make sure everything is handled professionally. I guess that is why my clients keep coming back.

You are into a lot of things,which one is really your first love?

I cannot really pin point any but would say the one that gives me the most satisfaction is skincare because of some of the amazing transformation I see when I treat my clients of certain skin problems.

Their happiness also gives me so much joy .

How do you combine business and family affairs?

When you manage your business well and you can

separate the two,you would be able to do it well. So I know where to draw the line when it comes to family and business .I always make out time for both.

What do you have to say about skin bleaching?

When you say bleaching, people look at it in a negative way. Everybody has a bad feeling when it comes to bleaching. You can actually use lemon to have your bath and you’ll get lighter. Our mothers in those days would go into a certain room before their marriage and they would come out glowing. It was just herbs. Beauty treatments have started since the days of Cleopatra of Egypt. She was the one that started this

anti-aging stuff. It has always been there, you don’t have to call it bleaching. That is why people go to school for these things so that people don’t run into problems because it has a lot of side effects. But when you do it the right way , you would achieve what you want without looking ridiculous.

What is responsible for bad skin?

A lot of things , like change of environment. I have had a lot of clients that when they went for their National Youth Service Corps duty, they came back looking darker with rashes. Unhygienic condition could make you have skin problems. Some people are allergic to grass, like myself. If I step on wet grass, I’ll start having rashes all over my body. Some people are also allergic to beach water. That is why you need to see a professional; some tests would be recommended, and at the end of the day,

you wouldn’t have these problems anymore.

34 —SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

BY AYO ONIKOYI

Kelly R to perf oland o Darey’s rm at Like a Love Movie

VIDEOS ENJOYING rating

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addo!!!

Olamide is here with a new single Turn Up produced by the one and only Mr Producer himself Pheelz…. Enjoy! His ‘Turn Up’ video has been enjoying the third spot on MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 for sometime now.

ide’s m a Ol

n r u T

Up

Da vid o’s

Ske lew u

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AVIDO has joined a few selected elites as one of his songs gets international recognition. The young talented singer Davido aka Omo Baba Olowo, had a sold out concert at the O2 arena in the United Kingdom last year and now one of his songs has been featured on an international playlist.

His hit track ‘Skelewu’ is featured on the BBC 1Xtra playlist.

O

NE of the top 10 songs of the year, WizKid’s collabo with Afro beat legend, Femi Kuti now has its visuals to accompany the already very popular tune.

The song was produced by the incredible hitmaker Sarz, and features the legendary Femi Kuti.

The video was directed by Sesan,

Wizkid’s

Jaiye Jaiye and shot in Lagos at the historic Shrine location, and actually features a very creative “cameo” from Fela Anikulakpo Kuti himself. The video was directed by Sesan.

The highly frenetic video has a cameo interjection of Nollywood Aki and Pawpaw coming in to do their comic acts. The concept is awesome just as the beat is top draw.

G

e’s ver e c K lO

Pul turing fea kid iz W IMPOPO crooner,

L

Kcee has done right by himself in this ‘blowthem-all-away video with the starboi, Wizkid.

’s Boy a n Bur

a Yaw Dey

l o mbassador and Aristokrat Recording Artiste Burna Boy has been in the reckoning with the visual of “Yawa Dey”, a single pulled off his debut album ‘Life’. The video has a lot of attitude with rollercoaster dose of o p i u m - l i k e intoxication. The album has received rave reviews that propelled the star to new heights.

A

• kelly Rowland

FTER much speculation, multiple award-winning American singer and actress Kelly Rowland, has been unveiled as the surprise act performing at the second edition of Darey Art Alade’s critically acclaimed music concert, Love Like a Movie: The Love Roller Coaster!

Other artistes to perform at the second edition of LLAM include D’banj, Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, Mo ‘Eazy, Zaina, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Muna, JJC and Eva. The special edition of the LLAM red carpet will be streamed online across the world and will hold on Saturday, February 15, at Eko Hotel & Suites Oceanview Grounds.

Olamide, Phyno eye collabo album

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

L

OVERS of the indigenous rap artistes Phyno and Olamide know they share an undeniable artistic chemistry in their craft and will be thrilled to another dose of enchanting hiphop this year. Olamide recently broke the news on Twitter saying the album will be titled:’Two kings’. A mild confirmation was also made by Phyno who posted Olamide’s tweet on his instagram page.

“Next album 2kings’ Olamide and Phyno. They are not ready…start anticipating”he declared on Twitter.

Olamide and Phyno ‘s ‘Ghostmode’ track marked the beginning of their professional music relationship.

• Olamide

• Phyno

Guinness, Arik, partner Evergreen show igeria’s National Telecoms Operator, Globacom, N will in association with reputable brewers, Guinness Plc and Nigeria’s leading airline, Arik Air stage the King Sunny Ade edition of Glo Evergreen Series.

It is a special music concert dedicated to honour Nigerian Music Legends who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the nation’s music industry for decades.

The King Sunny Ade edition of the Glo Evergreen Series is expected to consolidate on the gains of the Ebenezer Obey edition held last year.

“The collaboration by the three Nigerian top corporate giants is a further demonstration of the respect the Nigerian corporate world has for our music legends. “The night will be a celebration of the legend on parade, King Sunny Ade. KSA will showcase his

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 35

BY AYO ONIKOYI

VIDEOS ENJOYING

Seyi S gets tu hay t o

by Qui red Jones ncy at the Gram my’s

rating S

Professor, Flavour, Chidinma, Sound Sultan & Kcee

-Sweet Like Shuga

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

T

HE stylish songstress was part of the Nigerian entourage including Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye, Kcee, Harrysong , Dencia and Julius Agwu that attended the 56th Grammy award at the Staples Centre on January 26, 2014 In her excitement she took to her social media accounts both Twitter and Facebook to

express her experience.

According to her, “After last night I am so inspired .I came to Los Angeles to record, and decided to attend the best music award that ever existed for inspiration.’ In the course of her Grammy awards experience she asked Quincy Jones, the famed American music producer a question .She puts it this way:’I asked Quincy Jones one question and the king simply said:’Stay focused’

e c n i r P e c I , i m u Omaw od o w y l l o N n i t u b de

M

r 2Kay’s remix of his hit single ‘ Bubugaga ‘ in collaboration with UKbased Pop singer May7ven has been making a big hit on various music channels across Africa. The track which also features another UK based artiste Moelogo was remixed by Ozzie of triple O Productions, the guy responsible for 2face’s ‘ Chemical reaction . It has been enjoying 7th spot on the MTV Base Naija Top 10.

Glo on KSA best songs and take the people down the memory lane. A specially packaged documentary on the legend and his contributions to the growth of the Nigerian music industry will also be played at the event,” the statement added.

The King Sunny Ade edition of Glo Evergreen Series will hold at Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos on 28th of February, 2014. King Sunny Ade will entertain a select audience made up of corporate customers and high networth individuals whose profile fits into his evergreen music. The koko master, D’banj and the saxophone specialist, Yemi Sax will collaborate with KSA.

ix

y - Rem a k 2 a Mr ugag

g Bu

Tiwa Savage’s

Eminado featuring Don Jazzy

W

hen Tiwa Savage dropped the album ‘Once Upon a Time’ in 2013, Eminado is one of the tracks that immediately caught on with music fans and critics all over the country. The video is a superb work of art with Don Jazzy and Tiwa making a good match to deliver a nice sight for sore eyes. It has been enjoying good rating all over Africa and has remained on the top of the charts of several music channels.

T

HEY say moving from being a movie star to being a music star, or vice versa, is a spontaneous reaction that requires little effort and it seems the duo of Omawumi and Ice Prince have found the right chemistry to be part of an equation on set of a movie.

The duo have just featured in a Nollywood movie titled “family runs” alongside other Nollywood stars like Yvonne Nelson, Eddie Watson, Francis Odega with Pascal Amanfo producing the flick.

The movie tells the story of greed, power, family politics with a comic twist full of suspense and intrigues.

weet Like Shuga” produced by Del B is a potpourri concoction of some of Nigeria’s hottest talents. Flavour, Sound Sultan, Chidinma, Kcee and Professor came together to pull off this top of the rack creation. The music video is directed by renowned director, Clarence Peters. Sweet Like Shuga, is also a sound track for the movie series ‘SHUGA ‘

A

fter a massive success with the audio release of ‘Pangolo’, DJ Xclusive came up with awe-inspiring video featuring Timaya. In this video, DJ Xclusive continues his trend of quality output in this thrilling video directed by ace filmmaker Mattmax.

Timaya and DJ Xclusive, the duo successfully paired up to deliver a video worthy of the song, a video sure to do wonders for DJ Xclusive’s ever-rising profile.

DJ Xclusive

Pangolo

Skuki’s Silifa nother masterpiece from the ace director, Clarence Peters and this one is really high octane with a lot of raunchy scenes and the brothers may just have this as their calling cards to the big league.

Bad, bad, bad, has been the review but the video refuses to die and instead keeps popping up on several music channels top rating.

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36—SATURDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Fall in love with yourself!

I

f one of your goals is to attract and maintain a meaningful, love rela tionship, work every day at falling in love with yourself. Be and believe you are a person with whom it would be difficult not to fall madly in love.

Falling in love with yourself starts with knowing yourself and feeling joyful in your daily life and about how you spend your time. Respect and honor your own beliefs and values and uphold them with integrity. Many people waste their time crafting an identity that is not a true reflection of who they are. Falling in love with yourself requires you to be truthful about and proud of who you really are, warts and all. When there is only one of you to love, your ideal mate will be drawn to you, too.

Connect with culture

You may see examples of glamorous women dating fabulously successful men, but the surface appearances often give way to lousy relationships. But there is value in being a person of the world, so tune into trends, art and culture and know that if you are impressed by knowledge and cultural insight, you can embody that value by increasing your knowledge and impress a partner simultaneously. Are you willing to take the time to refine your taste? You don’t have to become a member of the elitist art world to appreciate the finer things in life, but you should always feel free, find your niche and occupy it.

Rediscover your passion for the food, art and experiences that light you up. When you wear your lust for life on your sleeve, others will lust for you.

A man wants to be loved and when he sees how much love you have for life, he will want to be in your world.

Check yourself out

If you look at yourself in the mirror each day and admire your own reflection, someone else will too. Your style choices must be a reflection of what you like. Do not try to be a carbon copy of someone in a fashion magazine if you want to attract your own mate. Remember that your outward appearance is intended to please the man of your dreams, not other women. The combination of wardrobe, makeup and accessories

should emphasize to the world that there is only one you. Fall in love with the look you perfect and perfect love will follow.

Mind your manners

Ask the Sexpert I’m a 25-year-old woman. I’m geting married at the end of the year. While I have been sexually active, I’m not sure my to-be husband’s family needs to know about that. I have read about surgery to refix the hymen. Are there any complications that could arise?

In most cases, it is safe in the skilled hands of a gynaecologist.

I’m a 29-year-old man. I think I’m bad at sex. My previous girlfriend would complain that she had better sex with her ex boyfriend. I’m not sure what I do wrong, I try very hard. I’m getting married soon. This worries me because I want to make my wife happy. What can I do to change the situation.

Study about foreplay, contraception and hygiene. You could also visit a sexpert for premarital counseling.

I’m a 24-year-old woman. I get a white liquid secrete from my privates, it’s been happening since I was in school. Will it affect my chances of child birth?

may think you don’t love yourself and therefore, you must not be worth loving. If you are pleasant and wellmannered, excited when people give you good news, are interested in what others have to say and how they feel, you are projecting a much more attractive and likeable you.

Grouchy women are simply not attractive, so act lovely, and attract love.

How you conduct yourself in public is your greatest advertisement. Every greeting is like a billboard that tells the world what to expect from you.

If you shrug and mumble when you say hello, the world

Find your friends

Being single doesn’t mean you’re alone, does it? One of the best parts of being single is having time to enjoy your friendships. Spending time with close friends prepares you for a better friendship with

A white discharge without smell is normal. It is the excess lubricating fluid which keeps the vagina healthy. It’s commonly associated with sexual excitement.

I am 20 years old. Whenever I see a woman with wet or oily hair, I get sexually aroused. I feel like masturbating at that moment. Is this normal? Please suggest a solution.

Stop being a peeping tom. If you get excited and masturbate, it is okay. Make sure you only fantasise and do not offend anybody.

I am 23 years old. I have been masturbating from the age of 16. These days, my girlfriend helps me masturbate. She often presses my penis for almost 20 to 30 minutes. Will this affect my future sex life in any way? Are there chances of pregnancy if we indulge in intercourse?

It will not affect your sex life. However, it is unusual for a penis to be pressed for so long. Of course there are chances of pregnancy if you indulge in intercourse.

The least you can do is to use a condom.

your current or future partner.

A loveable, radiant person doesn’t look any particular way, but he or she would never wallow in self-pity, depressed about being “alone.”

After all, you’re as alone as you feel. Having good friends in your life allows you to develop lots of interests and networks of compatible people and along the way, it lets you actually discover who you are.

Once you do that, you will be in love with yourself and you will attract great partnership possibilities from which to choose.

Work your projects

A passive life of little interaction will not get you closer to meeting a great relationship candidate. Why should it? If you are a poster child for boredom, you might attract a boring partner with only casual interest. Can you blame the great guys out there if they want a little more out of a woman? If you are working on a project, though, you have something to create and give the world. When you add value to the universe you are seen by everyone as more valuable.

If you fall in love with doing something and work to do it as interestingly as possible, you will develop a few things along the way.

First, you will be involved in whatever community is also immersed in creating. Whether you’re joining a choir, taking a cake decorating class, meeting people along the way and sharing in their joy of life will add to your own joy.

Second, in creating things, you learn to take pride in what you can do. The experience of success builds on itself and pretty soon you have reason to be proud of yourself.

And finally, the lessons you learn in making great objects or completing great tasks can be applied to your life. Bettering your world makes you irresistible as a potential partner to someone else who has intentionally evolved into a fully formed man and entered the world looking for a woman who has already fallen in love with herself.

I am 21 years old. My problem is that I masturbate excessively. I am almost addicted to it. I have been experiencing hair loss as well. Is it due to excessive masturbation? How do I get rid of it?

A person can get over an addiction only when he/she grows up and realises what is good and what is not for him/her.

Don’t masturbate out of habit but to relieve sexual tension when you are excited. Hair loss has no connection with masturbation.

I am 18 years old. Some days back, you suggested medication to a 23-yearold who was not getting firm erections?

Each case is different. My first reaction is to ask why, at this young age, do you require any help. You could be suffering from misconceptions. Relax, do a daily workout, eat a healthy diet and you will not need any medication.

I am 25 years old. I was in a relationship with a man for three years, in the course of which we regularly had sex. I broke up with him two months ago. Now, I am getting married and I am worried if my husband will find out about my affair. Please help?

He may or may not. No use worrying about it. Cross the bridge when it comes. If the need arises, be prepared with some answers.

ARY 1, 1 2014 — 37 SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

Mourinho phone call convinced Zouma about Chelsea

C

helsea announce the signing of St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma.

A fee in the region of £12.5 million has been agreed between the two clubs, with sources stating Zouma has also settled on personal terms over a fiveand-a-half year contract.

The France international will spend the remainder of this season with Les Verts on-loan. Mourinho made a personal call to the teenager to convince him to come to London.

Chelsea improved their original offer of £10m to clinch a deal, flush with the proceeds from the sales of Mata and Bruyne.

Jermaine Jones seals Besiktas switch

T

he USA veteran, 32, departs the Veltins-Arena for the remainder of the 2013-14 campaign but could end

up extending his stay at the Turkish club for a further two years.

Besiktas have completed the loan signing of Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones until the end of the season. The 32year-old United States midfielder will join Slaven Bilic's side until May, with an option to extend his contract by two years if both the

player and the Super Lig club parties are in agreement. The move essentially ends of Jones' stay at Schalke, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

"We are pleased that Jermaine has found a new club, in which he can realise his great sporting goals this year," a statement on Schalke's official website said.

Liverpool lands Konoplyanka

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iverpool yesterday completed the signing of Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.

The 24-year old has been linked with a move to both Spurs and Liverpool with the player now agreeing a contract with the

-half year contract has been agreed between Liverpool and Yevhen Konoplyanka.

A fee $15 million has been agreed between the two clubs but Liverpool are reportedly doing everything possible to Merseyside club. push the deal Reports claims a five-and- a through.

Juventus captures Osvaldo on loan S outhampton striker Dani Osvaldo passed his medical yesterday with Juventus.

Juve have agreed terms with Saints over a sixmonth loan for the Italy

international.It's understood Osvaldo will join Juve for a loan fee of £330,000 with the option to sign permanently in June.

The striker is currently undergoing a Juve medical.

Greek club Ergotelis signs Adeleye T he Greek Super League outfit has confirmed the acquisition of the Olympic silver medalist and former Nigeria international defender for five months. Ergotelis FC

have announced the capture of centre-back Ayodele Adeleye for the remainder of the season with an option of a year's extension.

The Greek side confirmed via a

Dortmund sign Milos Jojic

B

orussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Serbia international Milos Jojic from Partizan Belgrade for a fee believed to be in the region of $2.5 million.

Last year's Champions League finalists were keen to add to their ranks after Jakub Blaszczykowski was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury and they have now found their man in 21-yearold Jojic. The attacking midfielder has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Bundesliga giants.

statement on its website thus: “The Ergotelis FC has acquired the services of Ayodele Adeleye until 30/06/2014, with the possibility of extending cooperation for another year.”

Black Cats confirm Bridcott done deal

S

underland have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Scotland midfielder Liam Bridcutt from Brighton on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Bridcutt team up once again with Gus Poyet at the Stadium of Light, both clubs have decided that the fee should remain undisclosed.

Bridcutt started his football career with Chelsea and had several loan spells out with clubs.

Arda: I don't like cars except my Ferrari

rda Turan took time out from his Nigeria international A 27th birthday celebrations on to Mba Bastia give an joins intricate insight into his life

as one of Europe's form footballers.

"I don't really love cars, but I do have a Ferrari 458 and a Range Rover!" he adds. The Turkey international has enjoyed a stellar season for Atletico Madrid as the Rojiblancos muscle in on Real Madrid and Barcelona's La Liga duopoly.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—39

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji

07032769933

Fans Zone

Chamakh: Pulis just as good as Wenger C rystal Palace striker Mar ouane Chamakh considers Tony Pulis and Arsene Wenger's approach to football to be very similar.

Pulis earned a reputation for lessthan-pretty football while in charge of Stoke City, whereas Wenger is known for preference towards neat and intricate play - with the pair set to go head to head on Sunday.

FIFA want Qatar report regarding Nigeria international conditions of workers Mba joins Bastia

F

IFA have ordered an update from Qatar regard ing the conditions of their workers ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Reports suggest that Qatar ’s ‘unacceptable’ development settings saw 185 Nepalese workers die last year which prompted FIFA to question the conditions in the Middle East. World football’s governing body has demanded more regular updates from the Middle East with German FIFA member Theo Zwanziger confirming the orders.

Are you a Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona fan and would like to meet fans, male or female from other part of the country. Then send ur name, age, where you live and the club u support to 0802354-2350. sms only z Samson, male, 34 warri. Chelsea fan wants a female fan.08036251884 zAuwal, male 23, Anambra. Man United wants a female fan. 08023383898 zMubarak Ibrahim, 17, Man United. 08100328984 z Ayokunle 40, Lagos, Aresenal wants a female fan.

08033025082 zRight, 21, Abuja, Chelsea wants a female fan.07038336787

Quiz of the Week

Which Liverpool player last week bought a £200,000 Ferrari 458 . Send ur answers to 0802354-2350 sms only Last week winner (Agbon Esezobor from Benin)

40 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

08111813025

I exchanged my full plate of eba for half plate of rice my tight schedule.

BYADERONKEADEYERI

H

umour merchant and multitalented artiste Bovi Ugboma, penchant for good food during his adolescence was wholesome. He could exchange his full plate of eba for half plate of rice and damn the consequence. In a chat with Celebrity Tummy Talk, the comedian reveals his love for delicious food. Enjoy

Was there anytime you played any prank to get a meal?

I exchanged my full plate of eba for half plate of rice. That was my Secondary school education period as a border and I did that with anyone who was interested. ...Your best fruit?

My best fruit is pineapple. I cannot miss eating pineapple for anything in the world.

How do you unwind?

I play football three times in a week and What is your favourite food?

I really do not have a favourite food. My I ensure I play for three hours each. taste changes as the day goes by. I am ..Advice to your fans on how to stay comfortable with any deliciousfood. healthy?

Nigerians should insist on a balanced diet Do you know how to cook?

I’m a good cook and everyone around and make sure they do not eat late at night so enjoys my cooking but I hardly cook due to as not to develop pot belly.

• Bovi

Weekend Treat Beans and plantain porridge Beans and plantain porridge is a balanced meal to stay healthy. The addition of the ripe plantains gives the meal that sweet taste that everyone wouldn’t resist. Enjoy.

Recipes Beans Ripe plantains Onion Crayfish Palm oil Pepper

TummyZone 4 Kid&Teen Work on your child’s vision

A

S children progress in school, they face increasing demands on their visual abilities. The school years are a very important time in every child’s life. All parents want to see their children do well in school and most parents do all they can to provide them with the best educational opportunities. But too often one important learning tool may be overlooked; a child’s vision. However, these foods will help your kid’s vision.

Vegetables: Giving your child fresh vegetables reduces the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related degeneration and cataracts.

Fruits: Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant found in fruits and many researches have suggested that it lowers the risk of developing cataracts.

Potatoes: . Eating potatoes helps to protect cells of the

C M Y K

eyes from damage caused by unstable molecules which break down healthy tissue of the eye.

Butter: Fats are necessary parts of the human diet. Ensure your child takes the recommended percentage as it is very important for proper visual development and retinal function.

Salt to taste Seasoning Preparation Rinse the beans and pour in a pot that is already on fire. Add onions, salt and pepper to it. Leave to cook until the beans is soft but not too soft, then cut the plantains, peel of the skin and pour into the beans.

Grind the crayfish and add into it. You might need to add more water, but be careful not to add to much so as to avoid having a watery porridge.

Cook until the plantains are tender. Add the crayfish, seasonings, palm oil and onions. Mix thoroughly and leave to simmer for five minutes. Now your beans and Plantain porridge is ready.

Health Tips

Nutritional Values of Pineapples

P

ineapples are some of the most popular tropical fruits in the world. They are sweet, juicy, and delicious. More importantly, they are very healthy and nutritious.

That is why people who want to have a healthy lifestyle include this fruit in their diets.

Vitamins and Minerals ineapples are loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also rich in fiber and calories. This fruit is low in fat and cholesterol. All the nutrients it contains promote good health.

P

Prevents Cough and Colds ating pineapples while taking the right medications prescribed by the doctor for your sickness can help you recover more quickly.

E

Strengthens Bones ineapples are also popular for their ability to build and maintain strong bones. This is because these fruits contain manganese, which is a trace mineral that your body needs to build bones and connective tissues.

P

Keeps Gums Healthy ating pineapple will strengthen your gums that will help keep your teeth healthy and strong.

E

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 41

Family of 7 wiped out by alleged Fulani gunmen . . . Yero’s entourage stoned at scene of violence

By Luka Binniyat MANCHOK – A family of seven was last Thursday night wiped out by alleged Fulani gunmen in Manyi Akuru village, a suburb of Manchok town, dominated by the Ashuole tribe, in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state.Manchok is about 200km South of Kaduna, the capital city of Kaduna State.When Saturday Vanguard was about 8 kilometres away from Man-

chock town, the convoy of Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was heading back to Kaduna from the scene of the violence arround 2:30 pm yesterday. Villagers later informed our reporter that the speech of the governor infuriated them, and they had to stone and boo him away.

This was however denied by the Spokesman of Yero, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki.

Saturday Vanguard made its way amidst angry youth

and protesting women, some bare-chested, at Manyi Akuru to the simple looking house where the incident took place. Youths formed road blocks, and searched vehicles for weapons on motorists. Mr. Sunday Abin, 47, a security guard with Robber Research Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, in Manchok, was lying in his pool of blood, after being shot dead and his tongue removed.Also,

his wife, who was breastfeeding a toddler, was shot with the baby. One of the daughters, a teenager was killed and her bowels brought out. The seven were shot after which they were cut with machetes.The assailants, said to be Fulani, and numbering about 20, later went to the compound of Kafwai Banta and set the entire home, including foodstuff ablaze before moving to another compound, villagers said.

The Bantas were said to

have fled upon hearing the cries of the Abins, just a hush distance away. At the home of Kaza Zamani, the attackers could not gain entry but set a car in the compound ablaze and disappeared into the night.But, all these took place less than one kilometre from a military checkpoint.With tempers flaring, some of the youths said that the governor’s visit was to spite them.

Said Iliya Joseph, 23, from Manchok town who said he was there when Yero

visited: “The governor did not condole with us. He merely said that we should learn to live in peace with one another. He did not even show sympathy to the surviving family members of those killed, maybe saying he would take care of the burial expenses. He said nothing about relief materials for the families that their houses were burnt. He just came here to insult us. So we got angry and started stoning him. They left in a hurry.

He should look for those who killed the people and talk peace to them, not us”.

But that was contrary to what the Director General (DG) Media to Yero told Saturday Vanguard on phone. He said, “it is true that we went in a condition that was tense. Women and youths were protesting, carrying leaves. But no one threw a stone at our convoy”,he said. He later backed it with a Press statement, which read in part: “Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero today (Friday) visited Ungwar Kajit in Manchok Community of Kaura LGA over attack by unknown assailants describing the heinous act as ungodly and condemnabl.

“The Governor who visited the scene, condemned the attack and prayed that God should expose the perpetrators saying , ‘we pray that God should expose the people that are causing this problem. We pray that God should touch their hearts to stop such dastardly acts or destroy their evil machinations.”

Meanwhile, around 3pm yesterday, smoke was seen bellowing from Manyi Ayit, about 3 km from Manyi Akuru, as it was said that some natives and Fulani men were engaged in combat.Women were seen fleeing with children on their backs, as more youths were seen advancing to the place. It was also reported that two mosques were burnt in Manchok town, but the place was too tense for any reporter to venture to confirm.There were also native women and their children desperately pleading with motorists by the Manchok-Jos by-pass to be taken out of the village.One of the women and her four children who was assisted by this reporter in his car said, “I can assure you that no one will sleep this night. No one will know where the Fulani will come from. And no one will know how our angry youths will react. It is just good that I take my children out for now”

42—SA TURD AY 42—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Pomp as Oba TTejuoso ejuoso giv es daught er in w edloc k gives daughter wedloc edlock

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L-R:Olori Olabisi, Oba Dapo Tejuoso, bride's father General Dipo Diya (Rtd), Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo and Mrs Funso Amosun, wife of Ogun State Governor.

R-L: Iyalode Alaba Lawson, Sir Kessington Adebutu and Alhaji Razaq Okoya.

t was royal splendour and regal celebration as usual at the palace of the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, when one of the daughters, Oluwatoyin Iyunade Tejuoso, was handed in Holy matrimony to Olufemi Oluwaseyi Thomas.

The wedding took place at the Cathedral of St. James African Church, Idi-Ape Abeokuta, Ogun State and it was graced by the movers and shakers of the society.

Photos by Wumi Akinola

President of the African Church, Chief Olu Okunowo presiding over the cutting of the wedding cake

Past or Irabor’s astor housewarming in Abuja

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t was indeed a show of God’s blessing when Pastor Francis Irabor dedicated his new home in Abuja. Family, friends and other men of God were present to celebrate with him

Bride, with groom's parents, Mr and Mrs Thomas.

The wife of pastor Francis Irabor & Paster Francis Irabor with the regional Pastor Mountain of Fire Ministry, Benin city.

L-R:Olori Omolara Tejuoso, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo and Olori Yetunde Tejuoso.

Launching of Jagaban Fans Club

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aunching of Jagaban Fans Club of Ikosi, Ketu, Isheri and Kosofe Local Government area of Lagos chapter held in the community recently.

Cross section of members of the Jagaban Fans Club

R-L: Oba Dapo Tejuoso, Osile Oke-Ona, Egba, bride's father, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Prince Lanre Tejuoso.

Bukola and Bode

OLABODE Oluwole and Oluwabukola Bamijoko have consummated their relationship in Holy wedlock

L-R: Elder Abayomi Bamijoko, bride's father, Mrs Ayankuolaoluwole, groom's mother, Olabode Oluwole,groom,Oluwabukola Bamijoko, bride,Prophet Olakanmi Oluwole, groom's father,Princess Adetoun Bamijoko, bride's mother

From left: Pastor Francis Irabor and Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Olejeme , Chairman, NSITF and others.

From view of Pastor Francis Irabor House in Abuja.

SATURDAY, Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—43

Wedding bell ffor or No wa Iy amu and Seun Badejo Ijaw Heritage Group celNow Iyamu th st ebrates J.P. Clark @ 80 n December 20 and 21 2013, The families of Mr and Mrs. Emmanuel Iyamu from Okehuokhuo ebrates J.P. Clark

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isi in Edo State and Arc. & Rev Mrs. Titilayo Badejo from Ijebu-Ife Ogun State became united during the traditional marriage and solemnization of Holy matrimony between their children; Nowa and Seun at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) In Lagos.Below are some of the pictures taken at the occasion.

L-R: The groom's mother, Mrs. Olubunmi Badejo, the couple, Mr and Mrs Seun Badedo and Mrs Mariam Iyamu.

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t has been a nev er-ending poeticlike celebrations for the foremost Nigerian poet and playwright, Emeritus Prof. Johnson Pepper Clark who turned 80 recently. Last Saturday, it was the turn of the Ijaw Heritage Group who honoured the man of letters in an atmosphere of conviviality with exhilarating camaraderie. In pictures by Akpokona Omafuaire are the moments

A cross-section of bride's family wth the couple at the church Emeritus Prof. Johnson Pepper Clark flanked

by Alaowei Broderick Bozimo and others admiring paintings depicting JP Clark’s work.

The bride's and groom's parents, Mr and Mrs Iyamu with Mr and Mrs Badejo.

A cross-section of groom's family at the traditional marriage

Ur hobo Social Club’s Ne wY ear par ty Urhobo New Year party

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L-R: Mrs Kigho Enajomo Isire, Mr. Austin Enajomo Isire, 2nd Vice President, Chief Chris Umukoro, 1st Vice President, Chief (Mrs) Florence Umukoro, Sir Simeon Ohwofa, Lady (Mrs) Margret Ohwofa, Chief Johnson Barovbe (former President/Leader) and Chief (Mrs) Margret Barovbe.

t was a memorable day when members of the elite Urhobo Social Club Lagos held a thanksgiving Service to celebrate the end of the year. The officiating Minister, the Vicar of the St Andrew’s Anglican Church Ogudu, Venerable Olubunmi Fajemisi preached love and forgiveness as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

He eulogised Urhobo Social Club for standing in defence of justice and true love.

Thereafter, a lavish party was held at the club Secretariat.

L-R:Emeritus Prof. Johnson Pepper Clark, Chief Simon Ambakederemo and Dr. Henry Bozimo.and other exco members.

St. Anthony Padua endof-the-y ear par ty of-the-year party

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t. Anthony Padua, Dominion Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos held its end-of-the-year part re cently with a number of activities to excite and thrilled members.

Members cutting the party cake.

From left; Chief N.E Dortie and Chief Gabby Okorare at the club’s New Year party

Front row:The Vicar of St Andrew's Anglican Church , Ogudu, Lagos, Venerable Olubunmi Fajemisi(8th from left) Sir (Chief) Simeon Ohwofa, President USCL (9th from left) with members and their wives after the Church service .

Gina Chinomso Nwoko presenting gifts to members

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

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SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continues from page 13 Commissioner is a disappointment to the Nigeria Police. Yet many people do not want to open their television and see. He is not only a PDP member but I think he is a tool to madam. That man, Mbu will end up destroying himself professionally because by merely showing his face trying to defend what is completely wrong, he is disgracing everybody, including his family. When we are talking about capacity, the capacity of a leader is to identify areas, issues that should be tackled at the right time. You don’t stick out your neck to defend what should not be defended at all. If everybody is saying that an officer is doing the wrong thing, why should you continue to defend and use such an officer to cause impunity all over the place?

People should have the courage to resign. When I was in the NDDC, I resigned when I saw the way things were going. But I should not stick out my neck because the allowances we were being paid. I resigned honourably and told them the position of the NDDC and within a few months they saw what I told them and they dissolved the whole board. I want to appeal to my brother Attahiru Jega, that he should do the right thing as far as the conduct of election is concerned. Long before Jega came out to say that there would be no election in the North East, we have heard the boys around them talking about the fact that they would not allow election in the North East. And just from the blues, we heard him talking about it also. I don’t think that that is good enough because a few weeks after Jega’s comment, there was a very successful election in Yobe State, which is probably the epic centre of the security crisis and nobody was killed. In 2013 you are saying that there would be no election in so and so places in 2015? That means you don’t respect the capacity of the C-in-C yourself or that is what he wanted. Otherwise no one should be talking about specific areas where they would be no election. It means that they knew that they would not take an appropriate action to quell the crisis there. These are some of the things that INEC must guard against, because people are not happy with the last election in Anambra because it was a complete shambles. If INEC cannot sit down and conduct a credible election in one state after all the preparations and the billions spent, I think that there may be some problems in 2015.

How do you react to the defection of G5 into APC and the problems it has generated so far?

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—45

PDP is suffering from political fatigue and cannot win again in Nigeria—Gov Kwankwaso Those who were there before your defection, allege that the five governors have hijacked the party structures from them. Is that so?

You see, what APC said and what it has done is not different from any other party in that particular respect. In APGA, the leader of the party in the state is the governor. In Labour Party, you cannot say that Mimiko is not the leader of the party in Ondo. In APGA, Governor Obi is not only the leader of the party in his state he is also the National Leader and BoT Chairman. In PDP, every governor is the leader in their state. Today, by the grace of God but with due humility, I can say that I am the most senior governor in this country because I was a governor in 1999 to 2003 and nobody who is governor today, was a governor in 1999 to 2003. And those who are even challenging my authority as the leader of the party in Kano, I took it from them. They did not put me there. I took it from them; it is not that they wanted to give it to me.

They did not support me.

When I was a governor, most of them were civil servants and so on. They had no access except if I decided to see them. Now, you don’t do that. You can be a president but does not know how to handle politics. Otherwise, how can five governors leave your party in one swoop? You can be a governor but does not know how to handle politics. It is part of the lack of understanding of politics that is responsible for what is happening now. Politicians should take every opportunity to reconcile with others so that at the end of the day, they can have more people to support or succeed them.

Nobody succeeds in politics with a high degree of enmity.

If you say he is not your leader, did you put him there or are you his senior? Most of these decisions were taken with all of them not knowing that the governors would defect to the APC. At the end of the day, we went there long after they had agreed on who is to be their leader. And it has to be the governors because you don’t expect the governor to be going out begging for a post. Who is the leader of the PDP in this country? It is Jonathan, whether he is doing the right thing or not, he remains the leader and you

*Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso don’t expect him to do otherwise. Those who were not with us now, were certainly not with us in 2011. We won election with Kwankwasiya and from 2011 today, we have succeeded in doing so many programmes that have touched the lives of so many people. So many people have now changed their minds and so many people are apologising for not supporting us in 2011.

That means if given another opportunity to do another election now or in 2015, we have additional votes in Kano, because we are much better and our position is much better than it was in 2011. Secondly, even those who fought against us in other parties and joined the APC, for example, CPC, anybody who is CPC in Kano today and supported Buhari in 2011, is with us today. Even ANPP Senator Gabiru Gaya, the only ANPP Senator is with us 100 percent. The nine members of the ANPP in the National Assembly are with us.

In the state Assembly, we have 31 PDP and now APC 31 and nine ANPP. Eight out of nine have signed up with us; the minority leaders is saying is working out on how to bring the rest and I say fine, if you succeed good if not you remain the minority leader in the state.

If you take elders in the state, all of them are with us. So, I have never seen such a powerful party in Kano as the APC today. Even under PRP, I was a civil servant but that time it was the common man or the masses that were supporting PRP, but today everybody in Kano from the top to the bottom wants to be identified with the APC. They know that if they don’t join us in APC knows that he has already lost the election.

That is why we are so happy about

the coming of the APC. As a leader one is likely to step on toes but what is important in politics is to see how to reconcile and make a better politician and by that get more people because politics is a game of number. So the number we have now, we can say, we thank the Almighty God. Have you reconciled with the former Governor, Shekarau?

We have nobody with anybody and our doors are open for all to come in. For those who are not interested in working together with us, who want to move the goalpost in Kano, I don’t think that will be acceptable to anybody. If all governors are leaders of the parties in their states, you cannot come and say that the five who defected to APC cannot be leaders of the parties in their states.

If you set a criteria it must apply to all whether you like the face of the person involved or not. If there are problems that affect governors, I cannot run away because I am the governor and I take the good things and the disadvantages as well. I have programmes that have never been heard of in the history of the state. We have free education at all levels and we have established two universities and people are very happy with what is going on in Kano today. I believe that we have the capacity to win more votes in 2015 in Kano with or without merger.

Have you looked at the timetable released by INEC recently?

You see, I think it is one of the things the President has been praying for. He tried that in 2011 and the National Assembly refused to allow his election to come first and put it second-National Assembly first and the President and governors second. Now, I don’t know how he has influenced INEC to put his

and national assembly election first and then two weeks after, they do state assembly and governorship election. I think the election of Mr. President should come last.

That has been the correct thing. You build from the bottom and you don’t start from the air. We have seen many elections that we had problems with presidential elections. But if you have structures on the ground, at least you have structures.

And the way they are going about it especially going by the utterances of those who are always visiting their dining tables and sitting rooms, I think they may be some agenda.

If you hear what many people from their side are talking about, its like they are threatening everybody and with that they want to put presidential election first. And I think that that is a big mistake. I think that should be reversed. The National Assembly must look at that. You don’t just sit down and put their election first because that is what they want. How and why are you starting with the Presidential election? That is giving us a lot of concern about the activities of INEC. People are really concerned and I think that INEC itself should also be concerned. It is very easy to sit down in Abuja and say that whether the people like it or not they have to take it. I was surprised having heard what El-Rufai said, I don’t see what the SSS arrested him.

What he said is correct. The fact remains that people are angry and it is not only in Kano or in the North; it is all over Nigeria. People are angry either in Bayelsa, Sokoto or Calabar. People are angry.

Do you suspect any bandwagon effect as a result of the INEC timetable?

Yes, I think that is what they are angling for. It is not the only issue. They want to intimidate the people to say if you don’t vote for me I will do this and that. They want to use intimidation and I don’t think they believe they can win in a free and fair election in this country. But it is all about the law enforcement agencies and INEC. From your experience so far, do you think the APC can dislodge PDP in the next election?

Why not? It is very simple.

You have to understand that in politics there is fatigue.

We mean, if a party is elected one, two and three and four times, the fatigue will begin to set in. We have elected the party four times and they PDP is trying again for the fifth time. Is it the only party? People are tied and they need change.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

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SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 47

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48—SATURDAY

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this is not resonating with majority of airport users and passengers who are witnesses to the dramatic changes that have taken place.

For starters, no one can describe the expansion of the MMIA, Lagos by more than 200 per cent (Immigration Counters increased from 9 to 30, Screening Machines from 6 to 12,

Nigerian Airports - back to the future

BY JOE OBI

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t is all too easy to forget the pains of yesterday once you are out of a deep, wrenching hole. All of a sudden, the comfort of today becomes all too familiar, all too normal to the point of convenient complacency, and even selective amnesia. Under the circumstance, you even forget that you won the new comfort on the back of severe pains; and probably personal sacrifices. This is the story of the Nigerian aviation sector. No. The Nigerian airport user.

My recollection is so vivid I could almost slice it with a knife. Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah had just assumed office. After looking at the Hand-over Notes, read mountains of files and took scores of hours of briefing and de-briefing from MD’s/CEO’s of the aviation parastatals and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, she looked distinctly depressed. The contents of those files and sessions of ‘oral testimonies’ spoke of a sector in dire straits. There were capable of breaking down the strongest of mortals. From the roads leading up to some of the airports, to the entrance gates, the terminal buildings and to the toilets, it was one long narrative of rot, decay, and dilapidation- the result of decades of criminal neglect of the sector by those in whose care the sector was entrusted.

The broken ceilings, creaking fans, malfunctioning screening machines, escalators and air-conditioning systems, obsolete and unserviceable conveyor belts, leaking roofs, 18th century Avio bridges, poor electricity supply systems, old and non-existent fire-fighting equipment, uncut grasses around the airside, derelict 18th century architectural structures all spoke of overwhelming need for immediate intervention. With the decay so stupefyingly obvious, it continues to confound the Minister to date that most, if not all her predecessors did nothing to redress and address the situation. She however vowed that she was not going to lend her name and reputation to the ignominious list of those who came, saw, but did nothing. Thus fired up by some form

of righteous indignation, Princess Stella Oduah, who at first harboured some doubts about the veracity of the

contents of her marathon briefing sessions, rolled up her sleeves and hit the highway. As she hopped from one airport to another, her worst fears were not only confirmed but also aggravated by the reality on ground.

In a rare period of dry humour at one of the worst-hit airports, the Minister remarked that those that put down the ‘’State of the Industry” for her Hand-over Notes actually did a poor job of it. Reason: a lot of graphic detail about the extent of rot and dilapidation was not captured. She added then that if she had relied solely on the Hand-over Notes and briefing sessions, she would have grossly underestimated the challenge facing the industry. Thank goodness, she undertook the tour and was better educated, better prepared for the gargantuan task ahead, and a lot wiser never to rely on third party information.

Distressed and humbled as she was by the extent of rot in the system, Oduah still found inner strength to face the challenge. A few months later, an oven-fresh Aviation Master

way to the Holy Land before the coming of Oduah. ‘’ If I come to your house, the impression I take away about your personality is the condition of your sitting room”, I have heard the Minister utter this refrain innumerable times while advancing arguments for the rehabilitation of airport terminals. With this ringing ceaselessly in her ears, Oduah commenced the simultaneous (again, the first in the history of the sector) reconstruction, rehabilitation and remodelling of 11 airports in the First Phase. Airports considered in this First Phase include the Murtala Mohammed Internal Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the General Aviation Terminal, (GAT) Lagos, the GAT (Abuja old domestic terminal), and the Benin, Kano, and Enugu, Yola, Jos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Ilorin airports.

In another unprecedented first, the second phase of the remodelling programme continued with the simultaneous reconstruction of the remaining 11 airport terminals. So in

If I come to your house, the impression I take away about your personality is the condition of your sitting room”, I have heard the Minister utter this refrain innumerable times while advancing arguments for the rehabilitation of airport terminals Plan and Implementation Road Map; the first of its kind, rolled out from the mill. Ever since then, she has not looked back. The sector too, has not looked back.

First to receive attention and decisive intervention were the Pilgrims terminals in the Kaduna and Malam Aminu Kano International airports, Kano respectively. During the commissioning ceremony, eminent politicians and Muslim Islamic leaders effusively applauded the Minister, a Christian to boot, for being the one and only Aviation Minister to give a thought to the plight of Muslims who hitherto endured dehumanising conditions for days and weeks at the camps enroute the Holy land. Today, it is doubtful if anyone still remembers how inhospitable those terminals were and how much pilgrims suffered in those terminals on their

one fell swoop, (within 18 months) all 22 federally-owned airports received attention by way of facelift.

Now, we have to properly put this in context. The newest airport as at 2011 was about 30 years old; and within those three decades, Nigeria has had scores of Aviation Ministers who neither found it imperative, nor even expedient to as much as repaint the airports buildings!

Today, from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt, Lagos to Calabar, all 22 federally-owned airports are wearing a new and enchanting look, courtesy of the remodelling programme. Now, some critics have attempted to chip away at this monumental feat by the Aviation Minister by describing the transformation of the terminals and lounges from the once-disgraceful ‘animal sheds’ to the present-day architectural masterpieces as mere cosmetic showpieces. Fortunately,

amongst other interesting features) as mere cosmetics. Nigerians and foreigners alike who passed through this airport during the high traffic yuletide season experienced seamless facilitation, the first painless experience in decades!

The cooling systems have replaced the deep-frying ovens of yester-years. The same goes for the Malam Aminu Kano International airport, Kano. Kano airport, for the records, was constructed in 1952 and no manner of rehabilitation or maintenance whatsoever had taken place at the airport prior to 2011. Today, Kano airport stands in bold relief as signpost for the possibilities that come with visionary leadership.

We are not even talking about the new Toll Gates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and MMIA, Lagos, the GAT (where Arik Air and others operate from) Lagos, or the GAT, Abuja now designated for Charter and Pilgrims operations. One cannot also

imagine what anyone would say derisively about Enugu, the newest international gateway to the East. Or the Benin, Owerri, Ibadan, Yola, Kaduna, Jos, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Illorin airports, amongst others that are now wearing modern-day airport terminal ambiences. We can go on, and on, and on!

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rdinary Nigerians who use these terminals today speak effusively of a true, new dawn for the sector. Tragically, their authentic voices are daily drowned by the cacophony of vituperations by a small clique which is fighting teeth and nail to redefine reality.

Fortunately, we not only still warehouse photographs and video clips of what these airports looked like pre-July 2011 for the few sceptical Thomases, but more intriguing is the fact that the ordinary passenger out there sure knows the difference.

One major refrain we hear is that the ‘’finishing” at some of the sites is below standard. Now, it is entirely within the rights of Nigerians to make comments on their perception of the quality of work done at the airports. But what must not be lost on us, without making excuses for indigenous contractors is that all the projects were handled by Nigerian architects and engineers. To be sure, this prevents capital flight, and gives opportunity for our architects and engineers to grow on the job.

What’s more, we are all too familiar with the charge that local contractors are always sidelined in preference to their foreign, often less technically qualified counterparts!

What I however consider most critical in this regard is the fact that a Minister dared to do something different where others before her looked the other way. I daresay say that If someone before Oduah had as much as done a ‘poor’ job of rehabilitating the derelict

infrastructure at the nation’s airports, I am pretty sure Oduah’s job would have been a lot easier-to paper through the cracks, ‘mistakes’ and charges of ‘poor finishing’ being maliciously levelled against her today. So folks, the foundation has been laid, and let’s give credit to whom it is due.

Joe Obi is the Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Aviation. He contributed this piece from Abuja.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—49

Why I want to govern Osun State —Wole Oke H

on Wole Oke is one of the leading governorship aspirants of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Osun State for this year’s August 9, governorship election. The two- term member of the House of Representatives spoke with journalists on his aspiration and chances of picking his party’s ticket.

Having obtained your expression of interest form from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State for N5million, how do you ensure that there is no rigging or imposition of a candidate.

Let me assure that the Electoral Act 2010 as amended specifically states how a political party should elect its candidates for elections and that is the Quran and the Bible process of picking a candidate for elections. It must be democratic, free and fair. There is no room for imposition. If there is agreed consensus among the candidates, so be it. But the party which I belong to, the PDP does not impose candidates. I have contested several elections under this party, including the one into the Parliament and there has never been imposition and where there is consensus, you will find out that it is a true consensus arrangement. Let me also state clearly that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not permit independent candidates. A candidate must at all times be sponsored by a political party. A candidate can only contest through a political party and that party is also expected to conduct a credible primary for its aspirants.

How prepared are for the primary election?

I am fully prepared for the primary election. This is the second time I would be touring all the 30 local governments including the area councils in Osun State. I am the only candidate that is busy meeting all the delegates and party leadership across the 30 local governments and the area councils.

What is your strength in getting the delegates’ votes at the primary?

By my projections, at least, I am optimistic of getting maximum of 75% of the delegates’ votes and minimum of 60% votes.

How would you accommodate two other gubernatorial aspirants if you eventually emerge as the candidate of the PDP at the end of the primary ?

The two other aspirants are my elder brothers. Senator Iyiola Omisore is my elder brother; so also is Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi. We are members of the same family in the PDP. I know that within the heart of Senator Omisore, he would like to go back to the Senate and perhaps becomes the Senate President.

What are your selling points to the delegates?

My selling points to the delegate are that: they have tried me and I have been tested before. I have been elected into positions and I performed creditably well and it is on record. Let me give you an instance. The joy of any parliamentarian during his or her tenure is to sponsor bills and for the bills to see the light of the day. The three of us

remaining in this race are parliamentarians and I challenge them to mention the bills they have been able to sponsor on the floor of the Senate. I sponsored 10 bills and 4 of it received the assent of Mr President to become laws. One of the bills is Pencom amendment bill which exited the armed forces and para-military institutions from the Pencom. Another bill that I sponsored which also received the assent of Mr President is State Security Services and NIA Pensions Board. Let anybody tell me any bill or show us any bill they sponsored. Another achievement I recorded are the institutions that I facilitated to Osun State when I was in the House of Reps. It was during my tenure as chairman House Committee on Defence that an indigene of Osun State became the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Petinrin and he subsequently became the Chief of Defence Staff. He is also from my constituency.

We both facilitated the siting of Air Force Base in Ipetu Ijesa. I also brought Armed Force Games village to Esa Oke, ditto, Armed Forces Physical and Health Institute in Ijegun. I was working on Federal College of Education for Ibokun with Professor Ajeyalemi, who was the PA to the then Minister for Education. I represented my people successfully and I am happy about it and I can tell you that my people were also excited about my sterling performance. This goes further to say that I am fully prepared sufficiently and efficiently to lead Osun State and manage their assets and resources. Academically, I am also prepared.

If you eventually emerge as the candidate of the PDP, there are fears that Osun State is neck deep in heavy debt incurred by the present administration. How do you intend to address this challenge when you become the governor?

First of all, I am a financial engineer by training and exposure and a developmental analyst, accountant and tax lawyer. Globally, public finance

remains the bedrock of governance.

With my pedigree, I would exit Osun out of her heavy debt profile. I know all the window, I have the tools and skills. With the collaboration of the lawmakers that I would be working with, Osun will wriggle out of its current debt burden.

Do you have an idea of the total debt Osun is owing?

I am a realist. I don’t tell lies. Right now, I don’t know the exact figure of debt Osun State is owing. I am currently conducting an investigation through the Debt Management Office (DMO) and I have also written a letter to the state governor to demand an account of the state. He is currently the governor and I am one of his citizens, who has the right to ask for the finances of the state and I also expect him to publish the same in the newspapers or pamphlets and circulate among the people to know how much we are owing as a state.

Has the governor replied your letter and when did you send the letter to him?

He has not replied the letter. I sent the letter last week when the noise and hullabaloo were going about that he has borrowed N670billion.

Hon Wole Oke

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BY GBENGA OLARINOYE, OSOGBO

My selling points to the delegate is that they have tried me and I have been tested before. I have been elected into positions and I performed creditably well and it is on record As a financial expert, I think the financial institution would definitely have some basics before granting loan facility to the government.

Until I have documents, facts and data or certified audited account of the state government, detailing income and expenditure from the relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Finance and DMO I can’t say the amount the state government is owing.

What some people are saying is that coming from the same Senatorial District with Aregbesola may work against your interest in this race?

That is in fact the biggest asset that I have, that is coming from the same zone with the incumbent governor.

We have six local governments in that zone, with highly sophisticated electorate and large number of votes. If we give Aregbesola the laxity, he would take all the votes in that zone and don’t forget, he has his men in various local governments holding one political office or the other and they would fight to keep

their jobs. I can tell you that the if the PDP gives me the ticket, I would dislodge Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola out

of the Government House and Abere through the ballot. I have the wherewithal to take on the governor. Humility is not a crime.

That I am humble is not a sign of cowardice. I am prepared to send Aregbesola back to Lagos.

If you are declared winner of the governorship election, would you review some of the policies and programmes of Aregbesola’s administration?

Yes I will. One of the problems of Aregbesola’s government is policy summersault. I know him too well. He was my senior at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. I know that in those days, he belonged to the socialist movement. He was an activist in the institution. I know his pedigree and background.

Honestly speaking, he has ideas. One of his major undoings is that he is a starter and not a finisher. You will discover that all his policy thrusts have summersaulted. I would review his policies. As a matter of principle, before you can project into the future, you must review the past and the present. I would review his education programme, health, infrastructure provision, tax matters and give it a human face.

It was rumoured recently that you and Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi stepped down for Senator Iyiola Omisore . Is it true ?

Well, I can only speak for myself.

After paying a sum of N5million for the intention form, in the last two weeks, I have toured all the nooks and crannies of Osun State, canvassing for delegates’ votes. I have not stepped down for anybody, neither did I step down for Senator Omisore.

Without sounding immodest, I am the most qualified person for this job. I am adequately prepared mentally, spiritually and physically for the governorship seat.

50—SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

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biora Madu, Programme Director/CEO, Multimix Academy, an institute that grooms skill seekers, instil confidence in profes sionals in various practice in global trade, logistics, supply chain management. Madu who had spent about a decade on the Export Desk of two major export banks in Nigeria was a member of the pioneer team that developed most of the export financing products and instruments that are generally used by most banks in Nigeria today. Excerpts: Multimix Academy as a professional Institute, drives skills and professionalism, what are the achievements so far?

From a very humble beginning, with very few students, factually with one or two certification, we have grown. Right now, we can boast of over two thousand, five hundred students who had gone through our programme, both certification,seminars and workshops in the market.

And we have tried to contribute our quota. We have also had some skill acquisition programmes like the recent one we had on career fare which we tried to point at a direction for some young confused graduates.

It was very interesting, the hall was packed full. At the end of the exercise, a lot of them were able to decide on courses to pursue. So, the truth is that, we are operating in the fastest growing career in the world today. I think in terms of number and quality skill we have done very well because our products in the market are the ones who sell for us. For that majority of the people that come to our programme are from references. Like I said recently that since10 years ago we started, we are still leading, it means that there is something we are doing rightly. In terms of achievement, if you look at the way

Africa needs to improve on supply chain infrastructure—Madu of corporate organisations, top of the bill that we work, that also shows we are not doing badly. The public sector and most importantly, the international institution we represent in Nigeria, all that lend credence to our capability. So, we have grown to the level that every Saturday you come to the academy you meet six, seven courses running simultaneously.

You have introduced a new innovation, consulting, how does it run?

We found out that in the course of our training programmes, the issue of consulting kept rising. And at times, you know you can also do consulting in the classroom, like if you go to an organisation to do a supply chain optimisation programme. What it means, is almost equivalent to actually going through the activities to optimising, looking at the results, processing improvement and all that. Having done that for quite sometime, and also done few consulting, the truth is that in every consulting, there is a training component, because when you put new processes in

Madu place, you have to train people to get used to it and mentor them and you have to institutionalise a governance that would ensure that the process you put in place doesn’t die two weeks after you have left.

So we have a challenge that people within us whether we are strictly a training institution, but we are making effort to say that is not what we are. If we

have the capacity to do the kind of training we are doing, then of course we have the capacity to consult because we can boast that no one in this country has the kind of resource that we have in our chosen area. As I speak to you, I probably don’t want to mention the name of the company.

There is a multi-billion naira manufacturing company in Onitsha, that is

doing full backward integration, the kind of thing they are manufacturing is not common with the kind of plant you hardly can see in Nigeria or West Africa.

We are currently setting up supply chain process for them and also helping them to review their HR processing and then taking up an export department for them because their product has potential outside Nigeria.

Apart from that, there is an oil company we’ve already done the work through, we’ve written their report, and they said ok, you understand the problem.

“Send a project plan which we did and it was approved. We are at the contracting stage right now.

There is two other oil companies also one we are going to be auditing and improving their import process which is a component of supply chain. The other one is their procurement process. So you can see, it cut across. We don’t have issue, we have consultancy, we have faculty, we have resource, so getting results that clients are looking for is not an issue at all. That is why the emphasis is go-

ing there because every organisation no matter how serious they are would require some kind of improvement or the other on their processes.

African Centre for supply chain, what is it all about, and how does it contribute to the growth of African economies especially Nigeria?

African Centre for supply chain, is an associated organisation to Multimix. It is supposed to be a continental platform to supply chain professionals to help to build capacity. It is very crucial for Africa especially sub-Saharan Africa. Because if you check, Africa is about 20 -21% of the world population but its portion of the entire global case is less than 3% and yet this is where almost all the natural resources are. It means that something is wrong and that thing that is wrong is supply chain.

Because the weak supply chain infrastructure and the rest of them make product coming from Africa incompetitive. It’s surprising but these are the issues. For instance, African Centre partners Multimix to develop trade compliance programme which is currently on-going and that programme is going online in two weeks time which means anyone can take that course within Africa.

AAF ttoo lif liftt Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos

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or Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos to move forward and achieve its articulated developmental vision and also measure up with other cultural groups in the country, the group has identified the position of Chief Solomon Ogbonna, CEO, Aguene Art Foundation, to help make it uhuru in the operations of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos.

Hosting the group in his Ajah residence, Chief Ogbonna, a successful businessman whose passion for artwork collection from birth runs in his vein and with also a dream to make Nigeria a tourism country through his Art Foundation that preserves more than 7,000 artworks and is soon to launch African Art Museum, has agreed to explore his business acumen to drive the long awaited and desired development Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos is anticipating.

Speaking on the developmental strategy of the Igbo group during launch in his house, the foremost real estate developer, who accepted the offer has promised to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo to the next level of gaining international recognition, where the group would consider partnering foreign commissions in Nigeria that promote art and cultural groups.

According to Ogbonna, the gesture serve as avenue towards uniting the Igbos in Lagos and diaspora which would promote monumental developments among them for the benefit of all and sundry. He further said that as part of the strategy to fine-tune the activities of the Igbo group, its officials will have to embark on courtesy visits to “Who is Who” in the country.

While conducting a walk around site seeing of the officials of the Igbo cultural group around his art gallery, however, the President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos, Dr. Fabian Onwughalu, said, officials of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is happy to welcome Chief Solomon Ogbonna to become part and parcel of the group in Lagos, saying Ogbonna will be in

charge of the stirring committee that would acquire land to build secretariat for Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos and other major projects the group has planned to execute to make its existence more formidable. Onwughalu said further that the Igbos are one and there is no segregation among Ohanaeze, even as he advised Chief Ogbonna to fast track the establishment of his art museum that would drive tourism development in the country and attract government interest.

In the same vein, Eze Ndigbo of Mushin, Dr. John Nwosu, advised Ndigbo that the only way to become a good leader is to first become a good follower and abhor materialism which tends on tearing any group apart when everybody in any given group wants to rule, the centre can’t hold.

L-R: President, Ohanaeze Idigbo, Lagos, Dr. Fabian Onwughalu; CEO, Aguene Art Foundation, Chief Solomon Ogbonna and a titled member of Ohanaeze Idigbo, Lagos,when Ogbonna hosted officials of the Igbo group culture recently in Lagos.

Lagos new ttax ax regime inf luences budge t, pr omot es infr as tructure influences budget, promot omotes infras astructure *Students too benefit

Since the evolution of new tax regime in Lagos, compliance has not only empowered the state’s budget but infrastructural development on the rise, while students in the state benefit from the tax dividend through scholarship, learning tools and cash prizes which has helped their parents economically. All is geared towards achieving Lagos mega city as proposed at the beginning of this administration.

Meanwhile, at the seventh Annual Lagos State Taxation Stakeholders’ Conference, Ikeja, Governor Babatunde Fashiola revealed that 70 per cent of the state budget of N489.69 billion would be funded through taxation. However, Lagos state government has vowed not to take it easy with tax defaulters as it has commenced prosecution of about 60 defaulters in the state which include unnamed

eminent citizens.

In the forum which had in attendance the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Minister of Industry, Mrs. Nike Akande and others, Fashola said that all the advanced countries recognised that payment of taxes is the first step to prosperity.

Moreso, the forum did not only serve for a tax discussion issue alone, it gave the opportunity for secondary school winners of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) Tax Essay Competition to learn more about the taxes they wrote about in their essays and be rewarded by Governor, Babatunde Fashola. The six winners from the junior and senior categories were presented with plaques, cash prizes and computers for writing on various topics on how taxes can be utilised to better the society. In the junior category, Queen Rita

Edvbir of Western College, Yaba, lifted the trophy and went home with a scholarship grant of N250,000 and a computer for her school.

David Iwoera of Muslim Junior College came second and got N200,000 and a computer while 10-year-old JSS2 pupil, Adesuwa Inegbenebo of Ogba Junior Grammar School came third and was rewarded with N150,000. Chidinma Ilo of Eletu-Odibu Senior High School, Yaba won the senior category. She beat Blessing Okeke of Aquinas Private College, Surulere and Olayemi Bola Shalom of State Senior High School, Ibereko to the second and third positions.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014 — 51

Confab: Kudos, knocks trail FG’s modalities * Politicians, groups, others divided over timeline, delegates * NBA threatens boycott, seeks inclusion of more lawyers * Ohanaeze, Arewa, Afenifere leaders speak

BY SONI DANIEL, CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, TONY EDIKE, IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, CHRIS OCHAYI & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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HE Federal Government’s modalities for the National Conference, yesterday, received kudos and knocks in equal measure from eminent Nigerians, politicians and groups.

While some okayed the confab template, others said it fell below expectation. They were also divided on the dialogue timeframe, number of delegates from ethnic nationalities and some special groups as well as what to do with the outcome of the exercise.

Timeline is okay –Afenifere

In a reaction, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, spokesman for the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, told NAN on phone that the three-month period was enough for the conference.

“Three months is enough time for Nigerians to dialogue as long as there is sincerity of purpose. It is only when there is no clarity of purpose that people can say three months is short for the conference” Odumakin said.

NBA rejects one slot nomination, threatens boycott

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, said it would not participate in the proposed conference, except the Federal Government, agreed to include more lawyers in the process.

In a statement it issued in Abuja, yesterday, the NBA which is the umbrella body of lawyers in the country, said it received with utmost disappointment, the statement credited to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which requested the association to nominate one delegate to the conference.

In the protest letter signed by its National President, Chief Okey Wali, SAN, the NBA said: “In view of the fact that so many legal issues will be addressed at the National Conference, it is only fitting and proper for the umbrella association of all lawyers in Nigeria, the NBA, to have more than one delegate at the National Conference.

“This is an area we are supposed to possess enormous expertise and will definitely add a lot of value to the process. We do not want to think that our expertise is neither appreciated nor welcomed. This is not glory seeking, this is about adding value to the process, because the good of this country, is the good of the Bar and so we are determined to give whatever is needed to make our country great.

“We do not believe that the single slot given to the Nigerian Bar Association will be impactive enough, and so, we request that you, please, reconsider the one slot offer to the Nigerian Bar Association, as we regrettably will be unable to accept that offer. We hold it in your favour that this may very well be an oversight and that the Federal Government will have no difficulty in revisiting the issue”, it added.

Besides, Wali contended that “NBA is a membership based professional and legal organization of all lawyers in Nigeria with 104 branches across the 36 states and Abuja, organized into various practice sections, fora, institutes and committees. The Nigerian Bar Association speaks for the legal profession, that is, the Bar and Bench.

“Over the years, a National Conference of this nature has been one of the imperatives that define the priorities of the Nigerian Bar Association, in fact, it was a past President of the Nigerian Bar Association; the Late Alao-Aka Bashorun, that first called for a National Conference and since then, the Nigerian Bar Association has been in the forefront of the National Conference discourse.

“To demonstrate our seriousness and

that would serve narrow political interest at the end of the day like that of the former administration, which was aimed at advancing a selfish interest.

On his own part, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Anthony Sani, noted: “It is late in the day to be against or for the modalities of the National Conference. Though the ACF has never believed the solution to our national malaise lies in the conference, there should be no qualms as long as the promoters believe it can further the cause of a united Nigeria.”

It fell short of expectations – Chekwas Okorie Senate president David Mark presenting souvenir to Governor Sule Lamido at government house Dutse, during his official visit to the state. commitment to a successful National conference, we had on the 7th of January, 2014 set up the Nigerian Bar Association National conference committee under the Chairmanship of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as the Secretary (the only committee or forum or section of the Nigerian Bar Association with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as secretary).We write to place on record our dissatisfaction with the list of conference delegates, particularly, when put against representations from some other organizations and bodies.”

Igbo leaders divided

Meanwhile, Igbo leaders were divided yesterday over the confab modalities.

While the Ohanaeze Ndigbo okayed the template, the Professor Ben Nwabuezeled Concerned Igbo Leaders of Thought, faulted it.

President- General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Chief Gary Igariwey endorsed the modalities, saying that except for only one aspect, the position of the Federal Government tallied with the position of Ohanaeze especially on equality of representation on zonal basis.

He said: “The position of Federal Government is partly in line with what we submitted because we talked about equal representation for all zones. We also said it should be conducted in time. We commend the template. We differ in the area of the outcome going to National Assembly, but to referendum”.

On how Igbo delegates would be selected, Igariwey said that Ohanaeze as apex Igbo organization is not in contest with anybody or group, noting that Ohanaeze will call a meeting of all other organizations to decide how to choose delegates.

However, the concerned Igbo leaders said that the modalities were in total contrast to recommendations and yearnings of Nigerians especially Igbo people as contained in their letter to President Jonathan recently.

They stated, however, that they will not advise Ndigbo to boycott the exercise but would rather articulate a position document which delegates from the

South-East geopolitical zone would take to the conference table.

Briefing newsmen in Enugu after their meeting, which was attended by more than 60 Igbo elders and leaders, the Secretary of the group, Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, and two others, Chief Chukwuemeka Onyesoh and Engr, Obi Thompson of World Igbo Congress (WIC), reiterated their earlier position that Nigerians want a conference where ethnic nationalities would play dominant role and which outcome would be subjected to referendum to make for a fresh constitution and not subjected to National Assembly to be incorporated into the 1999 constitution.

Rejecting the modalities, the Igbo Leaders of Thought said, “ we had thought that we are going to have a new constitution. We have made our point, we will continue to remind the president that Nigerians are expecting a new constitution, not a revised 1999 constitution.”

ACF backs confab, Junaid Mohammed kicks

Convener of Northern Politicians, Academics and Businessmen, Dr. Junaid Mohammed dismissed the National Conference as a farce intended to promote President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘third term’ in office while the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, said that it did not believe the solution to the nation’s malaise lies in the conference.

Junaid said that he had never been a believer in the so-called conference and that the modalities released by the Federal Government had vindicated to the whole world that Jonathan was not sincere in convoking the conference.

According to him, the modalities unveiled by the Federal Government showed that the conference had failed on arrival, as it would not serve the national interest because of the caliber of delegates and those saddled with the task of selecting them.

The Second Republic lawmaker, who queried why the President was keen on appointing the Chairman, Deputy chairman and the Secretary of the Conference Committee, said it was clear that Jonathan just wanted his cronies to rubber-stamp a pre-determined outcome

National Chairman of the United Progressives Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie said the modalities fell short of the expectations of most Nigerians.

How? He said the government reneged on its promise of having no-go areas, the bulk of the delegates will not come from ethnic nationalities, the requirement of 75 per cent of delegates to pass contentious issues will lead to tyranny of the minority and the incorporation of the outcome of the confab into the 1999 Constitution instead of becoming a new constitution via a referendum is unacceptable.

Political parties under represented – CNPP

On its part, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, decried what it termed under-representation of political parties in the proposed conference.

National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, Mr. Osita Okechukwu said in a statement issued in Abuja that: “It is very unfair that only five out of the 25 registered political parties were allocated 10 delegates while the president is to nominate over 25 percent of the total delegates. Whereas, we are aware that not much will be achieved by the conference, given the timing; however we are still at a loss how 20 political parties that represent various tendencies in the country were denied the opportunity to contribute their quota in a national conference. We appeal that this obnoxious anomaly be corrected before the national conference commences.”

It’s ploy to derail 2015 polls – PDP Stakeholders

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Stakeholders Forum criticised the modalities, alleging that it is a plot to derail the 2015 general elections.

Reacting to the issue, Convener of the Forum, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, in a statement flayed the decision of the Federal Government to appoint the key members of the committee.

He said: “The conference which was renamed National Conference has no platform for guaranteed representation from the ordinary Nigerian citizens who would have loved to have equal opportunity through a guaranteed democratic selection process to participate at such a national discussion.

52 — SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—53

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Miss Bum Bum contest

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fter months of cat-fighting and con troversy, Brazilian beauty wins coun try’s Miss Bum Bum contest (and even has kind words for those bringing up the rear).

The winner of a contest to find the best bottom in Brazil has been crowned despite allegations two candidates bribed judges to rig the votes. In its third year, Miss

BumBum has a huge following in the country and around the world, and titleholders often go on to become national celebrities. This year’s winner was Dai Macedo, 25, from the central state of Goias, who impressed judges with her 42in derrière. The Miss Bumbum contest begins with 27 candidates chosen to represent each of Brazil’s 26 states and the federal

district Brasilia. The women are then whittled down to a final 15 in an online eliminatory round, before a winner is chosen by a judging panel of six women and five men. This year’s competition was marred by allegations of vote rigging. The new Miss Bumbum indicated her backside had not always been such a marketable asset. ‘It isn’t 100 per cent natural. I had a butt lift. I always had a large backside but liposuction improved it,’ she said. The brunette said she hoped one day to become a television presenter.

El Papa is a Rolling Stone!

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ope Francis is set to grace the cover of Rolling Stone as he continues to capture the hearts and minds of worshippers across the world. The Pope features on the front page of the rock and roll magazine’s new issue—with an accompanying

equivalent was revealed to have declared in an open letter that because doves are bred in captivity, the Pope’s act of releasing them is ‘condemning them to certain article titled:‘The times they are death’. changing’’. Dressed in white robes, he can The group appealed to Pope Francis to end the be seen smiling while waving his right practice of releasing doves from the window hand. It comes as the 77-year-old Pontiff overlooking St Peter’s Square, a day after a pair of the is accused of killing defenceless doves by peace symbols were attacked by a seagull and crow while releasing them from a Vatican window— a crowd including thousands of children watched below. with animal activists claiming they In contrast, Rolling Stone’s cover article highlights the inevitably get preyed upon by wild birds. Pope’s success at ‘establishing himself as a people’s Pope’.

Earlier today, the Italian RSPCA

Obama’s brother wearing Hamas Hong Kong billionaire daughter writes scarf that boasts ‘Jerusalem is open letter :‘Daddy, accept I 'm a ours —WE ARE COMING’

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alik Obama, the presi dent’s Kenyan half brother, was photographed in 2010 at a public event in Yemen wearing a ‘keffiyeh’ — a special scarf — bearing two anti-Israel slogans of the terror group Hamas,it emerged today.

‘Jerusalem is ours – WE ARE COMING,’reads one saying.

‘From the river to the sea,’ says the other statement.That rallying cry refers to Palestinian militants’ belief that the territory representing Israel, with the Jordan River to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, rightfully belongs to them—and Israel should not exist.

The photo appears on the website of the Barack H. Obama Foundation, a group that Malik founded and manages, despite its lack of a connection with the U.S. president. The name in the organization’s title refers to the president’s father, the parent whom the two men share in common.

Malik Obama also serves as

the executive secretary of the Islamic Da’wa Organization,agroup created by the government of Sudan.

While the White House has sought to distance President Obama from Malik and his other relations, the Kenyan told GQ in July 2013, that the two speak regularly. ‘Of course, we’re close!’ he said.

‘I’m the one who brought him here to Kogelo in 1988!I thought it was important for him to come home and see from whence his family came — you know, his roots.’

lesbian’

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he lesbian daughter of a Hong Kong billionaire who has offered HKD$1bn (£80million) in ‘dow ry’ to the man who married her, has written an open letter asking him to accept that she is gay.

Gigi Chao, 34, previously laughed off her father ’s scheme to find a man for her, but has now gone public with her plea for him to understand that her sexual orientation is not going to change.

Earlier this month, Cecil Chao Sze-tsung, a 77year-old property magnate, insisted that Gigi was ‘still single’, despite the fact that she married her long-term partner Sean Eav two years ago. In an open letter published by South China Morning Post, Ms Chao reaches out to her father, asking for him to come to terms with the fact that she is a lesbian.

In the letter, which starts ‘Dear Daddy ’, Ms Chao explains that although her love for him has not changed, the time has come for her father to accept her sexual orientation and her partner, Sean Eav, whom she has been with for nine years.

Is it time to bin your bra?

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e all noticed Kelly Brook’s assets making a guest ap pearance when she strode onto the red carpet wearing no bra beneath her black dress at the National Television Awards on Tuesday.But rather than being an anomaly, such public ditching of one’s support act has become a recent trend among stars including

Kim Kardashian, Miranda Kerr and Gwyneth Paltrow.

And while we’ve all heard horror stories of what will happen if we plump for bralessness — breasts that swing down below our knees, back pain that could land us in hospital—new research suggests that wearing a bra could actually contribute to these problems. Contrary to popular belief, wearing a bra doesn’t prevent sagging or relieve back pain at all, according to a study carried out over 15 years in France.

Researchers at the University of Besançon found that not wearing a bra increases the strength of the breast muscles, which results in them sagging less over time.

P r o f e s s o r Rouillon, who led the study, said he believed the ‘absence of a bra could keep breasts in shape’ and prevent back ache.

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

Brazil 2014: ‘Shagari’ wants experienced Super Eagles

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ORMER Nigerian international, Kingsley Obiekwu has called on coach Stephen Keshi to include more

experienced players in the Super Eagles team as they prepare for 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

CHAN 2014 to close in grand style T

HE Local Organising Committee of the Orange African Nations Championship South Africa 2014 in conjunction with the Department of Arts and Culture announced a star studded Closing Ceremony artist line up to officially close what has been a memorable tournament.

South African musical heavyweights will treat the football family gathered at the country’s at the iconic 65,000 sitter Cape Town Stadium to loads of entertainment as the Orange CHAN 2014 officially comes to an end today.

Themed “A Musical Celebration of Africa’s Home Champions” the closing ceremony will start at 4 pm and is set to see a celebration of South African music and dance fused into an African feel to celebrate the unique beauty of Africa.

With the LOC announcing multi-award winning and renowned acts such as Mafikizolo, Professor, Uhuru, Busiswa, DJ Zinhle and Cape Town’s own Reddy D and Chad Saaiman, football and music lovers are set to witness one of the most spectacular endings to a football tournament.

Brimming with confidence of a mind blowing closing ceremony was LOC CEO, Mr Mvuzo Mbebe in his expression of what he described as “A not to be miss showpiece!”.

“We are now at the last hurdle to a tournament that has by far exceeded all

High-wire... Super Eagles’ midfielder, Bright Eseme fight for ball possession with Ghana’s Samuel Ainooson during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships football match between Ghana and Nigeria at Free State Stadium in Free State. Ghana won 4-1 on penalty after scores were 0-0 at full time expectations with a thrilling display of world class football and goals. We have always said that CHAN is a tournament that should take its rightful place amongst other major football tournaments and I am sure that we can all agree that CHAN will leave these shores

as a different tournament. “In our bid to Celebrating Africa’s Home Champions and living up to our promise of delivering a successful tournament, we have pulled out all the stops to ensure that we secure the country’s very own Champions of music and

EPL: City not yet there, says Kompany V INCENT Kompany has refused to talk about the Premier League title despite Manchester City going goalcrazy again on their way to the summit.

Kompany was one of five different scorers in a 5-1 win at Tottenham that vaulted Manuel Pellegrini’s men ahead of Arsenal in the table.

The Blues have now scored

five on eight occasions this season and their overall tally is up to 115, but Kompany does not think the title is a given.

“I don’t even want to talk about that at the moment,” he told BT Sport.

“I’m so happy with the win and the way we played, not just the result. We are enjoying it and it’s a great time to be part of things. “There is still no

Not yet done... Yaya Toure gets a caution in Man City match against Tottenham

silverware, a lot of games are to be played. We’ll stay calm and prepare for the next game.”

Kompany’s goal was City’s last, with Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure (penalty), Edin Dzeko and Stefan Jovetic the other scorers. Bad news came, though, with Aguero limping off before the break, not long after coming back from an injury. “It’s bad news of course, we will have to see, we don’t know how bad it is but hopefully he’ll be back very soon,” Kompany added.

“The good news is Jovetic stepped up and was the player we know he can be.”

Kompany’s view on the title was shared by his manager.

“I think it’s too soon to be the favourites to win the title, there are much more matches to play but if we continue the way we are playing we are going to have more chances,” he said.

“In the first half we played some fantastic football, scored just one goal but had three or four more chances. We also defended very good.”

City will host Chelsea on Monday in a match that could be the defining moment for their title ambition.

dance to officially conclude the birth of another African giant.

Obiekwu said in Umuahia that experienced players were needed for the Eagles to make an impact at the Mundial. The World Cup will hold from June 12 to July 13 in 12 Brazilian cities.

“If you go through the odds, you know that Nigeria is always an underdog when it comes to the senior World Cup. “But, with the right mixture of experience and hard work our players can spring surprises,” said Obiekwu who is an assistant coach with Rangers International FC of Enugu.

Obiekwu, a member of the victorious U-23 national team at Atlanta ’96 Olympics tasked the team’s technical crew to go for the best players who were active in their respective club sides.

“Experience counts but we have to invite those players that are very committed and active in their teams.

“We have to believe in these players too that they can give us what we want,” said Obiekwu who was called Shagari in his playing days.

He said that Nigeria currently paraded quality players that have the capacity to surpass its previous World Cup performances He added that his club Rangers International FC of Enugu Assistant will strive to end their trophy run in the local league stating that it was the reason he signed up.

“Rangers have not won any major trophy for decades and this is the dream and vision that challenged me to come here.

Cape Town stadium ‘frightens’ Ghana coach

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HANA coach Maxwell Konadu hopes his side can adjust to conditions in Cape Town where they play Libya in the final of the African Nations Championship.

The Local Black Stars have played all five matches at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein and this will be a new terrain for them.

The team arrived in Cape Town on Thursday morning to continue preparations for the grande-finale.

Konadu fears the change in environment could have a negative effect on his troops.

“Playing away from Bloemfontein, which has become our home, will have some impact on us when we play Libya in the final in Cape Town,” Konadu in a post-match interview.

“The people in Mangaung have been behind us and we will miss them in the final but we still intend to do well against Libya, a good side which we know something about.”

Saturday’s final is a repeat of their second Group C match which ended 1-1.

Ghana are chasing their first title since 1982 when they coincidentally defeated Libya on penalties to lift the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ribery, Benzema escape sex charges

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RANCK Ribery and Karim Benzema have both been acquitted of charges of soliciting an underage prostitute.

Ribery, 30, and Benzema, 26, faced up to three years in prison if found guilty of having sexual relations with Zahia Dehar, now 21, when she was under 18.

However, the judge at a court in Paris ruled there wasn’t enough proof that the pair were aware of Dehar’s age at the time.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, FEBRUARY 1, 2014—55

Woods finds comfort in ‘Dubai Desert’ IGER Woods enjoyed of it. After going 0 for 12 everyone,” he said.

T some welcome on birdies on the par-fives “I think the way they set Arabian comfort, at the last week, it was actually the golf course up last week opening of the Dubai Desert Classic with a 68 that was 11 shots better than his previous round at Torrey Pines last Saturday.

That seven-over flop in San Diego meant that the world number one got his 2014 campaign off to the worst possible of starts by missing the cut on a course where he was a multiple winner.

Just a bad day at the office was his unperturbed assessment of that round, and he did enough at the Majlis Course, where he has won twice previously, to give that view some credence.

“Overall it was a pretty good score. Maybe could have gotten two more out

nice to make one too. The first hole, right out of the gate. Got rolling from there a little bit.” Rolling for Woods meant further birdies at 13, 15 and 18 to go out in four under. He struggled a bit coming back in on the more tricky front nine, especially off the tee, but his short game was sharp and he came home without a bogey on his card.

“I hit a lot of good putts which was nice. Last week I didn’t do it. It was nice to actually play well again.”

Playing partner and good friend Rory McIlroy, who carded a pace-setting 63, said he had not been that taken aback by Woods’ travails at Torrey Pines. “It happens to

at Torrey - if you were just slightly off, it magnified those misses.

“I watched a little bit and the greens didn’t look particularly good. I know that he three-putted a couple of times and when you leave yourself those three-footers on those sort of poa greens and they get a little fast, a little bumpy, it’s tricky. It happens to everyone.”

The prime objective for Woods this year is to finally win another major, his last coming in June 2008 at the US Open at Torrey Pines.

On 14 majors, he remains four short of the all-time record set by Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters when he was 46 years old, eight years older than Woods is now.

Coaches, officials expect quality display at All Comers N IGERIA’S 2014 athletics season begins on February 14, when the All Comers meet holds in Sagamu, Ogun State and athletics coaches and officials are expecting the athletes who have been in the Commonwealth Games camp in Abuja to put up a show and prove that the training they recieved was not a wasted exercise.

The Abuja camp went into recess on Thursday, with the athletes given permission to attend to personal matters, before heading for the second phase camping that will commence, after the All Comers meet.

AFN camp commandant, Jide Josiah stated that the camping has been of immense benefit to those who participated in it and according to him, the first competition of the season

will be like a measuring stick for the campers and indeed others who might have worked even harder with their personal coaches.

“We have had a series of trials in camp and I must tell you there is a remarkable improvement.

When the season’s competitions begin we expected that there will be good performances from the athletes.

“It will be interesting to see what the athletes can do. Most especially the throwers, who even surprised us the more in the camp. There was one particular chap, who threw 60m in the javelin it was his first time and was using his raw energy,” said the former national sprinter.

Also commenting coach, Adu Uruemu stressed that with what he heard of the camping activities, he was

expecting to see heartwarming performances from the athletes.

“Though it is unwise to count your chicks before they hatched, I hope to see improvements. The All Comers will reveal to us what to expect for the season.” said Adu. He added that the AFN did well by camping the athletes, however, he noted that coaches who had more than one athlete in the camp where left behind.

“It would have been good if coaches who have athletes in camp were carried along. For instance you and your athletes were running a programme and they are called to camp and something else is introduced to them. I hope that the AFN will look into this in the future.”

Glasgow 2014: Nigerian boxers preparations worry Trigo

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OREMOST Nigerian boxing analyst, Trigo Egbegi has decried the poor preparations by the country’s boxers for the 2014 Commonwealth Games billed for Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3 Trigo, a former secretary, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), told NAN in Lagos that it appeared as if the competition was not being taken seriously enough to ensure good performance. According to him, in the last four years there had been no improvement in the situation of sports in general in the country.

He noted that until the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) comes up with an effective programme, performing credibly in international competitions would be a myth.

“If the authorities involved can come up with an approach to deal with the shortcomings of the sport in the country, only then can we say we are preparing to win.

“But for now I don’t see us standing a chance at any international competition.

“Although in this part of the world we believe in miracles, so, a miracle can

happen and we win but based on the level of preparations we are nowhere near,” he said.

The former NBBC of C secretary also said that in spite of the local competitions organised for the growth of the sport, nothing positive was achieved.

“Is it because of the National Sports Festival or Lagos State series that is being organised? That is not enough.

“Nothing should be expected and it’s too late to proffer a solution because all has been said and nothing has actually been done,” he said.

FUTA aims for more gold at NUGA

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EDERAL University of Technology Akure athletes for the forthcoming Nigeria University Games, have stepped up their preparations with all eyes on Babajide Okulaja. Okulaja is a four hundred level physics student who is primed to win the long jump event because of his l o n g s t a n d i n g performance at the national level. He will be leading other FUTA students who also are medal potentials in the event that will be hosted

by Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State February 12-22.

FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola charged the athletes and officials to give their best at the

Games and show the excellence that FUTA has become renowned for in all areas of human endeavors. He urged them to be good ambassadors of the University saying they will be supported all the way by the management

of FUTA. Michael Ajibua, Director of Sports, assured the FUTA Community that the athletes will do the institution proud. He hinged his optimism on the commitment of the students in training and their determination to win

Okulaja... ready to roll at NUGA

Girls Aloud... Ofonime Odiong Edidiong and and Deborah Adewale Nigerian youth athletes waiting to rule the world.

AFN standards achievable — Campbell

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T H L E T I C S Federation of Nigeria head coach, Eric Campbell has challenged all Nigerian athletes to strive and achieved the standards set by the Federation ahead of the Commonwealth Games July 23-August 2014 in Glassgow, Scotland.

Campbell, who has been working with the athletes in their training camp in Abuja, stated that the standards were achievable and all Nigerian athletes including those who are not in camp, must aim to upgrade their performances.

“The federation has set a goal which is good for the athletes to know what they need to do so that Nigeria will do well at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

According to him, the athletes have been preparing hard toward the

Games and they have a task to perform better than they have been doing.

The athletes are expected to run 10.25 and 11.45 secs, in the men and women 100m respectively, while in the 200m 20.80 and 23. 55 seconds are the mark to be achieved. The 400m men struggling for ages to do a decent 44. 99 seconds will aim for 45.65, while the women gun for 52.40 secs.

Male athletes competing in 800m must return a time of 1.47.50 secs to qualify, while the females will return 2.02.80 secs.

The AFN has set a standard of 13.90 secs for the males in the 110 hurdles and 13.50 secs for the women’s 100m hurdles. For 400m hurdles, the men must run 50.50 secs and the females 57.90 secs, while the set standard for high

jump is 2.17m for males and 1.80m for the females.

Meanwhile long distance runner, Kefas Williams urged the AFN to pay attention the event.

He argued that there are many talents in the country and they only need adequate training and exposure to reach the level of the East Africans.

“The AFN has been doing well for athletes but I believe that they can go a step further by organising more long distance meets.

“We have what it takes to succeed at international meets because the potential is there. We have talents in all parts of the country.

“Organising more competitions will expose a good number of us and help our progress. I can assure you that many teenagers are interested in long distance events,” he said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

How South Africans worked against Nigeria

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spectators and almost three quarters of that number cheered endlessly for Ghana.

Either by arrangement or sheer happenstance, the majority of Ghana fans were stationed behind the goal post manned by Nigeria goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim.

They sang noisily, made catcalls, beat their drums and blew their trumpets all in a way to distract the Nigerian captain.

The penalty shootout took place at that particular goal post in front of Ghana fans.

Their catcalls and senseless roars behind the keeper, perhaps, had an impact in the performance of the Super Eagles players in the penalty shootout.

It must be noted that most of those fans that rooted for Ghana Black Stars are South Africans. Ghana played all their matches, up to the semifinal duel against Nigeria in Bloemfontein. They formed a large support base. This was enhanced by the fact that some of the locals were still pained for the fact that The Super Eagles eliminated the Bafana Bafana in the group stage.

Most of South Africans have not forgiven the Nigerian team for that. So the game against Ghana provided an avenue for payback time.

The booed every move by the Super Eagles and cheered the Ghanaians even when they missed the ball.

Ten man Ghana team was galvanized by the hospitality of their host community and that clearly gave them a psychological edge. Ghana coach, Maxwel Konadu admitted after the match that the supporters were his twelfth player. “Support from the fans played a major role in our progress. They did everything for us and I thank them for helping us against Nigeria,” he said, adding, I will attribute today’s victory to them.”

IREWORKS and jubilant scenes marked the end of the thrilling semi final match of the 2014 African Nations Championship between Ghana and Nigeria in Bloemfontein Wednesday night.

Officials In attendance were 12, 560

Eagles pick up the pieces, fight Zimbabwe for bronze A

FTER losing to Ghana 14 on penalties, in the semi final of the African Nations Championship, the Super Eagles will today take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the losers’ final.

At stake is national pride and the bronze medal, more than the prize money that has no real value difference between the two combatants as both 3rd and 4th place finishers will share $500,000 equally.

The Nigerian players have been talking tough ahead of the duel which precedes the final between Ghana and Libya.

Although the morale in camp has been dampened by the defeat to Ghana, the players have promised to pick themselves up and ensure they do not come back to Nigeria without anything to show. “I will do my best if fielded as we cannot afford to lose to Zimbabwe,” says Super Eagles and 3SC forward, Gbolahan Salami.

Azubuike Egwuekwe said he and his team mates have vowed to do everything humanly possible to ensure the Zimbabweans fall. “We are disappointed by our loss to Ghana. Nobody expected it but now that we have been forced by circumstances to play third place match, we will do our best to win the match.”

For Coach Stephen Keshi, the tournament has been one

Sorry Sight... Super Eagles players face the agony of defeat after falling to Ghana’s Black Stars on 4-1 penalties. But today they are ready to make amends with the third place match against Zimbabwe. of a big lesson and today’s tie between his wards and Zimbabwe is a continuation of the learning curve. “What is important is the mental and attitudinal growth my team has been able to achieve in this tournament. “Coming back from an opening game defeat to get to this level does not come cheap. My team has

TODAY’S MATCHES Nigeria Libya

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Newcastle West Ham Everton Fulham Hull Stoke

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CHAN Zimbabwe Ghana EPL Sunderland Swansea Aston Villa Southampton Tottenham Man Utd

4.00pm 7.00pm 1.45pm 1.45pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm

character and that would come to bear when we meet Zimbabwe,” the big boss said in Bloemfontein.

He told the boys to shake off from the Ghana loss and set ACROSS 1.Ivory Coast “Elephants” Coach, Sabri (8) 5.Bonissfa Dortmund Midfielder, Marco (4) 7.Public Rlations Officer (PRO) The Nigerian Police Force, Mr. Frank (3) 8.L.G.A in Kano State (4) 10.L.G.A in Abia State (4) 12.Former Super Eagles Defender, Taribo (4) 14.Jigawa State Governor, Sule (4) 16.L.G.A in Rivers State (3) 17.Greek Alphabet (4) 18.Chad Republic Vice President, Djfmrangar (8) 21.L.G.A in Bauchi State (8) 24.Elkanemi Warriors Striker, Edward (4) 26.Venomous Snake (3) 27.President, Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Mr. Rafiu (6) 30.Italian “Serie A” Club Side (4) 33.Super Sport United Coach, Gavin (4) 34.Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director of Currency Operations, Shamsudeen (4) 35.Number (3) FCT Minister of State, Mrs Olajumoke (8)

their eyes on the bronze medal, if that is the only thing they can win for Nigeria. “We will give it our best shot even though we had hoped for better a ending.”

DOWN 1.Germany National Coach, Joachim (4) 2.Solar Planet (4) 3.Former United States President, Calvin (8) 4.Muslim Cleric (4) 5.South African Currency (4) 6.Manchester United Defender, Chris (8) 9.Canadian Capital City (6) 11.Precarious Elephant (6) 13.LG.A in Lagos State (3) 15.Tavern (3) 17.Former Britain’s Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret (8) 19.Country in Africa (8) 20.L.G.A in Niger State (6) 22.German “Bundesliga” Club Side (4) 23.Cover (3) 25.French Word for “Name”? (3) 28.Particle (4) 29.Notion (4) 31.Abia State Governor, Theodore (4) 32.Land Measure Unit (4)

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